WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:19.200 Hi, and welcome to the Willow Ridge Church weekly podcast. 00:00:19.720 --> 00:00:22.820 This is where you can find audio for our current and past sermons. 00:00:23.180 --> 00:00:27.360 We hope that you enjoy this week's installment, and be sure to check back next week to hear 00:00:27.360 --> 00:00:28.180 the latest message. 00:00:28.180 --> 00:00:29.400 Thanks for listening. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:42.020 Good morning. 00:00:42.880 --> 00:00:47.480 If you've got your Bibles, go ahead and open them up to 1 Corinthians chapter 4. 00:00:47.600 --> 00:00:52.420 It's where we're going to be as we continue on in our study of this letter. 00:00:52.660 --> 00:00:58.020 As you turn there, hopefully everybody was able to stop by and grab the elements for the 00:00:58.020 --> 00:00:58.660 Lord's Supper. 00:00:58.980 --> 00:01:02.920 If you did not, at the end of our message, we'll be taking the Lord's Supper together 00:01:02.920 --> 00:01:04.100 as a church family. 00:01:04.480 --> 00:01:07.560 And so if you're a believer, follower of Jesus Christ, whether you're a member of this church 00:01:07.560 --> 00:01:10.720 or not, we'd like to give you that opportunity to do that with us. 00:01:10.940 --> 00:01:15.520 And if you did not grab one, they're right back over here behind our camera area. 00:01:15.640 --> 00:01:16.920 Pastor Dave is back there. 00:01:17.440 --> 00:01:21.780 No one will judge you if you want to get up and go ahead and grab one, but would love for 00:01:21.780 --> 00:01:23.360 you to have that. 00:01:23.360 --> 00:01:31.840 It's been a practice that we've put into place for us the first Sunday of every month to obey 00:01:31.840 --> 00:01:36.060 what God's called us to do in partaking of the Lord's Supper together. 00:01:36.420 --> 00:01:38.780 And so our practice is we do that once a month. 00:01:38.880 --> 00:01:43.660 If you're joining us at home, you know, grab what you can from your house and we will encourage 00:01:43.660 --> 00:01:46.620 you to take this with us as well. 00:01:46.620 --> 00:01:50.820 Well, it's been an interesting journey in 1 Corinthians. 00:01:51.020 --> 00:01:54.500 I hope you're enjoying your quiet time of reading through this together. 00:01:54.720 --> 00:01:57.840 I hope you're enjoying working through this with your small group. 00:01:58.000 --> 00:02:01.540 And I know that I'm enjoying preparing as we go through this. 00:02:01.660 --> 00:02:06.500 Now, what we're going to, what we're working toward, and I believe, yep, next week, we're 00:02:06.500 --> 00:02:11.380 going to kind of get to some of these really practical examples of this church that is really 00:02:11.380 --> 00:02:15.880 kind of crumbling within itself of some of the sinful practice that are beginning to take 00:02:15.880 --> 00:02:16.200 root. 00:02:16.440 --> 00:02:22.760 But what we've been looking at over these first four chapters is Paul, as he deals with 00:02:22.760 --> 00:02:25.500 some of the divisions that are in the church. 00:02:25.620 --> 00:02:30.820 And so week, actually week one, when we were at home for the ice storm that didn't really 00:02:30.820 --> 00:02:33.760 happen, right, we kind of gave the background information. 00:02:34.200 --> 00:02:37.800 And then the next week we came in, gathered together, we talked through chapter one. 00:02:37.940 --> 00:02:40.120 And then last week we talked about chapter two. 00:02:40.280 --> 00:02:42.440 Now, I didn't really get to go into chapter three. 00:02:42.580 --> 00:02:46.980 So just kind of really quickly, I want to hit some high points because we need to understand 00:02:46.980 --> 00:02:50.560 where Paul is going as we get into chapter four this morning. 00:02:50.560 --> 00:02:55.840 Now, the whole time what we've been seeing is that Paul is dealing with, from the very 00:02:55.840 --> 00:02:59.500 beginning, the divisions that were in the church. 00:02:59.720 --> 00:03:05.460 And these divisions were over church leadership of different ones saying, you know, I follow 00:03:05.460 --> 00:03:06.000 Paul. 00:03:06.160 --> 00:03:08.900 Some saying, I follow Cephas, who is Peter. 00:03:09.100 --> 00:03:11.180 Others saying, I follow Apollos. 00:03:11.240 --> 00:03:16.880 And so we're navigating through as Paul's breaking that down and says, no, no, no, no, no, we're 00:03:16.880 --> 00:03:17.960 following Christ. 00:03:18.020 --> 00:03:19.840 It's the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:03:19.840 --> 00:03:21.600 It's not the gospel of Paul. 00:03:21.860 --> 00:03:24.120 It's the crucifixion of Christ. 00:03:24.240 --> 00:03:27.260 It's the baptism in Christ's name. 00:03:27.400 --> 00:03:30.060 And these are all things that we are pointing them to. 00:03:30.060 --> 00:03:36.500 And so Paul's breaking down this church division by saying, no, no, no, it's not about following 00:03:36.500 --> 00:03:37.020 man. 00:03:37.440 --> 00:03:39.780 It's about following Christ. 00:03:40.760 --> 00:03:44.520 And then in chapter three, what we missed, and I'm not going to do it justice. 00:03:44.700 --> 00:03:47.580 And if you haven't, please spend some time reading in this. 00:03:47.780 --> 00:03:54.540 But Paul shifts the conversation a little bit away from the overall church body of dealing 00:03:54.540 --> 00:03:55.760 with the issues in the church body. 00:03:55.920 --> 00:04:04.080 And he begins to explain biblical church leadership of what church leadership is there to do and 00:04:04.080 --> 00:04:06.540 what church leadership is there to build on. 00:04:06.540 --> 00:04:15.300 And this is what we've continued on in working in our church and every Bible-believing, Bible-following, 00:04:15.380 --> 00:04:16.800 Christ-believing church. 00:04:16.840 --> 00:04:22.660 And he says, first and foremost, that church leadership is there to do the work of God. 00:04:22.760 --> 00:04:23.960 Like, that's what we're here for. 00:04:24.540 --> 00:04:25.720 That's why we exist. 00:04:26.380 --> 00:04:27.840 That's what we pray for. 00:04:27.920 --> 00:04:29.040 That's what we long for. 00:04:29.120 --> 00:04:32.700 That is, church leaders, we're not here to do our work. 00:04:32.780 --> 00:04:34.160 We're not here to do your work. 00:04:34.260 --> 00:04:36.300 We're here to do God's work. 00:04:36.880 --> 00:04:39.820 But that it's a continual process. 00:04:40.620 --> 00:04:44.940 And it's a continual thing that continues to grow and to function. 00:04:45.160 --> 00:04:49.700 And so, church leadership is building toward the future. 00:04:50.040 --> 00:04:50.320 All right? 00:04:51.620 --> 00:04:55.140 And we see some healthy evidence of that, even in the context of who we are. 00:04:55.340 --> 00:05:00.160 I don't know if you know the history of our church, of Willow Ridge Church, but Willow Ridge 00:05:00.160 --> 00:05:06.060 Church was planted in 1979 out of Red Bank Baptist Church right down the road. 00:05:06.400 --> 00:05:12.380 And what I love about that and what has continued on in the culture and DNA, and yeah, maybe people 00:05:12.380 --> 00:05:14.480 aren't supposed to do this, but they are supposed to do this, right? 00:05:14.600 --> 00:05:16.560 Let's talk really well about the church right down the road. 00:05:16.680 --> 00:05:22.240 They've got a DNA built in and of themselves that says it's important that the gospel spreads, 00:05:22.500 --> 00:05:25.960 that the kingdom spreads, and not just the kingdom of Red Bank Baptist. 00:05:26.120 --> 00:05:32.040 And so, what Red Bank Baptist did in 1979 and continues to do today is they press toward 00:05:32.040 --> 00:05:33.680 making sure the gospel is growing. 00:05:33.940 --> 00:05:40.200 And so, they decided to do that in 1979 by planting Agape Baptist Church that would later 00:05:40.200 --> 00:05:41.560 on become Willow Ridge Church. 00:05:41.660 --> 00:05:44.140 And they planted them right down the road, right? 00:05:44.460 --> 00:05:50.180 And they said, this is what's important and what we've seen from 1979 until today is the 00:05:50.180 --> 00:05:53.140 continuation of church leadership building toward the future. 00:05:53.440 --> 00:05:56.780 And so, it's not just for us, for tomorrow. 00:05:57.060 --> 00:05:58.700 It's not just for us until next week. 00:05:58.840 --> 00:06:03.240 It's not just for us until the next pastor comes and then it's a reset. 00:06:03.540 --> 00:06:03.860 No, no, no. 00:06:03.960 --> 00:06:08.880 It's continuing on building toward the future, but most importantly, with the foundation being 00:06:08.880 --> 00:06:09.320 Christ. 00:06:09.760 --> 00:06:14.900 And that everything is done that is done in his name and for his glory. 00:06:15.500 --> 00:06:20.980 But what we see in this and what we love and what we celebrate within our family and within 00:06:20.980 --> 00:06:26.240 the congregation of the church is that we build through people, through generations. 00:06:27.340 --> 00:06:30.740 And so, I like to think of it like this, whether you're looking at your church family or you're 00:06:30.740 --> 00:06:32.200 looking at your own family. 00:06:32.420 --> 00:06:38.800 Like, I come from a generation, or generations, I'm sorry, of believers. 00:06:39.200 --> 00:06:42.700 Now, that didn't earn me the right to be saved, okay? 00:06:42.920 --> 00:06:49.480 So, my salvation is not passed down from my grandfather to my dad to me, right? 00:06:49.800 --> 00:06:55.680 But my faith has been exhibited, has been modeled, and has been lived out for me. 00:06:55.680 --> 00:07:01.640 And so, when I celebrate all that God is doing, I celebrate the generations of believers in 00:07:01.640 --> 00:07:03.500 my family that God has blessed me with. 00:07:03.900 --> 00:07:10.580 But it also reminds me of the incredible work that God is doing, and some of you in here today 00:07:10.580 --> 00:07:14.820 fall into this category where you are the first generation believer in your family. 00:07:15.160 --> 00:07:17.580 Like, you didn't, mom and dad didn't follow Christ. 00:07:17.840 --> 00:07:20.060 Grandma and grandpa didn't follow Christ. 00:07:20.060 --> 00:07:26.660 But yet, you choose to follow Jesus and are saved by him, that transforming work that is 00:07:26.660 --> 00:07:26.900 there. 00:07:27.140 --> 00:07:30.560 And so, you continue to build on that. 00:07:31.120 --> 00:07:33.440 And that's what we celebrate and what we see. 00:07:33.860 --> 00:07:39.840 So, now, as we look at chapter 4, which we're going to focus on this morning, Paul is going 00:07:39.840 --> 00:07:44.180 to focus in on, in fact, if your Bible is like mine, it probably has some of these titles 00:07:44.180 --> 00:07:46.820 that were added later on, we're not originally there. 00:07:46.820 --> 00:07:49.640 But mine says, the ministry of the apostles. 00:07:50.480 --> 00:07:55.380 And so, what Paul is going to do in chapter 4 is say, here's what we are here to do, but 00:07:55.380 --> 00:07:58.700 also, more importantly, here's who we are to be. 00:07:59.400 --> 00:08:05.800 And what I want to look at this morning and talk about is characteristics of church leadership. 00:08:06.400 --> 00:08:07.100 But here's the deal. 00:08:07.900 --> 00:08:14.140 While the context here is church leaders, so like, church, run this through the filter 00:08:14.140 --> 00:08:18.000 of us as your leaders of who we are, of what we're doing, of what we're about. 00:08:18.000 --> 00:08:23.740 Do you believe this to be who we are and who we claim to be and how we live our life? 00:08:24.120 --> 00:08:31.100 But also, the application that I hope it hits for all of us is that we can take these truths 00:08:31.100 --> 00:08:38.120 and apply them to any area of our life in which God has called us, equipped us, and positioned 00:08:38.120 --> 00:08:39.640 us to lead, right? 00:08:39.880 --> 00:08:45.440 So we're going to take these and we're going to apply these to your business world, to your 00:08:45.440 --> 00:08:46.300 career path. 00:08:46.440 --> 00:08:51.340 We're going to take these and apply these to your family context in which God has placed 00:08:51.340 --> 00:08:54.320 you and in the community which you find yourself living in, right? 00:08:54.400 --> 00:08:59.320 Because as a believer, there's not the church identity that we put on when we come into these 00:08:59.320 --> 00:09:01.860 doors and say, this is who I am in Christ here. 00:09:01.860 --> 00:09:07.820 But in all of these, we live for His name and to model these things wherever God calls 00:09:07.820 --> 00:09:13.640 us and wherever God sends us, because all of these should reflect a life surrendered to 00:09:13.640 --> 00:09:14.000 Christ. 00:09:14.220 --> 00:09:19.260 So this isn't just like, hey, well, here's what I hold my small group leader to, my pastor 00:09:19.260 --> 00:09:20.700 to, my elders to. 00:09:20.960 --> 00:09:21.340 No, no, no. 00:09:21.500 --> 00:09:26.760 Here's what God is saying that as leaders, that this is what God has called us to, and as 00:09:26.760 --> 00:09:29.640 those who have surrendered to Christ, this is what we're going to model in our life. 00:09:29.640 --> 00:09:36.060 So whether you're a nurse, whether you're a dad, whether you run the HOA in your neighborhood, 00:09:36.280 --> 00:09:38.700 which pray for you, because I know that's difficult, right? 00:09:40.680 --> 00:09:42.660 This is the standard that God calls you to as a believer. 00:09:44.280 --> 00:09:46.380 We don't get to say, no, no, no, the business world's different. 00:09:47.800 --> 00:09:49.880 We don't get to say, no, no, no, no, school's different. 00:09:50.800 --> 00:09:55.120 We don't get to say, no, no, no, no, my home is different, my neighborhood is different. 00:09:55.840 --> 00:10:00.100 No, no, no, no, God's called us to believers and live out his faithfulness with where we 00:10:00.100 --> 00:10:00.220 are. 00:10:00.300 --> 00:10:03.060 So let's start reading 1 Corinthians 4 verse 1. 00:10:04.860 --> 00:10:10.320 Paul says, this is how one should regard us, talking about leadership here, as servants 00:10:10.320 --> 00:10:14.100 of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 00:10:14.940 --> 00:10:19.980 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 00:10:20.740 --> 00:10:23.100 All right, so a couple of things that we want to look at from these two verses. 00:10:23.260 --> 00:10:28.020 Number one of what Paul points us to as leaders, who we are to be, is faithful servants. 00:10:28.780 --> 00:10:29.440 Faithful servants. 00:10:30.000 --> 00:10:35.680 Paul defines his primary servant here as being a servant to Christ. 00:10:36.440 --> 00:10:39.080 Yes, there is a call to serve one another. 00:10:39.220 --> 00:10:43.540 Like, we can't eliminate that from scripture continually over and over again. 00:10:43.540 --> 00:10:47.820 We are called to, we are challenged to serve one another in the body. 00:10:47.980 --> 00:10:52.060 So we serve each of us in the context of our church family, of who we are. 00:10:52.180 --> 00:10:56.780 And we are called to serve out of here to others who are part of the other church's bodies, 00:10:56.880 --> 00:10:59.060 to those who are not part, to those who are lost. 00:10:59.180 --> 00:11:00.280 We are called to serve. 00:11:00.560 --> 00:11:07.540 But Paul says here that the primary servant of who we serve from is that we are servants of Christ. 00:11:07.540 --> 00:11:10.860 And this is the primary expectation for our life. 00:11:11.060 --> 00:11:12.180 So why does this matter? 00:11:12.480 --> 00:11:18.100 Why do we understand that most importantly, that our service is aligned with him and him alone? 00:11:18.280 --> 00:11:20.360 A couple things that I'm able to draw from this. 00:11:20.640 --> 00:11:26.700 Number one is then when I serve you, out of understanding that primarily I'm a servant of Christ, 00:11:26.860 --> 00:11:29.320 then I'm no longer serving you out of selfish motivation. 00:11:30.360 --> 00:11:36.280 I'm no longer serving you because of what you can bring, what you can give, or how you can benefit me. 00:11:36.820 --> 00:11:36.940 Right? 00:11:37.380 --> 00:11:39.380 It's what matters because I'm not serving you. 00:11:39.480 --> 00:11:40.400 You aren't my object. 00:11:40.540 --> 00:11:41.540 You aren't my focus. 00:11:41.820 --> 00:11:42.460 Christ is. 00:11:42.640 --> 00:11:45.660 And so I'm not serving you out of selfish motivation. 00:11:45.660 --> 00:11:50.700 But then also within this, I can now serve those who seek to do me harm. 00:11:51.560 --> 00:11:54.200 I can now serve those who seek to persecute me. 00:11:55.100 --> 00:11:58.160 Or let's maybe talk a little bit more of our sinful tendencies in life. 00:11:58.440 --> 00:12:00.460 I can now serve those that I just don't like. 00:12:01.140 --> 00:12:01.320 All right? 00:12:02.020 --> 00:12:07.680 If we're called to go out and serve the world, we would admit there are those that are easy to serve. 00:12:07.840 --> 00:12:10.040 And we would also admit that there are those difficult to serve. 00:12:11.700 --> 00:12:19.940 But if our service is not aimed at them, if our service is aimed at Christ, then we can serve them. 00:12:20.740 --> 00:12:22.640 So you are not the bullseye for me. 00:12:22.760 --> 00:12:24.360 My wife is not the bullseye for me. 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:26.080 My kids are not the bullseye for me. 00:12:26.200 --> 00:12:27.700 My neighbors aren't the bullseye for me. 00:12:27.900 --> 00:12:28.300 No, no, no, no. 00:12:28.600 --> 00:12:29.400 Christ is. 00:12:30.300 --> 00:12:33.960 And so I serve you out of my love and of my obedience to him. 00:12:34.440 --> 00:12:39.120 So it does not matter the positives or negatives of which you bring because you are not my object of service. 00:12:39.380 --> 00:12:40.220 That Christ is. 00:12:41.020 --> 00:12:42.660 And that's the serving that we call to. 00:12:42.880 --> 00:12:44.240 So I'm going to begin by asking you this. 00:12:44.380 --> 00:12:45.440 How are you doing in serving? 00:12:46.500 --> 00:12:48.980 As leaders, what does that look like? 00:12:50.320 --> 00:12:51.680 How are you serving your family? 00:12:52.660 --> 00:12:53.980 How are you serving at work? 00:12:55.000 --> 00:12:57.640 How are you serving in the community in which God has placed you, right? 00:12:58.140 --> 00:13:01.660 In your neighborhood, at your ball teams, at your dance studios, where God has. 00:13:01.860 --> 00:13:04.360 Like, how are you serving within this? 00:13:05.160 --> 00:13:07.800 Are we receiving or are we serving? 00:13:08.360 --> 00:13:14.320 And then the next thing that Paul talks about in these verses is he calls us not only to be a faithful servant, 00:13:14.440 --> 00:13:17.160 but he calls us also to be a faithful steward, right? 00:13:17.560 --> 00:13:21.920 Now, again, when we talk about stewardship, oftentimes we think about something else. 00:13:21.940 --> 00:13:23.660 When we talk about money, right? 00:13:24.060 --> 00:13:29.540 How to be obedient, how to be responsible with the financial matters that God has entrusted you with. 00:13:29.580 --> 00:13:31.160 How are you a good steward of those? 00:13:31.400 --> 00:13:32.540 And that is biblically true. 00:13:32.680 --> 00:13:34.000 That's what we are to do. 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:40.460 We are to take the money that God gives us, that God blesses us with, and we are to be a steward of that. 00:13:40.640 --> 00:13:41.880 We're not to just be a saver. 00:13:42.140 --> 00:13:43.340 We're not just to be a spender. 00:13:43.600 --> 00:13:44.820 We're not just to be a giver. 00:13:45.080 --> 00:13:48.660 But in all of those, we look at this and say, God, this is what you blessed me. 00:13:48.880 --> 00:13:50.340 How am I a steward of this? 00:13:50.500 --> 00:13:54.860 But Paul here is talking about a different type of stewardship, right? 00:13:55.000 --> 00:13:59.800 He's talking about one that is going to specifically point to the eternal matters which are at hand. 00:13:59.800 --> 00:14:05.040 And he says, as leaders, that we are stewards of the mercies of God. 00:14:05.260 --> 00:14:07.060 I'm sorry, the mysteries of God. 00:14:07.140 --> 00:14:09.660 And he's talking about what we looked at last week with the gospel. 00:14:10.820 --> 00:14:13.340 So how are you being a steward of the gospel? 00:14:14.100 --> 00:14:22.120 How are you looking as what God has given you, what God has granted you to be a steward of that with where God has placed you? 00:14:22.800 --> 00:14:46.720 One of the things I heard a guy talk about one time that I really loved and that clung to me and this visual stuck to me is he said, regardless of who you are, regardless if you're the boss or the employee, regardless if you're the wealthiest or the poorest, regardless of if you're the oldest or the youngest, where God has placed you is around you as a circle of influence. 00:14:46.860 --> 00:14:55.940 That every time, every time, every day, every moment in your life, there's opportunities that God has given you to influence those around you. 00:14:56.140 --> 00:15:03.580 And he's talking about this is the true aspect of leadership, that in this, how are you leading people in your circle of influence? 00:15:03.840 --> 00:15:10.380 And so church, I want to ask you, how are you doing in your circle of influence with the gospel that you've been entrusted with? 00:15:11.940 --> 00:15:13.900 What does that look like in your life? 00:15:14.720 --> 00:15:27.300 Are you working to have gospel conversations, seeking to serve so that the moment opens up and then when God graciously opens the door to have those conversations, are you taking them? 00:15:28.380 --> 00:15:30.460 Are you taking them so that you can share? 00:15:31.000 --> 00:15:39.480 Are you taking them so that you can lead people, draw people to the beautiful gospel that God has entrusted you with, right? 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:43.300 That this is what he has for us, and this is what we are to do. 00:15:43.720 --> 00:15:51.240 And I love that in both of these, in both being a servant and to being a steward, the challenge isn't to simply be those. 00:15:52.000 --> 00:15:58.520 But there was a word that I added to each one of those that we pulled from for scripture, and it says that we are to be faithful in both, right? 00:15:59.220 --> 00:16:00.820 And so I thought, what does it mean to be faithful? 00:16:01.860 --> 00:16:02.840 What does it mean to be faithful? 00:16:04.160 --> 00:16:05.720 What does it mean to be faithful to your spouse? 00:16:06.940 --> 00:16:09.080 What does it mean to be faithful to your employer? 00:16:09.960 --> 00:16:11.400 What does it mean to be faithful to God? 00:16:12.220 --> 00:16:17.680 That it's not simply something that we do, but it's who we are. 00:16:18.460 --> 00:16:31.280 That what we are seeking is not to have actions of being a servant, of actions of being a steward, but that through the power of the gospel, it's simply who we are, right? 00:16:31.640 --> 00:16:34.820 I don't have to be reminded that I need to be faithful to my wife. 00:16:36.140 --> 00:16:40.140 Because I know because it's who I am, because of what God is doing in me, right? 00:16:40.460 --> 00:16:46.400 And that's what Paul is reminding, that in these, that we are found faithful. 00:16:46.660 --> 00:16:51.380 It's not necessarily just what we do, but it's who you are consistently. 00:16:52.020 --> 00:16:53.220 And there's an important reason for this. 00:16:53.260 --> 00:16:54.380 Let's look at verse 3. 00:16:56.040 --> 00:16:56.440 Paul says, 00:16:56.440 --> 00:17:03.760 But with me, it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:06.740 In fact, I do not even judge myself. 00:17:07.400 --> 00:17:12.960 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. 00:17:13.660 --> 00:17:15.400 It is the Lord who judges me. 00:17:16.460 --> 00:17:27.200 Therefore, do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness, and will disclose the purposes of the heart. 00:17:27.800 --> 00:17:31.780 Then each one will receive his commendation from God. 00:17:32.940 --> 00:17:49.300 I have applied all these things to myself and to Paulos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 00:17:49.420 --> 00:17:51.040 There's so much in this. 00:17:51.040 --> 00:17:57.580 But as I look at leadership, one of the things that I want us to all be acknowledged and see within us is that we are accountable. 00:17:58.480 --> 00:17:59.380 We are accountable. 00:18:00.420 --> 00:18:03.120 As leaders, every single one of us is accountable. 00:18:03.360 --> 00:18:04.380 So let's look in areas. 00:18:04.660 --> 00:18:07.580 Inside the church, I'll look at myself and then outside the church, right? 00:18:07.700 --> 00:18:13.580 In business, in your employment, you're accountable to those who employ you, right? 00:18:13.840 --> 00:18:14.940 Now, here's where it is for me. 00:18:15.020 --> 00:18:15.920 I'm accountable to you. 00:18:17.360 --> 00:18:18.620 I'm accountable to our elders. 00:18:19.740 --> 00:18:24.500 I'm accountable to the lay leadership and to the congregation of the body of Christ. 00:18:25.320 --> 00:18:28.900 Let's say that I am accountable to them and to you, right? 00:18:29.180 --> 00:18:31.120 The second, in your family, right? 00:18:31.380 --> 00:18:34.200 You're accountable to those in your family. 00:18:34.260 --> 00:18:36.560 Kids, you're accountable to your parents. 00:18:37.080 --> 00:18:38.760 Parents, you're accountable to your kids. 00:18:39.060 --> 00:18:41.140 Spouses, you're accountable to each other. 00:18:41.340 --> 00:18:42.660 I'm accountable to my wife. 00:18:42.860 --> 00:18:44.000 I'm accountable to my kids. 00:18:44.120 --> 00:18:45.620 And they are accountable to me. 00:18:46.900 --> 00:18:53.860 In my community, I'm accountable to the people of Lexington as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. 00:18:54.640 --> 00:18:57.820 To be the neighbor that God has called me to be. 00:18:58.320 --> 00:19:02.020 To live in grace and truth and to seek to live in harmony with all. 00:19:02.840 --> 00:19:05.020 That's the accountability that God has placed me in. 00:19:05.160 --> 00:19:06.700 And that's the accountability that I have. 00:19:06.920 --> 00:19:12.940 But what Paul is talking about here, again, is like in the mindset of serving. 00:19:13.340 --> 00:19:21.840 Ultimately, though, I and you, before my wife, before you, before my kids, before my community, before everyone else, 00:19:22.180 --> 00:19:26.300 ultimately and supremely, I am accountable to God. 00:19:27.340 --> 00:19:32.020 This is who I answer to, and this is who I will ultimately answer to. 00:19:32.140 --> 00:19:33.480 Look at Midway 3, verse 5. 00:19:33.560 --> 00:19:39.380 Paul says, God will bring to life the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. 00:19:40.500 --> 00:19:44.800 Then each one will receive his commendation from God, right? 00:19:45.720 --> 00:19:46.960 I want to ask you this. 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:51.660 This has been the question that has hit me the hardest this week. 00:19:52.860 --> 00:20:00.320 Are you ready to give an account for how you lead in the circles of influence in the areas that God has entrusted you with? 00:20:01.560 --> 00:20:08.460 In your work, in your home, in your church, in your family, in your community. 00:20:09.240 --> 00:20:13.780 Are we open to the fact that we are accountable to God, right? 00:20:14.200 --> 00:20:24.140 When we look at the parable of the talents that Jesus shares, he gives some talents, and some go, and they grow them, and one goes and buries them. 00:20:24.500 --> 00:20:30.620 And the point as we navigate through this parable is Jesus comes back, the master comes back, and says, what did you do with these? 00:20:31.000 --> 00:20:32.820 I entrusted you with this. 00:20:33.000 --> 00:20:34.280 What did you do with this? 00:20:34.420 --> 00:20:35.640 What did you do with the gospel? 00:20:35.840 --> 00:20:39.860 As stewards of the gospel in your business, what is your end goal? 00:20:39.860 --> 00:20:43.540 As stewards of the gospel in your family, what is your end goal? 00:20:43.700 --> 00:20:47.540 As stewards of the gospel in your community, what is your end goal? 00:20:48.440 --> 00:20:58.200 If your goal is to grow your business so that you can retire wealthy and comfortable and fat, right, then we're missing it. 00:20:59.560 --> 00:21:12.340 If the goal of my family is to raise athletes and scholars, ultimately, then we're missing it. 00:21:13.840 --> 00:21:25.600 If the goal of my community is just so that everyone will like me, or maybe on the other side, right, for some of us, that no one will like me, right, then we're missing it. 00:21:26.660 --> 00:21:35.540 As stewards of the gospel in business, in my family, I'm going to tell you, I want my kids to thrive and succeed in so many areas. 00:21:37.100 --> 00:21:38.800 I'm having a hard time this weekend. 00:21:38.880 --> 00:21:47.120 They turned 14, which just makes me realize they're even closer to being 18 and being out of the house, and that's going to be a bad day, and I'm going to take a lot of time off for that, right? 00:21:48.920 --> 00:21:51.340 Still praying through a homeschool model for college, right? 00:21:51.420 --> 00:21:55.940 But I want them to thrive and I want them to succeed. 00:21:56.920 --> 00:21:58.080 Don't miss me on that. 00:21:59.360 --> 00:22:09.820 But more importantly, who I want them to be is who they are in Christ and impacting lives for the sake of the gospel beyond anything else. 00:22:10.720 --> 00:22:11.900 Beyond anything else. 00:22:13.140 --> 00:22:17.860 Does the goal of your business, does the goal of your career have a centeredness around the gospel? 00:22:19.180 --> 00:22:24.980 Does the goal where you live and the goal of your community, does it have a centeredness for the gospel? 00:22:25.700 --> 00:22:27.380 Because we will be accountable for these. 00:22:28.680 --> 00:22:31.780 Another trait, let's keep reading verse 7, a characteristic of leadership. 00:22:32.580 --> 00:22:34.600 For who sees anything different in you? 00:22:35.720 --> 00:22:38.520 What do you have that you did not receive? 00:22:39.400 --> 00:22:43.860 If you then received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? 00:22:44.620 --> 00:22:46.360 Already you have all you want. 00:22:47.260 --> 00:22:48.740 Already you have become rich. 00:22:49.820 --> 00:22:53.440 Without us, you have become kings. 00:22:53.920 --> 00:22:59.480 And with that, you did reign so that we might share the rule with you. 00:23:00.160 --> 00:23:10.780 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. 00:23:11.780 --> 00:23:16.520 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. 00:23:17.020 --> 00:23:18.140 We are weak. 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:19.540 You are strong. 00:23:20.020 --> 00:23:22.580 You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 00:23:23.380 --> 00:23:26.420 To the present hour, we hunger and thirst. 00:23:26.820 --> 00:23:29.060 We are poorly dressed, buffeted, and homeless. 00:23:29.620 --> 00:23:32.600 And we labor without working with our own hands. 00:23:33.200 --> 00:23:34.820 When reviled, we bless. 00:23:34.920 --> 00:23:36.480 When persecuted, we endure. 00:23:36.760 --> 00:23:38.300 When slandered, we entreat. 00:23:38.620 --> 00:23:44.960 We have become and are still like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things. 00:23:45.960 --> 00:23:47.700 As leaders, we're called to be humble. 00:23:49.040 --> 00:24:01.700 Now, I could talk a lot about humility in areas where God has grown me, needs to grow me, in areas that God points out to all of us very evidently and very clearly in Scripture. 00:24:02.120 --> 00:24:02.840 And we haven't arrived. 00:24:03.060 --> 00:24:05.680 And I feel like that's what we've done a lot over the last several weeks. 00:24:05.920 --> 00:24:10.140 But I just want to kind of hit one high point, especially concerning the gospel here. 00:24:10.300 --> 00:24:11.260 I want you to look back at verse 7. 00:24:13.260 --> 00:24:15.160 For who sees anything different in you? 00:24:16.520 --> 00:24:20.060 What did you do that you did not receive? 00:24:21.180 --> 00:24:27.740 If you then received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? 00:24:29.580 --> 00:24:32.840 I'm going to paint this picture for you, if I can. 00:24:33.920 --> 00:24:37.540 My grandfather, who many of you know, I talk about him often. 00:24:37.760 --> 00:24:40.880 He passed away years ago, right before Aaron and I got married. 00:24:42.060 --> 00:24:50.840 He served in the Army, served during World War II, was a part of a lot of different historical, well-known battles. 00:24:52.400 --> 00:25:02.900 And before he died, he actually gave to me a lot of the things that he had been able to keep and been able to salvage from his military career. 00:25:03.840 --> 00:25:07.980 He got pictures, he got some weapons, he got different things from his uniform. 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:16.500 And one of the things that he gave to me that I hold very dear to my heart are the bars from his uniform. 00:25:17.720 --> 00:25:22.800 Got them in a storage area in my closet where they'll be kept safe. 00:25:22.940 --> 00:25:26.140 And the way I lose things all the time, honestly, not be lost, right? 00:25:28.040 --> 00:25:29.440 It's what he entrusted to me. 00:25:30.500 --> 00:25:32.400 It's what he gave to me. 00:25:33.840 --> 00:25:38.620 Now, let's say there's a 4th of July celebration this summer. 00:25:39.880 --> 00:25:42.540 And I decide I'm going to put those on my shirt. 00:25:43.860 --> 00:25:45.260 I'm going to go out and I'm going to wear those. 00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.840 That wouldn't be right, would it? 00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:50.600 That's not what I've been called to do. 00:25:50.660 --> 00:25:52.040 That's not what I've been trusted with. 00:25:52.100 --> 00:25:52.360 Why? 00:25:53.260 --> 00:25:54.720 Because I didn't earn them. 00:25:55.720 --> 00:25:57.560 I wasn't the one on the battlefield. 00:25:57.860 --> 00:25:59.920 I wasn't the one that was paying the price. 00:25:59.920 --> 00:26:05.400 But instead, I've been entrusted by the one who did that to hold on to those. 00:26:05.680 --> 00:26:11.240 And that when I see those, when I'm reminded of those, to share the story of not only him, 00:26:11.360 --> 00:26:16.800 but so many different men and women who made the sacrifices that they made 00:26:16.800 --> 00:26:20.420 so that you and I could experience the life that we experience here. 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:26.160 But if I were to talk about them, they were mine, that would be a lie. 00:26:26.840 --> 00:26:28.640 Because I didn't earn them. 00:26:29.940 --> 00:26:31.080 And Paul says this. 00:26:32.360 --> 00:26:36.760 Why do you, as a person who received the gospel, 00:26:37.200 --> 00:26:41.520 treat it as if it's something that you did not receive, as if it's something that you earned? 00:26:42.380 --> 00:26:47.480 It's our humility that even our standing of what we find in Christ 00:26:47.480 --> 00:26:49.700 is that this is what he did. 00:26:50.000 --> 00:26:55.140 And this is why we live in the way that we live for the glory of his name. 00:26:55.880 --> 00:27:00.680 We've been entrusted with something to share, to reflect, to show, 00:27:00.920 --> 00:27:04.600 and to point people not to us, but to someone else. 00:27:05.560 --> 00:27:07.700 The ultimate sign of humility. 00:27:09.240 --> 00:27:13.580 And then lastly, let's finish reading out the chapter, starting in verse 14. 00:27:15.000 --> 00:27:15.880 Paul says this. 00:27:16.900 --> 00:27:18.200 I love these verses. 00:27:18.380 --> 00:27:23.740 Now, Paul's going to really lay the smack down on the rest of these, all right, these chapters. 00:27:24.320 --> 00:27:25.380 And here's how I start this off. 00:27:26.440 --> 00:27:30.620 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, 00:27:31.580 --> 00:27:35.900 but to admonish you as my beloved children. 00:27:37.700 --> 00:27:40.620 For though you have countless gods in Christ, 00:27:41.480 --> 00:27:44.280 you do not have many fathers. 00:27:45.960 --> 00:27:49.420 For I became your father in Christ through the gospel. 00:27:50.420 --> 00:27:54.340 I urge you then, be imitators of me. 00:27:55.400 --> 00:27:57.300 That is why I sent you, Timothy, 00:27:57.800 --> 00:28:00.520 my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, 00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:03.980 to remind you of my ways in Christ, 00:28:04.680 --> 00:28:08.480 as I teach them everywhere in every church. 00:28:09.320 --> 00:28:14.000 Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 00:28:14.500 --> 00:28:17.400 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills. 00:28:18.100 --> 00:28:22.620 And I will find out, not the talk of these arrogant people, but their power. 00:28:23.260 --> 00:28:27.660 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk, but in power. 00:28:28.400 --> 00:28:29.460 What do you wish? 00:28:30.120 --> 00:28:32.400 Shall I come to you with a rod, 00:28:33.140 --> 00:28:37.040 or with love in the spirit of gentleness? 00:28:38.960 --> 00:28:40.820 When we look at this passage of scripture, 00:28:41.320 --> 00:28:43.000 what is commonly referred to, 00:28:43.060 --> 00:28:44.500 and what we oftentimes see, 00:28:44.720 --> 00:28:46.820 is this element of church discipline. 00:28:47.800 --> 00:28:50.980 That here's what Paul is coming to do 00:28:50.980 --> 00:28:53.860 as there's this church that's gone off the rails. 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:57.120 That there's this church that's missing it. 00:28:57.600 --> 00:29:00.200 And that the rest of what we're going to see here 00:29:00.200 --> 00:29:03.660 are these punishments that are being leveraged 00:29:03.660 --> 00:29:06.000 from Paul to them 00:29:06.000 --> 00:29:07.640 because of how bad they are 00:29:07.640 --> 00:29:09.420 and how wrong they're doing things. 00:29:09.540 --> 00:29:12.480 And I don't believe at all that's the goal of what we're to see here. 00:29:13.160 --> 00:29:16.000 I think his leadership is what Paul pours into 00:29:16.000 --> 00:29:19.560 of what we're going to see in these eight verses right here 00:29:19.560 --> 00:29:23.840 is that Paul is pointing to leadership being disciple makers. 00:29:24.700 --> 00:29:27.240 And that's the goal of what we are to do. 00:29:27.980 --> 00:29:30.920 When Jesus entrusted us with the Great Commission, 00:29:31.220 --> 00:29:34.640 he calls us to go and make disciples. 00:29:36.140 --> 00:29:37.140 That's what we're to do. 00:29:37.800 --> 00:29:40.840 We are to go and to make disciples. 00:29:41.220 --> 00:29:43.220 And what we see from here 00:29:43.220 --> 00:29:46.940 is if we're going to be a leader in the sake of the gospel, 00:29:47.360 --> 00:29:52.040 if we're going to be a leader in seeking to make people follow Christ 00:29:52.040 --> 00:29:53.240 in our work, 00:29:53.340 --> 00:29:53.920 in our home, 00:29:53.980 --> 00:29:54.740 in our communities, 00:29:54.900 --> 00:29:57.300 that there's some evidence of what we need to be able to see 00:29:57.300 --> 00:29:58.500 from ourselves 00:29:58.500 --> 00:30:00.500 as the Great Commission calls us to this. 00:30:00.700 --> 00:30:02.240 The first thing that we're to be, 00:30:02.400 --> 00:30:04.140 that we are to see in our lives 00:30:04.140 --> 00:30:05.600 is what we call a spiritual parent. 00:30:06.160 --> 00:30:08.060 In order to be a disciple maker, 00:30:08.280 --> 00:30:10.080 we must be a spiritual parent. 00:30:10.420 --> 00:30:11.460 Look at verse 14 and 15. 00:30:12.820 --> 00:30:16.140 I do not write these things to make you ashamed. 00:30:16.340 --> 00:30:17.380 Let's pause for a second. 00:30:19.200 --> 00:30:19.760 Parents, 00:30:20.980 --> 00:30:24.620 in your love for your child, 00:30:25.260 --> 00:30:29.020 do you ever seek shame in their life? 00:30:29.800 --> 00:30:30.100 No. 00:30:31.280 --> 00:30:31.680 No. 00:30:32.840 --> 00:30:33.960 It destroys, 00:30:34.360 --> 00:30:35.600 it breaks down, 00:30:35.860 --> 00:30:36.920 it'll ruin them. 00:30:38.080 --> 00:30:40.420 Shame is the opposite of the gospel. 00:30:41.580 --> 00:30:43.880 Shame is what Christ came to work against. 00:30:43.880 --> 00:30:46.680 Shame is what the devil uses to bring us down. 00:30:47.580 --> 00:30:50.680 I do not write these things to make you ashamed. 00:30:51.660 --> 00:30:54.720 But to admonish you as my beloved children, right? 00:30:55.180 --> 00:30:55.620 Paul says, 00:30:55.800 --> 00:30:57.880 there's going to be some correction that takes place. 00:30:59.040 --> 00:31:01.620 For though you have countless gods in Christ, 00:31:02.580 --> 00:31:04.340 you do not have many fathers. 00:31:05.420 --> 00:31:09.300 For I became your father in Christ through the gospel. 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:11.600 And so what Paul's saying is that 00:31:11.600 --> 00:31:13.460 we don't need more gods. 00:31:13.920 --> 00:31:15.180 You've got gods. 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:19.380 I would argue if the church at Corinth had gods, 00:31:19.780 --> 00:31:23.240 you and I have way more gods than they have, right? 00:31:23.460 --> 00:31:24.020 Thank you. 00:31:24.580 --> 00:31:25.140 Podcasts, 00:31:25.460 --> 00:31:26.260 bookstores, 00:31:26.600 --> 00:31:26.740 right? 00:31:27.160 --> 00:31:27.600 Facebook, 00:31:27.940 --> 00:31:29.020 like everything else. 00:31:29.360 --> 00:31:31.780 It ain't hard for you and I 00:31:31.780 --> 00:31:34.040 to go and to seek out gods 00:31:34.040 --> 00:31:35.240 that are going to appoint us 00:31:35.240 --> 00:31:36.860 but not go on the journey with us. 00:31:38.560 --> 00:31:39.420 And Paul says, 00:31:39.520 --> 00:31:40.240 but that's who we are. 00:31:41.420 --> 00:31:43.800 We're not called as disciple makers 00:31:43.800 --> 00:31:46.340 to simply be those that speak truth 00:31:46.340 --> 00:31:47.760 and say go figure it out. 00:31:48.900 --> 00:31:49.860 We've got those. 00:31:51.060 --> 00:31:53.120 But we don't have many fathers. 00:31:54.640 --> 00:31:56.900 And so if you're here and you're a leader, 00:31:57.000 --> 00:31:58.060 I want to ask you a question. 00:31:59.000 --> 00:32:00.380 Are you a god or are you a parent? 00:32:01.500 --> 00:32:04.360 Are you a god or are you a parent? 00:32:04.520 --> 00:32:04.980 Now, yeah, 00:32:05.080 --> 00:32:06.440 there's going to become a point in time 00:32:06.440 --> 00:32:09.060 a lot sooner than I'm probably wanting to be 00:32:09.060 --> 00:32:10.440 or are comfortable to be. 00:32:10.960 --> 00:32:11.840 Even in some areas 00:32:11.840 --> 00:32:12.680 that I'm already seeing 00:32:12.680 --> 00:32:14.620 in my life with my kids 00:32:14.620 --> 00:32:16.380 where there's those moments of, 00:32:16.760 --> 00:32:16.920 all right, 00:32:17.120 --> 00:32:17.940 it's time to go. 00:32:19.180 --> 00:32:20.140 It's time to grow those wings. 00:32:21.160 --> 00:32:22.100 It's time to lead out. 00:32:23.060 --> 00:32:23.340 It's time, 00:32:23.580 --> 00:32:24.980 this is what God needs you to do, 00:32:25.600 --> 00:32:25.880 right? 00:32:26.660 --> 00:32:27.860 But at no point in time 00:32:27.860 --> 00:32:29.660 am I not here with you. 00:32:30.500 --> 00:32:32.180 Maybe not physically 00:32:32.180 --> 00:32:34.300 but there's not a point in time 00:32:34.300 --> 00:32:35.480 that I'm not with you 00:32:35.480 --> 00:32:36.080 in my prayers, 00:32:36.220 --> 00:32:36.700 in my minds, 00:32:36.880 --> 00:32:37.820 in my heart 00:32:37.820 --> 00:32:40.200 and that I'm always available for you. 00:32:40.840 --> 00:32:41.640 And that's what it means 00:32:41.640 --> 00:32:42.540 to be a spiritual parent. 00:32:43.580 --> 00:32:44.560 I want to ask you, church, 00:32:45.120 --> 00:32:46.740 in your life, 00:32:46.840 --> 00:32:48.240 here in our context, 00:32:48.460 --> 00:32:49.100 in your home, 00:32:49.300 --> 00:32:50.340 in your job, 00:32:50.440 --> 00:32:51.420 in your community, 00:32:51.660 --> 00:32:52.840 who are you looking 00:32:52.840 --> 00:32:53.920 to not be a guide to, 00:32:54.840 --> 00:32:55.980 to simply be a person 00:32:55.980 --> 00:32:56.640 that points out 00:32:56.640 --> 00:32:57.320 and says do better, 00:32:57.760 --> 00:32:58.740 but who are you looking 00:32:58.740 --> 00:33:00.100 to come alongside? 00:33:00.580 --> 00:33:01.280 Don't be a guide, 00:33:01.340 --> 00:33:01.820 be a parent. 00:33:02.200 --> 00:33:03.180 The second thing 00:33:03.180 --> 00:33:04.920 is be an example. 00:33:05.060 --> 00:33:06.200 Look at verse 16 and 17. 00:33:08.840 --> 00:33:09.780 I urge you, 00:33:10.760 --> 00:33:13.880 then be imitators of me. 00:33:15.680 --> 00:33:16.540 Pause for a second. 00:33:17.960 --> 00:33:20.100 This is not the arrogance of Paul 00:33:20.100 --> 00:33:21.660 that says this, 00:33:22.060 --> 00:33:23.420 but this is the confidence 00:33:23.420 --> 00:33:24.520 of Paul in Christ, 00:33:25.360 --> 00:33:25.660 all right? 00:33:26.700 --> 00:33:27.340 Verse 17, 00:33:27.760 --> 00:33:30.980 that is why I sent you Timothy, 00:33:31.740 --> 00:33:34.040 my beloved and faithful child 00:33:34.040 --> 00:33:34.720 in the Lord, 00:33:34.900 --> 00:33:36.760 to remind you of my ways 00:33:36.760 --> 00:33:37.440 in Christ 00:33:37.440 --> 00:33:39.180 as I teach them 00:33:39.180 --> 00:33:40.760 everywhere 00:33:40.760 --> 00:33:43.120 in every church. 00:33:43.440 --> 00:33:44.520 So Paul says 00:33:44.520 --> 00:33:45.320 it's important 00:33:45.320 --> 00:33:48.000 to be an example. 00:33:49.640 --> 00:33:50.080 Parents, 00:33:51.200 --> 00:33:52.180 look at your kids 00:33:52.180 --> 00:33:53.000 and be able to say, 00:33:53.340 --> 00:33:54.100 can you say, 00:33:54.360 --> 00:33:54.620 you want to know 00:33:54.620 --> 00:33:55.060 what it looks like 00:33:55.060 --> 00:33:55.700 to follow the Lord? 00:33:55.800 --> 00:33:56.180 Look at me. 00:33:57.580 --> 00:33:58.420 Look at your mom. 00:33:59.800 --> 00:34:00.440 Look at us. 00:34:00.500 --> 00:34:02.400 Be imitators of us. 00:34:03.380 --> 00:34:04.220 At work, 00:34:04.860 --> 00:34:06.700 can you look at those 00:34:06.700 --> 00:34:07.540 around you 00:34:07.540 --> 00:34:09.400 in the meetings 00:34:09.400 --> 00:34:13.480 when the sense 00:34:13.480 --> 00:34:15.060 of anger, 00:34:15.520 --> 00:34:16.260 of stress 00:34:16.260 --> 00:34:17.700 begins to rise 00:34:17.700 --> 00:34:18.300 and you say, 00:34:18.440 --> 00:34:18.720 no, no, no, 00:34:18.800 --> 00:34:19.600 it's going to be different. 00:34:19.760 --> 00:34:20.980 Be imitators of Christ. 00:34:21.300 --> 00:34:22.820 Watch how I imitate him 00:34:22.820 --> 00:34:23.240 in this. 00:34:23.580 --> 00:34:24.760 This is what Paul 00:34:24.760 --> 00:34:25.820 brings us to 00:34:25.820 --> 00:34:27.240 that you and I 00:34:27.240 --> 00:34:28.780 are living examples 00:34:28.780 --> 00:34:29.800 and what Paul 00:34:29.800 --> 00:34:31.100 is pointing to here. 00:34:31.320 --> 00:34:31.640 He says, 00:34:31.960 --> 00:34:33.320 be imitators of me 00:34:33.320 --> 00:34:34.320 because that's why 00:34:34.320 --> 00:34:35.140 I sent you 00:34:35.140 --> 00:34:36.240 Timothy. 00:34:37.840 --> 00:34:38.280 Timothy. 00:34:41.800 --> 00:34:42.660 We were having 00:34:42.660 --> 00:34:43.300 our staff 00:34:43.300 --> 00:34:44.360 Bible study 00:34:44.360 --> 00:34:44.960 with this 00:34:44.960 --> 00:34:45.920 this past week 00:34:45.920 --> 00:34:47.200 and I asked 00:34:47.200 --> 00:34:47.680 one of our 00:34:47.680 --> 00:34:48.320 staff members, 00:34:48.620 --> 00:34:49.020 Joel. 00:34:49.240 --> 00:34:50.680 Joel Van Ham 00:34:50.680 --> 00:34:51.540 knows how to fix 00:34:51.540 --> 00:34:52.680 way more things 00:34:52.680 --> 00:34:53.200 than I do. 00:34:53.520 --> 00:34:54.800 More mechanically 00:34:54.800 --> 00:34:55.400 inclined, 00:34:55.480 --> 00:34:56.260 can build things, 00:34:56.320 --> 00:34:56.840 do all those things 00:34:56.840 --> 00:34:58.160 and Joel is doing 00:34:58.160 --> 00:34:59.500 a wonderful job 00:34:59.500 --> 00:35:00.340 within that 00:35:00.340 --> 00:35:01.120 of pouring these 00:35:01.120 --> 00:35:02.020 things into 00:35:02.020 --> 00:35:03.260 his son Jacob. 00:35:04.000 --> 00:35:04.740 He's teaching, 00:35:04.880 --> 00:35:05.420 he's modeling, 00:35:05.540 --> 00:35:05.940 this is what he's 00:35:05.940 --> 00:35:06.840 doing in his life 00:35:06.840 --> 00:35:07.840 and I asked 00:35:07.840 --> 00:35:08.240 Joel, 00:35:08.460 --> 00:35:08.660 I was like, 00:35:08.820 --> 00:35:09.300 if I wanted 00:35:09.300 --> 00:35:10.160 to learn this 00:35:10.160 --> 00:35:10.900 from you, 00:35:11.180 --> 00:35:12.140 who would I ask 00:35:12.140 --> 00:35:13.840 to be taught? 00:35:13.940 --> 00:35:14.740 Would I ask you 00:35:14.740 --> 00:35:15.940 or would I ask Jacob? 00:35:16.220 --> 00:35:16.940 And he sat there 00:35:16.940 --> 00:35:17.560 and he had an honest 00:35:17.560 --> 00:35:18.360 assessment of the 00:35:18.360 --> 00:35:18.820 situation. 00:35:19.100 --> 00:35:19.200 He goes, 00:35:19.240 --> 00:35:19.520 no, no, no, 00:35:19.520 --> 00:35:20.500 no, it would be me 00:35:20.500 --> 00:35:21.380 and that's what so 00:35:21.380 --> 00:35:22.320 many of us would do, 00:35:22.360 --> 00:35:22.460 right? 00:35:22.560 --> 00:35:23.400 I know how to do 00:35:23.400 --> 00:35:23.620 this, 00:35:23.740 --> 00:35:24.160 come to me. 00:35:24.320 --> 00:35:25.120 But Paul says, 00:35:25.380 --> 00:35:26.160 when we're this 00:35:26.160 --> 00:35:27.720 example of who 00:35:27.720 --> 00:35:29.020 God has called 00:35:29.020 --> 00:35:29.640 us to be, 00:35:29.840 --> 00:35:30.500 that I've invested 00:35:30.500 --> 00:35:31.640 so much into 00:35:31.640 --> 00:35:33.240 my spiritual son 00:35:33.240 --> 00:35:33.880 in the faith, 00:35:34.220 --> 00:35:34.580 Timothy, 00:35:35.440 --> 00:35:36.080 that that's why 00:35:36.080 --> 00:35:36.780 I sent him to you. 00:35:37.680 --> 00:35:38.400 When we go back 00:35:38.400 --> 00:35:38.780 and we look at 00:35:38.780 --> 00:35:39.580 the generations 00:35:39.580 --> 00:35:40.600 of faith that 00:35:40.600 --> 00:35:41.100 are built, 00:35:41.520 --> 00:35:42.140 it's because of 00:35:42.140 --> 00:35:43.140 the poured in, 00:35:43.400 --> 00:35:44.340 the replication 00:35:44.340 --> 00:35:46.180 of a spiritual 00:35:46.180 --> 00:35:46.840 parent, 00:35:47.120 --> 00:35:48.080 the reproduction 00:35:48.080 --> 00:35:49.500 of new believers 00:35:49.500 --> 00:35:50.100 in Christ 00:35:50.100 --> 00:35:52.000 so that our 00:35:52.000 --> 00:35:52.600 examples 00:35:52.600 --> 00:35:53.920 don't end 00:35:53.920 --> 00:35:54.660 with us 00:35:54.660 --> 00:35:56.380 but our examples 00:35:56.380 --> 00:35:57.580 continue on 00:35:57.580 --> 00:35:58.820 and continue on 00:35:58.820 --> 00:35:59.880 and continue on. 00:36:01.080 --> 00:36:01.780 And then lastly, 00:36:02.700 --> 00:36:03.780 as a disciple 00:36:03.780 --> 00:36:04.100 maker, 00:36:04.260 --> 00:36:04.900 we're a corrector. 00:36:05.800 --> 00:36:06.320 We're a corrector. 00:36:06.840 --> 00:36:08.900 verse 18, 00:36:09.720 --> 00:36:10.540 some are arrogant 00:36:10.540 --> 00:36:12.200 as though I were 00:36:12.200 --> 00:36:13.240 not coming to you. 00:36:13.720 --> 00:36:14.000 Paul's like, 00:36:14.180 --> 00:36:14.600 oh, and by the way, 00:36:14.660 --> 00:36:16.460 I'm coming on my way. 00:36:16.540 --> 00:36:17.040 We're going to find 00:36:17.040 --> 00:36:17.840 out all of this 00:36:17.840 --> 00:36:18.360 for myself. 00:36:19.400 --> 00:36:19.960 But I will come 00:36:19.960 --> 00:36:20.440 to you soon 00:36:20.440 --> 00:36:21.400 if the Lord wills 00:36:21.400 --> 00:36:22.920 and I will find 00:36:22.920 --> 00:36:24.020 out not the talk 00:36:24.020 --> 00:36:24.760 of these arrogant 00:36:24.760 --> 00:36:26.460 people but the power 00:36:26.460 --> 00:36:27.920 for the kingdom 00:36:27.920 --> 00:36:28.760 of God does not 00:36:28.760 --> 00:36:29.820 consist in talk 00:36:29.820 --> 00:36:30.980 but in power. 00:36:31.480 --> 00:36:32.480 what do you wish? 00:36:33.640 --> 00:36:34.580 Shall I come to you 00:36:34.580 --> 00:36:35.300 with a rod 00:36:35.300 --> 00:36:37.600 or with a spirit 00:36:37.600 --> 00:36:38.940 of love 00:36:38.940 --> 00:36:40.220 and gentleness? 00:36:41.340 --> 00:36:42.340 And so Paul gives them 00:36:42.340 --> 00:36:42.860 the challenge 00:36:42.860 --> 00:36:43.340 to change. 00:36:44.800 --> 00:36:45.480 Paul gives them 00:36:45.480 --> 00:36:45.880 the challenge 00:36:45.880 --> 00:36:46.300 to change. 00:36:47.560 --> 00:36:48.420 And he says that 00:36:48.420 --> 00:36:48.760 in this, 00:36:48.820 --> 00:36:49.760 as this spiritual parent, 00:36:50.800 --> 00:36:51.220 in this, 00:36:51.300 --> 00:36:52.460 as this example 00:36:52.460 --> 00:36:53.700 that I'm coming. 00:36:54.960 --> 00:36:56.160 it hit me this week 00:36:56.160 --> 00:36:58.280 when we talk 00:36:58.280 --> 00:37:00.040 about disciplining 00:37:00.040 --> 00:37:01.120 a behavior. 00:37:02.400 --> 00:37:03.460 So someone does 00:37:03.460 --> 00:37:04.260 something wrong, 00:37:05.300 --> 00:37:06.000 our kids do 00:37:06.000 --> 00:37:06.880 something wrong, 00:37:07.800 --> 00:37:08.420 our employee 00:37:08.420 --> 00:37:09.540 does something wrong, 00:37:09.700 --> 00:37:10.380 our peer 00:37:10.380 --> 00:37:11.240 does something wrong, 00:37:11.540 --> 00:37:12.660 someone in our life 00:37:12.660 --> 00:37:14.320 that discipline 00:37:14.320 --> 00:37:15.460 is appropriate. 00:37:16.040 --> 00:37:17.020 Why do we do that? 00:37:18.480 --> 00:37:19.300 Why do we do it? 00:37:20.540 --> 00:37:21.620 Well, what we see 00:37:21.620 --> 00:37:22.700 in scripture 00:37:22.700 --> 00:37:24.080 and in the context 00:37:24.080 --> 00:37:24.920 is we don't 00:37:24.920 --> 00:37:25.440 discipline 00:37:25.440 --> 00:37:26.460 to punish. 00:37:28.180 --> 00:37:29.180 We discipline 00:37:29.180 --> 00:37:30.560 to correct. 00:37:31.860 --> 00:37:32.280 And this is 00:37:32.280 --> 00:37:32.960 what Paul's seeking. 00:37:33.780 --> 00:37:34.440 That I seek 00:37:34.440 --> 00:37:35.880 to discipline you, 00:37:36.440 --> 00:37:37.400 I seek to bring 00:37:37.400 --> 00:37:38.720 this to you 00:37:38.720 --> 00:37:40.180 because here's 00:37:40.180 --> 00:37:40.780 what God 00:37:40.780 --> 00:37:42.080 wants from you. 00:37:42.920 --> 00:37:43.080 Right? 00:37:44.600 --> 00:37:45.360 I had a pastor 00:37:45.360 --> 00:37:46.200 say this one time 00:37:46.200 --> 00:37:47.120 and it's just stuck 00:37:47.120 --> 00:37:48.040 with me 00:37:48.040 --> 00:37:48.940 and embedded 00:37:48.940 --> 00:37:49.700 into my heart. 00:37:51.000 --> 00:37:51.340 He says, 00:37:51.480 --> 00:37:52.040 when I see 00:37:52.040 --> 00:37:53.360 my kids 00:37:53.360 --> 00:37:55.360 and my wife 00:37:55.360 --> 00:37:56.880 and my church 00:37:56.880 --> 00:37:57.300 people 00:37:57.300 --> 00:37:58.460 sin 00:37:58.460 --> 00:38:00.040 it hurts 00:38:00.040 --> 00:38:00.760 my heart 00:38:00.760 --> 00:38:02.340 not because 00:38:02.340 --> 00:38:03.520 I'm mad 00:38:03.520 --> 00:38:05.400 but because 00:38:05.400 --> 00:38:06.220 they've chosen 00:38:06.220 --> 00:38:07.760 the lesser thing 00:38:07.760 --> 00:38:08.760 instead of the 00:38:08.760 --> 00:38:09.280 greater thing 00:38:09.280 --> 00:38:09.660 of God. 00:38:10.820 --> 00:38:11.820 They've chosen 00:38:11.820 --> 00:38:13.300 the lesser thing 00:38:13.300 --> 00:38:14.660 and not the 00:38:14.660 --> 00:38:15.320 correct thing 00:38:15.320 --> 00:38:15.860 for the Lord. 00:38:17.200 --> 00:38:18.020 And so Paul says 00:38:18.020 --> 00:38:18.780 as we're going to go 00:38:18.780 --> 00:38:19.760 through this 00:38:19.760 --> 00:38:21.300 and as you're 00:38:21.300 --> 00:38:21.800 going to see 00:38:21.800 --> 00:38:22.440 all of these 00:38:22.440 --> 00:38:23.380 different things 00:38:23.380 --> 00:38:23.980 that are here 00:38:23.980 --> 00:38:26.240 it's not that 00:38:26.240 --> 00:38:26.860 I want to punish 00:38:26.860 --> 00:38:27.240 you 00:38:27.240 --> 00:38:28.860 Paul says 00:38:28.860 --> 00:38:30.200 it's that 00:38:30.200 --> 00:38:30.500 I want to 00:38:30.500 --> 00:38:31.120 correct you 00:38:31.120 --> 00:38:32.520 so that you 00:38:32.520 --> 00:38:34.400 see the life 00:38:34.400 --> 00:38:35.480 that God 00:38:35.480 --> 00:38:36.620 has called you to. 00:38:37.340 --> 00:38:38.320 As we go 00:38:38.320 --> 00:38:39.120 over these next 00:38:39.120 --> 00:38:39.720 several weeks 00:38:39.720 --> 00:38:40.720 and we continue 00:38:40.720 --> 00:38:41.380 to navigate 00:38:41.380 --> 00:38:42.140 through these 00:38:42.140 --> 00:38:43.080 chapters in 00:38:43.080 --> 00:38:43.860 1 Corinthians 00:38:43.860 --> 00:38:44.680 I want to be 00:38:44.680 --> 00:38:45.300 honest with you 00:38:45.300 --> 00:38:45.900 there's going to 00:38:45.900 --> 00:38:46.660 see like 00:38:46.660 --> 00:38:47.360 time and 00:38:47.360 --> 00:38:48.340 time again 00:38:48.340 --> 00:38:49.140 the areas 00:38:49.140 --> 00:38:49.420 that are 00:38:49.420 --> 00:38:50.060 foreign 00:38:50.060 --> 00:38:50.720 from where 00:38:50.720 --> 00:38:51.340 we are 00:38:51.340 --> 00:38:52.000 in our 00:38:52.000 --> 00:38:52.360 world 00:38:52.360 --> 00:38:52.780 with what 00:38:52.780 --> 00:38:53.220 we're doing 00:38:53.220 --> 00:38:53.660 but the 00:38:53.660 --> 00:38:54.200 truth of the 00:38:54.200 --> 00:38:54.440 matter 00:38:54.440 --> 00:38:55.360 it reigns 00:38:55.360 --> 00:38:55.740 true 00:38:55.740 --> 00:38:56.240 into who 00:38:56.240 --> 00:38:56.640 we are. 00:38:57.580 --> 00:38:58.140 are we taking 00:38:58.140 --> 00:38:58.540 these 00:38:58.540 --> 00:39:00.040 and applying 00:39:00.040 --> 00:39:00.560 these 00:39:00.560 --> 00:39:01.580 in our 00:39:01.580 --> 00:39:02.260 circles of 00:39:02.260 --> 00:39:02.900 influence 00:39:02.900 --> 00:39:04.040 where God 00:39:04.040 --> 00:39:04.360 has called 00:39:04.360 --> 00:39:04.720 you to. 00:39:05.220 --> 00:39:05.840 Let's pray. 00:39:09.940 --> 00:39:10.500 God I 00:39:10.500 --> 00:39:10.980 thank you so 00:39:10.980 --> 00:39:11.500 much for 00:39:11.500 --> 00:39:12.260 this time 00:39:12.260 --> 00:39:12.560 that we 00:39:12.560 --> 00:39:12.920 could be 00:39:12.920 --> 00:39:13.240 here 00:39:13.240 --> 00:39:13.920 together 00:39:13.920 --> 00:39:14.320 to be 00:39:14.320 --> 00:39:14.780 into your 00:39:14.780 --> 00:39:15.120 word. 00:39:16.240 --> 00:39:16.540 Lord I 00:39:16.540 --> 00:39:16.820 thank you 00:39:16.820 --> 00:39:17.120 for the 00:39:17.120 --> 00:39:17.520 wonderful 00:39:17.520 --> 00:39:18.180 opportunity 00:39:18.180 --> 00:39:18.640 that you 00:39:18.640 --> 00:39:19.160 give us 00:39:19.160 --> 00:39:19.860 to study 00:39:19.860 --> 00:39:20.060 your 00:39:20.060 --> 00:39:20.340 word. 00:39:21.320 --> 00:39:21.660 Lord I 00:39:21.660 --> 00:39:22.000 pray that 00:39:22.000 --> 00:39:22.240 you would 00:39:22.240 --> 00:39:22.680 open up 00:39:22.680 --> 00:39:23.420 our eyes 00:39:23.420 --> 00:39:24.320 and our 00:39:24.320 --> 00:39:24.780 hearts 00:39:24.780 --> 00:39:25.980 to the 00:39:25.980 --> 00:39:26.240 different 00:39:26.240 --> 00:39:26.820 areas of 00:39:26.820 --> 00:39:27.300 the circles 00:39:27.300 --> 00:39:27.660 that you 00:39:27.660 --> 00:39:27.820 have 00:39:27.820 --> 00:39:28.300 provided 00:39:28.300 --> 00:39:28.780 us 00:39:28.780 --> 00:39:29.800 where we 00:39:29.800 --> 00:39:30.340 can live 00:39:30.340 --> 00:39:30.780 for your 00:39:30.780 --> 00:39:31.320 glory 00:39:31.320 --> 00:39:32.400 and for 00:39:32.400 --> 00:39:32.620 your 00:39:32.620 --> 00:39:32.960 name 00:39:32.960 --> 00:39:34.360 in a 00:39:34.360 --> 00:39:34.720 way that 00:39:34.720 --> 00:39:35.020 points 00:39:35.020 --> 00:39:35.600 people to 00:39:35.600 --> 00:39:35.920 you 00:39:35.920 --> 00:39:37.420 and shares 00:39:37.420 --> 00:39:38.060 the hope 00:39:38.060 --> 00:39:38.980 of the 00:39:38.980 --> 00:39:39.380 gospel 00:39:39.380 --> 00:39:40.640 with them. 00:39:42.260 --> 00:39:42.480 And it's 00:39:42.480 --> 00:39:42.880 in Jesus 00:39:42.880 --> 00:39:43.280 name we 00:39:43.280 --> 00:39:43.540 pray. 00:39:44.540 --> 00:39:44.840 Amen. 00:39:46.220 --> 00:39:46.460 You know 00:39:46.460 --> 00:39:46.800 one of the 00:39:46.800 --> 00:39:47.380 things that 00:39:47.380 --> 00:39:48.640 we want 00:39:48.640 --> 00:39:49.000 to continue 00:39:49.000 --> 00:39:49.380 to remind 00:39:49.380 --> 00:39:49.740 ourselves 00:39:49.740 --> 00:39:51.480 of is 00:39:51.480 --> 00:39:52.200 not only 00:39:52.200 --> 00:39:53.180 the price 00:39:53.180 --> 00:39:54.120 that Christ 00:39:54.120 --> 00:39:54.880 paid for 00:39:54.880 --> 00:39:56.220 us but 00:39:56.220 --> 00:39:56.920 the life 00:39:57.020 --> 00:39:57.520 that he 00:39:57.520 --> 00:39:57.980 calls us 00:39:57.980 --> 00:39:58.160 to. 00:39:59.040 --> 00:39:59.180 And so 00:39:59.180 --> 00:39:59.340 if you 00:39:59.340 --> 00:39:59.480 want to 00:39:59.480 --> 00:39:59.720 go ahead 00:39:59.720 --> 00:40:00.160 and take 00:40:00.160 --> 00:40:00.960 the elements 00:40:00.960 --> 00:40:01.920 of the 00:40:01.920 --> 00:40:02.240 Lord's 00:40:02.240 --> 00:40:02.440 Supper 00:40:02.440 --> 00:40:02.760 that we 00:40:02.760 --> 00:40:03.140 have 00:40:03.140 --> 00:40:10.260 we're just 00:40:10.260 --> 00:40:10.480 going to 00:40:10.480 --> 00:40:11.240 pause for a 00:40:11.240 --> 00:40:11.840 few moments 00:40:11.840 --> 00:40:12.340 before we 00:40:12.340 --> 00:40:12.880 continue in 00:40:12.880 --> 00:40:13.200 worship 00:40:13.200 --> 00:40:15.060 before we 00:40:15.060 --> 00:40:15.700 respond in 00:40:15.700 --> 00:40:16.260 any way 00:40:16.260 --> 00:40:19.080 and show 00:40:19.080 --> 00:40:19.300 our 00:40:19.300 --> 00:40:19.820 gratitude 00:40:19.820 --> 00:40:19.920 gratitude 00:40:19.920 --> 00:40:21.720 and our 00:40:21.720 --> 00:40:22.500 thankfulness 00:40:22.500 --> 00:40:24.100 and humility 00:40:24.100 --> 00:40:25.480 before him 00:40:25.480 --> 00:40:27.480 we did not 00:40:27.480 --> 00:40:28.140 earn our 00:40:28.140 --> 00:40:28.680 salvation 00:40:28.680 --> 00:40:30.680 but we 00:40:30.680 --> 00:40:31.100 were gifted 00:40:31.100 --> 00:40:31.640 it 00:40:31.640 --> 00:40:33.100 and we 00:40:33.100 --> 00:40:33.920 receive it 00:40:33.920 --> 00:40:35.580 with joy 00:40:35.580 --> 00:40:36.700 and with 00:40:36.700 --> 00:40:37.200 thanksgiving 00:40:37.200 --> 00:40:39.060 and so if 00:40:39.060 --> 00:40:39.400 you take 00:40:39.400 --> 00:40:39.900 your bread 00:40:39.900 --> 00:40:42.120 the bread 00:40:42.120 --> 00:40:42.980 that represents 00:40:42.980 --> 00:40:44.140 the body 00:40:44.140 --> 00:40:44.760 of Christ 00:40:44.760 --> 00:40:46.640 who paid 00:40:46.640 --> 00:40:47.320 the price 00:40:47.320 --> 00:40:48.440 that you 00:40:48.440 --> 00:40:48.720 and I 00:40:48.720 --> 00:40:49.260 deserved 00:40:49.260 --> 00:40:50.900 who died 00:40:50.900 --> 00:40:51.520 the death 00:40:51.520 --> 00:40:52.220 that you 00:40:52.220 --> 00:40:52.520 and I 00:40:52.520 --> 00:40:53.080 deserved 00:40:53.080 --> 00:40:54.660 and he 00:40:54.660 --> 00:40:55.160 did it 00:40:55.160 --> 00:40:56.400 for us 00:40:56.400 --> 00:40:58.200 scripture says 00:40:58.200 --> 00:40:58.680 that Jesus 00:40:58.680 --> 00:40:59.300 on the night 00:40:59.300 --> 00:40:59.680 that he was 00:40:59.680 --> 00:41:00.120 betrayed 00:41:00.120 --> 00:41:01.080 he took 00:41:01.080 --> 00:41:01.400 bread 00:41:01.400 --> 00:41:03.080 and when he 00:41:03.080 --> 00:41:03.300 gave him 00:41:03.300 --> 00:41:03.700 thanks 00:41:03.700 --> 00:41:04.180 he broke 00:41:04.180 --> 00:41:04.540 it 00:41:04.540 --> 00:41:05.960 he said 00:41:05.960 --> 00:41:06.420 this is my 00:41:06.420 --> 00:41:06.720 body 00:41:06.720 --> 00:41:07.040 which is 00:41:07.040 --> 00:41:07.500 for you 00:41:07.500 --> 00:41:08.660 do this 00:41:08.660 --> 00:41:09.140 in remembrance 00:41:09.140 --> 00:41:09.600 of me 00:41:09.600 --> 00:41:10.840 amen 00:41:12.980 --> 00:41:23.600 and then 00:41:23.600 --> 00:41:23.880 Jesus 00:41:23.880 --> 00:41:24.240 would take 00:41:24.240 --> 00:41:24.660 the cup 00:41:24.660 --> 00:41:26.660 the cup 00:41:26.660 --> 00:41:26.960 that would 00:41:26.960 --> 00:41:27.380 represent 00:41:27.380 --> 00:41:28.140 his blood 00:41:28.140 --> 00:41:30.680 the blood 00:41:30.680 --> 00:41:31.060 that was 00:41:31.060 --> 00:41:31.500 spilled 00:41:31.500 --> 00:41:32.080 so that you 00:41:32.080 --> 00:41:32.500 and I 00:41:32.500 --> 00:41:32.860 would be 00:41:32.860 --> 00:41:33.240 washed 00:41:33.240 --> 00:41:33.740 clean 00:41:33.740 --> 00:41:35.900 made right 00:41:35.900 --> 00:41:36.280 to stand 00:41:36.280 --> 00:41:36.960 before God 00:41:36.960 --> 00:41:38.760 and he 00:41:38.760 --> 00:41:38.900 says 00:41:38.900 --> 00:41:39.440 in the same 00:41:39.440 --> 00:41:39.780 way 00:41:39.780 --> 00:41:40.920 he took 00:41:40.920 --> 00:41:41.300 the cup 00:41:41.300 --> 00:41:41.840 after the 00:41:41.840 --> 00:41:42.140 supper 00:41:42.140 --> 00:41:43.220 saying 00:41:43.220 --> 00:41:43.700 this cup 00:41:43.700 --> 00:41:43.980 is the 00:41:43.980 --> 00:41:44.160 new 00:41:44.160 --> 00:41:44.460 covenant 00:41:44.460 --> 00:41:44.700 in my 00:41:44.700 --> 00:41:45.060 blood 00:41:45.060 --> 00:41:46.240 do this 00:41:46.240 --> 00:41:46.760 as often 00:41:46.760 --> 00:41:47.160 as you 00:41:47.160 --> 00:41:47.580 drink it 00:41:47.580 --> 00:41:48.320 in remembrance 00:41:48.320 --> 00:41:48.760 of me 00:41:48.760 --> 00:41:53.080 let's pray 00:41:53.080 --> 00:41:57.860 Jesus 00:41:57.860 --> 00:41:58.380 we thank 00:41:58.380 --> 00:41:58.600 you 00:41:58.600 --> 00:42:01.700 for the 00:42:01.700 --> 00:42:02.020 price 00:42:02.020 --> 00:42:02.360 that you 00:42:02.360 --> 00:42:02.780 paid 00:42:02.780 --> 00:42:04.740 so that 00:42:04.740 --> 00:42:05.260 we 00:42:05.260 --> 00:42:06.820 may be 00:42:06.820 --> 00:42:07.040 made 00:42:07.040 --> 00:42:07.480 right 00:42:07.480 --> 00:42:08.800 before God 00:42:08.800 --> 00:42:11.040 Lord 00:42:11.040 --> 00:42:11.360 would we 00:42:11.360 --> 00:42:11.920 live 00:42:11.920 --> 00:42:13.640 in the 00:42:13.640 --> 00:42:14.240 expectation 00:42:14.240 --> 00:42:14.920 that you 00:42:14.920 --> 00:42:15.220 have 00:42:15.220 --> 00:42:15.700 for us 00:42:15.700 --> 00:42:17.260 to be 00:42:17.260 --> 00:42:17.640 a faithful 00:42:17.640 --> 00:42:18.180 servant 00:42:18.180 --> 00:42:19.240 of you 00:42:19.240 --> 00:42:20.320 and a 00:42:20.320 --> 00:42:20.600 faithful 00:42:20.600 --> 00:42:21.200 steward 00:42:21.200 --> 00:42:22.060 of the 00:42:22.060 --> 00:42:22.460 gospel 00:42:22.460 --> 00:42:24.260 Lord 00:42:24.260 --> 00:42:24.520 may we 00:42:24.520 --> 00:42:24.900 live our 00:42:24.900 --> 00:42:25.340 life 00:42:25.340 --> 00:42:25.760 knowing that 00:42:25.760 --> 00:42:26.040 we are 00:42:26.040 --> 00:42:26.480 accountable 00:42:26.480 --> 00:42:27.140 to you 00:42:27.140 --> 00:42:28.940 ultimately 00:42:28.940 --> 00:42:31.180 and to 00:42:31.180 --> 00:42:31.780 approach 00:42:31.780 --> 00:42:32.780 this world 00:42:32.780 --> 00:42:33.520 those around 00:42:33.520 --> 00:42:33.880 us 00:42:33.880 --> 00:42:34.400 and you 00:42:34.400 --> 00:42:36.700 the grace 00:42:36.700 --> 00:42:37.360 and humility 00:42:37.360 --> 00:42:37.760 that we 00:42:37.760 --> 00:42:38.300 understand 00:42:38.300 --> 00:42:38.640 of who 00:42:38.640 --> 00:42:39.160 we are 00:42:39.160 --> 00:42:41.240 it is not 00:42:41.240 --> 00:42:41.580 through our 00:42:41.580 --> 00:42:42.360 own works 00:42:42.360 --> 00:42:43.580 that we're 00:42:43.580 --> 00:42:44.100 made right 00:42:44.100 --> 00:42:45.680 but it's 00:42:45.680 --> 00:42:46.360 through your 00:42:46.360 --> 00:42:47.100 work on the 00:42:47.100 --> 00:42:47.580 cross 00:42:47.580 --> 00:42:49.300 that you 00:42:49.300 --> 00:42:49.720 made us 00:42:49.720 --> 00:42:50.080 right 00:42:50.080 --> 00:42:51.860 let me 00:42:51.860 --> 00:42:52.380 rest in 00:42:52.380 --> 00:42:52.640 that 00:42:52.640 --> 00:42:55.440 Lord 00:42:55.440 --> 00:42:55.760 would we 00:42:55.760 --> 00:42:56.300 live in 00:42:56.300 --> 00:42:56.820 the boldness 00:42:56.820 --> 00:42:57.120 of being 00:42:57.120 --> 00:42:57.660 a disciple 00:42:57.660 --> 00:42:57.980 maker 00:42:57.980 --> 00:42:59.620 what that 00:42:59.620 --> 00:43:00.060 means 00:43:00.060 --> 00:43:01.820 not 00:43:01.820 --> 00:43:02.240 seeking 00:43:02.240 --> 00:43:02.720 just to 00:43:02.720 --> 00:43:03.180 God 00:43:03.180 --> 00:43:04.960 but 00:43:04.960 --> 00:43:05.160 Lord 00:43:05.160 --> 00:43:05.520 seeking 00:43:05.520 --> 00:43:05.840 to be 00:43:05.840 --> 00:43:06.420 the parent 00:43:06.420 --> 00:43:07.400 that walks 00:43:07.400 --> 00:43:08.000 alongside 00:43:08.000 --> 00:43:09.980 correcting 00:43:09.980 --> 00:43:11.200 being the 00:43:11.200 --> 00:43:11.780 example 00:43:11.780 --> 00:43:14.120 living 00:43:14.120 --> 00:43:14.520 for your 00:43:14.520 --> 00:43:14.980 name 00:43:14.980 --> 00:43:16.540 so that 00:43:16.540 --> 00:43:16.840 we can 00:43:16.840 --> 00:43:17.600 see the 00:43:17.600 --> 00:43:18.580 reproduction 00:43:18.580 --> 00:43:19.180 of the 00:43:19.180 --> 00:43:19.660 power 00:43:19.660 --> 00:43:20.140 of the 00:43:20.140 --> 00:43:20.580 gospel 00:43:20.580 --> 00:43:21.840 in the 00:43:21.840 --> 00:43:22.260 lives 00:43:22.260 --> 00:43:22.700 of so 00:43:22.700 --> 00:43:22.920 many 00:43:22.920 --> 00:43:24.660 Lord 00:43:24.660 --> 00:43:24.960 we thank 00:43:24.960 --> 00:43:25.180 you for 00:43:25.180 --> 00:43:25.760 the joy 00:43:25.760 --> 00:43:27.740 to serve 00:43:27.740 --> 00:43:28.040 you 00:43:28.040 --> 00:43:29.860 and to 00:43:29.860 --> 00:43:30.180 worship 00:43:30.180 --> 00:43:30.560 you 00:43:30.560 --> 00:43:34.440 Lord 00:43:34.440 --> 00:43:34.880 as we 00:43:34.880 --> 00:43:35.380 respond 00:43:35.380 --> 00:43:35.900 in worship 00:43:35.900 --> 00:43:37.400 that it 00:43:37.400 --> 00:43:37.700 would be 00:43:37.700 --> 00:43:38.020 done 00:43:38.020 --> 00:43:38.440 out of a 00:43:38.440 --> 00:43:38.820 life 00:43:38.820 --> 00:43:40.360 surrendered 00:43:40.360 --> 00:43:41.260 to you 00:43:41.260 --> 00:43:42.940 it's in 00:43:42.940 --> 00:43:43.280 Jesus name 00:43:43.280 --> 00:43:43.640 we pray 00:43:43.640 --> 00:43:44.620 amen 00:43:44.620 --> 00:43:46.040 there's 00:43:46.040 --> 00:43:46.280 prayer 00:43:46.280 --> 00:43:46.800 encouragers 00:43:46.800 --> 00:43:47.180 on either 00:43:47.180 --> 00:43:47.640 side of 00:43:47.640 --> 00:43:47.800 our 00:43:47.800 --> 00:43:48.300 auditorium 00:43:48.300 --> 00:43:48.500 this 00:43:48.500 --> 00:43:48.760 morning 00:43:48.760 --> 00:43:50.300 if you 00:43:50.300 --> 00:43:50.580 came in 00:43:50.580 --> 00:43:50.800 here with 00:43:50.800 --> 00:43:51.280 a burden 00:43:51.280 --> 00:43:52.440 needing 00:43:52.440 --> 00:43:52.880 someone to 00:43:52.880 --> 00:43:53.180 pray with 00:43:53.180 --> 00:43:53.260 you 00:43:53.260 --> 00:43:53.520 they would 00:43:53.520 --> 00:43:54.060 love to 00:43:54.060 --> 00:43:54.800 pray with 00:43:54.800 --> 00:43:55.020 you 00:43:55.020 --> 00:43:55.940 if you 00:43:55.940 --> 00:43:56.240 came in 00:43:56.240 --> 00:43:56.600 here this 00:43:56.600 --> 00:43:56.940 morning 00:43:56.940 --> 00:43:57.280 and want to 00:43:57.280 --> 00:43:57.600 talk to 00:43:57.600 --> 00:43:58.060 someone about 00:43:58.060 --> 00:43:58.560 a relationship 00:43:58.560 --> 00:43:59.140 with Christ 00:43:59.140 --> 00:43:59.820 they'd love to 00:43:59.820 --> 00:44:00.460 talk to you 00:44:00.460 --> 00:44:01.240 about that 00:44:01.240 --> 00:44:02.560 we just ask 00:44:02.560 --> 00:44:02.820 that you 00:44:02.820 --> 00:44:03.580 simply respond 00:44:03.580 --> 00:44:04.120 to God 00:44:04.120 --> 00:44:05.040 as he leads 00:44:05.040 --> 00:44:05.320 you this 00:44:05.320 --> 00:44:05.620 morning 00:44:05.620 --> 00:44:06.360 would you 00:44:06.360 --> 00:44:06.700 stand 00:44:06.700 --> 00:44:07.100 as we 00:44:07.100 --> 00:44:07.340 worship 00:44:07.340 --> 00:44:19.720 thanks 00:44:19.720 --> 00:44:19.980 thanks again 00:44:19.980 --> 00:44:20.480 for listening 00:44:20.480 --> 00:44:20.840 to the 00:44:20.840 --> 00:44:21.260 Willow Ridge 00:44:21.260 --> 00:44:21.620 Church 00:44:21.620 --> 00:44:21.980 weekly 00:44:21.980 --> 00:44:22.420 podcast 00:44:22.420 --> 00:44:23.360 we hope 00:44:23.360 --> 00:44:23.600 that you 00:44:23.600 --> 00:44:23.940 enjoyed 00:44:23.940 --> 00:44:24.240 listening 00:44:24.240 --> 00:44:24.620 to this 00:44:24.620 --> 00:44:24.880 week's 00:44:24.880 --> 00:44:25.220 message 00:44:25.220 --> 00:44:26.120 if you'd 00:44:26.120 --> 00:44:26.400 like to 00:44:26.400 --> 00:44:26.780 learn more 00:44:26.780 --> 00:44:27.220 about who 00:44:27.220 --> 00:44:27.620 we are 00:44:27.620 --> 00:44:28.300 or explore 00:44:28.300 --> 00:44:28.720 additional 00:44:28.720 --> 00:44:29.240 resources 00:44:29.240 --> 00:44:30.240 visit us 00:44:30.240 --> 00:44:31.020 online at 00:44:31.020 --> 00:44:34.300 www.willowridgechurch.com 00:44:34.300 --> 00:44:35.500 or by searching 00:44:35.500 --> 00:44:36.160 for Willow Ridge 00:44:36.160 --> 00:44:36.780 Church on 00:44:36.780 --> 00:44:37.480 Facebook and 00:44:37.480 --> 00:44:37.860 Instagram