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Amen. Please take your copy of God's Word. Join me in John chapter 12. Our text for today is John chapter 12, verses 37 through 43.
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! As you're getting there, I just want to make a brief comment about my gratefulness for verse-by-verse exposition as the normal habit of our church.
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And this was brought to the front of my thinking this week as I go and I look at commentaries.
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Largely after I've done much of the work that I do in preparation for a sermon, I go back and I check and just make sure I'm not missing something entirely.
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And I've got some technical commentaries and I have some more layman commentaries, some that are actually just the notes of preaching.
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And three of my commentaries entirely skipped this text, just jumped over it, decided not to preach it, I would assume, in the context of a church.
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And I'm glad that we have to take up and deal with texts that can seem difficult.
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As we come to the closing portion of John chapter 12, we arrive at a significant transition in John's gospel.
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For 12 chapters, John has been presenting the public ministry of Jesus Christ, carefully arranging his account around the words and works of Jesus so that his readers might recognize him as the promised Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One, the Son of God.
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We have watched Jesus turn water into wine, heal the sick, feed the hungry, give sight to the blind, and raise Lazarus from the dead.
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Each of these miracles has served a particular purpose, to reveal something of the divine identity and saving mission of Jesus.
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Yet, in spite of this extraordinary revelation, the overwhelming response of the people has been unbelief.
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The one who came to give sight to the blind is rejected by those who insist they can see.
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The one who came to give life to the dead is rejected by those who are spiritually dead.
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And the one who came to reveal the glory of God is rejected by those who love the glory of men.
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In our previous text last week, we saw Jesus say in verse 35, in the beginning of verse 36,
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The light is among you for a little while longer.
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Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you.
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The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.
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While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.
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And then, rather ominously, at the end of verse 36, John tells us that Jesus departed and hid himself from them.
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There's something so profoundly tragic about that sentence.
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The light of the world has been shining in the midst of Israel, yet Israel has repeatedly refused to come to the light.
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And now, the light withdraws.
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And this raises a difficult question.
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If Jesus really is the promised Messiah, why did so many of God's old covenant people refuse to believe in him?
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Was something deficient in his ministry?
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Had God's promises failed?
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Had the unbelief of Israel somehow frustrated God's purposes?
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Had the unbelief of Israel.
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Just with those questions in mind that John writes the following verses.
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We pray for us, and then I'll read the text.
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Father, we ask humbly that you would help us as we take up your word together this morning.
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We admit that we need your help.
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We need the Spirit to help us to rightly see Christ.
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We want to believe the promises of the Scripture.
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We want to obey its commands, and we want to find our affection growing for you as its author.
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So we pray that you'll help us to this end, and we pray in Jesus' name.
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Amen.
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John 12, beginning in verse 37.
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Though he, Jesus, had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him.
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So that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled.
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Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?
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And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
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Therefore they could not believe.
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For again, Isaiah says, he has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart,
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lest they see with their eyes and understand with their heart,
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and turn, and I would heal them.
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Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him.
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Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him,
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but for fear of the Pharisees, they did not confess it,
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so that they would not be put out of the synagogue.
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For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
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Note with me first the tragic nature of unbelief.
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We can
Load full transcript
see this in verses 37 and 38.
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The Israelites' rejection of Jesus as the Christ was not due to a lack of sufficient evidence.
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John wants this to be very clear.
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Though he had done so many signs before them.
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That's the implication there.
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He had done ample things.
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They still did not believe in him.
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John's statement is remarkable because of everything that has preceded it.
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Jesus demonstrated his authority over creation, sickness, blindness, and death.
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His signs publicly revealed his identity.
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Nevertheless, many witnesses to these miracles refused to believe.
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John does not suggest that they lacked sufficient evidence to recognize the significance of Jesus.
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Rather, he emphasizes their stubborn unbelief despite the extraordinary evidence already given.
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The fundamental problem of unbelief is not merely intellectual ignorance.
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It's not that we just need to know more.
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The fundamental problem is the moral and spiritual disposition of the sinful heart.
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John chapter 3, verse 19 and 20 explains that people love darkness rather than light because their works are evil.
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In John chapter 5, in verse 40, Jesus tells his opponents that they refuse to come to him that they may have life.
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Scripture describes our condition in terms of blindness, hostility, and spiritual death.
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You see Romans 8, 7, and 8 in Ephesians 2, 1 through 3.
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Apart from the gracious work of God upon the human heart, this is who we are.
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We are rebels, enemies, haters of God.
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But the Bible never lets mankind off the hook.
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You cannot say, well, I was just born this way.
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We are fully culpable of our rejection of the good rule of a God.
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Now, at this point, you may be tempted to think that John goes on to argue that the Israelites did not believe because of the prophecy of Isaiah 53 and verse 1.
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Here cited,
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Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
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This is an understandable temptation because of the words preceding his citation.
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So that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled.
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I suggest to you that the prophecy of Isaiah 53 was not the cause of their rejection.
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That's how many people might read this initially.
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But rather, it's just the prediction of it.
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John is showing us that the rejection of Jesus was not an unexpected development in God's life.
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God's redemptive plan.
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This morning's reading was Isaiah 52, verse 13, through 53, verse 1.
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And I hope that you'll join me there to look at it again.
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You can see it in your bulletin or you can turn there in your Bible.
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I hope you'll note the significance of why we read it in this way.
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And recall that the chapter headings are added later to the text.
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They're not inspired.
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Here we see beginning of verse 3.
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Behold, my servant shall act wisely.
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We understand this now to be the Lord Jesus Christ.
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He shall be high and lifted up and shall be exalted.
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As many were astonished at you.
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His appearance was so marred beyond human semblance and his form beyond that of the children of mankind.
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So shall he sprinkle many nations.
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Kings shall shut their mouths because of him.
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For that which has not been told them they see.
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And that which they have not heard they understand.
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Then verse 1 of 53 cited in our text today.
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Who has believed when he has heard from us?
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And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
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Out of the arm of the Lord in verse 1 of Isaiah 53 pictures God's saving strength.
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But that strength would be displayed in a servant whom the people despised.
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A servant who would be lifted up, we now know, on the cross.
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Chapter 52 and verse 13.
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Marred beyond recognition.
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Verse 14.
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A servant who would become the saving and reigning king of the nations.
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You see, John is teaching that the unbelief of man cannot overthrow the purposes of God.
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Because even the rejection of the Messiah was anticipated within God's plan of redemption of peoples.
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So, John is clear.
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Unbelief is tragic.
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And its fault is in the one who rejects Jesus as the Christ.
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But this unbelief does not thwart God's plans.
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But he doesn't depart his contemplation of unbelief there.
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He continues.
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Note with me the second.
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The divine hand in unbelief.
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He goes on.
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Therefore, they could not believe.
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For again, Isaiah said, he has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts.
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Lest they see with their eyes and understand with their hearts and turn.
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And I would heal them.
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Look at the progression in the text.
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In verse 37, the people did not believe.
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In verse 39, they could not believe.
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John presents both the willing rejection of Jesus and the divine judgment under which unbelief persists in a matter of a couple of verses.
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We must not diminish either statement but hold them together.
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Together.
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They did not believe.
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They could not believe.
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This is the issue of the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man set together right here.
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And I'm going to make sure.
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A few phrases apart.
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Charles Spurgeon once said, and I'm picking up in the middle of a long quotation here.
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one, God has a chosen people
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and has given these people to Christ
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and these people must and shall come to Christ
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and so shall be saved
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two, so this is two statements
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one, two, every man who comes to Christ
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shall be saved
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and let me insert the opposite
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those who don't come to Christ will not be saved
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I continue, since he shall not be cast out
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and that implies that he shall be received
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and accepted
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these are two great truths
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let us carry them both with us
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and they will balance each other
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so again, my insertion
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that's the sovereignty of God
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and responsibility of man in salvation
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Spurgeon goes on
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I was once asked to reconcile these two statements
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and I answered
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no, I never reconcile friends
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there's no need to reconcile friends
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they work together somehow
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both things are true at the same time
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we call this a paradox
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they seem to contradict each other
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yet, they don't
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and we ought to accept it
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because it is what God's inspired
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inerrant authoritative word
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teaches
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in Romans 9
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as Paul wrestles with the unbelief of Israel
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he's doing the same thing
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essentially that John's doing here
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why is it that they're not
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believing in the Christ
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there, Paul cites a number of Old Testament passages
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to make this case
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and then he anticipates
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a question
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says Romans 9 verse 19
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you will say to me then
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this presentation of God as sovereign
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over salvation
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why does he still find fault
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for who can resist
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his will
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yes, Paul
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reconcile God's sovereignty
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with human responsibility
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lay it out for us
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help us to understand
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do you know how he answers?
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he doesn't work it out for us
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he says instead
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but who are you
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oh man
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to answer back
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to God
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he's been citing the scripture
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citing the scripture
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citing the scripture
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who are you
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oh man
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to ask such a question
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will what is molded
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say to what's molded
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why have you made me
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like this
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my summary
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of what he's saying
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is
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sit down
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and be humble
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stop trying to explain away
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the parts of the Bible
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that you have difficulty with
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submit yourself
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to the creator
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as one
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who has been
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created
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you
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beloved
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are not the center
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of the universe
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God is
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have faith
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like a child
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even while you search out
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the mysteries
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of the gospel
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plumb its depths
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but do so
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with faith
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like a child
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I commend to you
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the words of
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Richard Baxter
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this is in the kids coloring
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today in our bulletin
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sometimes these are the best quotes
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in the kids coloring sheet
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he once said
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study hard
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for the well is deep
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and our brains
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are
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shallow
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I commend those words
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to you
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but in the same breath
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I say
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do not think
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you will arrive
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while you remain
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in your feeble body
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to comprehend
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the majesty
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of God
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and the redemption
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of his people
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just take him
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at his word
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and live
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there was a time
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I'll admit
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to my shame
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that I felt
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proud
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that I had
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some measure
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of comprehension
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of the sovereignty
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of God
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just taking up
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the word
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and reading it
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at its face
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value
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many years ago
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I had the opportunity
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to go
00:17:22.859 --> 00:17:23.819
briefly
00:17:23.819 --> 00:17:24.599
and partner
00:17:24.599 --> 00:17:25.179
with a ministry
00:17:25.179 --> 00:17:25.779
in Atlanta
00:17:25.779 --> 00:17:26.639
that did
00:17:26.639 --> 00:17:28.419
gospel preaching
00:17:28.419 --> 00:17:29.199
to people
00:17:29.199 --> 00:17:29.899
who were living
00:17:29.899 --> 00:17:30.699
under bridges
00:17:30.699 --> 00:17:31.359
there
00:17:31.359 --> 00:17:34.359
mostly drug addicts
00:17:34.359 --> 00:17:34.799
homeless
00:17:34.799 --> 00:17:35.939
living under these
00:17:35.939 --> 00:17:36.500
bridges
00:17:36.500 --> 00:17:38.279
and had the chance
00:17:38.279 --> 00:17:39.180
to walk down
00:17:39.180 --> 00:17:40.039
busy busy busy
00:17:40.039 --> 00:17:40.480
streets
00:17:40.480 --> 00:17:41.079
and step over
00:17:41.079 --> 00:17:41.640
guardrails
00:17:41.640 --> 00:17:42.099
with a man
00:17:42.099 --> 00:17:42.720
named Richard
00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:44.259
and if you can
00:17:44.259 --> 00:17:45.420
picture Richard
00:17:45.420 --> 00:17:45.920
with me
00:17:45.920 --> 00:17:46.579
he was
00:17:46.579 --> 00:17:47.819
6'5
00:17:47.819 --> 00:17:49.599
I'm going to guess
00:17:49.599 --> 00:17:50.579
3'80
00:17:50.579 --> 00:17:51.579
he was a very
00:17:51.579 --> 00:17:52.559
very big
00:17:52.559 --> 00:17:53.579
man
00:17:53.579 --> 00:17:54.579
and we were
00:17:54.579 --> 00:17:55.660
casually talking
00:17:55.660 --> 00:17:56.960
about how he had
00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:57.619
come to faith
00:17:57.619 --> 00:17:58.480
in Christ
00:17:58.480 --> 00:17:58.940
because we were
00:17:58.940 --> 00:17:59.819
headed to the bridge
00:17:59.819 --> 00:18:01.000
that he used to live
00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:01.480
under
00:18:01.480 --> 00:18:03.119
just six months
00:18:03.119 --> 00:18:04.039
prior
00:18:04.039 --> 00:18:04.579
so he'd
00:18:04.579 --> 00:18:05.539
come out from
00:18:05.539 --> 00:18:06.279
under that bridge
00:18:06.279 --> 00:18:06.839
had received
00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:07.399
the gospel
00:18:07.399 --> 00:18:08.059
was being
00:18:08.059 --> 00:18:10.279
discipled
00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:10.839
I was going
00:18:10.839 --> 00:18:11.299
back now
00:18:11.299 --> 00:18:12.079
to share the gospel
00:18:12.079 --> 00:18:13.339
with others
00:18:13.339 --> 00:18:15.299
and I wasn't
00:18:15.299 --> 00:18:16.299
framing my questions
00:18:16.299 --> 00:18:17.279
in theological terms
00:18:17.279 --> 00:18:18.059
I was just asking him
00:18:18.059 --> 00:18:19.039
questions about how it was
00:18:19.039 --> 00:18:19.579
that he came
00:18:19.579 --> 00:18:20.700
to saving faith
00:18:20.700 --> 00:18:22.639
and he so simply
00:18:22.639 --> 00:18:23.859
stated
00:18:23.859 --> 00:18:24.960
how he would have
00:18:24.960 --> 00:18:25.960
never come
00:18:25.960 --> 00:18:26.920
to faith in Christ
00:18:26.920 --> 00:18:28.139
what a
rebel
00:18:28.139 --> 00:18:28.740
he was
00:18:28.740 --> 00:18:29.720
to Jesus
00:18:29.720 --> 00:18:31.539
he fully owned
00:18:31.539 --> 00:18:32.240
his rejection
00:18:32.240 --> 00:18:33.259
of Jesus
00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:33.980
and then
00:18:33.980 --> 00:18:34.980
God's
00:18:34.980 --> 00:18:35.960
sovereign work
00:18:35.960 --> 00:18:36.779
and calling him
00:18:36.779 --> 00:18:37.480
out of that
00:18:37.480 --> 00:18:38.539
and saving
00:18:38.539 --> 00:18:39.539
his soul
00:18:39.539 --> 00:18:40.319
beautiful
00:18:40.319 --> 00:18:41.559
simple
00:18:41.559 --> 00:18:42.240
and I thought
00:18:42.240 --> 00:18:42.720
to myself
00:18:42.720 --> 00:18:43.420
that's the way
00:18:43.420 --> 00:18:44.360
this needs to be held
00:18:44.360 --> 00:18:46.920
as he's going now
00:18:46.920 --> 00:18:48.039
to step over a guardrail
00:18:48.039 --> 00:18:49.079
and go under a bridge
00:18:49.079 --> 00:18:50.980
to a rather dangerous place
00:18:50.980 --> 00:18:52.319
I was glad I was with
00:18:52.319 --> 00:18:53.940
65380
00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:54.259
Richard
00:18:54.259 --> 00:18:54.900
going
00:18:54.900 --> 00:18:55.940
under there
00:18:55.940 --> 00:18:57.039
and that he was in charge
00:18:57.039 --> 00:18:57.420
to be
00:18:57.420 --> 00:18:59.059
frank
00:18:59.059 --> 00:19:00.779
to share that good news
00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:01.740
with others
00:19:01.740 --> 00:19:04.259
he saw no contradiction
00:19:04.259 --> 00:19:05.039
in it whatsoever
00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:08.880
now
00:19:08.880 --> 00:19:11.019
God's
00:19:11.019 --> 00:19:11.680
judicial
00:19:11.680 --> 00:19:12.359
hardening
00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:13.759
is a
00:19:13.759 --> 00:19:14.599
righteous
00:19:14.599 --> 00:19:15.339
judgment
00:19:15.339 --> 00:19:16.019
upon
00:19:16.019 --> 00:19:16.799
human
00:19:16.799 --> 00:19:17.620
rebellion
00:19:17.620 --> 00:19:19.859
John quotes
00:19:19.859 --> 00:19:20.400
Isaiah
00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:21.079
6
00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:21.680
10
00:19:21.680 --> 00:19:22.599
describing
00:19:22.599 --> 00:19:23.079
God
00:19:23.079 --> 00:19:24.400
blinding eyes
00:19:24.400 --> 00:19:25.700
and hardening
00:19:25.700 --> 00:19:26.640
hearts
00:19:26.640 --> 00:19:28.620
in Isaiah
00:19:28.620 --> 00:19:29.340
6
00:19:29.340 --> 00:19:30.060
at the beginning
00:19:30.060 --> 00:19:30.820
of that chapter
00:19:30.820 --> 00:19:32.620
the prophet
00:19:32.620 --> 00:19:34.080
sees the Lord
00:19:34.080 --> 00:19:35.140
enthroned
00:19:35.140 --> 00:19:36.200
in glory
00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:37.340
his robes
00:19:37.340 --> 00:19:37.940
filling
00:19:37.940 --> 00:19:39.240
the throne room
00:19:39.240 --> 00:19:41.160
he recognizes
00:19:41.160 --> 00:19:42.100
his sinfulness
00:19:42.100 --> 00:19:42.960
he receives
00:19:42.960 --> 00:19:43.420
cleansing
00:19:43.420 --> 00:19:44.460
and is commissioned
00:19:44.460 --> 00:19:45.980
to preach
00:19:45.980 --> 00:19:48.420
yet he is told
00:19:48.420 --> 00:19:49.300
that his ministry
00:19:49.300 --> 00:19:49.900
will be met
00:19:49.900 --> 00:19:50.759
with profound
00:19:50.759 --> 00:19:51.380
resistance
00:19:51.380 --> 00:19:52.700
and increasing
00:19:52.700 --> 00:19:53.520
hardness
00:19:53.519 --> 00:19:54.420
of heart
00:19:54.420 --> 00:19:55.299
that's the context
00:19:55.299 --> 00:19:56.019
of chapter
00:19:56.019 --> 00:19:56.539
6
00:19:56.539 --> 00:19:58.000
and verse
00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:58.440
10
00:19:58.440 --> 00:20:00.259
John
00:20:00.259 --> 00:20:00.859
recognizes
00:20:00.859 --> 00:20:01.539
this pattern
00:20:01.539 --> 00:20:02.180
reaching its
00:20:02.180 --> 00:20:02.940
climactic
00:20:02.940 --> 00:20:03.700
expression
00:20:03.700 --> 00:20:04.559
in the ministry
00:20:04.559 --> 00:20:05.660
of Jesus
00:20:05.660 --> 00:20:06.180
Christ
00:20:06.180 --> 00:20:08.180
Jesus Christ
00:20:08.180 --> 00:20:08.680
has come
00:20:08.680 --> 00:20:09.400
and he is
00:20:09.400 --> 00:20:09.879
preaching
00:20:09.879 --> 00:20:10.639
and it is
00:20:10.639 --> 00:20:11.220
being
00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:12.960
resisted
00:20:12.960 --> 00:20:14.720
judicial
00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:15.359
hardening
00:20:15.359 --> 00:20:15.779
should not
00:20:15.779 --> 00:20:16.240
be pictured
00:20:16.240 --> 00:20:16.779
as God
00:20:16.779 --> 00:20:17.359
making
00:20:17.359 --> 00:20:18.220
morally
00:20:18.220 --> 00:20:18.839
innocent
00:20:18.839 --> 00:20:19.500
people
00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:20.119
wicked
00:20:20.119 --> 00:20:20.799
against
00:20:20.799 --> 00:20:21.119
their
00:20:21.119 --> 00:20:21.680
wishes
00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:23.500
it is
00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:23.980
God's
00:20:23.980 --> 00:20:24.400
righteous
00:20:24.400 --> 00:20:24.900
judgment
00:20:24.900 --> 00:20:25.259
upon
00:20:25.259 --> 00:20:25.740
sinners
00:20:25.740 --> 00:20:26.519
already
00:20:26.519 --> 00:20:27.100
guilty
00:20:27.100 --> 00:20:27.620
in their
00:20:27.620 --> 00:20:28.100
rebellion
00:20:28.100 --> 00:20:29.420
giving them
00:20:29.420 --> 00:20:29.880
over
00:20:29.880 --> 00:20:30.320
to the
00:20:30.320 --> 00:20:31.160
God's
00:20:31.160 --> 00:20:31.500
judicial
00:20:31.500 --> 00:20:31.980
hardening
00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:32.840
is never
00:20:32.840 --> 00:20:33.759
unjust
00:20:33.759 --> 00:20:34.920
because God
00:20:34.920 --> 00:20:35.539
never
00:20:35.539 --> 00:20:36.080
judges
00:20:36.080 --> 00:20:36.740
a sinner
00:20:36.740 --> 00:20:37.340
who is
00:20:37.340 --> 00:20:38.140
morally
00:20:38.140 --> 00:20:39.840
innocent
00:20:39.840 --> 00:20:42.320
and that's
00:20:42.320 --> 00:20:42.640
what's going
00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:43.259
on at the
00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:43.519
beginning
00:20:43.519 --> 00:20:44.360
of this
00:20:44.360 --> 00:20:45.380
text
00:20:45.380 --> 00:20:46.720
that's
00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:46.900
what's
00:20:46.900 --> 00:20:47.299
happening
00:20:47.299 --> 00:20:47.720
here
00:20:47.720 --> 00:20:48.120
John
00:20:48.120 --> 00:20:48.440
is just
00:20:48.440 --> 00:20:48.779
trying to
00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:49.100
help us
00:20:49.100 --> 00:20:50.019
make sense
00:20:50.019 --> 00:20:51.460
of the
00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:51.960
rebellion
00:20:51.960 --> 00:20:52.879
why is
00:20:52.879 --> 00:20:53.619
it that
00:20:53.619 --> 00:20:53.980
and he
00:20:53.980 --> 00:20:54.420
shows us
00:20:54.420 --> 00:20:54.900
both
00:20:54.900 --> 00:20:56.000
the human
00:20:56.000 --> 00:20:56.480
responsibility
00:20:56.480 --> 00:20:57.139
in it
00:20:57.139 --> 00:20:58.379
and God's
00:20:58.379 --> 00:20:59.279
sovereign
00:20:59.279 --> 00:20:59.819
work
00:20:59.819 --> 00:21:02.200
now note
00:21:02.200 --> 00:21:02.579
with me
00:21:02.579 --> 00:21:03.920
finally
00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:05.200
the theme
00:21:05.200 --> 00:21:06.299
of glory
00:21:06.299 --> 00:21:06.980
in
00:21:06.980 --> 00:21:08.279
belief
00:21:08.279 --> 00:21:09.960
Isaiah
00:21:09.960 --> 00:21:10.779
said these
00:21:10.779 --> 00:21:11.579
things because
00:21:11.579 --> 00:21:12.859
he saw
00:21:12.859 --> 00:21:14.139
his glory
00:21:14.139 --> 00:21:15.779
and spoke
00:21:15.779 --> 00:21:16.259
of him
00:21:16.259 --> 00:21:18.180
if you have
00:21:18.180 --> 00:21:18.660
been a Christ
00:21:18.660 --> 00:21:19.160
follower for
00:21:19.160 --> 00:21:19.799
very long
00:21:19.799 --> 00:21:20.099
you have
00:21:20.099 --> 00:21:20.399
likely
00:21:20.399 --> 00:21:21.159
joined me
00:21:21.159 --> 00:21:21.480
in the
00:21:21.480 --> 00:21:22.019
experience
00:21:22.019 --> 00:21:22.399
of having
00:21:22.399 --> 00:21:23.000
read a text
00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:23.480
through on
00:21:23.480 --> 00:21:24.299
several occasions
00:21:24.299 --> 00:21:25.299
and missing
00:21:25.299 --> 00:21:26.399
a key word
00:21:26.399 --> 00:21:26.960
or phrase
00:21:26.960 --> 00:21:27.680
something just
00:21:27.680 --> 00:21:28.440
leaps off the
00:21:28.440 --> 00:21:29.579
page to you
00:21:29.579 --> 00:21:30.319
in an
00:21:30.319 --> 00:21:31.019
additional
00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:32.259
reading
00:21:32.259 --> 00:21:33.919
I've read
00:21:33.919 --> 00:21:34.379
the gospel
00:21:34.379 --> 00:21:34.799
of John
00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:35.740
many times
00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:36.399
I've read
00:21:36.399 --> 00:21:36.859
through this
00:21:36.859 --> 00:21:37.220
chapter
00:21:37.220 --> 00:21:37.899
even in my
00:21:37.899 --> 00:21:38.539
preparation
00:21:38.539 --> 00:21:39.519
throughout our
00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:40.259
study of
00:21:40.259 --> 00:21:40.819
John's
00:21:40.819 --> 00:21:41.559
gospel
00:21:41.559 --> 00:21:42.000
and it
00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:42.599
seems as
00:21:42.599 --> 00:21:43.059
if verse
00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:43.779
41 didn't
00:21:43.779 -->
00:21:44.579
even exist
00:21:44.579 --> 00:21:45.220
until
00:21:45.220 --> 00:21:46.599
this week
00:21:46.599 --> 00:21:48.480
how simple
00:21:48.480 --> 00:21:49.139
minded we can
00:21:49.140 --> 00:21:49.660
be just
00:21:49.660 --> 00:21:50.680
jump over
00:21:50.680 --> 00:21:51.500
these words
00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:52.060
Isaiah
00:21:52.060 --> 00:21:53.640
said these
00:21:53.640 --> 00:21:54.520
things because
00:21:54.520 --> 00:21:55.400
he saw
00:21:55.400 --> 00:21:56.620
his glory
00:21:56.620 --> 00:21:57.800
and spoke
00:21:57.800 --> 00:21:58.660
of
00:21:58.660 --> 00:21:59.620
him
00:21:59.620 --> 00:22:02.380
I love
00:22:02.380 --> 00:22:02.960
it when
00:22:02.960 --> 00:22:03.460
New Testament
00:22:03.460 --> 00:22:04.259
writers under
00:22:04.259 --> 00:22:04.860
the Spirit's
00:22:04.860 --> 00:22:05.940
inspiration bring
00:22:05.940 --> 00:22:06.980
clarity to
00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:07.960
Old Testament
00:22:07.960 --> 00:22:09.180
passages
00:22:09.180 --> 00:22:10.259
right it's good
00:22:10.259 --> 00:22:10.800
when the Bible
00:22:10.800 --> 00:22:11.400
gives commentary
00:22:11.400 --> 00:22:12.620
on the
00:22:12.620 --> 00:22:12.860
Bible
00:22:12.859 --> 00:22:14.619
I think
00:22:14.619 --> 00:22:15.439
that contextually
00:22:15.439 --> 00:22:15.959
John is
00:22:15.959 --> 00:22:16.439
telling us
00:22:16.439 --> 00:22:17.179
that Isaiah
00:22:17.179 --> 00:22:17.899
in Isaiah
00:22:17.899 --> 00:22:19.819
6 saw
00:22:19.819 --> 00:22:20.819
the exalted
00:22:20.819 --> 00:22:21.979
Christ
00:22:21.979 --> 00:22:22.959
I think that's
00:22:22.959 --> 00:22:23.319
what we can
00:22:23.319 --> 00:22:23.959
derive from
00:22:23.959 --> 00:22:24.459
this as he's
00:22:24.459 --> 00:22:25.019
speaking about
00:22:25.019 --> 00:22:25.500
Jesus
00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:26.599
right that
00:22:26.599 --> 00:22:27.240
that chapter
00:22:27.240 --> 00:22:28.019
6 verse
00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:28.959
1 Lord
00:22:28.959 --> 00:22:30.079
that Isaiah
00:22:30.079 --> 00:22:31.479
sees is
00:22:31.479 --> 00:22:32.079
Christ
00:22:32.079 --> 00:22:34.059
and then
00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:35.159
he wrote
00:22:35.159 --> 00:22:36.479
of Israel's
00:22:36.479 --> 00:22:37.719
unbelief
00:22:37.719 --> 00:22:39.740
when Isaiah
00:22:39.740 --> 00:22:40.399
wrote of
00:22:40.399 --> 00:22:41.339
unbelief he did
00:22:41.339 --> 00:22:42.240
not condemn
00:22:42.240 --> 00:22:43.000
God as
00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:43.859
unjust
00:22:43.859 --> 00:22:45.439
but rather
00:22:45.439 --> 00:22:46.699
he viewed
00:22:46.699 --> 00:22:47.139
him
00:22:47.139 --> 00:22:49.039
as glorious
00:22:49.039 --> 00:22:51.980
how could
00:22:51.980 --> 00:22:52.480
this be
00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:54.759
to consider
00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:55.299
that people
00:22:55.299 --> 00:22:56.339
would reject
00:22:56.339 --> 00:22:57.579
Jesus as
00:22:57.579 --> 00:22:58.179
the Christ
00:22:58.179 --> 00:22:58.819
and yet
00:22:58.819 --> 00:22:59.500
Isaiah
00:22:59.500 --> 00:23:01.399
saw his
00:23:01.399 --> 00:23:01.899
glory
00:23:01.899 --> 00:23:03.359
and spoke
00:23:03.359 --> 00:23:04.859
of him
00:23:04.859 --> 00:23:07.240
I think
00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:07.579
there are
00:23:07.579 --> 00:23:08.039
at least
00:23:08.039 --> 00:23:08.659
two answers
00:23:08.659 --> 00:23:09.220
to this
00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:09.699
question
00:23:09.699 --> 00:23:10.539
that find
00:23:10.539 --> 00:23:11.220
their beginning
00:23:11.220 --> 00:23:11.880
in the
00:23:11.880 --> 00:23:12.240
doctrine
00:23:12.240 --> 00:23:13.120
of God's
00:23:13.120 --> 00:23:14.299
simplicity
00:23:14.299 --> 00:23:16.120
which states
00:23:16.120 --> 00:23:17.279
that he is
00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:18.620
all that he is
00:23:18.620 --> 00:23:19.819
at all
00:23:19.819 --> 00:23:21.019
times
00:23:21.019 --> 00:23:22.420
it's a
00:23:22.420 --> 00:23:23.819
rather simple
00:23:23.819 --> 00:23:24.200
doctrine
00:23:24.200 --> 00:23:24.759
but it's hard
00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.220
to wrap your
00:23:25.220 --> 00:23:25.960
mind around
00:23:25.960 --> 00:23:26.759
God is
00:23:26.759 --> 00:23:27.700
always God
00:23:27.700 --> 00:23:28.539
he's not
00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:29.440
fickle like us
00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:29.880
he doesn't put
00:23:29.880 --> 00:23:30.259
on one
00:23:30.259 --> 00:23:30.819
characteristic
00:23:30.819 --> 00:23:32.019
versus another
00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:32.680
sometimes I'm
00:23:32.680 --> 00:23:32.980
happy
00:23:32.980 --> 00:23:33.839
sometimes I'm
00:23:33.839 --> 00:23:34.299
sad
00:23:34.299 --> 00:23:34.620
is an
00:23:34.620 --> 00:23:35.660
obtuse
00:23:35.660 --> 00:23:36.620
example
00:23:36.620 --> 00:23:38.079
God is
00:23:38.079 --> 00:23:38.980
all that he
00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:39.319
is
00:23:39.319 --> 00:23:40.879
at all
00:23:40.879 --> 00:23:42.399
times
00:23:42.399 --> 00:23:44.579
so first
00:23:44.579 --> 00:23:45.740
God is
00:23:45.740 --> 00:23:46.579
glorified
00:23:46.579 --> 00:23:47.240
in the
00:23:47.240 --> 00:23:47.899
condemnation
00:23:47.899 --> 00:23:48.460
of sinners
00:23:48.460 --> 00:23:50.220
because he
00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:51.119
shows forth
00:23:51.119 --> 00:23:52.119
his justice
00:23:52.119 --> 00:23:53.359
in doing
00:23:53.359 --> 00:23:53.679
so
00:23:53.679 --> 00:23:56.179
we do not
00:23:56.179 --> 00:23:56.639
worship a
00:23:56.639 --> 00:23:57.220
God who
00:23:57.220 --> 00:23:57.899
will tolerate
00:23:57.899 --> 00:23:58.539
evil
00:23:58.539 --> 00:23:59.500
and he is
00:23:59.500 --> 00:24:00.199
glorious
00:24:00.199 --> 00:24:01.259
when he
00:24:01.259 --> 00:24:01.819
sets
00:24:01.819 --> 00:24:03.119
wrongs
00:24:03.119 --> 00:24:04.159
right
00:24:04.159 --> 00:24:05.479
we want
00:24:05.479 --> 00:24:06.459
a just
00:24:06.459 --> 00:24:07.819
God
00:24:07.819 --> 00:24:10.179
second
00:24:10.179 --> 00:24:11.099
as we saw
00:24:11.099 --> 00:24:11.619
at the end
00:24:11.619 --> 00:24:12.139
of Isaiah
00:24:12.139 --> 00:24:12.839
52
00:24:12.839 --> 00:24:14.319
God has a
00:24:14.319 --> 00:24:14.819
redemptive
00:24:14.819 --> 00:24:15.459
purpose
00:24:15.459 --> 00:24:16.139
for all
00:24:16.139 --> 00:24:16.699
peoples
00:24:16.699 --> 00:24:18.159
and Israel's
00:24:18.159 --> 00:24:18.899
broad rejection
00:24:18.899 --> 00:24:19.339
of Jesus
00:24:19.339 --> 00:24:19.919
as the Christ
00:24:19.919 --> 00:24:20.500
is part of
00:24:20.500 --> 00:24:21.079
that plan
00:24:21.079 --> 00:24:22.500
so we see
00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:23.659
God's mercy
00:24:23.659 --> 00:24:24.359
shown
00:24:24.359 --> 00:24:25.439
to every
00:24:25.439 --> 00:24:25.979
tribe
00:24:25.979 --> 00:24:27.119
nation
00:24:27.119 --> 00:24:28.519
and tongue
00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:30.699
if that thought
00:24:30.699 --> 00:24:31.139
is intriguing
00:24:31.139 --> 00:24:31.659
to you
00:24:31.659 --> 00:24:32.619
I would really
00:24:32.619 --> 00:24:33.099
encourage you
00:24:33.099 --> 00:24:33.559
to go
00:24:33.559 --> 00:24:34.339
to Romans
00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:35.099
chapter 9
00:24:35.099 --> 00:24:35.619
and begin
00:24:35.619 --> 00:24:36.239
with Paul's
00:24:36.239 --> 00:24:36.599
logic
00:24:36.599 --> 00:24:37.159
at the beginning
00:24:37.159 --> 00:24:37.739
of 9
00:24:37.739 --> 00:24:38.199
as he's
00:24:38.199 --> 00:24:38.519
wondering
00:24:38.519 --> 00:24:39.439
why is it
00:24:39.439 --> 00:24:40.659
why is it
00:24:40.659 --> 00:24:41.719
that my brethren
00:24:41.719 --> 00:24:42.739
are not responding
00:24:42.739 --> 00:24:43.399
to faith
00:24:43.399 --> 00:24:44.259
in Christ
00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:44.859
and he works
00:24:44.859 --> 00:24:45.439
that entire
00:24:45.439 --> 00:24:46.219
argument out
00:24:46.219 --> 00:24:47.339
through the end
00:24:47.339 --> 00:24:48.539
of chapter
00:24:48.539 --> 00:24:49.439
11
00:24:49.439 --> 00:24:50.679
and there
00:24:50.679 --> 00:24:51.859
he praises
00:24:51.859 --> 00:24:53.399
praises
00:24:53.399 --> 00:24:54.039
God
00:24:54.039 --> 00:24:55.299
for the mystery
00:24:55.299 --> 00:24:55.839
of his
00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:56.419
redemptive
00:24:56.419 --> 00:24:57.579
work
00:24:57.579 --> 00:24:59.759
Isaiah
00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:01.000
and Paul
00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:02.119
and John
00:25:02.119 --> 00:25:03.479
saw
00:25:03.479 --> 00:25:04.299
the glory
00:25:04.299 --> 00:25:05.579
of Christ
00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:06.599
and would
00:25:06.599 --> 00:25:07.159
have us
00:25:07.159 --> 00:25:07.539
do
00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:08.439
the very
00:25:08.439 --> 00:25:09.939
same
00:25:09.939 --> 00:25:13.039
so what are we
00:25:13.039 --> 00:25:13.419
to make
00:25:13.419 --> 00:25:14.500
of the rest
00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:15.179
of this section
00:25:15.179 --> 00:25:16.539
I said we should
00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:17.019
notice the
00:25:17.019 --> 00:25:18.459
theme of glory
00:25:18.459 --> 00:25:20.599
John goes on
00:25:20.599 --> 00:25:22.339
nevertheless
00:25:22.339 --> 00:25:23.079
he's referring to
00:25:23.079 --> 00:25:23.459
all of this
00:25:23.459 --> 00:25:24.299
unbelief
00:25:24.299 --> 00:25:25.019
many
00:25:25.019 --> 00:25:26.000
even of the
00:25:26.000 --> 00:25:26.459
authorities
00:25:26.459 --> 00:25:27.439
believed
00:25:27.440 --> 00:25:29.920
but for fear
00:25:29.920 --> 00:25:30.539
of the Pharisees
00:25:30.539 --> 00:25:30.980
they did not
00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:31.600
confess it
00:25:31.600 --> 00:25:32.000
so that they
00:25:32.000 --> 00:25:32.320
would not
00:25:32.320 --> 00:25:32.779
be put
00:25:32.779 --> 00:25:33.360
out of a
00:25:33.360 --> 00:25:33.660
synagogue
00:25:33.660 --> 00:25:35.120
for they
00:25:35.120 --> 00:25:35.759
love the
00:25:35.759 --> 00:25:36.400
glory that
00:25:36.400 --> 00:25:36.900
comes from
00:25:36.900 --> 00:25:37.600
man more
00:25:37.600 --> 00:25:37.960
than the
00:25:37.960 --> 00:25:38.360
glory
00:25:38.360 --> 00:25:40.120
that comes
00:25:40.120 --> 00:25:40.580
from God
00:25:40.580 --> 00:25:42.920
some
00:25:42.920 --> 00:25:43.340
authorities
00:25:43.340 --> 00:25:43.880
believed
00:25:43.880 --> 00:25:44.580
in Jesus
00:25:44.580 --> 00:25:45.740
in
00:25:45.740 --> 00:25:46.620
some
00:25:46.620 --> 00:25:47.960
sense
00:25:47.960 --> 00:25:49.360
yet they
00:25:49.360 --> 00:25:49.960
feared the
00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:50.539
consequences
00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.240
of identifying
00:25:51.240 --> 00:25:52.000
themselves
00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:53.519
with him
00:25:53.519 --> 00:25:55.099
exclusion
00:25:55.099 --> 00:25:55.680
from the
00:25:55.680 --> 00:25:56.019
synagogue
00:25:56.019 --> 00:25:57.160
could carry
00:25:57.160 --> 00:25:58.279
serious
00:25:58.279 --> 00:25:59.079
religious
00:25:59.079 --> 00:26:00.579
social
00:26:00.579 --> 00:26:01.639
and economic
00:26:01.639 --> 00:26:02.539
costs
00:26:02.539 --> 00:26:02.920
and this
00:26:02.920 --> 00:26:03.379
threat had
00:26:03.379 --> 00:26:03.980
already been
00:26:03.980 --> 00:26:04.559
issued
00:26:04.559 --> 00:26:05.200
the Pharisees
00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:05.720
had said
00:26:05.720 --> 00:26:06.559
you speak
00:26:06.559 --> 00:26:06.819
of this
00:26:06.819 --> 00:26:07.240
guy
00:26:07.240 --> 00:26:07.960
you believe
00:26:07.960 --> 00:26:08.259
in this
00:26:08.259 --> 00:26:08.639
guy
00:26:08.639 --> 00:26:09.299
you will
00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:09.619
be put
00:26:09.619 --> 00:26:09.900
out
00:26:09.900 --> 00:26:10.700
of the
00:26:10.700 --> 00:26:11.000
synagogue
00:26:11.000 --> 00:26:13.139
these
00:26:13.139 --> 00:26:13.379
men
00:26:13.379 --> 00:26:13.960
recognized
00:26:13.960 --> 00:26:14.339
something
00:26:14.339 -->
00:26:15.200
significant
00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:15.619
about
00:26:15.619 --> 00:26:16.059
Jesus
00:26:16.059 --> 00:26:17.720
but feared
00:26:17.720 --> 00:26:18.660
the cost
00:26:18.660 --> 00:26:19.900
of saying
00:26:19.900 --> 00:26:20.220
so
00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:22.460
now I
00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:22.799
do think
00:26:22.799 --> 00:26:23.019
that we
00:26:23.019 --> 00:26:23.319
should
00:26:23.319 --> 00:26:24.240
withhold
00:26:24.240 --> 00:26:24.799
pronouncing
00:26:24.799 --> 00:26:25.279
a final
00:26:25.279 --> 00:26:25.700
spiritual
00:26:25.700 --> 00:26:26.100
judgment
00:26:26.100 --> 00:26:27.019
on every
00:26:27.019 --> 00:26:27.420
individual
00:26:27.420 --> 00:26:27.819
mentioned
00:26:27.819 --> 00:26:28.360
in John
00:26:28.360 --> 00:26:28.799
12
00:26:28.799 --> 00:26:29.259
and verse
00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:30.620
42
00:26:30.620 --> 00:26:32.600
for example
00:26:32.600 --> 00:26:33.779
Nicodemus
00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.579
we've talked
00:26:34.579 --> 00:26:35.019
about him
00:26:35.019 --> 00:26:36.259
in previous
00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:37.360
study
00:26:37.360 --> 00:26:38.700
shows a
00:26:38.700 --> 00:26:39.400
developing
00:26:39.400 --> 00:26:40.120
identification
00:26:40.120 --> 00:26:41.660
with Jesus
00:26:41.660 --> 00:26:42.700
as the
00:26:42.700 --> 00:26:43.000
Christ
00:26:43.000 --> 00:26:43.319
we saw
00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:43.680
him first
00:26:43.680 --> 00:26:44.019
in John
00:26:44.019 --> 00:26:44.740
chapter 3
00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:45.140
and then
00:26:45.140 --> 00:26:45.960
chapter 7
00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:47.019
we'll see
00:26:47.019 --> 00:26:47.720
him finally
00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:49.200
in John
00:26:49.200 --> 00:26:50.200
chapter 19
00:26:50.200 --> 00:26:51.080
and I've
00:26:51.080 --> 00:26:51.380
said to
00:26:51.380 --> 00:26:51.480
you
00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:52.100
I think
00:26:52.100 --> 00:26:52.819
I think
00:26:52.819 --> 00:26:53.680
that Nicodemus
00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:55.240
ended up
00:26:55.240 --> 00:26:55.700
a Christ
00:26:55.700 --> 00:26:56.080
follower
00:26:56.080 --> 00:26:56.920
developed
00:26:56.920 --> 00:26:57.519
across
00:26:57.519 --> 00:26:58.940
some time
00:26:58.940 --> 00:27:01.120
however
00:27:01.120 --> 00:27:02.160
a faith
00:27:02.160 --> 00:27:02.799
that never
00:27:02.799 --> 00:27:03.340
progresses
00:27:03.340 --> 00:27:03.779
beyond
00:27:03.779 --> 00:27:04.620
private
00:27:04.620 --> 00:27:05.340
approval
00:27:05.340 --> 00:27:06.259
of Jesus
00:27:06.259 --> 00:27:07.400
because
00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:07.819
public
00:27:07.819 --> 00:27:08.299
allegiance
00:27:08.299 --> 00:27:08.799
would prove
00:27:08.799 --> 00:27:09.640
too costly
00:27:09.640 --> 00:27:10.299
gives us
00:27:10.299 --> 00:27:11.000
serious
00:27:11.000 --> 00:27:11.559
reason
00:27:11.559 --> 00:27:12.799
to examine
00:27:12.799 --> 00:27:13.100
whether
00:27:13.100 -->
00:27:13.500
someone
00:27:13.500 --> 00:27:14.220
truly
00:27:14.220 --> 00:27:15.360
treasures
00:27:15.360 --> 00:27:16.360
Christ
00:27:16.360 --> 00:27:17.880
John
00:27:17.880 --> 00:27:18.340
identifies
00:27:18.340 --> 00:27:18.880
these
00:27:18.880 --> 00:27:20.180
underlying
00:27:20.180 --> 00:27:21.500
affections
00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:23.019
they feared
00:27:23.019 --> 00:27:23.940
the Pharisees
00:27:23.940 --> 00:27:24.920
because they
00:27:24.920 --> 00:27:25.560
loved
00:27:25.560 --> 00:27:26.460
human
00:27:26.460 --> 00:27:27.700
approval
00:27:27.700 --> 00:27:28.779
so there
00:27:28.779 --> 00:27:29.240
you have
00:27:29.240 --> 00:27:30.340
Isaiah
00:27:30.340 --> 00:27:30.799
and I think
00:27:30.799 --> 00:27:31.400
by implication
00:27:31.400 --> 00:27:32.180
John
00:27:32.180 --> 00:27:33.360
has seen
00:27:33.360 --> 00:27:33.820
the glory
00:27:33.820 --> 00:27:34.440
of Christ
00:27:34.440 --> 00:27:35.240
and therefore
00:27:35.240 --> 00:27:37.420
follow him
00:27:37.420 --> 00:27:38.180
want to
00:27:38.180 --> 00:27:39.299
glorify him
00:27:39.299 --> 00:27:40.820
and here
00:27:40.820 --> 00:27:41.360
you have
00:27:41.360 --> 00:27:42.180
in opposition
00:27:42.180 --> 00:27:42.740
to that
00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:43.200
people who
00:27:43.200 --> 00:27:43.560
say
00:27:43.560 --> 00:27:43.840
there's
00:27:43.840 --> 00:27:44.080
something
00:27:44.080 --> 00:27:44.440
unique
00:27:44.440 --> 00:27:44.920
about this
00:27:44.920 --> 00:27:45.259
man
00:27:45.259 --> 00:27:45.960
we
00:27:45.960 --> 00:27:46.559
recognize
00:27:46.559 --> 00:27:47.019
that he's
00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:47.180
doing
00:27:47.180 --> 00:27:47.799
miraculous
00:27:47.799 --> 00:27:48.440
things
00:27:48.440 --> 00:27:48.759
maybe
00:27:48.759 --> 00:27:48.980
we
00:27:48.980 --> 00:27:49.240
even
00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:49.519
think
00:27:49.519 --> 00:27:49.680
he
00:27:49.680 --> 00:27:50.019
is
00:27:50.019 --> 00:27:50.200
the
00:27:50.200 --> 00:27:50.660
Christ
00:27:50.660 --> 00:27:51.200
and yet
00:27:51.200 --> 00:27:52.319
they
00:27:52.319 --> 00:27:52.839
still
00:27:52.839 --> 00:27:53.720
fear
00:27:53.720 --> 00:27:53.900
the
00:27:53.900 --> 00:27:54.500
Pharisees
00:27:54.500 --> 00:27:55.440
and they
00:27:55.440 --> 00:27:55.720
want
00:27:55.720 --> 00:27:56.099
human
00:27:56.099 --> 00:27:56.680
approval
00:27:56.680 --> 00:27:58.579
the problem
00:27:58.579 --> 00:27:59.039
was not
00:27:59.039 --> 00:27:59.799
simply
00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:00.440
some
00:28:00.440 --> 00:28:01.059
insufficient
00:28:01.059 --> 00:28:01.879
courage
00:28:01.879 --> 00:28:03.019
it was
00:28:03.019 --> 00:28:03.680
a
00:28:03.680 --> 00:28:04.700
disordered
00:28:04.700 --> 00:28:05.759
love
00:28:05.759 --> 00:28:07.700
genuine
00:28:07.700 --> 00:28:08.259
faith
00:28:08.259 --> 00:28:08.940
increasingly
00:28:08.940 --> 00:28:09.640
values
00:28:09.640 --> 00:28:10.079
the glory
00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:10.640
of Christ
00:28:10.640 --> 00:28:11.379
above the
00:28:11.379 --> 00:28:11.779
approval
00:28:11.779 --> 00:28:12.859
of the
00:28:12.859 --> 00:28:13.200
world
00:28:13.200 --> 00:28:14.920
glory
00:28:14.920 --> 00:28:15.259
is a
00:28:15.259 --> 00:28:15.799
major
00:28:15.799 --> 00:28:16.279
theme
00:28:16.279 --> 00:28:16.440
of
00:28:16.440 --> 00:28:16.799
John
00:28:16.799 --> 00:28:17.579
12
00:28:17.579 --> 00:28:18.779
son
00:28:18.779 --> 00:28:19.119
of man
00:28:19.119 --> 00:28:19.319
is to
00:28:19.319 --> 00:28:19.420
be
00:28:19.420 --> 00:28:19.940
glorified
00:28:19.940 --> 00:28:20.220
verse
00:28:20.220 --> 00:28:20.879
23
00:28:20.879 --> 00:28:21.359
Jesus
00:28:21.359 --> 00:28:21.859
prays
00:28:21.859 --> 00:28:22.079
for the
00:28:22.079 --> 00:28:22.500
father's
00:28:22.500 --> 00:28:22.639
name
00:28:22.639 --> 00:28:22.879
to be
00:28:22.879 --> 00:28:23.379
glorified
00:28:23.379 --> 00:28:23.680
verse
00:28:23.680 --> 00:28:24.700
28
00:28:24.700 --> 00:28:24.980
and then
00:28:24.980 --> 00:28:25.279
we see
00:28:25.279 --> 00:28:25.579
in our
00:28:25.579 --> 00:28:26.119
text
00:28:26.119 --> 00:28:26.660
Isaiah
00:28:26.660 --> 00:28:27.259
sees
00:28:27.259 --> 00:28:27.799
Christ's
00:28:27.799 --> 00:28:28.039
glory
00:28:28.039 --> 00:28:28.200
in
00:28:28.200 --> 00:28:28.399
verse
00:28:28.399 --> 00:28:29.059
41
00:28:29.059 --> 00:28:30.039
and then
00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:30.180
the
00:28:30.180 --> 00:28:30.700
preference
00:28:30.700 --> 00:28:31.200
of the
00:28:31.200 --> 00:28:31.460
glory
00:28:31.460 --> 00:28:32.099
of men
00:28:32.099 --> 00:28:33.039
in these
00:28:33.039 --> 00:28:33.319
last
00:28:33.319 --> 00:28:33.799
verses
00:28:33.799 --> 00:28:35.740
those
00:28:35.740 --> 00:28:35.940
who
00:28:35.940 --> 00:28:36.379
should
00:28:36.379 --> 00:28:36.779
have
00:28:36.779 --> 00:28:37.839
recognized
00:28:37.839 --> 00:28:38.119
the
00:28:38.119 --> 00:28:38.799
Messiah's
00:28:38.799 --> 00:28:39.180
glory
00:28:39.180 --> 00:28:39.960
were
00:28:39.960 --> 00:28:40.539
occupied
00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:41.379
with
00:28:41.380 --> 00:28:42.000
preserving
00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:43.000
their
00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:43.380
own
00:28:43.380 --> 00:28:45.300
the
00:28:45.300 --> 00:28:45.560
Christian
00:28:45.560 --> 00:28:46.000
life
00:28:46.000 --> 00:28:46.620
is more
00:28:46.620 --> 00:28:46.960
than
00:28:46.960 --> 00:28:47.480
adopting
00:28:47.480 --> 00:28:48.200
correct
00:28:48.200 --> 00:28:48.840
religious
00:28:48.840 --> 00:28:49.700
convictions
00:28:49.700 --> 00:28:51.200
it is
00:28:51.200 --> 00:28:51.420
the
00:28:51.420 --> 00:28:52.220
transformation
00:28:52.220 --> 00:28:52.840
of our
00:28:52.840 --> 00:28:53.540
affections
00:28:53.540 --> 00:28:54.200
so that
00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:54.720
the glory
00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.200
of God
00:28:55.200 --> 00:28:55.660
becomes
00:28:55.660 --> 00:28:56.340
more
00:28:56.340 --> 00:28:57.260
precious
00:28:57.260 --> 00:28:58.080
than
00:28:58.080 --> 00:28:58.680
temporary
00:28:58.680 --> 00:29:00.000
applause
00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:01.360
or anything
00:29:01.360 --> 00:29:01.800
else
00:29:01.800 --> 00:29:03.100
for that
00:29:03.100 --> 00:29:03.420
matter
00:29:03.420 --> 00:29:06.580
so let me
00:29:06.580 --> 00:29:06.860
work to
00:29:06.860 --> 00:29:07.140
give us
00:29:07.140 --> 00:29:07.300
some
00:29:07.300 --> 00:29:07.860
application
00:29:07.860 --> 00:29:09.160
in closing
00:29:09.160 --> 00:29:09.800
what do we
00:29:09.800 --> 00:29:10.300
walk away
00:29:10.300 --> 00:29:10.560
with
00:29:10.560 --> 00:29:10.920
how do we
00:29:10.920 --> 00:29:11.580
think about
00:29:11.580 --> 00:29:11.920
this
00:29:11.920 --> 00:29:12.560
text
00:29:12.560 --> 00:29:14.860
first I
00:29:14.860 --> 00:29:15.039
want to
00:29:15.039 --> 00:29:15.300
say to
00:29:15.300 --> 00:29:15.440
the
00:29:15.440 --> 00:29:16.360
unsaved
00:29:16.360 --> 00:29:17.420
believe
00:29:17.420 --> 00:29:17.900
that
00:29:17.900 --> 00:29:18.180
Jesus
00:29:18.180 --> 00:29:19.019
is the
00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:19.380
Christ
00:29:19.380 --> 00:29:20.060
the
00:29:20.060 --> 00:29:20.460
anointed
00:29:20.460 --> 00:29:20.820
one of
00:29:20.820 --> 00:29:21.060
God
00:29:21.060 --> 00:29:21.340
the one
00:29:21.340 --> 00:29:21.460
who
00:29:21.460 --> 00:29:21.779
comes
00:29:21.779 --> 00:29:21.960
to
00:29:21.960 --> 00:29:22.200
take
00:29:22.200 --> 00:29:22.480
away
00:29:22.480 --> 00:29:22.680
the
00:29:22.680 --> 00:29:23.060
sins
00:29:23.060 --> 00:29:24.240
of the
00:29:24.240 --> 00:29:24.580
world
00:29:24.580 --> 00:29:25.300
there
00:29:25.300 --> 00:29:25.860
is
00:29:25.860 --> 00:29:26.759
sufficient
00:29:26.759 --> 00:29:28.039
evidence
00:29:28.039 --> 00:29:29.720
do not
00:29:29.720 --> 00:29:30.279
identify
00:29:30.279 --> 00:29:31.060
with those
00:29:31.060 --> 00:29:31.620
Isaiah
00:29:31.620 --> 00:29:32.380
prophesied
00:29:32.380 --> 00:29:32.720
about
00:29:32.720 --> 00:29:33.960
the
00:29:33.960 --> 00:29:34.620
opportunity
00:29:34.620 --> 00:29:35.180
to turn
00:29:35.180 --> 00:29:35.539
from your
00:29:35.539 --> 00:29:35.820
sin
00:29:35.820 --> 00:29:36.440
is presented
00:29:36.440 --> 00:29:37.180
to you
00:29:37.180 --> 00:29:38.320
today
00:29:38.320 --> 00:29:40.440
adults
00:29:40.440 --> 00:29:41.740
old and
00:29:41.740 --> 00:29:42.100
young
00:29:42.100 --> 00:29:43.420
children
00:29:43.420 --> 00:29:44.799
you are
00:29:44.799 --> 00:29:45.460
guilty of
00:29:45.460 --> 00:29:45.600
your
00:29:45.600 --> 00:29:46.059
rebellion
00:29:46.059 --> 00:29:47.500
you will
00:29:47.500 --> 00:29:47.940
not be
00:29:47.940 --> 00:29:48.259
able to
00:29:48.259 --> 00:29:48.740
blame it
00:29:48.740 --> 00:29:49.480
on God
00:29:49.480 --> 00:29:49.820
in the
00:29:49.820 --> 00:29:50.680
day of
00:29:50.680 --> 00:29:50.980
judgment
00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:52.480
you are
00:29:52.480 --> 00:29:52.880
guilty
00:29:52.880 --> 00:29:53.620
of your
00:29:53.620 --> 00:29:54.720
unbelief
00:29:54.720 --> 00:29:56.440
God will
00:29:56.440 --> 00:29:56.940
not lay
00:29:56.940 --> 00:29:57.880
aside his
00:29:57.880 --> 00:29:58.680
wrath for
00:29:58.680 --> 00:29:59.259
your sin
00:29:59.259 --> 00:29:59.920
repent
00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:01.640
and believe
00:30:01.640 --> 00:30:03.320
turn
00:30:03.320 --> 00:30:03.740
from your
00:30:03.740 --> 00:30:04.120
sin
00:30:04.120 --> 00:30:05.259
and embrace
00:30:05.259 --> 00:30:06.640
Jesus
00:30:06.640 --> 00:30:08.620
if you do
00:30:08.620 --> 00:30:09.300
this by
00:30:09.300 --> 00:30:09.840
faith
00:30:09.840 --> 00:30:11.160
he will
00:30:11.160 --> 00:30:11.780
take away
00:30:11.780 --> 00:30:12.259
God's
00:30:12.259 --> 00:30:12.540
judgment
00:30:12.540 --> 00:30:13.120
because he
00:30:13.120 --> 00:30:14.140
already bore
00:30:14.140 --> 00:30:14.140
00:30:14.140 --> 00:30:15.060
God's wrath
00:30:15.060 --> 00:30:15.880
for you
00:30:15.880 --> 00:30:17.120
and he will
00:30:17.120 --> 00:30:18.040
restore you
00:30:18.040 --> 00:30:19.140
to God
00:30:19.140 --> 00:30:21.800
to the
00:30:21.800 --> 00:30:22.360
saved
00:30:22.360 --> 00:30:24.480
do not
00:30:24.480 --> 00:30:25.240
be controlled
00:30:25.240 --> 00:30:26.180
by the fear
00:30:26.180 --> 00:30:26.600
of man
00:30:26.600 --> 00:30:28.240
we may
00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:28.960
keep silent
00:30:28.960 --> 00:30:29.680
about Christ
00:30:29.680 --> 00:30:30.160
to protect
00:30:30.160 --> 00:30:31.040
our reputations
00:30:31.039 --> 00:30:32.539
soften
00:30:32.539 --> 00:30:32.940
biblical
00:30:32.940 --> 00:30:33.460
convictions
00:30:33.460 --> 00:30:34.119
to escape
00:30:34.119 --> 00:30:34.720
criticism
00:30:34.720 --> 00:30:36.180
or avoid
00:30:36.180 --> 00:30:36.680
confronting
00:30:36.680 --> 00:30:37.299
sin to
00:30:37.299 --> 00:30:37.759
preserve
00:30:37.759 --> 00:30:39.059
a comfortable
00:30:39.059 --> 00:30:40.180
friendship
00:30:40.180 --> 00:30:41.879
pastors
00:30:41.879 --> 00:30:42.599
and church
00:30:42.599 --> 00:30:42.980
members
00:30:42.980 --> 00:30:43.539
alike
00:30:43.539 --> 00:30:43.940
can be
00:30:43.940 --> 00:30:44.200
tempted
00:30:44.200 --> 00:30:44.819
to measure
00:30:44.819 --> 00:30:45.779
faithfulness
00:30:45.779 --> 00:30:46.299
by the
00:30:46.299 --> 00:30:46.839
approval
00:30:46.839 --> 00:30:47.859
of others
00:30:47.859 --> 00:30:49.359
rather than
00:30:49.359 --> 00:30:50.159
obedience
00:30:50.159 --> 00:30:51.059
to God's
00:30:51.059 --> 00:30:51.299
word
00:30:51.299 --> 00:30:52.940
the fear
00:30:52.940 --> 00:30:53.379
of man
00:30:53.379 --> 00:30:53.799
becomes
00:30:53.799 --> 00:30:54.359
spiritually
00:30:54.359 --> 00:30:55.099
destructive
00:30:55.099 --> 00:30:56.220
when our
00:30:56.220 --> 00:30:56.779
desires to
00:30:56.779 --> 00:30:57.259
be accepted
00:30:57.259 --> 00:30:57.879
by others
00:30:57.879 --> 00:30:58.500
exceeds
00:30:58.500 --> 00:30:59.440
our desires
00:30:59.440 --> 00:31:00.059
to see
00:31:00.059 --> 00:31:01.079
the glory
00:31:01.079 --> 00:31:02.519
of Christ
00:31:02.519 --> 00:31:05.220
also
00:31:05.220 --> 00:31:06.559
to the
00:31:06.559 --> 00:31:06.980
saved
00:31:06.980 --> 00:31:09.220
let divine
00:31:09.220 --> 00:31:10.079
sovereignty
00:31:10.079 --> 00:31:11.559
comfort
00:31:11.559 --> 00:31:12.879
and
00:31:12.879 --> 00:31:13.819
enthrall
00:31:13.819 --> 00:31:14.179
you
00:31:14.179 --> 00:31:16.099
if it
00:31:16.099 --> 00:31:16.460
weren't for
00:31:16.460 --> 00:31:17.119
God's saving
00:31:17.119 --> 00:31:17.539
grace
00:31:17.539 --> 00:31:18.000
we would
00:31:18.000 --> 00:31:18.579
all
00:31:18.579 --> 00:31:20.039
all of
00:31:20.039 --> 00:31:20.500
us
00:31:20.500 --> 00:31:21.319
be cut
00:31:21.319 --> 00:31:21.619
off
00:31:21.619 --> 00:31:22.079
from the
00:31:22.079 --> 00:31:22.720
loving kindness
00:31:22.720 --> 00:31:24.299
of God
00:31:24.299 --> 00:31:25.819
and Paul wrote
00:31:25.819 --> 00:31:26.799
in Ephesians 2
00:31:26.799 --> 00:31:27.579
but God
00:31:27.579 --> 00:31:29.119
being rich
00:31:29.119 --> 00:31:29.779
in mercy
00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:30.440
because of the
00:31:30.440 --> 00:31:31.119
great love
00:31:31.119 --> 00:31:31.440
with which
00:31:31.440 --> 00:31:31.879
he loved
00:31:31.879 --> 00:31:32.119
us
00:31:32.119 --> 00:31:32.579
even
00:31:32.579 --> 00:31:33.180
when we
00:31:33.180 --> 00:31:33.779
were dead
00:31:33.779 --> 00:31:34.139
in our
00:31:34.139 --> 00:31:34.819
trespasses
00:31:34.819 --> 00:31:36.220
made us
00:31:36.220 --> 00:31:36.980
alive
00:31:36.980 --> 00:31:37.419
together
00:31:37.419 --> 00:31:38.139
with Christ
00:31:38.139 --> 00:31:39.319
by grace
00:31:39.319 --> 00:31:39.819
you have been
00:31:39.819 --> 00:31:40.259
saved
00:31:40.259 --> 00:31:41.579
and raised
00:31:41.579 --> 00:31:41.879
us up
00:31:41.879 --> 00:31:42.279
with him
00:31:42.279 --> 00:31:42.799
and seated
00:31:42.799 --> 00:31:43.440
us with him
00:31:43.440 --> 00:31:43.879
in the heavenly
00:31:43.879 --> 00:31:44.299
places
00:31:44.299 --> 00:31:45.139
in Christ
00:31:45.139 --> 00:31:45.619
Jesus
00:31:45.619 --> 00:31:46.740
so that in
00:31:46.740 --> 00:31:47.119
the coming
00:31:47.119 --> 00:31:47.480
ages
00:31:47.480 --> 00:31:47.859
he might
00:31:47.859 --> 00:31:48.379
show the
00:31:48.379 --> 00:31:49.019
immeasurable
00:31:49.019 --> 00:31:49.460
riches
00:31:49.460 --> 00:31:50.299
of his grace
00:31:50.299 --> 00:31:50.980
and kindness
00:31:50.980 --> 00:31:51.819
toward us
00:31:51.819 --> 00:31:53.279
in Christ
00:31:53.279 --> 00:31:53.740
Jesus
00:31:53.740 --> 00:31:55.799
rest
00:31:55.799 --> 00:31:56.460
in the
00:31:56.460 --> 00:31:56.960
completed
00:31:56.960 --> 00:31:57.419
work of
00:31:57.419 --> 00:31:57.700
Jesus
00:31:57.700 --> 00:31:58.319
on your
00:31:58.319 --> 00:31:58.859
behalf
00:31:58.859 --> 00:32:00.359
and work
00:32:00.359 --> 00:32:00.740
to bring
00:32:00.740 --> 00:32:01.279
him glory
00:32:01.279 --> 00:32:01.740
in the way
00:32:01.740 --> 00:32:02.339
you parent
00:32:02.339 --> 00:32:03.539
in your
00:32:03.539 --> 00:32:04.079
work
00:32:04.079 --> 00:32:05.200
in the way
00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:05.859
you learn
00:32:05.859 --> 00:32:06.579
students
00:32:06.579 --> 00:32:07.480
in your
00:32:07.480 --> 00:32:07.960
service
00:32:07.960 --> 00:32:08.299
in the
00:32:08.299 --> 00:32:08.759
church
00:32:08.759 --> 00:32:09.799
in your
00:32:09.799 --> 00:32:10.240
love
00:32:10.240 --> 00:32:10.559
of your
00:32:10.559 --> 00:32:11.200
spouse
00:32:11.200 --> 00:32:12.220
and by
00:32:12.220 --> 00:32:12.679
sharing
00:32:12.679 --> 00:32:13.279
the gospel
00:32:13.279 --> 00:32:13.720
with your
00:32:13.720 --> 00:32:14.039
neighbor
00:32:14.039 --> 00:32:14.519
to the
00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:14.779
very
00:32:14.779 --> 00:32:15.339
ends
00:32:15.339 --> 00:32:16.460
of the
00:32:16.460 --> 00:32:16.740
earth
00:32:16.740 --> 00:32:17.839
let's
00:32:17.839 --> 00:32:17.980
pray
00:32:17.980 --> 00:32:18.299
together
00:32:18.299 --> 00:32:19.899
00:32:19.899 --> 00:32:20.539
00:32:20.539 --> 00:32:21.039
00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:21.680
00:32:21.680 --> 00:32:22.379
00:32:22.379 --> 00:32:22.899
00:32:22.899 --> 00:32:23.319
00:32:23.319 --> 00:32:23.899
00:32:23.899 --> 00:32:24.379
00:32:24.379 --> 00:32:24.960
00:32:24.960 --> 00:32:25.500
00:32:25.500 --> 00:32:26.200
00:32:26.200 --> 00:32:26.759
00:32:26.759 --> 00:32:27.139
00:32:27.139 --> 00:32:27.559
00:32:27.559 --> 00:32:28.039
00:32:28.039 --> 00:32:28.399
00:32:28.399 --> 00:32:28.639
00:32:28.639 --> 00:32:28.899
00:32:28.899 --> 00:32:29.200
00:32:29.200 --> 00:32:29.599
00:32:29.599 --> 00:32:30.139
00:32:30.139 --> 00:32:30.460
00:32:30.460 --> 00:32:30.720
00:32:30.720 --> 00:32:31.019
00:32:31.019 --> 00:32:31.279
00:32:31.279 --> 00:32:31.599
00:32:31.599 --> 00:32:31.960
00:32:31.960 --> 00:32:32.180
00:32:32.180 --> 00:32:32.359
00:32:32.359 --> 00:32:32.500
00:32:32.500 --> 00:32:32.639
00:32:32.639 --> 00:32:32.879
00:32:32.879 --> 00:32:33.119
00:32:33.119 --> 00:32:33.319
00:32:33.319 --> 00:32:33.799
00:32:33.799 --> 00:32:34.180
00:32:34.180 --> 00:32:34.440
00:32:34.440 --> 00:32:34.639
00:32:34.639 --> 00:32:34.980
00:32:34.980 --> 00:32:35.299
00:32:35.299 --> 00:32:35.599
00:32:35.599 --> 00:32:35.919
00:32:35.919 --> 00:32:36.159
00:32:36.159 --> 00:32:36.259
00:32:36.259 --> 00:32:36.480
00:32:36.480 --> 00:32:36.619
00:32:36.619 --> 00:32:36.819
00:32:36.819 --> 00:32:37.059
00:32:37.059 --> 00:32:37.180
00:32:37.180 --> 00:32:37.480
00:32:37.480 --> 00:32:37.819
00:32:37.819 --> 00:32:38.099
00:32:38.099 --> 00:32:38.359
00:32:38.359 --> 00:32:38.579
00:32:38.579 --> 00:32:38.759
00:32:38.759 --> 00:32:39.059
00:32:39.059 --> 00:32:39.299
00:32:39.299 --> 00:32:39.680
00:32:39.680 --> 00:32:40.039
00:32:40.039 --> 00:32:40.419
00:32:40.419 --> 00:32:40.480
00:32:40.480 --> 00:32:40.740
00:32:40.740 --> 00:32:41.039
00:32:41.039 --> 00:32:41.319
00:32:41.319 --> 00:32:41.700
00:32:41.700 --> 00:32:42.180
00:32:42.180 --> 00:32:42.539
00:32:42.539 --> 00:32:43.200
00:32:43.200 --> 00:32:43.639
00:32:43.639 --> 00:32:43.960
00:32:44.059 --> 00:32:44.180
00:32:44.180 --> 00:32:44.440
00:32:44.440 --> 00:32:45.039