1 00:00:01,230 --> 00:00:04,881 Welcome to relentless truth with John Warren, the 2 00:00:04,881 --> 00:00:08,215 podcast that extracts truth from a wide range 3 00:00:08,215 --> 00:00:08,850 of topics. 4 00:00:09,422 --> 00:00:12,208 Revealing who God is, who we are and 5 00:00:12,208 --> 00:00:15,312 how we relate to each other. Now, here's 6 00:00:15,471 --> 00:00:19,239 John with this week's powerful and practical insights. 7 00:00:24,134 --> 00:00:26,686 Welcome to relentless truth. I'm John Warren. It's 8 00:00:26,686 --> 00:00:28,361 good to be with you again. Please like 9 00:00:28,361 --> 00:00:31,232 share review and subscribe to relentless truth. 10 00:00:31,790 --> 00:00:33,957 Please share us with your friends. 1 share 11 00:00:33,957 --> 00:00:35,807 the website, john warren media 12 00:00:36,181 --> 00:00:37,953 dot com, which has a 13 00:00:38,326 --> 00:00:38,826 library 14 00:00:39,201 --> 00:00:42,084 of over a hundred and 50 of our 15 00:00:42,791 --> 00:00:45,332 episodes since our inception 3 years ago now, 16 00:00:45,809 --> 00:00:46,309 remarkable 17 00:00:46,921 --> 00:00:49,224 to even say those words. There are many 18 00:00:49,224 --> 00:00:50,653 of you who are listening throughout the world. 19 00:00:50,812 --> 00:00:51,448 We're thankful. 20 00:00:52,098 --> 00:00:53,849 For that, a many in the Us, many 21 00:00:53,849 --> 00:00:56,396 in Florida, many right here in Central Florida. 22 00:00:57,431 --> 00:00:59,102 So you can send along an email to 23 00:00:59,102 --> 00:00:59,261 me, 24 00:00:59,914 --> 00:01:01,989 prefer the encouraging kind or the kind where 25 00:01:01,989 --> 00:01:03,287 you ask questions 26 00:01:03,984 --> 00:01:06,560 to john at john warren media 27 00:01:07,097 --> 00:01:07,576 dot com. 28 00:01:08,215 --> 00:01:09,908 I You can also go to our contact 29 00:01:09,908 --> 00:01:12,865 page there. And if you have time, take 30 00:01:12,865 --> 00:01:15,023 a look at our tab, our consulting tab 31 00:01:15,023 --> 00:01:16,642 for our company called Cf 32 00:01:17,420 --> 00:01:17,580 Financial. 33 00:01:18,394 --> 00:01:20,627 You can reach that tab directly at cf 34 00:01:20,627 --> 00:01:22,302 f s financial dot net. 35 00:01:23,100 --> 00:01:25,253 That describes our work. We do lots of 36 00:01:25,253 --> 00:01:27,566 work with Christian schools and other organizations around 37 00:01:27,566 --> 00:01:27,965 the country. 38 00:01:28,775 --> 00:01:31,871 We're pleased to do that work. We consult 39 00:01:31,871 --> 00:01:33,721 on matters like debt 40 00:01:34,094 --> 00:01:34,594 negotiation 41 00:01:34,967 --> 00:01:38,321 on financing new real estate projects for Christian 42 00:01:38,321 --> 00:01:39,039 schools and other, 43 00:01:39,996 --> 00:01:40,235 organizations. 44 00:01:41,351 --> 00:01:43,344 So it's a it's a delight to do 45 00:01:43,344 --> 00:01:45,497 that work. Our your interest rate environment has 46 00:01:45,497 --> 00:01:45,997 changed 47 00:01:46,709 --> 00:01:49,127 fairly dramatically in in in recent months 48 00:01:49,506 --> 00:01:51,424 over the last couple of years even, 49 00:01:52,063 --> 00:01:52,462 but 50 00:01:53,022 --> 00:01:54,800 the economy still 51 00:01:55,194 --> 00:01:58,327 seems to be making, you know, decent acc 52 00:01:58,386 --> 00:02:00,461 sort of progress. We've talked about the economy 53 00:02:00,461 --> 00:02:02,989 many times on this podcast. That's not what 54 00:02:03,109 --> 00:02:04,777 going to do today. We're going to continue. 55 00:02:05,332 --> 00:02:08,136 God willing. We're going to continue our study 56 00:02:08,748 --> 00:02:09,065 of, 57 00:02:11,130 --> 00:02:12,044 We're And 58 00:02:12,421 --> 00:02:15,771 I'm excited about that study, but there have 59 00:02:15,771 --> 00:02:17,924 been a few events. I have something on 60 00:02:17,924 --> 00:02:20,237 my on my heart, deep deep on my 61 00:02:20,237 --> 00:02:21,057 heart to 62 00:02:21,529 --> 00:02:22,406 share with you, 63 00:02:23,123 --> 00:02:25,117 and it it just it just comes from 64 00:02:25,117 --> 00:02:26,813 a place of a very practical 65 00:02:27,748 --> 00:02:29,821 concern. III can connect it, 66 00:02:30,792 --> 00:02:31,748 with with scripture, 67 00:02:32,544 --> 00:02:34,295 a couple of a couple of different ways. 68 00:02:35,888 --> 00:02:36,525 And and, 69 00:02:37,719 --> 00:02:38,197 that is, 70 00:02:39,009 --> 00:02:40,228 our need in 71 00:02:40,607 --> 00:02:41,107 relationships 72 00:02:41,966 --> 00:02:42,466 to 73 00:02:43,404 --> 00:02:46,141 really, I wanna call it taking the next 74 00:02:46,360 --> 00:02:46,600 step. 75 00:02:47,491 --> 00:02:49,079 And I'm gonna tell you what I... What 76 00:02:49,238 --> 00:02:51,382 I mean by that. There there there's something 77 00:02:51,541 --> 00:02:54,583 I see in the apostle Paul in his 78 00:02:54,639 --> 00:02:56,566 ministry, and I know many of you are 79 00:02:56,566 --> 00:02:59,519 very learned and studied in scripture because I... 80 00:02:59,758 --> 00:03:01,354 I... You've told me that you listened into 81 00:03:01,354 --> 00:03:02,950 the podcast, and I know who you are. 82 00:03:03,443 --> 00:03:05,113 And I'm sure there are some who listened 83 00:03:05,113 --> 00:03:07,419 to podcast who who I don't have the 84 00:03:07,419 --> 00:03:10,282 pleasure of knowing who who have this knowledge, 85 00:03:10,997 --> 00:03:12,270 lots of biblical knowledge. 86 00:03:13,959 --> 00:03:15,237 1 of the things I noticed about the 87 00:03:15,397 --> 00:03:17,475 Apostle Paul's ministry. If it it 1 1 88 00:03:17,475 --> 00:03:19,952 thing that just jumps out in a study 89 00:03:19,952 --> 00:03:21,630 of Philippians, which we did a while back. 90 00:03:22,205 --> 00:03:24,205 Is that we are to imitate Paul as 91 00:03:24,205 --> 00:03:26,284 he imitate Christ. He said that in Romans 92 00:03:26,284 --> 00:03:28,605 as well. He says in lots of his 93 00:03:28,605 --> 00:03:29,105 epi 94 00:03:29,659 --> 00:03:31,813 And and he's he's not arrogant about that. 95 00:03:31,973 --> 00:03:33,649 He's very humble, and, you know, we talked 96 00:03:33,649 --> 00:03:35,963 about his greetings and talked about himself calling 97 00:03:35,963 --> 00:03:36,681 himself a slave. 98 00:03:37,334 --> 00:03:39,805 In the beginning of Philippians and calling his 99 00:03:39,805 --> 00:03:43,255 audience saints. So he's a humble guy, but 100 00:03:43,313 --> 00:03:44,907 encouraged us to imitate him. And if you 101 00:03:44,907 --> 00:03:45,407 notice 102 00:03:46,198 --> 00:03:47,155 unless I've missed it, 103 00:03:47,873 --> 00:03:49,968 you you never read Paul 104 00:03:51,143 --> 00:03:53,376 where he says, you know, you'll you'll never 105 00:03:53,376 --> 00:03:54,971 sort of hear him say, as you read. 106 00:03:55,704 --> 00:03:58,601 That that he he missed an opportunity 107 00:03:59,379 --> 00:04:00,598 to talk to someone 108 00:04:01,456 --> 00:04:02,676 about biblical things 109 00:04:03,550 --> 00:04:05,629 He talks about some regrets. He talks about 110 00:04:05,629 --> 00:04:08,030 some struggles, Romans thinking of Romans 7 right 111 00:04:08,030 --> 00:04:08,269 now. 112 00:04:08,989 --> 00:04:10,349 Oh, W man that I am. 113 00:04:11,003 --> 00:04:13,149 And I'm sure he had regrets and and 114 00:04:13,149 --> 00:04:13,466 mistakes. 115 00:04:14,420 --> 00:04:16,645 And and we've talked on this podcast about 116 00:04:16,645 --> 00:04:18,728 regrets in the context of our... Our study 117 00:04:18,728 --> 00:04:21,201 of Philippians where Paul talks about looking forward. 118 00:04:21,759 --> 00:04:24,072 I think that's really important doctrine. 119 00:04:24,869 --> 00:04:26,146 But but I wanna mention, 120 00:04:27,262 --> 00:04:29,511 just a hideous subject an awful 1. 121 00:04:30,788 --> 00:04:32,623 And I I really don't wanna talk about 122 00:04:32,623 --> 00:04:32,703 it, 123 00:04:33,501 --> 00:04:35,576 but I believe it's necessary to do so, 124 00:04:36,388 --> 00:04:38,700 and and that is suicide among Christians. 125 00:04:39,816 --> 00:04:43,584 It sad me that that I know about 126 00:04:43,642 --> 00:04:44,142 several 127 00:04:44,614 --> 00:04:47,903 cases of over the years of of Christian 128 00:04:48,280 --> 00:04:49,179 suicide. People 129 00:04:49,715 --> 00:04:50,215 even 130 00:04:50,751 --> 00:04:52,026 involved in ministry, 131 00:04:53,314 --> 00:04:54,928 and I'm not gonna name 132 00:04:55,462 --> 00:04:56,098 the names, 133 00:04:56,575 --> 00:04:58,904 but but 1 happened recently. 134 00:05:00,154 --> 00:05:00,654 And 135 00:05:01,685 --> 00:05:03,685 the the sudden death of a loved 1 136 00:05:03,685 --> 00:05:05,925 is awful. The sudden death of a friend 137 00:05:05,925 --> 00:05:06,964 is is awful. 138 00:05:08,245 --> 00:05:09,376 III 139 00:05:09,376 --> 00:05:12,165 don't think based on scripture, god expects us 140 00:05:12,165 --> 00:05:12,824 to be 141 00:05:13,201 --> 00:05:15,432 something other than human with respect. 142 00:05:16,245 --> 00:05:18,324 To to death. That the the sense of 143 00:05:18,324 --> 00:05:19,384 loss is 144 00:05:19,764 --> 00:05:21,685 is powerful is is real. 145 00:05:23,045 --> 00:05:25,445 But 1 thing that troubles me and and 146 00:05:25,604 --> 00:05:27,773 III don't think we have to be weird 147 00:05:28,226 --> 00:05:28,623 about this. 148 00:05:29,815 --> 00:05:30,315 But 149 00:05:30,864 --> 00:05:33,039 I bet most of you have had a 150 00:05:33,177 --> 00:05:33,677 conversation 151 00:05:34,453 --> 00:05:36,447 that goes something like this. 152 00:05:37,484 --> 00:05:37,984 I 153 00:05:38,600 --> 00:05:40,137 I wanted to tell you that 154 00:05:40,928 --> 00:05:42,306 but I thought it might 155 00:05:42,843 --> 00:05:43,082 blank. 156 00:05:43,720 --> 00:05:45,395 You know, III 157 00:05:45,395 --> 00:05:47,469 decided not to. It it would have been 158 00:05:47,469 --> 00:05:50,914 that next step, that next thing. They they... 159 00:05:51,393 --> 00:05:54,189 Maybe, I'll, I'll be just just really my 160 00:05:54,189 --> 00:05:56,347 optic and talk about my own teaching. I'll 161 00:05:56,506 --> 00:05:57,725 I'll have people who 162 00:05:58,039 --> 00:06:00,297 You say, you know, III was gonna 163 00:06:00,755 --> 00:06:02,753 make a really positive comment because your teaching 164 00:06:02,753 --> 00:06:04,111 has meant so much in my life. 165 00:06:05,084 --> 00:06:06,681 But I thought people would think I was 166 00:06:06,681 --> 00:06:08,677 grand standing or or or I I thought, 167 00:06:08,836 --> 00:06:10,513 you know, that probably wasn't the setting. 168 00:06:11,311 --> 00:06:13,547 When when when God would have used that 169 00:06:13,547 --> 00:06:14,047 to 170 00:06:14,999 --> 00:06:16,858 really bless me that, 171 00:06:17,477 --> 00:06:19,495 you know, it it would have told me 172 00:06:19,634 --> 00:06:21,632 all the preparation is worth it... These... This 173 00:06:21,632 --> 00:06:23,710 person and probably these people are getting it, 174 00:06:24,363 --> 00:06:26,688 biblical truth is being a spouse. We're making 175 00:06:26,744 --> 00:06:28,648 disciples. We're growing in god's grace. 176 00:06:29,283 --> 00:06:31,823 That feedback is just so valuable. I'm not 177 00:06:31,823 --> 00:06:32,323 solicit. 178 00:06:33,269 --> 00:06:35,349 Feedback for me in this conversation. I'm talking 179 00:06:35,349 --> 00:06:36,709 about a a larger topic, 180 00:06:37,349 --> 00:06:39,829 and that is saying the next thing. 181 00:06:40,884 --> 00:06:43,757 And sometimes in my case, saying the next 182 00:06:43,757 --> 00:06:44,257 thing 183 00:06:44,954 --> 00:06:47,826 is met with pride. They're gonna think I'm 184 00:06:47,826 --> 00:06:47,986 weird. 185 00:06:48,719 --> 00:06:50,391 They're not gonna like it. They're not gonna 186 00:06:50,391 --> 00:06:50,948 agree with me. 187 00:06:51,744 --> 00:06:54,132 They're gonna think I'm sucking up. They're gonna 188 00:06:54,132 --> 00:06:55,803 think that that's really simplistic. 189 00:06:56,854 --> 00:06:58,449 I really don't have time. They don't care 190 00:06:58,449 --> 00:06:59,167 about my opinion. 191 00:06:59,805 --> 00:07:01,081 They don't know me well enough. 192 00:07:02,277 --> 00:07:05,728 Well, when when there's loss, like like this 193 00:07:06,026 --> 00:07:06,265 suicide, 194 00:07:06,838 --> 00:07:07,338 We 195 00:07:08,031 --> 00:07:10,656 we we, you know, we lose all ability 196 00:07:10,656 --> 00:07:12,804 then obviously to communicate with the person. 197 00:07:13,853 --> 00:07:16,421 This particular 1 that just happened 198 00:07:16,796 --> 00:07:18,546 is a beloved pastor. 199 00:07:19,978 --> 00:07:20,478 And 200 00:07:20,947 --> 00:07:22,774 I don't know what was going on in 201 00:07:22,774 --> 00:07:25,236 his life. I don't know about his mental 202 00:07:25,236 --> 00:07:25,474 health. 203 00:07:26,348 --> 00:07:28,865 I I know 1 of his children from 204 00:07:28,984 --> 00:07:30,423 1 of my classes years ago, 205 00:07:31,781 --> 00:07:32,281 and 206 00:07:33,619 --> 00:07:35,856 I I know him by reputation, 207 00:07:37,069 --> 00:07:39,063 and his church was thriving. 208 00:07:40,180 --> 00:07:42,971 And I think his personal life was good 209 00:07:42,971 --> 00:07:45,045 from what I know, but I don't know. 210 00:07:46,162 --> 00:07:46,662 And 211 00:07:47,134 --> 00:07:47,634 I 212 00:07:49,210 --> 00:07:51,365 met him once or twice. Don't know him 213 00:07:51,365 --> 00:07:52,664 well. I don't 214 00:07:53,601 --> 00:07:56,017 personally have regrets in this particular 215 00:07:57,364 --> 00:07:58,237 situation except. 216 00:07:59,587 --> 00:08:01,412 God has used this to point me to 217 00:08:01,412 --> 00:08:02,309 this reality 218 00:08:03,317 --> 00:08:06,514 that we don't know what we're all going 219 00:08:06,514 --> 00:08:06,834 through, 220 00:08:08,035 --> 00:08:09,394 and we need to be more loving and 221 00:08:09,394 --> 00:08:10,754 gentle and tender with each other. 222 00:08:11,555 --> 00:08:12,995 I don't I don't know if anybody who 223 00:08:12,995 --> 00:08:13,314 wasn't, 224 00:08:14,208 --> 00:08:16,277 loving and gentle and tender with this pastor. 225 00:08:16,914 --> 00:08:19,563 I'm just saying that should characterize us 226 00:08:20,257 --> 00:08:21,053 as Christians, 227 00:08:22,024 --> 00:08:23,725 being right, especially 228 00:08:25,705 --> 00:08:28,925 on, you know, political issues and this Christian 229 00:08:29,064 --> 00:08:31,649 nationalism stuff is is driving me crazy 230 00:08:32,340 --> 00:08:33,134 if I'm candid. 231 00:08:34,166 --> 00:08:37,183 This taken a view that is extreme and 232 00:08:37,183 --> 00:08:40,320 trying to win clicks and is followers and 233 00:08:40,536 --> 00:08:41,672 it's just not something 234 00:08:42,127 --> 00:08:43,878 god willing I won't ever do it here. 235 00:08:44,594 --> 00:08:46,822 We're gonna talk about truth and continue to 236 00:08:46,822 --> 00:08:49,065 talk about truth and the the truth I 237 00:08:49,225 --> 00:08:51,454 I really just wanna get across is, 238 00:08:52,409 --> 00:08:54,081 let let's be gentle and loving with each 239 00:08:54,081 --> 00:08:55,992 other. I mean, let let's look for truth. 240 00:08:56,644 --> 00:08:57,204 In scripture. 241 00:08:58,083 --> 00:09:00,320 Scripture is absolutely true absolutely truth has a 242 00:09:00,320 --> 00:09:01,359 sharp edge to it doesn't it. 243 00:09:02,398 --> 00:09:03,836 But we don't have to stick it in 244 00:09:03,836 --> 00:09:05,355 the face of people who don't get it. 245 00:09:06,007 --> 00:09:08,155 You're not gonna win over a gay person 246 00:09:08,155 --> 00:09:09,587 who's in a gay relationship. 247 00:09:12,132 --> 00:09:13,825 You... You're not gonna win them over 248 00:09:14,533 --> 00:09:17,158 by by quoting Romans 1 and shoving it 249 00:09:17,158 --> 00:09:18,351 in their face probably. 250 00:09:19,147 --> 00:09:20,499 I mean, it's not a bad idea too 251 00:09:20,499 --> 00:09:22,421 if you're asked to you have a relationship 252 00:09:22,421 --> 00:09:24,169 and and, you know, you have credibility, you 253 00:09:24,169 --> 00:09:25,202 have standing with them. 254 00:09:26,155 --> 00:09:28,777 But but you're you're not you're not going 255 00:09:28,777 --> 00:09:28,935 to... 256 00:09:29,650 --> 00:09:31,019 If you they're not gonna hit themselves in 257 00:09:31,019 --> 00:09:32,930 the forehead and say, oh, then then what 258 00:09:33,009 --> 00:09:33,885 I'm doing is wrong. 259 00:09:34,920 --> 00:09:36,990 There... There's a way to be gentle and 260 00:09:36,990 --> 00:09:37,627 and loving. 261 00:09:38,519 --> 00:09:41,313 And with each other with just the people 262 00:09:41,313 --> 00:09:44,028 we go to church with that that, you 263 00:09:44,028 --> 00:09:46,183 know, we don't love them well enough. My 264 00:09:46,183 --> 00:09:48,595 wife does this really well and I wish 265 00:09:48,754 --> 00:09:49,154 I did it. 266 00:09:49,955 --> 00:09:52,215 She will hold the hands of her friends 267 00:09:52,835 --> 00:09:54,274 and look them right in the eyes and 268 00:09:54,274 --> 00:09:55,634 tell them that we're praying for them, 269 00:09:56,609 --> 00:09:58,365 and that she's praying for them, and she 270 00:09:58,365 --> 00:10:00,042 cares. She remembers the details. 271 00:10:00,920 --> 00:10:03,235 It embarrass me that I'll say, oh, what's 272 00:10:03,235 --> 00:10:04,432 going on with her and she'll say remember 273 00:10:04,592 --> 00:10:06,042 I told you this this and this. Oh, 274 00:10:06,201 --> 00:10:06,360 yeah. 275 00:10:07,154 --> 00:10:08,900 I do. And we prayed for her. 276 00:10:09,852 --> 00:10:12,575 Well, there's just beauty in Christian 277 00:10:13,186 --> 00:10:14,377 relationship. There's there's there's... 278 00:10:15,029 --> 00:10:17,187 Harsh nest too. There's a there's a a 279 00:10:17,187 --> 00:10:19,425 jagged edge to it. It's it's not easy 280 00:10:19,425 --> 00:10:19,904 always, 281 00:10:20,783 --> 00:10:23,660 but it's so important take to take the 282 00:10:23,660 --> 00:10:24,140 next step. 283 00:10:25,350 --> 00:10:27,815 If God is prompting you or you're prompting 284 00:10:27,815 --> 00:10:29,905 you through your knowledge of truth 285 00:10:30,439 --> 00:10:32,268 to reach out to someone. I went to 286 00:10:32,268 --> 00:10:33,540 see a guy in our church named Dan 287 00:10:33,700 --> 00:10:34,097 Hoffman, 288 00:10:34,669 --> 00:10:36,183 when he was in rehab, I think I 289 00:10:36,183 --> 00:10:37,696 mentioned him on 1 of these episodes a 290 00:10:37,696 --> 00:10:38,095 while back. 291 00:10:39,050 --> 00:10:40,803 And, you know, I actually thought about not 292 00:10:40,803 --> 00:10:40,962 going. 293 00:10:41,853 --> 00:10:43,285 I thought, well, you know, I don't know 294 00:10:43,285 --> 00:10:45,989 him too well, and he's gonna think it's 295 00:10:45,989 --> 00:10:47,897 awkward, and I I could just tell when 296 00:10:48,056 --> 00:10:49,329 I talk to him. He was starved. 297 00:10:50,219 --> 00:10:52,874 For for visitors. And and he's got relatives 298 00:10:53,172 --> 00:10:55,964 nearby, and he's he's loved by his family 299 00:10:55,964 --> 00:10:58,293 and and and all of that, but I 300 00:10:58,293 --> 00:10:59,646 went and visited with him, and I I 301 00:10:59,646 --> 00:11:01,078 think it did more for me than for 302 00:11:01,078 --> 00:11:03,148 him. I know many of you found that. 303 00:11:04,103 --> 00:11:06,172 I I did the next thing. I took 304 00:11:06,172 --> 00:11:06,889 the next step. 305 00:11:07,940 --> 00:11:09,940 And and wow was it a blessing. I 306 00:11:09,940 --> 00:11:11,220 could've stayed there all day with him. 307 00:11:12,339 --> 00:11:12,839 And 308 00:11:13,459 --> 00:11:15,539 it's just a dear sweet brother in Christ, 309 00:11:15,779 --> 00:11:16,279 who 310 00:11:16,754 --> 00:11:18,108 was going through just a little bit of 311 00:11:18,108 --> 00:11:18,768 a struggle 312 00:11:19,622 --> 00:11:20,658 from a health standpoint. 313 00:11:21,295 --> 00:11:23,606 So we we we just don't know what 314 00:11:23,606 --> 00:11:25,438 the other person is going through. And and 315 00:11:25,438 --> 00:11:26,076 more importantly, 316 00:11:27,047 --> 00:11:29,380 we we we don't know the 317 00:11:29,996 --> 00:11:31,293 the the impact 318 00:11:32,227 --> 00:11:32,727 of 319 00:11:33,263 --> 00:11:33,763 our 320 00:11:34,140 --> 00:11:35,911 relationship with other people. We... You have the 321 00:11:35,911 --> 00:11:38,545 ability to impact people. I... I'm not just 322 00:11:38,545 --> 00:11:40,461 talking about this in a suicide context. 323 00:11:41,100 --> 00:11:43,175 I... I'm just saying that reminds me they... 324 00:11:43,575 --> 00:11:44,807 With the the sudden 325 00:11:45,263 --> 00:11:45,763 of 326 00:11:46,537 --> 00:11:48,131 that that that death, 327 00:11:49,007 --> 00:11:51,318 it just reminds me that we are to 328 00:11:51,318 --> 00:11:54,041 be loving and caring and gracious. And gentle. 329 00:11:55,315 --> 00:11:56,031 Why wouldn't we? 330 00:11:56,907 --> 00:11:59,056 And and just realize and I'm I'm talking 331 00:11:59,056 --> 00:12:00,728 to me because I'm terrible at this. 332 00:12:01,698 --> 00:12:03,687 That it's pride that keeps us from reaching 333 00:12:03,687 --> 00:12:05,755 out from doing that from loving other people 334 00:12:05,755 --> 00:12:07,051 will. So 335 00:12:07,903 --> 00:12:08,514 that's our 336 00:12:09,826 --> 00:12:10,485 sort of 337 00:12:11,575 --> 00:12:14,460 issue of the day that has been heavy 338 00:12:14,516 --> 00:12:15,868 on on my heart. 339 00:12:16,838 --> 00:12:18,534 The rest of this becomes 340 00:12:20,824 --> 00:12:23,295 just an academic exercise if we don't live 341 00:12:23,295 --> 00:12:24,592 it out. If we aren't 342 00:12:24,983 --> 00:12:27,550 making disciples and following Christ 343 00:12:28,004 --> 00:12:29,833 and recognizing that we're in him, 344 00:12:30,469 --> 00:12:32,162 which is really the point of. 345 00:12:32,695 --> 00:12:35,179 So let's take a look today Let's just 346 00:12:35,179 --> 00:12:37,419 review for a moment. We've we've talked about 347 00:12:37,579 --> 00:12:38,059 Paul's 348 00:12:38,860 --> 00:12:40,620 introduction. We talked about the setting. He's in 349 00:12:40,620 --> 00:12:41,419 prison in Rome. 350 00:12:41,994 --> 00:12:43,668 As he writes this, we talked about the 351 00:12:43,668 --> 00:12:46,457 city of And their challenge. The theme of 352 00:12:46,457 --> 00:12:49,247 the letter is completeness in Christ, and we 353 00:12:49,247 --> 00:12:49,406 read. 354 00:12:50,058 --> 00:12:52,047 Versus 9 and following. And so from the 355 00:12:52,047 --> 00:12:54,274 day we heard, we've not ceased to pray 356 00:12:54,274 --> 00:12:56,875 for you asking that you may be filled 357 00:12:56,914 --> 00:12:58,581 with the knowledge and that word it is 358 00:12:58,581 --> 00:12:59,081 epi 359 00:12:59,454 --> 00:13:02,653 that's a strong knowledge, understanding, deep understanding 360 00:13:03,344 --> 00:13:03,844 intimate 361 00:13:04,217 --> 00:13:06,299 relationship. We said that root, but is the 362 00:13:06,299 --> 00:13:08,776 word used for a man knowing his wife, 363 00:13:10,055 --> 00:13:11,893 and and we've we've talked we've talked a 364 00:13:11,893 --> 00:13:14,371 lot about that with that word no or 365 00:13:14,371 --> 00:13:14,871 epi 366 00:13:15,664 --> 00:13:16,303 in this case. 367 00:13:16,941 --> 00:13:19,415 It's it's a stronger word with the prefix 368 00:13:19,495 --> 00:13:19,995 Epi 369 00:13:20,692 --> 00:13:23,246 that really means not just a casual knowing. 370 00:13:23,406 --> 00:13:25,576 That's a different it together. Idaho is the 371 00:13:25,736 --> 00:13:28,290 English translation of that word. That's I know 372 00:13:28,290 --> 00:13:30,605 this flower is red. I know that the 373 00:13:30,605 --> 00:13:32,362 grass is green. I know that, 374 00:13:33,400 --> 00:13:34,234 word I'm 375 00:13:34,612 --> 00:13:37,326 to do certain things today. That's just basic 376 00:13:37,326 --> 00:13:40,678 knowledge, but No is knowing with deep understanding 377 00:13:40,678 --> 00:13:41,417 and epi. 378 00:13:42,289 --> 00:13:44,761 Is is even stronger and and it it 379 00:13:44,761 --> 00:13:45,261 implies 380 00:13:45,958 --> 00:13:49,888 intimacy. Doesn't imply intimacy. It it confirms deep 381 00:13:50,265 --> 00:13:51,403 intimacy, relational 382 00:13:51,780 --> 00:13:51,860 intimacy. 383 00:13:52,591 --> 00:13:54,898 So so, yes, the academic knowledge is there. 384 00:13:55,136 --> 00:13:55,772 It's important, 385 00:13:56,568 --> 00:13:58,715 but don't don't go try to impress me 386 00:13:58,715 --> 00:13:59,987 or anybody else with your. 387 00:14:00,719 --> 00:14:03,297 Your your seminary knowledge. If you don't 388 00:14:03,676 --> 00:14:06,553 really have a relationship with Christ. 389 00:14:07,272 --> 00:14:08,411 Paul consistently 390 00:14:08,790 --> 00:14:12,495 talks about are being in Jesus Christ, our 391 00:14:12,632 --> 00:14:12,951 lord. 392 00:14:13,986 --> 00:14:14,704 So, anyway, 393 00:14:15,500 --> 00:14:17,572 filled with the knowledge of his will in 394 00:14:17,572 --> 00:14:18,926 all wisdom and understanding, 395 00:14:19,498 --> 00:14:21,245 So as to walk in a manner worthy 396 00:14:21,245 --> 00:14:24,817 of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing 397 00:14:24,817 --> 00:14:27,913 fruit in every good work and increasing. 398 00:14:28,644 --> 00:14:31,033 In the knowledge of God. We talked about 399 00:14:31,033 --> 00:14:32,627 the fruits of the spirit, love joy peace, 400 00:14:32,866 --> 00:14:33,662 patience, kindness, 401 00:14:34,300 --> 00:14:37,667 goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control 402 00:14:38,217 --> 00:14:40,763 strengthened with all power according to his glorious 403 00:14:40,763 --> 00:14:44,581 might for all endurance and patience with joy, 404 00:14:45,790 --> 00:14:48,417 attributes that we don't usually put together endurance 405 00:14:48,417 --> 00:14:49,395 and patience 406 00:14:49,771 --> 00:14:52,000 with joy. I get so sick of hearing 407 00:14:52,000 --> 00:14:52,875 faster. Say, oh, don't. 408 00:14:53,606 --> 00:14:55,377 Pray for patience, God will give you a 409 00:14:55,433 --> 00:14:58,555 tribulation. Really, why does Paul long to see 410 00:14:58,770 --> 00:14:59,961 endurance patients with joy? 411 00:15:00,533 --> 00:15:03,099 Developed in people. Why is he calling developing 412 00:15:03,156 --> 00:15:04,212 patients a joyful 413 00:15:04,745 --> 00:15:06,017 activity. This is an imperative. 414 00:15:06,732 --> 00:15:08,402 This is AAAA 415 00:15:08,402 --> 00:15:08,902 requirement 416 00:15:11,204 --> 00:15:13,140 giving thanks to the father who has qualified 417 00:15:13,198 --> 00:15:15,054 you to share in 418 00:15:15,432 --> 00:15:17,346 the inheritance of the saints in light, He 419 00:15:17,346 --> 00:15:19,441 has delivered us from the domain of darkness 420 00:15:19,754 --> 00:15:21,508 and transferred us to the kingdom of his 421 00:15:21,508 --> 00:15:22,646 beloved son in whom 422 00:15:23,024 --> 00:15:26,054 we have redemption. There's a a definite article 423 00:15:26,054 --> 00:15:27,330 there. Let me read the rest of this 424 00:15:27,330 --> 00:15:29,738 verse 14. And whom we have redemption. The 425 00:15:29,738 --> 00:15:31,015 forgiveness of sins. 426 00:15:31,653 --> 00:15:34,626 This definite article really makes this mean 427 00:15:35,084 --> 00:15:36,541 released by payment or 428 00:15:36,853 --> 00:15:38,842 or ransom. And then he says that forgiveness 429 00:15:38,842 --> 00:15:42,103 of sins, that... That's to to to send 430 00:15:42,103 --> 00:15:43,240 away from something 431 00:15:44,027 --> 00:15:46,413 forgiveness to send away from sin in a 432 00:15:46,413 --> 00:15:46,652 sense, 433 00:15:47,526 --> 00:15:49,594 and that forgiveness of sins has the idea 434 00:15:49,594 --> 00:15:51,820 of that the word it sends is to 435 00:15:51,820 --> 00:15:54,384 to miss the mark, miss the missed the 436 00:15:54,384 --> 00:15:56,705 requirement. You've heard that before. In whom we 437 00:15:56,705 --> 00:15:58,725 have redemption that is the repurchase 438 00:15:59,105 --> 00:16:01,684 or released by payment of ransom. He's using 439 00:16:01,999 --> 00:16:04,557 language that the culture would have understand relative, 440 00:16:05,356 --> 00:16:08,473 understood relative to slavery. So then we have 441 00:16:08,473 --> 00:16:10,790 another paragraph or 2 that I wanna get 442 00:16:10,790 --> 00:16:13,442 to today or or 3, maybe, 443 00:16:14,162 --> 00:16:15,040 we'll see how we do. 444 00:16:16,079 --> 00:16:18,497 On the the pre of Christ and Paul's 445 00:16:18,636 --> 00:16:19,515 ministry to the church. 446 00:16:20,088 --> 00:16:22,710 First 15, he is the image of the 447 00:16:22,710 --> 00:16:25,253 invisible god. He's talking about Jesus Christ, the 448 00:16:25,253 --> 00:16:26,229 first firstborn 449 00:16:26,762 --> 00:16:27,739 of all 450 00:16:28,113 --> 00:16:28,351 creation. 451 00:16:28,923 --> 00:16:31,948 He's not saying Jesus Christ was born just 452 00:16:31,948 --> 00:16:32,903 before creation. 453 00:16:33,540 --> 00:16:34,995 He he he was 454 00:16:35,609 --> 00:16:37,121 beg forgotten. He was eternally, 455 00:16:38,649 --> 00:16:41,207 be gotten by the father any eternity past. 456 00:16:41,446 --> 00:16:43,364 I... Can I really articulate what that means? 457 00:16:43,924 --> 00:16:46,881 While he always existed. God has always existed 458 00:16:46,881 --> 00:16:47,620 in 3 459 00:16:48,173 --> 00:16:50,397 persons. But this idea being the first born 460 00:16:50,397 --> 00:16:52,542 of all creation is just it's just the 461 00:16:52,542 --> 00:16:54,869 first 1 born. It's but born before 462 00:16:55,497 --> 00:16:58,363 everyone else created before everyone else, it doesn't 463 00:16:58,363 --> 00:16:59,819 conflict with the doctrine 464 00:17:00,194 --> 00:17:03,061 that he has always been throughout all eternity. 465 00:17:03,553 --> 00:17:06,098 For by him, all things were created in 466 00:17:06,098 --> 00:17:08,961 heaven and on earth visible and invisible, whether 467 00:17:08,961 --> 00:17:11,586 thrones or dominion or rulers or authorities. 468 00:17:12,079 --> 00:17:14,551 All things were created through him and for 469 00:17:14,551 --> 00:17:16,944 him that is Jesus Christ. We need to 470 00:17:16,944 --> 00:17:19,757 think of him as as creator, he is 471 00:17:19,975 --> 00:17:21,033 the creator. 472 00:17:22,301 --> 00:17:23,018 God the sun. 473 00:17:23,893 --> 00:17:25,826 So... And he is before 474 00:17:26,201 --> 00:17:29,169 all things and in him all things hold 475 00:17:29,226 --> 00:17:31,942 together, that that hold together the idea of 476 00:17:31,942 --> 00:17:33,132 he's he's a sustain. 477 00:17:33,688 --> 00:17:35,038 It... They're they're preserved. 478 00:17:35,673 --> 00:17:37,205 All all things are held 479 00:17:37,975 --> 00:17:38,293 together. 480 00:17:38,943 --> 00:17:39,739 Isn't that beautiful. 481 00:17:41,092 --> 00:17:42,308 And he is the head 482 00:17:42,683 --> 00:17:44,434 of the body that is the authority, 483 00:17:45,150 --> 00:17:45,628 the church... 484 00:17:46,838 --> 00:17:49,390 So the church is the body of Christ 485 00:17:49,390 --> 00:17:51,703 and Christ is the head of the body. 486 00:17:51,942 --> 00:17:55,053 He's he is the beginning, the first born 487 00:17:55,053 --> 00:17:55,952 from the dead 488 00:17:56,344 --> 00:17:57,321 that in everything, 489 00:17:57,696 --> 00:17:59,151 he might be preeminent. 490 00:18:00,003 --> 00:18:01,378 That that's not a wish 491 00:18:02,787 --> 00:18:05,431 that that that's that's that's a statement that 492 00:18:05,431 --> 00:18:07,126 that he would be preeminent 493 00:18:07,741 --> 00:18:10,052 to to have the first place is the 494 00:18:10,052 --> 00:18:13,038 idea there. For in him, all the fullness 495 00:18:13,176 --> 00:18:14,872 of god, that is the total 496 00:18:15,329 --> 00:18:16,706 essence of deity 497 00:18:17,163 --> 00:18:18,141 was pleased 498 00:18:18,598 --> 00:18:19,156 to dwell. 499 00:18:20,047 --> 00:18:22,986 That dwelling is is his his will, his 500 00:18:22,986 --> 00:18:26,323 plan. God's, god's will dwell, all the fullness 501 00:18:26,323 --> 00:18:28,151 of God, all of his attributes his will, 502 00:18:28,564 --> 00:18:29,064 everything 503 00:18:29,439 --> 00:18:32,565 about God, his essence, his nature dwell 504 00:18:32,940 --> 00:18:34,793 in Jesus Christ 505 00:18:35,248 --> 00:18:37,339 that in everything he might be 506 00:18:37,889 --> 00:18:38,389 preeminent 507 00:18:38,690 --> 00:18:39,190 verse 508 00:18:39,809 --> 00:18:40,369 18 says, 509 00:18:41,329 --> 00:18:42,690 That is that he might... 510 00:18:43,409 --> 00:18:45,509 This idea is if total 511 00:18:46,049 --> 00:18:48,379 reconciliation, with with Christ that we're reading here. 512 00:18:48,937 --> 00:18:51,728 That in everything he might be preeminent might 513 00:18:51,728 --> 00:18:52,228 have 514 00:18:52,606 --> 00:18:55,477 first place. He is above all else for 515 00:18:55,477 --> 00:18:57,490 in him, all the fullness of God was 516 00:18:57,490 --> 00:18:59,089 pleased to dwell and through and through him 517 00:18:59,089 --> 00:19:01,730 to reconcile himself to all things. That that 518 00:19:01,730 --> 00:19:02,230 is 519 00:19:02,609 --> 00:19:05,344 that is to change completely to reconcile to 520 00:19:05,344 --> 00:19:06,383 himself, all things, 521 00:19:08,140 --> 00:19:09,200 whether on earth 522 00:19:09,579 --> 00:19:10,398 or in heaven 523 00:19:11,656 --> 00:19:12,636 making peace 524 00:19:13,269 --> 00:19:14,867 by the blood of his cross. 525 00:19:17,505 --> 00:19:20,301 Isn't that beautiful, making peace by the blood 526 00:19:20,301 --> 00:19:21,920 of his crust. You know, I just read 527 00:19:22,234 --> 00:19:23,670 I'm I'm trying to read the psalms a 528 00:19:23,670 --> 00:19:25,823 little bit now. And III just read psalm 529 00:19:25,823 --> 00:19:28,158 4. So I just started this this week 530 00:19:28,375 --> 00:19:30,130 and said the last first of that psalm, 531 00:19:30,609 --> 00:19:31,566 which is verse 8. 532 00:19:32,219 --> 00:19:33,095 Says in peace, 533 00:19:33,652 --> 00:19:36,359 I will both lie down and sleep for 534 00:19:36,359 --> 00:19:37,634 you alone, o Lord, 535 00:19:38,350 --> 00:19:40,421 make me dwell in safety. 536 00:19:41,311 --> 00:19:44,174 Our Lord is above all things we can 537 00:19:44,174 --> 00:19:46,741 rest in him, making peace 538 00:19:47,116 --> 00:19:49,819 by the blood of his cross. There couldn't 539 00:19:49,819 --> 00:19:50,319 be 540 00:19:50,789 --> 00:19:52,376 a greater j position. 541 00:19:53,170 --> 00:19:55,948 You mean Paul that you're telling us that 542 00:19:55,948 --> 00:19:58,988 this violent horrible death on across 543 00:19:59,520 --> 00:20:02,651 a made peace was used by Jesus Christ 544 00:20:02,651 --> 00:20:06,166 our Lord to reconcile us to God to 545 00:20:06,166 --> 00:20:06,986 make peace 546 00:20:07,619 --> 00:20:09,694 in spite of all the sin that you've 547 00:20:09,694 --> 00:20:12,168 talked about that you had already written about 548 00:20:12,168 --> 00:20:14,483 in Romans 3. They're being non righteous, no 549 00:20:14,483 --> 00:20:16,653 not 1 for all of sin, and come 550 00:20:16,653 --> 00:20:18,409 short of the glory of God no 1 551 00:20:18,409 --> 00:20:20,165 seeks after god, our throats are an open 552 00:20:20,165 --> 00:20:20,565 grave. 553 00:20:23,358 --> 00:20:24,156 Goes on and on. 554 00:20:25,209 --> 00:20:26,982 There's none righteous, no 555 00:20:27,517 --> 00:20:28,789 not 1 and yet. 556 00:20:29,903 --> 00:20:31,677 Jesus Christ has made peace 557 00:20:32,132 --> 00:20:33,882 by the blood of his Christ in the 558 00:20:34,615 --> 00:20:36,055 by the blood of his cross. I'm sorry. 559 00:20:36,535 --> 00:20:38,375 I... I was jumping ahead with my eyes 560 00:20:38,375 --> 00:20:40,154 here looking at versus 21 561 00:20:40,695 --> 00:20:41,654 through 23. 562 00:20:42,548 --> 00:20:44,166 This is this is the 563 00:20:44,624 --> 00:20:45,523 reconciliation for 564 00:20:45,981 --> 00:20:48,636 for all believers. Listen to this. And you 565 00:20:48,934 --> 00:20:51,421 who once were alienate and has... Style in 566 00:20:51,421 --> 00:20:54,064 mind, doing evil deeds that that makes us 567 00:20:54,120 --> 00:20:54,993 hostile to god. 568 00:20:55,628 --> 00:20:56,684 He has now 569 00:20:57,216 --> 00:20:57,716 reconciled 570 00:20:58,645 --> 00:21:00,326 style that isn't that beautiful? 571 00:21:01,278 --> 00:21:03,659 Given us right standing in his body of 572 00:21:03,659 --> 00:21:05,484 flash by his death in order to present 573 00:21:05,484 --> 00:21:09,025 you wholly and blame and above rep approach 574 00:21:09,721 --> 00:21:12,431 before him. If indeed, you continue in the 575 00:21:12,431 --> 00:21:13,706 faith stable and steadfast, 576 00:21:14,358 --> 00:21:16,111 not shifting from the hope of the gospel 577 00:21:16,111 --> 00:21:18,660 that you heard, which has been proclaimed in 578 00:21:18,660 --> 00:21:21,210 all creation under heaven, and of which I 579 00:21:21,210 --> 00:21:23,361 paul became a minister. So Paul is saying, 580 00:21:24,013 --> 00:21:26,321 I am a minister of the gospel. 581 00:21:26,878 --> 00:21:28,231 I'll listen to this. He says in verse 582 00:21:28,231 --> 00:21:31,039 24. Now I rejoice in my suffering. 583 00:21:31,669 --> 00:21:33,369 For your sake. Paul's a prisoner 584 00:21:33,750 --> 00:21:35,269 under house arrest in rome. 585 00:21:36,789 --> 00:21:38,809 I rejoice in my suffering 586 00:21:39,365 --> 00:21:41,125 So if we're gonna imitate Paul, that's what 587 00:21:41,125 --> 00:21:41,845 we need to do. 588 00:21:42,565 --> 00:21:44,325 Alright, This is Apr pro for me at 589 00:21:44,325 --> 00:21:46,644 this moment, I've got some back problems making 590 00:21:46,644 --> 00:21:47,144 pain 591 00:21:47,457 --> 00:21:49,679 shoot down my leg, never had that before 592 00:21:49,679 --> 00:21:50,551 that I can recall, 593 00:21:51,345 --> 00:21:51,662 and 594 00:21:52,218 --> 00:21:53,408 I had to go see a neuro surgeon 595 00:21:53,646 --> 00:21:55,074 Getting a second opinion tomorrow. 596 00:21:55,724 --> 00:21:57,241 And and Paul's talking about a different kinds 597 00:21:57,241 --> 00:21:58,757 of kind of suffering. He's talking about suffering 598 00:21:58,757 --> 00:22:00,354 for the sake of the gospel, but any 599 00:22:00,354 --> 00:22:02,588 suffering that we do is is a picture 600 00:22:02,588 --> 00:22:06,190 of reminds us of our our our limitations, 601 00:22:06,428 --> 00:22:09,294 our our, we we should rejoice in our 602 00:22:09,294 --> 00:22:12,000 suffering and Paul is saying, I'm suffering for 603 00:22:12,000 --> 00:22:13,671 your sake, the first century church. 604 00:22:14,403 --> 00:22:15,999 The first century church at C. 605 00:22:17,036 --> 00:22:19,428 And and in my flesh, I'm filling up 606 00:22:19,428 --> 00:22:22,539 what is lacking in Christ's a friction for 607 00:22:22,539 --> 00:22:23,576 the sake of his body. 608 00:22:24,229 --> 00:22:25,688 That is the church 609 00:22:26,067 --> 00:22:28,884 of which I became a minister, 610 00:22:29,822 --> 00:22:31,020 according to the stewardship, 611 00:22:32,232 --> 00:22:34,299 from God that was given to me for 612 00:22:34,299 --> 00:22:36,843 you. He became 1 a minister to grow 613 00:22:36,843 --> 00:22:40,420 their their spiritual condition and to the stewardship 614 00:22:40,420 --> 00:22:43,219 from God that was given me for you. 615 00:22:43,378 --> 00:22:45,129 You, you know what a Steward is. The 616 00:22:45,129 --> 00:22:47,199 person responsible for somebody else's assets. 617 00:22:47,915 --> 00:22:50,484 There's a stewardship duty that we all have 618 00:22:51,034 --> 00:22:52,473 And the third thing he says from god 619 00:22:52,473 --> 00:22:54,231 that was given me to you to make 620 00:22:54,231 --> 00:22:55,290 the word of God 621 00:22:55,670 --> 00:22:56,629 fully known. 622 00:22:57,668 --> 00:22:59,985 So Paul knew, not only he a administer 623 00:22:59,985 --> 00:23:00,545 of the gospel. 624 00:23:01,039 --> 00:23:02,476 He had a stewardship requirement, 625 00:23:03,035 --> 00:23:05,110 and and to to make the word of 626 00:23:05,190 --> 00:23:05,690 God 627 00:23:06,068 --> 00:23:07,686 fully known. He's a Steward 628 00:23:08,144 --> 00:23:09,841 to make the word of God 629 00:23:10,313 --> 00:23:10,791 fully known. 630 00:23:11,507 --> 00:23:14,052 Can can you just imagine reading this? 631 00:23:15,166 --> 00:23:16,541 Paul is talking about 632 00:23:17,409 --> 00:23:17,909 how 633 00:23:18,288 --> 00:23:19,108 he is 634 00:23:19,806 --> 00:23:23,002 he is filling up his in his flesh, 635 00:23:23,641 --> 00:23:24,461 he's suffering 636 00:23:25,333 --> 00:23:27,239 for the sake of Christ, 637 00:23:27,953 --> 00:23:29,700 for the sake of his body, that is 638 00:23:29,700 --> 00:23:30,359 the church 639 00:23:30,733 --> 00:23:32,877 of which he became a minister according to 640 00:23:32,877 --> 00:23:34,147 stewardship from God that was given to me. 641 00:23:34,639 --> 00:23:36,494 For you to make the word of God 642 00:23:36,872 --> 00:23:38,567 fully known the mystery hidden 643 00:23:38,944 --> 00:23:41,735 for ages and generations, but now revealed to 644 00:23:41,735 --> 00:23:42,213 his saints. 645 00:23:43,504 --> 00:23:45,662 That that is that Jews and gentile would 646 00:23:45,662 --> 00:23:48,139 become 1 in Christ. That is the mystery. 647 00:23:48,858 --> 00:23:50,476 The efficacy of the cross 648 00:23:51,095 --> 00:23:51,549 justification 649 00:23:51,907 --> 00:23:53,736 by faith, in no uncertain terms. 650 00:23:54,849 --> 00:23:58,028 Due to the death, burial and resurrection, 651 00:23:58,664 --> 00:23:59,164 and 652 00:23:59,871 --> 00:24:02,174 of Jesus Christ and his ascension he sits 653 00:24:02,174 --> 00:24:04,342 today at the right hand, the father, making 654 00:24:04,398 --> 00:24:06,702 inter session for us. To them God chose 655 00:24:06,702 --> 00:24:08,608 to make known how great among the gentile. 656 00:24:09,259 --> 00:24:11,276 Are the riches of the glory of this 657 00:24:11,494 --> 00:24:11,893 mystery, 658 00:24:12,452 --> 00:24:14,846 which is christ in you, the hope of 659 00:24:14,846 --> 00:24:15,166 glory, 660 00:24:15,804 --> 00:24:16,922 him were y pro claim. 661 00:24:18,292 --> 00:24:19,326 Warning everyone. 662 00:24:19,961 --> 00:24:21,074 So so there's a negative, 663 00:24:21,631 --> 00:24:26,400 warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom. 664 00:24:27,369 --> 00:24:29,941 That we may present everyone mature 665 00:24:30,476 --> 00:24:32,150 in Christ for this I toil, 666 00:24:32,947 --> 00:24:36,169 struggling with all its energy, all his energy 667 00:24:36,465 --> 00:24:37,522 that he powerfully 668 00:24:38,136 --> 00:24:41,239 works within me. That is Paul is saying, 669 00:24:41,716 --> 00:24:43,250 I know that I labor 670 00:24:44,198 --> 00:24:45,095 because of Christ's 671 00:24:46,186 --> 00:24:46,664 enable. 672 00:24:47,300 --> 00:24:49,392 Isn't that beautiful for this I toil 673 00:24:49,767 --> 00:24:50,983 struggling with all 674 00:24:51,294 --> 00:24:51,794 his 675 00:24:52,411 --> 00:24:55,363 energy that he powerfully works in me. Paul 676 00:24:55,363 --> 00:24:58,096 struggles, but Christ gives him his 677 00:24:58,728 --> 00:25:01,277 energy that is our our intimacy with Christ. 678 00:25:01,676 --> 00:25:03,986 He equip us. Are we to work hard? 679 00:25:04,464 --> 00:25:04,783 Yes. 680 00:25:05,913 --> 00:25:07,979 I I don't like those expressions let go 681 00:25:07,979 --> 00:25:08,614 and let God. 682 00:25:09,568 --> 00:25:12,270 No. We are to work hard at this. 683 00:25:13,238 --> 00:25:15,307 We are to keep the commandments. 684 00:25:16,022 --> 00:25:16,920 Where to care 685 00:25:17,295 --> 00:25:17,795 about 686 00:25:18,250 --> 00:25:19,284 good moral living. 687 00:25:20,254 --> 00:25:21,210 But it is Christ, 688 00:25:21,767 --> 00:25:22,586 who powerfully 689 00:25:23,042 --> 00:25:26,569 works within us as we engage in gospel 690 00:25:26,786 --> 00:25:29,746 ministry. I see it over and over and 691 00:25:29,746 --> 00:25:31,815 over. I'll come out of a teaching session 692 00:25:31,815 --> 00:25:34,224 where I've prepared well and realize, 693 00:25:34,934 --> 00:25:37,725 Wow. The beauty of that truth did not 694 00:25:37,725 --> 00:25:41,097 occur to me. God clearly enabled me 695 00:25:41,474 --> 00:25:43,968 to to to see this truth and to 696 00:25:44,026 --> 00:25:45,475 communicate it. It clearly. 697 00:25:46,748 --> 00:25:46,987 Well, 698 00:25:47,783 --> 00:25:50,988 that's just a a beautiful section 699 00:25:51,363 --> 00:25:55,199 of of scripture. It is the end of 700 00:25:55,199 --> 00:25:56,893 chapter 1 of c. 701 00:25:58,065 --> 00:26:00,294 But but Paul is driving home this point 702 00:26:00,294 --> 00:26:02,068 that he rejoice in his suffering 703 00:26:02,618 --> 00:26:05,165 for their sake. If you just keep in 704 00:26:05,165 --> 00:26:06,995 mind where Paul is. He's under house arrest, 705 00:26:07,154 --> 00:26:08,984 He has to pay to rent the house, 706 00:26:09,382 --> 00:26:11,712 and he's chained to a pre guard 707 00:26:12,023 --> 00:26:13,535 So for him to say that he rejoice 708 00:26:13,535 --> 00:26:15,706 in his suffering. He has, he is joy 709 00:26:16,240 --> 00:26:18,548 in his suffering. He he's already said that 710 00:26:18,548 --> 00:26:19,048 that 711 00:26:19,839 --> 00:26:21,937 he he doesn't have a problem with that 712 00:26:22,316 --> 00:26:22,816 apparent 713 00:26:23,194 --> 00:26:23,434 contradiction. 714 00:26:24,233 --> 00:26:25,452 That that joy 715 00:26:25,831 --> 00:26:29,109 is rich, deep. Abiding joy. It's not pleading 716 00:26:29,109 --> 00:26:31,729 happiness. It's not just tolerable for a bit. 717 00:26:31,888 --> 00:26:34,429 It is deep joy that only comes from 718 00:26:34,429 --> 00:26:35,779 our Lord Jesus Christ. 719 00:26:36,588 --> 00:26:38,967 And and he's glad that he has become 720 00:26:38,967 --> 00:26:39,625 a minister 721 00:26:40,394 --> 00:26:41,291 according to 722 00:26:42,059 --> 00:26:42,559 the 723 00:26:42,932 --> 00:26:45,672 stewardship from God. That is... To grow their 724 00:26:45,890 --> 00:26:48,364 spiritual condition that was given to me for 725 00:26:48,364 --> 00:26:50,141 you to make the word of God 726 00:26:50,518 --> 00:26:51,556 fully known. 727 00:26:52,288 --> 00:26:52,788 So 728 00:26:53,163 --> 00:26:55,867 Paul says I have a duty, and I 729 00:26:55,867 --> 00:26:56,186 understand it. 730 00:26:57,061 --> 00:26:58,572 And then he says to them, 731 00:26:59,144 --> 00:27:01,305 God chose to make known how great among 732 00:27:01,305 --> 00:27:03,384 the gentile are the riches of his the 733 00:27:03,384 --> 00:27:05,065 glory of his mystery, which is Christ in 734 00:27:05,065 --> 00:27:05,224 you. 735 00:27:06,597 --> 00:27:07,870 The hope of glory. 736 00:27:08,506 --> 00:27:09,404 Paul had battled 737 00:27:09,858 --> 00:27:10,358 the 738 00:27:11,131 --> 00:27:12,983 Jewish leaders. He he battled 739 00:27:13,374 --> 00:27:14,092 the no, 740 00:27:14,491 --> 00:27:17,123 the... These cerebral thinkers who thought they had 741 00:27:17,123 --> 00:27:19,356 special dis compensation, special information. 742 00:27:20,393 --> 00:27:21,132 He battled 743 00:27:21,828 --> 00:27:24,976 the J who who did not believe that 744 00:27:25,114 --> 00:27:26,651 Jesus Christ our Lord 745 00:27:27,029 --> 00:27:29,661 was the messiah. They did they did not 746 00:27:29,661 --> 00:27:30,161 believe 747 00:27:30,633 --> 00:27:31,133 in 748 00:27:31,746 --> 00:27:34,393 justification by faith. They held on to 749 00:27:35,404 --> 00:27:37,495 compliance with the law and even the ceremonial 750 00:27:37,551 --> 00:27:41,386 law and wanted to ci sized profess believers 751 00:27:41,386 --> 00:27:42,262 who were gentile. 752 00:27:43,058 --> 00:27:45,765 And and and they pursued Paul aggressively. They 753 00:27:45,765 --> 00:27:46,402 wanted to kill him. 754 00:27:47,134 --> 00:27:50,023 They they thought this justification by faith was 755 00:27:50,161 --> 00:27:50,958 a heresy. 756 00:27:51,595 --> 00:27:53,427 If you think about it in Roman culture, 757 00:27:54,317 --> 00:27:56,459 It's a lot like where we are today. 758 00:27:56,617 --> 00:27:57,887 I'm not 1 of those who says, yeah. 759 00:27:58,045 --> 00:27:59,156 Look at the Roman empire and what happened. 760 00:27:59,314 --> 00:28:00,663 That's gonna happen to the United States. I. 761 00:28:01,059 --> 00:28:03,144 I think that that's that I mean, that 762 00:28:03,144 --> 00:28:06,345 may be true, but I I think IIII 763 00:28:06,345 --> 00:28:08,025 think some of the some of the underlying 764 00:28:08,025 --> 00:28:09,384 concepts there are helpful. 765 00:28:10,119 --> 00:28:11,795 But I'm not sure that we're gonna fall 766 00:28:11,795 --> 00:28:14,110 like, the Roman empire did, we might. I'm 767 00:28:14,110 --> 00:28:16,504 not saying we're not going to. But but 768 00:28:16,584 --> 00:28:18,601 I am saying that the culture in Rome 769 00:28:18,993 --> 00:28:21,617 rejected Christianity. In fact, the true, if I 770 00:28:21,617 --> 00:28:23,049 can say it this way, people who would 771 00:28:23,049 --> 00:28:25,196 have been acknowledged as religious people. What did 772 00:28:25,196 --> 00:28:26,388 they do? They worship idol? 773 00:28:27,199 --> 00:28:29,505 In remember, the Christians were a narrow kind 774 00:28:29,505 --> 00:28:31,334 of a cult thing to them, kind of 775 00:28:31,334 --> 00:28:32,311 a counter cultural 776 00:28:32,924 --> 00:28:35,151 thing. The the tolerance of rome. 777 00:28:35,882 --> 00:28:38,827 Was incredible. They tolerated 1 of everything over 778 00:28:38,827 --> 00:28:39,486 a hundred 779 00:28:39,941 --> 00:28:40,339 idol. 780 00:28:40,976 --> 00:28:41,476 They 781 00:28:41,851 --> 00:28:43,443 they they had... I mean, if you look 782 00:28:43,443 --> 00:28:45,009 at the people who battled paul 783 00:28:45,688 --> 00:28:46,087 ideological. 784 00:28:46,645 --> 00:28:49,300 Paul is setting the record straight 785 00:28:49,757 --> 00:28:52,684 with the facts with ideological facts with 786 00:28:53,204 --> 00:28:57,060 theological facts that are absolutely true from scripture 787 00:28:57,199 --> 00:28:59,436 and and Paul often is quoting scripture if 788 00:28:59,436 --> 00:29:00,475 you look at his letters. 789 00:29:01,529 --> 00:29:04,565 The these truths are beautiful and deep, and 790 00:29:04,565 --> 00:29:05,843 and Paul is saying, look. 791 00:29:06,482 --> 00:29:09,293 Now we know this mystery this was hidden 792 00:29:09,293 --> 00:29:12,247 for ages and generations is now revealed to 793 00:29:12,247 --> 00:29:14,561 the saints in Jesus Christ. That's what he's 794 00:29:14,561 --> 00:29:17,675 talking about. And and isn't that just beautiful? 795 00:29:17,929 --> 00:29:19,700 And he's explaining it. So 796 00:29:20,074 --> 00:29:22,696 clearly, but he's getting post. He's he's riding 797 00:29:22,696 --> 00:29:24,286 under house or arrest chained to a guard, 798 00:29:24,445 --> 00:29:26,047 but but when he when he does his 799 00:29:26,047 --> 00:29:28,186 sal mutations and and it kinda wraps up 800 00:29:28,424 --> 00:29:31,357 Philippians isn't that beautiful the way Caesar... Caesar's 801 00:29:31,357 --> 00:29:32,149 household greet you. 802 00:29:32,799 --> 00:29:35,037 Well, when he made Caesar's household, great. What 803 00:29:35,037 --> 00:29:35,836 are you doing with Caesar? 804 00:29:36,555 --> 00:29:38,793 Well, clearly, the guards had come to know 805 00:29:38,953 --> 00:29:40,871 Christ. And, I mean, lots of people did 806 00:29:40,871 --> 00:29:41,270 apparently? 807 00:29:42,084 --> 00:29:45,509 In Rome, under Paul's ministry, while under house 808 00:29:45,509 --> 00:29:47,580 arrest, which couldn't have been a pleasant thing, 809 00:29:47,739 --> 00:29:48,239 but 810 00:29:48,695 --> 00:29:51,497 wow, all this truth they heard imagine hearing 811 00:29:51,656 --> 00:29:53,088 Paul pray 24 7. 812 00:29:53,963 --> 00:29:55,077 Imagine what that was like. 813 00:29:56,031 --> 00:29:58,075 So he's thankful, even 814 00:29:58,514 --> 00:30:00,034 in his suffering. 815 00:30:00,514 --> 00:30:01,894 He knows the role 816 00:30:02,194 --> 00:30:03,575 that suffering plays 817 00:30:04,034 --> 00:30:05,394 in in our lives. 818 00:30:05,968 --> 00:30:09,655 Well, thank you and for ind this lesson 819 00:30:09,792 --> 00:30:10,611 and my 820 00:30:11,465 --> 00:30:13,855 discussion about doing the next thing. I hope 821 00:30:13,855 --> 00:30:14,912 you will do 822 00:30:15,304 --> 00:30:17,316 the next thing. When you look at Paul's 823 00:30:17,533 --> 00:30:20,001 ministry, he took the next step, didn't he? 824 00:30:20,798 --> 00:30:22,549 He didn't say, well, you know, I thought 825 00:30:22,549 --> 00:30:24,316 about doing it, but then thought maybe they'll 826 00:30:24,316 --> 00:30:26,307 throw rocks at me or. They might not 827 00:30:26,307 --> 00:30:28,059 respect me as my know. I'm not exactly 828 00:30:28,059 --> 00:30:29,413 like the rest of the culture and what 829 00:30:29,572 --> 00:30:31,722 I'm teaching is is is not gonna be 830 00:30:31,722 --> 00:30:34,366 met with with warmth by everyone. My goodness, 831 00:30:34,605 --> 00:30:36,039 I serve on board and we try to 832 00:30:36,039 --> 00:30:36,539 engineer 833 00:30:36,915 --> 00:30:37,734 communication sometimes 834 00:30:38,110 --> 00:30:39,783 to all of our constituents and we try 835 00:30:39,783 --> 00:30:41,797 to be so careful that we don't offend 836 00:30:42,109 --> 00:30:43,308 and and and we try to get it 837 00:30:43,308 --> 00:30:45,225 right. But, you know, you know what, Paul 838 00:30:45,225 --> 00:30:47,303 encourages me in, and I want to do 839 00:30:47,303 --> 00:30:49,140 this more and more. I wanna tell the 840 00:30:49,140 --> 00:30:49,300 truth, 841 00:30:50,192 --> 00:30:51,965 I wanna tell the truth with a biblical 842 00:30:52,022 --> 00:30:52,522 worldview 843 00:30:52,976 --> 00:30:53,295 clearly. 844 00:30:53,931 --> 00:30:56,238 I wanna communicate it lovingly and gently, 845 00:30:56,716 --> 00:30:58,466 but clearly, Don't wanna be afraid to stand. 846 00:30:59,119 --> 00:31:01,756 I don't want to be a people please 847 00:31:01,756 --> 00:31:02,815 who is afraid 848 00:31:03,194 --> 00:31:04,952 to stand, and I know many of you 849 00:31:04,952 --> 00:31:06,790 live that way as well. 850 00:31:07,364 --> 00:31:10,401 Well, we we grieve at the loss of 851 00:31:10,401 --> 00:31:12,499 a pastor, like the 1 that I mentioned 852 00:31:13,038 --> 00:31:14,956 earlier out of respect for his family and 853 00:31:14,956 --> 00:31:15,755 their church family, 854 00:31:16,408 --> 00:31:17,363 I'm I'm not gonna, 855 00:31:18,477 --> 00:31:19,670 name him over the church. 856 00:31:20,386 --> 00:31:22,614 But but please pray for them. This is, 857 00:31:23,984 --> 00:31:26,224 it's a a beautiful opportunity that we have 858 00:31:26,464 --> 00:31:29,525 to to imitate policy imitate Christ 859 00:31:29,984 --> 00:31:31,505 and and and to pray, 860 00:31:32,557 --> 00:31:34,709 for his dear sweet family. 861 00:31:35,904 --> 00:31:38,215 And they are dear and they are are 862 00:31:38,215 --> 00:31:39,592 sweet. And then 863 00:31:39,984 --> 00:31:41,821 please allow me if I may just to 864 00:31:41,821 --> 00:31:42,780 leave you with this. 865 00:31:43,579 --> 00:31:45,576 Let let's do the next thing. Say the 866 00:31:45,576 --> 00:31:46,775 next thing. Don't hold back. 867 00:31:47,585 --> 00:31:49,804 I tilt... Tell the teacher, you you did 868 00:31:49,804 --> 00:31:52,656 you did well. Thank you. That means a 869 00:31:52,656 --> 00:31:54,107 lot to me. That that 870 00:31:54,574 --> 00:31:56,830 that that verse you shared that that concept 871 00:31:56,889 --> 00:31:59,443 is has been powerful in my life. Thank 872 00:31:59,443 --> 00:32:01,439 you. It's the mutual building up of the 873 00:32:01,439 --> 00:32:03,035 saints that I think we forget to do. 874 00:32:03,687 --> 00:32:05,117 We we'll often say did you see the 875 00:32:05,117 --> 00:32:06,548 game? Did you see the score? Did you 876 00:32:06,548 --> 00:32:07,979 see the running back? Did you see this 877 00:32:07,979 --> 00:32:09,807 or that? And it's kind of our way, 878 00:32:10,125 --> 00:32:12,032 especially as guys are kinda relating to each 879 00:32:12,032 --> 00:32:14,837 other? How much more important is it to 880 00:32:14,837 --> 00:32:15,337 care 881 00:32:15,715 --> 00:32:18,129 to to to say expressions 882 00:32:18,586 --> 00:32:20,740 of care. And to remember to pray when 883 00:32:20,740 --> 00:32:23,409 we say we pray? And we can go 884 00:32:23,710 --> 00:32:25,549 on on and on. But the beauty of 885 00:32:25,549 --> 00:32:26,109 this section, 886 00:32:26,829 --> 00:32:29,230 really, I think in C is clear, we'll 887 00:32:29,230 --> 00:32:31,958 start God willing, and next week with chapter 888 00:32:31,958 --> 00:32:33,175 2. We'll have some 889 00:32:33,631 --> 00:32:35,304 economic updates along the way. 890 00:32:36,499 --> 00:32:37,398 I want to 891 00:32:38,107 --> 00:32:41,130 present the truth to you here on on 892 00:32:41,130 --> 00:32:43,914 this podcast. And I don't spend a lot 893 00:32:43,914 --> 00:32:44,573 of time 894 00:32:45,122 --> 00:32:48,385 predicting the future, but I want to equip 895 00:32:48,385 --> 00:32:49,658 you the as best I can. 896 00:32:50,613 --> 00:32:53,796 So, without giving you investment advice per s. 897 00:32:54,289 --> 00:32:57,797 Well, thank you for listening. This is relentless 898 00:32:57,797 --> 00:33:00,348 truth. You can go to our website, john 899 00:33:00,348 --> 00:33:02,182 warren media dot com for more information about 900 00:33:02,182 --> 00:33:04,111 our work. Please like a review and subscribe. 901 00:33:04,509 --> 00:33:06,263 To relentless truth you can find us review 902 00:33:06,263 --> 00:33:08,894 your your podcast, We grow by you sharing 903 00:33:08,894 --> 00:33:09,633 this podcast 904 00:33:10,010 --> 00:33:12,177 with your friends. So please your do so 905 00:33:12,177 --> 00:33:13,712 if this has been a blessing 906 00:33:14,089 --> 00:33:15,363 to you until next time. 907 00:33:19,824 --> 00:33:23,345 Thanks for listening. To relentless truth with John 908 00:33:23,504 --> 00:33:23,823 Warren. 909 00:33:24,539 --> 00:33:26,633 Please consider sharing this podcast 910 00:33:27,168 --> 00:33:29,956 and subscribe to receive future episodes. 911 00:33:30,847 --> 00:33:34,270 Connect with John regarding your comments, questions, and 912 00:33:34,270 --> 00:33:38,011 show ideas through john warren media dot com. 913 00:33:38,585 --> 00:33:41,704 Or at john warren media on Facebook, 914 00:33:42,105 --> 00:33:43,625 Twitter, or Instagram. 915 00:33:44,424 --> 00:33:46,831 That's all for this up episode join us 916 00:33:46,831 --> 00:33:50,512 next week for another edition of relentless truth 917 00:33:50,648 --> 00:33:51,681 with John Warren.