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WEBVTT
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Good morning.
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You know, I have to resist the urge not to say,
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! Good morning, Vietnam!
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This is Paul's command to rejoice always,
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to be anxious for nothing,
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and to pray for everything.
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We're going to see how God, as Lord,
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provides us with everything we need
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in order to fulfill these commands.
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And so if you would, go ahead and open your Bibles
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and we'll read our text.
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Philippians 4, 4-7 reads,
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Rejoice in the Lord always.
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Again, I will say, rejoice.
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Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.
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The Lord is at hand.
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Do not be anxious about anything,
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but in everything,
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by prayer and supplication,
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with thanksgiving,
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let your requests be made known to God,
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and the peace of God,
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which surpasses all understanding,
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will guard your hearts and your minds
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in Christ Jesus.
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Let's pray.
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Lord, we pray this morning
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that you would open the eyes of our hearts
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to your word,
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that you would give us understanding
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and spiritual sustenance in this, Lord.
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Father, help me to communicate clearly
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and help those in my hearing
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to be transformed,
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not by my wisdom or tact,
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but by your word.
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We pray that your word would be faithfully preached
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and that we would receive this peace
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that surpasses understanding.
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We pray all these things in Christ's name.
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Amen.
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Amen.
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All right.
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So,
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last week,
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we started a little break from John.
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We're popping into Philippians this week.
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Since we're just jumping in,
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I wanted to give a little bit of context first
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before we get into our passage.
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So,
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our passage this morning,
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it comes from Paul and Timothy's final remarks
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and their letter to all the saints
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who are at Philippi.
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This is a very personal
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and affectionate letter to the Philippians.
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Throughout the letter,
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he's informing them of his own circumstances
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and he is deeply encouraging them in Christ.
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He is so persuaded that Christ is our everything.
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He says to live is Christ,
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to die is gain.
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In regard to Paul's earthly accolades,
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he says that he counts everything as loss
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for the sake of Christ.
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He proclaims that Christ is the name above every name.
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So, all of his encouragement and exhortation to the Philippians
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is in Christ and for Christ
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and because of Christ.
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The whole letter is seeking to glorify Christ.
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He is our authority and purpose in all things
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and that's what we have in mind
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as we are coming to the end of this letter
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and these concluding remarks.
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So, as we look at these verses,
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we're going to consider how Christ is the foundation
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and the purpose of our text.
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These verses are broken into three pretty pronounced sections,
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which we've already mentioned,
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rejoicing, anxiety, and prayer.
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We're going to consider these three individually
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and see where and how the Lord's sovereignty informs each one,
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but they will also overlap each other in various ways.
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So, for the note takers this morning,
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the three headings I would outline are
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rejoice always,
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never be anxious,
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and pray for everything.
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All right, so to start,
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we are called and commanded
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to rejoice always.
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Rejoicing is a deep-rooted joy
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that is not controlled by mere circumstances.
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It is
Load full transcript
accompanied by gladness and delight.
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It is a joyful disposition,
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but it is deeper than surface-level happiness.
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It is a sense of continual rest and peace,
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knowing that all things are working out for God's glory
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and are good.
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It does not sway with momentary thrills
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like the word happiness might describe.
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For instance,
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it makes me happy
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when I hook up on a trout out in the river,
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but afterwards,
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as we spend the rest of the day
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getting hung up on trees,
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the excitement fades.
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And so it is a very temporary,
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very shifting momentary.
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So rejoicing is more constant
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and foundational
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than just that blip of happiness.
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It can be achieved even amidst hardship
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and even in sadness.
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Back in chapter 2, verse 17,
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Paul says that
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even if he is being poured out
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as a drink offering upon the sacrifice,
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he rejoices.
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Being physically, emotionally,
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and relationally spent,
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he still finds joy in the Lord.
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He may not like his suffering,
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it might not make him happy,
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but he does rejoice in his suffering.
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He is also writing this letter while imprisoned,
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and yet this whole letter is just saturated
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with joy and rejoicing.
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And this is all because
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true rejoicing,
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the kind that Paul exemplifies,
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is rejoicing in the Lord.
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Our text does not tell us
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to rejoice in creature comforts,
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in financial stability,
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in obedient children,
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or marriage,
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or singleness,
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fill in the blank.
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It says rejoice in the Lord.
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The title of Lord,
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I think,
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is really significant here.
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In chapter 2,
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back in chapter 2 again,
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Paul says
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This title,
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Lord,
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it can be used for
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master,
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or owner,
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king,
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and obviously as a name for God.
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But with all of that in mind,
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recognizing God as Lord,
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it gives us a little more specificity
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on what about God
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causes our rejoicing.
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Christ as Lord
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is presented as the sovereign one.
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He is the final authority
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and master
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over all things.
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He not only created the universe,
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but he upholds the universe
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by the word of his power.
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He is in a position
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of ruling
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and reigning
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over his creation
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like a king does.
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God is a king
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that has complete control
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over everything
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that conspires.
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It's all subject
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to God's counsel
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and wisdom.
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Being sovereign,
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he has already written history
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from beginning to end,
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and he decides
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what is allowed to occur
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and what is not.
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And praise God
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that he,
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the sovereign one,
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that he is good.
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This would not be
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a means of rejoicing
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if he was evil.
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God cannot be tempted
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with evil
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and he himself
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tempts no one.
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We rejoice in the Lord
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because our God
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is a good Lord.
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He rules with justice
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and mercy.
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He always does
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what is right.
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He is morally pure
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through and through.
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And that is who's sitting
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on the throne.
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Just this fact alone
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that a holy and good God
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is Lord
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is a means
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for rejoicing always.
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That's part of who he is
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which would cause us
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to rejoice.
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But there's also
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what the Lord
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has done
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and is doing
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that gives us
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reasons to rejoice.
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One of the things
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he has done
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is canceled
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our record of debt
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that stood against us
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with its legal demands.
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God, our Lord,
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is completely sufficient
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in and of himself.
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He has no need
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for anything.
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He has no obligation
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to appease anyone else.
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But when his own creation
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pridefully rebelled
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against him
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and acquired
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eternal debt,
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he did not just sit back
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and let us figure it out.
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In chapter 2,
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we read,
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Let each of you
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not look only
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to his own interests
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but also to the interests
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of others.
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Have this mind
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among yourselves
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which is yours
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in Christ Jesus
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who though he was
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in the form of God
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did not count equality
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with God
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a thing to be grasped
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but he emptied himself
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by taking the form
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of a servant
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being born in the likeness
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of men
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and being found
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in human form.
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He humbled himself
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by becoming obedient
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to the point of death,
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even death on a cross.
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The king
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took on a commoner's
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identity
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to serve his people.
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He did this
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to be the substitute
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in our place.
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Man deserved
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eternal wrath
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but God sent Christ
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to bear the punishment
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for us.
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With our eternal debt
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forgiven,
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what should prevent us
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from rejoicing?
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Yeah.
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If we don't find ourselves
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regularly rejoicing
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in this reality,
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it's probably because
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we don't understand
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how significant
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the weight of sin is.
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the doctrine
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of the depravity
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of man rightfully
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acknowledges that
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man is completely helpless
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of his own accord.
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Being depraved
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of the lawbreakers
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against an eternal
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and holy God
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means that the punishment
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is equally substantial
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and this is a really
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terrible punishment
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to pay.
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Eternal destruction
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is not to be taken lightly.
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And when you recognize
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how terrible
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being forsaken
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by God is,
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you will then realize
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the benevolence
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and the value
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of Christ's sacrifice.
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Jesus paid it all.
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If you've been forgiven
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of your sins,
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you have reason
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to rejoice always
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because otherwise
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we deserve death
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and hell.
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Another blessing
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he has given us
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is
himself.
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We not only get
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our debt canceled,
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we also get Christ.
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He is our joy.
00:10:52.440 --> 00:10:53.540
Remember the parable
00:10:53.540 --> 00:10:54.899
of the hidden treasure.
00:10:55.019 --> 00:10:55.920
The kingdom of God
00:10:55.920 --> 00:10:57.519
is like treasure hidden
00:10:57.519 --> 00:10:58.080
in a field
00:10:58.080 --> 00:10:59.019
which a man found
00:10:59.019 --> 00:10:59.759
and covered up.
00:11:00.340 --> 00:11:01.379
Then in his joy
00:11:01.379 --> 00:11:02.639
he goes and sells
00:11:02.639 --> 00:11:03.620
all that he has
00:11:03.620 --> 00:11:04.720
and buys that field.
00:11:05.540 --> 00:11:06.759
The man is not worried
00:11:06.759 --> 00:11:07.279
about losing
00:11:07.279 --> 00:11:08.259
all his possessions
00:11:08.259 --> 00:11:09.659
because he knows
00:11:09.659 --> 00:11:10.440
that he has
00:11:10.440 --> 00:11:11.700
something greater.
00:11:12.360 --> 00:11:13.560
We don't have to cling
00:11:13.560 --> 00:11:15.639
to our earthly possessions
00:11:15.639 --> 00:11:17.519
to protect our joy
00:11:17.519 --> 00:11:18.779
because we too
00:11:18.779 --> 00:11:20.720
have something greater.
00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:22.319
These earthly possessions
00:11:22.319 --> 00:11:23.340
are not the source
00:11:23.340 --> 00:11:24.759
of our joy.
00:11:26.179 --> 00:11:26.919
And our heart's treasure
00:11:26.919 --> 00:11:27.659
is not just
00:11:27.659 --> 00:11:29.279
the secondary benefits
00:11:29.279 --> 00:11:29.860
that the Lord
00:11:29.860 --> 00:11:30.720
provides us
00:11:30.720 --> 00:11:32.159
but it is predominantly
00:11:32.159 --> 00:11:33.819
Christ himself.
00:11:34.580 --> 00:11:37.059
He is the grand treasure.
00:11:38.120 --> 00:11:39.179
Living and abiding
00:11:39.179 --> 00:11:39.659
in Christ
00:11:39.659 --> 00:11:40.720
should be our heart's
00:11:40.720 --> 00:11:41.480
deepest joy
00:11:41.480 --> 00:11:42.819
and treasure.
00:11:43.019 --> 00:11:44.379
This is a spiritual reality
00:11:44.379 --> 00:11:45.179
for us.
00:11:45.580 --> 00:11:47.519
We have the greatest friend.
00:11:47.720 --> 00:11:49.679
We have the best shepherd,
00:11:49.840 --> 00:11:51.679
the most loyal brother,
00:11:52.179 --> 00:11:53.279
the wisest father,
00:11:53.439 --> 00:11:54.240
the great paraclete,
00:11:54.279 --> 00:11:54.899
the comforter.
00:11:55.399 --> 00:11:57.419
He is our supreme joy
00:11:57.419 --> 00:11:59.419
and he is ours.
00:12:02.259 --> 00:12:03.240
I'm sure you've heard
00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:04.259
this question asked before
00:12:04.259 --> 00:12:07.240
but if Jesus were not in heaven
00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:09.740
would you still want to go?
00:12:10.700 --> 00:12:11.620
If you got to have
00:12:11.620 --> 00:12:12.879
all the grandeur of heaven,
00:12:12.879 --> 00:12:14.399
the streets of gold,
00:12:14.500 --> 00:12:15.240
the pearly gates,
00:12:15.939 --> 00:12:16.799
the tree of life
00:12:16.799 --> 00:12:18.519
but if Jesus was not there
00:12:18.519 --> 00:12:20.340
would your yearning
00:12:20.340 --> 00:12:21.320
be the same?
00:12:23.299 --> 00:12:24.679
You won't be able to
00:12:24.679 --> 00:12:25.779
fulfill this command
00:12:25.779 --> 00:12:26.740
to rejoice always
00:12:26.740 --> 00:12:27.419
if not.
00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:30.019
We rejoice in the Lord
00:12:30.019 --> 00:12:30.939
because he
00:12:30.939 --> 00:12:32.899
is all satisfying himself
00:12:32.899 --> 00:12:35.100
and he has given himself
00:12:35.100 --> 00:12:36.139
to us.
00:12:38.100 --> 00:12:40.320
Our text commands us
00:12:40.320 --> 00:12:41.820
to do this always.
00:12:43.340 --> 00:12:44.300
All the time.
00:12:45.480 --> 00:12:46.660
Because God is not bound
00:12:46.660 --> 00:12:47.460
by space
00:12:47.460 --> 00:12:48.240
or time
00:12:48.240 --> 00:12:48.780
or matter,
00:12:48.920 --> 00:12:50.680
the basis of our rejoicing
00:12:50.680 --> 00:12:52.500
is also not bound
00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:53.580
by space
00:12:53.580 --> 00:12:54.180
or time
00:12:54.180 --> 00:12:54.800
or matter
00:12:54.800 --> 00:12:55.200
either.
00:12:55.920 --> 00:12:57.140
This is why we can rejoice
00:12:57.140 --> 00:12:57.780
in the Lord
00:12:57.780 --> 00:12:58.879
always.
00:12:59.740 --> 00:13:01.080
The spirit offers himself
00:13:01.080 --> 00:13:01.600
to us
00:13:01.600 --> 00:13:02.500
all the time
00:13:02.500 --> 00:13:03.700
no matter where we are
00:13:03.700 --> 00:13:04.860
or what's going on.
00:13:05.200 --> 00:13:06.300
You cannot evade
00:13:06.300 --> 00:13:07.460
the presence of God.
00:13:07.960 --> 00:13:08.260
Behold,
00:13:08.259 --> 00:13:09.159
he is with us always
00:13:09.159 --> 00:13:10.139
to the end of the age.
00:13:10.600 --> 00:13:11.620
The text does not say
00:13:11.620 --> 00:13:12.700
rejoice always
00:13:12.700 --> 00:13:13.879
unless
00:13:13.879 --> 00:13:16.220
unless your house
00:13:16.220 --> 00:13:16.740
burns down,
00:13:16.860 --> 00:13:18.159
unless you lose your job,
00:13:18.259 --> 00:13:19.080
unless your child
00:13:19.080 --> 00:13:19.620
gets sick,
00:13:19.700 --> 00:13:20.399
unless your friend
00:13:20.399 --> 00:13:20.919
moves away.
00:13:21.220 --> 00:13:22.059
It doesn't say that.
00:13:22.899 --> 00:13:23.659
All these things
00:13:23.659 --> 00:13:24.779
are rightfully sad
00:13:24.779 --> 00:13:26.200
and cause us grief
00:13:26.200 --> 00:13:28.240
but it doesn't take away
00:13:28.240 --> 00:13:29.000
the eternal
00:13:29.000 --> 00:13:30.200
and forever joy
00:13:30.200 --> 00:13:30.899
we have
00:13:30.899 --> 00:13:32.360
in Christ Jesus
00:13:32.360 --> 00:13:33.340
our Lord.
00:13:33.720 --> 00:13:34.539
God promises
00:13:34.539 --> 00:13:35.480
that when we pass
00:13:35.480 --> 00:13:36.259
through the waters
00:13:36.259 --> 00:13:37.840
he will be
00:13:37.840 --> 00:13:38.639
with us.
00:13:39.139 --> 00:13:39.740
Paul is quick
00:13:39.740 --> 00:13:40.259
to not leave
00:13:40.259 --> 00:13:40.779
any room
00:13:40.779 --> 00:13:42.039
for contingencies here.
00:13:42.460 --> 00:13:42.980
He immediately
00:13:42.980 --> 00:13:43.639
doubles down
00:13:43.639 --> 00:13:44.180
on his command.
00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:45.240
Again,
00:13:45.720 --> 00:13:46.379
I will say
00:13:46.379 --> 00:13:47.139
rejoice.
00:13:48.159 --> 00:13:49.480
If God is giving us
00:13:49.480 --> 00:13:49.920
this command
00:13:49.920 --> 00:13:51.080
to rejoice always
00:13:51.080 --> 00:13:52.340
then that means
00:13:52.340 --> 00:13:53.320
it is achievable
00:13:53.320 --> 00:13:54.519
and he will help us
00:13:54.519 --> 00:13:55.259
to fulfill it.
00:13:56.120 --> 00:13:56.860
He is never
00:13:56.860 --> 00:13:57.860
changing
00:13:57.860 --> 00:13:59.360
and so our rejoicing
00:13:59.360 --> 00:14:01.080
always has a solid rock
00:14:01.080 --> 00:14:01.639
to base
00:14:01.639 --> 00:14:02.279
our joy.
00:14:03.180 --> 00:14:03.860
If we are abiding
00:14:03.860 --> 00:14:04.460
in this command
00:14:04.460 --> 00:14:05.680
it will be evident
00:14:05.680 --> 00:14:06.360
to others.
00:14:06.960 --> 00:14:07.580
Verse 5 says
00:14:07.580 --> 00:14:08.440
that we should let
00:14:08.440 --> 00:14:09.300
this reasonableness
00:14:09.300 --> 00:14:10.639
or some translations
00:14:10.639 --> 00:14:11.879
use gentleness
00:14:11.879 --> 00:14:13.019
be known
00:14:13.019 --> 00:14:13.800
to everyone.
00:14:14.680 --> 00:14:15.240
We are to be
00:14:15.240 --> 00:14:16.040
pointing others
00:14:16.040 --> 00:14:16.700
to Christ
00:14:16.700 --> 00:14:17.440
and we are to be
00:14:17.440 --> 00:14:18.320
so characterized
00:14:18.320 --> 00:14:20.340
by rejoicing
00:14:20.340 --> 00:14:21.300
all the time
00:14:21.300 --> 00:14:22.280
that it is plain
00:14:22.280 --> 00:14:22.960
to see
00:14:22.960 --> 00:14:24.100
by others.
00:14:24.600 --> 00:14:25.680
Not just to believers
00:14:25.680 --> 00:14:26.379
but to everyone.
00:14:26.820 --> 00:14:27.519
And so when you're
00:14:27.519 --> 00:14:28.620
daily clinging
00:14:28.620 --> 00:14:29.460
to Christ
00:14:29.460 --> 00:14:30.300
and you're submitting
00:14:30.300 --> 00:14:31.100
to him
00:14:31.100 --> 00:14:32.139
as Lord
00:14:32.139 --> 00:14:33.180
there is a
00:14:33.179 --> 00:14:34.579
regular joyful
00:14:34.579 --> 00:14:35.659
and gentle
00:14:35.659 --> 00:14:36.359
demeanor
00:14:36.359 --> 00:14:37.039
we have.
00:14:37.959 --> 00:14:38.759
We aren't
00:14:38.759 --> 00:14:39.419
getting all
00:14:39.419 --> 00:14:39.979
ruffled up
00:14:39.979 --> 00:14:40.979
by the stressors
00:14:40.979 --> 00:14:41.639
in our day
00:14:41.639 --> 00:14:42.759
and taking them
00:14:42.759 --> 00:14:43.979
out on one another.
00:14:44.399 --> 00:14:45.479
We are glad
00:14:45.479 --> 00:14:46.379
in his mercies
00:14:46.379 --> 00:14:47.199
which are new
00:14:47.199 --> 00:14:48.159
every morning
00:14:48.159 --> 00:14:49.479
remembering who he is
00:14:49.479 --> 00:14:50.699
what he has done
00:14:50.699 --> 00:14:51.479
and what his promises
00:14:51.479 --> 00:14:51.959
are.
00:14:52.839 --> 00:14:53.399
It should be
00:14:53.399 --> 00:14:53.919
noticeable
00:14:53.919 --> 00:14:54.959
that we aren't
00:14:54.959 --> 00:14:55.679
getting tossed
00:14:55.679 --> 00:14:56.639
to and fro
00:14:56.639 --> 00:14:57.839
by the world
00:14:57.839 --> 00:14:58.639
but rather
00:14:58.639 --> 00:14:59.419
we are joyfully
00:14:59.419 --> 00:14:59.819
submitting
00:14:59.820 --> 00:15:00.940
to the Lord
00:15:00.940 --> 00:15:01.480
who gives us
00:15:01.480 --> 00:15:02.260
all the spiritual
00:15:02.260 --> 00:15:02.660
blessings
00:15:02.660 --> 00:15:03.340
in the heavenly
00:15:03.340 --> 00:15:04.200
places
00:15:04.200 --> 00:15:05.200
and namely
00:15:05.200 --> 00:15:06.260
himself.
00:15:07.180 --> 00:15:07.980
We won't be
00:15:07.980 --> 00:15:09.220
perfect at this
00:15:09.220 --> 00:15:10.200
but we will be
00:15:10.200 --> 00:15:10.700
characterized
00:15:10.700 --> 00:15:11.500
by it.
00:15:11.920 --> 00:15:13.200
If we grasp
00:15:13.200 --> 00:15:14.240
the gravity
00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:15.120
of our hope
00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:16.120
in the things
00:15:16.120 --> 00:15:16.600
above
00:15:16.600 --> 00:15:18.180
not the things
00:15:18.180 --> 00:15:18.600
below
00:15:18.600 --> 00:15:19.940
we won't be
00:15:19.940 --> 00:15:21.020
able to keep
00:15:21.020 --> 00:15:21.879
our reasonableness
00:15:21.879 --> 00:15:22.840
on the inside.
00:15:23.060 --> 00:15:23.420
The spirit
00:15:23.420 --> 00:15:24.080
will do actual
00:15:24.080 --> 00:15:24.800
internal work
00:15:24.800 --> 00:15:25.400
that displays
00:15:25.400 --> 00:15:25.880
itself
00:15:25.880 --> 00:15:27.100
outwardly.
00:15:27.100 --> 00:15:29.440
So implicit
00:15:29.440 --> 00:15:29.980
to rejoice
00:15:29.980 --> 00:15:30.379
in the Lord
00:15:30.379 --> 00:15:30.840
always
00:15:30.840 --> 00:15:31.920
is our second
00:15:31.920 --> 00:15:32.320
command.
00:15:33.139 --> 00:15:33.800
Do not be
00:15:33.800 --> 00:15:34.139
anxious
00:15:34.139 --> 00:15:34.779
about
00:15:34.779 --> 00:15:35.840
anything.
00:15:37.120 --> 00:15:37.860
If we are
00:15:37.860 --> 00:15:38.360
rejoicing
00:15:38.360 --> 00:15:38.759
in the Lord
00:15:38.759 --> 00:15:39.259
always
00:15:39.259 --> 00:15:39.779
we will
00:15:39.779 --> 00:15:40.320
in turn
00:15:40.320 --> 00:15:40.820
not be
00:15:40.820 --> 00:15:41.139
anxious
00:15:41.139 --> 00:15:41.740
for anything
00:15:41.740 --> 00:15:43.040
but Paul
00:15:43.040 --> 00:15:43.440
goes on
00:15:43.440 --> 00:15:43.860
to say it
00:15:43.860 --> 00:15:44.320
out loud
00:15:44.320 -->
00:15:44.820
so that we
00:15:44.820 --> 00:15:45.259
can see
00:15:45.259 --> 00:15:45.879
more fully
00:15:45.879 --> 00:15:46.720
the implications
00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:48.040
of resting
00:15:48.040 --> 00:15:48.779
and trusting
00:15:48.779 --> 00:15:50.000
in the Lord.
00:15:51.480 --> 00:15:52.399
There may be
00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:52.940
a more
00:15:52.940 --> 00:15:53.779
robust
00:15:53.779 --> 00:15:54.600
definition
00:15:54.600 --> 00:15:56.120
of anxiety
00:15:56.120 --> 00:15:56.840
but I think
00:15:56.840 --> 00:15:57.240
here
00:15:57.240 --> 00:15:58.659
it can
00:15:58.659 --> 00:15:59.000
mostly
00:15:59.000 --> 00:15:59.580
be summed
00:15:59.580 --> 00:15:59.840
up
00:15:59.840 --> 00:16:00.779
in being
00:16:00.779 --> 00:16:01.419
so
00:16:01.419 --> 00:16:02.419
overwhelmed
00:16:02.419 --> 00:16:03.299
by the
00:16:03.299 --> 00:16:03.779
unknown
00:16:03.779 --> 00:16:05.000
that we
00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:05.679
neglect
00:16:05.679 --> 00:16:06.519
trusting
00:16:06.519 --> 00:16:08.340
in God's
00:16:08.340 --> 00:16:09.240
providential
00:16:09.240 --> 00:16:09.980
sovereignty.
00:16:11.019 --> 00:16:11.860
When we
00:16:11.860 --> 00:16:12.639
see this
00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:13.200
word elsewhere
00:16:13.200 --> 00:16:13.620
in the New
00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:13.980
Testament
00:16:13.980 --> 00:16:15.220
it is those
00:16:15.220 --> 00:16:15.759
texts that
00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:16.340
say do
00:16:16.340 --> 00:16:16.940
not worry
00:16:16.940 --> 00:16:17.879
that word
00:16:17.879 --> 00:16:18.379
worry right
00:16:18.379 --> 00:16:18.639
there
00:16:18.639 --> 00:16:19.060
do not
00:16:19.060 --> 00:16:19.519
worry about
00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:19.919
what you
00:16:19.919 --> 00:16:20.700
will eat
00:16:20.700 --> 00:16:21.539
or drink
00:16:21.539 --> 00:16:22.299
or what
00:16:22.299 --> 00:16:22.940
you will
00:16:22.940 --> 00:16:23.659
wear for
00:16:23.659 --> 00:16:24.139
clothing
00:16:24.139 --> 00:16:24.980
do not
00:16:24.980 --> 00:16:25.639
worry about
00:16:25.639 --> 00:16:26.319
tomorrow
00:16:26.319 --> 00:16:27.240
it is
00:16:27.240 --> 00:16:27.620
regularly
00:16:27.620 --> 00:16:28.120
referring
00:16:28.120 --> 00:16:29.100
to the
00:16:29.100 --> 00:16:29.799
unreasonable
00:16:29.799 --> 00:16:30.699
fear
00:16:30.699 --> 00:16:31.580
and giving
00:16:31.580 --> 00:16:32.139
too much
00:16:32.139 --> 00:16:32.720
concern
00:16:32.720 --> 00:16:33.699
to things
00:16:33.699 --> 00:16:34.580
outside of
00:16:34.580 --> 00:16:35.139
our control
00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:36.259
like the
00:16:36.259 --> 00:16:36.559
future.
00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:38.019
What if
00:16:38.019 --> 00:16:38.360
they fall
00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:38.659
down?
00:16:39.179 --> 00:16:39.580
What if
00:16:39.580 --> 00:16:39.879
this is
00:16:39.879 --> 00:16:40.159
cancer?
00:16:40.319 --> 00:16:40.600
What if
00:16:40.600 --> 00:16:40.879
Russia
00:16:40.879 --> 00:16:41.439
attacks?
00:16:41.699 --> 00:16:42.240
What if
00:16:42.240 --> 00:16:42.740
what if
00:16:42.740 --> 00:16:43.580
what if
00:16:43.580 --> 00:16:45.299
the natural
00:16:45.299 --> 00:16:45.759
disposition
00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:46.500
of humans
00:16:46.500 --> 00:16:47.319
is a desire
00:16:47.319 --> 00:16:48.159
to guarantee
00:16:48.159 --> 00:16:49.240
favorable
00:16:49.240 --> 00:16:49.980
outcomes.
00:16:50.139 --> 00:16:50.379
Everything
00:16:50.379 --> 00:16:50.919
needs to go
00:16:50.919 --> 00:16:51.179
the way
00:16:51.179 --> 00:16:51.600
we want
00:16:51.600 --> 00:16:52.179
it to go.
00:16:52.179 --> 00:16:53.139
the thought
00:16:53.139 --> 00:16:53.779
of something
00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:55.279
not going
00:16:55.279 --> 00:16:55.719
well
00:16:55.719 --> 00:16:57.019
attacks our
00:16:57.019 --> 00:16:57.539
hearts
00:16:57.539 --> 00:16:58.299
such that
00:16:58.299 --> 00:16:58.819
we find
00:16:58.819 --> 00:16:59.599
ourselves
00:16:59.599 --> 00:17:00.819
anxious.
00:17:01.879 --> 00:17:02.620
This anxiety
00:17:02.620 --> 00:17:03.319
lends itself
00:17:03.319 --> 00:17:04.659
to a lack
00:17:04.659 --> 00:17:05.240
of self
00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:05.720
control.
00:17:06.440 --> 00:17:07.259
We get
00:17:07.259 --> 00:17:07.859
irrational,
00:17:08.200 --> 00:17:08.500
we get
00:17:08.500 --> 00:17:09.000
worked up,
00:17:09.259 --> 00:17:09.599
we make
00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:10.240
spontaneous
00:17:10.240 --> 00:17:11.639
overcorrections
00:17:11.639 --> 00:17:12.759
and we start
00:17:12.759 --> 00:17:13.220
placing our
00:17:13.220 --> 00:17:14.359
hope in our
00:17:14.359 --> 00:17:14.839
physical
00:17:14.839 --> 00:17:15.619
circumstances
00:17:15.619 --> 00:17:17.519
rather than
00:17:17.519 --> 00:17:18.299
God.
00:17:19.399 --> 00:17:20.039
This anxiety
00:17:20.039 --> 00:17:20.539
can put us
00:17:20.539 --> 00:17:20.980
in a really
00:17:20.980 --> 00:17:21.819
bad physical
00:17:21.819 --> 00:17:23.180
and spiritual
00:17:23.180 --> 00:17:23.759
place.
00:17:23.899 --> 00:17:24.279
Physically,
00:17:24.799 --> 00:17:25.379
we can lose
00:17:25.379 --> 00:17:25.659
sleep,
00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:26.599
we can
00:17:26.599 --> 00:17:27.279
undereat
00:17:27.279 --> 00:17:28.299
or overeat
00:17:28.299 --> 00:17:30.099
and our
00:17:30.099 --> 00:17:30.759
hormones can
00:17:30.759 --> 00:17:31.440
get out of
00:17:31.440 --> 00:17:31.740
whack.
00:17:32.500 --> 00:17:32.839
There's all
00:17:32.839 --> 00:17:33.279
kinds of
00:17:33.279 --> 00:17:34.019
physical effects
00:17:34.019 --> 00:17:34.460
that come
00:17:34.460 --> 00:17:35.319
from anxiety.
00:17:36.180 --> 00:17:36.639
Spiritually,
00:17:36.700 --> 00:17:37.259
we can get
00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:38.159
so far into
00:17:38.159 --> 00:17:38.799
our own
00:17:38.799 --> 00:17:39.500
worries and
00:17:39.500 --> 00:17:40.119
fears that
00:17:40.119 --> 00:17:40.859
there is no
00:17:40.859 --> 00:17:41.599
relating to
00:17:41.599 --> 00:17:42.720
God in
00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:43.339
any way.
00:17:43.440 --> 00:17:43.879
It is all
00:17:43.879 --> 00:17:44.759
earthly problems
00:17:44.759 --> 00:17:45.720
with only
00:17:45.720 --> 00:17:46.619
earthly solutions.
00:17:47.879 --> 00:17:48.240
Modern
00:17:48.240 --> 00:17:48.920
medicine will
00:17:48.920 --> 00:17:49.559
just say you
00:17:49.559 --> 00:17:50.220
need meds.
00:17:50.539 --> 00:17:51.700
The news
00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:52.299
tells us we
00:17:52.299 --> 00:17:52.759
just need to
00:17:52.759 --> 00:17:53.039
vote for
00:17:53.039 --> 00:17:53.420
this person.
00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:53.779
Get this
00:17:53.779 --> 00:17:54.059
guy in
00:17:54.059 --> 00:17:54.519
office and
00:17:54.519 --> 00:17:54.720
it will
00:17:54.720 --> 00:17:55.240
be okay.
00:17:56.240 --> 00:17:56.779
The guys
00:17:56.779 --> 00:17:57.240
say you
00:17:57.240 --> 00:17:57.579
just need
00:17:57.579 --> 00:17:57.799
to go
00:17:57.799 --> 00:17:58.180
golfing
00:17:58.180 --> 00:17:58.379
man.
00:17:59.460 --> 00:17:59.680
Your
00:17:59.680 --> 00:18:00.099
co-workers
00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:00.399
will say
00:18:00.399 --> 00:18:00.700
you just
00:18:00.700 --> 00:18:01.379
need work
00:18:01.379 --> 00:18:01.720
life
00:18:01.720 --> 00:18:02.339
balance.
00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:04.059
The
00:18:04.059 --> 00:18:04.420
worldly
00:18:04.420 --> 00:18:05.279
counsel to
00:18:05.279 --> 00:18:05.940
the spiritual
00:18:05.940 --> 00:18:07.319
problem will
00:18:07.319 --> 00:18:07.940
be worldly
00:18:07.940 --> 00:18:09.019
solutions and
00:18:09.019 --> 00:18:10.259
obviously those
00:18:10.259 --> 00:18:11.019
don't suffice.
00:18:11.839 --> 00:18:12.480
That is a
00:18:12.480 --> 00:18:13.220
strain from
00:18:13.220 --> 00:18:13.579
the Lord.
00:18:13.720 --> 00:18:14.059
That is
00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:14.920
letting the
00:18:14.920 --> 00:18:15.240
things of
00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:15.599
the earth
00:18:15.599 --> 00:18:16.819
be our
00:18:16.819 --> 00:18:17.180
Lord.
00:18:17.180 --> 00:18:24.039
God has
00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:24.320
made us
00:18:24.320 --> 00:18:24.620
in a way
00:18:24.620 --> 00:18:24.880
that our
00:18:24.880 --> 00:18:25.860
spiritual and
00:18:25.860 --> 00:18:26.200
our physical
00:18:26.200 --> 00:18:26.640
beings are
00:18:26.640 --> 00:18:27.120
not separate
00:18:27.120 --> 00:18:27.600
but they do
00:18:27.600 --> 00:18:28.560
go hand
00:18:28.560 --> 00:18:28.880
in hand.
00:18:29.019 --> 00:18:29.400
Our text
00:18:29.400 --> 00:18:30.519
just told us
00:18:30.519 --> 00:18:30.799
that there
00:18:30.799 --> 00:18:31.539
are outward
00:18:31.539 --> 00:18:33.100
realities to
00:18:33.100 --> 00:18:33.759
our inward
00:18:33.759 --> 00:18:34.660
reasonableness.
00:18:35.799 --> 00:18:36.160
So they are
00:18:36.160 --> 00:18:36.539
linked.
00:18:37.799 --> 00:18:38.320
Spiritually
00:18:38.320 --> 00:18:39.500
fighting to
00:18:39.500 --> 00:18:40.140
trust the Lord
00:18:40.140 --> 00:18:41.539
can include
00:18:41.539 --> 00:18:42.500
taking physical
00:18:42.500 --> 00:18:43.000
measures.
00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:44.079
If your
00:18:44.079 --> 00:18:44.799
right hand
00:18:44.799 --> 00:18:46.099
causes you
00:18:46.099 --> 00:18:46.559
to sin
00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:47.119
cut it
00:18:47.119 --> 00:18:47.380
off.
00:18:48.720 --> 00:18:49.200
If staying
00:18:49.200 --> 00:18:49.640
up late
00:18:49.640 --> 00:18:50.039
and drinking
00:18:50.039 --> 00:18:50.640
ten cups of
00:18:50.640 --> 00:18:51.119
coffee every
00:18:51.119 --> 00:18:51.619
day keeps
00:18:51.619 --> 00:18:52.019
you on
00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:52.480
edge
00:18:52.480 --> 00:18:53.779
then go
00:18:53.779 --> 00:18:54.059
to bed
00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:54.480
on time.
00:18:55.599 --> 00:18:56.000
Turn from
00:18:56.000 --> 00:18:56.759
trusting coffee
00:18:56.759 --> 00:18:57.500
and turn to
00:18:57.500 --> 00:18:58.059
the Lord
00:18:58.059 --> 00:18:58.480
for your
00:18:58.480 --> 00:18:59.119
sustenance.
00:18:59.859 --> 00:19:00.579
It may
00:19:00.579 --> 00:19:01.019
even be
00:19:01.019 --> 00:19:01.819
wise to
00:19:01.819 --> 00:19:02.079
take
00:19:02.079 --> 00:19:02.619
medications
00:19:02.619 --> 00:19:03.259
at times.
00:19:03.400 --> 00:19:03.619
I would
00:19:03.619 --> 00:19:04.019
be very
00:19:04.019 --> 00:19:04.640
slow and
00:19:04.640 --> 00:19:05.099
prayerful
00:19:05.099 --> 00:19:06.039
to do so
00:19:06.039 --> 00:19:06.380
but there
00:19:06.380 --> 00:19:06.980
is a
00:19:06.980 --> 00:19:07.619
time and
00:19:07.619 --> 00:19:08.119
a place.
00:19:09.220 --> 00:19:09.980
Part of
00:19:09.980 --> 00:19:10.559
your spiritual
00:19:10.559 --> 00:19:11.920
fight can
00:19:11.920 --> 00:19:12.799
and should
00:19:12.799 --> 00:19:13.680
include
00:19:13.680 --> 00:19:15.000
caring for
00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:15.460
yourself
00:19:15.460 --> 00:19:16.639
but the
00:19:16.639 --> 00:19:17.000
fight is
00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:17.879
never just
00:19:17.879 --> 00:19:18.480
a physical
00:19:18.480 --> 00:19:18.839
one.
00:19:19.119 --> 00:19:19.700
It always
00:19:19.700 --> 00:19:20.319
involves
00:19:20.319 --> 00:19:20.879
spiritual
00:19:20.879 --> 00:19:21.399
matters.
00:19:22.079 --> 00:19:22.460
Paul isn't
00:19:22.460 --> 00:19:23.659
saying don't
00:19:23.659 --> 00:19:24.200
have any
00:19:24.200 --> 00:19:24.740
concern about
00:19:24.740 --> 00:19:25.200
anything.
00:19:25.680 --> 00:19:26.079
Complete
00:19:26.079 --> 00:19:26.659
apathy is
00:19:26.659 --> 00:19:27.000
not the
00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:27.240
answer.
00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:28.240
He is
00:19:28.240 --> 00:19:29.159
saying don't
00:19:29.159 --> 00:19:29.799
have an
00:19:29.799 --> 00:19:30.339
anxious
00:19:30.339 --> 00:19:31.119
concern
00:19:31.119 --> 00:19:31.619
about
00:19:31.619 --> 00:19:32.079
anything.
00:19:32.480 --> 00:19:32.639
Don't
00:19:32.639 --> 00:19:33.000
make your
00:19:33.000 --> 00:19:33.440
physical
00:19:33.440 --> 00:19:34.200
circumstances
00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:35.359
your Lord.
00:19:36.099 --> 00:19:36.639
In this
00:19:36.639 --> 00:19:37.279
we are
00:19:37.279 --> 00:19:37.779
committing the
00:19:37.779 --> 00:19:38.700
sin of not
00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:39.339
trusting God
00:19:39.339 --> 00:19:39.899
but rather
00:19:39.899 --> 00:19:40.740
trusting
00:19:40.740 --> 00:19:41.359
ourselves or
00:19:41.359 --> 00:19:41.720
the things
00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:42.019
of this
00:19:42.019 --> 00:19:42.359
world.
00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:43.180
Don't
00:19:43.180 --> 00:19:43.799
place your
00:19:43.799 --> 00:19:45.000
hope where
00:19:45.000 --> 00:19:45.599
it can't
00:19:45.599 --> 00:19:46.039
be
00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:46.599
sustained.
00:19:48.220 --> 00:19:48.879
And I
00:19:48.879 --> 00:19:49.319
know this
00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:49.579
is all
00:19:49.579 --> 00:19:50.940
easier said
00:19:50.940 --> 00:19:51.639
than done.
00:19:52.099 --> 00:19:52.599
I have
00:19:52.599 --> 00:19:52.980
failed in
00:19:52.980 --> 00:19:53.899
finding anxiety
00:19:53.899 --> 00:19:54.460
at times.
00:19:55.279 --> 00:19:56.079
But church
00:19:56.079 --> 00:19:56.460
we have
00:19:56.460 --> 00:19:57.159
good reason
00:19:57.159 --> 00:19:57.680
to not be
00:19:57.680 --> 00:19:58.119
anxious.
00:19:59.259 --> 00:19:59.639
What does
00:19:59.639 --> 00:20:00.019
the text
00:20:00.019 --> 00:20:00.319
say?
00:20:00.899 --> 00:20:01.639
The Lord
00:20:01.639 --> 00:20:02.799
is at
00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:03.440
hand.
00:20:05.339 --> 00:20:06.079
Note that
00:20:06.079 --> 00:20:06.480
Paul is
00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:06.899
using this
00:20:06.899 --> 00:20:07.419
title of
00:20:07.419 --> 00:20:08.119
Lord again.
00:20:08.720 --> 00:20:09.180
It is only
00:20:09.180 --> 00:20:09.859
a means to
00:20:09.859 --> 00:20:10.399
rest our
00:20:10.399 --> 00:20:11.139
hearts because
00:20:11.140 --> 00:20:11.840
it is the
00:20:11.840 --> 00:20:12.380
Lord who
00:20:12.380 --> 00:20:12.840
is at
00:20:12.840 --> 00:20:13.380
hand.
00:20:14.100 --> 00:20:14.780
Not a
00:20:14.780 --> 00:20:15.440
job promotion,
00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:16.880
not medical
00:20:16.880 --> 00:20:17.340
care,
00:20:17.820 --> 00:20:18.580
not retirement,
00:20:19.560 --> 00:20:19.940
not a
00:20:19.940 --> 00:20:21.120
good night's
00:20:21.120 --> 00:20:21.360
sleep,
00:20:21.800 --> 00:20:22.759
but it is
00:20:22.759 --> 00:20:23.259
the Lord.
00:20:24.340 --> 00:20:24.840
So this is
00:20:24.840 --> 00:20:25.340
not just a
00:20:25.340 --> 00:20:26.259
blind happiness
00:20:26.259 --> 00:20:26.720
we throw
00:20:26.720 --> 00:20:27.060
on.
00:20:27.560 --> 00:20:27.940
It is
00:20:27.940 --> 00:20:28.820
substantiated
00:20:28.820 --> 00:20:29.320
by the
00:20:29.320 --> 00:20:30.280
reality of
00:20:30.280 --> 00:20:30.820
who God
00:20:30.820 --> 00:20:31.160
is,
00:20:31.800 --> 00:20:32.220
what he
00:20:32.220 --> 00:20:32.780
has done,
00:20:33.500 --> 00:20:33.920
and what
00:20:33.920 --> 00:20:34.420
his promises
00:20:34.420 --> 00:20:34.920
are.
00:20:35.360 --> 00:20:35.880
The Lord
00:20:35.880 --> 00:20:36.320
being at
00:20:36.320 --> 00:20:36.759
hand could
00:20:36.759 --> 00:20:37.440
be a
00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:37.840
timeliness
00:20:37.839 --> 00:20:38.319
or
00:20:38.319 --> 00:20:39.019
proximity.
00:20:39.980 --> 00:20:40.740
I lean
00:20:40.740 --> 00:20:41.179
more into
00:20:41.179 --> 00:20:41.359
the
00:20:41.359 --> 00:20:41.839
proximity,
00:20:42.639 --> 00:20:43.519
but both
00:20:43.519 --> 00:20:44.279
lend themselves
00:20:44.279 --> 00:20:45.059
to not
00:20:45.059 --> 00:20:45.720
being anxious.
00:20:46.439 --> 00:20:46.699
If the
00:20:46.699 --> 00:20:47.099
day of
00:20:47.099 --> 00:20:47.579
the Lord
00:20:47.579 --> 00:20:49.199
is coming
00:20:49.199 --> 00:20:49.799
soon,
00:20:50.259 --> 00:20:50.859
then we
00:20:50.859 --> 00:20:51.779
can rejoice
00:20:51.779 --> 00:20:52.740
always and
00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:53.579
endure knowing
00:20:53.579 --> 00:20:54.339
that our
00:20:54.339 --> 00:20:55.199
Lord is
00:20:55.199 --> 00:20:55.519
coming.
00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:56.240
The present
00:20:56.240 --> 00:20:56.899
sufferings are
00:20:56.899 --> 00:20:57.339
not worth
00:20:57.339 --> 00:20:58.079
comparing to
00:20:58.079 --> 00:20:58.539
the glory
00:20:58.539 --> 00:20:58.859
that is
00:20:58.859 --> 00:20:59.679
revealed to
00:20:59.679 --> 00:21:00.480
us soon.
00:21:01.559 --> 00:21:02.399
If the
00:21:02.399 --> 00:21:02.679
sovereign
00:21:02.679 --> 00:21:03.500
Lord is
00:21:03.500 --> 00:21:03.980
near in
00:21:03.980 --> 00:21:04.399
proximity,
00:21:05.059 --> 00:21:05.699
then the
00:21:05.699 --> 00:21:06.179
comfort here
00:21:06.179 --> 00:21:06.559
is that he
00:21:06.559 --> 00:21:07.179
sees,
00:21:07.180 --> 00:21:08.100
he knows
00:21:08.100 --> 00:21:08.620
and he
00:21:08.620 --> 00:21:09.039
goes with
00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:09.400
us.
00:21:10.060 --> 00:21:10.600
Both of
00:21:10.600 --> 00:21:11.100
these are
00:21:11.100 --> 00:21:11.779
true and
00:21:11.779 --> 00:21:12.259
both give
00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:12.539
us a
00:21:12.539 --> 00:21:13.259
foundation to
00:21:13.259 --> 00:21:14.519
rest our
00:21:14.519 --> 00:21:15.380
anxious hearts.
00:21:16.180 --> 00:21:16.660
But again,
00:21:16.740 --> 00:21:17.340
it is only good
00:21:17.340 --> 00:21:18.019
news because
00:21:18.019 --> 00:21:19.340
of who is
00:21:19.340 --> 00:21:19.860
at hand.
00:21:21.180 --> 00:21:21.759
The Lord
00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:22.440
being sovereign
00:21:22.440 --> 00:21:22.920
means that
00:21:22.920 --> 00:21:23.480
everything we
00:21:23.480 --> 00:21:24.100
might fear
00:21:24.100 --> 00:21:24.779
will happen,
00:21:25.240 --> 00:21:25.779
he knows
00:21:25.779 --> 00:21:26.440
it already.
00:21:27.279 --> 00:21:28.380
God being
00:21:28.380 --> 00:21:29.279
a good and
00:21:29.279 --> 00:21:30.160
holy Lord
00:21:30.160 --> 00:21:31.039
means that
00:21:31.039 --> 00:21:31.759
whatever the
00:21:31.759 --> 00:21:32.680
outcome is,
00:21:33.060 --> 00:21:33.960
we can rest
00:21:33.960 --> 00:21:34.680
knowing that
00:21:34.680 --> 00:21:35.039
it is for
00:21:35.039 --> 00:21:35.640
our good and
00:21:35.640 --> 00:21:36.360
for his
00:21:36.360 --> 00:21:36.960
glory.
00:21:37.180 --> 00:21:38.220
It may
00:21:38.220 --> 00:21:38.560
not be
00:21:38.560 --> 00:21:38.820
fun,
00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:40.380
it may
00:21:40.380 --> 00:21:40.680
hurt,
00:21:41.680 --> 00:21:42.000
but it
00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:42.480
is ultimately
00:21:42.480 --> 00:21:42.779
how the
00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:43.060
Lord is
00:21:43.060 --> 00:21:43.480
using our
00:21:43.480 --> 00:21:44.160
circumstances
00:21:44.160 --> 00:21:45.100
to draw
00:21:45.100 --> 00:21:45.660
us deeper
00:21:45.660 --> 00:21:45.960
into
00:21:45.960 --> 00:21:46.400
fellowship
00:21:46.400 --> 00:21:47.640
with him.
00:21:48.700 --> 00:21:49.299
Back in
00:21:49.299 --> 00:21:49.920
chapter 1,
00:21:50.380 --> 00:21:50.820
Paul is
00:21:50.820 --> 00:21:51.380
sure that
00:21:51.380 --> 00:21:51.680
he who
00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:52.039
began a
00:21:52.039 --> 00:21:52.340
good work
00:21:52.340 --> 00:21:52.660
in you
00:21:52.660 --> 00:21:53.320
will bring
00:21:53.320 --> 00:21:53.600
it to
00:21:53.600 --> 00:21:54.060
completion.
00:21:54.680 --> 00:21:54.940
So if
00:21:54.940 --> 00:21:55.340
these things
00:21:55.340 --> 00:21:55.640
are under
00:21:55.640 --> 00:21:56.000
God's
00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:56.460
rule and
00:21:56.460 --> 00:21:56.980
authority,
00:21:57.900 --> 00:21:58.299
trust him.
00:21:59.580 --> 00:22:00.259
God saying
00:22:00.259 --> 00:22:00.580
he'll be
00:22:00.580 --> 00:22:01.000
with us
00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:01.460
through fire
00:22:01.460 --> 00:22:01.920
and flood
00:22:01.920 --> 00:22:03.060
is sufficient
00:22:03.060 --> 00:22:03.740
enough for
00:22:03.740 --> 00:22:04.400
us to trust
00:22:04.400 --> 00:22:04.640
him,
00:22:04.640 --> 00:22:05.300
but he
00:22:05.300 --> 00:22:05.780
has also
00:22:05.780 --> 00:22:06.880
proven his
00:22:06.880 --> 00:22:07.500
reliability
00:22:07.500 --> 00:22:08.480
time and
00:22:08.480 --> 00:22:09.280
time again.
00:22:09.900 --> 00:22:10.160
The Lord
00:22:10.160 --> 00:22:10.580
has taken
00:22:10.580 --> 00:22:11.460
every situation
00:22:11.460 --> 00:22:12.400
from Genesis
00:22:12.400 --> 00:22:13.080
to Revelation
00:22:13.080 --> 00:22:13.720
and beyond
00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:14.759
and used
it
00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:15.200
for our good
00:22:15.200 --> 00:22:15.700
and his glory.
00:22:16.259 --> 00:22:17.380
We may not
00:22:17.380 --> 00:22:18.980
always understand
00:22:18.980 --> 00:22:19.600
how,
00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:21.060
but there is a
00:22:21.060 --> 00:22:21.540
plethora of
00:22:21.540 --> 00:22:22.240
instances where
00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:23.320
we clearly get
00:22:23.320 --> 00:22:24.240
to see how.
00:22:25.120 --> 00:22:26.080
We can recall
00:22:26.080 --> 00:22:27.220
so many Bible
00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:28.020
stories where it
00:22:28.020 --> 00:22:28.759
seemed that God
00:22:28.759 --> 00:22:29.460
was at a loss,
00:22:29.680 --> 00:22:30.440
but he shows
00:22:30.440 --> 00:22:30.940
how he was
00:22:30.940 --> 00:22:31.600
using these
00:22:31.600 --> 00:22:32.259
situations
00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:33.119
providentially.
00:22:33.819 --> 00:22:34.559
The story of
00:22:34.559 --> 00:22:35.119
Joseph sticks
00:22:35.119 --> 00:22:35.420
out.
00:22:36.180 --> 00:22:36.619
When he
00:22:36.619 --> 00:22:37.140
confronts his
00:22:37.140 --> 00:22:37.640
brothers who
00:22:37.640 --> 00:22:37.940
sold him
00:22:37.940 --> 00:22:38.799
into slavery,
00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:40.319
he famously
00:22:40.319 --> 00:22:41.039
declares what
00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:41.680
you intended
00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:42.339
for evil,
00:22:43.019 --> 00:22:43.579
God intended
00:22:43.579 --> 00:22:44.099
for good.
00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:45.119
God used
00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:45.720
the seemingly
00:22:45.720 --> 00:22:46.940
hopeless situation
00:22:46.940 --> 00:22:47.940
for Joseph
00:22:47.940 --> 00:22:49.140
to then go
00:22:49.140 --> 00:22:49.879
feed the
00:22:49.879 --> 00:22:50.339
Israelites
00:22:50.339 --> 00:22:51.099
during a
00:22:51.099 --> 00:22:51.420
famine,
00:22:52.420 --> 00:22:52.759
and so he
00:22:52.759 --> 00:22:53.519
was providentially
00:22:53.519 --> 00:22:54.220
working here,
00:22:54.640 --> 00:22:55.140
and when that
00:22:55.140 --> 00:22:55.740
in turn led
00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:56.299
to the Israelites
00:22:56.299 --> 00:22:57.379
captivity in
00:22:57.379 --> 00:22:57.819
Egypt,
00:22:58.339 --> 00:22:58.960
God used
00:22:58.960 --> 00:22:59.640
the exodus
00:22:59.640 --> 00:23:00.379
then to
00:23:00.379 --> 00:23:01.019
display his
00:23:01.019 --> 00:23:01.740
power through
00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:02.359
deliverance,
00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:03.039
and to
00:23:03.039 --> 00:23:03.539
reveal his
00:23:03.539 --> 00:23:03.960
love and
00:23:03.960 --> 00:23:04.579
compassion for
00:23:04.579 --> 00:23:05.079
his people.
00:23:05.859 --> 00:23:06.420
When Jonah
00:23:06.420 --> 00:23:07.019
got swallowed
00:23:07.019 --> 00:23:07.539
up by a
00:23:07.539 --> 00:23:08.039
big fish,
00:23:08.259 --> 00:23:08.539
the reader
00:23:08.539 --> 00:23:09.120
might think
00:23:09.120 --> 00:23:09.839
this is the
00:23:09.839 --> 00:23:10.039
end.
00:23:10.160 --> 00:23:10.480
The fish
00:23:10.480 --> 00:23:11.079
get supper
00:23:11.079 --> 00:23:11.380
and the
00:23:11.380 --> 00:23:11.779
Ninevites
00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:12.259
don't get
00:23:12.259 --> 00:23:12.740
their preacher.
00:23:13.880 --> 00:23:14.319
But God
00:23:14.319 --> 00:23:14.859
displays the
00:23:14.859 --> 00:23:16.000
sovereignty by
00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:16.519
having the
00:23:16.519 --> 00:23:16.940
fish spit
00:23:16.940 --> 00:23:17.380
them out in
00:23:17.380 --> 00:23:17.920
Nineveh to
00:23:17.920 --> 00:23:18.980
accomplish God's
00:23:18.980 --> 00:23:19.599
task.
00:23:20.620 --> 00:23:21.519
God time and
00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:21.980
time again
00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:22.700
shows us that
00:23:22.700 --> 00:23:23.299
he is working
00:23:23.299 --> 00:23:24.779
in and through
00:23:24.779 --> 00:23:25.960
all things.
00:23:27.359 --> 00:23:27.759
Let's take
00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:28.120
the worst
00:23:28.120 --> 00:23:28.740
thing that could
00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:29.259
ever happen
00:23:29.259 --> 00:23:29.680
in human
00:23:29.680 --> 00:23:30.059
history.
00:23:30.059 --> 00:23:30.119
glory.
00:23:31.399 --> 00:23:32.119
Could God
00:23:32.119 --> 00:23:32.700
use that for
00:23:32.700 --> 00:23:33.259
his glory?
00:23:34.659 --> 00:23:35.119
Yes.
00:23:36.220 --> 00:23:37.000
Man put the
00:23:37.000 --> 00:23:37.480
Lord Jesus
00:23:37.480 --> 00:23:38.159
to death.
00:23:40.339 --> 00:23:41.059
Being the
00:23:41.059 --> 00:23:41.539
author of
00:23:41.539 --> 00:23:41.940
life, the
00:23:41.940 --> 00:23:42.839
grave had no
00:23:42.839 --> 00:23:43.539
power over
00:23:43.539 --> 00:23:43.859
him.
00:23:44.579 --> 00:23:45.200
God very
00:23:45.200 --> 00:23:46.559
clearly prophesied
00:23:46.559 --> 00:23:47.000
this and
00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:47.579
promised that
00:23:47.579 --> 00:23:48.019
it would result
00:23:48.019 --> 00:23:48.539
in God's good
00:23:48.539 --> 00:23:49.559
providence, and
00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:50.279
it did.
00:23:51.059 --> 00:23:51.940
Jesus saves
00:23:51.940 --> 00:23:52.659
his bride for
00:23:52.659 --> 00:23:53.379
all eternity
00:23:53.379 --> 00:23:54.519
to the praise
00:23:54.519 --> 00:23:55.720
of his name.
00:23:56.200 --> 00:23:56.700
Even in the
00:23:56.700 --> 00:23:57.879
most vile and
00:23:57.879 --> 00:23:58.839
evil time of
00:23:58.839 --> 00:23:59.459
human history,
00:24:00.119 --> 00:24:00.779
God displays
00:24:00.779 --> 00:24:01.500
his sovereign
00:24:01.500 --> 00:24:02.879
providence over
00:24:02.879 --> 00:24:03.220
evil.
00:24:04.759 --> 00:24:05.199
There are so
00:24:05.199 --> 00:24:05.720
many instances
00:24:05.720 --> 00:24:06.339
where it seems
00:24:06.339 --> 00:24:07.339
like God is
00:24:07.339 --> 00:24:07.779
losing the
00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:08.740
battle, but in
00:24:08.740 --> 00:24:09.419
turn it is a
00:24:09.419 -->
00:24:10.500
grander way to
00:24:10.500 --> 00:24:11.039
reveal his
00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:12.240
power and his
00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:12.799
providence.
00:24:13.279 --> 00:24:14.159
We can rest
00:24:14.159 --> 00:24:15.179
knowing that all
00:24:15.179 --> 00:24:15.639
the little
00:24:15.639 --> 00:24:16.779
details and
00:24:16.779 --> 00:24:17.179
all the big
00:24:17.179 --> 00:24:18.199
details are
00:24:18.199 --> 00:24:19.079
being overseen
00:24:19.079 --> 00:24:19.740
and used for
00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:20.279
God's higher
00:24:20.279 --> 00:24:20.779
purposes.
00:24:21.439 --> 00:24:21.939
Evil might
00:24:21.939 --> 00:24:22.779
seem to rule
00:24:22.779 --> 00:24:23.199
the day at
00:24:23.199 --> 00:24:24.039
times from our
00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:25.139
perspective, but
00:24:25.139 --> 00:24:25.799
God is doing
00:24:25.799 --> 00:24:26.480
something grander
00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:27.179
that we may not
00:24:27.180 --> 00:24:27.860
be able to
00:24:27.860 --> 00:24:28.799
fully see.
00:24:29.220 --> 00:24:29.759
You and I
00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:30.140
could probably
00:24:30.140 --> 00:24:30.680
sit around the
00:24:30.680 --> 00:24:31.700
fire and
00:24:31.700 --> 00:24:32.640
recount all the
00:24:32.640 --> 00:24:33.460
ways God used
00:24:33.460 --> 00:24:34.840
particular, peculiar
00:24:34.840 --> 00:24:35.759
situations in our
00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:36.840
lives and did
00:24:36.840 --> 00:24:37.240
something with
00:24:37.240 --> 00:24:37.680
them that we
00:24:37.680 --> 00:24:38.480
never thought
00:24:38.480 --> 00:24:39.519
could happen.
00:24:40.600 --> 00:24:41.080
So God's
00:24:41.080 --> 00:24:41.940
track record
00:24:41.940 --> 00:24:43.519
gives us good
00:24:43.519 --> 00:24:44.860
reason to not
00:24:44.860 --> 00:24:45.660
be anxious.
00:24:46.140 --> 00:24:46.620
Knowing that the
00:24:46.620 --> 00:24:47.380
Lord is on his
00:24:47.380 --> 00:24:48.380
throne means we
00:24:48.380 --> 00:24:49.039
can rejoice.
00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:50.779
Let me never
00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:52.039
forget, though the
00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:52.960
wrong seems off so
00:24:52.960 --> 00:24:54.580
strong, God is the
00:24:54.580 --> 00:24:55.080
ruler yet.
00:24:55.180 --> 00:24:55.680
This is my
00:24:55.680 --> 00:24:56.759
father's world.
00:24:57.180 --> 00:24:58.900
God has
00:24:58.900 --> 00:24:59.820
proven himself.
00:25:00.900 --> 00:25:01.539
So finally, what
00:25:01.539 --> 00:25:02.000
does the Lord
00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:03.340
promise us that
00:25:03.340 --> 00:25:04.920
gives us rest when
00:25:04.920 --> 00:25:05.519
tempted with
00:25:05.519 --> 00:25:06.039
anxiety?
00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:07.539
He's given us
00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:09.840
many promises in
00:25:09.840 --> 00:25:10.620
his word, so let's
00:25:10.620 --> 00:25:11.100
look there.
00:25:11.539 --> 00:25:12.299
Nearly everything
00:25:12.299 --> 00:25:14.060
we are tempted
to
00:25:14.060 --> 00:25:15.259
be anxious about,
00:25:15.900 --> 00:25:17.140
God has provided
00:25:17.140 --> 00:25:18.480
some sort of
00:25:18.480 --> 00:25:19.299
promise to his
00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:20.420
children to
00:25:20.420 --> 00:25:21.100
sustain our
00:25:21.100 --> 00:25:21.700
rejoicing.
00:25:22.640 --> 00:25:23.519
For instance, the
00:25:23.519 --> 00:25:25.039
news may make it
00:25:25.039 --> 00:25:26.779
seem like America
00:25:26.779 --> 00:25:27.740
is coming to an
00:25:27.740 --> 00:25:28.019
end.
00:25:29.019 --> 00:25:29.359
I don't know if
00:25:29.359 --> 00:25:29.720
you guys have
00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:30.079
seen this.
00:25:30.139 --> 00:25:30.859
Strayal law is
00:25:30.859 --> 00:25:31.740
taking over and
00:25:31.740 --> 00:25:33.019
we will not have
00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:33.559
the Constitution
00:25:33.559 --> 00:25:34.139
soon.
00:25:35.440 --> 00:25:36.559
Our God reminds
00:25:36.559 --> 00:25:37.319
us in Philippians
00:25:37.319 --> 00:25:38.460
3.20 that our
00:25:38.460 --> 00:25:39.339
true citizenship
00:25:39.339 --> 00:25:40.359
is not here.
00:25:41.359 --> 00:25:42.220
It is in heaven.
00:25:43.299 --> 00:25:44.119
Do not be anxious
00:25:44.119 --> 00:25:44.819
about your earthly
00:25:44.819 --> 00:25:45.339
citizenship.
00:25:46.220 --> 00:25:46.740
The Constitution
00:25:46.740 --> 00:25:47.940
does not keep us
00:25:47.940 --> 00:25:48.639
in eternal
00:25:48.639 --> 00:25:49.759
security with God.
00:25:50.839 --> 00:25:51.599
The climate
00:25:51.599 --> 00:25:53.339
activists tell us
00:25:53.339 --> 00:25:54.160
that our world is
00:25:54.160 --> 00:25:54.980
going to perish in
00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:56.019
2050 if we don't
00:25:56.019 --> 00:25:56.880
stop driving gas
00:25:56.880 --> 00:25:57.360
vehicles.
00:25:58.640 --> 00:25:59.700
God has promised
00:25:59.700 --> 00:26:00.940
in 2 Peter 3 that
00:26:00.940 --> 00:26:01.680
he will actually
00:26:01.680 --> 00:26:02.460
come and destroy
00:26:02.460 --> 00:26:03.339
the earth.
00:26:04.500 --> 00:26:05.019
There are going
00:26:05.019 --> 00:26:05.700
to be a people
00:26:05.700 --> 00:26:06.360
here and earth
00:26:06.360 --> 00:26:07.000
present for him
00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:07.620
to destroy.
00:26:08.559 --> 00:26:09.559
Do not be anxious
00:26:09.559 --> 00:26:10.579
about the vitality
00:26:10.579 --> 00:26:11.039
of our earth.
00:26:11.140 --> 00:26:11.700
God has promised
00:26:11.700 --> 00:26:12.380
it will be here
00:26:12.380 --> 00:26:13.200
until he comes.
00:26:14.360 --> 00:26:15.200
We aren't sure
00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:15.920
if our company is
00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:16.400
going to keep
00:26:16.400 --> 00:26:17.079
being profitable
00:26:17.079 --> 00:26:18.279
or that millennials
00:26:18.279 --> 00:26:18.759
aren't going to
00:26:18.759 --> 00:26:19.779
have social security.
00:26:21.099 --> 00:26:22.220
In Matthew 6,
00:26:22.319 --> 00:26:22.920
God has promised
00:26:22.920 --> 00:26:23.819
that he cares for
00:26:23.819 --> 00:26:24.779
your physical provisions
00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:26.519
and he will provide
00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:27.759
as he sees fit.
00:26:28.339 --> 00:26:30.079
He is our security,
00:26:30.599 --> 00:26:32.099
not American tax
00:26:32.099 --> 00:26:32.759
infrastructure
00:26:32.759 --> 00:26:34.579
or the economy.
00:26:35.679 --> 00:26:36.519
Do not be anxious
00:26:36.519 --> 00:26:37.359
about what you will
00:26:37.359 --> 00:26:38.279
eat or drink.
00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:40.659
We get a rash
00:26:40.659 --> 00:26:41.879
and WebMD says
00:26:41.879 --> 00:26:42.559
we have cancer.
00:26:43.399 --> 00:26:44.799
God says in Luke 12,
00:26:45.339 --> 00:26:46.639
the hairs on your head
00:26:46.639 --> 00:26:47.379
are numbered.
00:26:48.059 --> 00:26:49.200
He knows if you
00:26:49.200 --> 00:26:50.359
have rash or cancer.
00:26:51.279 --> 00:26:52.079
Whichever the case,
00:26:52.200 --> 00:26:53.259
he will go with you.
00:26:53.259 --> 00:26:54.359
Which one of you
00:26:54.359 --> 00:26:55.180
by worrying
00:26:55.180 --> 00:26:56.759
can add a single hour
00:26:56.759 --> 00:26:57.640
to his life?
00:26:58.579 --> 00:26:59.619
Do not be anxious
00:26:59.619 --> 00:27:00.519
about your health.
00:27:02.359 --> 00:27:03.379
This does not mean
00:27:03.379 --> 00:27:04.220
we should be careless.
00:27:05.879 --> 00:27:07.200
We don't just sit around
00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:07.980
twiddling our thumbs
00:27:07.980 --> 00:27:08.579
and write it off
00:27:08.579 --> 00:27:09.500
as trusting the Lord.
00:27:10.339 --> 00:27:11.440
If anxiety is giving
00:27:11.440 --> 00:27:12.839
too much concern
00:27:12.839 --> 00:27:13.799
to our circumstances
00:27:13.799 --> 00:27:15.279
to where we make them
00:27:15.279 --> 00:27:15.920
our Lord,
00:27:16.500 --> 00:27:17.440
complete apathy
00:27:17.440 --> 00:27:19.480
is also not the answer.
00:27:19.480 --> 00:27:21.000
the care given
00:27:21.000 --> 00:27:22.140
needs to be calculated
00:27:22.140 --> 00:27:23.920
but not worshipped.
00:27:24.579 --> 00:27:25.740
We ought to steward
00:27:25.740 --> 00:27:26.980
God's creation well
00:27:26.980 --> 00:27:28.039
even though he is
00:27:28.039 --> 00:27:28.500
going to come
00:27:28.500 --> 00:27:29.140
and destroy it.
00:27:29.579 --> 00:27:30.720
We ought to work hard
00:27:30.720 --> 00:27:31.480
at our jobs
00:27:31.480 --> 00:27:32.920
and have an exit plan
00:27:32.920 --> 00:27:33.860
to feed our families
00:27:33.860 --> 00:27:34.880
knowing that God
00:27:34.880 --> 00:27:36.140
promises to provide.
00:27:36.700 --> 00:27:37.599
We should take our kids
00:27:37.599 --> 00:27:38.120
to the doctor
00:27:38.120 --> 00:27:38.740
if there's a medical
00:27:38.740 --> 00:27:39.360
concern.
00:27:40.240 --> 00:27:41.160
The difference is
00:27:41.160 --> 00:27:43.400
we rejoice in the Lord
00:27:43.400 --> 00:27:44.660
all the while
00:27:44.660 --> 00:27:45.880
knowing that he is
00:27:45.880 --> 00:27:46.960
working through it all.
00:27:47.620 --> 00:27:48.680
He cares for his children.
00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:49.980
He cares for us better
00:27:49.980 --> 00:27:51.299
than we care for ourselves.
00:27:51.880 --> 00:27:52.900
And he commands us
00:27:52.900 --> 00:27:53.840
to do these things.
00:27:53.920 --> 00:27:54.480
He commands us
00:27:54.480 --> 00:27:55.480
to provide for our families.
00:27:55.620 --> 00:27:56.400
He tells us
00:27:56.400 --> 00:27:57.740
to have some wine
00:27:57.740 --> 00:27:59.000
if you have a stomach ache.
00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:00.660
He tells us
00:28:00.660 --> 00:28:01.420
that the wise man
00:28:01.420 --> 00:28:02.059
builds his house
00:28:02.059 --> 00:28:03.220
on a rock not sand.
00:28:04.039 --> 00:28:05.140
We seek to be faithful
00:28:05.140 --> 00:28:06.980
yet prudent
00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:09.579
and we trust the Lord
00:28:09.579 --> 00:28:10.299
and the outcomes.
00:28:10.299 --> 00:28:11.000
If it ends
00:28:11.000 --> 00:28:11.819
in physical blessing
00:28:11.819 --> 00:28:13.059
praise God.
00:28:13.779 --> 00:28:15.160
If it ends like Paul
00:28:15.160 --> 00:28:16.299
in physical hardship
00:28:16.299 --> 00:28:17.759
praise God.
00:28:18.659 --> 00:28:20.119
These physical circumstances
00:28:20.119 --> 00:28:21.899
are not our Lord.
00:28:23.319 --> 00:28:24.139
Quite often
00:28:24.139 --> 00:28:25.200
things aren't
00:28:25.200 --> 00:28:26.220
really that peachy.
00:28:26.899 --> 00:28:27.539
What if we really
00:28:27.539 --> 00:28:28.579
do lose our jobs?
00:28:28.700 --> 00:28:29.539
What if Russia
00:28:29.539 --> 00:28:30.700
really does attack?
00:28:31.819 --> 00:28:33.099
God does not promise
00:28:33.099 --> 00:28:34.039
that everything
00:28:34.039 --> 00:28:35.500
will be a bed of roses
00:28:35.500 --> 00:28:36.899
here on earth.
00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:37.519
In fact
00:28:37.519 --> 00:28:38.519
he promises
00:28:38.519 --> 00:28:39.819
that we are going
00:28:39.819 --> 00:28:40.579
to be persecuted
00:28:40.579 --> 00:28:41.299
and he promises
00:28:41.299 --> 00:28:42.399
that work is going
00:28:42.399 --> 00:28:43.119
to be difficult.
00:28:43.559 --> 00:28:44.000
He promises
00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:44.799
that in this world
00:28:44.799 --> 00:28:45.299
we are going
00:28:45.299 --> 00:28:46.359
to have tribulation.
00:28:46.859 --> 00:28:47.480
But amidst
00:28:47.480 --> 00:28:48.079
these things
00:28:48.079 --> 00:28:49.099
he promises
00:28:49.099 --> 00:28:50.899
spiritual respite.
00:28:51.740 --> 00:28:52.480
God being Lord
00:28:52.480 --> 00:28:53.700
gives us what we need
00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:55.359
to not be overwhelmed
00:28:55.359 --> 00:28:56.139
in fear.
00:28:57.220 --> 00:28:57.819
When the world
00:28:57.819 --> 00:28:58.419
fails us
00:28:58.419 --> 00:28:59.399
we are not to be
00:28:59.399 --> 00:29:00.740
surprised or anxious
00:29:00.740 --> 00:29:02.000
but instead
00:29:02.000 --> 00:29:03.359
we allow these things
00:29:03.359 --> 00:29:04.399
to push us deeper
00:29:04.399 --> 00:29:05.740
into trust
00:29:05.740 --> 00:29:07.000
in the eternal
00:29:07.000 --> 00:29:08.299
and never failing
00:29:08.299 --> 00:29:08.899
God.
00:29:09.559 --> 00:29:10.680
So turn from hope
00:29:10.680 --> 00:29:11.379
in the world
00:29:11.380 --> 00:29:13.200
and turn to hope
00:29:13.200 --> 00:29:13.960
in God.
00:29:14.520 --> 00:29:15.540
He is a good Lord.
00:29:16.360 --> 00:29:16.800
He has done
00:29:16.800 --> 00:29:17.320
great things
00:29:17.320 --> 00:29:18.240
and he promises
00:29:18.240 --> 00:29:19.600
great things.
00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:21.920
You can find rest
00:29:21.920 --> 00:29:22.720
for all the
00:29:22.720 --> 00:29:23.820
red alarms
00:29:23.820 --> 00:29:24.560
that the news
00:29:24.560 --> 00:29:25.380
provides you
00:29:25.380 --> 00:29:26.780
or that we make up
00:29:26.780 --> 00:29:27.740
in our own minds
00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:28.960
with the reliable
00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:29.820
truths that God
00:29:29.820 --> 00:29:30.900
has provided us
00:29:30.900 --> 00:29:31.580
in his word.
00:29:32.040 --> 00:29:32.560
Study them
00:29:32.560 --> 00:29:33.440
know them
00:29:33.440 --> 00:29:34.800
memorize them
00:29:34.800 --> 00:29:35.640
cling to them
00:29:35.640 --> 00:29:37.400
they are for your
00:29:37.400 --> 00:29:38.200
soul's well-being
00:29:38.200 --> 00:29:38.920
and for the glory
00:29:38.920 --> 00:29:39.480
of God.
00:29:39.940 --> 00:29:40.660
They are tools
00:29:40.660 --> 00:29:41.220
for you
00:29:41.220 --> 00:29:41.960
in the fight
00:29:41.960 --> 00:29:42.980
against anxiety.
00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:44.980
We have talked
00:29:44.980 --> 00:29:45.340
at length
00:29:45.340 --> 00:29:46.580
how God is Lord
00:29:46.580 --> 00:29:47.660
and what that implies
00:29:47.660 --> 00:29:48.759
for anxiety
00:29:48.759 --> 00:29:49.860
and rejoicing.
00:29:50.660 --> 00:29:52.080
Seeing what he has done
00:29:52.080 --> 00:29:52.660
we know
00:29:52.660 --> 00:29:53.880
that his word
00:29:53.880 --> 00:29:55.120
is backed
00:29:55.120 --> 00:29:56.880
with his omnipotence
00:29:56.880 --> 00:29:58.980
knowing his reliability.
00:30:00.000 --> 00:30:00.720
We can hope
00:30:00.720 --> 00:30:01.480
in the promises
00:30:01.480 --> 00:30:02.480
he gives
00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:03.040
for the future.
00:30:04.180 --> 00:30:04.600
These things
00:30:04.600 --> 00:30:05.180
are not just
00:30:05.180 --> 00:30:06.120
to be understood
00:30:06.120 --> 00:30:07.779
from a theological
00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:08.519
academic
00:30:08.519 --> 00:30:09.860
perspective
00:30:09.859 --> 00:30:11.000
our text
00:30:11.000 --> 00:30:11.539
ends
00:30:11.539 --> 00:30:12.359
with a command
00:30:12.359 --> 00:30:13.199
to also be
00:30:13.199 --> 00:30:13.779
in personal
00:30:13.779 --> 00:30:14.439
relationship
00:30:14.439 --> 00:30:15.139
with the Lord
00:30:15.139 --> 00:30:16.539
not just to know
00:30:16.539 --> 00:30:17.240
about him
00:30:17.240 --> 00:30:18.259
but to know him
00:30:18.259 --> 00:30:18.719
personally.
00:30:19.199 --> 00:30:20.019
We are to commune
00:30:20.019 --> 00:30:20.500
with him
00:30:20.500 --> 00:30:21.519
and this is our
00:30:21.519 --> 00:30:22.359
final point
00:30:22.359 --> 00:30:24.479
pray for everything.
00:30:26.240 --> 00:30:27.179
In our text
00:30:27.179 --> 00:30:27.759
we have four
00:30:27.759 --> 00:30:28.579
different words
00:30:28.579 --> 00:30:29.859
used for how
00:30:29.859 --> 00:30:30.339
we are to talk
00:30:30.339 --> 00:30:30.659
to God.
00:30:30.819 --> 00:30:31.339
There is prayer
00:30:31.339 --> 00:30:32.659
supplication
00:30:32.659 --> 00:30:33.959
thanksgiving
00:30:33.959 --> 00:30:35.240
and requests.
00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:36.880
the latter
00:30:36.880 --> 00:30:37.380
three
00:30:37.380 --> 00:30:38.700
supplication
00:30:38.700 --> 00:30:39.339
thanksgiving
00:30:39.339 --> 00:30:39.920
and requesting
00:30:39.920 --> 00:30:40.500
are all
00:30:40.500 --> 00:30:41.160
under the umbrella
00:30:41.160 --> 00:30:41.740
of prayer.
00:30:42.420 --> 00:30:43.039
Prayer includes
00:30:43.039 --> 00:30:43.740
more than just
00:30:43.740 --> 00:30:45.000
these three categories
00:30:45.000 --> 00:30:46.160
but all of them
00:30:46.160 --> 00:30:46.940
should be a part
00:30:46.940 --> 00:30:47.500
of our regular
00:30:47.500 --> 00:30:48.319
prayer life.
00:30:50.000 --> 00:30:51.019
And let's note
00:30:51.019 --> 00:30:51.680
that God
00:30:51.680 --> 00:30:53.099
is commanding us
00:30:53.099 --> 00:30:53.880
to pray to him
00:30:53.880 --> 00:30:54.599
in everything.
00:30:56.079 --> 00:30:56.519
So therefore
00:30:56.519 --> 00:30:57.319
he wants us
00:30:57.319 --> 00:30:58.500
to bear these things
00:30:58.500 --> 00:30:59.039
with him.
00:30:59.039 --> 00:31:01.220
we fool
00:31:01.220 --> 00:31:01.740
ourselves
00:31:01.740 --> 00:31:02.720
to think
00:31:02.720 --> 00:31:03.539
that we can
00:31:03.539 --> 00:31:04.379
or should
00:31:04.379 --> 00:31:05.599
muster these
00:31:05.599 --> 00:31:06.700
things by ourselves.
00:31:07.399 --> 00:31:08.119
It is deception
00:31:08.119 --> 00:31:08.799
to pretend
00:31:08.799 --> 00:31:09.440
that the Lord
00:31:09.440 --> 00:31:11.220
doesn't care
00:31:11.220 --> 00:31:11.799
about your
00:31:11.799 --> 00:31:12.740
little trivial
00:31:12.740 --> 00:31:13.319
concerns
00:31:13.319 --> 00:31:14.779
or that he's
00:31:14.779 --> 00:31:15.460
too busy
00:31:15.460 --> 00:31:16.139
to listen.
00:31:17.240 --> 00:31:17.960
God wants us
00:31:17.960 --> 00:31:18.659
to walk in step
00:31:18.659 --> 00:31:19.079
with him
00:31:19.079 --> 00:31:20.200
in everything.
00:31:20.440
--> 00:31:21.420
Every experience
00:31:21.420 --> 00:31:21.920
we have
00:31:21.920 --> 00:31:22.519
every thought
00:31:22.519 --> 00:31:22.960
that pops
00:31:22.960 --> 00:31:23.700
into our minds
00:31:23.700 --> 00:31:24.779
we are talking
00:31:24.779 --> 00:31:25.339
and walking
00:31:25.339 --> 00:31:25.920
with God.
00:31:26.440 --> 00:31:27.460
God is omnipresent
00:31:27.460 --> 00:31:28.460
and he is
00:31:28.460 --> 00:31:29.180
omniscient.
00:31:30.180 --> 00:31:31.360
He is everywhere
00:31:31.360 --> 00:31:33.019
and all powerful.
00:31:34.360 --> 00:31:35.120
He is never
00:31:35.120 --> 00:31:36.900
too busy
00:31:36.900 --> 00:31:38.140
to give you
00:31:38.140 --> 00:31:38.740
his ear
00:31:38.740 --> 00:31:39.680
or fulfill
00:31:39.680 --> 00:31:40.400
his promises
00:31:40.400 --> 00:31:41.019
to you.
00:31:41.819 --> 00:31:43.000
He is a hospitable
00:31:43.000 --> 00:31:44.380
and welcoming
00:31:44.380 --> 00:31:45.140
father
00:31:45.140 --> 00:31:46.220
comforting
00:31:46.220 --> 00:31:47.039
his children.
00:31:48.279 --> 00:31:49.140
He does not
00:31:49.140 --> 00:31:50.340
scowl
00:31:50.340 --> 00:31:51.100
at us
00:31:51.100 --> 00:31:51.779
for asking
00:31:51.779 --> 00:31:52.519
the wrong things
00:31:52.519 --> 00:31:53.140
and he doesn't
00:31:53.140 --> 00:31:53.759
expect us
00:31:53.759 --> 00:31:54.640
to do everything
00:31:54.640 --> 00:31:55.500
by ourselves.
00:31:56.180 --> 00:31:56.920
But instead
00:31:56.920 --> 00:31:57.680
he gives us
00:31:57.680 --> 00:31:58.140
peace
00:31:58.140 --> 00:31:58.800
and he guards
00:31:58.800 --> 00:31:59.180
our hearts
00:31:59.180 --> 00:31:59.580
and minds
00:31:59.580 --> 00:31:59.980
in Christ
00:31:59.980 --> 00:32:00.300
Jesus
00:32:00.300 --> 00:32:00.800
through our
00:32:00.800 --> 00:32:01.140
prayers.
00:32:02.660 --> 00:32:03.060
So if we
00:32:03.060 --> 00:32:03.460
need something
00:32:03.460 --> 00:32:04.080
supplied
00:32:04.080 --> 00:32:05.720
we go to
00:32:05.720 --> 00:32:06.140
God
00:32:06.140 --> 00:32:06.620
for that
00:32:06.620 --> 00:32:07.440
supplication.
00:32:08.160 --> 00:32:08.700
Our requests
00:32:08.700 --> 00:32:09.240
are made
00:32:09.240 --> 00:32:09.740
to God
00:32:09.740 --> 00:32:10.540
because God
00:32:10.540 --> 00:32:11.540
is the Lord.
00:32:11.680 --> 00:32:12.100
He is the
00:32:12.100 --> 00:32:12.800
sovereign one
00:32:12.800 --> 00:32:13.400
over all
00:32:13.400 --> 00:32:13.920
things that
00:32:13.920 --> 00:32:14.600
can actually
00:32:14.600 --> 00:32:15.200
do something
00:32:15.200 --> 00:32:15.820
about it.
00:32:16.540 --> 00:32:17.220
Being clothed
00:32:17.220 --> 00:32:17.720
in Christ's
00:32:17.720 --> 00:32:18.080
righteousness
00:32:18.080 --> 00:32:18.840
we can draw
00:32:18.840 --> 00:32:19.560
near his throne
00:32:19.560 --> 00:32:20.259
with confidence
00:32:20.259 --> 00:32:20.860
to make our
00:32:20.860 --> 00:32:21.360
requests
00:32:21.359 --> 00:32:21.500
hearts.
00:32:22.339 --> 00:32:22.759
And God
00:32:22.759 --> 00:32:23.079
in some
00:32:23.079 --> 00:32:23.439
spiritual
00:32:23.439 --> 00:32:23.939
economy
00:32:23.939 --> 00:32:24.659
uses our
00:32:24.659 --> 00:32:24.959
prayers
00:32:24.959 --> 00:32:25.679
to accomplish
00:32:25.679 --> 00:32:26.339
his works.
00:32:26.799 --> 00:32:27.379
He knows
00:32:27.379 --> 00:32:27.779
what we are
00:32:27.779 --> 00:32:28.199
going to
00:32:28.199 --> 00:32:28.679
pray for
00:32:28.679 --> 00:32:29.219
before we
00:32:29.219 --> 00:32:30.000
even ask.
00:32:30.500 --> 00:32:30.779
He has
00:32:30.779 --> 00:32:31.139
already
00:32:31.139 --> 00:32:31.699
written
00:32:31.699 --> 00:32:32.199
history
00:32:32.199 --> 00:32:33.519
but part
00:32:33.519 --> 00:32:33.819
of his
00:32:33.819 --> 00:32:34.139
history
00:32:34.139 --> 00:32:34.599
is using
00:32:34.599 --> 00:32:35.039
our prayers
00:32:35.039 --> 00:32:35.439
as a
00:32:35.439 --> 00:32:35.839
means
00:32:35.839 --> 00:32:36.299
to his
00:32:36.299 --> 00:32:36.699
ends.
00:32:37.659 --> 00:32:38.179
He desires
00:32:38.179 --> 00:32:39.039
our relationship
00:32:39.039 --> 00:32:40.339
dependency
00:32:40.339 --> 00:32:41.259
and submission
00:32:41.259 --> 00:32:42.159
to him
00:32:42.159 --> 00:32:42.639
to carry
00:32:42.639 --> 00:32:43.159
out these
00:32:43.159 --> 00:32:43.559
things.
00:32:44.119 --> 00:32:44.819
That doesn't
00:32:44.819 --> 00:32:45.479
mean he does
00:32:45.479 --> 00:32:46.079
everything we
00:32:46.079 --> 00:32:46.719
ask him to
00:32:46.720 --> 00:32:47.500
and it
00:32:47.500 --> 00:32:47.759
doesn't
00:32:47.759 --> 00:32:48.140
mean he's
00:32:48.140 --> 00:32:48.579
dependent
00:32:48.579 --> 00:32:49.180
upon our
00:32:49.180 --> 00:32:49.460
prayers
00:32:49.460 --> 00:32:50.039
to execute
00:32:50.039 --> 00:32:50.640
his will.
00:32:51.039 --> 00:32:51.440
It means
00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:51.759
that he
00:32:51.759 --> 00:32:52.360
uses our
00:32:52.360 --> 00:32:52.700
prayers
00:32:52.700 --> 00:32:53.160
and his
00:32:53.160 --> 00:32:53.500
wisdom
00:32:53.500 --> 00:32:54.319
to dictate
00:32:54.319 --> 00:32:54.700
our
00:32:54.700 --> 00:32:55.360
circumstances
00:32:55.360 --> 00:32:56.160
as he
00:32:56.160 --> 00:32:57.100
sees fit.
00:32:57.519 --> 00:32:58.660
He is
00:32:58.660 --> 00:32:59.440
Lord.
00:33:00.240 --> 00:33:00.960
Because he
00:33:00.960 --> 00:33:01.420
is Lord
00:33:01.420 --> 00:33:02.019
he is also
00:33:02.019 --> 00:33:02.339
the one
00:33:02.339 --> 00:33:02.680
we are to
00:33:02.680 --> 00:33:03.220
be thankful
00:33:03.220 --> 00:33:03.640
to.
00:33:04.279 --> 00:33:04.620
I think
00:33:04.620 --> 00:33:04.920
the Lord
00:33:04.920 --> 00:33:05.680
often uses
00:33:05.680 --> 00:33:06.279
these prayers
00:33:06.279 --> 00:33:06.900
of thanksgiving
00:33:06.900 --> 00:33:07.420
in a very
00:33:07.420 --> 00:33:08.019
real,
00:33:08.299 --> 00:33:08.640
practical,
00:33:08.860 --> 00:33:09.100
tangible
00:33:09.100 --> 00:33:10.059
way to
00:33:10.059 --> 00:33:10.559
help us
00:33:10.559 --> 00:33:10.980
rejoice
00:33:10.980 --> 00:33:11.819
always and
00:33:11.819 --> 00:33:12.759
resist anxiety.
00:33:14.019 --> 00:33:14.940
1 Thessalonians
00:33:14.940 --> 00:33:16.539
says similarly
00:33:16.539 --> 00:33:17.119
to our
00:33:17.119 --> 00:33:17.599
text rejoice
00:33:17.599 --> 00:33:18.079
always,
00:33:18.480 --> 00:33:18.920
pray without
00:33:18.920 --> 00:33:19.339
ceasing,
00:33:19.680 --> 00:33:20.079
and give
00:33:20.079 --> 00:33:20.559
thanks in
00:33:20.559 --> 00:33:21.480
all circumstances.
00:33:22.359 --> 00:33:22.819
So letting
00:33:22.819 --> 00:33:23.759
yourself stop
00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:24.259
and reflect
00:33:24.259 --> 00:33:24.639
on your
00:33:24.639 --> 00:33:25.299
circumstances
00:33:25.299 --> 00:33:25.960
from a
00:33:25.960 --> 00:33:26.859
broader lens
00:33:26.859 --> 00:33:27.740
I think
00:33:27.740 --> 00:33:28.119
will open
00:33:28.119 --> 00:33:28.579
your eyes
00:33:28.579 --> 00:33:29.180
to see
00:33:29.180 --> 00:33:29.839
how much
00:33:29.839 --> 00:33:30.220
you have
00:33:30.220 --> 00:33:30.539
to be
00:33:30.539 --> 00:33:30.799
thankful
00:33:30.799 --> 00:33:31.180
for.
00:33:32.339 --> 00:33:32.859
Instead
00:33:32.859 --> 00:33:33.319
of letting
00:33:33.319 --> 00:33:34.339
your flesh,
00:33:34.859 --> 00:33:35.399
the world,
00:33:35.539 --> 00:33:35.940
and Satan
00:33:35.940 --> 00:33:36.920
convince you
00:33:36.920 --> 00:33:37.319
of how
00:33:37.319 --> 00:33:37.859
hopeless
00:33:37.859 --> 00:33:38.420
this world
00:33:38.420 --> 00:33:38.799
is,
00:33:39.539 --> 00:33:39.940
you can
00:33:39.940 --> 00:33:40.599
thank the
00:33:40.599 --> 00:33:41.220
Lord for
00:33:41.220 --> 00:33:41.519
all the
00:33:41.519 --> 00:33:41.879
things he
00:33:41.879 --> 00:33:42.599
has blessed
00:33:42.599 --> 00:33:43.059
you with.
00:33:43.859 --> 00:33:44.220
So find
00:33:44.220 --> 00:33:44.700
ways to
00:33:44.700 --> 00:33:45.299
recognize
00:33:45.299 --> 00:33:45.899
God's
00:33:45.899 --> 00:33:46.519
providence
00:33:46.519 --> 00:33:46.859
in your
00:33:46.859 --> 00:33:47.440
situations
00:33:47.440 --> 00:33:48.740
and never
00:33:48.740 --> 00:33:49.299
forget that
00:33:49.299 --> 00:33:49.559
what we
00:33:49.559 --> 00:33:50.039
deserve
00:33:50.039 --> 00:33:51.000
is death
00:33:51.000 --> 00:33:51.359
and hell
00:33:51.359 --> 00:33:52.039
that Christ
00:33:52.039 --> 00:33:53.279
saved,
00:33:53.400 --> 00:33:53.700
that Christ
00:33:53.700 --> 00:33:54.119
died for
00:33:54.119 --> 00:33:54.379
us.
00:33:54.740 --> 00:33:55.079
So giving
00:33:55.079 --> 00:33:56.019
thanks turns
00:33:56.019 --> 00:33:56.639
that outlook
00:33:56.639 --> 00:33:57.379
from a
00:33:57.379
--> 00:33:58.500
worldly and
00:33:58.500 --> 00:33:59.059
emotionally
00:33:59.059 --> 00:34:00.039
overwhelmed
00:34:00.039 --> 00:34:00.819
disposition
00:34:00.819 --> 00:34:02.819
to a
00:34:02.819 --> 00:34:03.259
confidence
00:34:03.259 --> 00:34:03.799
in the
00:34:03.799 --> 00:34:04.079
Lord's
00:34:04.079 --> 00:34:04.440
goodness
00:34:04.440 --> 00:34:05.059
and
00:34:05.059 --> 00:34:05.639
providence
00:34:05.639 --> 00:34:06.119
over all
00:34:06.119 --> 00:34:06.559
things.
00:34:08.400 --> 00:34:08.780
And this
00:34:08.780 --> 00:34:09.360
text ends
00:34:09.360 --> 00:34:10.539
and tells
00:34:10.539 --> 00:34:10.900
us that the
00:34:10.900 --> 00:34:12.139
result is
00:34:12.139 --> 00:34:12.679
the peace
00:34:12.679 --> 00:34:13.380
of God
00:34:13.380 --> 00:34:14.539
that surpasses
00:34:14.539 --> 00:34:15.300
understanding.
00:34:16.000 --> 00:34:16.559
I take
00:34:16.559 --> 00:34:16.900
this to
00:34:16.900 --> 00:34:17.279
mean that
00:34:17.279 --> 00:34:17.639
it's not
00:34:17.639 --> 00:34:17.940
just
00:34:17.940 --> 00:34:18.679
known,
00:34:19.900 --> 00:34:20.759
it surpasses
00:34:20.759 --> 00:34:21.300
understanding,
00:34:21.699 --> 00:34:22.340
it is also
00:34:22.340 --> 00:34:22.900
felt,
00:34:23.139 --> 00:34:23.579
it is
00:34:23.579 --> 00:34:24.259
real,
00:34:24.440 --> 00:34:24.800
the Lord
00:34:24.800 --> 00:34:25.579
is actually
00:34:25.579 --> 00:34:26.579
present in
00:34:26.579 --> 00:34:27.679
us through
00:34:27.679 --> 00:34:28.279
our prayer,
00:34:28.420 --> 00:34:29.039
bringing us
00:34:29.039 --> 00:34:30.259
peace inwardly.
00:34:30.599 --> 00:34:31.279
It's part of
00:34:31.279 --> 00:34:32.239
what makes the
00:34:32.239 --> 00:34:33.440
relationship a
00:34:33.440 --> 00:34:34.259
two-way street.
00:34:34.380 --> 00:34:34.759
We aren't
00:34:34.759 --> 00:34:35.679
just talking
00:34:35.679 --> 00:34:36.360
with God
00:34:36.360 --> 00:34:37.199
and shooting
00:34:37.199 --> 00:34:37.639
our prayers
00:34:37.639 --> 00:34:38.380
up aimlessly.
00:34:38.380 --> 00:34:40.380
He is
00:34:40.380 --> 00:34:41.200
giving us
00:34:41.200 --> 00:34:41.680
peace as
00:34:41.680 --> 00:34:41.920
we are
00:34:41.920 --> 00:34:42.539
talking with
00:34:42.539 --> 00:34:42.760
Him.
00:34:43.640 --> 00:34:43.980
And this
00:34:43.980 --> 00:34:44.340
kind of
00:34:44.340 --> 00:34:44.940
peace protects
00:34:44.940 --> 00:34:45.380
your hearts
00:34:45.380 --> 00:34:45.680
and your
00:34:45.680 --> 00:34:46.160
minds from
00:34:46.160 --> 00:34:46.660
anxiety,
00:34:47.019 --> 00:34:47.420
and it
00:34:47.420 --> 00:34:47.940
provides you
00:34:47.940 --> 00:34:48.240
with the
00:34:48.240 --> 00:34:48.559
joy that
00:34:48.559 --> 00:34:49.039
we have
00:34:49.039 --> 00:34:49.599
in Christ.
00:34:49.760 --> 00:34:49.980
We don't
00:34:49.980 --> 00:34:50.260
just,
00:34:51.300 --> 00:34:52.880
you know,
00:34:52.920
--> 00:34:53.119
again,
00:34:53.180 --> 00:34:53.400
we don't
00:34:53.400 --> 00:34:53.920
just have
00:34:53.920 --> 00:34:54.440
this one-way
00:34:54.440 --> 00:34:54.720
street,
00:34:54.840 --> 00:34:55.220
it's both.
00:34:56.079 --> 00:34:57.519
The suggestion
00:34:57.519 --> 00:34:58.800
box is not
00:34:58.800 --> 00:34:59.480
just there
00:34:59.480 --> 00:34:59.800
for our
00:34:59.800 --> 00:35:00.079
taking.
00:35:01.059 --> 00:35:01.660
So He
00:35:01.660 --> 00:35:02.240
actually hears
00:35:02.240 --> 00:35:02.760
our prayers,
00:35:03.420 --> 00:35:03.980
and He
00:35:03.980 --> 00:35:04.519
responds to
00:35:04.519 --> 00:35:04.720
them.
00:35:05.680 --> 00:35:06.160
So pray
00:35:06.160 --> 00:35:06.519
to Him,
00:35:06.519 --> 00:35:08.099
be in
00:35:08.099 --> 00:35:08.420
fellowship
00:35:08.420 --> 00:35:08.940
with Him,
00:35:09.800 --> 00:35:10.300
tell Him
00:35:10.300 --> 00:35:10.599
of the
00:35:10.599 --> 00:35:11.059
things that
00:35:11.059 --> 00:35:11.460
are sweet
00:35:11.460 --> 00:35:11.820
to you,
00:35:12.340 --> 00:35:12.780
tell Him
00:35:12.780 --> 00:35:13.059
of the
00:35:13.059 --> 00:35:13.460
things that
00:35:13.460 --> 00:35:13.960
you are
00:35:13.960 --> 00:35:14.300
struggling
00:35:14.300 --> 00:35:14.679
with,
00:35:15.639 --> 00:35:16.139
tell Him
00:35:16.139 --> 00:35:16.380
of the
00:35:16.380 --> 00:35:16.699
things you
00:35:16.699 --> 00:35:17.059
need help
00:35:17.059 --> 00:35:17.380
with.
00:35:18.460 --> 00:35:18.820
One of
00:35:18.820 --> 00:35:19.139
the things
00:35:19.139 --> 00:35:19.519
that Christ
00:35:19.519 --> 00:35:19.940
did for
00:35:19.940 --> 00:35:20.159
us,
00:35:20.259 --> 00:35:20.539
one of the
00:35:20.539 --> 00:35:20.800
things He
00:35:20.800 --> 00:35:21.579
accomplishes
00:35:21.579 --> 00:35:23.460
for us,
00:35:23.519 --> 00:35:23.780
is this
00:35:23.780 --> 00:35:24.119
personal
00:35:24.119 --> 00:35:24.699
relationship.
00:35:25.360 --> 00:35:25.780
So walk
00:35:25.780 --> 00:35:26.059
with your
00:35:26.059 --> 00:35:26.579
Father in
00:35:26.579 --> 00:35:27.059
a prayerful
00:35:27.059 --> 00:35:27.340
way,
00:35:28.380 --> 00:35:28.659
He is
00:35:28.659 --> 00:35:29.179
with you,
00:35:29.599 --> 00:35:30.019
and He
00:35:30.019 --> 00:35:30.380
will go
00:35:30.380 --> 00:35:30.800
with you.
00:35:32.980 --> 00:35:33.619
So this
00:35:33.619 --> 00:35:34.199
text has
00:35:34.199 --> 00:35:35.739
three summary
00:35:35.739 --> 00:35:36.280
thoughts.
00:35:36.519 --> 00:35:38.460
first,
00:35:39.340 --> 00:35:40.079
we rejoice,
00:35:40.900 --> 00:35:41.800
we rest
00:35:41.800 --> 00:35:42.219
our anxious
00:35:42.219 --> 00:35:42.619
hearts,
00:35:42.759 --> 00:35:42.940
and we
00:35:42.940 --> 00:35:43.360
pray to
00:35:43.360 --> 00:35:43.719
God,
00:35:44.119 --> 00:35:44.719
all because
00:35:44.719 --> 00:35:45.920
He is
00:35:45.920 --> 00:35:46.500
Lord.
00:35:47.559 --> 00:35:48.000
Worship
00:35:48.000 --> 00:35:48.639
Him as
00:35:48.639 --> 00:35:49.039
such.
00:35:49.199 --> 00:35:49.559
Do not
00:35:49.559 --> 00:35:50.239
neglect to
00:35:50.239 --> 00:35:50.900
express that
00:35:50.900 --> 00:35:51.920
horizontally to
00:35:51.920 --> 00:35:53.280
everyone around
00:35:53.280 --> 00:35:53.599
you, but
00:35:53.599 --> 00:35:54.440
also express it
00:35:54.440 --> 00:35:55.079
vertically to
00:35:55.079 --> 00:35:55.599
God in
00:35:55.599 --> 00:35:55.840
prayer.
00:35:57.400 --> 00:35:57.800
Second,
00:35:58.719 --> 00:35:59.099
don't
00:35:59.099 --> 00:36:00.219
dissociate your
00:36:00.219 --> 00:36:00.980
physical being
00:36:00.980 --> 00:36:01.340
from your
00:36:01.340 --> 00:36:01.719
spiritual.
00:36:02.480 --> 00:36:03.079
I think when
00:36:03.079 --> 00:36:03.420
the Scriptures
00:36:03.420 --> 00:36:04.019
say to flee
00:36:04.019 --> 00:36:04.699
temptations or
00:36:04.699 --> 00:36:05.380
to gouge out
00:36:05.380 --> 00:36:06.099
your eye,
00:36:06.099 --> 00:36:06.719
that means we
00:36:06.719 --> 00:36:07.539
should use
00:36:07.539 --> 00:36:08.059
everything in
00:36:08.059 --> 00:36:08.779
our arsenal to
00:36:08.779 --> 00:36:09.980
help us against
00:36:09.980 --> 00:36:11.199
the fight to
00:36:11.199 --> 00:36:12.019
stop sinning or
00:36:12.019 --> 00:36:12.619
to be tempted
00:36:12.619 --> 00:36:13.380
by sin.
00:36:13.799 --> 00:36:14.639
If watching the
00:36:14.639 --> 00:36:15.460
news makes you
00:36:15.460 --> 00:36:17.339
anxious, stop
00:36:17.339 --> 00:36:18.119
watching it for a
00:36:18.119 --> 00:36:18.380
while.
00:36:19.599 --> 00:36:20.400
If you have a
00:36:20.400 --> 00:36:22.019
weird mole, go
00:36:22.019 --> 00:36:22.539
get it checked
00:36:22.539 --> 00:36:22.819
out.
00:36:24.099 --> 00:36:24.779
I've had a
00:36:24.779 --> 00:36:25.380
couple of those.
00:36:27.059 --> 00:36:27.420
But be
00:36:27.420 --> 00:36:28.699
reasonable and
00:36:28.699 --> 00:36:30.059
rest in God's
00:36:30.059 --> 00:36:30.880
sovereignty over
00:36:30.880 --> 00:36:31.440
your physical
00:36:31.440 --> 00:36:32.179
circumstances.
00:36:32.179 --> 00:36:33.539
anxiety is
00:36:33.539 --> 00:36:34.679
never just a
00:36:34.679 --> 00:36:35.399
physical fight.
00:36:36.399 --> 00:36:36.739
And it's
00:36:36.739 --> 00:36:37.480
very often
00:36:37.480 --> 00:36:38.239
purely a
00:36:38.239 --> 00:36:38.919
spiritual one.
00:36:39.819 --> 00:36:40.659
Finally, read
00:36:40.659 --> 00:36:41.719
your Bibles with
00:36:41.719 --> 00:36:42.679
intentionality
00:36:42.679 --> 00:36:43.619
more.
00:36:44.179 --> 00:36:44.519
It will
00:36:44.519 --> 00:36:45.279
produce more
00:36:45.279 --> 00:36:45.960
rejoicing.
00:36:46.339 --> 00:36:46.739
It will give
00:36:46.739 --> 00:36:47.480
you godly
00:36:47.480 --> 00:36:48.379
wisdom to
00:36:48.379 --> 00:36:49.339
disarm the
00:36:49.339 --> 00:36:50.139
lies that the
00:36:50.139 --> 00:36:51.199
world and
00:36:51.199 --> 00:36:52.019
Satan and
00:36:52.019 --> 00:36:53.219
yourself engender.
00:36:54.379 --> 00:36:54.739
It says,
00:36:54.739 --> 00:36:55.440
man will not
00:36:55.440 --> 00:36:56.019
live off bread
00:36:56.019 --> 00:36:57.119
alone, but
00:36:57.119 --> 00:36:57.839
from every word
00:36:57.839 --> 00:36:58.319
that comes from
00:36:58.319 --> 00:36:59.179
the mouth of
00:36:59.179 --> 00:36:59.500
God.
00:36:59.500 --> 00:37:02.039
With that,
00:37:02.760 --> 00:37:03.260
let's pray.