1 00:00:07,640 --> 00:00:10,680 As you're turning to 2nd Corinthians chapter 12, tonight 2 00:00:10,680 --> 00:00:12,640 we're going to look. Through from verses 11 to the 3 00:00:12,640 --> 00:00:13,640 end. Of the chapter we're. 4 00:00:14,440 --> 00:00:18,320 Going to take you to the gospels and it's Jesus and the feeding. 5 00:00:18,320 --> 00:00:21,000 Of what's called the 5000, but there's probably in all 6 00:00:21,040 --> 00:00:23,800 likelihood. Anywhere in the vicinity of 15 7 00:00:23,800 --> 00:00:25,840 to 20. 1000 gathered. If not. 8 00:00:25,840 --> 00:00:29,200 Maybe even more when. You you factor in family. 9 00:00:29,960 --> 00:00:33,560 As well. And Jesus takes the five loaves 10 00:00:33,960 --> 00:00:36,800 and the two. Fish and says that he. 11 00:00:37,160 --> 00:00:38,320 He blesses it. He gives. 12 00:00:38,320 --> 00:00:40,320 Thanks unto God, and he breaks it, and then. 13 00:00:40,320 --> 00:00:43,360 Miraculously, somehow, they're all fed. 14 00:00:44,360 --> 00:00:47,880 And not only are they all fed, but there's an abundant supply 15 00:00:47,880 --> 00:00:51,280 that there are 12 baskets full of leftovers. 16 00:00:51,760 --> 00:00:54,720 With this miracle and the crowd erupts. 17 00:00:54,720 --> 00:00:57,520 We see in the story. In John chapter. 18 00:00:57,520 --> 00:00:59,760 Six, you can have a. Reader of there later and they. 19 00:00:59,960 --> 00:01:02,240 The crowd cry out. This is the Prophet. 20 00:01:03,240 --> 00:01:07,640 They use that language. Let's crown him king and then. 21 00:01:07,640 --> 00:01:09,880 Jesus, he slips. Away. 22 00:01:11,200 --> 00:01:13,040 He doesn't buy into the crowd. Hoo ha. 23 00:01:13,040 --> 00:01:15,440 And the carry on. He goes, it says, unto a 24 00:01:15,440 --> 00:01:21,200 mountain by himself. Why is that there isn't Jesus? 25 00:01:21,200 --> 00:01:24,040 Coming to Earth to be. The Crown King of Kings. 26 00:01:24,040 --> 00:01:26,720 And the Lord of Lords. You see the? 27 00:01:26,720 --> 00:01:29,280 Crowd at that point. In time what they wanted. 28 00:01:29,440 --> 00:01:32,160 Was a bread king. Free feed. 29 00:01:32,880 --> 00:01:36,360 Not a sole. Saviour, which is who Jesus had. 30 00:01:36,520 --> 00:01:38,720 Actually come to be and. And days later. 31 00:01:38,720 --> 00:01:40,480 He would challenge. The crowd and the people. 32 00:01:40,480 --> 00:01:43,960 Gathered in John. Chapter 6, verse 66 with these 33 00:01:43,960 --> 00:01:47,160 words. Eat my flesh and drink my blood. 34 00:01:48,200 --> 00:01:51,480 And the same crowd that. Previously had declared this is 35 00:01:51,480 --> 00:01:52,640 the Prophet. Let's crown him as a. 36 00:01:52,640 --> 00:01:56,440 King, many had said. Wow, this is a hard saying. 37 00:01:57,920 --> 00:01:59,480 What's he on about? And they left. 38 00:01:59,480 --> 00:02:02,640 They walk out. And then Jesus turns to his 12. 39 00:02:03,240 --> 00:02:05,920 His intimate followers and he says to them, the 12. 40 00:02:06,320 --> 00:02:12,360 Will you leave to Peter? God bless Peter, Lord. 41 00:02:13,400 --> 00:02:19,320 To whom shall we go? You have the words of life, but 42 00:02:19,320 --> 00:02:21,160 for the mob. Whilst Peter had it. 43 00:02:21,480 --> 00:02:24,520 In that moment. The mob following Jesus was too 44 00:02:24,520 --> 00:02:27,280 much, you see, they wanted what they. 45 00:02:27,280 --> 00:02:31,480 Wanted not what they needed. What Jesus had really come to 46 00:02:31,480 --> 00:02:35,240 supply and now moving back to 2nd Corinthians. 12. 47 00:02:35,240 --> 00:02:39,680 Picture Paul the Apostle. In this church is gathering of 48 00:02:39,680 --> 00:02:41,200 believers in the city of Corinth. 49 00:02:42,000 --> 00:02:45,000 He planted. The church he founded it. 50 00:02:45,920 --> 00:02:49,400 He worked literally a day job so that they would not owe him 51 00:02:49,400 --> 00:02:50,200 anything. He. 52 00:02:51,160 --> 00:02:53,960 Put his hands to tent. Making during that time and he. 53 00:02:53,960 --> 00:02:57,120 Received support from other. Surrounding churches in the 54 00:02:57,120 --> 00:03:00,320 area. He had travelled thousands of 55 00:03:00,320 --> 00:03:05,400 kilometres on these round trips, three times to visit and to 56 00:03:05,400 --> 00:03:07,800 spend. Time when the with having 57 00:03:07,800 --> 00:03:09,800 founded the church. And then departing and coming 58 00:03:09,800 --> 00:03:14,320 back on on various visits. And their response to all of. 59 00:03:14,480 --> 00:03:17,040 Paul's effort and work. And energy. 60 00:03:17,800 --> 00:03:20,240 Oh, this is too much like the crowd. 61 00:03:20,360 --> 00:03:23,880 To Jesus, it's a hard saying. And. 62 00:03:23,920 --> 00:03:25,680 On top of that, they said of. Paul. 63 00:03:26,160 --> 00:03:27,720 Paul, in fact. You're not very impressive. 64 00:03:29,040 --> 00:03:30,360 Paul, you're not. Very wealthy? 65 00:03:30,360 --> 00:03:32,480 You're not very. Rich, you're not. 66 00:03:32,480 --> 00:03:38,840 Even good looking and honestly. We think you're scamming us. 67 00:03:39,440 --> 00:03:41,960 And putting it in modern. Language here. 68 00:03:42,320 --> 00:03:45,800 And so Paul has been. Defending himself in chapter 69 00:03:45,800 --> 00:03:48,000 1011 and 12. Where we find ourselves. 70 00:03:48,000 --> 00:03:51,520 But he's not defending. His ego, you see, he's defending 71 00:03:51,520 --> 00:03:55,240 the gospel because what many in the church were trying to do was 72 00:03:55,240 --> 00:03:55,920 to. Attack the. 73 00:03:55,920 --> 00:03:59,520 Character of Paul and then. Therefore, to diminish the 74 00:03:59,520 --> 00:04:01,200 message. Of Paul, which is the gospel 75 00:04:01,200 --> 00:04:05,000 message and. In 2 Corinthians 1211 to 21. 76 00:04:05,000 --> 00:04:07,640 Here he. Bares his soul now for. 77 00:04:07,640 --> 00:04:10,640 Us to them. And it's as if he's like a 78 00:04:11,000 --> 00:04:15,200 wounded spiritual. Father, and it's the heart. 79 00:04:15,360 --> 00:04:18,720 And I want us to see it in this. Of a father or a. 80 00:04:18,720 --> 00:04:21,959 Parent who has been rejected. By an ungrateful teenager. 81 00:04:23,920 --> 00:04:28,680 You love me, you always just want to ruin my life. 82 00:04:29,280 --> 00:04:33,720 What's for dinner? And this is. 83 00:04:33,720 --> 00:04:37,760 The church here. And what we see in Paul is Paine 84 00:04:37,760 --> 00:04:39,840 coming through in his. Words but in this. 85 00:04:39,840 --> 00:04:42,200 Way and the response in. Particular that. 86 00:04:42,200 --> 00:04:43,880 We're going to highlight and focus on. 87 00:04:43,880 --> 00:04:47,280 We see that, Paul. Really mirrors Jesus in action. 88 00:04:48,080 --> 00:04:50,280 And so this is where. We're going to go and and what 89 00:04:50,280 --> 00:04:51,840 we're going to. Look at tonight, we're not. 90 00:04:51,840 --> 00:04:53,480 Really studying, Paul. What we're? 91 00:04:53,680 --> 00:04:56,920 We are studying is we're. Meeting Jesus and then. 92 00:04:56,920 --> 00:05:00,240 Therefore, us as followers of Jesus, the actions. 93 00:05:00,240 --> 00:05:03,960 That we're to adopt. In any type of leadership. 94 00:05:04,040 --> 00:05:06,600 We might find. Ourselves and but particularly 95 00:05:06,600 --> 00:05:08,160 as. Servants of the Lord. 96 00:05:08,160 --> 00:05:10,840 And unto other. People, you see, All of us, you 97 00:05:10,840 --> 00:05:12,720 think. Well, I'm not a leader. 98 00:05:12,720 --> 00:05:17,840 But you actually do lead. Somewhere, as a parent, you are. 99 00:05:18,040 --> 00:05:20,520 Like it or not, leading your children. 100 00:05:22,680 --> 00:05:25,240 If you're a manager in the. Workplace you might have a team 101 00:05:25,240 --> 00:05:27,040 of. People that are responsible, 102 00:05:27,040 --> 00:05:28,880 perhaps to you. In in the line and the. 103 00:05:28,880 --> 00:05:30,760 Structure that's set up. There and so you're. 104 00:05:30,920 --> 00:05:32,960 Leading certainly in that capacity. 105 00:05:34,400 --> 00:05:37,480 Amongst your friend circle you are leading. 106 00:05:37,520 --> 00:05:40,640 Other friends. In your. 107 00:05:40,640 --> 00:05:43,240 Actions in your mannerisms. In your words. 108 00:05:44,240 --> 00:05:45,640 And if you're in leadership in the. 109 00:05:45,640 --> 00:05:49,080 Church in any capacity then you are leading people. 110 00:05:49,080 --> 00:05:52,840 As a like a pastor. Over a flock and and all of us 111 00:05:53,280 --> 00:05:56,600 follow someone as well. And so from Paul's. 112 00:05:57,400 --> 00:05:59,440 Heartbreak here and Jesus example. 113 00:05:59,440 --> 00:06:01,560 As we'll connect it to we're we're going to. 114 00:06:02,360 --> 00:06:04,720 Uncover 3 principles. That I want to look at of 115 00:06:04,720 --> 00:06:08,480 servant leadership. That, I think will transform how 116 00:06:08,520 --> 00:06:12,720 you lead. And how you follow I want us. 117 00:06:12,720 --> 00:06:15,840 To see first of all. The importance of viewing 118 00:06:15,840 --> 00:06:19,200 ourselves realistically in. Accordance with what scripture? 119 00:06:19,440 --> 00:06:23,160 Reveals and declares of us. Because that was the problem of. 120 00:06:23,880 --> 00:06:26,440 These false teachers in Corinth. Is that they had this. 121 00:06:26,760 --> 00:06:28,720 Convoluted view of themselves, and it was. 122 00:06:28,840 --> 00:06:31,120 Flowing on into. The gathering of believers 123 00:06:31,120 --> 00:06:32,280 there. In Corinth. 124 00:06:32,880 --> 00:06:36,560 And they were. Twisting their view consequently 125 00:06:36,560 --> 00:06:40,240 of Paul I secondly. Want us to see? 126 00:06:40,520 --> 00:06:44,480 The importance of valuing people over possession So how do we. 127 00:06:44,640 --> 00:06:46,840 See our interactions with one another. 128 00:06:46,840 --> 00:06:50,120 Is it a matter of we interact? With people out of what they 129 00:06:50,120 --> 00:06:53,880 might benefit. Us or are we interacting? 130 00:06:53,880 --> 00:06:59,840 With people out of us being a. Blessing on to them and. 131 00:06:59,840 --> 00:07:03,160 Thirdly, we'll see that as. Leaders and as servant. 132 00:07:03,160 --> 00:07:06,840 Leaders, there is a. Sacrifice that comes to us. 133 00:07:07,640 --> 00:07:10,280 In the sense of. We need to be about building up 134 00:07:10,280 --> 00:07:12,320 or what's called. Edifying other people. 135 00:07:13,400 --> 00:07:17,440 But that comes at a cost. I want to see that in our verses 136 00:07:17,440 --> 00:07:18,800 before us. So let's dive in. 137 00:07:19,680 --> 00:07:24,800 Verse 11 to 12 is where we'll first have our focus. 138 00:07:24,800 --> 00:07:27,640 I have become a fool reading. From the new King James. 139 00:07:27,640 --> 00:07:30,960 Version Paul says I have. Become a fool in boasting. 140 00:07:31,520 --> 00:07:34,080 You've compelled me. So for a while here. 141 00:07:34,080 --> 00:07:35,920 He has been. Writing kind of how they've 142 00:07:35,920 --> 00:07:37,440 been. Acting and behaving. 143 00:07:37,440 --> 00:07:40,240 So all right, I'll answer a fool. 144 00:07:40,240 --> 00:07:44,840 According to their folly. For I ought to have. 145 00:07:44,840 --> 00:07:48,680 Been commended by you, for in nothing was I. 146 00:07:48,680 --> 00:07:50,520 Behind the most eminent. Apostles. 147 00:07:50,520 --> 00:07:53,720 And there's a little. Holy sarcasm going on here and 148 00:07:54,240 --> 00:07:57,560 in this because this is the declaration of some of those in. 149 00:07:57,560 --> 00:08:00,320 Corinth of themselves. Or we're the eminent apostles. 150 00:08:00,880 --> 00:08:04,760 The right Royal Reverend. Is that? 151 00:08:04,760 --> 00:08:06,880 Pomp and that ceremony. And that self. 152 00:08:08,960 --> 00:08:11,800 Aggrandizing though I am. Nothing, he says. 153 00:08:12,800 --> 00:08:15,600 Truly, the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you 154 00:08:15,600 --> 00:08:16,320 with. All. 155 00:08:16,400 --> 00:08:19,560 Perseverance in signs and wonders, and mighty. 156 00:08:19,560 --> 00:08:23,200 Deeds so first of. All we're we're seeing this as 157 00:08:23,200 --> 00:08:24,840 our point. We need to view. 158 00:08:24,840 --> 00:08:27,040 Ourselves realistically and Paul says. 159 00:08:27,040 --> 00:08:30,280 You know, you guys, the church in Corinth, you guys. 160 00:08:30,360 --> 00:08:32,880 Should have been in fact. My biggest supporters and 161 00:08:32,880 --> 00:08:35,960 defenders. And. 162 00:08:36,280 --> 00:08:39,840 He had already. Pointed out in chapter 3 verse 2 163 00:08:40,159 --> 00:08:43,120 that. He saw them as his resume. 164 00:08:43,240 --> 00:08:45,480 Or his his letters of commendation. 165 00:08:46,040 --> 00:08:48,040 It was common. Back then, as I explained. 166 00:08:48,480 --> 00:08:51,520 For people to travel around and and to have letters or 167 00:08:51,520 --> 00:08:53,840 certificates of endorsement almost. 168 00:08:53,920 --> 00:08:57,200 Like we today would call them. A letter of reference, Paul. 169 00:08:57,200 --> 00:08:59,760 Said I don't need that because you guys know. 170 00:08:59,760 --> 00:09:02,840 You're the proof of transformed. Lives of the the Gospel. 171 00:09:02,840 --> 00:09:06,120 At work in and through me. But now, now the church in 172 00:09:06,120 --> 00:09:08,440 Corinth. Were chasing the smooth talking 173 00:09:09,320 --> 00:09:13,160 super apostles. With their apparent visions. 174 00:09:13,160 --> 00:09:16,000 Last week we looked at. And the swagger and. 175 00:09:16,000 --> 00:09:19,040 Ego that goes with it. And Paul all. 176 00:09:19,040 --> 00:09:21,760 The way through we're seeing. In his writing has been very. 177 00:09:21,760 --> 00:09:23,840 Reluctant to boast about himself. 178 00:09:24,440 --> 00:09:27,280 Preferring to highlight his weaknesses. 179 00:09:27,960 --> 00:09:31,160 And to highlight Christ. Being magnified in and through. 180 00:09:31,360 --> 00:09:33,400 For where I am weak. He is strong. 181 00:09:33,440 --> 00:09:36,760 He has said, but here, with sarcasm, he says, You forced me. 182 00:09:36,760 --> 00:09:40,200 To it for I ought to. Have been commended by you. 183 00:09:40,200 --> 00:09:45,720 And they changed lives had. Proved his ministry was. 184 00:09:45,720 --> 00:09:48,760 Genuine, but they'd forgotten. That and yet now. 185 00:09:48,760 --> 00:09:50,320 They're not defending. Him and it's. 186 00:09:50,520 --> 00:09:52,560 And it's like they're. Almost debating where the 187 00:09:52,560 --> 00:09:53,600 gravity. Exists. 188 00:09:53,600 --> 00:09:55,280 It seems like a. Pointless thing that they're 189 00:09:55,280 --> 00:09:57,640 challenging. Paul's apostleship. 190 00:09:57,640 --> 00:10:02,480 It should be obvious to them. Proof that he has been at. 191 00:10:02,480 --> 00:10:05,200 Work with the power of. God in their presence, and he 192 00:10:05,200 --> 00:10:06,440 reminds. Them of the signs. 193 00:10:06,440 --> 00:10:08,200 Of his apostleship. And. 194 00:10:08,200 --> 00:10:10,640 It's not just the miracles. Though he mentions them like. 195 00:10:10,640 --> 00:10:13,240 Healing, or maybe even. Raising of the Dead but. 196 00:10:13,240 --> 00:10:16,200 First, what does he identify? As a mark as a. 197 00:10:16,240 --> 00:10:20,120 Feature of his apostleship, he says with perseverance. 198 00:10:20,960 --> 00:10:24,080 With patience. That means endurance and 199 00:10:24,080 --> 00:10:27,520 responsibility, not quitting when things get. 200 00:10:27,520 --> 00:10:31,320 Hard like the false teachers would have been apartment to do. 201 00:10:31,320 --> 00:10:34,200 In their midst and then come the signs and the. 202 00:10:34,200 --> 00:10:36,800 Wonders as he points. Out and the mighty works and and 203 00:10:36,800 --> 00:10:38,200 these signs. And wonders would. 204 00:10:38,320 --> 00:10:41,760 Authenticate the message. That he'd been declaring to. 205 00:10:41,760 --> 00:10:43,760 Them and the wonders would evoke. 206 00:10:43,800 --> 00:10:46,440 Oh yes, and the mighty works show divine power. 207 00:10:46,640 --> 00:10:48,760 But Paul did. All of these whilst. 208 00:10:49,000 --> 00:10:51,040 Preaching and teaching of Christ. 209 00:10:51,040 --> 00:10:54,200 Crucified and of Christ risen. And of the. 210 00:10:54,200 --> 00:10:56,600 Salvation that comes in and. Through Jesus name. 211 00:10:58,600 --> 00:11:00,040 Now here's the. Key and the point of. 212 00:11:00,040 --> 00:11:03,000 These verses that I want us to focus on. 213 00:11:03,560 --> 00:11:09,200 Paul had a realistic. View of himself, he says. 214 00:11:09,960 --> 00:11:13,040 In nothing was I inferior to the most eminent. 215 00:11:13,040 --> 00:11:15,520 Apostles. And then what does he say 216 00:11:15,520 --> 00:11:17,400 afterwards? Though I am nothing. 217 00:11:20,360 --> 00:11:25,520 And what this is, is. In Christ, he says, I'm equal to 218 00:11:25,520 --> 00:11:28,640 any of these others. Any of these other apostles, and 219 00:11:28,640 --> 00:11:30,120 whether? They be self. 220 00:11:30,920 --> 00:11:33,040 Identified or the legitimate ones. 221 00:11:33,120 --> 00:11:35,200 The Peter, the James, and the Johns. 222 00:11:35,200 --> 00:11:38,080 Of this world. Paul said I am equal in. 223 00:11:38,080 --> 00:11:42,720 Christ to them I'm not inferior. To the Super apostles. 224 00:11:43,680 --> 00:11:48,840 But he says. In me I am nothing. 225 00:11:49,640 --> 00:11:52,120 And what that is? Is an, is an understanding and 226 00:11:52,120 --> 00:11:55,120 an. An out and out declaration of in 227 00:11:55,120 --> 00:11:56,160 Christ. I can do all. 228 00:11:56,160 --> 00:12:00,400 Things but in and of myself. And I've got nothing to offer. 229 00:12:01,160 --> 00:12:03,720 It's not about me, it's about. Jesus Christ and Him. 230 00:12:03,720 --> 00:12:05,960 Glorified. And so this realistic. 231 00:12:05,960 --> 00:12:08,480 Self view sets Paul apart. From the false. 232 00:12:08,480 --> 00:12:11,960 Teachers there in Corinth who? Who boasted using worldly? 233 00:12:11,960 --> 00:12:14,200 Measures and standards like oratory. 234 00:12:14,760 --> 00:12:18,040 Looks, the visions and the revelations. 235 00:12:18,040 --> 00:12:21,600 That they. You know, purportedly had and 236 00:12:21,600 --> 00:12:22,880 the. Corinthians, then, were buying 237 00:12:22,880 --> 00:12:24,480 into. This and the worldly views. 238 00:12:24,480 --> 00:12:26,000 And and they were putting Paul in this. 239 00:12:26,000 --> 00:12:28,960 Impossible spot. Here to defend himself and. 240 00:12:29,720 --> 00:12:32,080 It seems defensive in some respects. 241 00:12:32,080 --> 00:12:35,200 Or stay silent and let the church suffer and so. 242 00:12:35,400 --> 00:12:37,360 Paul comes in. Here and now he must. 243 00:12:37,360 --> 00:12:40,520 Intervene and where they should have commended him, instead 244 00:12:40,520 --> 00:12:42,520 they're questioning him and they're enamoured. 245 00:12:42,520 --> 00:12:45,000 With these super apostles. It's kind of like. 246 00:12:45,000 --> 00:12:48,200 Today in in modern church. In in modern Christianity, where 247 00:12:48,200 --> 00:12:50,400 many people. Seem to chase, sort of. 248 00:12:50,400 --> 00:12:53,800 Flashy celebrity preachers whilst ignoring. 249 00:12:53,800 --> 00:12:56,840 Faithful. Shepherds who are dedicated to. 250 00:12:56,840 --> 00:12:59,680 God's Word. But I. 251 00:12:59,680 --> 00:13:01,720 Want to make the connection? To Jesus Christ. 252 00:13:02,600 --> 00:13:04,960 Paul was very much like. Christ, in this scenario I. 253 00:13:06,040 --> 00:13:08,200 Want to take you to a story in? Mark chapter 8. 254 00:13:08,200 --> 00:13:10,960 It's Jesus healing a. Blind man in a. 255 00:13:11,040 --> 00:13:14,880 Village called Bethsaida. And they bring this blind. 256 00:13:14,880 --> 00:13:18,760 Man to Jesus, the stories. Found in Mark chapter 8, they 257 00:13:18,760 --> 00:13:21,760 bring this blind man to. Jesus, and they beg him for. 258 00:13:21,760 --> 00:13:25,080 Healing of this individual. He takes this man out of the. 259 00:13:25,080 --> 00:13:27,200 Village and Jesus. Does something strange. 260 00:13:27,360 --> 00:13:27,960 He. Spits. 261 00:13:27,960 --> 00:13:32,840 In the man's eyes. And he lays hands on him. 262 00:13:34,120 --> 00:13:37,200 And at first touch. The man. 263 00:13:37,960 --> 00:13:39,640 Cries out. I I see people. 264 00:13:39,640 --> 00:13:41,840 I see people. But they're like trees walking. 265 00:13:43,480 --> 00:13:45,920 And then the second touch it's. 2020 Vision. 266 00:13:46,560 --> 00:13:50,880 He's healed and Jesus. In that moment, after that, 267 00:13:50,880 --> 00:13:54,320 Miracle could have boasted. See, I'm the light of the world. 268 00:13:55,560 --> 00:13:59,520 Look at what I've just done. Gather around everybody and see. 269 00:13:59,640 --> 00:14:02,280 How wonderful, how mighty, How? Glorious I am. 270 00:14:02,280 --> 00:14:04,920 But instead, his message to the blind. 271 00:14:04,920 --> 00:14:06,960 Man, and to those. Present is don't tell anyone. 272 00:14:09,200 --> 00:14:13,840 Why? Jesus would say these words. 273 00:14:15,120 --> 00:14:19,800 I am the father of one. Jesus would say this in. 274 00:14:19,800 --> 00:14:24,080 Reference to himself. I can do nothing on my own but 275 00:14:24,080 --> 00:14:25,480 the will of him. Who sent me? 276 00:14:26,600 --> 00:14:32,000 And if Jesus had this? Right understanding of his 277 00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:36,480 relationship with God the Father and Paul certainly mirrors. 278 00:14:36,480 --> 00:14:39,000 This for us in this text. Here where in. 279 00:14:39,000 --> 00:14:41,920 Christ, I can do all. Things through him, but in 280 00:14:41,920 --> 00:14:44,360 myself I am nothing. Then how much? 281 00:14:44,360 --> 00:14:47,600 More so. You and I, let me give you a. 282 00:14:47,600 --> 00:14:50,760 Modern, I think, illustration. In an Australian context that 283 00:14:50,920 --> 00:14:54,040 highlights this. Maybe you've heard of the name 284 00:14:54,560 --> 00:14:56,840 Nicola? Ollislaus as a mouthful. 285 00:14:57,640 --> 00:15:01,880 She's a female high jumper. She broke Australia. 286 00:15:01,880 --> 00:15:03,960 'S women's high jump. Record by. 287 00:15:03,960 --> 00:15:08,960 Soaring over 2 metres. At the national championships in 288 00:15:08,960 --> 00:15:12,040 2021 in Sydney. And that was something that no 289 00:15:12,040 --> 00:15:15,360 one else had achieved. Before the crowd roared. 290 00:15:15,440 --> 00:15:20,000 As you would expect. But she didn't strut around. 291 00:15:20,560 --> 00:15:22,200 And we'll take selfie after selfie. 292 00:15:22,200 --> 00:15:24,120 Instead. She pulled out her notepad. 293 00:15:24,120 --> 00:15:26,320 As is her custom. A post. 294 00:15:26,320 --> 00:15:30,560 Jump ritual that she has. She rates her jump out of. 10 295 00:15:30,560 --> 00:15:33,400 and her take. Off out of 10 and then she 296 00:15:33,400 --> 00:15:36,320 referenced a. Bible verse that she has in fact 297 00:15:36,320 --> 00:15:38,720 tattooed on her wrist. Philippians 413. 298 00:15:39,200 --> 00:15:41,640 I can do all things. Through Christ who strengthens 299 00:15:41,640 --> 00:15:44,160 me. Fast forward to the Paris. 300 00:15:44,280 --> 00:15:47,600 Olympics 2020. Four and, you know, stadium. 301 00:15:47,600 --> 00:15:49,800 Lights there 80,000 fans and the. 302 00:15:49,800 --> 00:15:53,480 Global eyes that are on her. She clears a metre 98 for the 303 00:15:53,480 --> 00:15:56,200 silver medal post. Jump. 304 00:15:56,400 --> 00:16:02,080 She doesn't claim the glory. She closes her eyes, clinches of 305 00:16:02,080 --> 00:16:04,720 fears and praise. It's not about me. 306 00:16:05,160 --> 00:16:09,760 It's about making Jesus known. Her Puma spikes. 307 00:16:10,160 --> 00:16:12,720 Etched. With revival because her vision. 308 00:16:12,920 --> 00:16:14,520 Is. Spiritual heights, not just 309 00:16:14,520 --> 00:16:18,760 physical ones. She's Co founded an organisation 310 00:16:18,760 --> 00:16:21,800 called Everlasting. Crowns, which is a ministry for. 311 00:16:21,800 --> 00:16:24,640 Christian. Athletes to disciple others 312 00:16:24,640 --> 00:16:26,640 saying. Sport is. 313 00:16:26,640 --> 00:16:31,360 Not who I am. Faith is I jump. 314 00:16:31,800 --> 00:16:35,120 For the glory of God. Win or lose. 315 00:16:36,040 --> 00:16:38,800 And even in so called failures. Like a bronze. 316 00:16:39,600 --> 00:16:43,000 At the 2020. 3 worlds she rates herself. 317 00:16:43,000 --> 00:16:47,160 Humbly, she said. My body has gotten over the bar 318 00:16:47,160 --> 00:16:50,720 once before. I know what to fix, but I know. 319 00:16:50,720 --> 00:16:53,840 This that God. Gets me there, no ego. 320 00:16:54,320 --> 00:16:57,400 No excuses, just realistic confidence. 321 00:16:58,000 --> 00:16:59,560 In. Christ, she said. 322 00:16:59,880 --> 00:17:03,640 I clear. Any height in myself I'm. 323 00:17:03,640 --> 00:17:07,880 Just a tall girl from NSW. She's got it. 324 00:17:09,079 --> 00:17:12,040 That's an insight into Paul. That we see here. 325 00:17:12,680 --> 00:17:15,920 Confident in Christ, humbled. In self. 326 00:17:17,160 --> 00:17:19,680 The Corinthians, the believers, they're in the church, they're, 327 00:17:19,800 --> 00:17:22,359 they're chasing super apostles. Smooth. 328 00:17:22,359 --> 00:17:25,200 Talking vision, clamming, strutting around. 329 00:17:25,319 --> 00:17:28,440 It's all about me. The Instagram philtre preachers. 330 00:17:28,680 --> 00:17:32,960 And Paul's like, you know. I was with you for. 18 months I 331 00:17:32,960 --> 00:17:36,520 worked a day. Job, I got shipwrecked for you. 332 00:17:37,240 --> 00:17:40,000 And you're ghosting me for Ted talk motivators. 333 00:17:41,200 --> 00:17:45,160 I've become foolish. In my talking so let's apply 334 00:17:45,160 --> 00:17:47,000 this you know we talked about us being. 335 00:17:47,000 --> 00:17:48,560 Leaders and if. You're a leader in any. 336 00:17:48,560 --> 00:17:51,920 Capacity don't chase. Titles don't. 337 00:17:51,920 --> 00:17:54,920 Chase, applause, boast in weakness. 338 00:17:56,160 --> 00:17:58,320 In the workplace, you might be under. 339 00:17:58,320 --> 00:18:01,400 Somebody and you might report. To a manager who perhaps? 340 00:18:01,960 --> 00:18:04,080 Quietly seems to keep the team afloat. 341 00:18:04,760 --> 00:18:06,320 You know they might. Cover perhaps late. 342 00:18:06,320 --> 00:18:09,280 Reports for you or? They might mentor you through 343 00:18:09,280 --> 00:18:12,680 mistakes or something like that, but here's what they they they 344 00:18:12,680 --> 00:18:13,480 don't do. They never. 345 00:18:13,480 --> 00:18:17,280 Take credit. For things so maybe acknowledge. 346 00:18:17,280 --> 00:18:19,440 That. Send that boss. 347 00:18:19,440 --> 00:18:22,760 Send that manager a little. Thanks for all that you do. 348 00:18:23,280 --> 00:18:26,640 I appreciate what you've done. Maybe freak them out with. 349 00:18:26,640 --> 00:18:34,160 This I see Jesus in how you act. Parents, when your teen says 350 00:18:34,480 --> 00:18:38,200 you're clueless. Or they're being. 351 00:18:38,200 --> 00:18:42,200 Ungrateful like the Corinthians, forgetting all that you do, 352 00:18:43,280 --> 00:18:45,240 remember your. Strength isn't in being. 353 00:18:45,240 --> 00:18:49,800 Cool, it's in. Christ powered perseverance. 354 00:18:51,320 --> 00:18:54,000 So tonight view yourself realistically. 355 00:18:54,000 --> 00:18:56,280 I am. A servant of Jesus. 356 00:18:56,280 --> 00:18:59,960 Christ without. Him I'm nothing. 357 00:19:01,920 --> 00:19:04,680 Secondly. Value people over possession. 358 00:19:04,680 --> 00:19:06,320 So let's consider our interactions. 359 00:19:06,320 --> 00:19:10,040 With others and we'll see. In the way that Paul writes here 360 00:19:10,040 --> 00:19:12,400 of the attitude. That He had as one for us to 361 00:19:12,400 --> 00:19:15,320 emulate in verse 13 through to 18. 362 00:19:15,320 --> 00:19:20,800 There'll be a bit of a crossover from 17 on in the 3rd .4 verse 363 00:19:20,800 --> 00:19:22,240 13. What is it? 364 00:19:22,240 --> 00:19:27,640 In which you were inferior. To other churches, except. 365 00:19:27,640 --> 00:19:29,680 That I myself was not burdensome to you. 366 00:19:30,240 --> 00:19:33,360 Forgive me this wrong. So in other words, he said. 367 00:19:33,560 --> 00:19:35,240 All the other churches supported. 368 00:19:35,240 --> 00:19:38,360 Me. Provided a salary, so to speak. 369 00:19:39,080 --> 00:19:41,480 And So what is it in you guys? That's different. 370 00:19:41,800 --> 00:19:44,320 Nothing except that. I didn't burden you with. 371 00:19:44,320 --> 00:19:50,880 That or pardon. Me forgive me this wrong now for 372 00:19:50,880 --> 00:19:53,480 the third time verse 14. I'm ready. 373 00:19:53,480 --> 00:19:58,880 To come to you and I will not be burdensome to you, for I do not 374 00:19:58,880 --> 00:20:04,480 seek yours, but you, for. The children. 375 00:20:05,200 --> 00:20:07,080 Ought not to. Lay out for the parents. 376 00:20:07,640 --> 00:20:10,400 But the parents for the children and every kid here has 377 00:20:10,400 --> 00:20:15,160 underlined that and highlighted that right And I will very 378 00:20:15,160 --> 00:20:18,160 gladly spend and be. Spent for your souls. 379 00:20:19,080 --> 00:20:22,520 Though the more abundantly I love you, the less I'm loved. 380 00:20:22,800 --> 00:20:27,640 And every parent has highlighted that but be. 381 00:20:27,640 --> 00:20:29,440 That as it may. I did not. 382 00:20:29,440 --> 00:20:32,480 Burden you verse 16 nevertheless. 383 00:20:33,320 --> 00:20:35,040 Being. Crafty, I caught you by. 384 00:20:35,040 --> 00:20:38,320 Cunning so here, now he's. He's taking words and things. 385 00:20:38,320 --> 00:20:40,600 That were said of him. Back to them. 386 00:20:40,680 --> 00:20:42,520 So he's quoting them. Effectively. 387 00:20:42,520 --> 00:20:44,360 Here did I take advantage? Of you. 388 00:20:44,360 --> 00:20:49,240 By any of those whom I sent to you, I urged Titus Verse. 18 and 389 00:20:49,240 --> 00:20:50,360 sent our brother. With him. 390 00:20:50,640 --> 00:20:55,120 Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk? 391 00:20:55,120 --> 00:20:57,400 In the same spirit. Did we not? 392 00:20:57,400 --> 00:21:03,600 Walk in the same steps. Forgive me this wrong, he says. 393 00:21:03,920 --> 00:21:07,040 I will not be a burden to you. Because what I want is not. 394 00:21:07,240 --> 00:21:10,720 Possessions but you. I will very gladly. 395 00:21:10,720 --> 00:21:14,440 Spend and be spent for you. Even if the more I love you. 396 00:21:14,840 --> 00:21:18,680 The less I'm loved. There's a bit of a sarcasm alert 397 00:21:18,680 --> 00:21:21,600 here in Paul's words here. You know, please forgive. 398 00:21:21,600 --> 00:21:24,080 Me for not sending a PayPal. Request after my. 399 00:21:24,080 --> 00:21:25,960 Preaching and teaching to you guys. 400 00:21:26,720 --> 00:21:30,960 The false teachers were like, pay me or I'm out, support us. 401 00:21:31,400 --> 00:21:37,240 Paul was no, I I made tents for 18 months that I was with you so 402 00:21:37,240 --> 00:21:40,240 that you wouldn't owe me a dime, he says. 403 00:21:40,240 --> 00:21:42,480 I don't. Get this message clear. 404 00:21:42,480 --> 00:21:43,840 I don't want your. Stuff. 405 00:21:44,880 --> 00:21:47,200 What I'm about? Is is your hearts. 406 00:21:48,000 --> 00:21:49,560 And the false. Teachers in Corinth were 407 00:21:49,560 --> 00:21:51,800 demanding pay, claiming that their calibre. 408 00:21:51,800 --> 00:21:54,880 Deserved it. And Paul didn't because he's. 409 00:21:54,880 --> 00:21:58,080 Knew he knew that his ministry was worth it and he. 410 00:21:58,080 --> 00:22:00,920 Refused to burden them. Like a parent. 411 00:22:01,360 --> 00:22:04,880 Foregoing things, foregoing. Privileges for their child. 412 00:22:04,880 --> 00:22:07,720 'S benefit. And if we could sit all of the 413 00:22:07,720 --> 00:22:09,480 kids. Down with their parents. 414 00:22:09,480 --> 00:22:11,360 And their parents could tell them of all the times. 415 00:22:11,360 --> 00:22:13,920 That they've. Sacrificed or or given up? 416 00:22:13,920 --> 00:22:17,160 Things so that their kids. Could go with something or 417 00:22:17,160 --> 00:22:20,720 benefit from it and it and it hurt him. 418 00:22:20,720 --> 00:22:22,880 Deeply as their spiritual father. 419 00:22:23,280 --> 00:22:25,120 The fact that he had. Given so much and. 420 00:22:25,280 --> 00:22:27,160 And wanted to bless them and bless them and. 421 00:22:27,320 --> 00:22:30,160 And they were now being. So flippant, so disregarding. 422 00:22:30,160 --> 00:22:33,120 Of him and his. Powerful statement here. 423 00:22:33,320 --> 00:22:36,520 I do not seek yours, but you, Paul. 424 00:22:37,760 --> 00:22:41,120 Reveals this attitude that he is interested. 425 00:22:41,120 --> 00:22:43,480 In. People not in programmes, not in 426 00:22:43,480 --> 00:22:46,480 possessions. Not in in in profit, not in any 427 00:22:46,480 --> 00:22:49,120 benefit that he could derive from them. 428 00:22:50,240 --> 00:22:51,200 He. Rather. 429 00:22:51,200 --> 00:22:54,960 Wants their hearts growing in. Christ Jesus, he doesn't want 430 00:22:54,960 --> 00:22:57,720 their wallets. And Paul saw people again. 431 00:22:57,720 --> 00:23:00,320 Not as what? Benefits that could be derived. 432 00:23:00,320 --> 00:23:03,120 From them but as how he. Could be a blessing and a 433 00:23:03,120 --> 00:23:04,440 benefit. Instead to them. 434 00:23:05,200 --> 00:23:09,480 And in that we see Jesus heart. And Jesus was all about. 435 00:23:09,480 --> 00:23:13,400 Seeking and saving the lost. So that they could experience 436 00:23:13,400 --> 00:23:18,720 fullness in him, forgiveness and grace. 437 00:23:19,160 --> 00:23:21,560 And mercy, salvation that would lead to. 438 00:23:21,760 --> 00:23:25,320 A joyful giving, then and. Service as we respond. 439 00:23:25,320 --> 00:23:27,400 To that. Contrast that to the false. 440 00:23:27,400 --> 00:23:29,640 Teachers in Corinth and and they saw people. 441 00:23:29,640 --> 00:23:32,960 As a means to an. End of audiences of. 442 00:23:32,960 --> 00:23:35,840 Engagements of gain of prestige. Of of. 443 00:23:35,840 --> 00:23:40,520 Building a personal empire. Of obtaining a celebrity status 444 00:23:41,080 --> 00:23:44,640 of having a certain following. As a consequence, Paul 445 00:23:44,640 --> 00:23:47,360 illustrates from nature, no. It's the parents that lay. 446 00:23:47,360 --> 00:23:50,360 Out for the children, not. Vice versa and as their. 447 00:23:50,360 --> 00:23:54,640 Spiritual parent, he says. I'm going to provide selflessly. 448 00:23:54,640 --> 00:23:59,600 For you, even if. It's unappreciated, even if 449 00:23:59,600 --> 00:24:00,320 I'll. Pour out. 450 00:24:00,320 --> 00:24:04,840 Everything and and you'll love me less The Corinthians. 451 00:24:04,840 --> 00:24:07,040 Were withholding. Love alleging corruption, they 452 00:24:07,040 --> 00:24:08,320 said. Paul, you're crafty. 453 00:24:09,560 --> 00:24:11,920 And in your craftiness? You use surrogates like. 454 00:24:11,920 --> 00:24:15,240 Titus, when you sent him to us to exploit us. 455 00:24:15,960 --> 00:24:19,840 How absurd is? That it actually travelled 456 00:24:20,280 --> 00:24:25,400 thousands of kilometres 3 times. Via boat walking on top. 457 00:24:25,400 --> 00:24:27,680 Of that. Week's worth of travel. 458 00:24:27,880 --> 00:24:30,320 Supported. By other churches and never. 459 00:24:30,320 --> 00:24:32,480 Asked them for a cent. In Corinth. 460 00:24:33,520 --> 00:24:37,440 And yet they suspected a hook. Some kind of? 461 00:24:38,760 --> 00:24:42,880 Question over Paul's pure motives here Paul should have 462 00:24:42,880 --> 00:24:46,640 been appreciated by them, but he wasn't he wasn't burdensome, 463 00:24:46,640 --> 00:24:48,440 he'd sought their. Best, and yet the more. 464 00:24:48,440 --> 00:24:50,440 It seemed he loved. The less he was loved. 465 00:24:51,920 --> 00:24:54,480 It's like trying to love the hard to love the difficult to 466 00:24:54,480 --> 00:24:56,360 love and. We've all got that, maybe. 467 00:24:56,960 --> 00:24:59,720 It's in your family. Maybe it's a a child, a son or a 468 00:24:59,720 --> 00:25:02,320 daughter. Maybe it's a brother or a 469 00:25:02,320 --> 00:25:05,560 sister. It's a colleague at work or a 470 00:25:05,560 --> 00:25:07,880 boss. Somebody that you're pouring in 471 00:25:07,880 --> 00:25:11,800 time and energy and effort, maybe even perhaps money, and 472 00:25:11,800 --> 00:25:14,840 you're getting nothing. Back even suspicion. 473 00:25:16,960 --> 00:25:20,360 One morning, a mother awakes. To find a bill on the kitchen 474 00:25:20,360 --> 00:25:21,640 bench. Top from her son. 475 00:25:22,880 --> 00:25:25,040 Mowing the lawn it. Says $10. 476 00:25:25,960 --> 00:25:30,440 Doing dishes $5 Taking out the. Trash $3. 477 00:25:30,840 --> 00:25:36,040 Sum total $18. She smiles, says nothing. 478 00:25:36,040 --> 00:25:38,600 And that night he finds. Her bill on his pillow. 479 00:25:39,920 --> 00:25:45,880 Nine months carrying you. $0.00. 5. 176 Three. 480 00:25:45,880 --> 00:25:51,440 AM feedings $0.00. Eight ER visits for broken bones 481 00:25:51,800 --> 00:25:56,480 $0.00. Numerous prayers for you $0.00. 482 00:25:56,920 --> 00:26:00,560 Love Mum? Paul's attitude. 483 00:26:00,560 --> 00:26:03,320 Was that wasn't it? I'll, I'll gladly be. 484 00:26:03,320 --> 00:26:08,040 Broken for your soul, even if you say. 485 00:26:11,080 --> 00:26:15,360 No, thank you. Let's connect it to Jesus. 486 00:26:15,760 --> 00:26:18,720 You remember a rich young. Ruler in mark. 487 00:26:18,720 --> 00:26:21,600 Chapter 10 runs up to Jesus says. 488 00:26:21,600 --> 00:26:23,560 Good teacher, good teacher, What must I do? 489 00:26:23,560 --> 00:26:26,680 To inherit eternal life and and Jesus makes this. 490 00:26:26,680 --> 00:26:28,920 Statement to him identifying the. 491 00:26:28,920 --> 00:26:30,680 Thing that was holding this fellow back. 492 00:26:31,480 --> 00:26:33,600 Sell everything. Give to. 493 00:26:33,600 --> 00:26:37,960 The poor follow me and the young man. 494 00:26:37,960 --> 00:26:40,240 Walks away very. Sad tells us in the. 495 00:26:40,240 --> 00:26:41,840 Scripture because he had. Great wealth. 496 00:26:42,800 --> 00:26:45,160 And Jesus didn't. Chase him down after that. 497 00:26:45,160 --> 00:26:46,240 Wait, wait, wait. Wait, wait. 498 00:26:46,280 --> 00:26:48,200 OK, maybe. There's been a misunderstanding 499 00:26:48,200 --> 00:26:50,680 here. Just the 10%. 500 00:26:50,680 --> 00:26:54,600 Tithe will be fine. He didn't. 501 00:26:54,760 --> 00:26:56,800 Invoice him for his. Ungratefulness. 502 00:26:56,800 --> 00:26:58,680 You know what? You came to me and I gave you an 503 00:26:58,680 --> 00:26:59,480 answer, right? That's it. 504 00:26:59,480 --> 00:27:01,200 I'm done. I'm sending you a bill. 505 00:27:01,720 --> 00:27:04,760 Consultation fee 50 talents. Pay up. 506 00:27:05,680 --> 00:27:06,960 Jesus didn't. Do any of that? 507 00:27:07,640 --> 00:27:09,680 Why? Because Jesus concern was the 508 00:27:09,680 --> 00:27:12,120 man's heart. It had nothing to do with the 509 00:27:12,120 --> 00:27:14,720 man's wallet but it. Was the man's. 510 00:27:14,720 --> 00:27:16,680 Heart and the. Wallet that had captured that 511 00:27:16,680 --> 00:27:19,520 heart. Paul mirrors this for us. 512 00:27:19,520 --> 00:27:19,880 He. Says I. 513 00:27:19,880 --> 00:27:23,360 Don't want your money I. Don't need your possessions, I 514 00:27:23,360 --> 00:27:26,240 want your soul connected. To Jesus. 515 00:27:28,280 --> 00:27:30,200 So tonight. How do you see people? 516 00:27:30,200 --> 00:27:31,600 How do you see your? Interactions. 517 00:27:31,600 --> 00:27:33,840 With others as a as. A means to an end. 518 00:27:35,080 --> 00:27:36,840 For what they can. Supply to you. 519 00:27:37,200 --> 00:27:40,000 You know if I just. If I just connect with so and so 520 00:27:40,000 --> 00:27:40,760 then. Maybe. 521 00:27:41,000 --> 00:27:43,200 Maybe later. You know, I've got that meeting 522 00:27:43,200 --> 00:27:45,160 or I've got that, that thing coming up. 523 00:27:45,160 --> 00:27:48,240 I'll be able to just kind of tap into that connection and you 524 00:27:48,240 --> 00:27:50,320 know, that'll be. Advantageous to us or this? 525 00:27:50,320 --> 00:27:53,760 Situation. So as a leader, flip the script 526 00:27:53,840 --> 00:27:56,440 you know, instead of measuring. By. 527 00:27:56,440 --> 00:28:00,600 By profit generated by budgets. Raised maybe see how people are 528 00:28:00,600 --> 00:28:03,360 being built up the next team meeting. 529 00:28:03,400 --> 00:28:04,520 You could ask. How can? 530 00:28:04,760 --> 00:28:06,480 How can I? Invest in in. 531 00:28:06,480 --> 00:28:11,280 Growth in in in my team. This month, value people over. 532 00:28:11,280 --> 00:28:15,040 Programmes in that way. As employees. 533 00:28:15,360 --> 00:28:18,240 Again, maybe you've got a a. Boss who quietly covers your. 534 00:28:18,240 --> 00:28:19,720 Shifts when? When life. 535 00:28:19,720 --> 00:28:22,080 Gets hard, you know I've. Had this situation pop up with 536 00:28:22,080 --> 00:28:22,960 the kids. Or. 537 00:28:23,320 --> 00:28:25,040 I'm not feeling the best. And and they take. 538 00:28:25,040 --> 00:28:27,640 Care of it. Maybe they mentor you through 539 00:28:27,720 --> 00:28:30,160 hard or difficult. Projects and and they never. 540 00:28:30,160 --> 00:28:34,640 Demand payback for that. Don't be ungrateful. 541 00:28:34,640 --> 00:28:38,760 Like the Corinthians or like a spoilt teenager? 542 00:28:39,560 --> 00:28:43,280 Learn from the Corinthians era. Be thankful, be appreciative. 543 00:28:44,600 --> 00:28:47,720 If you're a student. You're at school, at university. 544 00:28:47,720 --> 00:28:51,440 And a group mate maybe shares their notes or you've missed 545 00:28:51,440 --> 00:28:54,840 class they they might help with. Suggestions in the lead up to an 546 00:28:54,840 --> 00:28:57,640 assignment or an? Assessment without expecting any 547 00:28:57,640 --> 00:29:01,720 credit or maybe even you've got this blessing that they they 548 00:29:01,720 --> 00:29:04,400 pray with you or. For you with exams or something 549 00:29:04,400 --> 00:29:07,120 else going on? Don't abandoned them or. 550 00:29:07,120 --> 00:29:09,880 Chase after the so called. Cool kids and leave them in the 551 00:29:09,880 --> 00:29:11,960 lurch. Learn from the Corinthians era. 552 00:29:13,800 --> 00:29:15,640 More importantly, in the church family. 553 00:29:16,440 --> 00:29:18,440 You know that. Brother or that sister who prays 554 00:29:18,440 --> 00:29:21,240 for you. Who brings meals when you're? 555 00:29:21,240 --> 00:29:24,400 Sick. Who listens for hours on end 556 00:29:24,400 --> 00:29:27,360 without asking for favours? Don't overlook. 557 00:29:27,360 --> 00:29:30,800 Them for super spiritual influences. 558 00:29:31,880 --> 00:29:35,240 Be a blessing. Back thank them, you know. 559 00:29:35,240 --> 00:29:37,400 You're you're building me up in Christ. 560 00:29:37,680 --> 00:29:39,480 You're not tearing me down, I think. 561 00:29:39,840 --> 00:29:41,240 You. For that I thank God. 562 00:29:41,240 --> 00:29:43,440 For you how can how? Can I be a blessing? 563 00:29:43,440 --> 00:29:43,920 How? Can I? 564 00:29:44,320 --> 00:29:46,640 How can I? Serve you this week. 565 00:29:48,760 --> 00:29:51,320 So consider your interactions with. 566 00:29:51,320 --> 00:29:54,080 People and and. Value people. 567 00:29:54,080 --> 00:29:58,200 Over. Possessions over profit over 568 00:29:58,200 --> 00:30:00,760 certain things that maybe be. Derived as a benefit. 569 00:30:00,760 --> 00:30:04,600 From them and this week maybe. Pour into people like Paul. 570 00:30:06,080 --> 00:30:08,920 Heart first. No receipt needed. 571 00:30:10,400 --> 00:30:12,800 Let's finish this. We'll read again from. 572 00:30:12,800 --> 00:30:18,080 Verse 17 to 21 as we consider the sacrifice that comes for the 573 00:30:18,080 --> 00:30:22,600 edification of others. Did I take advantage of? 574 00:30:22,600 --> 00:30:24,040 You by any of. Those whom I sent. 575 00:30:24,040 --> 00:30:27,160 To you, I urged. Titus and sent our brother. 576 00:30:27,160 --> 00:30:29,840 With him did Titus take. Advantage of you. 577 00:30:30,480 --> 00:30:32,400 Did we not walk? In the same spirit. 578 00:30:33,040 --> 00:30:36,080 Did we not walk in the same steps again? 579 00:30:36,080 --> 00:30:39,040 Verse 19 Do you think that we. Excuse ourselves to you. 580 00:30:40,120 --> 00:30:42,040 We speak. Before God in Christ. 581 00:30:42,600 --> 00:30:49,360 But we do all things beloved. For your edification for I. 582 00:30:49,360 --> 00:30:51,680 Fear. Lest when I come, I shall not. 583 00:30:51,680 --> 00:30:55,520 Find you such as I wish. And that I shall be found by 584 00:30:55,520 --> 00:30:57,600 some. Of you. 585 00:30:57,640 --> 00:30:59,280 Such as you do not. Wish. 586 00:31:00,320 --> 00:31:01,960 Lest. There be contentions, 587 00:31:01,960 --> 00:31:05,320 jealousies, outbursts. Of wrath, selfish ambitions. 588 00:31:05,720 --> 00:31:10,120 Back bitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults, lest. 589 00:31:10,120 --> 00:31:12,320 When I come. Again verse 21 my God will 590 00:31:12,320 --> 00:31:13,680 humble. Me, among you and I. 591 00:31:13,880 --> 00:31:17,880 Shall mourn for many. Who have sinned before and have 592 00:31:17,880 --> 00:31:20,920 not repented. Of the uncleanness, fornication 593 00:31:20,920 --> 00:31:22,240 and. Lewdness, which they have 594 00:31:22,240 --> 00:31:26,800 practised. Paul here to. 595 00:31:26,800 --> 00:31:29,040 Summarise what we've. Just read He said everything. 596 00:31:29,040 --> 00:31:30,680 We. Did was fear strengthening to? 597 00:31:30,680 --> 00:31:33,200 Uplift. You to upbuild, You to edify, 598 00:31:33,200 --> 00:31:34,920 you and I, I fear. That when I come. 599 00:31:34,920 --> 00:31:36,280 Visit. Here's what I'm going to. 600 00:31:36,280 --> 00:31:40,200 Find quarrelling. Jealousy, gossip, Sexual. 601 00:31:40,200 --> 00:31:43,600 Immorality and I'll. Have to mourn, I'll have to. 602 00:31:43,600 --> 00:31:46,240 Correct and and it. Will be difficult and tough. 603 00:31:46,240 --> 00:31:49,680 For you and Paul's. Heartbroken here, he says. 604 00:31:49,680 --> 00:31:51,040 You. Know I'm I'm dying. 605 00:31:51,040 --> 00:31:53,960 For you I'm I'm sacrificing. For you I'm, I'm giving. 606 00:31:53,960 --> 00:31:56,120 For you, I'm serving you and. And you're. 607 00:31:56,120 --> 00:32:01,240 Fighting over the Wi-Fi. Paul exposes their accusations 608 00:32:01,240 --> 00:32:03,640 here. His ministry had been 609 00:32:03,640 --> 00:32:04,560 sacrificial. From. 610 00:32:04,560 --> 00:32:07,360 Start to end spending for their souls and everyone he sent. 611 00:32:07,360 --> 00:32:09,760 Titus and and others, they had the same. 612 00:32:09,760 --> 00:32:12,520 Heart the same desire for edification, for building them 613 00:32:12,520 --> 00:32:16,000 up, but he fears finding sin. Rampant in their midst. 614 00:32:16,560 --> 00:32:19,680 Social. Sins like debates, envy, anger, 615 00:32:19,680 --> 00:32:22,320 selfish ambition, gossip, slander, he mentions. 616 00:32:22,920 --> 00:32:26,080 Sexual sins like uncleanness, fornication, lewdness. 617 00:32:26,080 --> 00:32:28,240 This this downward. Spiral and you're wondering. 618 00:32:28,360 --> 00:32:32,240 Where is this coming? From you see, sin does not lie 619 00:32:32,240 --> 00:32:34,000 dormant in our. Hearts. 620 00:32:34,800 --> 00:32:38,280 And like Levin, it spreads and it roots. 621 00:32:38,280 --> 00:32:41,520 Bitterness. And then it defiles and it 622 00:32:41,520 --> 00:32:43,120 spreads. On into many other. 623 00:32:43,120 --> 00:32:45,920 Things and greater problems and and Corinth we've we've. 624 00:32:45,920 --> 00:32:50,120 Discovered as a city was vile. Wasn't it a sin centre? 625 00:32:50,120 --> 00:32:52,440 Like a modern day Las. Vegas. 626 00:32:53,400 --> 00:32:55,720 Multiplied. Even when you go back into the 627 00:32:55,720 --> 00:32:59,000 history of it and in the. Church there, we've discovered 628 00:32:59,000 --> 00:33:00,400 that. Grace abounded. 629 00:33:00,400 --> 00:33:02,520 Yes. But they they looked lightly. 630 00:33:02,520 --> 00:33:07,120 On sin and Pauls concern was instead of the. 631 00:33:07,120 --> 00:33:10,080 Building up of one another that they were tearing down and 632 00:33:10,080 --> 00:33:11,680 whilst he was. Building them up. 633 00:33:12,320 --> 00:33:15,600 And edifying them. They were rejecting his work and 634 00:33:15,600 --> 00:33:17,920 this, this bitterness. Was taking root in their. 635 00:33:17,920 --> 00:33:20,800 Hearts and as they were starting to esteem themselves. 636 00:33:20,800 --> 00:33:23,080 Far greater than than others. I mean if they. 637 00:33:23,240 --> 00:33:24,880 Esteem themselves greater than Paul. 638 00:33:24,880 --> 00:33:27,040 That was flowing. Onto their attitude to others. 639 00:33:27,240 --> 00:33:30,240 And it was evident in these these sins. 640 00:33:30,240 --> 00:33:31,560 Here that he was. He was. 641 00:33:31,560 --> 00:33:33,680 Worried that he was going to encounter in their visit. 642 00:33:34,880 --> 00:33:38,080 And Paul's concern? Is that now I'm going to have to 643 00:33:38,080 --> 00:33:40,480 come and the. Edification the building up that 644 00:33:40,480 --> 00:33:42,400 I'm going to need to. Bring is going to. 645 00:33:42,400 --> 00:33:46,240 Need to be disciplined. It's going to mean a. 646 00:33:46,240 --> 00:33:49,720 Difficult, tough word and so. Paul here reveals his heart. 647 00:33:49,720 --> 00:33:53,520 He's in for the long haul. He's wanting to protect them. 648 00:33:55,640 --> 00:33:57,960 He's going to have to get. Dirty roll up the. 649 00:33:57,960 --> 00:34:00,480 Sleeves when he visits and deal with some. 650 00:34:00,480 --> 00:34:04,440 Stuff unlike the the false. Teachers in their midst. 651 00:34:04,760 --> 00:34:07,280 But everything he did, as we've seen, as we've studied his 652 00:34:07,280 --> 00:34:10,600 words, everything he wrote, everything he prayed about. 653 00:34:11,000 --> 00:34:14,840 Was for their edification for their growth. 654 00:34:15,639 --> 00:34:18,320 For their maturity. And he's willing to. 655 00:34:18,320 --> 00:34:21,000 Sacrifice so much in order. For that to happen. 656 00:34:21,320 --> 00:34:23,600 He's willing to sacrifice his reputation. 657 00:34:23,600 --> 00:34:25,560 He. You know things are being said 658 00:34:25,560 --> 00:34:27,639 about. Paul, that you and I would break 659 00:34:27,679 --> 00:34:32,800 under. He's not avoiding conflict. 660 00:34:32,800 --> 00:34:34,600 We're seeing that in there. Some of us. 661 00:34:34,800 --> 00:34:36,960 We run from. Conflict, and we find conflict. 662 00:34:36,960 --> 00:34:39,400 Difficult, particularly. When we're needing to correct. 663 00:34:39,400 --> 00:34:41,199 Someone in line with the word of God. 664 00:34:41,840 --> 00:34:43,960 He's not worried about relational strain. 665 00:34:44,480 --> 00:34:45,960 He's not worried about the. Monetary. 666 00:34:45,960 --> 00:34:48,560 Rights that he could have claimed and he's given all. 667 00:34:48,560 --> 00:34:52,639 Of that up so that they can be. Edified in verse 19. 668 00:34:52,800 --> 00:34:58,440 Built up. And in this way he models Jesus. 669 00:34:58,440 --> 00:35:00,520 Attitude and I want to. Take us to an example. 670 00:35:00,520 --> 00:35:03,280 Of Jesus with. The woman at the Well in John 671 00:35:03,280 --> 00:35:07,080 chapter. Four, he travelled through 672 00:35:07,080 --> 00:35:10,000 Samaria when. Typically, Jews would avoid 673 00:35:10,000 --> 00:35:12,760 Samaria like the. Plague for those half breeds. 674 00:35:13,120 --> 00:35:17,520 That live there he sits at a well yes exhausted and tired as 675 00:35:17,520 --> 00:35:20,440 the disciples are sent into the nearby town to obtain the. 676 00:35:20,440 --> 00:35:24,560 Food needed and a woman comes in the middle of the day. 677 00:35:25,680 --> 00:35:27,880 Who's had five? Husbands and is currently. 678 00:35:27,880 --> 00:35:29,440 Living with her. Boyfriend. 679 00:35:30,800 --> 00:35:31,920 And there's that. Interaction. 680 00:35:31,920 --> 00:35:35,600 You know the story. And Jesus asks her, and says 681 00:35:35,600 --> 00:35:37,040 please. Give me a drink. 682 00:35:38,280 --> 00:35:41,080 And she's like. You're talking to me, you being 683 00:35:41,080 --> 00:35:43,520 a man and a. Jew and me being a. 684 00:35:43,520 --> 00:35:47,160 Woman and a Samaritan. And through it, he offers 685 00:35:47,160 --> 00:35:49,680 himself the living. Water that will quench all 686 00:35:49,680 --> 00:35:51,440 thirst and. She realises. 687 00:35:51,440 --> 00:35:54,920 Finally cottoning on that he is the Messiah, the promised. 688 00:35:54,920 --> 00:35:58,960 One salvation has come. She runs into the into that 689 00:35:58,960 --> 00:36:00,840 village. Come, come and see a man who 690 00:36:00,840 --> 00:36:02,360 told. Me everything I did and. 691 00:36:02,600 --> 00:36:06,720 The whole village believes. In Jesus as Messiah my. 692 00:36:06,720 --> 00:36:09,440 Point. Is that Jesus had ventured. 693 00:36:10,480 --> 00:36:14,560 Geographically. It was a travel into Samaria 694 00:36:15,400 --> 00:36:17,960 socially and those Samaritans and. 695 00:36:17,960 --> 00:36:21,240 Heroin. Immoral woman emotionally. 696 00:36:21,240 --> 00:36:24,280 There was the potential. Of of rejection and the risk. 697 00:36:24,280 --> 00:36:27,400 Of that. But Jesus did it. 698 00:36:27,600 --> 00:36:31,520 All for her edification, for her soul, and for that of the 699 00:36:31,520 --> 00:36:34,520 village and. Paul Mirrors is here. 700 00:36:34,520 --> 00:36:36,200 You know. I'll travel thousands of. 701 00:36:36,200 --> 00:36:38,200 Kilometres if needs be. To come and visit with you 702 00:36:38,200 --> 00:36:40,680 again. I'll face slander in person. 703 00:36:41,240 --> 00:36:43,320 I'll work a day job. All men tents. 704 00:36:43,920 --> 00:36:45,880 I'll deal with the sin issues if I have. 705 00:36:45,880 --> 00:36:48,200 To when I come visit. But know this, that it's all for 706 00:36:48,200 --> 00:36:51,320 your growth, it's all for your edification. 707 00:36:52,200 --> 00:36:55,960 So let's seek to apply this. In our lives. 708 00:36:56,920 --> 00:36:59,400 In in a modern. Church context and and know 709 00:36:59,400 --> 00:37:01,480 that. Whilst Paul's sacrifice wasn't. 710 00:37:01,480 --> 00:37:03,400 Theory. It was tangible, costly. 711 00:37:03,400 --> 00:37:04,920 Aimed at growth? Here's how. 712 00:37:05,360 --> 00:37:08,120 You and I could. Realistically live out this. 713 00:37:08,880 --> 00:37:11,200 In the day to day. It might be. 714 00:37:11,200 --> 00:37:15,280 Hospitality that costs. You know you could sacrifice. 715 00:37:15,280 --> 00:37:17,400 Give up the the Sunday afternoon nap. 716 00:37:20,080 --> 00:37:23,960 The resources open up the home. Host a struggling family, maybe. 717 00:37:24,000 --> 00:37:27,040 For for lunch after church. They leave. 718 00:37:27,040 --> 00:37:30,240 Refreshed, not just simply fed. Why? 719 00:37:30,240 --> 00:37:31,880 Because you've listened. You've prayed. 720 00:37:31,880 --> 00:37:33,400 You've. You've shared a scripture, 721 00:37:33,400 --> 00:37:35,120 perhaps that spoke to their pain. 722 00:37:36,440 --> 00:37:39,240 And so maybe, maybe this week it's. 723 00:37:39,480 --> 00:37:42,000 You know I'm going to text 11 particular. 724 00:37:42,000 --> 00:37:44,280 Family this week and say. Hey, lunch. 725 00:37:44,280 --> 00:37:48,200 At our place after church, no agenda, just fellowship. 726 00:37:50,240 --> 00:37:54,040 Maybe it's mentorship. But comes with a cost it's. 727 00:37:54,040 --> 00:37:56,640 Perhaps meeting regularly with a younger believer. 728 00:37:58,280 --> 00:38:00,440 Dealing with some difficulties what it means to. 729 00:38:00,440 --> 00:38:04,240 Live a holy life following. Jesus Christ, cancel that 730 00:38:04,240 --> 00:38:07,080 Netflix night. Risk the awkwardness. 731 00:38:07,560 --> 00:38:11,520 Speak truth in love the edification might come that 732 00:38:12,080 --> 00:38:13,160 they. Understand what it. 733 00:38:13,160 --> 00:38:15,920 Means to follow Jesus. They repent, they grow, they 734 00:38:16,360 --> 00:38:18,360 they maybe even start discipling. 735 00:38:18,360 --> 00:38:21,080 Someone else? So the action could. 736 00:38:21,080 --> 00:38:23,080 Be you know what I'm. Going to identify someone. 737 00:38:24,640 --> 00:38:30,520 Who needs a pull? Send the invite could. 738 00:38:30,520 --> 00:38:33,160 Be thirdly confrontation that heals. 739 00:38:34,440 --> 00:38:36,320 There's gossip. In your group of friends. 740 00:38:37,720 --> 00:38:44,040 Risk being called Judge Mental. The group repents Unity. 741 00:38:44,040 --> 00:38:47,280 Returns outsiders. Notice the difference? 742 00:38:47,280 --> 00:38:52,600 In the group, another example. Might be sacrifice that's 743 00:38:52,600 --> 00:38:58,080 invisible, arriving perhaps early before the service help. 744 00:38:58,080 --> 00:39:01,840 Set up clean. Prepare, pray for the service. 745 00:39:02,160 --> 00:39:04,640 No one sees it. The church. 746 00:39:04,640 --> 00:39:08,000 Consequently, functions smoothly, people feel welcomed, 747 00:39:08,840 --> 00:39:12,760 God is glorified. They're just. 748 00:39:12,760 --> 00:39:19,040 Some simple examples maybe, but you can ask the question. 749 00:39:19,240 --> 00:39:24,760 What am I willing to? Lose time, comfort, reputation 750 00:39:25,960 --> 00:39:28,040 so that someone else gains Christ. 751 00:39:30,200 --> 00:39:38,560 And then maybe this week, pick one sacrifice and ask, Lord help 752 00:39:38,560 --> 00:39:41,960 me with that. To do this to follow through. 753 00:39:42,880 --> 00:39:45,240 And I'm going to trust. You with with the result of. 754 00:39:45,240 --> 00:39:47,280 That and and my. Hope my goal is that. 755 00:39:47,280 --> 00:39:52,040 Someone will be edified. Built up in you, Lord Jesus 756 00:39:52,040 --> 00:39:54,920 Christ. So as we wrap. 757 00:39:54,920 --> 00:39:58,280 This as we finish, remember. Paul's heartache here isn't just 758 00:39:58,280 --> 00:40:00,160 history. That we've been looking at it's 759 00:40:00,160 --> 00:40:01,680 it's a mirror for. US. 760 00:40:03,000 --> 00:40:05,920 In these verses, he models servant leadership. 761 00:40:07,400 --> 00:40:11,720 Particularly in the midst of pain, we've seen that he. 762 00:40:11,720 --> 00:40:15,320 Really has a a good understanding of who he is. 763 00:40:15,720 --> 00:40:17,840 In Christ. I'm equal. 764 00:40:17,840 --> 00:40:20,080 I'm I'm on par with the Super apostles. 765 00:40:20,080 --> 00:40:25,320 But of myself, I'm nothing. He values people over 766 00:40:25,320 --> 00:40:27,640 possessions. It's not about what? 767 00:40:27,840 --> 00:40:29,240 You can give me I'm. I'm not. 768 00:40:29,400 --> 00:40:31,800 I'm not about obtaining those things. 769 00:40:31,800 --> 00:40:33,040 I'm I'm. After your soul. 770 00:40:33,040 --> 00:40:36,640 Being connected to Jesus and then in order. 771 00:40:36,640 --> 00:40:39,640 For that to happen, he was willing to sacrifice for their. 772 00:40:39,640 --> 00:40:42,760 Edification for them to be built up, and I think if you and I 773 00:40:42,760 --> 00:40:46,720 would adopt those principles, it would transform our lives. 774 00:40:46,720 --> 00:40:50,120 Powerfully in any leadership that we find ourselves. 775 00:40:50,400 --> 00:40:54,240 And certainly in our our. Relationships one to another. 776 00:40:54,800 --> 00:40:58,640 But ultimately, the point is to Jesus. 777 00:40:59,280 --> 00:41:02,680 He's the ultimate. Servant leader crucified in 778 00:41:02,680 --> 00:41:05,920 weakness. He lived by the power of the 779 00:41:05,920 --> 00:41:09,120 Father. He endured misunderstanding and 780 00:41:09,120 --> 00:41:13,880 rejection, all for our benefit. And if you're a follower of. 781 00:41:13,960 --> 00:41:17,120 Jesus tonight draw his. Strength to persevere. 782 00:41:18,480 --> 00:41:20,360 Even when, like Paul here, you're unloved. 783 00:41:20,360 --> 00:41:24,800 In return, there's a story. Told of Leonardo da Vinci. 784 00:41:24,800 --> 00:41:27,680 Who was starting one of his masterpieces and. 785 00:41:27,880 --> 00:41:29,920 He'd sketched. And he'd painted and he'd. 786 00:41:29,920 --> 00:41:33,520 Begun to pour his soul. Into it and then stopping, he 787 00:41:33,640 --> 00:41:35,440 handed the brush. To one of his nervous. 788 00:41:35,440 --> 00:41:38,800 Students finish it. Is all that he simply? 789 00:41:38,800 --> 00:41:44,840 Said the students response. Maestro, I'm not worthy. 790 00:41:45,880 --> 00:41:49,920 And Da Vinci replied will not what I have done. 791 00:41:50,440 --> 00:41:52,840 Inspire you to do your best it's. 792 00:41:55,280 --> 00:41:59,400 A simple little story and Jesus he. 793 00:41:59,400 --> 00:42:01,720 Started the canvas if you. Want to think of it that way? 794 00:42:02,440 --> 00:42:05,080 Paul continued it. Now it's our turn. 795 00:42:06,480 --> 00:42:08,840 Paul's not just a. A wounded dad here in this 796 00:42:08,840 --> 00:42:11,360 story. With ungrateful teenagers that 797 00:42:11,360 --> 00:42:14,360 he's writing. To He's a mirror. 798 00:42:14,360 --> 00:42:17,480 Of Jesus. You know Jesus should have been 799 00:42:17,480 --> 00:42:19,640 commended. We spoke of the feeding of the 800 00:42:19,640 --> 00:42:24,960 5000, but you know many. Times as he would perform these 801 00:42:24,960 --> 00:42:27,160 miracles before. Them and and the Pharisees. 802 00:42:27,160 --> 00:42:28,960 Would ridicule. I mean one of the most. 803 00:42:28,960 --> 00:42:31,160 Ridiculous things said was he's from Satan, he. 804 00:42:32,480 --> 00:42:35,360 Was rejected. He should have been appreciated. 805 00:42:35,360 --> 00:42:39,040 He he healed the lepers and and Jesus staggers that only one 806 00:42:39,040 --> 00:42:40,520 from the 10 had. Returned to say. 807 00:42:40,520 --> 00:42:43,320 Thanks. He was crucified. 808 00:42:44,480 --> 00:42:49,800 Should have been obeyed. But yet they love darkness 809 00:42:51,000 --> 00:42:52,520 still. He ventured to the cross. 810 00:42:53,320 --> 00:42:56,520 Why for our? Benefit. 811 00:42:57,200 --> 00:43:00,400 For our. Edification because Jesus didn't 812 00:43:00,400 --> 00:43:01,960 quit. Though his love. 813 00:43:01,960 --> 00:43:04,160 Was not returned. And nor did Paul. 814 00:43:04,560 --> 00:43:07,680 As followers of Jesus tonight, neither should we. 815 00:43:09,560 --> 00:43:12,000 Let's pray for God to help us to persevere. 816 00:43:12,280 --> 00:43:16,360 In that Lord, we thank you. For your word tonight and thank 817 00:43:16,360 --> 00:43:18,200 you for your people present and gathered here. 818 00:43:20,600 --> 00:43:24,640 Help us with this high calling. That we've seen modelled in. 819 00:43:24,640 --> 00:43:27,920 You as. As Paul also displayed his 820 00:43:27,920 --> 00:43:29,680 relationship with the church in Corinth. 821 00:43:31,320 --> 00:43:34,720 Lord, if if we're to be followers of you, Lord Jesus. 822 00:43:34,720 --> 00:43:41,080 And servants of you, then. These principles highlighted in 823 00:43:41,080 --> 00:43:47,360 our verses for us to follow. We need your strength. 824 00:43:48,760 --> 00:43:56,000 We need your capacity. In ourselves we are nothing but 825 00:43:56,000 --> 00:43:58,320 in you, Lord. God, all things are possible. 826 00:43:59,240 --> 00:44:03,360 Help us to love with your love. Help us to see others with your 827 00:44:03,360 --> 00:44:07,040 eyes. Help us to sacrifice where 828 00:44:07,040 --> 00:44:09,320 needed. Help us to be a blessing where 829 00:44:09,320 --> 00:44:11,840 we can. Lord Guide. 830 00:44:11,840 --> 00:44:15,600 Us and direct us in this way, in this fashion, that we might live 831 00:44:16,040 --> 00:44:17,840 lives. That honour you and reflect you. 832 00:44:19,760 --> 00:44:22,480 Lord God, now I pray. For all gathered here tonight, 833 00:44:22,480 --> 00:44:24,920 that you would bless them, that you would guide them, you would 834 00:44:24,920 --> 00:44:26,880 be with them. And this week we pray and ask in 835 00:44:26,920 --> 00:44:27,840 Jesus. Mighty name. 836 00:44:28,680 --> 00:44:30,040 Amen. Amen.