WEBVTT 00:00:00.260 --> 00:00:06.879 Well, good morning, everyone. As has been said, my name is Alistair. I have the privilege of being the assistant pastor here at Brunsfield. 00:00:07.040 --> 00:00:16.019 And this morning, it is my joy and privilege to lead us in as we turn to God's word, 1 Timothy chapter 2, verses 1 to 7. 00:00:16.100 --> 00:00:19.240 So please do keep that passage open in front of you. 00:00:20.280 --> 00:00:25.019 But I want to start by asking you a question. Hopefully a number will come up on the screen. 00:00:25.660 --> 00:00:28.240 What do you think the number? Now I need to try to get this right. 00:00:28.239 --> 00:00:40.320 7,794,798,739. It's going to be a long time to learn that. 00:00:40.719 --> 00:00:42.640 What do you think that number is? 00:00:45.399 --> 00:00:47.060 Population of the world. Exactly. 00:00:47.519 --> 00:00:53.679 That is the estimated number of people who were alive in July 1st, 2020. 00:00:53.679 --> 00:01:08.019 It is estimated that today the world population is 7.9 billion, with an estimated of 385,000 babies being born every single day. 00:01:08.019 --> 00:01:18.319 To us, the number of people on this screen are just that, digits on a screen. 00:01:19.159 --> 00:01:25.620 We don't know all of these people. We couldn't even begin to comprehend knowing this number of people. 00:01:25.739 --> 00:01:27.840 To us, they are just a number on a screen. 00:01:27.840 --> 00:01:35.120 But let me tell you something that is both humbling and glorious. 00:01:36.180 --> 00:01:47.280 Each individual that makes up the current world population of 7.9 billion people is known to and loved by God. 00:01:47.280 --> 00:01:50.480 There are no exceptions. 00:01:51.439 --> 00:01:58.659 Every single person in this world bears God's image and is full of worth and dignity. 00:01:58.659 --> 00:02:04.479 Now I'm saying that because this morning we need to understand God's heart for the world. 00:02:04.539 --> 00:02:08.699 Because that is key to understanding our passage in 1st Timothy this morning. 00:02:09.780 --> 00:02:17.780 As Paul is writing this letter to Timothy, the church in Ephesus had started focusing on themselves only. 00:02:18.919 --> 00:02:24.740 Their care and all their time seemed to be taken up mostly with how they were doing as a church. 00:02:24.740 --> 00:02:27.319 And the goings on in their local body. 00:02:28.659 --> 00:02:32.299 It's as if they were standing in a circle looking in on themselves. 00:02:32.639 --> 00:02:35.319 And they'd forgotten everyone else around them. 00:02:37.099 --> 00:02:40.199 Now the same can be true for churches today, can't it? 00:02:41.599 --> 00:02:44.419 It's so easy for churches to become insular. 00:02:45.159 --> 00:02:48.199 To forget anything going on outside of our own building. 00:02:49.659 --> 00:02:52.060 And there can be a mentality in the church. 00:02:52.579 --> 00:02:55.259 That says everything inside a church building. 00:02:55.259 --> 00:03:00.599 Everything within Christian circles is good and everything outside is not. 00:03:02.319 --> 00:03:05.479 The thinking that we are the good guys and everyone outside is bad. 00:03:07.579 --> 00:03:13.719 That mentality leads to neglecting the world and people who are made in God's image. 00:03:13.719 --> 00:03:22.819 That mentality leads to not sharing the good news of Jesus with people and it leads to a false sense of superiority. 00:03:25.280 --> 00:03:27.419 That's what Paul was seeing in the church in Ephesus. 00:03:28.219 --> 00:03:31.439 And it's one of the reasons that he sent Timothy to lead that church. 00:03:31.560 --> 00:03:35.500 They were focusing on themselves and neglecting the world around them. 00:03:35.500 --> 00:03:42.639 And so in chapter 2 verses 1 to chapter 13 to chapter 3 sorry verse 13. 00:03:43.379 --> 00:03:47.020 Paul gives descriptions of godly living within the church. 00:03:48.080 --> 00:03:52.300 And chapter 2 is all about their worship as a gathered church. 00:03:53.439 --> 00:04:00.680 A passage this morning is a call for the Ephesian church to pray for all people. 00:04:00.680 --> 00:04:07.159 Now if I had to summarize the message of 1st Timothy 2, 1 to 7 it would be this. 00:04:07.900 --> 00:04:15.540 The church should be a praying and witnessing community that reflects God's heart for the world. 00:04:17.519 --> 00:04:20.439 That message was needed for this first century church. 00:04:20.519 --> 00:04:26.460 But that same message is needed in every single church today including Brunsfield Evangelical Church. 00:04:26.459 --> 00:04:35.459 As a church we should be a praying and witnessing community that reflects God's heart for the world. 00:04:36.839 --> 00:04:39.379 We're going to look at these verses under two headings. 00:04:39.560 --> 00:04:45.519 First the instruction to pray and witness and second the reasons to pray and witness. 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:51.759 So the first thing we see in this passage are the instruction to pray and witness in verses 1 to 2. 00:04:52.079 --> 00:04:54.339 The instruction to pray and witness. 00:04:54.339 --> 00:04:56.839 Look with me at verse 1. 00:04:58.199 --> 00:05:05.259 I urge then first of all that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. 00:05:05.759 --> 00:05:09.079 For kings and all those in authority. 00:05:09.439 --> 00:05:15.079 That we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 00:05:15.079 --> 00:05:26.599 So in chapter 1 Paul highlighted to Timothy his responsibility as a church leader to stand up and oppose the false teachers. 00:05:27.639 --> 00:05:33.579 And now turning to the church body as a whole, Paul said that prayer should be a priority in their lives. 00:05:34.740 --> 00:05:37.599 Four different words are used for prayer in verse 1. 00:05:37.600 --> 00:05:43.060 But Paul isn't saying that these prayers rank differently. 00:05:43.460 --> 00:05:49.560 He uses these different words which focus on different elements of prayer. 00:05:50.240 --> 00:05:56.320 To highlight that all kinds of prayer must be given for all people. 00:05:56.319 --> 00:06:06.180 And in the context this means that Timothy and the church should be praying for those false teachers that they need to correct. 00:06:07.519 --> 00:06:13.500 Praying for those who have been deliberately deceiving people and causing trouble in the church. 00:06:13.500 --> 00:06:18.459 Praying for all people obviously includes our neighbors. 00:06:19.339 --> 00:06:22.360 Our friends, our families, our work colleagues. 00:06:23.000 --> 00:06:25.120 It means praying for the persecuted church. 00:06:25.220 --> 00:06:27.779 It means praying for those who do not know Jesus. 00:06:28.879 --> 00:06:32.120 And it means praying for those we rub shoulders with day by day. 00:06:32.120 --> 00:06:37.920 It means praying for those who are well liked and loved. 00:06:38.819 --> 00:06:46.680 And it also means praying for those who are the so-called outcasts in our society that we were thinking about with Stuart earlier on. 00:06:47.139 --> 00:06:48.480 And everyone in between. 00:06:49.879 --> 00:06:53.259 We should be praying all kinds of prayer for all people. 00:06:54.560 --> 00:06:59.000 But Paul highlights in particular kings and those in authority. 00:06:59.000 --> 00:07:01.860 Now a bit of historical background. 00:07:02.300 --> 00:07:05.319 At this time Nero was the Roman emperor. 00:07:06.180 --> 00:07:10.339 The Romans didn't like the Christian church and they were being persecuted. 00:07:11.639 --> 00:07:18.220 Now at this point I hadn't quite reached the height of systematic persecution that would come in just a few years. 00:07:20.339 --> 00:07:22.860 Nero is known for violence. 00:07:23.420 --> 00:07:27.220 For sending hundreds of Christians into coliseums to be killed. 00:07:27.220 --> 00:07:29.320 For sport and for pleasure. 00:07:30.900 --> 00:07:33.980 Crucifying Christians who didn't renounce their faith in Jesus. 00:07:36.160 --> 00:07:38.980 And Paul says pray for that man. 00:07:40.100 --> 00:07:42.720 Pray for those who are in authority. 00:07:44.160 --> 00:07:50.140 The principle to pray for rulers and leaders applies both in good times and in bad. 00:07:50.139 --> 00:07:57.839 The government has at this point had the power to act on laws and policies that could either protect Christians. 00:07:58.439 --> 00:08:00.279 Or put a target on their backs. 00:08:01.659 --> 00:08:03.819 So Paul says pray for your leaders. 00:08:05.319 --> 00:08:06.959 Or put yourself in their shoes. 00:08:08.079 --> 00:08:10.979 As a persecuted minority at this time. 00:08:11.199 --> 00:08:14.879 The temptation would be to focus on praying for themselves. 00:08:15.319 --> 00:08:17.279 Now their persecution would end wouldn't it? 00:08:17.279 --> 00:08:26.039 But Paul flips it on his head and says no consider God's heart for the world and pray for all people. 00:08:28.339 --> 00:08:30.339 Pray for those who persecute you. 00:08:31.359 --> 00:08:32.819 Pray for those who rule over you. 00:08:32.959 --> 00:08:36.620 Pray for those who are attending the pagan temple on a daily basis. 00:08:37.319 --> 00:08:40.220 Pray for the false teachers that they would become Christians. 00:08:40.480 --> 00:08:41.980 Pray for your leaders. 00:08:41.980 --> 00:08:43.320 Pray for those who persecute you. 00:08:43.320 --> 00:08:43.720 Pray for those who persecute you. 00:08:44.800 --> 00:08:46.860 But we do the same today don't we? 00:08:47.879 --> 00:08:49.759 Take Afghanistan for example. 00:08:50.320 --> 00:08:55.620 We rightly pray for the minority Christian church there. 00:08:56.600 --> 00:09:02.379 The Barnabas Fund estimate that there are only 1,000 Christians at present in Afghanistan. 00:09:03.100 --> 00:09:09.220 And every single day they are under the constant threat of death because of their faith in Jesus. 00:09:09.220 --> 00:09:13.620 It is good and right for us to pray for them. 00:09:15.259 --> 00:09:17.899 But Paul also instructs us to pray for the Taliban. 00:09:20.680 --> 00:09:24.840 Paul is instructing the Christians in Afghanistan to pray for the Taliban. 00:09:26.920 --> 00:09:29.779 We should pray for the Christians to be protected. 00:09:29.920 --> 00:09:35.279 But we should also pray that their witness in that country would win over the Taliban. 00:09:35.279 --> 00:09:40.519 And that God would work and bring people to know Him. 00:09:41.459 --> 00:09:44.339 We need to pray for all people. 00:09:45.959 --> 00:09:52.600 Pray, Paul says, so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 00:09:53.939 --> 00:09:56.000 So there are two aims here. 00:09:56.539 --> 00:09:59.559 Pray so that one, they can live peaceful lives. 00:09:59.559 --> 00:10:04.539 So that they can freely gather as a church, sit under the teaching of God's word. 00:10:05.719 --> 00:10:07.419 And be Christians in peace. 00:10:08.319 --> 00:10:09.879 It's a prayer for religious liberty. 00:10:11.319 --> 00:10:18.000 But two, the second reason that this church should pray is so that the life of the church, 00:10:18.079 --> 00:10:23.359 the life of every single believer would be marked by godliness and holiness. 00:10:23.360 --> 00:10:27.639 Because that is the kind of life that is pleasing to God. 00:10:28.720 --> 00:10:34.800 So the first reason speaks of the governing authorities' role in allowing the church to meet. 00:10:34.860 --> 00:10:38.800 And the second is about the church's witness to those around them. 00:10:41.000 --> 00:10:46.980 As Christians, our lives should be marked, should be a witness to those around us that we are different. 00:10:46.980 --> 00:10:53.720 We are to conduct ourselves with godliness and holiness because it pleases God. 00:10:55.960 --> 00:10:59.860 The way we respond to situations that anger us. 00:11:01.259 --> 00:11:02.899 The way we raise our kids. 00:11:03.060 --> 00:11:06.680 The way we talk in the pub, in the pew and in the pulpit. 00:11:07.420 --> 00:11:13.480 Should be a living testimony to how great God is and His goodness in our lives. 00:11:13.480 --> 00:11:17.539 And should be a witness to those around us. 00:11:18.740 --> 00:11:22.039 Paul told us about that last week in chapter 1 verse 16. 00:11:22.480 --> 00:11:25.519 Our lives are to be a constant example of the gospel. 00:11:26.659 --> 00:11:28.240 That's how we witness to the world. 00:11:28.379 --> 00:11:32.440 We are to be examples of Christ in every aspect of our lives. 00:11:34.159 --> 00:11:40.960 And that same instruction to pray and to witness that Paul gave Timothy and the Ephesian church is true for us today. 00:11:40.960 --> 00:11:49.360 As a church, we are instructed to pray for all kinds of prayers for all people. 00:11:50.780 --> 00:11:52.660 Now that may sound overwhelming. 00:11:53.400 --> 00:11:56.240 Where on earth do you start praying for all people? 00:11:56.920 --> 00:11:59.759 Well, I'd like to highlight just a few tools for you. 00:12:00.660 --> 00:12:05.620 The Good Book Company have produced a little series of books to help us pray biblically. 00:12:06.180 --> 00:12:09.379 And to help us make prayer a priority in our lives. 00:12:09.379 --> 00:12:13.399 Each book has, as it says on the cover, five things to pray. 00:12:14.059 --> 00:12:19.240 For your kids, for your parents, your city, your church, and for the world. 00:12:19.320 --> 00:12:20.960 And there are others as well. 00:12:23.240 --> 00:12:28.559 These books don't include everything, but they are a tool that can help us pray for all people. 00:12:31.100 --> 00:12:33.559 Practically, come to the prayer meeting. 00:12:33.559 --> 00:12:39.919 Sadly, in churches today, the prayer meeting is often the least attended meeting there is. 00:12:41.739 --> 00:12:47.779 At a prayer meeting, we come before our great God and we pray all kinds of prayer for all people. 00:12:49.119 --> 00:12:54.919 Tomorrow night on Zoom at 8pm for just 30 minutes, we have the opportunity to do that. 00:12:54.919 --> 00:12:59.620 We have the opportunity to do exactly what this passage is telling us to. 00:13:00.699 --> 00:13:07.399 Would you join us and do what God is asking us to do and pray all kinds of prayer for all people. 00:13:09.199 --> 00:13:11.379 But also pray for our leaders. 00:13:11.379 --> 00:13:14.980 We need to pray that they would have wisdom. 00:13:15.799 --> 00:13:18.740 And that they would govern in a way that glorifies God. 00:13:18.899 --> 00:13:21.960 And pray that they would come to know Jesus for themselves. 00:13:24.399 --> 00:13:28.799 Governments only have authority because it has been given to them by God. 00:13:29.759 --> 00:13:31.580 And so we must pray that they use it well. 00:13:32.139 --> 00:13:34.059 And they use it for His glory. 00:13:34.059 --> 00:13:39.879 The UK today is often described as a post-Christian society. 00:13:40.899 --> 00:13:44.159 And it's easy to think that we are the persecuted minority. 00:13:45.000 --> 00:13:49.879 And to forget about everything going on outside of our building and only focus on ourselves. 00:13:50.000 --> 00:13:53.179 But Paul says, no, get on your knees and pray. 00:13:54.459 --> 00:13:57.059 Pray for Boris Johnson and Westminster. 00:13:57.859 --> 00:14:00.379 Pray for Nicola Sturgeon and Hollywood. 00:14:00.379 --> 00:14:04.879 Pray for local council members, for school staff, for principals. 00:14:05.259 --> 00:14:07.259 Pray for shopkeepers and local businesses. 00:14:07.919 --> 00:14:11.740 Pray for your neighbours, your friends, your family members who don't know Jesus. 00:14:13.340 --> 00:14:15.059 And pray for false teachers. 00:14:16.059 --> 00:14:18.519 Well known and those closer to home. 00:14:18.919 --> 00:14:21.860 That they would come to a saving knowledge of God. 00:14:22.279 --> 00:14:24.539 And live your life in front of all these people. 00:14:25.600 --> 00:14:27.539 Be a witness to them. 00:14:28.320 --> 00:14:30.059 Of the glory of God in the Gospel. 00:14:30.379 --> 00:14:38.460 Be a church body that through prayer and witnessing reflects God's heart for the world. 00:14:39.100 --> 00:14:41.820 That is what we are being instructed to do. 00:14:43.200 --> 00:14:48.580 And the second thing that we see in this passage are the reasons to pray and witness. 00:14:48.700 --> 00:14:50.039 In verses 3 to 7. 00:14:50.460 --> 00:14:53.179 The reasons to pray and witness. 00:14:53.179 --> 00:14:57.679 Now if a church has become so self-absorbed. 00:14:58.459 --> 00:15:00.359 You can imagine them asking why. 00:15:00.859 --> 00:15:02.539 Why should we pray for outsiders? 00:15:03.259 --> 00:15:06.159 Why should we pray for rulers who oppress us? 00:15:06.279 --> 00:15:10.459 Why should we pray for and witness to all people? 00:15:12.699 --> 00:15:14.539 Well Paul anticipates that question. 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:15.759 He gives them two reasons. 00:15:15.759 --> 00:15:19.860 Firstly, so that people would come to know God. 00:15:21.039 --> 00:15:24.580 And secondly, because there is only one means of salvation. 00:15:24.580 --> 00:15:27.019 Which we have already been singing about this morning. 00:15:27.840 --> 00:15:29.740 Look with me at verses 3 to 4. 00:15:30.740 --> 00:15:31.299 It says, 00:15:31.299 --> 00:15:45.079 So the prayers and lives of godliness and holiness in the church. 00:15:45.079 --> 00:15:48.899 That we saw in verses 1 and 2 are pleasing to God. 00:15:48.899 --> 00:15:53.519 Do you see the magnitude of that sentence? 00:15:56.220 --> 00:16:00.159 God is pleased when his people pray and witness about him. 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:10.340 The desire of every single Christian should be or is to please God and bring him glory and honor in every situation of our lives. 00:16:13.199 --> 00:16:14.699 And we are told how to do that. 00:16:14.759 --> 00:16:15.779 We are not left in the dark. 00:16:15.779 --> 00:16:23.139 God finds joy and pleasure in the obedient prayers and witnessing of his people. 00:16:23.839 --> 00:16:27.259 So for every Christian here this morning, go and do it. 00:16:28.539 --> 00:16:31.059 Pray and witness to those around you. 00:16:31.179 --> 00:16:32.259 Pray for all people. 00:16:32.839 --> 00:16:35.019 Witness to all people. 00:16:35.679 --> 00:16:37.600 Live in a way that glorifies God. 00:16:37.919 --> 00:16:43.419 Live with godliness and holiness every day for God's glory because it pleases him. 00:16:45.779 --> 00:16:47.120 Now that's the easy bit. 00:16:48.299 --> 00:16:49.779 Then we get to verse 4. 00:16:50.439 --> 00:16:54.679 And we have to ask, does God want all people to be saved? 00:16:55.980 --> 00:16:58.419 Now maybe for you that verse didn't really stand out. 00:16:59.000 --> 00:17:01.379 Because you do think that everyone will be saved. 00:17:02.519 --> 00:17:08.160 Or maybe you asked yourself the question, well if that's true, why isn't everyone saved? 00:17:08.160 --> 00:17:17.779 Or maybe you asked, how does God's will match up with people dying without any indication that they're Christians? 00:17:20.920 --> 00:17:25.040 Or maybe you're asking, well if God is sovereign, why does he not just save everybody? 00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:32.779 Now this is a complicated but very important issue. 00:17:33.319 --> 00:17:39.000 And so I hope you don't mind if I spend a few minutes digging a little bit deeper so that we're all on the same page. 00:17:40.119 --> 00:17:43.220 It is important to look at these verses in the context. 00:17:44.440 --> 00:17:48.500 Because for example, some of you may have been taught what's called universalism. 00:17:49.119 --> 00:17:52.240 The idea that everyone is saved in the end. 00:17:52.240 --> 00:17:57.700 Now if we read passages like Romans 2 for example. 00:17:58.579 --> 00:18:01.720 That God will judge the sins of the world. 00:18:02.819 --> 00:18:04.240 They don't quite match up. 00:18:05.599 --> 00:18:10.579 And this is where we need to submit to the authority of scripture as Stuart was talking about earlier on. 00:18:11.740 --> 00:18:15.620 Those who are not Christians, it says in Romans 2, and have rejected Jesus. 00:18:16.460 --> 00:18:18.880 Will be under the eternal judgment of God. 00:18:18.880 --> 00:18:23.100 God makes that abundantly clear in the Bible. 00:18:23.220 --> 00:18:26.440 That Christians will be saved and spend eternity in the presence of God. 00:18:27.240 --> 00:18:33.060 And all those who reject Jesus and are not Christians will spend eternity under his wrath in hell. 00:18:35.640 --> 00:18:37.380 So thinking back to verse 4. 00:18:37.500 --> 00:18:41.660 How do we reconcile the truth that God wants all people to be saved? 00:18:42.880 --> 00:18:45.280 And passages like Romans 2. 00:18:45.320 --> 00:18:47.700 And there are others that talk about judgment and hell. 00:18:47.700 --> 00:18:50.700 How do we marry those two together? 00:18:52.700 --> 00:18:55.460 This is where we need to make sure we are rooted in scripture. 00:18:56.500 --> 00:18:59.299 Because we cannot cherry pick verses out of context. 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:04.799 To understand what it means that God wants all people to be saved, we need to take a step back. 00:19:05.559 --> 00:19:10.920 Look at the broader context of this book and the wider context of the biblical narrative. 00:19:11.059 --> 00:19:11.980 The whole of the Bible. 00:19:11.980 --> 00:19:18.500 In the Bible, when it speaks of God's will, there are two kinds of wills mentioned. 00:19:19.220 --> 00:19:21.440 The first is his sovereign will. 00:19:22.259 --> 00:19:25.519 Which refers to his control over the world and our lives. 00:19:25.579 --> 00:19:27.579 This will cannot be broken. 00:19:29.680 --> 00:19:32.700 What God has ordained, we cannot stop or hinder. 00:19:32.700 --> 00:19:38.380 This sovereign will of God is largely unknown to us. 00:19:38.440 --> 00:19:40.819 We see it as we look back over time. 00:19:40.920 --> 00:19:43.200 But looking to the future, we cannot discern it. 00:19:44.920 --> 00:19:51.319 This aspect of God's will, his sovereign will, is responsible for calling and saving his people. 00:19:51.319 --> 00:19:57.879 And the second kind of God's will mentioned in the Bible is his moral will. 00:19:58.519 --> 00:20:01.359 Referring to his holiness and his godliness. 00:20:02.500 --> 00:20:05.619 God's moral will is reflected in his commandments. 00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:08.859 You shall not kill, you shall not steal, and so on. 00:20:10.559 --> 00:20:15.879 Now humanity can and does break God's moral law every single day. 00:20:15.880 --> 00:20:20.240 Christians break God's moral will every single day. 00:20:22.120 --> 00:20:25.500 But verse 4 is about God's moral will. 00:20:25.580 --> 00:20:28.000 That all people will repent and be saved. 00:20:28.060 --> 00:20:29.560 But it is not his sovereign will. 00:20:30.160 --> 00:20:33.240 That all people will in fact be saved. 00:20:34.640 --> 00:20:37.500 Every church is to be a pillar of truth. 00:20:38.420 --> 00:20:41.180 And that's what chapter 3 verse 15 says. 00:20:41.720 --> 00:20:45.860 Meaning that every church and every believer is to hold out the good news of Jesus. 00:20:45.859 --> 00:20:46.839 To the world. 00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:52.279 So God's moral will is that every single person in this world would hear about Jesus. 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:55.319 And come to know him. 00:20:57.179 --> 00:20:58.319 As a church. 00:20:58.939 --> 00:21:00.339 As individual believers. 00:21:00.519 --> 00:21:02.659 We have a role to play in this. 00:21:03.959 --> 00:21:06.479 We have to take the gospel to the world. 00:21:06.579 --> 00:21:07.979 But not just to some people. 00:21:08.799 --> 00:21:10.799 Not only to those who are like us. 00:21:10.879 --> 00:21:12.719 Not only to those of a similar color. 00:21:13.479 --> 00:21:14.379 Similar class. 00:21:14.380 --> 00:21:15.840 Similar culture. 00:21:16.020 --> 00:21:16.900 Similar language. 00:21:17.520 --> 00:21:20.920 But we need to break down every single barrier that exists. 00:21:21.120 --> 00:21:23.920 And share the gospel with all people. 00:21:24.040 --> 00:21:25.360 So that they can hear it. 00:21:25.680 --> 00:21:26.960 That is what God wants. 00:21:28.800 --> 00:21:31.520 Now the will of God is a very deep topic. 00:21:31.519 --> 00:21:34.960 And we haven't even scratched the surface of it this morning. 00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:39.180 No one can really fully comprehend the will of God. 00:21:39.259 --> 00:21:40.039 He is infinite. 00:21:40.660 --> 00:21:41.400 And we are finite. 00:21:42.079 --> 00:21:42.940 He is God. 00:21:43.279 --> 00:21:44.099 And we are not. 00:21:44.099 --> 00:21:49.779 But let me say that there is amazing comfort in God's sovereign will. 00:21:50.939 --> 00:21:53.939 Because it means that it is not up to us to save people. 00:21:53.940 --> 00:21:58.420 We have the task of praying and witnessing to all people. 00:21:59.220 --> 00:22:01.100 But we leave the results to him. 00:22:03.480 --> 00:22:06.360 The great God who works wonders in people's hearts. 00:22:06.700 --> 00:22:10.180 And who brings people to a knowledge of the truth every single day. 00:22:10.900 --> 00:22:12.880 That is his task. 00:22:12.880 --> 00:22:18.220 And imagine what it would look like if God wasn't sovereign. 00:22:18.220 --> 00:22:23.000 There would be no meaning in anything. 00:22:23.200 --> 00:22:24.519 No meaning in suffering. 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:34.360 No certainty that the hand of a good God is somehow working out even the hardest circumstances for good in the life of his people. 00:22:34.700 --> 00:22:40.480 If God wasn't sovereign then all the evil that goes on in the world every single day would go unpunished. 00:22:41.240 --> 00:22:43.279 And God would be helpless to act. 00:22:45.539 --> 00:22:47.579 If God is not sovereign then he is not God. 00:22:48.220 --> 00:22:52.600 If God is in absolute control. 00:22:52.740 --> 00:22:57.500 Because it means that all the evil we see in this world will be dealt with one day. 00:22:58.920 --> 00:23:03.319 As every single human being stands before a holy and just God. 00:23:03.460 --> 00:23:06.720 And gives an account of their actions and how they responded to Jesus. 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:13.299 In this life people have gotten away with atrocities that I don't even want to mention. 00:23:13.660 --> 00:23:14.680 Let alone think about. 00:23:16.600 --> 00:23:18.079 But God has seen it all. 00:23:18.960 --> 00:23:20.579 And he will judge all. 00:23:22.600 --> 00:23:24.500 We are all deserving of that judgment. 00:23:24.660 --> 00:23:29.220 But through Jesus we have been given the opportunity to be free from the wrath of God. 00:23:29.319 --> 00:23:32.559 And instead to be in a perfect relationship with him. 00:23:32.559 --> 00:23:36.940 So we have scratched the surface of this massive topic. 00:23:36.940 --> 00:23:38.400 And if you have questions. 00:23:38.400 --> 00:23:41.140 Or you want to talk about anything. 00:23:41.140 --> 00:23:43.500 Please chat to me afterwards and let's meet up. 00:23:43.960 --> 00:23:46.080 I spend my week walking with people. 00:23:46.320 --> 00:23:47.519 Talking about the Bible. 00:23:47.680 --> 00:23:49.559 And I absolutely love it. 00:23:50.299 --> 00:23:53.160 So please do come with your hard questions and Bible passages. 00:23:53.299 --> 00:23:54.480 Let's talk through it together. 00:23:54.480 --> 00:23:55.900 Get in touch. 00:23:55.900 --> 00:23:58.160 And let's think through this. 00:23:58.160 --> 00:24:01.380 What Paul says to the church in Ephesus. 00:24:01.940 --> 00:24:04.540 And to Brunsfield Evangelical Church this morning. 00:24:04.540 --> 00:24:08.180 God wants all people to hear about Jesus. 00:24:08.740 --> 00:24:09.620 So go tell them. 00:24:09.619 --> 00:24:18.559 Be a praying and witnessing community that reflects the heart of God for this world. 00:24:20.279 --> 00:24:22.019 Now think back to that number on the screen. 00:24:22.019 --> 00:24:27.579 7.9 billion people are in the world today. 00:24:30.279 --> 00:24:36.299 3.27 billion of those people are classed as unreached. 00:24:39.720 --> 00:24:47.359 Meaning that they have few or no Christians and little to no knowledge of the Bible or Jesus at all. 00:24:48.740 --> 00:24:51.279 3.27 billion. 00:24:53.019 --> 00:24:57.980 That is 42.5% of the world who have no idea about Jesus. 00:25:00.579 --> 00:25:03.160 Are we really reflecting God's heart for the world? 00:25:06.119 --> 00:25:09.980 God wants us, his people, to go into the world and to be his witness. 00:25:10.180 --> 00:25:13.519 Who declare that there is only one means to salvation. 00:25:13.660 --> 00:25:15.519 That's what we see in verses 5 to 6. 00:25:15.660 --> 00:25:16.799 Read with me. 00:25:16.799 --> 00:25:18.700 For there is one God. 00:25:19.319 --> 00:25:21.899 One mediator between God and mankind. 00:25:21.899 --> 00:25:23.319 The man Christ Jesus. 00:25:23.639 --> 00:25:26.700 Who gave himself as a ransom for all people. 00:25:27.259 --> 00:25:30.460 This has been witnessed to at the proper time. 00:25:30.460 --> 00:25:34.700 Now maybe you remember from religious classes at school. 00:25:35.059 --> 00:25:37.779 Being told that God is a bit like a mountain. 00:25:38.299 --> 00:25:40.340 That there are many different roads that lead to him. 00:25:40.420 --> 00:25:42.980 But in the end you all get to the same place. 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:46.299 That is not true. 00:25:47.759 --> 00:25:51.339 Regardless of what Mr. Griffiths told you. 00:25:52.039 --> 00:25:53.500 He was my RE teacher as a kid. 00:25:53.500 --> 00:26:00.839 It is clearly not what many religions actually teach or believe either. 00:26:01.960 --> 00:26:04.500 Christianity is very exclusive. 00:26:04.759 --> 00:26:06.940 There is only one God. 00:26:07.059 --> 00:26:10.279 And only one means to salvation through Jesus Christ. 00:26:11.240 --> 00:26:13.720 Nobody can stumble into heaven. 00:26:14.480 --> 00:26:18.299 No one can be good enough to get on God's good side. 00:26:18.299 --> 00:26:23.700 No one can be nice enough to be right with God from the get go. 00:26:24.740 --> 00:26:28.000 There is one God and one mediator. 00:26:28.139 --> 00:26:28.819 Jesus Christ. 00:26:28.940 --> 00:26:29.779 Hope for salvation. 00:26:30.919 --> 00:26:32.440 Hope of eternal life. 00:26:33.299 --> 00:26:36.819 Hope of forgiveness is only possible through Jesus. 00:26:39.180 --> 00:26:41.220 This is only possible verse 6. 00:26:41.319 --> 00:26:44.500 Because Jesus is the only ransom for all people. 00:26:44.500 --> 00:26:48.759 See Jesus was not just a nice guy or a good moral teacher. 00:26:48.900 --> 00:26:51.079 Jesus is God in the flesh. 00:26:51.940 --> 00:26:53.960 Who came in human form. 00:26:54.200 --> 00:26:56.740 Who lived the perfect life of obedience to God. 00:26:56.799 --> 00:26:59.619 That we couldn't even begin to imagine living. 00:27:02.779 --> 00:27:05.839 And yet he died the death that each one of us deserves. 00:27:06.900 --> 00:27:09.039 Because as Jesus was nailed to that cross. 00:27:09.119 --> 00:27:10.940 He bore the weight of our sin. 00:27:10.940 --> 00:27:16.860 He bore the weight of God's just righteous wrath against the sins of the world. 00:27:18.660 --> 00:27:20.840 And yet Jesus did not stay dead. 00:27:21.580 --> 00:27:24.039 He rose victorious from the grave. 00:27:24.180 --> 00:27:25.259 Defeating sin. 00:27:25.980 --> 00:27:27.019 Defeating death. 00:27:27.140 --> 00:27:29.820 And he is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. 00:27:30.600 --> 00:27:33.019 Interceding on behalf of his people. 00:27:36.960 --> 00:27:38.799 For God to be just and good. 00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:40.559 And punishment for sins must happen. 00:27:40.940 --> 00:27:45.820 But God in his grace and mercy sent his own son Jesus. 00:27:46.779 --> 00:27:52.380 To take the punishment for all those who would call on him and repent and believe. 00:27:53.860 --> 00:27:56.860 Jesus gave himself as a ransom for all people. 00:27:56.980 --> 00:27:58.059 That's what verse 6 says. 00:27:59.519 --> 00:28:01.180 There is only one to be saved. 00:28:01.279 --> 00:28:03.580 So Christianity has an exclusive message. 00:28:03.580 --> 00:28:05.180 But it is also inclusive. 00:28:05.720 --> 00:28:08.519 Because this is a call to come and follow him. 00:28:08.519 --> 00:28:12.259 Friends if you are here and you are not a Christian. 00:28:13.180 --> 00:28:17.599 If you are wondering what significance any of this has in your life. 00:28:18.559 --> 00:28:20.119 It is right there in verse 6. 00:28:21.639 --> 00:28:25.420 Jesus gave his life as a ransom for all people. 00:28:25.519 --> 00:28:26.559 That includes you. 00:28:26.559 --> 00:28:30.359 If you are in church this morning. 00:28:30.440 --> 00:28:33.359 And if you are known to even just one of us in this building. 00:28:33.480 --> 00:28:36.319 I guarantee you that we have been praying for you. 00:28:37.279 --> 00:28:40.240 That you would come to know the truth of who Jesus is. 00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:43.819 And if that is you this morning. 00:28:43.920 --> 00:28:44.740 Listen to the call. 00:28:45.859 --> 00:28:46.259 Repent. 00:28:46.620 --> 00:28:48.940 Turn from your sin and run to Jesus. 00:28:50.339 --> 00:28:52.019 God desires for you to be saved. 00:28:52.120 --> 00:28:53.480 Listen to his call this morning. 00:28:54.059 --> 00:28:55.019 And come to him. 00:28:55.099 --> 00:28:55.779 Do not delay. 00:28:55.779 --> 00:28:59.299 And for us as Christians. 00:28:59.420 --> 00:29:00.619 As a church family this morning. 00:29:00.740 --> 00:29:02.420 I want to challenge us practically. 00:29:03.079 --> 00:29:05.099 About praying and witnessing to the world. 00:29:06.359 --> 00:29:07.740 This afternoon go home. 00:29:08.119 --> 00:29:10.440 Think of three people who you know who are not Christians. 00:29:11.299 --> 00:29:12.160 Three people. 00:29:12.819 --> 00:29:13.740 Write their names down. 00:29:13.819 --> 00:29:15.079 Keep them on you at all times. 00:29:15.220 --> 00:29:17.319 And pray for them every single day. 00:29:17.660 --> 00:29:20.099 That they would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus. 00:29:21.339 --> 00:29:22.460 But don't only pray. 00:29:24.059 --> 00:29:25.420 Witness to them as well. 00:29:26.119 --> 00:29:27.819 Tell them the truth about Jesus. 00:29:28.099 --> 00:29:29.960 Proclaim Jesus to them. 00:29:31.460 --> 00:29:33.680 The life of a Christian and a church. 00:29:33.680 --> 00:29:36.279 Should be always one of prayer. 00:29:36.619 --> 00:29:37.359 And witnessing. 00:29:37.680 --> 00:29:39.859 That reflects the heart of God for the world. 00:29:39.980 --> 00:29:41.519 So go and do it. 00:29:42.700 --> 00:29:44.420 That is the task we have been given. 00:29:45.819 --> 00:29:48.440 Pray that God would give you his same desire. 00:29:48.519 --> 00:29:50.839 To see all people be saved. 00:29:52.000 --> 00:29:53.680 Pray that your heart would reflect. 00:29:53.779 --> 00:29:55.700 His heart for the world. 00:29:56.779 --> 00:29:59.779 Pray that God would give you a burden for this neighbourhood. 00:30:00.639 --> 00:30:01.819 For this city. 00:30:01.960 --> 00:30:02.680 For this country. 00:30:02.740 --> 00:30:03.440 And for the world. 00:30:03.519 --> 00:30:05.839 And share Jesus intentionally. 00:30:05.839 --> 00:30:11.119 That's what Paul defines his role as in verse 7. 00:30:11.119 --> 00:30:12.679 He is a herald. 00:30:12.779 --> 00:30:13.220 An apostle. 00:30:13.379 --> 00:30:14.399 A faithful teacher. 00:30:14.659 --> 00:30:16.359 Of the truth to the world. 00:30:17.359 --> 00:30:19.379 He's an example of the kind of life. 00:30:19.639 --> 00:30:20.759 That we should live. 00:30:20.919 --> 00:30:22.459 One of prayer and witnessing. 00:30:22.599 --> 00:30:24.500 That reflects God's heart for the world. 00:30:24.500 --> 00:30:24.980 Friends. 00:30:24.980 --> 00:30:25.500 And we should live. 00:30:25.500 --> 00:30:25.799 That we should live. 00:30:25.799 --> 00:30:26.500 That we should live. 00:30:26.500 --> 00:30:27.019 Friends. 00:30:27.079 --> 00:30:28.039 Beyond those doors. 00:30:28.799 --> 00:30:30.500 We do not find a world. 00:30:30.880 --> 00:30:31.880 That is bad. 00:30:31.980 --> 00:30:32.819 And should be avoided. 00:30:34.500 --> 00:30:35.500 Beyond those doors. 00:30:35.619 --> 00:30:36.839 We find our mission field. 00:30:43.299 --> 00:30:44.319 Beyond those doors. 00:30:44.319 --> 00:30:46.299 As you rub shoulders with people who are lost. 00:30:49.179 --> 00:30:50.679 With people who are dying. 00:30:50.819 --> 00:30:51.700 And going to hell. 00:30:51.859 --> 00:30:53.319 Because they do not know Jesus. 00:30:53.319 --> 00:30:59.119 Pray and witness. 00:30:59.559 --> 00:31:00.720 For all people. 00:31:03.460 --> 00:31:05.240 Pray that they would come to know Jesus. 00:31:06.579 --> 00:31:08.419 The quote that always comes to mind. 00:31:08.519 --> 00:31:10.279 When I think about the importance of prayer. 00:31:10.419 --> 00:31:10.960 And witnessing. 00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:12.279 To all people. 00:31:12.480 --> 00:31:13.839 Is this from Charles Spurgeon. 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:16.500 An English pastor from many years ago. 00:31:16.639 --> 00:31:17.480 And he said this. 00:31:19.279 --> 00:31:20.700 If sinners be damned. 00:31:21.899 --> 00:31:23.179 At least let them leap. 00:31:23.180 --> 00:31:24.920 To hell over our dead bodies. 00:31:30.180 --> 00:31:31.360 And if they perish. 00:31:31.460 --> 00:31:32.259 Let them perish. 00:31:32.860 --> 00:31:34.320 With our arms wrapped. 00:31:34.480 --> 00:31:35.460 Around their knees. 00:31:37.640 --> 00:31:38.080 Imploring. 00:31:38.500 --> 00:31:39.120 Them to stay. 00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:43.000 If hell must be filled. 00:31:43.100 --> 00:31:43.799 Let it be filled. 00:31:43.900 --> 00:31:46.000 With the teeth of our exertions. 00:31:46.460 --> 00:31:48.259 Let no one go unwarned. 00:31:49.960 --> 00:31:51.840 And let no one go unprayed for. 00:31:53.180 --> 00:31:54.320 Deepsxkachep. 00:31:54.319 --> 00:31:58.139 so now think back to that number on the screen 00:31:58.139 --> 00:32:02.859 the world's population of 7.9 billion people 00:32:02.859 --> 00:32:05.960 we only know a few of them 00:32:05.960 --> 00:32:10.819 but to God each and every single one of them is loved 00:32:10.819 --> 00:32:12.299 and valued 00:32:12.299 --> 00:32:16.000 and his desire is that they would all hear about Jesus 00:32:16.000 --> 00:32:17.919 and be confronted with the truth 00:32:17.919 --> 00:32:22.819 God has a heart for all the people of this world 00:32:22.819 --> 00:32:25.159 friends we need to be a church 00:32:25.159 --> 00:32:26.240 we need to be Christians 00:32:26.240 --> 00:32:29.639 that are praying and witnessing 00:32:29.639 --> 00:32:33.819 in such a way that reflects that heart for the world 00:32:33.819 --> 00:32:37.839 so let's do that just now and pray together 00:32:43.839 --> 00:32:46.240 Heavenly Father we come before you this morning 00:32:46.240 --> 00:32:52.379 and we have a massive task ahead of us 00:32:52.380 --> 00:32:56.380 7.9 billion people 00:32:56.380 --> 00:33:02.380 46.5% of whom have no idea who you are 00:33:03.200 --> 00:33:11.520 Father help us not leave feeling that we are in this alone 00:33:11.520 --> 00:33:15.900 but help us remember that you have given us your Holy Spirit 00:33:15.900 --> 00:33:18.740 who empowers us every single day 00:33:18.740 --> 00:33:22.800 to be a praying and witnessing community 00:33:22.800 --> 00:33:25.360 that reflects your heart for this world 00:33:25.360 --> 00:33:30.960 Lord give us a burden for the people you have placed around us 00:33:30.960 --> 00:33:34.080 give us your love for them 00:33:34.079 --> 00:33:37.079 and help us act on it 00:33:37.079 --> 00:33:41.500 Father make us a church 00:33:41.500 --> 00:33:43.480 and make us Christians 00:33:43.480 --> 00:33:46.539 who reflect you in every single way 00:33:46.539 --> 00:33:49.819 we ask this in Jesus 00:33:49.819 --> 00:33:52.039 holy and precious name 00:33:52.039 --> 00:33:53.079 Amen 00:33:53.079 --> 00:33:55.059 I'll be very impressed by our fellow LostIndex 00:33:57.019 --> 00:33:58.639 Allそれは 00:33:58.639 --> 00:33:59.319 Resumes 00:33:59.779 --> 00:34:14.059 Tip 00:34:14.059 --> 00:34:14.239 Live 00:34:14.239 --> 00:34:23.000 HY