JOY In Humility
Speaker: Sam Low
Date: 24th July 2016
Passage: Philippians 2:1-30
00:00:00 --> 00:00:03 Sometimes we get in the habit of trying to make bad things seem good.
00:00:04 --> 00:00:05 My son has a gift for this.
00:00:05 --> 00:00:11 When he gets in trouble, we try and have a conversation to make sure that he understands what's gone wrong.
00:00:11 --> 00:00:14 And usually the conversation begins with me asking him,
00:00:14 --> 00:00:16 Bailey, why are you in trouble?
00:00:17 --> 00:00:19 What have you done that's made Daddy have to punish you?
00:00:20 --> 00:00:26 And he has this incredible gift to take what he's actually done and twist it into a more positive light.
00:00:26 --> 00:00:33 Well, so instead of punching his brother, he was trying to stop him from doing something naughty.
00:00:34 --> 00:00:38 Instead of stealing something out of the cupboard that's not his, he was helping with the cooking.
00:00:39 --> 00:00:43 No matter how he spins it, he's still doing the wrong thing.
00:00:43 --> 00:00:48 But it is incredible how he can take something which is bad and try and make it seem good.
00:00:49 --> 00:00:53 We do it the same when we're trying to convince our kids to eat foods that don't taste nice,
00:00:54 --> 00:00:56 like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
00:00:56 --> 00:00:58 If you like them, we forgive you.
00:00:59 --> 00:01:02 We know the kid's not going to like them, so we try and trick them.
00:01:03 --> 00:01:09 We drown it in butter or in cheese or in tomato sauce or in something that is good to their taste
00:01:09 --> 00:01:13 to somehow convince them that this other thing tastes good as well.
00:01:13 --> 00:01:16 We take bad things and we try and make them good.
00:01:16 --> 00:01:20 You could be forgiven if you've been here for the last couple of weeks of this series
00:01:20 --> 00:01:24 to feel like we're trying that same trick in this series.
00:01:24 --> 00:01:27 We've got a series called Joy for Everyone.
00:01:28 --> 00:01:31 And so far, we've been encouraged that there's joy in relationships.
00:01:31 --> 00:01:33 Now, you might say difficult but plausible.
00:01:34 --> 00:01:37 Last week, we said that there was joy in suffering.
00:01:38 --> 00:01:42 And then today, joy in sacrificial service.
00:01:42 --> 00:01:49 So like I said, you might be forgiven for feeling like we're trying to take bad things and make them sound good.
00:01:49 --> 00:01:51 But stick with us.
00:01:52 --> 00:01:53 Let's be clear.
00:01:54 --> 00:01:57 When it comes to following Jesus, serving is part of the deal.
00:01:57 --> 00:01:59 It's not an optional extra.
00:01:59 --> 00:02:02 It's not a maybe for those who are particularly keen.
00:02:02 --> 00:02:03 It goes with the territory.
00:02:03 --> 00:02:09 If you've been loved by God, forgiven by God, then the expectation is that you serve Him.
00:02:10 --> 00:02:12 Verse 1 that the kids read out for us.
00:02:12 --> 00:02:13 This is from Philippians 2.
00:02:13 --> 00:02:15 If you've got your Bible there, you can open it up.
00:02:15 --> 00:02:18 If not, as you heard, it would be really encouraging to them
00:02:18 --> 00:02:21 because they're going to be bringing their Bibles if we brought our Bibles as well.
00:02:22 --> 00:02:23 Philippians 2, verse 1.
00:02:23 --> 00:02:46 So the gospel demands that having received so much from God,
00:02:46 --> 00:02:51 that the right response is to show that same kind of love to other people.
00:02:51 --> 00:02:54 And Paul gets explicit about what that looks like in verse 3.
00:02:55 --> 00:02:58 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
00:02:59 --> 00:03:01 Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves,
00:03:01 --> 00:03:06 not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others.
00:03:07 --> 00:03:08 Value others above yourself.
00:03:08 --> 00:03:11 That's what it looks like to respond to God's generosity,
00:03:11 --> 00:03:14 not looking out for yourself, not looking to your own interests.
00:03:14 --> 00:03:19 Now, as basic as that might sound, as noble and obvious as that might sound,
00:03:19 --> 00:03:22 it's much harder to deliver on.
00:03:22 --> 00:03:24 It's much harder to actually live out.
00:03:24 --> 00:03:29 And as if it's not difficult enough, Paul takes it up the level in verse 5
00:03:29 --> 00:03:32 when he says we need to have the same mindset as Jesus himself.
00:03:32 --> 00:03:34 So it's not just be selfless anymore.
00:03:34 --> 00:03:38 It's be Jesus selfless, like completely selfless,
00:03:38 --> 00:03:41 always putting other people first, seeking their good.
00:03:41 --> 00:03:47 And I mean, by definition, serving people, sacrificing is costly.
00:03:48 --> 00:03:50 That's what it means.
00:03:50 --> 00:03:53 It means giving something up for someone else.
00:03:53 --> 00:03:56 I mean, it requires self-denial.
00:03:56 --> 00:03:59 It requires that you miss out on something
00:03:59 --> 00:04:02 because you're busy doing something for somebody else.
00:04:02 --> 00:04:10 And Paul wants to convince us that the gospel can make doing that a source of joy.
00:04:12 --> 00:04:12 How?
00:04:14 --> 00:04:15 It is costly.
00:04:15 --> 00:04:16 He's not denying that.
00:04:16 --> 00:04:21 But Paul wants to convince us that the message of Jesus can take sacrifice,
00:04:21 --> 00:04:23 can take giving up and missing out
00:04:23 --> 00:04:27 and make that something that is deeply satisfying and joyful.
00:04:28 --> 00:04:29 How?
00:04:29 --> 00:04:34 Well, firstly, the gospel reveals.
00:04:35 --> 00:04:36 Have a look at verse 5.
00:04:38 --> 00:04:41 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus,
00:04:42 --> 00:04:46 who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God
00:04:46 --> 00:04:49 something to be used to his own advantage.
00:04:49 --> 00:04:53 What the gospel does is not just tell us a story about what happened,
00:04:53 --> 00:04:56 but it actually reveals who God is.
00:04:56 --> 00:04:59 It reveals what Jesus is like.
00:04:59 --> 00:05:01 It shows us that he is God,
00:05:02 --> 00:05:05 that he's all-knowing, he's all-powerful, he's all-creating, he's holy.
00:05:05 --> 00:05:09 He's everything God is because Jesus is God.
00:05:11 --> 00:05:12 Have a look again.
00:05:12 --> 00:05:14 Being in very nature God, verse 6,
00:05:14 --> 00:05:38 The gospel shows us that the Jesus who is fully God enters our world,
00:05:38 --> 00:05:40 becomes a man and an unimpressive man at that.
00:05:41 --> 00:05:45 He's arrested, tortured, unjustly tried and crucified
00:05:45 --> 00:05:49 by the people that he created.
00:05:50 --> 00:05:54 And all of that is in perfect obedience to his heavenly father.
00:05:54 --> 00:05:56 This is the gospel.
00:05:57 --> 00:06:03 That Jesus came from heaven, lived a perfect life, died in our place,
00:06:03 --> 00:06:06 and then, verse 9,
00:06:06 --> 00:06:09 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place,
00:06:10 --> 00:06:12 gave him the name that is above every name,
00:06:13 --> 00:06:17 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth
00:06:17 --> 00:06:18 and under the earth,
00:06:18 --> 00:06:21 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord
00:06:21 --> 00:06:23 to the glory of God the Father.
00:06:24 --> 00:06:27 Therefore, because of his perfect obedience,
00:06:27 --> 00:06:29 because of his selfless service,
00:06:29 --> 00:06:30 because of his sacrifice,
00:06:31 --> 00:06:34 God exalts Jesus and gives him the name above every name
00:06:34 --> 00:06:36 so that one day every knee will bow to him.
00:06:37 --> 00:06:39 Every tongue will acknowledge that he is the king,
00:06:39 --> 00:06:42 that he is the rightful ruler over all creation.
00:06:42 --> 00:06:48 The gospel transforms service and sacrifice
00:06:48 --> 00:06:53 by revealing who Jesus is,
00:06:53 --> 00:06:55 who it is that we follow,
00:06:55 --> 00:06:59 who it is that demands that we sacrifice and serve in the first place.
00:07:00 --> 00:07:02 I mean, the gospel shows us that the one who demands
00:07:02 --> 00:07:06 selfless, humble, sacrificial service of others
00:07:06 --> 00:07:10 is none other than the one who sits on the throne
00:07:10 --> 00:07:12 over all creation, having served,
00:07:13 --> 00:07:14 and now is exalted with all authority
00:07:14 --> 00:07:17 and is therefore worthy of at least
00:07:17 --> 00:07:21 sacrificial service from those who claim to follow him.
00:07:22 --> 00:07:24 He sits in authority over all creation.
00:07:25 --> 00:07:28 He has the right to demand anything from us.
00:07:29 --> 00:07:32 The gospel shows us who it is who is asking.
00:07:32 --> 00:07:34 It's not a suggestion from somebody
00:07:34 --> 00:07:38 who's just trying to maybe guide us in a good way to live.
00:07:38 --> 00:07:41 It's God who created us.
00:07:42 --> 00:07:45 It's Jesus who died for us and rose again.
00:07:45 --> 00:07:48 It's Jesus who sits on the throne with all authority.
00:07:50 --> 00:07:54 Jesus who is God made the decision to serve us.
00:07:55 --> 00:07:56 He didn't have to.
00:07:58 --> 00:07:59 It was a choice.
00:08:00 --> 00:08:01 It was a decision.
00:08:02 --> 00:08:04 He could have just stayed in heaven
00:08:04 --> 00:08:05 and looked after number one
00:08:05 --> 00:08:08 because he is literally number one.
00:08:09 --> 00:08:11 He is the name above every other name.
00:08:11 --> 00:08:14 It would have been reasonable and right
00:08:14 --> 00:08:15 for him to just stay in heaven
00:08:15 --> 00:08:16 and look after himself
00:08:16 --> 00:08:18 because he is the most important.
00:08:18 --> 00:08:20 He is the most worthy.
00:08:21 --> 00:08:23 But he did not consider his position.
00:08:23 --> 00:08:25 He did not consider his equality with God
00:08:25 --> 00:08:29 something that was there just for his own advantage.
00:08:29 --> 00:08:33 He doesn't just demand service from us.
00:08:33 --> 00:08:34 He does demand it
00:08:34 --> 00:08:36 but he doesn't just demand it.
00:08:36 --> 00:08:38 He models it to us.
00:08:40 --> 00:08:43 God serves us
00:08:43 --> 00:08:46 at incredible personal cost.
00:08:46 --> 00:08:50 And yet we find it difficult
00:08:50 --> 00:08:52 to put our family
00:08:52 --> 00:08:53 before ourselves
00:08:53 --> 00:08:55 or our friends
00:08:55 --> 00:08:59 let alone our enemies.
00:09:00 --> 00:09:02 The Bible tells us
00:09:02 --> 00:09:04 that when we were still his enemies
00:09:04 --> 00:09:05 Christ died for us.
00:09:06 --> 00:09:08 That as Jesus hung on the cross
00:09:08 --> 00:09:10 he served and prayed for those
00:09:10 --> 00:09:11 that put him there.
00:09:11 --> 00:09:16 And somehow
00:09:16 --> 00:09:19 he did it with joy.
00:09:22 --> 00:09:24 Hebrews 12 tells us
00:09:24 --> 00:09:25 that it was because of the joy
00:09:25 --> 00:09:26 set before him
00:09:26 --> 00:09:28 that he endured the cross.
00:09:29 --> 00:09:31 I mean let that mess with your head
00:09:31 --> 00:09:31 just for a second.
00:09:33 --> 00:09:35 All the pain and suffering
00:09:35 --> 00:09:37 of that first Easter
00:09:37 --> 00:09:39 everything that Jesus went through
00:09:39 --> 00:09:40 the cost that he paid
00:09:40 --> 00:09:42 his suffering and his anguish
00:09:42 --> 00:09:45 was actually a path of joy.
00:09:49 --> 00:09:51 Just let that sit for a second.
00:09:53 --> 00:09:55 The gospel demands
00:09:55 --> 00:09:57 sacrifice and service
00:09:57 --> 00:09:58 from those who claim to follow Jesus
00:09:58 --> 00:10:01 but it also reveals
00:10:01 --> 00:10:03 the God who demands it from us
00:10:03 --> 00:10:05 to motivate us
00:10:05 --> 00:10:07 to show us that it's reasonable
00:10:07 --> 00:10:09 for him to demand that from us.
00:10:09 --> 00:10:11 The gospel strikes at the heart
00:10:11 --> 00:10:12 of the two main reasons
00:10:12 --> 00:10:13 we find it difficult
00:10:13 --> 00:10:15 to serve and sacrifice for others.
00:10:15 --> 00:10:16 Fear and selfishness.
00:10:18 --> 00:10:19 Fear and selfishness.
00:10:19 --> 00:10:20 Have a look at verse 12.
00:10:21 --> 00:10:23 Therefore my dear brothers
00:10:23 --> 00:10:24 as you have always obeyed
00:10:24 --> 00:10:26 not only in my presence
00:10:26 --> 00:10:28 but now much more in my absence
00:10:28 --> 00:10:30 continue to work out your salvation
00:10:30 --> 00:10:32 with fear and trembling
00:10:32 --> 00:10:34 for it is God who works in you
00:10:34 --> 00:10:36 to will and to act
00:10:36 --> 00:10:37 in order to fulfill
00:10:37 --> 00:10:39 his good purpose.
00:10:39 --> 00:10:40 It's another therefore.
00:10:40 --> 00:10:42 It's pointing us to what was just before.
00:10:42 --> 00:10:44 Because of who Jesus is
00:10:44 --> 00:10:46 because of what he's done
00:10:46 --> 00:10:48 work out your salvation
00:10:48 --> 00:10:50 with fear and trembling.
00:10:51 --> 00:10:54 Now this is really really important.
00:10:54 --> 00:10:55 These are two verses
00:10:55 --> 00:10:56 that it's easy to trip up on.
00:10:57 --> 00:10:59 This isn't a baton passing.
00:11:00 --> 00:11:02 This isn't God saying
00:11:02 --> 00:11:03 I've served
00:11:03 --> 00:11:04 I've loved
00:11:04 --> 00:11:05 now it's your turn.
00:11:06 --> 00:11:08 This isn't God saying
00:11:08 --> 00:11:09 I've done my bit
00:11:09 --> 00:11:10 and I've forgiven you
00:11:10 --> 00:11:11 and I've loved you
00:11:11 --> 00:11:12 and I've given you a clean slate
00:11:12 --> 00:11:13 and a second chance
00:11:13 --> 00:11:15 now put some effort in.
00:11:16 --> 00:11:17 Now kind of you know
00:11:17 --> 00:11:18 live up to the standard
00:11:18 --> 00:11:19 that I require of you.
00:11:19 --> 00:11:20 That's not it.
00:11:21 --> 00:11:21 In these verses
00:11:21 --> 00:11:23 at the same time
00:11:23 --> 00:11:23 you've got God
00:11:23 --> 00:11:24 working in us
00:11:24 --> 00:11:25 to will
00:11:25 --> 00:11:27 that is to want to do
00:11:27 --> 00:11:27 the right thing
00:11:27 --> 00:11:28 to want to serve
00:11:28 --> 00:11:30 and empowering us
00:11:30 --> 00:11:32 to do the action as well.
00:11:32 --> 00:11:33 He enables
00:11:33 --> 00:11:35 and empowers
00:11:35 --> 00:11:36 and we're told
00:11:36 --> 00:11:37 to work
00:11:37 --> 00:11:38 together
00:11:38 --> 00:11:39 at the same time.
00:11:39 --> 00:11:40 This isn't an excuse
00:11:40 --> 00:11:40 to be lazy.
00:11:42 --> 00:11:44 But have you ever wondered
00:11:44 --> 00:11:46 why the words
00:11:46 --> 00:11:47 fear and trembling?
00:11:49 --> 00:11:49 Paul's just given
00:11:49 --> 00:11:50 one of the most
00:11:50 --> 00:11:51 incredible descriptions
00:11:51 --> 00:11:53 of how unconditional
00:11:53 --> 00:11:54 God's love is.
00:11:55 --> 00:11:57 About the incredible price
00:11:57 --> 00:11:58 that Jesus paid
00:11:58 --> 00:11:59 for people who didn't deserve it
00:11:59 --> 00:12:00 and then he says
00:12:00 --> 00:12:03 with fear and trembling.
00:12:03 --> 00:12:04 What does fear and trembling
00:12:04 --> 00:12:05 have to do with grace?
00:12:06 --> 00:12:07 Have to do with
00:12:07 --> 00:12:08 the unconditional gift
00:12:08 --> 00:12:09 of God for you?
00:12:10 --> 00:12:11 What is there to fear
00:12:11 --> 00:12:12 if we're forgiven?
00:12:15 --> 00:12:17 The gospel message
00:12:17 --> 00:12:18 is the good news
00:12:18 --> 00:12:19 that Jesus
00:12:19 --> 00:12:21 did all that he did
00:12:21 --> 00:12:23 so that we could be
00:12:23 --> 00:12:23 in a relationship
00:12:23 --> 00:12:24 with God.
00:12:24 --> 00:12:27 a perfect God
00:12:27 --> 00:12:30 a powerful God
00:12:30 --> 00:12:32 a holy God
00:12:32 --> 00:12:34 a righteous God
00:12:34 --> 00:12:37 a God who is just.
00:12:40 --> 00:12:41 The gospel is not
00:12:41 --> 00:12:42 the message
00:12:42 --> 00:12:43 that we just got out
00:12:43 --> 00:12:44 of getting in trouble.
00:12:45 --> 00:12:46 The gospel is Jesus
00:12:46 --> 00:12:48 drawing into a relationship
00:12:48 --> 00:12:51 with the almighty creator.
00:12:51 --> 00:12:54 God is not a domesticated God
00:12:54 --> 00:12:55 once you hear the gospel.
00:12:56 --> 00:12:56 He doesn't go from
00:12:56 --> 00:12:57 being big and intimidating
00:12:57 --> 00:12:59 to being small and fluffy
00:12:59 --> 00:13:00 just because of Jesus.
00:13:03 --> 00:13:05 He is a fierce lion.
00:13:07 --> 00:13:08 C.S. Lewis describes him
00:13:08 --> 00:13:10 in the Narnia series
00:13:10 --> 00:13:11 by saying he's good
00:13:11 --> 00:13:13 but he's not safe.
00:13:14 --> 00:13:16 He is still God.
00:13:17 --> 00:13:18 He is still powerful
00:13:18 --> 00:13:19 and mighty
00:13:19 --> 00:13:20 and he's to be treated
00:13:20 --> 00:13:21 with awe
00:13:21 --> 00:13:22 and reverence
00:13:22 --> 00:13:23 fitting for the creator
00:13:23 --> 00:13:25 and sustainer
00:13:25 --> 00:13:26 of all things.
00:13:27 --> 00:13:28 The gospel
00:13:28 --> 00:13:29 motivates us
00:13:29 --> 00:13:30 out of being
00:13:30 --> 00:13:31 self-seeking
00:13:31 --> 00:13:32 out of pursuing
00:13:32 --> 00:13:34 our own gain in life
00:13:34 --> 00:13:36 as the most important thing
00:13:36 --> 00:13:37 by showing us
00:13:37 --> 00:13:38 the majesty
00:13:38 --> 00:13:39 of the one
00:13:39 --> 00:13:40 we claim to serve.
00:13:41 --> 00:13:41 By showing us
00:13:41 --> 00:13:42 the worthiness
00:13:42 --> 00:13:43 of the God
00:13:43 --> 00:13:44 who asks that we would
00:13:44 --> 00:13:45 serve on his behalf.
00:13:47 --> 00:13:48 It's hard
00:13:48 --> 00:13:49 to be selfish.
00:13:50 --> 00:13:50 It's hard
00:13:50 --> 00:13:51 to see yourself
00:13:51 --> 00:13:52 as more important
00:13:52 --> 00:13:53 or more valuable
00:13:53 --> 00:13:54 than others
00:13:54 --> 00:13:55 when you stand
00:13:55 --> 00:13:56 in the presence
00:13:56 --> 00:13:57 of the God
00:13:57 --> 00:13:58 who created you.
00:13:59 --> 00:13:59 The God
00:13:59 --> 00:14:00 who sent his son
00:14:00 --> 00:14:01 to die in your place.
00:14:01 --> 00:14:02 The God
00:14:02 --> 00:14:02 who reigns
00:14:02 --> 00:14:04 over all of creation.
00:14:06 --> 00:14:06 The God
00:14:06 --> 00:14:07 who paid
00:14:07 --> 00:14:08 the highest price
00:14:08 --> 00:14:10 just so that
00:14:10 --> 00:14:10 you could know
00:14:10 --> 00:14:11 him
00:14:11 --> 00:14:14 and know
00:14:14 --> 00:14:14 the joy
00:14:14 --> 00:14:15 of being loved.
00:14:15 --> 00:14:16 God
00:14:16 --> 00:14:18 and the gospel
00:14:18 --> 00:14:20 crushes our fear
00:14:20 --> 00:14:23 because as Paul
00:14:23 --> 00:14:24 says somewhere else
00:14:24 --> 00:14:25 if God gave
00:14:25 --> 00:14:25 Jesus
00:14:25 --> 00:14:27 if God gave
00:14:27 --> 00:14:27 that which cost
00:14:27 --> 00:14:28 the most
00:14:28 --> 00:14:28 if God gave
00:14:28 --> 00:14:29 the bit
00:14:29 --> 00:14:30 that was hardest
00:14:30 --> 00:14:30 to give
00:14:30 --> 00:14:31 that mattered
00:14:31 --> 00:14:31 most to him
00:14:31 --> 00:14:32 how will he not
00:14:32 --> 00:14:32 also
00:14:32 --> 00:14:34 along with him
00:14:34 --> 00:14:35 graciously give us
00:14:35 --> 00:14:35 all things?
00:14:35 --> 00:14:38 the fear
00:14:38 --> 00:14:39 that makes us
00:14:39 --> 00:14:40 not serve
00:14:40 --> 00:14:41 and not sacrifice
00:14:41 --> 00:14:42 is the fear
00:14:42 --> 00:14:43 that if I give
00:14:43 --> 00:14:44 this up
00:14:44 --> 00:14:45 I'll miss out.
00:14:46 --> 00:14:47 If I put you
00:14:47 --> 00:14:48 first
00:14:48 --> 00:14:48 who's going to
00:14:48 --> 00:14:49 look after me?
00:14:49 --> 00:14:51 If I spend
00:14:51 --> 00:14:51 all my time
00:14:51 --> 00:14:52 looking after
00:14:52 --> 00:14:53 other people's
00:14:53 --> 00:14:53 needs
00:14:53 --> 00:14:54 then
00:14:54 --> 00:14:55 does that mean
00:14:55 --> 00:14:56 I'll just spend
00:14:56 --> 00:14:56 all my life
00:14:56 --> 00:14:57 missing out?
00:14:57 --> 00:14:57 I'll spend
00:14:57 --> 00:14:58 all of my life
00:14:58 --> 00:14:59 going without?
00:15:01 --> 00:15:02 What the gospel
00:15:02 --> 00:15:03 does
00:15:03 --> 00:15:05 is it shows me
00:15:05 --> 00:15:06 who I serve
00:15:06 --> 00:15:08 and who serves
00:15:08 --> 00:15:08 me.
00:15:10 --> 00:15:11 As it reveals
00:15:11 --> 00:15:12 God
00:15:12 --> 00:15:12 who I sit
00:15:12 --> 00:15:13 under
00:15:13 --> 00:15:13 and who I have
00:15:13 --> 00:15:15 given my allegiance
00:15:15 --> 00:15:15 to
00:15:15 --> 00:15:16 and who I seek
00:15:16 --> 00:15:16 to obey
00:15:16 --> 00:15:17 it also reveals
00:15:17 --> 00:15:18 the God
00:15:18 --> 00:15:18 who is committed
00:15:18 --> 00:15:19 to me
00:15:19 --> 00:15:21 who is committed
00:15:21 --> 00:15:21 to my good
00:15:21 --> 00:15:22 who has proved
00:15:22 --> 00:15:23 that in sending
00:15:23 --> 00:15:24 his son Jesus
00:15:24 --> 00:15:25 the gospel
00:15:25 --> 00:15:26 shows me
00:15:26 --> 00:15:27 who I'm called
00:15:27 --> 00:15:27 to follow
00:15:27 --> 00:15:29 and who loves
00:15:29 --> 00:15:30 and provides
00:15:30 --> 00:15:31 for me
00:15:31 --> 00:15:32 in every way.
00:15:33 --> 00:15:34 There is no fear
00:15:34 --> 00:15:35 for those
00:15:35 --> 00:15:36 who are loved
00:15:36 --> 00:15:36 by God
00:15:36 --> 00:15:38 because he has
00:15:38 --> 00:15:39 proved he will
00:15:39 --> 00:15:40 give you the good
00:15:40 --> 00:15:41 that you need.
00:15:42 --> 00:15:43 He will never
00:15:43 --> 00:15:44 hold good things
00:15:44 --> 00:15:45 back from us
00:15:45 --> 00:15:46 and this transforms
00:15:46 --> 00:15:48 our perspective
00:15:48 --> 00:15:48 when it comes
00:15:48 --> 00:15:49 to serving
00:15:49 --> 00:15:50 and sacrificing.
00:15:52 --> 00:15:53 Do you remember
00:15:53 --> 00:15:54 what life was like
00:15:54 --> 00:15:55 for the Philippians?
00:15:56 --> 00:15:57 They lived
00:15:57 --> 00:15:58 under the persecution
00:15:58 --> 00:16:00 of the Roman Empire.
00:16:00 --> 00:16:02 The same people
00:16:02 --> 00:16:02 who had imprisoned
00:16:02 --> 00:16:03 Paul who was writing
00:16:03 --> 00:16:04 this letter
00:16:04 --> 00:16:05 for preaching Jesus.
00:16:06 --> 00:16:06 There would have been
00:16:06 --> 00:16:08 social consequences,
00:16:08 --> 00:16:09 economic consequences
00:16:09 --> 00:16:10 for being a Christian
00:16:10 --> 00:16:12 and yet
00:16:12 --> 00:16:13 having called them
00:16:13 --> 00:16:14 to gospel-shaped
00:16:14 --> 00:16:16 service and sacrifice,
00:16:17 --> 00:16:18 Paul turns the knife
00:16:18 --> 00:16:18 even more
00:16:18 --> 00:16:20 and raises the bar
00:16:20 --> 00:16:21 in verse 14.
00:16:22 --> 00:16:23 Do everything
00:16:23 --> 00:16:24 without grumbling
00:16:24 --> 00:16:25 or arguing
00:16:25 --> 00:16:27 so that you may
00:16:27 --> 00:16:27 become blameless
00:16:27 --> 00:16:28 and pure,
00:16:28 --> 00:16:29 children of God
00:16:29 --> 00:16:30 without fault
00:16:30 --> 00:16:31 in a warped
00:16:31 --> 00:16:32 and crooked generation.
00:16:32 --> 00:16:33 Then you will shine
00:16:33 --> 00:16:34 among them
00:16:34 --> 00:16:35 like stars in the sky
00:16:35 --> 00:16:37 as you hold firmly
00:16:37 --> 00:16:38 to the word of life
00:16:38 --> 00:16:40 and then I will be able
00:16:40 --> 00:16:40 to boast
00:16:40 --> 00:16:41 on the day of Christ
00:16:41 --> 00:16:42 that I did not run
00:16:42 --> 00:16:43 or labor in vain.
00:16:44 --> 00:16:46 But even if I am
00:16:46 --> 00:16:47 being poured out
00:16:47 --> 00:16:48 like a drink offering
00:16:48 --> 00:16:49 on the sacrifice
00:16:49 --> 00:16:50 and service
00:16:50 --> 00:16:51 coming from your faith,
00:16:51 --> 00:16:52 I am glad
00:16:52 --> 00:16:53 and rejoice
00:16:53 --> 00:16:54 with all of you.
00:16:55 --> 00:16:56 So you too
00:16:56 --> 00:16:57 should be glad
00:16:57 --> 00:16:58 and rejoice with me.
00:16:58 --> 00:16:59 Do it without complaining.
00:17:01 --> 00:17:02 Do it without grumbling.
00:17:02 --> 00:17:06 Give up things
00:17:06 --> 00:17:07 that matter to you.
00:17:08 --> 00:17:10 Miss out on things
00:17:10 --> 00:17:10 that matter to you
00:17:10 --> 00:17:13 without grumbling
00:17:13 --> 00:17:14 or complaining.
00:17:17 --> 00:17:18 Wouldn't you permit them
00:17:18 --> 00:17:18 just a little bit
00:17:18 --> 00:17:19 of complaining?
00:17:20 --> 00:17:21 I mean we've already
00:17:21 --> 00:17:22 kind of conceded
00:17:22 --> 00:17:24 that service
00:17:24 --> 00:17:24 and sacrifice
00:17:24 --> 00:17:25 and in their case
00:17:25 --> 00:17:26 dealing with
00:17:26 --> 00:17:27 the oppression
00:17:27 --> 00:17:28 of people
00:17:28 --> 00:17:30 is a difficult situation.
00:17:30 --> 00:17:32 haven't we agreed
00:17:32 --> 00:17:33 that sacrifice
00:17:33 --> 00:17:34 is costly?
00:17:34 --> 00:17:36 That there is loss
00:17:36 --> 00:17:37 associated with
00:17:37 --> 00:17:37 what's being asked
00:17:37 --> 00:17:38 of us here?
00:17:38 --> 00:17:39 So isn't complaining
00:17:39 --> 00:17:41 a reasonable response?
00:17:42 --> 00:17:43 Don't we normally
00:17:43 --> 00:17:44 reserve joy
00:17:44 --> 00:17:45 and gratitude
00:17:45 --> 00:17:46 for things
00:17:46 --> 00:17:47 that are enjoyable?
00:17:48 --> 00:17:49 Things where we win?
00:17:50 --> 00:17:51 Things where we get benefit?
00:17:54 --> 00:17:56 But that's just it.
00:17:56 --> 00:17:58 The gospel
00:17:58 --> 00:18:00 so transforms
00:18:00 --> 00:18:00 our perspective
00:18:00 --> 00:18:02 that selflessness
00:18:02 --> 00:18:03 and service
00:18:03 --> 00:18:04 and sacrifice
00:18:04 --> 00:18:06 what is costly
00:18:06 --> 00:18:08 what is difficult
00:18:08 --> 00:18:11 is actually a gift
00:18:11 --> 00:18:13 and a joy
00:18:13 --> 00:18:14 at the same time.
00:18:15 --> 00:18:16 Those who are loved
00:18:16 --> 00:18:17 by Jesus
00:18:17 --> 00:18:19 can pay great cost
00:18:19 --> 00:18:20 for the sake of others.
00:18:21 --> 00:18:22 Can love in a way
00:18:22 --> 00:18:23 that is personally
00:18:23 --> 00:18:24 expensive.
00:18:24 --> 00:18:28 and rejoice in it
00:18:28 --> 00:18:29 and see it as a gift
00:18:29 --> 00:18:30 from God.
00:18:30 --> 00:18:31 I mean complaining
00:18:31 --> 00:18:32 only makes sense
00:18:32 --> 00:18:34 if you don't have Jesus.
00:18:35 --> 00:18:36 Complaining makes sense
00:18:36 --> 00:18:37 because you're giving
00:18:37 --> 00:18:38 something up
00:18:38 --> 00:18:41 that you won't get back.
00:18:42 --> 00:18:43 But the message
00:18:43 --> 00:18:43 of the gospel
00:18:43 --> 00:18:44 is that in Jesus
00:18:44 --> 00:18:46 we have all we need.
00:18:47 --> 00:18:48 The message
00:18:48 --> 00:18:48 of this series
00:18:48 --> 00:18:49 is that ultimate joy
00:18:49 --> 00:18:50 is in knowing
00:18:50 --> 00:18:51 that God loves us
00:18:51 --> 00:18:52 unconditionally
00:18:52 --> 00:18:53 and being drawn
00:18:53 --> 00:18:54 into a relationship
00:18:54 --> 00:18:55 with him
00:18:55 --> 00:18:56 as his precious
00:18:56 --> 00:18:56 children
00:18:56 --> 00:18:58 in such a way
00:18:58 --> 00:19:00 that all other things
00:19:00 --> 00:19:01 are just peripheral.
00:19:02 --> 00:19:03 And so Paul
00:19:03 --> 00:19:04 can sit in prison
00:19:04 --> 00:19:05 with shackles on
00:19:05 --> 00:19:05 and rejoice
00:19:05 --> 00:19:07 because he has
00:19:07 --> 00:19:08 an immovable hope
00:19:08 --> 00:19:09 and satisfaction
00:19:09 --> 00:19:11 in an immovable savior.
00:19:11 --> 00:19:15 when we have Jesus
00:19:15 --> 00:19:16 complaining
00:19:16 --> 00:19:17 does it make sense
00:19:17 --> 00:19:19 because even if I
00:19:19 --> 00:19:20 give up my time
00:19:20 --> 00:19:21 give up my money
00:19:21 --> 00:19:22 give up my energy
00:19:22 --> 00:19:23 give up my
00:19:23 --> 00:19:24 relational energy
00:19:24 --> 00:19:25 my emotional energy
00:19:25 --> 00:19:26 give up whatever it is
00:19:26 --> 00:19:27 that I have
00:19:27 --> 00:19:27 to love
00:19:27 --> 00:19:28 and serve those
00:19:28 --> 00:19:29 around me
00:19:29 --> 00:19:32 I will still
00:19:32 --> 00:19:32 always have
00:19:32 --> 00:19:34 more than enough
00:19:34 --> 00:19:34 in Jesus.
00:19:34 --> 00:19:37 I will still
00:19:37 --> 00:19:38 always be loved
00:19:38 --> 00:19:39 unconditionally
00:19:39 --> 00:19:40 I will still
00:19:40 --> 00:19:41 always have
00:19:41 --> 00:19:42 the certain hope
00:19:42 --> 00:19:42 of the fact
00:19:42 --> 00:19:43 that God promises
00:19:43 --> 00:19:45 I will never
00:19:45 --> 00:19:46 be without
00:19:46 --> 00:19:46 what I need.
00:19:48 --> 00:19:49 God promises
00:19:49 --> 00:19:50 to not withhold
00:19:50 --> 00:19:51 good things
00:19:51 --> 00:19:52 and he proves it
00:19:52 --> 00:19:53 in sending Jesus.
00:19:55 --> 00:19:57 And so for a Christian
00:19:57 --> 00:19:58 complaining
00:19:58 --> 00:20:00 is illogical.
00:20:02 --> 00:20:03 What are we
00:20:03 --> 00:20:04 complaining about?
00:20:04 --> 00:20:05 We're full
00:20:05 --> 00:20:07 we have everything
00:20:07 --> 00:20:07 we need
00:20:07 --> 00:20:09 we have more
00:20:09 --> 00:20:09 than we need
00:20:09 --> 00:20:10 and no one
00:20:10 --> 00:20:10 and nothing
00:20:10 --> 00:20:11 can take that away.
00:20:14 --> 00:20:15 I mean even here
00:20:15 --> 00:20:16 Paul's getting explicit
00:20:16 --> 00:20:17 like he did last week
00:20:17 --> 00:20:18 to say even if he dies
00:20:18 --> 00:20:20 he's going to rejoice.
00:20:20 --> 00:20:21 That's what he means
00:20:21 --> 00:20:21 when he says
00:20:21 --> 00:20:22 he's being poured out
00:20:22 --> 00:20:24 he says I'll rejoice
00:20:24 --> 00:20:25 and you Philippians
00:20:25 --> 00:20:26 you too should rejoice.
00:20:28 --> 00:20:29 What is it
00:20:29 --> 00:20:30 that makes that possible?
00:20:32 --> 00:20:32 Is it just
00:20:32 --> 00:20:33 hey I've got heaven
00:20:33 --> 00:20:34 in the future
00:20:34 --> 00:20:34 so I don't need
00:20:34 --> 00:20:35 anything now
00:20:35 --> 00:20:36 attitude?
00:20:37 --> 00:20:38 Well it's at least
00:20:38 --> 00:20:39 that but I think
00:20:39 --> 00:20:40 there's something
00:20:40 --> 00:20:41 more here.
00:20:42 --> 00:20:43 Look back at the
00:20:43 --> 00:20:44 beginning of the
00:20:44 --> 00:20:44 passage.
00:20:45 --> 00:20:45 Verse 1
00:20:45 --> 00:20:47 follow the logic
00:20:47 --> 00:20:47 of what Paul
00:20:47 --> 00:20:48 is saying here.
00:20:50 --> 00:20:51 The gospel demand
00:20:51 --> 00:20:52 to serve
00:20:52 --> 00:20:52 and to put others
00:20:52 --> 00:20:53 first
00:20:53 --> 00:20:54 flows out of
00:20:54 --> 00:20:56 the gospel blessings
00:20:56 --> 00:20:56 of love
00:20:56 --> 00:20:57 and comfort
00:20:57 --> 00:20:58 and encouragement
00:20:58 --> 00:20:59 and even the spirit
00:20:59 --> 00:20:59 himself.
00:21:02 --> 00:21:03 They're connected
00:21:03 --> 00:21:05 they're inseparable
00:21:05 --> 00:21:06 it's those things
00:21:06 --> 00:21:06 that God
00:21:06 --> 00:21:07 gives you
00:21:07 --> 00:21:09 flowing in
00:21:09 --> 00:21:10 and overflowing
00:21:10 --> 00:21:10 and flowing
00:21:10 --> 00:21:12 through you
00:21:12 --> 00:21:13 that produces
00:21:13 --> 00:21:15 sacrificial service
00:21:15 --> 00:21:17 and
00:21:17 --> 00:21:20 it's in that
00:21:20 --> 00:21:21 Christ-like
00:21:21 --> 00:21:22 service
00:21:22 --> 00:21:24 that the joy
00:21:24 --> 00:21:25 of his love
00:21:25 --> 00:21:25 for you
00:21:25 --> 00:21:26 in the gospel
00:21:26 --> 00:21:27 is most
00:21:27 --> 00:21:29 fully experienced.
00:21:30 --> 00:21:31 Let's try
00:21:31 --> 00:21:32 and unpack this
00:21:32 --> 00:21:33 because this is
00:21:33 --> 00:21:34 so important.
00:21:35 --> 00:21:35 It's almost
00:21:35 --> 00:21:36 like when
00:21:36 --> 00:21:37 you begin
00:21:37 --> 00:21:38 a relationship
00:21:38 --> 00:21:39 with that
00:21:39 --> 00:21:39 special someone
00:21:39 --> 00:21:42 and you get
00:21:42 --> 00:21:43 this incredible
00:21:43 --> 00:21:44 joy from this
00:21:44 --> 00:21:44 person.
00:21:45 --> 00:21:45 They just seem
00:21:45 --> 00:21:46 to understand
00:21:46 --> 00:21:47 you,
00:21:47 --> 00:21:48 they love you,
00:21:48 --> 00:21:48 they put you
00:21:48 --> 00:21:49 first,
00:21:49 --> 00:21:50 you're just happier
00:21:50 --> 00:21:51 when they're around
00:21:51 --> 00:21:52 and there is so
00:21:52 --> 00:21:53 much joy
00:21:53 --> 00:21:54 in that relationship
00:21:54 --> 00:21:57 but have you
00:21:57 --> 00:21:58 noticed how
00:21:58 --> 00:21:58 when you get
00:21:58 --> 00:21:59 the opportunity
00:21:59 --> 00:22:00 to brag about
00:22:00 --> 00:22:01 that,
00:22:01 --> 00:22:02 your joy grows?
00:22:03 --> 00:22:04 When you get
00:22:04 --> 00:22:04 the opportunity
00:22:04 --> 00:22:05 to tell other
00:22:05 --> 00:22:06 people how amazing
00:22:06 --> 00:22:07 that person is
00:22:07 --> 00:22:08 and how much
00:22:08 --> 00:22:09 you enjoy them,
00:22:09 --> 00:22:09 it's almost
00:22:09 --> 00:22:10 like your awareness
00:22:10 --> 00:22:11 of how much
00:22:11 --> 00:22:11 enjoyment is there
00:22:11 --> 00:22:13 grows as you
00:22:13 --> 00:22:13 have to articulate
00:22:13 --> 00:22:14 it and tell other
00:22:14 --> 00:22:15 people it just,
00:22:15 --> 00:22:16 it gets bigger
00:22:16 --> 00:22:18 or it's like that
00:22:18 --> 00:22:19 time you discover
00:22:19 --> 00:22:20 an amazing restaurant
00:22:20 --> 00:22:21 that's hidden away
00:22:21 --> 00:22:21 in a laneway
00:22:21 --> 00:22:22 that no one else
00:22:22 --> 00:22:22 has ever been to
00:22:22 --> 00:22:23 and the food
00:22:23 --> 00:22:23 is fantastic
00:22:23 --> 00:22:24 and the atmosphere
00:22:24 --> 00:22:25 is perfect
00:22:25 --> 00:22:26 and it's the
00:22:26 --> 00:22:27 greatest culinary
00:22:27 --> 00:22:28 experience you've
00:22:28 --> 00:22:28 ever had
00:22:28 --> 00:22:30 and you love it
00:22:30 --> 00:22:31 but it's not
00:22:31 --> 00:22:31 until you take
00:22:31 --> 00:22:32 someone with you
00:22:32 --> 00:22:33 and they share
00:22:33 --> 00:22:34 that experience,
00:22:34 --> 00:22:35 they share that
00:22:35 --> 00:22:35 joy,
00:22:35 --> 00:22:36 that your joy
00:22:36 --> 00:22:38 kind of can
00:22:38 --> 00:22:39 reach its fullness.
00:22:40 --> 00:22:41 It's not that
00:22:41 --> 00:22:42 the first meal
00:22:42 --> 00:22:43 wasn't amazing
00:22:43 --> 00:22:44 but it's there's
00:22:44 --> 00:22:45 something extra
00:22:45 --> 00:22:46 when you get
00:22:46 --> 00:22:47 to give that joy
00:22:47 --> 00:22:48 to someone else,
00:22:48 --> 00:22:49 when you get
00:22:49 --> 00:22:50 to share it.
00:22:51 --> 00:22:51 See,
00:22:51 --> 00:22:52 when we get
00:22:52 --> 00:22:53 to share God's
00:22:53 --> 00:22:54 love for people
00:22:54 --> 00:22:57 by serving them,
00:22:57 --> 00:22:58 when we get
00:22:58 --> 00:22:59 to sacrifice
00:22:59 --> 00:23:00 and show God's
00:23:00 --> 00:23:01 love for people
00:23:01 --> 00:23:01 by putting
00:23:01 --> 00:23:02 their needs
00:23:02 --> 00:23:02 first,
00:23:02 --> 00:23:04 by valuing them
00:23:04 --> 00:23:04 the way that
00:23:04 --> 00:23:05 Christ does,
00:23:05 --> 00:23:06 when we get
00:23:06 --> 00:23:07 to see them
00:23:07 --> 00:23:08 experience
00:23:08 --> 00:23:09 God's love
00:23:09 --> 00:23:10 for them
00:23:10 --> 00:23:11 through us
00:23:11 --> 00:23:12 getting to
00:23:12 --> 00:23:12 serve,
00:23:14 --> 00:23:15 God is actually
00:23:15 --> 00:23:16 giving us
00:23:16 --> 00:23:17 a fuller
00:23:17 --> 00:23:18 experience
00:23:18 --> 00:23:19 of His love.
00:23:20 --> 00:23:20 I mean,
00:23:20 --> 00:23:22 being forgiven
00:23:22 --> 00:23:22 by God
00:23:22 --> 00:23:23 is incredible.
00:23:23 --> 00:23:24 Being loved
00:23:24 --> 00:23:24 by God,
00:23:24 --> 00:23:25 being guaranteed
00:23:25 --> 00:23:25 heaven,
00:23:25 --> 00:23:27 let's not sell
00:23:27 --> 00:23:27 that short,
00:23:27 --> 00:23:28 that is overwhelming
00:23:28 --> 00:23:29 and we could spend
00:23:29 --> 00:23:30 our whole lives
00:23:30 --> 00:23:31 exploring that
00:23:31 --> 00:23:32 amount of joy
00:23:32 --> 00:23:33 but God,
00:23:33 --> 00:23:34 because He is
00:23:34 --> 00:23:34 so generous
00:23:34 --> 00:23:35 and so gracious
00:23:35 --> 00:23:38 and just God,
00:23:39 --> 00:23:40 gives us the
00:23:40 --> 00:23:41 opportunity
00:23:41 --> 00:23:42 to understand
00:23:42 --> 00:23:42 it more fully
00:23:42 --> 00:23:45 by passing
00:23:45 --> 00:23:45 it on,
00:23:46 --> 00:23:48 by loving
00:23:48 --> 00:23:49 people in
00:23:49 --> 00:23:49 that same way,
00:23:49 --> 00:23:50 by putting us
00:23:50 --> 00:23:51 almost in His
00:23:51 --> 00:23:51 shoes when He
00:23:51 --> 00:23:52 came to us.
00:23:54 --> 00:23:54 Because we're
00:23:54 --> 00:23:55 getting to love
00:23:55 --> 00:23:55 them,
00:23:55 --> 00:23:56 not because
00:23:56 --> 00:23:56 they're love
00:23:56 --> 00:23:57 worthy or
00:23:57 --> 00:23:57 because they
00:23:57 --> 00:23:58 deserve it,
00:23:58 --> 00:23:58 but just
00:23:58 --> 00:23:59 because,
00:23:59 --> 00:24:01 that grows
00:24:01 --> 00:24:02 our confidence
00:24:02 --> 00:24:02 that,
00:24:02 --> 00:24:03 hey,
00:24:03 --> 00:24:03 that's how
00:24:03 --> 00:24:04 God loves
00:24:04 --> 00:24:04 me.
00:24:05 --> 00:24:06 Not if I'm
00:24:06 --> 00:24:07 good or bad,
00:24:07 --> 00:24:08 just because
00:24:08 --> 00:24:08 He chose
00:24:08 --> 00:24:09 to.
00:24:10 --> 00:24:10 And so that
00:24:10 --> 00:24:11 incredible joy
00:24:11 --> 00:24:11 is getting
00:24:11 --> 00:24:12 deeper and
00:24:12 --> 00:24:13 stronger.
00:24:13 --> 00:24:13 God has
00:24:13 --> 00:24:14 made it
00:24:14 --> 00:24:15 possible for
00:24:15 --> 00:24:16 serving and
00:24:16 --> 00:24:17 sacrificing and
00:24:17 --> 00:24:18 giving up and
00:24:18 --> 00:24:19 missing out to be
00:24:19 --> 00:24:20 an opportunity to
00:24:20 --> 00:24:21 get more
00:24:21 --> 00:24:23 engagement and a
00:24:23 --> 00:24:24 fuller encounter
00:24:24 --> 00:24:25 and experience of
00:24:25 --> 00:24:26 His incredible
00:24:26 --> 00:24:27 love for us in
00:24:27 --> 00:24:27 Jesus.
00:24:29 --> 00:24:31 isn't the
00:24:31 --> 00:24:32 gospel amazing
00:24:32 --> 00:24:34 that God can
00:24:34 --> 00:24:34 take something
00:24:34 --> 00:24:36 that seems bad
00:24:36 --> 00:24:37 by definition,
00:24:38 --> 00:24:38 that seems like
00:24:38 --> 00:24:39 you lose by
00:24:39 --> 00:24:40 definition,
00:24:40 --> 00:24:40 you have to
00:24:40 --> 00:24:41 give up and
00:24:41 --> 00:24:42 make it a win,
00:24:43 --> 00:24:44 make it an
00:24:44 --> 00:24:45 opportunity to
00:24:45 --> 00:24:46 encounter Him
00:24:46 --> 00:24:47 more fully.
00:24:48 --> 00:24:49 Full gospel
00:24:49 --> 00:24:49 joy,
00:24:49 --> 00:24:50 full Jesus
00:24:50 --> 00:24:52 joy is not
00:24:52 --> 00:24:53 found in just
00:24:53 --> 00:24:54 being a recipient
00:24:54 --> 00:24:55 from God,
00:24:56 --> 00:24:57 but in when
00:24:57 --> 00:24:58 what you have
00:24:58 --> 00:24:58 received,
00:24:59 --> 00:25:00 enables you to
00:25:00 --> 00:25:01 serve others on
00:25:01 --> 00:25:02 Jesus' behalf,
00:25:02 --> 00:25:03 when you get to
00:25:03 --> 00:25:04 be the conduit
00:25:04 --> 00:25:05 for other people
00:25:05 --> 00:25:06 to experience
00:25:06 --> 00:25:07 God's unconditional
00:25:07 --> 00:25:07 love,
00:25:08 --> 00:25:08 when you get to
00:25:08 --> 00:25:09 be the connection
00:25:09 --> 00:25:10 point, the
00:25:10 --> 00:25:10 instrument,
00:25:12 --> 00:25:15 there can be
00:25:15 --> 00:25:16 joy in
00:25:16 --> 00:25:17 self-denying
00:25:17 --> 00:25:17 sacrificial
00:25:17 --> 00:25:18 service,
00:25:18 --> 00:25:21 because ultimately
00:25:21 --> 00:25:22 it's just a
00:25:22 --> 00:25:24 full expression of
00:25:24 --> 00:25:24 the gospel joy
00:25:24 --> 00:25:25 that you received
00:25:25 --> 00:25:27 when you placed
00:25:27 --> 00:25:28 your trust in
00:25:28 --> 00:25:28 Jesus,
00:25:28 --> 00:25:31 when you heard
00:25:31 --> 00:25:31 that He loved
00:25:31 --> 00:25:33 you, even
00:25:33 --> 00:25:33 though you
00:25:33 --> 00:25:33 didn't deserve
00:25:33 --> 00:25:34 it.
00:25:37 --> 00:25:38 If serving
00:25:38 --> 00:25:39 joyfully is a
00:25:39 --> 00:25:42 struggle for
00:25:42 --> 00:25:43 you personally,
00:25:45 --> 00:25:47 could it be
00:25:47 --> 00:25:48 that you see
00:25:48 --> 00:25:49 serving as a
00:25:49 --> 00:25:51 task that has
00:25:51 --> 00:25:51 nothing to do
00:25:51 --> 00:25:52 with the gospel?
00:25:52 --> 00:25:55 could it be that
00:25:55 --> 00:25:56 you've separated
00:25:56 --> 00:25:57 out, Jesus
00:25:57 --> 00:25:58 loves me and
00:25:58 --> 00:25:59 I need to
00:25:59 --> 00:25:59 serve?
00:26:01 --> 00:26:01 And so
00:26:01 --> 00:26:03 you've separated
00:26:03 --> 00:26:04 the source of
00:26:04 --> 00:26:05 joy from the
00:26:05 --> 00:26:05 task that He's
00:26:05 --> 00:26:06 put in front of
00:26:06 --> 00:26:07 you and of
00:26:07 --> 00:26:07 course it's going
00:26:07 --> 00:26:08 to be hard
00:26:08 --> 00:26:08 work.
00:26:10 --> 00:26:10 You've kind of
00:26:10 --> 00:26:11 cut yourself off
00:26:11 --> 00:26:12 from the good
00:26:12 --> 00:26:12 bit and you're
00:26:12 --> 00:26:13 just holding on
00:26:13 --> 00:26:13 to the giving
00:26:13 --> 00:26:14 up and
00:26:14 --> 00:26:15 sacrificing bit.
00:26:15 --> 00:26:16 For service
00:26:16 --> 00:26:17 and sacrifice
00:26:17 --> 00:26:18 to be joyful,
00:26:18 --> 00:26:19 it's got to be
00:26:19 --> 00:26:21 connected to the
00:26:21 --> 00:26:22 way that God
00:26:22 --> 00:26:22 has loved you
00:26:22 --> 00:26:23 and served you
00:26:23 --> 00:26:23 in Jesus.
00:26:25 --> 00:26:25 It's got to be
00:26:25 --> 00:26:26 the result of
00:26:26 --> 00:26:27 what God has
00:26:27 --> 00:26:28 done for you.
00:26:29 --> 00:26:29 It's got to be
00:26:29 --> 00:26:30 the result of
00:26:30 --> 00:26:31 the sacrifice
00:26:31 --> 00:26:31 and service
00:26:31 --> 00:26:32 that God has
00:26:32 --> 00:26:33 given you.
00:26:37 --> 00:26:37 Christian joy
00:26:37 --> 00:26:38 is always
00:26:38 --> 00:26:40 Jesus' joy.
00:26:41 --> 00:26:42 I said it
00:26:42 --> 00:26:42 before, I can't
00:26:42 --> 00:26:43 remember if I
00:26:43 --> 00:26:43 said it in the
00:26:43 --> 00:26:43 morning, but
00:26:43 --> 00:26:44 week one I
00:26:44 --> 00:26:45 said this series
00:26:45 --> 00:26:45 could have been
00:26:45 --> 00:26:46 called Jesus
00:26:46 --> 00:26:47 for Everyone
00:26:47 --> 00:26:48 because Jesus
00:26:48 --> 00:26:49 is the source
00:26:49 --> 00:26:49 of joy.
00:26:50 --> 00:26:50 Each week
00:26:50 --> 00:26:51 Paul is
00:26:51 --> 00:26:52 unpacking ways
00:26:52 --> 00:26:52 that Jesus
00:26:52 --> 00:26:53 has chosen
00:26:53 --> 00:26:54 to give us
00:26:54 --> 00:26:55 access to
00:26:55 --> 00:26:56 more of him
00:26:56 --> 00:26:56 in the
00:26:56 --> 00:26:57 Christian life
00:26:57 --> 00:26:58 and here
00:26:58 --> 00:27:01 he is calling
00:27:01 --> 00:27:01 you to serve
00:27:01 --> 00:27:02 others
00:27:02 --> 00:27:06 and at the
00:27:06 --> 00:27:06 same time
00:27:06 --> 00:27:08 calling you
00:27:08 --> 00:27:09 to know him
00:27:09 --> 00:27:10 better as you
00:27:10 --> 00:27:10 do it.
00:27:11 --> 00:27:12 Calling you to
00:27:12 --> 00:27:12 know his love
00:27:12 --> 00:27:13 more fully as
00:27:13 --> 00:27:14 you do it.
00:27:15 --> 00:27:15 Service is an
00:27:15 --> 00:27:16 opportunity for
00:27:16 --> 00:27:17 joy when in it
00:27:17 --> 00:27:18 you grab hold
00:27:18 --> 00:27:19 of the opportunity
00:27:19 --> 00:27:20 to engage the
00:27:20 --> 00:27:20 Christ who
00:27:20 --> 00:27:21 loved and
00:27:21 --> 00:27:21 served you.
00:27:25 --> 00:27:26 Serving and
00:27:26 --> 00:27:27 sacrificing is
00:27:27 --> 00:27:28 an opportunity
00:27:28 --> 00:27:29 for joy when
00:27:29 --> 00:27:29 it is done in
00:27:29 --> 00:27:30 the strength
00:27:30 --> 00:27:31 and love that
00:27:31 --> 00:27:32 has come to
00:27:32 --> 00:27:32 you first
00:27:32 --> 00:27:33 through the
00:27:33 --> 00:27:33 cross.
00:27:37 --> 00:27:38 This isn't
00:27:38 --> 00:27:39 about making
00:27:39 --> 00:27:39 bad things
00:27:39 --> 00:27:40 good.
00:27:40 --> 00:27:41 This is about
00:27:41 --> 00:27:42 encountering the
00:27:42 --> 00:27:43 greatest thing
00:27:43 --> 00:27:45 where he has
00:27:45 --> 00:27:46 chosen to
00:27:46 --> 00:27:47 reveal himself
00:27:47 --> 00:27:48 in serving
00:27:48 --> 00:27:49 just like he
00:27:49 --> 00:27:49 did.
00:27:54 --> 00:27:55 Let's pray
00:27:55 --> 00:27:55 that God
00:27:55 --> 00:27:56 might shift
00:27:56 --> 00:27:56 our hearts
00:27:56 --> 00:27:57 and our
00:27:57 --> 00:27:57 eyes to
00:27:57 --> 00:27:58 see him
00:27:58 --> 00:27:59 and to
00:27:59 --> 00:27:59 chase him
00:27:59 --> 00:28:00 and to
00:28:00 --> 00:28:00 pursue him
00:28:00 --> 00:28:01 and to
00:28:01 --> 00:28:01 find him
00:28:01 --> 00:28:02 in serving
00:28:02 --> 00:28:03 as he
00:28:03 --> 00:28:03 demands.
00:28:03 --> 00:28:08 Father God
00:28:08 --> 00:28:09 I want to
00:28:09 --> 00:28:09 ask that
00:28:09 --> 00:28:09 you would
00:28:09 --> 00:28:10 give us
00:28:10 --> 00:28:10 eyes to
00:28:10 --> 00:28:11 recognize
00:28:11 --> 00:28:13 what it
00:28:13 --> 00:28:15 means to
00:28:15 --> 00:28:16 follow you
00:28:16 --> 00:28:16 what it
00:28:16 --> 00:28:17 means to
00:28:17 --> 00:28:18 embrace all
00:28:18 --> 00:28:18 of the good
00:28:18 --> 00:28:18 gifts that
00:28:18 --> 00:28:19 you have
00:28:19 --> 00:28:19 placed in
00:28:19 --> 00:28:20 our lives
00:28:20 --> 00:28:20 including
00:28:20 --> 00:28:20 the
00:28:20 --> 00:28:21 opportunities
00:28:21 --> 00:28:22 to serve
00:28:22 --> 00:28:23 including
00:28:23 --> 00:28:23 the
00:28:23 --> 00:28:23 opportunities
00:28:23 --> 00:28:24 to go
00:28:24 --> 00:28:24 without
00:28:24 --> 00:28:25 to sacrifice
00:28:25 --> 00:28:26 to miss
00:28:26 --> 00:28:26 out so
00:28:26 --> 00:28:26 that others
00:28:26 --> 00:28:27 might be
00:28:27 --> 00:28:27 blessed and
00:28:27 --> 00:28:28 loved in
00:28:28 --> 00:28:28 the ways
00:28:28 --> 00:28:29 that we
00:28:29 --> 00:28:29 have been.
00:28:29 --> 00:28:32 God I
00:28:32 --> 00:28:32 want to
00:28:32 --> 00:28:32 thank you
00:28:32 --> 00:28:33 for including
00:28:33 --> 00:28:33 us in
00:28:33 --> 00:28:33 what you're
00:28:33 --> 00:28:34 doing not
00:28:34 --> 00:28:34 because you
00:28:34 --> 00:28:35 need us
00:28:35 --> 00:28:35 but for
00:28:35 --> 00:28:36 our sake
00:28:36 --> 00:28:38 help us
00:28:38 --> 00:28:38 to recognize
00:28:38 --> 00:28:39 that the
00:28:39 --> 00:28:39 agenda is
00:28:39 --> 00:28:40 always that
00:28:40 --> 00:28:40 we might
00:28:40 --> 00:28:41 know you
00:28:41 --> 00:28:41 better
00:28:41 --> 00:28:42 that we
00:28:42 --> 00:28:43 might taste
00:28:43 --> 00:28:44 more of
00:28:44 --> 00:28:45 your goodness
00:28:45 --> 00:28:45 that we
00:28:45 --> 00:28:46 might be
00:28:46 --> 00:28:46 more fully
00:28:46 --> 00:28:47 satisfied in
00:28:47 --> 00:28:48 you as we
00:28:48 --> 00:28:49 understand what
00:28:49 --> 00:28:50 it is to
00:28:50 --> 00:28:51 love unconditionally
00:28:51 --> 00:28:53 what it is to
00:28:53 --> 00:28:54 serve and to
00:28:54 --> 00:28:56 sacrifice confident
00:28:56 --> 00:28:56 that we still
00:28:56 --> 00:28:57 have all we
00:28:57 --> 00:28:58 need in you
00:28:58 --> 00:29:01 God please
00:29:01 --> 00:29:02 fill us with
00:29:02 --> 00:29:03 your love and
00:29:03 --> 00:29:03 grace in such
00:29:03 --> 00:29:04 a way that it
00:29:04 --> 00:29:05 just flows out
00:29:05 --> 00:29:07 of us that
00:29:07 --> 00:29:07 our service
00:29:07 --> 00:29:08 might be
00:29:08 --> 00:29:08 wholehearted
00:29:08 --> 00:29:09 humble
00:29:09 --> 00:29:11 sacrificial and
00:29:11 --> 00:29:14 joyful and
00:29:14 --> 00:29:15 we pray it in
00:29:15 --> 00:29:16 Jesus name
00:29:16 --> 00:29:17 Amen