WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:10.620 Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. 00:00:14.040 --> 00:00:21.140 Amen. What a beautiful song and a great reminder of how God meets us and shows Himself to us. 00:00:21.920 --> 00:00:26.719 One of the ways God does that day by day, moment by moment, week after week, 00:00:26.719 --> 00:00:35.000 is through His Word that He's given to us, where He's revealed Himself to us, spoken into our lives. 00:00:35.420 --> 00:00:39.140 So let's look to it with eagerness this morning for Him to speak to us. 00:00:39.640 --> 00:00:42.799 We're in the last verses of Ephesians chapter 4 this morning. 00:00:43.799 --> 00:00:49.179 Before we jump into this passage, I want us to remember just a little bit of where we were last week. 00:00:49.280 --> 00:00:55.920 The passage we looked at last Sunday is the theological background for what we're talking about in the passage this week. 00:00:55.920 --> 00:01:00.219 It tells us the basis for what we're talking about. 00:01:00.340 --> 00:01:07.480 It talks about the reality in the Christian life that victory over sin has been secured for us by Jesus, right? 00:01:07.659 --> 00:01:10.439 And a new life begun that He's given to us. 00:01:11.680 --> 00:01:16.240 And at the same time, there's an ongoing war being waged against that new life 00:01:16.240 --> 00:01:20.379 by the remnants of sin that are in us that are battling against us. 00:01:20.379 --> 00:01:24.679 And God's calling us to live in a way that's fitting with our new life. 00:01:25.079 --> 00:01:32.079 By warring against sin, putting sin to death, not making a truce with an enemy Jesus died to defeat. 00:01:32.519 --> 00:01:34.539 Is the way we talked about it last week. 00:01:34.959 --> 00:01:39.759 And at the same time, seeing God produce in us true righteousness and holiness. 00:01:40.919 --> 00:01:44.179 We said God has not only made us new, given us a new identity, 00:01:44.180 --> 00:01:50.040 but He's also remaking us into His image to be what He created us to be in the first place. 00:01:50.980 --> 00:01:54.780 The analogy we have been using for that is witness protection. 00:01:55.640 --> 00:02:01.660 Where a witness may come to turn people in and to testify against very dangerous people 00:02:01.660 --> 00:02:03.980 and may need protection in that sense. 00:02:04.140 --> 00:02:08.420 They may need to be sent away to a new location with a new identity 00:02:08.760 --> 00:02:13.340 and set up there for their good with a completely new life. 00:02:14.180 --> 00:02:15.980 It wouldn't be safe, would it? 00:02:16.560 --> 00:02:18.240 For them to stay where they were. 00:02:18.319 --> 00:02:21.099 It's the only safe way forward is to say, 00:02:21.219 --> 00:02:24.480 you've got to embrace this new life that's been given to you. 00:02:25.379 --> 00:02:27.120 There's danger in the old life. 00:02:27.240 --> 00:02:29.300 There's freedom in the new life. 00:02:30.719 --> 00:02:34.240 And so we come to our passage this morning where Paul will begin, 00:02:34.360 --> 00:02:37.080 moving from that to start with therefore. 00:02:37.080 --> 00:02:41.240 Therefore, in light of the fact that God has given you new life 00:02:41.240 --> 00:02:44.680 and that He's working in us by His Spirit, 00:02:44.800 --> 00:02:46.920 what's that new life going to look like? 00:02:47.200 --> 00:02:50.980 What are some specific things that must characterize us in light of this? 00:02:51.260 --> 00:02:52.500 Ephesians chapter 4. 00:02:53.280 --> 00:02:55.719 We'll start reading at verse 25. 00:02:55.719 --> 00:03:00.000 Therefore, having put away falsehood, 00:03:00.080 --> 00:03:02.539 let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, 00:03:02.740 --> 00:03:04.500 for we are members one of another. 00:03:05.500 --> 00:03:07.199 Be angry and do not sin. 00:03:07.439 --> 00:03:09.439 Do not let the sun go down on your anger 00:03:09.439 --> 00:03:11.479 and give no opportunity to the devil. 00:03:12.740 --> 00:03:14.460 Let the thief no longer steal, 00:03:14.579 --> 00:03:17.599 but rather let him labor doing honest work with his own hands 00:03:17.599 --> 00:03:20.719 so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 00:03:20.719 --> 00:03:24.340 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, 00:03:24.439 --> 00:03:26.659 but only such as is good for building up, 00:03:26.699 --> 00:03:27.800 as fits the occasion, 00:03:28.319 --> 00:03:30.139 that it may give grace to those who hear. 00:03:31.560 --> 00:03:33.639 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God 00:03:33.639 --> 00:03:35.860 by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 00:03:37.139 --> 00:03:40.860 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander 00:03:40.860 --> 00:03:43.259 be put away from you along with all malice. 00:03:43.860 --> 00:03:45.620 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, 00:03:46.379 --> 00:03:47.280 forgiving one another, 00:03:47.280 --> 00:03:50.699 as God in Christ forgave you. 00:03:51.340 --> 00:03:51.919 Let's pray. 00:03:55.020 --> 00:03:59.699 God, we do believe that your word is living and active. 00:04:00.340 --> 00:04:03.099 That it's sharper than a double-edged sword. 00:04:03.240 --> 00:04:07.460 That it will cut and divide our joints from our marrow. 00:04:07.860 --> 00:04:11.719 That it will expose the inner portions of our heart, 00:04:11.719 --> 00:04:15.859 cut to places we're not even aware of or conscious, 00:04:16.459 --> 00:04:17.439 are in our hearts. 00:04:19.019 --> 00:04:22.759 And so, we ask this morning that as painful as that can be, 00:04:22.860 --> 00:04:25.860 that you would make us eager to hear your word. 00:04:26.699 --> 00:04:30.800 That you would make us desire it to operate on us like that. 00:04:31.019 --> 00:04:32.399 That you, by your Spirit, 00:04:32.500 --> 00:04:35.379 would perform that surgery for our good. 00:04:35.379 --> 00:04:39.500 We so much rather would do things our own way. 00:04:40.040 --> 00:04:42.360 We so much rather would have our opinions 00:04:42.360 --> 00:04:45.839 that we can bring to the table and judge your word. 00:04:46.159 --> 00:04:48.379 Father, would you subdue that in our hearts? 00:04:48.920 --> 00:04:50.819 Would we sit under your word? 00:04:51.659 --> 00:04:55.379 Would it undo us and would you change us by your Spirit? 00:04:56.699 --> 00:04:58.519 Do that as we look to your word now, 00:04:58.600 --> 00:04:59.980 we ask in Jesus' name. 00:05:00.680 --> 00:05:01.000 Amen. 00:05:01.000 --> 00:05:06.240 One of the realities that we certainly can appreciate 00:05:06.240 --> 00:05:07.540 about witness protection 00:05:07.540 --> 00:05:11.480 is that for the witness to flourish in his new identity, 00:05:11.800 --> 00:05:13.819 two things are going to have to happen. 00:05:14.180 --> 00:05:17.459 There's going to be both a disconnecting from the old life 00:05:17.459 --> 00:05:20.500 and a full embrace of the new life. 00:05:20.920 --> 00:05:22.139 Both of those are required. 00:05:22.319 --> 00:05:24.360 Just to leave behind the old life 00:05:24.360 --> 00:05:27.220 and go sit in the safe house sullenly and quietly 00:05:27.220 --> 00:05:28.399 for the rest of your days 00:05:28.399 --> 00:05:31.659 is not the new life and new identity you've been given, is it? 00:05:32.699 --> 00:05:33.899 At the same time, 00:05:34.019 --> 00:05:36.599 to embrace with gusto the new life 00:05:36.599 --> 00:05:38.759 and say, yes, I'm going to go live here, 00:05:38.859 --> 00:05:41.060 but I'm also going to dabble around 00:05:41.060 --> 00:05:43.299 with my old friends every once in a while. 00:05:43.339 --> 00:05:44.439 I don't want to lose them. 00:05:44.939 --> 00:05:46.939 That's not going to be safe either, is it? 00:05:47.319 --> 00:05:49.819 That's not the new life that you've been given. 00:05:51.219 --> 00:05:54.060 Pastor Sinclair Ferguson talks about this reality 00:05:54.060 --> 00:05:55.279 in terms of a garden. 00:05:55.739 --> 00:05:57.879 He talks about flowers and weeds. 00:05:57.879 --> 00:06:00.579 He says, if you're going to have a beautiful garden come, 00:06:00.659 --> 00:06:02.920 there's going to be weeds that need to be pulled up 00:06:02.920 --> 00:06:06.199 and flowers that need to be planted 00:06:06.199 --> 00:06:07.779 to see new life thrive. 00:06:08.180 --> 00:06:10.779 One or the other on its own is not going to work, is it? 00:06:12.159 --> 00:06:14.480 And this is Paul's pattern in this passage 00:06:14.480 --> 00:06:17.439 as he paints a beautiful picture of the new life. 00:06:17.740 --> 00:06:19.839 He tells us five specific areas 00:06:19.839 --> 00:06:21.319 we're going to walk through this morning. 00:06:22.259 --> 00:06:23.600 And in each one of those, 00:06:23.680 --> 00:06:25.079 he tells us three things. 00:06:25.079 --> 00:06:27.540 He tells us what belongs to the old way of life, 00:06:27.879 --> 00:06:29.980 how we're not to live anymore, 00:06:30.279 --> 00:06:32.060 what belongs to the new life, 00:06:32.120 --> 00:06:33.379 how we should live. 00:06:33.480 --> 00:06:35.060 And then thirdly, he tells us why. 00:06:35.659 --> 00:06:37.279 Why should it be different? 00:06:38.259 --> 00:06:41.139 But we're going to talk about those things, 00:06:41.139 --> 00:06:42.579 and then we're going to talk about 00:06:42.579 --> 00:06:44.199 how that happens, 00:06:44.240 --> 00:06:46.259 and what the full picture it is 00:06:46.259 --> 00:06:47.300 that Paul paints, 00:06:47.339 --> 00:06:49.439 not just these five individual things. 00:06:49.519 --> 00:06:50.300 We'll do that at the end, 00:06:50.300 --> 00:06:52.020 but first let's walk through 00:06:52.020 --> 00:06:54.100 these five specific commands 00:06:54.100 --> 00:06:55.020 for Christian living 00:06:55.020 --> 00:06:56.259 and make sure we understand 00:06:56.259 --> 00:06:57.600 what we're talking about. 00:06:57.699 --> 00:06:59.079 We're going to note that pattern 00:06:59.079 --> 00:06:59.980 that we just mentioned 00:06:59.980 --> 00:07:01.120 for all five of them. 00:07:01.939 --> 00:07:03.300 So first, verse 25. 00:07:04.400 --> 00:07:06.580 Therefore, having put away falsehood, 00:07:06.639 --> 00:07:08.620 let each one of you speak the truth 00:07:08.620 --> 00:07:09.400 with his neighbor, 00:07:10.240 --> 00:07:12.819 for we are members one of another. 00:07:12.819 --> 00:07:17.680 The old man telling lies and have truths, 00:07:18.000 --> 00:07:20.659 things that would lead people away 00:07:20.659 --> 00:07:21.399 from the truth, 00:07:21.500 --> 00:07:22.959 that would be misleading statements. 00:07:24.040 --> 00:07:25.939 That's what we're not to do anymore. 00:07:26.899 --> 00:07:29.360 Instead, we're to speak truth. 00:07:30.439 --> 00:07:31.860 And this seems pretty easy, right? 00:07:32.259 --> 00:07:33.459 All right, he's starting us off 00:07:33.459 --> 00:07:35.379 with one that we can handle. 00:07:35.800 --> 00:07:37.839 Just don't lie and tell the truth, right? 00:07:37.899 --> 00:07:39.560 I mean, that's pretty straightforward. 00:07:39.719 --> 00:07:40.379 I can do that. 00:07:40.379 --> 00:07:43.339 I always do it that way. 00:07:45.279 --> 00:07:47.540 Do you never color or spin the truth 00:07:47.540 --> 00:07:49.240 just to promote yourself 00:07:49.240 --> 00:07:51.079 or protect your reputation? 00:07:52.779 --> 00:07:54.399 Have you never told a story 00:07:54.399 --> 00:07:56.259 or shared a prayer request 00:07:56.259 --> 00:07:57.100 at small group 00:07:57.100 --> 00:07:59.100 or a post on social media 00:07:59.100 --> 00:08:01.000 that was embellished for effect 00:08:01.000 --> 00:08:02.319 so you'd sound interesting 00:08:02.319 --> 00:08:03.439 or spiritual? 00:08:05.439 --> 00:08:06.699 Have you never compromised 00:08:06.699 --> 00:08:08.100 the truth with your spouse 00:08:08.100 --> 00:08:10.180 so she'd be more happy with you? 00:08:10.379 --> 00:08:11.819 So you could avoid being blamed? 00:08:13.240 --> 00:08:13.939 Me either. 00:08:14.219 --> 00:08:14.399 Good. 00:08:16.740 --> 00:08:18.620 We hate getting blamed, don't we? 00:08:19.899 --> 00:08:22.259 We'll do anything to avoid that. 00:08:23.040 --> 00:08:24.680 Just don't let it come back on me. 00:08:24.779 --> 00:08:26.879 Maybe I'll just steer it over here. 00:08:27.579 --> 00:08:28.920 Twist things just a little bit. 00:08:29.339 --> 00:08:31.259 Truth is vital and valuable. 00:08:32.059 --> 00:08:33.379 Let your yes be yes 00:08:33.379 --> 00:08:34.559 and your no be no. 00:08:34.899 --> 00:08:37.159 Do people hear you and trust you? 00:08:37.700 --> 00:08:38.679 The people who know you, 00:08:38.679 --> 00:08:40.299 do they assume when they hear you say something 00:08:40.299 --> 00:08:41.899 they're hearing the truth? 00:08:42.019 --> 00:08:42.979 Are you a man or woman 00:08:42.979 --> 00:08:43.979 of your word, 00:08:44.079 --> 00:08:44.899 of integrity? 00:08:46.739 --> 00:08:47.919 This is so important, 00:08:48.099 --> 00:08:48.679 Paul says, 00:08:49.199 --> 00:08:51.399 because we're a part of the same body 00:08:51.399 --> 00:08:53.779 on the same team. 00:08:54.419 --> 00:08:55.479 Imagine the pain 00:08:55.479 --> 00:08:56.939 for a physical body 00:08:56.939 --> 00:08:58.519 if one part of the body 00:08:58.519 --> 00:09:00.299 didn't tell truth to the other. 00:09:00.739 --> 00:09:01.519 If, for instance, 00:09:01.639 --> 00:09:02.319 you were walking 00:09:02.320 --> 00:09:03.540 and your eye 00:09:03.540 --> 00:09:04.740 did not tell your foot, 00:09:04.820 --> 00:09:05.580 that's a nail 00:09:05.580 --> 00:09:07.320 that you're about to step on. 00:09:07.360 --> 00:09:08.540 If it didn't speak that truth 00:09:08.540 --> 00:09:09.060 to your foot 00:09:09.060 --> 00:09:10.500 and you walked on anyway, 00:09:10.580 --> 00:09:11.780 the pain that would cause. 00:09:12.400 --> 00:09:13.740 Or the pain that would come 00:09:13.740 --> 00:09:15.940 if your nose smelled smoke 00:09:15.940 --> 00:09:17.160 and didn't tell your legs 00:09:17.160 --> 00:09:18.379 to run out of the building. 00:09:19.320 --> 00:09:19.560 Right? 00:09:20.280 --> 00:09:22.100 Now those may seem like silly examples, 00:09:22.379 --> 00:09:23.940 but in the body of Christ, 00:09:24.060 --> 00:09:25.560 think of the pain that's caused 00:09:25.560 --> 00:09:27.040 when truth is not told 00:09:27.040 --> 00:09:28.400 by one part to the other. 00:09:29.660 --> 00:09:31.460 Think of what that looks like, 00:09:31.460 --> 00:09:32.660 because truth-telling 00:09:32.660 --> 00:09:34.620 produces a culture of trust. 00:09:36.639 --> 00:09:37.879 Vital for the body 00:09:37.879 --> 00:09:38.820 to work well together, 00:09:38.940 --> 00:09:39.920 for the team to be headed 00:09:39.920 --> 00:09:40.920 in the same direction. 00:09:41.300 --> 00:09:43.100 But lying produces a culture 00:09:43.100 --> 00:09:44.360 of distrust 00:09:44.360 --> 00:09:46.060 that brings division in the church 00:09:46.060 --> 00:09:47.200 and thus hinders 00:09:47.200 --> 00:09:48.259 the work of the gospel. 00:09:49.280 --> 00:09:49.680 Paul says, 00:09:49.800 --> 00:09:51.180 we're on the same team. 00:09:51.960 --> 00:09:54.080 Share honest, truthful information 00:09:54.080 --> 00:09:55.379 so we can work together, 00:09:55.480 --> 00:09:56.460 not against each other. 00:09:57.040 --> 00:09:58.180 So that we're not constantly 00:09:58.180 --> 00:09:58.920 working our way 00:09:58.920 --> 00:10:00.080 around the circle of friends 00:10:00.080 --> 00:10:02.080 to find the real story. 00:10:02.800 --> 00:10:03.480 Suspecting that 00:10:03.480 --> 00:10:04.639 those that we ought 00:10:04.639 --> 00:10:05.580 to be able to trust 00:10:05.580 --> 00:10:07.800 are constantly misleading us. 00:10:10.139 --> 00:10:12.259 Next, verse 26 and 27. 00:10:13.259 --> 00:10:14.940 Be angry and do not sin. 00:10:15.220 --> 00:10:16.080 Do not let the sun 00:10:16.080 --> 00:10:17.040 go down on your anger 00:10:17.040 --> 00:10:18.320 and give no opportunity 00:10:18.320 --> 00:10:19.020 to the devil. 00:10:20.440 --> 00:10:21.480 You'll notice that 00:10:21.480 --> 00:10:22.780 when Paul's talking 00:10:22.780 --> 00:10:23.639 about the old man, 00:10:23.700 --> 00:10:24.980 he talks about sinful 00:10:24.980 --> 00:10:26.400 and uncontrolled anger. 00:10:26.720 --> 00:10:28.300 He chooses his words carefully 00:10:28.299 --> 00:10:30.039 to say that there's actually 00:10:30.039 --> 00:10:30.959 a thing such as 00:10:30.959 --> 00:10:32.139 righteous anger, right? 00:10:32.939 --> 00:10:34.479 It is possible 00:10:34.479 --> 00:10:36.559 to be angry and not sin. 00:10:38.199 --> 00:10:39.599 But that's not usually 00:10:39.599 --> 00:10:40.539 what we do. 00:10:41.299 --> 00:10:42.120 That's not the way 00:10:42.120 --> 00:10:44.199 anger often affects us. 00:10:44.919 --> 00:10:46.659 We need now in the new man 00:10:46.659 --> 00:10:48.299 to have controlled thoughts 00:10:48.299 --> 00:10:48.959 and emotions 00:10:48.959 --> 00:10:50.979 where we recognize our anger 00:10:50.979 --> 00:10:52.439 and no matter what it is 00:10:52.439 --> 00:10:53.599 that's caused the anger, 00:10:53.819 --> 00:10:55.159 we don't just let it simmer, 00:10:55.159 --> 00:10:56.740 but we bring it in submission 00:10:56.740 --> 00:10:58.559 to Christ and His priorities. 00:10:58.819 --> 00:10:59.579 That's the only way 00:10:59.579 --> 00:11:01.039 it's going to be righteous anger. 00:11:01.439 --> 00:11:02.879 Don't just stew on it 00:11:02.879 --> 00:11:04.179 and let it eat away at you 00:11:04.179 --> 00:11:04.939 where your anger 00:11:04.939 --> 00:11:06.279 begins to control you. 00:11:07.919 --> 00:11:09.240 That happens very quickly. 00:11:10.299 --> 00:11:11.740 And some of us in this room 00:11:11.740 --> 00:11:12.899 are what I would call 00:11:12.899 --> 00:11:14.899 rationally driven fixers. 00:11:15.579 --> 00:11:16.240 I am. 00:11:16.759 --> 00:11:17.799 All of the engineers 00:11:17.799 --> 00:11:18.539 in the room are. 00:11:18.939 --> 00:11:20.500 And then half of the rest of you 00:11:20.500 --> 00:11:22.179 are wired the same way too, okay? 00:11:22.379 --> 00:11:23.399 What that means is 00:11:23.399 --> 00:11:24.799 when we see a problem, 00:11:25.079 --> 00:11:26.539 we just want to fix it 00:11:26.539 --> 00:11:27.279 and be done with it. 00:11:27.319 --> 00:11:28.659 And we love this verse, don't we? 00:11:29.319 --> 00:11:30.459 Why do we love these verses? 00:11:31.100 --> 00:11:33.439 Ah, because it's saying in the Bible 00:11:33.439 --> 00:11:35.519 the way we've always wanted to function. 00:11:36.159 --> 00:11:37.459 Get things done. 00:11:37.819 --> 00:11:39.779 Resolve that problem and move on. 00:11:39.919 --> 00:11:41.720 Don't let the sun go down on your anger. 00:11:43.199 --> 00:11:45.459 Except that Paul doesn't actually say 00:11:45.459 --> 00:11:47.980 that every situation should be resolved 00:11:47.980 --> 00:11:49.639 completely and very quickly. 00:11:49.639 --> 00:11:53.179 He's talking here about our anger 00:11:53.179 --> 00:11:54.939 not being out of control. 00:11:55.819 --> 00:11:58.419 I used to operate this way in my marriage 00:11:58.419 --> 00:12:00.559 that if something was wrong, 00:12:00.639 --> 00:12:01.779 we had to fix it, right? 00:12:01.819 --> 00:12:02.939 And the Bible said so 00:12:02.939 --> 00:12:04.399 and everything was going to be done 00:12:04.399 --> 00:12:05.379 before we went to bed. 00:12:05.659 --> 00:12:06.939 And what you end up learning 00:12:06.939 --> 00:12:08.679 is that these words 00:12:08.679 --> 00:12:10.819 don't exactly say that. 00:12:11.740 --> 00:12:13.480 There may actually be more things 00:12:13.480 --> 00:12:15.360 that need to be processed later. 00:12:15.519 --> 00:12:17.659 Sometimes sleep even helps a little bit. 00:12:19.639 --> 00:12:23.899 But, but, what we are cautioned against, 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:25.399 what we shouldn't go to bed with 00:12:25.399 --> 00:12:27.659 is unbridled anger and rage 00:12:27.659 --> 00:12:28.939 that's out of control, 00:12:29.039 --> 00:12:31.059 that's beginning to control us, 00:12:31.340 --> 00:12:32.840 letting our hate and our hurt 00:12:32.840 --> 00:12:35.399 control our hearts for prolonged seasons. 00:12:36.279 --> 00:12:38.179 That's what's being warned against. 00:12:38.600 --> 00:12:41.439 Even if a conversation is still to be had 00:12:41.439 --> 00:12:42.860 on the subject, 00:12:43.639 --> 00:12:45.779 even if there's more that needs to be processed, 00:12:45.779 --> 00:12:49.500 the rage should be replaced by love, 00:12:50.139 --> 00:12:50.740 for example. 00:12:51.079 --> 00:12:52.620 The enmity that's thereby 00:12:52.620 --> 00:12:55.360 a desire for reconciliation 00:12:55.360 --> 00:12:56.720 or peace or mercy, 00:12:56.860 --> 00:12:58.939 even if that can't fully be accomplished 00:12:58.939 --> 00:13:00.659 in the five minutes 00:13:00.659 --> 00:13:02.659 that I'd like to have it tied up in. 00:13:04.120 --> 00:13:06.779 Those desires that eat away at our hearts, 00:13:07.659 --> 00:13:09.259 the anger that stews 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:10.799 and that begins to control us 00:13:10.799 --> 00:13:13.059 is so dangerous because why? 00:13:14.039 --> 00:13:15.619 Satan loves to get in there. 00:13:15.959 --> 00:13:17.739 It's a foothold for Satan, isn't it? 00:13:17.799 --> 00:13:19.759 Satan loves to use our unbridled anger 00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:21.899 to sow discord in the body. 00:13:22.299 --> 00:13:24.379 He loves to take your simmering anger 00:13:24.379 --> 00:13:26.759 and work his way into the relationship 00:13:26.759 --> 00:13:28.239 from that foothold, doesn't he? 00:13:29.139 --> 00:13:31.559 As anger eats away and controls you, 00:13:31.599 --> 00:13:32.819 you become easy prey 00:13:32.819 --> 00:13:34.559 for believing the lies of Satan 00:13:34.559 --> 00:13:35.959 about the one who's hurt you, 00:13:36.139 --> 00:13:36.539 don't you? 00:13:37.379 --> 00:13:38.759 It's really easy to believe 00:13:38.759 --> 00:13:39.759 bad things about them 00:13:39.759 --> 00:13:40.919 while you're angry with them, 00:13:40.980 --> 00:13:43.419 while your rage is flaring up. 00:13:44.559 --> 00:13:45.659 And so you begin easily 00:13:45.659 --> 00:13:46.860 to work against them 00:13:46.860 --> 00:13:47.759 rather than with them 00:13:47.759 --> 00:13:49.019 and Satan would love that. 00:13:50.659 --> 00:13:51.699 Notice one more thing 00:13:51.699 --> 00:13:52.599 before we move on. 00:13:53.099 --> 00:13:54.839 When do we usually quote this verse? 00:13:55.319 --> 00:13:57.219 It's usually in a marriage class, right? 00:13:57.419 --> 00:13:58.319 Some of you were in a marriage 00:13:58.319 --> 00:13:59.500 Sunday school class this morning. 00:13:59.559 --> 00:14:01.000 This is a great verse for marriages. 00:14:01.139 --> 00:14:02.240 Are we in the marriage section 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:03.000 of Ephesians yet? 00:14:03.000 --> 00:14:05.639 We're not there yet. 00:14:06.200 --> 00:14:06.840 One more chapter. 00:14:06.960 --> 00:14:07.600 We're going to get there. 00:14:08.019 --> 00:14:09.179 Paul's going to talk about marriage. 00:14:09.279 --> 00:14:10.759 What is Paul talking about right now? 00:14:12.639 --> 00:14:13.940 All your relationships. 00:14:15.419 --> 00:14:17.139 Every single relationship 00:14:17.139 --> 00:14:18.799 in the body of Christ 00:14:18.799 --> 00:14:20.820 that we're to follow this. 00:14:22.460 --> 00:14:23.360 I know, right? 00:14:24.100 --> 00:14:25.059 That is hard. 00:14:26.500 --> 00:14:28.240 And you thought if you loved your husband, 00:14:28.740 --> 00:14:30.559 you could harbor unbridled anger 00:14:30.559 --> 00:14:31.500 against her all night 00:14:31.500 --> 00:14:32.399 and be doing pretty well. 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:34.279 And Paul says, 00:14:34.700 --> 00:14:35.860 all of your relationships. 00:14:36.620 --> 00:14:37.860 Don't let the sun go down 00:14:37.860 --> 00:14:38.700 on your anger. 00:14:40.059 --> 00:14:41.500 Example 3, verse 28. 00:14:43.100 --> 00:14:44.460 Let the thief no longer steal, 00:14:44.580 --> 00:14:46.120 but rather let him labor, 00:14:46.580 --> 00:14:48.340 doing honest work with his own hands 00:14:48.340 --> 00:14:49.440 so that he may have something 00:14:49.440 --> 00:14:52.039 to share with anyone in need. 00:14:53.500 --> 00:14:54.899 Perhaps we don't often think 00:14:54.899 --> 00:14:56.620 of ourselves as thieves, 00:14:56.779 --> 00:14:58.580 but how easy can it be 00:14:58.580 --> 00:15:00.759 in an attempt to protect 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:02.299 or provide for ourselves? 00:15:02.299 --> 00:15:06.639 To steal taxes from the government? 00:15:08.259 --> 00:15:09.879 Time from our employers? 00:15:10.939 --> 00:15:13.479 To rob tithes from God, 00:15:13.759 --> 00:15:15.439 as he tells his people in Malachi? 00:15:15.440 --> 00:15:18.500 And what Paul's getting at 00:15:18.500 --> 00:15:20.080 is the self-serving heart 00:15:20.080 --> 00:15:23.060 that drives these sorts of actions. 00:15:23.420 --> 00:15:25.900 It's highlighted by what Paul commends 00:15:25.900 --> 00:15:27.700 as characteristic of the new life. 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:28.680 What does he say? 00:15:28.900 --> 00:15:30.480 It's not just quit stealing, 00:15:31.540 --> 00:15:32.780 stop being thieves, 00:15:32.900 --> 00:15:34.180 but rather work. 00:15:34.860 --> 00:15:36.800 And I expected that part, 00:15:37.140 --> 00:15:38.720 but it's not just work. 00:15:38.720 --> 00:15:40.200 That made sense to me. 00:15:40.440 --> 00:15:41.300 Stop stealing, 00:15:41.480 --> 00:15:42.220 instead work, 00:15:42.220 --> 00:15:43.360 work so you can buy the thing 00:15:43.360 --> 00:15:44.399 you were going to steal, right? 00:15:44.980 --> 00:15:46.000 That makes sense. 00:15:46.139 --> 00:15:46.820 He goes further. 00:15:46.879 --> 00:15:47.460 What does he say? 00:15:48.100 --> 00:15:50.300 Not just stop stealing 00:15:50.300 --> 00:15:52.899 and work so that you can get what you want. 00:15:53.360 --> 00:15:54.980 Work so that you can do what? 00:15:56.920 --> 00:15:58.560 Have something to share 00:15:58.560 --> 00:16:00.340 with anyone in need. 00:16:01.060 --> 00:16:02.960 He's going to our hearts. 00:16:02.960 --> 00:16:04.139 He's saying, 00:16:04.360 --> 00:16:05.540 don't just be good 00:16:05.540 --> 00:16:06.139 and work hard 00:16:06.139 --> 00:16:07.379 and provide for your family. 00:16:07.720 --> 00:16:08.180 He's saying, 00:16:08.460 --> 00:16:10.240 I want you to be looking at others 00:16:10.240 --> 00:16:12.759 as more significant than yourselves. 00:16:12.900 --> 00:16:14.060 I want you to be more anxious 00:16:14.060 --> 00:16:15.740 even to provide for them 00:16:15.740 --> 00:16:17.240 and get what they need 00:16:17.240 --> 00:16:19.360 than what you want. 00:16:21.940 --> 00:16:24.240 How quick most of us are 00:16:24.240 --> 00:16:25.879 to find ways to get money 00:16:25.879 --> 00:16:27.700 and resources for ourselves. 00:16:27.700 --> 00:16:31.280 How slow most of us are 00:16:31.280 --> 00:16:34.000 to find ways to give to others. 00:16:34.600 --> 00:16:35.259 But Paul says, 00:16:35.460 --> 00:16:36.460 not just you shouldn't be lazy 00:16:36.460 --> 00:16:37.720 or you shouldn't be greedy 00:16:37.720 --> 00:16:39.580 no matter how much you work, 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:41.700 but rather be generous. 00:16:43.300 --> 00:16:43.820 Why? 00:16:44.400 --> 00:16:46.240 Why is it important in this passage? 00:16:46.600 --> 00:16:48.020 Because God has designed His people 00:16:48.020 --> 00:16:49.560 to care for each other. 00:16:50.440 --> 00:16:51.440 The follower of Christ 00:16:51.440 --> 00:16:52.740 is to look for opportunities 00:16:52.740 --> 00:16:53.780 to be a giver 00:16:53.780 --> 00:16:55.259 rather than a taker. 00:16:55.259 --> 00:16:57.580 To be one who is rich to others. 00:16:58.560 --> 00:17:00.620 Not merely rich Himself. 00:17:02.920 --> 00:17:04.140 What do you dream about? 00:17:05.580 --> 00:17:08.299 You dream about getting more for yourself? 00:17:09.160 --> 00:17:11.019 About how you can bless others 00:17:11.019 --> 00:17:12.059 who need it? 00:17:12.860 --> 00:17:14.640 What is it that energizes your heart? 00:17:14.700 --> 00:17:15.660 That makes you excited? 00:17:15.880 --> 00:17:17.519 That animates your checkbook? 00:17:17.600 --> 00:17:18.299 That gets you going? 00:17:18.420 --> 00:17:20.059 Is it something you've been wanting? 00:17:20.319 --> 00:17:23.220 Or somebody else needs? 00:17:23.779 --> 00:17:25.319 This passage doesn't say 00:17:25.319 --> 00:17:26.559 it's wrong to be needy. 00:17:26.559 --> 00:17:30.559 It says it's wrong to overlook the needy. 00:17:32.559 --> 00:17:33.819 I'll be honest with you. 00:17:33.940 --> 00:17:35.419 At about this point 00:17:35.419 --> 00:17:38.099 in studying for the sermon this week, 00:17:38.139 --> 00:17:39.759 I was ready to tap out 00:17:39.759 --> 00:17:41.139 and be done. 00:17:41.700 --> 00:17:42.179 Enough! 00:17:43.220 --> 00:17:43.700 Ouch! 00:17:43.700 --> 00:17:44.700 Enough! 00:17:44.700 --> 00:17:47.480 Enough of cutting to my heart 00:17:47.480 --> 00:17:48.980 and showing me my need. 00:17:50.480 --> 00:17:51.660 It's hard, isn't it? 00:17:52.080 --> 00:17:53.420 To go point by point 00:17:53.420 --> 00:17:54.539 and one thing after another 00:17:54.539 --> 00:17:55.100 to the heart. 00:17:55.340 --> 00:17:56.039 A couple more. 00:17:57.960 --> 00:17:58.980 Paul's going to turn back 00:17:58.980 --> 00:17:59.559 to the tongue. 00:17:59.680 --> 00:18:00.420 Verse 29. 00:18:00.420 --> 00:18:03.360 Let no corrupting talk 00:18:03.360 --> 00:18:04.460 come out of your mouths 00:18:04.460 --> 00:18:06.160 but only such as is good 00:18:06.160 --> 00:18:06.900 for building up 00:18:06.900 --> 00:18:07.980 as fits the occasion 00:18:07.980 --> 00:18:09.500 that it may give grace 00:18:09.500 --> 00:18:10.620 to those who hear. 00:18:12.120 --> 00:18:13.240 The great preacher 00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:14.120 Charles Spurgeon 00:18:14.120 --> 00:18:14.940 once said, 00:18:15.080 --> 00:18:16.180 if all of man's sins 00:18:16.180 --> 00:18:18.100 were divided into two bundles, 00:18:18.680 --> 00:18:19.759 half of them 00:18:19.759 --> 00:18:21.700 would be sins of the tongue. 00:18:21.940 --> 00:18:22.860 One whole bundle 00:18:22.860 --> 00:18:23.620 out of the two 00:18:23.620 --> 00:18:24.880 would be things we do 00:18:24.880 --> 00:18:25.560 with our tongues. 00:18:25.680 --> 00:18:26.560 There's so much damage 00:18:26.560 --> 00:18:27.320 we do, isn't there? 00:18:27.319 --> 00:18:30.039 I suspect you were told 00:18:30.039 --> 00:18:31.240 growing up as I was, 00:18:31.500 --> 00:18:32.139 if you don't have 00:18:32.139 --> 00:18:33.480 something nice to say, 00:18:35.359 --> 00:18:35.939 yeah, yeah, 00:18:36.019 --> 00:18:36.980 everybody learned that, right? 00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:37.200 Good. 00:18:37.579 --> 00:18:38.679 If you didn't, I'm sorry. 00:18:39.200 --> 00:18:40.079 Now you'll know. 00:18:40.319 --> 00:18:41.700 Don't say anything at all. 00:18:42.099 --> 00:18:43.819 It's actually pretty good advice, 00:18:43.919 --> 00:18:44.319 isn't it? 00:18:45.439 --> 00:18:47.859 When Paul says corrupting talk, 00:18:48.019 --> 00:18:49.179 that word he's using 00:18:49.179 --> 00:18:49.980 for corrupting 00:18:49.980 --> 00:18:51.179 is the word that's used 00:18:51.179 --> 00:18:52.859 of rotting fruit 00:18:52.859 --> 00:18:55.659 or putrid fish 00:18:55.659 --> 00:18:57.059 that's gone bad 00:18:57.059 --> 00:18:57.779 and spoiled. 00:18:58.359 --> 00:18:59.599 That your talk 00:18:59.599 --> 00:19:00.419 would do that 00:19:00.419 --> 00:19:01.460 to someone else. 00:19:01.659 --> 00:19:02.460 It would begin 00:19:02.460 --> 00:19:03.819 to eat away at them. 00:19:04.460 --> 00:19:06.179 To destroy them. 00:19:06.279 --> 00:19:07.200 To damage others. 00:19:07.299 --> 00:19:08.740 To tear them down. 00:19:09.720 --> 00:19:10.619 Perhaps even building 00:19:10.619 --> 00:19:11.679 yourself up 00:19:11.679 --> 00:19:13.839 as you destroy them. 00:19:14.399 --> 00:19:15.279 With our tongues, 00:19:15.440 --> 00:19:16.659 we praise God 00:19:16.659 --> 00:19:18.639 and with the same tongues, 00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:19.659 we curse men 00:19:19.659 --> 00:19:20.339 who were made 00:19:20.339 --> 00:19:21.299 in His image. 00:19:21.379 --> 00:19:22.159 And James says, 00:19:22.460 --> 00:19:23.460 this should not be. 00:19:23.460 --> 00:19:26.120 Instead, 00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:27.220 Paul says, 00:19:27.279 --> 00:19:28.460 don't just sit silently 00:19:28.460 --> 00:19:29.019 all the time. 00:19:29.100 --> 00:19:29.220 I mean, 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:30.200 that might be the way 00:19:30.200 --> 00:19:30.920 we could avoid 00:19:30.920 --> 00:19:31.840 corrupting talk. 00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:33.640 Just don't talk at all. 00:19:34.019 --> 00:19:34.799 Then you'll be safe. 00:19:34.900 --> 00:19:35.720 But Paul says 00:19:35.720 --> 00:19:36.420 it's more than that. 00:19:36.460 --> 00:19:37.400 He says the new life 00:19:37.400 --> 00:19:38.279 has speech 00:19:38.279 --> 00:19:39.539 that builds up 00:19:39.539 --> 00:19:40.620 and gives life. 00:19:42.000 --> 00:19:42.600 Reminds me 00:19:42.600 --> 00:19:43.440 in this verse 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:44.640 of Proverbs 25, 00:19:44.640 --> 00:19:46.520 a word fitly spoken 00:19:46.520 --> 00:19:48.860 is like apples of gold 00:19:48.860 --> 00:19:50.700 in a setting of silver. 00:19:51.400 --> 00:19:52.520 A word spoken 00:19:52.520 --> 00:19:53.380 in the right way 00:19:53.380 --> 00:19:54.500 at the right time. 00:19:55.259 --> 00:19:55.980 It's precious. 00:19:56.680 --> 00:19:57.680 It's valuable 00:19:57.680 --> 00:19:59.700 as gracious critique, 00:20:00.200 --> 00:20:02.480 as life-giving affirmation 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:03.440 to someone. 00:20:04.560 --> 00:20:05.220 Aren't you thankful 00:20:05.220 --> 00:20:06.140 for the encouragers 00:20:06.140 --> 00:20:07.460 God has put in your life? 00:20:09.040 --> 00:20:10.759 Whom could you encourage today? 00:20:11.480 --> 00:20:12.020 Think of anyone 00:20:12.020 --> 00:20:13.200 who needs a word 00:20:13.200 --> 00:20:13.940 to be built up 00:20:13.940 --> 00:20:15.500 rather than torn down? 00:20:15.840 --> 00:20:17.299 Don't words have that power 00:20:17.299 --> 00:20:18.320 to build us up? 00:20:18.360 --> 00:20:19.660 Haven't you felt that? 00:20:20.140 --> 00:20:21.360 That's why Paul says 00:20:21.360 --> 00:20:23.180 the speech is so important 00:20:23.180 --> 00:20:24.519 to build up the body, 00:20:24.640 --> 00:20:25.680 to give grace 00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:27.680 to those who hear, right? 00:20:28.279 --> 00:20:30.700 To bless or benefit the body. 00:20:31.400 --> 00:20:32.740 Especially with telephones 00:20:32.740 --> 00:20:33.240 and internet, 00:20:33.440 --> 00:20:34.360 very little tears 00:20:34.360 --> 00:20:35.720 at the fabric of the church 00:20:35.720 --> 00:20:36.480 more quickly 00:20:36.480 --> 00:20:38.420 than words that tear down. 00:20:39.220 --> 00:20:40.779 Talk that corrupts. 00:20:42.180 --> 00:20:42.620 Thankfully, 00:20:42.820 --> 00:20:43.820 the reverse is true. 00:20:43.819 --> 00:20:44.659 Very little 00:20:44.659 --> 00:20:46.079 builds community 00:20:46.079 --> 00:20:46.819 more quickly 00:20:46.819 --> 00:20:47.619 than gracious, 00:20:48.200 --> 00:20:49.700 encouraging talk. 00:20:50.419 --> 00:20:51.179 What kind of speech 00:20:51.179 --> 00:20:51.939 do you use? 00:20:52.579 --> 00:20:53.379 What kind of speech 00:20:53.379 --> 00:20:54.319 do you condone 00:20:54.319 --> 00:20:55.700 and enjoy 00:20:55.700 --> 00:20:56.919 or tolerate 00:20:56.919 --> 00:20:58.059 in your brothers and sisters? 00:20:59.539 --> 00:21:00.859 Our tongues are dangerous. 00:21:01.379 --> 00:21:02.879 And they often lead us to 00:21:02.879 --> 00:21:04.220 or are a part of 00:21:04.220 --> 00:21:05.740 even this last example 00:21:05.740 --> 00:21:06.460 Paul gives. 00:21:06.879 --> 00:21:08.599 Verses 31 and 32. 00:21:08.599 --> 00:21:10.059 Let all bitterness 00:21:10.059 --> 00:21:10.719 and wrath 00:21:10.719 --> 00:21:11.219 and anger 00:21:11.219 --> 00:21:11.899 and clamor 00:21:11.899 --> 00:21:12.480 and slander 00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:13.559 be put away from you 00:21:13.559 --> 00:21:14.740 along with all malice. 00:21:15.139 --> 00:21:16.179 Be kind to one another, 00:21:16.319 --> 00:21:17.039 tender hearted, 00:21:17.579 --> 00:21:18.480 forgiving one another 00:21:18.480 --> 00:21:19.659 as God in Christ 00:21:19.659 --> 00:21:20.779 forgave you. 00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:23.119 We're going to come back 00:21:23.119 --> 00:21:23.919 to verse 30 00:21:23.919 --> 00:21:25.319 and grieving the Holy Spirit 00:21:25.319 --> 00:21:26.019 next week. 00:21:26.699 --> 00:21:28.159 There's lots to unpack there 00:21:28.159 --> 00:21:29.599 and how it fits into this. 00:21:29.919 --> 00:21:30.839 But in many ways, 00:21:30.959 --> 00:21:32.359 this final category 00:21:32.359 --> 00:21:33.579 combines some of the 00:21:33.579 --> 00:21:34.399 previous ones 00:21:34.399 --> 00:21:36.079 we've been talking about. 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:38.099 Perhaps what happens 00:21:38.099 --> 00:21:39.679 is that someone hurts you. 00:21:39.960 --> 00:21:40.740 There's an offense. 00:21:40.899 --> 00:21:41.639 You're frustrated. 00:21:41.839 --> 00:21:42.319 You're hurt. 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:43.799 And instead of 00:21:43.799 --> 00:21:45.319 handling your anger 00:21:45.319 --> 00:21:46.720 the way God would 00:21:46.720 --> 00:21:47.740 direct you to, 00:21:48.079 --> 00:21:49.299 rather than handling it 00:21:49.299 --> 00:21:49.859 appropriately, 00:21:50.019 --> 00:21:51.119 you let it fester, right? 00:21:51.419 --> 00:21:53.039 It starts to eat away 00:21:53.039 --> 00:21:53.679 inside you. 00:21:53.759 --> 00:21:54.619 You become bitter. 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:57.099 You resent them. 00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:58.879 And you begin to 00:21:58.879 --> 00:22:00.839 desire that person's harm. 00:22:01.259 --> 00:22:03.339 Actually have malicious intent 00:22:03.339 --> 00:22:04.679 toward their reputation 00:22:04.679 --> 00:22:05.939 or their welfare. 00:22:06.079 --> 00:22:08.859 Slanderous words. 00:22:09.519 --> 00:22:11.079 Actions intended to 00:22:11.079 --> 00:22:12.159 hurt someone. 00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:13.779 These are the outcomes 00:22:13.779 --> 00:22:15.019 of harboring bitterness 00:22:15.019 --> 00:22:16.059 in our hearts. 00:22:17.579 --> 00:22:19.039 Paul says that's no longer 00:22:19.039 --> 00:22:20.179 to characterize us. 00:22:20.720 --> 00:22:21.740 Rather, we should be what? 00:22:21.799 --> 00:22:23.000 What's the contrast here? 00:22:23.399 --> 00:22:24.980 Instead, we should be kind, 00:22:25.179 --> 00:22:25.699 tenderhearted, 00:22:25.819 --> 00:22:26.399 and forgiving. 00:22:27.299 --> 00:22:27.879 In other words, 00:22:27.939 --> 00:22:29.259 we should seek the good 00:22:29.259 --> 00:22:30.339 of others 00:22:30.339 --> 00:22:31.519 rather than their harm. 00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:33.439 Even those who've harmed us, 00:22:33.480 --> 00:22:33.679 right? 00:22:34.220 --> 00:22:35.119 That's actually what 00:22:35.119 --> 00:22:36.079 forgiveness means. 00:22:36.559 --> 00:22:37.759 Forgiveness says not that 00:22:37.759 --> 00:22:38.899 I merely overlook 00:22:38.899 --> 00:22:40.000 the offense that's been 00:22:40.000 --> 00:22:40.959 committed against me 00:22:40.959 --> 00:22:42.199 and say, you know what? 00:22:42.219 --> 00:22:43.459 It really was no big deal. 00:22:43.559 --> 00:22:44.879 There was no harm there. 00:22:44.939 --> 00:22:46.000 No one really harmed me. 00:22:46.059 --> 00:22:47.599 That's not what forgiveness means. 00:22:49.159 --> 00:22:49.959 Forgiveness means, 00:22:50.039 --> 00:22:51.479 rather, that I really was harmed, 00:22:52.119 --> 00:22:53.759 but that I bear the cost 00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:55.139 of that for your good. 00:22:56.279 --> 00:22:57.299 That's forgiveness. 00:22:57.299 --> 00:22:59.700 And isn't that how God 00:22:59.700 --> 00:23:00.419 treated us? 00:23:01.759 --> 00:23:03.579 Did God turn a blind eye 00:23:03.579 --> 00:23:04.519 to our sin and say, 00:23:04.720 --> 00:23:05.359 no harm done? 00:23:05.639 --> 00:23:06.460 No big deal? 00:23:06.779 --> 00:23:07.159 No. 00:23:08.099 --> 00:23:08.759 No, He didn't. 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:09.319 But instead, 00:23:09.419 --> 00:23:10.859 He bore the cost of it Himself. 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:13.079 And if our offenses against Him 00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:14.240 have been forgiven, 00:23:14.359 --> 00:23:15.799 if all of us in the body 00:23:15.799 --> 00:23:17.240 have had God decide 00:23:17.240 --> 00:23:19.299 He's working for our good, 00:23:19.559 --> 00:23:21.480 who are we to want harm 00:23:21.480 --> 00:23:23.619 of someone for whom God says, 00:23:23.700 --> 00:23:25.220 I'm working for His good? 00:23:25.220 --> 00:23:26.980 We should seek the good 00:23:26.980 --> 00:23:28.400 of each other as well. 00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:31.180 Do you love extending forgiveness? 00:23:32.500 --> 00:23:33.420 Is it one of your favorite 00:23:33.420 --> 00:23:34.079 things to do? 00:23:34.140 --> 00:23:35.319 Or do you secretly revel 00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:37.920 in keeping a superiority, 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:41.539 having things to hold over others 00:23:41.539 --> 00:23:42.299 in relationships? 00:23:42.579 --> 00:23:44.620 Is that where your heart really goes? 00:23:46.120 --> 00:23:47.380 Would you rather see someone 00:23:47.380 --> 00:23:49.259 who hurts you suffer hurt as well? 00:23:49.579 --> 00:23:51.299 Or do you love to see them receive 00:23:51.299 --> 00:23:52.180 what they don't deserve? 00:23:53.240 --> 00:23:54.160 Do you harden your heart 00:23:54.160 --> 00:23:54.640 in bitterness? 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:56.840 Or do you soften your heart 00:23:56.840 --> 00:23:58.460 in kindness toward them? 00:24:00.740 --> 00:24:01.820 Okay, that's the list. 00:24:02.380 --> 00:24:02.540 Whew! 00:24:03.660 --> 00:24:04.640 Made it through the list. 00:24:05.120 --> 00:24:06.000 It can be exhausting. 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:08.600 It can be discouraging, can't it? 00:24:10.020 --> 00:24:11.320 As we begin to see 00:24:11.320 --> 00:24:12.620 the pain of our sin 00:24:12.620 --> 00:24:15.240 as God does surgery on our hearts, 00:24:15.400 --> 00:24:16.940 considering all these things at once, 00:24:17.120 --> 00:24:18.480 let me just encourage you, 00:24:19.060 --> 00:24:20.680 don't ignore where the Holy Spirit 00:24:20.680 --> 00:24:22.259 has been pricking your heart 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:24.160 in the last few minutes. 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:26.160 Ask yourself honestly, 00:24:26.359 --> 00:24:27.759 where has there been a catch? 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:29.640 Where did you feel Him saying, 00:24:29.799 --> 00:24:31.720 here, I want you to consider this. 00:24:32.559 --> 00:24:33.559 Which area right now 00:24:33.559 --> 00:24:34.920 would you be seeking to ignore 00:24:34.920 --> 00:24:36.859 that He'd be prodding you to address? 00:24:36.859 --> 00:24:37.859 Selfishness? 00:24:38.599 --> 00:24:39.000 Selfishness? 00:24:40.419 --> 00:24:40.779 Dishonesty? 00:24:42.259 --> 00:24:43.119 Careless words? 00:24:44.679 --> 00:24:45.839 Anger and unforgiveness? 00:24:47.179 --> 00:24:48.199 I found this week 00:24:48.199 --> 00:24:49.719 as I meditated on these verses 00:24:49.719 --> 00:24:51.419 that what happened to me 00:24:51.419 --> 00:24:52.099 over and over 00:24:52.099 --> 00:24:53.419 was God would show me weeds 00:24:53.419 --> 00:24:54.559 that needed to be pulled up 00:24:54.559 --> 00:24:55.579 right where I felt like 00:24:55.579 --> 00:24:57.019 the garden was looking pretty good. 00:24:57.839 --> 00:24:59.459 In the areas where I felt like, 00:24:59.519 --> 00:25:00.339 okay, this one, 00:25:00.439 --> 00:25:00.619 whew, 00:25:01.079 --> 00:25:01.879 take a deep breath, 00:25:01.959 --> 00:25:03.139 I don't really have to worry about this. 00:25:03.140 --> 00:25:04.920 And at the same time, 00:25:04.980 --> 00:25:07.400 God showed me flowers to plant, 00:25:07.540 --> 00:25:10.060 opportunities to bless others 00:25:10.060 --> 00:25:11.920 that I hadn't considered before. 00:25:12.300 --> 00:25:14.540 Ask Him to do that in your heart. 00:25:15.360 --> 00:25:17.420 But even as you consider that for yourself, 00:25:17.520 --> 00:25:18.680 one thing you can't miss 00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:20.060 when you look at this passage 00:25:20.060 --> 00:25:22.720 is that God's not just talking to you. 00:25:23.420 --> 00:25:24.960 He's talking to all of us. 00:25:25.020 --> 00:25:26.780 It's a community project, isn't it? 00:25:27.240 --> 00:25:29.300 All five of the reasons 00:25:29.300 --> 00:25:31.520 behind why our lives should be different 00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:33.180 have to do with some aspect 00:25:33.180 --> 00:25:34.299 of the body of Christ. 00:25:34.799 --> 00:25:36.879 Some aspect of the health of the body. 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:38.139 That's what God's after. 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:40.059 He's after not just new people, 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:41.759 but a new community, right? 00:25:42.599 --> 00:25:43.420 What would it look like 00:25:43.420 --> 00:25:44.779 if we all embraced 00:25:44.779 --> 00:25:46.460 these new ways of living? 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:47.539 What kind of community 00:25:47.539 --> 00:25:49.619 is God seeking to create 00:25:49.619 --> 00:25:52.039 among those who know and trust Him? 00:25:52.180 --> 00:25:53.519 What would it look like here? 00:25:54.900 --> 00:25:55.980 Just a few ideas. 00:25:56.799 --> 00:25:58.059 It's certainly a community 00:25:58.059 --> 00:25:59.319 that should be encouraging 00:25:59.319 --> 00:26:00.119 and uplifting. 00:26:00.119 --> 00:26:02.939 Where others are looking out 00:26:02.939 --> 00:26:03.500 for your good 00:26:03.500 --> 00:26:04.819 and can't wait to serve you. 00:26:06.479 --> 00:26:07.639 I think in particular, 00:26:07.839 --> 00:26:08.419 it's a community 00:26:08.419 --> 00:26:11.839 where it's safe to fail or struggle. 00:26:12.959 --> 00:26:13.839 Don't you want to be part 00:26:13.839 --> 00:26:14.739 of that kind of community? 00:26:15.099 --> 00:26:16.599 A community where it is safe 00:26:16.599 --> 00:26:18.379 to fail or struggle? 00:26:18.500 --> 00:26:19.779 Why would it be safe 00:26:19.779 --> 00:26:20.639 in the communities 00:26:20.639 --> 00:26:22.579 that God is creating here? 00:26:24.079 --> 00:26:25.079 Because when you fail 00:26:25.079 --> 00:26:25.819 or when you struggle, 00:26:25.959 --> 00:26:26.739 you encounter what? 00:26:26.740 --> 00:26:28.019 forgiveness, 00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:30.120 encouragement, 00:26:30.900 --> 00:26:33.500 not uncontrolled anger 00:26:33.500 --> 00:26:34.779 and slander. 00:26:35.839 --> 00:26:36.400 So all of a sudden, 00:26:36.500 --> 00:26:37.079 you're safe 00:26:37.079 --> 00:26:38.740 when you fail. 00:26:39.400 --> 00:26:40.120 It's that picture, 00:26:40.259 --> 00:26:40.380 again, 00:26:40.440 --> 00:26:41.359 from a few weeks ago 00:26:41.359 --> 00:26:43.099 of truthing in love. 00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:45.000 Where truth and love 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:45.980 remain connected 00:26:45.980 --> 00:26:46.960 in our relationships 00:26:46.960 --> 00:26:47.920 with each other. 00:26:47.920 --> 00:26:50.600 It would be a community 00:26:50.600 --> 00:26:51.960 where the materially poor 00:26:51.960 --> 00:26:53.340 were attracted to it 00:26:53.340 --> 00:26:54.660 because they were treated 00:26:54.660 --> 00:26:55.680 like guests of honor. 00:26:56.460 --> 00:26:57.380 They didn't feel like burdens. 00:26:58.900 --> 00:26:59.740 It would be a community 00:26:59.740 --> 00:27:00.460 where conflict 00:27:00.460 --> 00:27:01.600 was handled regularly 00:27:01.600 --> 00:27:02.380 and respectfully 00:27:02.380 --> 00:27:03.420 because we loved 00:27:03.420 --> 00:27:04.320 to forgive. 00:27:06.820 --> 00:27:07.680 One more thought. 00:27:07.779 --> 00:27:08.940 I think it would be a place 00:27:08.940 --> 00:27:11.279 where the longer you're there, 00:27:11.880 --> 00:27:13.100 the more you begin 00:27:13.100 --> 00:27:14.220 to feel that it's not 00:27:14.220 --> 00:27:15.900 just some sappy 00:27:15.900 --> 00:27:17.000 southern smiles 00:27:17.000 --> 00:27:17.920 on Sunday mornings 00:27:17.920 --> 00:27:18.640 but you go home 00:27:18.640 --> 00:27:19.420 wondering what people 00:27:19.420 --> 00:27:20.579 really think about you. 00:27:21.740 --> 00:27:22.799 You won't know that 00:27:22.799 --> 00:27:24.000 at first in a community. 00:27:24.299 --> 00:27:24.960 There's no way, 00:27:25.059 --> 00:27:25.319 is there, 00:27:25.759 --> 00:27:26.559 when you come in 00:27:26.559 --> 00:27:26.819 to say, 00:27:26.880 --> 00:27:27.160 I don't know, 00:27:27.200 --> 00:27:28.000 are they just friendly 00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:28.860 but really, 00:27:29.079 --> 00:27:29.339 really, 00:27:29.420 --> 00:27:30.079 what are they thinking 00:27:30.079 --> 00:27:30.579 about me? 00:27:31.360 --> 00:27:32.380 I think the longer 00:27:32.380 --> 00:27:33.079 you stayed 00:27:33.079 --> 00:27:34.400 in this kind of community, 00:27:34.539 --> 00:27:35.579 the more you would realize 00:27:35.579 --> 00:27:37.180 they're not faking 00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:38.620 and they're not stabbing me 00:27:38.620 --> 00:27:39.180 in the back 00:27:39.180 --> 00:27:40.420 when I walk out 00:27:40.420 --> 00:27:40.960 of the room. 00:27:42.079 --> 00:27:43.019 People are genuinely 00:27:43.019 --> 00:27:43.680 for me. 00:27:44.859 --> 00:27:45.500 They really want 00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:46.519 what's best for me. 00:27:46.579 --> 00:27:47.920 They really love me. 00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:48.740 Wouldn't you want to be 00:27:48.740 --> 00:27:49.500 part of a community 00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:50.119 like that? 00:27:51.000 --> 00:27:52.059 Wouldn't you love 00:27:52.059 --> 00:27:54.079 to be in that community? 00:27:54.940 --> 00:27:55.559 You would 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:56.119 because that's what 00:27:56.119 --> 00:27:57.139 God's designed you 00:27:57.139 --> 00:27:58.299 and created you for. 00:27:58.539 --> 00:27:59.920 To long for honest, 00:28:00.359 --> 00:28:01.019 encouraging, 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:01.700 merciful, 00:28:02.279 --> 00:28:03.440 forgiving community. 00:28:04.559 --> 00:28:05.019 That's the way 00:28:05.019 --> 00:28:05.680 He's designed us 00:28:05.680 --> 00:28:07.019 and it's what's created 00:28:07.019 --> 00:28:07.859 by the new life 00:28:07.859 --> 00:28:08.559 that He's working 00:28:08.559 --> 00:28:10.000 in us and among us. 00:28:10.000 --> 00:28:12.700 So just one last question 00:28:12.700 --> 00:28:13.200 this morning. 00:28:14.579 --> 00:28:14.980 How? 00:28:16.359 --> 00:28:17.619 How in the world 00:28:17.619 --> 00:28:18.819 do we get there? 00:28:19.039 --> 00:28:19.799 How does it happen? 00:28:19.980 --> 00:28:21.079 Do we all just go do it? 00:28:21.539 --> 00:28:22.700 Everybody go be like that 00:28:22.700 --> 00:28:24.299 and it works great. 00:28:24.740 --> 00:28:25.480 If you're convicted 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:26.440 of sin this morning, 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:27.519 how do you change? 00:28:28.299 --> 00:28:29.940 How do we corporately 00:28:29.940 --> 00:28:31.619 start to look like 00:28:31.619 --> 00:28:32.380 the new life 00:28:32.380 --> 00:28:33.720 and the new community 00:28:33.720 --> 00:28:35.319 that God intends for us? 00:28:35.319 --> 00:28:38.079 On either side 00:28:38.079 --> 00:28:38.659 of the passage 00:28:38.659 --> 00:28:39.879 we've looked at 00:28:39.879 --> 00:28:40.419 this morning, 00:28:41.099 --> 00:28:41.980 the verse that 00:28:41.980 --> 00:28:43.359 comes right before it 00:28:43.359 --> 00:28:43.980 and the verse that 00:28:43.980 --> 00:28:44.960 comes right after it, 00:28:45.039 --> 00:28:46.019 Paul tells us, 00:28:46.939 --> 00:28:47.759 be like God. 00:28:49.079 --> 00:28:50.740 Look at Ephesians 4.24. 00:28:51.960 --> 00:28:52.939 Put on the new self 00:28:52.939 --> 00:28:54.740 created after the likeness 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:55.399 of God 00:28:55.399 --> 00:28:56.740 in true righteousness 00:28:56.740 --> 00:28:58.139 and holiness. 00:28:59.339 --> 00:29:00.039 Then the passage 00:29:00.039 --> 00:29:00.960 we talked about, 00:29:01.559 --> 00:29:02.679 Ephesians 5.1, 00:29:02.679 --> 00:29:03.099 therefore, 00:29:03.639 --> 00:29:05.019 be imitators of God. 00:29:06.279 --> 00:29:08.439 Be like God. 00:29:09.480 --> 00:29:10.759 That's a great summary 00:29:10.759 --> 00:29:11.779 of the passage 00:29:11.779 --> 00:29:12.759 we just looked at, 00:29:12.799 --> 00:29:13.059 isn't it? 00:29:13.179 --> 00:29:13.960 It's the essence 00:29:13.960 --> 00:29:14.500 of what these 00:29:14.500 --> 00:29:15.559 specific commands are. 00:29:15.619 --> 00:29:17.019 Be like God. 00:29:17.159 --> 00:29:18.019 What's He like? 00:29:19.279 --> 00:29:20.419 He's the God 00:29:20.419 --> 00:29:21.259 of all truth 00:29:21.259 --> 00:29:24.319 who does not harbor 00:29:24.319 --> 00:29:25.639 His anger forever, 00:29:26.639 --> 00:29:28.879 who always gives to us, 00:29:29.700 --> 00:29:31.960 always speaks grace to us, 00:29:32.519 --> 00:29:33.759 always forgives 00:29:33.759 --> 00:29:34.720 even though we don't 00:29:34.720 --> 00:29:35.680 deserve those things. 00:29:35.680 --> 00:29:37.039 What a great example 00:29:37.039 --> 00:29:37.940 for us, right? 00:29:38.380 --> 00:29:39.480 Be like God. 00:29:41.079 --> 00:29:42.059 Be like God. 00:29:43.579 --> 00:29:44.559 I thought about that 00:29:44.559 --> 00:29:44.980 this week. 00:29:45.059 --> 00:29:45.180 You know, 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:46.819 there was an ad campaign 00:29:46.819 --> 00:29:48.000 when I was a young boy. 00:29:48.500 --> 00:29:49.200 Some of you probably 00:29:49.200 --> 00:29:49.799 heard of it. 00:29:49.839 --> 00:29:50.259 It was called 00:29:50.259 --> 00:29:51.059 Be Like Mike. 00:29:52.539 --> 00:29:53.420 And so I, 00:29:53.559 --> 00:29:54.360 along with millions 00:29:54.360 --> 00:29:56.039 of other young boys, 00:29:56.180 --> 00:29:57.360 decided that we were 00:29:57.360 --> 00:29:58.440 going to be like 00:29:58.440 --> 00:29:59.140 Michael Jordan. 00:29:59.140 --> 00:30:00.500 We were going to start 00:30:00.500 --> 00:30:01.460 drinking Gatorade, 00:30:02.200 --> 00:30:04.200 wearing Nike tennis shoes, 00:30:04.759 --> 00:30:06.320 and dunking the ball, 00:30:06.520 --> 00:30:07.720 soaring through the air 00:30:07.720 --> 00:30:08.940 the way that he did, 00:30:09.000 --> 00:30:10.000 and it was so beautiful 00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:10.660 to watch. 00:30:11.040 --> 00:30:11.840 And so we were going 00:30:11.840 --> 00:30:12.700 to be like Mike. 00:30:13.100 --> 00:30:14.140 I would practice 00:30:14.140 --> 00:30:15.060 all of the shots 00:30:15.060 --> 00:30:15.560 that he did. 00:30:15.620 --> 00:30:16.340 One of my favorite 00:30:16.340 --> 00:30:17.420 was the one where he 00:30:17.420 --> 00:30:18.680 floats across the top 00:30:18.680 --> 00:30:19.280 of the key, 00:30:19.640 --> 00:30:20.560 double pumps, 00:30:20.880 --> 00:30:22.320 and fires a jumper 00:30:22.320 --> 00:30:23.759 that beats the Jazz 00:30:23.759 --> 00:30:24.700 in the NBA Finals 00:30:24.700 --> 00:30:25.520 right at the buzzer. 00:30:25.860 --> 00:30:27.560 It's one of his best shots. 00:30:27.559 --> 00:30:29.019 But the problem for me 00:30:29.019 --> 00:30:29.679 was in the middle 00:30:29.679 --> 00:30:30.639 of that double pump, 00:30:30.700 --> 00:30:31.759 I usually hit the ground 00:30:31.759 --> 00:30:33.119 somewhere on the first pump, 00:30:33.839 --> 00:30:35.460 and then the shot 00:30:35.460 --> 00:30:36.279 went off the side 00:30:36.279 --> 00:30:36.859 of the rim, 00:30:37.859 --> 00:30:38.619 so I would move 00:30:38.619 --> 00:30:39.440 to one of the other ones 00:30:39.440 --> 00:30:40.059 where he was closer 00:30:40.059 --> 00:30:40.639 to the basket, 00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:42.000 and I never could dunk 00:30:42.000 --> 00:30:43.460 without lowering 00:30:43.460 --> 00:30:44.839 the goal down first. 00:30:46.039 --> 00:30:46.539 Anybody else? 00:30:46.720 --> 00:30:47.740 Yeah, some of y'all 00:30:47.740 --> 00:30:48.519 lived in that. 00:30:48.579 --> 00:30:48.799 Yeah. 00:30:49.720 --> 00:30:50.519 I'm still working 00:30:50.519 --> 00:30:51.480 on the dunking thing. 00:30:53.759 --> 00:30:54.799 Having a good example 00:30:54.799 --> 00:30:56.000 can be a good motivation 00:30:56.000 --> 00:30:56.579 for a while, 00:30:56.659 --> 00:30:56.940 can't it? 00:30:57.559 --> 00:30:58.639 You can be inspired 00:30:58.639 --> 00:31:00.200 to work hard 00:31:00.200 --> 00:31:01.960 and really be excited 00:31:01.960 --> 00:31:02.919 about being the best 00:31:02.919 --> 00:31:03.639 that you can be, 00:31:03.819 --> 00:31:05.220 and this actually came 00:31:05.220 --> 00:31:06.240 in the midst of a culture 00:31:06.240 --> 00:31:08.559 that we still largely live in 00:31:08.559 --> 00:31:10.039 where you were told what? 00:31:10.440 --> 00:31:11.960 You can be whatever you want 00:31:11.960 --> 00:31:13.839 if you just put your mind to it 00:31:13.839 --> 00:31:15.139 and work hard enough. 00:31:15.960 --> 00:31:17.279 It was in many ways 00:31:17.279 --> 00:31:19.220 a just-do-it mindset, 00:31:20.079 --> 00:31:21.000 ironically enough. 00:31:22.599 --> 00:31:23.619 But at some point 00:31:23.619 --> 00:31:24.419 for a young boy 00:31:24.419 --> 00:31:26.220 who wants to be like Mike, 00:31:26.220 --> 00:31:27.620 that actually begins 00:31:27.620 --> 00:31:29.240 to become not just inspiring 00:31:29.240 --> 00:31:30.279 but discouraging, 00:31:30.559 --> 00:31:30.980 doesn't it? 00:31:31.460 --> 00:31:31.839 Why? 00:31:33.400 --> 00:31:34.600 Because I wasn't 00:31:34.600 --> 00:31:35.980 very much like him. 00:31:36.100 --> 00:31:37.279 No matter how much 00:31:37.279 --> 00:31:38.120 I watched him, 00:31:38.180 --> 00:31:39.299 no matter how hard 00:31:39.299 --> 00:31:40.200 I tried to do it 00:31:40.200 --> 00:31:41.360 just the way he did, 00:31:42.160 --> 00:31:42.420 I mean, 00:31:42.480 --> 00:31:43.920 maybe a little bit better 00:31:43.920 --> 00:31:45.059 if that was the goal, 00:31:45.120 --> 00:31:46.600 but be like the best player 00:31:46.600 --> 00:31:47.440 in the world? 00:31:48.279 --> 00:31:48.900 No way. 00:31:49.100 --> 00:31:49.640 I don't think 00:31:49.640 --> 00:31:50.860 I've got what it takes. 00:31:51.240 --> 00:31:52.700 No matter how hard I try, 00:31:52.700 --> 00:31:55.360 I just can't seem to do it. 00:31:57.080 --> 00:31:58.480 The good news of the gospel 00:31:58.480 --> 00:31:59.420 is this, 00:31:59.620 --> 00:32:00.960 that the story of Scripture 00:32:00.960 --> 00:32:03.480 is not just be like God. 00:32:04.519 --> 00:32:05.680 Isn't that good news? 00:32:05.980 --> 00:32:07.400 If it was just be like God, 00:32:07.440 --> 00:32:08.059 that's even harder 00:32:08.059 --> 00:32:09.299 than be like Mike, right? 00:32:09.640 --> 00:32:10.819 That's pretty tough. 00:32:13.240 --> 00:32:14.799 In fact, it's not just 00:32:14.799 --> 00:32:16.460 be like God 00:32:16.460 --> 00:32:17.120 and he'll love you 00:32:17.120 --> 00:32:17.700 even when you aren't. 00:32:18.840 --> 00:32:20.200 Although, isn't that beautiful? 00:32:20.200 --> 00:32:22.240 Can you say amen 00:32:22.240 --> 00:32:23.340 to that this morning? 00:32:23.480 --> 00:32:24.240 Praise the Lord. 00:32:24.580 --> 00:32:25.340 Be like God 00:32:25.340 --> 00:32:26.460 and he loves you 00:32:26.460 --> 00:32:27.400 when you aren't. 00:32:27.779 --> 00:32:29.519 Be imitators of God 00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:32.500 as beloved children. 00:32:33.819 --> 00:32:35.480 You're already his. 00:32:35.580 --> 00:32:36.920 You already have his love. 00:32:37.380 --> 00:32:38.480 Don't follow dad 00:32:38.480 --> 00:32:39.500 to earn his love, 00:32:39.620 --> 00:32:41.140 but because you already have it. 00:32:41.380 --> 00:32:42.440 Isn't that such a different 00:32:42.440 --> 00:32:44.440 perspective on life? 00:32:45.640 --> 00:32:46.600 But it's actually 00:32:46.600 --> 00:32:47.559 even more than that. 00:32:47.900 --> 00:32:49.039 The grand story 00:32:49.039 --> 00:32:49.900 of Scripture says 00:32:49.900 --> 00:32:51.360 it's even more beautiful. 00:32:51.519 --> 00:32:51.860 It says, 00:32:52.360 --> 00:32:53.100 be like God. 00:32:53.180 --> 00:32:54.500 That's what I've designed you for. 00:32:54.780 --> 00:32:56.080 And it says he'll love you 00:32:56.080 --> 00:32:58.259 even when you aren't like him. 00:32:59.640 --> 00:33:01.580 And his love for you 00:33:01.580 --> 00:33:02.320 is what gives you 00:33:02.320 --> 00:33:03.019 the resources 00:33:03.019 --> 00:33:04.600 to live like him. 00:33:05.220 --> 00:33:06.360 It's his love 00:33:06.360 --> 00:33:07.700 that enables it. 00:33:08.960 --> 00:33:10.180 As many great shots 00:33:10.180 --> 00:33:10.759 as he made, 00:33:11.680 --> 00:33:12.640 as many of his shoes 00:33:12.640 --> 00:33:13.280 as I wore, 00:33:13.960 --> 00:33:14.519 Michael Jordan 00:33:14.519 --> 00:33:15.300 never gave me 00:33:15.300 --> 00:33:16.080 any resources 00:33:16.080 --> 00:33:18.000 for being like him. 00:33:18.000 --> 00:33:19.660 Go back to our 00:33:19.660 --> 00:33:20.880 witness protection analogy. 00:33:21.059 --> 00:33:22.619 Imagine that the witness 00:33:22.619 --> 00:33:24.819 comes and gives his testimony 00:33:24.819 --> 00:33:25.660 and then imagine 00:33:25.660 --> 00:33:26.799 releasing that witness 00:33:26.799 --> 00:33:27.460 penniless 00:33:27.460 --> 00:33:28.940 back into the same town 00:33:28.940 --> 00:33:29.660 where he just gave 00:33:29.660 --> 00:33:30.220 the testimony. 00:33:31.220 --> 00:33:31.500 Hey, 00:33:31.619 --> 00:33:32.920 I hope you can do well. 00:33:33.779 --> 00:33:35.099 Hope it goes well for you. 00:33:35.180 --> 00:33:36.019 No new identity. 00:33:36.880 --> 00:33:38.039 No new occupation. 00:33:38.920 --> 00:33:40.079 No money to get 00:33:40.079 --> 00:33:41.140 to a new place. 00:33:42.119 --> 00:33:42.859 Hope you make it. 00:33:43.579 --> 00:33:44.779 That's not witness protection, 00:33:44.779 --> 00:33:45.220 is it? 00:33:46.279 --> 00:33:46.700 No. 00:33:47.319 --> 00:33:48.359 Witness protection says 00:33:48.359 --> 00:33:49.639 I've got you a new identity, 00:33:49.759 --> 00:33:50.399 a new job, 00:33:50.599 --> 00:33:51.359 a new place, 00:33:51.440 --> 00:33:52.859 and we're staying with you 00:33:52.859 --> 00:33:54.019 to watch out for you. 00:33:54.299 --> 00:33:55.839 We will keep providing 00:33:55.839 --> 00:33:56.960 these things for you. 00:33:59.379 --> 00:33:59.859 Listen, 00:33:59.940 --> 00:34:00.819 God says this. 00:34:01.440 --> 00:34:01.920 Southwood, 00:34:03.139 --> 00:34:05.000 my beloved children, 00:34:05.779 --> 00:34:06.899 how will you become 00:34:06.899 --> 00:34:07.559 a community 00:34:07.559 --> 00:34:08.619 like you've talked about 00:34:08.619 --> 00:34:09.139 this morning? 00:34:09.380 --> 00:34:11.460 A community like me? 00:34:11.460 --> 00:34:14.059 I want to tell you. 00:34:14.579 --> 00:34:14.960 He says, 00:34:15.199 --> 00:34:17.019 I will never stop 00:34:17.019 --> 00:34:18.280 pouring my love 00:34:18.280 --> 00:34:19.099 into you. 00:34:19.320 --> 00:34:20.639 I will keep 00:34:20.639 --> 00:34:21.800 showering you 00:34:21.800 --> 00:34:22.699 with forgiveness. 00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:23.920 I will continue 00:34:23.920 --> 00:34:25.820 to be the generous one 00:34:25.820 --> 00:34:26.559 who gives 00:34:26.559 --> 00:34:27.519 and gives 00:34:27.519 --> 00:34:28.579 and gives 00:34:28.579 --> 00:34:30.199 rather than takes. 00:34:30.519 --> 00:34:32.579 I will never stop 00:34:32.579 --> 00:34:35.740 singing over you 00:34:35.740 --> 00:34:37.720 words of grace 00:34:37.720 --> 00:34:39.519 rather than judgment. 00:34:39.519 --> 00:34:40.880 And that's not just 00:34:40.880 --> 00:34:42.219 a model for you. 00:34:42.320 --> 00:34:43.500 It's more than that. 00:34:43.619 --> 00:34:44.980 It's the only resource 00:34:44.980 --> 00:34:46.119 that can make it happen. 00:34:46.780 --> 00:34:47.039 You see, 00:34:47.079 --> 00:34:48.259 I'm pouring those gifts 00:34:48.259 --> 00:34:48.920 into you 00:34:48.920 --> 00:34:50.199 so you can pour them out 00:34:50.199 --> 00:34:51.259 on each other 00:34:51.259 --> 00:34:53.159 even when they don't deserve it 00:34:53.159 --> 00:34:54.619 because you didn't deserve it 00:34:54.619 --> 00:34:55.639 when I gave them to you 00:34:55.639 --> 00:34:56.940 in the first place. 00:34:57.239 --> 00:34:58.679 I've given you my spirit. 00:34:59.179 --> 00:35:00.119 I've given you 00:35:00.119 --> 00:35:01.079 a new identity. 00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:02.840 You're my beloved children 00:35:02.840 --> 00:35:04.320 and that won't change. 00:35:04.440 --> 00:35:06.119 I'm staying with you. 00:35:07.380 --> 00:35:09.000 So stay close to me. 00:35:10.219 --> 00:35:11.980 Drink deeply of me. 00:35:12.559 --> 00:35:14.860 Experience my grace again. 00:35:16.480 --> 00:35:18.079 And I'll keep making you, 00:35:18.539 --> 00:35:19.780 as I always promised, 00:35:20.719 --> 00:35:21.400 a community 00:35:21.400 --> 00:35:22.460 where my character 00:35:22.460 --> 00:35:23.259 and kindness 00:35:23.259 --> 00:35:24.019 overflow 00:35:24.019 --> 00:35:25.320 to everyone 00:35:25.320 --> 00:35:26.880 who gets near you. 00:35:27.159 --> 00:35:27.679 Let's pray. 00:35:29.360 --> 00:35:30.259 Oh Father, 00:35:30.380 --> 00:35:31.639 would you do that here? 00:35:33.019 --> 00:35:34.380 On our best days, 00:35:34.480 --> 00:35:35.460 we want that. 00:35:35.679 --> 00:35:37.400 We want to be like that. 00:35:37.400 --> 00:35:39.380 We want to be a place 00:35:39.380 --> 00:35:40.539 where it's a refuge 00:35:40.539 --> 00:35:41.400 for the hurting 00:35:41.400 --> 00:35:43.480 and a safe home 00:35:43.480 --> 00:35:44.680 for those who fail 00:35:44.680 --> 00:35:45.360 and struggle. 00:35:46.099 --> 00:35:47.139 We want to be that 00:35:47.139 --> 00:35:48.320 because we feel 00:35:48.320 --> 00:35:49.340 our need for it. 00:35:49.440 --> 00:35:50.519 We need a community 00:35:50.519 --> 00:35:51.920 like that. 00:35:53.960 --> 00:35:54.280 And Father, 00:35:54.360 --> 00:35:55.119 we know what it's like 00:35:55.119 --> 00:35:56.180 to try to make it happen 00:35:56.180 --> 00:35:56.760 on our own. 00:35:58.760 --> 00:36:00.480 We know we don't have it in us 00:36:00.480 --> 00:36:01.619 by ourselves. 00:36:01.619 --> 00:36:02.880 Thank you, 00:36:03.000 --> 00:36:03.519 thank you 00:36:03.519 --> 00:36:04.519 that you haven't just 00:36:04.519 --> 00:36:05.859 saved us and left us. 00:36:06.579 --> 00:36:07.880 Thank you that you're with us, 00:36:07.940 --> 00:36:09.059 that we're always your children 00:36:09.059 --> 00:36:10.039 and you'll never 00:36:10.039 --> 00:36:11.960 take your spirit from us. 00:36:13.239 --> 00:36:14.239 Would you continue 00:36:14.239 --> 00:36:15.059 to change us? 00:36:15.139 --> 00:36:15.900 Would you continue 00:36:15.900 --> 00:36:17.199 to give us the strength 00:36:17.199 --> 00:36:18.900 to be the people 00:36:18.900 --> 00:36:20.219 that you've created us to be, 00:36:20.279 --> 00:36:22.039 the church you've created us to be? 00:36:22.039 --> 00:36:24.219 And would many know 00:36:24.219 --> 00:36:24.840 of your love? 00:36:25.579 --> 00:36:27.340 Because it just spills 00:36:27.340 --> 00:36:28.420 over the edges. 00:36:28.639 --> 00:36:30.380 It just splashes out 00:36:30.380 --> 00:36:30.900 from us 00:36:30.900 --> 00:36:31.639 because you've been 00:36:31.639 --> 00:36:33.719 so, so kind to us. 00:36:34.259 --> 00:36:35.800 We ask that in Jesus' name. 00:36:36.119 --> 00:36:36.360 Amen. 00:36:52.039 --> 00:36:53.039 Amen.