100:00:00,460 –> 00:00:09,100Augustine the Great African leader of the church in the 5th century felt so strongly200:00:09,100 –> 00:00:16,740about this that he had some words carved into his dining-room table. This is what300:00:16,740 –> 00:00:24,360was on Augustine’s table. Whoever loves another’s name to blast, this table’s not400:00:24,360 –> 00:00:28,700for him so let him fast500:00:28,700 –> 00:00:32,160Welcome to Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith. I am600:00:32,160 –> 00:00:38,220David Pick and Colin, I’ve got to ask what was this that Augustine felt so700:00:38,220 –> 00:00:39,279strongly about?800:00:39,279 –> 00:00:41,880Oh, criticism of other people especially brothers and900:00:41,880 –> 00:00:47,939sisters in Christ that goes on far too much, I think, and can so easily become a1000:00:47,939 –> 00:00:51,799destructive sin in our lives, and Augustine the Great Saint wanted nothing1100:00:51,959 –> 00:00:54,720to do with that, if you’re going to criticize someone else I don’t want you1200:00:54,720 –> 00:00:59,480at my table, off you go and fast. You can just be without food and be on your own1300:00:59,480 –> 00:01:03,759we’re looking at the subject of criticism, Second Corinthians in chapter1400:01:03,759 –> 00:01:07,919five, where Paul speaks about the way in which he was criticized1500:01:07,919 –> 00:01:09,480and also the way1600:01:09,480 –> 00:01:13,400in which he was able to find strength to endure that1700:01:13,400 –> 00:01:14,639This is really important1800:01:14,639 –> 00:01:19,239No Christian gets through life without hurtful things being said by other1900:01:20,120 –> 00:01:23,720How am I going to respond to that? How can I turn that to the good2000:01:23,720 –> 00:01:27,400and not be destroyed by it? It’s all in the scriptures we’re looking at today2100:01:27,400 –> 00:01:31,919It’s a subject that so many of us can identify with so join us if you can in2200:01:31,919 –> 00:01:36,7202 Corinthians chapter five as we continue the message Known to God2300:01:36,720 –> 00:01:37,440Here’s Colin2400:01:37,440 –> 00:01:44,040People who have a critical spirit usually pick it up from others2500:01:44,199 –> 00:01:50,519and that is why you see the bible says bad company ruins good character2600:01:50,519 –> 00:01:55,879you pick this up that is why in the first psalm, psalm one in verse one2700:01:55,879 –> 00:02:04,239it says blessed is the man who does not sit in the seat of scoffers2800:02:04,239 –> 00:02:09,960The word sit is important because it literally means hang around with, hang out with2900:02:09,960 –> 00:02:13,919If you hang out with people who are scarfers that is people who are cynical3000:02:14,360 –> 00:02:18,520or people who are critical and habitually pull other people down3100:02:18,520 –> 00:02:22,960if you hang around with them it will in some degree rub off on you3200:02:22,960 –> 00:02:27,479and you will find yourself losing the blessing from God that you would have otherwise3300:02:27,839 –> 00:02:33,279blessed as the man who doesn’t hang out with the critics3400:02:33,279 –> 00:02:37,839the cynics and those who habitually are pulling other people down3500:02:37,919 –> 00:02:43,039young people if you hang out with youngsters3600:02:43,059 –> 00:02:46,259who habitually bad mouth their parents3700:02:46,259 –> 00:02:50,880they’ve just always going on about that and they’re always bad mouthing other people3800:02:50,880 –> 00:02:54,539it will rub off on you, it will infect your heart3900:02:54,539 –> 00:02:56,940eventually, it will start coming out of your own mouth4000:02:56,940 –> 00:02:59,199and you will end up sinning against the fifth commandment4100:02:59,199 –> 00:03:01,639to honour your father and your mother4200:03:01,639 –> 00:03:05,639who you hang out with is really really important4300:03:05,899 –> 00:03:10,679if that’s the character of conversation then that’s not the friends for you4400:03:10,679 –> 00:03:16,759don’t hang out with people who habitually tear others down4500:03:17,160 –> 00:03:22,740don’t hang out with people who are habitually critical of the church or of its leaders4600:03:22,740 –> 00:03:26,639if you do it will rub off on you, you will lose the blessing of God4700:03:26,639 –> 00:03:30,179don’t sit in the seat of scoffers4800:03:31,039 –> 00:03:36,080imagine having breakfast with someone who’s going down with the flu4900:03:36,419 –> 00:03:38,419and you move into the booth5000:03:38,419 –> 00:03:41,919and this guy who you’ve been looking forward to having breakfast with5100:03:41,919 –> 00:03:43,520and a good old conversation5200:03:43,520 –> 00:03:46,820and he sits down in the booth and out comes the handkerchief5300:03:46,820 –> 00:03:53,119and then he does it again5400:03:53,119 –> 00:03:57,020and you think to yourself5500:03:57,039 –> 00:03:59,020if I sit here for five minutes5600:03:59,020 –> 00:04:00,839I’m going to be going down with the flu as well5700:04:00,839 –> 00:04:04,899because he’s spluttering this stuff all over the table right at me5800:04:06,360 –> 00:04:09,000now you keep that picture in your mind5900:04:09,000 –> 00:04:11,660though it’s not a very pleasant one6000:04:11,660 –> 00:04:14,179that is what it is like6100:04:14,179 –> 00:04:16,220when you are in the company of a person6200:04:16,220 –> 00:04:18,200with a critical spirit6300:04:18,899 –> 00:04:22,179the person who thinks the worst of others6400:04:22,179 –> 00:04:25,000the person who wants to pull other people down6500:04:25,019 –> 00:04:29,320Augustine, the great African leader of the church in the 5th century6600:04:29,320 –> 00:04:31,359felt so strongly about this6700:04:31,359 –> 00:04:33,720that he had some words6800:04:33,720 –> 00:04:37,519carved into his dining room table6900:04:37,519 –> 00:04:39,600into the wood of his own table7000:04:39,600 –> 00:04:41,160where he sat and he ate7100:04:41,160 –> 00:04:43,320and this is so good I’m thinking7200:04:43,320 –> 00:04:45,600I think I might get this carved into my table7300:04:45,600 –> 00:04:46,700So see what you think7400:04:46,700 –> 00:04:48,920this is what was on Augustine’s table7500:04:48,920 –> 00:04:52,959whoever loves another’s name to blast7600:04:53,459 –> 00:04:56,679This table’s not for him7700:04:56,679 –> 00:04:59,519so let him fast7800:04:59,519 –> 00:05:01,579Isn’t that good!7900:05:01,579 –> 00:05:04,660If you want to tear other people down8000:05:04,660 –> 00:05:07,760you are not welcome at my table8100:05:07,760 –> 00:05:09,579I don’t wanna be part of it8200:05:09,579 –> 00:05:12,579And if your conversation is about tearing other people down8300:05:12,579 –> 00:05:16,079I don’t wanna be at your table either8400:05:16,079 –> 00:05:19,959Because a conversation that makes people think less of others8500:05:19,959 –> 00:05:20,720as a result8600:05:20,739 –> 00:05:25,640is not a conversation you or I want to be a part of8700:05:25,640 –> 00:05:29,239Friends, we owe it to others8800:05:29,239 –> 00:05:33,820always to make the kindest judgments that we possibly can8900:05:33,820 –> 00:05:37,920Always to think the best of others9000:05:37,920 –> 00:05:44,619to make more of a person’s virtues than of their faults9100:05:44,619 –> 00:05:50,519to make more of a person’s strengths than of their weakness9200:05:51,519 –> 00:05:55,760Don’t be a fault finder9300:05:55,760 –> 00:06:02,299Never assume the worst because love always hopes9400:06:02,299 –> 00:06:06,579So when you hear something unkind about another person9500:06:06,579 –> 00:06:11,540a good reaction to form the habit of is for your first thought to be9600:06:11,540 –> 00:06:15,040I really hope that that’s not true9700:06:15,040 –> 00:06:18,260I really hope that’s not true9800:06:18,619 –> 00:06:23,600And not only does love always hope, love is patient and love is kind9900:06:23,600 –> 00:06:27,920So even if it is true, even when a person is at fault10000:06:27,920 –> 00:06:33,399love remembers that our faults are many10100:06:33,399 –> 00:06:38,420And since Jesus has been so patient and so kind towards me10200:06:38,420 –> 00:06:41,839in my many and continuing faults and weaknesses10300:06:41,920 –> 00:06:47,720The least that I can do is to seek to be patient and kind10400:06:47,720 –> 00:06:53,519towards the faults and the failings of others10500:06:53,519 –> 00:06:57,600Now the second question is how did Paul respond?10600:06:57,600 –> 00:07:01,859And here I want to give an encouragement to grace under fire10700:07:01,859 –> 00:07:04,779So you’re thinking now about the situations in which10800:07:04,779 –> 00:07:07,040you’ve extended yourself in love10900:07:07,040 –> 00:07:09,799It really feels like you’ve been slapped in the face11000:07:09,820 –> 00:07:12,579taken for granted, and so forth and so on11100:07:12,579 –> 00:07:15,660You put yourself, as you think of these situations11200:07:15,660 –> 00:07:17,500into the Apostles shoes11300:07:17,500 –> 00:07:21,019Let’s try and stand in the Apostles skin, as it were11400:07:21,019 –> 00:07:22,959just for a moment11500:07:23,640 –> 00:07:26,480Okay, so here you are, and you have risked your life11600:07:26,480 –> 00:07:29,420to bring the Gospel to these people11700:07:29,420 –> 00:07:32,779You have personally led many of them to the Lord11800:07:32,779 –> 00:07:35,579You’ve extended yourself, night and day,11900:07:35,579 –> 00:07:38,859in unrelenting effort on their behalf12000:07:38,980 –> 00:07:41,720You love them, you’ve often wept over them12100:07:41,720 –> 00:07:44,619you’ve prayed for them, you have always sought their good12200:07:44,619 –> 00:07:47,500But now many of them are ungrateful12300:07:47,500 –> 00:07:49,540most of them are critical12400:07:49,739 –> 00:07:52,619and some of them are downright cruel12500:07:52,619 –> 00:07:55,100and they say12600:07:55,100 –> 00:07:57,760that you are unreliable, that you are unimpressive12700:07:57,760 –> 00:08:00,179that you are ineffective, that you’re generally proud12800:08:00,179 –> 00:08:02,179and you’re probably out of your mind12900:08:02,179 –> 00:08:03,779How does that make you feel?13000:08:03,779 –> 00:08:06,459And this is really hurtful stuff13100:08:06,640 –> 00:08:10,779I mean, if you have felt wounded and hurt13200:08:10,779 –> 00:08:12,480you’re surely going to say the word of13300:08:12,480 –> 00:08:16,299God speaks to me right here13400:08:16,299 –> 00:08:18,619So here’s the question, how would you respond13500:08:18,619 –> 00:08:21,859standing in the apostle’s skin13600:08:21,859 –> 00:08:24,119I mean, one way to respond is to fight13700:08:24,119 –> 00:08:26,839fire with fire, isn’t it?13800:08:26,839 –> 00:08:30,959But Paul doesn’t do that13900:08:30,959 –> 00:08:33,179Another way14000:08:33,900 –> 00:08:36,460And this is an American-ism that I love14100:08:36,460 –> 00:08:38,640Another way is to go with14200:08:38,640 –> 00:08:42,500I am so out of here14300:08:42,500 –> 00:08:44,500I’m having nothing more to do with you14400:08:44,500 –> 00:08:46,260I am out of here14500:08:46,260 –> 00:08:48,460I’m off to Thessalonica, Colossae and all14600:08:48,460 –> 00:08:49,739these other good churches where I’m14700:08:49,739 –> 00:08:51,280appreciated I’m never going to set14800:08:51,280 –> 00:08:52,820foot in Corinth again, you know14900:08:52,820 –> 00:08:55,640A plague on all your houses15000:08:55,640 –> 00:08:58,159Doesn’t do that15100:08:58,159 –> 00:09:02,799Another response is simply to lose heart15200:09:03,219 –> 00:09:05,520You know, I’ve extended myself15300:09:05,520 –> 00:09:07,179I couldn’t have done more15400:09:07,179 –> 00:09:09,179It’s all thrown back at my face15500:09:09,179 –> 00:09:11,559I mean what’s the point?15600:09:11,559 –> 00:09:13,380And you almost feel15700:09:13,380 –> 00:09:15,080a darkness coming over the soul15800:09:15,080 –> 00:09:17,780and a bitterness beginning to settle in15900:09:17,780 –> 00:09:20,500And Paul doesn’t do that either16000:09:20,500 –> 00:09:22,059You’re listening to Open The Bible16100:09:22,059 –> 00:09:23,400With pastor Colin Smith16200:09:23,400 –> 00:09:25,700A message called Known To God16300:09:25,700 –> 00:09:27,900Part of our series Don’t lose heart16400:09:27,900 –> 00:09:30,760Based on 2 Corinthians Chapter 516500:09:30,760 –> 00:09:32,659If you ever miss one of the programs16600:09:32,659 –> 00:09:34,559it’s very easy to catch up or go back16700:09:34,559 –> 00:09:35,739and listen again16800:09:35,739 –> 00:09:37,280You just come to our website16900:09:37,280 –> 00:09:39,940OpenTheBible.org.uk17000:09:39,940 –> 00:09:41,400And there you’ll find all the messages17100:09:41,400 –> 00:09:42,679for which you’ve already gone out17200:09:42,679 –> 00:09:43,840on air17300:09:43,840 –> 00:09:45,500And you’ll also find them as a podcast17400:09:45,500 –> 00:09:47,479and those are on all the main podcast sites17500:09:47,479 –> 00:09:49,479Search for Open The Bible UK17600:09:49,479 –> 00:09:51,979Or follow the link from our website17700:09:51,979 –> 00:09:53,580Back to the message17800:09:53,580 –> 00:09:54,780Here’s Colin17900:09:54,780 –> 00:09:57,520Three things in these last moments18000:09:57,520 –> 00:10:01,520Number one he maintains a clear conscience18100:10:01,559 –> 00:10:03,520So that’s really important18200:10:03,520 –> 00:10:06,559He mentions conscience in verse 11 here18300:10:06,559 –> 00:10:08,859and speaks about their conscience18400:10:08,859 –> 00:10:10,859but he’s only able to do that18500:10:10,859 –> 00:10:13,059because first if you go back a couple of pages18600:10:13,059 –> 00:10:15,440to 2nd Corinthians 1 verse 1218700:10:15,440 –> 00:10:18,260he speaks about his own conscience18800:10:18,260 –> 00:10:20,900The testimony of our conscience18900:10:20,900 –> 00:10:22,640is that we behaved in this world19000:10:22,640 –> 00:10:24,039with simplicity19100:10:24,039 –> 00:10:26,080and godly sincerity19200:10:26,080 –> 00:10:27,419not by earthly wisdom19300:10:27,419 –> 00:10:28,719but by the grace of God19400:10:28,719 –> 00:10:31,440and supremely so towards you19500:10:31,840 –> 00:10:33,099He says something very similar19600:10:33,099 –> 00:10:35,239in 1 Corinthians chapter 419700:10:35,239 –> 00:10:36,580and verse 3 he says19800:10:36,580 –> 00:10:38,099I am not aware19900:10:38,099 –> 00:10:40,780of anything against myself20000:10:42,140 –> 00:10:43,739A clear conscience, friends20100:10:43,739 –> 00:10:45,320very simply means20200:10:45,320 –> 00:10:46,880that you are not aware20300:10:46,880 –> 00:10:48,520of any controversy20400:10:48,520 –> 00:10:50,520between you and God20500:10:51,559 –> 00:10:53,179The sin that you have been aware of20600:10:53,179 –> 00:10:54,219has been confessed20700:10:54,219 –> 00:10:55,820It has been placed under the blood20800:10:55,820 –> 00:10:56,820of the Lord Jesus20900:10:56,820 –> 00:10:58,119It has been forgiven21000:10:58,119 –> 00:11:00,419And you are at peace with God21100:11:00,619 –> 00:11:02,320You are not aware of anything21200:11:02,320 –> 00:11:04,580that God is currently calling you to do21300:11:04,580 –> 00:11:06,320that you are actively resisting21400:11:06,320 –> 00:11:07,440and you are not aware21500:11:07,440 –> 00:11:09,619of anything that God has forbidden you to do21600:11:09,619 –> 00:11:11,820that you are actively pursuing21700:11:12,780 –> 00:11:14,320A clear conscience of course21800:11:14,320 –> 00:11:16,820does not mean that you are without sin21900:11:16,820 –> 00:11:19,599There may be actual sin in your life22000:11:19,599 –> 00:11:21,900of which you are not yet aware22100:11:21,900 –> 00:11:23,460And certainly for all of us22200:11:23,460 –> 00:11:25,840there is always the latent sin22300:11:25,840 –> 00:11:27,539that remains within our flesh22400:11:27,840 –> 00:11:30,859that can break out into our life at any time22500:11:30,859 –> 00:11:33,599and that is why Paul says in 1st Corinthians 422600:11:33,599 –> 00:11:36,520I am not aware of anything against myself22700:11:36,520 –> 00:11:38,500I am not thereby acquitted22800:11:38,500 –> 00:11:40,159it is the Lord that judges me22900:11:40,159 –> 00:11:41,299In other words he says23000:11:41,299 –> 00:11:42,880it may be there are things in me23100:11:42,880 –> 00:11:44,239that I just haven’t seen yet23200:11:44,239 –> 00:11:46,739but I can honestly say before the Lord23300:11:46,739 –> 00:11:48,200I have searched my heart23400:11:48,200 –> 00:11:52,859and I am not aware of anything against myself23500:11:53,820 –> 00:11:57,359Now, the aim of a Christian in this life23600:11:57,460 –> 00:12:02,280is to hold the faith and a good conscience23700:12:02,280 –> 00:12:05,179that’s 1st Timothy chapter 1 in verse 1923800:12:05,179 –> 00:12:06,500that’s what we’re to do23900:12:06,500 –> 00:12:07,859and that is why the prayer24000:12:07,859 –> 00:12:11,520that’s at the end of Psalm 139 is so important24100:12:12,260 –> 00:12:14,520Search me oh God24200:12:14,859 –> 00:12:17,219and know my heart24300:12:17,280 –> 00:12:19,000and see if there’s any way in me24400:12:19,000 –> 00:12:20,520that’s grieving to you24500:12:20,520 –> 00:12:24,780so that you can lead me in the way everlasting24600:12:25,260 –> 00:12:27,739that’s why asking God to shine the light24700:12:27,739 –> 00:12:29,000into your own heart24800:12:29,000 –> 00:12:31,039and confessing whatever you see there24900:12:31,039 –> 00:12:32,859and coming to him in repentance25000:12:32,859 –> 00:12:33,820is so important25100:12:33,820 –> 00:12:36,280so that you can live with a clear conscience25200:12:36,280 –> 00:12:37,919and where you’ve said25300:12:37,919 –> 00:12:39,340or done something that is wrong25400:12:39,340 –> 00:12:40,400towards another person25500:12:40,400 –> 00:12:41,159go to them25600:12:41,159 –> 00:12:42,179say sorry25700:12:42,179 –> 00:12:44,700learn to say the word sorry25800:12:44,700 –> 00:12:46,659learn to own the things25900:12:46,659 –> 00:12:47,979that you have done wrong26000:12:47,979 –> 00:12:48,979and so that you can26100:12:48,979 –> 00:12:50,280can have a clear conscience26200:12:50,280 –> 00:12:51,380I’ve brought26300:12:51,380 –> 00:12:53,059where I have been at fault26400:12:53,059 –> 00:12:54,059before the Lord26500:12:54,099 –> 00:12:55,719and where I have offended26600:12:55,719 –> 00:12:57,020against another person26700:12:57,020 –> 00:12:58,440I have at least sought26800:12:58,440 –> 00:13:01,280in as far as my part is concerned26900:13:01,280 –> 00:13:03,119to do what I can27000:13:03,119 –> 00:13:05,799to put that right27100:13:05,799 –> 00:13:06,799so Paul says27200:13:06,799 –> 00:13:11,840I maintain a good conscience27300:13:11,840 –> 00:13:12,840and when you do that27400:13:12,840 –> 00:13:13,820the other two things27500:13:13,820 –> 00:13:15,099really come into play27600:13:16,320 –> 00:13:19,119number two is found peace27700:13:19,119 –> 00:13:23,219because God knows your heart27800:13:23,380 –> 00:13:26,640this marvelous statement in verse 1127900:13:26,640 –> 00:13:32,539what we are is known to God28000:13:32,539 –> 00:13:33,539wonderful28100:13:33,539 –> 00:13:35,580that’s where Paul finds peace28200:13:35,580 –> 00:13:36,960that’s where he finds rest28300:13:36,960 –> 00:13:40,239under this barrage of unfair criticism28400:13:40,239 –> 00:13:41,679that has been landed on him28500:13:43,280 –> 00:13:45,219now the order is important here28600:13:45,219 –> 00:13:47,299because if you have a bad conscience28700:13:47,299 –> 00:13:49,080if you’re harbouring sin in your heart28800:13:49,099 –> 00:13:50,320the fact that God knows you28900:13:50,320 –> 00:13:51,340is not going to give you peace29000:13:51,380 –> 00:13:53,619it’s going to give you the opposite29100:13:53,619 –> 00:13:54,580and I do say to you29200:13:54,580 –> 00:13:57,239if you are holding out on God29300:13:57,260 –> 00:13:58,719in something you know he’s calling you29400:13:58,719 –> 00:14:00,219to do today29500:14:00,219 –> 00:14:01,940or if you are actively pursuing29600:14:01,940 –> 00:14:04,500something that God forbids today29700:14:04,500 –> 00:14:06,159then what you must do today29800:14:06,159 –> 00:14:07,619is you must come before him29900:14:07,619 –> 00:14:10,020in confession and in repentance30000:14:10,020 –> 00:14:12,419and place that under the blood of Christ30100:14:12,419 –> 00:14:13,979and depart from that way30200:14:13,979 –> 00:14:15,919and to follow hard after him30300:14:15,919 –> 00:14:17,760no one who fights against God30400:14:17,780 –> 00:14:20,140ever wins30500:14:20,159 –> 00:14:23,739but when you have a clear conscience30600:14:23,739 –> 00:14:26,479the fact that God knows you30700:14:26,479 –> 00:14:28,179is the most wonderful gift30800:14:28,179 –> 00:14:31,039and it will bring you peace30900:14:31,039 –> 00:14:35,820what we are is known to God31000:14:35,820 –> 00:14:37,640and you notice he says after that31100:14:37,640 –> 00:14:38,859and I hope that it is31200:14:38,859 –> 00:14:41,260also known to your conscience31300:14:41,260 –> 00:14:42,719in other words he’s appealing31400:14:42,719 –> 00:14:44,320to these people who do know him31500:14:44,320 –> 00:14:45,340and he’s saying31600:14:45,340 –> 00:14:46,460look I hope that31700:14:46,460 –> 00:14:48,219you know in your heart31800:14:48,219 –> 00:14:49,140that these things31900:14:49,239 –> 00:14:50,619that people are saying32000:14:50,619 –> 00:14:52,159are not true32100:14:52,159 –> 00:14:53,760but32200:14:53,760 –> 00:14:56,539whatever you think32300:14:56,539 –> 00:15:00,520what we are is known32400:15:00,520 –> 00:15:02,200to God32500:15:02,200 –> 00:15:03,739now friends that will really help you32600:15:03,739 –> 00:15:05,140when you find yourself32700:15:05,140 –> 00:15:07,219facing criticism32800:15:07,219 –> 00:15:09,159when others look down on you32900:15:09,159 –> 00:15:10,799and say all kinds of things33000:15:10,799 –> 00:15:12,559against you33100:15:12,559 –> 00:15:15,039you can say with the apostle Paul33200:15:15,039 –> 00:15:16,359or you know what33300:15:16,359 –> 00:15:17,580others may think that33400:15:17,599 –> 00:15:19,140I’m unreliable and unimpressive33500:15:19,140 –> 00:15:20,760and ineffective and proud33600:15:20,760 –> 00:15:22,440and even out of my mind33700:15:22,440 –> 00:15:25,200but what I am is known to God33800:15:25,200 –> 00:15:29,859God knows me33900:15:29,880 –> 00:15:31,260and you will find great peace there34000:15:31,260 –> 00:15:34,099you’ll be greatly helped34100:15:34,099 –> 00:15:38,059because man looks on the outward appearance34200:15:38,059 –> 00:15:39,260helped me finish it34300:15:39,260 –> 00:15:43,679but God looks on the heart34400:15:43,679 –> 00:15:45,340and that’s why he goes34500:15:45,340 –> 00:15:47,059in that next verse to say34600:15:47,159 –> 00:15:48,419It’s not about the outward appearance34700:15:48,419 –> 00:15:50,619it’s not about who is the most impressive34800:15:50,619 –> 00:15:51,500biggest person34900:15:51,500 –> 00:15:52,940God knows my heart35000:15:52,940 –> 00:15:54,960God knows the heart35100:15:54,960 –> 00:15:57,140and that leads to the third thing35200:15:57,140 –> 00:15:58,760maintain a good conscience35300:15:58,760 –> 00:16:00,219how do you stand up when35400:16:00,219 –> 00:16:02,119kindness and love are35500:16:02,119 –> 00:16:03,440thrown back in your face35600:16:03,440 –> 00:16:05,479and you struggle with this hurt35700:16:05,479 –> 00:16:06,940you got to maintain a clear conscience35800:16:06,940 –> 00:16:08,659you got to find peace35900:16:08,659 –> 00:16:10,940because God knows your heart36000:16:10,940 –> 00:16:12,219and here’s the third thing36100:16:12,219 –> 00:16:13,760draw strength36200:16:13,780 –> 00:16:15,940from the love of Christ36300:16:16,840 –> 00:16:18,380for the love of Christ36400:16:18,380 –> 00:16:19,659verse 1436500:16:19,659 –> 00:16:22,500controls us36600:16:22,500 –> 00:16:23,940we’ll come back to this of course36700:16:23,940 –> 00:16:24,940next week36800:16:24,940 –> 00:16:26,960but just to end here today36900:16:26,960 –> 00:16:28,020think about37000:16:28,020 –> 00:16:30,280what Christ endured37100:16:30,280 –> 00:16:32,140from those who were so hostile37200:16:32,140 –> 00:16:33,820towards him37300:16:33,820 –> 00:16:36,059I mean he comes and he37400:16:36,059 –> 00:16:37,580gives of himself37500:16:37,580 –> 00:16:38,960coming into the world37600:16:38,960 –> 00:16:40,200he ministers to others37700:16:40,200 –> 00:16:43,059he does all kinds of good37800:16:43,059 –> 00:16:44,119and as early as37900:16:44,119 –> 00:16:45,419Mark and chapter 338000:16:45,580 –> 00:16:47,219verse 2238100:16:47,219 –> 00:16:48,840you find that people are saying38200:16:48,840 –> 00:16:49,440you know what38300:16:49,440 –> 00:16:50,380he’s the Devil38400:16:50,380 –> 00:16:52,539he’s Beelzebub38500:16:52,539 –> 00:16:53,539you imagine that38600:16:53,539 –> 00:16:55,919they said that about Jesus38700:16:55,919 –> 00:16:57,559and his own brothers said38800:16:57,559 –> 00:16:58,320you know what38900:16:58,320 –> 00:16:59,940he’s out of his mind39000:16:59,940 –> 00:17:06,260they said that about Jesus39100:17:06,260 –> 00:17:11,439now whatever Jesus said39200:17:11,439 –> 00:17:13,959those who set themselves against him39300:17:13,959 –> 00:17:17,040wanted to take it and simply to39400:17:17,040 –> 00:17:19,479to twisting against him39500:17:19,479 –> 00:17:21,760and so Jesus says in Matthew in chapter 1139600:17:21,760 –> 00:17:25,180he picked up a popular proverb from the day39700:17:25,180 –> 00:17:27,079and you know John the Baptist had come39800:17:27,079 –> 00:17:28,119and there was all of this39900:17:28,119 –> 00:17:30,079you know locusts and camels here40000:17:30,079 –> 00:17:30,780and fasting40100:17:30,780 –> 00:17:31,959and all this kind of thing40200:17:31,959 –> 00:17:33,359all of his austerity40300:17:33,359 –> 00:17:34,380called to repentance40400:17:34,380 –> 00:17:35,359Jesus comes40500:17:35,359 –> 00:17:36,439there’s all this joy40600:17:36,439 –> 00:17:40,280and he is eating in many people’s homes40700:17:40,280 –> 00:17:41,140and you know40800:17:41,140 –> 00:17:42,680they criticize John for the one40900:17:42,680 –> 00:17:43,800they criticize Jesus41000:17:43,800 –> 00:17:45,300for the other I mean where are you to go41100:17:45,300 –> 00:17:47,040Jesus picked up this proverb41200:17:47,040 –> 00:17:47,380he said41300:17:47,380 –> 00:17:50,400To what shall I compare this generation41400:17:50,400 –> 00:17:52,959It is like children in the marketplace41500:17:52,959 –> 00:17:54,000and there singing41600:17:54,000 –> 00:17:56,500We played the flute for you41700:17:56,500 –> 00:17:58,420and you did not dance41800:17:58,420 –> 00:17:59,819so we sang a dirge for you41900:17:59,819 –> 00:18:00,739and you didn’t mourn42000:18:00,739 –> 00:18:03,979you see nothing we ever did was ever right42100:18:04,000 –> 00:18:05,400Friends42200:18:05,400 –> 00:18:08,160Nothing God does is ever right42300:18:08,160 –> 00:18:12,780in the eyes of sinners42400:18:12,780 –> 00:18:15,939God is always blamed42500:18:15,939 –> 00:18:17,540and never thanked42600:18:17,540 –> 00:18:21,140by those who set themselves against him42700:18:21,140 –> 00:18:25,040and is a dreadful condition of heart42800:18:25,040 –> 00:18:27,300and Jesus experienced that42900:18:27,300 –> 00:18:29,540right from the beginning of his ministry43000:18:29,540 –> 00:18:30,420Luke chapter 443100:18:30,420 –> 00:18:31,760he speaks in Nazareth43200:18:31,760 –> 00:18:33,359and they want to throw him43300:18:33,359 –> 00:18:35,880over the edge of the cliff43400:18:35,880 –> 00:18:40,119before the service is done43500:18:40,119 –> 00:18:41,040and so against that43600:18:41,160 –> 00:18:43,199you understand the disciples thing43700:18:43,199 –> 00:18:44,599well we know how to sort this out43800:18:44,599 –> 00:18:47,079you got to fight fire with fire43900:18:47,079 –> 00:18:47,959and so James and John44000:18:47,959 –> 00:18:50,079the sons of Boanerges44100:18:50,079 –> 00:18:51,280they say44200:18:51,280 –> 00:18:53,800let us call down fire from Heaven Jesus44300:18:53,800 –> 00:18:54,839and Jesus said no no no44400:18:54,839 –> 00:18:55,800we’re not going to do that44500:18:55,800 –> 00:18:58,180and then they get into the garden44600:18:58,180 –> 00:18:58,979of get Samany44700:18:58,979 –> 00:18:59,560and Peter says44800:18:59,560 –> 00:19:01,000I’ve got the answer right here44900:19:01,000 –> 00:19:02,000he pulls out his sword45000:19:02,000 –> 00:19:02,579and Jesus says45100:19:02,579 –> 00:19:03,400you put that away45200:19:03,400 –> 00:19:05,839my kingdom’s not of this world45300:19:05,839 –> 00:19:08,000we’re not going to fight that way45400:19:08,000 –> 00:19:09,920no that’s not us45500:19:10,599 –> 00:19:12,800you would think45600:19:12,800 –> 00:19:15,760that since in year one of Jesus45700:19:15,760 –> 00:19:17,000three year ministry45800:19:17,000 –> 00:19:17,959public ministry45900:19:17,959 –> 00:19:19,520it since in year one46000:19:19,520 –> 00:19:20,719they’re calling Him the Devil46100:19:20,719 –> 00:19:23,319and saying that He’s out of His mind46200:19:23,319 –> 00:19:24,760and since there’s all this hostility46300:19:24,760 –> 00:19:25,760towards Jesus46400:19:25,760 –> 00:19:27,699you might think that in year one46500:19:27,699 –> 00:19:29,199He would lift up His holy hands46600:19:29,199 –> 00:19:31,060towards the Father in heaven46700:19:31,060 –> 00:19:32,060and He would say46800:19:32,060 –> 00:19:36,300it’s time for the ascension now46900:19:36,300 –> 00:19:39,479I’m out of here47000:19:40,479 –> 00:19:42,599But He doesn’t do that47100:19:42,599 –> 00:19:43,119He stays47200:19:43,119 –> 00:19:43,800He endures it47300:19:43,800 –> 00:19:45,199He gets it even more47400:19:45,199 –> 00:19:50,140and He goes all the way to the cross47500:19:50,140 –> 00:19:52,060And that is why Paul says47600:19:52,060 –> 00:19:54,619it’s while we were still sinners47700:19:55,319 –> 00:19:56,880blaming God for everything47800:19:56,880 –> 00:20:00,380and thanking Him for nothing47900:20:00,380 –> 00:20:02,020while we were still sinners48000:20:02,020 –> 00:20:04,500Christ died for us48100:20:04,500 –> 00:20:06,180Always remember48200:20:06,180 –> 00:20:08,140that if you complain against God48300:20:08,219 –> 00:20:10,560or find fault with God48400:20:10,560 –> 00:20:14,420You are finding fault with the one who loved you48500:20:14,420 –> 00:20:17,280and gave Himself for you48600:20:18,520 –> 00:20:19,859That is why in the book of Hebrews48700:20:19,859 –> 00:20:22,000we read these extraordinary words48800:20:22,000 –> 00:20:24,579Consider Him, Jesus,48900:20:24,579 –> 00:20:27,239Who endured, from sinners49000:20:27,239 –> 00:20:31,560such hostility against Himself49100:20:32,560 –> 00:20:34,359And why are we to consider Jesus49200:20:34,359 –> 00:20:37,359who endured all this hostility against Himself49300:20:37,359 –> 00:20:40,680It says specifically so that you will not grow weary49400:20:40,680 –> 00:20:45,599and so that you will not lose heart49500:20:46,040 –> 00:20:48,099And then the writer to Hebrews adds this49600:20:48,099 –> 00:20:50,380In your struggle against sin49700:20:50,380 –> 00:20:52,560you have not yet resisted49800:20:52,560 –> 00:20:55,880to the point of shedding your blood49900:20:56,520 –> 00:20:58,599You see the point here50000:20:58,599 –> 00:21:01,359So people are saying you’re unreliable50100:21:01,359 –> 00:21:03,719you’re unimpressive, you’re ineffective50200:21:03,719 –> 00:21:06,000you’re proud and you’re out of your mind50300:21:06,000 –> 00:21:07,339Is that it?50400:21:07,420 –> 00:21:09,339Is that all?50500:21:09,339 –> 00:21:10,619You were being criticized50600:21:10,619 –> 00:21:12,859your kindness has been thrown back in your face50700:21:12,859 –> 00:21:15,079and it’s very, very hurtful to you50800:21:15,079 –> 00:21:18,180Is that the extent to which it has gone with you?50900:21:18,180 –> 00:21:21,800Think about Jesus51000:21:21,800 –> 00:21:24,900He’s shedding His blood51100:21:24,900 –> 00:21:30,859They drove spikes into His hands and into His feet51200:21:30,859 –> 00:21:33,020Consider Him51300:21:33,099 –> 00:21:38,579And what He endured, and all the hostility that was poured out upon Him51400:21:38,579 –> 00:21:40,819And you will not grow weary51500:21:40,819 –> 00:21:48,339And you will not lose heart51600:21:49,140 –> 00:21:50,900I love that thought of Colin’s51700:21:50,900 –> 00:21:53,319Remember when you complain about God51800:21:53,319 –> 00:21:55,619you’re finding fault with the One who loves you51900:21:56,060 –> 00:21:57,599And gave Himself for you52000:21:58,719 –> 00:22:01,619You’ve been listening to Open the Bible, with Pastor Colin Smith52100:22:01,619 –> 00:22:04,300and a message called, Known to God52200:22:04,300 –> 00:22:06,459Part of our series, Don’t Lose Heart52300:22:06,459 –> 00:22:08,839based on 2 Corinthians and chapter 552400:22:08,839 –> 00:22:14,699In this series we are hearing how some believers have become critical of the Apostle Paul52500:22:14,699 –> 00:22:17,680and how he responded to that criticism52600:22:17,680 –> 00:22:19,459Many of us can relate to that52700:22:19,459 –> 00:22:25,500But how do we keep pressing on, walking closely with Christ in such difficult times?52800:22:25,500 –> 00:22:28,219Well, that’s what this series is all about52900:22:28,459 –> 00:22:32,040So I hope you’ll continue with the series as it unfolds53000:22:32,040 –> 00:22:34,000And if you ever miss one of the series53100:22:34,000 –> 00:22:36,979it’s very easy to catch up or go back and listen again53200:22:36,979 –> 00:22:38,979online at our website53300:22:38,979 –> 00:22:41,500openthebible.org.uk53400:22:41,500 –> 00:22:45,060or find us as a podcast on all the main podcast sites53500:22:45,060 –> 00:22:49,199Search for Open the Bible UK, or follow the link from our website53600:22:49,760 –> 00:22:51,839In the run up to Christmas at Open the Bible53700:22:51,839 –> 00:22:56,579we want to provide churches and groups with great supporting material53800:22:56,579 –> 00:22:59,339Here’s Open the Bible’s Executive Director53900:22:59,339 –> 00:23:00,339John Martin54000:23:00,339 –> 00:23:03,819If you’re involved in planning your Advent and Christmas events54100:23:03,819 –> 00:23:06,239and services for your church and community54200:23:06,239 –> 00:23:08,859Open the Bible has some resources to help you54300:23:08,859 –> 00:23:11,979We’ve got a short book called Christmas Stories54400:23:11,979 –> 00:23:13,9795 First Person Narratives54500:23:13,979 –> 00:23:18,160and that costs just £1 a copy if you buy enough from 10 of those54600:23:18,160 –> 00:23:21,119And then we’ve got some free resources to go along with it54700:23:21,119 –> 00:23:24,800Sermon outlines to help you do an Advent sermon series54800:23:24,939 –> 00:23:26,400A Nativity script54900:23:26,400 –> 00:23:29,479Some Bible studies, perfect for Advent and Christmas55000:23:29,479 –> 00:23:35,660For more information go to openthebible.org.uk55100:23:36,199 –> 00:23:40,420Open the Bible is able to remain on your radio and the internet55200:23:40,420 –> 00:23:43,939because we are supported financially by our listeners55300:23:43,959 –> 00:23:46,400So if you already give to support the work55400:23:46,400 –> 00:23:49,400thank you so much, and may God bless you55500:23:49,400 –> 00:23:52,020If you’ve considered supporting us in that way55600:23:52,020 –> 00:23:54,280all this month, we’d like to encourage you55700:23:54,280 –> 00:23:56,560by offering something in return55800:23:56,560 –> 00:23:59,400By setting up a new direct debit to Open the Bible55900:23:59,400 –> 00:24:02,060of £5.00 per month, or more56000:24:02,060 –> 00:24:05,520or a new one-off gift of £50.00 or more56100:24:05,520 –> 00:24:09,180In return, we’ll send you two copies of Pastor Colin’s book56200:24:09,180 –> 00:24:10,500Christmas Stories56300:24:10,500 –> 00:24:13,579along with five exclusive Christmas cards56400:24:13,579 –> 00:24:16,819featuring the illustrations from the book56500:24:16,819 –> 00:24:19,040Here’s Colin to talk about one of the characters56600:24:19,239 –> 00:24:20,800from Christmas Stories56700:24:20,800 –> 00:24:21,979The angel Gabriel56800:24:21,979 –> 00:24:25,760Here’s the story of Jesus viewed from heaven itself56900:24:25,760 –> 00:24:28,119and there’s a fascinating reference in the New Testament57000:24:28,119 –> 00:24:31,420Even angels long to look into these things57100:24:31,420 –> 00:24:33,520So let’s take a look at the Christmas Story57200:24:33,520 –> 00:24:35,180from the perspective of the angels57300:24:35,180 –> 00:24:36,880who were witnesses to it57400:24:36,880 –> 00:24:39,959Of course they knew Christ in his glory before he came57500:24:39,959 –> 00:24:41,880What an astonishing thing it must have been57600:24:41,880 –> 00:24:43,619for them to see him born as a baby57700:24:43,619 –> 00:24:45,420So that’s our free gift to you57800:24:45,420 –> 00:24:47,599of two copies of Christmas Stories57900:24:47,660 –> 00:24:49,780Along with 5 Christmas cards58000:24:49,780 –> 00:24:52,339if you’re able to begin to support Open the Bible58100:24:52,339 –> 00:24:54,500financially this month58200:24:54,500 –> 00:24:57,359Full terms and conditions are on our website58300:24:57,359 –> 00:25:00,280openthebible.org.uk58400:25:00,280 –> 00:25:03,339and you can give online on the website58500:25:03,359 –> 00:25:06,939Don’t forget though to include your full name and address58600:25:06,939 –> 00:25:08,959Don’t give anonymously58700:25:08,959 –> 00:25:12,280so that we can send you your free gift58800:25:12,280 –> 00:25:14,800For Open the Bible and Pastor Colin Smith58900:25:14,800 –> 00:25:15,920I’m David Pick59000:25:15,920 –> 00:25:19,459and I hope you’ll join us again next time59100:25:23,180 –> 00:25:26,699How can you have a deeper experience of the love of Christ?59200:25:26,699 –> 00:25:30,099Find out next time on Open the Bible