1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:04,640 Well, please open your Bible at 2 Thessalonians 3. 2 00:00:04,640 –> 00:00:08,020 We’re coming towards the end of this marvelous letter. 3 00:00:08,020 –> 00:00:11,520 Just one more message planned in the series after today. 4 00:00:11,520 –> 00:00:15,420 And we’ve seen together that it’s all about perseverance, it’s about patience, 5 00:00:15,420 –> 00:00:19,020 it’s about endurance, and it’s about steadfastness. 6 00:00:19,020 –> 00:00:21,240 And that is why we have called this series, 7 00:00:21,240 –> 00:00:25,120 Staying the Course When You Are Tired of the Battle. 8 00:00:25,980 –> 00:00:28,440 And we saw that the first chapter of this letter 9 00:00:28,440 –> 00:00:32,240 is really about strength for staying the course, 10 00:00:32,240 –> 00:00:36,560 the second chapter is all about wisdom for discerning the battle, 11 00:00:36,560 –> 00:00:40,320 and this third chapter that we’re in now is about priorities 12 00:00:40,320 –> 00:00:42,919 on the front lines. 13 00:00:42,919 –> 00:00:44,259 What are these priorities? 14 00:00:44,259 –> 00:00:47,660 Well, we’ve seen, from verse 1, priority number one for the church is, 15 00:00:47,660 –> 00:00:50,020 indeed, that the gospel may run. 16 00:00:50,020 –> 00:00:53,259 Whatever happens, whatever you are doing, 17 00:00:53,279 –> 00:00:57,220 this is priority number one for the church of Jesus Christ, 18 00:00:57,220 –> 00:01:00,700 pray for us that the gospel may spread rapidly 19 00:01:00,700 –> 00:01:04,480 and that it may be honored just as it was with you. 20 00:01:04,480 –> 00:01:07,879 Then, we saw last week a second priority, 21 00:01:07,879 –> 00:01:12,260 that we as God’s people are sustained by a growing experience 22 00:01:12,260 –> 00:01:16,160 of the love of God and the patience of Christ. 23 00:01:16,160 –> 00:01:17,480 Remember verse 5, 24 00:01:17,480 –> 00:01:22,720 May the Lord himself direct your hearts into the love of God 25 00:01:22,720 –> 00:01:25,260 and into Christ’s patience. 26 00:01:25,260 –> 00:01:26,339 In other words, Paul is saying, 27 00:01:26,339 –> 00:01:29,199 when I think of everything that you folks are going through, 28 00:01:29,199 –> 00:01:31,980 all the difficulties that you are enduring, 29 00:01:31,980 –> 00:01:33,139 here’s what I pray. 30 00:01:33,139 –> 00:01:36,519 I pray that what is in Christ will be in you 31 00:01:36,519 –> 00:01:38,220 and here’s how you can endure. 32 00:01:38,220 –> 00:01:40,379 Here’s how you will endure. 33 00:01:40,379 –> 00:01:43,680 Here’s how you can face what lies ahead of you this week, 34 00:01:43,680 –> 00:01:45,699 that the love of God will be in you 35 00:01:45,699 –> 00:01:50,059 and the patience of Christ will fill you. 36 00:01:50,059 –> 00:01:52,779 Now, today we come to the third priority 37 00:01:52,779 –> 00:01:57,379 and it’s very simply and beautifully stated in verse 13. 38 00:01:57,379 –> 00:02:02,379 Never tire of doing what is right. 39 00:02:03,440 –> 00:02:08,380 Never tire of doing what is right. 40 00:02:08,380 –> 00:02:10,940 And I said at the beginning of this series 41 00:02:10,940 –> 00:02:12,419 that at least in my mind, 42 00:02:12,419 –> 00:02:14,660 this is really the key verse to the whole letter. 43 00:02:14,660 –> 00:02:16,220 If you want one verse, 44 00:02:16,220 –> 00:02:19,080 to sum up what 2 Thessalonians is all about, 45 00:02:19,080 –> 00:02:20,679 I would choose this verse. 46 00:02:20,679 –> 00:02:23,759 Chapter three and verse 13, 47 00:02:23,759 –> 00:02:26,919 Never tire of doing what is right. 48 00:02:26,919 –> 00:02:28,039 It’s about perseverance. 49 00:02:28,039 –> 00:02:32,600 This is the subject encapsulated in a single sentence. 50 00:02:32,600 –> 00:02:36,479 Staying the course when you are tired of the battle, 51 00:02:36,479 –> 00:02:41,479 never tired of doing what is right. 52 00:02:41,479 –> 00:02:44,740 Now this verse is going to be our focus for today, 53 00:02:44,740 –> 00:02:49,080 but it comes in a passage that sets out very wonderfully 54 00:02:49,080 –> 00:02:54,080 a Christian doctrine of daily work. 55 00:02:54,139 –> 00:02:57,240 Now this is a hugely important subject 56 00:02:57,240 –> 00:02:59,399 and I want to begin today with a question 57 00:02:59,399 –> 00:03:01,259 for us to consider. 58 00:03:03,139 –> 00:03:08,139 If you knew that Jesus Christ would return in seven days, 59 00:03:10,380 –> 00:03:13,539 would you go to work this week? 60 00:03:13,619 –> 00:03:16,059 That’s the question I want you to think about. 61 00:03:16,059 –> 00:03:21,059 If you knew that Jesus Christ would return in seven days, 62 00:03:23,360 –> 00:03:26,619 would you go to work this week? 63 00:03:26,619 –> 00:03:28,740 Now it is a fascinating question 64 00:03:29,679 –> 00:03:34,279 because it gets to the root of what we really think 65 00:03:34,279 –> 00:03:37,839 about our daily work and the reason for it. 66 00:03:39,020 –> 00:03:40,820 A secular view of daily work 67 00:03:41,539 –> 00:03:44,419 of course says that work is simply the means 68 00:03:45,500 –> 00:03:46,660 of getting the money that you need 69 00:03:46,660 –> 00:03:49,860 and the sooner you can be done with it, the better. 70 00:03:49,860 –> 00:03:54,479 How much money do I need before I can get out of doing this 71 00:03:54,479 –> 00:03:57,080 and go and do something better instead? 72 00:03:57,080 –> 00:04:00,460 That’s how many people will approach daily work. 73 00:04:00,460 –> 00:04:03,139 And if this is the view, 74 00:04:03,139 –> 00:04:06,320 then work is simply a means to an end 75 00:04:06,339 –> 00:04:10,860 and the end to which it is a means is money. 76 00:04:10,860 –> 00:04:13,479 And therefore, as soon as I have enough money, 77 00:04:13,479 –> 00:04:15,380 I will be done with work 78 00:04:15,380 –> 00:04:18,079 and then I will be off to the beach 79 00:04:18,079 –> 00:04:19,739 or off to the golf course 80 00:04:19,739 –> 00:04:22,519 or even better off to a golf course beside the beach 81 00:04:22,519 –> 00:04:25,000 if you see what I mean. 82 00:04:26,040 –> 00:04:27,920 Now, if that is your view of work, 83 00:04:27,920 –> 00:04:30,359 your answer to this question that I’m asking 84 00:04:30,359 –> 00:04:31,920 will be very obvious. 85 00:04:32,880 –> 00:04:35,480 Well, if I knew that Jesus was returning in seven days, 86 00:04:35,480 –> 00:04:37,640 of course I wouldn’t go to work this week 87 00:04:37,640 –> 00:04:40,519 because I have enough money to get by for seven days, 88 00:04:40,519 –> 00:04:42,519 so why in the world would I go to work? 89 00:04:44,359 –> 00:04:46,000 Now, the reason I raise this 90 00:04:46,000 –> 00:04:49,320 is that that seems to be precisely 91 00:04:49,320 –> 00:04:52,540 what’s happening in this town of Thessalonica. 92 00:04:54,079 –> 00:04:55,959 Some people were so certain 93 00:04:55,959 –> 00:04:59,019 that Jesus Christ was about to return 94 00:04:59,019 –> 00:05:01,200 that they had quit their jobs. 95 00:05:02,200 –> 00:05:04,399 They said, well, now Christ is coming 96 00:05:04,399 –> 00:05:07,040 and because Christ is imminently coming 97 00:05:07,040 –> 00:05:10,720 there is no reason for us to work, 98 00:05:10,720 –> 00:05:13,239 so they packed in their jobs 99 00:05:13,239 –> 00:05:14,480 and they felt very sure 100 00:05:14,480 –> 00:05:17,899 that it was God himself who was calling them to do this. 101 00:05:18,959 –> 00:05:20,079 In other words, the folks 102 00:05:20,079 –> 00:05:22,100 who are being addressed here in this passage 103 00:05:22,100 –> 00:05:27,100 had actually made a virtue out of not working 104 00:05:28,380 –> 00:05:31,600 and it isn’t hard to imagine once this movement got going 105 00:05:31,640 –> 00:05:34,600 the kind of language that might be used, you know? 106 00:05:34,600 –> 00:05:36,839 You really believe that Jesus is about to come? 107 00:05:36,839 –> 00:05:39,839 Well, do you have the faith to quit your job then, you see? 108 00:05:41,559 –> 00:05:44,059 It isn’t hard to imagine what happened next. 109 00:05:45,339 –> 00:05:47,040 Here are these Christians now 110 00:05:47,040 –> 00:05:50,440 who have felt led to quit their jobs 111 00:05:50,440 –> 00:05:51,619 because of the imminence 112 00:05:51,619 –> 00:05:55,500 of the coming of Christ in their minds. 113 00:05:55,500 –> 00:05:59,040 They, therefore, don’t have enough to do with their time 114 00:05:59,040 –> 00:06:00,820 and so you know what happens next. 115 00:06:00,839 –> 00:06:02,019 It’s what always happens 116 00:06:02,019 –> 00:06:04,000 when people don’t have enough to do. 117 00:06:04,000 –> 00:06:06,899 They end up causing trouble. 118 00:06:06,899 –> 00:06:09,260 And so you have that in verse 11 119 00:06:09,260 –> 00:06:13,200 we hear Paul says that some among you are idle. 120 00:06:13,200 –> 00:06:16,019 That is, they have made this choice. 121 00:06:16,019 –> 00:06:17,339 This refusal to work. 122 00:06:17,339 –> 00:06:18,519 They are now idle. 123 00:06:18,519 –> 00:06:20,100 They are not busy 124 00:06:20,100 –> 00:06:23,160 and they have become, therefore, busy bodies. 125 00:06:23,160 –> 00:06:25,339 They had no business of their own 126 00:06:25,339 –> 00:06:26,980 and so they spent their time, 127 00:06:26,980 –> 00:06:28,380 Paul says, sticking their noses 128 00:06:28,660 –> 00:06:30,679 into everyone else’s business. 129 00:06:30,679 –> 00:06:32,119 The phrase comes to mind, 130 00:06:32,119 –> 00:06:36,779 the devil always has work for idle hands. 131 00:06:38,619 –> 00:06:41,619 Now, I want you to understand very clearly and carefully, 132 00:06:41,619 –> 00:06:43,540 especially in an environment today 133 00:06:43,540 –> 00:06:45,320 when I know many in our congregation 134 00:06:45,320 –> 00:06:48,179 are actively looking for work. 135 00:06:48,179 –> 00:06:52,260 The problem here is not that these folks didn’t have work. 136 00:06:52,260 –> 00:06:55,760 The issue here is that these folks point blank 137 00:06:55,760 –> 00:06:57,420 refused to work. 138 00:06:57,420 –> 00:06:59,100 They didn’t want to work. 139 00:06:59,100 –> 00:07:03,739 And they may divert you out of not working. 140 00:07:03,739 –> 00:07:07,500 That is why notice in verse 10, this is very important. 141 00:07:07,500 –> 00:07:12,500 Paul says when a man will not work, he shall not eat. 142 00:07:12,600 –> 00:07:14,440 He doesn’t say when a man does not work 143 00:07:14,440 –> 00:07:16,880 or he does not say when a man cannot work. 144 00:07:16,880 –> 00:07:19,000 He says, when a man will not work, 145 00:07:19,000 –> 00:07:21,440 when he’s addressing the situation 146 00:07:21,440 –> 00:07:23,820 in which people have made a settled refusal 147 00:07:23,820 –> 00:07:28,820 on the basis they claim of their faith not to do any work. 148 00:07:29,760 –> 00:07:33,579 And so he gives this command in verse 12, 149 00:07:33,579 –> 00:07:37,540 such people that is the people who have refused to work, 150 00:07:37,540 –> 00:07:41,859 he says we command and we urge in the Lord Jesus Christ 151 00:07:41,859 –> 00:07:46,859 to do what to settle down and to earn the bread they eat. 152 00:07:52,420 –> 00:07:53,339 Now, the problem here, 153 00:07:53,779 –> 00:07:56,540 then, is that this group of people in Thessalonica 154 00:07:56,540 –> 00:07:58,540 in their enthusiasm had 155 00:07:58,540 –> 00:08:03,540 a completely un-Christian view of work. 156 00:08:03,820 –> 00:08:07,040 If you think that work is simply a means 157 00:08:07,040 –> 00:08:10,000 to make enough money to get yourself to the beach 158 00:08:10,000 –> 00:08:12,179 or to the golf course or even more of the beach 159 00:08:12,179 –> 00:08:13,440 that’s beside the golf course 160 00:08:13,440 –> 00:08:16,940 or the golf course that is beside the beach, 161 00:08:16,940 –> 00:08:18,779 then I’m asking you to think again, 162 00:08:18,779 –> 00:08:20,600 that is not a Christian view of work. 163 00:08:21,320 –> 00:08:23,959 What is a Christian view of work? 164 00:08:23,959 –> 00:08:25,619 Let me put it this way, 165 00:08:25,619 –> 00:08:30,239 your work is a gift and a calling from God 166 00:08:30,239 –> 00:08:35,239 to be pursued for his glory and for the good of others. 167 00:08:37,599 –> 00:08:40,000 Now, when I say your work here, 168 00:08:40,000 –> 00:08:42,599 I mean your employment, 169 00:08:42,599 –> 00:08:46,479 but I don’t only mean your employment, 170 00:08:46,500 –> 00:08:50,239 see, many of us give ourselves to work 171 00:08:50,239 –> 00:08:52,479 for which you are not paid. 172 00:08:52,479 –> 00:08:55,239 The definition of work in the Bible 173 00:08:55,239 –> 00:08:57,520 is not tied to compensation. 174 00:08:57,520 –> 00:09:00,359 Adam had no money for the work that God 175 00:09:00,359 –> 00:09:02,080 gave him to do in the garden, 176 00:09:02,080 –> 00:09:03,500 but it was God given work 177 00:09:03,500 –> 00:09:04,960 and it was his great privilege 178 00:09:04,960 –> 00:09:07,559 to do it for the glory of God. 179 00:09:07,559 –> 00:09:12,239 So, some of us work as housemakers, homemakers, 180 00:09:12,239 –> 00:09:16,080 some of us work as volunteers visiting the sick 181 00:09:16,119 –> 00:09:18,359 and caring for children and serving the poor. 182 00:09:18,359 –> 00:09:20,179 It is work that God has given us to do. 183 00:09:20,179 –> 00:09:21,820 It is wonderful work. 184 00:09:22,700 –> 00:09:24,580 For some of us and let me give this word 185 00:09:24,580 –> 00:09:26,200 of encouragement today. 186 00:09:26,200 –> 00:09:29,280 For some of us, the work that God 187 00:09:29,280 –> 00:09:30,960 has given you to do right now 188 00:09:30,960 –> 00:09:34,359 is to look for work and you can honor him 189 00:09:34,359 –> 00:09:37,200 in the way that you do that difficult task 190 00:09:37,200 –> 00:09:39,700 in these difficult times. 191 00:09:39,700 –> 00:09:40,919 You can do it with faith. 192 00:09:40,919 –> 00:09:42,520 You can do it with perseverance. 193 00:09:42,520 –> 00:09:43,820 You can do it with vigor. 194 00:09:43,840 –> 00:09:46,159 And in the very pursuit of work, 195 00:09:46,159 –> 00:09:47,700 you can glorify God. 196 00:09:48,719 –> 00:09:50,900 And what I’m saying is that a Christian view 197 00:09:50,900 –> 00:09:52,619 of work is that it is a gift 198 00:09:52,619 –> 00:09:54,419 and it is a calling from God 199 00:09:54,419 –> 00:09:56,320 to be pursued for his glory 200 00:09:56,320 –> 00:09:59,059 and for the good of others. 201 00:09:59,059 –> 00:10:00,440 And all the way through your life 202 00:10:00,440 –> 00:10:02,859 there will be some purpose that God has for you. 203 00:10:02,859 –> 00:10:04,619 Some work that he has for you to do. 204 00:10:04,619 –> 00:10:07,140 We have been created by God in Christ 205 00:10:07,140 –> 00:10:09,140 and there are good works 206 00:10:09,140 –> 00:10:12,340 that he has prepared throughout the years of our lives 207 00:10:12,500 –> 00:10:15,780 in advance for us to do. 208 00:10:16,960 –> 00:10:18,440 Now, this is very important, 209 00:10:18,440 –> 00:10:20,520 a Christian view of daily work, 210 00:10:20,520 –> 00:10:22,039 a Christian view of your employment, 211 00:10:22,039 –> 00:10:24,419 a Christian view of what you are doing 212 00:10:24,419 –> 00:10:26,440 with the days of your life. 213 00:10:27,700 –> 00:10:30,719 See, people look to pastors and to missionaries 214 00:10:30,719 –> 00:10:31,619 and they say, 215 00:10:31,619 –> 00:10:35,059 well now God has given them a special work to do. 216 00:10:35,059 –> 00:10:36,260 And that’s true. 217 00:10:37,580 –> 00:10:41,119 But God has given you a special work to do. 218 00:10:42,580 –> 00:10:47,340 And your work is a gift and a calling from God. 219 00:10:48,700 –> 00:10:50,299 Now, it’s wonderful for us to see 220 00:10:50,299 –> 00:10:53,320 and I hope this will be a great encouragement for you today 221 00:10:53,320 –> 00:10:55,520 that the dignity of work 222 00:10:56,460 –> 00:10:59,340 lies in the nature of God. 223 00:10:59,340 –> 00:11:00,700 That’s where it’s rooted. 224 00:11:00,700 –> 00:11:05,460 The dignity of work is rooted in the nature of God. 225 00:11:05,460 –> 00:11:07,539 Remember that right at the beginning of the Bible, 226 00:11:07,539 –> 00:11:11,780 God introduces himself to us first as a worker. 227 00:11:11,780 –> 00:11:12,619 What is he doing? 228 00:11:12,619 –> 00:11:14,460 He’s creating. 229 00:11:14,460 –> 00:11:16,700 He expresses himself in this way 230 00:11:16,700 –> 00:11:19,219 and then he makes us in his image. 231 00:11:19,219 –> 00:11:22,099 And what that means is that we express ourselves 232 00:11:22,099 –> 00:11:23,780 by creating as well. 233 00:11:23,780 –> 00:11:26,979 That could be expressed in building a car 234 00:11:26,979 –> 00:11:29,280 or it could be making art or music 235 00:11:29,280 –> 00:11:31,380 or writing a document on the computer 236 00:11:31,380 –> 00:11:33,340 or it could be establishing a company, 237 00:11:33,340 –> 00:11:37,260 but in some sense all work is a reflection 238 00:11:37,260 –> 00:11:39,260 of the very nature and character of God. 239 00:11:39,260 –> 00:11:40,479 It’s a wonderful thing. 240 00:11:42,280 –> 00:11:44,719 You are made in the image of God 241 00:11:44,719 –> 00:11:49,700 and the dignity of your work is that in some way 242 00:11:49,700 –> 00:11:54,159 it reflects the character of God. 243 00:11:54,159 –> 00:11:57,400 Now this is always the moment in the sermon 244 00:11:57,400 –> 00:12:01,400 where the carpenters get a big smile on their face 245 00:12:01,400 –> 00:12:04,219 or other guys who are in construction you see, 246 00:12:04,219 –> 00:12:07,440 because you have this very, very obviously 247 00:12:07,440 –> 00:12:10,859 and most Christian carpenters I’ve ever spoken to 248 00:12:10,859 –> 00:12:12,739 have spoken about it at some time, 249 00:12:12,739 –> 00:12:17,179 big smile, I’m in the same trade as my savior. 250 00:12:17,179 –> 00:12:19,059 Isn’t that a marvelous thing? 251 00:12:19,059 –> 00:12:20,000 I love that. 252 00:12:21,140 –> 00:12:23,820 I think we can extend that out for everyone 253 00:12:23,820 –> 00:12:25,960 who is involved in construction. 254 00:12:27,400 –> 00:12:32,400 Manual labor, you can say I do the same work 255 00:12:34,340 –> 00:12:35,780 as the Son of God. 256 00:12:35,780 –> 00:12:37,099 Isn’t that marvelous? 257 00:12:37,960 –> 00:12:40,679 But what about the rest of us? 258 00:12:41,859 –> 00:12:43,619 Well, I want you to think about this 259 00:12:43,619 –> 00:12:44,900 in relation to your work. 260 00:12:44,900 –> 00:12:46,619 Let me give you some examples. 261 00:12:47,419 –> 00:12:52,419 If you flip burgers, you are reflecting the work 262 00:12:53,760 –> 00:12:56,239 of God who provides food. 263 00:12:58,500 –> 00:13:01,900 If you are a homemaker, you are reflecting the work 264 00:13:01,900 –> 00:13:06,000 of God who creates order out of chaos 265 00:13:06,460 –> 00:13:07,460 without what you do. 266 00:13:07,460 –> 00:13:10,580 It would be chaos and formless and void. 267 00:13:10,580 –> 00:13:11,419 Would it not? 268 00:13:13,140 –> 00:13:14,820 If you are an accountant, 269 00:13:16,020 –> 00:13:19,619 your work reflects the integrity of God. 270 00:13:21,239 –> 00:13:23,380 If you are a CEO, what do you do? 271 00:13:23,380 –> 00:13:26,599 You hold all things together, and you move things forward. 272 00:13:26,599 –> 00:13:29,140 This too is a reflection of God’s work 273 00:13:29,140 –> 00:13:33,219 who holds all things together by the power of his word. 274 00:13:33,340 –> 00:13:36,580 God gives each of us work that, in some way, 275 00:13:36,580 –> 00:13:38,400 reflects his character. 276 00:13:40,440 –> 00:13:42,219 I would push this as far as to say 277 00:13:42,219 –> 00:13:43,580 that if you cannot think of a way 278 00:13:43,580 –> 00:13:45,580 in which your work reflects the character of God, 279 00:13:45,580 –> 00:13:46,580 it probably means that it’s work 280 00:13:46,580 –> 00:13:47,979 that you shouldn’t be doing. 281 00:13:48,900 –> 00:13:50,979 Now, I hope that this will be a great encouragement 282 00:13:50,979 –> 00:13:54,820 to you in work that sometimes makes you weary. 283 00:13:54,820 –> 00:13:56,219 There is great dignity. 284 00:13:56,219 –> 00:13:58,099 There is great joy in seeing 285 00:13:58,099 –> 00:14:03,099 how your work reflects the character of God, 286 00:14:03,900 –> 00:14:06,059 and it certainly will reflect the character of God. 287 00:14:06,059 –> 00:14:07,979 So, here’s a heads-up on two questions 288 00:14:07,979 –> 00:14:11,179 for discussion in the LIFE groups this week. 289 00:14:11,179 –> 00:14:13,179 Two of the questions we’re going to talk about 290 00:14:13,179 –> 00:14:15,419 as we try to apply the scriptures more fully 291 00:14:15,419 –> 00:14:16,580 to our own lives. 292 00:14:16,580 –> 00:14:18,219 Number one, what is your work, 293 00:14:18,219 –> 00:14:21,239 and, number two, in what way does your work 294 00:14:21,239 –> 00:14:22,900 reflect the character of God? 295 00:14:22,900 –> 00:14:25,159 I promise you, if you can’t work it out for yourself, 296 00:14:25,159 –> 00:14:27,460 someone else in the group will help you to see it, 297 00:14:27,460 –> 00:14:28,940 and when you do see it, 298 00:14:28,960 –> 00:14:32,200 you will have new joy in seeing 299 00:14:32,200 –> 00:14:35,739 that, wonderfully, God has given you something to do 300 00:14:35,739 –> 00:14:38,599 that is a reflection of His own nature 301 00:14:38,599 –> 00:14:39,919 and His own character. 302 00:14:39,919 –> 00:14:42,539 Now, let’s go back to our question, 303 00:14:43,619 –> 00:14:47,320 this time with a Christian view of work. 304 00:14:48,659 –> 00:14:52,020 If you knew that Jesus Christ would return in seven days, 305 00:14:52,020 –> 00:14:54,380 would you go to work this week? 306 00:14:54,380 –> 00:14:56,419 Well, if you have a Christian view of work, 307 00:14:56,419 –> 00:14:59,359 your answer to that would be, yes, absolutely. 308 00:15:00,219 –> 00:15:03,559 Remember this, this week, when you are at your desk 309 00:15:03,559 –> 00:15:05,859 or on the site or in the shop, 310 00:15:05,859 –> 00:15:09,580 if someone were to ask you, would you be doing this 311 00:15:09,580 –> 00:15:12,820 if you knew that Jesus Christ was coming back tonight? 312 00:15:12,820 –> 00:15:14,159 If they were to ask you that, 313 00:15:14,159 –> 00:15:16,500 your answer should be, absolutely, yes, 314 00:15:16,500 –> 00:15:18,840 because this is what He’s called me to do today. 315 00:15:18,840 –> 00:15:21,119 It’s a wonderful thing. 316 00:15:21,119 –> 00:15:25,039 It is a gift and it is a calling from God 317 00:15:25,039 –> 00:15:27,559 that you are to pursue for His glory 318 00:15:27,559 –> 00:15:31,059 and for the good of other people. 319 00:15:31,059 –> 00:15:35,640 This great, great gift for which we thank God. 320 00:15:37,739 –> 00:15:41,719 Now, since your work is a gift and a calling from God 321 00:15:41,719 –> 00:15:43,799 and it’s to be pursued for His glory 322 00:15:43,799 –> 00:15:47,200 and it’s to be pursued for the good of others, 323 00:15:47,200 –> 00:15:51,119 it follows, especially in relation to work, 324 00:15:51,119 –> 00:15:53,179 though the application is broader, 325 00:15:53,179 –> 00:15:58,179 that your example matters more than your rights. 326 00:15:58,440 –> 00:16:00,340 This is a second very important lesson 327 00:16:00,340 –> 00:16:02,020 that comes to us clearly 328 00:16:02,020 –> 00:16:04,419 from this passage of Scripture today. 329 00:16:04,419 –> 00:16:09,419 Your example matters more than your rights. 330 00:16:11,719 –> 00:16:13,299 Now, let’s pick it up at verse 7 331 00:16:13,299 –> 00:16:16,659 and see what the word of God says. 332 00:16:16,659 –> 00:16:21,659 You, yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. 333 00:16:22,359 –> 00:16:26,059 So the theme of example’s coming in here. 334 00:16:26,059 –> 00:16:27,179 And what’s the example? 335 00:16:27,179 –> 00:16:28,039 Well, Paul says, 336 00:16:28,039 –> 00:16:31,679 we were not idle when we were with you, 337 00:16:31,679 –> 00:16:36,679 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. 338 00:16:38,099 –> 00:16:43,099 On the contrary, we worked night and day, 339 00:16:44,140 –> 00:16:46,159 laboring and toiling 340 00:16:46,159 –> 00:16:51,159 so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 341 00:16:52,460 –> 00:16:56,539 Now what we are learning here is that in his ministry, 342 00:16:56,539 –> 00:17:00,059 the apostle Paul worked incredibly hard. 343 00:17:01,059 –> 00:17:05,239 This man, as most of you know, was a brilliant scholar. 344 00:17:05,239 –> 00:17:09,079 He was a Pharisee from the school of Gamaliel, 345 00:17:09,079 –> 00:17:11,739 but he also had a trade. 346 00:17:11,739 –> 00:17:13,699 And he used it at times 347 00:17:13,699 –> 00:17:17,900 to earn money while he was serving the church. 348 00:17:17,900 –> 00:17:20,920 Sometimes there was money to support him, 349 00:17:20,920 –> 00:17:23,359 sometimes not. 350 00:17:23,359 –> 00:17:25,959 And when there was no money, here’s what Paul did. 351 00:17:25,959 –> 00:17:28,239 He made tents. 352 00:17:28,239 –> 00:17:30,000 And he sold them. 353 00:17:30,000 –> 00:17:34,239 And then he gave himself to the work of ministry. 354 00:17:35,180 –> 00:17:37,800 At these times, and it wasn’t always in his life, 355 00:17:37,800 –> 00:17:40,439 but it was sometimes in his life that he did this, 356 00:17:40,439 –> 00:17:42,800 and especially when he was in Thessalonica, 357 00:17:42,800 –> 00:17:45,000 from what he says here, that is what he did. 358 00:17:45,000 –> 00:17:48,719 He was what we would call today, bi-vocational. 359 00:17:48,760 –> 00:17:51,920 In other words, he gave himself to two jobs. 360 00:17:51,920 –> 00:17:53,839 He gave himself to the work of ministry 361 00:17:53,839 –> 00:17:55,800 and he gave himself to the work of tent making. 362 00:17:55,800 –> 00:17:57,300 He was bi-vocational. 363 00:17:57,300 –> 00:17:59,540 And that is why he says in verse eight, 364 00:17:59,540 –> 00:18:01,900 that he worked day and night. 365 00:18:01,900 –> 00:18:04,800 Two jobs, you’ve got to really extend yourself. 366 00:18:04,800 –> 00:18:07,060 This is incredibly difficult to do, 367 00:18:08,199 –> 00:18:11,219 but Paul was ready to do whatever it would take 368 00:18:12,640 –> 00:18:16,239 to make the gospel run, 369 00:18:17,079 –> 00:18:20,280 and here then is the great irony. 370 00:18:22,359 –> 00:18:26,239 That Paul is working two jobs 371 00:18:26,239 –> 00:18:29,540 so as not to be a burden on other believers. 372 00:18:29,540 –> 00:18:30,839 That’s what he says here. 373 00:18:32,079 –> 00:18:34,839 And at the same time, here are a bunch of Christians 374 00:18:34,839 –> 00:18:38,020 who refuse to do any work 375 00:18:38,020 –> 00:18:40,079 and are becoming a burden to other believers. 376 00:18:40,079 –> 00:18:42,060 It is an extraordinary irony. 377 00:18:42,060 –> 00:18:45,420 Now, the Bible says, 378 00:18:45,420 –> 00:18:47,339 those who preach the gospel 379 00:18:47,339 –> 00:18:50,140 should receive their living from the gospel. 380 00:18:50,140 –> 00:18:53,060 That’s First Corinthians, chapter nine in verse 14. 381 00:18:53,060 –> 00:18:57,380 And Paul says that this is a command from the Lord. 382 00:18:57,380 –> 00:19:00,060 So it’s quite clear then that as an apostle, 383 00:19:00,060 –> 00:19:05,000 Paul had a right to financial support from the church. 384 00:19:05,000 –> 00:19:07,880 But I want you to see what he says here in verse nine. 385 00:19:08,859 –> 00:19:11,760 We did this, that is working day and night, 386 00:19:11,760 –> 00:19:15,500 being bi-vocational, running two jobs at the same time. 387 00:19:15,500 –> 00:19:16,760 We did this 388 00:19:17,719 –> 00:19:22,280 not because we do not have the right to such help, 389 00:19:23,599 –> 00:19:27,560 but in order to make ourselves a model 390 00:19:28,560 –> 00:19:30,780 for you to follow. 391 00:19:30,780 –> 00:19:32,319 Now, you see what he’s saying? 392 00:19:33,260 –> 00:19:36,839 To be an example is more important 393 00:19:36,839 –> 00:19:39,800 than to have what is mine by right. 394 00:19:39,800 –> 00:19:42,160 That’s what the apostle is saying. 395 00:19:42,160 –> 00:19:46,160 And it’s of huge importance, for all of us, 396 00:19:46,160 –> 00:19:49,719 to be an example to God’s people 397 00:19:49,719 –> 00:19:54,439 is more important than to have what is mine by right. 398 00:19:54,439 –> 00:19:58,439 That is what the apostle is saying there in Verse 9. 399 00:19:58,439 –> 00:20:02,880 Now, apply this to our world of work today, folks. 400 00:20:02,880 –> 00:20:06,000 As a Christian employee, 401 00:20:06,000 –> 00:20:11,719 my example is more important than my rights. 402 00:20:11,719 –> 00:20:14,880 I have to ask many times, 403 00:20:14,880 –> 00:20:18,680 what would happen if everybody did what I’m doing? 404 00:20:18,680 –> 00:20:23,119 What would happen if everybody claimed what I’m claiming? 405 00:20:23,119 –> 00:20:27,640 My example is more important than my rights. 406 00:20:27,640 –> 00:20:30,359 Whenever you find yourself in a situation of conflict, 407 00:20:30,359 –> 00:20:33,239 which is always when this thing arises. 408 00:20:33,239 –> 00:20:35,920 Whenever you find yourself in a situation of conflict, 409 00:20:35,920 –> 00:20:36,920 you will say to yourself 410 00:20:36,920 –> 00:20:39,800 now what are my rights? 411 00:20:39,800 –> 00:20:42,040 And as soon as you say the R word, 412 00:20:42,040 –> 00:20:44,239 I want you to say the E word. 413 00:20:44,239 –> 00:20:46,319 What is my example? 414 00:20:46,319 –> 00:20:48,239 What is my example? 415 00:20:48,239 –> 00:20:50,119 Never ask, what are my rights? 416 00:20:50,119 –> 00:20:51,400 Without asking the question 417 00:20:51,400 –> 00:20:55,719 What is my example? 418 00:20:55,719 –> 00:20:58,719 What is my example towards unbelieving colleagues 419 00:20:59,359 –> 00:21:01,479 who watching me and see me 420 00:21:01,479 –> 00:21:03,839 and know what I’m doing. 421 00:21:03,839 –> 00:21:05,439 What is my example to my children 422 00:21:05,439 –> 00:21:08,880 and what I’m doing right now. 423 00:21:08,880 –> 00:21:10,520 What is my example to the church, 424 00:21:10,520 –> 00:21:11,640 to the family of God, 425 00:21:11,640 –> 00:21:13,380 what is my example to the angels 426 00:21:13,380 –> 00:21:15,000 who are watching? 427 00:21:15,000 –> 00:21:17,439 What is my example to the demons 428 00:21:17,439 –> 00:21:21,160 who want to blaspheme the name of God. 429 00:21:21,160 –> 00:21:22,900 And know just what I’m saying 430 00:21:22,900 –> 00:21:24,400 and what I’m doing 431 00:21:24,400 –> 00:21:26,180 and what I’m seeking Luke 432 00:21:26,180 –> 00:21:28,359 in the eyes of Almighty God 433 00:21:29,060 –> 00:21:32,939 who gave his son on that cross, 434 00:21:32,939 –> 00:21:33,780 for me. 435 00:21:35,119 –> 00:21:37,239 Now this is a huge principle 436 00:21:37,239 –> 00:21:39,359 of mammoth proportions 437 00:21:39,359 –> 00:21:41,020 and it’s importance. 438 00:21:42,079 –> 00:21:44,540 Your work is a gift and calling from God 439 00:21:44,540 –> 00:21:45,920 to be pursued for his glory 440 00:21:45,920 –> 00:21:47,040 and for the good of others 441 00:21:47,040 –> 00:21:50,439 and your example is more important 442 00:21:50,439 –> 00:21:51,420 than your rights. 443 00:21:51,420 –> 00:21:54,680 I did not say that your rights don’t matter. 444 00:21:54,680 –> 00:21:58,260 I did not say you should never claim them. 445 00:21:58,560 –> 00:22:00,479 I said that your example 446 00:22:01,719 –> 00:22:05,099 is more important than your rights 447 00:22:05,099 –> 00:22:06,300 because that is the principle 448 00:22:06,300 –> 00:22:07,979 that the apostle Paul has here 449 00:22:07,979 –> 00:22:09,859 in second Thessalonians 450 00:22:10,900 –> 00:22:13,579 in chapter three and verse nine. 451 00:22:15,239 –> 00:22:16,780 Now that takes us to the third thing 452 00:22:16,780 –> 00:22:20,359 and I think the most important for us today 453 00:22:21,640 –> 00:22:24,040 and it brings us to verse 13 454 00:22:24,040 –> 00:22:25,680 and this marvelous statement 455 00:22:25,680 –> 00:22:27,839 that summarizes the whole letter, 456 00:22:28,020 –> 00:22:29,880 having spoken about what work is 457 00:22:29,880 –> 00:22:32,540 and having seen what it means to be an example, 458 00:22:32,540 –> 00:22:34,420 especially in that context, 459 00:22:34,420 –> 00:22:36,719 he comes to this, he says, 460 00:22:36,719 –> 00:22:41,359 verse 13, never tired of doing what is right 461 00:22:41,359 –> 00:22:43,479 and so Paul is moving here very obviously 462 00:22:43,479 –> 00:22:47,819 from a rebuke to those who have insisted on being idle 463 00:22:47,819 –> 00:22:52,199 to an encouragement to those who are faithful. 464 00:22:52,199 –> 00:22:55,660 Never tired of doing what is right. 465 00:22:55,839 –> 00:23:00,839 So here are people who are doing what is right. 466 00:23:01,000 –> 00:23:03,520 He’s speaking to Christian believers 467 00:23:03,520 –> 00:23:06,420 who are faithful men, faithful women. 468 00:23:06,420 –> 00:23:08,099 They’re on the right track 469 00:23:09,140 –> 00:23:11,020 and the issue that they’re up against 470 00:23:11,020 –> 00:23:13,020 and it’s the issue that many of us I’m sure today 471 00:23:13,020 –> 00:23:16,839 are up against, is simply they are getting tired. 472 00:23:16,839 –> 00:23:18,880 They’re doing what is right, they’re on the right track 473 00:23:18,880 –> 00:23:19,979 but they’re getting tired. 474 00:23:19,979 –> 00:23:22,640 This is an experience that comes to all of us. 475 00:23:23,560 –> 00:23:27,160 Some of us tire more easily than others 476 00:23:27,160 –> 00:23:31,300 but all of us will struggle here at some point. 477 00:23:32,780 –> 00:23:36,000 And I want to suggest to you that there are three places 478 00:23:36,000 –> 00:23:41,000 where we are especially vulnerable to getting discouraged 479 00:23:41,979 –> 00:23:44,920 and tiring of doing what is right. 480 00:23:44,920 –> 00:23:46,479 I found these in my own experience, 481 00:23:46,479 –> 00:23:48,359 I’m sure you’ve found them in yours. 482 00:23:48,359 –> 00:23:51,439 They’re very obvious and they are very, very common. 483 00:23:51,459 –> 00:23:56,000 Three places where you will be especially vulnerable 484 00:23:56,000 –> 00:24:01,000 to getting discouraged and tiring of doing what is right. 485 00:24:02,160 –> 00:24:05,660 Here’s the first, you can tire of doing what is right 486 00:24:05,660 –> 00:24:10,000 when doing good brings trouble in return. 487 00:24:11,060 –> 00:24:12,239 And I put that first 488 00:24:12,239 –> 00:24:14,300 because it’s obviously what was happening here 489 00:24:14,300 –> 00:24:15,880 in the passage. 490 00:24:16,780 –> 00:24:19,920 Some of these faithful believers 491 00:24:19,920 –> 00:24:23,199 had shown great kindness to the folks who were idle. 492 00:24:24,800 –> 00:24:26,000 And what was happening, 493 00:24:26,000 –> 00:24:29,579 these folks were giving back trouble in return. 494 00:24:31,060 –> 00:24:33,619 Now, many of you know this in your experience. 495 00:24:34,520 –> 00:24:36,479 It is very discouraging 496 00:24:37,520 –> 00:24:41,819 when you reach out to help someone else 497 00:24:41,819 –> 00:24:45,479 and then the very person you have extended yourself 498 00:24:45,479 –> 00:24:49,660 to help turns on you and starts to bring you trouble. 499 00:24:50,859 –> 00:24:53,459 And it feels like a slap in the face. 500 00:24:54,780 –> 00:24:56,420 And if it has happened to you, 501 00:24:56,420 –> 00:24:58,219 you will know how discouraging it is 502 00:24:58,219 –> 00:24:59,579 in the whole of your life. 503 00:24:59,579 –> 00:25:04,239 You say this, once bitten twice shy. 504 00:25:05,540 –> 00:25:08,079 And you tire of doing what is right. 505 00:25:08,079 –> 00:25:11,500 You say, well, I extended myself and look what happened. 506 00:25:11,500 –> 00:25:12,880 And it’s so discouraging. 507 00:25:13,400 –> 00:25:18,079 Then here’s a second situation where you can easily tire 508 00:25:18,079 –> 00:25:19,099 of doing what is right. 509 00:25:19,099 –> 00:25:23,760 You can tire when doing good brings little thanks. 510 00:25:25,160 –> 00:25:27,660 Is there any parent who has not at some time 511 00:25:27,660 –> 00:25:29,199 in the course of bringing up children 512 00:25:29,199 –> 00:25:31,959 felt the experience of this one? 513 00:25:31,959 –> 00:25:34,180 You extend yourself, 514 00:25:34,180 –> 00:25:37,180 you make extraordinary sacrifices for the children or maybe 515 00:25:39,020 –> 00:25:42,599 for your company or for the church. 516 00:25:43,520 –> 00:25:46,959 And nobody seems to notice and nobody seems to care. 517 00:25:48,560 –> 00:25:51,920 And you feel undervalued, you feel taken for granted 518 00:25:51,920 –> 00:25:54,119 and it drains your energy. 519 00:25:54,119 –> 00:25:56,560 And at some point this thought comes in to your mind, 520 00:25:56,560 –> 00:25:59,160 well if nobody else cares I won’t care either. 521 00:26:00,520 –> 00:26:04,380 And you tire of doing what is right. 522 00:26:05,739 –> 00:26:10,020 Here’s a third, you can tire of doing what is right 523 00:26:10,020 –> 00:26:14,199 when doing good brings slow progress. 524 00:26:15,660 –> 00:26:17,819 Was reading from a pastor whose work 525 00:26:17,819 –> 00:26:20,160 I appreciate a lot James Philip 526 00:26:20,160 –> 00:26:24,199 and he says, most parents and most teachers 527 00:26:24,199 –> 00:26:26,660 know all about this, let me quote him. 528 00:26:26,660 –> 00:26:29,459 He speaks about the common ground 529 00:26:29,459 –> 00:26:32,459 that parents and teachers share, 530 00:26:32,459 –> 00:26:36,380 namely the sometimes desolating sense 531 00:26:36,380 –> 00:26:39,020 that they are getting absolutely nowhere 532 00:26:39,020 –> 00:26:41,400 with their young charges and that 533 00:26:41,400 –> 00:26:43,579 they are complete failures as far as 534 00:26:43,579 –> 00:26:46,900 getting anything over to the children is concerned. 535 00:26:46,900 –> 00:26:48,140 Is there any teacher or parent 536 00:26:48,140 –> 00:26:49,839 who hasn’t at some time felt that? 537 00:26:51,119 –> 00:26:52,400 Am I getting anywhere? 538 00:26:54,079 –> 00:26:59,079 Oh, painstakingly slow progress. 539 00:27:02,140 –> 00:27:03,939 There’s a real danger of us tiring 540 00:27:03,939 –> 00:27:07,219 and doing what’s right and all of us know it, 541 00:27:08,060 –> 00:27:09,560 all of us have experienced it. 542 00:27:10,900 –> 00:27:12,920 Winds out of your sails. 543 00:27:15,500 –> 00:27:17,439 Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones writes, 544 00:27:17,439 –> 00:27:21,500 I think very perceptively, very helpfully 545 00:27:21,500 –> 00:27:23,819 about this battle with weariness 546 00:27:23,819 –> 00:27:25,900 and the battle with discouragement. 547 00:27:25,900 –> 00:27:29,140 It’s in his great book on spiritual depression. 548 00:27:29,140 –> 00:27:31,839 That is a marvelous book to read 549 00:27:31,839 –> 00:27:33,359 and he says this, 550 00:27:34,180 –> 00:27:36,939 I am perfectly convinced 551 00:27:36,939 –> 00:27:40,660 that the most difficult period in all of life 552 00:27:40,660 –> 00:27:43,260 is the middle period. 553 00:27:43,260 –> 00:27:46,079 He says there are compensations in youth 554 00:27:46,939 –> 00:27:50,140 and there are compensations in old age 555 00:27:50,140 –> 00:27:52,780 which seem to be entirely lacking 556 00:27:52,780 –> 00:27:54,319 in the middle period. 557 00:27:55,500 –> 00:27:56,780 Then he applies this 558 00:27:56,780 –> 00:27:58,979 and this is what I think some of you 559 00:27:58,979 –> 00:28:01,479 will find really helpful today. 560 00:28:01,479 –> 00:28:03,880 He applies this to the difficulty 561 00:28:04,560 –> 00:28:09,699 that many face in the middle years of working life 562 00:28:09,699 –> 00:28:11,900 and he says this, 563 00:28:11,900 –> 00:28:14,180 they have got beyond the stage 564 00:28:14,180 –> 00:28:16,420 of developing and building up, 565 00:28:16,420 –> 00:28:19,920 they have attained to a certain level. 566 00:28:19,920 –> 00:28:24,339 For many reasons, it is impossible to develop further. 567 00:28:24,339 –> 00:28:26,439 They are on the level 568 00:28:26,439 –> 00:28:30,219 and the difficulty is to keep going on that level 569 00:28:30,219 –> 00:28:34,619 while lacking the stimulus that took them there. 570 00:28:34,619 –> 00:28:36,640 It’s so perceptive. 571 00:28:36,640 –> 00:28:38,800 They say we are climbing this ladder 572 00:28:38,800 –> 00:28:40,400 and there was this great stimulus 573 00:28:40,400 –> 00:28:42,739 and all those progress you were making 574 00:28:42,739 –> 00:28:47,119 and now you’ve hit a level, you’ve hit a ceiling 575 00:28:47,119 –> 00:28:49,939 and how are you going to stay were you’re at? 576 00:28:49,939 –> 00:28:54,359 How are you not going to tire 577 00:28:54,359 –> 00:28:58,119 of doing what God has given you to do. 578 00:28:58,119 –> 00:29:01,479 See, when this happens, when we hit that point 579 00:29:01,479 –> 00:29:03,819 and so often it happens in the middle years, 580 00:29:04,739 –> 00:29:06,380 you hit that point in work 581 00:29:06,380 –> 00:29:08,459 or you hit that point in marriage 582 00:29:09,819 –> 00:29:11,160 or even in the church 583 00:29:12,839 –> 00:29:16,540 and what happens is that we’re tempted to respond 584 00:29:18,020 –> 00:29:19,859 in one of three ways. 585 00:29:21,500 –> 00:29:23,520 One response is simply to give up. 586 00:29:25,359 –> 00:29:27,719 You throw up your hands in frustration 587 00:29:27,760 –> 00:29:29,199 and you say, well, I thought I was gonna achieve 588 00:29:29,199 –> 00:29:30,180 something more than this. 589 00:29:30,180 –> 00:29:31,459 I quit, I’m outta here. 590 00:29:32,640 –> 00:29:34,959 Or I’m done with this marriage, 591 00:29:34,959 –> 00:29:37,119 I’m done with this job, 592 00:29:37,119 –> 00:29:38,000 done with this church, 593 00:29:38,000 –> 00:29:40,560 I’m done with a Christian life, give up, 594 00:29:42,099 –> 00:29:44,040 and you’re tired of doing what’s right. 595 00:29:45,099 –> 00:29:49,520 Or another response is the response 596 00:29:49,520 –> 00:29:52,560 of simply abandoning hope. 597 00:29:53,400 –> 00:29:58,400 You say, well, this is all my life is going to be, then. 598 00:30:00,880 –> 00:30:02,760 I have to make the best of it. 599 00:30:04,000 –> 00:30:05,699 I have to grin and bear it. 600 00:30:07,739 –> 00:30:09,479 And the light goes out in your life 601 00:30:10,760 –> 00:30:12,359 and you become a joyless person. 602 00:30:14,400 –> 00:30:16,380 Third way in which some people respond 603 00:30:16,380 –> 00:30:19,219 when they hit this most difficult experience, 604 00:30:20,219 –> 00:30:22,079 you try to find an escape. 605 00:30:23,479 –> 00:30:26,219 You turn to artificial stimulants, 606 00:30:26,219 –> 00:30:31,219 to drink, to drugs, to an affair, to gambling. 607 00:30:35,359 –> 00:30:39,920 And all of these folks are responses in real life 608 00:30:40,939 –> 00:30:42,800 to chronic discouragement 609 00:30:42,800 –> 00:30:44,459 and not knowing what to do with it. 610 00:30:44,459 –> 00:30:46,339 And God says to us here, 611 00:30:46,819 –> 00:30:50,739 never tire of doing what is right. 612 00:30:50,739 –> 00:30:53,099 If you’ve known what it is to tire, 613 00:30:53,099 –> 00:30:54,819 you’re going to ask the question right now, 614 00:30:54,819 –> 00:30:56,020 how? 615 00:30:56,020 –> 00:30:59,180 How can I get through my life 616 00:30:59,180 –> 00:31:01,880 and sustain what God has given me to do 617 00:31:01,880 –> 00:31:03,219 in a way that is for his glory 618 00:31:03,219 –> 00:31:05,819 and all the difficulties that that involves? 619 00:31:05,819 –> 00:31:06,660 Please tell me, 620 00:31:06,660 –> 00:31:11,640 how can I never tire of doing what is right? 621 00:31:12,439 –> 00:31:13,420 How can I keep going? 622 00:31:13,420 –> 00:31:14,680 Because I get tired, 623 00:31:15,579 –> 00:31:16,800 get discouraged. 624 00:31:18,719 –> 00:31:21,420 So let me conclude with just these three observations 625 00:31:21,420 –> 00:31:23,579 on how to persevere through discouragement, 626 00:31:23,579 –> 00:31:25,479 because that’s what this is all about. 627 00:31:26,719 –> 00:31:30,479 Let me encourage you from the scriptures in this way. 628 00:31:30,479 –> 00:31:35,479 Look back to what Jesus Christ has accomplished. 629 00:31:36,819 –> 00:31:39,959 I’m taking that from Hebrews, chapter 12, verse three, 630 00:31:39,959 –> 00:31:42,119 because you remember that Hebrews reminds us 631 00:31:42,160 –> 00:31:43,619 about all that Jesus suffered, 632 00:31:43,619 –> 00:31:45,560 and then it says this wonderfully, 633 00:31:45,560 –> 00:31:50,319 consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men 634 00:31:50,319 –> 00:31:52,560 so that you will not grow weary 635 00:31:52,560 –> 00:31:54,439 and so that you will not lose heart. 636 00:31:54,439 –> 00:31:56,599 In other words, it’s speaking directly 637 00:31:56,599 –> 00:32:00,319 to exactly the problem that we’re speaking about today. 638 00:32:00,319 –> 00:32:01,839 How can I avoid growing weary? 639 00:32:01,839 –> 00:32:04,020 How can I make sure that I don’t lose heart? 640 00:32:04,880 –> 00:32:05,719 What am I to do? 641 00:32:05,719 –> 00:32:07,000 I’m to consider him 642 00:32:07,979 –> 00:32:11,280 and how he endured such opposition from sinful men. 643 00:32:11,280 –> 00:32:12,680 That’s what the book of Hebrews is saying. 644 00:32:12,680 –> 00:32:15,819 So think about the trouble that came to him. 645 00:32:15,819 –> 00:32:17,199 You have experienced, perhaps, 646 00:32:17,199 –> 00:32:20,160 that you extended yourself to do someone else good 647 00:32:20,160 –> 00:32:21,300 and trouble came back to you. 648 00:32:21,300 –> 00:32:23,119 Think about how that was for him. 649 00:32:24,599 –> 00:32:25,819 How he went about doing good 650 00:32:25,819 –> 00:32:29,640 and they called him Beelzebub, the devil. 651 00:32:30,900 –> 00:32:32,140 And then they hung him on a cross. 652 00:32:32,140 –> 00:32:34,479 Think of how little he was thanked. 653 00:32:35,939 –> 00:32:39,599 10 lepers healed, a miracle, 654 00:32:39,599 –> 00:32:42,520 and one comes back to say thank you. 655 00:32:42,520 –> 00:32:44,520 Jesus says, where are the other nine? 656 00:32:44,520 –> 00:32:45,439 Where are they? 657 00:32:45,439 –> 00:32:46,739 Where are they? 658 00:32:48,319 –> 00:32:49,199 They mean nothing to them 659 00:32:49,199 –> 00:32:50,839 that they were healed of leprosy. 660 00:32:52,400 –> 00:32:54,400 Think of the slow progress 661 00:32:54,400 –> 00:32:57,280 when you’re frustrated at how difficult it is 662 00:32:57,280 –> 00:32:59,199 with the work that you have been given to do. 663 00:32:59,199 –> 00:33:01,479 Think of the slow progress he had 664 00:33:01,479 –> 00:33:03,180 as he worked with his disciples 665 00:33:03,180 –> 00:33:05,040 and how little progress they made 666 00:33:05,040 –> 00:33:07,119 under his perfect teaching. 667 00:33:07,880 –> 00:33:09,680 Do you still have no faith? 668 00:33:09,680 –> 00:33:12,439 Do you still not understand? 669 00:33:12,439 –> 00:33:17,439 Folks, honestly, when I look at my own sins 670 00:33:18,280 –> 00:33:22,560 and I look at the many gifts of God in my life 671 00:33:22,560 –> 00:33:25,479 that I take too often for granted 672 00:33:26,560 –> 00:33:29,880 and I look at the slow pace of my own progress 673 00:33:29,880 –> 00:33:31,359 in the Christian life, 674 00:33:31,359 –> 00:33:33,959 it is absolutely amazing to me 675 00:33:33,959 –> 00:33:36,839 that Jesus Christ would not throw up his hands 676 00:33:37,319 –> 00:33:39,520 and say, I’m done with him. 677 00:33:39,520 –> 00:33:41,599 He isn’t worth it. 678 00:33:41,599 –> 00:33:43,459 Don’t you feel that about yourself? 679 00:33:45,439 –> 00:33:48,839 But our savior never tires of doing good. 680 00:33:48,839 –> 00:33:49,939 Isn’t that amazing? 681 00:33:50,900 –> 00:33:51,959 He never tires. 682 00:33:52,920 –> 00:33:55,219 Your salvation hangs on him. 683 00:33:55,219 –> 00:33:56,439 You consider him, 684 00:33:57,359 –> 00:33:59,199 you’ll find strength coming into your soul 685 00:33:59,199 –> 00:34:01,900 to persevere with all the difficulties you’re facing. 686 00:34:03,760 –> 00:34:05,520 Then here’s another strategy, 687 00:34:05,599 –> 00:34:08,439 which is just very practical and very brief, very simple. 688 00:34:10,020 –> 00:34:11,320 Because these are things we all face 689 00:34:11,320 –> 00:34:13,639 and we all have to deal with. 690 00:34:13,639 –> 00:34:15,100 But the Bible encourages us, 691 00:34:15,100 –> 00:34:18,320 not only to look back at what Christ has accomplished, 692 00:34:18,320 –> 00:34:22,639 but to look around at what Christ’s people endure. 693 00:34:22,639 –> 00:34:24,800 And thinking here of first Peter chapter five 694 00:34:24,800 –> 00:34:25,820 in verse nine. 695 00:34:27,020 –> 00:34:28,899 And let me tell you honestly, 696 00:34:28,899 –> 00:34:30,959 we all have times when we feel sorry for ourselves, 697 00:34:30,959 –> 00:34:32,399 don’t we? 698 00:34:32,399 –> 00:34:35,260 When I feel sorry for myself 699 00:34:35,260 –> 00:34:38,800 and I start thinking that I carry a heavy burden, 700 00:34:40,139 –> 00:34:42,580 I have found it over the years 701 00:34:42,580 –> 00:34:45,260 wonderfully helpful to look at the burdens 702 00:34:45,260 –> 00:34:47,080 that other Christians are carrying. 703 00:34:47,080 –> 00:34:47,939 That helps me. 704 00:34:47,939 –> 00:34:49,120 It strengthens me. 705 00:34:50,500 –> 00:34:52,860 And that’s exactly the point that Peter makes 706 00:34:52,860 –> 00:34:54,340 in 1 Peter 5, 9. 707 00:34:54,340 –> 00:34:57,139 He talks about what it takes to stand up to Satan. 708 00:34:57,139 –> 00:34:58,719 And he says, now, here’s what you do. 709 00:34:58,719 –> 00:35:01,620 You resist him and you stand firm in the faith 710 00:35:01,719 –> 00:35:06,260 because you know that your brothers throughout the world 711 00:35:06,260 –> 00:35:08,000 are undergoing the same kind of suffering. 712 00:35:08,000 –> 00:35:08,840 In other words, 713 00:35:08,840 –> 00:35:10,780 remember that there’s a whole world of Christian believers 714 00:35:10,780 –> 00:35:12,879 and they’re all carrying unique burdens 715 00:35:12,879 –> 00:35:16,260 and they’re all facing the same activity of the tempter. 716 00:35:16,260 –> 00:35:18,260 Remember that. 717 00:35:18,260 –> 00:35:22,219 The sufferings of other Christians help us to resist Satan. 718 00:35:22,219 –> 00:35:24,820 Knowing the burdens that others carry 719 00:35:24,820 –> 00:35:27,719 will help you to carry your own. 720 00:35:28,959 –> 00:35:30,739 I feel sorry for myself. 721 00:35:30,739 –> 00:35:33,399 The best thing I can do is go visit someone in need. 722 00:35:35,060 –> 00:35:36,879 And I look at what they’re carrying and I say, 723 00:35:36,879 –> 00:35:39,639 oh God, why did I ever complain? 724 00:35:40,820 –> 00:35:42,020 Why did I ever complain? 725 00:35:43,939 –> 00:35:46,879 Pastor Ted Olson has a wonderful, wonderful phrase 726 00:35:46,879 –> 00:35:48,860 that I found so helpful. 727 00:35:50,439 –> 00:35:53,159 He says, irrigate your soul 728 00:35:54,459 –> 00:35:57,300 in the joys and sorrows of other people. 729 00:35:57,300 –> 00:35:59,080 Isn’t that beautiful? 730 00:35:59,080 –> 00:36:01,340 Irrigate your soul, water your soul, 731 00:36:01,340 –> 00:36:04,719 replenish your soul, renew your strength how? 732 00:36:04,719 –> 00:36:08,600 By touching the joys 733 00:36:08,600 –> 00:36:11,679 and the sorrows of other people. 734 00:36:13,040 –> 00:36:15,520 And then here’s a third and final strategy 735 00:36:15,520 –> 00:36:17,919 and again, a very practical one 736 00:36:17,919 –> 00:36:20,439 to help us in these most difficult times 737 00:36:20,439 –> 00:36:21,719 that all of us will encounter 738 00:36:21,719 –> 00:36:23,860 and many of us will be there today. 739 00:36:25,620 –> 00:36:28,360 Look forward to what Christ has promised. 740 00:36:28,360 –> 00:36:30,360 This is all over the Bible 741 00:36:30,360 –> 00:36:32,239 because you cannot endure 742 00:36:32,239 –> 00:36:36,459 through the difficulties of life without hope. 743 00:36:36,459 –> 00:36:38,360 Remember how Isaiah put this? 744 00:36:38,360 –> 00:36:41,520 It is those who hope in the Lord 745 00:36:41,520 –> 00:36:43,000 who will renew their strength. 746 00:36:43,000 –> 00:36:45,479 That’s Isaiah 40 and verse 31. 747 00:36:45,479 –> 00:36:48,459 And here’s how Paul puts it in second Corinthians, 748 00:36:48,459 –> 00:36:51,520 we don’t lose heart he says why? 749 00:36:51,520 –> 00:36:54,699 Because we fix our eyes not on what is seen 750 00:36:54,699 –> 00:36:57,919 but on what is unseen and on what is eternal. 751 00:37:00,899 –> 00:37:05,899 You folks know I very, very rarely tell a sports story 752 00:37:06,419 –> 00:37:10,340 almost never, but I will just as we wrap up today. 753 00:37:12,020 –> 00:37:14,540 I have always enjoyed tennis 754 00:37:14,540 –> 00:37:18,100 and my tennis hero is Jimmy Connors. 755 00:37:18,100 –> 00:37:19,540 Anyone else like Jimmy Connors? 756 00:37:19,540 –> 00:37:21,540 I love Jimmy Connors. 757 00:37:21,540 –> 00:37:24,139 To my mind, he was not the most gifted 758 00:37:24,260 –> 00:37:26,179 of players what I loved about him 759 00:37:26,179 –> 00:37:29,979 and love about him still was his sheer determination. 760 00:37:29,979 –> 00:37:31,540 Well, one year at Wimbledon 761 00:37:31,540 –> 00:37:33,520 and those of you who love tennis 762 00:37:33,520 –> 00:37:37,219 I guess, we’ll remember this as I do so vividly, 763 00:37:37,219 –> 00:37:38,899 Jimmy Connors was playing a guy 764 00:37:38,899 –> 00:37:43,179 by the name of Mikel Pernfors 765 00:37:44,080 –> 00:37:45,959 and Connors was in trouble. 766 00:37:47,179 –> 00:37:51,340 Two sets down, six one, six one 767 00:37:51,340 –> 00:37:54,419 and four one down in the third. 768 00:37:55,320 –> 00:37:58,439 And on top of that, he was nursing a leg injury, 769 00:37:58,439 –> 00:37:59,979 they had to bring out the doctor, 770 00:37:59,979 –> 00:38:03,879 treatment at the side of the court and all the rest of it, 771 00:38:03,879 –> 00:38:08,879 and incredibly, he came back to win the match. 772 00:38:09,219 –> 00:38:11,419 I can see myself sitting in the car 773 00:38:11,419 –> 00:38:14,419 pulling in the side of the road, huddled over the radio, 774 00:38:14,419 –> 00:38:16,139 I was on my way to take part in a meeting, 775 00:38:16,139 –> 00:38:18,659 I didn’t want to leave the radio, was so exciting 776 00:38:18,659 –> 00:38:21,199 and the joy of seeing it in the television later at night 777 00:38:21,280 –> 00:38:22,239 when I came home. 778 00:38:23,919 –> 00:38:25,399 And what I will never forget 779 00:38:26,560 –> 00:38:30,560 is how afterwards, an interviewer said to him this, 780 00:38:32,600 –> 00:38:37,560 you’re 34 years old and you’re carrying a leg injury, 781 00:38:39,040 –> 00:38:40,840 and you’re two sets down 782 00:38:40,840 –> 00:38:43,280 and you’re four games to one behind, 783 00:38:44,379 –> 00:38:46,500 and you’ve already won all this stuff, 784 00:38:46,939 –> 00:38:51,500 I say, don’t you ever even for a moment think to yourself, 785 00:38:51,500 –> 00:38:53,040 is this really worth it? 786 00:38:55,040 –> 00:38:56,419 And Connors looks straight at the interviewer 787 00:38:56,419 –> 00:39:00,739 and he said, it is always worth it. 788 00:39:00,739 –> 00:39:04,679 I love that, it is always worth it. 789 00:39:06,459 –> 00:39:08,959 And I want to say to you today, 790 00:39:08,959 –> 00:39:13,580 never tired of doing what is right, 791 00:39:13,580 –> 00:39:15,600 it is always worth it. 792 00:39:16,939 –> 00:39:21,399 It is always worth it and supremely for this reason, 793 00:39:22,340 –> 00:39:25,639 Jesus said, even a cup of cold water, 794 00:39:25,639 –> 00:39:29,159 the smallest act of kindness that is done in his name 795 00:39:29,159 –> 00:39:32,659 will have its reward, that’s what he said. 796 00:39:32,659 –> 00:39:35,659 And one day you are going to stand 797 00:39:35,659 –> 00:39:38,080 in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. 798 00:39:38,080 –> 00:39:40,600 And if you were a Christian on that day, 799 00:39:41,580 –> 00:39:44,860 every act that honored Christ, 800 00:39:44,860 –> 00:39:48,020 every decision to do what is right, 801 00:39:48,020 –> 00:39:50,159 every sacrifice you have ever made 802 00:39:50,159 –> 00:39:52,679 throughout the long years of your Christian life 803 00:39:52,679 –> 00:39:57,020 will be of infinite value, gloriously worth it. 804 00:39:57,979 –> 00:40:02,760 You will never regret one good deed that you have done. 805 00:40:02,760 –> 00:40:05,219 You will never regret one sacrifice 806 00:40:05,219 –> 00:40:07,020 that you have made for Jesus Christ. 807 00:40:07,020 –> 00:40:10,239 You will never regret one costly decision 808 00:40:10,239 –> 00:40:13,340 to do what is right when you are in the presence of Jesus. 809 00:40:13,340 –> 00:40:18,340 So look at what is ahead, look at what He promises, 810 00:40:20,600 –> 00:40:21,780 and press on. 811 00:40:23,120 –> 00:40:23,959 Press on. 812 00:40:25,760 –> 00:40:27,260 Let’s pray together, shall we? 813 00:40:29,939 –> 00:40:31,959 He is no fool 814 00:40:34,739 –> 00:40:36,939 who gives up what he cannot keep 815 00:40:38,879 –> 00:40:40,739 to gain what he cannot lose. 816 00:40:44,340 –> 00:40:46,540 Father, 817 00:40:49,000 –> 00:40:52,800 in this moment, when we are all bowed before you, 818 00:40:52,800 –> 00:40:55,159 I want to pray especially for 819 00:40:56,820 –> 00:40:57,840 the person, 820 00:40:59,500 –> 00:41:01,020 and there are many of us, 821 00:41:02,739 –> 00:41:04,219 who is discouraged, 822 00:41:06,719 –> 00:41:10,379 who’s tired, to the point of feeling an exhaustion, 823 00:41:13,360 –> 00:41:16,840 who is severely tempted at this very moment, 824 00:41:16,840 –> 00:41:19,399 and at this very time in life by Satan, 825 00:41:23,560 –> 00:41:27,020 Father in your mercy, and in your grace, 826 00:41:28,719 –> 00:41:31,159 strengthen your people through your word, 827 00:41:31,159 –> 00:41:32,580 and by your Holy spirit. 828 00:41:35,000 –> 00:41:38,060 Thank you that your word is food to our souls. 829 00:41:40,800 –> 00:41:42,379 Our dear Lord, strengthen us 830 00:41:42,379 –> 00:41:44,840 as we have looked at the Lord Jesus Christ, 831 00:41:46,860 –> 00:41:49,340 as we are gathered in the company of other believers 832 00:41:49,340 –> 00:41:51,419 who are also bearing great burdens, 833 00:41:53,360 –> 00:41:54,979 and as we anticipate the day 834 00:41:54,979 –> 00:41:57,139 when faith will be turned to sight, 835 00:41:57,139 –> 00:42:01,699 and the long weary warfare of the Christian life 836 00:42:01,699 –> 00:42:04,399 will be ended, and glory will be begun. 837 00:42:07,219 –> 00:42:10,800 And we shall know that it is gloriously worth it 838 00:42:13,239 –> 00:42:16,020 to teach us to live, we pray, 839 00:42:17,459 –> 00:42:20,479 with grace and with perseverance, in the light of that day. 840 00:42:22,159 –> 00:42:24,239 And all these things we ask for your praise 841 00:42:24,239 –> 00:42:27,199 and for your glory in God’s people together, said.