WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.560 Thank you, Michael. That is a great song. 00:00:03.459 --> 00:00:07.940 That'd be a good song for us to listen to when we get ready to sit down and read the Bible, wouldn't it? 00:00:08.779 --> 00:00:15.140 Asking God to let us hear His ancient words speak to us today. 00:00:16.559 --> 00:00:23.420 When you were a child, did you ever maybe lean against a door jam or maybe even a wall 00:00:23.420 --> 00:00:29.640 and let one of your parents measure how tall you were? 00:00:30.640 --> 00:00:34.259 If you didn't do that as a child, maybe your parents did that for you. 00:00:34.359 --> 00:00:37.480 Just out of curiosity, how many of you have ever done that with your child? 00:00:37.659 --> 00:00:39.140 Okay, a lot of people have. 00:00:40.920 --> 00:00:42.320 We did that with our boys. 00:00:43.359 --> 00:00:44.780 It's fun, isn't it? 00:00:44.780 --> 00:00:51.340 As children to see how you grow and as parents to look back at how they have grown over the years. 00:00:51.340 --> 00:01:00.680 But you know, once we get to be adults, some of us make the mistake of thinking that our growing years are over. 00:01:01.480 --> 00:01:02.580 Now, it's true. 00:01:03.500 --> 00:01:05.640 You reach a point where you do not grow taller. 00:01:05.640 --> 00:01:11.000 And we're certainly not going to spend any time on growing wider this morning. 00:01:11.960 --> 00:01:13.519 Because we don't want to think about that. 00:01:14.799 --> 00:01:26.099 But in most other ways, shouldn't we throughout our lives want and really put forth the effort to grow mentally, emotionally? 00:01:26.099 --> 00:01:28.819 Some people just need to get mature. 00:01:28.959 --> 00:01:30.899 They're 50 years old and still haven't grown up. 00:01:34.099 --> 00:01:35.699 I was in a restaurant one time with people. 00:01:35.700 --> 00:01:40.140 And I tore off the end of that straw. 00:01:40.640 --> 00:01:41.920 And I hit them upside the head. 00:01:42.480 --> 00:01:45.020 And it made them so mad, they looked at me and said, grow up. 00:01:45.780 --> 00:01:47.420 And I said, no, I don't want to. 00:01:49.240 --> 00:01:52.900 Some things you don't want to just not have fun in life. 00:01:53.560 --> 00:01:57.400 But at the same time, we need to grow. 00:01:58.439 --> 00:02:02.659 We need to grow relationally, in our relationships, expand our relationships. 00:02:02.659 --> 00:02:10.939 Well, if we're Christians, our number one priority when it comes to growth should be our spiritual growth. 00:02:11.979 --> 00:02:15.280 And there are several reasons for saying that. 00:02:15.560 --> 00:02:21.319 Number one, spiritual growth is God's number one priority for us if we are His children. 00:02:21.919 --> 00:02:22.599 I want you to think. 00:02:23.159 --> 00:02:27.159 God puts His Spirit in us when He saves us. 00:02:27.159 --> 00:02:37.479 And from that moment on, the Holy Spirit works in us to give us desires and the ability to please God. 00:02:37.560 --> 00:02:42.639 To grow and mature and please God and be able to do God's will. 00:02:43.639 --> 00:02:46.219 God works through all the events of our lives. 00:02:46.939 --> 00:02:48.400 Hard times and good times. 00:02:49.359 --> 00:02:51.199 To shape and mold our character. 00:02:52.099 --> 00:02:54.479 Making us more and more like His Son. 00:02:54.479 --> 00:02:58.060 We read about in Romans chapter 8 and verse 29. 00:02:59.340 --> 00:03:00.560 Well, if you think about it. 00:03:01.060 --> 00:03:08.459 Our spiritual growth will positively affect every aspect of our lives. 00:03:09.239 --> 00:03:10.759 If we grow spiritually. 00:03:11.060 --> 00:03:13.259 If we develop the right kind of character. 00:03:13.399 --> 00:03:14.379 Christ-like character. 00:03:15.159 --> 00:03:17.780 It'll affect every relationship we're involved in. 00:03:18.639 --> 00:03:20.359 It'll affect how we treat people. 00:03:20.439 --> 00:03:21.239 How we talk to people. 00:03:21.280 --> 00:03:22.339 How we talk about people. 00:03:22.340 --> 00:03:28.319 Spiritual growth will enhance every relationship. 00:03:28.860 --> 00:03:35.879 It will make you a better, more godly human being. 00:03:36.980 --> 00:03:43.819 Now, the number one tool that God uses to help us to grow spiritually. 00:03:44.199 --> 00:03:44.659 You know. 00:03:45.039 --> 00:03:45.740 It's the Bible. 00:03:45.740 --> 00:03:48.900 The Bible contains everything that we need to know. 00:03:49.860 --> 00:03:52.719 In terms of our knowledge of God. 00:03:53.200 --> 00:03:54.180 God's world. 00:03:55.360 --> 00:03:55.840 Ourselves. 00:03:56.659 --> 00:03:58.620 How to live in a right relationship with God. 00:03:58.700 --> 00:04:00.120 How to be right with other people. 00:04:01.300 --> 00:04:03.320 The Bible really contains everything we need. 00:04:03.760 --> 00:04:05.180 In terms of what we should believe. 00:04:05.260 --> 00:04:06.580 And how we should live. 00:04:07.180 --> 00:04:08.939 In order to please God. 00:04:10.260 --> 00:04:12.620 Serve the people God's put in our lives. 00:04:12.620 --> 00:04:14.300 And if we do that. 00:04:14.480 --> 00:04:14.740 Really. 00:04:15.480 --> 00:04:16.639 If we as Christians. 00:04:17.120 --> 00:04:18.120 Have this desire. 00:04:18.600 --> 00:04:19.579 Put forth the effort. 00:04:20.120 --> 00:04:21.120 To please God. 00:04:21.240 --> 00:04:22.120 Serve other people. 00:04:22.740 --> 00:04:24.079 It will come back to us. 00:04:24.139 --> 00:04:24.980 As something that. 00:04:25.639 --> 00:04:26.639 Makes life worthwhile. 00:04:27.860 --> 00:04:28.920 It'll give us a sense of. 00:04:29.379 --> 00:04:30.019 Of meaning. 00:04:30.199 --> 00:04:30.560 And even. 00:04:31.280 --> 00:04:31.720 Purpose. 00:04:31.959 --> 00:04:32.720 In our lives. 00:04:33.780 --> 00:04:34.079 Now. 00:04:35.139 --> 00:04:37.259 The Bible doesn't just provide. 00:04:38.060 --> 00:04:38.620 General instructions. 00:04:39.459 --> 00:04:40.199 About the way we live. 00:04:40.199 --> 00:04:41.659 The Bible. 00:04:41.659 --> 00:04:41.699 The Bible. 00:04:42.240 --> 00:04:43.120 Also addresses. 00:04:43.539 --> 00:04:44.319 Specific. 00:04:44.939 --> 00:04:45.579 Issues. 00:04:46.319 --> 00:04:47.099 That interfere. 00:04:47.219 --> 00:04:48.240 With our spiritual growth. 00:04:48.920 --> 00:04:49.680 For an example. 00:04:51.060 --> 00:04:52.800 Most of the New Testament letters. 00:04:53.159 --> 00:04:54.800 Were written to churches. 00:04:56.379 --> 00:04:57.099 Christians. 00:04:58.240 --> 00:05:00.219 That were having particular problems. 00:05:01.439 --> 00:05:02.779 Most of the New Testament letters. 00:05:03.120 --> 00:05:03.659 Were written. 00:05:04.439 --> 00:05:05.740 To correct problems. 00:05:05.740 --> 00:05:07.599 That were preventing Christians from growing. 00:05:07.599 --> 00:05:09.060 In some cases. 00:05:09.060 --> 00:05:09.399 Is that. 00:05:10.519 --> 00:05:11.339 The growth. 00:05:11.480 --> 00:05:11.740 Had just. 00:05:11.860 --> 00:05:12.680 Had gone backward. 00:05:13.339 --> 00:05:14.540 They not only ceased to grow. 00:05:14.639 --> 00:05:15.920 But they were falling back. 00:05:15.920 --> 00:05:16.480 Into some. 00:05:16.680 --> 00:05:17.980 Immoral lifestyles. 00:05:18.939 --> 00:05:19.879 Well for the past. 00:05:20.259 --> 00:05:21.060 Four weeks. 00:05:21.819 --> 00:05:23.620 We've been looking at one particular letter. 00:05:24.100 --> 00:05:25.000 Second Peter. 00:05:25.800 --> 00:05:27.680 And toward the end of chapter three. 00:05:27.800 --> 00:05:28.699 Go ahead and turn back there. 00:05:28.759 --> 00:05:29.300 If you would. 00:05:30.199 --> 00:05:31.300 This letter was written. 00:05:31.660 --> 00:05:32.139 Primarily. 00:05:32.139 --> 00:05:34.139 To address problems. 00:05:34.139 --> 00:05:35.420 That were caused. 00:05:35.740 --> 00:05:36.639 By false teachers. 00:05:36.639 --> 00:05:37.639 False teachers. 00:05:37.639 --> 00:05:38.519 False teachers. 00:05:38.519 --> 00:05:38.939 Who were. 00:05:39.360 --> 00:05:40.019 Teaching some things. 00:05:40.079 --> 00:05:41.000 That were not true. 00:05:41.060 --> 00:05:42.539 About the second coming of Jesus. 00:05:42.959 --> 00:05:43.439 But also. 00:05:44.159 --> 00:05:44.919 Second Peter. 00:05:44.919 --> 00:05:45.360 Was written. 00:05:45.479 --> 00:05:45.959 To combat. 00:05:46.240 --> 00:05:46.939 The influence. 00:05:46.939 --> 00:05:47.939 Of false teachers. 00:05:48.159 --> 00:05:49.300 As we saw last week. 00:05:50.039 --> 00:05:51.039 Who were doing. 00:05:51.180 --> 00:05:52.360 Some immoral things. 00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:54.599 They were twisting scripture. 00:05:54.599 --> 00:05:55.319 To say things. 00:05:55.360 --> 00:05:56.759 That the Bible does not say. 00:05:58.379 --> 00:05:59.199 So Peter. 00:05:59.199 --> 00:06:00.419 Addresses this problem. 00:06:01.120 --> 00:06:02.519 In this second letter. 00:06:02.519 --> 00:06:05.139 He addressed the problems. 00:06:05.399 --> 00:06:07.159 Of the kind of people. 00:06:07.560 --> 00:06:08.579 These false teachers were. 00:06:09.240 --> 00:06:09.799 In chapter two. 00:06:09.859 --> 00:06:10.299 In particular. 00:06:11.560 --> 00:06:12.620 What we've been doing. 00:06:12.699 --> 00:06:13.439 Is we've been looking at. 00:06:13.740 --> 00:06:14.979 How Peter closed out. 00:06:15.079 --> 00:06:15.560 His letter. 00:06:16.939 --> 00:06:18.060 By calling Christians. 00:06:18.060 --> 00:06:19.339 To live faithfully. 00:06:19.479 --> 00:06:20.599 And grow spiritually. 00:06:20.919 --> 00:06:22.120 Until the day comes. 00:06:22.979 --> 00:06:24.199 When we see Jesus. 00:06:24.339 --> 00:06:25.039 Face to face. 00:06:25.719 --> 00:06:26.939 Let's read one more time. 00:06:27.339 --> 00:06:28.620 Second Peter chapter three. 00:06:28.699 --> 00:06:29.939 Beginning in verse 13. 00:06:29.939 --> 00:06:31.740 He says. 00:06:31.740 --> 00:06:33.040 But according to his promise. 00:06:33.540 --> 00:06:34.579 We are waiting. 00:06:34.579 --> 00:06:35.620 For new heavens. 00:06:36.120 --> 00:06:37.120 And a new earth. 00:06:37.699 --> 00:06:38.939 In which righteousness. 00:06:39.540 --> 00:06:40.060 Dwells. 00:06:41.019 --> 00:06:41.780 Peter has spent. 00:06:42.079 --> 00:06:42.579 The most part. 00:06:42.660 --> 00:06:43.220 Of chapter three. 00:06:43.280 --> 00:06:43.780 Up to this point. 00:06:44.519 --> 00:06:45.000 Correcting. 00:06:45.120 --> 00:06:46.079 The false teaching. 00:06:46.079 --> 00:06:46.420 About. 00:06:46.920 --> 00:06:47.680 The return of Jesus. 00:06:48.860 --> 00:06:49.639 Well now. 00:06:49.819 --> 00:06:50.500 In verse 14. 00:06:50.620 --> 00:06:51.259 He's done that. 00:06:51.300 --> 00:06:52.319 He's corrected that. 00:06:53.540 --> 00:06:54.519 In verse 14. 00:06:55.300 --> 00:06:56.360 He's going to close out. 00:06:56.420 --> 00:06:56.720 The letter. 00:06:56.840 --> 00:06:57.079 By. 00:06:57.759 --> 00:06:58.819 Telling us some things. 00:06:59.939 --> 00:07:00.960 Commanding some things. 00:07:01.740 --> 00:07:03.360 That we ought to do. 00:07:03.500 --> 00:07:04.660 That will help us. 00:07:05.300 --> 00:07:06.660 To grow spiritually. 00:07:07.439 --> 00:07:09.139 To actually be prepared. 00:07:09.139 --> 00:07:10.000 To see Jesus. 00:07:10.000 --> 00:07:10.900 When he comes back. 00:07:11.480 --> 00:07:12.199 Look at it. 00:07:12.220 --> 00:07:12.780 Verse 14. 00:07:13.160 --> 00:07:14.120 Therefore beloved. 00:07:14.660 --> 00:07:15.660 Since you are waiting. 00:07:15.660 --> 00:07:16.540 For these things. 00:07:17.079 --> 00:07:17.939 Be diligent. 00:07:17.939 --> 00:07:19.220 To be found by him. 00:07:19.220 --> 00:07:20.379 Without spot or blemish. 00:07:20.660 --> 00:07:21.620 And at peace. 00:07:22.259 --> 00:07:23.639 And count the patience. 00:07:23.639 --> 00:07:24.379 Of our Lord. 00:07:24.379 --> 00:07:25.280 As salvation. 00:07:25.280 --> 00:07:26.540 Just as our beloved. 00:07:26.740 --> 00:07:27.300 Brother Paul. 00:07:27.420 --> 00:07:28.759 Also wrote to you. 00:07:28.860 --> 00:07:29.939 According to the wisdom. 00:07:29.939 --> 00:07:30.540 God. 00:07:30.540 --> 00:07:31.980 As he does. 00:07:31.980 --> 00:07:32.980 In all his letters. 00:07:32.980 --> 00:07:34.459 When he speaks in them. 00:07:34.459 --> 00:07:35.259 Of these matters. 00:07:35.259 --> 00:07:37.060 There are some things. 00:07:37.060 --> 00:07:37.560 In them. 00:07:37.560 --> 00:07:38.959 That are hard to understand. 00:07:38.959 --> 00:07:40.060 Which the ignorant. 00:07:40.060 --> 00:07:40.819 And unstable. 00:07:41.279 --> 00:07:41.740 Twist. 00:07:42.199 --> 00:07:43.319 To their own destruction. 00:07:43.560 --> 00:07:44.319 As they do. 00:07:44.379 --> 00:07:45.139 The other scriptures. 00:07:46.139 --> 00:07:47.240 You therefore beloved. 00:07:47.639 --> 00:07:48.740 Knowing this beforehand. 00:07:49.420 --> 00:07:49.959 Take care. 00:07:50.040 --> 00:07:50.779 That you are not. 00:07:50.980 --> 00:07:51.839 Carried away. 00:07:52.159 --> 00:07:53.199 With the error. 00:07:53.560 --> 00:07:54.720 Of lawless people. 00:07:55.180 --> 00:07:56.540 And lose your own stability. 00:07:56.540 --> 00:07:58.740 But grow. 00:07:58.860 --> 00:07:59.439 In the grace. 00:07:59.540 --> 00:08:00.000 And knowledge. 00:08:00.000 --> 00:08:00.520 Of our Lord. 00:08:00.560 --> 00:08:00.900 And Savior. 00:08:00.900 --> 00:08:01.780 Jesus Christ. 00:08:02.340 --> 00:08:03.120 To him. 00:08:03.200 --> 00:08:03.819 Be the glory. 00:08:04.360 --> 00:08:05.140 Both now. 00:08:05.560 --> 00:08:06.280 And to the day. 00:08:06.280 --> 00:08:07.200 Of eternity. 00:08:08.060 --> 00:08:08.460 Amen. 00:08:11.280 --> 00:08:12.420 The day is going to come. 00:08:12.460 --> 00:08:13.140 When we. 00:08:13.840 --> 00:08:14.660 Are going to stand. 00:08:14.740 --> 00:08:15.360 Before the Lord. 00:08:16.040 --> 00:08:16.920 And look him in the eye. 00:08:19.120 --> 00:08:19.960 It will be. 00:08:20.080 --> 00:08:20.560 Either the day. 00:08:20.660 --> 00:08:21.100 We die. 00:08:22.120 --> 00:08:23.220 Or if we're alive. 00:08:23.340 --> 00:08:23.980 When he returns. 00:08:24.060 --> 00:08:24.759 It will be that day. 00:08:24.759 --> 00:08:27.539 But what Peter is telling us here. 00:08:27.680 --> 00:08:28.879 Will help us. 00:08:29.319 --> 00:08:30.319 When we see him. 00:08:30.399 --> 00:08:31.579 To have a smile on our face. 00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:34.439 And to see a smile. 00:08:34.439 --> 00:08:35.679 On his face. 00:08:37.299 --> 00:08:38.879 Instead of us being afraid. 00:08:40.480 --> 00:08:41.899 Let's take his instructions to heart. 00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:42.360 Look at him. 00:08:42.439 --> 00:08:42.899 Number one. 00:08:43.399 --> 00:08:44.639 Get serious about your character. 00:08:45.100 --> 00:08:46.100 We saw that the first week. 00:08:46.220 --> 00:08:46.580 Number two. 00:08:46.860 --> 00:08:48.500 Make the most of God's patience. 00:08:49.179 --> 00:08:49.659 Number three. 00:08:49.919 --> 00:08:50.840 Stay on guard. 00:08:50.919 --> 00:08:52.159 Against false teachers. 00:08:52.799 --> 00:08:53.580 Two things. 00:08:53.580 --> 00:08:54.860 About what we've seen. 00:08:54.940 --> 00:08:55.400 About that. 00:08:55.800 --> 00:08:56.840 Don't listen to teachers. 00:08:56.920 --> 00:08:58.680 Who twist the meaning of scripture. 00:08:59.680 --> 00:09:01.060 To change what the Bible. 00:09:01.300 --> 00:09:02.480 Clearly teaches. 00:09:03.300 --> 00:09:04.620 About right beliefs. 00:09:04.700 --> 00:09:05.200 And behaviors. 00:09:06.259 --> 00:09:07.400 Don't listen to people. 00:09:08.080 --> 00:09:08.320 That. 00:09:09.000 --> 00:09:09.879 It's obvious. 00:09:10.000 --> 00:09:10.960 From you listening to them. 00:09:11.139 --> 00:09:12.060 And what you know about the Bible. 00:09:12.840 --> 00:09:13.960 They're not telling the truth. 00:09:15.600 --> 00:09:16.520 They are. 00:09:17.040 --> 00:09:18.160 Being deceptive. 00:09:18.660 --> 00:09:19.700 Don't even listen to them. 00:09:20.040 --> 00:09:20.440 Number two. 00:09:20.440 --> 00:09:22.640 Don't allow anyone or anything. 00:09:22.640 --> 00:09:24.240 To undermine your. 00:09:24.740 --> 00:09:26.560 Biblically based convictions. 00:09:27.600 --> 00:09:29.300 And cause you to fall away. 00:09:29.360 --> 00:09:30.880 From a close relationship with God. 00:09:31.980 --> 00:09:33.500 If there's anyone or anything. 00:09:33.500 --> 00:09:34.540 In your life right now. 00:09:35.040 --> 00:09:36.700 That is tempting you. 00:09:37.780 --> 00:09:38.660 To compromise. 00:09:38.900 --> 00:09:39.700 What you know is right. 00:09:41.600 --> 00:09:42.700 Get away from them. 00:09:43.960 --> 00:09:44.560 Don't listen. 00:09:44.800 --> 00:09:45.880 Don't be around them. 00:09:45.879 --> 00:09:49.360 Don't let anyone or anything. 00:09:50.720 --> 00:09:51.799 Tempt you even. 00:09:52.840 --> 00:09:53.600 To compromise. 00:09:54.519 --> 00:09:55.679 What you know. 00:09:55.899 --> 00:09:57.740 Is the right way to live. 00:09:57.799 --> 00:09:58.519 Before God. 00:09:59.080 --> 00:10:00.200 The right way to live. 00:10:00.279 --> 00:10:01.159 With your spouse. 00:10:01.320 --> 00:10:02.480 With your children. 00:10:04.299 --> 00:10:05.100 Don't listen. 00:10:05.360 --> 00:10:06.019 Don't be. 00:10:06.340 --> 00:10:07.039 Don't even allow. 00:10:07.179 --> 00:10:08.639 Such temptation in your life. 00:10:09.639 --> 00:10:10.399 Now the last thing. 00:10:10.480 --> 00:10:11.419 We find in this passage. 00:10:12.039 --> 00:10:13.179 Is a positive word. 00:10:13.240 --> 00:10:14.139 About the best way. 00:10:14.139 --> 00:10:15.299 To develop Christian character. 00:10:16.080 --> 00:10:17.679 And guard against false teachers. 00:10:17.779 --> 00:10:18.299 Let's look at it. 00:10:18.299 --> 00:10:18.759 Number four. 00:10:19.299 --> 00:10:20.879 Make your spiritual growth. 00:10:21.080 --> 00:10:22.319 A lifelong priority. 00:10:22.779 --> 00:10:23.740 Look at the first sentence. 00:10:23.819 --> 00:10:24.419 Of verse 18. 00:10:24.939 --> 00:10:26.259 But grow in the grace. 00:10:26.399 --> 00:10:27.159 And knowledge. 00:10:27.600 --> 00:10:28.539 Of our Lord and Savior. 00:10:28.679 --> 00:10:29.460 Jesus Christ. 00:10:30.600 --> 00:10:32.480 The key to being spiritually healthy. 00:10:33.139 --> 00:10:34.539 Is to continue to grow. 00:10:36.120 --> 00:10:36.699 Someone said. 00:10:36.799 --> 00:10:37.899 That living a Christian life. 00:10:37.960 --> 00:10:39.080 Is like riding a bicycle. 00:10:39.439 --> 00:10:40.840 Unless you keep moving. 00:10:41.620 --> 00:10:42.659 You fall off. 00:10:42.659 --> 00:10:45.179 Peter would have said that. 00:10:46.079 --> 00:10:46.819 If he had known. 00:10:46.919 --> 00:10:47.759 What a bicycle was. 00:10:49.379 --> 00:10:50.879 It makes the point. 00:10:52.199 --> 00:10:53.500 To be a healthy Christian. 00:10:54.240 --> 00:10:56.100 To be a stable person. 00:10:56.240 --> 00:10:56.860 In what you believe. 00:10:56.879 --> 00:10:57.419 And how you live. 00:10:58.100 --> 00:10:59.079 You got to keep on growing. 00:10:59.179 --> 00:11:00.759 Because no one stands still. 00:11:02.219 --> 00:11:03.219 This last sentence. 00:11:03.319 --> 00:11:03.819 We just read. 00:11:04.539 --> 00:11:06.519 Is really a summary statement. 00:11:06.519 --> 00:11:07.419 Of this whole letter. 00:11:08.819 --> 00:11:10.419 Peter is actually telling us. 00:11:10.600 --> 00:11:11.220 Here now. 00:11:11.220 --> 00:11:13.220 The best way for you. 00:11:13.240 --> 00:11:14.639 To guard against false teaching. 00:11:15.759 --> 00:11:16.960 The best way for you. 00:11:17.019 --> 00:11:17.720 To not have. 00:11:18.100 --> 00:11:19.440 Your convictions. 00:11:20.200 --> 00:11:21.120 Compromised. 00:11:21.940 --> 00:11:23.360 Is to stay focused. 00:11:24.300 --> 00:11:25.600 On listening to God. 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:26.980 Walking with God. 00:11:27.519 --> 00:11:27.920 Growing. 00:11:28.920 --> 00:11:30.000 In your relationship. 00:11:30.200 --> 00:11:30.639 With Jesus. 00:11:31.560 --> 00:11:31.899 Now. 00:11:32.399 --> 00:11:33.300 He tells us here. 00:11:34.220 --> 00:11:34.800 We need to grow. 00:11:34.879 --> 00:11:35.680 In the grace. 00:11:35.759 --> 00:11:36.360 And knowledge. 00:11:36.360 --> 00:11:36.860 Of the Lord. 00:11:36.940 --> 00:11:37.300 So let's. 00:11:37.759 --> 00:11:38.240 Let's think about. 00:11:38.300 --> 00:11:38.940 What he's talking about. 00:11:39.060 --> 00:11:39.460 Number one. 00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:40.320 Grow in grace. 00:11:40.320 --> 00:11:41.660 You know. 00:11:42.600 --> 00:11:44.580 That grace is God's undeserved favor. 00:11:45.720 --> 00:11:47.700 His unearned favor. 00:11:48.840 --> 00:11:50.460 Well Peter uses this word here. 00:11:50.620 --> 00:11:51.300 To describe. 00:11:52.379 --> 00:11:53.320 In a little bit more detail. 00:11:55.000 --> 00:11:56.320 The spiritual strength. 00:11:57.340 --> 00:11:58.520 That the Lord gives us. 00:11:58.720 --> 00:11:59.320 Which is unearned. 00:12:00.780 --> 00:12:01.420 Undeserved. 00:12:03.420 --> 00:12:05.340 The way the Lord may give us. 00:12:05.740 --> 00:12:06.540 Spiritual strength. 00:12:06.700 --> 00:12:08.320 The way the Lord may grace us. 00:12:08.320 --> 00:12:08.760 Us. 00:12:08.760 --> 00:12:09.800 And one of the ways. 00:12:09.879 --> 00:12:10.700 He does grace us. 00:12:12.160 --> 00:12:14.000 Is he puts his spirit in us. 00:12:14.340 --> 00:12:15.300 And the Holy Spirit. 00:12:15.520 --> 00:12:16.200 Works in us. 00:12:16.280 --> 00:12:16.940 To give us. 00:12:19.480 --> 00:12:19.879 The. 00:12:20.840 --> 00:12:21.800 Character qualities. 00:12:21.960 --> 00:12:23.060 Called the fruit of the spirit. 00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:24.280 Things like. 00:12:24.520 --> 00:12:24.780 Love. 00:12:24.860 --> 00:12:25.240 And joy. 00:12:25.340 --> 00:12:25.700 And peace. 00:12:25.760 --> 00:12:26.180 And patience. 00:12:26.280 --> 00:12:26.960 And kindness. 00:12:28.379 --> 00:12:28.680 Goodness. 00:12:29.000 --> 00:12:29.360 Faithfulness. 00:12:29.540 --> 00:12:29.860 Gentleness. 00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:30.600 Self-control. 00:12:31.020 --> 00:12:31.900 Those are grace. 00:12:32.040 --> 00:12:32.920 Gifts from God. 00:12:32.919 --> 00:12:33.039 God. 00:12:34.240 --> 00:12:34.719 Now. 00:12:35.679 --> 00:12:36.759 The idea here may be. 00:12:36.839 --> 00:12:37.879 The Lord gives us the ability. 00:12:37.879 --> 00:12:39.199 To demonstrate these qualities. 00:12:40.379 --> 00:12:42.139 Especially when we have to deal with. 00:12:42.319 --> 00:12:43.279 Difficult people. 00:12:44.559 --> 00:12:45.939 And difficult situations. 00:12:47.019 --> 00:12:48.360 That's where it becomes hard. 00:12:48.360 --> 00:12:48.799 Isn't it? 00:12:49.379 --> 00:12:51.059 I've never had too many problems. 00:12:51.319 --> 00:12:52.740 Just being in general. 00:12:52.939 --> 00:12:53.500 A loving. 00:12:53.719 --> 00:12:54.360 And joyful. 00:12:54.360 --> 00:12:55.360 Person. 00:12:57.519 --> 00:12:58.340 When I'm alone. 00:13:01.519 --> 00:13:01.980 I mean. 00:13:02.139 --> 00:13:02.840 I have good. 00:13:02.960 --> 00:13:03.800 I can ride down the road. 00:13:03.860 --> 00:13:05.000 And have great thoughts. 00:13:07.259 --> 00:13:08.379 I can sit down. 00:13:08.680 --> 00:13:09.259 In my house. 00:13:09.300 --> 00:13:09.919 When no one's around. 00:13:09.960 --> 00:13:10.539 And read the Bible. 00:13:10.659 --> 00:13:11.080 I'm a pretty. 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:12.399 Pretty. 00:13:13.500 --> 00:13:14.080 Godly guy. 00:13:14.080 --> 00:13:16.019 And I'm going to guess. 00:13:16.139 --> 00:13:16.820 You are too. 00:13:19.620 --> 00:13:21.180 But it takes some effort. 00:13:22.060 --> 00:13:23.779 To love certain people. 00:13:24.800 --> 00:13:26.060 It takes some effort. 00:13:26.879 --> 00:13:29.080 To really be able to experience. 00:13:29.340 --> 00:13:29.779 Joy. 00:13:30.300 --> 00:13:31.180 In life. 00:13:31.379 --> 00:13:32.360 In your relationship with the Lord. 00:13:32.740 --> 00:13:34.360 Around certain people. 00:13:34.480 --> 00:13:35.019 Doesn't it? 00:13:36.039 --> 00:13:37.120 You know some of those people. 00:13:37.840 --> 00:13:39.379 You may be some of those people. 00:13:41.820 --> 00:13:43.240 We need help sometimes. 00:13:44.980 --> 00:13:46.440 There's a lot of times in my life. 00:13:46.440 --> 00:13:48.860 Where I truly feel like I am a. 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:51.659 Peaceful and patient person. 00:13:51.659 --> 00:13:54.839 But then I get in my truck. 00:13:54.939 --> 00:13:56.100 And I drive to Easley. 00:13:56.159 --> 00:13:57.000 On Highway 8. 00:13:57.100 --> 00:13:58.480 And there's somebody in front of me. 00:13:58.500 --> 00:13:59.199 In the left lane. 00:13:59.259 --> 00:14:00.759 Doing 35 miles an hour. 00:14:02.100 --> 00:14:03.419 I am anything but. 00:14:03.659 --> 00:14:04.339 A peaceful. 00:14:04.899 --> 00:14:05.299 Patient. 00:14:05.919 --> 00:14:06.719 And peaceful person. 00:14:06.779 --> 00:14:07.299 At that time. 00:14:08.159 --> 00:14:08.959 I need help. 00:14:10.620 --> 00:14:12.259 If I've ever been behind you. 00:14:12.819 --> 00:14:13.519 I'm sorry. 00:14:13.659 --> 00:14:14.439 It's some of the things. 00:14:14.500 --> 00:14:15.000 I may have. 00:14:15.379 --> 00:14:15.980 Mouthed off. 00:14:16.039 --> 00:14:16.779 Or some of the signs. 00:14:16.779 --> 00:14:17.500 I may have shown. 00:14:19.500 --> 00:14:19.899 Not. 00:14:20.019 --> 00:14:20.319 I didn't. 00:14:20.379 --> 00:14:21.139 I don't do that kind of stuff. 00:14:21.579 --> 00:14:22.559 You wouldn't see it. 00:14:27.740 --> 00:14:29.199 But you know what I mean. 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:31.360 There's things. 00:14:31.500 --> 00:14:32.039 There's people. 00:14:32.159 --> 00:14:33.240 Situations in your life. 00:14:34.959 --> 00:14:35.360 Where. 00:14:36.360 --> 00:14:37.459 You need. 00:14:37.460 --> 00:14:37.960 God. 00:14:38.080 --> 00:14:39.240 To help you to think. 00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:42.420 And act. 00:14:43.519 --> 00:14:44.620 With self-control. 00:14:45.820 --> 00:14:47.019 With patience. 00:14:49.500 --> 00:14:50.720 Peter is writing here. 00:14:50.780 --> 00:14:51.519 And telling us. 00:14:53.100 --> 00:14:54.840 That while we are. 00:14:55.840 --> 00:14:57.120 Always dependent. 00:14:57.120 --> 00:14:58.120 Upon God's. 00:14:59.120 --> 00:14:59.440 Grace. 00:15:00.440 --> 00:15:01.400 We can't make. 00:15:01.500 --> 00:15:02.440 We don't save ourselves. 00:15:02.519 --> 00:15:03.540 And we can't make ourselves. 00:15:03.540 --> 00:15:04.460 More like Jesus. 00:15:04.580 --> 00:15:05.200 We can't develop. 00:15:05.300 --> 00:15:06.320 Christ like character. 00:15:06.759 --> 00:15:07.139 On our own. 00:15:07.420 --> 00:15:07.759 Only God. 00:15:07.860 --> 00:15:09.379 Can truly do that work in us. 00:15:09.700 --> 00:15:09.860 But. 00:15:10.240 --> 00:15:10.940 God requires. 00:15:11.040 --> 00:15:11.620 That we cooperate. 00:15:11.620 --> 00:15:12.220 With him. 00:15:12.300 --> 00:15:13.120 As he works. 00:15:15.280 --> 00:15:16.240 God requires. 00:15:16.400 --> 00:15:17.540 That we obey him. 00:15:17.680 --> 00:15:18.879 When he gives us. 00:15:19.000 --> 00:15:19.680 The desire. 00:15:21.560 --> 00:15:22.540 To do his will. 00:15:22.639 --> 00:15:23.519 To do the right thing. 00:15:24.759 --> 00:15:25.560 The point here. 00:15:25.580 --> 00:15:26.120 In verse 18. 00:15:26.120 --> 00:15:26.720 Is that. 00:15:27.320 --> 00:15:28.080 We are. 00:15:28.200 --> 00:15:28.620 To grow. 00:15:30.460 --> 00:15:31.360 Peter is writing. 00:15:31.440 --> 00:15:31.780 To Christians. 00:15:31.860 --> 00:15:32.440 People like us. 00:15:32.639 --> 00:15:33.420 He says to you. 00:15:33.720 --> 00:15:34.139 But. 00:15:34.139 --> 00:15:34.679 Grow. 00:15:35.919 --> 00:15:36.379 In the grace. 00:15:36.399 --> 00:15:36.699 And knowledge. 00:15:36.740 --> 00:15:37.139 Of our Lord. 00:15:39.419 --> 00:15:40.519 We are commanded. 00:15:41.059 --> 00:15:42.100 In various parts. 00:15:42.159 --> 00:15:42.819 Of the New Testament. 00:15:43.460 --> 00:15:44.240 To put forth. 00:15:44.580 --> 00:15:44.980 Real. 00:15:46.139 --> 00:15:46.620 Effort. 00:15:47.220 --> 00:15:47.720 Look at it. 00:15:47.720 --> 00:15:48.419 Here's some examples. 00:15:48.559 --> 00:15:49.179 From Hebrews. 00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:50.899 Strive. 00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:52.340 Strive. 00:15:52.759 --> 00:15:53.639 Work at it. 00:15:53.879 --> 00:15:54.319 Put forth. 00:15:54.319 --> 00:15:54.799 Great effort. 00:15:54.799 --> 00:15:55.799 For peace. 00:15:56.039 --> 00:15:56.819 With everyone. 00:15:57.159 --> 00:15:57.980 Because some people. 00:15:58.100 --> 00:15:58.819 It's hard to do. 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:02.220 And for the holiness. 00:16:02.220 --> 00:16:04.259 Without which. 00:16:04.340 --> 00:16:04.720 No one. 00:16:04.779 --> 00:16:05.580 Will see the Lord. 00:16:07.500 --> 00:16:08.320 Think about that. 00:16:09.240 --> 00:16:10.360 We are to strive. 00:16:10.700 --> 00:16:11.160 For peace. 00:16:11.220 --> 00:16:11.680 With everyone. 00:16:11.680 --> 00:16:12.879 And to develop. 00:16:12.879 --> 00:16:13.879 Holy character. 00:16:16.000 --> 00:16:16.480 Godly. 00:16:17.040 --> 00:16:17.480 Character. 00:16:18.600 --> 00:16:19.320 Being different. 00:16:19.399 --> 00:16:19.840 From the world. 00:16:19.920 --> 00:16:20.779 Kind of character. 00:16:21.639 --> 00:16:22.460 And look at this. 00:16:22.500 --> 00:16:23.519 From James chapter 1. 00:16:23.600 --> 00:16:24.440 You know this. 00:16:24.440 --> 00:16:27.000 He said just real plainly. 00:16:27.160 --> 00:16:28.680 But be doers of the word. 00:16:29.180 --> 00:16:30.560 And not hearers only. 00:16:30.640 --> 00:16:31.540 Deceiving yourself. 00:16:34.180 --> 00:16:34.560 You know. 00:16:35.660 --> 00:16:36.720 Coming to church. 00:16:36.880 --> 00:16:37.680 Being in Sunday school. 00:16:37.760 --> 00:16:38.280 If you were. 00:16:38.860 --> 00:16:39.860 Being in this service. 00:16:40.580 --> 00:16:41.820 We're reading the Bible. 00:16:45.820 --> 00:16:47.080 We're listening to the Bible. 00:16:47.160 --> 00:16:47.680 Being read. 00:16:50.400 --> 00:16:51.840 Don't congratulate yourself. 00:16:51.840 --> 00:16:56.519 What God is concerned is. 00:16:57.100 --> 00:16:58.980 Not just what we hear. 00:16:59.120 --> 00:16:59.800 Although that's important. 00:17:00.580 --> 00:17:01.940 But that we act. 00:17:02.060 --> 00:17:02.780 On what we hear. 00:17:04.220 --> 00:17:05.360 I don't want to discourage. 00:17:05.360 --> 00:17:06.680 Anyone from coming to church. 00:17:07.259 --> 00:17:08.759 But by you hearing this. 00:17:10.259 --> 00:17:11.420 You're sort of on the hook. 00:17:12.299 --> 00:17:13.559 Every time we come to church. 00:17:13.680 --> 00:17:14.460 Every time we read the Bible. 00:17:14.579 --> 00:17:15.200 For ourselves. 00:17:16.539 --> 00:17:17.480 We are. 00:17:18.100 --> 00:17:19.420 Becoming more aware. 00:17:19.420 --> 00:17:20.579 Of our responsibility. 00:17:20.579 --> 00:17:21.319 Before God. 00:17:21.319 --> 00:17:21.879 And he's going to hold us. 00:17:21.939 --> 00:17:22.659 Accountable for it. 00:17:25.220 --> 00:17:26.579 So hear what James is saying. 00:17:26.659 --> 00:17:27.039 Hear what. 00:17:27.139 --> 00:17:28.480 The writer of the Hebrews is saying. 00:17:29.200 --> 00:17:30.379 And then look at one more. 00:17:31.179 --> 00:17:31.859 Paul emphasized. 00:17:31.960 --> 00:17:32.759 The grace of God. 00:17:33.579 --> 00:17:34.279 More than. 00:17:34.399 --> 00:17:35.439 Because of the volume. 00:17:35.839 --> 00:17:36.539 Of what he wrote. 00:17:36.599 --> 00:17:37.200 In the New Testament. 00:17:38.879 --> 00:17:39.659 Paul understood. 00:17:41.259 --> 00:17:42.279 That we are still. 00:17:43.000 --> 00:17:43.399 Responsible. 00:17:44.399 --> 00:17:45.500 To obey God. 00:17:45.599 --> 00:17:45.879 And put forth. 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:46.460 Great effort. 00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:47.019 I want you to look at. 00:17:47.019 --> 00:17:47.799 What he said. 00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:48.559 At the end of. 00:17:48.619 --> 00:17:49.599 Second Corinthians nine. 00:17:49.599 --> 00:17:51.619 He's using an athletic. 00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:53.299 Idea here. 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:54.279 Picture for us. 00:17:54.359 --> 00:17:54.779 Look at it. 00:17:55.279 --> 00:17:56.039 Every athlete. 00:17:56.159 --> 00:17:57.159 Exercises self-control. 00:17:57.159 --> 00:17:57.879 In all things. 00:17:58.240 --> 00:17:58.599 They do it. 00:17:58.639 --> 00:18:00.139 To receive a perishable wreath. 00:18:00.219 --> 00:18:01.279 But we an imperishable. 00:18:02.899 --> 00:18:04.619 So I do not run. 00:18:04.959 --> 00:18:05.359 Aimlessly. 00:18:05.779 --> 00:18:06.839 I do not box. 00:18:06.919 --> 00:18:07.879 As one beating the air. 00:18:08.219 --> 00:18:09.759 But I discipline my body. 00:18:09.859 --> 00:18:10.980 And keep it under control. 00:18:11.659 --> 00:18:12.139 Lest. 00:18:12.279 --> 00:18:13.759 After preaching to others. 00:18:14.159 --> 00:18:15.139 I myself. 00:18:15.439 --> 00:18:16.339 Should be disqualified. 00:18:16.339 --> 00:18:16.740 Paul. 00:18:17.539 --> 00:18:17.899 Paul. 00:18:21.119 --> 00:18:23.379 I exercise this great self-control. 00:18:23.639 --> 00:18:24.679 I discipline myself. 00:18:24.939 --> 00:18:25.939 I'm very purposeful. 00:18:25.980 --> 00:18:26.439 He's saying. 00:18:27.759 --> 00:18:29.240 He understood how important it is. 00:18:29.299 --> 00:18:30.639 It's just part of living a Christian life. 00:18:31.619 --> 00:18:33.980 It's a part of living a Christian life. 00:18:34.599 --> 00:18:35.659 God works in us. 00:18:35.740 --> 00:18:36.500 Through his spirit. 00:18:36.579 --> 00:18:37.779 To give us the right kind of desires. 00:18:38.079 --> 00:18:39.159 He'll give us the ability. 00:18:39.159 --> 00:18:40.699 To put it into practice. 00:18:41.619 --> 00:18:42.939 But we've got to. 00:18:43.819 --> 00:18:44.240 Obey. 00:18:44.240 --> 00:18:46.099 We've got to strive. 00:18:46.740 --> 00:18:48.319 We've got to exercise self-control. 00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:51.259 Sometimes we've got to close our mouths. 00:18:53.059 --> 00:18:55.099 Sometimes we've got to say something kind. 00:18:56.819 --> 00:18:58.740 Sometimes we've got to go out of our way. 00:18:58.859 --> 00:19:00.039 Inconvenience ourselves. 00:19:00.279 --> 00:19:02.220 To meet someone's need. 00:19:04.319 --> 00:19:05.839 Sometimes we've got to give money. 00:19:07.180 --> 00:19:08.700 Sometimes we've got to give time. 00:19:08.700 --> 00:19:13.039 It's a part of our responsibility. 00:19:13.620 --> 00:19:16.220 Being obedient to what God's doing in us. 00:19:16.360 --> 00:19:17.080 Through his spirit. 00:19:17.819 --> 00:19:19.080 The question now is for us. 00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:21.180 Do you think. 00:19:21.740 --> 00:19:23.580 Am I growing in such grace? 00:19:25.319 --> 00:19:27.680 Am I cooperating with God? 00:19:29.140 --> 00:19:31.100 As he gives me the right kind of desires. 00:19:31.360 --> 00:19:32.140 See all of us. 00:19:32.740 --> 00:19:35.160 We have good desires a lot of times. 00:19:35.200 --> 00:19:35.960 And good intentions. 00:19:35.960 --> 00:19:39.620 We're going to make that call. 00:19:39.700 --> 00:19:40.960 To that person that we know. 00:19:41.860 --> 00:19:43.120 We need to say a good word to. 00:19:46.019 --> 00:19:47.240 We have the right desire. 00:19:47.240 --> 00:19:48.539 About saying something positive. 00:19:48.700 --> 00:19:49.519 Encouraging someone. 00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:51.920 Or not repeating the gossip. 00:19:55.079 --> 00:19:56.259 But we don't follow through. 00:19:57.880 --> 00:19:59.900 We need to be growing in the grace. 00:20:00.900 --> 00:20:02.579 That God gives us. 00:20:02.579 --> 00:20:05.119 And the question is. 00:20:05.919 --> 00:20:06.519 Are you? 00:20:07.439 --> 00:20:07.980 Number two. 00:20:08.460 --> 00:20:09.699 We need to grow in knowledge. 00:20:10.299 --> 00:20:13.059 This refers to growing in our knowledge of Christ. 00:20:13.119 --> 00:20:14.519 In terms of our relationship with him. 00:20:15.279 --> 00:20:15.759 And. 00:20:16.539 --> 00:20:19.259 Growing in our knowledge about him. 00:20:20.599 --> 00:20:23.179 We need to have a growing personal relationship. 00:20:23.539 --> 00:20:24.319 With the Lord. 00:20:24.519 --> 00:20:26.019 That touches our heart and soul. 00:20:27.220 --> 00:20:28.139 We need to have a heartfelt. 00:20:29.139 --> 00:20:29.579 Faith. 00:20:29.720 --> 00:20:31.259 A heartfelt relationship. 00:20:31.259 --> 00:20:32.500 With him. 00:20:32.500 --> 00:20:34.359 That affects the way that we. 00:20:35.859 --> 00:20:36.299 Feel. 00:20:36.519 --> 00:20:37.599 And live our lives. 00:20:38.480 --> 00:20:39.720 But at the same time. 00:20:40.579 --> 00:20:42.740 We need to have a growing knowledge of the Lord. 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:44.059 Who he is. 00:20:44.140 --> 00:20:44.839 What he's done. 00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:46.579 How we can follow him. 00:20:47.859 --> 00:20:49.259 We need to have a relationship with him. 00:20:49.319 --> 00:20:50.619 That affects the way that we think. 00:20:50.660 --> 00:20:51.539 And what we think. 00:20:51.539 --> 00:20:53.740 You know. 00:20:53.900 --> 00:20:54.740 Our knowledge of Jesus. 00:20:54.940 --> 00:20:55.539 Will include knowledge. 00:20:56.940 --> 00:20:57.879 Of all the. 00:20:58.099 --> 00:20:59.140 What all the Bible says. 00:20:59.140 --> 00:20:59.540 Is about. 00:21:00.259 --> 00:21:00.980 Living his. 00:21:01.100 --> 00:21:01.840 As his follower. 00:21:02.320 --> 00:21:03.460 Not just learning about. 00:21:03.540 --> 00:21:04.620 Not just having knowledge of Jesus. 00:21:04.759 --> 00:21:04.880 But. 00:21:05.400 --> 00:21:06.060 All about. 00:21:07.180 --> 00:21:08.060 Being like him. 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:09.080 Following him. 00:21:10.860 --> 00:21:12.140 And if we'll do that. 00:21:12.880 --> 00:21:13.820 That will help us. 00:21:13.880 --> 00:21:14.360 To spot. 00:21:14.480 --> 00:21:15.220 False teaching. 00:21:15.340 --> 00:21:16.460 And avoid being led astray. 00:21:17.920 --> 00:21:18.400 You know. 00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:19.720 It's impossible. 00:21:19.720 --> 00:21:20.620 For us to know everything. 00:21:20.780 --> 00:21:22.200 That all the cults. 00:21:22.200 --> 00:21:23.259 Around us today. 00:21:23.640 --> 00:21:23.960 Believe. 00:21:23.960 --> 00:21:25.799 It's impossible. 00:21:25.799 --> 00:21:26.840 For us to be. 00:21:26.840 --> 00:21:27.700 Up to date. 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:28.620 On all the different. 00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:30.220 Ways. 00:21:30.360 --> 00:21:31.600 People twist scripture. 00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:33.279 But we don't have to be. 00:21:34.640 --> 00:21:35.500 It's our responsibility. 00:21:35.640 --> 00:21:36.019 As Christians. 00:21:36.160 --> 00:21:36.640 To know. 00:21:37.039 --> 00:21:38.740 What the Bible actually teaches. 00:21:39.920 --> 00:21:40.920 Know what the Bible teaches. 00:21:40.920 --> 00:21:41.900 About Jesus. 00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:44.160 What it means to. 00:21:44.840 --> 00:21:45.579 Trust Jesus. 00:21:45.579 --> 00:21:46.500 As your Savior and Lord. 00:21:46.700 --> 00:21:47.900 What it means to follow him. 00:21:48.259 --> 00:21:49.299 To grow. 00:21:49.420 --> 00:21:49.960 In the development. 00:21:49.960 --> 00:21:51.299 Of Christ like character. 00:21:51.299 --> 00:21:53.680 And if we'll know the truth. 00:21:53.700 --> 00:21:54.379 Of God's word. 00:21:54.480 --> 00:21:55.339 In a general way. 00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:56.399 We'll have a. 00:21:56.399 --> 00:21:57.500 A solid. 00:21:57.740 --> 00:21:58.159 Basic. 00:21:58.379 --> 00:21:58.859 Christian. 00:22:00.279 --> 00:22:00.759 Doctrine. 00:22:01.740 --> 00:22:02.039 Teaching. 00:22:03.519 --> 00:22:04.680 We'll be able to spot. 00:22:05.700 --> 00:22:06.919 Those who teach error. 00:22:07.779 --> 00:22:08.779 We'll be able to spot. 00:22:08.859 --> 00:22:09.859 Those who are twisting. 00:22:10.000 --> 00:22:10.359 The scripture. 00:22:10.480 --> 00:22:11.039 To say something. 00:22:11.139 --> 00:22:12.339 That it does not mean. 00:22:13.319 --> 00:22:14.599 We need to know the truth. 00:22:16.180 --> 00:22:17.359 So I want to ask you again. 00:22:17.440 --> 00:22:18.659 How well are you growing. 00:22:19.539 --> 00:22:20.980 In grace and knowledge. 00:22:21.299 --> 00:22:22.740 Chuck Swindoll. 00:22:22.740 --> 00:22:24.279 Makes a helpful point. 00:22:24.539 --> 00:22:26.619 About keeping our growth. 00:22:27.419 --> 00:22:29.139 In grace and knowledge. 00:22:29.299 --> 00:22:29.579 Both. 00:22:30.220 --> 00:22:30.899 In balance. 00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:32.200 Look at what he says. 00:22:32.819 --> 00:22:35.220 The trick is keeping these two in balance. 00:22:35.659 --> 00:22:36.299 For example. 00:22:36.779 --> 00:22:38.119 Grace will keep you tolerant. 00:22:38.299 --> 00:22:38.779 And strong. 00:22:38.919 --> 00:22:39.339 And loving. 00:22:39.980 --> 00:22:41.700 While knowledge will keep you strong. 00:22:42.180 --> 00:22:44.039 Grace will make you compassionate. 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:46.440 While knowledge will make you discerning. 00:22:47.000 --> 00:22:48.159 Grace will help you smile. 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:50.779 Knowledge will help you think. 00:22:50.779 --> 00:22:53.200 And then he says. 00:22:53.720 --> 00:22:55.139 To monitor your progress. 00:22:55.619 --> 00:22:57.379 Ask yourselves these questions. 00:22:57.819 --> 00:22:58.279 Now listen. 00:22:58.779 --> 00:22:59.319 Look at it. 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.799 Ask yourselves these questions. 00:23:01.559 --> 00:23:02.539 Have I come to the place. 00:23:02.700 --> 00:23:03.519 Where some of the things. 00:23:03.639 --> 00:23:05.039 That once through me. 00:23:06.039 --> 00:23:07.180 No longer do. 00:23:08.839 --> 00:23:10.259 Am I stable. 00:23:10.899 --> 00:23:12.019 Where I once. 00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:13.359 Was not. 00:23:14.299 --> 00:23:15.839 Can I handle things. 00:23:15.940 --> 00:23:16.879 That I once. 00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:18.399 Could not. 00:23:18.400 --> 00:23:21.060 That you think about you. 00:23:24.880 --> 00:23:26.480 What are some things in your past. 00:23:26.560 --> 00:23:27.019 That really. 00:23:27.720 --> 00:23:28.519 Threw you. 00:23:30.680 --> 00:23:31.380 Do they. 00:23:31.620 --> 00:23:32.140 No longer. 00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:32.980 Because you've grown. 00:23:34.660 --> 00:23:36.019 What about some ways. 00:23:36.140 --> 00:23:37.040 That you used to think. 00:23:37.100 --> 00:23:37.519 Or feel. 00:23:38.160 --> 00:23:39.780 That really was unstable. 00:23:40.019 --> 00:23:40.500 Unhealthy. 00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:45.660 Have you worked through that. 00:23:46.099 --> 00:23:46.980 Have you grown. 00:23:47.200 --> 00:23:47.859 Are you now. 00:23:48.480 --> 00:23:48.779 More. 00:23:49.539 --> 00:23:49.980 Stable. 00:23:50.819 --> 00:23:51.680 In certain. 00:23:52.299 --> 00:23:52.740 Ways. 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:53.619 That you weren't. 00:23:56.440 --> 00:23:57.579 A few years ago. 00:23:57.660 --> 00:23:58.180 Were there things. 00:23:58.279 --> 00:23:59.039 That you just absolutely. 00:23:59.039 --> 00:23:59.819 Go to pieces about. 00:23:59.880 --> 00:24:00.819 You could not handle. 00:24:01.339 --> 00:24:02.299 Couldn't deal with. 00:24:03.140 --> 00:24:03.960 Certain people. 00:24:03.960 --> 00:24:06.819 Have you grown. 00:24:06.900 --> 00:24:07.620 To the point where. 00:24:08.579 --> 00:24:09.519 By God's grace. 00:24:09.680 --> 00:24:10.360 With his help. 00:24:11.440 --> 00:24:12.240 You can. 00:24:12.759 --> 00:24:13.019 Now. 00:24:15.019 --> 00:24:16.140 It is very important. 00:24:16.240 --> 00:24:17.039 For us to think about. 00:24:17.620 --> 00:24:18.920 If we have grown. 00:24:19.299 --> 00:24:20.519 There should be evidence. 00:24:20.620 --> 00:24:21.440 In our lives. 00:24:22.299 --> 00:24:23.180 People around us. 00:24:23.259 --> 00:24:23.819 People who know us. 00:24:23.940 --> 00:24:24.600 Should see. 00:24:24.940 --> 00:24:26.279 None of us have arrived. 00:24:27.940 --> 00:24:29.120 But there should be growth. 00:24:29.440 --> 00:24:30.079 Steve Brown. 00:24:30.140 --> 00:24:31.400 Says something along that line. 00:24:31.480 --> 00:24:32.500 That I think is very helpful. 00:24:32.500 --> 00:24:33.680 I want you to look at what he says. 00:24:34.640 --> 00:24:36.160 God is not looking so much. 00:24:36.220 --> 00:24:36.539 At where. 00:24:36.900 --> 00:24:37.820 We are. 00:24:37.980 --> 00:24:38.600 Along the road. 00:24:38.660 --> 00:24:39.519 To spiritual maturity. 00:24:39.779 --> 00:24:40.060 Instead. 00:24:40.180 --> 00:24:41.259 He's looking at two things. 00:24:41.500 --> 00:24:41.840 First. 00:24:42.440 --> 00:24:43.380 He wants to know. 00:24:43.539 --> 00:24:45.420 Where you have come from. 00:24:46.380 --> 00:24:47.019 And second. 00:24:47.700 --> 00:24:48.779 He wants to know. 00:24:49.000 --> 00:24:49.740 The direction. 00:24:50.580 --> 00:24:51.420 You are going. 00:24:53.000 --> 00:24:53.759 Then he says. 00:24:53.840 --> 00:24:55.600 You may not be as far down the road. 00:24:55.660 --> 00:24:57.000 Of spiritual maturity. 00:24:57.240 --> 00:24:59.019 As the person sitting next to you. 00:24:59.080 --> 00:24:59.740 But that's okay. 00:24:59.740 --> 00:25:02.380 As long as you are moving. 00:25:03.060 --> 00:25:03.500 Forward. 00:25:03.680 --> 00:25:06.340 Are you moving forward. 00:25:06.340 --> 00:25:07.400 In your spiritual growth. 00:25:10.360 --> 00:25:11.400 Are you further along. 00:25:11.519 --> 00:25:11.940 Than you were. 00:25:12.600 --> 00:25:13.820 This time last year. 00:25:14.680 --> 00:25:16.080 Are you a lot further along. 00:25:16.160 --> 00:25:16.720 Than you were. 00:25:16.980 --> 00:25:17.779 Five years ago. 00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:19.940 You know. 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:20.720 You may look around. 00:25:20.779 --> 00:25:21.259 In this room. 00:25:21.320 --> 00:25:22.759 And you may see some people. 00:25:24.320 --> 00:25:25.060 That you think. 00:25:25.640 --> 00:25:26.279 They're just a. 00:25:27.360 --> 00:25:28.720 That's just a godly man. 00:25:28.720 --> 00:25:30.400 That lady. 00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:31.960 She's just a saint. 00:25:32.440 --> 00:25:33.259 They are just so. 00:25:34.100 --> 00:25:34.620 Wise. 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:34.900 And. 00:25:35.559 --> 00:25:35.980 Knowledgeable. 00:25:36.059 --> 00:25:36.920 About the things of God. 00:25:37.559 --> 00:25:38.059 And you. 00:25:38.299 --> 00:25:38.980 Look up to them. 00:25:40.120 --> 00:25:40.779 That's good. 00:25:43.660 --> 00:25:44.700 Nothing wrong with them. 00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:45.480 Being ahead of you. 00:25:45.720 --> 00:25:46.120 You. 00:25:46.119 --> 00:25:51.299 But you should be living. 00:25:51.299 --> 00:25:52.179 Such a life. 00:25:52.839 --> 00:25:53.799 You should have made. 00:25:53.839 --> 00:25:54.739 Such progress. 00:25:55.519 --> 00:25:56.639 That there are some people. 00:25:57.299 --> 00:25:58.419 Who are looking at you. 00:26:00.059 --> 00:26:01.679 And they see how God's. 00:26:02.179 --> 00:26:02.759 Has been. 00:26:02.839 --> 00:26:03.979 And is changing you. 00:26:03.980 --> 00:26:06.940 They see how you don't have. 00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:08.180 The temper you used to have. 00:26:09.940 --> 00:26:11.059 They see that you're more. 00:26:12.019 --> 00:26:13.099 Gracious than you used to be. 00:26:13.200 --> 00:26:14.579 More generous than you used to be. 00:26:16.579 --> 00:26:17.720 So they're looking up to you. 00:26:18.799 --> 00:26:19.940 See in this room. 00:26:21.460 --> 00:26:23.339 In terms of spiritual growth. 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:24.680 Some people are over here. 00:26:25.240 --> 00:26:25.720 Some are here. 00:26:25.839 --> 00:26:26.180 Some are here. 00:26:26.259 --> 00:26:26.700 Some are here. 00:26:26.700 --> 00:26:26.720 Some are here. 00:26:28.120 --> 00:26:29.480 If we came back. 00:26:30.539 --> 00:26:31.700 Six months from now. 00:26:31.700 --> 00:26:34.380 According to what. 00:26:34.740 --> 00:26:35.640 We're being taught here. 00:26:35.799 --> 00:26:36.840 All of us ought to be. 00:26:36.980 --> 00:26:39.140 A little bit further along. 00:26:40.340 --> 00:26:41.519 Than where we are now. 00:26:42.860 --> 00:26:44.380 So the question this morning is. 00:26:44.519 --> 00:26:45.860 Not are you a perfect Christian. 00:26:46.940 --> 00:26:48.180 We're really not talking about. 00:26:48.420 --> 00:26:50.019 How godly you are. 00:26:50.100 --> 00:26:51.019 We're talking this morning is. 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:51.740 About. 00:26:52.519 --> 00:26:53.259 Are you growing. 00:26:54.840 --> 00:26:56.019 Are you maturing. 00:26:56.940 --> 00:26:58.380 Are you advancing. 00:27:00.559 --> 00:27:01.559 As a Christian. 00:27:02.620 --> 00:27:03.600 In your knowledge. 00:27:03.840 --> 00:27:04.539 Of the Lord. 00:27:04.840 --> 00:27:06.000 Your love for him. 00:27:06.200 --> 00:27:07.460 Your service to him. 00:27:07.539 --> 00:27:08.700 Your commitment to him. 00:27:11.019 --> 00:27:12.420 You're becoming like him. 00:27:12.980 --> 00:27:13.740 That's the point. 00:27:15.319 --> 00:27:16.319 Let me ask you this. 00:27:17.319 --> 00:27:18.220 What do you do. 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:18.819 To move forward. 00:27:20.400 --> 00:27:21.200 How are you. 00:27:21.259 --> 00:27:22.140 Seeking to move forward. 00:27:22.140 --> 00:27:24.240 Are you using. 00:27:24.440 --> 00:27:25.960 The means of grace. 00:27:26.140 --> 00:27:27.140 That God has given. 00:27:27.319 --> 00:27:28.120 To all of us. 00:27:28.680 --> 00:27:29.400 To grow spiritually. 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:30.840 There are no secrets. 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:32.920 You know. 00:27:32.920 --> 00:27:33.580 You might pick up a book. 00:27:33.620 --> 00:27:33.840 Somewhere. 00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:34.980 The secret to a. 00:27:35.720 --> 00:27:37.039 Secret to a happy Christian life. 00:27:37.360 --> 00:27:38.100 Secret to this or that. 00:27:38.180 --> 00:27:39.039 There are no secrets. 00:27:41.240 --> 00:27:42.200 It's all in the Bible. 00:27:43.160 --> 00:27:43.920 God has given us. 00:27:44.039 --> 00:27:44.380 Certain. 00:27:45.039 --> 00:27:45.440 Spiritual. 00:27:45.920 --> 00:27:46.360 Disciplines. 00:27:46.680 --> 00:27:47.039 Certain. 00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:49.120 Means of grace. 00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:49.960 To help us grow spiritually. 00:27:50.600 --> 00:27:51.460 Here's what they are. 00:27:51.539 --> 00:27:51.940 Let me ask you. 00:27:52.000 --> 00:27:52.160 These. 00:27:52.279 --> 00:27:53.160 In the form of this question. 00:27:53.759 --> 00:27:54.680 Are you spending time. 00:27:54.720 --> 00:27:55.559 With God every day. 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:58.059 Do you pray. 00:27:58.059 --> 00:28:02.039 Your prayer life. 00:28:02.079 --> 00:28:02.839 Has something to do. 00:28:02.899 --> 00:28:03.659 With where you are. 00:28:03.779 --> 00:28:04.139 On this. 00:28:05.679 --> 00:28:06.200 Growth. 00:28:06.519 --> 00:28:07.039 Continuum. 00:28:09.159 --> 00:28:10.559 Prayer is talking to God. 00:28:12.339 --> 00:28:14.019 Prayer is honoring God. 00:28:14.339 --> 00:28:15.099 Praising him. 00:28:15.319 --> 00:28:16.019 Thanking him. 00:28:16.159 --> 00:28:17.440 Confessing your sin to him. 00:28:18.079 --> 00:28:19.200 Seeking his will. 00:28:20.440 --> 00:28:21.319 Talking to him about. 00:28:21.480 --> 00:28:22.659 Whatever's going on in your life. 00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:24.799 Talking to him on behalf. 00:28:24.799 --> 00:28:25.519 Of other people. 00:28:26.720 --> 00:28:28.299 It's also in listening to him. 00:28:29.559 --> 00:28:30.579 During such a time. 00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:32.119 Are you reading the Bible? 00:28:33.859 --> 00:28:35.099 The Bible is the primary way. 00:28:35.139 --> 00:28:36.059 God speaks to us. 00:28:36.960 --> 00:28:38.039 The Bible is the most. 00:28:38.460 --> 00:28:38.980 Objective. 00:28:39.159 --> 00:28:39.839 Clear way. 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:41.180 That God makes himself. 00:28:41.299 --> 00:28:42.000 And his will. 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:42.720 Known. 00:28:42.839 --> 00:28:43.480 To you and me. 00:28:45.480 --> 00:28:46.279 Are you. 00:28:48.039 --> 00:28:49.279 Spending time with God. 00:28:49.859 --> 00:28:50.539 Every day. 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:52.899 We all spend time. 00:28:53.019 --> 00:28:53.240 Every day. 00:28:53.319 --> 00:28:53.819 Doing something. 00:28:54.799 --> 00:28:56.859 I want you to think. 00:28:59.379 --> 00:29:00.879 Are you growing more. 00:29:00.879 --> 00:29:00.980 Aware. 00:29:01.680 --> 00:29:02.419 More in your. 00:29:03.059 --> 00:29:03.799 Knowledge of. 00:29:04.799 --> 00:29:05.799 What's going on in the world. 00:29:05.919 --> 00:29:06.440 Sports. 00:29:07.919 --> 00:29:09.299 What's happening in the news. 00:29:10.519 --> 00:29:11.700 What the weather is going to be. 00:29:13.240 --> 00:29:14.539 Are you growing more and more. 00:29:14.599 --> 00:29:15.539 In your knowledge of. 00:29:15.819 --> 00:29:16.859 What all your friends are doing. 00:29:16.940 --> 00:29:17.599 On Facebook. 00:29:18.980 --> 00:29:20.240 Nothing wrong with those things. 00:29:21.460 --> 00:29:23.599 But is that where you are growing. 00:29:23.599 --> 00:29:25.279 That's what you're concentrating on. 00:29:25.659 --> 00:29:26.859 To the neglect. 00:29:28.399 --> 00:29:30.119 Of growing in your relationship with God. 00:29:30.179 --> 00:29:31.559 By spending time with him. 00:29:33.399 --> 00:29:33.819 You know. 00:29:33.879 --> 00:29:34.299 If you're. 00:29:34.899 --> 00:29:35.899 Addicted to social media. 00:29:35.980 --> 00:29:36.879 You're addicted to that phone. 00:29:36.939 --> 00:29:37.319 Or iPad. 00:29:37.859 --> 00:29:38.199 Whatever. 00:29:39.240 --> 00:29:40.299 Get you a Bible app. 00:29:40.299 --> 00:29:43.220 There's a lot of good things you can read. 00:29:43.299 --> 00:29:44.659 You just got to read it electronically. 00:29:46.779 --> 00:29:47.940 What we need to understand is. 00:29:48.039 --> 00:29:49.159 God has given us. 00:29:49.539 --> 00:29:50.379 Given his people. 00:29:51.220 --> 00:29:51.619 Certain. 00:29:52.139 --> 00:29:53.419 What we'll call means of grace. 00:29:53.579 --> 00:29:54.440 Spiritual disciplines. 00:29:54.440 --> 00:29:55.839 That will help us. 00:29:56.180 --> 00:29:57.480 And nothing else will take their place. 00:29:57.879 --> 00:29:58.639 Help us to grow. 00:29:58.640 --> 00:30:00.820 We all spend time doing things. 00:30:00.860 --> 00:30:02.380 That don't absolutely have to be done. 00:30:03.020 --> 00:30:03.220 I know. 00:30:03.320 --> 00:30:04.480 I know more about. 00:30:04.700 --> 00:30:06.120 What's going on in the sports world now. 00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:06.940 That I need to know. 00:30:07.259 --> 00:30:08.200 I know more about. 00:30:08.320 --> 00:30:09.160 What's going on in the world today. 00:30:09.220 --> 00:30:09.820 By reading news. 00:30:09.860 --> 00:30:10.600 And I need to know. 00:30:12.020 --> 00:30:13.020 But at the same time. 00:30:13.200 --> 00:30:14.500 I do know a little bit about. 00:30:14.700 --> 00:30:16.180 What God's saying in his word. 00:30:16.259 --> 00:30:17.759 Because I am spending some time with him. 00:30:17.980 --> 00:30:18.880 In his word. 00:30:18.980 --> 00:30:19.740 And talking to him. 00:30:21.620 --> 00:30:22.660 You don't have to just. 00:30:23.320 --> 00:30:24.240 Read the Bible all the time. 00:30:24.240 --> 00:30:24.940 I'm asking. 00:30:25.480 --> 00:30:27.160 Are you as a Christian. 00:30:27.500 --> 00:30:28.500 Seeking to grow. 00:30:28.700 --> 00:30:30.200 In your relationship with the Lord. 00:30:30.279 --> 00:30:31.019 Seeking to know him better. 00:30:31.099 --> 00:30:31.559 Love him more. 00:30:31.799 --> 00:30:32.440 Know how you can. 00:30:32.799 --> 00:30:33.259 Please him. 00:30:34.140 --> 00:30:35.440 By spending time talking to him. 00:30:35.460 --> 00:30:36.120 And listening to him. 00:30:36.160 --> 00:30:36.579 Through prayer. 00:30:36.839 --> 00:30:37.259 And the Bible. 00:30:40.019 --> 00:30:41.140 That tells the tale. 00:30:41.259 --> 00:30:42.140 About how. 00:30:42.680 --> 00:30:44.019 And if we will grow spiritually. 00:30:45.120 --> 00:30:46.400 There's something else that's important. 00:30:46.759 --> 00:30:48.259 Are you involved with other Christians. 00:30:48.640 --> 00:30:49.920 In meaningful fellowship. 00:30:51.279 --> 00:30:52.559 Where you can talk about. 00:30:53.420 --> 00:30:54.220 What God's doing. 00:30:54.240 --> 00:30:55.140 In your life. 00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:56.299 Or not doing. 00:30:57.299 --> 00:30:58.420 Where you can ask. 00:30:59.059 --> 00:30:59.500 Questions. 00:31:00.440 --> 00:31:01.420 Where you can give. 00:31:01.519 --> 00:31:02.539 And receive encouragement. 00:31:03.680 --> 00:31:04.819 Are you involved in. 00:31:05.039 --> 00:31:05.859 Real relationships. 00:31:05.859 --> 00:31:07.180 With Christians. 00:31:07.680 --> 00:31:09.180 Who care about their relationship. 00:31:09.319 --> 00:31:09.660 With the Lord. 00:31:10.559 --> 00:31:11.920 And when you talk with them. 00:31:12.019 --> 00:31:12.940 You can be real. 00:31:14.380 --> 00:31:14.900 Nobody's. 00:31:15.279 --> 00:31:15.759 Nobody's. 00:31:16.519 --> 00:31:17.000 Nobody's. 00:31:17.000 --> 00:31:17.039 Nobody's. 00:31:17.039 --> 00:31:17.859 Got it all together. 00:31:18.000 --> 00:31:19.279 Nobody's life is all together. 00:31:19.460 --> 00:31:20.559 Nobody's life is perfect. 00:31:22.079 --> 00:31:23.599 Nobody has a perfect job. 00:31:23.599 --> 00:31:24.359 Perfect health. 00:31:24.500 --> 00:31:25.119 Perfect children. 00:31:25.259 --> 00:31:26.019 Perfect parents. 00:31:29.659 --> 00:31:31.159 Do you have friends. 00:31:31.219 --> 00:31:31.699 In your life. 00:31:31.779 --> 00:31:32.419 Who are Christians. 00:31:33.419 --> 00:31:35.099 Who have a Christian world view. 00:31:35.240 --> 00:31:36.019 They look at life. 00:31:36.119 --> 00:31:37.179 Through the lens of scripture. 00:31:38.759 --> 00:31:40.079 And you can talk about. 00:31:40.439 --> 00:31:41.339 Things that are. 00:31:41.559 --> 00:31:41.859 That are. 00:31:42.219 --> 00:31:42.779 Problems. 00:31:42.779 --> 00:31:43.219 Issues. 00:31:43.619 --> 00:31:44.099 Struggles. 00:31:44.740 --> 00:31:45.179 Pains. 00:31:45.179 --> 00:31:45.659 For you. 00:31:45.660 --> 00:31:47.759 That's important. 00:31:48.080 --> 00:31:48.480 It's important. 00:31:48.580 --> 00:31:49.360 To be able to talk to God. 00:31:49.660 --> 00:31:50.180 But it's important. 00:31:50.279 --> 00:31:50.480 Also. 00:31:50.560 --> 00:31:51.340 To be able to look somebody. 00:31:51.440 --> 00:31:51.779 In the eye. 00:31:51.940 --> 00:31:52.640 That loves God. 00:31:52.680 --> 00:31:53.279 Like you do. 00:31:53.840 --> 00:31:55.060 And will listen to you. 00:31:56.420 --> 00:31:57.300 And sometimes. 00:31:57.420 --> 00:31:58.040 Do nothing more. 00:31:58.100 --> 00:31:58.880 Than just listen. 00:32:01.019 --> 00:32:02.360 Maybe encourage you. 00:32:03.040 --> 00:32:03.960 Maybe pray. 00:32:04.160 --> 00:32:04.820 With you. 00:32:04.820 --> 00:32:06.960 But there's some people. 00:32:07.160 --> 00:32:07.300 That can. 00:32:07.500 --> 00:32:08.560 Can really help you. 00:32:10.240 --> 00:32:11.080 They're wiser. 00:32:11.940 --> 00:32:13.140 Have more experience. 00:32:13.279 --> 00:32:13.580 Been there. 00:32:13.680 --> 00:32:14.120 Done that. 00:32:14.119 --> 00:32:16.259 We need that kind of Christian fellowship. 00:32:16.639 --> 00:32:17.519 And I'm talking here now. 00:32:17.599 --> 00:32:17.819 About. 00:32:18.279 --> 00:32:19.399 Just having Christian friends. 00:32:19.479 --> 00:32:19.659 Wherever. 00:32:19.819 --> 00:32:21.039 Inside or outside the church. 00:32:22.139 --> 00:32:23.419 But we all need to be. 00:32:23.599 --> 00:32:24.439 Involved in the life. 00:32:24.500 --> 00:32:25.259 Of a church. 00:32:26.699 --> 00:32:28.139 We all need to be involved. 00:32:28.219 --> 00:32:29.039 In the life of a church. 00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:29.519 Where we. 00:32:29.899 --> 00:32:30.459 Come together. 00:32:32.079 --> 00:32:32.919 To worship. 00:32:33.859 --> 00:32:35.319 To evangelize. 00:32:35.419 --> 00:32:36.079 Share the gospel. 00:32:36.719 --> 00:32:37.500 To learn. 00:32:38.339 --> 00:32:39.319 To love. 00:32:39.959 --> 00:32:40.399 Together. 00:32:41.899 --> 00:32:43.219 We need to be a part of a church. 00:32:43.220 --> 00:32:44.240 That is truly a. 00:32:44.900 --> 00:32:45.380 Spiritual. 00:32:46.380 --> 00:32:46.620 Wellness. 00:32:47.839 --> 00:32:48.240 Center. 00:32:51.000 --> 00:32:52.100 Are you involved? 00:32:52.319 --> 00:32:53.299 Are you helping our church. 00:32:53.420 --> 00:32:54.019 To be that? 00:32:55.579 --> 00:32:56.019 You know. 00:32:56.059 --> 00:32:56.500 All the things. 00:32:56.539 --> 00:32:57.299 Peter's called us. 00:32:57.339 --> 00:32:57.839 To be and do. 00:32:57.920 --> 00:32:59.039 Over the past few weeks. 00:33:01.319 --> 00:33:02.120 What he's telling us. 00:33:02.180 --> 00:33:02.420 Right here. 00:33:02.480 --> 00:33:02.900 This morning. 00:33:03.660 --> 00:33:04.240 All of this. 00:33:04.259 --> 00:33:04.960 Will help us to do. 00:33:05.180 --> 00:33:06.620 The last thing we see. 00:33:06.860 --> 00:33:07.779 In verse 18. 00:33:08.880 --> 00:33:09.680 Give glory. 00:33:09.900 --> 00:33:10.720 To the Lord Jesus. 00:33:10.819 --> 00:33:11.240 Look at it. 00:33:11.240 --> 00:33:12.620 To him be the glory. 00:33:13.079 --> 00:33:13.920 Both now. 00:33:14.299 --> 00:33:14.859 And to the day. 00:33:14.920 --> 00:33:15.559 Of eternity. 00:33:16.120 --> 00:33:16.519 Amen. 00:33:17.799 --> 00:33:19.519 When we are living the. 00:33:20.519 --> 00:33:21.400 Kind of life. 00:33:21.480 --> 00:33:22.220 That we're reading about. 00:33:23.180 --> 00:33:23.660 The kind of life. 00:33:23.720 --> 00:33:24.680 That Peter describes. 00:33:25.960 --> 00:33:27.480 Our greatest concern. 00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:28.339 Will not be about. 00:33:28.519 --> 00:33:29.640 Just pleasing ourselves. 00:33:31.059 --> 00:33:31.779 It'll be about. 00:33:31.920 --> 00:33:32.620 Pleasing the Lord. 00:33:34.620 --> 00:33:35.120 When we're. 00:33:35.579 --> 00:33:36.200 Zeroed in. 00:33:36.279 --> 00:33:36.700 Seeking to live. 00:33:36.759 --> 00:33:37.259 The Christian life. 00:33:37.359 --> 00:33:38.559 That he is calling us. 00:33:38.620 --> 00:33:38.980 To live. 00:33:38.980 --> 00:33:40.980 The idea. 00:33:41.319 --> 00:33:42.480 Of knowing the Lord better. 00:33:42.660 --> 00:33:43.220 Loving him. 00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:43.799 And serving him. 00:33:43.880 --> 00:33:44.380 More faithfully. 00:33:44.620 --> 00:33:45.019 Will be something. 00:33:45.120 --> 00:33:45.779 That we desire. 00:33:49.559 --> 00:33:50.220 Is it something. 00:33:50.339 --> 00:33:50.920 That you desire. 00:33:52.620 --> 00:33:53.079 You know. 00:33:53.120 --> 00:33:53.539 All of us. 00:33:53.539 --> 00:33:53.920 In this room. 00:33:54.019 --> 00:33:54.480 We're involved. 00:33:54.480 --> 00:33:55.799 In all kinds. 00:33:55.799 --> 00:33:56.579 Of things. 00:33:57.519 --> 00:33:57.960 Monday. 00:33:58.620 --> 00:33:59.200 Through Saturday. 00:33:59.880 --> 00:34:00.779 As we should. 00:34:01.700 --> 00:34:02.059 We're. 00:34:02.059 --> 00:34:02.339 We're. 00:34:02.400 --> 00:34:02.860 We're in homes. 00:34:02.940 --> 00:34:03.599 With families. 00:34:03.880 --> 00:34:04.160 We're. 00:34:04.160 --> 00:34:04.339 We're. 00:34:04.440 --> 00:34:05.579 Places where you work. 00:34:05.799 --> 00:34:06.480 You're in school. 00:34:06.539 --> 00:34:07.000 With people. 00:34:07.000 --> 00:34:07.599 You're doing things. 00:34:07.599 --> 00:34:08.260 With friends. 00:34:08.260 --> 00:34:09.340 In the afternoons. 00:34:09.340 --> 00:34:09.940 And evenings. 00:34:11.099 --> 00:34:12.280 What we're talking about here. 00:34:12.480 --> 00:34:14.079 Is living like a Christian. 00:34:14.380 --> 00:34:15.679 Seeking to grow. 00:34:16.079 --> 00:34:17.219 And develop Christian character. 00:34:17.420 --> 00:34:18.280 In the midst. 00:34:18.360 --> 00:34:19.340 Of all that we do. 00:34:21.119 --> 00:34:22.440 And wherever we are. 00:34:22.519 --> 00:34:23.099 Whatever we're doing. 00:34:23.400 --> 00:34:24.099 We are. 00:34:24.280 --> 00:34:24.800 A Christian. 00:34:24.960 --> 00:34:26.539 We're living like the Lord's people. 00:34:27.099 --> 00:34:27.460 There. 00:34:27.980 --> 00:34:29.079 And if we can't do that there. 00:34:29.159 --> 00:34:29.960 We don't need to be there. 00:34:31.800 --> 00:34:32.239 Sometimes. 00:34:32.320 --> 00:34:32.880 When it's hard. 00:34:32.920 --> 00:34:33.539 To do it there. 00:34:33.619 --> 00:34:34.860 We can be the best witnesses. 00:34:35.039 --> 00:34:36.719 The most powerful influence. 00:34:36.719 --> 00:34:38.480 When it's hard. 00:34:40.480 --> 00:34:41.379 I want to close. 00:34:41.599 --> 00:34:42.799 Out this message. 00:34:42.879 --> 00:34:43.679 In this series. 00:34:45.359 --> 00:34:46.259 By encouraging you. 00:34:46.299 --> 00:34:47.079 To do three things. 00:34:47.179 --> 00:34:47.679 Number one. 00:34:48.419 --> 00:34:49.279 Be confident. 00:34:50.059 --> 00:34:51.459 That you will see the Lord. 00:34:51.559 --> 00:34:52.099 One day. 00:34:52.099 --> 00:34:54.299 With a smile. 00:34:54.539 --> 00:34:55.259 On your face. 00:34:55.799 --> 00:34:56.699 And a smile. 00:34:56.899 --> 00:34:57.739 On his face. 00:34:58.459 --> 00:34:59.879 Because you have. 00:35:01.239 --> 00:35:02.500 A real. 00:35:03.559 --> 00:35:04.679 And right. 00:35:05.099 --> 00:35:05.659 Relationship. 00:35:05.759 --> 00:35:06.139 With him. 00:35:06.719 --> 00:35:09.139 Do you have that now? 00:35:10.759 --> 00:35:11.819 If you don't. 00:35:12.500 --> 00:35:13.539 It can all change. 00:35:13.539 --> 00:35:14.059 This moment. 00:35:14.179 --> 00:35:14.719 If you're not. 00:35:15.019 --> 00:35:15.459 A Christian. 00:35:15.599 --> 00:35:16.399 With a real relationship. 00:35:16.399 --> 00:35:16.819 With him. 00:35:17.239 --> 00:35:18.459 And you want to be. 00:35:19.539 --> 00:35:20.119 Maybe you've. 00:35:20.480 --> 00:35:21.639 Made people think you are. 00:35:22.379 --> 00:35:23.299 Just admit it. 00:35:23.719 --> 00:35:24.219 To God. 00:35:24.279 --> 00:35:25.099 And everyone else. 00:35:25.719 --> 00:35:27.199 It has not been real. 00:35:28.659 --> 00:35:29.739 Repent of your sin. 00:35:30.219 --> 00:35:30.799 Humble yourself. 00:35:30.799 --> 00:35:31.419 Before God. 00:35:32.000 --> 00:35:32.819 Put your trust. 00:35:32.879 --> 00:35:33.279 In Jesus. 00:35:33.459 --> 00:35:34.139 For real. 00:35:34.139 --> 00:35:36.679 That he died. 00:35:36.679 --> 00:35:37.119 For you. 00:35:38.519 --> 00:35:39.639 That through faith in him. 00:35:39.699 --> 00:35:40.859 You can be forgiven by God. 00:35:40.920 --> 00:35:41.960 And made a child of God. 00:35:43.819 --> 00:35:44.519 Call upon him. 00:35:44.519 --> 00:35:45.519 To save you now. 00:35:45.579 --> 00:35:46.059 This moment. 00:35:47.739 --> 00:35:48.519 If you know. 00:35:48.619 --> 00:35:49.319 You are a Christian. 00:35:49.400 --> 00:35:49.819 But right now. 00:35:49.920 --> 00:35:51.079 You're not close to him. 00:35:52.920 --> 00:35:53.239 Admit. 00:35:54.000 --> 00:35:54.879 Whatever it is. 00:35:55.079 --> 00:35:55.900 Admit the sin. 00:35:56.019 --> 00:35:56.239 That's. 00:35:56.239 --> 00:35:57.959 Cause this barrier. 00:35:58.079 --> 00:35:58.759 Between you and him. 00:36:00.319 --> 00:36:00.959 Make some. 00:36:01.359 --> 00:36:02.519 Changes in your life. 00:36:02.559 --> 00:36:03.179 That he's showing you. 00:36:03.219 --> 00:36:03.899 You need to make. 00:36:04.279 --> 00:36:04.899 Maybe some changes. 00:36:05.019 --> 00:36:05.619 In relationships. 00:36:07.139 --> 00:36:08.259 Come back to him. 00:36:08.299 --> 00:36:08.639 Right now. 00:36:08.759 --> 00:36:08.859 With. 00:36:09.559 --> 00:36:10.619 A total commitment. 00:36:12.119 --> 00:36:13.299 To seeking to know. 00:36:13.419 --> 00:36:14.359 Love and follow Jesus. 00:36:14.500 --> 00:36:15.239 With all your heart. 00:36:16.859 --> 00:36:17.579 Number two. 00:36:17.659 --> 00:36:18.099 Until. 00:36:18.839 --> 00:36:19.699 The Lord returns. 00:36:19.699 --> 00:36:20.059 Returns. 00:36:21.539 --> 00:36:21.979 Don't. 00:36:22.179 --> 00:36:22.859 Be misled. 00:36:22.959 --> 00:36:23.739 By false teaching. 00:36:23.739 --> 00:36:26.199 From now. 00:36:26.299 --> 00:36:27.239 Till the day you die. 00:36:29.359 --> 00:36:30.159 Line up. 00:36:30.439 --> 00:36:30.799 Measure. 00:36:30.959 --> 00:36:31.279 Evaluate. 00:36:31.359 --> 00:36:31.659 Everything. 00:36:31.819 --> 00:36:32.639 By what you know. 00:36:32.739 --> 00:36:33.859 The truth of God's word. 00:36:33.959 --> 00:36:34.619 Really says. 00:36:36.279 --> 00:36:37.500 And don't listen to. 00:36:37.579 --> 00:36:38.419 Be led astray. 00:36:38.699 --> 00:36:39.739 Don't have your convictions. 00:36:40.059 --> 00:36:40.539 Undermined. 00:36:40.639 --> 00:36:41.279 By anything. 00:36:41.579 --> 00:36:42.699 That is contrary to. 00:36:42.919 --> 00:36:44.059 The clear meaning of the Bible. 00:36:45.719 --> 00:36:46.359 And then number three. 00:36:46.879 --> 00:36:48.079 Make it your daily goal. 00:36:48.079 --> 00:36:48.279 To grow. 00:36:49.979 --> 00:36:50.739 In the grace. 00:36:51.519 --> 00:36:52.399 And knowledge. 00:36:52.400 --> 00:36:54.400 Of your Lord and Savior. 00:36:54.559 --> 00:36:55.300 Jesus Christ. 00:36:56.579 --> 00:36:57.840 God will give you. 00:36:57.980 --> 00:36:58.539 The ability. 00:36:59.579 --> 00:37:00.360 If you're a Christian. 00:37:00.519 --> 00:37:01.180 With the Spirit of God. 00:37:01.220 --> 00:37:01.840 Living within you. 00:37:01.940 --> 00:37:02.559 God will give you. 00:37:02.639 --> 00:37:03.180 The desire. 00:37:05.320 --> 00:37:06.519 We've just got to obey. 00:37:08.740 --> 00:37:09.559 Will you? 00:37:10.280 --> 00:37:11.000 Let's pray. 00:37:11.000 --> 00:37:11.240 Let's pray.