WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.919 So it's page 1188 in the Red Church Bibles, and we're reading from chapter 5, verses 1-11. 00:00:14.280 --> 00:00:24.019 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 00:00:24.019 --> 00:00:33.000 While people are saying peace and safety, destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 00:00:33.700 --> 00:00:39.539 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 00:00:40.219 --> 00:00:43.939 You are all children of the light, and children of the day. 00:00:44.659 --> 00:00:47.100 We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 00:00:47.780 --> 00:00:53.359 So then, let us not be like others who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 00:00:54.020 --> 00:00:58.620 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 00:00:59.040 --> 00:01:08.600 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 00:01:09.880 --> 00:01:15.719 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:01:16.219 --> 00:01:23.240 He died for us, so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 00:01:24.019 --> 00:01:29.239 Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just in fact as you are doing. 00:01:29.239 --> 00:01:31.239 Jesus will return. 00:01:31.239 --> 00:01:43.919 Jesus will return. 00:01:43.920 --> 00:02:03.359 The death-defeating king of the universe has told us that he himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and the trumpet call of God. 00:02:03.359 --> 00:02:10.219 And he will judge the deeds of every man and woman that ever lived. 00:02:11.360 --> 00:02:18.439 God's just wrath will be poured out on all evil and sin. 00:02:18.439 --> 00:02:20.439 God's just wrath will be poured out on all evil and sin. 00:02:20.439 --> 00:02:23.699 There is nothing more serious. 00:02:25.020 --> 00:02:28.199 There is no future event matters more. 00:02:28.419 --> 00:02:37.680 Whatever about Trump's tariffs and what they mean for your livelihood, whatever about Putin's threats, 00:02:38.680 --> 00:02:41.659 and what they mean for world peace, 00:02:41.659 --> 00:02:51.000 this is absolutely nothing compared to what faces us on the coming day of the Lord. 00:02:52.719 --> 00:02:54.979 Peter says this in 2 Peter 3, 00:02:54.979 --> 00:02:59.939 The heavens will disappear with a roar. 00:03:00.899 --> 00:03:04.299 The elements will be destroyed by fire. 00:03:04.560 --> 00:03:09.019 And the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 00:03:10.599 --> 00:03:15.139 This is the coming day of the Lord. 00:03:15.359 --> 00:03:19.419 The only day the world really needs to worry about. 00:03:19.419 --> 00:03:25.539 And when we first hear about this coming day, 00:03:25.599 --> 00:03:28.599 I think it's natural to fear, isn't it? 00:03:30.699 --> 00:03:34.639 And it seems these young Thessalonian Christians feared 00:03:34.639 --> 00:03:38.560 they would not be saved from this coming wrath. 00:03:41.139 --> 00:03:43.859 And for the coming minutes, we're going to stop everything else. 00:03:43.860 --> 00:03:49.780 And we're going to focus our minds entirely on that moment 00:03:49.780 --> 00:03:55.160 when we will come face to face with our maker. 00:03:55.340 --> 00:03:58.160 Whether Jesus comes again before today is out, 00:03:58.860 --> 00:04:01.760 or we die before he comes, 00:04:02.780 --> 00:04:05.080 we are going to come face to face with him, 00:04:06.100 --> 00:04:07.840 the holy judge. 00:04:07.840 --> 00:04:11.080 And there is nothing more important in your life 00:04:11.080 --> 00:04:15.259 than knowing where you stand with Jesus. 00:04:18.060 --> 00:04:21.139 And in this text, the Apostle Paul tells us 00:04:21.139 --> 00:04:25.800 how we can be ready for his return. 00:04:25.939 --> 00:04:27.139 So will you pray with me now? 00:04:28.060 --> 00:04:30.800 That we would hear what God wants us to say. 00:04:33.240 --> 00:04:34.720 Our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:04:34.720 --> 00:04:37.720 we have an enemy 00:04:37.720 --> 00:04:40.820 that wants us to forget all about you 00:04:40.820 --> 00:04:43.360 and ignore your return. 00:04:45.720 --> 00:04:49.060 Help us to hear your word now and tremble. 00:04:51.140 --> 00:04:52.680 Convict us of sin 00:04:52.680 --> 00:04:54.360 where we need conviction. 00:04:55.600 --> 00:04:57.000 Fill us with hope 00:04:57.000 --> 00:04:58.780 where we are afraid. 00:04:59.720 --> 00:05:01.300 Make us ready 00:05:01.300 --> 00:05:02.800 for your return. 00:05:03.520 --> 00:05:03.900 Amen. 00:05:04.720 --> 00:05:06.680 Firstly, 00:05:07.560 --> 00:05:08.960 Jesus will return 00:05:08.960 --> 00:05:11.020 like a thief 00:05:11.020 --> 00:05:12.460 in the night. 00:05:12.840 --> 00:05:14.400 Look at verses 1 and 2 with me. 00:05:16.360 --> 00:05:18.000 Now, brothers and sisters, 00:05:18.120 --> 00:05:19.480 about times and dates, 00:05:20.480 --> 00:05:22.260 we do not need to write to you, 00:05:22.940 --> 00:05:24.620 for you know very well 00:05:24.620 --> 00:05:26.760 that the day of the Lord 00:05:26.760 --> 00:05:27.540 will come 00:05:27.540 --> 00:05:28.860 like a thief 00:05:28.860 --> 00:05:30.260 in the night. 00:05:30.259 --> 00:05:34.699 Now, what thief rings your house beforehand 00:05:34.699 --> 00:05:35.240 and says, 00:05:35.360 --> 00:05:35.659 listen, 00:05:36.759 --> 00:05:37.519 we'll be down there 00:05:37.519 --> 00:05:38.579 at around 3 a.m. 00:05:38.579 --> 00:05:40.240 Would you mind leaving the front door open 00:05:40.240 --> 00:05:42.180 and the cash on the counter? 00:05:42.319 --> 00:05:44.039 It'll make the whole process smoother. 00:05:46.039 --> 00:05:47.180 Said no thief ever. 00:05:48.000 --> 00:05:48.300 Okay? 00:05:48.800 --> 00:05:49.959 The thief comes 00:05:49.959 --> 00:05:51.379 when the homeowner 00:05:51.379 --> 00:05:52.379 least expects. 00:05:52.379 --> 00:05:52.899 Expect. 00:05:53.279 --> 00:05:54.800 I hope that's never happened to you. 00:05:55.600 --> 00:05:56.379 It happened to me once 00:05:56.379 --> 00:05:57.560 when I was a kid. 00:05:58.959 --> 00:06:00.659 It wasn't a nice experience 00:06:00.659 --> 00:06:02.639 walking into our house 00:06:02.639 --> 00:06:05.060 and realizing 00:06:05.060 --> 00:06:05.600 that the thief 00:06:05.600 --> 00:06:06.740 had gone through all our rooms 00:06:06.740 --> 00:06:07.680 and taken all the cash 00:06:07.680 --> 00:06:08.159 you could find. 00:06:08.160 --> 00:06:10.720 We didn't expect it. 00:06:13.020 --> 00:06:14.220 And Jesus is not 00:06:14.220 --> 00:06:15.600 some dangerous thief 00:06:15.600 --> 00:06:18.120 seeking to steal something from you. 00:06:18.280 --> 00:06:18.520 No. 00:06:18.960 --> 00:06:20.200 He's the righteous 00:06:20.200 --> 00:06:22.480 returning judge. 00:06:23.760 --> 00:06:24.860 But his coming 00:06:24.860 --> 00:06:26.560 will be like that of a thief 00:06:26.560 --> 00:06:27.700 because it's going to catch 00:06:27.700 --> 00:06:29.100 many people off guard. 00:06:30.960 --> 00:06:33.060 Now, Paul would call such people 00:06:33.060 --> 00:06:34.600 who are going to be caught off guard 00:06:34.600 --> 00:06:37.680 children of darkness. 00:06:38.980 --> 00:06:40.480 And he tells us more about them 00:06:40.480 --> 00:06:42.500 in verse 3 and 7. 00:06:42.600 --> 00:06:43.320 Let's read that now. 00:06:43.700 --> 00:06:44.120 Verse 3. 00:06:45.020 --> 00:06:46.820 While people are saying 00:06:46.820 --> 00:06:49.200 peace and safety, 00:06:51.000 --> 00:06:54.060 destruction will come on them suddenly 00:06:54.060 --> 00:06:57.100 as labor pains on a pregnant woman 00:06:57.100 --> 00:06:59.820 and they will not escape. 00:07:00.740 --> 00:07:01.680 Look at verse 7. 00:07:02.120 --> 00:07:03.440 For those who sleep, 00:07:04.300 --> 00:07:05.200 sleep at night. 00:07:06.260 --> 00:07:07.840 And those who get drunk, 00:07:08.160 --> 00:07:10.380 get drunk at night. 00:07:10.480 --> 00:07:12.660 So here's what we know so far. 00:07:12.800 --> 00:07:13.980 Children of the darkness 00:07:13.980 --> 00:07:15.939 are spiritually asleep. 00:07:16.980 --> 00:07:19.260 They can't see the spiritual reality 00:07:19.260 --> 00:07:21.040 of what's really going on 00:07:21.040 --> 00:07:21.760 in this world. 00:07:21.759 --> 00:07:23.839 Are you a light sleeper? 00:07:26.719 --> 00:07:28.159 I am 100% not. 00:07:29.279 --> 00:07:30.879 About 5 minutes after my head 00:07:30.879 --> 00:07:31.560 hits that pillow, 00:07:31.659 --> 00:07:33.879 I am dead to the world. 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:34.740 Kids could be crying. 00:07:35.300 --> 00:07:36.699 Wife could be coughing up a lung. 00:07:37.199 --> 00:07:38.800 Sam snores on. 00:07:39.800 --> 00:07:41.139 And I wake up in the morning 00:07:41.139 --> 00:07:41.500 and say, 00:07:41.579 --> 00:07:42.879 what a peaceful night. 00:07:44.980 --> 00:07:45.779 Blissfully unaware 00:07:45.779 --> 00:07:48.319 of what was really going on. 00:07:48.319 --> 00:07:49.159 Can anyone relate? 00:07:51.459 --> 00:07:52.579 Now children of darkness 00:07:52.579 --> 00:07:54.719 are spiritually asleep, 00:07:55.120 --> 00:07:55.639 unconscious. 00:07:56.180 --> 00:07:57.319 There's this faint noise 00:07:58.199 --> 00:08:00.040 in the background of their minds 00:08:00.040 --> 00:08:01.379 of Jesus coming back. 00:08:01.500 --> 00:08:02.159 But do you know what? 00:08:02.180 --> 00:08:03.159 It doesn't even register. 00:08:04.539 --> 00:08:06.519 They just keep telling themselves, 00:08:06.959 --> 00:08:08.740 peace and safety. 00:08:09.500 --> 00:08:11.060 Everything's just fine. 00:08:11.060 --> 00:08:13.660 They live as if Jesus 00:08:13.660 --> 00:08:15.240 won't ever come back. 00:08:15.819 --> 00:08:16.860 Is that you? 00:08:20.680 --> 00:08:22.660 Secondly, Paul says in verse 7, 00:08:23.500 --> 00:08:24.420 children of darkness 00:08:24.420 --> 00:08:25.759 are spiritually drunk. 00:08:26.160 --> 00:08:27.819 Now God condemns drunkenness. 00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:28.459 That's plain. 00:08:30.519 --> 00:08:31.660 But people get drunk 00:08:31.660 --> 00:08:33.340 oftentimes to escape 00:08:33.340 --> 00:08:34.279 some reality 00:08:34.279 --> 00:08:35.639 they just don't want to face. 00:08:37.559 --> 00:08:39.799 So also children of darkness 00:08:39.799 --> 00:08:41.719 drink in excess 00:08:41.719 --> 00:08:42.919 of career, 00:08:43.759 --> 00:08:44.299 travel, 00:08:45.120 --> 00:08:45.559 children, 00:08:45.819 --> 00:08:46.219 shopping, 00:08:46.399 --> 00:08:46.719 Netflix, 00:08:46.919 --> 00:08:47.419 relationships, 00:08:47.539 --> 00:08:48.339 all the different things 00:08:48.339 --> 00:08:49.339 they try and fill 00:08:49.339 --> 00:08:50.279 their lives with 00:08:50.279 --> 00:08:51.019 to escape 00:08:51.019 --> 00:08:52.399 the ultimate reality 00:08:52.399 --> 00:08:53.019 of Jesus. 00:08:54.279 --> 00:08:55.500 They don't want to face up 00:08:55.500 --> 00:08:56.359 to the righteous 00:08:56.359 --> 00:08:58.179 returning judge. 00:08:58.299 --> 00:08:59.039 Is that you? 00:09:03.620 --> 00:09:04.539 It's very easy 00:09:04.539 --> 00:09:05.240 to be that way 00:09:05.240 --> 00:09:05.879 in Cargilline. 00:09:05.879 --> 00:09:08.840 It's a wealthy, 00:09:09.039 --> 00:09:09.820 convenient town. 00:09:10.480 --> 00:09:11.600 We've everything we want. 00:09:13.860 --> 00:09:15.600 Our text warns us, 00:09:16.700 --> 00:09:17.500 if you are ignorant 00:09:17.500 --> 00:09:19.799 of Christ's return, 00:09:20.220 --> 00:09:20.539 asleep, 00:09:21.379 --> 00:09:22.799 or if you're trying 00:09:22.799 --> 00:09:24.200 to escape that reality, 00:09:24.500 --> 00:09:24.759 drunk, 00:09:25.980 --> 00:09:26.779 either way, 00:09:27.159 --> 00:09:28.799 you are not ready 00:09:28.799 --> 00:09:30.840 for Jesus' return. 00:09:30.960 --> 00:09:31.860 And here's the horrifying 00:09:31.860 --> 00:09:32.580 consequence 00:09:32.580 --> 00:09:33.440 which you need to know. 00:09:33.440 --> 00:09:36.260 children of darkness 00:09:36.260 --> 00:09:37.020 would be destroyed. 00:09:40.180 --> 00:09:41.020 In verse 3, 00:09:41.080 --> 00:09:41.560 we read that 00:09:41.560 --> 00:09:43.300 just like a soon-to-be mum 00:09:43.300 --> 00:09:44.940 coming up to full term 00:09:44.940 --> 00:09:46.480 cannot escape 00:09:46.480 --> 00:09:48.300 those labour pains 00:09:48.300 --> 00:09:48.820 coming, 00:09:50.220 --> 00:09:51.660 so the children 00:09:51.660 --> 00:09:52.440 of darkness 00:09:52.440 --> 00:09:53.680 can't escape 00:09:53.680 --> 00:09:55.500 God's just wrath 00:09:55.500 --> 00:09:56.360 on their sin. 00:09:56.720 --> 00:09:57.660 So here's the point. 00:09:57.980 --> 00:09:59.440 Don't fool around 00:09:59.440 --> 00:10:00.080 with Jesus. 00:10:00.080 --> 00:10:03.040 if you think 00:10:03.040 --> 00:10:04.160 that you can keep 00:10:04.160 --> 00:10:05.580 the king of the universe 00:10:05.580 --> 00:10:06.879 at arm's length, 00:10:08.379 --> 00:10:09.400 maybe throw 00:10:09.400 --> 00:10:10.800 some church attendance, 00:10:11.180 --> 00:10:11.840 good works, 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:12.700 and prayers 00:10:12.700 --> 00:10:13.300 his way 00:10:13.300 --> 00:10:14.240 just to keep him happy, 00:10:15.700 --> 00:10:16.520 you are in 00:10:16.520 --> 00:10:17.980 ultimate danger 00:10:17.980 --> 00:10:19.580 and you are a fool 00:10:19.580 --> 00:10:22.259 because you can't 00:10:22.259 --> 00:10:23.420 mess around 00:10:23.420 --> 00:10:24.400 with the judge 00:10:24.400 --> 00:10:25.480 of all things. 00:10:26.360 --> 00:10:26.900 He says, 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:28.220 either you are for me 00:10:28.220 --> 00:10:29.460 or you are against me. 00:10:29.460 --> 00:10:30.820 there is no 00:10:30.820 --> 00:10:32.360 middle ground. 00:10:34.259 --> 00:10:34.700 He says, 00:10:35.000 --> 00:10:36.100 either you believe 00:10:36.100 --> 00:10:37.759 and act on my word 00:10:37.759 --> 00:10:39.620 that I will return 00:10:39.620 --> 00:10:40.879 or you don't believe. 00:10:43.879 --> 00:10:45.680 Listen to him 00:10:45.680 --> 00:10:48.620 and act 00:10:48.620 --> 00:10:49.879 on his word. 00:10:50.360 --> 00:10:51.379 If you don't, 00:10:52.480 --> 00:10:53.360 you will be caught 00:10:53.360 --> 00:10:53.820 off guard 00:10:53.820 --> 00:10:55.580 by his return 00:10:55.580 --> 00:10:57.980 and you will suffer 00:10:57.980 --> 00:10:59.180 eternal destruction 00:10:59.179 --> 00:11:00.559 separate 00:11:00.559 --> 00:11:02.179 from God. 00:11:03.279 --> 00:11:04.779 Jesus will return 00:11:04.779 --> 00:11:06.139 like a thief 00:11:06.139 --> 00:11:07.039 in the night 00:11:07.039 --> 00:11:07.779 but secondly, 00:11:08.819 --> 00:11:10.959 fear not 00:11:10.959 --> 00:11:12.539 the coming judgment, 00:11:13.339 --> 00:11:13.919 O children 00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:15.479 of the light. 00:11:15.659 --> 00:11:16.479 Read with me 00:11:16.479 --> 00:11:17.779 from verse 4. 00:11:18.919 --> 00:11:19.959 But you, 00:11:20.239 --> 00:11:20.479 brothers 00:11:20.479 --> 00:11:21.819 and sisters 00:11:21.819 --> 00:11:22.939 who have believed 00:11:22.939 --> 00:11:23.479 in Christ, 00:11:23.480 --> 00:11:25.500 you are not 00:11:25.500 --> 00:11:26.879 in darkness 00:11:26.879 --> 00:11:28.920 so that this day 00:11:28.920 --> 00:11:30.220 should surprise you 00:11:30.220 --> 00:11:31.680 like a thief. 00:11:32.740 --> 00:11:33.519 You are all 00:11:33.519 --> 00:11:35.220 children of the light 00:11:35.220 --> 00:11:36.740 and children 00:11:36.740 --> 00:11:37.779 of the day. 00:11:38.300 --> 00:11:39.600 We do not belong 00:11:39.600 --> 00:11:40.560 to the night 00:11:40.560 --> 00:11:43.300 or to the darkness. 00:11:44.580 --> 00:11:46.180 What a relief 00:11:46.180 --> 00:11:49.600 for these believers 00:11:49.600 --> 00:11:50.840 in Thessalonica 00:11:50.840 --> 00:11:51.800 to hear. 00:11:52.240 --> 00:11:53.280 They don't need 00:11:53.280 --> 00:11:53.980 to fear 00:11:53.980 --> 00:11:55.139 the coming judgment 00:11:55.139 --> 00:11:55.920 of Christ 00:11:55.920 --> 00:11:56.899 because they are 00:11:56.899 --> 00:11:58.180 children of the light. 00:11:58.560 --> 00:11:58.680 Now, 00:11:58.759 --> 00:11:59.519 why don't they have 00:11:59.519 --> 00:12:00.420 to fear the judgment? 00:12:02.240 --> 00:12:03.220 Is it that they don't 00:12:03.220 --> 00:12:04.000 have any sin 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:04.800 to be judged? 00:12:06.300 --> 00:12:07.100 Are they some 00:12:07.100 --> 00:12:08.580 super holy people? 00:12:08.700 --> 00:12:08.820 No, 00:12:08.899 --> 00:12:09.460 not at all. 00:12:11.200 --> 00:12:11.700 They're still 00:12:11.700 --> 00:12:12.240 very much 00:12:12.240 --> 00:12:12.960 in the battle 00:12:12.960 --> 00:12:13.639 with sin. 00:12:14.820 --> 00:12:15.680 Here's the reason 00:12:15.680 --> 00:12:16.300 why they don't 00:12:16.300 --> 00:12:16.759 have to fear 00:12:16.759 --> 00:12:17.220 the judgment. 00:12:17.220 --> 00:12:18.180 Their lives 00:12:18.180 --> 00:12:18.759 are found 00:12:18.759 --> 00:12:19.860 in Christ 00:12:19.860 --> 00:12:20.660 who took 00:12:20.660 --> 00:12:21.300 their judgment. 00:12:22.720 --> 00:12:23.720 He lived 00:12:23.720 --> 00:12:24.720 the perfect life 00:12:24.720 --> 00:12:25.840 they could never live. 00:12:26.100 --> 00:12:26.980 He died the death 00:12:26.980 --> 00:12:28.040 they deserved 00:12:28.040 --> 00:12:29.000 for their sin. 00:12:29.540 --> 00:12:30.540 He rose again 00:12:30.540 --> 00:12:32.139 so that one day 00:12:32.139 --> 00:12:32.899 they could rise 00:12:32.899 --> 00:12:33.600 with him 00:12:33.600 --> 00:12:35.180 to eternal life. 00:12:35.500 --> 00:12:36.420 Are you a child 00:12:36.420 --> 00:12:36.940 of the light? 00:12:38.800 --> 00:12:39.840 Here's how you know. 00:12:42.639 --> 00:12:43.720 Have you believed 00:12:43.720 --> 00:12:44.279 in Christ? 00:12:44.279 --> 00:12:47.439 that he died 00:12:47.439 --> 00:12:48.299 for you 00:12:48.299 --> 00:12:49.740 and rose again 00:12:49.740 --> 00:12:50.500 for you? 00:12:51.299 --> 00:12:52.319 Have you repented 00:12:52.319 --> 00:12:53.100 of your sin 00:12:53.100 --> 00:12:54.079 and said, 00:12:54.360 --> 00:12:55.279 I don't want that anymore. 00:12:56.659 --> 00:12:57.620 I'm following 00:12:57.620 --> 00:12:58.639 Jesus now. 00:12:59.939 --> 00:13:01.000 I'm still going 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:01.839 to battle with sin 00:13:01.839 --> 00:13:03.179 but I serve 00:13:03.179 --> 00:13:04.939 a new master now. 00:13:05.059 --> 00:13:06.379 My life is found 00:13:06.379 --> 00:13:07.559 in Jesus. 00:13:07.959 --> 00:13:08.860 If that is you, 00:13:09.779 --> 00:13:11.159 you're a child 00:13:11.159 --> 00:13:11.699 of the light. 00:13:11.700 --> 00:13:15.400 you have no need 00:13:15.400 --> 00:13:15.980 to fear 00:13:15.980 --> 00:13:16.780 the coming 00:13:16.780 --> 00:13:17.400 judgment 00:13:17.400 --> 00:13:18.400 of Christ. 00:13:18.600 --> 00:13:19.560 When Jesus comes, 00:13:20.300 --> 00:13:21.200 it won't really 00:13:21.200 --> 00:13:22.120 be a surprise. 00:13:22.440 --> 00:13:22.620 I mean, 00:13:22.660 --> 00:13:23.360 it will in one way 00:13:23.360 --> 00:13:23.900 but another way 00:13:23.900 --> 00:13:24.560 it won't 00:13:24.560 --> 00:13:27.200 because this is 00:13:27.200 --> 00:13:27.620 the moment 00:13:27.620 --> 00:13:28.080 you'll have been 00:13:28.080 --> 00:13:28.660 waiting for 00:13:28.660 --> 00:13:29.440 your whole life. 00:13:32.140 --> 00:13:33.259 And on that day 00:13:33.259 --> 00:13:34.500 you will rise 00:13:34.500 --> 00:13:35.160 to meet 00:13:35.160 --> 00:13:36.140 your Lord 00:13:36.140 --> 00:13:37.300 in the air 00:13:37.300 --> 00:13:38.280 and so you 00:13:38.280 --> 00:13:38.920 will be with 00:13:38.920 --> 00:13:39.879 Jesus forever. 00:13:40.340 --> 00:13:40.960 His treasure, 00:13:40.960 --> 00:13:42.100 his bride 00:13:42.100 --> 00:13:43.420 united to him 00:13:43.420 --> 00:13:44.340 in love. 00:13:44.720 --> 00:13:45.660 You don't belong 00:13:45.660 --> 00:13:46.519 to the night 00:13:46.519 --> 00:13:47.379 or the darkness 00:13:47.379 --> 00:13:48.120 anymore 00:13:48.120 --> 00:13:49.920 so live 00:13:49.920 --> 00:13:52.519 like it's true. 00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:54.600 That's what 00:13:54.600 --> 00:13:55.700 Paul's next point is. 00:13:57.340 --> 00:13:58.519 Live like it's true. 00:13:58.820 --> 00:13:59.680 Be who you 00:13:59.680 --> 00:14:01.160 truly are. 00:14:01.379 --> 00:14:01.800 Number one, 00:14:01.920 --> 00:14:03.080 Jesus will return 00:14:03.080 --> 00:14:04.340 like a thief 00:14:04.340 --> 00:14:04.900 in the night. 00:14:06.139 --> 00:14:07.040 Fear not 00:14:07.040 --> 00:14:07.580 the coming 00:14:07.580 --> 00:14:08.220 judgment. 00:14:08.220 --> 00:14:09.800 O children 00:14:09.800 --> 00:14:10.519 of the light. 00:14:10.700 --> 00:14:11.160 Thirdly, 00:14:12.680 --> 00:14:13.300 awake 00:14:13.300 --> 00:14:15.120 and sober 00:14:15.120 --> 00:14:15.620 minded, 00:14:17.160 --> 00:14:18.220 arm yourselves 00:14:18.220 --> 00:14:19.560 to fight. 00:14:21.360 --> 00:14:22.680 What distinguishes 00:14:22.680 --> 00:14:24.279 a child 00:14:24.279 --> 00:14:24.980 of the light 00:14:24.980 --> 00:14:26.639 from a child 00:14:26.639 --> 00:14:27.379 of the darkness 00:14:27.379 --> 00:14:29.379 is they 00:14:29.379 --> 00:14:30.080 want 00:14:30.080 --> 00:14:31.560 to fight 00:14:31.560 --> 00:14:32.720 to stay 00:14:32.720 --> 00:14:33.379 awake 00:14:33.379 --> 00:14:34.639 to Jesus. 00:14:34.639 --> 00:14:35.740 children 00:14:35.740 --> 00:14:36.379 of the darkness 00:14:36.379 --> 00:14:37.199 are spiritually 00:14:37.199 --> 00:14:37.720 asleep 00:14:37.720 --> 00:14:38.399 and drunk. 00:14:38.559 --> 00:14:38.840 They either 00:14:38.840 --> 00:14:39.439 can't see 00:14:39.439 --> 00:14:39.879 or don't 00:14:39.879 --> 00:14:40.539 want to see 00:14:40.539 --> 00:14:41.679 who Jesus 00:14:41.679 --> 00:14:42.500 really is. 00:14:43.460 --> 00:14:44.199 And they don't 00:14:44.199 --> 00:14:44.879 see the problem 00:14:44.879 --> 00:14:45.379 with that. 00:14:46.600 --> 00:14:47.080 But look 00:14:47.080 --> 00:14:47.480 at what Paul 00:14:47.480 --> 00:14:47.899 says 00:14:47.899 --> 00:14:48.960 in verse 00:14:48.960 --> 00:14:49.519 five 00:14:49.519 --> 00:14:50.199 and six. 00:14:53.159 --> 00:14:53.960 You are 00:14:53.960 --> 00:14:54.439 all 00:14:54.439 --> 00:14:54.980 children 00:14:54.980 --> 00:14:55.580 of the light 00:14:55.580 --> 00:14:56.460 and children 00:14:56.460 --> 00:14:57.019 of the day. 00:14:57.720 --> 00:14:58.460 We do 00:14:58.460 --> 00:14:59.299 not belong 00:14:59.299 --> 00:15:00.279 to the night 00:15:00.279 --> 00:15:01.579 or to the 00:15:01.579 --> 00:15:01.959 darkness. 00:15:02.139 --> 00:15:02.819 So then, 00:15:03.939 --> 00:15:05.199 let us 00:15:05.199 --> 00:15:06.159 not be 00:15:06.159 --> 00:15:07.279 like others 00:15:07.279 --> 00:15:07.919 who are 00:15:07.919 --> 00:15:08.399 asleep, 00:15:09.019 --> 00:15:10.039 but let us 00:15:10.039 --> 00:15:11.059 be awake 00:15:11.059 --> 00:15:13.399 and sober. 00:15:16.059 --> 00:15:17.100 So children 00:15:17.100 --> 00:15:17.899 of the light 00:15:17.899 --> 00:15:20.399 are spiritually 00:15:20.399 --> 00:15:21.259 awake 00:15:21.259 --> 00:15:22.759 and sober 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:23.500 minded. 00:15:23.639 --> 00:15:24.220 Now sleep 00:15:24.220 --> 00:15:24.759 is good 00:15:24.759 --> 00:15:25.539 for our bodies, 00:15:25.639 --> 00:15:25.879 right? 00:15:25.879 --> 00:15:28.039 I don't 00:15:28.039 --> 00:15:28.259 need to 00:15:28.259 --> 00:15:28.559 tell you 00:15:28.559 --> 00:15:28.939 more about 00:15:28.939 --> 00:15:29.439 that for me. 00:15:30.240 --> 00:15:30.700 I can see 00:15:30.700 --> 00:15:31.220 some teenagers 00:15:31.220 --> 00:15:31.700 nodding. 00:15:32.220 --> 00:15:32.580 Absolutely. 00:15:35.059 --> 00:15:36.080 Paul tells 00:15:36.080 --> 00:15:36.379 us, 00:15:36.500 --> 00:15:36.720 however, 00:15:37.860 --> 00:15:38.700 that spiritual 00:15:38.700 --> 00:15:39.340 sleep 00:15:39.340 --> 00:15:40.980 has the 00:15:40.980 --> 00:15:41.279 opposite 00:15:41.279 --> 00:15:41.799 effect 00:15:41.799 --> 00:15:42.580 on our 00:15:42.580 --> 00:15:42.919 souls. 00:15:43.080 --> 00:15:43.679 It's bad 00:15:43.679 --> 00:15:44.840 for our 00:15:44.840 --> 00:15:45.240 spirits. 00:15:46.019 --> 00:15:46.939 That ignoring 00:15:46.939 --> 00:15:48.399 or escaping 00:15:48.399 --> 00:15:49.100 the reality 00:15:49.100 --> 00:15:49.740 of Jesus 00:15:49.740 --> 00:15:50.580 leads us 00:15:50.580 --> 00:15:51.299 further 00:15:51.299 --> 00:15:52.340 and further 00:15:52.340 --> 00:15:53.019 away from 00:15:53.019 --> 00:15:53.159 him. 00:15:53.240 --> 00:15:53.620 You've known 00:15:53.620 --> 00:15:54.059 that in your 00:15:54.059 --> 00:15:54.320 life, 00:15:54.620 --> 00:15:55.039 I'm sure, 00:15:55.120 --> 00:15:55.600 just like I 00:15:55.600 --> 00:15:55.920 have. 00:15:57.980 --> 00:15:58.560 And as 00:15:58.560 --> 00:15:59.080 children of 00:15:59.080 --> 00:15:59.519 the light, 00:15:59.920 --> 00:16:00.980 how easy 00:16:00.980 --> 00:16:02.700 to slip 00:16:02.700 --> 00:16:03.279 back into 00:16:03.279 --> 00:16:04.300 those old 00:16:04.300 --> 00:16:04.840 ways we 00:16:04.840 --> 00:16:05.240 used to 00:16:05.240 --> 00:16:05.600 live in, 00:16:05.779 --> 00:16:06.899 like not 00:16:06.899 --> 00:16:07.519 caring to 00:16:07.519 --> 00:16:08.019 spend time 00:16:08.019 --> 00:16:08.460 with Jesus, 00:16:09.379 --> 00:16:10.340 getting absorbed 00:16:10.340 --> 00:16:11.200 in career 00:16:11.200 --> 00:16:11.920 or leisure 00:16:11.920 --> 00:16:12.840 or entertainment, 00:16:13.180 --> 00:16:13.920 not engaging 00:16:13.920 --> 00:16:14.460 with church 00:16:14.460 --> 00:16:15.000 life, 00:16:15.300 --> 00:16:15.899 not reading 00:16:15.899 --> 00:16:16.540 the words. 00:16:18.480 --> 00:16:19.180 But we 00:16:19.180 --> 00:16:19.460 don't have 00:16:19.460 --> 00:16:19.840 to be like 00:16:19.840 --> 00:16:20.320 that anymore. 00:16:22.899 --> 00:16:23.899 We must 00:16:23.899 --> 00:16:25.200 stay spiritually 00:16:25.200 --> 00:16:26.840 awake and 00:16:26.840 --> 00:16:28.080 sober-minded 00:16:28.080 --> 00:16:28.940 or alert 00:16:28.940 --> 00:16:30.640 to Jesus 00:16:30.640 --> 00:16:31.240 and his 00:16:31.240 --> 00:16:31.740 return. 00:16:32.740 --> 00:16:32.840 Now, 00:16:32.940 --> 00:16:33.540 most of us 00:16:33.540 --> 00:16:33.820 have been 00:16:33.820 --> 00:16:34.060 there, 00:16:34.120 --> 00:16:34.259 right? 00:16:34.320 --> 00:16:34.540 You're 00:16:34.540 --> 00:16:35.640 driving home 00:16:35.640 --> 00:16:36.300 on the 00:16:36.300 --> 00:16:37.259 M8 after 00:16:37.259 --> 00:16:37.660 a big 00:16:37.660 --> 00:16:38.280 day out 00:16:38.280 --> 00:16:39.300 in Dublin. 00:16:40.160 --> 00:16:40.700 Maybe it 00:16:40.700 --> 00:16:40.960 was a 00:16:40.960 --> 00:16:41.360 concert, 00:16:42.580 --> 00:16:44.040 maybe it 00:16:44.040 --> 00:16:44.900 was a 00:16:44.900 --> 00:16:45.300 shopping 00:16:45.300 --> 00:16:46.180 trip or 00:16:46.180 --> 00:16:46.780 a match, 00:16:47.080 --> 00:16:47.460 or maybe a 00:16:47.460 --> 00:16:47.759 hospital 00:16:47.759 --> 00:16:48.180 appointment, 00:16:48.520 --> 00:16:49.020 who knows? 00:16:49.259 --> 00:16:49.560 But anyway, 00:16:50.440 --> 00:16:51.180 it's late, 00:16:51.179 --> 00:16:52.899 you feel 00:16:52.899 --> 00:16:54.319 the eyelids 00:16:54.319 --> 00:16:55.979 begin to 00:16:55.979 --> 00:16:56.819 droop. 00:16:57.859 --> 00:16:58.699 What do 00:16:58.699 --> 00:16:59.000 you do? 00:17:00.659 --> 00:17:01.599 How are 00:17:01.599 --> 00:17:01.939 you going 00:17:01.939 --> 00:17:02.639 to fight 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:03.659 to stay 00:17:03.659 --> 00:17:04.899 awake when 00:17:04.899 --> 00:17:05.559 all you feel 00:17:05.559 --> 00:17:05.980 like doing 00:17:05.980 --> 00:17:06.639 is falling 00:17:06.639 --> 00:17:07.240 asleep on 00:17:07.240 --> 00:17:07.859 that motorway? 00:17:07.960 --> 00:17:08.619 Here's what 00:17:08.619 --> 00:17:08.839 you do. 00:17:08.879 --> 00:17:09.359 Number one, 00:17:11.079 --> 00:17:11.839 recline your 00:17:11.839 --> 00:17:12.980 seat further 00:17:12.980 --> 00:17:13.319 back. 00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:15.240 Switch on 00:17:15.240 --> 00:17:15.919 Bram's 00:17:15.919 --> 00:17:16.679 lullaby to 00:17:16.679 --> 00:17:17.720 softly play 00:17:17.720 --> 00:17:18.599 in the 00:17:18.599 --> 00:17:18.980 background. 00:17:18.980 --> 00:17:19.980 And you 00:17:19.980 --> 00:17:20.279 turn to 00:17:20.279 --> 00:17:20.680 the person 00:17:20.680 --> 00:17:20.880 in the 00:17:20.880 --> 00:17:21.380 passenger seat 00:17:21.380 --> 00:17:22.039 beside you 00:17:22.039 --> 00:17:23.339 and you 00:17:23.339 --> 00:17:23.700 say, 00:17:24.599 --> 00:17:25.819 would you 00:17:25.819 --> 00:17:26.259 mind not 00:17:26.259 --> 00:17:26.779 speaking to 00:17:26.779 --> 00:17:27.079 me for 00:17:27.079 --> 00:17:27.460 the next 00:17:27.460 --> 00:17:28.160 half an 00:17:28.160 --> 00:17:28.500 hour or 00:17:28.500 --> 00:17:28.599 so? 00:17:28.720 --> 00:17:28.960 I just 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:29.960 want some 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:30.360 peace and 00:17:30.360 --> 00:17:30.620 quiet. 00:17:33.079 --> 00:17:33.700 Would you 00:17:33.700 --> 00:17:34.700 do that? 00:17:34.839 --> 00:17:35.319 No, you 00:17:35.319 --> 00:17:35.980 would never 00:17:35.980 --> 00:17:36.640 do that. 00:17:36.819 --> 00:17:37.200 What a 00:17:37.200 --> 00:17:37.740 fool you'd 00:17:37.740 --> 00:17:38.039 be. 00:17:39.380 --> 00:17:40.120 A recipe 00:17:40.120 --> 00:17:41.019 for disaster. 00:17:42.559 --> 00:17:42.960 Instead, 00:17:43.779 --> 00:17:44.200 you would 00:17:44.200 --> 00:17:44.819 sit up 00:17:44.819 --> 00:17:45.339 straight, 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:46.620 you'd wind 00:17:46.620 --> 00:17:47.099 down that 00:17:47.099 --> 00:17:47.500 window and 00:17:47.500 --> 00:17:47.980 you'd drink 00:17:47.980 --> 00:17:48.539 your coffee, 00:17:48.539 --> 00:17:49.440 you'd switch 00:17:49.440 --> 00:17:49.940 on Bon 00:17:49.940 --> 00:17:50.299 Jovi, 00:17:50.420 --> 00:17:51.119 full blast, 00:17:51.460 --> 00:17:52.220 karaoke mode. 00:17:53.619 --> 00:17:54.079 And you 00:17:54.079 --> 00:17:54.920 would plead 00:17:54.920 --> 00:17:55.960 with the 00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:56.740 person beside 00:17:56.740 --> 00:17:57.759 you to 00:17:57.759 --> 00:17:58.680 join in 00:17:58.680 --> 00:17:59.819 and say, 00:17:59.940 --> 00:18:00.399 don't you 00:18:00.399 --> 00:18:01.359 dare go to 00:18:01.359 --> 00:18:01.879 sleep on 00:18:01.879 --> 00:18:02.039 me. 00:18:02.139 --> 00:18:02.740 I need 00:18:02.740 --> 00:18:03.559 you to 00:18:03.559 --> 00:18:05.180 stay awake, 00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:06.559 to get to 00:18:06.559 --> 00:18:07.420 where we 00:18:07.420 --> 00:18:07.920 need to 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:08.240 go. 00:18:09.000 --> 00:18:09.420 And Paul 00:18:09.420 --> 00:18:10.079 says this, 00:18:10.559 --> 00:18:11.039 we are in 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:11.680 a battle 00:18:11.680 --> 00:18:13.159 to stay 00:18:13.159 --> 00:18:14.180 spiritually 00:18:14.180 --> 00:18:14.859 awake. 00:18:14.859 --> 00:18:16.979 we are 00:18:16.979 --> 00:18:17.199 in a 00:18:17.199 --> 00:18:17.719 battle to 00:18:17.719 --> 00:18:18.579 stay alert 00:18:18.579 --> 00:18:19.299 on the 00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:20.219 journey to 00:18:20.219 --> 00:18:20.779 eternity 00:18:20.779 --> 00:18:21.619 with Christ. 00:18:21.799 --> 00:18:22.099 And your 00:18:22.099 --> 00:18:22.579 enemy, the 00:18:22.579 --> 00:18:23.000 devil, he's 00:18:23.000 --> 00:18:23.339 trying to 00:18:23.339 --> 00:18:23.879 lull you 00:18:23.879 --> 00:18:24.379 back into 00:18:24.379 --> 00:18:24.819 spiritual 00:18:24.819 --> 00:18:25.279 sleep. 00:18:25.819 --> 00:18:26.199 And it's 00:18:26.199 --> 00:18:26.779 so easy 00:18:26.779 --> 00:18:27.139 to give 00:18:27.139 --> 00:18:27.299 in. 00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:29.839 He wants 00:18:29.839 --> 00:18:30.139 you to 00:18:30.139 --> 00:18:31.000 switch off 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:32.059 and grow 00:18:32.059 --> 00:18:33.419 cold to 00:18:33.419 --> 00:18:33.719 Jesus. 00:18:33.959 --> 00:18:34.439 He doesn't 00:18:34.439 --> 00:18:34.859 want you to 00:18:34.859 --> 00:18:35.179 be ready 00:18:35.179 --> 00:18:35.539 for him. 00:18:36.659 --> 00:18:37.219 He wants 00:18:37.219 --> 00:18:37.839 to distract 00:18:37.839 --> 00:18:38.859 you and 00:18:38.859 --> 00:18:39.439 pull you as 00:18:39.439 --> 00:18:40.419 far away from 00:18:40.419 --> 00:18:41.199 Jesus as he 00:18:41.199 --> 00:18:42.019 possibly can. 00:18:42.019 --> 00:18:45.920 what distinguishes 00:18:45.920 --> 00:18:47.000 a child of 00:18:47.000 --> 00:18:47.519 the light 00:18:47.519 --> 00:18:48.400 from a 00:18:48.400 --> 00:18:48.839 child of 00:18:48.839 --> 00:18:49.359 darkness 00:18:49.359 --> 00:18:50.680 is they 00:18:50.680 --> 00:18:52.079 want to 00:18:52.079 --> 00:18:52.680 fight him. 00:18:53.539 --> 00:18:54.579 They don't 00:18:54.579 --> 00:18:55.839 want to 00:18:55.839 --> 00:18:56.720 fall asleep. 00:18:57.519 --> 00:18:58.000 And in 00:18:58.000 --> 00:18:58.680 that daily 00:18:58.680 --> 00:18:59.680 battle to 00:18:59.680 --> 00:19:00.259 stay alert 00:19:00.259 --> 00:19:00.960 to Jesus, 00:19:01.779 --> 00:19:02.119 there will be 00:19:02.119 --> 00:19:02.700 good days, 00:19:03.000 --> 00:19:03.299 there will be 00:19:03.299 --> 00:19:03.960 bad days, 00:19:04.960 --> 00:19:05.200 there will be 00:19:05.200 --> 00:19:05.539 days we 00:19:05.539 --> 00:19:06.039 forget. 00:19:07.660 --> 00:19:08.079 But what 00:19:08.079 --> 00:19:09.879 matters is 00:19:09.879 --> 00:19:10.039 we're 00:19:10.039 --> 00:19:10.440 fighting. 00:19:12.019 --> 00:19:12.359 We're 00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:12.900 fighting to 00:19:12.900 --> 00:19:13.619 stay awake. 00:19:14.900 --> 00:19:15.279 And in 00:19:15.279 --> 00:19:16.000 verse 8, 00:19:16.079 --> 00:19:16.660 Paul tells 00:19:16.660 --> 00:19:17.319 us how 00:19:17.319 --> 00:19:18.460 we can 00:19:18.460 --> 00:19:18.839 fight, 00:19:19.839 --> 00:19:20.599 how we 00:19:20.599 --> 00:19:21.240 can stay 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:23.539 alert to 00:19:23.539 --> 00:19:23.900 Jesus. 00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:25.259 Look at 00:19:25.259 --> 00:19:25.579 verse 8 00:19:25.579 --> 00:19:25.940 with me. 00:19:27.700 --> 00:19:28.299 Paul says, 00:19:28.619 --> 00:19:29.259 but since 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:30.000 we belong 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:30.559 to the 00:19:30.559 --> 00:19:30.900 day, 00:19:31.859 --> 00:19:32.559 let us 00:19:32.559 --> 00:19:34.019 be sober 00:19:34.019 --> 00:19:34.519 in a 00:19:34.519 --> 00:19:34.839 spiritual 00:19:34.839 --> 00:19:35.259 sense, 00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:37.139 putting on 00:19:37.139 --> 00:19:38.420 faith and 00:19:38.420 --> 00:19:39.240 love as a 00:19:39.240 --> 00:19:39.759 breastplate, 00:19:39.759 --> 00:19:41.119 spirit and 00:19:41.119 --> 00:19:41.819 the hope 00:19:41.819 --> 00:19:42.960 of salvation 00:19:42.960 --> 00:19:45.140 as a 00:19:45.140 --> 00:19:45.519 helmet. 00:19:46.079 --> 00:19:46.319 Arm 00:19:46.319 --> 00:19:47.119 yourselves to 00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:47.660 fight, 00:19:48.220 --> 00:19:48.779 Paul says, 00:19:48.900 --> 00:19:49.359 firstly, 00:19:50.420 --> 00:19:51.140 with faith. 00:19:52.640 --> 00:19:53.359 Remember all 00:19:53.359 --> 00:19:53.839 the promises 00:19:53.839 --> 00:19:54.339 that God's 00:19:54.339 --> 00:19:55.160 made to 00:19:55.160 --> 00:19:55.900 you in 00:19:55.900 --> 00:19:56.279 Christ. 00:19:56.640 --> 00:19:57.000 And whenever 00:19:57.000 --> 00:19:57.619 you hear the 00:19:57.619 --> 00:19:59.339 devil tempting 00:19:59.339 --> 00:19:59.839 you to 00:19:59.839 --> 00:20:00.640 switch off 00:20:00.640 --> 00:20:02.859 Jesus for 00:20:02.859 --> 00:20:03.500 the empty 00:20:03.500 --> 00:20:04.359 promise of 00:20:04.359 --> 00:20:04.859 some other 00:20:04.859 --> 00:20:05.940 joy or 00:20:05.940 --> 00:20:07.259 pleasure or 00:20:07.259 --> 00:20:07.740 pursuit, 00:20:07.740 --> 00:20:08.859 fight him 00:20:08.859 --> 00:20:10.779 with faith 00:20:10.779 --> 00:20:11.819 in God's 00:20:11.819 --> 00:20:12.480 superior 00:20:12.480 --> 00:20:13.120 promises, 00:20:13.539 --> 00:20:14.120 just like 00:20:14.120 --> 00:20:14.599 these. 00:20:15.339 --> 00:20:15.819 God, 00:20:15.960 --> 00:20:16.420 you will 00:20:16.420 --> 00:20:17.039 fill me 00:20:17.039 --> 00:20:17.779 with joy 00:20:17.779 --> 00:20:18.640 in your 00:20:18.640 --> 00:20:19.200 presence, 00:20:19.400 --> 00:20:20.259 with eternal 00:20:20.259 --> 00:20:20.920 pleasures at 00:20:20.920 --> 00:20:21.279 your right 00:20:21.279 --> 00:20:21.660 hand. 00:20:22.660 --> 00:20:23.099 God, 00:20:23.299 --> 00:20:24.259 your goodness 00:20:24.259 --> 00:20:25.019 and mercy 00:20:25.019 --> 00:20:25.740 will follow 00:20:25.740 --> 00:20:26.299 me all 00:20:26.299 --> 00:20:26.759 the days 00:20:26.759 --> 00:20:27.000 of my 00:20:27.000 --> 00:20:27.380 life. 00:20:30.420 --> 00:20:30.680 God, 00:20:30.740 --> 00:20:31.120 you will 00:20:31.120 --> 00:20:32.480 make all 00:20:32.480 --> 00:20:33.900 things work 00:20:33.900 --> 00:20:35.440 together for 00:20:35.440 --> 00:20:36.160 my good. 00:20:36.160 --> 00:20:36.279 God, 00:20:36.800 --> 00:20:37.600 don't scroll 00:20:37.600 --> 00:20:38.040 your day 00:20:38.040 --> 00:20:38.460 away on 00:20:38.460 --> 00:20:38.900 your phone. 00:20:40.580 --> 00:20:41.040 Spend 00:20:41.040 --> 00:20:42.100 quality time 00:20:42.100 --> 00:20:42.700 with Jesus 00:20:42.700 --> 00:20:43.660 in his 00:20:43.660 --> 00:20:43.900 word. 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:44.420 Get these 00:20:44.420 --> 00:20:45.540 promises into 00:20:45.540 --> 00:20:46.360 your heart 00:20:46.360 --> 00:20:47.980 and put 00:20:47.980 --> 00:20:48.519 your faith 00:20:48.519 --> 00:20:48.880 in them 00:20:48.880 --> 00:20:51.000 day after 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:51.340 day. 00:20:51.779 --> 00:20:52.720 Stay awake 00:20:52.720 --> 00:20:54.759 to Jesus. 00:20:55.740 --> 00:20:56.140 Here's the 00:20:56.140 --> 00:20:56.680 second thing. 00:20:56.940 --> 00:20:57.440 Arm yourself 00:20:57.440 --> 00:20:58.200 with love. 00:21:01.279 --> 00:21:01.660 You know, 00:21:01.720 --> 00:21:01.980 when you 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:02.480 serve your 00:21:02.480 --> 00:21:02.920 brothers and 00:21:02.920 --> 00:21:04.420 sisters in 00:21:04.420 --> 00:21:04.700 the church 00:21:04.700 --> 00:21:05.220 family or 00:21:05.220 --> 00:21:06.480 outside in 00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:06.920 love, 00:21:07.640 --> 00:21:08.299 you get 00:21:08.299 --> 00:21:08.819 closer to 00:21:08.819 --> 00:21:10.100 Jesus because 00:21:10.100 --> 00:21:10.700 he loved. 00:21:10.900 --> 00:21:11.220 He's our 00:21:11.220 --> 00:21:11.819 example of 00:21:11.819 --> 00:21:12.039 love. 00:21:14.620 --> 00:21:15.660 So evenings 00:21:15.660 --> 00:21:16.339 and weekends 00:21:16.339 --> 00:21:17.299 are not made 00:21:17.299 --> 00:21:17.980 for Netflix 00:21:17.980 --> 00:21:19.799 or games 00:21:19.799 --> 00:21:20.680 or sport 00:21:20.680 --> 00:21:21.339 or whatever 00:21:21.339 --> 00:21:21.819 you do. 00:21:22.019 --> 00:21:22.880 It's tempting 00:21:22.880 --> 00:21:23.640 to think that 00:21:23.640 --> 00:21:24.100 they are. 00:21:25.140 --> 00:21:25.960 We can enjoy 00:21:25.960 --> 00:21:26.839 entertainment and 00:21:26.839 --> 00:21:27.519 rest, but 00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:28.519 never let it 00:21:28.519 --> 00:21:29.059 get in the 00:21:29.059 --> 00:21:30.860 way of us 00:21:30.860 --> 00:21:31.519 serving each 00:21:31.519 --> 00:21:32.079 other in 00:21:32.079 --> 00:21:32.539 love, 00:21:32.539 --> 00:21:34.039 keeping 00:21:34.039 --> 00:21:34.639 each other 00:21:34.639 --> 00:21:36.359 awake and 00:21:36.359 --> 00:21:37.559 alert, ready 00:21:37.559 --> 00:21:38.639 for Jesus' 00:21:38.879 --> 00:21:39.200 return. 00:21:39.299 --> 00:21:39.519 So just 00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:39.960 think about 00:21:39.960 --> 00:21:40.399 those two 00:21:40.399 --> 00:21:40.879 things. 00:21:42.920 --> 00:21:43.700 Are you 00:21:43.700 --> 00:21:44.240 making the 00:21:44.240 --> 00:21:46.119 use of the 00:21:46.119 --> 00:21:46.799 armor of 00:21:46.799 --> 00:21:47.579 faith and 00:21:47.579 --> 00:21:49.480 love in 00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:50.180 your fight to 00:21:50.180 --> 00:21:50.700 stay awake 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:51.159 to Jesus? 00:21:55.159 --> 00:21:56.000 There's a 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:56.399 third one 00:21:56.399 --> 00:21:56.659 though. 00:21:59.339 --> 00:22:00.079 Arm 00:22:00.079 --> 00:22:00.679 yourself 00:22:00.679 --> 00:22:02.179 with hope. 00:22:02.539 --> 00:22:02.759 And not 00:22:02.759 --> 00:22:03.099 just any 00:22:03.099 --> 00:22:03.439 hope. 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:05.240 The hope 00:22:05.240 --> 00:22:06.480 of salvation. 00:22:09.099 --> 00:22:09.460 And Paul 00:22:09.460 --> 00:22:10.119 singles this 00:22:10.119 --> 00:22:10.399 out. 00:22:11.359 --> 00:22:11.779 He leaves 00:22:11.779 --> 00:22:12.099 this to 00:22:12.099 --> 00:22:12.539 last. 00:22:13.679 --> 00:22:14.319 It seems 00:22:14.319 --> 00:22:14.839 he thinks 00:22:14.839 --> 00:22:15.519 this hope 00:22:15.519 --> 00:22:15.939 is the 00:22:15.939 --> 00:22:16.419 single 00:22:16.419 --> 00:22:17.220 most effective 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:18.099 tool for 00:22:18.099 --> 00:22:18.439 you and 00:22:18.439 --> 00:22:18.819 I to 00:22:18.819 --> 00:22:19.139 stay 00:22:19.139 --> 00:22:19.779 spiritually 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:20.500 awake and 00:22:20.500 --> 00:22:20.899 alert, 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:21.899 ready for 00:22:21.899 --> 00:22:22.179 Jesus. 00:22:22.319 --> 00:22:22.639 Now how 00:22:22.639 --> 00:22:23.000 is that 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:23.339 so? 00:22:25.039 --> 00:22:25.539 Well it's 00:22:25.539 --> 00:22:26.139 Paul's 00:22:26.139 --> 00:22:27.299 last point. 00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:27.939 Jesus will 00:22:27.939 --> 00:22:29.079 return like 00:22:29.079 --> 00:22:29.779 a thief in 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:30.220 the night. 00:22:31.220 --> 00:22:32.119 Fear not 00:22:32.119 --> 00:22:32.659 the coming 00:22:32.659 --> 00:22:33.139 judgment. 00:22:34.139 --> 00:22:34.759 O children 00:22:34.759 --> 00:22:35.359 of the 00:22:35.359 --> 00:22:35.659 light, 00:22:35.779 --> 00:22:36.839 awake and 00:22:36.839 --> 00:22:37.759 sober-minded, 00:22:38.859 --> 00:22:39.659 arm yourselves 00:22:39.659 --> 00:22:40.359 to fight. 00:22:42.259 --> 00:22:42.679 Why? 00:22:44.139 --> 00:22:45.099 For God 00:22:45.099 --> 00:22:46.859 has destined 00:22:46.859 --> 00:22:48.759 you to 00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:49.240 live with 00:22:49.240 --> 00:22:50.759 Christ in 00:22:50.759 --> 00:22:51.439 endless 00:22:51.439 --> 00:22:52.339 light. 00:22:52.740 --> 00:22:53.639 Look at 00:22:53.639 --> 00:22:54.539 verses 9 00:22:54.539 --> 00:22:55.939 to 11. 00:22:55.940 --> 00:22:59.100 for God 00:22:59.100 --> 00:23:00.140 did not 00:23:00.140 --> 00:23:01.440 appoint us 00:23:01.440 --> 00:23:02.220 to suffer 00:23:02.220 --> 00:23:02.720 wrath, 00:23:03.019 --> 00:23:03.559 but to 00:23:03.559 --> 00:23:04.200 receive 00:23:04.200 --> 00:23:05.200 salvation 00:23:05.200 --> 00:23:06.340 through our 00:23:06.340 --> 00:23:07.140 Lord Jesus 00:23:07.140 --> 00:23:08.160 Christ who 00:23:08.160 --> 00:23:08.980 died for 00:23:08.980 --> 00:23:09.460 us, 00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:10.440 so that 00:23:10.440 --> 00:23:11.259 whether we 00:23:11.259 --> 00:23:11.860 are awake 00:23:11.860 --> 00:23:12.400 or asleep, 00:23:12.640 --> 00:23:12.960 we may 00:23:12.960 --> 00:23:14.200 live together 00:23:14.200 --> 00:23:14.779 with him. 00:23:16.519 --> 00:23:16.980 Therefore 00:23:16.980 --> 00:23:18.279 encourage one 00:23:18.279 --> 00:23:18.840 another and 00:23:18.840 --> 00:23:19.340 build each 00:23:19.340 --> 00:23:19.740 other up, 00:23:19.799 --> 00:23:20.299 just as in 00:23:20.299 --> 00:23:21.559 fact you 00:23:21.559 --> 00:23:22.220 are doing. 00:23:22.680 --> 00:23:23.500 This is the 00:23:23.500 --> 00:23:23.840 hope. 00:23:23.839 --> 00:23:25.019 we are to 00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:26.359 arm ourselves 00:23:26.359 --> 00:23:27.419 with in the 00:23:27.419 --> 00:23:28.299 fight to stay 00:23:28.299 --> 00:23:28.839 awake with 00:23:28.839 --> 00:23:29.220 Jesus. 00:23:30.099 --> 00:23:30.859 God 00:23:30.859 --> 00:23:33.199 appointed us 00:23:33.199 --> 00:23:34.720 to receive 00:23:34.720 --> 00:23:35.699 salvation, 00:23:35.959 --> 00:23:36.699 not wrath, 00:23:37.500 --> 00:23:38.319 long before 00:23:38.319 --> 00:23:38.879 you or I 00:23:38.879 --> 00:23:40.419 ever reached 00:23:40.419 --> 00:23:41.259 out for 00:23:41.259 --> 00:23:41.519 him. 00:23:41.659 --> 00:23:42.259 That's the 00:23:42.259 --> 00:23:42.599 ultimate 00:23:42.599 --> 00:23:44.699 reason why 00:23:44.699 --> 00:23:45.839 we can stay 00:23:45.839 --> 00:23:47.319 spiritually awake 00:23:47.319 --> 00:23:47.939 to Jesus, 00:23:48.480 --> 00:23:49.199 why we can 00:23:49.199 --> 00:23:49.759 be ready 00:23:49.759 --> 00:23:50.819 for him. 00:23:51.220 --> 00:23:51.439 You see, 00:23:51.439 --> 00:23:52.259 if God has 00:23:52.259 --> 00:23:53.099 already chosen 00:23:53.099 --> 00:23:53.559 us to 00:23:53.559 --> 00:23:54.359 receive this 00:23:54.359 --> 00:23:54.919 salvation, 00:23:55.199 --> 00:23:55.879 it's going 00:23:55.879 --> 00:23:56.339 to happen. 00:23:57.299 --> 00:23:58.019 Nothing can 00:23:58.019 --> 00:23:58.619 stop it. 00:24:00.119 --> 00:24:01.679 We will 00:24:01.679 --> 00:24:02.359 be ready 00:24:02.359 --> 00:24:04.679 because God 00:24:04.679 --> 00:24:05.319 has destined 00:24:05.319 --> 00:24:06.899 us to be 00:24:06.899 --> 00:24:07.179 ready. 00:24:07.699 --> 00:24:08.539 That is an 00:24:08.539 --> 00:24:09.119 incredible 00:24:09.119 --> 00:24:10.459 comfort. 00:24:12.919 --> 00:24:13.859 But some 00:24:13.859 --> 00:24:14.379 people will 00:24:14.379 --> 00:24:14.859 hear that 00:24:14.859 --> 00:24:15.379 and say, 00:24:16.219 --> 00:24:17.740 well I can 00:24:17.740 --> 00:24:18.480 just relax. 00:24:20.019 --> 00:24:20.599 Now is 00:24:20.599 --> 00:24:20.939 the time for 00:24:20.939 --> 00:24:21.299 me to kick 00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:21.539 back. 00:24:21.539 --> 00:24:22.299 Jesus has 00:24:22.299 --> 00:24:22.559 got this 00:24:22.559 --> 00:24:22.899 whole thing 00:24:22.899 --> 00:24:23.220 sorted. 00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:25.259 He's won 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:25.700 it for me. 00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:25.960 I don't 00:24:25.960 --> 00:24:26.220 need to 00:24:26.220 --> 00:24:27.299 stay awake 00:24:27.299 --> 00:24:27.720 or alert 00:24:27.720 --> 00:24:28.259 to him. 00:24:29.139 --> 00:24:29.579 Now let's 00:24:29.579 --> 00:24:30.099 get back to 00:24:30.099 --> 00:24:30.559 living my 00:24:30.559 --> 00:24:31.319 normal life. 00:24:33.139 --> 00:24:33.740 Jesus is 00:24:33.740 --> 00:24:34.139 just the 00:24:34.139 --> 00:24:34.759 ticket to 00:24:34.759 --> 00:24:35.420 heaven in 00:24:35.420 --> 00:24:35.899 my back 00:24:35.899 --> 00:24:36.279 pocket. 00:24:40.399 --> 00:24:40.819 Well, 00:24:40.859 --> 00:24:41.220 anyone who 00:24:41.220 --> 00:24:41.700 thinks that 00:24:41.700 --> 00:24:42.000 way or 00:24:42.000 --> 00:24:42.420 lives that 00:24:42.420 --> 00:24:42.759 way is 00:24:42.759 --> 00:24:43.159 completely 00:24:43.159 --> 00:24:43.579 deluded. 00:24:45.079 --> 00:24:45.639 They don't 00:24:45.639 --> 00:24:46.099 know Jesus. 00:24:47.539 --> 00:24:48.159 They show 00:24:48.159 --> 00:24:48.480 all the 00:24:48.480 --> 00:24:48.940 signs of a 00:24:48.940 --> 00:24:49.259 child of 00:24:49.259 --> 00:24:49.579 darkness. 00:24:49.579 --> 00:24:49.699 darkness. 00:24:50.859 --> 00:24:51.439 They're not 00:24:51.439 --> 00:24:51.859 a child of 00:24:51.859 --> 00:24:52.220 the light. 00:24:54.740 --> 00:24:55.559 Be warned. 00:24:57.720 --> 00:24:58.199 God's 00:24:58.199 --> 00:24:58.859 choosing us 00:24:58.859 --> 00:24:59.419 to receive 00:24:59.419 --> 00:25:00.079 salvation 00:25:00.079 --> 00:25:01.759 does not 00:25:01.759 --> 00:25:02.220 give us a 00:25:02.220 --> 00:25:02.699 free pass 00:25:02.699 --> 00:25:03.019 to switch 00:25:03.019 --> 00:25:03.419 off from 00:25:03.419 --> 00:25:03.619 him. 00:25:03.619 --> 00:25:04.339 No. 00:25:05.079 --> 00:25:06.240 It enables 00:25:06.240 --> 00:25:07.619 us to 00:25:07.619 --> 00:25:08.419 stay alert 00:25:08.419 --> 00:25:08.839 to him. 00:25:10.339 --> 00:25:11.699 To fight 00:25:11.699 --> 00:25:12.759 with all 00:25:12.759 --> 00:25:13.619 our might 00:25:13.619 --> 00:25:15.379 to stay 00:25:15.379 --> 00:25:15.819 awake to 00:25:15.819 --> 00:25:16.259 Jesus. 00:25:16.259 --> 00:25:18.660 part of 00:25:18.660 --> 00:25:18.980 God's 00:25:18.980 --> 00:25:19.440 plan to 00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:20.180 save us 00:25:20.180 --> 00:25:21.019 is to 00:25:21.019 --> 00:25:21.440 give us 00:25:21.440 --> 00:25:22.160 everything 00:25:22.160 --> 00:25:23.059 that we 00:25:23.059 --> 00:25:24.500 need in 00:25:24.500 --> 00:25:26.019 Christ to 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:26.819 persevere 00:25:26.819 --> 00:25:27.579 in the 00:25:27.579 --> 00:25:28.000 fight. 00:25:28.359 --> 00:25:29.160 To be 00:25:29.160 --> 00:25:30.140 ready for 00:25:30.140 --> 00:25:31.619 Jesus when 00:25:31.619 --> 00:25:32.500 he returns. 00:25:32.819 --> 00:25:33.319 And again, 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:34.099 it's not that 00:25:34.099 --> 00:25:34.859 children of the 00:25:34.859 --> 00:25:35.279 light will 00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:36.099 never sin 00:25:36.099 --> 00:25:36.480 again. 00:25:38.539 --> 00:25:39.379 It's that 00:25:39.379 --> 00:25:40.799 we want 00:25:40.799 --> 00:25:41.819 to fight 00:25:41.819 --> 00:25:42.200 sin. 00:25:42.359 --> 00:25:42.879 It's that we 00:25:42.879 --> 00:25:43.379 know it's 00:25:43.379 --> 00:25:43.920 wrong and we 00:25:43.920 --> 00:25:44.299 want to 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:45.599 become more 00:25:45.599 --> 00:25:46.139 like Jesus. 00:25:48.059 --> 00:25:48.619 There's a 00:25:48.619 --> 00:25:50.000 couple of 00:25:50.000 --> 00:25:50.439 verses from 00:25:50.439 --> 00:25:51.000 Ezekiel 00:25:51.000 --> 00:25:51.899 chapter 36 00:25:51.899 --> 00:25:52.519 and we 00:25:52.519 --> 00:25:53.259 hear about 00:25:53.259 --> 00:25:54.500 this salvation 00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:54.939 that God 00:25:54.939 --> 00:25:55.399 was planning 00:25:55.399 --> 00:25:56.159 for us 00:25:56.159 --> 00:25:57.899 that God 00:25:57.899 --> 00:25:58.259 would give 00:25:58.259 --> 00:25:58.539 to the 00:25:58.539 --> 00:25:59.059 children of 00:25:59.059 --> 00:25:59.319 light. 00:25:59.899 --> 00:26:00.179 Just read 00:26:00.179 --> 00:26:00.419 it with 00:26:00.419 --> 00:26:00.619 me. 00:26:01.219 --> 00:26:01.539 I, 00:26:01.799 --> 00:26:02.699 God says, 00:26:02.819 --> 00:26:03.079 I will 00:26:03.079 --> 00:26:03.559 give you 00:26:03.559 --> 00:26:04.219 a new 00:26:04.219 --> 00:26:04.839 heart 00:26:04.839 --> 00:26:06.319 and put 00:26:06.319 --> 00:26:06.919 a new 00:26:06.919 --> 00:26:07.759 spirit in 00:26:07.759 --> 00:26:07.879 you. 00:26:08.019 --> 00:26:08.459 I will 00:26:08.459 --> 00:26:08.919 remove 00:26:08.919 --> 00:26:09.500 from you 00:26:09.500 --> 00:26:10.319 your heart 00:26:10.319 --> 00:26:10.740 of stone 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:11.099 and give 00:26:11.099 --> 00:26:11.399 you a 00:26:11.399 --> 00:26:11.819 heart of 00:26:11.819 --> 00:26:12.099 flesh. 00:26:12.419 --> 00:26:12.879 I will 00:26:12.879 --> 00:26:13.399 put my 00:26:13.399 --> 00:26:14.119 spirit in 00:26:14.119 --> 00:26:14.359 you. 00:26:14.359 --> 00:26:16.299 and move 00:26:16.299 --> 00:26:18.139 you to 00:26:18.139 --> 00:26:19.500 follow my 00:26:19.500 --> 00:26:21.359 decrees and 00:26:21.359 --> 00:26:22.240 be careful to 00:26:22.240 --> 00:26:22.740 keep my 00:26:22.740 --> 00:26:23.039 laws. 00:26:23.139 --> 00:26:23.519 Can you see 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:23.719 that? 00:26:24.099 --> 00:26:24.659 Children of 00:26:24.659 --> 00:26:26.139 light have 00:26:26.139 --> 00:26:26.779 been given a 00:26:26.779 --> 00:26:27.559 new heart 00:26:27.559 --> 00:26:29.479 that wants 00:26:29.479 --> 00:26:30.039 to fight 00:26:30.039 --> 00:26:31.279 sin and 00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:32.199 stay awake 00:26:32.199 --> 00:26:33.319 to Jesus. 00:26:33.500 --> 00:26:33.779 In fact, 00:26:33.839 --> 00:26:34.219 that's the 00:26:34.219 --> 00:26:36.599 proof that 00:26:36.599 --> 00:26:37.199 God has 00:26:37.199 --> 00:26:38.000 chosen us 00:26:38.000 --> 00:26:39.679 for salvation. 00:26:39.680 --> 00:26:39.779 salvation. 00:26:43.880 --> 00:26:44.779 There's a 00:26:44.779 --> 00:26:45.519 scene in 00:26:45.519 --> 00:26:46.519 Tolkien's 00:26:46.519 --> 00:26:46.840 Lord of 00:26:46.840 --> 00:26:47.299 the Rings 00:26:47.299 --> 00:26:50.900 when 00:26:50.900 --> 00:26:51.740 Saruman's 00:26:51.740 --> 00:26:52.480 forces of 00:26:52.480 --> 00:26:53.980 evil have 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:54.620 surrounded 00:26:54.620 --> 00:26:55.440 Helm's 00:26:55.440 --> 00:26:55.759 Deep. 00:26:57.120 --> 00:26:57.600 This was 00:26:57.600 --> 00:26:57.960 one of the 00:26:57.960 --> 00:26:59.279 last bastions 00:26:59.279 --> 00:27:00.120 for good 00:27:00.120 --> 00:27:02.000 in Middle 00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:02.340 Earth. 00:27:02.640 --> 00:27:03.039 And there 00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:03.420 is this 00:27:03.420 --> 00:27:04.340 sea of 00:27:04.340 --> 00:27:05.120 black 00:27:05.120 --> 00:27:05.840 orcs 00:27:05.840 --> 00:27:07.279 about to 00:27:07.279 --> 00:27:08.060 break down 00:27:08.060 --> 00:27:08.500 the door 00:27:08.500 --> 00:27:08.920 of this 00:27:08.920 --> 00:27:10.720 fortress and 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.420 overwhelm it, 00:27:11.500 --> 00:27:12.279 killing everyone 00:27:12.279 --> 00:27:12.779 inside. 00:27:16.079 --> 00:27:16.940 But just as 00:27:16.940 --> 00:27:17.420 they are about 00:27:17.420 --> 00:27:17.960 to break 00:27:17.960 --> 00:27:18.420 through the 00:27:18.420 --> 00:27:19.200 door, I 00:27:19.200 --> 00:27:19.500 don't know if 00:27:19.500 --> 00:27:19.920 any of you 00:27:19.920 --> 00:27:20.160 have seen 00:27:20.160 --> 00:27:20.579 the film 00:27:20.579 --> 00:27:21.259 Twin Towers, 00:27:23.359 --> 00:27:24.180 Aragorn is 00:27:24.180 --> 00:27:26.119 there and 00:27:26.119 --> 00:27:26.880 he sees 00:27:26.880 --> 00:27:28.160 this light 00:27:28.160 --> 00:27:30.359 cracking through 00:27:30.359 --> 00:27:30.940 the window, 00:27:31.039 --> 00:27:31.700 the light of 00:27:31.700 --> 00:27:32.119 dawn. 00:27:32.119 --> 00:27:34.099 and he 00:27:34.099 --> 00:27:34.959 remembers 00:27:34.959 --> 00:27:36.559 Gandalf's 00:27:36.559 --> 00:27:37.519 promise. 00:27:39.699 --> 00:27:40.319 Gandalf had 00:27:40.319 --> 00:27:40.839 told him 00:27:40.839 --> 00:27:41.299 years before, 00:27:41.359 --> 00:27:41.559 he said, 00:27:41.719 --> 00:27:42.519 look to 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:43.159 my coming 00:27:43.159 --> 00:27:44.639 at the 00:27:44.639 --> 00:27:45.439 first light 00:27:45.439 --> 00:27:46.179 on the 00:27:46.179 --> 00:27:46.879 fifth day, 00:27:47.119 --> 00:27:47.859 at dawn 00:27:47.859 --> 00:27:48.819 look to 00:27:48.819 --> 00:27:49.399 the east. 00:27:49.879 --> 00:27:50.399 And whenever 00:27:50.399 --> 00:27:51.599 Aragorn 00:27:51.599 --> 00:27:52.619 remembers that 00:27:52.619 --> 00:27:53.219 promise, 00:27:53.919 --> 00:27:54.479 what does 00:27:54.479 --> 00:27:54.799 he do? 00:27:55.000 --> 00:27:55.859 He finds 00:27:55.859 --> 00:27:57.599 courage to 00:27:57.599 --> 00:27:58.500 ride out 00:27:58.500 --> 00:27:59.679 into this 00:27:59.679 --> 00:28:00.719 sea of 00:28:00.720 --> 00:28:01.400 darkness 00:28:01.400 --> 00:28:04.100 and fight 00:28:04.100 --> 00:28:04.740 for his 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:05.220 life. 00:28:07.160 --> 00:28:08.519 Because he 00:28:08.519 --> 00:28:10.059 knows Gandalf 00:28:10.059 --> 00:28:10.640 is coming, 00:28:12.039 --> 00:28:13.039 he knows 00:28:13.039 --> 00:28:13.700 that victory 00:28:13.700 --> 00:28:14.339 is sure. 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:17.559 And as 00:28:17.559 --> 00:28:18.100 Aragorn and 00:28:18.100 --> 00:28:18.480 his men 00:28:18.480 --> 00:28:19.360 ride out of 00:28:19.360 --> 00:28:19.900 the fortress 00:28:19.900 --> 00:28:20.380 into the 00:28:20.380 --> 00:28:20.640 middle of 00:28:20.640 --> 00:28:20.960 the battle, 00:28:21.039 --> 00:28:21.339 it's probably 00:28:21.339 --> 00:28:21.759 the most 00:28:21.759 --> 00:28:22.420 epic scene 00:28:22.420 --> 00:28:22.600 in the 00:28:22.600 --> 00:28:22.779 movie, 00:28:22.860 --> 00:28:23.039 by the 00:28:23.039 --> 00:28:23.240 way, 00:28:23.980 --> 00:28:24.900 so Gandalf 00:28:24.900 --> 00:28:25.640 appears 00:28:25.640 --> 00:28:27.360 on the 00:28:27.360 --> 00:28:27.640 top of 00:28:27.640 --> 00:28:28.079 the mountain 00:28:28.079 --> 00:28:30.220 on his 00:28:30.220 --> 00:28:30.880 white horse 00:28:30.880 --> 00:28:33.019 with his 00:28:33.019 --> 00:28:33.640 army of 00:28:33.640 --> 00:28:34.220 light and 00:28:34.220 --> 00:28:35.180 he sweeps 00:28:35.180 --> 00:28:35.720 down from 00:28:35.720 --> 00:28:36.240 the mountains 00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:37.759 to destroy 00:28:37.759 --> 00:28:38.940 the evil 00:28:38.940 --> 00:28:39.480 forces. 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:39.940 And that's 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:40.299 just a 00:28:40.299 --> 00:28:40.759 small, 00:28:40.900 --> 00:28:41.940 tiny picture 00:28:41.940 --> 00:28:42.339 for us, 00:28:42.380 --> 00:28:42.680 and I know 00:28:42.680 --> 00:28:43.660 maybe Tolkien 00:28:43.660 --> 00:28:44.140 was thinking 00:28:44.140 --> 00:28:44.559 about this 00:28:44.559 --> 00:28:44.779 too. 00:28:47.140 --> 00:28:48.500 We fight 00:28:48.500 --> 00:28:49.660 to stay 00:28:49.660 --> 00:28:50.360 awake for 00:28:50.360 --> 00:28:51.420 Jesus because 00:28:51.420 --> 00:28:52.440 we know 00:28:52.440 --> 00:28:53.440 the victory 00:28:53.440 --> 00:28:53.980 is sure. 00:28:54.180 --> 00:28:55.180 Jesus is 00:28:55.180 --> 00:28:56.539 coming back 00:28:56.539 --> 00:28:57.120 and the 00:28:57.120 --> 00:28:57.720 forces of 00:28:57.720 --> 00:28:58.660 evil are 00:28:58.660 --> 00:28:59.380 fighting a 00:28:59.380 --> 00:28:59.780 losing 00:28:59.780 --> 00:29:00.220 battle. 00:29:00.560 --> 00:29:01.240 We will 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:02.280 be delivered 00:29:02.280 --> 00:29:03.500 from our 00:29:03.500 --> 00:29:04.760 sin and 00:29:04.760 --> 00:29:05.220 from this 00:29:05.220 --> 00:29:06.160 broken world. 00:29:06.480 --> 00:29:06.820 And how 00:29:06.820 --> 00:29:07.340 did Jesus 00:29:07.340 --> 00:29:08.280 accomplish all 00:29:08.280 --> 00:29:08.680 of this? 00:29:08.780 --> 00:29:09.060 Well, look 00:29:09.060 --> 00:29:09.380 at verse 00:29:09.380 --> 00:29:09.980 10 again. 00:29:12.280 --> 00:29:13.540 He died 00:29:13.540 --> 00:29:14.280 for us 00:29:14.280 --> 00:29:15.100 so that 00:29:15.100 --> 00:29:15.480 whether we 00:29:15.480 --> 00:29:16.060 are awake 00:29:16.060 --> 00:29:16.800 or asleep, 00:29:17.120 --> 00:29:17.940 we may 00:29:17.940 --> 00:29:19.320 live together 00:29:19.320 --> 00:29:20.240 with him. 00:29:21.240 --> 00:29:21.660 Isn't that 00:29:21.660 --> 00:29:22.220 just amazing? 00:29:24.320 --> 00:29:25.600 Jesus died 00:29:25.600 --> 00:29:26.520 for us so 00:29:26.520 --> 00:29:26.840 that we 00:29:26.840 --> 00:29:27.400 could live 00:29:27.400 --> 00:29:28.260 together with 00:29:28.260 --> 00:29:28.560 him. 00:29:29.380 --> 00:29:30.840 from start 00:29:30.840 --> 00:29:31.660 to finish, 00:29:32.220 --> 00:29:33.700 God gets 00:29:33.700 --> 00:29:34.680 the glory. 00:29:35.940 --> 00:29:36.440 In eternity 00:29:36.440 --> 00:29:37.160 past, he 00:29:37.160 --> 00:29:38.020 appointed us 00:29:38.020 --> 00:29:38.560 to receive 00:29:38.560 --> 00:29:39.300 this salvation. 00:29:40.100 --> 00:29:40.480 Then he 00:29:40.480 --> 00:29:40.900 came to 00:29:40.900 --> 00:29:41.620 earth, he 00:29:41.620 --> 00:29:42.100 died and 00:29:42.100 --> 00:29:42.560 rose again 00:29:42.560 --> 00:29:43.160 to achieve 00:29:43.160 --> 00:29:43.940 our salvation, 00:29:43.940 --> 00:29:44.720 and now he 00:29:44.720 --> 00:29:45.240 gives us his 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:46.480 spirit to 00:29:46.480 --> 00:29:47.520 realize that 00:29:47.520 --> 00:29:48.420 salvation in 00:29:48.420 --> 00:29:48.880 our lives 00:29:48.880 --> 00:29:49.560 every day 00:29:49.560 --> 00:29:52.460 to help us 00:29:52.460 --> 00:29:53.620 get there. 00:29:53.619 --> 00:29:56.719 Jesus will 00:29:56.719 --> 00:29:58.799 return like 00:29:58.799 --> 00:29:59.299 a thief 00:29:59.299 --> 00:29:59.559 in the 00:29:59.559 --> 00:29:59.879 night. 00:30:01.679 --> 00:30:02.739 Fear not 00:30:02.739 --> 00:30:03.279 the coming 00:30:03.279 --> 00:30:03.859 judgment, 00:30:04.339 --> 00:30:04.799 O children 00:30:04.799 --> 00:30:05.319 of the 00:30:05.319 --> 00:30:05.639 light. 00:30:06.879 --> 00:30:07.439 Awake 00:30:07.439 --> 00:30:08.679 and sober-minded, 00:30:09.359 --> 00:30:10.299 arm yourselves 00:30:10.299 --> 00:30:11.319 to fight, 00:30:12.259 --> 00:30:13.719 for God 00:30:13.719 --> 00:30:15.000 has destined 00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:16.399 you to 00:30:16.399 --> 00:30:16.959 live with 00:30:16.959 --> 00:30:18.439 Christ in 00:30:18.439 --> 00:30:19.019 endless 00:30:19.019 --> 00:30:19.559 light. 00:30:19.559 --> 00:30:20.679 let's 00:30:20.679 --> 00:30:20.919 pray. 00:30:29.700 --> 00:30:30.139 We're 00:30:30.139 --> 00:30:30.319 going to 00:30:30.319 --> 00:30:30.720 take a few 00:30:30.720 --> 00:30:31.319 moments just 00:30:31.319 --> 00:30:31.859 to reflect. 00:30:31.859 --> 00:30:37.079 where am I 00:30:37.079 --> 00:30:37.779 with Jesus? 00:30:38.779 --> 00:30:39.319 Am I a 00:30:39.319 --> 00:30:39.799 child of 00:30:39.799 --> 00:30:40.319 darkness? 00:30:43.019 --> 00:30:43.639 Or a 00:30:43.639 --> 00:30:44.000 child of 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:44.299 light? 00:30:47.019 --> 00:30:47.659 Maybe you 00:30:47.659 --> 00:30:48.179 do lots of 00:30:48.179 --> 00:30:48.659 things that 00:30:48.659 --> 00:30:49.039 make you 00:30:49.039 --> 00:30:49.699 look like a 00:30:49.699 --> 00:30:50.039 Christian, 00:30:50.959 --> 00:30:51.719 but you 00:30:51.719 --> 00:30:52.240 live as if 00:30:52.240 --> 00:30:52.819 Jesus isn't 00:30:52.819 --> 00:30:53.219 coming at 00:30:53.219 --> 00:30:53.479 all. 00:30:55.539 --> 00:30:56.179 He's just 00:30:56.179 --> 00:30:56.839 an add-on 00:30:56.839 --> 00:30:57.500 in the 00:30:57.500 --> 00:30:57.879 side. 00:30:58.119 --> 00:30:58.439 You're so 00:30:58.439 --> 00:30:58.919 wrapped up 00:30:58.919 --> 00:30:59.179 in this 00:30:59.179 --> 00:30:59.479 world. 00:31:01.859 --> 00:31:03.419 repent and 00:31:03.419 --> 00:31:03.979 turn to 00:31:03.979 --> 00:31:05.919 him and 00:31:05.919 --> 00:31:06.539 be saved 00:31:06.539 --> 00:31:07.299 from the 00:31:07.299 --> 00:31:07.559 coming 00:31:07.559 --> 00:31:07.899 wrath. 00:31:09.979 --> 00:31:10.639 And if 00:31:10.639 --> 00:31:11.519 you are a 00:31:11.519 --> 00:31:12.099 child of 00:31:12.099 --> 00:31:12.359 the light, 00:31:12.419 --> 00:31:12.759 if you are 00:31:12.759 --> 00:31:13.339 in Christ 00:31:13.339 --> 00:31:15.079 today, 00:31:15.759 --> 00:31:17.679 in what 00:31:17.679 --> 00:31:18.299 ways are 00:31:18.299 --> 00:31:18.719 you still 00:31:18.719 --> 00:31:20.059 living like 00:31:20.059 --> 00:31:20.719 a child of 00:31:20.719 --> 00:31:21.259 the darkness? 00:31:24.740 --> 00:31:25.399 Repent of 00:31:25.399 --> 00:31:26.019 those ways 00:31:26.019 --> 00:31:29.479 and think 00:31:29.479 --> 00:31:30.199 of how you 00:31:30.200 --> 00:31:31.680 might use 00:31:31.680 --> 00:31:32.420 faith, 00:31:33.180 --> 00:31:33.660 love, 00:31:33.819 --> 00:31:34.240 and the 00:31:34.240 --> 00:31:34.700 hope of 00:31:34.700 --> 00:31:35.539 salvation to 00:31:35.539 --> 00:31:37.100 stay awake 00:31:37.100 --> 00:31:38.279 to Jesus. 00:31:54.019 --> 00:31:54.900 Our Lord 00:31:54.900 --> 00:31:55.700 Jesus, we 00:31:55.700 --> 00:31:57.819 tremble at 00:31:57.819 --> 00:31:58.299 your coming. 00:31:58.299 --> 00:32:02.059 let every 00:32:02.059 --> 00:32:02.559 single one 00:32:02.559 --> 00:32:03.099 of us 00:32:03.099 --> 00:32:05.119 be found 00:32:05.119 --> 00:32:06.419 ready and 00:32:06.419 --> 00:32:07.379 waiting for 00:32:07.379 --> 00:32:09.299 you on 00:32:09.299 --> 00:32:09.740 the day 00:32:09.740 --> 00:32:10.599 you return 00:32:10.599 --> 00:32:11.799 to judge 00:32:11.799 --> 00:32:12.220 the living 00:32:12.220 --> 00:32:12.460 and the 00:32:12.460 --> 00:32:12.700 dead. 00:32:15.480 --> 00:32:16.240 Lord, that 00:32:16.240 --> 00:32:16.559 could be 00:32:16.559 --> 00:32:16.919 today. 00:32:19.659 --> 00:32:20.539 Help us 00:32:20.539 --> 00:32:21.000 to do 00:32:21.000 --> 00:32:21.819 business with 00:32:21.819 --> 00:32:22.440 you now. 00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:24.779 Amen. 00:32:24.779 --> 00:32:24.879 Amen. 00:32:28.299 --> 00:32:30.119 the 00:32:30.119 --> 00:32:30.559 musicians 00:32:30.559 --> 00:32:30.919 could come 00:32:30.919 --> 00:32:31.099 up. 00:32:31.220 --> 00:32:31.319 We're 00:32:31.319 --> 00:32:32.099 going to 00:32:32.099 --> 00:32:32.519 sing. 00:32:40.839 --> 00:32:41.460 This song 00:32:41.460 --> 00:32:41.779 is called 00:32:41.779 --> 00:32:42.240 O Church 00:32:42.240 --> 00:32:42.700 Arise, 00:32:42.799 --> 00:32:44.319 and this 00:32:44.319 --> 00:32:44.539 is a 00:32:44.539 --> 00:32:45.180 proper battle 00:32:45.180 --> 00:32:45.680 cry of 00:32:45.680 --> 00:32:46.079 a song. 00:32:48.680 --> 00:32:49.319 So can I 00:32:49.319 --> 00:32:49.639 ask you, 00:32:49.700 --> 00:32:49.940 if you 00:32:49.940 --> 00:32:50.799 heard anything 00:32:50.799 --> 00:32:51.940 from God's 00:32:51.940 --> 00:32:52.539 word today 00:32:52.539 --> 00:32:53.059 that made 00:32:53.059 --> 00:32:54.039 you rejoice 00:32:54.039 --> 00:32:54.879 in Jesus, 00:32:55.560 --> 00:32:56.840 or spurred 00:32:56.840 --> 00:32:57.360 you on 00:32:57.360 --> 00:32:58.120 in the 00:32:58.120 --> 00:32:58.560 battle, 00:33:00.320 --> 00:33:00.900 would you 00:33:00.900 --> 00:33:01.380 sing this 00:33:01.380 --> 00:33:02.120 out like 00:33:02.120 --> 00:33:02.760 a proper 00:33:02.760 --> 00:33:03.540 battle cry? 00:33:03.539 --> 00:33:33.519 Thank you.