1 00:00:00,198 --> 00:00:02,345 Well, if you have a bible with you, 2 00:00:03,140 --> 00:00:04,730 I encourage you to go ahead and get 3 00:00:04,730 --> 00:00:06,877 that out or grab 1 of the pew 4 00:00:06,877 --> 00:00:08,785 bibles or maybe open the bible app on 5 00:00:08,785 --> 00:00:09,262 your phone, 6 00:00:10,152 --> 00:00:12,561 we're gonna be opening to Titus 7 00:00:13,254 --> 00:00:13,754 chapter 8 00:00:14,208 --> 00:00:14,606 3. 9 00:00:15,163 --> 00:00:16,754 As I mentioned at the beginning, we're gonna 10 00:00:16,754 --> 00:00:17,947 we're gonna pivot today. 11 00:00:19,314 --> 00:00:20,905 I really felt this on my heart and, 12 00:00:21,621 --> 00:00:23,610 some of the men that come to our 13 00:00:23,610 --> 00:00:25,281 group on Thursday mornings might, 14 00:00:25,932 --> 00:00:29,265 recognize this chapter because it is the chapter 15 00:00:29,265 --> 00:00:32,201 that we open to, this past Thursday morning 16 00:00:32,201 --> 00:00:33,018 at our men's 17 00:00:33,391 --> 00:00:33,891 breakfast, 18 00:00:35,077 --> 00:00:38,827 and I'm grateful to the Lord for putting 19 00:00:38,827 --> 00:00:39,327 this 20 00:00:39,785 --> 00:00:41,380 passage in front of me already. 21 00:00:42,669 --> 00:00:43,067 So that, 22 00:00:43,942 --> 00:00:45,556 I can make this pivot 23 00:00:46,170 --> 00:00:47,148 as I felt 24 00:00:47,523 --> 00:00:49,035 led on my heart this morning, 25 00:00:49,848 --> 00:00:52,023 But before we read our passage, 26 00:00:53,677 --> 00:00:55,113 obviously, last night, 27 00:00:56,884 --> 00:00:58,581 there was an a attempted 28 00:00:59,278 --> 00:01:00,795 assassination on former president, 29 00:01:01,434 --> 00:01:04,169 Donald Trump, and regardless of 30 00:01:04,626 --> 00:01:07,538 where you... Sit or stand or believe 31 00:01:08,556 --> 00:01:10,234 in your political leaning, 32 00:01:10,714 --> 00:01:12,392 I think that we can all probably agree 33 00:01:12,392 --> 00:01:14,884 that this isn't the way that we think 34 00:01:14,884 --> 00:01:16,083 that our nation should be headed. 35 00:01:16,962 --> 00:01:19,380 In no way shape or form should we 36 00:01:19,519 --> 00:01:22,237 see this kind of violent act played out 37 00:01:22,237 --> 00:01:22,737 in 38 00:01:23,116 --> 00:01:23,595 the 39 00:01:23,995 --> 00:01:26,106 Democratic processes that we have 40 00:01:26,803 --> 00:01:29,038 established in our country. 41 00:01:30,474 --> 00:01:31,990 But that being said, 42 00:01:32,484 --> 00:01:34,561 this isn't a political sermon. 43 00:01:35,999 --> 00:01:37,996 It might sound that way. It might come 44 00:01:37,996 --> 00:01:40,485 across that way. I might... Rubs some people 45 00:01:40,485 --> 00:01:42,078 the wrong way and what I have to 46 00:01:42,078 --> 00:01:42,317 say, 47 00:01:42,954 --> 00:01:45,026 but I believe that what I am saying 48 00:01:45,026 --> 00:01:48,633 is biblical. I'm going to be using scripture 49 00:01:49,184 --> 00:01:52,554 in reference to every single thing that we 50 00:01:53,171 --> 00:01:54,845 kind of addressed this morning. 51 00:01:56,360 --> 00:01:58,788 But 1 of the things that I, continually 52 00:01:59,003 --> 00:01:59,503 saw 53 00:02:00,036 --> 00:02:02,260 over this... The... Ultimately, the Ces pool that 54 00:02:02,260 --> 00:02:02,658 is Twitter, 55 00:02:03,691 --> 00:02:05,836 but on, or x, sorry, 56 00:02:07,204 --> 00:02:08,185 on ex 57 00:02:08,884 --> 00:02:11,685 coming in was just... It seemed everybody wanted 58 00:02:11,685 --> 00:02:15,384 to talk about a rec commitment to civility 59 00:02:15,444 --> 00:02:16,978 in and suspect. 60 00:02:18,173 --> 00:02:20,165 Civility in respect. We need to return to 61 00:02:20,165 --> 00:02:21,143 civility and 62 00:02:21,679 --> 00:02:24,125 respect. And, you know, I'm not 63 00:02:24,805 --> 00:02:27,685 anti being civil toward 1 another and respecting 64 00:02:27,685 --> 00:02:29,525 1 another. In fact, I think those are, 65 00:02:31,044 --> 00:02:31,544 important 66 00:02:31,844 --> 00:02:33,145 qualities and values 67 00:02:34,416 --> 00:02:35,930 in the heart of any Christian. 68 00:02:37,204 --> 00:02:37,704 However, 69 00:02:39,355 --> 00:02:41,346 civility and respect aren't going to get us 70 00:02:41,346 --> 00:02:43,113 to where we need to be. I I 71 00:02:43,113 --> 00:02:43,989 really don't think that. 72 00:02:45,023 --> 00:02:46,933 I think that if we're going to see 73 00:02:46,933 --> 00:02:49,400 that kind of outcome in our country, 74 00:02:50,769 --> 00:02:53,099 It requires first that we 75 00:02:53,714 --> 00:02:56,977 as Christians as the followers of Jesus that 76 00:02:56,977 --> 00:02:58,410 we have to submit to Jesus. 77 00:02:59,461 --> 00:03:01,373 If we are to commit to anything else. 78 00:03:02,886 --> 00:03:04,422 We have to be completely 79 00:03:04,798 --> 00:03:05,298 submitted 80 00:03:05,848 --> 00:03:07,917 to Jesus Christ. If we are going to 81 00:03:07,917 --> 00:03:09,610 see any sort of 82 00:03:10,223 --> 00:03:11,439 transformation or commitment 83 00:03:12,864 --> 00:03:15,500 to anything else that might see the kind 84 00:03:15,500 --> 00:03:16,000 of 85 00:03:16,459 --> 00:03:17,438 transformation and change 86 00:03:18,057 --> 00:03:19,495 that we wanna see in the world around 87 00:03:19,495 --> 00:03:19,575 us. 88 00:03:20,783 --> 00:03:23,965 And I really do believe that we can 89 00:03:23,965 --> 00:03:26,613 hold our varying political beliefs 90 00:03:27,242 --> 00:03:29,969 And in our submission to Jesus still see 91 00:03:30,185 --> 00:03:31,140 transformation in our country. 92 00:03:32,334 --> 00:03:33,709 We can see things 93 00:03:34,179 --> 00:03:35,693 change for good, 94 00:03:36,411 --> 00:03:36,911 even 95 00:03:37,606 --> 00:03:39,302 when we hold completely 96 00:03:40,157 --> 00:03:42,172 opposing views on how we 97 00:03:42,484 --> 00:03:45,698 reach that end goal from a political standpoint. 98 00:03:46,874 --> 00:03:47,433 But again, 99 00:03:48,071 --> 00:03:50,306 this is not a sermon on politics. 100 00:03:51,439 --> 00:03:54,151 It just seems to be a basis for 101 00:03:54,151 --> 00:03:54,789 what's happening. 102 00:03:55,347 --> 00:03:57,261 And what we see in the world around 103 00:03:57,261 --> 00:03:59,516 us and as we head into 104 00:03:59,893 --> 00:04:00,372 November, 105 00:04:01,584 --> 00:04:03,901 We have to ask ourselves the question will, 106 00:04:04,061 --> 00:04:06,239 what is my role and responsibility 107 00:04:07,577 --> 00:04:09,096 as a follower of Jesus? 108 00:04:10,309 --> 00:04:12,459 And maybe even more than that, the question 109 00:04:12,459 --> 00:04:13,436 isn't so much 110 00:04:14,131 --> 00:04:15,746 as a follower of Jesus, 111 00:04:16,679 --> 00:04:19,504 but what does it mean to be first 112 00:04:19,564 --> 00:04:21,241 foremost and above all else, 113 00:04:22,120 --> 00:04:23,239 a citizen of heaven, 114 00:04:25,795 --> 00:04:26,455 to be 115 00:04:26,848 --> 00:04:28,461 hold our kingdom 116 00:04:29,074 --> 00:04:29,392 citizenship. 117 00:04:32,176 --> 00:04:34,720 And to follow the king that is of 118 00:04:34,720 --> 00:04:35,356 that kingdom, 119 00:04:37,044 --> 00:04:38,425 who is Christ 120 00:04:38,725 --> 00:04:39,204 Jesus. 121 00:04:42,165 --> 00:04:42,665 And 122 00:04:43,604 --> 00:04:46,039 if you have not heard that kind of 123 00:04:46,097 --> 00:04:46,597 language 124 00:04:47,295 --> 00:04:47,614 before. 125 00:04:48,732 --> 00:04:51,287 I encourage you to read with me from 126 00:04:51,526 --> 00:04:52,026 Philippians 127 00:04:52,963 --> 00:04:53,463 chapter 128 00:04:53,841 --> 00:04:54,240 2, 129 00:04:55,214 --> 00:04:56,814 which I don't even know if I marked. 130 00:04:57,774 --> 00:04:59,055 I did. No. I did. 131 00:05:03,386 --> 00:05:03,863 Here it is. 132 00:05:07,282 --> 00:05:08,474 Philippians chapter... 133 00:05:09,110 --> 00:05:11,280 Sorry. Chapter 3 verse 20 134 00:05:12,704 --> 00:05:13,603 for our 135 00:05:14,060 --> 00:05:14,560 citizenship 136 00:05:15,416 --> 00:05:17,011 is in heaven, 137 00:05:18,447 --> 00:05:21,180 from which also, we eagerly 138 00:05:21,637 --> 00:05:22,137 wait 139 00:05:22,689 --> 00:05:23,827 for a savior, 140 00:05:24,683 --> 00:05:25,879 the Lord Jesus Christ. 141 00:05:27,474 --> 00:05:27,974 Our 142 00:05:28,432 --> 00:05:31,723 citizenship is of heaven for whom we eagerly 143 00:05:31,861 --> 00:05:33,094 wait a savior 144 00:05:34,181 --> 00:05:36,404 who is the Lord Jesus Christ. 145 00:05:38,072 --> 00:05:40,612 As as Christians, we have to understand that 146 00:05:40,612 --> 00:05:43,962 our citizenship waits for 1 man, 147 00:05:45,789 --> 00:05:48,331 and his only name is Jesus. 148 00:05:50,254 --> 00:05:54,323 We only wait for our salvation, for all 149 00:05:54,323 --> 00:05:56,158 things to be made right for all things 150 00:05:56,158 --> 00:05:57,355 to be put back together, 151 00:05:58,328 --> 00:06:01,444 on 1 person in 1 person alone, 152 00:06:02,083 --> 00:06:02,962 that's Jesus. 153 00:06:05,771 --> 00:06:07,308 There is certainly no 154 00:06:07,765 --> 00:06:11,135 politician on either side of the aisle or 155 00:06:11,353 --> 00:06:12,571 independent otherwise 156 00:06:13,347 --> 00:06:14,086 that can 157 00:06:14,558 --> 00:06:16,390 correct the things that are wrong. 158 00:06:19,338 --> 00:06:22,605 It cannot happen, and it will not happen. 159 00:06:24,533 --> 00:06:25,353 From any 160 00:06:25,810 --> 00:06:26,310 human 161 00:06:27,247 --> 00:06:27,747 representative. 162 00:06:30,200 --> 00:06:32,649 It it happens through a divine 1 163 00:06:36,121 --> 00:06:37,180 And so as we 164 00:06:38,675 --> 00:06:39,814 reflect on kingdom 165 00:06:40,271 --> 00:06:40,511 citizenship, 166 00:06:41,402 --> 00:06:42,834 Let's open to titus, 167 00:06:44,187 --> 00:06:46,971 chapter 3 versus 1 through 11 in read. 168 00:06:48,338 --> 00:06:49,473 What is this 169 00:06:49,847 --> 00:06:51,754 citizenship that we have and what is our 170 00:06:51,754 --> 00:06:52,866 responsibility to it? 171 00:06:55,424 --> 00:06:56,539 Starting in verse 1. 172 00:06:57,575 --> 00:06:58,451 Remind them, 173 00:06:59,088 --> 00:07:01,797 so this is Paul speaking to Titus, 174 00:07:02,913 --> 00:07:03,970 remind them 175 00:07:05,237 --> 00:07:06,372 to be subject 176 00:07:07,700 --> 00:07:08,438 to rulers 177 00:07:09,765 --> 00:07:10,742 to authorities, 178 00:07:11,910 --> 00:07:13,363 to be obedient 179 00:07:14,553 --> 00:07:16,471 and to be ready for every good work. 180 00:07:17,750 --> 00:07:18,729 To sla 181 00:07:19,188 --> 00:07:19,928 no 1 182 00:07:20,627 --> 00:07:21,606 to be peace, 183 00:07:22,225 --> 00:07:22,600 considerate it 184 00:07:23,357 --> 00:07:24,974 demonstrating all gentleness 185 00:07:25,431 --> 00:07:26,388 to all men. 186 00:07:27,744 --> 00:07:30,934 For we ourselves also once we're foolish, 187 00:07:31,652 --> 00:07:32,152 dis. 188 00:07:33,264 --> 00:07:33,664 Deceived, 189 00:07:34,464 --> 00:07:36,704 enslaved to various lust and pleasures, 190 00:07:37,345 --> 00:07:40,384 spending our life in Malice and envy, 191 00:07:41,264 --> 00:07:41,764 despicable, 192 00:07:42,399 --> 00:07:43,675 hating 1 another. 193 00:07:54,228 --> 00:07:55,666 I just wanna sit there for a second. 194 00:08:00,946 --> 00:08:03,201 Because it's not hard to read that passage 195 00:08:04,137 --> 00:08:06,584 and not look at the world around us 196 00:08:06,783 --> 00:08:07,761 not feel 197 00:08:08,295 --> 00:08:09,909 that that is what we experience 198 00:08:10,284 --> 00:08:11,182 every day 199 00:08:12,194 --> 00:08:14,842 or what we witness every day 200 00:08:15,535 --> 00:08:15,670 and 201 00:08:17,773 --> 00:08:18,407 Verse 4. 202 00:08:19,598 --> 00:08:21,367 But when the kindness 203 00:08:22,375 --> 00:08:24,280 and affection of god, 204 00:08:25,091 --> 00:08:25,910 our savior 205 00:08:26,286 --> 00:08:26,604 appeared. 206 00:08:27,162 --> 00:08:28,356 He saved us, 207 00:08:29,710 --> 00:08:32,281 not by works, which we did in righteousness, 208 00:08:33,628 --> 00:08:35,540 but according to his mercy, 209 00:08:36,814 --> 00:08:38,668 through the washing of 210 00:08:39,124 --> 00:08:40,500 regeneration and renewing 211 00:08:40,956 --> 00:08:42,332 by the holy spirit 212 00:08:42,882 --> 00:08:46,780 whom he poured out upon us rich through 213 00:08:46,939 --> 00:08:48,450 Jesus Christ, our savior, 214 00:08:49,738 --> 00:08:52,044 so that having been justified by his grace, 215 00:08:52,283 --> 00:08:53,657 we would become heirs 216 00:08:54,191 --> 00:08:56,259 according to the hope of eternal life. 217 00:08:58,104 --> 00:08:59,942 This is a trustworthy saying. 218 00:09:00,421 --> 00:09:02,578 In concerning these things, I want you to 219 00:09:02,578 --> 00:09:03,477 speak confidently. 220 00:09:04,016 --> 00:09:06,657 So those who have leave God will be 221 00:09:06,657 --> 00:09:08,641 intent to lead in good works. 222 00:09:09,911 --> 00:09:13,402 These things are good and profitable for men. 223 00:09:14,613 --> 00:09:17,348 But avoid foolish controversies 224 00:09:18,125 --> 00:09:21,658 and gene ideologies and strife and conflicts 225 00:09:22,036 --> 00:09:22,835 about the law, 226 00:09:24,120 --> 00:09:24,937 for they are 227 00:09:25,310 --> 00:09:26,763 unprofitable and worthless. 228 00:09:28,564 --> 00:09:32,788 Reject a fictitious, man after a first and 229 00:09:32,788 --> 00:09:33,583 second warning, 230 00:09:34,377 --> 00:09:36,625 knowing that such a man is per 231 00:09:37,078 --> 00:09:38,308 and is sin 232 00:09:38,760 --> 00:09:39,260 being 233 00:09:39,633 --> 00:09:40,133 self 234 00:09:40,664 --> 00:09:40,982 condemned. 235 00:09:42,251 --> 00:09:42,807 Let's pray. 236 00:09:45,918 --> 00:09:46,792 Doing gracious gone. 237 00:09:49,811 --> 00:09:51,083 I need you this morning. 238 00:09:52,689 --> 00:09:54,687 I need your holy spirit to speak not 239 00:09:54,687 --> 00:09:54,927 me. 240 00:09:57,005 --> 00:09:58,064 I don't want anything 241 00:09:58,683 --> 00:10:00,521 that Has said this morning to be from 242 00:10:00,521 --> 00:10:01,240 my lips. 243 00:10:02,612 --> 00:10:04,438 From my own deceived heart, 244 00:10:06,662 --> 00:10:08,170 put god that it would be full of 245 00:10:08,170 --> 00:10:09,202 your holy spirit, 246 00:10:11,285 --> 00:10:13,218 overflowing with the fruit 247 00:10:13,673 --> 00:10:15,346 that your spirit provides, 248 00:10:17,097 --> 00:10:21,644 love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, kindness 249 00:10:21,644 --> 00:10:22,359 self control. 250 00:10:24,424 --> 00:10:25,854 Got on these things. 251 00:10:28,174 --> 00:10:29,446 Would these words ring? 252 00:10:33,025 --> 00:10:35,434 And would you withhold my lips from 253 00:10:35,903 --> 00:10:37,598 speaking any such 254 00:10:38,612 --> 00:10:40,205 divisive that might come, 255 00:10:43,407 --> 00:10:45,581 I had just focus solely on you 256 00:10:46,357 --> 00:10:47,394 and your glory, 257 00:10:48,749 --> 00:10:50,822 and your will and your desire. 258 00:10:52,835 --> 00:10:53,875 For us this morning. 259 00:10:57,315 --> 00:10:58,274 Or we love you. 260 00:10:59,329 --> 00:11:00,208 We thank you. 261 00:11:01,087 --> 00:11:02,125 We turn to you, 262 00:11:03,723 --> 00:11:05,241 in christ's name we pray. 263 00:11:07,488 --> 00:11:07,646 Amen. 264 00:11:10,031 --> 00:11:11,882 So as we open to that first 265 00:11:12,813 --> 00:11:13,313 verse 266 00:11:14,179 --> 00:11:15,940 of titus chapter 3. 267 00:11:16,980 --> 00:11:20,019 Paul reminds titus the importance of reminding us 268 00:11:20,019 --> 00:11:20,820 of these things. 269 00:11:22,513 --> 00:11:24,424 Which I think is it was really good 270 00:11:24,424 --> 00:11:26,892 for me to turn to this chapter to 271 00:11:26,892 --> 00:11:27,790 this passage 272 00:11:29,121 --> 00:11:31,308 as I felt the holy spirit pivot 273 00:11:31,838 --> 00:11:35,009 because that first word to remind was a 274 00:11:35,009 --> 00:11:37,388 reminder to me of the importance to remind 275 00:11:37,388 --> 00:11:37,888 us 276 00:11:38,594 --> 00:11:41,728 of where our citizenship lies and what our 277 00:11:41,787 --> 00:11:42,287 responsibility 278 00:11:43,224 --> 00:11:45,959 as citizens of heaven is first and foremost. 279 00:11:47,950 --> 00:11:49,629 And part of what it looks like to 280 00:11:49,629 --> 00:11:52,029 be a good citizen of heaven, 281 00:11:53,629 --> 00:11:56,049 ironically is to be a good citizen 282 00:11:57,881 --> 00:11:59,710 in the places in which we live. 283 00:12:03,767 --> 00:12:06,322 Paul is clear that we should be reminded 284 00:12:06,322 --> 00:12:07,775 that we are so to subject 285 00:12:08,386 --> 00:12:11,743 ourselves to the rulers and to the authorities 286 00:12:13,084 --> 00:12:15,002 to be obedient and to be ready for 287 00:12:15,002 --> 00:12:15,801 every good work. 288 00:12:17,240 --> 00:12:17,979 To subject 289 00:12:18,598 --> 00:12:21,415 ourselves to those who have been put over 290 00:12:21,729 --> 00:12:21,967 us. 291 00:12:24,823 --> 00:12:27,759 And in our country as a democratic republic 292 00:12:27,759 --> 00:12:28,894 those that have been 293 00:12:29,521 --> 00:12:30,021 elected, 294 00:12:30,556 --> 00:12:33,023 whether it's the person that we voted for 295 00:12:33,023 --> 00:12:33,580 or not? 296 00:12:36,859 --> 00:12:39,492 Part of being a citizen of heaven is 297 00:12:39,492 --> 00:12:40,471 to acknowledge 298 00:12:41,008 --> 00:12:43,083 that reality in that truth. 299 00:12:44,772 --> 00:12:45,169 In fact, 300 00:12:46,440 --> 00:12:48,983 he also says in his letter to the 301 00:12:49,142 --> 00:12:49,618 Romans, 302 00:12:51,366 --> 00:12:51,866 chapter 303 00:12:52,240 --> 00:12:52,740 13 304 00:12:54,008 --> 00:12:55,526 versus 1 through 7. 305 00:12:57,124 --> 00:13:00,134 Every person is to be in subject objection 306 00:13:00,254 --> 00:13:02,748 to the governing authorities for there is no 307 00:13:02,806 --> 00:13:04,960 authority except from God. 308 00:13:05,758 --> 00:13:08,331 And those which exist and have been appointed 309 00:13:08,788 --> 00:13:09,347 by god. 310 00:13:10,318 --> 00:13:12,860 I'm must hard stop there because I think 311 00:13:12,860 --> 00:13:13,416 oftentimes we... 312 00:13:14,289 --> 00:13:17,410 If our candidate wasn't elected, we think that 313 00:13:18,989 --> 00:13:20,123 the devil 1 314 00:13:21,209 --> 00:13:22,794 that Satan got his way. 315 00:13:26,618 --> 00:13:27,597 And I just 316 00:13:27,974 --> 00:13:30,230 can't read scripture and see that 317 00:13:30,767 --> 00:13:32,065 god and his sovereignty 318 00:13:33,891 --> 00:13:36,747 would allow the enemy to have rein and 319 00:13:36,747 --> 00:13:38,651 rule in that capacity. I'm not saying that 320 00:13:38,651 --> 00:13:41,689 the enemy doesn't pro like a lying looking 321 00:13:41,839 --> 00:13:43,508 for whom he might devour, 322 00:13:48,357 --> 00:13:49,811 but God is sovereign. 323 00:13:53,299 --> 00:13:54,832 And though we might not always 324 00:13:55,205 --> 00:13:57,985 understand why the people that are put into 325 00:13:57,985 --> 00:14:00,447 authority over us, were put into those positions 326 00:14:00,447 --> 00:14:01,336 of power, 327 00:14:02,768 --> 00:14:04,518 we have to trust that God doesn't at 328 00:14:04,518 --> 00:14:04,916 work. 329 00:14:09,370 --> 00:14:09,424 Power 330 00:14:10,576 --> 00:14:13,037 God is is still at work. 331 00:14:14,466 --> 00:14:16,451 And that might mean that things don't go 332 00:14:16,451 --> 00:14:18,277 well or that things go great. 333 00:14:19,249 --> 00:14:21,087 Either way, we still honor god. 334 00:14:23,644 --> 00:14:25,403 And we still honor those who have been 335 00:14:25,403 --> 00:14:27,081 placed into authorities above us. 336 00:14:29,408 --> 00:14:31,497 And using certain rhetoric 337 00:14:32,745 --> 00:14:36,440 towards somebody because you don't agree with their 338 00:14:36,579 --> 00:14:38,339 viewpoints or the way that they think that 339 00:14:38,339 --> 00:14:39,559 things should be run 340 00:14:40,819 --> 00:14:42,759 isn't very helpful to 341 00:14:43,474 --> 00:14:45,250 the kingdom of heaven, nonetheless, 342 00:14:46,025 --> 00:14:47,323 our role as 343 00:14:48,497 --> 00:14:48,997 citizens 344 00:14:50,490 --> 00:14:51,208 of our nation. 345 00:14:58,385 --> 00:14:59,315 God calls us 346 00:15:00,072 --> 00:15:00,572 as 347 00:15:01,189 --> 00:15:02,167 responsible citizens 348 00:15:02,704 --> 00:15:04,698 of the kingdom of heaven to be responsible 349 00:15:04,698 --> 00:15:05,198 citizens 350 00:15:06,134 --> 00:15:08,048 in the country in which we live. 351 00:15:10,376 --> 00:15:11,174 First, Peter, 352 00:15:12,291 --> 00:15:13,088 chapter 2, 353 00:15:16,358 --> 00:15:18,134 versus 3 through 4 354 00:15:19,564 --> 00:15:19,723 Oops. 355 00:15:22,437 --> 00:15:25,630 First Peter 02:13 356 00:15:25,630 --> 00:15:27,386 through 17. Sorry. I read wrong 1. 357 00:15:28,359 --> 00:15:30,676 Be subject for the sake of the Lord, 358 00:15:31,396 --> 00:15:32,695 to every human 359 00:15:33,154 --> 00:15:34,613 institution whether to a king 360 00:15:35,072 --> 00:15:36,510 as the 1 in authority, 361 00:15:37,004 --> 00:15:38,996 or to governors is sent by him for 362 00:15:38,996 --> 00:15:40,452 the punishment of evil 363 00:15:40,908 --> 00:15:42,661 and the praise of those who do good, 364 00:15:43,458 --> 00:15:45,211 for such is the will of god that 365 00:15:45,211 --> 00:15:46,406 by doing good, 366 00:15:47,618 --> 00:15:50,432 you may silence the ignorance of foolish 367 00:15:50,970 --> 00:15:51,289 men. 368 00:15:53,204 --> 00:15:54,880 Act as free people, 369 00:15:55,533 --> 00:15:57,605 and do not use your freedom as a 370 00:15:57,605 --> 00:15:59,061 covering for evil, 371 00:15:59,756 --> 00:16:02,067 but use it as slaves of God. 372 00:16:02,958 --> 00:16:06,856 Honor all people love the brethren, fear God 373 00:16:06,856 --> 00:16:07,731 honor the king. 374 00:16:11,493 --> 00:16:13,570 These might be hard words for us to 375 00:16:13,570 --> 00:16:15,088 read in scripture and say, 376 00:16:16,287 --> 00:16:17,566 how do I follow that? 377 00:16:23,095 --> 00:16:24,693 It might be a struggle for some of 378 00:16:24,693 --> 00:16:26,851 us. It's been a struggle for me at 379 00:16:26,851 --> 00:16:27,251 times. 380 00:16:29,979 --> 00:16:31,676 And this isn't just about 381 00:16:34,126 --> 00:16:36,837 governing authorities in the nation, 382 00:16:37,889 --> 00:16:39,084 politics or whatever. 383 00:16:39,801 --> 00:16:41,076 This might be your job. 384 00:16:43,467 --> 00:16:44,923 I've been in places where 385 00:16:45,871 --> 00:16:46,531 I didn't 386 00:16:47,065 --> 00:16:48,896 agree with the pastor ahead of me. 387 00:16:50,806 --> 00:16:51,681 I didn't like him. 388 00:16:53,844 --> 00:16:55,673 And to be honest, I was probably sitting 389 00:16:55,673 --> 00:16:58,138 in the disrespect and dishonest that I held 390 00:16:58,138 --> 00:16:58,956 toward him 391 00:17:00,046 --> 00:17:01,636 because I... Of the way that I saw 392 00:17:01,636 --> 00:17:02,613 that he ran 393 00:17:02,923 --> 00:17:05,094 his church and his ministry, and I was 394 00:17:05,549 --> 00:17:06,504 not okay with it. 395 00:17:12,001 --> 00:17:12,715 I was wrong. 396 00:17:15,410 --> 00:17:17,258 I to figure out what it meant to 397 00:17:18,125 --> 00:17:20,305 submit myself to him even when 398 00:17:20,605 --> 00:17:21,565 I disagreed. 399 00:17:25,018 --> 00:17:26,133 If that disagreement, 400 00:17:26,849 --> 00:17:27,349 especially 401 00:17:28,123 --> 00:17:29,498 was not on 402 00:17:30,431 --> 00:17:31,727 foundational truth 403 00:17:32,500 --> 00:17:33,296 in the gospel. 404 00:17:36,489 --> 00:17:38,471 Maybe he just wanted to do ministry a 405 00:17:38,471 --> 00:17:39,661 little bit different than me. 406 00:17:41,406 --> 00:17:42,700 Than the way that I 407 00:17:43,328 --> 00:17:46,199 philosophically believe that ministry should be done. But 408 00:17:46,199 --> 00:17:47,555 the way he wanted to do it wasn't 409 00:17:47,555 --> 00:17:49,230 necessarily wrong. It just didn't line up with 410 00:17:49,230 --> 00:17:49,868 my belief, 411 00:17:50,507 --> 00:17:51,703 and that's okay. 412 00:17:55,795 --> 00:17:57,475 But he was placed over me for a 413 00:17:57,475 --> 00:17:57,875 reason. 414 00:17:59,555 --> 00:18:00,914 I was placed under him. 415 00:18:01,969 --> 00:18:03,741 And so how do I respond 416 00:18:04,434 --> 00:18:05,706 How do you respond? 417 00:18:06,343 --> 00:18:08,490 When there's somebody over you that maybe you 418 00:18:08,490 --> 00:18:11,054 don't necessarily fully agree with or... Maybe you 419 00:18:11,054 --> 00:18:12,914 dislike and some of the ways that they 420 00:18:13,454 --> 00:18:14,734 choose to do things. 421 00:18:22,317 --> 00:18:25,280 We have to examine ourselves sometimes first before 422 00:18:25,654 --> 00:18:28,702 we start looking at the speck in somebody 423 00:18:28,702 --> 00:18:29,341 else's eye? 424 00:18:31,738 --> 00:18:34,056 Maybe what's the log in in mind? 425 00:18:36,145 --> 00:18:37,180 And I've I've been... 426 00:18:38,453 --> 00:18:40,306 I've got to acknowledge that. That's part of 427 00:18:40,840 --> 00:18:43,503 the human experience as to wanna see specs 428 00:18:43,958 --> 00:18:45,151 before we see our own logs. 429 00:18:51,614 --> 00:18:53,949 And all that to say, though that 430 00:18:54,406 --> 00:18:54,906 acts 431 00:18:55,762 --> 00:18:57,059 05:29 432 00:18:57,676 --> 00:18:58,894 in the midst of 433 00:18:59,924 --> 00:19:02,965 everything that that disciples were going through, 434 00:19:05,125 --> 00:19:07,545 especially against other men and authorities, 435 00:19:08,339 --> 00:19:10,672 I do want to be clear though 436 00:19:11,526 --> 00:19:14,474 that Peter said, and now, Lord take note 437 00:19:14,474 --> 00:19:15,271 of their threats. 438 00:19:16,082 --> 00:19:17,750 And grant that you're your... 439 00:19:19,657 --> 00:19:22,437 Sorry. Where am? That your slaves may speak 440 00:19:22,437 --> 00:19:24,049 your word with all confidence. 441 00:19:24,994 --> 00:19:27,059 While you extend your hand to heal and 442 00:19:27,059 --> 00:19:29,386 signs and wonders happen through the name 443 00:19:29,759 --> 00:19:31,268 of your holy servant. 444 00:19:34,143 --> 00:19:35,440 There's this idea 445 00:19:36,055 --> 00:19:37,648 to my reading right? I'm not even looking 446 00:19:37,648 --> 00:19:38,445 at the right passage. 447 00:19:39,003 --> 00:19:40,437 Thank you. I was looking at the wrong 448 00:19:40,437 --> 00:19:40,596 1? 449 00:19:41,248 --> 00:19:43,951 But Peter and the apostle answering said, but 450 00:19:43,951 --> 00:19:46,735 we must obey god rather than men. Thank 451 00:19:46,735 --> 00:19:48,961 you. Yeah. I was like, that's 04:29. 452 00:19:51,442 --> 00:19:53,752 We must obey God rather than men. And 453 00:19:53,752 --> 00:19:55,606 so there might be instances where 454 00:19:55,982 --> 00:19:57,039 there is conflict 455 00:19:57,893 --> 00:19:59,406 on gospel truth and matters. 456 00:20:00,378 --> 00:20:01,975 At which point you have to say, I'm 457 00:20:01,975 --> 00:20:05,726 gonna follow God rather than men, but let's 458 00:20:05,726 --> 00:20:08,201 be clear that what Peter is talking about 459 00:20:08,201 --> 00:20:08,701 is 460 00:20:09,014 --> 00:20:10,793 threat of imprisonment in 461 00:20:11,252 --> 00:20:11,492 persecution. 462 00:20:12,530 --> 00:20:15,727 He's not just going out to just be 463 00:20:15,727 --> 00:20:16,866 dis obedient, 464 00:20:18,539 --> 00:20:19,039 toward 465 00:20:19,416 --> 00:20:20,156 the laws 466 00:20:20,534 --> 00:20:21,911 established in Rome 467 00:20:23,247 --> 00:20:25,263 or the laws established by 468 00:20:26,374 --> 00:20:29,171 Jews because this is in specific context to 469 00:20:29,171 --> 00:20:30,769 the council of the San he. 470 00:20:32,687 --> 00:20:34,385 He's going against 471 00:20:34,699 --> 00:20:38,313 a group that's going against God's will in 472 00:20:38,451 --> 00:20:39,090 religious matters. 473 00:20:40,527 --> 00:20:42,522 And so there might be instances in the 474 00:20:42,522 --> 00:20:43,821 church where you need to 475 00:20:44,134 --> 00:20:47,491 speak up because gospel truth isn't being preached. 476 00:20:49,009 --> 00:20:51,647 The gospel truth isn't being realized that gospel 477 00:20:51,647 --> 00:20:53,165 truth isn't being lived out, 478 00:20:54,694 --> 00:20:56,679 And if that's coming from my mouth, 479 00:20:58,268 --> 00:21:00,595 you have every right and responsibility 480 00:21:01,287 --> 00:21:03,724 as a follower of Christ to confront into 481 00:21:03,844 --> 00:21:04,082 speak, 482 00:21:06,544 --> 00:21:07,656 and to be defiant. 483 00:21:11,627 --> 00:21:12,000 But 484 00:21:14,341 --> 00:21:16,428 when it comes to matters of 485 00:21:17,992 --> 00:21:19,206 governors and 486 00:21:20,554 --> 00:21:22,871 politicians and political figures and heads? 487 00:21:25,508 --> 00:21:27,267 I'm gonna say this. Do you really expect 488 00:21:27,267 --> 00:21:29,184 people of the world to act like Jesus? 489 00:21:33,648 --> 00:21:34,704 Our nation 490 00:21:35,555 --> 00:21:36,532 regardless of 491 00:21:38,192 --> 00:21:40,443 founding fathers and founding documents, 492 00:21:42,489 --> 00:21:44,024 is not the church 493 00:21:47,836 --> 00:21:48,893 It is not 494 00:21:49,269 --> 00:21:50,065 the church. 495 00:21:54,615 --> 00:21:57,637 There might be people who follow Jesus in 496 00:21:57,637 --> 00:21:58,455 our government, 497 00:21:59,784 --> 00:22:00,761 but they 498 00:22:01,789 --> 00:22:04,047 in their roles are not 499 00:22:04,666 --> 00:22:05,305 the church. 500 00:22:07,542 --> 00:22:11,154 And they don't always act in church interest, 501 00:22:11,315 --> 00:22:13,654 in kingdom interest in Christ 502 00:22:13,954 --> 00:22:14,274 interest. 503 00:22:15,794 --> 00:22:18,375 And we have to make that distinction as 504 00:22:18,514 --> 00:22:20,626 as followers of Jesus. 505 00:22:25,071 --> 00:22:27,703 And that's sometimes a really hard reality to 506 00:22:27,703 --> 00:22:30,035 wrap our heads around, but go figure, 507 00:22:30,595 --> 00:22:31,974 humans are sinful. 508 00:22:33,154 --> 00:22:35,795 Who would have thought that politicians make mistakes. 509 00:22:37,088 --> 00:22:39,084 Just as you and I make mistakes. 510 00:22:40,601 --> 00:22:43,256 And we don't always choose Jesus in the 511 00:22:43,315 --> 00:22:44,432 choices we make. 512 00:22:46,124 --> 00:22:48,761 We can't expect them to always choose Jesus 513 00:22:48,761 --> 00:22:50,998 and the decisions that make even the ones 514 00:22:50,998 --> 00:22:53,395 that say that they're followers of Jesus. 515 00:22:54,210 --> 00:22:56,130 And it's not my place to judge, and 516 00:22:56,130 --> 00:22:57,809 it's not your place to judge whether or 517 00:22:57,809 --> 00:23:00,049 not they are real followers of Jesus. 518 00:23:03,661 --> 00:23:05,511 But to understand that they 519 00:23:06,123 --> 00:23:07,258 make decisions 520 00:23:09,220 --> 00:23:09,720 ironically, 521 00:23:10,650 --> 00:23:11,841 maybe uni ironically, 522 00:23:12,968 --> 00:23:14,184 probably for their own benefit. 523 00:23:16,705 --> 00:23:18,613 There have been politicians that have been sitting 524 00:23:18,613 --> 00:23:21,158 in congress for decades and decades and decades. 525 00:23:25,390 --> 00:23:27,481 Sometimes making the right choice 526 00:23:27,937 --> 00:23:30,643 means it's the choice that goes against what 527 00:23:30,643 --> 00:23:32,018 people usually want 528 00:23:32,650 --> 00:23:33,609 and then they ou you. 529 00:23:38,250 --> 00:23:39,710 Because I know that 530 00:23:40,024 --> 00:23:41,374 If I have my way, I wouldn't be 531 00:23:41,374 --> 00:23:42,644 preaching the sermon this morning, 532 00:23:44,947 --> 00:23:47,170 because it might rub hearts and ears the 533 00:23:47,170 --> 00:23:47,988 wrong way 534 00:23:50,365 --> 00:23:51,720 Might lead some of you to be like, 535 00:23:53,075 --> 00:23:53,712 let's get him out. 536 00:23:55,226 --> 00:23:55,864 Hopefully not. 537 00:23:58,674 --> 00:24:00,615 But first and foremost, the trust what 538 00:24:01,075 --> 00:24:03,474 Jesus is doing is to also say I'm 539 00:24:03,474 --> 00:24:04,535 not gonna trust 540 00:24:04,994 --> 00:24:05,815 a human, 541 00:24:07,484 --> 00:24:07,984 entity 542 00:24:08,520 --> 00:24:10,512 to always make Christ choices. 543 00:24:11,945 --> 00:24:13,880 Yes I have to be subject to the 544 00:24:14,097 --> 00:24:15,473 laws that they create 545 00:24:16,104 --> 00:24:17,800 and they make and they pass 546 00:24:18,257 --> 00:24:20,968 to the people put into executive positions in 547 00:24:20,968 --> 00:24:21,468 power 548 00:24:21,846 --> 00:24:24,180 and the way that the supreme court rules 549 00:24:26,970 --> 00:24:28,730 I have to follow that because I'm supposed 550 00:24:28,730 --> 00:24:29,869 to be a good citizen 551 00:24:30,409 --> 00:24:32,649 to be a good citizen of heaven. 552 00:24:34,825 --> 00:24:36,184 But what does that look like What does 553 00:24:36,184 --> 00:24:37,565 that actually mean 554 00:24:38,025 --> 00:24:40,025 to then do those things? 555 00:24:41,078 --> 00:24:42,587 And let me be clear, as I... Before 556 00:24:42,667 --> 00:24:44,971 I start talking about what else we read 557 00:24:44,971 --> 00:24:45,528 in titus, 558 00:24:46,560 --> 00:24:48,960 This is not a political statement. This is 559 00:24:48,960 --> 00:24:50,392 not to say that there was a right 560 00:24:50,392 --> 00:24:52,778 side and a wrong side on the political 561 00:24:52,778 --> 00:24:54,926 aisle. We can be in the church and 562 00:24:54,926 --> 00:24:58,925 hold varying political beliefs and still be christ 563 00:24:58,925 --> 00:24:59,403 followers. 564 00:25:00,040 --> 00:25:03,083 We can still go after Jesus together and 565 00:25:03,083 --> 00:25:05,072 be citizens of his kingdom, 566 00:25:06,344 --> 00:25:09,231 even when our nation might have 567 00:25:10,256 --> 00:25:13,195 divided political opinions on how to accomplish certain 568 00:25:13,195 --> 00:25:13,910 things in the world, 569 00:25:15,260 --> 00:25:16,928 and certain things within our nation, 570 00:25:18,692 --> 00:25:20,205 But this is what it looks like to 571 00:25:20,205 --> 00:25:22,674 be a citizen of heaven while being a 572 00:25:22,674 --> 00:25:23,572 good citizen 573 00:25:24,028 --> 00:25:25,700 in our country. 574 00:25:28,987 --> 00:25:30,845 It is that we are to s 575 00:25:31,304 --> 00:25:33,402 no 1 to be peace 576 00:25:33,781 --> 00:25:35,493 and consider it demonstrating 577 00:25:36,024 --> 00:25:36,841 all gentleness 578 00:25:37,531 --> 00:25:38,745 to all 579 00:25:39,594 --> 00:25:39,911 men. 580 00:25:42,229 --> 00:25:42,729 All 581 00:25:43,188 --> 00:25:43,688 gentleness 582 00:25:44,626 --> 00:25:45,765 to all 583 00:25:46,224 --> 00:25:46,544 men. 584 00:25:48,381 --> 00:25:52,147 All men means all men, all women, all 585 00:25:52,147 --> 00:25:55,417 children, all elderly, all young, all gen z, 586 00:25:55,736 --> 00:25:57,252 all millennials, all boomers, 587 00:25:58,209 --> 00:25:59,187 all of you 588 00:25:59,900 --> 00:26:02,059 that are present here and present in our 589 00:26:02,059 --> 00:26:04,299 community and present in our state and present 590 00:26:04,299 --> 00:26:06,859 in our country, and yes, present in our 591 00:26:06,859 --> 00:26:07,359 world 592 00:26:08,472 --> 00:26:10,249 All of them are worthy, 593 00:26:11,026 --> 00:26:12,164 have dignity, 594 00:26:13,499 --> 00:26:15,990 established in the Ama day, fact that they 595 00:26:15,990 --> 00:26:18,230 are created in the image of God that 596 00:26:18,230 --> 00:26:20,549 we should not sla them. We should be 597 00:26:20,549 --> 00:26:21,029 peace, 598 00:26:21,670 --> 00:26:23,544 consider it in the demonstrating 599 00:26:24,080 --> 00:26:25,914 gentleness to every single 1. 600 00:26:28,944 --> 00:26:31,278 And I gotta tell you it's really hard 601 00:26:32,229 --> 00:26:33,287 to look around 602 00:26:34,622 --> 00:26:37,573 on separate sides of the aisle and see 603 00:26:37,573 --> 00:26:38,871 that these things happen 604 00:26:39,886 --> 00:26:40,386 consistently. 605 00:26:43,329 --> 00:26:45,263 Because they don't happen consistently 606 00:26:45,879 --> 00:26:47,950 and what's really, really sad and 1 of 607 00:26:47,950 --> 00:26:49,863 the main reasons that I am no longer 608 00:26:49,863 --> 00:26:52,348 on social media is I see it coming 609 00:26:52,348 --> 00:26:54,262 the most out of people that claim the 610 00:26:54,262 --> 00:26:54,980 name of Christ. 611 00:26:59,287 --> 00:26:59,787 Sla 612 00:27:00,244 --> 00:27:01,063 1 another 613 00:27:02,970 --> 00:27:05,441 stirring up, hate and division, 614 00:27:07,115 --> 00:27:09,587 not being considerate of 1 another's thoughts, 615 00:27:10,398 --> 00:27:11,354 feelings, beliefs, 616 00:27:11,991 --> 00:27:12,890 viewpoint, sides, 617 00:27:16,372 --> 00:27:18,124 and certainly not being gentle. 618 00:27:20,690 --> 00:27:22,705 I think part of gentleness is acknowledging 619 00:27:24,199 --> 00:27:27,310 that the person across from you is just 620 00:27:27,310 --> 00:27:28,528 as much your neighbor 621 00:27:29,398 --> 00:27:30,512 as anybody else. 622 00:27:31,943 --> 00:27:34,091 There is nobody not your neighbor. 623 00:27:35,364 --> 00:27:37,273 And if there's nobody not your neighbor, then 624 00:27:37,273 --> 00:27:37,932 you have 625 00:27:38,483 --> 00:27:40,638 a responsibility to be kind toward them to 626 00:27:40,638 --> 00:27:42,096 be gentle to not 627 00:27:43,431 --> 00:27:45,027 be forceful or hateful. 628 00:27:47,991 --> 00:27:50,858 For we ourselves also once we're foolish and 629 00:27:50,858 --> 00:27:51,358 dis, 630 00:27:52,212 --> 00:27:54,761 deceived enslaved to various lust and pleasures, 631 00:27:55,254 --> 00:27:57,193 spending our life in malice and Envy 632 00:27:57,731 --> 00:27:59,649 despicable in hating 1 another. 633 00:28:02,046 --> 00:28:03,265 The reason that 634 00:28:03,578 --> 00:28:05,726 we are to be this... For the sake 635 00:28:05,726 --> 00:28:07,556 of the not yet citizens of heaven. So 636 00:28:07,556 --> 00:28:08,670 that's what I'm gonna say that all this 637 00:28:08,670 --> 00:28:12,133 is about. Ultimately is we citizens of heaven 638 00:28:12,273 --> 00:28:14,670 are to be 4 the not yet citizens 639 00:28:14,670 --> 00:28:17,866 of heaven while also being kind toward already 640 00:28:17,866 --> 00:28:18,745 citizens of heaven. 641 00:28:19,799 --> 00:28:21,714 But the not yet citizens of heaven, those 642 00:28:21,714 --> 00:28:23,948 that don't know Jesus, 1, we cannot expect 643 00:28:23,948 --> 00:28:25,624 them to act in a Christ like manner. 644 00:28:26,103 --> 00:28:26,342 So... 645 00:28:27,713 --> 00:28:28,827 Number 3, verse 3, 646 00:28:29,702 --> 00:28:33,043 all those things, which he says to remind 647 00:28:33,043 --> 00:28:34,793 us that we were once those people. 648 00:28:36,557 --> 00:28:39,093 We were once the people that were not 649 00:28:39,093 --> 00:28:40,440 yet citizens of heaven. 650 00:28:41,392 --> 00:28:43,744 We were foolish and dis and deceived and 651 00:28:44,103 --> 00:28:45,853 deceived and enslaved to our lust and pleasures 652 00:28:45,853 --> 00:28:47,785 in spending our life in malice and envy 653 00:28:48,001 --> 00:28:49,672 despicable in hating 1 another. 654 00:28:50,547 --> 00:28:52,630 But to be a citizen of heaven is 655 00:28:52,630 --> 00:28:54,163 to not be those things 656 00:28:55,015 --> 00:28:57,480 in order to get other not citizens of 657 00:28:57,480 --> 00:28:57,798 heaven, 658 00:28:59,244 --> 00:29:01,710 to become citizen citizens of heaven is to 659 00:29:01,710 --> 00:29:04,278 not display those things toward 1 another 660 00:29:05,369 --> 00:29:06,005 and toward them. 661 00:29:09,216 --> 00:29:10,915 Because versus 4 through 662 00:29:11,374 --> 00:29:11,774 7. 663 00:29:12,972 --> 00:29:14,810 But when the kindness and infection of god 664 00:29:14,810 --> 00:29:17,062 or savior appeared, he saved us. 665 00:29:18,019 --> 00:29:19,376 Not by works, which we did in our 666 00:29:19,376 --> 00:29:21,372 righteous, but according to his mercy through the 667 00:29:21,372 --> 00:29:23,288 washing of generation regeneration and the renewing by 668 00:29:23,288 --> 00:29:24,166 the holy spirit. 669 00:29:24,819 --> 00:29:26,897 And we poured out upon us rich ritchie 670 00:29:26,897 --> 00:29:29,455 through Jesus Christ, our savior so that having 671 00:29:29,455 --> 00:29:31,612 been justified by his grace, we would become 672 00:29:31,612 --> 00:29:34,090 heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 673 00:29:36,982 --> 00:29:39,619 I've probably repeated this verse so many times, 674 00:29:40,098 --> 00:29:42,117 but I just love it so much Romans 675 00:29:42,336 --> 00:29:43,395 2 for 676 00:29:44,268 --> 00:29:46,102 But do you not know that it was 677 00:29:46,102 --> 00:29:47,319 the kindness 678 00:29:48,016 --> 00:29:51,285 of god that led you to repentance? 679 00:29:53,453 --> 00:29:56,324 It's the kindness of god that turns people's 680 00:29:56,324 --> 00:29:57,760 heart to God. 681 00:29:59,674 --> 00:30:01,907 And 1 of our roles as Christians as 682 00:30:01,987 --> 00:30:05,135 Christ followers as citizens of heaven is to 683 00:30:05,273 --> 00:30:07,826 be the display of kindness of god in 684 00:30:07,826 --> 00:30:08,544 the world. 685 00:30:11,908 --> 00:30:14,139 Have you never heard the saying, kill them 686 00:30:14,139 --> 00:30:14,958 with kindness? 687 00:30:19,092 --> 00:30:21,239 If we were more kind toward 1 toward 688 00:30:21,239 --> 00:30:21,716 1 another, 689 00:30:22,432 --> 00:30:25,056 we might not win someone to our position, 690 00:30:25,772 --> 00:30:27,544 but we might win them 691 00:30:29,523 --> 00:30:30,023 to 692 00:30:30,476 --> 00:30:30,976 relationship 693 00:30:31,986 --> 00:30:33,734 to say, oh, we can have differing views, 694 00:30:33,814 --> 00:30:34,950 and that's okay 695 00:30:35,579 --> 00:30:38,539 It's a kindness that wins us toward 1 696 00:30:38,539 --> 00:30:39,919 another and wins 697 00:30:40,220 --> 00:30:40,720 them 698 00:30:41,019 --> 00:30:41,519 ultimately, 699 00:30:43,913 --> 00:30:44,549 to the kingdom. 700 00:30:46,538 --> 00:30:50,140 To the kingdom of heaven to to kingdom 701 00:30:50,913 --> 00:30:51,413 citizenship 702 00:30:56,183 --> 00:30:58,494 We are meant to be that demonstration of 703 00:30:58,573 --> 00:30:59,392 Christ's kindness 704 00:31:00,007 --> 00:31:00,724 in the world. 705 00:31:02,013 --> 00:31:02,885 It's past Thursday, 706 00:31:04,868 --> 00:31:06,614 when we read the scripture and go around 707 00:31:06,614 --> 00:31:08,597 the group, we kinda say, like, hey, what 708 00:31:08,597 --> 00:31:10,465 is what stands out to you and 709 00:31:11,798 --> 00:31:13,789 David pointed out that he just really loves 710 00:31:13,789 --> 00:31:17,056 the the rich richness and abundantly part of 711 00:31:17,056 --> 00:31:19,305 this passage in verse 6. It's he poured 712 00:31:19,305 --> 00:31:20,684 out upon us rich 713 00:31:21,305 --> 00:31:25,565 through Jesus, Christ, our savior or also translated 714 00:31:25,865 --> 00:31:28,826 poured out upon us. Abundantly through Jesus Christ 715 00:31:28,826 --> 00:31:30,813 our savior. And, of course, that reminds me 716 00:31:30,813 --> 00:31:33,356 of Ephesians 03:20 in which she says, like, 717 00:31:33,992 --> 00:31:35,763 he is able to give 718 00:31:36,073 --> 00:31:39,116 even abundantly more than we could ever ask 719 00:31:39,649 --> 00:31:40,841 or imagine. 720 00:31:41,715 --> 00:31:43,169 And what I wanna 721 00:31:43,479 --> 00:31:46,269 make clear that's not about material possession. 722 00:31:48,820 --> 00:31:50,197 It's not about having 723 00:31:50,653 --> 00:31:55,129 more stuff more things, more money, more riches, 724 00:31:55,288 --> 00:31:56,505 more wealth 725 00:31:57,996 --> 00:31:58,496 in 726 00:31:58,952 --> 00:31:59,748 material things. 727 00:32:01,118 --> 00:32:02,096 But that is a 728 00:32:02,554 --> 00:32:04,409 richness provided through a 729 00:32:04,787 --> 00:32:06,063 relationship with God the father, 730 00:32:06,621 --> 00:32:08,956 Jesus the son and the holy 731 00:32:09,572 --> 00:32:10,072 spirit 732 00:32:12,219 --> 00:32:14,770 that we were rich lavish upon by God 733 00:32:14,770 --> 00:32:17,401 our father not to have more things, but 734 00:32:17,401 --> 00:32:18,278 to have more of him. 735 00:32:20,762 --> 00:32:22,138 To be a good citizen 736 00:32:22,752 --> 00:32:25,480 in our world and a good citizen of 737 00:32:25,538 --> 00:32:28,266 heaven is to acknowledge that I am rich 738 00:32:29,214 --> 00:32:30,430 out with the inheritance 739 00:32:30,806 --> 00:32:33,353 of the holy spirit because of Christ Jesus, 740 00:32:34,945 --> 00:32:35,821 and nothing else. 741 00:32:37,015 --> 00:32:37,069 Out 742 00:32:38,622 --> 00:32:39,838 It's not about 743 00:32:41,487 --> 00:32:41,987 being 744 00:32:42,601 --> 00:32:45,387 certain of having material wealth and gain. 745 00:32:48,585 --> 00:32:50,675 Truthfully, I've been to some of the poorest 746 00:32:50,812 --> 00:32:51,312 areas 747 00:32:51,925 --> 00:32:54,550 in Mexico on mission trips. 748 00:32:55,758 --> 00:32:59,127 But they have more richness and abundance than 749 00:33:00,220 --> 00:33:01,357 many Americans. 750 00:33:04,138 --> 00:33:06,445 Because they fully know what it means to 751 00:33:06,445 --> 00:33:06,945 rely 752 00:33:07,958 --> 00:33:11,221 on an abundant richness that's found in Christ. 753 00:33:12,588 --> 00:33:14,416 Than it is than the in the things 754 00:33:14,416 --> 00:33:15,211 that they have. 755 00:33:17,754 --> 00:33:20,456 We're constantly worried about how far our dollar 756 00:33:20,456 --> 00:33:21,115 is going 757 00:33:21,584 --> 00:33:23,263 how I can buy my new car, how 758 00:33:23,422 --> 00:33:24,541 I can buy a house, 759 00:33:25,260 --> 00:33:28,936 interest rate skyrocketing or being lowered or whatever 760 00:33:28,936 --> 00:33:29,816 it might be, 761 00:33:31,427 --> 00:33:33,837 we concern ourselves with those things 762 00:33:34,293 --> 00:33:35,191 even as 763 00:33:35,567 --> 00:33:38,115 heaven's citizens instead of focusing on the things 764 00:33:38,115 --> 00:33:40,523 that matter, which are in Christ, how are 765 00:33:40,523 --> 00:33:43,181 you abundantly and rich provided 766 00:33:43,800 --> 00:33:44,439 in faith. 767 00:33:45,638 --> 00:33:47,875 In fruit, in love, and enjoy and peace 768 00:33:47,875 --> 00:33:50,761 and patience and kindness and goodness in faithfulness 769 00:33:50,761 --> 00:33:52,513 and gentleness and self control. 770 00:33:55,780 --> 00:33:57,572 Kindness And so these things 771 00:33:58,509 --> 00:34:01,303 as Paul writes and continues in verse 8. 772 00:34:01,941 --> 00:34:03,958 These things are is are trustworthy. 773 00:34:05,069 --> 00:34:07,298 And concerning these things, I want you to 774 00:34:07,298 --> 00:34:08,434 speak confidently, 775 00:34:09,128 --> 00:34:11,675 so that those who believed God will be 776 00:34:11,675 --> 00:34:13,585 intent to lead in good works. 777 00:34:15,032 --> 00:34:17,806 These things are good and profitable for men. 778 00:34:20,025 --> 00:34:21,848 So if we lead in these things, 779 00:34:22,498 --> 00:34:24,803 that's what's profitable for our neighbor. 780 00:34:27,585 --> 00:34:29,969 It's not profitable for our neighbor. 781 00:34:31,654 --> 00:34:32,154 To 782 00:34:33,011 --> 00:34:33,511 push 783 00:34:34,448 --> 00:34:36,922 upon them our political beliefs to talk about 784 00:34:36,922 --> 00:34:37,161 them, 785 00:34:37,880 --> 00:34:38,779 our things 786 00:34:40,687 --> 00:34:41,904 to display 787 00:34:42,280 --> 00:34:43,235 how we vote. 788 00:34:45,226 --> 00:34:45,965 That's not 789 00:34:46,660 --> 00:34:49,025 our objective. I'm not saying that you can't 790 00:34:49,143 --> 00:34:51,288 have a political opinion? I'm not saying that 791 00:34:51,288 --> 00:34:53,828 you can't speak to people about it, but 792 00:34:53,828 --> 00:34:55,814 the question is how are you speaking about 793 00:34:55,814 --> 00:34:55,972 it? 794 00:34:57,005 --> 00:34:58,558 Have Is it from a 795 00:34:59,097 --> 00:35:00,396 position in Christ 796 00:35:00,775 --> 00:35:02,852 where you're allowed to have your opinion and 797 00:35:02,852 --> 00:35:05,583 you are respectful enough to say, we can 798 00:35:05,583 --> 00:35:07,655 talk about these things and you might not 799 00:35:07,655 --> 00:35:10,285 believe me or or fall into what I 800 00:35:10,285 --> 00:35:11,799 believe, and that's okay. I just wanna have 801 00:35:11,799 --> 00:35:13,966 a conversation with you about these. Things and 802 00:35:13,966 --> 00:35:15,081 it not get heated. 803 00:35:16,835 --> 00:35:19,065 I think going back to this idea of 804 00:35:19,065 --> 00:35:21,695 civility in respect, we lost the idea how 805 00:35:21,695 --> 00:35:22,651 to have healthy debate. 806 00:35:24,652 --> 00:35:26,423 Not just healthy debate, but healthy 807 00:35:26,796 --> 00:35:27,034 conversation. 808 00:35:27,749 --> 00:35:29,893 And again, I blame social media because it's 809 00:35:29,893 --> 00:35:31,974 really easy to hide... Behind a screen in 810 00:35:31,974 --> 00:35:34,835 a keyboard, rather to face somebody face to 811 00:35:34,835 --> 00:35:35,335 face 812 00:35:35,709 --> 00:35:36,448 and have 813 00:35:36,981 --> 00:35:38,673 a conversation with them 814 00:35:40,573 --> 00:35:42,322 but we as the church have to learn 815 00:35:42,322 --> 00:35:43,219 how to recon 816 00:35:43,594 --> 00:35:46,082 communicate how to communicate with 1 another 817 00:35:46,615 --> 00:35:48,921 face to face that doesn't get heated that 818 00:35:48,921 --> 00:35:51,873 doesn't lead to words of malice and sla 819 00:35:51,873 --> 00:35:53,775 and hate, but words of love, 820 00:35:54,330 --> 00:35:55,226 and peace 821 00:35:55,757 --> 00:35:56,471 and comfort. 822 00:35:58,314 --> 00:35:59,693 That when we disagree, 823 00:36:03,428 --> 00:36:03,907 we say, 824 00:36:04,706 --> 00:36:04,946 okay. 825 00:36:07,195 --> 00:36:08,710 We don't agree on those things. We're not 826 00:36:08,710 --> 00:36:11,261 gonna probably line up on them and that's 827 00:36:11,261 --> 00:36:11,421 alright. 828 00:36:13,015 --> 00:36:14,610 I'm really glad we had this conversation. 829 00:36:15,183 --> 00:36:16,221 I'm really glad that we were able to 830 00:36:16,221 --> 00:36:17,896 talk about it. I now actually have a 831 00:36:17,896 --> 00:36:20,050 better understanding of where you're coming from because 832 00:36:20,210 --> 00:36:20,848 I listened. 833 00:36:23,650 --> 00:36:25,477 I still might disagree with you, but I 834 00:36:25,557 --> 00:36:28,735 I hear how your perspective makes sense to 835 00:36:28,735 --> 00:36:28,894 you. 836 00:36:31,695 --> 00:36:33,686 Because also, I'm gonna put this out there. 837 00:36:35,597 --> 00:36:38,145 Political values and leaning aren't absolute truths. 838 00:36:41,739 --> 00:36:44,920 Political values and leaning and perspectives are not 839 00:36:44,920 --> 00:36:47,385 absolute truths. And so your way of seeing 840 00:36:47,385 --> 00:36:49,393 things is not an absolute truth. 841 00:36:50,272 --> 00:36:52,429 Yes. Truth is absolute. 842 00:36:54,827 --> 00:36:57,498 There's is no doubt about that. Truth is 843 00:36:57,795 --> 00:36:58,295 absolute, 844 00:36:59,311 --> 00:37:00,906 and there are some things that end up 845 00:37:00,906 --> 00:37:04,416 in the political arena that do have absolute 846 00:37:04,416 --> 00:37:05,851 bearings in truth. 847 00:37:06,822 --> 00:37:08,435 But there are a lot of things 848 00:37:09,286 --> 00:37:11,693 like how to tackle the immigration crisis 849 00:37:13,101 --> 00:37:13,601 that 850 00:37:14,387 --> 00:37:15,998 there are varying perspectives, 851 00:37:16,767 --> 00:37:19,147 and it is okay to have varying perspectives. 852 00:37:20,416 --> 00:37:20,916 Because 853 00:37:21,384 --> 00:37:21,884 Ultimately, 854 00:37:22,579 --> 00:37:24,493 the way that those perspectives are rooted, 855 00:37:26,087 --> 00:37:28,558 vary and are not absolute. 856 00:37:30,007 --> 00:37:32,177 I think that the scripture speaks about it 857 00:37:32,632 --> 00:37:34,542 in very serious ways, 858 00:37:36,451 --> 00:37:38,932 but I understand in reading scripture how we 859 00:37:38,932 --> 00:37:40,148 also can see 860 00:37:40,762 --> 00:37:41,660 the truth 861 00:37:43,307 --> 00:37:45,590 implemented in various ways. How 862 00:37:48,565 --> 00:37:49,858 That's 1 of the grand 863 00:37:50,548 --> 00:37:51,048 beautiful, 864 00:37:51,580 --> 00:37:53,325 lovely mysteries of scripture. 865 00:37:54,213 --> 00:37:55,270 Is its depth 866 00:37:55,803 --> 00:37:56,678 of understanding. 867 00:37:58,586 --> 00:38:00,415 And why I can have a brother and 868 00:38:00,415 --> 00:38:03,197 sister who see something very differently than I 869 00:38:03,197 --> 00:38:03,697 do 870 00:38:05,518 --> 00:38:06,313 And it's okay. 871 00:38:11,811 --> 00:38:13,635 Last part of this passage, 872 00:38:16,648 --> 00:38:18,551 divisive ness has no place in the king 873 00:38:18,551 --> 00:38:19,320 in kingdom citizen. 874 00:38:20,556 --> 00:38:23,209 I'm when we're gonna stop at that devices 875 00:38:23,586 --> 00:38:25,920 divisive ness has no place 876 00:38:26,377 --> 00:38:27,196 in kingdom 877 00:38:27,813 --> 00:38:28,313 citizens, 878 00:38:28,770 --> 00:38:30,239 since that is to say 879 00:38:31,090 --> 00:38:33,340 that we are to avoid foolish controversies 880 00:38:35,225 --> 00:38:38,206 to avoid gene ideologies and strife and conflicts 881 00:38:38,264 --> 00:38:40,277 about the law for they are 882 00:38:40,733 --> 00:38:42,188 unprofitable and worthless. 883 00:38:43,122 --> 00:38:44,954 And to be clear, the law there is 884 00:38:44,954 --> 00:38:45,852 talking about 885 00:38:46,244 --> 00:38:46,644 to, 886 00:38:47,925 --> 00:38:49,144 not talking about 887 00:38:50,085 --> 00:38:50,644 country law. 888 00:38:52,804 --> 00:38:54,699 But there is something about how we get 889 00:38:54,818 --> 00:38:56,193 so wrapped up in 890 00:38:57,045 --> 00:38:57,545 controversy 891 00:38:58,237 --> 00:38:59,611 for the sake of controversy. 892 00:39:03,659 --> 00:39:04,613 But here's the thing. 893 00:39:05,329 --> 00:39:06,704 We are to reject 894 00:39:07,159 --> 00:39:08,295 a fictitious 895 00:39:08,670 --> 00:39:10,220 or a device Ci 896 00:39:11,079 --> 00:39:11,579 man 897 00:39:12,200 --> 00:39:13,960 after a first time in a second warning. 898 00:39:15,400 --> 00:39:16,300 And this is 899 00:39:16,599 --> 00:39:18,119 kind of where this is all kind of 900 00:39:18,119 --> 00:39:18,860 coming to 901 00:39:20,052 --> 00:39:22,126 our role and responsibility is as I already 902 00:39:22,126 --> 00:39:24,280 said, if you find that I am not 903 00:39:24,280 --> 00:39:25,077 preaching gospel, 904 00:39:26,513 --> 00:39:28,906 you have every right to confront me about 905 00:39:28,906 --> 00:39:28,985 it. 906 00:39:30,754 --> 00:39:32,427 And if you hear that 1 of your 907 00:39:32,427 --> 00:39:34,658 fellow brothers and sisters in Jesus, 908 00:39:36,171 --> 00:39:38,004 speak in divisive manners, 909 00:39:40,171 --> 00:39:41,846 It is okay to talk to them about 910 00:39:41,846 --> 00:39:42,005 it. 911 00:39:44,159 --> 00:39:46,073 It's okay to have that conversation with them. 912 00:39:46,233 --> 00:39:48,009 In fact, I would say it's encouraged 913 00:39:49,915 --> 00:39:50,415 Matthew 914 00:39:50,791 --> 00:39:51,746 18 15. 915 00:39:53,736 --> 00:39:55,567 If your brother has something against you, you 916 00:39:55,567 --> 00:39:56,204 go to them. 917 00:39:58,130 --> 00:39:58,368 Alone. 918 00:39:59,322 --> 00:40:01,232 And if they don't listen to you, you 919 00:40:01,232 --> 00:40:02,130 go to them 920 00:40:02,822 --> 00:40:03,800 with 2 others 921 00:40:04,508 --> 00:40:05,940 And if they still don't listen to you, 922 00:40:06,099 --> 00:40:07,690 you go to them with the whole church. 923 00:40:08,644 --> 00:40:10,315 And if they still don't listen to you. 924 00:40:11,364 --> 00:40:12,955 I know this is harsh. Jesus says it, 925 00:40:13,034 --> 00:40:15,500 though, you send them away. 926 00:40:18,619 --> 00:40:18,938 But, 927 00:40:20,054 --> 00:40:20,373 but, 928 00:40:20,931 --> 00:40:23,404 and everybody always takes this passage out of 929 00:40:23,404 --> 00:40:25,818 context in this 1 verse, but 930 00:40:26,275 --> 00:40:29,239 right after that, Jesus also says, but where 931 00:40:29,239 --> 00:40:31,627 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, 932 00:40:32,264 --> 00:40:33,696 I am there among them. 933 00:40:36,258 --> 00:40:38,966 After sending 1 out, you are praying for 934 00:40:38,966 --> 00:40:39,466 their 935 00:40:39,842 --> 00:40:40,081 return. 936 00:40:40,718 --> 00:40:43,665 You pray for their reconciliation. You pray that 937 00:40:43,665 --> 00:40:44,802 they understand 938 00:40:45,114 --> 00:40:46,489 where they've been wrong 939 00:40:46,864 --> 00:40:49,329 so that they might come back into comm 940 00:40:49,329 --> 00:40:49,989 and fellowship 941 00:40:50,364 --> 00:40:51,318 with the church body. 942 00:40:52,128 --> 00:40:54,273 With the body of Christ. And I feel 943 00:40:54,273 --> 00:40:55,862 like this is where we get it wrong 944 00:40:55,862 --> 00:40:58,723 so much as Christians is we we become 945 00:40:58,723 --> 00:41:01,280 really divisive toward 1 another, we call each 946 00:41:01,280 --> 00:41:02,710 other out, but we don't call each other 947 00:41:02,710 --> 00:41:04,933 out in truth and love and gentleness. We 948 00:41:04,933 --> 00:41:06,759 call each other out in hate in malice 949 00:41:06,759 --> 00:41:08,824 and and just like, you don't agree with 950 00:41:08,824 --> 00:41:08,983 me. 951 00:41:10,348 --> 00:41:12,018 And then we never pray for them. 952 00:41:13,848 --> 00:41:15,359 We never pray for them. 953 00:41:16,314 --> 00:41:16,632 First, 954 00:41:17,284 --> 00:41:20,150 I recommend not going at them with malice, 955 00:41:21,106 --> 00:41:21,845 but gentleness. 956 00:41:22,460 --> 00:41:25,030 But then I recommend when you realize that 957 00:41:25,088 --> 00:41:27,176 they're just gonna tin you being a divisive 958 00:41:27,176 --> 00:41:27,655 person, 959 00:41:29,091 --> 00:41:29,330 like, 960 00:41:30,208 --> 00:41:31,586 you walk away 961 00:41:32,043 --> 00:41:32,761 and you pray. 962 00:41:34,614 --> 00:41:36,535 You pray for your brothers and sisters who 963 00:41:36,535 --> 00:41:38,795 have not yet come to the full realization 964 00:41:38,855 --> 00:41:40,715 that their actions are not 965 00:41:41,255 --> 00:41:42,555 citizen of heaven 966 00:41:43,746 --> 00:41:44,144 behavior. 967 00:41:46,371 --> 00:41:48,144 Because we are to be first and foremost 968 00:41:48,997 --> 00:41:50,292 kingdom of heaven 969 00:41:50,747 --> 00:41:51,247 citizens 970 00:41:52,432 --> 00:41:53,487 and we pray 971 00:41:53,861 --> 00:41:54,735 for 1 another, 972 00:41:55,449 --> 00:41:56,879 We pray for our world. 973 00:41:57,514 --> 00:41:59,340 We pray for our country. We pray for 974 00:41:59,340 --> 00:42:00,134 our leaders. 975 00:42:02,213 --> 00:42:03,824 And we pray blessings 976 00:42:05,307 --> 00:42:05,704 upon them. 977 00:42:07,132 --> 00:42:08,664 We bless 1 another 978 00:42:09,195 --> 00:42:10,483 in jesus name. 979 00:42:11,681 --> 00:42:12,239 Let's pray. 980 00:42:13,756 --> 00:42:14,873 Good and gracious God. 981 00:42:16,390 --> 00:42:17,747 We have to trust you. We have to 982 00:42:17,747 --> 00:42:18,567 turn to you 983 00:42:18,945 --> 00:42:20,235 this you have to recognize you, 984 00:42:21,192 --> 00:42:22,150 you have to follow you. 985 00:42:24,382 --> 00:42:27,173 You're the only way. You've always been the 986 00:42:27,173 --> 00:42:29,180 only way. You for you are the way, 987 00:42:29,339 --> 00:42:31,487 the truth in the life and nobody comes 988 00:42:31,487 --> 00:42:33,477 to the father, except through you. 989 00:42:35,944 --> 00:42:37,479 And none of us can be 990 00:42:38,109 --> 00:42:38,609 kingdom 991 00:42:39,626 --> 00:42:40,126 citizens 992 00:42:40,824 --> 00:42:41,382 without you, 993 00:42:43,458 --> 00:42:46,332 because without you, we have no king for 994 00:42:46,332 --> 00:42:47,130 our citizenship. 995 00:42:48,105 --> 00:42:49,304 For you are our king. 996 00:42:50,744 --> 00:42:53,304 And it's to you we submit, and we 997 00:42:53,304 --> 00:42:54,505 follow and we live. 998 00:42:56,829 --> 00:42:58,419 So what is it to be a follower 999 00:42:58,419 --> 00:42:59,293 of Jesus, 1000 00:43:00,644 --> 00:43:02,234 not just as a kingdom citizen, 1001 00:43:03,521 --> 00:43:04,498 but as 1 1002 00:43:05,271 --> 00:43:06,248 who engages 1003 00:43:06,702 --> 00:43:07,838 in our world 1004 00:43:09,008 --> 00:43:10,201 in good citizenship, 1005 00:43:11,489 --> 00:43:11,989 primarily 1006 00:43:12,608 --> 00:43:14,126 because we worship you. 1007 00:43:16,045 --> 00:43:17,403 It's in christ's name we pray. 1008 00:43:18,601 --> 00:43:18,761 Amen.