WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.860 Good morning, everyone. 00:00:01.360 --> 00:00:06.100 As Nathan said, we'll be in Mark chapter 8 this morning, so let's go ahead and look at our text. 00:00:06.280 --> 00:00:10.980 ! So as he said, we'll be picking up in verse 31 of Mark chapter 8. 00:00:11.919 --> 00:00:14.519 So this is the Word of God, picking up in verse 31. 00:00:15.900 --> 00:00:23.480 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed. 00:00:24.000 --> 00:00:25.699 And after three days, rise again. 00:00:26.160 --> 00:00:27.420 And he said this plainly. 00:00:27.420 --> 00:00:30.260 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 00:00:30.800 --> 00:00:33.700 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, 00:00:34.179 --> 00:00:38.620 Get behind me, Satan, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man. 00:00:39.900 --> 00:00:42.740 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, 00:00:43.240 --> 00:00:47.799 If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 00:00:48.380 --> 00:00:50.640 For whoever would save his life will lose it. 00:00:50.920 --> 00:00:54.960 Whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospels will save him. 00:00:54.960 --> 00:00:59.000 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 00:00:59.579 --> 00:01:01.679 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 00:01:02.380 --> 00:01:06.519 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, 00:01:07.180 --> 00:01:12.560 of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. 00:01:12.560 --> 00:01:18.180 Now, I believe this morning, many of us are very familiar with this passage and with the context. 00:01:18.840 --> 00:01:22.460 Those of us that are on the scripture replay and we read this Tuesday. 00:01:22.459 --> 00:01:30.439 But I think for all of us, it would be helpful to just remind ourselves of a little bit of the context before we jump right in. 00:01:31.000 --> 00:01:33.539 So this is in Mark's gospel. 00:01:33.719 --> 00:01:39.239 Just before this, there's many different miracles and healings recorded of Jesus's ministry. 00:01:39.479 --> 00:01:41.859 And all of these are really interspersed with teaching. 00:01:42.079 --> 00:01:45.219 And we've heard many of these parables actually in this account. 00:01:45.219 --> 00:01:48.340 And we see the death of John the Baptist. 00:01:48.620 --> 00:01:49.560 We see more miracles. 00:01:49.879 --> 00:01:52.920 We see Jesus begin to really call out some people too. 00:01:53.420 --> 00:01:58.439 He was calling out the Pharisees for holding their traditions higher than the commandments of God. 00:01:58.519 --> 00:02:01.840 And then something really important for our text this morning. 00:02:02.599 --> 00:02:09.300 Just before our text, we see Peter make the bold statement that he believes that Jesus is the Christ. 00:02:09.300 --> 00:02:20.020 But then right after that, because of Jesus's desire to finish and fulfill his father's plan, he tells Peter and the rest of the disciples to not tell anyone at this point. 00:02:20.660 --> 00:02:30.920 This seems to primarily be because the disciples had much more of a political view of a reigning Messiah coming and delivering them from the reign of Rome. 00:02:31.660 --> 00:02:37.720 And they don't understand yet the need for the cross in the kingdom or how the Messiah will suffer and die. 00:02:37.719 --> 00:02:40.919 And so Peter made a really great statement just before this yes. 00:02:41.099 --> 00:02:45.699 But he doesn't even quite understand that statement that he himself just made. 00:02:46.360 --> 00:02:48.520 And then we have our text. 00:02:48.719 --> 00:02:51.539 And our text, I think, is a rather intense one. 00:02:52.360 --> 00:02:55.579 Starts off with Jesus foretelling his death and resurrection. 00:02:56.020 --> 00:02:59.379 And both Jesus and Peter rebuking each other. 00:03:00.259 --> 00:03:04.560 Then a command for all of those who follow Jesus to put their own desires to death. 00:03:05.280 --> 00:03:07.659 To take up their cross and follow him. 00:03:08.680 --> 00:03:10.560 A talk of a life being lost. 00:03:10.919 --> 00:03:12.340 A talk of a life being gained. 00:03:13.379 --> 00:03:16.960 And all of those ways are exactly how we're going to break down our study today. 00:03:17.139 --> 00:03:20.360 So the five sections this morning that we're going to look at will be, 00:03:21.060 --> 00:03:23.319 number one, Jesus's foretelling. 00:03:25.800 --> 00:03:29.300 Number two, and I think I made up this word, but I think that's okay. 00:03:29.579 --> 00:03:30.740 The rebukings. 00:03:33.879 --> 00:03:36.180 Number three, the taking up of our cross. 00:03:36.180 --> 00:03:36.479 Number three, the taking up of our cross. 00:03:38.379 --> 00:03:40.199 Number four, the life we lose. 00:03:41.259 --> 00:03:43.520 And number five, the life we gain. 00:03:44.180 --> 00:03:47.020 I know there's five, but I promise they'll be really quick this morning. 00:03:47.120 --> 00:03:49.840 So getting right into it, let's look at Jesus's foretelling. 00:03:49.840 --> 00:03:58.120 So in verse 31, in the first part of verse 32, Jesus begins talking about something that I believe the disciples had seen coming for a while. 00:03:58.199 --> 00:04:01.920 Something that they were dreading and did not like the sounds of too much at all. 00:04:01.919 --> 00:04:04.559 And in some ways they'd already experienced some of them. 00:04:04.559 --> 00:04:05.879 And that was suffering. 00:04:06.679 --> 00:04:09.659 And being rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes. 00:04:09.719 --> 00:04:13.959 I believe at this point in Jesus's ministry, the disciples were quite used to being rejected. 00:04:14.619 --> 00:04:20.079 Jesus was drawing large crowds, many due to just his miracles, but many others because of his teaching. 00:04:20.240 --> 00:04:24.399 And we've noted through these gospels, people were astonished by his teaching, right? 00:04:24.399 --> 00:04:30.159 It says that he spoke as someone with authority and not as their scribes had typically been speaking. 00:04:31.679 --> 00:04:34.939 And this made many of the scribes and the chief priests nervous. 00:04:35.279 --> 00:04:36.799 Many disliked the crowds. 00:04:36.800 --> 00:04:44.120 That he was drawing people away from them and to himself, away from what was the typical religious setup they had. 00:04:45.000 --> 00:04:47.360 And many others disliked the teachings he was presenting. 00:04:48.020 --> 00:04:49.280 We read the account recently. 00:04:49.400 --> 00:04:50.660 It stuck out in my mind. 00:04:50.819 --> 00:04:51.840 I'm showing this. 00:04:52.319 --> 00:04:57.300 It's actually just after this text about a young man who comes to Jesus and he asked, 00:04:57.580 --> 00:04:59.600 How can I inherit eternal life? 00:05:00.120 --> 00:05:01.379 And Jesus let him know. 00:05:01.960 --> 00:05:03.500 Jesus began listening up the commandments. 00:05:03.500 --> 00:05:07.279 And the young man answered back to him and said, Yep, I've done that. 00:05:07.779 --> 00:05:08.339 Am I good? 00:05:09.360 --> 00:05:11.139 But Jesus got to his heart. 00:05:11.579 --> 00:05:12.939 He got to the heart of this young man. 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:14.959 He said, You're missing one thing. 00:05:15.040 --> 00:05:16.220 You're lacking one thing. 00:05:16.920 --> 00:05:20.680 Go sell everything you have and give it to the poor. 00:05:21.699 --> 00:05:23.939 And the young man became very disappointed. 00:05:24.800 --> 00:05:27.939 It seems like he was really frustrated by Jesus's response. 00:05:29.160 --> 00:05:31.540 And if we think about the why of that a little bit, 00:05:31.540 --> 00:05:34.319 it's because Jesus didn't give him a way out. 00:05:34.620 --> 00:05:36.939 This young man was looking for a way out. 00:05:37.040 --> 00:05:40.240 He said he had fulfilled the commandments from his youth. 00:05:41.560 --> 00:05:43.900 And he was thinking, Oh, am I good? 00:05:44.040 --> 00:05:45.700 Do I have eternal life now? 00:05:46.439 --> 00:05:48.160 But Jesus cut right to his heart. 00:05:48.980 --> 00:05:52.300 He knew where the young man was living in disobedience. 00:05:52.300 --> 00:05:55.540 And our Lord didn't just care about his outward actions. 00:05:55.639 --> 00:05:59.000 He cared about the desires of his heart that he saw. 00:05:59.960 --> 00:06:02.980 And when Jesus brought that out, this young man was offended. 00:06:03.520 --> 00:06:05.080 And Jesus did this all the time. 00:06:05.160 --> 00:06:06.199 That's just one example. 00:06:06.319 --> 00:06:08.720 He offended people because he was very truthful. 00:06:09.819 --> 00:06:10.879 And he was drawing crowds. 00:06:11.080 --> 00:06:12.360 People weren't happy with him. 00:06:13.220 --> 00:06:15.800 And I think the disciples were quite aware of this, 00:06:15.840 --> 00:06:18.819 as they were, of course, experiencing some of the same being right there with him. 00:06:18.819 --> 00:06:21.099 But Jesus took it a bit further. 00:06:21.319 --> 00:06:24.839 And I think this is why Peter begins to be pretty upset. 00:06:26.019 --> 00:06:27.300 Jesus said that he would be killed. 00:06:27.579 --> 00:06:30.300 And Jesus also said three days later he would be raised. 00:06:30.939 --> 00:06:34.219 So obviously really, really bold statements that he's making here. 00:06:35.060 --> 00:06:37.439 And Mark notes that Jesus made them very clear. 00:06:38.719 --> 00:06:39.399 Very clear. 00:06:40.420 --> 00:06:42.100 But Peter did not like this. 00:06:42.360 --> 00:06:45.379 Peter did not especially like the part about him being killed. 00:06:45.459 --> 00:06:47.039 And that's going to get us into the second part. 00:06:47.040 --> 00:06:49.680 So secondly, the rebukings. 00:06:50.319 --> 00:06:51.200 The rebukings. 00:06:51.860 --> 00:06:52.760 So there's two here. 00:06:53.260 --> 00:06:55.960 So first, let's look at Peter's rebuking of Jesus. 00:06:56.980 --> 00:07:01.360 So in our text, it lets us know that Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked him. 00:07:02.260 --> 00:07:06.220 If you look over at a couple of parallel passages, there's one in Matthew and Luke. 00:07:06.320 --> 00:07:07.580 You can get a little bit more detail. 00:07:08.220 --> 00:07:11.960 And in Matthew's account of this event, he gives a bit of detail of what Peter says. 00:07:12.480 --> 00:07:15.280 So this is Matthew 16, verse 22. 00:07:15.279 --> 00:07:18.859 It's recorded that Peter said, far be it from you, Lord. 00:07:18.939 --> 00:07:20.479 This shall never happen to you. 00:07:21.179 --> 00:07:23.000 So obviously, Peter was really upset. 00:07:23.819 --> 00:07:30.579 Remember that right before this, right, just before this in the chapter, Peter had declared Jesus as the Christ. 00:07:30.939 --> 00:07:33.419 The long-awaited Messiah, our Lord, our Savior. 00:07:33.420 --> 00:07:38.740 So Peter, hearing who he had just asserted as the Messiah, saying, I'm about to suffer. 00:07:38.860 --> 00:07:40.520 In fact, I'm about to be killed. 00:07:41.620 --> 00:07:42.020 Killed? 00:07:42.160 --> 00:07:44.819 That didn't sit well with Peter at all, right? 00:07:44.860 --> 00:07:48.240 And so, of course, he's going to say, no, Lord, that can't be right. 00:07:48.300 --> 00:07:49.680 That can't happen to you. 00:07:49.680 --> 00:07:59.560 And we can see at that point, a lot of Peter's issue seems to be stemming from a bit of a misunderstanding of what Messiah would truly be like. 00:08:00.639 --> 00:08:06.399 Like we talked about earlier, he had a view that it would be a political leader that would save them from the rule of Rome. 00:08:07.399 --> 00:08:11.819 He didn't fully understand the eternal or the heavenly aspects of the kingdom yet. 00:08:11.819 --> 00:08:17.180 He didn't get yet that Jesus would usher in so much more than just a political rule. 00:08:18.459 --> 00:08:26.060 Peter, and likely the rest of the disciples at this point, as Peter typically spoke their mind, was a bit too concerned about the here and now. 00:08:26.759 --> 00:08:29.159 And that gets us into how Jesus responds. 00:08:30.039 --> 00:08:31.360 So this is the second rebuking. 00:08:31.459 --> 00:08:33.039 This is Jesus' rebuking Peter. 00:08:33.120 --> 00:08:34.740 So let's look at exactly what he says. 00:08:35.200 --> 00:08:36.799 This is in verse 33 here. 00:08:36.799 --> 00:08:37.179 It says, 00:08:37.179 --> 00:08:50.099 So this is a very, very intense rebuke. 00:08:50.739 --> 00:08:53.000 It starts off with a get behind me, Satan. 00:08:53.959 --> 00:08:55.500 This is Peter that he's talking to. 00:08:56.000 --> 00:09:01.319 Peter said something so good right before just the verses right before our text this morning. 00:09:01.659 --> 00:09:05.039 Made the declaration that he believed that Jesus was the Messiah. 00:09:05.039 --> 00:09:09.399 But right after this, he does not like what Jesus says. 00:09:10.199 --> 00:09:12.639 And Jesus rebukes him really, really intensely. 00:09:13.639 --> 00:09:16.159 And that is, what is the why that Jesus gives? 00:09:16.740 --> 00:09:17.000 It says, 00:09:17.139 --> 00:09:21.579 For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man. 00:09:23.500 --> 00:09:29.639 So it's not, it may be immediately apparent to some of us, but it's a little bit interesting to think about. 00:09:29.740 --> 00:09:31.899 Why does he respond in that way? 00:09:31.899 --> 00:09:36.899 In other words, how does this relate to him really not wanting Jesus to be killed? 00:09:38.539 --> 00:09:44.340 Well, Jesus being killed would likely crush Peter's whole notion of this political rule. 00:09:45.059 --> 00:09:50.919 And Jesus continuing and continuing and continuing to be rejected by the religious leaders of that day. 00:09:51.299 --> 00:09:53.059 It doesn't seem too good for that either. 00:09:53.059 --> 00:09:57.779 As we said earlier, and as Jesus is making clear right here, 00:09:58.539 --> 00:10:04.539 Peter is a little too concerned with the here and now rule and not setting his mind on the heavenly future, the things of above. 00:10:05.559 --> 00:10:07.579 And so that's exactly what Jesus says. 00:10:07.679 --> 00:10:11.639 Peter, you're not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man. 00:10:11.639 --> 00:10:19.419 And now note the flow of this passage, because it's really important for our understanding of the later verses to understand this flow here. 00:10:20.080 --> 00:10:22.019 I just looked at 31 through 33, right? 00:10:22.080 --> 00:10:27.699 A conversation between Jesus and his disciples, and even more specifically, primarily Jesus and Peter. 00:10:27.700 --> 00:10:38.640 Now, with their misunderstanding of the Messiah's role, they're setting their minds on the here and now, the things of man, not the things of God. 00:10:38.759 --> 00:10:45.740 Now note, in verse 34, before Jesus begins making his next statements, he draws over the crowd, right? 00:10:45.800 --> 00:10:47.940 To be with him and with the disciples. 00:10:48.640 --> 00:10:53.140 And he begins to speak to all of them, not just Peter and the disciples anymore. 00:10:53.139 --> 00:10:58.939 Again, right after he noted that Peter and the disciples were thinking about the here and now and not God's kingdom. 00:10:59.539 --> 00:11:03.120 So he says to the crowd and the disciples, and this is part of the way through 34. 00:11:03.279 --> 00:11:04.039 Let's look at this again. 00:11:05.039 --> 00:11:05.480 Jesus says, 00:11:05.480 --> 00:11:35.460 He says, 00:11:35.480 --> 00:11:39.580 So note, in this context, that Jesus is continuing the theme. 00:11:40.580 --> 00:11:44.980 Continuing the idea of where we saw Satan drawing Peter's mind away. 00:11:45.580 --> 00:11:48.680 And he's seeking to redirect people's hearts to the things of God. 00:11:49.539 --> 00:11:51.360 And that brings us to our third point. 00:11:51.920 --> 00:11:53.980 So our third one, the taking up of our cross. 00:11:54.940 --> 00:11:56.180 The taking up of our cross. 00:11:57.180 --> 00:12:00.740 Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, to take up our cross and follow him. 00:12:00.740 --> 00:12:06.039 And this is same concept is put so many different ways and so many different passages. 00:12:06.840 --> 00:12:07.919 Colossians 3, we put it, 00:12:08.000 --> 00:12:15.620 Put to death, therefore, what is earthly in you, sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 00:12:16.080 --> 00:12:22.980 Or a bit later in Jesus's ministry, it says after the disciples, they're having that debate about who's the greatest. 00:12:23.120 --> 00:12:25.320 This is Matthew's account in Matthew 20. 00:12:25.700 --> 00:12:27.340 This verse is 26 through 28. 00:12:27.340 --> 00:12:30.200 But whoever would be great among you must be your servant. 00:12:30.800 --> 00:12:33.240 And whoever would be first among you must be your slave. 00:12:33.720 --> 00:12:36.660 Even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve. 00:12:37.100 --> 00:12:38.940 And to give his life as a ransom for many. 00:12:40.019 --> 00:12:44.280 And then Paul continues to super expound upon this idea in Philippians 2. 00:12:44.379 --> 00:12:46.360 In fact, we already did a little chunk here. 00:12:46.420 --> 00:12:48.360 So go ahead and turn with me there to Philippians 2. 00:12:52.759 --> 00:12:53.480 Philippians 2. 00:12:53.480 --> 00:12:53.519 Philippians 2. 00:12:53.519 --> 00:12:53.519 00:12:53.519 --> 00:12:53.519 00:12:53.519 --> 00:12:53.519 00:12:53.519 --> 00:12:53.519 00:12:53.519 --> 00:12:53.519 00:12:57.340 --> 00:13:05.139 So this is the first time that it's felt super strange because I hear no Bible flipping, but I see lots of Bible flipping. 00:13:07.200 --> 00:13:09.800 So Philippians 2, we're going to pick up in verse 3. 00:13:09.800 --> 00:13:11.060 It says, 00:13:11.059 --> 00:13:17.679 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 00:13:18.419 --> 00:13:22.759 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 00:13:23.439 --> 00:13:28.199 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, 00:13:28.779 --> 00:13:34.259 did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, 00:13:34.259 --> 00:13:38.200 being born in the likeness of men and being found in human form. 00:13:38.299 --> 00:13:43.179 He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 00:13:44.120 --> 00:13:48.480 Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name. 00:13:48.720 --> 00:13:53.700 So that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth. 00:13:53.700 --> 00:13:58.440 And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. 00:13:59.540 --> 00:14:01.540 So we looked at a bunch of texts, and I'm aware. 00:14:01.720 --> 00:14:06.700 So let's pause right there and think about some of these implications of the denying ourselves. 00:14:07.759 --> 00:14:13.900 Colossians, that first one we looked at, showed us very clearly that this denying of ourselves includes denying our flesh, right? 00:14:14.060 --> 00:14:20.180 Fighting our sin, not giving in to our sinful natures, and truly pressing on into the things that the Lord would have us. 00:14:20.179 --> 00:14:27.759 And then after that, the disciples having their argument and wanting to be guaranteed seats right by Jesus. 00:14:28.759 --> 00:14:35.759 Jesus reminds us to follow his own example, that whoever would be first among us must actually humble themselves, become a slave, right? 00:14:35.859 --> 00:14:39.659 To all, just as he came, the eternal ruler of the universe. 00:14:39.979 --> 00:14:42.699 He came not to be served, but to serve. 00:14:43.719 --> 00:14:46.639 And then this big chunk that we just read in Philippians 2. 00:14:46.639 --> 00:14:54.600 We see the idea of not thinking so much about our own interests, not looking for selfish ambition or gain for ourselves. 00:14:55.519 --> 00:14:57.600 But again, seeing the model of Jesus, right? 00:14:58.379 --> 00:14:59.539 Who humbled himself. 00:14:59.659 --> 00:15:05.299 And now Paul reminds us that Jesus became so humble, so humble even to the point of death. 00:15:06.480 --> 00:15:07.559 Death on the cross. 00:15:07.679 --> 00:15:09.679 And in that way, Jesus has been exalted. 00:15:09.679 --> 00:15:15.199 And we now see him as the prime example of this self-denial, this taking of our cross. 00:15:15.839 --> 00:15:20.620 And we are to model this giving up of ourselves, even to the point of death when necessary. 00:15:22.099 --> 00:15:24.359 And this leads us into the next point of our study. 00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:26.179 The life we lose. 00:15:27.299 --> 00:15:28.299 The life we lose. 00:15:30.000 --> 00:15:33.000 So let's look at verses 35 to 37 one more time. 00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:34.580 It says, 00:15:34.580 --> 00:15:37.039 For whoever would save his life will lose it. 00:15:37.559 --> 00:15:41.779 But whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospels will save it. 00:15:42.340 --> 00:15:46.059 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his own soul? 00:15:46.620 --> 00:15:49.259 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 00:15:50.419 --> 00:15:54.200 So verse 35, we see someone trying to hold on to their life. 00:15:54.820 --> 00:15:57.539 Whoever would save his life, they're going to lose it. 00:15:57.539 --> 00:16:03.099 In other words, whoever tries to hold on to the things of this world, keep their selfish ambition. 00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:07.939 Do things that look out for their own interests and not the interests of others. 00:16:08.159 --> 00:16:10.719 Live a life of comfort or of ease. 00:16:11.699 --> 00:16:14.299 Experience all the things that the world has to offer. 00:16:15.439 --> 00:16:20.659 And then verse 36 and 37, it even talks about gaining the whole world. 00:16:20.779 --> 00:16:22.480 Everything in the world. 00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:26.299 According to worldly standards, having all you could ever want. 00:16:26.299 --> 00:16:29.919 Being able to do everything you could ever want to do. 00:16:30.679 --> 00:16:31.559 A life of leisure. 00:16:32.019 --> 00:16:35.039 Whoever would choose to live this way, that our text is saying. 00:16:35.919 --> 00:16:37.179 Jesus makes it very clear. 00:16:37.319 --> 00:16:40.000 They will lose their life on final judgment. 00:16:41.339 --> 00:16:46.019 Those who do not humble themselves under our Lord's authority and take up their cross and follow him. 00:16:46.559 --> 00:16:48.219 They will lose their life, right? 00:16:48.979 --> 00:16:53.679 And think about these rhetorical questions that Jesus poses here in 36, 37. 00:16:53.679 --> 00:16:58.439 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 00:16:59.259 --> 00:17:01.899 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 00:17:01.899 --> 00:17:10.119 I believe Jesus asked this question to show a bit of the ridiculousness about caring for the things of this world. 00:17:10.119 --> 00:17:15.779 If we truly believe that at the end of this life, there is an eternity ahead of us. 00:17:16.039 --> 00:17:17.559 More time than we can fathom. 00:17:18.619 --> 00:17:22.819 And those who choose to follow Jesus to submit to his authority to humble ourselves. 00:17:23.219 --> 00:17:25.059 Will have life everlasting. 00:17:25.259 --> 00:17:27.059 And those who choose to seek their own interests. 00:17:27.839 --> 00:17:32.479 To live after the things of this world will have the eternal punishment due for their sin. 00:17:32.480 --> 00:17:37.099 With those beliefs in mind, it seems so silly. 00:17:37.559 --> 00:17:38.860 So out of order. 00:17:40.099 --> 00:17:42.860 To think about choosing a life of gain in this world. 00:17:43.440 --> 00:17:45.480 And to suffer an eternal punishment. 00:17:46.880 --> 00:17:52.200 Because there is truly no profit in gaining everything we could ask for in this world. 00:17:52.279 --> 00:17:54.579 But losing our own soul for eternity. 00:17:54.579 --> 00:17:59.759 And also think about this a little bit from our perspective as believers. 00:17:59.899 --> 00:18:01.339 A believer's perspective on this. 00:18:02.159 --> 00:18:04.539 This means that as we choose to follow Christ. 00:18:04.599 --> 00:18:06.759 As we put others' desires ahead of our own. 00:18:07.159 --> 00:18:09.240 As we choose to seek his kingdom first. 00:18:09.779 --> 00:18:12.240 As we seek to take up our cross and follow Jesus. 00:18:13.339 --> 00:18:16.179 We must put to death those desires that are earthly within us. 00:18:16.619 --> 00:18:18.960 Not seek our own comfort, our own pleasure. 00:18:19.599 --> 00:18:21.779 Or all that the world has to offer us. 00:18:21.779 --> 00:18:24.599 But instead seek others' interests above our own. 00:18:25.500 --> 00:18:26.700 And this may mean suffering. 00:18:26.799 --> 00:18:28.480 Even suffering to the point of death. 00:18:28.599 --> 00:18:30.259 We're asked to take up our cross. 00:18:32.039 --> 00:18:33.099 And follow Jesus. 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:35.399 And Jesus' path leads through suffering. 00:18:36.059 --> 00:18:38.379 I think Paul talks about this trade-off really well. 00:18:38.980 --> 00:18:40.440 In 2 Corinthians 4. 00:18:40.960 --> 00:18:42.319 This is verse 17 and 18. 00:18:42.460 --> 00:18:43.160 Paul reminds us. 00:18:43.279 --> 00:18:47.720 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory. 00:18:48.259 --> 00:18:49.299 Beyond all comparison. 00:18:49.299 --> 00:18:51.180 As we look now to the things that are seen. 00:18:51.779 --> 00:18:53.200 But to the things that are unseen. 00:18:53.980 --> 00:18:56.420 For the things that are seen are transient. 00:18:56.700 --> 00:18:58.619 But the things that are unseen are eternal. 00:18:59.619 --> 00:19:01.440 And that's going to bring us to our fifth point. 00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:02.859 Last one. 00:19:02.899 --> 00:19:03.759 It will be a little bit longer. 00:19:04.480 --> 00:19:05.259 Of our study. 00:19:05.839 --> 00:19:06.879 The life we gain. 00:19:07.700 --> 00:19:08.619 The life we gain. 00:19:10.039 --> 00:19:12.579 So as believers we have seen what we must give up. 00:19:12.839 --> 00:19:15.319 We've seen that we must give up our earthly desires. 00:19:15.440 --> 00:19:16.680 We must give up our own interests. 00:19:16.680 --> 00:19:18.859 So as to put the desires of others above them. 00:19:18.859 --> 00:19:20.979 We must give up many things. 00:19:20.979 --> 00:19:22.839 But we gain so much. 00:19:23.619 --> 00:19:26.179 Paul said in 2 Corinthians that we just read. 00:19:26.319 --> 00:19:28.059 That this light momentary affliction. 00:19:28.199 --> 00:19:29.579 Whatever suffering we face. 00:19:30.139 --> 00:19:31.179 In this life. 00:19:31.819 --> 00:19:33.019 And think about how insignificant. 00:19:33.319 --> 00:19:35.299 So many times that our suffering is. 00:19:35.839 --> 00:19:37.199 Compared to the one who wrote that. 00:19:37.319 --> 00:19:39.619 Paul who suffered so much for the name of Christ. 00:19:40.579 --> 00:19:41.179 This life. 00:19:41.299 --> 00:19:42.559 Whatever we go through here. 00:19:42.559 --> 00:19:46.000 Cannot compare to the eternal weight of glory. 00:19:46.000 --> 00:19:47.119 That we are being prepared for. 00:19:48.240 --> 00:19:49.399 Like I mentioned earlier. 00:19:49.859 --> 00:19:51.139 Margaret and I have been. 00:19:51.419 --> 00:19:52.960 Down in Hiram for a few days now. 00:19:53.039 --> 00:19:53.599 With my parents. 00:19:53.759 --> 00:19:55.339 And we were talking. 00:19:55.480 --> 00:19:57.079 I guess a couple nights ago now. 00:19:57.519 --> 00:19:59.419 On the topic of Jesus' return. 00:20:00.259 --> 00:20:01.159 And I think. 00:20:02.519 --> 00:20:03.579 Often in my heart. 00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:05.500 I can get concerned with. 00:20:06.440 --> 00:20:07.559 Not truly. 00:20:08.139 --> 00:20:10.519 Feeling like I have an appropriate longing for it. 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:13.579 And I think that especially happens. 00:20:13.579 --> 00:20:16.000 When I feel like things are going well. 00:20:16.000 --> 00:20:17.400 When our life feels at ease. 00:20:18.059 --> 00:20:19.900 When it seems like things couldn't be better. 00:20:20.759 --> 00:20:21.539 But I think. 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:23.299 Most if not all of us. 00:20:23.460 --> 00:20:25.680 Are feeling some measure less than that right now. 00:20:26.099 --> 00:20:26.920 We're not feeling. 00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:28.879 That life is at ease. 00:20:28.980 --> 00:20:30.279 That the world is going well. 00:20:31.000 --> 00:20:31.539 In fact. 00:20:31.599 --> 00:20:33.400 I think the Lord may be working in our hearts. 00:20:33.539 --> 00:20:34.759 Throughout this time of the virus. 00:20:34.920 --> 00:20:37.359 Just a deeper longing for his return. 00:20:38.440 --> 00:20:38.720 And. 00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:40.960 Now. 00:20:41.119 --> 00:20:41.879 For those of us though. 00:20:41.960 --> 00:20:43.139 That sometimes that. 00:20:43.420 --> 00:20:44.059 Is a struggle. 00:20:44.180 --> 00:20:44.879 With that longing. 00:20:45.039 --> 00:20:46.740 Wanting to long for Jesus' return. 00:20:46.839 --> 00:20:48.240 But feeling like we don't. 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:49.279 Why is that? 00:20:50.879 --> 00:20:52.319 Why do we think that. 00:20:52.859 --> 00:20:54.500 This life is just as good. 00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:55.980 As it would be if he returned. 00:20:57.059 --> 00:20:58.420 Because if we're real with ourselves. 00:20:58.539 --> 00:20:59.700 We act like that sometimes. 00:21:00.339 --> 00:21:01.559 What's going on in our hearts. 00:21:02.059 --> 00:21:03.480 When that is happening. 00:21:03.480 --> 00:21:06.620 Something to note here. 00:21:06.700 --> 00:21:07.599 From this passage. 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:08.960 We just looked at in 2nd Corinthians. 00:21:09.220 --> 00:21:09.319 Is. 00:21:09.880 --> 00:21:11.240 Paul describes this life. 00:21:11.400 --> 00:21:12.579 As a momentary affliction. 00:21:14.380 --> 00:21:15.640 I would wager to say. 00:21:15.799 --> 00:21:16.799 That most of the time. 00:21:16.920 --> 00:21:17.660 Most of us. 00:21:18.319 --> 00:21:19.599 Don't feel like this life. 00:21:19.680 --> 00:21:20.599 Is much of an affliction. 00:21:21.880 --> 00:21:22.460 And sure. 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:23.140 There are certainly. 00:21:23.700 --> 00:21:24.880 Good times in this life. 00:21:24.920 --> 00:21:25.819 That the Lord has ordained. 00:21:25.920 --> 00:21:27.039 That he's giving us such joy. 00:21:27.039 --> 00:21:28.440 In the true life. 00:21:28.539 --> 00:21:29.079 That we are. 00:21:30.140 --> 00:21:31.019 Gaining in him. 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:33.119 But Paul still describes this life. 00:21:33.879 --> 00:21:35.079 The suffering here. 00:21:35.220 --> 00:21:35.879 As an affliction. 00:21:37.039 --> 00:21:38.059 If you want a huge list. 00:21:38.139 --> 00:21:39.500 Of what he suffered. 00:21:39.579 --> 00:21:40.400 He gives it to you. 00:21:40.779 --> 00:21:41.240 Right there. 00:21:41.319 --> 00:21:42.240 I believe that's 2nd Corinthians. 00:21:42.460 --> 00:21:42.559 Right. 00:21:42.680 --> 00:21:45.319 And according to 2nd Timothy 3. 00:21:45.599 --> 00:21:46.440 Verse 12. 00:21:47.180 --> 00:21:49.339 Says all who desire to live a godly life. 00:21:49.379 --> 00:21:50.099 In Christ Jesus. 00:21:50.319 --> 00:21:51.259 Will be persecuted. 00:21:52.079 --> 00:21:53.819 But do our lives look like that. 00:21:54.460 --> 00:21:57.160 It says all who desire to live a godly life. 00:21:57.500 --> 00:21:58.480 I hope that's us. 00:21:59.819 --> 00:22:00.259 So. 00:22:01.019 --> 00:22:03.400 We should be seeing some sort of pushback. 00:22:03.500 --> 00:22:04.160 And if we're not. 00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:05.700 Why not? 00:22:06.319 --> 00:22:07.720 Are we truly living out our faith? 00:22:07.779 --> 00:22:08.440 Are we actually. 00:22:09.019 --> 00:22:09.720 Doing what. 00:22:09.859 --> 00:22:10.579 Our passage here. 00:22:10.720 --> 00:22:11.440 That Jesus. 00:22:11.960 --> 00:22:13.319 Makes it very intense. 00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:15.420 Are we actually taking up our cross. 00:22:16.019 --> 00:22:17.019 And following him? 00:22:18.579 --> 00:22:19.339 I remember. 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:20.960 Many many times. 00:22:22.220 --> 00:22:24.279 Whether it was like a community group meeting. 00:22:24.420 --> 00:22:25.180 Or whether it was. 00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:26.859 Just catching up with Clay. 00:22:26.859 --> 00:22:28.919 He would begin. 00:22:29.039 --> 00:22:30.019 Talk to me about somebody. 00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:31.779 That he had been sharing the gospel with. 00:22:33.479 --> 00:22:35.319 And tell me about where they were at. 00:22:35.599 --> 00:22:36.659 In their understanding. 00:22:36.839 --> 00:22:38.139 What he'd been reading with them. 00:22:38.779 --> 00:22:39.639 All that kind of thing. 00:22:39.740 --> 00:22:39.839 And. 00:22:39.839 --> 00:22:41.359 Almost always. 00:22:41.759 --> 00:22:42.959 He would get to a point. 00:22:43.740 --> 00:22:43.939 I mean. 00:22:44.000 --> 00:22:44.859 Tell me that. 00:22:45.359 --> 00:22:46.220 They'd gotten to a point. 00:22:46.220 --> 00:22:48.059 Where he was trying to convince them. 00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:50.099 To not follow Jesus. 00:22:51.339 --> 00:22:53.559 And the first time I heard him start talking about this. 00:22:53.599 --> 00:22:54.619 I was really confused. 00:22:54.619 --> 00:22:57.239 I believe a lot of the time. 00:22:57.359 --> 00:22:58.679 When we're sharing the gospel with somebody. 00:22:59.059 --> 00:23:00.219 We get really excited. 00:23:00.219 --> 00:23:00.899 When someone. 00:23:01.159 --> 00:23:02.599 Actually ends up being interested. 00:23:03.199 --> 00:23:03.839 Wants to. 00:23:04.439 --> 00:23:05.579 Wants to follow Christ. 00:23:05.959 --> 00:23:08.779 So why would anyone ever want to try to convince anyone. 00:23:08.939 --> 00:23:09.979 To not follow Jesus? 00:23:11.419 --> 00:23:12.339 It's because it. 00:23:12.519 --> 00:23:13.679 It's a serious weight. 00:23:14.179 --> 00:23:16.179 And I think we sometimes forget that. 00:23:16.919 --> 00:23:18.119 Our passage here. 00:23:18.579 --> 00:23:19.299 That we've looked at. 00:23:19.379 --> 00:23:20.239 Makes it really clear. 00:23:21.119 --> 00:23:22.819 And another place I'd like to look to. 00:23:22.939 --> 00:23:23.739 Is Luke 14. 00:23:23.740 --> 00:23:25.819 Go ahead and turn to Luke 14 as well. 00:23:30.079 --> 00:23:31.220 Luke chapter 14. 00:23:35.799 --> 00:23:36.819 So we're going to look at. 00:23:36.880 --> 00:23:38.920 Verses 25 through 33 here. 00:23:41.680 --> 00:23:43.000 Picking up in verse 25. 00:23:43.140 --> 00:23:43.339 It says. 00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:45.019 Now great crowds accompanied him. 00:23:45.420 --> 00:23:46.460 And he turned and said to them. 00:23:46.620 --> 00:23:47.640 If anyone comes to me. 00:23:47.759 --> 00:23:49.180 And does not hate his own father. 00:23:49.339 --> 00:23:49.720 And mother. 00:23:50.019 --> 00:23:50.480 And wife. 00:23:50.579 --> 00:23:51.000 And children. 00:23:51.200 --> 00:23:51.579 And brothers. 00:23:51.740 --> 00:23:52.160 And sisters. 00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:53.019 Yes. 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:54.240 And even his own life. 00:23:54.940 --> 00:23:56.259 He cannot be my disciple. 00:23:57.079 --> 00:23:58.619 Whoever does not bear his own cross. 00:23:58.680 --> 00:23:59.359 And come after me. 00:23:59.440 --> 00:24:00.519 Cannot be my disciple. 00:24:01.400 --> 00:24:02.099 For which of you. 00:24:02.160 --> 00:24:03.259 Desiring to build a tower. 00:24:03.359 --> 00:24:04.440 Does not first sit down. 00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:05.259 And count the cost. 00:24:05.660 --> 00:24:06.379 Whether he has enough. 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:07.019 To complete it. 00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:08.139 Otherwise. 00:24:08.379 --> 00:24:09.420 When he has laid a foundation. 00:24:09.639 --> 00:24:10.619 And is not able to finish. 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:11.319 All who see it. 00:24:11.359 --> 00:24:12.039 Begin to mock him. 00:24:12.079 --> 00:24:12.259 Saying. 00:24:12.259 --> 00:24:13.660 This man began to build. 00:24:13.660 --> 00:24:15.039 And was not able to finish. 00:24:15.720 --> 00:24:16.519 Or what king. 00:24:16.599 --> 00:24:17.480 Going out to encounter. 00:24:17.599 --> 00:24:18.480 Another king in the war. 00:24:18.559 --> 00:24:19.740 Will not sit down first. 00:24:19.859 --> 00:24:20.299 And deliberate. 00:24:20.460 --> 00:24:21.039 Whether he is able. 00:24:21.099 --> 00:24:21.799 With 10,000. 00:24:22.339 --> 00:24:22.900 To meet him. 00:24:22.940 --> 00:24:23.700 Who comes against him. 00:24:23.740 --> 00:24:24.440 With 20,000. 00:24:25.279 --> 00:24:26.059 And if not. 00:24:26.140 --> 00:24:26.779 While the other is yet. 00:24:26.819 --> 00:24:27.819 A great ways away. 00:24:27.960 --> 00:24:28.519 Way off. 00:24:28.879 --> 00:24:29.859 He sends a delegation. 00:24:30.140 --> 00:24:31.619 And asks for terms of peace. 00:24:32.619 --> 00:24:33.299 So therefore. 00:24:33.500 --> 00:24:34.180 Any one of you. 00:24:34.240 --> 00:24:35.039 Who does not renounce. 00:24:35.180 --> 00:24:36.140 All that he has. 00:24:36.500 --> 00:24:37.500 Cannot be my disciple. 00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:40.140 Notice that weight. 00:24:41.079 --> 00:24:42.160 Weight of everything here. 00:24:42.200 --> 00:24:42.940 The whole idea. 00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:44.279 Of counting up the cost. 00:24:45.000 --> 00:24:46.420 Is that foreign to us? 00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:47.279 Do we sometimes. 00:24:48.420 --> 00:24:48.859 Forget. 00:24:48.859 --> 00:24:49.480 That we. 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:51.599 Truly need to renounce. 00:24:51.799 --> 00:24:52.680 All that we have. 00:24:53.079 --> 00:24:53.759 And follow Jesus. 00:24:53.900 --> 00:24:54.720 That it requires. 00:24:54.839 --> 00:24:55.460 A total. 00:24:56.380 --> 00:24:57.660 Total life change. 00:24:58.500 --> 00:24:59.799 Or do we even cross. 00:24:59.940 --> 00:25:00.339 Sometimes. 00:25:00.519 --> 00:25:01.559 Into a form of easy. 00:25:01.779 --> 00:25:02.220 Believism. 00:25:02.400 --> 00:25:02.579 Where. 00:25:04.400 --> 00:25:06.000 We don't see much change. 00:25:07.500 --> 00:25:08.500 Can we echo. 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:09.519 With Paul. 00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:11.180 In 1st Corinthians 15. 00:25:11.380 --> 00:25:11.500 That. 00:25:12.099 --> 00:25:12.440 If Christ. 00:25:12.440 --> 00:25:13.579 Hadn't truly been raised. 00:25:13.700 --> 00:25:14.420 That we were of. 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:15.359 All men. 00:25:15.440 --> 00:25:16.119 Most miserable. 00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:19.299 Why does he say that? 00:25:20.039 --> 00:25:21.319 Because he had given up. 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:22.059 Everything. 00:25:22.839 --> 00:25:23.779 To follow Jesus. 00:25:24.460 --> 00:25:25.079 He had given up. 00:25:25.160 --> 00:25:25.799 His entire. 00:25:25.799 --> 00:25:26.839 Way of life. 00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:28.759 Because he had. 00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:29.500 Counted up the cost. 00:25:29.559 --> 00:25:30.240 And found that Christ. 00:25:30.359 --> 00:25:31.559 Was truly worth it. 00:25:33.400 --> 00:25:34.880 Do we feel that same way? 00:25:35.359 --> 00:25:36.880 Have we truly given up. 00:25:36.880 --> 00:25:37.680 Everything. 00:25:39.100 --> 00:25:39.520 Now. 00:25:39.600 --> 00:25:40.120 I've talked on. 00:25:41.480 --> 00:25:42.600 Much of all the. 00:25:43.120 --> 00:25:43.780 Rough parts. 00:25:43.860 --> 00:25:44.100 I think. 00:25:44.180 --> 00:25:45.420 Seen from a human perspective. 00:25:45.420 --> 00:25:46.600 Of the life we gain. 00:25:47.120 --> 00:25:48.300 As we follow Christ. 00:25:48.360 --> 00:25:49.400 Because I think that's what our. 00:25:50.080 --> 00:25:51.600 Text is trying to stress. 00:25:53.240 --> 00:25:54.560 But why is it worth it? 00:25:55.680 --> 00:25:57.540 Why have we all chosen to. 00:25:58.480 --> 00:25:59.280 Follow Jesus? 00:26:00.800 --> 00:26:01.180 Well. 00:26:01.260 --> 00:26:02.100 Like we talked about earlier. 00:26:02.220 --> 00:26:03.320 Peter had just made. 00:26:03.740 --> 00:26:04.940 A really great statement. 00:26:04.940 --> 00:26:05.840 Even though he didn't. 00:26:06.059 --> 00:26:07.279 Quite understand it yet. 00:26:08.059 --> 00:26:09.120 He had made a great statement. 00:26:09.240 --> 00:26:10.640 And what does his statement mean? 00:26:10.799 --> 00:26:12.200 That Jesus is the Christ. 00:26:12.900 --> 00:26:13.480 The Messiah. 00:26:14.680 --> 00:26:16.100 That meant the inauguration. 00:26:16.340 --> 00:26:17.299 Of the kingdom of God. 00:26:17.380 --> 00:26:18.299 That meant the inauguration. 00:26:18.299 --> 00:26:19.220 Of the new covenant. 00:26:19.799 --> 00:26:20.400 Think about. 00:26:20.580 --> 00:26:21.440 Jeremiah 31. 00:26:22.440 --> 00:26:23.259 With the prophecy. 00:26:23.259 --> 00:26:23.980 Of our new covenant. 00:26:24.100 --> 00:26:24.600 You can turn there. 00:26:24.660 --> 00:26:24.900 If you want. 00:26:24.980 --> 00:26:25.720 Jeremiah 31. 00:26:26.580 --> 00:26:27.779 Very familiar passage. 00:26:27.900 --> 00:26:28.720 31 to 34. 00:26:28.860 --> 00:26:29.460 Is what I'm going to read. 00:26:29.460 --> 00:26:31.519 Says. 00:26:31.579 --> 00:26:32.620 Behold the days are coming. 00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:33.340 Declares the Lord. 00:26:33.420 --> 00:26:34.720 When I will make a new covenant. 00:26:34.960 --> 00:26:35.779 With the house of Israel. 00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:36.620 And the house of Judah. 00:26:37.160 --> 00:26:38.079 Not like the covenant. 00:26:38.079 --> 00:26:39.160 That I made with their fathers. 00:26:39.160 --> 00:26:39.640 On the day. 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:40.640 When I took them by the. 00:26:40.840 --> 00:26:41.480 By the hands. 00:26:41.579 --> 00:26:42.579 To bring them out of the land. 00:26:42.660 --> 00:26:43.000 Of Egypt. 00:26:43.160 --> 00:26:44.299 My covenant that they broke. 00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:45.640 Though I was their husband. 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:46.319 Declares the Lord. 00:26:47.000 --> 00:26:48.039 For this is the covenant. 00:26:48.039 --> 00:26:48.840 That I will make. 00:26:48.900 --> 00:26:49.779 With the house of Israel. 00:26:49.779 --> 00:26:50.600 After those days. 00:26:50.680 --> 00:26:51.200 Declarate the Lord. 00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:53.000 I will put my law. 00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:53.519 Within them. 00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:54.259 And I will write it. 00:26:54.279 --> 00:26:54.920 On their hearts. 00:26:55.140 --> 00:26:56.240 And I will be their God. 00:26:56.299 --> 00:26:57.600 And they shall be my people. 00:26:57.599 --> 00:26:59.579 And no longer shall one. 00:26:59.879 --> 00:27:00.959 Each one teach his neighbor. 00:27:01.259 --> 00:27:01.819 And each his brother. 00:27:01.959 --> 00:27:02.299 Saying. 00:27:02.819 --> 00:27:03.379 Know the Lord. 00:27:03.939 --> 00:27:05.039 For they shall all know me. 00:27:05.139 --> 00:27:05.980 From the least of them. 00:27:06.059 --> 00:27:06.740 To the greatest. 00:27:06.919 --> 00:27:07.599 Declares the Lord. 00:27:08.279 --> 00:27:09.699 For I will forgive their iniquity. 00:27:10.319 --> 00:27:11.959 And I will remember their sin no more. 00:27:13.259 --> 00:27:14.699 Note the preciousness here. 00:27:14.779 --> 00:27:15.179 In this. 00:27:15.679 --> 00:27:16.339 New covenant. 00:27:16.619 --> 00:27:17.179 This covenant. 00:27:17.319 --> 00:27:18.599 That Jesus is bringing about. 00:27:19.879 --> 00:27:21.299 A covenant that is putting us. 00:27:21.339 --> 00:27:22.179 As God's people. 00:27:22.859 --> 00:27:23.439 And him. 00:27:23.819 --> 00:27:24.699 As our God. 00:27:25.119 --> 00:27:26.419 And we can know the Lord. 00:27:26.420 --> 00:27:28.360 We can know the Lord. 00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:29.940 From the least of us. 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.700 To the greatest. 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:32.480 And he will forgive. 00:27:33.080 --> 00:27:33.860 Our iniquity. 00:27:34.840 --> 00:27:36.500 And remember our sin no more. 00:27:36.779 --> 00:27:37.820 The joy in that. 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:39.360 The joy of knowing our Lord. 00:27:39.880 --> 00:27:42.039 And in being in right standing with him. 00:27:43.880 --> 00:27:45.960 Through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. 00:27:46.120 --> 00:27:47.160 And we have this life. 00:27:47.240 --> 00:27:48.300 This eternal life. 00:27:48.340 --> 00:27:49.460 That's even beginning now. 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:51.460 Through knowing our Lord. 00:27:52.800 --> 00:27:53.720 And the eternity. 00:27:53.900 --> 00:27:55.220 That we'll spend with him in glory. 00:27:55.220 --> 00:27:57.240 To trade a good life. 00:27:57.240 --> 00:27:58.680 For a so-called good life. 00:28:00.039 --> 00:28:01.299 In the eyes of this world. 00:28:01.460 --> 00:28:03.799 For eternal forgiveness of sins. 00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:07.160 And being in the presence of our Lord and Savior forever. 00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:09.100 It's a cost. 00:28:09.200 --> 00:28:10.600 But for those of us who know Christ. 00:28:10.700 --> 00:28:11.400 I believe we can. 00:28:12.120 --> 00:28:13.360 Echo with Paul. 00:28:13.500 --> 00:28:14.799 That this momentary affliction. 00:28:15.600 --> 00:28:18.200 Is nothing to be compared with the eternal way of glory. 00:28:18.460 --> 00:28:19.180 And so we do. 00:28:20.180 --> 00:28:21.140 Take up our cross. 00:28:21.240 --> 00:28:21.880 And follow Jesus. 00:28:21.880 --> 00:28:23.520 So I'd encourage you today. 00:28:24.140 --> 00:28:24.700 This week. 00:28:24.760 --> 00:28:25.820 To really consider that. 00:28:26.140 --> 00:28:27.120 Are you truly. 00:28:27.760 --> 00:28:28.720 Taking up your cross. 00:28:28.800 --> 00:28:29.460 And following Jesus. 00:28:29.520 --> 00:28:30.280 As he's called us to. 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:30.720