1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:03,600 Well, please open your Bible at Matthew and chapter ten 2 00:00:04,940 –> 00:00:08,640 Extraordinary words of the Lord Jesus Christ that have been read to us today 3 00:00:08,640 –> 00:00:13,640 But they are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and because we place ourselves 4 00:00:13,720 –> 00:00:19,160 Under the authority of Christ we take every word. He has spoken seriously 5 00:00:19,540 –> 00:00:24,340 So I hope that you will open your Bible at Matthew chapter 10, especially we’re looking at verse 32 6 00:00:24,680 –> 00:00:25,760 where Jesus says 7 00:00:26,240 –> 00:00:27,959 which he says 8 00:00:39,459 –> 00:00:43,000 Now if you were to list the greatest days of your life 9 00:00:43,000 –> 00:00:47,560 You would probably have a few to choose from you might include graduation 10 00:00:47,560 –> 00:00:53,540 Some might include a wedding day if that has been your experience a day a child was born 11 00:00:54,080 –> 00:00:58,020 Day, a child graduated the day a child got married. They are retired 12 00:00:58,020 –> 00:01:03,000 I mean a range of great days, that would be marvelous moments in your life 13 00:01:03,860 –> 00:01:09,199 But Jesus speaks here about a day that will come in your experience 14 00:01:09,860 –> 00:01:11,720 so momentous 15 00:01:11,720 –> 00:01:14,220 That it will outshine any other day of your life 16 00:01:15,180 –> 00:01:20,699 One day you will stand in the presence of God and you will know yourself to be there 17 00:01:21,260 –> 00:01:24,860 Then as much as you know yourself to be here 18 00:01:25,580 –> 00:01:26,540 now 19 00:01:26,540 –> 00:01:31,739 And on that day when you stand in the presence of God, you will see Jesus Christ 20 00:01:31,980 –> 00:01:34,940 You’ve heard about him all your life. We worship him as we gather 21 00:01:35,180 –> 00:01:37,180 But you will see Jesus Christ 22 00:01:37,660 –> 00:01:43,099 And more than that you will hear him speak and more than that he will speak about you 23 00:01:44,139 –> 00:01:49,260 And he tells us very clearly that he will say one of two things about you 24 00:01:50,139 –> 00:01:55,180 One of two things about me one of two things about every person who has ever lived 25 00:01:56,379 –> 00:01:58,879 Either he will confess you 26 00:01:59,820 –> 00:02:07,120 Or he will disown you. That is what Jesus says here in Matthew chapter 10 and verse 32 27 00:02:08,139 –> 00:02:15,899 To confess you would mean that Jesus would say to the father. This is Colin. This is Greg. You put your name in there 28 00:02:16,860 –> 00:02:20,539 They belong to me he belongs to me she belongs to me 29 00:02:21,979 –> 00:02:27,899 To disown you would mean that Jesus Christ would say to the father. This is put your name in there 30 00:02:29,100 –> 00:02:32,699 He is nothing to do with me or she is nothing to do 31 00:02:33,419 –> 00:02:35,100 with me but 32 00:02:35,100 –> 00:02:37,100 Jesus says now every person 33 00:02:37,740 –> 00:02:44,220 Is going to hear me say one of these two things Jesus. Christ will say one of these two things about you now 34 00:02:44,460 –> 00:02:46,460 Here’s what’s important 35 00:02:46,619 –> 00:02:48,619 Jesus makes it very clear 36 00:02:49,179 –> 00:02:51,740 that what he says about us then 37 00:02:52,619 –> 00:02:56,460 Is intimately tied to what we say about him? 38 00:02:56,940 –> 00:02:58,940 Now look at what he says 39 00:02:59,339 –> 00:03:04,139 Whoever acknowledges me before men. That’s what we say about. Jesus. Now 40 00:03:04,860 –> 00:03:09,339 I will acknowledge him before my father in heaven. That’s what he will say about you then 41 00:03:09,899 –> 00:03:14,779 But whoever disowns me before men, that’s what some folks are saying about jesus now 42 00:03:14,779 –> 00:03:20,460 They are disowning him. While jesus says I will disown him before my father 43 00:03:21,259 –> 00:03:22,380 in heaven 44 00:03:22,380 –> 00:03:29,100 Now by any standards, these are words of our lord. Jesus christ of supreme importance to every one of us 45 00:03:30,779 –> 00:03:34,940 And as i’ve reflected on them this week there have been many questions in in my mind 46 00:03:35,339 –> 00:03:41,339 One has been well, what exactly is jesus saying here? What does this mean? What does it mean to confess him? 47 00:03:41,500 –> 00:03:43,020 What does it mean to disown him? 48 00:03:43,020 –> 00:03:47,020 Is that something that I might have done or that any of us may have done in the past and if so 49 00:03:47,259 –> 00:03:49,259 Where do we stand? 50 00:03:49,339 –> 00:03:54,539 Then what would it actually look like for us to confess christ in our lives? 51 00:03:55,339 –> 00:03:57,419 What does this look like in real terms? 52 00:03:58,300 –> 00:04:01,580 In our experience and how are we going to go about doing it? 53 00:04:02,460 –> 00:04:07,419 Well, these are the questions that are before us and again, I hope that you have the bible open in front of you 54 00:04:08,059 –> 00:04:12,460 At matthew and chapter 10. Let’s begin with what it means. What is jesus saying here? 55 00:04:13,339 –> 00:04:18,459 And I want to ask three questions and then point out two things that to me at least were a surprise 56 00:04:19,100 –> 00:04:20,779 Here’s the first question 57 00:04:20,779 –> 00:04:22,779 Trying to get out what it means 58 00:04:22,859 –> 00:04:26,059 What does it mean to confess christ? What does that mean? 59 00:04:26,940 –> 00:04:31,579 Well, the word that’s used here confess in the greek it is homologo 60 00:04:32,299 –> 00:04:36,059 Which tells you what it means homologo one word 61 00:04:36,940 –> 00:04:41,500 To confess jesus is to be of one word with jesus christ 62 00:04:42,059 –> 00:04:42,940 in other words 63 00:04:42,940 –> 00:04:44,940 You say what he says 64 00:04:45,019 –> 00:04:49,100 His word has become authoritative for you in your life 65 00:04:49,500 –> 00:04:53,660 You’re not saying well, you know, jesus says this but of course i’ve got an alternative opinion 66 00:04:53,980 –> 00:04:56,559 No, you are of one word with jesus christ 67 00:04:56,859 –> 00:05:01,420 What he says is truth for you when he says i’m the way the truth and the life 68 00:05:01,820 –> 00:05:06,220 You are saying he is my way. He is my truth and he is my life 69 00:05:06,859 –> 00:05:10,220 By the way in in this culture of ambivalence in which we live 70 00:05:10,619 –> 00:05:15,339 In which it really is much more comfortable for us to describe ourselves as you know seekers 71 00:05:15,899 –> 00:05:17,899 on a journey and so forth 72 00:05:18,140 –> 00:05:21,339 That’s fine. If you’re looking at the claims of jesus christ 73 00:05:21,339 –> 00:05:28,059 He invites you to do that, but I have to say to you today that if you want jesus to confess you 74 00:05:28,540 –> 00:05:30,540 on the last day 75 00:05:30,540 –> 00:05:33,519 You cannot remain ambivalent about him forever 76 00:05:34,140 –> 00:05:37,579 There has to come a moment in your life where you cross the line 77 00:05:37,820 –> 00:05:42,959 From being a seeker with a kind of open-mindedness about the whole thing to being a confessor 78 00:05:43,739 –> 00:05:49,359 To say I am of one word with jesus christ, and I place myself under his authority 79 00:05:49,839 –> 00:05:53,839 And I invite you to take that step even today there would be no better day 80 00:05:54,399 –> 00:05:56,000 to do that 81 00:05:56,000 –> 00:05:58,880 What does it mean to confess christ to be of one word with him? 82 00:05:59,279 –> 00:06:04,399 What does it mean secondly to disown christ when Jesus says whoever disowns me before men? 83 00:06:05,200 –> 00:06:09,679 now some of us I think may be saying what now, you know, I remember a time when I 84 00:06:10,239 –> 00:06:11,839 Said in anger 85 00:06:11,839 –> 00:06:15,279 I said to god i’m done with you or perhaps you said something 86 00:06:15,440 –> 00:06:19,440 Absolutely blasphemous. Perhaps you made a commitment a pledge in your life 87 00:06:20,160 –> 00:06:24,640 in the past that was the very opposite of faith in jesus christ 88 00:06:25,279 –> 00:06:27,440 And you say well I certainly have disowned him 89 00:06:28,079 –> 00:06:30,079 So where do I stand? 90 00:06:31,359 –> 00:06:33,119 Well now remember 91 00:06:33,119 –> 00:06:37,200 That peter disowned jesus he did it three times 92 00:06:38,000 –> 00:06:42,720 And then afterwards he went out and he wept bitterly. He was very sorry about what he had done 93 00:06:42,959 –> 00:06:47,359 After the day of the resurrection, the lord, jesus christ spoke to peter 94 00:06:48,079 –> 00:06:51,679 And uh, you remember jesus did not say to peter when a peter 95 00:06:51,760 –> 00:06:57,359 I’m, sorry, but you’ve disowned me and therefore you’re done my friend. I am now disowning you 96 00:06:57,679 –> 00:07:02,239 That’s not what jesus said at the end of john’s gospel. Jesus forgives peter 97 00:07:02,959 –> 00:07:09,119 And restores him to fellowship with christ and more than that to ministry for christ 98 00:07:10,079 –> 00:07:15,040 So in the light of this we can be very sure that jesus is not saying here 99 00:07:15,279 –> 00:07:19,040 You know if you have ever disowned me then you’re done. You’re gone forever 100 00:07:19,200 –> 00:07:25,200 He’s not saying that what he’s clearly saying is if you continue to disown me apart from me 101 00:07:25,440 –> 00:07:27,600 You live your life apart from me 102 00:07:27,600 –> 00:07:30,559 Then I will disown you on the last day 103 00:07:31,359 –> 00:07:37,279 Now that is very important because if that is how we are to understand the second part of the verse 104 00:07:38,239 –> 00:07:42,399 It follows that it must be the way in which we understand the first part of the verse 105 00:07:43,519 –> 00:07:47,200 In other words, jesus is not saying when he talks about confessing christ 106 00:07:47,440 –> 00:07:50,640 You know if there was ever a time in your life when you said that you believed in me 107 00:07:50,720 –> 00:07:53,839 Then everything’s fine with you forever. That is certainly not what he’s saying 108 00:07:54,880 –> 00:07:58,079 He is saying if you continue to confess me 109 00:07:59,119 –> 00:08:01,839 I will confess you before the father in heaven 110 00:08:01,839 –> 00:08:07,540 In other words, jesus christ calls us his disciples to a life of confession 111 00:08:08,079 –> 00:08:14,339 The life that he calls us to when he says follow me is a life in which we are to seize every opportunity 112 00:08:15,119 –> 00:08:16,619 to confess 113 00:08:16,619 –> 00:08:19,600 Jesus christ, that is the life to which we are called 114 00:08:20,399 –> 00:08:22,399 And he calls us to it right here 115 00:08:23,519 –> 00:08:26,720 Now one more question as we’re trying to get to the heart of what jesus means 116 00:08:27,440 –> 00:08:30,019 How is our confession of christ? 117 00:08:30,859 –> 00:08:33,460 Connected to his confession of us 118 00:08:34,340 –> 00:08:38,900 Jesus brings these two things together whoever confesses me. I will confess him 119 00:08:39,700 –> 00:08:40,739 Now 120 00:08:40,739 –> 00:08:43,140 How are these two things connected together? 121 00:08:45,380 –> 00:08:47,380 If you read this verse in isolation 122 00:08:48,419 –> 00:08:51,619 It could sound like salvation by works, couldn’t it? 123 00:08:52,260 –> 00:08:57,059 You know, if you do this for me, jesus says I will do this for you. That would be salvation by works 124 00:08:57,940 –> 00:08:59,940 And of course that is not the gospel 125 00:09:00,820 –> 00:09:04,760 So let’s remember this as we understand the words of jesus correctly 126 00:09:05,700 –> 00:09:08,500 We are saved by the blood of christ 127 00:09:09,780 –> 00:09:11,780 Not by an act of confession 128 00:09:12,340 –> 00:09:18,419 that is very important because otherwise if you get this confused you’ll spend the rest of your life thinking am I confessing enough as my 129 00:09:18,559 –> 00:09:24,840 Confession consistent and so forth and so on we are saved by the blood of christ not by an act of confession 130 00:09:25,380 –> 00:09:27,380 There is no redeeming power 131 00:09:27,859 –> 00:09:29,859 in confessing christ 132 00:09:29,859 –> 00:09:33,960 The redeeming power lies in the christ who is confessed 133 00:09:34,500 –> 00:09:39,859 the importance of confession then is this christ becomes ours by faith and 134 00:09:40,320 –> 00:09:46,020 Confession is an evidence of our faith in this christ who saves us 135 00:09:46,820 –> 00:09:52,500 So very important to have this distinction clear and this is why how we should understand romans 10 and verse 9 136 00:09:52,820 –> 00:09:57,380 When uh paul says if you confess with your mouth that jesus is lord 137 00:09:57,380 –> 00:10:00,739 And you believe in your heart that god raised him from the dead. You will be saved 138 00:10:01,219 –> 00:10:05,559 Remember that redeeming power lies in the christ who is confessed 139 00:10:06,260 –> 00:10:10,659 not in the act of confessing itself, it’s him who saves us 140 00:10:11,380 –> 00:10:13,619 That’s important to keep clear 141 00:10:15,140 –> 00:10:19,780 Now, as we’ve thought a little about what jesus means what it means to confess what it means to disown 142 00:10:19,859 –> 00:10:23,859 And how our confession of jesus and his confession of us are connected together 143 00:10:24,820 –> 00:10:31,000 Let me just identify two things that at least to me were surprising about these words of jesus 144 00:10:32,900 –> 00:10:35,059 The first surprise to me was this 145 00:10:36,500 –> 00:10:40,340 That jesus is not speaking to unbelievers here 146 00:10:40,979 –> 00:10:42,979 but to disciples 147 00:10:43,299 –> 00:10:49,479 If you look back to chapter 10 in verse 1, you’ll see it’s very clear throughout this whole chapter. Jesus is speaking to the apostles 148 00:10:50,359 –> 00:10:54,039 He is speaking to those who have made a commitment to follow him already 149 00:10:55,080 –> 00:10:59,080 So if you are a disciple of the lord, jesus christ if you are truly a christian 150 00:10:59,799 –> 00:11:03,080 This statement of the lord. Jesus is especially for you 151 00:11:03,960 –> 00:11:06,039 It is for me 152 00:11:06,119 –> 00:11:10,760 See when we read about confessing jesus we immediately think oh this must be evangelism, you know 153 00:11:10,919 –> 00:11:17,719 Calling people who are unconverted to make a decision and to confess christ. Well, surely there’s an application in that regard 154 00:11:18,280 –> 00:11:21,640 Jesus is not speaking to the unbelieving world here 155 00:11:21,880 –> 00:11:28,119 He is speaking to disciples and he’s speaking to them at the very moment when he’s sending them out on a mission trip 156 00:11:29,239 –> 00:11:31,239 And he’s telling us therefore 157 00:11:32,119 –> 00:11:37,239 What he is calling us to do as those who are committed to follow him 158 00:11:38,520 –> 00:11:41,719 And the second thing that was really a surprise to me looking at this 159 00:11:42,280 –> 00:11:47,080 Is that when you read the chapter and we’ve read a large part of it already today 160 00:11:48,440 –> 00:11:52,119 You discover that jesus is not talking about something easy 161 00:11:53,479 –> 00:11:56,359 But he is talking about something hard 162 00:11:57,799 –> 00:11:59,799 You see you read this verse 163 00:12:00,099 –> 00:12:01,320 whoever 164 00:12:01,320 –> 00:12:03,159 acknowledges me 165 00:12:03,159 –> 00:12:07,559 So you say oh this sounds pretty easy. That’s what I have to do. Oh, I just have to acknowledge jesus 166 00:12:07,640 –> 00:12:12,440 Oh, right. Okay. I have to say that he’s the savior. I have to say that he’s I believe in him 167 00:12:14,440 –> 00:12:16,440 Nothing very difficult about that 168 00:12:17,400 –> 00:12:22,119 So you read this verse and you might be tempted to think oh this is the easiest thing in the world 169 00:12:23,960 –> 00:12:28,280 But in actual fact we’re going to see today that it’s the opposite it’s the very hardest 170 00:12:29,400 –> 00:12:33,559 Look with me at the context verse 16. See what jesus is saying 171 00:12:34,520 –> 00:12:38,840 he says to his disciples I am sending you out as sheep 172 00:12:39,559 –> 00:12:41,559 Among wolves 173 00:12:41,719 –> 00:12:44,919 What chance do sheep have among wolves? 174 00:12:45,760 –> 00:12:52,140 Verse 17 they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 175 00:12:53,400 –> 00:12:57,719 Verse 18. This is always going to happen on the mission trip on my account. You will be 176 00:12:58,359 –> 00:13:00,359 brought before governors and kings 177 00:13:01,640 –> 00:13:03,640 Verse 19 when they arrest you 178 00:13:04,520 –> 00:13:07,479 Verse 21 brother will betray brother to death 179 00:13:08,440 –> 00:13:13,239 Children will have parents put to death verse 22. All men will hate you because of me 180 00:13:13,960 –> 00:13:20,380 Verse 23 when you are persecuted in one place flee to another not if you are persecuted when you are persecuted 181 00:13:20,599 –> 00:13:23,719 Verse 28 do not be afraid of those who kill the body 182 00:13:24,679 –> 00:13:26,679 And cannot kill the soul 183 00:13:27,000 –> 00:13:28,919 So jesus is describing 184 00:13:28,919 –> 00:13:32,919 What lies ahead of them in the mission that he’s sending them out to not just at this moment 185 00:13:33,000 –> 00:13:36,679 But in in the mission that lies ahead of these disciples through their life 186 00:13:37,000 –> 00:13:39,000 And he then says to them verse 32 187 00:13:40,039 –> 00:13:42,359 Whoever acknowledges me before men 188 00:13:43,479 –> 00:13:45,239 I will acknowledge him 189 00:13:45,400 –> 00:13:47,080 before my father 190 00:13:47,080 –> 00:13:48,840 in heaven 191 00:13:48,840 –> 00:13:54,200 Now you see suddenly when you you see where jesus says this and to whom he says it and the context 192 00:13:55,080 –> 00:13:59,179 You realize that this confessing of jesus is obviously going to be the most demanding 193 00:14:00,659 –> 00:14:02,659 Challenging thing 194 00:14:02,840 –> 00:14:05,000 in all of these men’s lives 195 00:14:05,880 –> 00:14:10,039 It’s going to be done in courts. It’s going to be done on pain of floggings 196 00:14:10,119 –> 00:14:14,460 It’s going to be done in the most desperate and violent of situations 197 00:14:17,159 –> 00:14:19,979 Now folks as we try and apply the scripture to us today 198 00:14:21,400 –> 00:14:25,080 We have to understand that what jesus is speaking about here 199 00:14:27,719 –> 00:14:32,119 Is not some light easy hey i’m a christian 200 00:14:32,200 –> 00:14:34,200 Christian 201 00:14:34,200 –> 00:14:40,679 He’s describing something that will be the most demanding challenging thing in your entire life 202 00:14:43,239 –> 00:14:45,239 And the question therefore that 203 00:14:46,200 –> 00:14:52,119 Is on my mind as i’ve tried to meditate about these scriptures is simply this 204 00:14:54,280 –> 00:14:56,440 What does it mean? 205 00:14:57,960 –> 00:14:59,960 for us 206 00:14:59,960 –> 00:15:01,960 to confess christ 207 00:15:02,840 –> 00:15:04,840 In america 208 00:15:05,719 –> 00:15:07,719 See, you know 209 00:15:07,880 –> 00:15:13,799 From history that since jesus spoke these words, there have been a long line of faithful men and women 210 00:15:14,520 –> 00:15:19,659 Who have been tortured for their faith have laid down their lives and never more than in our lifetime 211 00:15:22,440 –> 00:15:28,140 And there are some here who have suffered significantly for your profession of faith in christ 212 00:15:28,140 –> 00:15:29,419 most 213 00:15:30,919 –> 00:15:33,299 There are some among us here in our congregation 214 00:15:34,460 –> 00:15:36,460 You have been disowned by your family 215 00:15:37,099 –> 00:15:39,099 because of your faith in jesus 216 00:15:40,219 –> 00:15:46,460 There are some who have been cut out of an inheritance cut out of a will because of your faith in the lord 217 00:15:46,619 –> 00:15:51,020 Jesus christ there are others among us who have suffered in other particular ways 218 00:15:53,099 –> 00:15:55,099 But not most of us 219 00:15:55,580 –> 00:16:02,219 I have never been beaten up for my faith in christ. I have never been imprisoned far less tortured 220 00:16:04,140 –> 00:16:08,219 I’ve experienced hatred, but never beyond words 221 00:16:10,460 –> 00:16:12,460 So, what does it mean for me 222 00:16:13,659 –> 00:16:18,140 To confess the lord jesus christ. I mean let’s not think that when 223 00:16:19,020 –> 00:16:23,979 We say oh i’m a christian in this environment where we are so protected 224 00:16:24,619 –> 00:16:30,059 That that somehow aligns itself with the costliness of what jesus is describing here 225 00:16:30,299 –> 00:16:37,099 And the costliness of what our brothers and sisters in jesus christ are experiencing right now in other places in the world 226 00:16:38,859 –> 00:16:40,859 So you see my question 227 00:16:41,820 –> 00:16:43,820 What does it mean 228 00:16:45,020 –> 00:16:47,020 for us 229 00:16:47,020 –> 00:16:50,320 to confess jesus christ in america 230 00:16:50,479 –> 00:16:51,599 America 231 00:16:51,599 –> 00:16:56,020 Given that this confession that jesus describes is clearly for disciples 232 00:16:56,239 –> 00:17:00,239 The hardest thing they will ever do in their lives the most challenging thing you will ever face 233 00:17:02,719 –> 00:17:06,640 And I want to answer that question by suggesting to you seven ways 234 00:17:07,520 –> 00:17:09,520 In which we can confess 235 00:17:10,000 –> 00:17:11,680 jesus christ 236 00:17:11,680 –> 00:17:13,199 seven ways 237 00:17:13,199 –> 00:17:15,280 In which we can confess 238 00:17:16,079 –> 00:17:18,079 the lord jesus christ 239 00:17:18,560 –> 00:17:25,359 And I commend these to you they relate to particular situations in which some of us find ourselves right now 240 00:17:27,439 –> 00:17:32,880 And they give us the opportunity to do what jesus is saying 241 00:17:33,920 –> 00:17:35,520 right here 242 00:17:35,520 –> 00:17:39,619 Now the first one really is the easiest perhaps. They’re in ascending order of difficulty 243 00:17:41,439 –> 00:17:45,060 You can confess the lordship of jesus christ in baptism 244 00:17:46,020 –> 00:17:51,780 Just very briefly on this christian faith involves a clear-cut drawing of the line in the sand 245 00:17:52,099 –> 00:17:57,619 You move from being a seeker to being a confessor you take your stand with jesus. You become one word with him 246 00:17:58,260 –> 00:18:04,339 And that is not a private matter. It is in the new testament a public matter and that is the significance of baptism 247 00:18:04,500 –> 00:18:08,420 That’s why we have a dedication for children because they can’t confess 248 00:18:09,060 –> 00:18:11,060 Jesus as lord right now 249 00:18:11,060 –> 00:18:18,099 We have a dedication and prayer and teaching for them in anticipation of the day when they will and that will happen in baptism 250 00:18:18,339 –> 00:18:20,339 Have you been baptized as a believer? 251 00:18:21,619 –> 00:18:23,619 And if not, why not? 252 00:18:25,119 –> 00:18:26,579 Second 253 00:18:26,579 –> 00:18:30,760 You can confess the glory of christ in costly obedience 254 00:18:32,020 –> 00:18:37,219 Now I want to encourage us as a congregation this morning because in all of these ways of confession 255 00:18:38,180 –> 00:18:42,739 I have to tell you my own heart is moved and my own faith is greatly strengthened 256 00:18:43,780 –> 00:18:46,579 By seeing examples of this happening among us 257 00:18:47,540 –> 00:18:49,540 in this very congregation 258 00:18:50,339 –> 00:18:52,500 Jesus said the kingdom of heaven 259 00:18:53,219 –> 00:18:56,739 Is like treasure hidden in a field when a man finds it 260 00:18:56,819 –> 00:19:02,020 He hides it again, and then with joy. He sells everything he has in order to buy the field 261 00:19:02,660 –> 00:19:03,219 in other words 262 00:19:03,219 –> 00:19:05,780 Jesus says when you see something of supreme value 263 00:19:06,500 –> 00:19:09,459 you go after it irrespective of cost 264 00:19:10,579 –> 00:19:13,800 And I see that happening in costly obedience 265 00:19:14,479 –> 00:19:16,479 widely among us as a congregation 266 00:19:17,540 –> 00:19:23,540 Some of us are stretching ourselves out in serving. Jesus christ as never before 267 00:19:25,459 –> 00:19:31,780 Some of us are stretching ourselves out in giving to jesus christ as never before 268 00:19:32,900 –> 00:19:34,900 costly acts 269 00:19:35,140 –> 00:19:40,680 Are proclaiming confessing the glory of jesus christ 270 00:19:41,939 –> 00:19:46,260 I love the story in the gospels of mary who had this um 271 00:19:47,060 –> 00:19:49,060 flask of perfume 272 00:19:49,619 –> 00:19:51,140 and it was 273 00:19:51,140 –> 00:19:56,599 Very valuable so valuable that it had become a family heirloom passed down perhaps through the generations 274 00:19:58,099 –> 00:20:00,099 And so here’s this 275 00:20:00,819 –> 00:20:02,660 nest egg 276 00:20:02,660 –> 00:20:04,260 and 277 00:20:04,260 –> 00:20:05,380 Mary 278 00:20:05,380 –> 00:20:07,219 seeing christ 279 00:20:07,219 –> 00:20:10,260 Just before the crucifixion she takes it and she 280 00:20:11,140 –> 00:20:14,520 breaks, it over the feet of jesus 281 00:20:17,219 –> 00:20:23,079 And you remember it was judas who said something better could have been done with the money 282 00:20:25,300 –> 00:20:29,540 And mary couldn’t imagine anything better to do with the money 283 00:20:30,339 –> 00:20:34,099 She couldn’t imagine anything better that future generations could do with the money 284 00:20:34,500 –> 00:20:35,699 than 285 00:20:35,699 –> 00:20:38,660 To pour it right now over the feet of the lord. Jesus christ 286 00:20:39,859 –> 00:20:41,859 Jesus says she has done something beautiful 287 00:20:43,060 –> 00:20:45,079 In this act of costly obedience 288 00:20:47,459 –> 00:20:51,060 She has confessed the glory of christ 289 00:20:53,540 –> 00:20:57,459 So glad she did it she’s been an inspiration to millions ever since 290 00:20:57,459 –> 00:21:04,760 You can confess the glory of jesus christ in costly obedience and many are doing it in many ways 291 00:21:06,660 –> 00:21:10,359 Third let me speak to those of us who have experienced loneliness 292 00:21:11,680 –> 00:21:13,199 Letdowns 293 00:21:13,199 –> 00:21:18,199 Disappointment you’ve felt that someone that other people didn’t care about you as they should 294 00:21:18,819 –> 00:21:21,939 And you have felt uh let down by other believers 295 00:21:22,180 –> 00:21:24,660 I want to suggest that you can use this 296 00:21:25,380 –> 00:21:28,739 as a unique opportunity to confess jesus christ 297 00:21:29,540 –> 00:21:32,599 You confess the presence of christ in loneliness 298 00:21:33,619 –> 00:21:36,260 And I take that from second timothy chapter four 299 00:21:36,739 –> 00:21:39,540 When paul was particularly lonely, he was in prison 300 00:21:39,540 –> 00:21:39,859 in fact 301 00:21:39,859 –> 00:21:46,260 he was in a dungeon and luke was the only one around in the area, it seems who was able to offer him any fellowship or 302 00:21:46,260 –> 00:21:53,219 Support, and he talks about folks who’ve left demis has deserted me says and then crescent’s and uh has gone to galatia 303 00:21:53,300 –> 00:21:55,540 Titus to dhalmatia only. Luke is with me 304 00:21:55,780 –> 00:22:00,020 He talks about alexander the metal worker a man who professed to be a christian 305 00:22:00,260 –> 00:22:05,479 But paul says he did me all kinds of harm and so paul has a catalogue of discouragement 306 00:22:07,459 –> 00:22:12,500 And when that happens in your life when you feel other people are letting you down when people are not there for you 307 00:22:12,500 –> 00:22:14,500 you 308 00:22:14,660 –> 00:22:20,099 You can kind of turn in on yourself say oh that’s christians for you, but paul didn’t do that 309 00:22:21,619 –> 00:22:23,640 he seized his loneliness 310 00:22:25,219 –> 00:22:29,780 As an opportunity to confess christ and here’s how he did it 311 00:22:30,900 –> 00:22:36,339 Second timothy chapter four in verse 16. He says that my first defense. That’s the first time he was in court 312 00:22:37,540 –> 00:22:39,939 Nobody came to my defense. Nobody came 313 00:22:40,819 –> 00:22:45,219 Nobody came to my support everyone deserted me. He says may it not be held against them 314 00:22:45,859 –> 00:22:50,599 And then he says this but the lord stood at my side 315 00:22:51,780 –> 00:22:53,780 And gave me strength 316 00:22:54,260 –> 00:22:57,300 Boy that is confessing the presence of christ 317 00:22:57,859 –> 00:22:59,859 in loneliness 318 00:23:00,020 –> 00:23:05,939 You can do that in a situation where you feel very let down you could seize this instead of turning in on yourself 319 00:23:06,180 –> 00:23:08,979 you could seize this as an opportunity to 320 00:23:09,619 –> 00:23:10,660 confess 321 00:23:10,660 –> 00:23:13,619 What the presence of jesus means to you? 322 00:23:14,979 –> 00:23:21,160 That will be an inspiration to others and it will bring glory to jesus christ 323 00:23:23,380 –> 00:23:25,060 Fourth example 324 00:23:25,060 –> 00:23:30,579 This is for everyone who hasn’t got enough money at the moment. Okay. I want to ask for a show of hands 325 00:23:31,520 –> 00:23:36,979 everyone who feels under financial pressure and especially those of us who have lost jobs 326 00:23:37,939 –> 00:23:39,939 I want you to see that this 327 00:23:40,739 –> 00:23:42,739 is an opportunity for you 328 00:23:43,699 –> 00:23:48,420 To confess jesus christ and there are many among us who are really doing this in a powerful way 329 00:23:49,699 –> 00:23:54,660 Let me explain how you can confess contentment in christ 330 00:23:55,380 –> 00:23:57,380 under financial 331 00:23:57,439 –> 00:23:59,060 pressure 332 00:23:59,060 –> 00:24:01,239 Now paul speaks about this in philippians 4 333 00:24:01,939 –> 00:24:05,780 He knew widely different financial circumstances in his life 334 00:24:06,979 –> 00:24:09,780 He says I know what I it is to have plenty 335 00:24:10,420 –> 00:24:14,180 And then he says in philippians 4. I even know what it is to be hungry 336 00:24:14,819 –> 00:24:16,979 now that’s pretty extreme difference 337 00:24:18,000 –> 00:24:19,719 remember that paul 338 00:24:19,719 –> 00:24:21,459 brilliant mind 339 00:24:21,459 –> 00:24:24,119 High flying career school of gamaliel 340 00:24:24,979 –> 00:24:31,219 Fast promoted in his role as a pharisee and so forth. I mean he was in a big bucks position 341 00:24:32,260 –> 00:24:34,439 He knew what it was to have the big money 342 00:24:34,439 –> 00:24:35,719 Really? 343 00:24:35,719 –> 00:24:39,719 But when he’s converted to christ he becomes an apostle and then he’s living off support and 344 00:24:40,040 –> 00:24:45,560 That sometimes came through and it sometimes didn’t come through and he says I also know what it is to have not known 345 00:24:45,719 –> 00:24:47,880 Where my next meal was coming from? 346 00:24:49,079 –> 00:24:53,319 Now these are hugely different financial circumstances in the course of one life 347 00:24:55,479 –> 00:25:01,079 Now when he was feeling financial pressure not knowing where the next meal is coming from 348 00:25:01,560 –> 00:25:04,920 Everyone he could have said where is god in all of this? 349 00:25:06,920 –> 00:25:12,060 But what he does is he seizes the opportunity to confess his contentment 350 00:25:12,680 –> 00:25:14,680 In christ, it’s powerful 351 00:25:16,280 –> 00:25:17,479 He says i’ve learned what it is 352 00:25:17,479 –> 00:25:21,000 I know what it is to have plenty and I know what it is to be in great need 353 00:25:21,319 –> 00:25:26,439 He says I have learned the secret of being content in every situation whether well-fed or hungry 354 00:25:27,000 –> 00:25:29,959 I can do everything through christ who gives me 355 00:25:30,599 –> 00:25:32,359 strength 356 00:25:32,359 –> 00:25:34,359 Now folks. My heart has been moved 357 00:25:35,400 –> 00:25:39,640 By hearing some of you testify to the way in which you are doing this 358 00:25:41,640 –> 00:25:43,640 Guy says to me pastor 359 00:25:44,439 –> 00:25:46,439 I lost my job this week 360 00:25:47,000 –> 00:25:53,099 But I want you to know I’m trusting christ. That is a fantastic confession 361 00:25:54,920 –> 00:25:56,920 This is one of the places in life 362 00:25:57,719 –> 00:26:04,439 Where you can bear witness to what jesus christ means to you and your confidence in your trust in him 363 00:26:05,319 –> 00:26:09,319 It may be one of your finest moments of confession. So don’t miss it 364 00:26:09,880 –> 00:26:11,880 Don’t miss it 365 00:26:12,260 –> 00:26:15,000 Confessing your contentment in christ 366 00:26:16,280 –> 00:26:17,459 under 367 00:26:17,459 –> 00:26:18,760 financial 368 00:26:18,760 –> 00:26:20,280 pressure 369 00:26:20,280 –> 00:26:22,040 There’s another one. Let me 370 00:26:22,040 –> 00:26:25,400 Speak now to all of us here who have ill health 371 00:26:26,920 –> 00:26:28,920 Everyone who’s undergoing a course of treatment? 372 00:26:29,479 –> 00:26:34,280 Everyone who has a sickness everyone who even now is is in physical pain 373 00:26:35,800 –> 00:26:37,800 You can use this 374 00:26:38,439 –> 00:26:40,280 as an opportunity 375 00:26:40,280 –> 00:26:42,280 to confess christ 376 00:26:42,920 –> 00:26:48,119 Here’s how again. I take the example of the apostle paul this time two corinthians in chapter 12 377 00:26:48,839 –> 00:26:50,839 You remember that there paul tells us? 378 00:26:51,319 –> 00:26:53,319 about a particular affliction 379 00:26:53,640 –> 00:26:58,199 That he describes as a thorn in the flesh 380 00:26:58,920 –> 00:27:03,979 It seems most likely that this was some kind of illness or some kind of disability 381 00:27:04,839 –> 00:27:10,599 And three times paul says I pleaded with the lord that he would take it away 382 00:27:11,640 –> 00:27:13,640 Now some of you know about this 383 00:27:13,800 –> 00:27:15,800 God gives you good health 384 00:27:16,359 –> 00:27:18,359 but then 385 00:27:18,520 –> 00:27:20,520 Suddenly you find that you have a condition 386 00:27:21,239 –> 00:27:25,880 And you’re not able to do things you were able to do before you’re plunged into a different world 387 00:27:26,520 –> 00:27:33,000 And your experience of life is entirely different and you will do what paul did you will plead with the lord to take it away 388 00:27:33,880 –> 00:27:35,880 And paul did this three times 389 00:27:36,199 –> 00:27:41,400 And you might well have said well, what a wonderful testimony I would have if god healed me of this and that is true 390 00:27:41,800 –> 00:27:44,760 And there are wonderful testimonies to god’s healing power 391 00:27:45,719 –> 00:27:51,079 But paul’s testimony in this situation was that god did not take this particular affliction away 392 00:27:51,640 –> 00:27:54,439 But rather what god christ said to him was this 393 00:27:55,239 –> 00:27:57,959 My grace is sufficient for you 394 00:27:58,680 –> 00:28:02,280 My power is made perfect in your weakness 395 00:28:02,920 –> 00:28:08,839 And so paul says therefore i’m going to boast about my weakness so that christ’s power may rest 396 00:28:09,479 –> 00:28:11,479 on me 397 00:28:11,640 –> 00:28:13,640 Some of us 398 00:28:13,800 –> 00:28:15,800 Are going through 399 00:28:15,859 –> 00:28:17,079 sickness 400 00:28:17,079 –> 00:28:18,839 pain 401 00:28:18,839 –> 00:28:22,839 And we’re confessing the sufficiency of christ in it 402 00:28:23,380 –> 00:28:24,520 jesus 403 00:28:24,520 –> 00:28:29,079 Is with me in it and jesus is enough for me 404 00:28:29,800 –> 00:28:31,560 in this 405 00:28:31,560 –> 00:28:38,119 Folks that is an extraordinary confession of christ. It may be one of the most challenging and difficult things in your life 406 00:28:38,520 –> 00:28:39,560 But 407 00:28:39,560 –> 00:28:43,819 Oh how you glorify Christ by confessing his sufficiency 408 00:28:44,839 –> 00:28:46,680 in sickness 409 00:28:46,680 –> 00:28:48,680 and in pain 410 00:28:50,359 –> 00:28:52,359 Number six 411 00:28:52,599 –> 00:28:55,800 And here I want to speak to folks who may have good health 412 00:28:57,160 –> 00:29:03,420 But boy the circumstances of your life have just hit you with one wave after another of difficulty 413 00:29:03,900 –> 00:29:06,219 As a pastor I think of conversations 414 00:29:06,939 –> 00:29:11,819 The folks among us, you know, one thing has happened thand something else in the family than something else in work 415 00:29:12,619 –> 00:29:16,660 And you think oh not one more thing for them. Not one more thing for them 416 00:29:18,180 –> 00:29:24,040 If that’s your situation today, you can confess the comfort of Christ in 417 00:29:25,040 –> 00:29:27,040 crushing trials 418 00:29:27,040 –> 00:29:30,300 And Paul speaks about this in second Corinthians in chapter 1 419 00:29:30,359 –> 00:29:32,219 In chapter one 420 00:29:32,219 –> 00:29:35,880 He talks about when on a particular visit to a part of Asia 421 00:29:36,300 –> 00:29:42,939 He says we were put under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure we even despaired of life itself 422 00:29:42,959 –> 00:29:44,359 This wasn’t an illness 423 00:29:44,359 –> 00:29:51,260 This was just a series of circumstances an event that led Paul to say I felt utterly 424 00:29:52,079 –> 00:29:54,079 unbearably crushed 425 00:29:54,579 –> 00:29:55,760 And 426 00:29:55,760 –> 00:30:01,180 There are some among us here who know what that is like, and we’re right there now. I feel utterly 427 00:30:02,079 –> 00:30:04,079 unbearably crushed 428 00:30:04,699 –> 00:30:06,140 and 429 00:30:06,140 –> 00:30:09,099 Here’s how Paul confesses Christ in that 430 00:30:10,459 –> 00:30:14,979 He discovers you can read it there in second Corinthians 1 the comfort of God and 431 00:30:16,119 –> 00:30:23,160 He says I thank God the God of all comfort because here’s what God is doing in me where I’m utterly unbearably 432 00:30:23,239 –> 00:30:24,939 crushed 433 00:30:24,939 –> 00:30:28,699 He’s producing in me not only an experience of his comfort 434 00:30:29,540 –> 00:30:36,540 But he’s making it possible for me to minister comfort to others in a way that I could never do otherwise 435 00:30:37,540 –> 00:30:40,400 That is an extraordinary confession of 436 00:30:41,300 –> 00:30:42,819 Jesus Christ 437 00:30:42,819 –> 00:30:45,500 and the confession that you could make a confession that 438 00:30:46,119 –> 00:30:48,640 Many among us are making 439 00:30:49,380 –> 00:30:51,420 under extraordinary pressure 440 00:30:52,239 –> 00:30:55,680 to the praise and glory of God and 441 00:30:57,239 –> 00:30:59,699 Here’s the seventh and perhaps the hardest of all 442 00:31:01,160 –> 00:31:04,959 One to speak here to everyone who has been bereaved 443 00:31:06,760 –> 00:31:09,239 Especially to those who have lost a child 444 00:31:12,020 –> 00:31:18,160 I want you to speak to you in this moment about the power of your confession of 445 00:31:18,540 –> 00:31:22,280 Jesus Christ and there are many among us who hav gone through 446 00:31:24,199 –> 00:31:26,199 Indescribable loss and 447 00:31:27,280 –> 00:31:29,280 in this place 448 00:31:30,280 –> 00:31:33,719 There are among us many who have made the most extraordinary 449 00:31:34,319 –> 00:31:37,699 Confession the confession of the sovereignty of Christ in 450 00:31:38,339 –> 00:31:40,339 sorrow and in loss 451 00:31:41,260 –> 00:31:43,959 And I take this of course from the story of job 452 00:31:43,959 –> 00:31:50,339 you know the story well, here’s this man who’s prospering in every way is this marvelous family with all these children and 453 00:31:51,560 –> 00:31:54,160 in one day, his whole world implodes 454 00:31:55,400 –> 00:31:57,400 enemies ransack his 455 00:31:58,739 –> 00:32:00,599 Holdings and 456 00:32:00,599 –> 00:32:03,680 His wealth is plundered and on the same day 457 00:32:04,239 –> 00:32:09,459 All of his children are gathered in one house. They’re having a party and the house implodes and 458 00:32:10,339 –> 00:32:14,280 Every one of his children are dead. It is an 459 00:32:14,979 –> 00:32:15,939 unspeakable 460 00:32:15,939 –> 00:32:17,939 sorrow and loss and 461 00:32:18,839 –> 00:32:20,839 Job’s wife 462 00:32:20,839 –> 00:32:23,920 Comes to him and you remember she says Job 463 00:32:25,280 –> 00:32:28,540 Why don’t you just curse God and die? 464 00:32:29,599 –> 00:32:31,599 and 465 00:32:32,319 –> 00:32:34,319 Job says 466 00:32:34,520 –> 00:32:36,619 God gave and 467 00:32:37,339 –> 00:32:39,339 And God has taken away 468 00:32:41,680 –> 00:32:44,199 May the name of the Lord 469 00:32:45,260 –> 00:32:47,260 be praised and 470 00:32:48,359 –> 00:32:50,439 The Book of Job makes it very clear 471 00:32:51,439 –> 00:32:53,260 that that 472 00:32:53,260 –> 00:32:57,339 Confession in the deepest place of pain 473 00:32:59,939 –> 00:33:04,380 Reverberates through heaven and thunders through hell 474 00:33:07,140 –> 00:33:09,140 And I have to tell you 475 00:33:10,000 –> 00:33:16,140 That the testimony that some of you have born and are bearing in that kind of loss 476 00:33:17,839 –> 00:33:19,819 Is more 477 00:33:19,819 –> 00:33:21,819 glorifying to Christ and 478 00:33:22,479 –> 00:33:26,680 more strengthening to your brothers and sisters around you 479 00:33:27,939 –> 00:33:32,540 Then you will know in this life though. God may allow you to know it in eternity 480 00:33:37,219 –> 00:33:41,239 Your Loving Christ still 481 00:33:43,040 –> 00:33:49,060 The greatest confession of Jesus Christ in your life 482 00:33:51,680 –> 00:33:54,939 Folks haven’t we come along way you know if we started out with this verse 483 00:33:55,719 –> 00:34:00,219 Just over half an hour ago saying you know hey, this is easy whoever confesses me 484 00:34:00,219 –> 00:34:02,800 Oh, we have just have to confess Jesus. We have to say we believe in Jesus 485 00:34:03,680 –> 00:34:09,300 We’ve come a long way because what we’re seeing is that the confession Jesus is talking about 486 00:34:11,000 –> 00:34:15,219 Comes from the realities of life 487 00:34:17,120 –> 00:34:20,179 That are most difficult for us and 488 00:34:20,959 –> 00:34:24,520 He’s saying to us now. Look you seize every 489 00:34:25,739 –> 00:34:31,239 Opportunity to confess me and the hardest things in your life will be the greatest opportunities you have 490 00:34:33,060 –> 00:34:35,699 That will reverberate through health through him and around the people of God 491 00:34:36,679 –> 00:34:38,679 It really will 492 00:34:40,239 –> 00:34:45,659 Now when we see that I guess there’s just one more thing that will come to our minds and these last moments 493 00:34:45,659 –> 00:34:50,739 And it’s this it certainly comes to my mind. I look at this and I say Lord, how can I do this? I 494 00:34:51,679 –> 00:34:56,840 Look at what others are doing. I admire the strength of the faith of others. I 495 00:34:57,399 –> 00:35:03,979 Feel terribly weak in my own faith not sure I can do. What is being described here 496 00:35:04,600 –> 00:35:09,159 How can I do this and let me just say three things very briefly in these last moments 497 00:35:09,959 –> 00:35:11,959 The first is simply this 498 00:35:12,479 –> 00:35:14,479 Get ready 499 00:35:14,659 –> 00:35:16,659 Get ready 500 00:35:17,800 –> 00:35:23,300 My older boy Andrew is planning on doing the Iron Man in 501 00:35:23,919 –> 00:35:28,520 Wisconsin in the summer you know what the Iron Man is I know some of the rest of you do this business 502 00:35:29,659 –> 00:35:36,280 Two miles swim then jump on a bike and ride over a hundred miles and then just to polish off the afternoon 503 00:35:36,639 –> 00:35:41,260 26-Mile marathon run round makes me tired to think about it 504 00:35:42,139 –> 00:35:44,139 Imagine doing all these things consecutively 505 00:35:45,739 –> 00:35:47,840 He’s gonna be training all the year 506 00:35:48,820 –> 00:35:49,879 Right.. 507 00:35:49,879 –> 00:35:55,699 Now if we are going to be confessors of Christ in the hardest circumstances of life 508 00:35:56,399 –> 00:35:59,379 We will want to be getting ready in training building 509 00:35:59,820 –> 00:36:03,620 Spiritual Muscle will not be the kind of people is another Sunday at Church 510 00:36:03,620 –> 00:36:07,020 you know sing a few songs hear the message go home and so forth we will be 511 00:36:07,280 –> 00:36:11,139 Intentional about saying I need to put down deep roots into Jesus Christ 512 00:36:11,840 –> 00:36:16,080 To grow strong in him to make that true every day of my life because honestly 513 00:36:16,159 –> 00:36:20,360 You don’t know when the next great crisis of your life is coming. I don’t know it could be today 514 00:36:21,439 –> 00:36:23,820 Could be this week could be next year. I don’t know 515 00:36:25,399 –> 00:36:29,560 But we need to be building our life in Christ 516 00:36:30,080 –> 00:36:37,139 Being rooted in Christ because this life isn’t easy and you are going to be called to confess Christ in difficult circumstances 517 00:36:38,639 –> 00:36:40,639 You’re not there now. You will be 518 00:36:41,719 –> 00:36:43,719 So use this opportunity to get ready 519 00:36:44,479 –> 00:36:49,560 And then some of you are saying well, you know been I said but thought about that a few years ago 520 00:36:49,560 –> 00:36:51,860 But I’m right in the middle of it now. Here’s the second thing 521 00:36:52,639 –> 00:36:54,639 Rely on the Holy Spirit 522 00:36:55,500 –> 00:36:57,300 Rely on the Holy Spirit 523 00:36:57,300 –> 00:37:01,020 Remember you are not in this alone 524 00:37:01,760 –> 00:37:08,899 Paul says in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 and verse 2 wonderful statement 1 Corinthians 12 to no one can say 525 00:37:09,139 –> 00:37:10,919 Jesus is Lord 526 00:37:11,000 –> 00:37:14,300 Except by the Holy Spirit. He’s telling us now how to confess 527 00:37:15,560 –> 00:37:18,139 Obviously anyone can say the words. Jesus is Lord 528 00:37:18,919 –> 00:37:24,379 But what he’s really saying is in the hard circumstances of life. No one can make this confession 529 00:37:24,840 –> 00:37:30,040 no one can do what we’ve been talking about here except by the Holy Spirit and 530 00:37:30,639 –> 00:37:34,699 Friends, the Holy Spirit is given to you for this very purpose 531 00:37:35,199 –> 00:37:40,939 So that in the hardest circumstance of your life you will be able to stand and confess him 532 00:37:42,219 –> 00:37:44,219 Thank God for that 533 00:37:44,360 –> 00:37:45,459 Thank God for that 534 00:37:45,459 –> 00:37:47,459 I remember a time some years ago 535 00:37:47,860 –> 00:37:49,760 When I was feeling just 536 00:37:49,760 –> 00:37:55,719 Overwhelmed in my own life, and I heard a message in a very small church in Scotland and the pastor said these words 537 00:37:55,719 –> 00:38:00,080 They’ll be with me forever. God used them. He said think what? 538 00:38:00,560 –> 00:38:02,919 Spirit lives in you 539 00:38:05,520 –> 00:38:07,520 Of God 540 00:38:07,540 –> 00:38:09,459 lives in you 541 00:38:09,459 –> 00:38:16,780 Now if you can grasp hold of that in what you’re facing, you will find yourself saying Lord I can’t do this on my own 542 00:38:17,620 –> 00:38:20,560 But your spirit lives in me 543 00:38:21,060 –> 00:38:27,620 So by your grace and through your strength, I can and I will I can do all things 544 00:38:28,199 –> 00:38:31,540 Through Christ who strengthens me 545 00:38:32,159 –> 00:38:34,360 And is the very last and most obvious thing 546 00:38:34,959 –> 00:38:37,000 anticipate the outcome of your faith 547 00:38:37,679 –> 00:38:40,219 What is that I confess Christ? 548 00:38:40,219 –> 00:38:47,020 What is he saying to me on the last day he will confess me before the Father you keep your eye on that 549 00:38:48,340 –> 00:38:52,419 Why does Jesus say this to the disciples now because he’s sending them out 550 00:38:53,739 –> 00:38:55,739 into situations that will be 551 00:38:56,020 –> 00:38:59,080 Indescribably tough. It’s going to be very costly 552 00:38:59,139 –> 00:39:04,439 It’s going to be the hardest thing in their lives as it is the hardest thing in your life to truly confess Christ 553 00:39:04,820 –> 00:39:10,760 In the most difficult situations and Jesus is saying now you just remember this you keep your eye on this 554 00:39:12,100 –> 00:39:14,100 That is you confess me 555 00:39:14,379 –> 00:39:17,280 If you confess me in the hardest things of your life 556 00:39:17,800 –> 00:39:23,879 Here the day is coming when you will stand in my presence and I will confess you 557 00:39:24,939 –> 00:39:26,939 to the glory of 558 00:39:27,100 –> 00:39:28,780 God the Father 559 00:39:28,919 –> 00:39:31,219 father in your mercy and grace 560 00:39:32,699 –> 00:39:35,780 Strengthen us as confessors of Christ 561 00:39:37,300 –> 00:39:43,260 Strengthen our feeble arms and our weak knees and grant to us a robustness of faith 562 00:39:44,120 –> 00:39:51,100 Fed by your Word and fueled by your spirit in all that we face now and in the days that lie ahead 563 00:39:52,000 –> 00:39:54,219 That we may live well for your glory 564 00:39:54,419 –> 00:39:58,179 That our confession may strengthen our brothers and sisters 565 00:39:58,919 –> 00:40:01,679 that it may splinter the gates of hell and 566 00:40:02,040 –> 00:40:04,739 That it may bring joy to our father in heaven 567 00:40:05,419 –> 00:40:12,899 Until the day of when your great confession of us is heard and we enter into your presence 568 00:40:13,580 –> 00:40:14,739 forever 569 00:40:14,739 –> 00:40:16,739 in Jesus name