1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,600 Thanks very much. 2 00:00:02,600 --> 00:00:06,880 Okay, so Philippians chapter two verse 19 to 30, 3 00:00:06,880 --> 00:00:08,580 if you'd like to read along with me. 4 00:00:09,540 --> 00:00:13,140 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, 5 00:00:13,140 --> 00:00:17,020 that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 6 00:00:17,020 --> 00:00:18,700 I have no one else like him, 7 00:00:18,700 --> 00:00:21,620 who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 8 00:00:21,620 --> 00:00:24,080 For everyone looks out for their own interests, 9 00:00:24,080 --> 00:00:26,020 not those of Jesus Christ. 10 00:00:26,020 --> 00:00:28,740 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, 11 00:00:28,740 --> 00:00:31,000 because as a son with his father, 12 00:00:31,000 --> 00:00:34,100 he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 13 00:00:34,100 --> 00:00:37,260 I hope therefore to send him as soon as I see 14 00:00:37,260 --> 00:00:39,020 how things go with me. 15 00:00:39,020 --> 00:00:40,660 And I am confident in the Lord 16 00:00:40,660 --> 00:00:42,300 that I myself will come soon. 17 00:00:43,680 --> 00:00:46,580 But I think it is necessary to send back to you, 18 00:00:46,580 --> 00:00:50,740 Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, 19 00:00:50,740 --> 00:00:52,700 who is also your messenger, 20 00:00:52,700 --> 00:00:55,360 whom you sent to take care of my needs. 21 00:00:55,360 --> 00:00:58,200 For he longs for all of you and is distressed 22 00:00:58,200 --> 00:01:00,860 because you heard he was ill. 23 00:01:00,860 --> 00:01:03,800 Indeed he was ill and almost died, 24 00:01:03,800 --> 00:01:07,340 but God had mercy on him and not on him only, 25 00:01:07,340 --> 00:01:11,640 but also on me to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 26 00:01:11,640 --> 00:01:15,100 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, 27 00:01:15,100 --> 00:01:16,940 so that when you see him again, 28 00:01:16,940 --> 00:01:20,580 you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 00:01:20,580 --> 00:01:24,000 So then welcome him in the Lord with great joy 30 00:01:24,000 --> 00:01:25,720 and honor people like him, 31 00:01:25,720 --> 00:01:29,220 because he almost died for the work of Christ. 32 00:01:29,220 --> 00:01:32,340 He risked his life to make up for the help 33 00:01:32,340 --> 00:01:34,520 you yourselves could not give me. 34 00:01:38,860 --> 00:01:40,500 Thank you, Celeste. 35 00:01:40,500 --> 00:01:43,300 Good morning again, church. 36 00:01:45,020 --> 00:01:48,340 Before we get into the text that we have before us 37 00:01:48,340 --> 00:01:50,660 this morning, these are God's words. 38 00:01:50,660 --> 00:01:54,900 So before we approach this wonderful part of scripture, 39 00:01:54,900 --> 00:01:58,540 let's ask for his help in opening it for us. 40 00:01:58,540 --> 00:01:59,820 Would you pray with me? 41 00:02:01,160 --> 00:02:04,300 Father, we do thank you so much 42 00:02:04,300 --> 00:02:05,980 that we are here this morning, 43 00:02:05,980 --> 00:02:09,620 gathered as your people around the words of eternal life, 44 00:02:09,620 --> 00:02:14,620 breathed out from you and which are profitable for us. 45 00:02:15,140 --> 00:02:19,020 Father, we would ask that you would soften our hearts, 46 00:02:19,020 --> 00:02:22,320 give us ears to hear and show us Christ 47 00:02:22,320 --> 00:02:24,760 and transform us by the gospel. 48 00:02:24,760 --> 00:02:28,420 We ask for this in the mighty name of Jesus, amen. 49 00:02:30,980 --> 00:02:34,500 In an article posted to fashionstoppers.com, 50 00:02:34,500 --> 00:02:37,980 I was surprised to learn that designers 51 00:02:37,980 --> 00:02:41,380 don't really want you to focus on the model 52 00:02:41,380 --> 00:02:44,280 that they're using, but on the clothes 53 00:02:44,280 --> 00:02:47,500 that they have designed for the world to see. 54 00:02:47,500 --> 00:02:50,940 That's right, fashion designers actually want you 55 00:02:50,940 --> 00:02:54,340 to focus on what their clothes would look like 56 00:02:54,340 --> 00:02:58,460 on you rather than have all your attention 57 00:02:58,460 --> 00:03:00,620 on the model wearing them. 58 00:03:00,620 --> 00:03:03,220 To put it plainly, to look at the model, 59 00:03:03,220 --> 00:03:06,140 to have all your attention on them, 60 00:03:06,140 --> 00:03:09,300 well, that's to completely miss the point. 61 00:03:09,300 --> 00:03:11,740 And so as we approach the passage 62 00:03:11,740 --> 00:03:14,300 that we have before us this morning, 63 00:03:14,300 --> 00:03:19,060 we should keep the fashion designer's dream in mind. 64 00:03:19,060 --> 00:03:23,500 And though these models are important for us, 65 00:03:23,500 --> 00:03:27,600 we shouldn't just be thinking and focusing on them, 66 00:03:27,600 --> 00:03:32,600 but on how what has been designed for all God's people 67 00:03:32,820 --> 00:03:37,820 should look on us as we work out our own salvation 68 00:03:37,840 --> 00:03:39,520 in this world. 69 00:03:39,520 --> 00:03:43,520 But first, just a bit of a recap of where we are so far. 70 00:03:43,520 --> 00:03:47,860 The context of this letter is a church in Philippi 71 00:03:47,860 --> 00:03:52,660 that had received a letter from Rome around 60 AD, 72 00:03:52,660 --> 00:03:56,420 about 10 years after the church had been planted, 73 00:03:56,420 --> 00:04:00,020 from the apostle Paul, who happened to be in chains 74 00:04:00,020 --> 00:04:02,620 and under house arrest. 75 00:04:02,620 --> 00:04:05,260 And I mention that because Paul didn't know 76 00:04:05,260 --> 00:04:07,940 what was going to happen to him 77 00:04:07,940 --> 00:04:11,440 as a result of his upcoming trial, 78 00:04:11,440 --> 00:04:16,440 whether he would be pardoned or executed by the state. 79 00:04:16,860 --> 00:04:20,900 However, as we've seen, he had a sneaking suspicion 80 00:04:20,900 --> 00:04:24,300 that he was going to live and be able to see his friends 81 00:04:24,300 --> 00:04:27,660 in Philippi at least one more time. 82 00:04:27,660 --> 00:04:31,280 But for the moment, he was stuck in Rome. 83 00:04:31,280 --> 00:04:33,880 Now, as we've also seen through the weeks, 84 00:04:33,880 --> 00:04:36,300 this letter was written to the Philippians 85 00:04:36,300 --> 00:04:40,980 while they were in the midst of some sort of persecution. 86 00:04:40,980 --> 00:04:43,180 And we know that that was happening 87 00:04:43,180 --> 00:04:45,740 because there was external problems 88 00:04:45,740 --> 00:04:47,220 that were happening in that city. 89 00:04:47,220 --> 00:04:50,300 We only need to have a look at the Book of Acts 90 00:04:50,300 --> 00:04:53,820 to see that Christianity wasn't exactly 91 00:04:53,820 --> 00:04:58,020 the most popular religion with the locals. 92 00:04:58,020 --> 00:05:01,020 However, in saying that, in the decade or so 93 00:05:01,020 --> 00:05:05,660 since the church had been planted, they'd also grown. 94 00:05:05,660 --> 00:05:09,340 And I mention that because in the midst of their growth, 95 00:05:09,340 --> 00:05:14,140 they seem to have had some internal growth pains as well. 96 00:05:14,140 --> 00:05:17,800 Because one of the things that Paul keeps addressing 97 00:05:17,800 --> 00:05:21,780 was the increasing sense of disunity 98 00:05:21,780 --> 00:05:25,340 that had begun to polarize people 99 00:05:25,340 --> 00:05:28,300 from one another in the church. 100 00:05:28,300 --> 00:05:33,020 That's what Tim Aguero started to take us through last week. 101 00:05:33,020 --> 00:05:38,020 There was a danger in the church in regards to division, 102 00:05:38,080 --> 00:05:42,320 which could only be fixed by looking to Christ 103 00:05:42,320 --> 00:05:46,420 and imitating his incredible humility. 104 00:05:46,420 --> 00:05:50,900 That's why at the beginning of chapter two, 105 00:05:50,900 --> 00:05:54,140 Paul had started to encourage the church 106 00:05:54,140 --> 00:05:58,100 on their basis with their union with Christ 107 00:05:58,100 --> 00:06:00,900 to make sure that they weren't doing things 108 00:06:00,900 --> 00:06:05,040 out of selfish ambition or conceit, 109 00:06:05,040 --> 00:06:08,040 but rather that they were to display an attitude 110 00:06:08,040 --> 00:06:11,980 of Christ-like humility towards one another. 111 00:06:11,980 --> 00:06:14,460 That's what we've seen since chapter two. 112 00:06:14,460 --> 00:06:17,620 Having hit on humility, Paul then provided 113 00:06:17,620 --> 00:06:20,900 the ultimate example of humility 114 00:06:20,900 --> 00:06:24,460 in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, 115 00:06:24,460 --> 00:06:27,780 where he described the awesome work of Jesus, 116 00:06:27,780 --> 00:06:29,820 who is the Lord of all creation, 117 00:06:29,820 --> 00:06:34,620 the Lord of all that there is, the God of holiness, 118 00:06:34,620 --> 00:06:37,560 how he made that great sacrifice, 119 00:06:37,560 --> 00:06:40,220 not only by becoming a man, 120 00:06:40,220 --> 00:06:45,220 but by dying in the place of his people on a Roman cross 121 00:06:45,860 --> 00:06:49,140 to bring about our salvation. 122 00:06:49,140 --> 00:06:51,980 Incredible stuff indeed. 123 00:06:51,980 --> 00:06:56,980 But then in light of that awesome and wonderful saving work, 124 00:06:57,500 --> 00:06:59,500 Paul then tells the church, 125 00:06:59,500 --> 00:07:02,700 now I want you to work out your salvation 126 00:07:02,700 --> 00:07:04,020 with fear and trembling. 127 00:07:05,060 --> 00:07:08,060 And if there was any doubt as to what that involved, 128 00:07:08,060 --> 00:07:11,500 Paul then tells us in chapter two, verse 14, 129 00:07:11,500 --> 00:07:15,700 do everything without grumbling and complaining. 130 00:07:15,700 --> 00:07:18,860 In other words, he's saying don't be like little kids 131 00:07:18,860 --> 00:07:23,260 who chuck tanties whenever they don't get their own way. 132 00:07:23,260 --> 00:07:25,660 That's not how we're to act. 133 00:07:25,660 --> 00:07:30,100 Rather, we must pay attention to the example of Christ 134 00:07:30,100 --> 00:07:32,820 and the Spirit's work in our life 135 00:07:32,820 --> 00:07:35,940 and do what we are called to do, 136 00:07:35,940 --> 00:07:40,080 namely to humbly love and serve one another. 137 00:07:40,080 --> 00:07:41,620 Because it's as we do that, 138 00:07:41,620 --> 00:07:45,540 it's as we look to Christ and walk in his example 139 00:07:45,540 --> 00:07:50,220 of humility that we will shine in this dark world 140 00:07:50,220 --> 00:07:52,220 like stars in the sky. 141 00:07:52,220 --> 00:07:54,700 We see that in chapter two, verse 15. 142 00:07:55,660 --> 00:07:57,980 Incredibly important stuff. 143 00:07:57,980 --> 00:08:02,980 We in the church, as brothers and sisters together, 144 00:08:02,980 --> 00:08:07,420 are to walk in such humility 145 00:08:07,420 --> 00:08:12,420 that the world pays attention and is drawn to it. 146 00:08:12,460 --> 00:08:15,780 Now again, remember the context here. 147 00:08:15,780 --> 00:08:19,580 Paul was in prison and awaiting trial. 148 00:08:19,580 --> 00:08:22,140 So it's not like he could ask the Roman soldiers 149 00:08:22,140 --> 00:08:24,200 for day release and then just get on down 150 00:08:24,200 --> 00:08:27,820 to the church at Philippi and then show them 151 00:08:27,820 --> 00:08:30,860 how to kind of do all of this. 152 00:08:30,860 --> 00:08:33,860 But he could do the next best thing. 153 00:08:33,860 --> 00:08:35,780 And that was to send his friends 154 00:08:35,780 --> 00:08:39,620 who were living examples of people 155 00:08:39,620 --> 00:08:43,720 who he knew embodied all these principles. 156 00:08:43,720 --> 00:08:45,300 Which brings us to the passage 157 00:08:45,300 --> 00:08:47,780 that we have before us this morning. 158 00:08:47,780 --> 00:08:52,660 Paul had two men who lived out a tangible expression 159 00:08:52,660 --> 00:08:56,960 of these essential Christian characteristics. 160 00:08:56,960 --> 00:09:00,140 They modeled them wonderfully. 161 00:09:00,140 --> 00:09:02,180 And so by their lives and deeds, 162 00:09:02,180 --> 00:09:06,260 we have both a great example and a great challenge 163 00:09:06,260 --> 00:09:11,260 to examine our lives in light of their obedience. 164 00:09:11,400 --> 00:09:13,820 So with that said, let's have a look at both Timothy 165 00:09:13,820 --> 00:09:17,660 and Epaphroditus and see why they were chosen by Paul 166 00:09:17,660 --> 00:09:22,100 as examples that modeled these Christ-like qualities 167 00:09:22,100 --> 00:09:23,940 in their Christian walk. 168 00:09:23,940 --> 00:09:27,220 If you have your Bibles with you this morning, 169 00:09:27,220 --> 00:09:29,820 it might be helpful as we're going to be in the text 170 00:09:29,820 --> 00:09:31,120 quite a bit this morning. 171 00:09:32,860 --> 00:09:37,020 We read verses 19 through to 21. 172 00:09:37,020 --> 00:09:41,860 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, 173 00:09:41,860 --> 00:09:46,660 that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 174 00:09:46,660 --> 00:09:50,480 I have no one else like him who will show genuine concern 175 00:09:50,480 --> 00:09:53,660 for your welfare, for everyone looks out 176 00:09:53,660 --> 00:09:58,540 for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 177 00:09:58,540 --> 00:10:03,540 Okay, so the first thing we're told about Timothy 178 00:10:04,540 --> 00:10:09,540 is that he shows a genuine concern for people. 179 00:10:09,860 --> 00:10:14,060 That's why Paul wanted Timothy to go to this church 180 00:10:14,060 --> 00:10:18,340 because he knew that Timothy genuinely cared 181 00:10:18,340 --> 00:10:19,940 for God's people. 182 00:10:19,940 --> 00:10:23,660 And with that, he would really take care 183 00:10:23,660 --> 00:10:26,660 of his spiritual siblings. 184 00:10:26,660 --> 00:10:31,560 To put it simply, he was others focused. 185 00:10:32,420 --> 00:10:36,260 This is a wonderful thing to say about anyone in ministry 186 00:10:36,260 --> 00:10:38,860 and even anyone in the church 187 00:10:38,860 --> 00:10:42,460 because the temptation can be that people join 188 00:10:42,460 --> 00:10:45,500 and wanna lead churches or various ministries 189 00:10:45,500 --> 00:10:49,500 because they really want to build their own little empires 190 00:10:49,500 --> 00:10:51,180 and fan clubs. 191 00:10:51,180 --> 00:10:54,900 Paul had even experienced this with the preachers in Rome 192 00:10:54,900 --> 00:10:59,900 who were speaking out against him while he was in chains. 193 00:11:00,220 --> 00:11:03,140 It's a horrible thing to think about really. 194 00:11:03,140 --> 00:11:07,340 But that's why we must be so, so careful 195 00:11:07,340 --> 00:11:10,780 because people can be so hurt 196 00:11:10,780 --> 00:11:13,580 because leaders or people who are meant to be brothers 197 00:11:13,580 --> 00:11:16,700 and sisters in the faith, well, they care more 198 00:11:16,700 --> 00:11:20,700 about their reputation or their way of doing things 199 00:11:20,700 --> 00:11:23,860 over and against the welfare of others, 200 00:11:23,860 --> 00:11:27,900 over their siblings in Christ. 201 00:11:27,900 --> 00:11:30,520 You can say there's been a genuine concern, all right, 202 00:11:30,520 --> 00:11:33,500 but it hasn't been for others. 203 00:11:34,380 --> 00:11:36,700 Not so with Timothy, says Paul. 204 00:11:36,700 --> 00:11:40,980 No, I'm sending him to you because he is one 205 00:11:40,980 --> 00:11:45,620 who has a genuine concern with how you're going. 206 00:11:46,660 --> 00:11:50,260 And that there, that sentence, brothers and sisters, 207 00:11:50,260 --> 00:11:54,260 gives us so much insight into the heart 208 00:11:54,260 --> 00:11:58,980 of the Christian life, into the heart of Christian ministry 209 00:11:58,980 --> 00:12:03,100 that Paul has been encouraging us towards in this letter, 210 00:12:03,100 --> 00:12:06,140 week after week after week. 211 00:12:06,140 --> 00:12:11,140 And it's this, we too are to have a genuine concern 212 00:12:11,700 --> 00:12:15,460 for one another over and against our own interests. 213 00:12:16,380 --> 00:12:19,940 And so we might ask, where does that come from? 214 00:12:19,940 --> 00:12:23,340 How do we obtain that kind of outlook? 215 00:12:23,340 --> 00:12:24,900 Where does a genuineness 216 00:12:24,900 --> 00:12:27,980 for other people's welfare come from? 217 00:12:27,980 --> 00:12:30,060 What I suggest to you, 218 00:12:30,060 --> 00:12:33,940 it's actually not completely natural. 219 00:12:33,940 --> 00:12:38,940 No, by nature, we're somewhat self-focused. 220 00:12:39,740 --> 00:12:43,980 Now, admittedly, some people can be more maternal 221 00:12:43,980 --> 00:12:45,320 and friendly than others. 222 00:12:45,320 --> 00:12:50,320 However, the human race by nature, by its very essence, 223 00:12:50,360 --> 00:12:54,240 because of the fall, well, it's self-centered. 224 00:12:54,240 --> 00:12:56,640 I mean, just look at any toddler 225 00:12:56,640 --> 00:12:58,620 who is around other toddlers 226 00:12:58,620 --> 00:13:03,180 and you'll see human nature in full swing. 227 00:13:03,180 --> 00:13:08,180 Walking around, not saying, yours, yours. 228 00:13:10,300 --> 00:13:14,540 No, they're usually saying, mine, mine. 229 00:13:14,540 --> 00:13:18,460 And crying when they don't get their way. 230 00:13:18,460 --> 00:13:23,380 Chucking a tanty when things don't work out the way 231 00:13:23,380 --> 00:13:24,780 that they want them to. 232 00:13:26,780 --> 00:13:30,980 We usually do the same thing in later life. 233 00:13:30,980 --> 00:13:33,460 We just get better at hiding it 234 00:13:33,460 --> 00:13:38,460 and being more socially acceptable with our selfishness. 235 00:13:40,020 --> 00:13:41,780 So with this young man, 236 00:13:41,780 --> 00:13:44,260 Paul sees a deep humility in him 237 00:13:44,260 --> 00:13:48,140 and he knew Timothy was the right guy to send 238 00:13:48,140 --> 00:13:53,140 because he had a deep concern for the good of other people. 239 00:13:55,920 --> 00:14:00,700 So again, how do we obtain that kind of outlook? 240 00:14:00,700 --> 00:14:02,580 Where does a genuine concern 241 00:14:02,580 --> 00:14:05,080 for other people's welfare come from? 242 00:14:07,020 --> 00:14:08,660 What I suggest to you, 243 00:14:08,660 --> 00:14:11,220 Timothy walked in such a manner 244 00:14:11,220 --> 00:14:15,060 because the gospel had taken root in his heart. 245 00:14:16,300 --> 00:14:17,400 To say that another way, 246 00:14:17,400 --> 00:14:21,260 this young man's entire outlook on life 247 00:14:21,260 --> 00:14:24,780 had changed because he had taken hold of Christ 248 00:14:24,780 --> 00:14:29,220 and Christ's work and example of humility 249 00:14:29,220 --> 00:14:32,000 was being worked out in his life. 250 00:14:33,000 --> 00:14:34,980 I mean, we've briefly looked at this already, 251 00:14:34,980 --> 00:14:37,780 but the example of our savior 252 00:14:37,780 --> 00:14:42,180 that we saw in chapter two verses five through to eight, 253 00:14:43,080 --> 00:14:45,580 well, it blows the mind 254 00:14:45,580 --> 00:14:48,540 if you really step back and look at it. 255 00:14:48,540 --> 00:14:51,420 I mean, think about it for a second. 256 00:14:51,420 --> 00:14:53,820 The Lord of glory, 257 00:14:53,820 --> 00:14:57,380 the creator of all that there is, 258 00:14:57,380 --> 00:14:59,020 took flesh on. 259 00:15:00,420 --> 00:15:01,240 Why? 260 00:15:02,780 --> 00:15:05,700 Well, it was because he genuinely loved 261 00:15:05,700 --> 00:15:08,380 and cared about his people. 262 00:15:08,380 --> 00:15:13,380 That's why Jesus came to die on a Roman cross. 263 00:15:13,780 --> 00:15:16,620 It was because he genuinely loved 264 00:15:16,620 --> 00:15:19,420 and cared about his people. 265 00:15:19,420 --> 00:15:21,380 And so he took flesh on 266 00:15:21,380 --> 00:15:25,620 and came to take the punishment for the sin of his people. 267 00:15:25,620 --> 00:15:29,980 It's because he genuinely loved us 268 00:15:30,940 --> 00:15:33,260 that the Lord did something about it. 269 00:15:33,260 --> 00:15:37,220 So quite simply, the gospel, 270 00:15:37,220 --> 00:15:39,860 that great good news had taken root 271 00:15:39,860 --> 00:15:41,700 in this young man's life. 272 00:15:41,700 --> 00:15:46,140 And he was following in the humility of our Lord Jesus. 273 00:15:46,140 --> 00:15:47,100 And because of this, 274 00:15:47,100 --> 00:15:50,820 because he was humbly following in the footsteps of Christ, 275 00:15:50,820 --> 00:15:53,580 his entire outlook on life, 276 00:15:53,580 --> 00:15:58,580 his aim in life had changed from self to others. 277 00:15:58,580 --> 00:16:03,580 And thus in the process of this gospel transformation, 278 00:16:03,860 --> 00:16:07,060 he had become profitable to the apostle Paul 279 00:16:07,060 --> 00:16:09,540 for service in the church 280 00:16:09,540 --> 00:16:13,740 and a usable instrument in the hands of our Lord. 281 00:16:15,060 --> 00:16:20,060 And church, might I say that this others' focus design 282 00:16:20,540 --> 00:16:22,100 wasn't just for Timothy. 283 00:16:23,260 --> 00:16:26,180 Now, what we see with this example 284 00:16:26,180 --> 00:16:28,780 is the indispensable importance 285 00:16:28,780 --> 00:16:31,820 of what all of us have been called to. 286 00:16:31,820 --> 00:16:33,620 And that is that we have been called 287 00:16:33,620 --> 00:16:35,940 to take hold of Christ 288 00:16:35,940 --> 00:16:40,340 and follow in the example of his humility. 289 00:16:40,340 --> 00:16:42,740 If we are to be profitable servants 290 00:16:42,740 --> 00:16:44,380 in the hands of the Lord, 291 00:16:44,380 --> 00:16:49,380 we too must be self denying and not self focused. 292 00:16:49,540 --> 00:16:52,620 If we are to be a useful instrument, 293 00:16:52,620 --> 00:16:55,980 then we too must follow Christ's example. 294 00:16:57,340 --> 00:17:01,060 That is the design of the Christian life. 295 00:17:02,220 --> 00:17:05,860 And so Paul who was wanting to send Timothy to this church 296 00:17:05,860 --> 00:17:08,780 with its little cracks forming, 297 00:17:08,780 --> 00:17:11,860 makes so much sense in light of everything 298 00:17:11,860 --> 00:17:15,460 that we've seen in Philippians so far. 299 00:17:15,460 --> 00:17:20,020 He didn't think to send them a hammerhead personality, 300 00:17:20,020 --> 00:17:25,020 a CEO or a public relations officer as an example, 301 00:17:26,380 --> 00:17:29,260 but a man who had taken hold of Christ 302 00:17:29,260 --> 00:17:33,340 and who was by grace following in the footsteps 303 00:17:33,340 --> 00:17:35,940 of our savior in humility. 304 00:17:36,820 --> 00:17:39,580 That's who Paul wanted to send to this church. 305 00:17:39,580 --> 00:17:41,100 He wanted to send them a man 306 00:17:41,100 --> 00:17:43,380 who had taken hold of Christ 307 00:17:43,380 --> 00:17:48,180 and a man who was working out his salvation 308 00:17:48,180 --> 00:17:52,620 by humbly following the example of Christ, 309 00:17:52,620 --> 00:17:57,260 which was resulting in a genuine love, 310 00:17:57,260 --> 00:18:00,500 not for self, but for others. 311 00:18:02,420 --> 00:18:06,420 That's first, Paul wanted to send this church a man 312 00:18:06,420 --> 00:18:10,980 who he knew was humbly working out his salvation, 313 00:18:10,980 --> 00:18:15,980 which had resulted in a guy who had become others focused. 314 00:18:15,980 --> 00:18:18,980 However, and this is important to note, 315 00:18:18,980 --> 00:18:23,980 and I'm so glad Mike Darrell hit on this before, 316 00:18:24,220 --> 00:18:26,700 not only did Paul wanna send them a man 317 00:18:26,700 --> 00:18:30,100 who worked out the gospel in his own life, 318 00:18:31,100 --> 00:18:32,900 but he also wanted to send them a man 319 00:18:32,900 --> 00:18:37,900 who would work the gospel into other people's lives as well. 320 00:18:38,460 --> 00:18:43,460 To put it simply, Timothy was gospel focused. 321 00:18:43,460 --> 00:18:46,460 We see this in verses 22 through to 24. 322 00:18:47,180 --> 00:18:50,460 Paul says, but you know that Timothy has proved himself 323 00:18:50,460 --> 00:18:53,460 because as a son with his father, 324 00:18:53,460 --> 00:18:57,260 he has served me in the work of the gospel. 325 00:18:57,260 --> 00:19:01,300 I hope therefore to send him as soon as I see 326 00:19:01,300 --> 00:19:05,500 how things go with me, and I'm confident in the Lord 327 00:19:05,500 --> 00:19:08,140 that I myself will come soon. 328 00:19:08,140 --> 00:19:11,460 That I myself will come soon. 329 00:19:11,460 --> 00:19:16,460 You see, as we've seen through the weeks in this series, 330 00:19:17,820 --> 00:19:21,100 it's incredibly important to our apostle 331 00:19:21,100 --> 00:19:25,140 that every one of us works out the salvation 332 00:19:25,140 --> 00:19:28,340 one for us in the Lord Jesus Christ, 333 00:19:28,340 --> 00:19:31,260 because it's as we do that, as we look to Christ 334 00:19:31,260 --> 00:19:36,260 and walk after the example of his utter humility, 335 00:19:36,260 --> 00:19:39,060 that real wonderful and beautiful works 336 00:19:39,060 --> 00:19:42,340 will start to be manifested in our life. 337 00:19:43,180 --> 00:19:46,460 I mean, we've heard it already this morning, 338 00:19:46,460 --> 00:19:50,620 but just this week, AFES has been exposed 339 00:19:50,620 --> 00:19:55,380 to so many different brothers and sisters in the Lord, 340 00:19:55,380 --> 00:19:59,700 from all denominations who have decided to follow 341 00:19:59,700 --> 00:20:03,940 after Christ and look out for the welfare of others 342 00:20:03,940 --> 00:20:07,900 in a real and genuine way. 343 00:20:07,900 --> 00:20:10,780 They've met people who have given up their time 344 00:20:10,780 --> 00:20:13,500 to look after the broken and the downtrodden, 345 00:20:13,500 --> 00:20:16,180 the hopeless and the homeless, 346 00:20:16,180 --> 00:20:19,860 the single mum and dad and the desperate. 347 00:20:19,860 --> 00:20:24,060 And that is good and wonderful and beautiful, 348 00:20:24,060 --> 00:20:28,540 but without a gospel focus in any of those ministries, 349 00:20:28,540 --> 00:20:33,540 then all anyone is doing is waving a dark world 350 00:20:33,540 --> 00:20:34,380 to hell. 351 00:20:35,380 --> 00:20:38,220 Yes, they may have clothes on their back. 352 00:20:38,220 --> 00:20:41,300 Yes, they may have food in their bellies 353 00:20:41,300 --> 00:20:45,900 and a place to stay, but at the end of the day, 354 00:20:45,900 --> 00:20:50,780 if there has been no work of the gospel among these people, 355 00:20:50,780 --> 00:20:55,220 no good news shared into their situations, 356 00:20:56,220 --> 00:20:58,620 then it will be all for nothing 357 00:20:58,620 --> 00:21:00,460 in the eternal scheme of things. 358 00:21:00,460 --> 00:21:02,260 And it's important that we see that 359 00:21:02,260 --> 00:21:05,140 with our model here this morning. 360 00:21:05,140 --> 00:21:07,820 Paul is sending Timothy because yes, 361 00:21:07,820 --> 00:21:10,340 he is a man who is living out the work 362 00:21:10,340 --> 00:21:12,860 of the gospel in his life. 363 00:21:12,860 --> 00:21:17,380 And Paul wanted him to be an example to the church, 364 00:21:17,380 --> 00:21:21,300 but being a good example and helping where you can, 365 00:21:21,300 --> 00:21:25,140 even in the most loving and practical sense, 366 00:21:25,140 --> 00:21:26,780 even genuinely, 367 00:21:26,780 --> 00:21:30,780 that doesn't actually save anybody at the end of the day. 368 00:21:31,740 --> 00:21:36,740 I mean, yes, the church is to walk in Christ-like humility 369 00:21:36,740 --> 00:21:39,900 and selfless love towards one another, 370 00:21:39,900 --> 00:21:44,100 so much so that we'll be like stars on a dark summer's night 371 00:21:44,100 --> 00:21:46,780 shining so brightly. 372 00:21:46,780 --> 00:21:49,660 And though our obedience to the Lord 373 00:21:49,660 --> 00:21:52,700 and the outworking of that is to be a sign 374 00:21:52,700 --> 00:21:54,420 of the Lord's love for us, 375 00:21:54,420 --> 00:21:58,220 the outworking of that is to be a sign to others. 376 00:21:58,220 --> 00:21:59,900 And that is good and true. 377 00:22:00,780 --> 00:22:03,260 At the end of the day, brothers and sisters, 378 00:22:03,260 --> 00:22:06,940 our good works, our great example, 379 00:22:06,940 --> 00:22:09,380 our loving deeds, though great, 380 00:22:10,460 --> 00:22:13,380 they don't actually save anybody. 381 00:22:13,380 --> 00:22:15,420 No, it's as Paul has said previously, 382 00:22:15,420 --> 00:22:19,820 he wanted the church to stand firm in the one spirit, 383 00:22:19,820 --> 00:22:24,820 striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. 384 00:22:26,860 --> 00:22:29,780 Gospel means good news, 385 00:22:30,980 --> 00:22:33,820 and the news is good when it's proclaimed. 386 00:22:33,820 --> 00:22:37,060 News is something to be shared. 387 00:22:37,060 --> 00:22:40,340 Paul wanted the church to know that he was sending them 388 00:22:40,340 --> 00:22:45,340 a man who was working out his gospel convictions, 389 00:22:45,820 --> 00:22:48,180 but he also wanted the church to know 390 00:22:48,180 --> 00:22:50,020 that he was sending them a man 391 00:22:50,020 --> 00:22:55,020 who would also work into them gospel convictions. 392 00:22:56,340 --> 00:22:59,660 And this is such a great model that we have here. 393 00:23:00,580 --> 00:23:04,860 Because though our example might help change people, 394 00:23:04,860 --> 00:23:08,620 it's the gospel that transforms people. 395 00:23:09,780 --> 00:23:13,540 So again, church, let us not focus on the model here, 396 00:23:13,540 --> 00:23:16,060 but on the design of the Christian life 397 00:23:16,060 --> 00:23:20,980 that each and every single one of us has been called to. 398 00:23:20,980 --> 00:23:24,900 We're called to share the gospel truth with this world 399 00:23:24,900 --> 00:23:28,620 and each other in the church continually. 400 00:23:28,620 --> 00:23:33,340 We're called to point people to Christ and his life 401 00:23:33,340 --> 00:23:36,460 lived on behalf of his people, 402 00:23:36,460 --> 00:23:39,340 not just through our actions, 403 00:23:39,340 --> 00:23:41,460 but with our conversations as well. 404 00:23:42,340 --> 00:23:44,020 That's what Paul's doing here. 405 00:23:44,020 --> 00:23:46,940 He's telling his friends that he's sending them a man 406 00:23:46,940 --> 00:23:50,860 who is others-focused and gospel-focused, 407 00:23:50,860 --> 00:23:55,140 a man who will serve them in genuine love 408 00:23:55,140 --> 00:23:57,340 through word and deed. 409 00:23:58,780 --> 00:24:00,420 But you might notice something here. 410 00:24:00,420 --> 00:24:05,420 Paul shifts, doesn't he, in verses 25 through to 30. 411 00:24:05,540 --> 00:24:08,460 He shifts to inform his friends of another man 412 00:24:08,460 --> 00:24:09,940 that he's sending to them, 413 00:24:09,940 --> 00:24:13,380 a mate of theirs who has been an incredible help, 414 00:24:13,380 --> 00:24:17,980 but hasn't worked out in the way that they had hoped. 415 00:24:17,980 --> 00:24:22,980 Though again, he is a great model for the Christian life 416 00:24:23,100 --> 00:24:24,980 that we are to pay attention to. 417 00:24:26,220 --> 00:24:27,260 Read with me, Paul says, 418 00:24:27,260 --> 00:24:29,940 "'But I think it's necessary to send back to you 419 00:24:29,940 --> 00:24:34,180 a Paphroditus, my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier, 420 00:24:34,180 --> 00:24:36,340 who is also your messenger, 421 00:24:36,340 --> 00:24:39,780 whom you sent to take care of my needs. 422 00:24:39,780 --> 00:24:43,540 For he longs for all of you and is distressed 423 00:24:43,540 --> 00:24:46,180 because you have heard he was ill. 424 00:24:46,180 --> 00:24:50,020 Indeed, he was ill and almost died, 425 00:24:50,020 --> 00:24:53,660 but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, 426 00:24:53,660 --> 00:24:58,260 but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 427 00:24:58,260 --> 00:25:02,820 Therefore, I'm all the more eager to send him to you 428 00:25:02,820 --> 00:25:05,700 so that when you see him again, 429 00:25:05,700 --> 00:25:09,620 you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.' 430 00:25:09,620 --> 00:25:13,340 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy 431 00:25:13,340 --> 00:25:15,500 and honor people like him, 432 00:25:15,500 --> 00:25:19,580 because he almost died for the work of Christ. 433 00:25:19,580 --> 00:25:21,820 He risked his life to make up 434 00:25:21,820 --> 00:25:25,620 for the help you yourselves couldn't give me." 435 00:25:27,260 --> 00:25:32,260 Now, we don't know a whole lot about a Paphroditus, 436 00:25:33,580 --> 00:25:36,700 but apparently when the Philippians heard 437 00:25:36,700 --> 00:25:41,140 that Paul was arrested and under house arrest 438 00:25:41,140 --> 00:25:44,060 and in chains in Rome, 439 00:25:44,060 --> 00:25:47,100 they thought it best to send help, 440 00:25:47,100 --> 00:25:50,780 and that help came by way of this bloke. 441 00:25:50,780 --> 00:25:54,060 Now, he seemed to have gotten sick somewhere along the line, 442 00:25:54,060 --> 00:25:56,860 so Paul was sending him back, 443 00:25:56,860 --> 00:25:58,860 but I want you to see something here 444 00:25:58,860 --> 00:26:01,620 because I think it's important that we catch it, 445 00:26:01,620 --> 00:26:02,940 and it's this. 446 00:26:02,940 --> 00:26:07,620 Notice what Paul says here in verses 29 through to 30. 447 00:26:07,620 --> 00:26:12,060 He says, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, 448 00:26:12,060 --> 00:26:13,340 and this is important. 449 00:26:14,460 --> 00:26:18,340 Honor him, honor people like him, 450 00:26:18,340 --> 00:26:21,380 as he risked his life to make up 451 00:26:21,380 --> 00:26:23,860 for the things you yourselves could not give me. 452 00:26:25,260 --> 00:26:26,300 Now, admittedly, church, 453 00:26:26,300 --> 00:26:30,460 there's a lot of things we could comment on here this morning, 454 00:26:30,460 --> 00:26:33,140 but I just wanna draw this one thing out for you, 455 00:26:33,140 --> 00:26:34,140 and it's this. 456 00:26:34,980 --> 00:26:39,980 Paul wanted the church to honor people like this 457 00:26:40,100 --> 00:26:44,380 because this man was Christ-focused. 458 00:26:44,380 --> 00:26:45,420 I'll say that again. 459 00:26:45,420 --> 00:26:49,420 Paul wants people in the church to take note 460 00:26:49,420 --> 00:26:52,020 and follow this guy's example 461 00:26:52,020 --> 00:26:55,980 because he was Christ-focused, 462 00:26:55,980 --> 00:27:00,980 because like Christ, he put his life on the line 463 00:27:01,100 --> 00:27:02,620 to serve others. 464 00:27:03,540 --> 00:27:06,500 Now, please don't misunderstand me here this morning. 465 00:27:06,500 --> 00:27:08,980 Paul's not saying that we should all go out 466 00:27:08,980 --> 00:27:13,460 and look for opportunities to put our lives at risk. 467 00:27:13,460 --> 00:27:16,140 That's not what's being said here at all, 468 00:27:16,140 --> 00:27:21,140 but what we do see is that Paul had a man with him 469 00:27:21,660 --> 00:27:25,900 who had seen a need that had to be met, 470 00:27:25,900 --> 00:27:29,660 and so instead of prioritizing his own life, 471 00:27:29,660 --> 00:27:33,180 his own comforts, his own preferences, 472 00:27:33,180 --> 00:27:37,980 he made the dangerous epic trek from his own home 473 00:27:37,980 --> 00:27:41,980 to the apostle Paul who was bound in chains 474 00:27:41,980 --> 00:27:45,340 so that Paul might be helped in his time of need. 475 00:27:46,660 --> 00:27:50,020 That is a Christ-focused person, 476 00:27:50,020 --> 00:27:55,020 one who risked everything so that our apostle could continue. 477 00:27:56,540 --> 00:27:59,380 You see, the challenge is if we're all about 478 00:27:59,380 --> 00:28:03,620 our little empires, our own little agendas, 479 00:28:03,620 --> 00:28:08,140 then our priorities and comforts will always take priority, 480 00:28:08,140 --> 00:28:12,940 and we won't risk anything for God's kingdom and his cause 481 00:28:12,940 --> 00:28:16,060 because our comforts and our concerns 482 00:28:16,060 --> 00:28:19,180 will be our guiding star. 483 00:28:19,180 --> 00:28:22,700 And that's just not what Christians have been called to. 484 00:28:23,540 --> 00:28:27,420 As Paul said in chapter two, verses three to five, 485 00:28:27,420 --> 00:28:31,780 do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. 486 00:28:31,780 --> 00:28:36,780 Rather in humility, value others above yourselves, 487 00:28:37,540 --> 00:28:40,180 not looking to your own interests, 488 00:28:40,180 --> 00:28:44,260 but each of you to the interests of others 489 00:28:44,260 --> 00:28:47,820 in your relationships with one another 490 00:28:47,820 --> 00:28:52,580 have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. 491 00:28:54,380 --> 00:28:58,020 With the situation that we have before us this morning, 492 00:28:58,020 --> 00:29:02,180 Paul was bound and in chains. 493 00:29:02,180 --> 00:29:04,180 So, Paphroditus left his home 494 00:29:04,180 --> 00:29:07,540 and risked his life to help Paul. 495 00:29:07,540 --> 00:29:11,780 In the 18th century, David Livingston saw Africa 496 00:29:11,780 --> 00:29:14,660 bound in idolatry and voodoo. 497 00:29:14,660 --> 00:29:17,700 So, he left his home, risking his life 498 00:29:17,700 --> 00:29:20,140 to take the gospel to those people. 499 00:29:20,140 --> 00:29:23,020 Hudson Taylor did the same to China. 500 00:29:23,020 --> 00:29:27,660 William Kerry to India, Bonhoeffer to the oppressed Germans. 501 00:29:28,740 --> 00:29:33,340 Point being, there has always been men and women 502 00:29:33,340 --> 00:29:35,900 in the church that have seen others 503 00:29:35,900 --> 00:29:38,420 in bondage and desperation. 504 00:29:38,420 --> 00:29:42,380 And that's instead of prioritizing their creature comforts, 505 00:29:42,380 --> 00:29:44,660 they put their very lives on the line 506 00:29:44,660 --> 00:29:46,540 for the cause of Christ. 507 00:29:46,540 --> 00:29:51,540 And that is something that our apostle says to emulate. 508 00:29:53,460 --> 00:29:55,620 But this is the thing, church. 509 00:29:55,620 --> 00:29:59,780 All these people that I have briefly mentioned this morning, 510 00:30:01,660 --> 00:30:04,900 well, they're only following in the footsteps 511 00:30:04,900 --> 00:30:08,700 and seeking to emulate our greatest example, 512 00:30:09,580 --> 00:30:12,540 and that is the Lord Jesus Christ, 513 00:30:12,540 --> 00:30:17,540 the one who left the comfort of heaven, 514 00:30:17,660 --> 00:30:22,660 his heavenly home, and who came to give us his all, 515 00:30:23,660 --> 00:30:28,660 giving his very life for us so that we might be set free 516 00:30:29,780 --> 00:30:32,180 from our bondage and chains. 517 00:30:33,020 --> 00:30:35,660 And that is indeed good news. 518 00:30:35,660 --> 00:30:39,980 And church, we are called to share that good news 519 00:30:39,980 --> 00:30:44,980 with the world, with all that we are in word and deed. 520 00:30:48,260 --> 00:30:52,100 You see, the gospel that gripped the apostle Paul, 521 00:30:52,100 --> 00:30:54,860 that gripped Timothy, Epaphroditus, and others, 522 00:30:54,860 --> 00:30:59,220 which transformed them into these other focus, 523 00:30:59,220 --> 00:31:03,020 gospel-focused, Christ-focused servants, 524 00:31:04,300 --> 00:31:08,100 was in fact the exact same gospel 525 00:31:08,100 --> 00:31:10,460 that's been held out to us. 526 00:31:10,460 --> 00:31:15,300 And by grace, the very same gospel that has saved us, 527 00:31:15,300 --> 00:31:17,980 as we've noticed before, there's not a Christian on earth 528 00:31:17,980 --> 00:31:21,420 who has a different kind of grace or salvation 529 00:31:21,420 --> 00:31:24,900 than the Christians that we read about in this letter. 530 00:31:25,820 --> 00:31:28,700 We all have the same God, 531 00:31:28,700 --> 00:31:32,780 who has begun in us the exact same work, 532 00:31:32,780 --> 00:31:36,860 who is conforming us all to the very same image 533 00:31:36,860 --> 00:31:39,460 of our Lord Jesus Christ, 534 00:31:39,460 --> 00:31:44,460 which means we are united with Christ like these models. 535 00:31:44,540 --> 00:31:49,140 We share in the very Spirit of God like these models, 536 00:31:49,140 --> 00:31:53,500 which means we have access to the very same throne of grace 537 00:31:53,500 --> 00:31:57,660 that transformed these models into the example 538 00:31:57,660 --> 00:31:59,820 that we have set before us this morning. 539 00:32:00,820 --> 00:32:04,220 Yes, as we began our time this morning, 540 00:32:04,220 --> 00:32:09,220 the models are important, but let's not focus on them, 541 00:32:10,060 --> 00:32:13,420 but on the design of the Christian life 542 00:32:13,420 --> 00:32:18,420 that we are all called to put on and work out into our lives. 543 00:32:20,900 --> 00:32:23,620 And so dear ones, it goes back to Paul's command 544 00:32:23,620 --> 00:32:25,540 of all Christians. 545 00:32:25,540 --> 00:32:30,540 How, not if, how are you working out your salvation? 546 00:32:30,540 --> 00:32:34,060 How, not if, how are you following in the footsteps 547 00:32:34,060 --> 00:32:39,060 an example of Christ like humility in your everyday life? 548 00:32:39,860 --> 00:32:42,980 And so we might ask of ourselves this morning, 549 00:32:42,980 --> 00:32:46,660 am I more focused on myself than others? 550 00:32:46,660 --> 00:32:49,620 Am I more concerned with my comforts 551 00:32:49,620 --> 00:32:51,780 than the cause of Christ? 552 00:32:51,780 --> 00:32:56,180 Would I be willing to risk everything for the gospel 553 00:32:57,620 --> 00:32:59,140 and the kingdom of God? 554 00:32:59,140 --> 00:33:04,140 To leave my home, to serve others 555 00:33:04,140 --> 00:33:06,020 who are in bondage and chains? 556 00:33:08,100 --> 00:33:11,300 These are great questions to think about 557 00:33:11,300 --> 00:33:14,580 because if we are to be profitable servants, 558 00:33:14,580 --> 00:33:18,420 we must be self-denying and others-focused, 559 00:33:18,420 --> 00:33:21,780 gospel-focused and Christ-focused. 560 00:33:22,980 --> 00:33:24,740 And that, brothers and sisters, 561 00:33:24,740 --> 00:33:29,260 takes a considerable effort on our part. 562 00:33:29,260 --> 00:33:30,860 Yet the good news is this. 563 00:33:32,340 --> 00:33:35,980 None of us are doing this in our own strength. 564 00:33:37,740 --> 00:33:39,260 We are doing it, in fact, 565 00:33:39,260 --> 00:33:41,900 in the power and the strength of another. 566 00:33:43,180 --> 00:33:47,260 And that is by the very spirit of Christ 567 00:33:47,260 --> 00:33:50,260 in each and every one of us 568 00:33:50,260 --> 00:33:55,260 because it is Christ who has united us to himself. 569 00:33:57,020 --> 00:34:02,020 It is Christ who is drawing us to himself. 570 00:34:02,380 --> 00:34:04,780 As Paul said at the beginning of this letter, 571 00:34:04,780 --> 00:34:08,020 it is his work that he has begun 572 00:34:08,020 --> 00:34:10,660 that he will see to completion. 573 00:34:11,860 --> 00:34:14,340 And so, dear ones, as you start to reflect 574 00:34:14,340 --> 00:34:18,020 on where you see that area of need, 575 00:34:18,020 --> 00:34:23,020 as you start to think of where the gospel can be taken 576 00:34:23,300 --> 00:34:25,100 and where you fall short, 577 00:34:25,100 --> 00:34:28,140 as you hit the prayer closet in reflection 578 00:34:28,140 --> 00:34:30,900 to the gospel proclaimed this morning, 579 00:34:30,900 --> 00:34:33,740 might these words from our apostle 580 00:34:33,740 --> 00:34:35,620 be a comfort to you this morning? 581 00:34:36,460 --> 00:34:38,020 This is from chapter four. 582 00:34:38,020 --> 00:34:41,260 Paul says, rejoice in the Lord always. 583 00:34:41,260 --> 00:34:44,020 I say again, rejoice. 584 00:34:44,020 --> 00:34:46,660 Let your gentleness be evident to all, 585 00:34:46,660 --> 00:34:48,980 the Lord is near to you. 586 00:34:48,980 --> 00:34:51,420 Don't be anxious about everything, 587 00:34:51,420 --> 00:34:53,860 but in every situation, 588 00:34:53,860 --> 00:34:57,180 by prayer, petition, with thanksgiving, 589 00:34:57,180 --> 00:34:59,660 present your requests to God. 590 00:34:59,660 --> 00:35:03,740 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 591 00:35:03,740 --> 00:35:08,740 will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 592 00:35:08,740 --> 00:35:10,220 Finally, brothers and sisters, 593 00:35:10,220 --> 00:35:15,220 whatever's true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, 594 00:35:15,220 --> 00:35:18,540 if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, 595 00:35:18,540 --> 00:35:20,460 think about these things. 596 00:35:20,460 --> 00:35:23,700 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me 597 00:35:23,700 --> 00:35:28,700 or seen in me, put it into practice. 598 00:35:28,700 --> 00:35:30,820 Put it into practice, 599 00:35:30,820 --> 00:35:34,300 and the God of peace will be with you all. 600 00:35:34,300 --> 00:35:35,140 Let's pray. 601 00:35:40,020 --> 00:35:43,420 Father, we are so thankful for the gospel. 602 00:35:43,420 --> 00:35:47,580 We are so thankful that you sent the Lord Jesus Christ 603 00:35:48,940 --> 00:35:51,780 to take the punishment on behalf of your people. 604 00:35:52,660 --> 00:35:56,180 That the gospel indeed has transformed us 605 00:35:56,180 --> 00:35:57,820 and by the work of the Spirit, 606 00:35:57,820 --> 00:36:00,820 you are conforming us more and more 607 00:36:00,820 --> 00:36:04,100 to our awesome Savior. 608 00:36:06,100 --> 00:36:09,740 Father, we asked, and we asked this morning 609 00:36:09,740 --> 00:36:12,420 that you would lead us to Christ Jesus. 610 00:36:12,420 --> 00:36:13,820 Lead us to Christ. 611 00:36:14,740 --> 00:36:16,300 That you would transform us. 612 00:36:17,380 --> 00:36:19,860 Father, we asked that you would, 613 00:36:19,860 --> 00:36:22,100 indeed set our hearts on fire. 614 00:36:23,140 --> 00:36:27,420 That you would show us the situations, the context, 615 00:36:27,420 --> 00:36:29,500 the places that we can take the gospel. 616 00:36:30,380 --> 00:36:34,860 And Father, might we not live by fear, but faith. 617 00:36:35,900 --> 00:36:38,260 Faith in you and that the gospel 618 00:36:38,260 --> 00:36:40,820 is indeed the power unto salvation. 619 00:36:40,820 --> 00:36:42,500 We ask that you would transform us 620 00:36:42,500 --> 00:36:46,300 and use us for your glory, for your kingdom and honor. 621 00:36:46,300 --> 00:37:10,180 We ask for this in Jesus' name, amen.