WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.259 We hope that you enjoy this teaching from Christchurch. 00:00:05.259 --> 00:00:15.419 This material is copyrighted and no unauthorized duplication, redistribution, or any other use of any part is permitted without prior consent from Christchurch. 00:00:15.419 --> 00:00:22.660 Please consider donating to this work in the San Francisco Bay Area online at ChristChurchEastBay.org. 00:00:26.560 --> 00:00:34.280 The scripture this morning comes from Philippians chapter 3 starting in verse 7 through verse 14. 00:00:35.679 --> 00:00:40.460 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 00:00:41.200 --> 00:00:44.380 What is more I consider everything a loss. 00:00:44.380 --> 00:00:48.240 Because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 00:00:48.820 --> 00:00:51.380 For whose sake I have lost all things. 00:00:52.260 --> 00:00:55.380 I consider them garbage that I may gain Christ. 00:00:55.900 --> 00:01:00.140 And be found in him not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law. 00:01:00.760 --> 00:01:03.040 But that which is through faith in Christ. 00:01:03.500 --> 00:01:07.480 The righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 00:01:08.159 --> 00:01:10.040 I want to know Christ. 00:01:10.460 --> 00:01:11.060 Yes. 00:01:11.599 --> 00:01:13.920 To know the power of his resurrection. 00:01:14.379 --> 00:01:16.920 And participation in his sufferings. 00:01:17.319 --> 00:01:19.259 Becoming like him in his death. 00:01:19.759 --> 00:01:25.479 And so somehow attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 00:01:25.480 --> 00:01:28.840 Not that I have already obtained all of this. 00:01:28.840 --> 00:01:31.000 Or have already arrived at my goal. 00:01:31.260 --> 00:01:37.480 But I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus has taken hold of me. 00:01:37.960 --> 00:01:41.859 Brothers and sisters I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. 00:01:42.340 --> 00:01:43.659 But one thing I do. 00:01:44.500 --> 00:01:47.500 Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. 00:01:47.500 --> 00:01:56.400 I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 00:01:57.280 --> 00:01:58.760 This is the word of the Lord. 00:01:59.760 --> 00:02:01.000 Thanks be to God. 00:02:01.379 --> 00:02:02.120 You may be seated. 00:02:02.120 --> 00:02:11.620 Well it is my honor and privilege to open God's word with you this morning. 00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:15.640 And to see what it is that God wants to share with each one of us. 00:02:15.759 --> 00:02:18.180 And so to that end I'm going to pray. 00:02:18.599 --> 00:02:20.980 But as I pray and as I pray for you. 00:02:21.099 --> 00:02:23.860 I would ask that you would pray for yourself. 00:02:24.240 --> 00:02:26.020 That God would open your heart and mind. 00:02:26.140 --> 00:02:27.719 And that you would pray for me as well. 00:02:28.259 --> 00:02:31.240 That as I preach that we would hear God's words and not mine. 00:02:31.240 --> 00:02:32.540 So let us pray together. 00:02:35.939 --> 00:02:38.140 God of grace and mercy. 00:02:38.659 --> 00:02:40.260 God of mystery and presence. 00:02:41.719 --> 00:02:46.180 We ask this morning that you would come and inhabit this space. 00:02:47.600 --> 00:02:51.000 I pray that you would fill each one of us with the power of your spirit. 00:02:51.240 --> 00:02:55.719 That you would open up our hearts and minds to hear the words that you have for us this morning. 00:02:56.340 --> 00:02:58.460 God I pray that you would empty me of myself. 00:02:58.460 --> 00:03:01.219 For this morning we do not need to hear from me. 00:03:01.320 --> 00:03:02.580 We need to hear from you. 00:03:03.420 --> 00:03:06.860 And so I pray now that you would fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit. 00:03:06.980 --> 00:03:08.800 And that your words would speak. 00:03:09.460 --> 00:03:13.260 That we would take your words and apply them to our lives as we walk out of here today. 00:03:13.939 --> 00:03:17.260 And now may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart. 00:03:18.080 --> 00:03:20.000 Be acceptable in your sight oh Lord. 00:03:20.659 --> 00:03:21.379 My strength. 00:03:22.040 --> 00:03:22.760 And my redeemer. 00:03:22.759 --> 00:03:23.679 Amen. 00:03:25.079 --> 00:03:27.179 I'm a very mediocre baseball coach. 00:03:28.019 --> 00:03:30.879 And I would submit to you as evidence of my mediocrity. 00:03:31.500 --> 00:03:35.459 The record of my teams across many years that have not been good. 00:03:36.399 --> 00:03:37.659 A lot of losses. 00:03:38.739 --> 00:03:40.259 A tie one time. 00:03:41.899 --> 00:03:43.180 Not very many wins. 00:03:43.180 --> 00:03:48.800 And so as a mediocre coach you're there and you're like well what I'm doing is not working. 00:03:49.680 --> 00:03:51.580 So what are some positives that we can draw? 00:03:51.620 --> 00:03:54.700 We got really good at finding the silver linings in the losses. 00:03:54.960 --> 00:04:01.540 So even when you lose by 20 runs you can find some sort of positive thing that somebody did at some point. 00:04:01.760 --> 00:04:07.879 That you can point to and say well he ran really hard on his way to first when he got out. 00:04:07.879 --> 00:04:14.299 But every once in a while there was a moment that was really really good. 00:04:14.680 --> 00:04:17.319 And we had one of those moments where in the midst of one of those games. 00:04:18.300 --> 00:04:21.839 And we're starting to lose and the kids are kind of getting down on themselves. 00:04:22.199 --> 00:04:23.759 And one of my sons came up to bat. 00:04:24.560 --> 00:04:26.079 And the kid threw the pitch. 00:04:26.659 --> 00:04:27.699 And my son hit the ball. 00:04:28.420 --> 00:04:29.740 And it went over the fence. 00:04:30.339 --> 00:04:32.500 Not foul but fair for a home run. 00:04:33.259 --> 00:04:34.279 It was exciting. 00:04:34.779 --> 00:04:35.540 It was incredible. 00:04:35.540 --> 00:04:38.720 It was the greatest moment of the season up to that point. 00:04:39.020 --> 00:04:41.100 Parents in the stands are going crazy. 00:04:41.439 --> 00:04:42.980 The coaches were so excited. 00:04:43.420 --> 00:04:46.140 And the kids come piling out of the dugout. 00:04:46.540 --> 00:04:47.879 He's rounding the bases. 00:04:48.040 --> 00:04:48.980 He's coming around third. 00:04:49.120 --> 00:04:52.100 There's a huge victory party there ready to celebrate. 00:04:52.560 --> 00:04:54.320 And he gets totally distracted. 00:04:55.100 --> 00:04:58.080 Because there's all his teammates on the field and he's slapping high fives. 00:04:58.340 --> 00:05:00.000 And he never touches the plate. 00:05:01.860 --> 00:05:03.939 And he starts to run back to the dugout. 00:05:03.939 --> 00:05:07.040 And I'm screaming touch the plate. 00:05:07.240 --> 00:05:08.420 Touch the plate. 00:05:08.719 --> 00:05:10.360 You've got to touch the plate. 00:05:10.579 --> 00:05:12.120 And everybody's like what is happening? 00:05:15.120 --> 00:05:16.459 He lost focus. 00:05:17.360 --> 00:05:20.000 Of what was the most important thing. 00:05:20.939 --> 00:05:22.379 When you hit a home run. 00:05:23.639 --> 00:05:26.120 Yes the ball goes over the fence and the work is done. 00:05:26.199 --> 00:05:27.579 But you actually have to finish. 00:05:28.220 --> 00:05:29.500 You've got to go touch the plate. 00:05:29.500 --> 00:05:33.740 Paul in his letter to the church at Philippi here. 00:05:33.879 --> 00:05:36.740 Is reminding them that the work is done. 00:05:36.920 --> 00:05:38.779 But they have to finish the job. 00:05:40.120 --> 00:05:41.879 And I think very often. 00:05:42.319 --> 00:05:44.240 We're just like this church in Philippi. 00:05:44.600 --> 00:05:46.300 That we lose focus. 00:05:46.800 --> 00:05:48.120 And when we lose focus. 00:05:48.279 --> 00:05:49.360 We miss the point. 00:05:50.399 --> 00:05:54.279 We get so distracted by all of the exciting things that are going on around us. 00:05:54.399 --> 00:05:57.560 That we forget what it is that we're actually supposed to be doing. 00:05:57.560 --> 00:05:59.959 And we major in the minor. 00:06:00.360 --> 00:06:03.240 And we forget to finish the job. 00:06:03.939 --> 00:06:05.899 And so Paul here gives us some things. 00:06:06.480 --> 00:06:09.540 That I think can help us renew our focus. 00:06:10.060 --> 00:06:11.660 And the first thing that he tells us. 00:06:11.819 --> 00:06:13.899 Is to forsake what holds you back. 00:06:14.459 --> 00:06:14.800 Right? 00:06:15.139 --> 00:06:17.019 He gives this whole thing and he says. 00:06:17.779 --> 00:06:20.800 But whatever gain I now count as loss. 00:06:21.420 --> 00:06:23.019 In the verses leading up to this. 00:06:23.139 --> 00:06:25.060 Paul has given this whole list of criteria. 00:06:25.060 --> 00:06:25.459 Area. 00:06:25.759 --> 00:06:26.259 And he said. 00:06:26.379 --> 00:06:28.899 I don't count any of that worth anything. 00:06:29.220 --> 00:06:30.660 I count it all as loss. 00:06:32.860 --> 00:06:33.860 Before we had kids. 00:06:33.939 --> 00:06:35.220 I was kind of into backpacking. 00:06:35.780 --> 00:06:36.480 And my friends and I. 00:06:36.600 --> 00:06:38.439 We would go and we would backpack in these areas. 00:06:39.120 --> 00:06:41.019 And every trip I was always evaluating. 00:06:41.660 --> 00:06:42.680 And thinking about. 00:06:43.459 --> 00:06:46.660 Was this worth having the weight in my pack? 00:06:47.439 --> 00:06:51.100 Is this something that's going to help me accomplish the goal that I have. 00:06:51.100 --> 00:06:53.080 Of getting down the trail and back? 00:06:53.400 --> 00:06:56.379 Or is this something that's going to hinder me? 00:06:57.040 --> 00:06:58.379 And so I'm weighing things. 00:06:58.460 --> 00:07:00.580 So I'm weighing my tarp. 00:07:01.120 --> 00:07:03.480 And my tarp weighs 15 ounces. 00:07:03.980 --> 00:07:05.500 But if I get a piece of Tyvek. 00:07:05.700 --> 00:07:07.140 That only weighs 5 ounces. 00:07:07.780 --> 00:07:09.160 And so what do I take? 00:07:09.520 --> 00:07:10.960 Or I'm looking at my flashlight. 00:07:11.640 --> 00:07:13.160 And then I have the big mag light. 00:07:13.480 --> 00:07:14.700 But that weighs 3 pounds. 00:07:14.760 --> 00:07:15.820 And has D batteries. 00:07:15.819 --> 00:07:17.579 But if I take my headlamp. 00:07:17.699 --> 00:07:19.000 Well that has triple A batteries. 00:07:19.180 --> 00:07:21.519 And that only weighs 17 ounces. 00:07:22.120 --> 00:07:23.079 So which do I take? 00:07:23.560 --> 00:07:25.240 And so I was constantly evaluating things. 00:07:25.319 --> 00:07:26.339 And taking things out. 00:07:26.719 --> 00:07:29.680 To forsake the things that held me back. 00:07:29.939 --> 00:07:31.719 From accomplishing my purposes. 00:07:31.899 --> 00:07:32.699 Not that they were bad. 00:07:32.759 --> 00:07:34.680 There's nothing wrong with a tarp or a mag light. 00:07:35.159 --> 00:07:37.620 But it wasn't the best thing to propel me forward. 00:07:37.860 --> 00:07:39.620 To help me achieve the goal. 00:07:39.779 --> 00:07:41.319 That I wanted to achieve. 00:07:41.600 --> 00:07:42.860 And so Paul here. 00:07:43.480 --> 00:07:44.819 Is giving us this illustration. 00:07:44.819 --> 00:07:47.199 He's saying forsake the things that hold you back. 00:07:47.339 --> 00:07:48.719 And he gives us this huge list. 00:07:48.759 --> 00:07:50.240 Of all of his former gains. 00:07:51.379 --> 00:07:53.159 His inherited social. 00:07:54.259 --> 00:07:55.480 And heritage status. 00:07:56.540 --> 00:07:57.579 His credentials. 00:07:58.480 --> 00:07:59.300 His education. 00:07:59.779 --> 00:08:00.819 His certifications. 00:08:01.060 --> 00:08:01.659 His devotion. 00:08:01.839 --> 00:08:02.659 His reputation. 00:08:03.399 --> 00:08:05.060 All of these things. 00:08:06.860 --> 00:08:08.600 That I would suggest. 00:08:09.259 --> 00:08:11.279 Probably are similar to some of the things. 00:08:11.279 --> 00:08:12.819 That we have in our own lives. 00:08:12.819 --> 00:08:15.500 And some of the things that may. 00:08:15.819 --> 00:08:16.759 Be present. 00:08:17.000 --> 00:08:17.680 For us. 00:08:18.639 --> 00:08:19.759 And Paul is saying. 00:08:20.319 --> 00:08:22.040 I don't need any of those things. 00:08:22.180 --> 00:08:23.219 Those things are all. 00:08:23.579 --> 00:08:24.339 A loss now. 00:08:24.819 --> 00:08:26.240 And he's echoing Christ. 00:08:27.279 --> 00:08:27.740 Because. 00:08:28.180 --> 00:08:29.060 One chapter before. 00:08:29.199 --> 00:08:30.100 In Philippians 2. 00:08:30.860 --> 00:08:32.480 Paul has given us the example. 00:08:32.539 --> 00:08:32.960 And he says. 00:08:33.039 --> 00:08:35.179 Your lifestyle should be like that. 00:08:35.259 --> 00:08:35.980 Of Christ Jesus. 00:08:35.980 --> 00:08:39.000 Who did not consider equality with God. 00:08:39.000 --> 00:08:40.899 As something to be grasped. 00:08:40.899 --> 00:08:41.940 But instead. 00:08:42.259 --> 00:08:43.300 Emptied himself. 00:08:43.600 --> 00:08:45.000 Of all of his divinity. 00:08:45.940 --> 00:08:47.440 And made himself nothing. 00:08:47.620 --> 00:08:48.519 Taking the form. 00:08:48.840 --> 00:08:49.680 Of a servant. 00:08:50.879 --> 00:08:52.539 For our sake. 00:08:52.920 --> 00:08:53.700 And Paul is saying. 00:08:54.039 --> 00:08:54.920 If Jesus. 00:08:55.480 --> 00:08:56.620 Who is fully God. 00:08:56.720 --> 00:08:57.960 Can give that up. 00:08:58.740 --> 00:09:00.060 How much more so. 00:09:00.460 --> 00:09:02.519 Can I give up all of these things. 00:09:02.519 --> 00:09:03.700 That I've accumulated. 00:09:03.700 --> 00:09:06.160 That I'm now finding my worth. 00:09:06.259 --> 00:09:07.480 And my identity in. 00:09:08.320 --> 00:09:10.320 How much more can I give those things up. 00:09:10.920 --> 00:09:12.120 But then he goes one further. 00:09:12.240 --> 00:09:12.560 And he says. 00:09:12.660 --> 00:09:14.300 Not only do I count them as a loss. 00:09:14.320 --> 00:09:15.560 But I count them as garbage. 00:09:17.480 --> 00:09:18.120 Now it's interesting. 00:09:18.240 --> 00:09:19.700 The translation chooses garbage. 00:09:20.060 --> 00:09:21.560 And I understand why they did that. 00:09:21.860 --> 00:09:23.120 But in the original language. 00:09:23.300 --> 00:09:23.660 Paul's. 00:09:24.020 --> 00:09:25.580 Paul's word that he uses here. 00:09:25.700 --> 00:09:26.540 Is much stronger. 00:09:27.220 --> 00:09:28.759 The word that he actually uses. 00:09:28.759 --> 00:09:30.259 Is the poop emoji. 00:09:32.240 --> 00:09:32.640 Or. 00:09:32.639 --> 00:09:34.039 Dirty diapers. 00:09:35.720 --> 00:09:36.740 Very strong language. 00:09:36.799 --> 00:09:37.220 Now listen. 00:09:37.799 --> 00:09:38.919 I'm the father of twins. 00:09:39.500 --> 00:09:40.419 I have a lot. 00:09:40.699 --> 00:09:42.059 Of experience with dirty diapers. 00:09:42.799 --> 00:09:44.139 And that is a thing. 00:09:44.699 --> 00:09:46.139 That I don't want around. 00:09:46.740 --> 00:09:48.439 If there's a dirty diaper around. 00:09:48.600 --> 00:09:50.500 I want it to be as far away. 00:09:50.600 --> 00:09:51.720 From me as possible. 00:09:52.159 --> 00:09:53.699 I have absolutely zero desire. 00:09:54.039 --> 00:09:55.159 To hang out. 00:09:55.399 --> 00:09:56.319 With dirty diapers. 00:09:57.120 --> 00:09:58.179 That's just not a thing. 00:09:58.179 --> 00:09:59.259 That I'm interested in. 00:09:59.480 --> 00:10:01.019 At any stage of my life. 00:10:01.019 --> 00:10:01.120 I have. 00:10:02.919 --> 00:10:04.179 So Paul is saying. 00:10:04.899 --> 00:10:06.019 These accomplishments. 00:10:06.500 --> 00:10:07.779 These things that I've done. 00:10:08.259 --> 00:10:09.379 They're like that. 00:10:10.340 --> 00:10:12.019 So true discipleship. 00:10:13.539 --> 00:10:14.100 Discipleship. 00:10:14.179 --> 00:10:15.259 The following of Jesus. 00:10:16.039 --> 00:10:17.279 If we call ourselves. 00:10:17.539 --> 00:10:17.879 Christians. 00:10:18.699 --> 00:10:20.799 If we claim to be followers of Jesus. 00:10:21.460 --> 00:10:23.279 True discipleship requires. 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:25.039 Letting go. 00:10:25.039 --> 00:10:27.120 Of the self-reliance. 00:10:27.639 --> 00:10:29.120 Of the self-identity. 00:10:29.639 --> 00:10:31.319 And requires us. 00:10:31.719 --> 00:10:32.639 To instead. 00:10:34.360 --> 00:10:34.919 Find. 00:10:35.639 --> 00:10:36.539 Our faith. 00:10:36.819 --> 00:10:37.519 And our identity. 00:10:37.799 --> 00:10:38.379 In the grace. 00:10:38.519 --> 00:10:39.559 Of Jesus Christ. 00:10:39.559 --> 00:10:40.980 We have to let go. 00:10:41.139 --> 00:10:42.659 Of the false religious securities. 00:10:43.079 --> 00:10:44.779 That we find ourselves in. 00:10:45.419 --> 00:10:46.779 Our religious acts. 00:10:46.939 --> 00:10:48.059 Become a response. 00:10:48.740 --> 00:10:49.620 To salvation. 00:10:50.199 --> 00:10:50.719 Salvation. 00:10:50.720 --> 00:10:52.240 That has been given to us. 00:10:53.000 --> 00:10:54.019 By grace. 00:10:54.440 --> 00:10:55.360 Through faith. 00:10:56.120 --> 00:10:57.840 And our religious activities. 00:10:57.840 --> 00:10:59.420 Become a response. 00:11:00.200 --> 00:11:00.980 To salvation. 00:11:00.980 --> 00:11:02.300 Not the cause. 00:11:02.660 --> 00:11:03.700 Of our salvation. 00:11:05.000 --> 00:11:06.000 And then. 00:11:06.200 --> 00:11:07.080 When we look. 00:11:07.240 --> 00:11:08.860 And we see all of these things. 00:11:09.200 --> 00:11:10.279 All of these certifications. 00:11:10.460 --> 00:11:10.580 Right? 00:11:10.639 --> 00:11:11.899 All this stuff that Paul. 00:11:12.379 --> 00:11:12.860 Had. 00:11:13.379 --> 00:11:14.540 The religious heritage. 00:11:14.539 --> 00:11:16.959 Our racial identity. 00:11:18.019 --> 00:11:19.860 Our certifications. 00:11:19.860 --> 00:11:20.759 And zeal. 00:11:20.939 --> 00:11:21.699 Our education. 00:11:22.079 --> 00:11:22.779 Our knowledge. 00:11:22.919 --> 00:11:23.599 Our study. 00:11:23.919 --> 00:11:25.439 All of this stuff. 00:11:25.500 --> 00:11:26.559 That we have. 00:11:27.059 --> 00:11:28.719 We look at those experiences. 00:11:29.719 --> 00:11:31.240 And they become an instrument. 00:11:32.480 --> 00:11:33.559 Not a platform. 00:11:34.259 --> 00:11:35.860 They become something that God. 00:11:35.860 --> 00:11:37.559 Is using in our lives. 00:11:37.559 --> 00:11:39.179 To shape and mold us. 00:11:39.339 --> 00:11:40.419 And that we can use. 00:11:40.500 --> 00:11:41.519 To the glory of God. 00:11:41.620 --> 00:11:42.759 To help other people. 00:11:42.759 --> 00:11:44.559 Not. 00:11:45.279 --> 00:11:46.000 A platform. 00:11:46.559 --> 00:11:47.860 For us to stand on. 00:11:48.100 --> 00:11:49.759 So that people can look at us. 00:11:50.139 --> 00:11:51.439 And say how great we are. 00:11:52.620 --> 00:11:54.500 It's become something to be used. 00:11:54.580 --> 00:11:56.000 For the glory of God. 00:11:56.580 --> 00:11:57.100 Not. 00:11:57.519 --> 00:11:58.500 Something to promote. 00:11:59.200 --> 00:11:59.759 Myself. 00:12:01.340 --> 00:12:02.519 And so I'd ask you the question. 00:12:02.600 --> 00:12:03.139 This morning. 00:12:05.039 --> 00:12:07.000 What are you still standing on? 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:09.500 Where are you still trusting your own effort? 00:12:10.419 --> 00:12:11.819 To earn salvation. 00:12:12.759 --> 00:12:14.139 Or in my case. 00:12:14.720 --> 00:12:16.019 To find your worth. 00:12:17.659 --> 00:12:18.899 In who you are. 00:12:19.700 --> 00:12:21.200 In where you came from. 00:12:21.819 --> 00:12:23.580 In what your social circles are. 00:12:24.059 --> 00:12:25.360 In what your standing is. 00:12:25.360 --> 00:12:25.919 At work. 00:12:26.059 --> 00:12:27.059 Or in the community. 00:12:28.100 --> 00:12:29.720 Where are you finding your identity? 00:12:31.559 --> 00:12:32.620 Is that in Christ? 00:12:33.919 --> 00:12:35.240 Or is that in what you do? 00:12:35.819 --> 00:12:37.000 And Paul is telling us. 00:12:37.500 --> 00:12:39.080 Forsake those things. 00:12:39.080 --> 00:12:42.240 Because they are holding you back. 00:12:43.200 --> 00:12:44.820 But if we're forsaking things. 00:12:44.820 --> 00:12:45.759 Then we have to give. 00:12:46.160 --> 00:12:47.980 We have to be going somewhere. 00:12:48.500 --> 00:12:49.780 And so Paul is telling us. 00:12:49.780 --> 00:12:51.200 To forsake what holds us back. 00:12:51.320 --> 00:12:52.280 But he's also saying. 00:12:52.460 --> 00:12:53.300 Follow Christ. 00:12:53.420 --> 00:12:56.139 As your true gain. 00:12:56.980 --> 00:12:58.120 Because it's no good. 00:12:58.120 --> 00:13:00.139 To let go of all of these things. 00:13:00.139 --> 00:13:01.560 And put them down. 00:13:01.820 --> 00:13:03.500 And not move on from them. 00:13:03.500 --> 00:13:04.659 Because I know. 00:13:04.879 --> 00:13:05.879 In my own life. 00:13:06.120 --> 00:13:07.500 That if I take something. 00:13:07.919 --> 00:13:09.320 And I put it down beside me. 00:13:09.360 --> 00:13:10.259 And I don't move. 00:13:10.299 --> 00:13:11.080 What am I going to do? 00:13:11.519 --> 00:13:13.000 I'm just going to pick it back up. 00:13:13.840 --> 00:13:15.519 So if we're forsaking all these things. 00:13:15.559 --> 00:13:16.679 And we're letting go of them. 00:13:16.720 --> 00:13:17.639 It doesn't do any good. 00:13:17.679 --> 00:13:18.940 If we stay in the same place. 00:13:19.940 --> 00:13:20.899 Because the temptations. 00:13:20.899 --> 00:13:22.120 Will still continue to come. 00:13:22.779 --> 00:13:23.419 And so Paul. 00:13:23.559 --> 00:13:24.580 Is telling us. 00:13:24.759 --> 00:13:26.840 That we need to follow Christ. 00:13:26.960 --> 00:13:28.559 As our true gain. 00:13:28.559 --> 00:13:29.839 And to follow Christ. 00:13:30.019 --> 00:13:31.679 Is to receive his righteousness. 00:13:32.479 --> 00:13:34.139 Not our own. 00:13:35.279 --> 00:13:36.439 And following Christ. 00:13:36.559 --> 00:13:37.899 Comes through grace. 00:13:38.639 --> 00:13:38.779 Right? 00:13:38.899 --> 00:13:39.899 Paul tells us in Ephesians. 00:13:40.039 --> 00:13:40.799 For it is by grace. 00:13:40.839 --> 00:13:42.019 You have been saved through faith. 00:13:42.379 --> 00:13:43.199 Not of yourselves. 00:13:43.299 --> 00:13:44.419 It is the gift of God. 00:13:44.719 --> 00:13:46.000 Not of works. 00:13:46.559 --> 00:13:48.699 So that no one can boast. 00:13:49.479 --> 00:13:50.559 But he doesn't leave us there. 00:13:50.599 --> 00:13:50.979 He says. 00:13:51.399 --> 00:13:52.739 For you are God's workmanship. 00:13:52.919 --> 00:13:55.239 Created to do good works. 00:13:55.759 --> 00:13:57.659 Which God has ordained before you. 00:13:57.659 --> 00:13:59.559 So God has set us up. 00:13:59.699 --> 00:14:01.459 To where following Christ. 00:14:01.759 --> 00:14:03.279 Is an act of righteousness. 00:14:03.279 --> 00:14:05.019 That has been set up. 00:14:05.240 --> 00:14:06.779 By God for us to do. 00:14:06.899 --> 00:14:08.699 As a result of our salvation. 00:14:09.039 --> 00:14:11.139 Not as the cause of our salvation. 00:14:11.899 --> 00:14:13.219 And when you're following. 00:14:13.980 --> 00:14:15.939 It becomes a priority shift. 00:14:16.459 --> 00:14:19.019 When we are following Jesus truly. 00:14:19.659 --> 00:14:21.000 All of those things. 00:14:21.000 --> 00:14:21.919 That we now. 00:14:22.039 --> 00:14:23.740 Used to find our identity in. 00:14:24.579 --> 00:14:26.699 Now become ancillary. 00:14:26.700 --> 00:14:27.740 And secondary. 00:14:28.259 --> 00:14:30.160 And the priority shift has moved. 00:14:30.360 --> 00:14:32.240 To where now my focus is on Christ. 00:14:32.620 --> 00:14:34.540 And the things of Christ. 00:14:35.140 --> 00:14:36.700 And doing what glorifies God. 00:14:36.820 --> 00:14:39.520 Not what glorifies and satisfies myself. 00:14:40.640 --> 00:14:43.140 And so God will use those things. 00:14:43.140 --> 00:14:44.660 But to his glory. 00:14:45.240 --> 00:14:47.220 And so the priority shift changes. 00:14:47.220 --> 00:14:49.240 To where we're experiencing. 00:14:49.940 --> 00:14:51.820 Jesus resurrection power. 00:14:51.820 --> 00:14:55.000 We're sharing in Jesus sufferings. 00:14:56.200 --> 00:14:57.560 And we're anticipating. 00:14:58.280 --> 00:14:59.940 Jesus glory. 00:15:00.640 --> 00:15:02.660 This becomes what matters. 00:15:02.820 --> 00:15:03.960 In our lives. 00:15:04.540 --> 00:15:05.520 And a priority shift. 00:15:05.640 --> 00:15:07.080 Leads to a perspective change. 00:15:07.220 --> 00:15:08.760 You begin to view things differently. 00:15:09.200 --> 00:15:09.920 And all those things. 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:11.280 That I thought were super important. 00:15:11.660 --> 00:15:12.540 Now pale. 00:15:12.740 --> 00:15:13.520 In comparison. 00:15:14.100 --> 00:15:14.879 To following Jesus. 00:15:14.879 --> 00:15:16.139 And now. 00:15:16.340 --> 00:15:18.419 When I have to give things up for Christ. 00:15:18.539 --> 00:15:20.120 And share in his sufferings. 00:15:20.659 --> 00:15:22.000 I'm not doing it stoically. 00:15:22.000 --> 00:15:23.019 To bear it. 00:15:23.159 --> 00:15:24.460 And just gritting my teeth. 00:15:24.460 --> 00:15:25.559 And getting through it. 00:15:25.919 --> 00:15:27.059 I'm doing it joyfully. 00:15:27.059 --> 00:15:29.139 For the cause of Christ. 00:15:29.939 --> 00:15:32.559 And when I give things up on earth. 00:15:33.120 --> 00:15:34.759 I recognize that they are temporary. 00:15:35.259 --> 00:15:36.779 Compared to the eternal glory. 00:15:36.919 --> 00:15:38.360 That I will experience. 00:15:38.879 --> 00:15:39.480 With Jesus. 00:15:40.320 --> 00:15:40.840 In eternity. 00:15:40.840 --> 00:15:43.240 Paul tells us. 00:15:43.560 --> 00:15:44.340 In Romans 12. 00:15:45.000 --> 00:15:45.399 He says. 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:46.540 To offer yourselves. 00:15:46.700 --> 00:15:47.960 As a living sacrifice. 00:15:48.860 --> 00:15:49.379 And he says. 00:15:49.460 --> 00:15:50.720 Do not be conformed. 00:15:50.800 --> 00:15:51.680 To this world. 00:15:51.920 --> 00:15:52.860 But be transformed. 00:15:53.000 --> 00:15:54.100 By the renewing. 00:15:54.220 --> 00:15:54.940 Of your mind. 00:15:55.720 --> 00:15:56.660 When I was a little boy. 00:15:56.740 --> 00:15:57.820 My mom used to bake bread. 00:15:57.820 --> 00:15:58.480 In our house. 00:15:58.780 --> 00:16:00.720 And whenever she would get her bed. 00:16:01.019 --> 00:16:01.420 Bed? 00:16:01.960 --> 00:16:02.360 Bread. 00:16:02.899 --> 00:16:03.300 Baking. 00:16:03.720 --> 00:16:04.120 Things. 00:16:04.700 --> 00:16:05.060 Out. 00:16:05.700 --> 00:16:06.340 She would sit down. 00:16:06.460 --> 00:16:07.740 At the dining room table. 00:16:08.220 --> 00:16:08.879 And I would go. 00:16:09.040 --> 00:16:10.060 And I would get my play-doh. 00:16:10.059 --> 00:16:11.459 And all my little play-doh toys. 00:16:12.000 --> 00:16:13.339 And while she was kneading the dough. 00:16:13.399 --> 00:16:14.259 And working the dough. 00:16:14.819 --> 00:16:16.439 I would be working my play-doh. 00:16:16.599 --> 00:16:17.459 And doing the same thing. 00:16:17.479 --> 00:16:18.259 And I love to do this. 00:16:18.659 --> 00:16:20.119 And one of my favorite play-doh toys. 00:16:20.199 --> 00:16:20.939 Was this little. 00:16:21.459 --> 00:16:23.159 I don't even know what it was called. 00:16:23.439 --> 00:16:25.359 But it was this little masher machine. 00:16:26.359 --> 00:16:28.779 And I would pick out a little shape. 00:16:29.119 --> 00:16:30.559 And I would put it on the front end of it. 00:16:30.979 --> 00:16:32.959 And then I would take a big hunk of play-doh. 00:16:33.059 --> 00:16:34.659 And I would jam it down in there. 00:16:35.000 --> 00:16:36.339 And then it had this little lever. 00:16:36.500 --> 00:16:37.000 That I could push. 00:16:37.099 --> 00:16:38.979 And I would squeeze this little lever down. 00:16:38.980 --> 00:16:41.120 And whatever shape I picked. 00:16:41.440 --> 00:16:43.399 The play-doh would come out in that shape. 00:16:44.560 --> 00:16:47.060 I was conforming the play-doh. 00:16:47.740 --> 00:16:50.180 Into the image that I wanted it to be. 00:16:50.259 --> 00:16:50.940 In the shape. 00:16:52.000 --> 00:16:53.899 The world does the same thing to us. 00:16:54.120 --> 00:16:54.759 All the time. 00:16:55.539 --> 00:16:58.379 The world is constantly trying to conform us. 00:16:58.759 --> 00:17:01.779 To become an image of something. 00:17:02.019 --> 00:17:03.379 That the world wants us to be. 00:17:03.379 --> 00:17:06.980 We live in a world of offense and outrage. 00:17:07.599 --> 00:17:08.980 And all the time. 00:17:09.240 --> 00:17:10.460 We're like the play-doh. 00:17:10.579 --> 00:17:12.440 Being shoved into the masher machine. 00:17:12.880 --> 00:17:16.039 And the world is putting the offense shape. 00:17:16.160 --> 00:17:16.779 On the front. 00:17:16.859 --> 00:17:17.839 Or the outrage. 00:17:18.460 --> 00:17:19.819 Or the whatever shape. 00:17:19.940 --> 00:17:20.700 On the front of it. 00:17:20.880 --> 00:17:23.339 And it's squeezing us in all the time. 00:17:24.339 --> 00:17:26.960 And it happens so easily. 00:17:27.200 --> 00:17:28.140 And so naturally. 00:17:28.940 --> 00:17:30.720 And it's so easy to go along with. 00:17:30.840 --> 00:17:31.660 You have to fight it. 00:17:32.220 --> 00:17:34.080 I also played with transformers. 00:17:34.980 --> 00:17:35.900 And a transformer. 00:17:36.480 --> 00:17:37.380 You had a car. 00:17:38.020 --> 00:17:39.020 And it looked like a car. 00:17:39.220 --> 00:17:40.100 And it was a car. 00:17:41.040 --> 00:17:42.300 But if you worked it. 00:17:42.480 --> 00:17:43.460 And you had to work. 00:17:44.020 --> 00:17:45.280 It didn't just do it on its own. 00:17:45.560 --> 00:17:46.300 You had to work. 00:17:46.360 --> 00:17:46.920 And it was hard. 00:17:46.980 --> 00:17:48.980 And it was a lot harder than smashing the play-doh down. 00:17:49.520 --> 00:17:50.759 But you had to change it. 00:17:50.820 --> 00:17:51.360 Into something. 00:17:52.060 --> 00:17:52.800 And it changed. 00:17:52.800 --> 00:17:54.600 And it became something totally new. 00:17:55.120 --> 00:17:56.080 And what had been a car. 00:17:56.079 --> 00:17:58.059 Now was a fighting robot. 00:17:58.759 --> 00:17:59.740 Or an airplane. 00:18:00.319 --> 00:18:01.240 Or something else. 00:18:02.119 --> 00:18:03.240 But you had to work it. 00:18:03.559 --> 00:18:04.359 Paul is telling us. 00:18:04.500 --> 00:18:06.259 Don't be conformed to the image of the world. 00:18:06.339 --> 00:18:07.279 But be transformed. 00:18:07.699 --> 00:18:09.779 By the renewing of our minds. 00:18:10.419 --> 00:18:11.480 Avoid the squeeze. 00:18:12.419 --> 00:18:14.299 Don't let the world dictate to you. 00:18:14.399 --> 00:18:15.159 Who you are. 00:18:15.279 --> 00:18:17.480 And what you are going to say and do. 00:18:18.019 --> 00:18:18.359 No. 00:18:18.799 --> 00:18:19.679 Be transformed. 00:18:20.159 --> 00:18:21.419 By renewing your mind. 00:18:21.819 --> 00:18:22.539 Through God. 00:18:22.960 --> 00:18:23.639 And through scripture. 00:18:26.079 --> 00:18:28.199 But it's not following. 00:18:28.819 --> 00:18:30.500 And following Christ as our true gain. 00:18:30.559 --> 00:18:31.679 Isn't just believing. 00:18:32.039 --> 00:18:33.960 It's not just this mental ascent. 00:18:34.819 --> 00:18:36.220 It's daily surrender. 00:18:36.659 --> 00:18:37.419 And pursuit. 00:18:39.339 --> 00:18:40.480 And it's trusting. 00:18:41.199 --> 00:18:42.960 That this is not just imitation. 00:18:43.599 --> 00:18:44.759 But participation. 00:18:45.919 --> 00:18:48.220 We look and we see who Jesus is. 00:18:49.099 --> 00:18:50.139 And we're not just saying. 00:18:50.299 --> 00:18:51.859 Oh well he was a good and moral teacher. 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:54.019 And so I should do some of the things that he does. 00:18:54.019 --> 00:18:55.339 And we're being transformed. 00:18:55.660 --> 00:18:57.139 And we are beginning to participate. 00:18:57.519 --> 00:18:59.700 In the work that God is doing in the world. 00:18:59.859 --> 00:19:02.680 Pushing back against the effects of sin. 00:19:02.839 --> 00:19:04.960 And bringing forth the kingdom of God. 00:19:05.119 --> 00:19:06.879 In new and radical ways. 00:19:08.519 --> 00:19:10.839 And following is committing. 00:19:11.879 --> 00:19:15.680 It's making sure that no matter where Jesus is going. 00:19:16.299 --> 00:19:17.039 I'm committed. 00:19:17.480 --> 00:19:18.259 I'm following. 00:19:18.700 --> 00:19:19.240 I'm going. 00:19:19.240 --> 00:19:22.140 Right when I got out of college. 00:19:22.240 --> 00:19:23.579 I had the opportunity to go to Germany. 00:19:24.200 --> 00:19:27.240 And to participate with a group that was going on a Luther Bach tour. 00:19:27.400 --> 00:19:28.920 And we drove all over Germany. 00:19:29.079 --> 00:19:30.480 Going to the various sites. 00:19:30.740 --> 00:19:34.160 That were important in the lives of Luther and Bach. 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:36.160 And it was great. 00:19:36.799 --> 00:19:39.359 And we ended up as a caravan of three vehicles. 00:19:39.700 --> 00:19:40.539 A lead vehicle. 00:19:40.940 --> 00:19:41.700 A middle vehicle. 00:19:42.059 --> 00:19:45.339 And then my buddy Tom and I were in the last vehicle. 00:19:45.339 --> 00:19:47.160 Which was like a 15 passenger van. 00:19:47.380 --> 00:19:48.000 Tom's driving. 00:19:48.000 --> 00:19:49.039 I'm sitting shotgun. 00:19:50.299 --> 00:19:50.640 Now mind you. 00:19:50.700 --> 00:19:51.799 This is pre-GPS. 00:19:52.160 --> 00:19:53.640 This is pre-smartphone. 00:19:53.920 --> 00:19:55.980 This is pre-anything. 00:19:56.519 --> 00:19:58.380 So you're following. 00:19:58.720 --> 00:19:59.500 And you're committed. 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:02.200 Because if you lose the people in front of you. 00:20:02.599 --> 00:20:05.240 You might as well just start farming in the German countryside. 00:20:05.460 --> 00:20:07.140 Because you're just not coming home. 00:20:07.279 --> 00:20:07.700 Like that's. 00:20:07.819 --> 00:20:08.759 Just give up. 00:20:08.920 --> 00:20:10.039 And just go get a job. 00:20:10.380 --> 00:20:11.799 And sprechen Sie Deutsch. 00:20:13.240 --> 00:20:14.599 So we're driving. 00:20:15.099 --> 00:20:15.720 And we're going. 00:20:15.900 --> 00:20:17.099 And we're entering into a city. 00:20:17.099 --> 00:20:19.839 And right at the entrance of the city. 00:20:19.839 --> 00:20:21.459 There was this railroad crossing. 00:20:22.179 --> 00:20:22.659 And so. 00:20:22.799 --> 00:20:23.980 For whatever reason. 00:20:24.039 --> 00:20:24.959 I'll never know. 00:20:25.439 --> 00:20:26.159 We're driving. 00:20:26.459 --> 00:20:28.399 And as the gate starts to come down. 00:20:29.139 --> 00:20:30.339 The lead car. 00:20:31.099 --> 00:20:32.639 Does not do the responsible. 00:20:33.019 --> 00:20:33.879 Sensible thing. 00:20:34.819 --> 00:20:35.799 And stop. 00:20:36.139 --> 00:20:36.939 But they go through. 00:20:39.439 --> 00:20:39.919 Well. 00:20:40.159 --> 00:20:40.899 As you can imagine. 00:20:41.000 --> 00:20:41.799 The bells are clanging. 00:20:42.199 --> 00:20:43.159 The thing's coming down. 00:20:43.219 --> 00:20:43.759 Even more. 00:20:43.759 --> 00:20:44.480 Well. 00:20:44.480 --> 00:20:44.519 Well. 00:20:44.539 --> 00:20:45.640 The second car. 00:20:45.859 --> 00:20:46.339 Goes through. 00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:48.200 And so now. 00:20:48.279 --> 00:20:49.279 We're at the moment of decision. 00:20:49.539 --> 00:20:50.700 How committed are we. 00:20:50.839 --> 00:20:51.599 To this following. 00:20:51.859 --> 00:20:52.599 Of the vehicles. 00:20:53.559 --> 00:20:55.160 Are we ready to learn German. 00:20:55.379 --> 00:20:56.140 And how to farm. 00:20:57.200 --> 00:20:58.000 Tom looks at me. 00:20:58.039 --> 00:20:58.339 And he says. 00:20:58.359 --> 00:20:58.779 I'm going. 00:20:59.559 --> 00:21:00.480 And he guns it. 00:21:01.200 --> 00:21:02.200 And as we go. 00:21:02.259 --> 00:21:03.539 Over the railroad tracks. 00:21:04.379 --> 00:21:05.559 I look to my right. 00:21:06.079 --> 00:21:07.160 And I stare the conductor. 00:21:07.339 --> 00:21:08.240 Dead in the eyes. 00:21:09.539 --> 00:21:10.720 He had blue eyes. 00:21:10.720 --> 00:21:14.319 And we cross over. 00:21:14.640 --> 00:21:15.380 We make it. 00:21:16.579 --> 00:21:17.779 But we were committed. 00:21:18.100 --> 00:21:18.880 To following. 00:21:20.160 --> 00:21:21.259 Committed so much. 00:21:21.360 --> 00:21:22.039 That I could tell. 00:21:22.160 --> 00:21:23.180 The color of the eyes. 00:21:23.200 --> 00:21:23.940 Of the conductor. 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:27.500 This is how committed. 00:21:27.620 --> 00:21:27.980 We should be. 00:21:28.019 --> 00:21:28.980 To following Jesus. 00:21:29.940 --> 00:21:30.759 Are we committed. 00:21:30.759 --> 00:21:31.079 To say. 00:21:31.180 --> 00:21:32.480 Even though it doesn't make sense. 00:21:32.539 --> 00:21:33.559 Even though this seems like. 00:21:33.640 --> 00:21:34.600 The worst idea ever. 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:35.259 I know. 00:21:35.339 --> 00:21:36.400 Beyond a shadow of a doubt. 00:21:36.400 --> 00:21:37.579 That Jesus has called me. 00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:38.140 To do this. 00:21:38.259 --> 00:21:39.519 And he's leading me here. 00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:41.019 And I am going. 00:21:41.299 --> 00:21:42.279 To do this. 00:21:42.859 --> 00:21:43.859 Are we that. 00:21:44.259 --> 00:21:44.619 Committed. 00:21:45.220 --> 00:21:46.420 To following Christ. 00:21:46.519 --> 00:21:47.599 As our true. 00:21:48.079 --> 00:21:48.519 Gain. 00:21:49.319 --> 00:21:50.000 Recognizing. 00:21:50.400 --> 00:21:51.559 That if he disappears. 00:21:51.740 --> 00:21:52.259 I would be. 00:21:52.480 --> 00:21:53.759 Completely lost. 00:21:54.160 --> 00:21:54.759 Without him. 00:21:55.879 --> 00:21:57.039 This is committed. 00:21:57.579 --> 00:21:57.940 Following. 00:21:58.519 --> 00:21:59.079 Of Jesus. 00:22:00.279 --> 00:22:01.339 And we commit. 00:22:01.779 --> 00:22:03.119 Through gathering together. 00:22:04.160 --> 00:22:04.420 Right. 00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:05.200 We come together. 00:22:05.200 --> 00:22:05.859 On Sundays. 00:22:05.859 --> 00:22:06.420 To worship. 00:22:06.960 --> 00:22:07.759 We come together. 00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:08.460 During the week. 00:22:08.579 --> 00:22:09.500 To study God's word. 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:10.519 With one another. 00:22:10.640 --> 00:22:11.940 Investing in each other's lives. 00:22:12.099 --> 00:22:13.019 Learning about the things. 00:22:13.160 --> 00:22:14.279 And supporting one another. 00:22:14.279 --> 00:22:15.079 Through trials. 00:22:15.920 --> 00:22:16.779 Coming together. 00:22:17.240 --> 00:22:17.859 We're committed. 00:22:18.019 --> 00:22:19.299 Through personal times. 00:22:19.599 --> 00:22:20.359 Of prayer. 00:22:20.440 --> 00:22:21.299 And Bible study. 00:22:21.779 --> 00:22:23.000 Knowing that if I'm not. 00:22:23.059 --> 00:22:24.059 Spending time daily. 00:22:24.059 --> 00:22:25.019 In God's word. 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:27.180 I'm not being transformed. 00:22:28.359 --> 00:22:29.759 I'm being conformed. 00:22:29.819 --> 00:22:30.420 To the world. 00:22:30.920 --> 00:22:32.240 I'm letting the algorithms. 00:22:32.779 --> 00:22:33.960 On my social media. 00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:34.779 Influence me. 00:22:34.779 --> 00:22:35.640 More than I'm letting. 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:36.880 The God of the universe. 00:22:37.119 --> 00:22:37.559 Who created. 00:22:37.559 --> 00:22:38.279 Me. 00:22:38.279 --> 00:22:39.139 And loves me. 00:22:41.339 --> 00:22:42.619 And we commit. 00:22:42.839 --> 00:22:44.059 Through serving those. 00:22:44.159 --> 00:22:44.940 Around us. 00:22:45.659 --> 00:22:46.980 To being Jesus. 00:22:47.659 --> 00:22:48.539 To the community. 00:22:48.539 --> 00:22:49.259 Around us. 00:22:49.319 --> 00:22:50.399 To the people that God. 00:22:50.539 --> 00:22:51.059 Has placed. 00:22:51.179 --> 00:22:51.980 In our midst. 00:22:52.159 --> 00:22:53.159 In our workplaces. 00:22:53.519 --> 00:22:54.440 In our neighborhoods. 00:22:55.059 --> 00:22:55.879 In the places. 00:22:55.879 --> 00:22:57.299 Where we go to school. 00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:58.799 Where we play. 00:22:59.299 --> 00:23:00.179 And live. 00:23:00.440 --> 00:23:01.200 And learn. 00:23:01.980 --> 00:23:02.899 We are Jesus. 00:23:03.419 --> 00:23:04.259 To those people. 00:23:04.379 --> 00:23:04.659 Around. 00:23:04.660 --> 00:23:05.840 And we serve them. 00:23:06.580 --> 00:23:07.820 Because we are committed. 00:23:10.600 --> 00:23:12.320 It's a markedly different life. 00:23:13.320 --> 00:23:15.320 That Jesus is calling us to. 00:23:15.400 --> 00:23:16.180 And Paul gives us. 00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:17.220 An example of that. 00:23:17.540 --> 00:23:18.540 As he continues on. 00:23:18.600 --> 00:23:19.220 In Romans 12. 00:23:19.540 --> 00:23:20.279 He's called us. 00:23:20.320 --> 00:23:21.540 To become living sacrifices. 00:23:21.700 --> 00:23:22.340 He's told us. 00:23:22.580 --> 00:23:23.560 Not to conform. 00:23:23.660 --> 00:23:24.380 But to transform. 00:23:24.640 --> 00:23:25.320 And then he gives us. 00:23:25.320 --> 00:23:25.860 An example. 00:23:25.860 --> 00:23:27.500 Of what a transformed life. 00:23:27.720 --> 00:23:28.500 Looks like. 00:23:29.080 --> 00:23:29.860 In Romans 12. 00:23:29.940 --> 00:23:30.800 Starting in verse 9. 00:23:30.880 --> 00:23:31.200 He says. 00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:32.559 Love must be sincere. 00:23:33.200 --> 00:23:34.039 Hate what is evil. 00:23:34.180 --> 00:23:35.340 And cling to what is good. 00:23:35.920 --> 00:23:37.039 Be devoted to one another. 00:23:37.039 --> 00:23:37.759 In love. 00:23:38.340 --> 00:23:39.120 Honor one another. 00:23:39.200 --> 00:23:39.980 Above yourselves. 00:23:40.539 --> 00:23:42.100 Never be lacking in zeal. 00:23:42.640 --> 00:23:44.220 But keep your spiritual fervor. 00:23:44.480 --> 00:23:45.240 Serving the Lord. 00:23:45.519 --> 00:23:46.519 Be joyful in hope. 00:23:46.700 --> 00:23:47.620 Patient in affliction. 00:23:47.840 --> 00:23:48.819 And faithful in prayer. 00:23:49.400 --> 00:23:50.620 Share with the Lord's people. 00:23:50.620 --> 00:23:51.400 Who are in need. 00:23:51.539 --> 00:23:53.160 And practice hospitality. 00:23:54.840 --> 00:23:55.819 And then he starts. 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:57.180 To get into my business. 00:23:57.279 --> 00:23:57.779 A little bit. 00:23:58.740 --> 00:24:00.180 Bless those who persecute you. 00:24:00.180 --> 00:24:01.480 Bless and do not curse. 00:24:02.279 --> 00:24:03.660 Rejoice with those who mourn. 00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:05.799 Rejoice with those who rejoice. 00:24:05.980 --> 00:24:07.240 And mourn with those who mourn. 00:24:07.640 --> 00:24:08.960 Live in harmony with one another. 00:24:09.580 --> 00:24:10.340 Do not be proud. 00:24:10.420 --> 00:24:11.580 But be willing to associate. 00:24:11.779 --> 00:24:13.100 With people of low position. 00:24:13.840 --> 00:24:16.100 Do not be conceited. 00:24:17.160 --> 00:24:19.220 Do not repay anyone evil. 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:20.160 For evil. 00:24:20.900 --> 00:24:21.680 Be careful what is. 00:24:21.900 --> 00:24:22.920 To do what is right. 00:24:23.000 --> 00:24:24.039 In the eyes of everyone. 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:26.120 If it is possible. 00:24:26.700 --> 00:24:28.480 As far as it depends on you. 00:24:28.480 --> 00:24:30.279 Live at peace with everyone. 00:24:30.940 --> 00:24:32.000 Do not take revenge. 00:24:32.099 --> 00:24:32.900 My dear friends. 00:24:33.160 --> 00:24:35.160 But leave room for God's wrath. 00:24:35.559 --> 00:24:36.259 For it is written. 00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:37.940 It is mine to avenge. 00:24:38.099 --> 00:24:39.079 I will repay. 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:39.960 Says the Lord. 00:24:40.339 --> 00:24:41.460 On the contrary. 00:24:42.460 --> 00:24:43.839 If your enemy is hungry. 00:24:44.900 --> 00:24:45.279 Feed him. 00:24:46.579 --> 00:24:47.640 If he is thirsty. 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:49.099 Give him something to drink. 00:24:49.940 --> 00:24:50.720 In doing this. 00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:52.480 You will heap burning coals on his head. 00:24:52.480 --> 00:24:55.740 Do not be overcome by evil. 00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:57.299 But overcome evil. 00:24:58.099 --> 00:24:58.860 With good. 00:25:03.339 --> 00:25:05.839 Romans 12 shows us a life that is marked. 00:25:07.339 --> 00:25:08.500 By a transformation. 00:25:10.380 --> 00:25:13.259 And a life that is participating in the suffering of Jesus. 00:25:13.420 --> 00:25:14.779 When Jesus was on the cross. 00:25:14.779 --> 00:25:18.180 He did not lash out at his enemies. 00:25:20.000 --> 00:25:22.980 He did not seek revenge on those who had nailed him there. 00:25:24.500 --> 00:25:24.960 No. 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:27.099 He knew. 00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:29.240 That he was serving a bigger purpose. 00:25:30.680 --> 00:25:32.180 And so he loved them. 00:25:32.180 --> 00:25:33.619 And he forgave them. 00:25:34.799 --> 00:25:37.039 I am so convicted by this. 00:25:37.200 --> 00:25:38.480 This is so hard to do. 00:25:39.480 --> 00:25:40.180 But this is us. 00:25:41.180 --> 00:25:41.740 Me. 00:25:42.059 --> 00:25:43.700 Sharing in the sufferings of Christ. 00:25:43.700 --> 00:25:45.460 Loving my enemies. 00:25:46.640 --> 00:25:48.039 Loving those around us. 00:25:48.400 --> 00:25:49.700 Sharing in his suffering. 00:25:51.160 --> 00:25:53.880 Loving those who politically disagree with you. 00:25:55.019 --> 00:25:58.080 Who have become the cultural repugnant other. 00:25:58.900 --> 00:26:01.500 Those whose views you find completely abhorrent. 00:26:02.960 --> 00:26:06.640 And yet you find a way to love and care for them. 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:09.539 Because they are people created in God's image. 00:26:09.539 --> 00:26:14.539 No matter how distorted you think their views are. 00:26:16.539 --> 00:26:20.619 We live in a day and age where this is so hard to do. 00:26:21.659 --> 00:26:23.480 But this is the call of Christ. 00:26:23.480 --> 00:26:25.920 And this is the radical witness of the church. 00:26:26.099 --> 00:26:28.639 And of the believers and followers of Jesus. 00:26:28.879 --> 00:26:32.000 That we are following Christ as our true gain. 00:26:32.000 --> 00:26:34.519 That all of our political affiliations. 00:26:34.519 --> 00:26:38.539 All of our other associations and different things that we trust. 00:26:38.980 --> 00:26:40.440 To find our identity in. 00:26:40.680 --> 00:26:42.079 And that we find our strength in. 00:26:43.220 --> 00:26:44.200 They are meaningless. 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:49.480 When compared to the beauty and the cross and the eternity of Christ. 00:26:52.119 --> 00:26:53.579 Christ is in you. 00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:56.240 And Christ is with you. 00:26:56.240 --> 00:27:23.480 You can't do this on your own. 00:27:24.120 --> 00:27:24.880 It's impossible. 00:27:24.880 --> 00:27:27.480 It's only through God's power. 00:27:27.740 --> 00:27:29.840 Through the Holy Spirit working in you. 00:27:29.980 --> 00:27:30.980 And Christ with you. 00:27:31.120 --> 00:27:32.180 That you can do this. 00:27:32.880 --> 00:27:35.920 And this is what Paul is asking us to do. 00:27:37.700 --> 00:27:40.480 Paul is asking us to forsake what holds us back. 00:27:40.660 --> 00:27:42.720 And to follow Christ as our true gain. 00:27:42.820 --> 00:27:44.400 And so I would ask you this morning. 00:27:46.000 --> 00:27:48.660 Who are you following in your life? 00:27:51.060 --> 00:27:53.280 And where are they leading you? 00:27:53.279 --> 00:27:58.379 Paul tells us. 00:27:58.379 --> 00:27:59.740 For sake what holds us back. 00:28:00.339 --> 00:28:01.960 Follow Christ as our true gain. 00:28:02.480 --> 00:28:05.339 And focus on the goal ahead. 00:28:06.700 --> 00:28:07.660 Paul says. 00:28:08.019 --> 00:28:10.039 Not that he's already achieved this. 00:28:10.399 --> 00:28:11.819 But that he's straining forward. 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:13.319 Moving towards the goal. 00:28:13.920 --> 00:28:15.759 We're focusing on the goal ahead. 00:28:15.759 --> 00:28:16.920 Goal ahead. 00:28:17.319 --> 00:28:19.579 And moving towards an eternity with God. 00:28:19.779 --> 00:28:21.539 And when we have the right focus. 00:28:21.539 --> 00:28:22.839 And we have the right vision. 00:28:23.579 --> 00:28:26.220 We are able to do these difficult things. 00:28:27.019 --> 00:28:29.019 And to share in the suffering of Christ. 00:28:29.160 --> 00:28:36.000 Because we know that what we do here in the present is echoing in eternity. 00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:40.279 We act in the present with a view towards eternity. 00:28:41.720 --> 00:28:44.680 Because if even Paul says he's not arrived. 00:28:44.819 --> 00:28:45.940 And he's not figured it out. 00:28:46.000 --> 00:28:48.019 The guy that wrote one third of the New Testament. 00:28:48.539 --> 00:28:50.700 The guy that did all these incredible things. 00:28:51.180 --> 00:28:52.359 If he's not figured it out. 00:28:52.440 --> 00:28:53.220 I've got no shot. 00:28:53.220 --> 00:28:56.220 But I want to keep going. 00:28:56.720 --> 00:28:57.779 And I want to keep trying. 00:28:58.079 --> 00:28:59.120 And I want to keep moving. 00:28:59.600 --> 00:29:00.600 And so we continue. 00:29:00.920 --> 00:29:01.940 And we move forward. 00:29:02.839 --> 00:29:04.019 And Paul is compelled. 00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:06.140 Not by his identity. 00:29:06.779 --> 00:29:07.839 Not by his accomplishments. 00:29:08.319 --> 00:29:09.279 Not by his achievements. 00:29:09.960 --> 00:29:11.299 Not by his social status. 00:29:11.480 --> 00:29:12.720 Or what people think about him. 00:29:12.720 --> 00:29:13.019 No. 00:29:13.600 --> 00:29:17.539 He's compelled by the prize of Christ. 00:29:18.079 --> 00:29:19.120 We get Christ. 00:29:20.440 --> 00:29:22.420 If you come to Christ and you follow him. 00:29:22.420 --> 00:29:24.800 There's no guarantee that he's going to fix your marriage. 00:29:25.019 --> 00:29:26.420 Or that you'll have wonderful children. 00:29:26.580 --> 00:29:27.640 Or that you'll make lots of money. 00:29:27.720 --> 00:29:28.880 Or that your job will be great. 00:29:29.000 --> 00:29:30.640 Or that everything's going to be perfect. 00:29:31.580 --> 00:29:34.300 That's not guaranteed for us as followers of Jesus. 00:29:34.720 --> 00:29:38.500 What is guaranteed is that we get Christ. 00:29:39.320 --> 00:29:41.660 The greatest, most beautiful thing. 00:29:41.660 --> 00:29:45.920 That is so much better than anything else we could ever think of. 00:29:47.000 --> 00:29:48.300 And Jesus compares it. 00:29:48.720 --> 00:29:48.920 Right? 00:29:49.320 --> 00:29:50.019 To a man. 00:29:50.019 --> 00:29:52.460 Who is searching after precious stones. 00:29:52.579 --> 00:29:54.339 And finds the pearl of great price. 00:29:54.539 --> 00:29:56.639 And he goes and he gives up everything. 00:29:57.099 --> 00:29:58.539 He sells all that he has. 00:29:58.579 --> 00:30:00.099 So he can buy this one thing. 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:03.400 Or a man is digging in a field. 00:30:03.500 --> 00:30:04.400 And he finds a treasure. 00:30:04.799 --> 00:30:06.240 And it's so valuable. 00:30:06.619 --> 00:30:08.900 That he goes and he sells every single thing that he has. 00:30:08.940 --> 00:30:09.859 So he can buy this field. 00:30:09.980 --> 00:30:10.779 And get this treasure. 00:30:11.500 --> 00:30:13.519 We have found the treasure. 00:30:13.519 --> 00:30:17.279 That is worth risking everything for. 00:30:18.039 --> 00:30:19.319 And it is Christ. 00:30:21.680 --> 00:30:22.700 But it's hard. 00:30:23.639 --> 00:30:26.339 Because eternity with Christ is in the future. 00:30:26.980 --> 00:30:29.559 And we have to focus on the goal ahead. 00:30:30.079 --> 00:30:31.900 We need to fix our eyes on Christ. 00:30:32.000 --> 00:30:33.799 Not on all the things that are happening around us. 00:30:33.879 --> 00:30:34.779 Not on the distractions. 00:30:35.500 --> 00:30:37.960 When my son hit that home run, the work was done. 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:39.480 The ball went over the fence. 00:30:40.059 --> 00:30:41.980 All he had to do was finish the job. 00:30:42.680 --> 00:30:45.599 But he got distracted by all the stuff that was going on around him. 00:30:45.819 --> 00:30:46.740 By all the things. 00:30:46.819 --> 00:30:47.480 And all the people. 00:30:47.620 --> 00:30:48.299 And all the cheering. 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:49.259 And all the noise. 00:30:51.140 --> 00:30:52.960 All he had to do was finish the job. 00:30:54.120 --> 00:30:55.440 Brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:56.480 The job is done. 00:30:57.099 --> 00:30:59.140 We will come and celebrate that in just a moment. 00:30:59.259 --> 00:31:00.420 Jesus has done the work. 00:31:00.779 --> 00:31:01.460 It's finished. 00:31:01.860 --> 00:31:02.940 He said so. 00:31:03.819 --> 00:31:05.720 All we have to do is finish the job. 00:31:06.160 --> 00:31:08.160 But we get distracted all the time. 00:31:08.500 --> 00:31:09.259 By all the noise. 00:31:09.480 --> 00:31:10.500 Happening around us. 00:31:10.640 --> 00:31:12.140 By all the things that are going on. 00:31:12.420 --> 00:31:16.420 By everybody telling us who and what we ought to be. 00:31:16.860 --> 00:31:20.740 When we need to focus on the goal ahead. 00:31:22.940 --> 00:31:24.460 Where is your focus this morning? 00:31:26.200 --> 00:31:27.500 Who are you listening to? 00:31:28.120 --> 00:31:30.620 Where are you investing your time? 00:31:31.539 --> 00:31:32.400 Your energy? 00:31:33.480 --> 00:31:34.160 Your money? 00:31:35.440 --> 00:31:37.099 What is your focus this morning? 00:31:37.099 --> 00:31:39.939 Is your focus on Christ? 00:31:42.000 --> 00:31:43.279 Paul has challenged us. 00:31:44.039 --> 00:31:45.779 To renew our focus. 00:31:46.899 --> 00:31:47.899 Brothers and sisters. 00:31:48.439 --> 00:31:49.659 This is a hard word. 00:31:50.259 --> 00:31:50.699 And yet. 00:31:51.159 --> 00:31:52.579 God has called us to do that. 00:31:53.419 --> 00:31:54.379 Forsake the temporary. 00:31:55.519 --> 00:31:56.419 Follow the Savior. 00:31:57.480 --> 00:31:57.919 Focus. 00:31:58.480 --> 00:31:59.339 On eternity. 00:31:59.339 --> 00:32:00.339 God. 00:32:00.339 --> 00:32:00.339 00:32:01.579 --> 00:32:02.159 We thank you. 00:32:02.839 --> 00:32:04.839 That even in the midst of difficult passages. 00:32:05.000 --> 00:32:06.379 That challenge and convict us. 00:32:07.039 --> 00:32:08.279 You are with us. 00:32:09.199 --> 00:32:10.339 And so we ask now. 00:32:11.179 --> 00:32:12.359 That you would empower us. 00:32:12.419 --> 00:32:13.579 Through the power of your Holy Spirit. 00:32:13.679 --> 00:32:13.859 Lord. 00:32:13.939 --> 00:32:15.259 I pray for each one of these people. 00:32:16.059 --> 00:32:17.639 That you would show each one of us. 00:32:17.720 --> 00:32:18.539 Where it is. 00:32:18.899 --> 00:32:21.119 That you want to trim things down. 00:32:21.220 --> 00:32:22.339 What we need to forsake. 00:32:22.599 --> 00:32:23.720 Where we need to follow. 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:25.319 And how we need to focus. 00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:27.379 In Jesus name. 00:32:27.700 --> 00:32:27.919 Amen.