WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.900 Let us pray. 00:00:04.900 --> 00:00:20.879 Our Father, this morning we are gathered because of your grace, because of your grace, because 00:00:20.879 --> 00:00:21.000 ! 00:00:21.000 --> 00:00:34.820 Because of the Lord Jesus, and we come with humble, dependent, confident hearts to ask 00:00:34.820 --> 00:00:41.900 that your Spirit would do a work in taking your word that you have given to us and that 00:00:41.899 --> 00:00:54.379 will abide forever, and using that word to draw us to a greater affection for Christ, 00:00:55.500 --> 00:01:04.959 a greater determination to walk uprightly and wholly before you, a greater commitment 00:01:04.959 --> 00:01:17.399 to be focused and persistent in setting our affections upon the Lord Jesus, that in the 00:01:17.399 --> 00:01:23.519 year to come, we would grow to be more like Him, to His glory. 00:01:23.519 --> 00:01:26.560 And we ask this in Jesus' name. 00:01:27.280 --> 00:01:27.619 Amen. 00:01:30.519 --> 00:01:33.140 It is my privilege to preach to you this morning. 00:01:33.340 --> 00:01:39.859 Pastor Andrew asked me several months ago if I would do that, and one of the standard things 00:01:39.859 --> 00:01:46.699 that goes with an invitation to preach is a practical question of, okay, what would you 00:01:46.699 --> 00:01:48.640 like me to preach on from the Bible? 00:01:48.640 --> 00:01:52.859 Well, and he said, well, whatever you want to. 00:01:54.700 --> 00:01:59.640 He said, we are coming to the end of the year, and you could comment on that, or you could maybe 00:01:59.640 --> 00:02:08.039 think about the future, and I want you to turn in your Bibles to Hebrews chapter 12, 00:02:08.400 --> 00:02:10.539 verse 1 and 2. 00:02:11.000 --> 00:02:12.039 Let me read the passage. 00:02:12.039 --> 00:02:20.539 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside, also 00:02:20.539 --> 00:02:27.099 lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the 00:02:27.099 --> 00:02:35.699 race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who 00:02:35.699 --> 00:02:42.899 for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated 00:02:42.899 --> 00:02:45.599 at the right hand of God. 00:02:48.199 --> 00:02:56.060 I don't think I've preached many times without beginning my sermon pretty much the same way. 00:02:56.060 --> 00:03:05.759 And that has always been, in most cases, to appeal to you to pray for me as I preach. 00:03:07.159 --> 00:03:13.960 The principle is found over and over again, particularly in the letters, the epistles that 00:03:13.960 --> 00:03:18.400 the apostle wrote, where he said, pray for us that the word of God may have free course 00:03:18.400 --> 00:03:19.560 and bear fruit among you. 00:03:20.420 --> 00:03:24.480 Elsewhere, he says this, pray for us that I may speak as I ought to speak. 00:03:24.479 --> 00:03:29.139 And I want to tell you that when a man is tasked with the responsibility of preaching 00:03:29.139 --> 00:03:35.280 for a period of time, you're reminded of what it says in, I think in Proverbs, where it says, 00:03:35.379 --> 00:03:41.859 in a multitude of words there lacks not for sin. 00:03:42.579 --> 00:03:46.560 The more you say, the more probable it is that you say something you shouldn't. 00:03:46.620 --> 00:03:47.000 Agreed? 00:03:47.539 --> 00:03:51.939 How many of you recognize that Bible truth to be undeniably evident in your life? 00:03:51.939 --> 00:03:52.439 Okay. 00:03:53.680 --> 00:03:58.340 So with that kind of as a starter, I mean, I recognize that I need your prayer that the 00:03:58.340 --> 00:04:02.639 word of God would have free course, that it would not be hindered in any way. 00:04:03.979 --> 00:04:07.479 But I also ask that you pray that I don't say anything I shouldn't say. 00:04:08.300 --> 00:04:11.919 I'm thankful for the many years that I had the privilege of preaching here, and on those 00:04:11.919 --> 00:04:21.300 occasions where I did say things I shouldn't, there were those of you who brought me to task. 00:04:21.300 --> 00:04:25.939 And I said, you know, Pastor, I don't know if that was a good thing to say. 00:04:26.680 --> 00:04:30.500 And there are occasions where I had to come before this congregation and say, that was 00:04:30.500 --> 00:04:32.460 ill-framed and not well thought out. 00:04:32.780 --> 00:04:34.040 Will you forgive me for it? 00:04:34.319 --> 00:04:36.900 So pray ahead of time that I don't have to do that again. 00:04:37.560 --> 00:04:42.480 It's something I particularly didn't like doing, and so you can kind of delay that process. 00:04:42.939 --> 00:04:45.759 Well, we're looking at Hebrews chapter 12, verse 1 and 2. 00:04:45.759 --> 00:04:51.219 And let me kind of push it together so you have three thoughts in front of you. 00:04:51.779 --> 00:04:58.339 And as I was thinking about this, I've had many, many weeks to pray and prepare for this 00:04:58.339 --> 00:04:58.560 sermon. 00:04:58.680 --> 00:05:02.800 One of the challenges of preaching that Pastor Andrew and Pastor David certainly recognize 00:05:02.800 --> 00:05:09.319 is that in the process of studying, you have that unenviable task of figuring out what 00:05:09.319 --> 00:05:13.519 of the 100% that you've gathered, the 90% that you should throw away because you don't have 00:05:13.519 --> 00:05:14.379 the time to say it. 00:05:16.479 --> 00:05:22.939 So here we are looking at this passage, and as we push in on that, I want you to kind of 00:05:22.939 --> 00:05:27.579 focus in on three different things that are going to come through the passage, and I trust 00:05:27.579 --> 00:05:28.879 stick in your heart. 00:05:28.979 --> 00:05:33.240 Number one, we have the examples to follow. 00:05:34.539 --> 00:05:36.659 Number two, there's a race we have to run. 00:05:37.839 --> 00:05:41.099 And number three, we have Jesus to focus on. 00:05:41.100 --> 00:05:51.340 Well, as we begin here, the passage says, therefore, and it reminds us of what has come before. 00:05:52.060 --> 00:05:59.180 And certainly, as you think about the book, you recognize that the centerpiece of the book 00:05:59.180 --> 00:06:00.560 of Hebrews is the Lord Jesus. 00:06:01.480 --> 00:06:07.240 It begins in chapter 1, saying, in the past, God spoke to us through the prophets, but now 00:06:07.240 --> 00:06:09.600 He has spoken to us through His Son. 00:06:10.519 --> 00:06:18.259 And over and over again in the book of Hebrews, we see the Lord Jesus lifted up as being the 00:06:18.259 --> 00:06:24.120 centerpiece of this book and the principal thing that we are to focus on. 00:06:24.120 --> 00:06:34.360 And while we do not know all the specifics of what Jesus taught, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, you remember that story, don't you? 00:06:34.680 --> 00:06:42.540 After the resurrection, there are two disciples kind of moping along as they're walking on the road to Emmaus, and Jesus shows up. 00:06:42.819 --> 00:06:44.899 I like it the way it is in the King James. 00:06:45.000 --> 00:06:46.379 It says, their eyes were holden. 00:06:47.379 --> 00:06:49.060 It's not something we say anymore, right? 00:06:49.060 --> 00:06:51.280 But they couldn't, they didn't get it. 00:06:51.319 --> 00:06:52.339 It was Jesus with them. 00:06:53.560 --> 00:06:59.819 And they were kind of commiserating about the sadness of their soul and the difficulty of, you know, they'd hoped. 00:07:00.040 --> 00:07:01.620 And you know what Jesus does? 00:07:02.800 --> 00:07:12.019 It says that beginning in the law and the prophets, He began to teach them about the necessity of the work of Christ on the cross. 00:07:12.019 --> 00:07:23.039 And I'm thinking that Hebrews does somewhat a similar task, doesn't it? 00:07:23.039 --> 00:07:30.659 Because Hebrews brings back into focus over and over again the supremacy and the sweetness of Jesus. 00:07:30.660 --> 00:07:42.640 As an aside, if you are challenged this morning by the prompting of the Spirit of God to grow in knowing and loving Jesus more, 00:07:43.320 --> 00:07:55.460 I would suggest that a goal for this coming year would be that you soak up the Gospels, read them over and over again, 00:07:55.459 --> 00:08:01.219 with that recurring prayer that we find in Psalms 119, 00:08:01.779 --> 00:08:08.959 Open thou mine eyes that I might behold wondrous truths out of thy law. 00:08:10.479 --> 00:08:20.500 Beloved, can I tell you that to read the Scriptures without bathing that with a preface of prayer can be a little challenging? 00:08:21.699 --> 00:08:23.019 Have you found that to be true? 00:08:23.019 --> 00:08:29.339 When you come to your private time with the Lord and you don't begin with humility and prayer 00:08:29.339 --> 00:08:35.720 and asking the Father in heaven to bless you and give to you understanding in the Word, 00:08:36.199 --> 00:08:37.759 you kind of could just crank on through. 00:08:39.720 --> 00:08:43.699 And so this year, if you do want to grow in your affection for the Lord Jesus, 00:08:45.139 --> 00:08:48.340 mark that effort by prayer and then get into the Gospels. 00:08:48.340 --> 00:08:53.500 And once you're into the Gospels repetitively, I would work my way into the book of Hebrews 00:08:53.500 --> 00:08:57.100 and top it off with the book of Revelation. 00:08:58.160 --> 00:09:04.160 Now, I don't mean to suggest that there's one book in the Bible that is necessarily supremely more important than another, 00:09:04.500 --> 00:09:09.460 but if you want to get to know Jesus, you have to read the principal parts that kind of push it together 00:09:09.460 --> 00:09:10.860 so you can see it pretty easily. 00:09:10.860 --> 00:09:18.800 Now, more particularly, Hebrews chapter 12 follows the closing notes of Hebrews chapter 10, verse 29, 00:09:19.100 --> 00:09:21.180 where the author says this, he says, 00:09:21.179 --> 00:09:44.079 The summary of those who are genuine believers that we see recorded in Hebrews chapter 11 00:09:44.079 --> 00:09:49.839 is that it was their faith that led them to do the various things that they did. 00:09:49.840 --> 00:09:55.160 Now, can you imagine building an ark for 120 years and everybody's kind of marking you and thinking, 00:09:55.399 --> 00:09:56.580 What in the world are you doing? 00:09:56.759 --> 00:09:59.639 Do you realize that has no practical utility today? 00:09:59.940 --> 00:10:01.259 No one's ever done it. 00:10:01.320 --> 00:10:05.540 And there he is cranking away because he had faith. 00:10:07.740 --> 00:10:12.379 We mark the fact that Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice because of faith. 00:10:12.379 --> 00:10:18.000 We remind ourselves that Abraham looked for a city whose builder and maker was God. 00:10:19.600 --> 00:10:26.259 We remind ourselves that Moses refused the pleasures of Egypt 00:10:26.259 --> 00:10:34.759 and endured the hardships and difficulties that came with his ministry to the people of Israel because of his faith. 00:10:35.840 --> 00:10:39.240 We're reminded that the people of Israel walked through the Red Sea on dry land. 00:10:39.240 --> 00:10:48.180 And over and over again in the chapter that has this record of individuals whose faith was significant, 00:10:49.060 --> 00:10:53.220 we see that the thing that they were focused on was not themselves, 00:10:54.240 --> 00:10:57.000 but the person and work of Christ. 00:10:58.360 --> 00:11:02.139 And that is without question the centerpiece to the entire book 00:11:02.139 --> 00:11:04.620 and the thing that we should never take our eyes off of. 00:11:04.620 --> 00:11:07.419 Now in drawing attention to this cloud of witnesses, 00:11:07.659 --> 00:11:13.179 the Holy Spirit's purpose is not to lead us to think that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob 00:11:13.179 --> 00:11:17.039 are kind of watching along with Moses to see how we're doing. 00:11:19.659 --> 00:11:23.899 I know it makes for good preaching to kind of suggest to you that there's a cloud of witnesses 00:11:23.899 --> 00:11:26.679 that are watching you run and to come on, Tim, keep doing it. 00:11:26.940 --> 00:11:30.180 No, that's not really what the Bible says. 00:11:30.179 --> 00:11:40.699 And the reason I know that is because context indicates that the witnesses have borne testimony 00:11:40.699 --> 00:11:47.439 to the truth of Christ, and the testimony they give is to the sufficiency 00:11:47.439 --> 00:11:51.579 and the satisfaction in the Lord Jesus in this journey 00:11:51.579 --> 00:11:54.919 and the arduous uphill climb that we have in life. 00:11:54.919 --> 00:11:58.759 Not only that, but the vocabulary itself. 00:11:59.719 --> 00:12:03.679 The word that is used, witness, so great a cloud of witness, 00:12:04.199 --> 00:12:10.579 is a word that speaks about someone who has the legitimate reason to bear testimony 00:12:10.579 --> 00:12:14.559 or to speak about something because he saw it, he experienced it. 00:12:15.559 --> 00:12:17.419 Did you witness that? 00:12:17.979 --> 00:12:18.500 I did. 00:12:18.500 --> 00:12:25.919 And one of the things that you realize as you look at this record 00:12:25.919 --> 00:12:31.799 is that the individuals who are such a great cloud are a reminder 00:12:31.799 --> 00:12:38.559 that there are many who have run this race and have succeeded because of the work of Christ. 00:12:39.799 --> 00:12:41.600 Turn back in your Bible just for a moment. 00:12:41.720 --> 00:12:46.120 You're in Hebrews chapter 12, but go back to 1 Corinthians chapter 10. 00:12:48.500 --> 00:12:59.139 Let me begin there in verse 6. 00:12:59.559 --> 00:13:06.320 Now these things took place as examples for us that we might not desire evil as they did. 00:13:06.440 --> 00:13:09.379 Do not be idolaters as some of them were. 00:13:09.820 --> 00:13:13.940 As it is written, the people sat down to eat and drink, rose up to play. 00:13:13.940 --> 00:13:17.880 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did. 00:13:18.320 --> 00:13:20.660 And 23,000 fell in a single day. 00:13:21.780 --> 00:13:27.600 We must not put Christ to the test as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents. 00:13:27.760 --> 00:13:32.340 Nor grumble as some of them did and were destroyed by the destroyer. 00:13:32.680 --> 00:13:33.320 Now verse 11. 00:13:33.800 --> 00:13:37.480 Now these things happen to them as an example, 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:40.780 but they're written down for our instruction. 00:13:40.779 --> 00:13:43.639 In other words, to kind of push it together, 00:13:44.100 --> 00:13:47.120 the reason we have some of these accounts given in Scripture 00:13:47.120 --> 00:13:50.579 is so that we can learn from what they did. 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:51.179 Right? 00:13:52.139 --> 00:13:53.379 Now mark this down. 00:13:54.879 --> 00:13:58.559 A fool cannot learn even from his own experiences. 00:14:01.679 --> 00:14:04.759 An intelligent man can learn from his own experiences. 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:05.699 That stove was hot. 00:14:05.759 --> 00:14:06.620 I'm not doing it again. 00:14:06.620 --> 00:14:12.259 A wise man learns from the experience and counsel of others. 00:14:13.840 --> 00:14:14.860 That stove's hot. 00:14:14.940 --> 00:14:15.519 Don't touch it. 00:14:15.620 --> 00:14:19.120 I'm not because I'm willing to learn from what you have to say. 00:14:20.940 --> 00:14:22.039 In this passage, 00:14:22.580 --> 00:14:27.399 Paul is reminding us that some of the things that we have written there for us 00:14:27.399 --> 00:14:31.360 are for our benefit so that we don't do those same things. 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:34.820 Now mark what we find there in verse 13. 00:14:35.039 --> 00:14:35.779 Go on to it. 00:14:35.779 --> 00:14:43.620 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. 00:14:44.519 --> 00:14:48.079 It is undeniable that when we are going through hard times, 00:14:48.299 --> 00:14:52.919 we're inclined to think that we're the only ones going through the difficulty we have at the moment. 00:14:52.980 --> 00:14:53.500 Isn't that true? 00:14:53.500 --> 00:15:00.299 The scriptures remind us that others have made that journey. 00:15:00.299 --> 00:15:06.959 And what they have found is for our benefit that Christ is sufficient for that challenge. 00:15:08.759 --> 00:15:09.740 God is faithful, 00:15:09.740 --> 00:15:13.620 and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, 00:15:13.700 --> 00:15:14.940 but will with the temptation. 00:15:15.340 --> 00:15:16.240 But with the temptation, 00:15:16.419 --> 00:15:18.060 he will provide the way of escape, 00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:20.620 so that you may be able to... 00:15:20.620 --> 00:15:21.620 What's the next word? 00:15:22.720 --> 00:15:23.620 Say it with me. 00:15:24.580 --> 00:15:25.019 Endure. 00:15:25.019 --> 00:15:25.079 Endure. 00:15:26.860 --> 00:15:27.960 Not get out of it, 00:15:28.100 --> 00:15:28.620 but endure. 00:15:32.860 --> 00:15:36.980 The thing that we need to recognize as we look at Hebrews chapter 12 is that 00:15:36.980 --> 00:15:41.819 God, in his kindness to us, 00:15:41.820 --> 00:15:46.540 gives us examples of others who have run the race 00:15:46.540 --> 00:15:48.960 and kept the faith 00:15:48.960 --> 00:15:50.740 and done the work. 00:15:53.040 --> 00:15:56.120 I had the privilege of ministering here at Maranatha 00:15:56.120 --> 00:15:59.300 with many godly individuals. 00:15:59.299 --> 00:16:04.259 And they, on many occasions, 00:16:04.500 --> 00:16:07.899 taught me things I desperately needed to learn. 00:16:10.819 --> 00:16:12.620 I see some of you here that 00:16:12.620 --> 00:16:15.240 if I mentioned the name Hal Burchett, 00:16:15.299 --> 00:16:15.639 you'd say, 00:16:15.719 --> 00:16:16.240 Who is that? 00:16:16.359 --> 00:16:17.399 Well, you'll meet him in heaven, 00:16:17.559 --> 00:16:19.299 but you won't be occupied with Hal. 00:16:19.379 --> 00:16:20.219 You'll see Jesus. 00:16:21.039 --> 00:16:22.019 Or Bill Driscoll. 00:16:22.659 --> 00:16:23.539 Or Laureen Goulet. 00:16:24.679 --> 00:16:25.479 I tell you, 00:16:25.559 --> 00:16:27.759 one of the dear ladies that I'll never forget, 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:31.439 Rosetta Eddy. 00:16:31.679 --> 00:16:37.220 I don't think I ever heard her say a single unkind thing about any person in her life. 00:16:37.580 --> 00:16:39.100 How many of you could say that same thing? 00:16:39.679 --> 00:16:42.700 The worst I ever heard Rosetta Eddy say was this, 00:16:43.100 --> 00:16:45.299 Oh, I think we need to pray for him. 00:16:45.379 --> 00:16:47.679 I knew that meant real bad things. 00:16:50.240 --> 00:16:52.039 Ah, we need to pray for him. 00:16:52.139 --> 00:16:52.279 Yeah. 00:16:53.179 --> 00:16:54.759 I'm still working on that one. 00:16:54.759 --> 00:17:00.159 I'll never forget one day when we were helping people move, 00:17:00.240 --> 00:17:05.220 and that's something I appreciate that this ministry still engages in actively. 00:17:06.920 --> 00:17:10.119 It was one of those black trash bag moves. 00:17:10.279 --> 00:17:11.599 Pastor, have you ever had one of those lately? 00:17:11.720 --> 00:17:12.200 It's like, you know, 00:17:12.640 --> 00:17:14.539 the people tell you they need to move, 00:17:14.680 --> 00:17:16.740 and you go to the house and say, 00:17:16.819 --> 00:17:18.519 All right, we're coming with a crowd, 00:17:18.839 --> 00:17:20.039 and we'll have a truck, 00:17:20.039 --> 00:17:24.099 and I want you to have everything in boxes and label what room you want in, 00:17:24.319 --> 00:17:26.859 and you arrive on Saturday morning at nine, 00:17:27.000 --> 00:17:32.899 and the house looks like it had just finished filming for the hoarders. 00:17:32.900 --> 00:17:44.460 And I remember one day after we'd spent hours moving things from rooms to bags to rooms, 00:17:46.060 --> 00:17:48.019 I commented to one of the deacons. 00:17:48.200 --> 00:17:49.440 I said, Well, that was a mess. 00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:53.000 And he said, Pastor, we did that for Jesus. 00:17:54.080 --> 00:17:57.240 Oh, that one got my attention. 00:17:57.240 --> 00:18:06.180 You see, we do need examples, don't we? 00:18:08.500 --> 00:18:15.700 That's one of the benefits of lasting relationships in a body of believers. 00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:21.059 I am not an advocate for migratory Christianity. 00:18:21.259 --> 00:18:22.059 Do you understand that? 00:18:22.059 --> 00:18:29.579 It's about as effective in the development of godliness as migratory marriages might be. 00:18:30.960 --> 00:18:32.039 Now, enough said. 00:18:32.379 --> 00:18:34.240 Second thing is running the race. 00:18:35.480 --> 00:18:38.039 Hebrews chapter 12, verse 1, it says, 00:18:38.740 --> 00:18:42.679 Let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, 00:18:43.059 --> 00:18:48.839 and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. 00:18:48.839 --> 00:18:55.439 In an earlier point in my life, when people ask me how I'm doing, 00:18:55.559 --> 00:18:57.439 I would always say it's all uphill. 00:18:58.699 --> 00:19:02.099 It still is uphill, but I'm getting closer to when I'm going to see Jesus, 00:19:02.339 --> 00:19:03.539 and I look forward to that. 00:19:04.480 --> 00:19:07.579 But the truth of the matter is, is that it is a race. 00:19:09.919 --> 00:19:15.000 The word that is used in the Greek is the one from which we get agony. 00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:18.480 I ran track. 00:19:19.519 --> 00:19:20.539 200 and 400. 00:19:21.200 --> 00:19:23.960 And one of the things about that is you can basically hold your breath 00:19:23.960 --> 00:19:27.240 and just go flat out for as long as you can, and it's over. 00:19:28.180 --> 00:19:31.720 And only one time in my life did I ever run a long-distance race. 00:19:31.799 --> 00:19:33.920 Some of the members of the class talked me into doing it 00:19:33.920 --> 00:19:39.000 because it was necessary to get points for winning the school prize. 00:19:39.000 --> 00:19:44.000 And so it's like, oh, can I tell you that I have nothing but high regard 00:19:44.000 --> 00:19:45.599 for people who run distance? 00:19:47.099 --> 00:19:56.380 It is this painful, deliberate, masochistic discipline 00:19:56.380 --> 00:20:00.319 of telling your body that it's not in charge, 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:06.220 and it just keeps on going on and on and on and on. 00:20:07.279 --> 00:20:10.240 The word agony is appropriate for it. 00:20:11.439 --> 00:20:16.859 And here is the author saying, listen, you're not in a little sprint. 00:20:18.679 --> 00:20:23.799 You're in a long-distance race, and you have to run this race 00:20:23.799 --> 00:20:27.839 with recurring commitment to do it. 00:20:34.259 --> 00:20:39.419 There's not a one of us that can say that every single time 00:20:39.419 --> 00:20:41.659 we've opened the Bible or come to pray, 00:20:42.359 --> 00:20:46.039 that we've had those kind of warm, tingly feelings 00:20:46.039 --> 00:20:47.839 like just the heavens have opened up, 00:20:47.919 --> 00:20:50.700 and we've found the glory of God in our heart, 00:20:50.859 --> 00:20:53.240 and we have just read, oh, it's beautiful. 00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:56.359 And every day has been like that, right? 00:20:57.559 --> 00:20:58.099 No. 00:20:59.940 --> 00:21:07.640 Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. 00:21:10.620 --> 00:21:13.539 Over the years, one of the things that I've found with great sadness 00:21:13.539 --> 00:21:18.480 is that there are more people that start well than finish well. 00:21:18.480 --> 00:21:23.920 I remember when I was in seminary, what a rookie back then, 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:28.220 and I remember just kind of observing there were 50 of us 00:21:28.220 --> 00:21:30.160 that were sitting in the freshman class. 00:21:30.880 --> 00:21:31.900 There were 100 of us. 00:21:31.920 --> 00:21:32.680 That's what it was, 100. 00:21:33.200 --> 00:21:37.059 And I noticed that there were 25 or 50 that were graduating, 00:21:37.299 --> 00:21:42.079 and then they commented one day that only 25 would still be in ministry 00:21:42.079 --> 00:21:44.199 five years after that. 00:21:49.000 --> 00:21:52.679 I have nothing but high regard for those who serve in ministry here, 00:21:53.279 --> 00:21:59.480 particularly for those who sacrifice their time to serve as deacons. 00:21:59.480 --> 00:22:05.539 I remember in a pastoral search, I had one young man ask me, 00:22:05.599 --> 00:22:06.700 so how hard do I have to work? 00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:08.660 That's always a bad signal when you ask me that. 00:22:11.380 --> 00:22:13.980 I said, you only have to work as hard as our deacons do. 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:24.480 Let us run with patience. 00:22:25.940 --> 00:22:32.099 Now, in relationship to that, we mark that the author goes on 00:22:32.099 --> 00:22:36.079 to give us some practical pointers about how to run with patience 00:22:36.079 --> 00:22:37.779 this long-distance race. 00:22:37.860 --> 00:22:40.319 It says, for one, we're to lay aside every weight. 00:22:40.319 --> 00:22:47.299 The weights are things that are not necessarily bad in themselves. 00:22:47.740 --> 00:22:49.759 We're going to get to the sin part in just a minute, 00:22:50.299 --> 00:22:56.439 but we're talking about things that can be a hindrance when you're running. 00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:04.319 Your smartphone may be a wonderful thing. 00:23:06.639 --> 00:23:09.700 On more than one occasion, I'm directionally impaired. 00:23:11.319 --> 00:23:18.379 And on more than one occasion, when I have forgotten where I really wanted to go, 00:23:19.700 --> 00:23:27.119 I have grabbed my phone and been willing to sacrifice some of the limited data that I require, 00:23:27.379 --> 00:23:31.579 and I've said, okay, where is it that I need to be, and how am I going to... 00:23:31.579 --> 00:23:32.279 And wonderful. 00:23:32.899 --> 00:23:33.939 Smartphones can be helpful. 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:34.419 Am I right? 00:23:35.420 --> 00:23:37.800 It's a great thing when you're wondering about spelling, 00:23:38.100 --> 00:23:41.440 and you just don't want to send out something that shows how ignorant you are. 00:23:41.480 --> 00:23:42.300 Anybody else do that? 00:23:43.460 --> 00:23:43.680 Okay. 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:45.220 Smartphones are good. 00:23:46.220 --> 00:23:48.980 But can I tell you that when you're having time with the Lord, 00:23:49.279 --> 00:23:51.380 and your phone just goes, you know, and you go, 00:23:51.440 --> 00:23:53.000 oh, maybe I better check on that. 00:23:53.080 --> 00:23:53.920 You know, somebody... 00:23:53.920 --> 00:23:54.880 No. 00:23:54.880 --> 00:23:54.960 No. 00:23:54.960 --> 00:23:55.000 No. 00:23:58.000 --> 00:24:05.220 I hope when you come to the service, listen carefully. 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:16.759 I hope your phone is not a distraction from the glory and the worship that we enjoy together as believers. 00:24:17.819 --> 00:24:18.880 Sit on it! 00:24:18.880 --> 00:24:21.600 You got it? 00:24:23.740 --> 00:24:30.420 Try being someone who communicates to your boss that you really care about what he is saying, 00:24:30.580 --> 00:24:33.620 and keep on looking at your phone while you're doing it. 00:24:33.640 --> 00:24:34.540 How would that go? 00:24:36.200 --> 00:24:36.320 Hmm? 00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:40.240 Lay aside the weight. 00:24:40.240 --> 00:24:49.940 If we're running a race, it's appropriate for us to focus on what we're doing. 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:58.980 So, we also are to lay aside sin which easily entangles us. 00:24:58.980 --> 00:25:05.559 Now, as I was studying, I was struck by the fact that there are differences of opinion on this, 00:25:05.559 --> 00:25:10.859 and there are differences of opinion on whether it's the weight or the sin or sin, 00:25:10.940 --> 00:25:13.579 and I just tell you, I think both are legitimate. 00:25:13.799 --> 00:25:20.279 I think there are sins that affect some of us more distinctly and more particularly than others. 00:25:20.919 --> 00:25:23.799 There are some sins that I have struggled with all my life. 00:25:23.879 --> 00:25:25.480 I am a moody person by nature. 00:25:25.579 --> 00:25:27.919 I'm kind of surprised that I haven't cried yet today. 00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:32.159 I cried when you were singing, but I tear up. 00:25:32.200 --> 00:25:33.059 It just happens. 00:25:33.059 --> 00:25:35.919 I certainly don't plan on it. 00:25:37.139 --> 00:25:40.240 First time I ever teared up that I knew professionally or publicly was, 00:25:40.899 --> 00:25:44.679 when the door swung open, my bride-to-be started walking down the aisle, 00:25:44.819 --> 00:25:45.919 and I started sobbing. 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:48.639 Now, she thought, what in the world have I done? 00:25:51.740 --> 00:25:54.659 It was one of those challenging moments, many in our marriage. 00:25:55.159 --> 00:25:55.200 Okay? 00:25:55.619 --> 00:25:59.759 But some of us are more emotionally wired than others, right? 00:25:59.759 --> 00:26:03.940 God thankfully gave me a wife that is kind of a green-eye-shade girl. 00:26:04.039 --> 00:26:05.819 Everything's kind of putt, putt, putt, putt, and very clear. 00:26:07.539 --> 00:26:08.900 We have different struggles. 00:26:12.519 --> 00:26:14.420 What the author is saying is, listen, 00:26:14.539 --> 00:26:17.480 you have to have a conscious and deliberate decision 00:26:17.480 --> 00:26:22.120 that you are not going to be snared by sin. 00:26:24.440 --> 00:26:27.480 Don't tell me, I can't help it. 00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:28.960 Have you ever said that? 00:26:29.920 --> 00:26:31.279 I can't help it. 00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:35.480 That is not a Christian word in relationship to sin. 00:26:36.940 --> 00:26:38.079 It is not. 00:26:38.920 --> 00:26:39.319 Why? 00:26:39.319 --> 00:26:45.799 Because our Redeemer has delivered us from the bondage that we were in, 00:26:46.039 --> 00:26:48.039 and He has given us a new heart, 00:26:48.659 --> 00:26:52.299 and He's given to us the blessing of the indwelling Spirit, 00:26:52.679 --> 00:26:59.019 and we can rely upon Him to help us not be snared by Satan. 00:27:00.500 --> 00:27:01.059 Agreed? 00:27:05.779 --> 00:27:07.559 I don't care what the battle is. 00:27:07.559 --> 00:27:12.740 There are conscious and deliberate things you can do 00:27:12.740 --> 00:27:14.940 to help you in your journey 00:27:14.940 --> 00:27:20.000 and dealing with the problem of sin. 00:27:20.599 --> 00:27:22.440 Let me give you a couple of just practical ones. 00:27:23.720 --> 00:27:25.079 Do you know how Jesus handled sin? 00:27:27.259 --> 00:27:30.679 He relied upon scriptures that He had memorized ahead of time. 00:27:31.339 --> 00:27:32.419 Are you aware of that? 00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:39.100 So if you find areas in your life of recurring conflict and struggle, 00:27:39.300 --> 00:27:42.460 and you're tired of failing in those areas, 00:27:42.660 --> 00:27:45.700 and the bitter consequences of having to deal with, 00:27:46.220 --> 00:27:47.500 Father, forgive me, 00:27:48.200 --> 00:27:49.900 or your wife or your children or whatever, 00:27:50.340 --> 00:27:51.600 here's the thing to do. 00:27:52.279 --> 00:27:53.720 Go ahead and memorize. 00:27:54.140 --> 00:27:56.360 Grab about four or five different passages 00:27:56.359 --> 00:27:59.619 that really resonate with your low-life soul 00:27:59.619 --> 00:28:02.259 and begin memorizing them so they stick, 00:28:02.599 --> 00:28:04.799 and when you begin kind of bumping over 00:28:04.799 --> 00:28:06.459 into the guardrail of that problem, 00:28:06.559 --> 00:28:07.259 you begin saying, 00:28:07.379 --> 00:28:08.819 it's time to recite those out loud. 00:28:10.259 --> 00:28:13.379 Ever watch Tim Knoyer walk through Walmart in the summertime? 00:28:13.839 --> 00:28:14.879 You'll sometimes... 00:28:14.879 --> 00:28:15.899 Don't go behind me, 00:28:15.919 --> 00:28:17.159 just so you don't embarrass me, 00:28:17.160 --> 00:28:20.160 but I'll be reciting some Bible verses out loud 00:28:20.160 --> 00:28:22.000 because of the context and environment. 00:28:22.300 --> 00:28:23.779 Nobody understands what I'm talking about, 00:28:23.820 --> 00:28:24.800 but let you know. 00:28:25.660 --> 00:28:25.940 Okay? 00:28:27.860 --> 00:28:31.019 There's a good reason why I know so many verses about the tongue. 00:28:33.080 --> 00:28:35.820 There's a good reason why I know so many verses about anger. 00:28:35.819 --> 00:28:43.519 So if you want to deal with this problem of sin that entangles, 00:28:44.419 --> 00:28:48.720 start packing the head with Bible verses that you can hold on to. 00:28:54.379 --> 00:28:57.319 Secondly, in relationship to that, 00:28:58.119 --> 00:29:03.099 there is nothing that helps so much as being in the Word of God 00:29:03.099 --> 00:29:05.679 and corporate worship. 00:29:06.819 --> 00:29:10.980 Just the arena of companionship 00:29:10.980 --> 00:29:14.639 and gospel pursuit of holiness is important. 00:29:15.379 --> 00:29:16.619 We need each other. 00:29:17.799 --> 00:29:18.759 Don't disconnect. 00:29:20.819 --> 00:29:23.700 And have the integrity when you are struggling with sin 00:29:23.700 --> 00:29:26.119 of letting other people know that you're struggling. 00:29:26.960 --> 00:29:28.000 Can I say that again slowly? 00:29:29.059 --> 00:29:30.579 When was the last time you said to your wife, 00:29:30.659 --> 00:29:31.899 hey, I've got to tell you, 00:29:31.939 --> 00:29:34.259 I am really struggling with an attitude towards Bubba. 00:29:34.259 --> 00:29:36.720 Come and ask me who Bubba is afterwards. 00:29:36.839 --> 00:29:37.299 Don't ask. 00:29:37.879 --> 00:29:40.420 But go ahead and admit that you're having a problem 00:29:40.420 --> 00:29:42.119 and you want people to pray for you, right? 00:29:43.079 --> 00:29:44.000 So it says here, 00:29:44.379 --> 00:29:47.879 we're to lay aside these sins that tangle us up 00:29:47.879 --> 00:29:49.200 and cause us to fall. 00:29:49.200 --> 00:29:53.580 We come to the most important part. 00:29:56.920 --> 00:29:59.100 Looking unto Jesus, 00:29:59.799 --> 00:30:04.080 who is the founder and perfecter of our faith, 00:30:05.080 --> 00:30:08.420 who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, 00:30:08.420 --> 00:30:09.680 despising the shame, 00:30:10.240 --> 00:30:13.240 and is seated at the right hand of God. 00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:19.660 I've got to tell you that the list of champions 00:30:19.660 --> 00:30:23.320 and testifiers to faith in chapter 11 00:30:23.320 --> 00:30:26.880 is nothing in comparison to the person of Christ. 00:30:26.940 --> 00:30:27.600 Do you understand that? 00:30:28.160 --> 00:30:30.860 That's just kind of a little appetizer. 00:30:31.900 --> 00:30:33.039 It's just kind of a reminder. 00:30:33.039 --> 00:30:35.259 Now we come to the main event 00:30:35.259 --> 00:30:38.099 and the most significant focus that the believer is to have, 00:30:38.559 --> 00:30:39.799 looking unto Jesus, 00:30:39.980 --> 00:30:42.559 who is the author and finisher of our faith. 00:30:45.000 --> 00:30:45.819 I'll say it. 00:30:46.680 --> 00:30:48.240 I would encourage you, 00:30:48.619 --> 00:30:51.159 it's more expensive than I'd like it to be, 00:30:51.240 --> 00:30:53.180 but there's a good book by Paul Washer 00:30:53.180 --> 00:30:57.899 called Christ Supreme. 00:30:58.180 --> 00:30:59.639 Someone look it up and shout it out, 00:30:59.700 --> 00:31:00.299 would you please? 00:31:00.299 --> 00:31:02.759 I'm not going to be bothered. 00:31:03.839 --> 00:31:05.180 I only preach here occasionally, 00:31:05.319 --> 00:31:05.659 so go ahead. 00:31:06.099 --> 00:31:07.379 It's by Paul Washer. 00:31:07.500 --> 00:31:08.359 It's about Christ. 00:31:08.559 --> 00:31:10.259 So go ahead and say it out loud. 00:31:10.980 --> 00:31:11.940 It's worth it. 00:31:12.019 --> 00:31:13.940 And if you buy it and don't like it, 00:31:13.960 --> 00:31:14.899 I'll buy it back from you. 00:31:14.940 --> 00:31:15.359 How's that? 00:31:16.659 --> 00:31:17.379 I mean, it's a, 00:31:17.819 --> 00:31:18.539 you don't lose. 00:31:19.019 --> 00:31:19.980 Pastor, do you have it there? 00:31:20.879 --> 00:31:21.440 He's looking. 00:31:21.539 --> 00:31:22.059 Thank you, Pastor. 00:31:22.399 --> 00:31:22.539 Okay. 00:31:23.759 --> 00:31:24.119 What? 00:31:25.159 --> 00:31:26.399 The Preeminent Christ? 00:31:26.639 --> 00:31:27.599 Yeah, it's a good book. 00:31:28.339 --> 00:31:29.720 I just finished it this morning. 00:31:29.720 --> 00:31:30.759 It is phenomenal. 00:31:32.480 --> 00:31:32.680 Okay. 00:31:34.279 --> 00:31:36.140 Looking unto Jesus. 00:31:38.160 --> 00:31:41.360 Now, the passage that tells us 00:31:41.360 --> 00:31:42.519 that we are to run 00:31:42.519 --> 00:31:44.460 goes ahead and tells us 00:31:44.460 --> 00:31:45.640 that we are to run this race 00:31:45.640 --> 00:31:47.259 looking unto Jesus. 00:31:47.519 --> 00:31:49.360 And the way in which it's phrased 00:31:49.360 --> 00:31:50.980 in the text tells us 00:31:50.980 --> 00:31:53.079 that this is a particular activity. 00:31:53.079 --> 00:31:56.419 It's not one of just kind of 00:31:56.419 --> 00:31:57.720 a casual glance. 00:31:59.039 --> 00:32:01.460 In fact, the word that is used here 00:32:01.460 --> 00:32:03.379 talks about making a conscious 00:32:03.379 --> 00:32:05.000 and deliberate decision 00:32:05.000 --> 00:32:07.779 to look away from one thing 00:32:07.779 --> 00:32:10.099 and focus distinctly 00:32:10.099 --> 00:32:12.079 and narrowly on another thing. 00:32:12.079 --> 00:32:14.519 I do like weddings. 00:32:15.759 --> 00:32:17.119 And while everybody, 00:32:17.519 --> 00:32:18.460 the doors swing open 00:32:18.460 --> 00:32:19.779 and the bride comes in 00:32:19.779 --> 00:32:20.699 and the mother of the bride 00:32:20.699 --> 00:32:21.419 stands up 00:32:21.419 --> 00:32:22.319 and everybody turns around. 00:32:22.379 --> 00:32:23.159 Do you know what they're watching? 00:32:25.259 --> 00:32:27.039 They're watching the well-prepared girl 00:32:27.039 --> 00:32:27.919 come down the aisle. 00:32:28.319 --> 00:32:29.019 Oh, lovely. 00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:30.980 I never watched the bride. 00:32:31.839 --> 00:32:33.299 I always watched the guy. 00:32:35.799 --> 00:32:36.740 Do you know why? 00:32:36.740 --> 00:32:39.519 He is the epitome 00:32:39.519 --> 00:32:42.200 of a man with a narrow, 00:32:42.400 --> 00:32:43.660 distinct focus 00:32:43.660 --> 00:32:46.359 on one person alone. 00:32:47.839 --> 00:32:48.900 That's it. 00:32:50.460 --> 00:32:54.180 He is looking at his wife to be 00:32:54.180 --> 00:32:56.859 and there is in his eyes 00:32:56.859 --> 00:32:59.440 an affection and a radiance 00:32:59.440 --> 00:33:02.839 that I just find pleasure in. 00:33:02.839 --> 00:33:07.379 And here's the author saying, 00:33:07.519 --> 00:33:07.779 look, 00:33:09.220 --> 00:33:11.359 we're to run this race 00:33:11.359 --> 00:33:15.339 looking unto Jesus. 00:33:17.319 --> 00:33:18.299 Now, can I tell you 00:33:18.299 --> 00:33:19.679 that when you take your eyes off Jesus, 00:33:19.819 --> 00:33:20.759 it's a mess, right? 00:33:21.519 --> 00:33:22.519 Just ask Peter. 00:33:23.659 --> 00:33:24.099 Remember? 00:33:25.579 --> 00:33:26.699 If it's you, 00:33:27.839 --> 00:33:29.259 go ahead and invite me 00:33:29.259 --> 00:33:30.119 to walk on water 00:33:30.119 --> 00:33:31.279 and out Peter goes 00:33:31.279 --> 00:33:32.059 and what happens? 00:33:32.059 --> 00:33:33.379 He gets distracted 00:33:33.379 --> 00:33:34.339 by the waves 00:33:34.339 --> 00:33:35.799 and immediately after that 00:33:35.799 --> 00:33:37.759 he starts taking on water, right? 00:33:38.679 --> 00:33:39.579 I got to tell you, 00:33:40.279 --> 00:33:41.460 taking on a little water 00:33:41.460 --> 00:33:42.799 is nothing in comparison 00:33:42.799 --> 00:33:45.379 to the spiritual catastrophes 00:33:45.379 --> 00:33:46.759 that happen in people's lives 00:33:46.759 --> 00:33:48.220 when they take their eyes 00:33:48.220 --> 00:33:48.980 off of Jesus. 00:33:50.539 --> 00:33:51.480 Do you understand that? 00:33:54.500 --> 00:33:55.700 Peter was a fisherman. 00:33:56.960 --> 00:33:57.899 Worst case scenario, 00:33:58.019 --> 00:33:58.740 he probably could have 00:33:58.740 --> 00:34:00.119 swum back to the boat, right? 00:34:00.119 --> 00:34:02.559 But when people 00:34:02.559 --> 00:34:03.899 take their eyes off of Jesus, 00:34:04.399 --> 00:34:07.299 it's an unmitigated disaster. 00:34:09.779 --> 00:34:11.599 And here is the author 00:34:11.599 --> 00:34:12.599 saying to us, 00:34:12.659 --> 00:34:13.019 now listen, 00:34:13.119 --> 00:34:14.239 when you run this race, 00:34:14.639 --> 00:34:17.039 and it's a hard race, 00:34:17.400 --> 00:34:19.539 it's going to be exhausting. 00:34:20.920 --> 00:34:21.960 There are going to be people 00:34:21.960 --> 00:34:22.779 who you ran with 00:34:22.779 --> 00:34:23.440 that are not running 00:34:23.440 --> 00:34:24.119 with you anymore. 00:34:25.400 --> 00:34:26.380 There are going to be people 00:34:26.380 --> 00:34:28.640 who will actively discourage you 00:34:28.640 --> 00:34:30.400 from continuing in your race. 00:34:30.460 --> 00:34:30.700 He says, 00:34:31.000 --> 00:34:32.180 but you have to run 00:34:32.180 --> 00:34:34.160 looking unto Jesus. 00:34:36.800 --> 00:34:37.680 It's interesting 00:34:37.680 --> 00:34:38.840 that you stop and recognize 00:34:38.840 --> 00:34:40.000 that in saying 00:34:40.000 --> 00:34:41.180 looking unto Jesus, 00:34:41.340 --> 00:34:42.220 unto Jesus, 00:34:42.780 --> 00:34:44.460 the writer is telling us 00:34:44.460 --> 00:34:46.980 that there must be something 00:34:46.980 --> 00:34:49.119 that we shouldn't be looking at. 00:34:49.119 --> 00:34:56.279 one author, 00:35:00.279 --> 00:35:01.500 Octavius Winslow, 00:35:01.579 --> 00:35:02.440 made this comment 00:35:02.440 --> 00:35:06.639 that the most common focus 00:35:06.639 --> 00:35:07.699 of our hearts 00:35:07.699 --> 00:35:09.539 is ourself. 00:35:10.179 --> 00:35:11.400 Can I say that slowly 00:35:11.400 --> 00:35:12.219 so you don't miss it? 00:35:13.460 --> 00:35:16.299 The most common focus 00:35:16.299 --> 00:35:17.199 of our hearts 00:35:17.199 --> 00:35:18.299 is ourself. 00:35:19.839 --> 00:35:21.259 And instead of looking 00:35:21.259 --> 00:35:22.039 at Jesus, 00:35:22.219 --> 00:35:23.139 we are looking 00:35:23.139 --> 00:35:24.919 at ourself. 00:35:28.119 --> 00:35:29.159 What do other people 00:35:29.159 --> 00:35:29.819 think about me? 00:35:31.599 --> 00:35:32.679 Am I receiving 00:35:32.679 --> 00:35:34.659 the respect 00:35:34.659 --> 00:35:35.759 and accolades 00:35:35.759 --> 00:35:36.500 that I deserve? 00:35:39.839 --> 00:35:40.500 You know, 00:35:40.659 --> 00:35:41.839 we have nothing 00:35:41.839 --> 00:35:43.279 but disdain 00:35:43.279 --> 00:35:43.980 for the wicked 00:35:43.980 --> 00:35:45.000 old queen 00:35:45.000 --> 00:35:46.519 who in snow white 00:35:46.519 --> 00:35:46.919 said, 00:35:46.920 --> 00:35:47.300 mirror, 00:35:47.440 --> 00:35:48.320 mirror on the wall 00:35:48.320 --> 00:35:48.960 who's the 00:35:48.960 --> 00:35:51.780 fairest of them all, 00:35:51.840 --> 00:35:52.039 right? 00:35:52.300 --> 00:35:53.400 We don't do that, 00:35:53.460 --> 00:35:53.920 do we? 00:35:58.019 --> 00:35:59.019 Who among us 00:35:59.019 --> 00:35:59.639 have not prayed 00:35:59.639 --> 00:36:00.200 on occasion 00:36:00.200 --> 00:36:01.099 and thought to ourselves, 00:36:01.240 --> 00:36:02.200 how do I sound? 00:36:03.800 --> 00:36:04.200 Meganoito. 00:36:07.940 --> 00:36:09.039 Who has sung 00:36:09.039 --> 00:36:09.940 and not thought 00:36:09.940 --> 00:36:10.420 to themselves? 00:36:10.720 --> 00:36:11.180 I wonder 00:36:11.180 --> 00:36:12.159 what people thought. 00:36:12.159 --> 00:36:15.960 I will tell you, 00:36:16.000 --> 00:36:16.579 I'm at the age 00:36:16.579 --> 00:36:17.579 where I don't ask 00:36:17.579 --> 00:36:18.319 my wife anymore 00:36:18.319 --> 00:36:18.819 how I did 00:36:18.819 --> 00:36:19.460 when I preach. 00:36:19.659 --> 00:36:19.920 Pastor, 00:36:20.019 --> 00:36:20.679 are you at that point? 00:36:22.739 --> 00:36:23.819 I used to come home 00:36:23.819 --> 00:36:24.480 and how did I do? 00:36:26.279 --> 00:36:27.859 Just a pathologically 00:36:27.859 --> 00:36:28.960 wicked thing to ask 00:36:28.960 --> 00:36:29.519 and my wife 00:36:29.519 --> 00:36:30.259 was very helpful 00:36:30.259 --> 00:36:31.039 to make me know 00:36:31.039 --> 00:36:31.500 that it wasn't 00:36:31.500 --> 00:36:32.139 a good idea. 00:36:32.139 --> 00:36:38.039 Octavius Winslow, 00:36:38.119 --> 00:36:38.579 the person 00:36:38.579 --> 00:36:39.759 that we think about 00:36:39.759 --> 00:36:41.000 and focus on 00:36:41.000 --> 00:36:41.579 the most 00:36:41.579 --> 00:36:42.960 is ourself. 00:36:45.799 --> 00:36:46.659 That's the reason 00:36:46.659 --> 00:36:47.319 we are so 00:36:47.319 --> 00:36:48.579 consumed 00:36:48.579 --> 00:36:50.559 with things 00:36:50.559 --> 00:36:50.960 that 00:36:50.960 --> 00:36:53.920 exhaust us. 00:36:53.920 --> 00:36:57.079 and what 00:36:57.079 --> 00:36:57.639 the Holy Spirit 00:36:57.639 --> 00:36:58.360 tells us here 00:36:58.360 --> 00:36:58.900 is that we are 00:36:58.900 --> 00:36:59.480 to glue 00:36:59.480 --> 00:37:00.900 our eyes 00:37:00.900 --> 00:37:02.099 on Jesus. 00:37:04.380 --> 00:37:05.579 How do we see him? 00:37:07.820 --> 00:37:08.980 How do we see him? 00:37:12.780 --> 00:37:13.500 I want you 00:37:13.500 --> 00:37:14.340 to remind yourself 00:37:14.340 --> 00:37:15.519 that over in 00:37:15.519 --> 00:37:16.700 1 Peter 1, 00:37:16.820 --> 00:37:17.240 verse 8, 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:18.340 and here's a Bible verse 00:37:18.340 --> 00:37:19.340 that I would encourage 00:37:19.340 --> 00:37:19.880 you to memorize. 00:37:21.240 --> 00:37:22.059 It says this, 00:37:22.720 --> 00:37:23.079 it says, 00:37:23.079 --> 00:37:24.159 whom having not seen 00:37:24.159 --> 00:37:24.659 we love, 00:37:24.739 --> 00:37:25.759 though now we see him 00:37:25.759 --> 00:37:26.739 not yet believing, 00:37:27.119 --> 00:37:27.840 we are filled 00:37:27.840 --> 00:37:29.460 with joy unspeakable, 00:37:31.299 --> 00:37:32.000 I think I got it wrong, 00:37:32.340 --> 00:37:33.519 and inexpressible, 00:37:33.900 --> 00:37:34.420 forget it, 00:37:34.699 --> 00:37:35.819 but the point is this, 00:37:35.860 --> 00:37:37.000 is that when we are 00:37:37.000 --> 00:37:38.059 thinking about Jesus, 00:37:38.259 --> 00:37:38.940 our hearts, 00:37:39.679 --> 00:37:40.440 they're just kind of, 00:37:40.500 --> 00:37:41.380 they well up. 00:37:43.319 --> 00:37:44.279 I don't remember 00:37:44.279 --> 00:37:45.099 when that verse 00:37:45.099 --> 00:37:46.380 first convicted me, 00:37:46.480 --> 00:37:47.639 but it was a changing 00:37:47.639 --> 00:37:48.940 verse in my life 00:37:48.940 --> 00:37:51.279 because I realized 00:37:51.279 --> 00:37:52.460 that Tim Knoyer's 00:37:52.460 --> 00:37:53.780 affection and interest 00:37:53.780 --> 00:37:54.340 in Jesus 00:37:54.340 --> 00:37:55.900 did not match 00:37:55.900 --> 00:37:56.820 that text. 00:37:58.480 --> 00:37:59.059 And truthfully, 00:37:59.119 --> 00:38:00.199 that's what launched me 00:38:00.199 --> 00:38:02.179 into the pattern 00:38:02.179 --> 00:38:04.260 of reading the Gospels 00:38:04.260 --> 00:38:05.380 over and over 00:38:05.380 --> 00:38:06.079 and over 00:38:06.079 --> 00:38:07.360 and over again. 00:38:08.960 --> 00:38:09.980 You can't love 00:38:09.980 --> 00:38:10.900 someone you don't know. 00:38:10.960 --> 00:38:11.639 Would you agree with that? 00:38:11.639 --> 00:38:15.659 whom having not 00:38:15.659 --> 00:38:16.579 seen you love, 00:38:16.659 --> 00:38:17.699 though now you see 00:38:17.699 --> 00:38:19.159 him not yet believing, 00:38:20.799 --> 00:38:22.440 you are filled 00:38:22.440 --> 00:38:23.099 with joy 00:38:23.099 --> 00:38:23.900 and expressible 00:38:23.900 --> 00:38:24.819 and full of glory. 00:38:27.019 --> 00:38:27.940 Does that describe 00:38:27.940 --> 00:38:28.779 your heart for Jesus? 00:38:32.639 --> 00:38:33.199 You know, 00:38:33.259 --> 00:38:34.219 when we get to heaven, 00:38:35.500 --> 00:38:37.480 the joy of heaven 00:38:37.480 --> 00:38:38.219 will not be 00:38:38.219 --> 00:38:38.980 that we're there. 00:38:41.539 --> 00:38:42.719 Golden streets, 00:38:43.239 --> 00:38:43.480 you know, 00:38:43.919 --> 00:38:44.219 nah. 00:38:45.119 --> 00:38:46.219 We are going to be 00:38:46.219 --> 00:38:47.039 in the presence 00:38:47.039 --> 00:38:48.459 of the Lord. 00:38:49.439 --> 00:38:50.839 We are going to see 00:38:50.839 --> 00:38:51.239 him 00:38:51.239 --> 00:38:52.839 who is our redeemer 00:38:52.839 --> 00:38:54.099 and our savior 00:38:54.099 --> 00:38:55.459 and the lover 00:38:55.459 --> 00:38:56.359 of our souls 00:38:56.359 --> 00:38:57.539 and we are going 00:38:57.539 --> 00:38:58.219 to be filled, 00:38:58.339 --> 00:38:59.199 as it says in Psalm 00:38:59.199 --> 00:39:00.019 1611, 00:39:00.159 --> 00:39:00.659 with joy 00:39:00.659 --> 00:39:01.639 and expressible, 00:39:01.739 --> 00:39:01.939 right? 00:39:02.539 --> 00:39:03.699 In thy presence 00:39:03.699 --> 00:39:04.359 is the fullness 00:39:04.359 --> 00:39:04.879 of joy 00:39:04.880 --> 00:39:06.039 and at thy right hand 00:39:06.039 --> 00:39:07.140 are pleasures 00:39:07.140 --> 00:39:08.079 evermore. 00:39:09.940 --> 00:39:10.980 Can I tell you? 00:39:12.920 --> 00:39:14.260 If that kind 00:39:14.260 --> 00:39:14.940 of ambition 00:39:14.940 --> 00:39:16.019 and interest 00:39:16.019 --> 00:39:17.380 and determination 00:39:17.380 --> 00:39:18.840 does not 00:39:18.840 --> 00:39:19.660 on occasion 00:39:19.660 --> 00:39:21.200 resonate in your soul 00:39:21.200 --> 00:39:22.340 and draw you 00:39:22.340 --> 00:39:23.039 to long 00:39:23.039 --> 00:39:24.000 for better things, 00:39:24.119 --> 00:39:25.099 I wonder 00:39:25.099 --> 00:39:26.200 whether you know him. 00:39:26.200 --> 00:39:26.260 Amen. 00:39:26.260 --> 00:39:26.260 00:39:26.260 --> 00:39:26.320 Amen. 00:39:26.320 --> 00:39:26.320 00:39:26.320 --> 00:39:26.320 00:39:26.320 --> 00:39:26.320 00:39:26.320 --> 00:39:26.320 00:39:26.320 --> 00:39:26.320 00:39:26.320 --> 00:39:26.320 00:39:26.320 --> 00:39:26.320 00:39:26.320 --> 00:39:26.320 00:39:34.880 --> 00:39:40.280 We can't see him yet 00:39:40.280 --> 00:39:42.140 physically, 00:39:42.579 --> 00:39:43.840 but we see him 00:39:43.840 --> 00:39:44.320 in the word, 00:39:44.400 --> 00:39:44.740 don't we? 00:39:46.539 --> 00:39:47.820 Over in John 5, 00:39:47.980 --> 00:39:48.559 verse 39, 00:39:48.740 --> 00:39:49.780 Jesus makes the statement, 00:39:49.880 --> 00:39:50.160 he said, 00:39:50.240 --> 00:39:50.440 you know, 00:39:50.519 --> 00:39:51.519 that the scriptures 00:39:51.519 --> 00:39:52.700 tell us about him. 00:39:54.440 --> 00:39:55.920 And in 2 Corinthians 3, 00:39:55.920 --> 00:39:56.559 verse 18, 00:39:56.680 --> 00:39:57.280 it tells us 00:39:57.280 --> 00:39:58.720 that we beholding 00:39:58.720 --> 00:39:59.800 in a mirror 00:39:59.800 --> 00:40:00.840 the glory of the Lord 00:40:00.840 --> 00:40:02.039 are being changed. 00:40:02.039 --> 00:40:04.159 I can tell you, 00:40:04.420 --> 00:40:05.840 if you're here today 00:40:05.840 --> 00:40:06.619 and you're a believer 00:40:06.619 --> 00:40:07.739 and you cannot 00:40:07.739 --> 00:40:09.619 note the change 00:40:09.619 --> 00:40:10.619 that is taking place 00:40:10.619 --> 00:40:11.300 in your life, 00:40:11.659 --> 00:40:13.480 there's a cautionary note 00:40:13.480 --> 00:40:14.400 with that concern, 00:40:14.440 --> 00:40:14.840 isn't there? 00:40:16.179 --> 00:40:17.199 I'm thankful to say, 00:40:17.500 --> 00:40:18.039 Tim Kenoyer 00:40:18.039 --> 00:40:19.259 is not who he used to be, 00:40:19.420 --> 00:40:20.880 I'm not who I will be. 00:40:24.880 --> 00:40:25.519 Why? 00:40:27.380 --> 00:40:29.840 Looking unto Jesus, 00:40:29.840 --> 00:40:31.420 who is the author 00:40:31.420 --> 00:40:32.340 and finisher 00:40:32.340 --> 00:40:33.220 of our faith, 00:40:34.780 --> 00:40:35.320 the Savior, 00:40:37.320 --> 00:40:39.039 who for the joy, 00:40:39.840 --> 00:40:40.600 which I believe 00:40:40.600 --> 00:40:41.480 is principally 00:40:41.480 --> 00:40:44.500 satisfying the plan 00:40:44.500 --> 00:40:45.600 of redemption 00:40:45.600 --> 00:40:47.120 and the pleasure 00:40:47.120 --> 00:40:47.780 of his Father, 00:40:47.940 --> 00:40:48.220 yes, 00:40:48.300 --> 00:40:49.360 I'm included in that, 00:40:50.720 --> 00:40:52.579 he endured the cross 00:40:52.579 --> 00:40:55.579 and he sat down 00:40:55.579 --> 00:40:56.440 presently 00:40:56.440 --> 00:40:57.579 at the right hand 00:40:57.579 --> 00:40:58.100 of the Father. 00:40:58.220 --> 00:40:58.480 And do you know 00:40:58.480 --> 00:40:59.360 what Jesus is doing 00:40:59.360 --> 00:41:00.559 for Tim Kenoyer today? 00:41:00.800 --> 00:41:01.199 Do you know? 00:41:02.719 --> 00:41:04.159 He ever liveth 00:41:04.159 --> 00:41:05.599 to make intercession 00:41:05.599 --> 00:41:06.719 for me. 00:41:11.940 --> 00:41:12.860 As I was 00:41:12.860 --> 00:41:14.960 driving here 00:41:14.960 --> 00:41:15.519 this morning, 00:41:16.519 --> 00:41:19.280 and anybody 00:41:19.280 --> 00:41:19.900 who knows me 00:41:19.900 --> 00:41:20.639 know that I don't 00:41:20.639 --> 00:41:21.800 remember many songs 00:41:21.800 --> 00:41:22.420 very well. 00:41:22.420 --> 00:41:24.440 I remember 00:41:24.440 --> 00:41:25.280 one of our assistants 00:41:25.280 --> 00:41:25.940 once commented, 00:41:26.099 --> 00:41:26.300 he says, 00:41:26.360 --> 00:41:27.059 I've never learned 00:41:27.059 --> 00:41:28.280 so many new songs 00:41:28.280 --> 00:41:28.960 and new words 00:41:28.960 --> 00:41:29.940 to old songs. 00:41:33.639 --> 00:41:34.440 But I'll tell you 00:41:34.440 --> 00:41:34.860 this morning 00:41:34.860 --> 00:41:36.039 as I was driving along, 00:41:36.099 --> 00:41:36.820 I was just thinking 00:41:36.820 --> 00:41:37.460 about Jesus 00:41:37.460 --> 00:41:38.280 and I was thinking, 00:41:39.139 --> 00:41:40.880 Jesus, 00:41:41.079 --> 00:41:41.740 the very thought 00:41:41.740 --> 00:41:42.059 of thee 00:41:42.059 --> 00:41:42.840 with sweetness 00:41:42.840 --> 00:41:43.980 fills my breast. 00:41:45.820 --> 00:41:46.240 Right? 00:41:46.239 --> 00:41:49.479 Jesus, 00:41:50.039 --> 00:41:50.419 Jesus, 00:41:51.019 --> 00:41:51.359 Jesus. 00:41:53.919 --> 00:41:55.199 Now we come to this 00:41:55.199 --> 00:41:56.399 and I close. 00:41:58.959 --> 00:42:00.759 To preach about Jesus 00:42:00.759 --> 00:42:02.979 and not draw attention 00:42:02.979 --> 00:42:04.039 to the truth 00:42:04.039 --> 00:42:09.239 that he will forever 00:42:09.239 --> 00:42:12.439 occupy the center place 00:42:12.440 --> 00:42:18.539 is wrong. 00:42:19.400 --> 00:42:21.019 And to not make it clear 00:42:21.019 --> 00:42:24.039 that those who refuse 00:42:24.039 --> 00:42:26.440 the offer of salvation 00:42:26.440 --> 00:42:27.179 that is found 00:42:27.179 --> 00:42:28.539 in Jesus Christ alone 00:42:28.539 --> 00:42:30.619 will spend eternity 00:42:30.619 --> 00:42:34.039 in suffering 00:42:34.039 --> 00:42:35.200 and judgment 00:42:35.200 --> 00:42:36.000 in hell. 00:42:38.400 --> 00:42:39.700 How can I preach 00:42:39.700 --> 00:42:40.360 about Jesus 00:42:40.360 --> 00:42:41.260 and not make 00:42:41.260 --> 00:42:42.300 the message clear? 00:42:42.440 --> 00:42:45.480 God sent his son 00:42:45.480 --> 00:42:46.360 into the world 00:42:46.360 --> 00:42:47.300 to be the savior 00:42:47.300 --> 00:42:49.900 to die for my sin. 00:42:51.000 --> 00:42:52.760 To live a perfect life 00:42:52.760 --> 00:42:55.400 so that his righteousness 00:42:55.400 --> 00:42:56.460 could be put over 00:42:56.460 --> 00:42:57.320 on my account. 00:42:57.780 --> 00:42:59.099 When God opens the book 00:42:59.099 --> 00:43:00.360 on Tim Knoyer's life, 00:43:00.440 --> 00:43:00.800 do you know what 00:43:00.800 --> 00:43:01.579 he's going to see? 00:43:04.360 --> 00:43:05.300 The record 00:43:05.300 --> 00:43:06.500 of the perfection 00:43:06.500 --> 00:43:07.820 of my savior. 00:43:08.159 --> 00:43:08.900 Ha, ha. 00:43:09.400 --> 00:43:10.460 That's pretty good. 00:43:12.440 --> 00:43:13.559 I love being able 00:43:13.559 --> 00:43:14.280 to tell people 00:43:14.280 --> 00:43:16.480 the gospel makes it clear 00:43:16.480 --> 00:43:18.740 that you can have 00:43:18.740 --> 00:43:19.740 all the burden 00:43:19.740 --> 00:43:20.599 and the penalty 00:43:20.599 --> 00:43:21.860 of your sins forgiven. 00:43:23.860 --> 00:43:25.220 Your heart changed. 00:43:28.300 --> 00:43:29.500 And look forward 00:43:29.500 --> 00:43:30.539 to seeing Jesus. 00:43:30.780 --> 00:43:31.720 And so if you're here today 00:43:31.720 --> 00:43:32.860 and do not know Christ, 00:43:33.860 --> 00:43:35.360 I would plead with you 00:43:35.360 --> 00:43:36.240 now is the hour. 00:43:37.119 --> 00:43:38.220 Now is the moment. 00:43:38.219 --> 00:43:40.759 Confess the bankruptcy 00:43:40.759 --> 00:43:41.639 of your soul 00:43:41.639 --> 00:43:42.359 and know this, 00:43:42.439 --> 00:43:43.659 there is no remedy 00:43:43.659 --> 00:43:46.319 apart from the humility 00:43:46.319 --> 00:43:46.980 of saying, 00:43:47.179 --> 00:43:48.799 I stand justly condemned 00:43:48.799 --> 00:43:49.959 before a holy God 00:43:49.959 --> 00:43:51.899 and I have no hope 00:43:51.899 --> 00:43:52.679 of salvation 00:43:52.679 --> 00:43:54.519 apart from what Jesus 00:43:54.519 --> 00:43:56.219 did in dying for me 00:43:56.219 --> 00:43:57.879 and rising again. 00:43:59.059 --> 00:44:00.419 And I plead his blood 00:44:00.419 --> 00:44:01.179 on my account. 00:44:01.179 --> 00:44:05.819 Preaching is about 00:44:05.819 --> 00:44:06.699 bringing people 00:44:06.699 --> 00:44:07.919 to the place 00:44:07.919 --> 00:44:08.739 of saying yes or no 00:44:08.739 --> 00:44:09.199 to God. 00:44:10.579 --> 00:44:11.419 Let's close. 00:44:15.019 --> 00:44:15.500 Father, 00:44:15.960 --> 00:44:17.059 not by might 00:44:17.059 --> 00:44:20.639 nor by spirit 00:44:20.639 --> 00:44:24.639 nor by power 00:44:24.639 --> 00:44:25.699 but by my spirit 00:44:25.699 --> 00:44:26.519 saith the Lord. 00:44:27.879 --> 00:44:28.199 Amen. 00:44:28.199 --> 00:44:28.319 Amen. 00:44:31.179 --> 00:44:32.179 Amen.