The Gospel and Pleasing God
Series: Gospel Life
Speaker: Steve Jeffrey
Date: 17th August 2025
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
00:00:00 --> 00:00:03 Good morning everyone, it would be great if you could keep your Bibles open there at 1 Thessalonians 4.
00:00:04 --> 00:00:17 ! Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German theologian and a Lutheran pastor who was a very public critic of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime.
00:00:17 --> 00:00:26 He publicly opposed particularly the Nazi euthanasia program and its genocidal persecution of Jews.
00:00:26 --> 00:00:43 He was eventually arrested and he was executed by the Nazi regime in Flossenberg concentration camp in April 1945, three weeks before the end of World War II.
00:00:44 --> 00:00:45 That wasn't a prophecy.
00:00:45 --> 00:01:05 Bonhoeffer particularly, if you read his writings, he was particularly appalled by the shocking capitulation of the German church to Adolf Hitler throughout the 1930s.
00:01:05 --> 00:01:07 He was appalled by it.
00:01:07 --> 00:01:08 Appalled by it.
00:01:08 --> 00:01:19 How could the church founded by Martin Luther, the great teacher of the gospel, so fundamentally lose sight of the gospel?
00:01:21 --> 00:01:24 That was his bugbear, if you like.
00:01:24 --> 00:01:35 Bonhoeffer saw that there had been this massive distortion of the gospel of grace that Martin Luther taught.
00:01:36 --> 00:01:46 A distortion that basically says, God loves and he forgives everyone, so it really doesn't matter how you live.
00:01:46 --> 00:01:53 God's grace, he saved you by his grace, you are his, and therefore it doesn't matter how you live.
00:01:53 --> 00:01:58 He saw that throughout the Lutheran church in his day.
00:02:00 --> 00:02:01 God forgives.
00:02:02 --> 00:02:03 That's his job.
00:02:04 --> 00:02:08 That was the distortion of the gospel of grace that he saw.
00:02:08 --> 00:02:17 And he called it, he was the one who we've attributed to anyway, the term cheap grace.
00:02:18 --> 00:02:21 Most likely it was his auntie who gave him that idea.
00:02:22 --> 00:02:25 But we've attributed to Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
00:02:25 --> 00:02:36 Bonhoeffer could see that the German church had lost hold of the brilliant balance of the gospel that Luther himself so persistently expounded.
00:02:36 --> 00:02:45 We are saved by faith alone in Jesus Christ, but not by faith which is alone.
00:02:48 --> 00:02:54 We are saved not by anything that we do, but by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
00:02:55 --> 00:03:05 Yet, if we have truly understood and believe the gospel, it will bring about transformation of life in what we do and how we live.
00:03:06 --> 00:03:10 Bonhoeffer wrote,
00:03:11 --> 00:03:18 Only he who believes is obedient, and only he who is obedient believes.
00:03:18 --> 00:03:31 It is anyone who truly has been captivated by God's grace, saved by God's grace, results in a life that is changed by that grace.
00:03:32 --> 00:03:34 Costly grace changes from the inside out.
00:03:35 --> 00:03:39 It's what we looked at last week, and it's Paul's prayer for the Thessalonian church.
00:03:40 --> 00:03:45 And now it's where he starts landing it in the second bit of one Thessalonian.
00:03:45 --> 00:03:47 So, jump in there.
00:03:47 --> 00:03:50 I've got three points today, as I normally do.
00:03:51 --> 00:03:57 So, first of all, first point is living to please God, how to please God, and the pleasure of God.
00:03:57 --> 00:04:00 So, verse 1,
00:04:00 --> 00:04:13 The word live there is, once again, literally the word to walk.
00:04:13 --> 00:04:24 Paul, again, uses the idea of walking, that is, as a disciple of the Lord Jesus, a follower of the Lord Jesus, walking to describe the Christian life.
00:04:25 --> 00:04:37 That is, it implies a slow, unspectacular, but steady progress hot on the heels of the Lord Jesus, following him in his pattern of life and obedience to his teaching.
00:04:37 --> 00:04:47 Progress, as 1 Thessalonians has already pointed out to us in chapter 1, progress in turning away from a life of sin.
00:04:47 --> 00:04:49 It's a progress in repentance.
00:04:49 --> 00:04:56 It's a progress in walking and obedience to God as we wait for Jesus to come.
00:04:56 --> 00:05:02 Waiting for Jesus to come is not to sit still, and waiting for Jesus is to make progress in repentance and obedience.
00:05:02 --> 00:05:15 And so, this walking to please God is both the process and the goal and God's plan for your life.
00:05:16 --> 00:05:17 It's the purpose for which you've been saved.
00:05:18 --> 00:05:22 So, if you're ever wondering, you know, what is it that God's will for my life?
00:05:22 --> 00:05:23 It's right here in verse 3.
00:05:24 --> 00:05:27 It is God's will that you should be sanctified.
00:05:28 --> 00:05:32 That's God's will for every person, that you should be sanctified.
00:05:32 --> 00:05:36 The same word is used in verse 7.
00:05:37 --> 00:05:44 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
00:05:44 --> 00:05:48 That's God's will for you, that you might be holy.
00:05:50 --> 00:06:02 Now, the word holy in the Bible, see, when we hear the word holy, God's word, we think of ethics, moral codes, rules to obey, laws, that kind of stuff.
00:06:02 --> 00:06:05 But the word holy in the Bible means to be separate.
00:06:05 --> 00:06:07 It means to be set apart.
00:06:07 --> 00:06:13 And that's why God easily refers to himself as the holy one.
00:06:13 --> 00:06:17 That is, he is set apart from all that he's created.
00:06:17 --> 00:06:19 He stands, he's transcendent.
00:06:19 --> 00:06:22 He stands outside of all that he has made.
00:06:23 --> 00:06:26 That is, God is in his own category.
00:06:26 --> 00:06:34 And when God says, I am holy, he is saying that there is none like me.
00:06:34 --> 00:06:36 I am set apart.
00:06:36 --> 00:06:44 In the Old Testament book of Leviticus, we read that it is possible for an item to be holy.
00:06:44 --> 00:06:47 Like Leviticus refers to a holy pot or a holy table.
00:06:47 --> 00:06:50 And it's set apart for exclusive use.
00:06:50 --> 00:07:00 So the question is, or the issue is, if holiness was just about obedience to a moral code, how on earth does a pot or a table pursue a moral code?
00:07:01 --> 00:07:02 It doesn't.
00:07:03 --> 00:07:07 So what does it mean when we are called to be holy?
00:07:07 --> 00:07:08 What does it mean to be holy?
00:07:08 --> 00:07:17 It means that a pot or a table in the village is set apart for God's exclusive use.
00:07:17 --> 00:07:19 It's not used for anything else.
00:07:20 --> 00:07:23 It is used for God and the worship of God in the temple.
00:07:23 --> 00:07:26 It means it belongs to God.
00:07:27 --> 00:07:28 That's what holiness is.
00:07:29 --> 00:07:31 It belongs to God.
00:07:31 --> 00:07:38 Holiness, sanctification is belonging to God, not just simply a moral code.
00:07:40 --> 00:07:45 You see, it is in fact possible to be moral out of a sense of duty.
00:07:46 --> 00:07:49 Or out of a sense of self-validation.
00:07:50 --> 00:07:52 Or meeting the expectations of others.
00:07:53 --> 00:07:55 Or just simply pragmatism.
00:07:57 --> 00:07:59 It's possible to be holy.
00:07:59 --> 00:08:02 In terms of moral.
00:08:02 --> 00:08:04 It's possible to be moral.
00:08:05 --> 00:08:07 And yet not belong to God.
00:08:08 --> 00:08:10 And therefore not to be holy.
00:08:12 --> 00:08:16 Belonging to God is first and foremost a heart issue.
00:08:17 --> 00:08:19 It's not an activity.
00:08:20 --> 00:08:21 First and foremost.
00:08:22 --> 00:08:23 It is a heart issue.
00:08:23 --> 00:08:24 First and foremost.
00:08:24 --> 00:08:29 Now there are only few people in my life.
00:08:30 --> 00:08:31 Only a few people in my life.
00:08:31 --> 00:08:38 Where I can say that their claims of love on my life are so great.
00:08:38 --> 00:08:40 That I actually belong to them.
00:08:42 --> 00:08:43 Only a few.
00:08:44 --> 00:08:48 There's first of all and most primarily my wife.
00:08:48 --> 00:08:52 I have married her and given my life to her.
00:08:53 --> 00:08:54 And there's my children.
00:08:55 --> 00:08:59 And there are things that I do now as a person.
00:08:59 --> 00:09:05 And especially as a married man for nearly 27 years.
00:09:05 --> 00:09:09 That I would not do.
00:09:11 --> 00:09:15 If I was not a husband or a father.
00:09:15 --> 00:09:18 It's because of those relationships.
00:09:19 --> 00:09:21 That I do certain things that I would not normally do.
00:09:22 --> 00:09:23 For instance.
00:09:23 --> 00:09:24 I love you church family.
00:09:25 --> 00:09:26 I'm not trying to make.
00:09:26 --> 00:09:27 I love you church family.
00:09:28 --> 00:09:29 But I will.
00:09:29 --> 00:09:32 You will never find me painting your toenails.
00:09:32 --> 00:09:34 Or your fingernails.
00:09:35 --> 00:09:37 It just won't happen.
00:09:37 --> 00:09:37 Okay.
00:09:38 --> 00:09:40 And if it wasn't for the fact.
00:09:40 --> 00:09:42 That I was my father.
00:09:42 --> 00:09:43 And specifically father of girls.
00:09:46 --> 00:09:47 It would never have ended my.
00:09:48 --> 00:09:49 Vision.
00:09:50 --> 00:09:51 To do such a thing.
00:09:51 --> 00:09:52 At all.
00:09:54 --> 00:09:56 To belong to God.
00:09:56 --> 00:09:57 Means to.
00:09:58 --> 00:10:00 Live on his terms.
00:10:00 --> 00:10:03 This new relationship with him.
00:10:04 --> 00:10:06 Changes the terms of your life.
00:10:09 --> 00:10:11 It means that you delight in him.
00:10:11 --> 00:10:12 You give yourself to him.
00:10:12 --> 00:10:12 You obey him.
00:10:12 --> 00:10:13 You honor him.
00:10:13 --> 00:10:14 It's not.
00:10:14 --> 00:10:16 Simply enough.
00:10:16 --> 00:10:17 To obey rules.
00:10:19 --> 00:10:20 To be holy.
00:10:20 --> 00:10:21 You must belong to him.
00:10:22 --> 00:10:24 As we have seen.
00:10:24 --> 00:10:25 Already this morning.
00:10:26 --> 00:10:27 He is our vision.
00:10:27 --> 00:10:27 He is our vision.
00:10:30 --> 00:10:31 For anyone to say.
00:10:32 --> 00:10:34 What is really important.
00:10:34 --> 00:10:35 Is that I am moral.
00:10:38 --> 00:10:40 But I don't need God.
00:10:41 --> 00:10:43 Means that you have morality.
00:10:43 --> 00:10:45 But you don't have holiness.
00:10:49 --> 00:10:51 Holiness means belonging to God.
00:10:51 --> 00:10:55 And so the core of holiness.
00:10:55 --> 00:10:56 Is intensely.
00:10:57 --> 00:10:58 Relational.
00:10:59 --> 00:11:00 Intensely relational.
00:11:04 --> 00:11:05 The opposite of belonging to God.
00:11:06 --> 00:11:07 Is to in fact.
00:11:08 --> 00:11:08 Live.
00:11:09 --> 00:11:10 For yourself.
00:11:10 --> 00:11:12 And to reject God.
00:11:12 --> 00:11:13 To reject the relationship.
00:11:14 --> 00:11:15 And so the principle of holy living.
00:11:16 --> 00:11:17 Is not to live for yourself.
00:11:17 --> 00:11:18 But in fact.
00:11:18 --> 00:11:18 To live.
00:11:18 --> 00:11:19 For God.
00:11:19 --> 00:11:22 And all that he has called you to.
00:11:23 --> 00:11:25 Which brings me to the second point.
00:11:25 --> 00:11:27 On how to please God.
00:11:27 --> 00:11:28 In chapter four.
00:11:29 --> 00:11:30 Paul gives instructions.
00:11:30 --> 00:11:31 On how to please God.
00:11:32 --> 00:11:34 And how this is worked out.
00:11:35 --> 00:11:36 In three.
00:11:36 --> 00:11:38 Very practical.
00:11:38 --> 00:11:39 Areas of life.
00:11:40 --> 00:11:41 Three.
00:11:41 --> 00:11:41 In fact.
00:11:42 --> 00:11:42 Major.
00:11:43 --> 00:11:44 Preoccupations.
00:11:44 --> 00:11:44 Of.
00:11:45 --> 00:11:46 Of all people.
00:11:46 --> 00:11:46 Really.
00:11:47 --> 00:11:48 Sex.
00:11:48 --> 00:11:49 Work.
00:11:49 --> 00:11:50 And death.
00:11:52 --> 00:11:52 Now.
00:11:52 --> 00:11:54 In these three things.
00:11:54 --> 00:11:56 The early Christian church.
00:11:56 --> 00:11:58 Were radically different.
00:11:59 --> 00:12:01 To the people around them.
00:12:01 --> 00:12:02 Radically different.
00:12:03 --> 00:12:05 One of the earliest Christian writings.
00:12:06 --> 00:12:07 Outside of the Bible.
00:12:08 --> 00:12:11 Contains a very interesting phrase.
00:12:12 --> 00:12:13 It says of Christians.
00:12:13 --> 00:12:16 We share our table with all.
00:12:17 --> 00:12:19 But not our bed with all.
00:12:21 --> 00:12:22 Very profound.
00:12:23 --> 00:12:26 See the Christians existed in a culture.
00:12:26 --> 00:12:28 And the Thessalonians.
00:12:28 --> 00:12:31 Were these people in the Roman Empire.
00:12:31 --> 00:12:33 That shared their bed with everyone.
00:12:34 --> 00:12:37 But they did not share their money.
00:12:37 --> 00:12:38 Or their resources.
00:12:38 --> 00:12:39 Or their hospitality.
00:12:39 --> 00:12:40 Or their lives.
00:12:41 --> 00:12:42 With everyone.
00:12:42 --> 00:12:46 Money was sacred.
00:12:47 --> 00:12:48 To them.
00:12:49 --> 00:12:50 And sex was mundane.
00:12:52 --> 00:12:55 Money was something to be held on to.
00:12:56 --> 00:12:57 Sex was something to be given away.
00:13:00 --> 00:13:02 Not a lot's really changed.
00:13:02 --> 00:13:04 In 2000 odd years.
00:13:04 --> 00:13:08 The Christians on the other hand.
00:13:08 --> 00:13:10 Guarded their sex life.
00:13:10 --> 00:13:12 But were free and liberal.
00:13:12 --> 00:13:14 With their hospitality.
00:13:14 --> 00:13:15 And their resources.
00:13:16 --> 00:13:19 And it was something that was so wholesome.
00:13:19 --> 00:13:21 And so joyous.
00:13:21 --> 00:13:22 And so wise.
00:13:22 --> 00:13:24 About this early Christian life.
00:13:25 --> 00:13:27 Because the pagan culture.
00:13:27 --> 00:13:28 Of the Roman Empire.
00:13:28 --> 00:13:30 In those early centuries.
00:13:30 --> 00:13:32 They laughed at the Christians.
00:13:33 --> 00:13:34 For this.
00:13:36 --> 00:13:36 And yet.
00:13:37 --> 00:13:40 It totally transformed the Roman Empire.
00:13:40 --> 00:13:42 Within three centuries.
00:13:45 --> 00:13:48 And so when Paul is urging the Thessalonian church.
00:13:48 --> 00:13:51 When he's commanding them here.
00:13:51 --> 00:13:52 Is not to capitulate.
00:13:52 --> 00:13:55 To their culture.
00:13:55 --> 00:13:56 And lose.
00:13:56 --> 00:13:58 Their revolutionary impact.
00:14:00 --> 00:14:01 That's what he's calling them to.
00:14:02 --> 00:14:04 Now I'm going to say something very briefly.
00:14:04 --> 00:14:04 This morning.
00:14:05 --> 00:14:06 Super briefly about sex.
00:14:07 --> 00:14:08 Really briefly.
00:14:08 --> 00:14:09 About.
00:14:09 --> 00:14:10 About work.
00:14:11 --> 00:14:13 And then I'm going to postpone death.
00:14:13 --> 00:14:14 Hopefully for another week.
00:14:14 --> 00:14:16 If I don't.
00:14:16 --> 00:14:17 Someone else will probably pick it up.
00:14:19 --> 00:14:19 Anyway.
00:14:20 --> 00:14:20 So.
00:14:20 --> 00:14:21 Verses.
00:14:21 --> 00:14:22 Three to eight.
00:14:22 --> 00:14:23 So.
00:14:23 --> 00:14:23 In other words.
00:14:23 --> 00:14:24 I'm going to be really brief.
00:14:24 --> 00:14:26 On the things you want me to talk about.
00:14:26 --> 00:14:27 And I'm going to spend more time.
00:14:27 --> 00:14:29 On the things you don't want me to talk about.
00:14:29 --> 00:14:30 Okay.
00:14:30 --> 00:14:30 So.
00:14:31 --> 00:14:32 So very briefly.
00:14:33 --> 00:14:34 Pleasing God.
00:14:34 --> 00:14:34 And sex.
00:14:35 --> 00:14:35 Verses.
00:14:35 --> 00:14:36 That's verses.
00:14:36 --> 00:14:37 Three to eight.
00:14:37 --> 00:14:38 Now throughout history.
00:14:39 --> 00:14:39 This is.
00:14:39 --> 00:14:40 I'm like again.
00:14:40 --> 00:14:41 Helicopter view here.
00:14:42 --> 00:14:43 Throughout history.
00:14:43 --> 00:14:45 There's been two basic approaches to sex.
00:14:46 --> 00:14:46 The first.
00:14:46 --> 00:14:48 Is the deification of sex.
00:14:49 --> 00:14:50 Sex is the way to wisdom.
00:14:51 --> 00:14:52 Sex is the way to.
00:14:52 --> 00:14:52 To.
00:14:53 --> 00:14:54 Personal satisfaction.
00:14:54 --> 00:14:55 Joy.
00:14:56 --> 00:14:56 Personal.
00:14:57 --> 00:14:57 Self validation.
00:14:57 --> 00:14:58 And realization.
00:14:59 --> 00:15:00 And the other side.
00:15:00 --> 00:15:00 See sex.
00:15:01 --> 00:15:01 As degraded.
00:15:02 --> 00:15:02 And debased.
00:15:03 --> 00:15:04 It's a thing you don't talk about.
00:15:06 --> 00:15:06 And yet.
00:15:06 --> 00:15:07 When you read.
00:15:07 --> 00:15:07 The Bible.
00:15:08 --> 00:15:09 And in fact.
00:15:09 --> 00:15:11 If you had the ability.
00:15:11 --> 00:15:11 To.
00:15:12 --> 00:15:13 To read.
00:15:13 --> 00:15:15 The actual Hebrew language.
00:15:15 --> 00:15:16 In the Old Testament.
00:15:16 --> 00:15:17 And the Greek language.
00:15:17 --> 00:15:18 In the New Testament.
00:15:19 --> 00:15:19 The Bible.
00:15:19 --> 00:15:20 Is entirely.
00:15:21 --> 00:15:22 Barefaced.
00:15:23 --> 00:15:24 What I mean by that is.
00:15:25 --> 00:15:26 Hair on the back of your neck.
00:15:27 --> 00:15:28 Type of rejoicing.
00:15:28 --> 00:15:29 In erotic.
00:15:30 --> 00:15:31 Marriage.
00:15:31 --> 00:15:31 Love.
00:15:32 --> 00:15:34 Like it rejoices in it.
00:15:34 --> 00:15:36 In a way that.
00:15:36 --> 00:15:37 Pleasant society.
00:15:37 --> 00:15:39 Does not want to talk about it.
00:15:40 --> 00:15:40 And yet.
00:15:40 --> 00:15:41 At the same time.
00:15:41 --> 00:15:43 It calls us to flee.
00:15:43 --> 00:15:44 Sexual immorality.
00:15:45 --> 00:15:46 Like it's the plague.
00:15:48 --> 00:15:52 The Bible never speaks about sex in whispers.
00:15:55 --> 00:15:56 Nor does it live it up.
00:15:56 --> 00:15:58 To the point where it becomes the core of your identity.
00:15:58 --> 00:16:01 And self-fulfillment.
00:16:01 --> 00:16:04 Now there are three important principles.
00:16:06 --> 00:16:10 To understand about the Christian biblical view of understanding sex.
00:16:11 --> 00:16:12 The goodness of sex.
00:16:12 --> 00:16:13 The context of sex.
00:16:13 --> 00:16:14 And the purpose of sex.
00:16:14 --> 00:16:15 I'm going to be real super quick with this.
00:16:15 --> 00:16:18 The goodness of sex is implied here.
00:16:18 --> 00:16:20 These verses don't say.
00:16:20 --> 00:16:22 God's will for you is to be holy.
00:16:23 --> 00:16:24 And so don't do it.
00:16:24 --> 00:16:27 Stay away from sex.
00:16:28 --> 00:16:29 That's not what it says here.
00:16:31 --> 00:16:32 It says.
00:16:33 --> 00:16:34 Abstain from immorality.
00:16:35 --> 00:16:36 Not abstain from sex.
00:16:37 --> 00:16:38 Sex.
00:16:38 --> 00:16:39 Properly used.
00:16:39 --> 00:16:40 Is good.
00:16:41 --> 00:16:43 And it will function for your holiness.
00:16:44 --> 00:16:45 Used incorrectly.
00:16:45 --> 00:16:47 And it will undermine.
00:16:47 --> 00:16:48 Your holiness.
00:16:48 --> 00:16:54 It has an incredible power for good.
00:16:55 --> 00:16:58 If used as God instructs.
00:16:58 --> 00:16:59 As he's the one who designed it.
00:17:00 --> 00:17:03 Or it is incredible power for destruction.
00:17:04 --> 00:17:05 If not.
00:17:08 --> 00:17:10 It would be incalculable.
00:17:10 --> 00:17:12 The lives that have been destroyed.
00:17:13 --> 00:17:14 Through sexual immorality.
00:17:15 --> 00:17:16 Throughout history.
00:17:17 --> 00:17:18 Sex is good.
00:17:19 --> 00:17:21 And the wonderful power of sex.
00:17:21 --> 00:17:22 Has to happen.
00:17:23 --> 00:17:24 Within the context of sex.
00:17:24 --> 00:17:25 Back to.
00:17:26 --> 00:17:27 Verses three and four.
00:17:28 --> 00:17:30 You should avoid sexual immorality.
00:17:30 --> 00:17:31 But each of you should learn.
00:17:31 --> 00:17:33 To control your own body.
00:17:33 --> 00:17:35 Now the word sexual immorality there.
00:17:36 --> 00:17:37 The statement there.
00:17:37 --> 00:17:38 It actually translates.
00:17:39 --> 00:17:40 The Greek word.
00:17:40 --> 00:17:41 Pornea.
00:17:41 --> 00:17:42 Which means.
00:17:43 --> 00:17:45 Which we get our word pornography from.
00:17:45 --> 00:17:45 And so.
00:17:46 --> 00:17:47 You could read this and say.
00:17:47 --> 00:17:48 Well actually.
00:17:48 --> 00:17:49 That Paul's just saying.
00:17:49 --> 00:17:50 Just don't read Playboy magazine.
00:17:50 --> 00:17:51 Or something.
00:17:51 --> 00:17:51 You know.
00:17:51 --> 00:17:52 Don't stay away from that.
00:17:53 --> 00:17:54 But that's not what it's meaning here.
00:17:55 --> 00:17:55 In.
00:17:55 --> 00:17:57 In Greek language.
00:17:57 --> 00:17:57 Pornea.
00:17:58 --> 00:17:59 It means much broader.
00:17:59 --> 00:18:00 Than just simply.
00:18:01 --> 00:18:01 Pornography.
00:18:02 --> 00:18:03 It means.
00:18:03 --> 00:18:04 In fact.
00:18:04 --> 00:18:05 The misuse of sex.
00:18:06 --> 00:18:06 Period.
00:18:07 --> 00:18:08 The misuse of sex.
00:18:08 --> 00:18:08 Period.
00:18:09 --> 00:18:09 That's pornea.
00:18:09 --> 00:18:11 It means.
00:18:11 --> 00:18:11 There's all.
00:18:11 --> 00:18:13 Sexual violation.
00:18:14 --> 00:18:14 Outside.
00:18:14 --> 00:18:16 The bible's.
00:18:16 --> 00:18:16 Context.
00:18:17 --> 00:18:17 For sex.
00:18:19 --> 00:18:21 The context for it.
00:18:21 --> 00:18:22 Is in verse four.
00:18:22 --> 00:18:23 And you.
00:18:23 --> 00:18:24 Would not.
00:18:25 --> 00:18:25 Necessarily.
00:18:26 --> 00:18:26 Pick it up.
00:18:26 --> 00:18:28 If you just had the NIV translation.
00:18:28 --> 00:18:29 As I do.
00:18:30 --> 00:18:31 The statement.
00:18:31 --> 00:18:32 Your own body.
00:18:32 --> 00:18:33 Literally means.
00:18:34 --> 00:18:36 To live with your own wife.
00:18:37 --> 00:18:37 Or.
00:18:37 --> 00:18:39 Get a wife.
00:18:41 --> 00:18:42 Depending on how you.
00:18:42 --> 00:18:43 Translate it.
00:18:45 --> 00:18:46 Literally.
00:18:46 --> 00:18:47 The idea.
00:18:47 --> 00:18:48 Of marriage.
00:18:48 --> 00:18:49 Biblical marriage.
00:18:49 --> 00:18:50 Is that the two become one.
00:18:50 --> 00:18:51 And which is why.
00:18:51 --> 00:18:52 It's translated here.
00:18:52 --> 00:18:53 Your own body.
00:18:54 --> 00:18:54 That is.
00:18:55 --> 00:18:57 You are one with your wife.
00:18:57 --> 00:18:58 In other words.
00:18:58 --> 00:18:59 Live with your own wife.
00:18:59 --> 00:19:00 Paul is saying.
00:19:00 --> 00:19:02 That you can have sex.
00:19:02 --> 00:19:03 In marriage.
00:19:03 --> 00:19:05 Or you can misuse sex.
00:19:06 --> 00:19:07 That's the implication.
00:19:07 --> 00:19:08 And it's the whole Bible's.
00:19:08 --> 00:19:09 Implication of this.
00:19:09 --> 00:19:10 The biblical.
00:19:12 --> 00:19:13 The biblical context.
00:19:13 --> 00:19:14 For sex.
00:19:15 --> 00:19:16 Is very simple.
00:19:18 --> 00:19:19 Sex is for.
00:19:19 --> 00:19:19 A monogamous.
00:19:20 --> 00:19:21 Heterosexual.
00:19:21 --> 00:19:22 Marriage.
00:19:22 --> 00:19:23 It's not for.
00:19:23 --> 00:19:24 Outside of marriage.
00:19:24 --> 00:19:25 In any form.
00:19:25 --> 00:19:25 Whatsoever.
00:19:26 --> 00:19:28 It is for the person.
00:19:28 --> 00:19:29 That you are.
00:19:29 --> 00:19:30 Married.
00:19:30 --> 00:19:31 To.
00:19:33 --> 00:19:33 And.
00:19:34 --> 00:19:35 I'm not going to unpack that.
00:19:35 --> 00:19:36 Any further than that.
00:19:36 --> 00:19:38 This is the design.
00:19:38 --> 00:19:39 Of God.
00:19:40 --> 00:19:41 Who created.
00:19:41 --> 00:19:41 In the first place.
00:19:42 --> 00:19:42 But let me just give you.
00:19:42 --> 00:19:43 One good reason.
00:19:45 --> 00:19:46 Why.
00:19:46 --> 00:19:46 The biblical.
00:19:46 --> 00:19:47 Ethic.
00:19:47 --> 00:19:48 Of sex.
00:19:49 --> 00:19:50 Totally transformed.
00:19:50 --> 00:19:51 The Roman Empire.
00:19:51 --> 00:19:52 In three centuries.
00:19:54 --> 00:19:56 Because the freedom.
00:19:56 --> 00:19:57 Of sexual expression.
00:19:57 --> 00:19:59 Throughout history.
00:19:59 --> 00:20:00 Whatever culture.
00:20:00 --> 00:20:01 You were in.
00:20:01 --> 00:20:02 The freedom.
00:20:02 --> 00:20:03 Of sexual expression.
00:20:04 --> 00:20:05 Has always.
00:20:06 --> 00:20:06 Always.
00:20:07 --> 00:20:07 Always.
00:20:07 --> 00:20:09 Without question.
00:20:09 --> 00:20:10 Been bad for women.
00:20:11 --> 00:20:12 Always.
00:20:15 --> 00:20:16 Women.
00:20:16 --> 00:20:16 Women.
00:20:16 --> 00:20:16 Are the ones.
00:20:16 --> 00:20:17 Who have been.
00:20:17 --> 00:20:18 Exploited the most.
00:20:19 --> 00:20:20 Abused the most.
00:20:20 --> 00:20:21 Hurt the most.
00:20:22 --> 00:20:22 Carrying the burden.
00:20:23 --> 00:20:23 The most.
00:20:23 --> 00:20:23 First.
00:20:25 --> 00:20:26 And that is.
00:20:26 --> 00:20:27 Certainly the case.
00:20:28 --> 00:20:29 As Paul writes.
00:20:29 --> 00:20:30 To this church.
00:20:30 --> 00:20:31 In Thessalonica.
00:20:33 --> 00:20:34 Certainly the case.
00:20:35 --> 00:20:36 They are living in.
00:20:36 --> 00:20:36 Thessalonica.
00:20:36 --> 00:20:38 Is in the Roman Empire.
00:20:38 --> 00:20:39 First century.
00:20:41 --> 00:20:43 And for the average man.
00:20:43 --> 00:20:44 Living in Thessalonica.
00:20:45 --> 00:20:46 A wealthy.
00:20:46 --> 00:20:47 Progressive.
00:20:48 --> 00:20:48 City.
00:20:48 --> 00:20:52 Was the average man.
00:20:52 --> 00:20:53 Had a wife.
00:20:55 --> 00:20:56 And their function.
00:20:57 --> 00:20:58 Was.
00:20:58 --> 00:20:59 Hopefully.
00:20:59 --> 00:21:00 To have status.
00:21:00 --> 00:21:02 Was to bring money.
00:21:02 --> 00:21:02 Into the family.
00:21:03 --> 00:21:04 Was to manage.
00:21:04 --> 00:21:05 The affairs.
00:21:05 --> 00:21:06 Of the household.
00:21:06 --> 00:21:07 And to raise.
00:21:08 --> 00:21:09 The legitimate children.
00:21:11 --> 00:21:12 The average man.
00:21:12 --> 00:21:13 Apart from the wife.
00:21:14 --> 00:21:15 Also had their mistress.
00:21:16 --> 00:21:17 And their mistress.
00:21:17 --> 00:21:19 Was their sexual partner.
00:21:20 --> 00:21:21 Whose main function.
00:21:22 --> 00:21:22 Was to be.
00:21:23 --> 00:21:23 The man's.
00:21:23 --> 00:21:25 Intellectual equal.
00:21:25 --> 00:21:26 And a companion.
00:21:26 --> 00:21:27 For recreation.
00:21:30 --> 00:21:30 So.
00:21:30 --> 00:21:31 The.
00:21:32 --> 00:21:32 Husband would get.
00:21:33 --> 00:21:33 An invite.
00:21:33 --> 00:21:34 There's a.
00:21:35 --> 00:21:35 You know.
00:21:36 --> 00:21:37 Claudius.
00:21:37 --> 00:21:38 Is having a 60th.
00:21:38 --> 00:21:39 Birthday party.
00:21:39 --> 00:21:40 Down at the harbour.
00:21:40 --> 00:21:41 At this restaurant.
00:21:41 --> 00:21:41 Kind of thing.
00:21:42 --> 00:21:43 And he would take.
00:21:43 --> 00:21:44 His mistress with him.
00:21:44 --> 00:21:45 Because that's a.
00:21:45 --> 00:21:46 Recreation event.
00:21:47 --> 00:21:49 On top of that.
00:21:49 --> 00:21:50 They also had.
00:21:50 --> 00:21:51 Their concubines.
00:21:52 --> 00:21:53 And the concubine.
00:21:54 --> 00:21:55 Their place.
00:21:55 --> 00:21:55
00:21:55 --> 00:21:56 The normal concubine.
00:21:56 --> 00:21:57 For.
00:21:57 --> 00:21:57 For a man.
00:21:57 --> 00:21:58 In the Roman Empire.
00:21:59 --> 00:22:00 Was.
00:22:00 --> 00:22:01 A servant.
00:22:01 --> 00:22:01 In the household.
00:22:02 --> 00:22:03 And so.
00:22:03 --> 00:22:04 For the master.
00:22:04 --> 00:22:04 Of the household.
00:22:05 --> 00:22:05 The man.
00:22:07 --> 00:22:08 Their job.
00:22:08 --> 00:22:09 So the servant.
00:22:09 --> 00:22:09 Would live with them.
00:22:09 --> 00:22:10 In the house.
00:22:11 --> 00:22:11 Their job.
00:22:11 --> 00:22:13 Was to do the dishes.
00:22:13 --> 00:22:14 Sweep the floors.
00:22:14 --> 00:22:14 And have sex.
00:22:15 --> 00:22:16 That was their job.
00:22:16 --> 00:22:17 So.
00:22:17 --> 00:22:18 He's got his wife.
00:22:18 --> 00:22:19 He's got his mistress.
00:22:19 --> 00:22:20 He's got his concubine.
00:22:20 --> 00:22:21 And if that wasn't enough.
00:22:21 --> 00:22:22 There was a roaring trade.
00:22:22 --> 00:22:23 For prostitutes.
00:22:25 --> 00:22:26 Get the picture.
00:22:29 --> 00:22:30 And Paul.
00:22:30 --> 00:22:31 Comes along.
00:22:31 --> 00:22:32 And says.
00:22:32 --> 00:22:33 And he says.
00:22:33 --> 00:22:33 Specifically.
00:22:33 --> 00:22:34 The word is.
00:22:34 --> 00:22:34 Brothers.
00:22:35 --> 00:22:36 We're done with that.
00:22:38 --> 00:22:39 We're done with that.
00:22:39 --> 00:22:39 Brothers.
00:22:39 --> 00:22:43 One of the things.
00:22:43 --> 00:22:43 That makes this.
00:22:43 --> 00:22:45 Biblical sexual ethic.
00:22:45 --> 00:22:45 Work.
00:22:46 --> 00:22:47 Is that it so.
00:22:47 --> 00:22:48 Empowers women.
00:22:49 --> 00:22:51 And it gives children.
00:22:51 --> 00:22:51 Also.
00:22:52 --> 00:22:53 The stability.
00:22:54 --> 00:22:54 Of a.
00:22:55 --> 00:22:55 Long term.
00:22:56 --> 00:22:56 Stable.
00:22:57 --> 00:22:57 Relationship.
00:22:59 --> 00:23:00 This brings me.
00:23:00 --> 00:23:00 The third.
00:23:01 --> 00:23:01 Thing about.
00:23:01 --> 00:23:02 Sex.
00:23:02 --> 00:23:03 These verses highlight.
00:23:03 --> 00:23:04 And that's the purpose of it.
00:23:04 --> 00:23:06 Each of you.
00:23:06 --> 00:23:06 Should learn to control.
00:23:06 --> 00:23:07 Your own body.
00:23:07 --> 00:23:08 In a way.
00:23:08 --> 00:23:09 That is holy.
00:23:09 --> 00:23:10 And honourable.
00:23:10 --> 00:23:11 Not in.
00:23:11 --> 00:23:12 Passionate lust.
00:23:13 --> 00:23:14 In other words.
00:23:15 --> 00:23:16 Take a wife.
00:23:17 --> 00:23:18 Or have your wife.
00:23:18 --> 00:23:19 In honour.
00:23:20 --> 00:23:20 Not in.
00:23:21 --> 00:23:22 Passionate lust.
00:23:23 --> 00:23:23 It's.
00:23:23 --> 00:23:24 It's.
00:23:24 --> 00:23:25 In actual fact.
00:23:25 --> 00:23:26 It's still possible.
00:23:27 --> 00:23:27 To be.
00:23:28 --> 00:23:28 Married.
00:23:29 --> 00:23:30 But still not pursue.
00:23:30 --> 00:23:31 The good purpose.
00:23:31 --> 00:23:32 Of sex.
00:23:33 --> 00:23:33 So don't.
00:23:33 --> 00:23:34 Work on the assumption.
00:23:34 --> 00:23:35 Well I'm married.
00:23:35 --> 00:23:36 And therefore.
00:23:36 --> 00:23:37 I've fulfilled.
00:23:37 --> 00:23:38 I'm holy.
00:23:38 --> 00:23:39 I've fulfilled this purpose.
00:23:39 --> 00:23:40 It's actually.
00:23:40 --> 00:23:41 Still possible.
00:23:41 --> 00:23:41 To be married.
00:23:41 --> 00:23:42 And not pursue.
00:23:42 --> 00:23:43 The good purpose of it.
00:23:43 --> 00:23:44 It's possible.
00:23:44 --> 00:23:45 In fact.
00:23:45 --> 00:23:46 To abuse.
00:23:46 --> 00:23:47 To take advantage.
00:23:47 --> 00:23:48 Of your spouse.
00:23:48 --> 00:23:48 In marriage.
00:23:49 --> 00:23:50 It's not true.
00:23:50 --> 00:23:51 And I've heard Christians.
00:23:51 --> 00:23:51 Say this.
00:23:52 --> 00:23:52 And it's appalling.
00:23:53 --> 00:23:53 You know.
00:23:53 --> 00:23:55 You're burning with passion.
00:23:55 --> 00:23:55 You're burning with lust.
00:23:55 --> 00:23:56 Get married.
00:23:56 --> 00:23:57 And then you'll be fine.
00:23:57 --> 00:23:59 That is such.
00:23:59 --> 00:24:00 It's appalling.
00:24:01 --> 00:24:02 It's not true.
00:24:02 --> 00:24:03 That once you get married.
00:24:03 --> 00:24:04 Anything goes.
00:24:05 --> 00:24:07 The word lust here.
00:24:07 --> 00:24:08 Means an over desire.
00:24:09 --> 00:24:10 It means idolatry.
00:24:11 --> 00:24:13 I talked about this word last week.
00:24:13 --> 00:24:14 The word honour.
00:24:14 --> 00:24:15 Means reverence.
00:24:15 --> 00:24:16 Or trembling awe.
00:24:17 --> 00:24:18 Even in marriage.
00:24:18 --> 00:24:19 Sex.
00:24:19 --> 00:24:21 It's possible for it to be.
00:24:21 --> 00:24:22 An idolatrous lust.
00:24:23 --> 00:24:24 Or.
00:24:24 --> 00:24:25 It can be a way.
00:24:25 --> 00:24:26 Of honouring.
00:24:27 --> 00:24:28 Revering.
00:24:28 --> 00:24:30 And therefore.
00:24:30 --> 00:24:32 The language of building up.
00:24:32 --> 00:24:33 Your spouse.
00:24:36 --> 00:24:37 Sex can either.
00:24:39 --> 00:24:41 Objectify.
00:24:42 --> 00:24:43 Dominate.
00:24:44 --> 00:24:45 Dehumanise.
00:24:45 --> 00:24:46 Your spouse.
00:24:47 --> 00:24:48 Or.
00:24:48 --> 00:24:49 It can.
00:24:49 --> 00:24:50 Build them up.
00:24:51 --> 00:24:52 Humanise them.
00:24:52 --> 00:24:53 Respect them.
00:24:54 --> 00:24:55 Revere them.
00:24:55 --> 00:24:57 And the difference.
00:24:58 --> 00:25:01 Is whether we view sex as a way to give.
00:25:03 --> 00:25:05 Or it's a way to receive.
00:25:05 --> 00:25:05 Love.
00:25:07 --> 00:25:10 It's how I feel loved.
00:25:10 --> 00:25:11 And validated.
00:25:13 --> 00:25:13 Or.
00:25:14 --> 00:25:15 It's a way to validate.
00:25:16 --> 00:25:17 And love.
00:25:19 --> 00:25:20 There we go.
00:25:20 --> 00:25:21 That's enough on sex.
00:25:21 --> 00:25:24 There's.
00:25:25 --> 00:25:26 Way much more to unpack.
00:25:26 --> 00:25:26 I know.
00:25:27 --> 00:25:28 And maybe one day.
00:25:28 --> 00:25:29 We'll get into it.
00:25:30 --> 00:25:32 But I need to spend some time on work.
00:25:32 --> 00:25:33 Because this is the other obsession of our life.
00:25:37 --> 00:25:38 I want to again.
00:25:38 --> 00:25:39 Be really brief on this one.
00:25:40 --> 00:25:41 Because I'm going to.
00:25:42 --> 00:25:43 Touch on it a bit later.
00:25:43 --> 00:25:43 In the series.
00:25:44 --> 00:25:46 The first thing to note here.
00:25:46 --> 00:25:46 In verses.
00:25:47 --> 00:25:48 Nine to twelve.
00:25:48 --> 00:25:52 Is that there is no break.
00:25:52 --> 00:25:54 In the original language.
00:25:55 --> 00:25:57 Between verse ten.
00:25:57 --> 00:25:58 And verse eleven.
00:25:58 --> 00:26:00 It's all one sentence.
00:26:01 --> 00:26:03 Verse nine and ten.
00:26:03 --> 00:26:05 Are not a different subject.
00:26:06 --> 00:26:07 To verses eleven.
00:26:07 --> 00:26:08 And twelve.
00:26:09 --> 00:26:11 The first two.
00:26:11 --> 00:26:12 The first two verses.
00:26:12 --> 00:26:14 Are about love.
00:26:14 --> 00:26:17 And the last two.
00:26:17 --> 00:26:18 Are about work.
00:26:21 --> 00:26:23 In other words.
00:26:23 --> 00:26:24 What it's saying.
00:26:25 --> 00:26:27 Is that the biblical work ethic.
00:26:27 --> 00:26:28 Which flows.
00:26:28 --> 00:26:29 In a similar way.
00:26:29 --> 00:26:31 In terms of the biblical sex ethic.
00:26:32 --> 00:26:33 It's not about.
00:26:35 --> 00:26:35 Receiving.
00:26:35 --> 00:26:36 It's actually about giving.
00:26:36 --> 00:26:40 The biblical work ethic.
00:26:40 --> 00:26:41 That the Christian.
00:26:41 --> 00:26:41 Is called to.
00:26:42 --> 00:26:43 It's called to walk in.
00:26:43 --> 00:26:45 Is about loving others.
00:26:46 --> 00:26:47 With work.
00:26:49 --> 00:26:51 And so how do you.
00:26:51 --> 00:26:52 Love others.
00:26:53 --> 00:26:54 More and more.
00:26:54 --> 00:26:56 As Paul is called us to do.
00:26:56 --> 00:26:57 Get to work.
00:26:59 --> 00:27:00 Serve.
00:27:00 --> 00:27:01 Get to work.
00:27:03 --> 00:27:04 That is.
00:27:04 --> 00:27:05 The call here is for the Christian.
00:27:05 --> 00:27:07 Not to be drained on the community.
00:27:07 --> 00:27:09 Whether it be a church community.
00:27:09 --> 00:27:10 Or whether it be.
00:27:10 --> 00:27:11 Community at large.
00:27:11 --> 00:27:12 Society at large.
00:27:12 --> 00:27:12 Not to be a drain.
00:27:13 --> 00:27:14 You are an investor.
00:27:14 --> 00:27:15 In community.
00:27:17 --> 00:27:18 Whether society.
00:27:18 --> 00:27:19 Or the church.
00:27:22 --> 00:27:23 I've done a whole sermon series.
00:27:23 --> 00:27:24 In the past.
00:27:24 --> 00:27:25 On work.
00:27:25 --> 00:27:26 But this is.
00:27:26 --> 00:27:28 This is just a summary of it.
00:27:28 --> 00:27:29 Dorothy Sayers.
00:27:29 --> 00:27:30 Was an English.
00:27:30 --> 00:27:31 Crime.
00:27:31 --> 00:27:32 Novelist.
00:27:32 --> 00:27:32 And playwright.
00:27:32 --> 00:27:34 She wrote a brilliant essay.
00:27:34 --> 00:27:35 Called.
00:27:35 --> 00:27:36 Why work.
00:27:36 --> 00:27:37 It was.
00:27:37 --> 00:27:38 It was actually during.
00:27:38 --> 00:27:38 World War II.
00:27:40 --> 00:27:41 1942.
00:27:41 --> 00:27:42 Was when she first presented.
00:27:42 --> 00:27:43 This essay.
00:27:44 --> 00:27:45 And it says.
00:27:46 --> 00:27:47 That society as a whole.
00:27:47 --> 00:27:49 And individuals in particular.
00:27:49 --> 00:27:50 Are dying.
00:27:51 --> 00:27:52 They are dying.
00:27:52 --> 00:27:54 Because they do not have.
00:27:54 --> 00:27:55 A revolutionary.
00:27:56 --> 00:27:56 Doctrine.
00:27:57 --> 00:27:57 Biblical doctrine.
00:27:57 --> 00:27:59 Of what work.
00:27:59 --> 00:28:00 Actually is.
00:28:00 --> 00:28:01 The modern.
00:28:02 --> 00:28:03 Version of work.
00:28:03 --> 00:28:05 Is it's what you do.
00:28:05 --> 00:28:06 For a living.
00:28:07 --> 00:28:08 My work is what I do.
00:28:08 --> 00:28:09 For a living.
00:28:09 --> 00:28:10 We do.
00:28:11 --> 00:28:11 This thing.
00:28:11 --> 00:28:12 This vocation.
00:28:12 --> 00:28:13 This role.
00:28:13 --> 00:28:13 That I have.
00:28:13 --> 00:28:14 Is what I do.
00:28:14 --> 00:28:15 To make money.
00:28:16 --> 00:28:16 So that.
00:28:16 --> 00:28:16 Then I can do.
00:28:17 --> 00:28:17 What I really want.
00:28:20 --> 00:28:21 It's a means.
00:28:21 --> 00:28:21 To an end.
00:28:24 --> 00:28:24 Sayers.
00:28:24 --> 00:28:25 Quoted.
00:28:26 --> 00:28:27 A surgeon.
00:28:27 --> 00:28:28 Friend of hers.
00:28:28 --> 00:28:28 In the essay.
00:28:28 --> 00:28:29 A surgeon.
00:28:29 --> 00:28:29 Friend of hers.
00:28:30 --> 00:28:31 Which this surgeon.
00:28:31 --> 00:28:32 Put it so succinctly.
00:28:33 --> 00:28:33 Nobody.
00:28:34 --> 00:28:35 Works today.
00:28:35 --> 00:28:35 For the sake.
00:28:35 --> 00:28:36 Of the thing.
00:28:36 --> 00:28:36 They do.
00:28:37 --> 00:28:37 The result.
00:28:37 --> 00:28:38 Of the work.
00:28:38 --> 00:28:39 Is a byproduct.
00:28:39 --> 00:28:40 Of the real aim.
00:28:41 --> 00:28:42 The real aim.
00:28:42 --> 00:28:43 In work.
00:28:43 --> 00:28:44 Is money.
00:28:44 --> 00:28:45 Or status.
00:28:45 --> 00:28:46 Doctors.
00:28:46 --> 00:28:47 Practice medicine.
00:28:47 --> 00:28:47 Primarily.
00:28:48 --> 00:28:49 For personal status.
00:28:49 --> 00:28:50 And to make a living.
00:28:51 --> 00:28:52 Not to relieve suffering.
00:28:53 --> 00:28:53 The patient.
00:28:53 --> 00:28:54 Is something.
00:28:54 --> 00:28:55 That happens.
00:28:55 --> 00:28:56 Along the way.
00:28:58 --> 00:29:02 The biblical.
00:29:02 --> 00:29:03 Doctrine of work.
00:29:03 --> 00:29:05 Is the gracious.
00:29:05 --> 00:29:06 Expression.
00:29:06 --> 00:29:07 Of creative.
00:29:07 --> 00:29:07 Energy.
00:29:08 --> 00:29:09 In the service.
00:29:09 --> 00:29:09 Of others.
00:29:10 --> 00:29:10 For the good.
00:29:11 --> 00:29:11 Of others.
00:29:13 --> 00:29:15 What Sayers.
00:29:15 --> 00:29:15 Was saying.
00:29:16 --> 00:29:17 Is unless.
00:29:17 --> 00:29:18 We understand.
00:29:18 --> 00:29:19 The biblical.
00:29:19 --> 00:29:19 Doctrine.
00:29:19 --> 00:29:20 Of work.
00:29:21 --> 00:29:21 Work.
00:29:21 --> 00:29:22 Will always.
00:29:22 --> 00:29:23 Be a burden.
00:29:24 --> 00:29:25 You'll never.
00:29:25 --> 00:29:26 Find rest.
00:29:26 --> 00:29:26 In your work.
00:29:26 --> 00:29:30 Modern.
00:29:30 --> 00:29:31 Expressive.
00:29:31 --> 00:29:32 Individualism.
00:29:32 --> 00:29:32 Leads.
00:29:33 --> 00:29:34 To a restlessness.
00:29:35 --> 00:29:36 Both.
00:29:36 --> 00:29:36 In.
00:29:37 --> 00:29:37 Sex.
00:29:38 --> 00:29:38 And.
00:29:38 --> 00:29:38 In.
00:29:39 --> 00:29:39 Work.
00:29:39 --> 00:29:40 Because.
00:29:40 --> 00:29:41 It's about me.
00:29:41 --> 00:29:41 It's about.
00:29:42 --> 00:29:42 My identity.
00:29:43 --> 00:29:43 It's about.
00:29:43 --> 00:29:44 My status.
00:29:44 --> 00:29:44 It's about.
00:29:44 --> 00:29:45 My validation.
00:29:45 --> 00:29:46 It's about.
00:29:46 --> 00:29:47 My advancement.
00:29:48 --> 00:29:49 The bible's.
00:29:49 --> 00:29:50 View of work.
00:29:51 --> 00:29:52 Is a work.
00:29:52 --> 00:29:53 That arises.
00:29:53 --> 00:29:54 From the place.
00:29:54 --> 00:29:55 Of rest.
00:29:55 --> 00:29:58 It rises.
00:29:58 --> 00:29:58 From a place.
00:29:58 --> 00:29:59 Of status.
00:30:00 --> 00:30:01 Of contentment.
00:30:01 --> 00:30:02 And freedom.
00:30:02 --> 00:30:03 And so you are able.
00:30:03 --> 00:30:04 To give yourself.
00:30:07 --> 00:30:08 Which brings me.
00:30:08 --> 00:30:09 To the final point.
00:30:10 --> 00:30:11 What you'll see.
00:30:12 --> 00:30:12 In both.
00:30:12 --> 00:30:12 Sex.
00:30:13 --> 00:30:13 And.
00:30:14 --> 00:30:14 In work.
00:30:15 --> 00:30:16 It's about.
00:30:16 --> 00:30:16 The love.
00:30:16 --> 00:30:17 Of others.
00:30:18 --> 00:30:18 So why.
00:30:18 --> 00:30:19 We want to do that.
00:30:19 --> 00:30:22 The final point.
00:30:23 --> 00:30:23 The pleasure.
00:30:23 --> 00:30:24 Of God.
00:30:25 --> 00:30:26 Living.
00:30:26 --> 00:30:27 To please.
00:30:27 --> 00:30:27 God.
00:30:27 --> 00:30:28 As Paul calls us to.
00:30:29 --> 00:30:30 In verse one.
00:30:30 --> 00:30:31 Is not the same.
00:30:31 --> 00:30:32 Is.
00:30:32 --> 00:30:32 As living.
00:30:32 --> 00:30:33 To appease God.
00:30:35 --> 00:30:36 They're very different.
00:30:37 --> 00:30:37 Living.
00:30:37 --> 00:30:38 To a please.
00:30:38 --> 00:30:38 God.
00:30:39 --> 00:30:40 Is to love.
00:30:40 --> 00:30:41 In the hope.
00:30:41 --> 00:30:42 That I will be loved.
00:30:42 --> 00:30:42 Back.
00:30:43 --> 00:30:44 It's giving.
00:30:45 --> 00:30:45 In order.
00:30:45 --> 00:30:46 To receive.
00:30:46 --> 00:30:47 Living.
00:30:48 --> 00:30:48 Living.
00:30:48 --> 00:30:49 To please.
00:30:49 --> 00:30:49 God.
00:30:49 --> 00:30:49 Is living.
00:30:49 --> 00:30:50 For the sheer.
00:30:51 --> 00:30:51 Pleasure.
00:30:51 --> 00:30:52 Of God.
00:30:54 --> 00:30:56 One of the greatest.
00:30:56 --> 00:30:57 Struggles.
00:30:57 --> 00:30:59 In the Christian life.
00:30:59 --> 00:30:59 And I mean.
00:30:59 --> 00:31:00 The greatest struggles.
00:31:01 --> 00:31:01 In the Christian life.
00:31:02 --> 00:31:03 Is a failure.
00:31:04 --> 00:31:06 To understand.
00:31:06 --> 00:31:07 The very.
00:31:07 --> 00:31:08 Basic.
00:31:08 --> 00:31:09 Pattern.
00:31:09 --> 00:31:09 Of Christian.
00:31:10 --> 00:31:10 Discipleship.
00:31:11 --> 00:31:13 It is so basic.
00:31:14 --> 00:31:15 It is so basic.
00:31:15 --> 00:31:16 That it starts.
00:31:17 --> 00:31:18 Way back.
00:31:18 --> 00:31:19 When God gives.
00:31:20 --> 00:31:21 The Israelites.
00:31:21 --> 00:31:22 The Ten Commandments.
00:31:25 --> 00:31:26 Where did the Ten Commandments.
00:31:26 --> 00:31:27 Begin.
00:31:28 --> 00:31:29 I won't ask you.
00:31:29 --> 00:31:30 To put your hand up.
00:31:30 --> 00:31:31 And do that.
00:31:31 --> 00:31:32 Because I don't want to embarrass it.
00:31:32 --> 00:31:33 Where do they begin?
00:31:35 --> 00:31:36 You normally say.
00:31:36 --> 00:31:37 Well.
00:31:37 --> 00:31:38 Commandment number one is.
00:31:39 --> 00:31:39 No.
00:31:40 --> 00:31:41 Doesn't begin.
00:31:42 --> 00:31:43 There's a prologue.
00:31:43 --> 00:31:45 Before the first commandment.
00:31:45 --> 00:31:47 I am the Lord your God.
00:31:47 --> 00:31:49 Who brought you out of.
00:31:49 --> 00:31:50 Egypt.
00:31:51 --> 00:31:52 That's where it begins.
00:31:55 --> 00:31:56 The Ten Commandments.
00:31:56 --> 00:31:57 Begin.
00:31:57 --> 00:31:58 With the pleasure of God.
00:31:58 --> 00:31:59 To rescue his people.
00:32:00 --> 00:32:02 And one of the greatest.
00:32:02 --> 00:32:03 Struggles in the Christian life.
00:32:03 --> 00:32:04 Is to understand.
00:32:04 --> 00:32:05 This.
00:32:05 --> 00:32:05 This.
00:32:05 --> 00:32:06 This basic pattern.
00:32:07 --> 00:32:08 You see.
00:32:08 --> 00:32:09 By the time Paul gets.
00:32:09 --> 00:32:10 To calling us.
00:32:10 --> 00:32:11 To please God.
00:32:11 --> 00:32:12 He's already given us.
00:32:12 --> 00:32:12 The foundation of it.
00:32:13 --> 00:32:13 He's already given us.
00:32:13 --> 00:32:14 The motivation for it.
00:32:14 --> 00:32:16 The structure of.
00:32:16 --> 00:32:18 All of Paul's letters.
00:32:18 --> 00:32:19 And all biblical ethics.
00:32:20 --> 00:32:21 Is the indicative.
00:32:23 --> 00:32:24 Followed by the imperative.
00:32:27 --> 00:32:29 If we do not understand.
00:32:29 --> 00:32:30 The indicative.
00:32:31 --> 00:32:33 The statement.
00:32:33 --> 00:32:34 Of fact.
00:32:35 --> 00:32:37 The act of God.
00:32:37 --> 00:32:39 The cross of Christ.
00:32:39 --> 00:32:40 The gospel.
00:32:41 --> 00:32:43 If you do not start there.
00:32:43 --> 00:32:44 It is in fact.
00:32:44 --> 00:32:45 Impossible.
00:32:46 --> 00:32:47 For us.
00:32:47 --> 00:32:48 To fulfill.
00:32:49 --> 00:32:50 Let alone.
00:32:50 --> 00:32:51 Joyfully obey.
00:32:52 --> 00:32:53 The imperative.
00:32:53 --> 00:32:54 The commands of God.
00:32:55 --> 00:32:56 It's impossible.
00:32:57 --> 00:32:59 If you don't embrace.
00:32:59 --> 00:33:00 The indicative.
00:33:01 --> 00:33:02 You cannot do the imperative.
00:33:02 --> 00:33:06 In his book.
00:33:06 --> 00:33:08 The nature of true virtue.
00:33:08 --> 00:33:09 Jonathan Edwards.
00:33:09 --> 00:33:10 Wrote that.
00:33:10 --> 00:33:11 Unless a person.
00:33:11 --> 00:33:12 Has experienced.
00:33:12 --> 00:33:13 The grace of God.
00:33:13 --> 00:33:14 Unless we know.
00:33:14 --> 00:33:15 We are not saved.
00:33:15 --> 00:33:16 By our own good work.
00:33:16 --> 00:33:17 And that God embraces us.
00:33:18 --> 00:33:19 Because of Jesus work.
00:33:19 --> 00:33:21 Then everything we do.
00:33:21 --> 00:33:22 On the moral scale of life.
00:33:23 --> 00:33:24 Every ethic we pursue.
00:33:25 --> 00:33:26 Will be driven.
00:33:26 --> 00:33:27 Entirely.
00:33:27 --> 00:33:28 By self-interest.
00:33:28 --> 00:33:31 He wrote.
00:33:31 --> 00:33:33 The enjoyment of God.
00:33:33 --> 00:33:35 Is the only happiness.
00:33:35 --> 00:33:36 With which our souls.
00:33:36 --> 00:33:37 Can be satisfied.
00:33:38 --> 00:33:38 You see.
00:33:38 --> 00:33:39 If we know.
00:33:39 --> 00:33:41 That God has embraced us.
00:33:41 --> 00:33:42 That he's approved of us.
00:33:42 --> 00:33:43 That he's accepted us.
00:33:44 --> 00:33:46 Because of.
00:33:46 --> 00:33:46 Jesus.
00:33:47 --> 00:33:48 And his work.
00:33:48 --> 00:33:49 Jesus work.
00:33:50 --> 00:33:51 Then we can.
00:33:51 --> 00:33:52 Enjoy him.
00:33:52 --> 00:33:54 In such a way.
00:33:54 --> 00:33:55 That all of our work.
00:33:56 --> 00:33:57 All of our labor.
00:33:57 --> 00:33:58 All of our lives.
00:33:58 --> 00:33:59 All of our walking.
00:33:59 --> 00:34:00 All of our obedience.
00:34:01 --> 00:34:03 Is for the sheer joy.
00:34:03 --> 00:34:04 Of pleasing God.
00:34:09 --> 00:34:11 We cannot please God.
00:34:12 --> 00:34:13 Without the pleasure of God.
00:34:16 --> 00:34:18 And the gospel of Jesus Christ.
00:34:18 --> 00:34:20 Is the good news.
00:34:20 --> 00:34:22 Of God's pleasure.
00:34:22 --> 00:34:24 Towards sinful humanity.
00:34:24 --> 00:34:29 When the angel visited Mary.
00:34:30 --> 00:34:30 And said.
00:34:30 --> 00:34:32 Your life's about to turn upside down.
00:34:34 --> 00:34:35 You're going to have a baby.
00:34:35 --> 00:34:36 But not just any baby.
00:34:37 --> 00:34:38 The angel said.
00:34:38 --> 00:34:40 The Holy Spirit will come on you.
00:34:41 --> 00:34:42 And the power of the most holy.
00:34:42 --> 00:34:43 Will overshadow you.
00:34:44 --> 00:34:46 So the holy one.
00:34:47 --> 00:34:48 The set apart one.
00:34:49 --> 00:34:52 The one in transcendent one.
00:34:52 --> 00:34:53 To be born.
00:34:53 --> 00:34:55 Will be called the son of God.
00:34:58 --> 00:34:59 Jesus Christ.
00:34:59 --> 00:35:00 The holy one.
00:35:00 --> 00:35:01 The son of God.
00:35:03 --> 00:35:05 The holy transcendent God.
00:35:05 --> 00:35:06 Will enter his creation.
00:35:07 --> 00:35:09 And in Matthew 3.17.
00:35:09 --> 00:35:10 At the baptism of Jesus.
00:35:10 --> 00:35:13 The voice was heard from heaven.
00:35:13 --> 00:35:16 This is my son.
00:35:17 --> 00:35:18 My beloved son.
00:35:19 --> 00:35:22 With whom I am well pleased.
00:35:22 --> 00:35:23 Very pleased.
00:35:24 --> 00:35:25 Infinitely pleased.
00:35:26 --> 00:35:26 My son.
00:35:29 --> 00:35:31 God the father is expressing.
00:35:31 --> 00:35:33 His pleasure in the son.
00:35:33 --> 00:35:34 And the spirit the same.
00:35:35 --> 00:35:36 As he descended in that moment.
00:35:36 --> 00:35:39 It's therefore no surprise.
00:35:40 --> 00:35:42 That Jesus says.
00:35:42 --> 00:35:43 In John 8.29.
00:35:45 --> 00:35:48 That he lived to please.
00:35:49 --> 00:35:49 His father.
00:35:50 --> 00:35:52 I do nothing on my own.
00:35:52 --> 00:35:55 But speak just what the father has taught me.
00:35:55 --> 00:35:57 The one who sent me.
00:35:57 --> 00:35:58 Is with me.
00:35:59 --> 00:36:01 He has not left me alone.
00:36:02 --> 00:36:05 For I always do what pleases him.
00:36:05 --> 00:36:06 I do nothing on my own.
00:36:10 --> 00:36:12 Completely obedient.
00:36:12 --> 00:36:13 To the will of the father.
00:36:13 --> 00:36:14 The only holy one.
00:36:15 --> 00:36:16 Who lived the perfect life.
00:36:16 --> 00:36:16 He's.
00:36:16 --> 00:36:17 You see this is the Jesus.
00:36:18 --> 00:36:18 Who knew.
00:36:18 --> 00:36:20 The pleasure of the father.
00:36:20 --> 00:36:21 For all of eternity.
00:36:22 --> 00:36:23 And so live to walk.
00:36:24 --> 00:36:24 In obedience.
00:36:25 --> 00:36:26 And he did.
00:36:26 --> 00:36:27 As he tells us.
00:36:27 --> 00:36:27 In.
00:36:28 --> 00:36:29 John 17.
00:36:30 --> 00:36:30 He did.
00:36:31 --> 00:36:32 Completed the work.
00:36:32 --> 00:36:33 That the father had sent him to do.
00:36:33 --> 00:36:36 To reveal God to the world.
00:36:37 --> 00:36:40 And to bring sinful humanity back.
00:36:40 --> 00:36:42 Into intimate relationship with their God.
00:36:43 --> 00:36:45 His pleasure in the father.
00:36:46 --> 00:36:47 Led him.
00:36:48 --> 00:36:49 Obediently.
00:36:50 --> 00:36:51 To crucifixion.
00:36:51 --> 00:36:53 On a Roman cross for us.
00:36:53 --> 00:36:55 This is the Jesus.
00:36:55 --> 00:36:56 Who was humiliated.
00:36:58 --> 00:36:59 Stripped naked.
00:37:00 --> 00:37:01 Nailed to a cross.
00:37:01 --> 00:37:03 In front of all of his family.
00:37:03 --> 00:37:04 And his friends.
00:37:05 --> 00:37:06 Stripped naked.
00:37:07 --> 00:37:09 So that we might be brought.
00:37:10 --> 00:37:10 Intimately back.
00:37:11 --> 00:37:12 Into relationship with God.
00:37:12 --> 00:37:14 And the real cry.
00:37:14 --> 00:37:15 On the cross of dereliction.
00:37:16 --> 00:37:18 For the first time in his life.
00:37:18 --> 00:37:19 He ever experienced.
00:37:19 --> 00:37:20 My God.
00:37:20 --> 00:37:20 My God.
00:37:20 --> 00:37:22 Why have you forsaken me?
00:37:22 --> 00:37:23 The one.
00:37:24 --> 00:37:26 Who had never been abandoned.
00:37:26 --> 00:37:26 By his.
00:37:26 --> 00:37:27 Never felt alone.
00:37:28 --> 00:37:30 Why have you forsaken me?
00:37:30 --> 00:37:32 For the first time.
00:37:32 --> 00:37:33 In all.
00:37:33 --> 00:37:34 Of.
00:37:34 --> 00:37:34 Eternity.
00:37:35 --> 00:37:36 He experienced.
00:37:36 --> 00:37:38 The displeasure of God.
00:37:41 --> 00:37:42 The father.
00:37:42 --> 00:37:43 Whose pleasure.
00:37:43 --> 00:37:44 He always enjoyed.
00:37:44 --> 00:37:45 The one.
00:37:45 --> 00:37:46 Who was always with him.
00:37:46 --> 00:37:46 The one.
00:37:46 --> 00:37:46 Who.
00:37:47 --> 00:37:48 Who he lived.
00:37:48 --> 00:37:48 To please.
00:37:48 --> 00:37:49 Turned.
00:37:49 --> 00:37:50 The.
00:37:51 --> 00:37:52 Turned.
00:37:52 --> 00:37:52 His face.
00:37:52 --> 00:37:52 Away.
00:37:52 --> 00:37:53 From him.
00:37:56 --> 00:37:57 Abandoned him.
00:37:59 --> 00:38:00 So.
00:38:00 --> 00:38:00 That the intimate.
00:38:00 --> 00:38:01 Relationship.
00:38:01 --> 00:38:02 Of the presence.
00:38:02 --> 00:38:03 And the pleasure.
00:38:03 --> 00:38:04 And the approval.
00:38:04 --> 00:38:05 Of God.
00:38:05 --> 00:38:05 That he'd.
00:38:05 --> 00:38:06 Experienced.
00:38:06 --> 00:38:07 For all of eternity.
00:38:08 --> 00:38:09 Might be.
00:38:09 --> 00:38:09 Ours.
00:38:11 --> 00:38:11 Might be.
00:38:12 --> 00:38:12 Ours.
00:38:12 --> 00:38:13 He.
00:38:13 --> 00:38:14 Obeyed.
00:38:14 --> 00:38:15 The will.
00:38:15 --> 00:38:16 Of his father.
00:38:18 --> 00:38:19 To.
00:38:20 --> 00:38:20 Experience.
00:38:21 --> 00:38:21 The rejection.
00:38:21 --> 00:38:23 Of his father.
00:38:25 --> 00:38:26 So that we might.
00:38:27 --> 00:38:27 Experience.
00:38:27 --> 00:38:28 The pleasure.
00:38:28 --> 00:38:29 And acceptance.
00:38:30 --> 00:38:30 Of God.
00:38:31 --> 00:38:31 And live.
00:38:31 --> 00:38:32 To obediently.
00:38:32 --> 00:38:33 Please God.
00:38:35 --> 00:38:36 And the.
00:38:36 --> 00:38:37 Only thing.
00:38:38 --> 00:38:40 The only thing.
00:38:40 --> 00:38:41 That we contribute.
00:38:41 --> 00:38:44 To us.
00:38:45 --> 00:38:45 Experiencing.
00:38:45 --> 00:38:46 The pleasure.
00:38:46 --> 00:38:47 Of God.
00:38:48 --> 00:38:49 Is the.
00:38:49 --> 00:38:50 Sin.
00:38:50 --> 00:38:50 That drove.
00:38:50 --> 00:38:51 Jesus.
00:38:51 --> 00:38:51 There in the.
00:38:51 --> 00:38:52 First place.
00:38:54 --> 00:38:54 Drove.
00:38:54 --> 00:38:55 Jesus.
00:38:55 --> 00:38:55 The holy.
00:38:55 --> 00:38:56 Son of God.
00:38:56 --> 00:38:57 To the cross.
00:38:58 --> 00:38:59 And experience.
00:38:59 --> 00:39:00 The infinite.
00:39:00 --> 00:39:00 Displeasure.
00:39:00 --> 00:39:01 Of God.
00:39:02 --> 00:39:03 That's the only thing.
00:39:03 --> 00:39:03 We contribute.
00:39:05 --> 00:39:06 And to the degree.
00:39:06 --> 00:39:07 That we see.
00:39:07 --> 00:39:08 Jesus.
00:39:08 --> 00:39:09 On that cross.
00:39:09 --> 00:39:10 Receiving.
00:39:11 --> 00:39:11 The displeasure.
00:39:11 --> 00:39:12 Of God.
00:39:13 --> 00:39:13 For our.
00:39:13 --> 00:39:14 Approval.
00:39:16 --> 00:39:17 The more.
00:39:18 --> 00:39:19 We will seek.
00:39:19 --> 00:39:20 To love him.
00:39:20 --> 00:39:21 By walking.
00:39:21 --> 00:39:22 To please him.
00:39:22 --> 00:39:23 In all of life.
00:39:25 --> 00:39:26 And Paul.
00:39:26 --> 00:39:27 Is urging us here.
00:39:28 --> 00:39:29 Really.
00:39:29 --> 00:39:30 Fundamentally.
00:39:30 --> 00:39:31 To be.
00:39:31 --> 00:39:32 Who you.
00:39:32 --> 00:39:32 Are.
00:39:32 --> 00:39:36 Who you.
00:39:36 --> 00:39:37 Already.
00:39:37 --> 00:39:37 Are.
00:39:38 --> 00:39:38 In Jesus.
00:39:39 --> 00:39:39 Christ.
00:39:40 --> 00:39:40 Holy.
00:39:41 --> 00:39:42 And blameless.
00:39:43 --> 00:39:44 You are God's.
00:39:44 --> 00:39:44 Special.
00:39:45 --> 00:39:45 Possession.
00:39:46 --> 00:39:46 You are his.
00:39:46 --> 00:39:47 Much.
00:39:47 --> 00:39:47 Loved.
00:39:47 --> 00:39:48 Children.
00:39:49 --> 00:39:49 So.
00:39:49 --> 00:39:50 In Jesus.
00:39:50 --> 00:39:51 When he looks.
00:39:51 --> 00:39:52 At you.
00:39:52 --> 00:39:53 He doesn't see.
00:39:53 --> 00:39:53 Your faults.
00:39:53 --> 00:39:53 And he.
00:39:54 --> 00:39:54 Failures.
00:39:56 --> 00:39:57 My son.
00:39:58 --> 00:39:58 My daughter.
00:40:00 --> 00:40:00 In whom.
00:40:01 --> 00:40:01 I am well pleased.
00:40:01 --> 00:40:05 So live it.
00:40:09 --> 00:40:10 Bonhoeffer wrote.
00:40:10 --> 00:40:11 Only he who believes.
00:40:11 --> 00:40:12 Is obedient.
00:40:12 --> 00:40:13 And only he.
00:40:14 --> 00:40:14 Who is obedient.
00:40:15 --> 00:40:15 Believes.