WEBVTT 00:00:00.320 --> 00:00:02.760 Book of Hebrews and chapter 12. 00:00:03.200 --> 00:00:04.580 You guys stay there for just a minute. 00:00:04.620 --> 00:00:06.860 I'm going to give an introduction to the backdrop of this text. 00:00:07.000 --> 00:00:07.770 If you want to follow along. 00:00:07.880 --> 00:00:10.040 Apart from that, please feel free to do that. 00:00:10.490 --> 00:00:11.460 Here's where we're going with this. 00:00:11.640 --> 00:00:12.140 This morning. 00:00:12.140 --> 00:00:19.500 Easter, believe it or not, is the most important holiday on the calendar because Easter deals 00:00:19.500 --> 00:00:21.160 with the resurrection of Jesus. 00:00:22.640 --> 00:00:29.260 The Apostle Paul wrote in Corinthians, If Christ be not raised from the grave, our faith is in vain, right? 00:00:30.300 --> 00:00:30.540 So. 00:00:30.820 --> 00:00:37.860 So our faith centers around the resurrection of Christ, his ability to demonstrate to us his conquering 00:00:37.860 --> 00:00:44.400 over sin, Satan, and death, and giving us the hope of eternity in him, because he Himself has overcome the grave. 00:00:44.560 --> 00:00:49.840 The promise that he gives to us is that we, as we place our faith in him, may also overcome the grave. 00:00:51.500 --> 00:00:53.880 Easter is the day of celebration. 00:00:54.380 --> 00:00:59.740 If you want to refer to it more specifically or more biblically correct, it would be Resurrection Sunday. 00:01:00.700 --> 00:01:01.200 We celebrate. 00:01:02.780 --> 00:01:09.780 Doing with the resurrection of Christ leading up to this resurrection, exactly one one week before 00:01:09.780 --> 00:01:13.100 the resurrection of Jesus was a day referred to as Palm Sunday. 00:01:14.980 --> 00:01:20.960 The Christian celebrate Palm Sunday as the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. 00:01:21.100 --> 00:01:23.340 It's recorded in all four Gospels. 00:01:25.560 --> 00:01:32.700 This was a day also that the nation of Israel celebrated the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem just before his 00:01:32.700 --> 00:01:33.600 crucifixion. 00:01:35.320 --> 00:01:41.230 Jesus came that we may know him and enjoy him forever. 00:01:43.120 --> 00:01:45.740 Prophet Zechariah in chapter nine. 00:01:45.740 --> 00:01:47.040 That's a beautiful slide, by the way, isn't it? 00:01:47.140 --> 00:01:51.060 Shalom made that Zechariah chapter nine and verse nine, you're going to give me a click. 00:01:51.180 --> 00:01:51.900 I don't have power here. 00:01:53.080 --> 00:01:55.720 One more. 00:01:56.200 --> 00:01:59.840 Chapter nine and verse nine says this rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion. 00:02:00.020 --> 00:02:04.180 Shout out, daughter of Jerusalem, behold, your king is coming to you. 00:02:04.220 --> 00:02:10.560 He is just and having salvation lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey. 00:02:12.200 --> 00:02:18.260 Could you imagine that you're gathering together like usual on Passover Sunday? 00:02:18.260 --> 00:02:21.070 And as a Jew, you know the Old Testament. 00:02:21.360 --> 00:02:24.340 Most of them have it memorized and ingrained in their mind. 00:02:24.400 --> 00:02:28.800 And they know if we were to mention this verse, they could open their Bible and point right to where it would be in Scripture. 00:02:30.140 --> 00:02:31.740 And they're gathering in Jerusalem. 00:02:31.740 --> 00:02:34.620 They're celebrating this Palm Sunday. 00:02:34.800 --> 00:02:41.860 And all of a sudden they see Jesus, the one that they've been heralding as the Messiah, coming into Jerusalem, riding on this 00:02:41.860 --> 00:02:41.960 donkey. 00:02:43.800 --> 00:02:50.880 Could you imagine this moment as a Jew realizing what was happening as Zechariah verse chapter nine and 00:02:50.880 --> 00:02:53.520 verse nine is being fulfilled in their very presence? 00:02:55.420 --> 00:03:00.820 The Bible tells us that the people in this moment began rejoicing over what was taking place. 00:03:01.520 --> 00:03:08.820 It says in Matthew 29 and verse nine, the crowds going ahead of him, talking about Jesus and those who followed were shouting, Hosanna 00:03:08.820 --> 00:03:09.920 to the Son of David! 00:03:10.060 --> 00:03:12.500 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 00:03:12.840 --> 00:03:16.740 Hosanna in the highest! 00:03:16.800 --> 00:03:23.610 The description around this moment tells us Hosanna is the shout for salvation for the King who's coming to bring salvation. 00:03:24.220 --> 00:03:25.580 This cry before them. 00:03:27.020 --> 00:03:34.140 And as they're crying out to the Lord and the Gospels, it tells us that they have palm branches that are symbolic 00:03:34.140 --> 00:03:35.320 of victory. 00:03:37.160 --> 00:03:43.700 In the land of ancient Egypt, palm branches were used in funeral processions to represent eternal life. 00:03:45.860 --> 00:03:52.880 And here, when this king comes into Jerusalem, customary, when one one of authority would enter into a city, palm branches would be 00:03:53.140 --> 00:03:59.120 laid before them, as if in reverence to the King and our culture today, it's somewhat symbolic to rolling out the red carpet. 00:04:00.620 --> 00:04:07.840 And the description within this passages of Scripture in the Gospels say that people began to throw their coats down in these palm branches down in honor 00:04:07.840 --> 00:04:09.260 of this king. 00:04:11.720 --> 00:04:16.839 What's important to recognize is that as Jesus, when he comes as a king, he chooses not to ride on a horse. 00:04:18.399 --> 00:04:20.370 But instead rides upon a donkey. 00:04:22.120 --> 00:04:25.840 When a king would come into a city. 00:04:27.380 --> 00:04:28.960 If he was prepared for battle. 00:04:30.240 --> 00:04:31.210 Would ride upon a horse. 00:04:32.920 --> 00:04:36.310 But when a king would come into a city if he was prepared for peace. 00:04:37.980 --> 00:04:38.820 He would ride up on a donkey. 00:04:41.280 --> 00:04:47.890 You know, from Christmas we studied Isaiah chapter nine and verse six unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. 00:04:49.140 --> 00:04:52.360 The government shall be upon his shoulder, and he shall be called wonderful God Almighty. 00:04:54.340 --> 00:04:55.060 Father. 00:04:55.140 --> 00:04:57.730 excuse me, wonderful God, everlasting father. 00:04:57.880 --> 00:04:58.100 He is. 00:04:58.460 --> 00:04:59.300 He is the Prince of Peace. 00:04:59.860 --> 00:05:00.750 He is the wonderful counselor. 00:05:01.080 --> 00:05:01.570 That's what I forgot. 00:05:03.220 --> 00:05:05.110 He is the Prince of Peace. 00:05:07.460 --> 00:05:12.310 In Jesus rides upon this donkey into Jerusalem to establish peace. 00:05:14.180 --> 00:05:20.430 The people in the streets had already gathered and began quoting Psalm 113 to 118, in honor of this Passover celebration. 00:05:21.780 --> 00:05:28.040 In Matthew 29 and verse nine, it actually tells us, and in verse 25 of Psalm 118 is where they're quoting. 00:05:29.420 --> 00:05:30.360 Says, Lord, save us. 00:05:31.240 --> 00:05:32.380 Lord, grant us success. 00:05:32.420 --> 00:05:37.420 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord from the house of the Lord, we bless you. 00:05:39.280 --> 00:05:46.320 And the people began to celebrate from Psalm 118 as Jesus comes into Jerusalem upon this donkey, appreciating just this 00:05:46.320 --> 00:05:50.180 moment, this fulfillment, that Zechariah chapter nine and verse nine talks about. 00:05:51.920 --> 00:05:53.660 You know the coincidence of this very same psalm? 00:05:55.220 --> 00:05:57.870 There are just to read, just a few verses before. 00:05:59.360 --> 00:06:01.960 It says that Jesus was the stone the builders rejected. 00:06:02.880 --> 00:06:03.810 He has become the cornerstone. 00:06:05.640 --> 00:06:10.760 The very same psalm that they're using to praise the goodness of God's glory being revealed. 00:06:10.880 --> 00:06:16.300 And their very presence also reveals that they will be the people that reject the Messiah as he comes. 00:06:19.280 --> 00:06:24.520 Palm Sunday was intended to be a day of victory in Christ. 00:06:25.340 --> 00:06:28.960 A day of looking for salvation that was promised to the Jewish people. 00:06:28.980 --> 00:06:31.400 And through the Jewish people, all people would be blessed. 00:06:33.620 --> 00:06:35.360 And yet we discover within Scripture with. 00:06:35.800 --> 00:06:41.810 By the next week this popular Jesus had his back turned on him by the people. 00:06:43.140 --> 00:06:43.540 And he is rejected. 00:06:45.080 --> 00:06:49.880 And one Sunday, the people are yelling for Jesus to be king. 00:06:50.660 --> 00:06:53.430 And by the next Friday, they're crying out that he be crucified. 00:06:56.430 --> 00:07:00.720 In the same psalm which Jesus is giving praise, Jesus is rejected. 00:07:02.400 --> 00:07:04.640 Which brings us this morning to Hebrews chapter 12. 00:07:06.460 --> 00:07:11.680 As I look at the story of Jesus, the question that I asked myself was, Lord, how? 00:07:12.140 --> 00:07:13.240 How do I avoid that in my life? 00:07:15.420 --> 00:07:19.720 And seeing the way that you presented yourself and people offering you. 00:07:20.160 --> 00:07:20.980 Praise God, how? 00:07:21.300 --> 00:07:28.180 How in this world can I just be faithful just to follow after you, knowing God that you are my King? 00:07:29.920 --> 00:07:37.220 Paul opens up Hebrews chapter 12 as somewhat of a summary statement for what's happening in the previous parts of the book. 00:07:37.220 --> 00:07:44.780 Every time you see the word therefore in Scripture, it comes for you for a particular reason that you and your mind could ask 00:07:44.780 --> 00:07:47.200 the question, what is therefore therefore right? 00:07:49.580 --> 00:07:56.680 And therefore it is a summation statement of everything that you've just previously read, is why therefore is therefore. 00:07:58.400 --> 00:08:05.700 And so in chapter 12 of verse one, in the book of Hebrews, Paul begins this section of Scripture saying, now in 00:08:05.700 --> 00:08:09.560 the summation of well, let me just say, whoever wrote Hebrews, right? 00:08:09.580 --> 00:08:16.640 I think it's Paul in the summation of this mysterious writer of Hebrews and the summation of chapter 12 and 00:08:16.640 --> 00:08:23.860 verse one, Paul is describing now very concisely what were to do with all the information that he's giving 00:08:23.860 --> 00:08:26.380 us in the book of Hebrews leading up to this point? 00:08:27.940 --> 00:08:30.200 Therefore Paul says. 00:08:30.640 --> 00:08:34.140 Paul on this example uses Olympic language. 00:08:34.200 --> 00:08:36.659 Let me let me read this for us in the first just couple of verses. 00:08:36.780 --> 00:08:43.799 He says, therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every encumbrance and 00:08:43.799 --> 00:08:51.100 the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, 00:08:51.220 --> 00:08:58.240 the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat 00:08:58.240 --> 00:09:00.380 down at the right hand of the throne of God. 00:09:02.580 --> 00:09:09.860 Paul takes, therefore, in the summation of the book of Hebrews and begins to draw an illustration for us and the idea of Olympic 00:09:09.860 --> 00:09:10.440 Games. 00:09:11.920 --> 00:09:13.060 I don't know about you, but I love Olympics. 00:09:14.700 --> 00:09:16.550 When he gets to this point, he really hits home for me. 00:09:17.220 --> 00:09:22.400 It wasn't until this winter I didn't realize how much I could care about women's curling at 3:00 in the morning. 00:09:24.180 --> 00:09:27.320 Grayson's up, and I knew what Sweden and Norway are doing. 00:09:27.420 --> 00:09:27.520 Right? 00:09:29.620 --> 00:09:31.860 The Olympics are exciting to watch. 00:09:33.060 --> 00:09:36.640 I can remember the Beijing Olympics a few years ago with you. 00:09:37.600 --> 00:09:38.220 Ask yourself, what? 00:09:38.320 --> 00:09:41.360 What is it that 2 billion Chinese people can do at Olympics? 00:09:41.680 --> 00:09:41.920 And? 00:09:42.140 --> 00:09:44.140 And then you get to see in all its glory. 00:09:44.700 --> 00:09:46.100 I don't know how many people they packed into a stadium. 00:09:46.320 --> 00:09:49.060 Just a celebration of what was taking place. 00:09:49.240 --> 00:09:54.640 The Olympics have always captivated our attention and our minds and celebration of countries. 00:09:56.420 --> 00:10:03.880 And Paul gets to this place in Hebrews as he opens up this illustration summation for us and what we're to do in the Lord, he uses the illustration 00:10:03.880 --> 00:10:05.780 of the Olympic Games. 00:10:07.700 --> 00:10:13.200 And when he begins this word, therefore, the thought that Paul carries with us is what we have. 00:10:14.340 --> 00:10:19.920 Therefore, thinking of you now as an Olympic runner, it's important to ask the question, what do you have? 00:10:20.960 --> 00:10:25.860 Like if somebody said to me, I think that you might be able to compete in the Olympics. 00:10:25.880 --> 00:10:31.880 My first thought to myself is to immediately take an analysis of my capabilities. 00:10:31.920 --> 00:10:32.040 Right. 00:10:32.960 --> 00:10:35.800 What is it I have that makes me compete in the Olympics? 00:10:36.940 --> 00:10:39.640 There is no way that I could compete in the Olympics. 00:10:39.640 --> 00:10:41.750 I know, but what is it that I have? 00:10:41.960 --> 00:10:43.230 And Paul's looking at this situation. 00:10:43.460 --> 00:10:46.940 He's saying, look, you're called to run in these Olympics for the Lord. 00:10:46.960 --> 00:10:54.320 But what's important, therefore, is to understand what it is that you have in order for us to best understand 00:10:54.320 --> 00:10:55.380 what we have. 00:10:55.660 --> 00:11:00.780 It's good just to review the thought of what Hebrews signifies for us. 00:11:01.740 --> 00:11:09.020 And the wonderful answer for us is that what we have is not dependent upon you, but upon Jesus. 00:11:10.860 --> 00:11:12.080 So the book of Hebrews is all about Jesus. 00:11:14.520 --> 00:11:22.160 Validation of who Christ is and the position in which he is given an authority to our lives. 00:11:23.620 --> 00:11:24.040 The Hebrews. 00:11:24.060 --> 00:11:28.020 Chapter one starts former times God spoke to the prophets. 00:11:28.140 --> 00:11:30.520 Today he speaks to you through Jesus. 00:11:32.800 --> 00:11:36.790 The story goes on to tell us that Jesus is the High priest. 00:11:36.820 --> 00:11:43.880 And in the same chapter of Hebrews chapter one, it's got a picture of God the Father speaking of Jesus, and the father saying to Jesus, Oh 00:11:43.880 --> 00:11:46.620 God, my God, you are my God. 00:11:48.120 --> 00:11:50.520 Jesus being elevated as deity. 00:11:51.880 --> 00:11:52.860 Because Jesus is deity. 00:11:54.200 --> 00:12:01.340 Hebrews chapter 567 talks about the priestly position of Jesus, even in chapter seven, saying to 00:12:01.340 --> 00:12:08.640 us that he is after the order of Melchizedek, only being able to hold the position of priests, because the position of Melchizedek has no 00:12:08.640 --> 00:12:13.540 beginning or no end of days, no, no father or no mother, he is eternal. 00:12:14.020 --> 00:12:18.230 And in Hebrews chapter seven, laying out for us what it means to hold the. 00:12:19.700 --> 00:12:22.380 The Melchizedek priesthood is only possible through Jesus. 00:12:22.380 --> 00:12:26.400 No one else could even think to elevate to that, but Christ alone does. 00:12:27.000 --> 00:12:28.520 He is our high priest. 00:12:29.780 --> 00:12:30.060 We have. 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:36.700 Book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus fulfills the work of the law and the purpose of the temple. 00:12:37.760 --> 00:12:39.240 Jesus was perfect. 00:12:40.640 --> 00:12:47.960 Jesus now being perfect, dying for our sins to those who trust in him have the presence, very presence of God dwelling 00:12:47.960 --> 00:12:48.640 within them. 00:12:48.640 --> 00:12:51.400 And the Bible tells us that we become that temple. 00:12:51.500 --> 00:12:54.500 First Corinthians 316 and 619. 00:12:54.500 --> 00:13:01.980 And Hebrews chapter ten and verse 19 as you get as Paul begins to build the significance of who Jesus is, 00:13:02.100 --> 00:13:09.140 he says as therefore, brethren, since we have you think about running this race and asking the question, what is it 00:13:09.140 --> 00:13:09.760 that I have? 00:13:09.760 --> 00:13:14.100 Am I capable of crossing this line that God has called me to in this world? 00:13:14.300 --> 00:13:15.440 What is it that you have? 00:13:15.800 --> 00:13:21.600 And he says, therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus. 00:13:24.320 --> 00:13:28.740 Never before had we been able to experience such intimacy with God. 00:13:29.760 --> 00:13:36.980 But now, because of what Jesus has done on our behalf, becoming the perfect sacrifice, we may enter into his presence at 00:13:36.980 --> 00:13:37.760 any time. 00:13:39.320 --> 00:13:46.640 Saying to us that when God calls you into this world to stand and reflect his glory on behalf of him, what you have is 00:13:46.640 --> 00:13:48.100 God's presence with you always. 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:52.680 You're never alone in this world. 00:13:54.240 --> 00:13:57.060 And so Hebrews chapter ten summarizes it for us. 00:13:57.400 --> 00:14:00.260 You have this in Christ to run this race. 00:14:00.260 --> 00:14:01.650 That's why it's capable. 00:14:01.760 --> 00:14:04.620 And so we get to Hebrews chapter 11 and we call it the Hall of Faith. 00:14:06.700 --> 00:14:14.060 And the Bible describes for us individuals by faith that have walked in Christ, standing for 00:14:14.060 --> 00:14:19.770 him and to the end of chapter 11, and then begins to describe those who have even given their lives for Christ. 00:14:21.700 --> 00:14:24.120 And then you get to chapter 12. 00:14:24.240 --> 00:14:25.100 And so he says this. 00:14:25.700 --> 00:14:26.720 Run, baby, run. 00:14:28.200 --> 00:14:28.980 Or run, Forrest. 00:14:29.260 --> 00:14:29.780 Run. 00:14:29.780 --> 00:14:31.260 Right. 00:14:31.500 --> 00:14:38.940 God's desire is for you to demonstrate his glory in this world as he makes you a new creation 00:14:39.360 --> 00:14:39.780 in him. 00:14:39.920 --> 00:14:43.060 And Paul chooses to do this through Olympic language. 00:14:44.600 --> 00:14:50.300 Let me just give you an understanding of why Paul chooses Olympic language as the description for us. 00:14:51.460 --> 00:14:58.460 In the time that the Apostle Paul was writing this, Olympic Games were celebrated in multiple locations, but there were amphitheaters all 00:14:58.460 --> 00:15:05.500 over the Roman Empire where people would gather together for certain events that would take place when Olympic 00:15:05.500 --> 00:15:08.200 races or events would take place. 00:15:08.320 --> 00:15:11.720 It was it was never about country competing against country. 00:15:11.720 --> 00:15:14.140 That's a standard that we've established today. 00:15:14.380 --> 00:15:18.340 When these events took place, it was all within the people of Rome. 00:15:19.240 --> 00:15:24.680 And so when they would compete, it wasn't about honoring country, but rather it was about an honor to the emperor. 00:15:26.140 --> 00:15:29.600 You think about this picture in your mind for just a moment. 00:15:30.060 --> 00:15:36.300 Never before had you had so many people from just common backgrounds gathering together in an amphitheater. 00:15:37.960 --> 00:15:38.180 Excuse me. 00:15:38.760 --> 00:15:44.460 And here in this passage, Paul is reflecting upon now that Rome has come. 00:15:44.480 --> 00:15:51.720 And now that Rome is established, these amphitheaters have been created where thousands, tens of thousands of people would gather in honor and celebration 00:15:51.720 --> 00:15:56.100 of what the Emperor was doing and able to pull this off. 00:15:57.660 --> 00:16:04.700 And so the emperor would arrive, everyone would gather at these games, and there was a specific gate that the emperor or leader would come 00:16:04.700 --> 00:16:05.140 through. 00:16:05.140 --> 00:16:12.480 And all these people, in celebration for what he's put together, would applaud him as he entered into the arena and all his goodness 00:16:12.480 --> 00:16:13.660 and glory. 00:16:13.660 --> 00:16:20.660 He would come into the arena, and then there would be a specific place that he had established for himself where he would sit during the event. 00:16:22.240 --> 00:16:29.370 And as he would come in or as Caesar would enter into this arena, he would take his position in the seat and down in the arena. 00:16:29.420 --> 00:16:36.640 Below him would be the athletes or the gladiators who would compete, and religious leaders and governmental authorities. 00:16:36.760 --> 00:16:43.840 And there in this spot, when Caesar had so many thousands of people gathered together, he would proclaim to the people changes that were 00:16:43.860 --> 00:16:51.000 happening in the land and new laws that were being passed, and old laws that were being taken away, and the goals for the future of those 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:51.100 people. 00:16:53.300 --> 00:16:55.540 And everyone would stand before the Emperor. 00:16:57.160 --> 00:17:00.450 And as the athletes would then take their place to compete. 00:17:01.640 --> 00:17:07.030 During this time, the only one that was ever awarded as a victor was the first person to cross the finish line. 00:17:08.220 --> 00:17:13.140 But as the athletes would compete in this game, it was all for the glory of the Emperor. 00:17:15.540 --> 00:17:19.800 During this time, the Emperor began to be elevated from more than just a man, but to God. 00:17:21.380 --> 00:17:22.810 People began to look at him as deity. 00:17:24.380 --> 00:17:31.820 And the athletes would run around this arena in competition to honor the Emperor, who had put this together for 00:17:31.820 --> 00:17:32.770 his great name. 00:17:35.660 --> 00:17:40.910 Paul chooses the thought of the arena very carefully for us. 00:17:42.460 --> 00:17:47.360 He's taken the thought within a culture, and he's redeeming it for the goodness and glory of God. 00:17:49.240 --> 00:17:51.380 So rather than compete in honor of the Emperor. 00:17:52.960 --> 00:17:55.360 We compete and honor of Christ. 00:17:56.960 --> 00:18:04.140 We run the race for the goodness and glory of Jesus as he has made himself known, and he has brought us together in celebration 00:18:06.120 --> 00:18:07.160 throughout the New Testament. 00:18:08.760 --> 00:18:13.200 Paul continued to use such words to express the walk of the Christian life. 00:18:14.820 --> 00:18:17.610 The second Timothy four Paul says this I have fought the good fight. 00:18:17.660 --> 00:18:18.450 I have finished the course. 00:18:18.840 --> 00:18:25.960 I have kept the faith in first Corinthians 927 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to 00:18:25.960 --> 00:18:28.690 others, I myself will not be disqualified. 00:18:29.800 --> 00:18:36.820 Philippians two holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I have reason to glory, because I did not run in vain nor toil in 00:18:36.820 --> 00:18:37.180 vain. 00:18:37.600 --> 00:18:38.800 Galatians five seven. 00:18:39.220 --> 00:18:40.260 You were running well. 00:18:40.520 --> 00:18:42.220 Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 00:18:42.340 --> 00:18:47.140 And revelation two three and you have perseverance, and have endured for my name's sake. 00:18:47.140 --> 00:18:54.320 And Ephesians 611 put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil in Hebrews 00:18:54.320 --> 00:18:59.600 1036, for you have need of endurance. 00:19:01.160 --> 00:19:02.400 For us to pursue Christ. 00:19:04.120 --> 00:19:06.220 It's important to remember what we have. 00:19:07.800 --> 00:19:15.000 I don't know about you, but if I could tell you the most godless instrument of exercise 00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:16.260 ever created by man. 00:19:16.600 --> 00:19:17.420 It is the treadmill. 00:19:18.220 --> 00:19:19.060 The treadmill. 00:19:19.860 --> 00:19:21.960 I remember when I first got married, we were coming to Utah. 00:19:22.180 --> 00:19:22.980 We thought, okay, it's going to be winter. 00:19:23.200 --> 00:19:24.100 We want we want to exercise. 00:19:25.120 --> 00:19:26.960 You know how you buy those things, thinking you're going to use it when you don't. 00:19:27.560 --> 00:19:29.740 So we got a treadmill and then I started using it. 00:19:29.820 --> 00:19:32.180 And then I realized I'm not going to use this thing I need. 00:19:32.320 --> 00:19:35.690 I need a, I need an elliptical, which was like half a step better. 00:19:36.480 --> 00:19:41.600 But I am not the type of person that can sit on those things and go, because I don't I'm not going anywhere. 00:19:42.160 --> 00:19:43.060 I'm not doing anything. 00:19:43.260 --> 00:19:44.460 I'm just stuck in that spot. 00:19:44.620 --> 00:19:45.880 There's nothing going on around me. 00:19:46.080 --> 00:19:53.760 But, I found out my success and getting on something like a treadmill increased when 00:19:53.760 --> 00:19:54.950 I put a goal in front of me. 00:19:55.900 --> 00:19:59.540 So I put my television downstairs and I got my iPad. 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:06.130 The point was, it wasn't just about the toiling, but it was about a goal I was toiling. 00:20:07.760 --> 00:20:15.000 When Paul talks about running the Christian life or living for Jesus in this world, it's not about 00:20:15.000 --> 00:20:15.640 doing. 00:20:17.280 --> 00:20:19.250 It's about remembering what you have. 00:20:21.120 --> 00:20:22.520 Therefore. 00:20:22.920 --> 00:20:24.320 We have. 00:20:25.220 --> 00:20:32.520 Paul says in chapter 12 and verse one, we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, we'll get to in just a moment here in chapter 00:20:33.080 --> 00:20:38.620 ten and verse 19 he says, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus. 00:20:39.400 --> 00:20:39.760 We have. 00:20:42.320 --> 00:20:43.880 Jesus is with you every step of the way. 00:20:45.440 --> 00:20:45.900 You have. 00:20:48.060 --> 00:20:55.180 So an Olympic athlete may not may have dreams to be an Olympic athlete, but as they train, they begin to realize they may not quite have what it 00:20:55.280 --> 00:20:57.300 takes to get to that stage in this world. 00:20:58.420 --> 00:21:00.340 But when it comes to the Christian life. 00:21:02.020 --> 00:21:04.610 None of us do it within our own strength or power. 00:21:05.860 --> 00:21:09.260 None of us are even capable of doing anything that would ever hope to please God. 00:21:09.300 --> 00:21:13.240 There's nothing that you can ever give to God that he can't already give to himself. 00:21:15.140 --> 00:21:18.120 And so when we compete, it's because of what we have in him. 00:21:19.360 --> 00:21:21.470 And it's always about his glory and goodness. 00:21:22.560 --> 00:21:30.080 It's always about the work that he's already done in us, and the work that he continues to do through us, that we could just rejoice in 00:21:30.080 --> 00:21:31.540 what Jesus has done. 00:21:32.620 --> 00:21:39.920 Remember what you have when Jesus is with you every step of the way and as you remember what you have, 00:21:39.960 --> 00:21:43.000 it gives you the opportunity to look forward to where you're going. 00:21:45.100 --> 00:21:52.340 It's what you have in Jesus and where you're heading because of Jesus, that you have the opportunity to rejoice that when this world seems 00:21:52.340 --> 00:21:55.700 difficult, you have a far greater hope to look forward to. 00:21:58.720 --> 00:21:59.540 Maybe we would say this. 00:22:01.580 --> 00:22:04.660 That in the time when Jesus was rejected going into Jerusalem. 00:22:06.040 --> 00:22:10.860 Maybe one of the big reasons that the people rejected Christ is because they feared man more than they feared God. 00:22:12.900 --> 00:22:16.970 As a religious leaders turned on Jesus, so followed the people. 00:22:17.960 --> 00:22:19.060 Rather than just follow Jesus. 00:22:21.060 --> 00:22:27.320 They forgot about the hope of what was to come, and feared the moment more than they feared their God. 00:22:28.240 --> 00:22:31.520 Remember what you have and look forward to where you're going. 00:22:32.300 --> 00:22:32.900 It tells us. 00:22:33.080 --> 00:22:34.200 And excuse me, I need to go back. 00:22:34.660 --> 00:22:39.820 It tells us in Hebrews chapter one and in verse two, let me, let me read one and two here for us. 00:22:39.860 --> 00:22:47.020 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let 00:22:47.020 --> 00:22:54.120 us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set 00:22:54.320 --> 00:23:00.360 before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:02.480 Let us run. 00:23:04.340 --> 00:23:11.380 And Paul comes to or the writer of Hebrews, whoever you want to pick, comes to this place and he says this let we have 00:23:11.380 --> 00:23:12.080 or we have. 00:23:12.180 --> 00:23:12.520 Excuse me. 00:23:12.560 --> 00:23:15.090 So great a cloud of witnesses. 00:23:15.720 --> 00:23:16.340 What do we have? 00:23:17.560 --> 00:23:22.430 We have these individuals who have gone on before us, who have been faithful in Christ. 00:23:22.740 --> 00:23:25.140 Chapter 12 is on the backdrop of chapter 11. 00:23:25.180 --> 00:23:30.420 And chapter 11 has just walked through the Old Testament of those who have been faithful in Jesus. 00:23:30.680 --> 00:23:38.220 And he comes to chapter 12 and says, remember these individuals who have run before you in this arena to the praise of God. 00:23:38.300 --> 00:23:45.340 We have their examples to look at, and so consider what they've done and continue to follow down 00:23:45.340 --> 00:23:46.850 that path. 00:23:47.480 --> 00:23:52.340 Randy Alcorn, in his book on Heaven, has an interesting view on this portion of Scripture. 00:23:52.560 --> 00:23:54.140 He says says it this way that. 00:23:55.340 --> 00:24:02.780 When we run in this world for Jesus, all those who are with the Lord in heaven are watching what's 00:24:02.800 --> 00:24:05.980 happening in the course of history. 00:24:06.400 --> 00:24:13.710 He refers to the word, the word witnesses in this passage of Scripture as those who are actually witnessing the events that are taking place. 00:24:16.140 --> 00:24:19.780 I have the tendency and I brought this up in his illustration. 00:24:20.040 --> 00:24:24.620 He said, people think about whether or not loved ones see you in heaven. 00:24:24.760 --> 00:24:28.100 I tell you, other than this verse in the Bible, I don't have any basis for this. 00:24:28.200 --> 00:24:29.260 Okay? 00:24:29.580 --> 00:24:36.680 and I always, always say in this passage of scripture, Randy Alcorn says this, and I'm not saying this when we talk about witnessing and surrounding 00:24:36.680 --> 00:24:43.140 that, when people get to heaven, you wonder if the immediate discussion within their mind is the course of what God has done in the Old Testament meaning? 00:24:44.040 --> 00:24:50.400 Meaning our loved ones who have passed on before us there in heaven with Abraham, Moses, Paul. 00:24:51.500 --> 00:24:52.680 You think they're talking about what? 00:24:52.920 --> 00:24:55.560 What happened, what God did the stories of the Bible. 00:24:57.640 --> 00:24:57.890 What do you think? 00:24:58.020 --> 00:24:59.560 That God's still playing out a story in history? 00:25:01.480 --> 00:25:02.820 People be rejoicing over that? 00:25:04.680 --> 00:25:09.250 Rejoicing that God's glory is culminating, coming to a point where his glory would be made known. 00:25:09.360 --> 00:25:16.640 I would say this the scarcity of taking a verse like this is to start thinking that we would create ancestral worship, and if that would be the goal, 00:25:16.820 --> 00:25:17.610 then that would be vain. 00:25:17.800 --> 00:25:20.080 But the point is to look at the example. 00:25:20.140 --> 00:25:26.720 The point of this verse is just to look at the example of what they have done in the Lord, and using that example to spur us on. 00:25:28.600 --> 00:25:31.060 I mean, you think about loved ones that you may know that have walked with Jesus. 00:25:32.640 --> 00:25:39.660 I can think of this past year lost my grandfather, who was a giant for Christ, going to his funeral. 00:25:40.740 --> 00:25:47.880 There were old, older people that my grandfather was almost 80 when he passed, and when he was in his 20s, he 00:25:47.880 --> 00:25:50.520 would he helped in youth ministry and he would travel into neighborhoods. 00:25:50.610 --> 00:25:56.680 I grew up in a in a low income area, and he would pick up young kids and he would take them to church. 00:25:57.100 --> 00:26:03.560 And then with extra money that he earned with his job, he would take him to things that they didn't have money to do, that they could enjoy it together, but he just influenced them. 00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:08.790 And when my grandfather passed away, people I didn't even know existed. 00:26:08.860 --> 00:26:10.120 Stories about my grandpa I didn't even know. 00:26:10.380 --> 00:26:17.600 I go to the funeral, and these kids that were young, who were brought up and shown how to be a godly man by my grandfather, came to the funeral 00:26:17.600 --> 00:26:19.940 and just shared with my family how much it meant. 00:26:22.340 --> 00:26:23.220 So great a cloud of witnesses. 00:26:25.900 --> 00:26:32.940 You look at what people are doing for Christ, just celebrating in this arena in honor of the King wanting 00:26:32.940 --> 00:26:37.220 to see his glory made known and running this race before him. 00:26:37.220 --> 00:26:42.440 Thinking about those who have gone on, looking not only in what we have, but what is to come in Christ. 00:26:42.780 --> 00:26:50.010 How easy it is when our eyes are just on the prize to just run with glory for who Jesus is. 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:53.980 We look to their example. 00:26:55.620 --> 00:26:57.210 You think about the back end of this verse. 00:26:58.800 --> 00:27:03.870 Not only are we looking to this example, but one day this verse for you might be a past tense. 00:27:05.820 --> 00:27:07.020 What about the legacy you leave? 00:27:09.120 --> 00:27:15.820 And what do people say about you when they think about the Hall of Faith and you coming to church saying that you walk with Jesus? 00:27:16.020 --> 00:27:20.780 When people look at your example, do they think of this arena and saying, man, they ran. 00:27:23.060 --> 00:27:24.050 And I want to run to. 00:27:26.200 --> 00:27:33.120 You think about your children and grandchildren, what you want them to appreciate in Jesus, and the way that you demonstrate that in life? 00:27:33.460 --> 00:27:38.000 It's to say this I had this in Christ is why I was able to run. 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:45.180 And I kept my eye on the prize, thinking of this king gathering together with the cloud of witnesses and the celebration that is to come 00:27:45.180 --> 00:27:47.260 in that I rejoice. 00:27:49.600 --> 00:27:57.490 And so talking about Jesus in verse three, it says this for consider him who has endured such hostility by sinners against himself, 00:27:58.440 --> 00:28:01.250 so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 00:28:02.840 --> 00:28:04.600 Jesus has become that ultimate example. 00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:09.500 We focus on what it was to come before him. 00:28:09.580 --> 00:28:11.090 And in verse four it goes on and says this. 00:28:11.120 --> 00:28:15.320 You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding of blood in your own striving against sin. 00:28:16.880 --> 00:28:24.520 And I would say in reading this passage of Scripture, that verse makes this passage the most difficult verse 00:28:24.520 --> 00:28:26.680 in the entire section of Scripture that we're reading together. 00:28:28.860 --> 00:28:31.180 So interjected with this thought when we began. 00:28:31.320 --> 00:28:31.420 How? 00:28:31.660 --> 00:28:33.780 How am I faithful and following Jesus? 00:28:33.840 --> 00:28:33.940 How? 00:28:34.140 --> 00:28:41.340 How can I just continue to pursue him with joy in this life and not reject him like we see in the triumphal entry of 00:28:41.340 --> 00:28:41.800 Christ? 00:28:41.820 --> 00:28:42.980 And then in verse four it says this. 00:28:43.140 --> 00:28:46.260 You have not yet resisted to the point of the shedding of blood, and you're striving against sin. 00:28:48.280 --> 00:28:53.300 Meaning in Hebrews, the believer is being encouraged to pursue after Jesus. 00:28:53.340 --> 00:28:59.180 And what they're acknowledging here is the reason that they stop pursuing after the Lord has nothing to do with their own personal sin. 00:29:01.100 --> 00:29:03.210 But rather the influence of others. 00:29:04.880 --> 00:29:06.370 Verse four is talking about persecution. 00:29:08.860 --> 00:29:11.560 So your faith really hasn't cost you that much yet? 00:29:11.600 --> 00:29:12.420 It's what it's saying. 00:29:14.320 --> 00:29:16.200 And you're striving against the sin. 00:29:16.320 --> 00:29:17.420 But it's not your own sin. 00:29:17.420 --> 00:29:21.840 It's the sin that other people are bringing upon you to get you to stop running that race. 00:29:24.350 --> 00:29:27.800 The pressure that you feel from loved ones and friends. 00:29:30.520 --> 00:29:37.860 Excuses that they give you not to come here in the way that they try to make you feel defeated about your new faith in Christ and the way that you're pursuing 00:29:37.860 --> 00:29:38.320 him. 00:29:41.400 --> 00:29:47.060 You've not resisted to the point of the shedding of blood like Jesus did in verse three, and you're striving against sin. 00:29:49.380 --> 00:29:52.020 Remember what you have and where you're going in Christ. 00:29:52.020 --> 00:29:55.280 It's far greater than any pressure anyone will ever place upon you. 00:29:56.880 --> 00:30:01.830 So it says in verse five, and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons. 00:30:03.120 --> 00:30:03.800 Okay. 00:30:04.140 --> 00:30:11.540 Can I just say this maybe as an exhortation when it comes to your relationship with Jesus and other people. 00:30:12.960 --> 00:30:14.100 Who cares about other people? 00:30:15.980 --> 00:30:23.200 I understand that there's places where we walk in wisdom and the way that we choose to walk with Jesus, but Jesus is coming to this world to give you life 00:30:23.200 --> 00:30:23.300 forever. 00:30:26.180 --> 00:30:28.180 And you give that up because of other people. 00:30:29.880 --> 00:30:35.580 Jesus comes to this world, that his joy may be made in you and your joy made full through him. 00:30:37.160 --> 00:30:43.280 Jesus comes that the fruit of the spirit might be manifest in your life, and you reject that for other people. 00:30:45.020 --> 00:30:46.400 Who cares about other people? 00:30:48.140 --> 00:30:52.360 There comes a place where you need to recognize that God has created you for him. 00:30:53.600 --> 00:30:57.520 And unless that works right, nothing else is going to matter. 00:31:01.200 --> 00:31:06.340 You've come to the point of the shedding of blood in your own striving as sin, and you've forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons. 00:31:07.260 --> 00:31:11.560 My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are approved by him. 00:31:11.820 --> 00:31:16.740 For those whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, and he scourges every son whom he receives. 00:31:18.480 --> 00:31:22.740 I think Paul, in this passage of Scripture, then begins to talk about personal sin as well. 00:31:23.420 --> 00:31:28.360 But the point is this Jesus disciplines us through different means. 00:31:28.840 --> 00:31:33.530 And it's not because God desires to punish you, it's that God desires just for you to run that race well. 00:31:34.820 --> 00:31:38.960 And you think about the way that a runner, what he goes through in order for to finish that no one wants to. 00:31:39.080 --> 00:31:40.340 No one wants to cross the finish line last. 00:31:40.980 --> 00:31:41.200 Right. 00:31:41.520 --> 00:31:42.080 What? 00:31:42.080 --> 00:31:43.550 Get me in the mix somewhere. 00:31:45.000 --> 00:31:45.240 What? 00:31:45.320 --> 00:31:46.620 Discipline? 00:31:47.740 --> 00:31:52.160 Walking in Christ, allowing Christ to transform you as you pursue him. 00:31:53.760 --> 00:31:55.820 And if you say to yourself, man, I do, I want all that. 00:31:55.820 --> 00:31:57.120 I want God's glory to reflect on me. 00:31:57.160 --> 00:31:59.420 I want to think about what I have and where I'm going. 00:31:59.800 --> 00:32:02.480 And I want God to use me in this race. 00:32:02.620 --> 00:32:06.920 And so my thought to say to you this morning is just pursue him. 00:32:08.520 --> 00:32:11.020 Let God do a work within you. 00:32:12.800 --> 00:32:15.150 Like God's transforming power. 00:32:15.200 --> 00:32:22.720 Have time with you upon your heart as this world wars against what Jesus wants to accomplish, and we allow the 00:32:22.720 --> 00:32:26.700 world to inundate itself with its ideas upon our heart. 00:32:26.700 --> 00:32:33.440 Give Jesus the opportunity to discipline that heart to just reflect his glory in this world. 00:32:35.000 --> 00:32:36.980 I'm going to share this last verse in the section of Scripture. 00:32:37.160 --> 00:32:38.380 It's verse ten and 11. 00:32:39.760 --> 00:32:44.600 Talking about the walk with the Lord, he says, for they disciplined us for a short time, as seemed best to them. 00:32:45.040 --> 00:32:46.000 It's talking about parents. 00:32:46.200 --> 00:32:48.360 Parents disciplined us for a short time that seemed best to them. 00:32:48.700 --> 00:32:49.720 You guys can attest to that. 00:32:49.800 --> 00:32:50.740 All of us have parents, right? 00:32:51.240 --> 00:32:52.180 Mom and dad discipline me. 00:32:52.440 --> 00:32:54.270 It seemed good for them, but did not seem good to me. 00:32:54.560 --> 00:32:58.880 Whether they did when you're under 20, they didn't know what they were talking about. 00:32:58.880 --> 00:33:01.320 And then when you're over 20, they knew exactly what they were talking about. 00:33:01.540 --> 00:33:01.640 Right? 00:33:02.580 --> 00:33:02.820 Mom. 00:33:02.820 --> 00:33:03.480 I'm sorry. 00:33:04.360 --> 00:33:07.400 For they disciplined us for a short time, as it seemed best to them. 00:33:08.240 --> 00:33:12.680 But he disciplines us for our good so that we may share in his holiness. 00:33:14.780 --> 00:33:21.910 So when Jesus starts taking things from our life that hurts for his goodness, it's also good for us. 00:33:23.120 --> 00:33:25.660 So because God's always got your best interest in mind. 00:33:26.640 --> 00:33:29.620 God knows what's best for your life, and it's what he's created you for. 00:33:30.940 --> 00:33:35.260 And so in verse 11, all discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful. 00:33:36.420 --> 00:33:40.800 Yet those who have been trained by it afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. 00:33:43.140 --> 00:33:46.080 That verse is pretty self-explanatory, but let me just say this. 00:33:49.400 --> 00:33:54.860 God created a cloud of witnesses in this previous verses to encourage us, right? 00:33:56.340 --> 00:33:58.240 And I think he created the church for the same reason. 00:34:00.640 --> 00:34:04.240 it doesn't make you godly to endure difficulty on your own. 00:34:05.500 --> 00:34:12.719 A matter of fact, I think I think it's the exact opposite, because I think the reason that Jesus created his church is so that we could be an encouragement 00:34:12.780 --> 00:34:13.699 to each other. 00:34:14.780 --> 00:34:18.159 This is what I say is God has revealed his glory in all sorts of ways. 00:34:18.179 --> 00:34:19.260 You look at creation, you see God's glory. 00:34:19.480 --> 00:34:23.940 But I think the most important place that God has given us his glory to be identified is within us. 00:34:25.300 --> 00:34:25.980 God created us. 00:34:26.520 --> 00:34:27.980 When he created us, he said it was very good. 00:34:28.000 --> 00:34:35.000 He breathed in us his spirit, saying to us that when God's presence is going to be specifically made known, it's going to be through the life of one 00:34:35.000 --> 00:34:35.730 who knows him. 00:34:37.860 --> 00:34:40.060 If you want to see a real miracle take place. 00:34:40.179 --> 00:34:43.239 It happens in the heart of individuals as Jesus transforms it. 00:34:44.179 --> 00:34:47.800 And so we're going into this world and we're struggling and we're finding hardships. 00:34:47.940 --> 00:34:54.280 If we fight that on our own, we're robbing the body of Christ, of doing what God designed the body of Christ to do. 00:34:55.820 --> 00:35:03.220 God creates a family here in him that we could encourage one another as a cloud of witnesses before the Lord to continue to run the race. 00:35:04.960 --> 00:35:07.490 It's a fight that was never designed to be on your own. 00:35:09.100 --> 00:35:11.790 When you think about the way God has presented himself. 00:35:13.000 --> 00:35:15.390 Triune being father, son, and Holy Spirit. 00:35:16.440 --> 00:35:20.980 God is love, and within that triune being, love has completely manifested itself. 00:35:22.000 --> 00:35:23.320 God created humanity. 00:35:23.320 --> 00:35:25.440 When he created man, it was not good for man to be alone. 00:35:25.460 --> 00:35:27.760 So he created wo man, right? 00:35:28.920 --> 00:35:31.840 And those to create community and that there's family. 00:35:31.840 --> 00:35:33.940 God has always been about community. 00:35:33.940 --> 00:35:35.640 God has always been about family. 00:35:35.640 --> 00:35:38.110 God has always been about relationship. 00:35:39.940 --> 00:35:47.100 And so to fight fights on our own and to feel like we're something super human because of what Jesus has done, is contrary to what Jesus 00:35:47.260 --> 00:35:48.130 is even saying. 00:35:49.460 --> 00:35:50.940 We have this great cloud of witnesses. 00:35:51.400 --> 00:35:57.680 And for a little while discipline may seem difficult, but it's a battle that's not ever intended to be fought on your own. 00:35:59.140 --> 00:35:59.750 But in Christ. 00:36:02.960 --> 00:36:05.160 Maybe I'll look at this whole passage this morning and say this. 00:36:05.420 --> 00:36:17.140 My concern is for those who are fooled into thinking they're running when they're 00:36:17.140 --> 00:36:17.140 not. 00:36:17.140 --> 00:36:17.160 My concern for myself is to think that I'm running when I'm not. 00:36:17.160 --> 00:36:22.190 The Psalm 118 the people with verse 2526 they showed up on Sunday for church, and they nailed it right. 00:36:22.840 --> 00:36:23.520 Hosanna! 00:36:25.700 --> 00:36:26.360 And then in the week. 00:36:28.240 --> 00:36:29.080 They deny Jesus. 00:36:30.800 --> 00:36:34.580 I mean, it's a beautiful example of Sunday Christianity, isn't it? 00:36:34.980 --> 00:36:36.400 Praise Jesus on Sunday. 00:36:37.600 --> 00:36:40.540 Praise whatever I want on Monday because I gave God Sunday. 00:36:44.360 --> 00:36:46.620 Second Timothy chapter three and says this. 00:36:47.980 --> 00:36:52.050 Hold to a form of godliness, although we have denied its power. 00:36:54.420 --> 00:36:57.560 Hold to a form of godliness, but we deny its power. 00:36:59.400 --> 00:36:59.560 There. 00:36:59.560 --> 00:37:01.820 We get to a verse like that and just think, is that me? 00:37:04.700 --> 00:37:08.940 Hold to a form of godliness, but I deny its power. 00:37:10.600 --> 00:37:11.010 God does that? 00:37:11.160 --> 00:37:11.260 Me? 00:37:12.980 --> 00:37:13.720 I don't want it to be me. 00:37:16.400 --> 00:37:23.400 You read this section of Scripture and you find out that what's happening in this passage of Scripture is that there's individuals going around teaching what they're 00:37:23.400 --> 00:37:29.980 calling God's truth, and it isn't it sort of gives this reflection of godliness, but it really has nothing to do with Jesus. 00:37:30.380 --> 00:37:32.660 It's religion masked in Jesus. 00:37:33.460 --> 00:37:33.950 It's not Jesus. 00:37:35.260 --> 00:37:36.660 It's all about what you're doing. 00:37:36.720 --> 00:37:38.530 But it's not about who you're pursuing. 00:37:38.660 --> 00:37:41.780 It's about the way you're living, but not who you're going to. 00:37:43.420 --> 00:37:47.420 It's about the power within yourself has nothing to do with what Christ has already done for you. 00:37:48.760 --> 00:37:49.840 It's not Jesus. 00:37:53.040 --> 00:37:55.480 Jesus is a place where the broken find healing. 00:37:57.580 --> 00:38:01.660 Jesus is the place where we find strength to live for day to day. 00:38:03.220 --> 00:38:10.380 Jesus is the place where we have hope to face whatever we go through, because we know no matter how dark the day may be, 00:38:10.400 --> 00:38:12.660 the glory shines brightly in Christ. 00:38:15.220 --> 00:38:18.470 I don't want to hold to a form of godliness but deny its power. 00:38:18.640 --> 00:38:24.080 And so this morning, I would encourage you to join me in the same thought to say to us this. 00:38:24.680 --> 00:38:31.900 It's important for us to reflect on what we have in Christ, not in ourselves, but what we have in Christ, 00:38:32.120 --> 00:38:36.380 not what other people bring upon us and religiously pressure us into. 00:38:36.380 --> 00:38:41.720 It's what you have in Christ, and regardless of what they say, who cares? 00:38:41.880 --> 00:38:42.440 It's about Jesus. 00:38:44.860 --> 00:38:46.080 What we have in him. 00:38:47.560 --> 00:38:49.500 I remember where we're going in him. 00:38:50.560 --> 00:38:57.820 We have so great a cloud of witnesses by example that have led before us, cheering in this arena at the celebration of 00:38:57.820 --> 00:39:00.760 the King who has come and giving us all things in him. 00:39:01.020 --> 00:39:08.500 And now we get to join in them and likeness, and just celebrating God and rejoicing and running this race for 00:39:08.500 --> 00:39:08.600 him. 00:39:10.720 --> 00:39:14.000 I would say for us, Jesus is more than just a get out of hell free card. 00:39:16.530 --> 00:39:17.020 He's a king. 00:39:17.020 --> 00:39:17.700 We get to appreciate every day of our lives. 00:39:19.900 --> 00:39:22.520 I love the way revelation ends for us. 00:39:22.580 --> 00:39:24.270 The book of Revelation will turn to this last verse. 00:39:25.040 --> 00:39:29.000 You think last book of the Bible, last thoughts written about the Lord. 00:39:29.040 --> 00:39:31.060 Revelation is a worship book for us. 00:39:31.520 --> 00:39:33.800 When Jesus came the first time, we got it wrong. 00:39:34.940 --> 00:39:37.830 When you read revelation chapter seven verse nine, it says this. 00:39:38.900 --> 00:39:39.980 After this, I looked. 00:39:41.600 --> 00:39:41.920 Behold. 00:39:43.100 --> 00:39:50.200 A great multitude that no one could number from every nation, from all the tribes and peoples and languages, standing 00:39:50.200 --> 00:39:57.320 before the throne and before the lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying 00:39:57.320 --> 00:39:59.460 out with a loud voice, salvation. 00:40:00.600 --> 00:40:06.240 Hosanna belongs to our God, who sits on the throne and to the lamb. 00:40:08.060 --> 00:40:09.720 First time Jesus came, we got it wrong. 00:40:11.480 --> 00:40:12.060 One day. 00:40:13.400 --> 00:40:14.700 To those who have trusted in Christ. 00:40:16.400 --> 00:40:17.320 You'll have Palm Sunday. 00:40:18.740 --> 00:40:19.580 You'll have it with Jesus. 00:40:21.060 --> 00:40:22.520 And you'll get to stand before his presence. 00:40:23.200 --> 00:40:30.200 Having run that race for him and finally seeing him face to face and crying out before your King, 00:40:31.000 --> 00:40:31.680 Hosanna! 00:40:33.640 --> 00:40:35.620 Blessed are you, God. 00:40:36.060 --> 00:40:37.240 May I praise your name?