WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.040 So Hebrews 13. 00:00:02.040 --> 00:00:07.080 Let brotherly love continue. 00:00:07.080 --> 00:00:10.880 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, 00:00:10.880 --> 00:00:11.040 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:49.719 So we can confidently say, 00:00:49.719 --> 00:00:52.179 The Lord is my helper. 00:00:52.760 --> 00:00:54.159 I will not fear. 00:00:55.019 --> 00:00:57.400 What can man do to me? 00:00:57.399 --> 00:01:00.780 Remember your leaders, 00:01:01.359 --> 00:01:03.500 those who spoke to the word of God. 00:01:04.599 --> 00:01:06.840 Consider the outcome of their way of life 00:01:06.840 --> 00:01:08.640 and imitate their faith. 00:01:09.620 --> 00:01:15.500 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 00:01:16.719 --> 00:01:20.039 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, 00:01:20.780 --> 00:01:23.939 for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, 00:01:23.939 --> 00:01:28.120 not by foods which have not benefited those devoted to them. 00:01:29.340 --> 00:01:34.060 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. 00:01:35.099 --> 00:01:39.420 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places 00:01:39.420 --> 00:01:44.799 by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 00:01:44.799 --> 00:01:53.719 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 00:01:55.239 --> 00:02:02.000 Therefore, let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 00:02:02.700 --> 00:02:07.700 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 00:02:07.700 --> 00:02:13.979 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, 00:02:14.520 --> 00:02:18.199 that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 00:02:19.199 --> 00:02:22.759 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, 00:02:23.159 --> 00:02:26.180 for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. 00:02:27.379 --> 00:02:29.699 Obey your leaders and submit to them, 00:02:30.340 --> 00:02:32.920 for they are keeping watch over your souls, 00:02:33.340 --> 00:02:35.640 as those who will have to give an account. 00:02:35.639 --> 00:02:39.919 Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, 00:02:40.459 --> 00:02:42.839 for that would be of no advantage to you. 00:02:44.619 --> 00:02:49.259 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, 00:02:49.979 --> 00:02:52.479 desiring to act honourably in all things. 00:02:53.779 --> 00:02:56.859 I urge you the more earnestly to do this 00:02:56.859 --> 00:03:00.119 in order that I may be restored to you the sooner. 00:03:00.120 --> 00:03:04.219 Now may the God of peace, 00:03:04.500 --> 00:03:07.539 who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, 00:03:08.120 --> 00:03:10.080 the great shepherd of the sheep, 00:03:10.740 --> 00:03:12.980 by the blood of the eternal covenant, 00:03:13.740 --> 00:03:16.039 equip you with everything good, 00:03:16.460 --> 00:03:18.180 that you may do his will, 00:03:18.840 --> 00:03:22.360 working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, 00:03:23.060 --> 00:03:24.400 through Jesus Christ, 00:03:24.400 --> 00:03:27.680 to whom be glory forever and ever. 00:03:28.219 --> 00:03:28.620 Amen. 00:03:30.420 --> 00:03:32.000 I appeal to you, brothers, 00:03:32.740 --> 00:03:34.879 bear with my word of exhortation, 00:03:35.480 --> 00:03:36.879 for I have written to you briefly. 00:03:37.920 --> 00:03:40.680 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, 00:03:41.060 --> 00:03:43.140 with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 00:03:44.360 --> 00:03:46.379 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. 00:03:47.040 --> 00:03:49.240 Those who come from Italy send you greetings. 00:03:50.259 --> 00:03:51.740 Grace be with all of you. 00:03:52.340 --> 00:03:53.379 This is the word of the Lord. 00:03:58.600 --> 00:04:00.060 Good morning, everyone. 00:04:00.420 --> 00:04:02.140 For those who don't know me, I'm Sean. 00:04:02.260 --> 00:04:04.300 I'm one of the members of the congregation here. 00:04:05.620 --> 00:04:07.500 I'd like to start by thanking the elders 00:04:07.500 --> 00:04:09.600 for giving me the privilege of preaching God's word 00:04:09.600 --> 00:04:10.280 to you this morning. 00:04:12.860 --> 00:04:15.719 Some of you know how hard I found it 00:04:15.719 --> 00:04:17.079 preparing for this morning's sermon, 00:04:17.079 --> 00:04:20.419 and it's given me a much deeper respect 00:04:20.419 --> 00:04:23.979 for the work that the elders do every week 00:04:23.979 --> 00:04:26.379 to faithfully bring us God's word. 00:04:27.019 --> 00:04:27.680 So let's pray. 00:04:31.680 --> 00:04:36.000 Lord, your word is a light unto our path. 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:41.199 So we pray that as we read it and as we work through it, 00:04:41.420 --> 00:04:43.439 you will shine your light upon us 00:04:43.439 --> 00:04:47.339 and teach us to live in a way that is pleasing to you. 00:04:47.860 --> 00:04:49.100 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:04:52.100 --> 00:04:54.100 Well, for the last 12 chapters, 00:04:54.300 --> 00:04:56.959 the writer to the Hebrews has gone to great lengths 00:04:56.959 --> 00:04:59.720 to get us to realize that Christ is far better 00:04:59.720 --> 00:05:02.360 than anything else heaven or earth has to offer. 00:05:02.360 --> 00:05:06.420 In fact, he's been so eager to get us to recognize 00:05:06.420 --> 00:05:08.699 the surpassing supremacy of Christ 00:05:08.699 --> 00:05:11.960 that he has used the very word better more times 00:05:11.960 --> 00:05:14.000 than the rest of the New Testament put together. 00:05:15.180 --> 00:05:18.540 He's told us that Christ is better than all other prophets 00:05:18.540 --> 00:05:20.780 because he is the very son of God 00:05:20.780 --> 00:05:23.900 who has brought us a message of full and free forgiveness 00:05:23.900 --> 00:05:26.199 of sins for all who trust in him. 00:05:26.960 --> 00:05:30.220 He has told us that Christ is better than all other priests 00:05:30.220 --> 00:05:32.820 because he has reconciled us to God 00:05:32.820 --> 00:05:36.360 through his once-for-all sacrifice of himself upon the cross. 00:05:37.220 --> 00:05:40.700 And he has told us that Christ is better than all other kings 00:05:40.700 --> 00:05:44.100 because he has given us a kingdom that cannot be shaken 00:05:44.100 --> 00:05:47.260 in which we can find true rest for our souls. 00:05:48.640 --> 00:05:51.940 Along the way, he has called us to respond to what we have heard. 00:05:52.800 --> 00:05:54.640 He has urged us not to ignore it 00:05:54.639 --> 00:05:56.719 or to harden our hearts against it 00:05:56.719 --> 00:05:58.379 as the Israelites did in the wilderness, 00:05:59.599 --> 00:06:01.240 but to hold fast our confession 00:06:01.240 --> 00:06:04.419 and to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace. 00:06:05.539 --> 00:06:08.039 He has warned us of the danger of turning back, 00:06:08.579 --> 00:06:10.439 of neglecting such a great salvation. 00:06:11.319 --> 00:06:15.860 And he has encouraged us to press on in faith 00:06:15.860 --> 00:06:18.519 to run the race marked out for us with perseverance, 00:06:19.279 --> 00:06:20.539 fixing our eyes on Jesus, 00:06:20.740 --> 00:06:22.899 the founder and perfecter of our faith. 00:06:22.899 --> 00:06:26.620 But now, as he draws his letter to a close, 00:06:26.719 --> 00:06:29.219 he wants us to understand that the ultimate goal 00:06:29.219 --> 00:06:32.819 of everything he has been saying is the worship of God. 00:06:33.719 --> 00:06:37.299 He hinted at this back in chapter 9, verse 14, 00:06:37.879 --> 00:06:40.439 when he said that the purpose of Christ's atoning death 00:06:40.439 --> 00:06:42.139 was to cleanse us from our sins 00:06:42.139 --> 00:06:44.359 so that we could serve the living God. 00:06:45.239 --> 00:06:48.959 He declared that unmistakably in chapter 12, verse 28, 00:06:49.479 --> 00:06:52.039 when he called us to be grateful for receiving a kingdom 00:06:52.040 --> 00:06:53.100 that cannot be shaken, 00:06:53.620 --> 00:06:56.319 and thereby to offer to God acceptable worship 00:06:56.319 --> 00:06:57.720 with reverence and awe. 00:06:58.760 --> 00:07:00.260 And now, in chapter 13, 00:07:00.860 --> 00:07:03.280 he lays out what it looks like to do that very thing. 00:07:05.500 --> 00:07:07.460 But before we look at this blueprint 00:07:07.460 --> 00:07:09.740 for offering acceptable worship, 00:07:09.980 --> 00:07:11.720 it's worth taking a moment to consider 00:07:11.720 --> 00:07:13.900 what acceptable worship even means, 00:07:14.360 --> 00:07:16.060 because we could easily get the wrong idea. 00:07:16.060 --> 00:07:19.079 After all, the word acceptable 00:07:19.079 --> 00:07:21.540 often has negative connotations in English, 00:07:22.000 --> 00:07:23.720 such as when we say that someone's performance 00:07:23.720 --> 00:07:24.500 is acceptable. 00:07:25.920 --> 00:07:28.379 But when we offer acceptable worship to God, 00:07:28.439 --> 00:07:29.519 we shouldn't picture him 00:07:29.519 --> 00:07:32.000 accepting it with a frown, 00:07:32.139 --> 00:07:33.639 saying, I guess this will do, 00:07:34.160 --> 00:07:35.139 I guess it's acceptable. 00:07:36.139 --> 00:07:38.259 Instead, we should picture him overjoyed, 00:07:38.500 --> 00:07:40.379 pleased, and delighted with us 00:07:40.379 --> 00:07:41.340 and what we're doing. 00:07:41.339 --> 00:07:44.060 That's the sense of the word acceptable. 00:07:45.060 --> 00:07:47.599 That's the sense that the word acceptable carries here. 00:07:48.519 --> 00:07:50.459 In fact, the word translated acceptable 00:07:50.459 --> 00:07:52.039 in chapter 12, verse 28, 00:07:52.219 --> 00:07:53.399 is translated pleasing 00:07:53.399 --> 00:07:55.039 everywhere else it appears in Hebrews. 00:07:56.099 --> 00:07:58.219 In chapter 11, verses 5 and 6, 00:07:58.719 --> 00:08:00.719 we were told that Enoch pleased God 00:08:00.719 --> 00:08:02.059 and that without faith, 00:08:02.159 --> 00:08:03.599 it is impossible to please him. 00:08:04.899 --> 00:08:07.839 And in chapter 13, verses 16 and 21, 00:08:07.839 --> 00:08:10.139 we are told that God will work in us 00:08:10.139 --> 00:08:11.539 what is pleasing to him 00:08:11.539 --> 00:08:14.739 and that we can offer pleasing sacrifices to God. 00:08:16.060 --> 00:08:18.859 So acceptable worship means pleasing worship. 00:08:19.939 --> 00:08:22.199 And worship here is really just a broad term 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:23.799 that means service. 00:08:25.000 --> 00:08:26.620 So if you want an easy way of remembering 00:08:26.620 --> 00:08:28.259 what acceptable worship means, 00:08:28.839 --> 00:08:30.179 just think of it as service 00:08:30.179 --> 00:08:31.399 that is pleasing to God. 00:08:31.399 --> 00:08:35.840 But now, turning to our chapter, 00:08:36.079 --> 00:08:36.759 chapter 13, 00:08:37.419 --> 00:08:39.720 we see that one kind of service 00:08:39.720 --> 00:08:41.039 that God finds pleasing 00:08:41.039 --> 00:08:43.079 is service to God's people. 00:08:44.379 --> 00:08:45.259 Look at verse 1. 00:08:46.139 --> 00:08:47.620 Let brotherly love continue. 00:08:49.220 --> 00:08:50.360 When the writer to the Hebrews 00:08:50.360 --> 00:08:51.959 thinks of acceptable worship, 00:08:52.139 --> 00:08:54.059 the first thing that comes to his mind 00:08:54.059 --> 00:08:55.019 is brotherly love. 00:08:57.199 --> 00:08:59.139 Christians going to the same lengths 00:08:59.139 --> 00:09:00.240 to care for each other 00:09:00.240 --> 00:09:03.700 as they go to care for members 00:09:03.700 --> 00:09:04.799 of their own families. 00:09:06.680 --> 00:09:08.159 And in verse 2, we read, 00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:10.480 do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, 00:09:11.200 --> 00:09:13.779 for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 00:09:14.700 --> 00:09:16.820 The second thing that comes to his mind 00:09:16.820 --> 00:09:19.360 is extending that brotherly love 00:09:19.360 --> 00:09:20.659 to those we don't even know, 00:09:21.120 --> 00:09:22.399 but who come to us for help. 00:09:24.100 --> 00:09:26.180 And now in verse 3, he says, 00:09:26.279 --> 00:09:27.600 remember those who are in prison, 00:09:28.100 --> 00:09:29.200 as though in prison with them, 00:09:29.200 --> 00:09:31.100 and those who are mistreated, 00:09:31.420 --> 00:09:32.920 since you also are in the body. 00:09:34.440 --> 00:09:36.600 The third thing that comes to his mind 00:09:36.600 --> 00:09:39.420 is being proactive in taking that brotherly love 00:09:39.420 --> 00:09:40.320 to those in need, 00:09:40.780 --> 00:09:42.080 rather than just waiting for them 00:09:42.080 --> 00:09:43.700 to come to us and ask for help. 00:09:45.560 --> 00:09:47.600 The worship that is pleasing to God 00:09:47.600 --> 00:09:50.240 involves committing to loving God's people, 00:09:50.800 --> 00:09:51.520 those we know, 00:09:52.240 --> 00:09:53.000 those we don't, 00:09:53.000 --> 00:09:54.620 and those who are suffering. 00:09:57.100 --> 00:09:59.299 Now the encouraging thing about this 00:09:59.299 --> 00:10:00.759 is that the text assumes 00:10:00.759 --> 00:10:01.960 that we're already doing this. 00:10:02.899 --> 00:10:04.580 The force of these verses in the Greek 00:10:04.580 --> 00:10:05.759 is really something like, 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:07.519 keep showing brotherly love, 00:10:08.200 --> 00:10:10.100 keep showing hospitality to strangers, 00:10:10.779 --> 00:10:12.700 keep remembering those who are in prison. 00:10:13.840 --> 00:10:15.860 The writer to the Hebrews is convinced 00:10:15.860 --> 00:10:18.059 that his readers are already pleasing God 00:10:18.059 --> 00:10:18.940 in all these ways, 00:10:18.940 --> 00:10:20.600 and we can have confidence 00:10:20.600 --> 00:10:21.480 that we are too. 00:10:22.820 --> 00:10:24.420 Just think of our recent support 00:10:24.420 --> 00:10:26.760 for Lincoln and Leah in Myanmar. 00:10:27.940 --> 00:10:30.300 By raising and sending the money that we did, 00:10:30.380 --> 00:10:31.540 we showed brotherly love, 00:10:32.300 --> 00:10:33.380 we cared for strangers, 00:10:33.940 --> 00:10:35.320 and we remembered the afflicted. 00:10:36.320 --> 00:10:38.180 When the Philippians sent aid to Paul 00:10:38.180 --> 00:10:39.560 when he was imprisoned in Rome, 00:10:40.400 --> 00:10:41.660 Paul wrote back to them saying 00:10:41.660 --> 00:10:43.280 that the gift was a fragrant offering, 00:10:43.279 --> 00:10:45.120 an acceptable sacrifice, 00:10:45.399 --> 00:10:46.360 pleasing to God. 00:10:47.740 --> 00:10:48.679 He would say the same 00:10:48.679 --> 00:10:49.659 for the thing that we did 00:10:49.659 --> 00:10:50.620 for Lincoln and Leah 00:10:50.620 --> 00:10:51.639 and all those in Myanmar. 00:10:53.319 --> 00:10:55.379 Indeed, verse 16 of our passage 00:10:55.379 --> 00:10:56.500 says the same thing. 00:10:57.620 --> 00:10:58.759 Do not neglect to do good 00:10:58.759 --> 00:10:59.899 and to share what you have, 00:11:00.399 --> 00:11:02.659 for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. 00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:07.559 But how is it that we were able 00:11:07.559 --> 00:11:08.399 to be so generous? 00:11:10.240 --> 00:11:12.059 Isn't it because we were worshipping God 00:11:12.059 --> 00:11:13.819 in another way that is pleasing to him? 00:11:14.759 --> 00:11:15.899 By being content 00:11:15.899 --> 00:11:17.579 with what he has provided for us? 00:11:21.539 --> 00:11:22.659 How could we have raised 00:11:22.659 --> 00:11:24.019 so much money so quickly 00:11:24.019 --> 00:11:25.839 during a cost of living crisis 00:11:25.839 --> 00:11:26.939 if we weren't content 00:11:26.939 --> 00:11:27.799 with what we have 00:11:27.799 --> 00:11:29.079 because we trust that 00:11:29.079 --> 00:11:29.899 whatever happens, 00:11:30.399 --> 00:11:31.479 God will never leave us 00:11:31.479 --> 00:11:32.439 or forsake us? 00:11:33.659 --> 00:11:34.699 Look at verse 5. 00:11:35.559 --> 00:11:36.539 Keep your life free 00:11:36.539 --> 00:11:37.359 from love of money 00:11:37.359 --> 00:11:38.459 and be content 00:11:38.459 --> 00:11:39.219 with what you have. 00:11:39.779 --> 00:11:40.539 For he has said, 00:11:40.539 --> 00:11:41.639 I will never leave you 00:11:41.639 --> 00:11:42.639 nor forsake you. 00:11:44.099 --> 00:11:45.659 God wants us to love one another 00:11:45.659 --> 00:11:46.799 in risky ways 00:11:46.799 --> 00:11:48.860 and that is never going to happen 00:11:48.860 --> 00:11:49.740 if we love money. 00:11:50.659 --> 00:11:52.019 If we always want to have 00:11:52.019 --> 00:11:52.639 more possessions 00:11:52.639 --> 00:11:54.500 or are always afraid 00:11:54.500 --> 00:11:55.279 of losing them, 00:11:55.959 --> 00:11:56.699 we will never commit 00:11:56.699 --> 00:11:57.839 to one another like a family. 00:11:58.959 --> 00:11:59.919 We will never show 00:11:59.919 --> 00:12:01.599 biblical hospitality to strangers 00:12:01.599 --> 00:12:03.099 and we will never go into harm's way 00:12:03.099 --> 00:12:04.559 to care for those in need. 00:12:05.139 --> 00:12:06.259 We simply won't be able 00:12:06.259 --> 00:12:06.899 to afford it. 00:12:06.899 --> 00:12:08.980 But if we don't mind 00:12:08.980 --> 00:12:09.959 losing everything 00:12:09.959 --> 00:12:11.059 this life affords 00:12:11.059 --> 00:12:11.759 because we know 00:12:11.759 --> 00:12:12.840 that we have a better kingdom 00:12:12.840 --> 00:12:14.179 that cannot be shaken, 00:12:14.959 --> 00:12:15.959 we can risk everything 00:12:15.959 --> 00:12:16.519 in the pursuit 00:12:16.519 --> 00:12:17.299 of loving others 00:12:17.299 --> 00:12:18.799 and pleasing God. 00:12:21.159 --> 00:12:22.360 But where do we find 00:12:22.360 --> 00:12:23.039 that confidence? 00:12:24.319 --> 00:12:25.899 Hebrews gives the answer 00:12:25.899 --> 00:12:27.679 in God's promises. 00:12:29.079 --> 00:12:29.919 When we remember 00:12:29.919 --> 00:12:30.840 that God has said, 00:12:31.039 --> 00:12:31.980 I will never leave you 00:12:31.980 --> 00:12:33.039 nor forsake you, 00:12:33.639 --> 00:12:34.220 we will be able 00:12:34.220 --> 00:12:35.460 to respond with the words 00:12:35.460 --> 00:12:36.200 of verse 6. 00:12:37.379 --> 00:12:38.360 The Lord is my helper. 00:12:38.920 --> 00:12:39.800 I will not fear. 00:12:40.440 --> 00:12:41.620 What can man do to me? 00:12:43.780 --> 00:12:44.680 It's worth lingering 00:12:44.680 --> 00:12:45.480 on this promise 00:12:45.480 --> 00:12:46.040 and response 00:12:46.040 --> 00:12:47.180 in verses 5 and 6 00:12:47.180 --> 00:12:48.180 because we really don't feel 00:12:48.180 --> 00:12:48.900 the force of it 00:12:48.900 --> 00:12:49.320 when we read 00:12:49.320 --> 00:12:50.259 our English translations. 00:12:51.160 --> 00:12:51.600 In Greek, 00:12:51.700 --> 00:12:52.980 it's extremely emphatic. 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:55.759 In the sentence, 00:12:55.940 --> 00:12:56.840 I will never leave you 00:12:56.840 --> 00:12:57.660 nor forsake you, 00:12:57.900 --> 00:12:58.960 there are five negatives. 00:12:59.879 --> 00:13:00.879 It's really impossible 00:13:00.879 --> 00:13:01.759 to bring them across 00:13:01.759 --> 00:13:02.360 into English, 00:13:02.480 --> 00:13:03.759 but the closest thing to it 00:13:03.759 --> 00:13:04.720 is the last verse 00:13:04.720 --> 00:13:05.220 of the hymn 00:13:05.220 --> 00:13:06.439 How Firm a Foundation, 00:13:06.939 --> 00:13:07.879 Ye Saints of the Lord. 00:13:09.919 --> 00:13:11.200 The soul that on Jesus 00:13:11.200 --> 00:13:12.740 hath leaned for repose, 00:13:13.080 --> 00:13:13.819 I will not, 00:13:13.840 --> 00:13:14.700 I will not 00:13:14.700 --> 00:13:15.939 desert to his foes. 00:13:16.620 --> 00:13:17.299 That soul, 00:13:17.439 --> 00:13:17.939 though all hell 00:13:17.939 --> 00:13:19.100 should endeavour to shake, 00:13:19.539 --> 00:13:20.000 I'll never, 00:13:20.319 --> 00:13:20.779 no never, 00:13:21.139 --> 00:13:22.179 no never forsake. 00:13:22.179 --> 00:13:25.479 But we shouldn't 00:13:25.479 --> 00:13:26.719 misunderstand verse 6. 00:13:28.019 --> 00:13:28.739 It's not promising 00:13:28.739 --> 00:13:29.759 that nothing hard 00:13:29.759 --> 00:13:30.279 or difficult 00:13:30.279 --> 00:13:31.339 will ever happen to us 00:13:31.339 --> 00:13:32.199 if we live the life 00:13:32.199 --> 00:13:33.179 of reckless commitment 00:13:33.179 --> 00:13:34.019 to God's people 00:13:34.019 --> 00:13:36.739 and contentment 00:13:36.739 --> 00:13:37.459 with God's provision 00:13:37.459 --> 00:13:38.319 that we're being called to. 00:13:39.399 --> 00:13:39.899 After all, 00:13:39.959 --> 00:13:40.699 the writers of the Hebrews 00:13:40.699 --> 00:13:41.459 has just given us 00:13:41.459 --> 00:13:42.179 models of faith 00:13:42.179 --> 00:13:43.079 in Hebrews 11 00:13:43.079 --> 00:13:44.359 who were robbed, 00:13:45.039 --> 00:13:45.659 thrown in prison, 00:13:46.459 --> 00:13:46.740 tortured, 00:13:47.599 --> 00:13:47.839 killed. 00:13:47.840 --> 00:13:50.420 What he's saying 00:13:50.420 --> 00:13:51.080 is that all those 00:13:51.080 --> 00:13:53.980 things are all 00:13:53.980 --> 00:13:54.700 that man can do. 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:57.180 Man can only rob us. 00:13:57.540 --> 00:13:58.399 Man can only 00:13:58.399 --> 00:13:59.759 throw us in prison. 00:14:00.639 --> 00:14:01.940 Man can only kill us. 00:14:03.860 --> 00:14:05.019 All man can do 00:14:05.019 --> 00:14:06.200 is take away the things 00:14:06.200 --> 00:14:06.720 that we're going 00:14:06.720 --> 00:14:07.500 to lose anyway 00:14:07.500 --> 00:14:08.620 when God shakes 00:14:08.620 --> 00:14:09.560 the heavens and the earth. 00:14:11.180 --> 00:14:12.420 The kind of confidence 00:14:12.420 --> 00:14:13.440 we're being called to 00:14:13.440 --> 00:14:14.740 is the kind that Paul had 00:14:14.740 --> 00:14:15.379 when he said 00:14:15.379 --> 00:14:16.420 that to live is Christ 00:14:16.419 --> 00:14:18.179 and to die is gain. 00:14:19.740 --> 00:14:20.879 Or the kind of confidence 00:14:20.879 --> 00:14:21.979 the early church martyr 00:14:21.979 --> 00:14:22.819 Ignatius had 00:14:22.819 --> 00:14:23.500 when he was being 00:14:23.500 --> 00:14:24.319 taken to Rome 00:14:24.319 --> 00:14:24.879 to be thrown 00:14:24.879 --> 00:14:25.799 to wild beasts. 00:14:27.019 --> 00:14:28.139 While he was on his way 00:14:28.139 --> 00:14:28.620 to Rome, 00:14:28.719 --> 00:14:29.299 he wrote a letter 00:14:29.299 --> 00:14:30.439 to the Christians in Rome 00:14:30.439 --> 00:14:32.139 and he said this, 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:34.319 Now at last 00:14:34.319 --> 00:14:35.079 I am beginning 00:14:35.079 --> 00:14:36.079 to be a disciple. 00:14:37.459 --> 00:14:38.500 May nothing visible 00:14:38.500 --> 00:14:39.979 or invisible envy me 00:14:39.979 --> 00:14:41.120 so that I may reach 00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:41.899 Jesus Christ. 00:14:42.620 --> 00:14:43.759 Fire and cross 00:14:43.759 --> 00:14:44.399 and battles 00:14:44.399 --> 00:14:45.459 with wild beasts, 00:14:45.460 --> 00:14:46.480 mutilation, 00:14:46.840 --> 00:14:47.259 mangling, 00:14:47.480 --> 00:14:48.280 wrenching of bones, 00:14:48.420 --> 00:14:49.280 the hacking of limbs, 00:14:49.400 --> 00:14:49.840 the crushing 00:14:49.840 --> 00:14:50.759 of my whole body, 00:14:51.379 --> 00:14:52.139 cruel tortures 00:14:52.139 --> 00:14:52.720 of the devil. 00:14:53.440 --> 00:14:54.139 Let these things 00:14:54.139 --> 00:14:54.840 come upon me. 00:14:55.500 --> 00:14:57.580 Only let me reach 00:14:57.580 --> 00:14:58.379 Jesus Christ. 00:14:59.320 --> 00:15:00.220 Neither the ends 00:15:00.220 --> 00:15:00.759 of the earth 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:01.519 nor the kingdoms 00:15:01.519 --> 00:15:02.340 of this age 00:15:02.340 --> 00:15:03.320 are of any use to me. 00:15:04.000 --> 00:15:04.920 It is better for me 00:15:04.920 --> 00:15:06.259 to die for Jesus Christ 00:15:06.259 --> 00:15:06.820 than to rule 00:15:06.820 --> 00:15:07.360 over the ends 00:15:07.360 --> 00:15:07.820 of the earth. 00:15:08.840 --> 00:15:09.759 Him I seek 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:11.400 who died on my behalf. 00:15:12.240 --> 00:15:13.340 Him I long for 00:15:13.340 --> 00:15:14.460 who rose again 00:15:14.460 --> 00:15:15.220 for my sake. 00:15:16.220 --> 00:15:17.280 The pains of birth 00:15:17.280 --> 00:15:18.060 are upon me. 00:15:21.019 --> 00:15:21.940 It is pleasing 00:15:21.940 --> 00:15:22.519 to God 00:15:22.519 --> 00:15:23.120 when we take 00:15:23.120 --> 00:15:23.600 the risk 00:15:23.600 --> 00:15:25.139 of loving others 00:15:25.139 --> 00:15:26.560 because confidence 00:15:26.560 --> 00:15:27.519 in his promises 00:15:27.519 --> 00:15:28.720 has made us content 00:15:28.720 --> 00:15:29.600 with what we have. 00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:33.440 But although 00:15:33.440 --> 00:15:34.240 all this may be 00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:34.980 very encouraging 00:15:34.980 --> 00:15:35.820 it can also be 00:15:35.820 --> 00:15:36.720 very intimidating. 00:15:37.900 --> 00:15:38.980 The life we're called 00:15:38.980 --> 00:15:40.060 to live in response 00:15:40.060 --> 00:15:41.019 to Christ's work 00:15:41.019 --> 00:15:41.620 is simple 00:15:41.620 --> 00:15:43.360 but it's not easy. 00:15:44.840 --> 00:15:45.379 I think that's why 00:15:45.379 --> 00:15:45.879 verse 7 00:15:45.879 --> 00:15:46.700 turns our attention 00:15:46.700 --> 00:15:47.440 to our leaders. 00:15:48.879 --> 00:15:49.740 Remember your leaders 00:15:49.740 --> 00:15:50.480 those who spoke 00:15:50.480 --> 00:15:51.440 to you the word of God. 00:15:52.200 --> 00:15:53.120 Consider the outcome 00:15:53.120 --> 00:15:54.240 of their way of life 00:15:54.240 --> 00:15:56.019 and imitate their faith. 00:15:59.620 --> 00:16:00.360 The leaders 00:16:00.360 --> 00:16:01.700 that we're being told 00:16:01.700 --> 00:16:02.440 to look to here 00:16:02.440 --> 00:16:03.560 are not our current leaders 00:16:03.560 --> 00:16:04.980 but past ones. 00:16:05.639 --> 00:16:06.279 These are those 00:16:06.279 --> 00:16:07.639 who spoke to us 00:16:07.639 --> 00:16:08.379 the word of God. 00:16:08.379 --> 00:16:10.399 We need to call them 00:16:10.399 --> 00:16:10.879 to mind 00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:11.879 to remember them 00:16:11.879 --> 00:16:12.480 because they're 00:16:12.480 --> 00:16:13.360 no longer with us. 00:16:14.100 --> 00:16:14.779 We need to consider 00:16:14.779 --> 00:16:15.240 the outcome 00:16:15.240 --> 00:16:16.100 of their way of life 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:16.639 because they have 00:16:16.639 --> 00:16:17.439 already finished 00:16:17.439 --> 00:16:18.019 the race 00:16:18.019 --> 00:16:19.740 and entered God's rest. 00:16:21.120 --> 00:16:21.840 So we should 00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:22.960 imitate their faith 00:16:22.960 --> 00:16:24.080 because they have 00:16:24.080 --> 00:16:24.960 given us examples 00:16:24.960 --> 00:16:26.059 of living lives 00:16:26.059 --> 00:16:26.740 that are pleasing 00:16:26.740 --> 00:16:27.279 to God. 00:16:28.360 --> 00:16:29.059 If we want 00:16:29.059 --> 00:16:30.039 to please God 00:16:30.039 --> 00:16:31.340 all we have to do 00:16:31.340 --> 00:16:32.299 is follow in their footsteps. 00:16:33.059 --> 00:16:33.919 We don't have to 00:16:33.919 --> 00:16:34.440 work it out 00:16:34.440 --> 00:16:35.120 by ourselves. 00:16:36.080 --> 00:16:37.139 Paul told the Corinthians 00:16:37.139 --> 00:16:38.379 to imitate him 00:16:38.379 --> 00:16:40.199 as he imitated Christ. 00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:42.059 We're being called 00:16:42.059 --> 00:16:42.980 to do the same here. 00:16:44.740 --> 00:16:45.480 And we're given 00:16:45.480 --> 00:16:46.220 reassurance 00:16:46.220 --> 00:16:47.039 in verse 8 00:16:47.039 --> 00:16:48.259 that doing 00:16:48.259 --> 00:16:49.199 what they did 00:16:49.199 --> 00:16:49.779 will be pleasing 00:16:49.779 --> 00:16:50.259 to God 00:16:50.259 --> 00:16:51.519 because God 00:16:51.519 --> 00:16:52.480 does not change. 00:16:53.860 --> 00:16:55.000 Verse 8 reads 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:56.159 Jesus Christ 00:16:56.159 --> 00:16:56.819 is the same 00:16:56.819 --> 00:16:57.279 yesterday 00:16:57.279 --> 00:16:58.360 and today 00:16:58.360 --> 00:16:59.319 and forever. 00:17:00.519 --> 00:17:01.159 His character 00:17:01.159 --> 00:17:01.840 is the same. 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:03.259 His teaching 00:17:03.259 --> 00:17:04.019 is the same. 00:17:04.660 --> 00:17:05.539 His expectations 00:17:05.539 --> 00:17:06.379 are the same 00:17:06.379 --> 00:17:08.000 and what pleases 00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:08.339 him 00:17:08.339 --> 00:17:09.339 is the same. 00:17:10.279 --> 00:17:11.039 So if a life 00:17:11.039 --> 00:17:11.500 of faith 00:17:11.500 --> 00:17:12.019 was pleasing 00:17:12.019 --> 00:17:12.359 to him 00:17:12.359 --> 00:17:12.980 in the past 00:17:12.980 --> 00:17:14.119 it will be 00:17:14.119 --> 00:17:14.779 pleasing to him 00:17:14.779 --> 00:17:15.159 today. 00:17:16.599 --> 00:17:17.480 But we can also 00:17:17.480 --> 00:17:18.259 find guidance 00:17:18.259 --> 00:17:18.940 in the present. 00:17:19.839 --> 00:17:20.099 The author 00:17:20.099 --> 00:17:20.759 comes back 00:17:20.759 --> 00:17:21.599 to talking 00:17:21.599 --> 00:17:22.200 about leaders 00:17:22.200 --> 00:17:23.180 in verses 16 00:17:23.180 --> 00:17:23.819 and 17 00:17:23.819 --> 00:17:25.379 and there 00:17:25.379 --> 00:17:25.819 he has our 00:17:25.819 --> 00:17:26.500 current elders 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:26.940 in mind. 00:17:28.039 --> 00:17:28.740 He reminds us 00:17:28.740 --> 00:17:29.079 that they are 00:17:29.079 --> 00:17:29.680 keeping watch 00:17:29.680 --> 00:17:30.500 over our souls 00:17:30.500 --> 00:17:31.220 to make sure 00:17:31.220 --> 00:17:31.940 that we stay 00:17:31.940 --> 00:17:32.920 faithful to Christ 00:17:32.920 --> 00:17:33.740 and offer 00:17:33.740 --> 00:17:34.140 to God 00:17:34.140 --> 00:17:34.700 acceptable 00:17:34.700 --> 00:17:35.100 worship. 00:17:35.960 --> 00:17:36.680 So he calls 00:17:36.680 --> 00:17:37.160 us to obey 00:17:37.160 --> 00:17:37.380 them, 00:17:38.019 --> 00:17:38.460 to submit 00:17:38.460 --> 00:17:38.820 to them 00:17:38.820 --> 00:17:40.000 and to pray 00:17:40.000 --> 00:17:40.360 for them. 00:17:41.940 --> 00:17:42.539 This is not 00:17:42.539 --> 00:17:42.800 a call 00:17:42.800 --> 00:17:43.380 to mindless 00:17:43.380 --> 00:17:43.860 or implicit 00:17:43.860 --> 00:17:44.320 obedience. 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:44.900 Our elders 00:17:44.900 --> 00:17:45.259 would be the 00:17:45.259 --> 00:17:45.779 first people 00:17:45.779 --> 00:17:46.259 to tell you 00:17:46.259 --> 00:17:46.560 that. 00:17:47.100 --> 00:17:47.860 But it is 00:17:47.860 --> 00:17:48.340 a call 00:17:48.340 --> 00:17:48.700 to have 00:17:48.700 --> 00:17:49.220 an obedient 00:17:49.220 --> 00:17:49.880 disposition. 00:17:50.980 --> 00:17:51.320 When they 00:17:51.320 --> 00:17:51.800 teach us 00:17:51.800 --> 00:17:52.140 something 00:17:52.140 --> 00:17:53.120 or tell us 00:17:53.120 --> 00:17:53.460 to do 00:17:53.460 --> 00:17:53.820 something 00:17:53.820 --> 00:17:54.940 we shouldn't 00:17:54.940 --> 00:17:55.360 adopt a 00:17:55.360 --> 00:17:55.720 take it 00:17:55.720 --> 00:17:56.019 or leave 00:17:56.019 --> 00:17:56.519 it approach. 00:17:57.400 --> 00:17:57.940 We should 00:17:57.940 --> 00:17:58.480 believe them 00:17:58.480 --> 00:17:58.940 and obey 00:17:58.940 --> 00:17:59.420 them unless 00:17:59.420 --> 00:17:59.800 we have 00:17:59.800 --> 00:18:00.320 very good 00:18:00.320 --> 00:18:00.860 reasons to 00:18:00.860 --> 00:18:01.420 do otherwise. 00:18:01.420 --> 00:18:03.200 If we 00:18:03.200 --> 00:18:03.600 don't 00:18:03.600 --> 00:18:04.900 we are 00:18:04.900 --> 00:18:05.300 likely to 00:18:05.300 --> 00:18:05.580 be led 00:18:05.580 --> 00:18:05.900 astray 00:18:05.900 --> 00:18:06.420 by false 00:18:06.420 --> 00:18:06.820 teachers 00:18:06.820 --> 00:18:07.380 and wander 00:18:07.380 --> 00:18:07.980 into trying 00:18:07.980 --> 00:18:08.480 to please 00:18:08.480 --> 00:18:09.019 God in 00:18:09.019 --> 00:18:10.100 ways that 00:18:10.100 --> 00:18:10.620 he doesn't 00:18:10.620 --> 00:18:11.000 desire. 00:18:12.900 --> 00:18:13.600 I think 00:18:13.600 --> 00:18:14.080 that's why 00:18:14.080 --> 00:18:14.779 verse 9 00:18:14.779 --> 00:18:16.860 suddenly turns 00:18:16.860 --> 00:18:17.480 to the idea 00:18:17.480 --> 00:18:18.620 of not being 00:18:18.620 --> 00:18:19.259 led away by 00:18:19.259 --> 00:18:19.759 diverse and 00:18:19.759 --> 00:18:20.039 strange 00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:20.460 teachings. 00:18:22.140 --> 00:18:22.800 That if we 00:18:22.800 --> 00:18:23.700 don't cling 00:18:23.700 --> 00:18:24.380 to those 00:18:24.380 --> 00:18:24.980 who have 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:25.500 been qualified 00:18:25.500 --> 00:18:26.060 to teach 00:18:26.060 --> 00:18:26.519 us 00:18:26.519 --> 00:18:28.460 sound 00:18:28.460 --> 00:18:28.800 doctrine 00:18:28.799 --> 00:18:28.839 doctrine, 00:18:29.500 --> 00:18:30.339 we will 00:18:30.339 --> 00:18:30.899 follow those 00:18:30.899 --> 00:18:31.440 who teach 00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:33.319 unsound 00:18:33.319 --> 00:18:33.700 doctrine. 00:18:37.159 --> 00:18:37.740 But if 00:18:37.740 --> 00:18:38.139 we live 00:18:38.139 --> 00:18:38.700 this way, 00:18:39.899 --> 00:18:41.339 if we 00:18:41.339 --> 00:18:43.419 love the 00:18:43.419 --> 00:18:43.680 way that 00:18:43.680 --> 00:18:43.980 we're called 00:18:43.980 --> 00:18:44.399 to love, 00:18:44.480 --> 00:18:44.779 if we're 00:18:44.779 --> 00:18:45.740 content in 00:18:45.740 --> 00:18:46.000 the way 00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:46.279 that we're 00:18:46.279 --> 00:18:46.579 called to 00:18:46.579 --> 00:18:47.000 be content 00:18:47.000 --> 00:18:47.460 and if 00:18:47.460 --> 00:18:48.119 we follow 00:18:48.119 --> 00:18:48.899 God's 00:18:48.899 --> 00:18:49.460 leaders the 00:18:49.460 --> 00:18:50.240 way that 00:18:50.240 --> 00:18:50.599 we're called 00:18:50.599 --> 00:18:51.019 to follow 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:51.299 them, 00:18:52.299 --> 00:18:52.960 we should 00:18:52.960 --> 00:18:53.319 expect 00:18:53.319 --> 00:18:53.839 hostility. 00:18:55.480 --> 00:18:55.960 Christ 00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:56.619 lived this 00:18:56.619 --> 00:18:57.740 way and 00:18:57.740 --> 00:18:57.960 he was 00:18:57.960 --> 00:18:58.440 mocked, 00:18:59.100 --> 00:18:59.360 he was 00:18:59.360 --> 00:18:59.940 ridiculed, 00:19:00.059 --> 00:19:00.279 he was 00:19:00.279 --> 00:19:00.940 despised, 00:19:01.620 --> 00:19:01.840 and he 00:19:01.840 --> 00:19:02.400 was crucified. 00:19:03.360 --> 00:19:03.759 Why should 00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:04.160 we think 00:19:04.160 --> 00:19:04.420 that it 00:19:04.420 --> 00:19:04.620 would be 00:19:04.620 --> 00:19:04.799 any 00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:05.140 different 00:19:05.140 --> 00:19:05.680 for us? 00:19:10.600 --> 00:19:11.100 In 00:19:11.100 --> 00:19:11.920 the second 00:19:11.920 --> 00:19:12.400 century, 00:19:13.900 --> 00:19:14.220 Christians 00:19:14.220 --> 00:19:14.799 were well 00:19:14.799 --> 00:19:16.279 known for 00:19:16.279 --> 00:19:16.759 living this 00:19:16.759 --> 00:19:17.059 kind of 00:19:17.059 --> 00:19:17.360 life. 00:19:18.700 --> 00:19:19.519 So well 00:19:19.519 --> 00:19:20.200 known that 00:19:20.200 --> 00:19:20.400 it was 00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:21.120 possible for 00:19:21.120 --> 00:19:22.160 a satirist, 00:19:22.279 --> 00:19:22.660 a pagan 00:19:22.660 --> 00:19:23.400 satirist, 00:19:23.640 --> 00:19:24.460 to write a 00:19:24.460 --> 00:19:25.460 novel making 00:19:25.460 --> 00:19:25.960 fun of 00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:26.579 Christians for 00:19:26.579 --> 00:19:27.220 being gullible 00:19:27.220 --> 00:19:27.779 fools, 00:19:27.960 --> 00:19:28.519 because of 00:19:28.519 --> 00:19:29.220 how hospitable 00:19:29.220 --> 00:19:29.759 they were. 00:19:31.340 --> 00:19:32.039 In that 00:19:32.039 --> 00:19:32.579 novel he 00:19:32.579 --> 00:19:32.980 says, 00:19:33.220 --> 00:19:33.799 talking about 00:19:33.799 --> 00:19:34.240 Christians, 00:19:34.960 --> 00:19:35.440 the poor 00:19:35.440 --> 00:19:36.180 wretches have 00:19:36.180 --> 00:19:36.660 convinced 00:19:36.660 --> 00:19:37.720 themselves first 00:19:37.720 --> 00:19:38.460 and foremost 00:19:38.460 --> 00:19:39.319 that they are 00:19:39.319 --> 00:19:39.799 going to be 00:19:39.799 --> 00:19:40.819 immortal and 00:19:40.819 --> 00:19:41.420 live for all 00:19:41.420 --> 00:19:42.779 time, in 00:19:42.779 --> 00:19:43.420 consequence of 00:19:43.420 --> 00:19:43.759 which they 00:19:43.759 --> 00:19:44.680 despise death 00:19:44.680 --> 00:19:45.059 and even 00:19:45.059 --> 00:19:45.740 willingly give 00:19:45.740 --> 00:19:46.440 themselves into 00:19:46.440 --> 00:19:46.819 custody. 00:19:47.799 --> 00:19:48.140 Furthermore, 00:19:48.360 --> 00:19:48.840 their first 00:19:48.840 --> 00:19:49.819 lawgiver persuaded 00:19:49.819 --> 00:19:50.319 them that they 00:19:50.319 --> 00:19:50.980 are all brothers 00:19:50.980 --> 00:19:51.600 of one another 00:19:51.600 --> 00:19:52.440 because they 00:19:52.440 --> 00:19:53.400 have transgressed 00:19:53.400 --> 00:19:53.940 by denying 00:19:53.940 --> 00:19:54.319 the Greek 00:19:54.319 --> 00:19:55.299 gods and 00:19:55.299 --> 00:19:55.940 by worshipping 00:19:55.940 --> 00:19:56.700 that crucified 00:19:56.700 --> 00:19:57.380 sophist 00:19:57.380 --> 00:19:58.220 himself and 00:19:58.220 --> 00:19:58.720 living under 00:19:58.720 --> 00:19:59.200 his laws. 00:20:00.140 --> 00:20:00.420 Therefore, 00:20:00.560 --> 00:20:01.280 they despise 00:20:01.280 --> 00:20:01.820 all things 00:20:01.820 --> 00:20:02.420 and consider 00:20:02.420 --> 00:20:03.000 all things 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:03.740 common property, 00:20:04.300 --> 00:20:05.000 receiving such 00:20:05.000 --> 00:20:05.420 doctrines 00:20:05.420 --> 00:20:05.940 traditionally 00:20:05.940 --> 00:20:06.520 without any 00:20:06.520 --> 00:20:06.820 definite 00:20:06.820 --> 00:20:07.360 evidence. 00:20:08.160 --> 00:20:08.880 So, if any 00:20:08.880 --> 00:20:09.620 charlatan or 00:20:09.620 --> 00:20:10.600 trickster able 00:20:10.600 --> 00:20:11.220 to profit by 00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:12.060 occasions comes 00:20:12.060 --> 00:20:12.540 among them, 00:20:12.820 --> 00:20:13.260 he quickly 00:20:13.260 --> 00:20:14.040 acquires sudden 00:20:14.040 --> 00:20:14.540 wealth by 00:20:14.540 --> 00:20:15.280 imposing upon 00:20:15.280 --> 00:20:15.960 simple folk. 00:20:15.960 --> 00:20:17.960 people who 00:20:17.960 --> 00:20:18.900 don't have 00:20:18.900 --> 00:20:19.220 to do 00:20:19.220 --> 00:20:19.400 It was 00:20:19.400 --> 00:20:20.200 thought that 00:20:20.200 --> 00:20:21.700 Christians were 00:20:21.700 --> 00:20:22.220 so reckless 00:20:22.220 --> 00:20:22.620 with their 00:20:22.620 --> 00:20:23.200 money, so 00:20:23.200 --> 00:20:23.880 reckless with 00:20:23.880 --> 00:20:24.240 who they 00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:25.059 took care 00:20:25.059 --> 00:20:26.600 of that you 00:20:26.600 --> 00:20:27.059 could make a 00:20:27.059 --> 00:20:27.460 quick buck 00:20:27.460 --> 00:20:27.900 out of them. 00:20:30.140 --> 00:20:30.779 So, there's 00:20:30.779 --> 00:20:31.380 no escaping 00:20:31.380 --> 00:20:31.779 this. 00:20:32.660 --> 00:20:33.120 If you want 00:20:33.120 --> 00:20:34.079 to please God 00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:34.900 out of thankfulness 00:20:34.900 --> 00:20:35.360 for everything 00:20:35.360 --> 00:20:36.059 he's done for 00:20:36.059 --> 00:20:37.360 you, you'll 00:20:37.360 --> 00:20:38.140 live in a way 00:20:38.140 --> 00:20:39.180 that invites 00:20:39.180 --> 00:20:39.740 ridicule. 00:20:40.600 --> 00:20:41.200 You'll be 00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:41.960 mocked for 00:20:41.960 --> 00:20:42.480 everything you 00:20:42.480 --> 00:20:43.940 believe, you'll 00:20:43.940 --> 00:20:44.960 be criticised for 00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:45.640 every decision you 00:20:45.640 --> 00:20:45.920 make. 00:20:48.820 --> 00:20:51.860 But, the 00:20:51.860 --> 00:20:52.160 thing we're 00:20:52.160 --> 00:20:52.720 called to do 00:20:52.720 --> 00:20:54.380 is to walk 00:20:54.380 --> 00:20:55.520 into that, to 00:20:55.520 --> 00:20:56.160 bear Christ's 00:20:56.160 --> 00:20:56.600 reproach. 00:20:59.420 --> 00:21:00.040 In verse 00:21:00.040 --> 00:21:01.440 12, Jesus 00:21:01.440 --> 00:21:02.400 also suffered 00:21:02.400 --> 00:21:02.980 outside the 00:21:02.980 --> 00:21:03.540 gate in order 00:21:03.540 --> 00:21:04.400 to sanctify the 00:21:04.400 --> 00:21:04.860 people through 00:21:04.860 --> 00:21:05.420 his own blood. 00:21:07.020 --> 00:21:07.560 Christ was 00:21:07.560 --> 00:21:08.100 despised. 00:21:08.920 --> 00:21:09.420 Christ was 00:21:09.420 --> 00:21:10.700 kicked out of 00:21:10.700 --> 00:21:11.120 the world. 00:21:14.040 --> 00:21:14.660 And so, 00:21:14.759 --> 00:21:14.980 what's our 00:21:14.980 --> 00:21:15.480 response? 00:21:15.640 --> 00:21:16.540 Therefore, let 00:21:16.540 --> 00:21:17.100 us go to 00:21:17.100 --> 00:21:17.660 him outside 00:21:17.660 --> 00:21:18.500 the camp and 00:21:18.500 --> 00:21:18.860 bear the 00:21:18.860 --> 00:21:19.500 reproach he 00:21:19.500 --> 00:21:19.900 endured. 00:21:20.900 --> 00:21:21.380 For here we 00:21:21.380 --> 00:21:21.759 have no 00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:22.500 lasting city, 00:21:23.020 --> 00:21:23.560 but we seek 00:21:23.560 --> 00:21:24.140 the city that 00:21:24.140 --> 00:21:24.700 is to come. 00:21:27.460 --> 00:21:28.060 We're to 00:21:28.060 --> 00:21:29.320 follow him, to 00:21:29.320 --> 00:21:30.120 go out into 00:21:30.120 --> 00:21:31.780 that mockery, 00:21:32.240 --> 00:21:32.700 into that 00:21:32.700 --> 00:21:33.800 reproach, and 00:21:33.800 --> 00:21:34.320 we're to bear 00:21:34.320 --> 00:21:35.920 it, but not 00:21:35.920 --> 00:21:36.380 bear it 00:21:36.380 --> 00:21:37.440 sullenly, being 00:21:37.440 --> 00:21:38.240 upset, being 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:38.720 morose. 00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:40.020 We're to bear 00:21:40.020 --> 00:21:40.280 it. 00:21:40.279 --> 00:21:42.559 And while we 00:21:42.559 --> 00:21:43.000 do that, 00:21:43.460 --> 00:21:44.119 through him, 00:21:44.460 --> 00:21:44.779 we are 00:21:44.779 --> 00:21:45.240 supposed to 00:21:45.240 --> 00:21:46.200 continually offer 00:21:46.200 --> 00:21:46.980 up a sacrifice 00:21:46.980 --> 00:21:47.899 of praise to 00:21:47.899 --> 00:21:49.059 God that is 00:21:49.059 --> 00:21:49.740 the fruit of 00:21:49.740 --> 00:21:50.299 lips that 00:21:50.299 --> 00:21:50.839 acknowledge his 00:21:50.839 --> 00:21:51.099 name. 00:21:52.859 --> 00:21:53.500 We are 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:54.000 supposed to 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:54.259 live a 00:21:54.259 --> 00:21:55.279 life... 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:57.279 We're... 00:21:57.279 --> 00:22:06.420 I think I've 00:22:06.420 --> 00:22:06.779 lost something. 00:22:07.039 --> 00:22:07.460 But we're 00:22:07.460 --> 00:22:07.960 supposed to 00:22:07.960 --> 00:22:08.859 live a life 00:22:08.859 --> 00:22:11.139 of pain 00:22:11.139 --> 00:22:11.879 and suffering 00:22:11.879 --> 00:22:13.119 for Christ, 00:22:13.319 --> 00:22:13.899 and we're 00:22:13.899 --> 00:22:14.460 supposed to be 00:22:14.460 --> 00:22:14.940 happy about 00:22:14.940 --> 00:22:15.279 it. 00:22:17.039 --> 00:22:17.920 Because really, 00:22:18.119 --> 00:22:19.420 the only thing 00:22:19.420 --> 00:22:19.700 that we're 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:21.599 losing are 00:22:21.599 --> 00:22:21.980 things that 00:22:21.980 --> 00:22:22.379 don't matter. 00:22:22.380 --> 00:22:32.180 pleasing God 00:22:32.180 --> 00:22:32.640 is simple. 00:22:35.320 --> 00:22:36.060 You have to 00:22:36.060 --> 00:22:36.620 love, be 00:22:36.620 --> 00:22:38.260 content, follow 00:22:38.260 --> 00:22:38.720 your leaders. 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:41.140 That's pretty 00:22:41.140 --> 00:22:41.460 simple. 00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:43.420 But without 00:22:43.420 --> 00:22:45.080 grace, it is 00:22:45.080 --> 00:22:45.440 impossible. 00:22:47.400 --> 00:22:48.120 So may the 00:22:48.120 --> 00:22:48.760 God of peace 00:22:48.760 --> 00:22:49.140 who brought 00:22:49.140 --> 00:22:49.680 again from 00:22:49.680 --> 00:22:50.060 the dead, 00:22:50.180 --> 00:22:50.540 our Lord 00:22:50.540 --> 00:22:51.720 Jesus, the 00:22:51.720 --> 00:22:52.260 great shepherd 00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:52.960 of the sheep, 00:22:53.440 --> 00:22:54.039 by the blood 00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:54.759 of the eternal 00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:55.640 covenant, equip 00:22:55.640 --> 00:22:56.079 you with 00:22:56.079 --> 00:22:56.839 everything that 00:22:56.839 --> 00:23:00.059 you may do 00:23:00.059 --> 00:23:00.460 his will, 00:23:01.000 --> 00:23:02.200 working in us 00:23:02.200 --> 00:23:02.799 that which is 00:23:02.799 --> 00:23:03.539 pleasing in his 00:23:03.539 --> 00:23:04.480 sight, through 00:23:04.480 --> 00:23:05.819 Jesus Christ, to 00:23:05.819 --> 00:23:06.420 whom be glory 00:23:06.420 --> 00:23:07.099 forever and 00:23:07.099 --> 00:23:07.339 ever. 00:23:08.059 --> 00:23:08.339 Amen. 00:23:08.339 --> 00:23:08.440 Amen.