WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.940 Do you have a joyful, confident relationship with God? 00:00:06.500 --> 00:00:10.040 And I want you to think, your relationship with God, 00:00:10.620 --> 00:00:11.939 is there joy in it? 00:00:12.480 --> 00:00:15.939 And are you confident that He is your Heavenly Father? 00:00:17.420 --> 00:00:22.699 If you don't, I pray that you will 00:00:22.699 --> 00:00:25.140 by the time you leave this service today. 00:00:25.560 --> 00:00:28.839 That God will show you what needs to take place in your life. 00:00:28.839 --> 00:00:32.460 That you'll sense Him calling you, enabling you 00:00:32.460 --> 00:00:34.340 to make that kind of commitment. 00:00:35.539 --> 00:00:40.600 But if you do, what are you basing your confidence on? 00:00:42.460 --> 00:00:44.100 You know, it's one thing to be confident. 00:00:45.200 --> 00:00:49.439 I mean, there's times when I'm confident. 00:00:50.760 --> 00:00:53.159 I could outrun Jake Alexander back there. 00:00:53.159 --> 00:00:59.179 I mean, I think that sometimes. 00:01:00.159 --> 00:01:02.039 But that's a stupid thing to think. 00:01:05.159 --> 00:01:09.239 So sometimes we can be confident about things that's not true. 00:01:09.340 --> 00:01:10.079 That's not real. 00:01:10.699 --> 00:01:12.079 There's no basis for it. 00:01:13.500 --> 00:01:14.879 And so as we go through this message, 00:01:15.599 --> 00:01:17.780 think about, if you say, 00:01:17.780 --> 00:01:21.280 I am confident about my relationship with God, 00:01:22.280 --> 00:01:26.000 is it a solid confidence? 00:01:26.299 --> 00:01:27.439 Is there a reason for it? 00:01:27.780 --> 00:01:33.599 A God-given, God-accepting confidence? 00:01:34.599 --> 00:01:37.200 I want you to turn with me back to the book of Philippians. 00:01:37.480 --> 00:01:39.180 We continue our study. 00:01:39.180 --> 00:01:44.260 I was off last week, and Ralph Carter did a great job. 00:01:45.400 --> 00:01:47.280 Lisa and I watched the service, 00:01:47.640 --> 00:01:50.660 and he just did a great job. 00:01:50.760 --> 00:01:52.840 I enjoyed the message, powerful message, 00:01:52.940 --> 00:01:54.440 and I appreciate him coming and preaching. 00:01:55.780 --> 00:01:58.100 But this morning, I want us to go back to where we were, 00:01:58.900 --> 00:02:00.860 beginning a new chapter, chapter 3. 00:02:00.859 --> 00:02:08.659 And I want us to see in this some things we need to be clear about. 00:02:10.620 --> 00:02:14.419 That we can leave here this morning knowing 00:02:14.419 --> 00:02:20.379 that we do have a joyful, confident relationship with God 00:02:20.379 --> 00:02:24.680 for the right reason, that he approves. 00:02:25.939 --> 00:02:27.219 Philippians 3.1 00:02:27.219 --> 00:02:30.840 Finally, brothers, rejoice in the Lord. 00:02:30.860 --> 00:02:35.500 Lord, to write the same things to you is no trouble to me 00:02:35.500 --> 00:02:37.780 and is safe for you. 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:40.360 Look out for the dogs. 00:02:41.580 --> 00:02:43.240 Look out for the evildoers. 00:02:44.120 --> 00:02:46.380 Look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 00:02:47.600 --> 00:02:49.200 For we are the circumcision, 00:02:49.680 --> 00:02:54.460 who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus 00:02:54.460 --> 00:03:00.260 and put no confidence in the flesh, in ourselves. 00:03:00.860 --> 00:03:02.000 In what we do. 00:03:02.000 --> 00:03:07.220 Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. 00:03:07.820 --> 00:03:10.700 If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, 00:03:11.120 --> 00:03:12.580 I have more. 00:03:14.580 --> 00:03:17.140 Circumcised on the eighth day of the people of Israel, 00:03:17.840 --> 00:03:19.520 of the tribe of Benjamin, 00:03:20.360 --> 00:03:21.760 a Hebrew of Hebrews, 00:03:21.759 --> 00:03:25.139 as to the law of Pharisee, 00:03:25.139 --> 00:03:26.639 as to zeal, 00:03:26.639 --> 00:03:28.659 a persecutor of the church, 00:03:28.659 --> 00:03:31.199 as to righteousness under the law, 00:03:31.919 --> 00:03:32.639 blameless. 00:03:33.979 --> 00:03:36.099 But whatever gain I had, 00:03:36.939 --> 00:03:39.780 I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 00:03:40.340 --> 00:03:40.819 Indeed, 00:03:41.099 --> 00:03:43.039 I count everything as loss 00:03:43.039 --> 00:03:45.159 because of the surpassing worth 00:03:45.159 --> 00:03:47.500 of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 00:03:47.500 --> 00:03:49.740 For his sake, 00:03:50.580 --> 00:03:53.860 I have suffered the loss of all things 00:03:53.860 --> 00:03:56.639 and count them as rubbish 00:03:56.639 --> 00:03:59.900 in order that I may gain Christ 00:03:59.900 --> 00:04:01.840 and be found in him, 00:04:02.400 --> 00:04:05.219 not having a righteousness of my own 00:04:05.219 --> 00:04:06.759 that comes from the law, 00:04:07.360 --> 00:04:08.620 comes from obeying the law, 00:04:08.620 --> 00:04:14.960 but that comes through faith in Christ. 00:04:15.740 --> 00:04:17.459 The righteousness from God 00:04:17.459 --> 00:04:18.699 that depends on faith. 00:04:19.579 --> 00:04:20.879 That I may know him 00:04:20.879 --> 00:04:22.420 and the power of his resurrection 00:04:22.420 --> 00:04:25.319 and may share his sufferings, 00:04:25.800 --> 00:04:27.560 becoming like him in his death, 00:04:28.280 --> 00:04:30.079 that by any means possible, 00:04:31.079 --> 00:04:34.600 I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 00:04:36.600 --> 00:04:38.579 Paul is going to point out some things 00:04:38.579 --> 00:04:41.419 to help us to be clear 00:04:41.419 --> 00:04:44.159 and confident 00:04:44.159 --> 00:04:46.319 about our relationship with the Lord. 00:04:46.419 --> 00:04:46.979 Let's look at it. 00:04:47.379 --> 00:04:49.620 Let's be clear about where we find Christian joy. 00:04:49.919 --> 00:04:50.899 Look at verse one again. 00:04:51.699 --> 00:04:52.539 Finally, my brothers, 00:04:52.959 --> 00:04:54.419 rejoice in the Lord. 00:04:54.500 --> 00:04:55.159 We'll stop there. 00:04:55.599 --> 00:04:56.560 The word finally 00:04:56.560 --> 00:04:59.659 is used here to make a transition. 00:05:00.399 --> 00:05:01.839 Paul is not like someone 00:05:01.839 --> 00:05:04.479 who might give a speech or a sermon 00:05:04.479 --> 00:05:06.939 and about halfway through 00:05:06.939 --> 00:05:08.060 or three quarters through 00:05:08.060 --> 00:05:09.199 will say finally. 00:05:09.779 --> 00:05:11.360 And you think it's about over, 00:05:11.839 --> 00:05:12.519 but it's not. 00:05:13.899 --> 00:05:14.600 He is just, 00:05:15.060 --> 00:05:16.019 that's just his way 00:05:16.019 --> 00:05:18.219 using that word here in this context. 00:05:18.879 --> 00:05:20.279 It could be translated then 00:05:20.279 --> 00:05:22.920 or furthermore, 00:05:23.779 --> 00:05:25.139 because he's got a lot more to say 00:05:25.139 --> 00:05:25.800 in this letter. 00:05:26.620 --> 00:05:27.480 He begins this section 00:05:27.480 --> 00:05:30.079 by calling attention to joy. 00:05:30.079 --> 00:05:31.919 We're going to define it 00:05:31.919 --> 00:05:32.579 a little bit later, 00:05:32.680 --> 00:05:34.099 but it's Christian joy. 00:05:34.680 --> 00:05:36.519 And that's one of the main themes 00:05:36.519 --> 00:05:37.759 of this letter. 00:05:38.639 --> 00:05:39.500 We have seen 00:05:39.500 --> 00:05:41.719 in earlier studies 00:05:41.719 --> 00:05:43.639 one of the things Paul 00:05:43.639 --> 00:05:45.419 repeats over and over again 00:05:45.419 --> 00:05:47.120 about there is joy 00:05:47.120 --> 00:05:47.659 to be found 00:05:47.659 --> 00:05:48.519 in a right relationship 00:05:48.519 --> 00:05:49.060 with Jesus. 00:05:49.719 --> 00:05:50.699 We as Christians, 00:05:50.779 --> 00:05:51.759 of all people in this world, 00:05:51.919 --> 00:05:54.099 we have a lot to rejoice about. 00:05:54.259 --> 00:05:55.740 He talked about his own joy 00:05:55.740 --> 00:05:57.439 and about the Philippians, 00:05:57.599 --> 00:05:58.899 the members of this church, 00:05:58.899 --> 00:05:59.979 their joy. 00:06:00.959 --> 00:06:01.259 Now, 00:06:01.839 --> 00:06:03.099 I want to remind you 00:06:03.099 --> 00:06:03.959 of something we looked at 00:06:03.959 --> 00:06:05.579 when we first began this study. 00:06:06.879 --> 00:06:07.639 There is a difference 00:06:07.639 --> 00:06:08.859 between Christian joy 00:06:08.859 --> 00:06:12.319 and the emotion of happiness. 00:06:13.379 --> 00:06:15.679 Happiness is an emotion 00:06:15.679 --> 00:06:17.759 that mostly occurs. 00:06:17.879 --> 00:06:18.399 We're happy 00:06:18.399 --> 00:06:20.539 when things are going our way, 00:06:21.179 --> 00:06:22.459 when we have good health, 00:06:23.060 --> 00:06:25.879 when people are treating us 00:06:25.879 --> 00:06:27.539 in a good way, 00:06:27.539 --> 00:06:28.539 a positive way. 00:06:29.279 --> 00:06:29.599 Well, 00:06:30.599 --> 00:06:32.139 when people don't treat us well 00:06:32.139 --> 00:06:34.759 and things are not going our way, 00:06:35.419 --> 00:06:36.719 we are not happy, 00:06:36.779 --> 00:06:37.159 are we? 00:06:37.279 --> 00:06:38.019 And that's just life. 00:06:38.139 --> 00:06:38.919 That's just who we are 00:06:38.919 --> 00:06:40.000 as human beings. 00:06:40.239 --> 00:06:41.079 Sometimes we're happy, 00:06:41.500 --> 00:06:43.379 usually based on our circumstances. 00:06:43.899 --> 00:06:45.079 Sometimes we're not 00:06:45.079 --> 00:06:46.919 because of our circumstances. 00:06:47.719 --> 00:06:48.759 Happiness comes and goes 00:06:48.759 --> 00:06:49.639 in everyone's life. 00:06:50.599 --> 00:06:51.919 Christian joy is different now. 00:06:51.920 --> 00:06:55.560 It's really a part of the fruit of the Spirit. 00:06:55.699 --> 00:06:56.240 As Christians, 00:06:56.340 --> 00:06:57.800 with the Spirit of God living within us, 00:06:58.199 --> 00:07:00.259 He works in us to develop our character 00:07:00.259 --> 00:07:03.840 and joy is really a character quality. 00:07:04.939 --> 00:07:06.379 It's also an attitude. 00:07:07.920 --> 00:07:10.980 But Christian joy is not without emotion. 00:07:10.980 --> 00:07:13.960 There is pleasure in Christian joy 00:07:13.960 --> 00:07:15.840 when you understand that pleasure 00:07:15.840 --> 00:07:18.000 basically means to be pleased. 00:07:18.300 --> 00:07:20.200 The word pleasure uses the noun 00:07:20.200 --> 00:07:22.840 means to be pleased. 00:07:22.839 --> 00:07:25.219 So as Christians, 00:07:26.219 --> 00:07:27.919 in our relationship with the Lord, 00:07:28.799 --> 00:07:32.159 there should be a lot that pleases us. 00:07:33.419 --> 00:07:36.019 A similar word to this idea of Christian joy 00:07:36.019 --> 00:07:37.479 is contentment 00:07:37.480 --> 00:07:40.180 or having peace in your soul 00:07:40.180 --> 00:07:41.319 or a sense of peace, 00:07:41.759 --> 00:07:42.980 rightness with God. 00:07:43.580 --> 00:07:44.780 And this kind of joy 00:07:44.780 --> 00:07:46.140 is not really dependent 00:07:46.140 --> 00:07:47.800 on our circumstances. 00:07:48.700 --> 00:07:49.280 You know, you can 00:07:49.280 --> 00:07:51.120 be going through a hard time, 00:07:52.580 --> 00:07:54.480 strained relationships with somebody maybe, 00:07:55.379 --> 00:07:55.780 sickness, 00:07:56.780 --> 00:07:58.280 a lot of uncertainty in your life. 00:07:58.600 --> 00:07:59.120 And you know, 00:07:59.180 --> 00:08:00.759 you're not just excited about it, 00:08:00.819 --> 00:08:01.280 thrilled about it, 00:08:01.280 --> 00:08:02.340 you're not happy about it, 00:08:02.340 --> 00:08:03.939 but you can, 00:08:04.540 --> 00:08:06.160 as you draw close to the Lord, 00:08:06.160 --> 00:08:08.840 sort of be at peace with it. 00:08:10.400 --> 00:08:12.360 Be content in terms of 00:08:12.360 --> 00:08:14.000 you're able to deal with it. 00:08:15.900 --> 00:08:17.300 And the idea that 00:08:17.300 --> 00:08:19.580 you're going to approach that situation 00:08:19.580 --> 00:08:22.760 seeking to please the Lord 00:08:22.760 --> 00:08:25.879 regardless of how you actually feel. 00:08:25.960 --> 00:08:26.860 That's what we're talking about. 00:08:27.740 --> 00:08:29.720 Now Paul explains the source of such joy 00:08:29.720 --> 00:08:31.140 in verse three as he says, 00:08:31.240 --> 00:08:32.040 rejoice in the Lord. 00:08:32.460 --> 00:08:33.759 That's the first time he has said 00:08:33.759 --> 00:08:34.660 rejoice in the Lord. 00:08:34.659 --> 00:08:36.980 He's talked about joy or rejoice 00:08:36.980 --> 00:08:38.719 nine times up to this point. 00:08:39.019 --> 00:08:40.000 This is the first time he says 00:08:40.000 --> 00:08:40.919 rejoice in the Lord. 00:08:41.419 --> 00:08:43.179 Knowing Jesus is our Savior and Lord 00:08:43.179 --> 00:08:46.459 gives us reason to rejoice, 00:08:47.019 --> 00:08:49.079 to be pleased, 00:08:49.639 --> 00:08:50.799 to be content. 00:08:53.179 --> 00:08:53.919 Doesn't it? 00:08:53.919 --> 00:08:56.199 You know, 00:08:56.199 --> 00:08:57.659 most of us in this room, 00:08:58.360 --> 00:09:01.199 we have at least one close relationship 00:09:01.199 --> 00:09:02.039 with someone 00:09:02.039 --> 00:09:05.179 that it just pleases us 00:09:05.179 --> 00:09:06.699 to be with them. 00:09:07.779 --> 00:09:08.559 Now I hope 00:09:08.559 --> 00:09:10.719 that's your spouse 00:09:10.719 --> 00:09:11.539 if you're married. 00:09:12.539 --> 00:09:13.579 But it could be, 00:09:14.199 --> 00:09:16.559 could be your child, 00:09:17.679 --> 00:09:19.279 unless they're a teenager. 00:09:19.279 --> 00:09:23.319 It could be a friend. 00:09:25.539 --> 00:09:27.439 There's just somebody in your life, 00:09:27.559 --> 00:09:27.939 hopefully, 00:09:28.600 --> 00:09:29.839 and you may have more than one, 00:09:30.939 --> 00:09:32.679 that having a relationship with them 00:09:32.679 --> 00:09:36.419 just makes you more content, 00:09:37.299 --> 00:09:38.539 even in hard times 00:09:38.539 --> 00:09:39.139 when, you know, 00:09:39.339 --> 00:09:40.439 difficult times goes on. 00:09:40.919 --> 00:09:41.059 You know, 00:09:41.100 --> 00:09:41.819 I've thought about that. 00:09:41.820 --> 00:09:46.440 Brian's my friend. 00:09:48.220 --> 00:09:48.760 And I truly, 00:09:48.980 --> 00:09:49.900 there's a lot of times 00:09:49.900 --> 00:09:50.780 I have joy, 00:09:50.920 --> 00:09:51.700 it pleases me 00:09:51.700 --> 00:09:52.920 to spend time with him. 00:09:54.180 --> 00:09:56.040 But when life's hard, 00:09:56.360 --> 00:09:57.460 if I'm sick 00:09:57.460 --> 00:09:59.300 or I'm just in turmoil, 00:10:00.220 --> 00:10:01.480 I don't really care 00:10:01.480 --> 00:10:02.080 if he's around. 00:10:03.340 --> 00:10:04.580 I want Lisa there. 00:10:06.200 --> 00:10:07.240 I'm serious. 00:10:08.220 --> 00:10:10.120 Lisa makes everything better. 00:10:11.820 --> 00:10:13.900 Don't you, 00:10:14.020 --> 00:10:15.280 I hope you have somebody 00:10:15.280 --> 00:10:15.980 in your life 00:10:15.980 --> 00:10:18.460 that just having them there 00:10:18.460 --> 00:10:20.980 makes everything better. 00:10:22.460 --> 00:10:23.760 Well, that's how the Lord 00:10:23.760 --> 00:10:25.060 should be if we're Christians. 00:10:25.840 --> 00:10:27.200 We should have such a relationship 00:10:27.200 --> 00:10:27.720 with him, 00:10:28.160 --> 00:10:29.480 we're able to talk to him, 00:10:30.340 --> 00:10:31.800 we sense his presence, 00:10:32.440 --> 00:10:33.400 and just knowing 00:10:33.400 --> 00:10:34.160 that he's promised 00:10:34.160 --> 00:10:34.860 to never leave us 00:10:34.860 --> 00:10:35.700 nor forsake us, 00:10:36.100 --> 00:10:37.000 no matter what, 00:10:38.340 --> 00:10:39.240 knowing him 00:10:39.240 --> 00:10:41.640 gives us a sense of joy. 00:10:41.820 --> 00:10:43.640 It pleases us. 00:10:44.140 --> 00:10:45.760 It makes things right. 00:10:47.700 --> 00:10:47.920 Now, 00:10:48.280 --> 00:10:49.060 having a relationship 00:10:49.060 --> 00:10:49.400 with the Lord 00:10:49.400 --> 00:10:50.620 does have other benefits. 00:10:51.920 --> 00:10:53.120 Your sins have been forgiven. 00:10:53.620 --> 00:10:55.060 The guilt should be gone. 00:10:55.320 --> 00:10:56.600 No Christian should live in guilt. 00:10:58.560 --> 00:11:01.360 You are an actual child of God. 00:11:02.620 --> 00:11:03.240 The Lord has promised 00:11:03.240 --> 00:11:04.320 to always be with you 00:11:04.320 --> 00:11:05.220 throughout your life 00:11:05.220 --> 00:11:05.740 here on earth, 00:11:05.840 --> 00:11:06.720 and when you die, 00:11:08.180 --> 00:11:09.620 he's going to take you 00:11:09.620 --> 00:11:10.100 into heaven. 00:11:10.759 --> 00:11:11.740 He's going to walk 00:11:11.740 --> 00:11:12.580 with you 00:11:12.580 --> 00:11:14.740 into paradise. 00:11:15.740 --> 00:11:16.139 And so, 00:11:16.580 --> 00:11:18.440 there's a lot of reasons 00:11:18.440 --> 00:11:19.919 why we should be able 00:11:19.919 --> 00:11:20.840 to rejoice 00:11:20.840 --> 00:11:22.919 in the Lord. 00:11:24.080 --> 00:11:24.679 Now, 00:11:25.379 --> 00:11:26.179 I want you to note, 00:11:27.220 --> 00:11:27.820 Paul says, 00:11:28.220 --> 00:11:29.700 to write the same things 00:11:29.700 --> 00:11:30.419 to you 00:11:30.419 --> 00:11:32.379 is no trouble to me 00:11:32.379 --> 00:11:34.240 and is safe for you. 00:11:34.240 --> 00:11:36.220 I'm taking that 00:11:36.220 --> 00:11:37.060 to mean 00:11:37.060 --> 00:11:37.840 that Paul has 00:11:37.840 --> 00:11:40.060 talked to these people 00:11:40.060 --> 00:11:41.379 a lot about joy. 00:11:41.500 --> 00:11:42.560 When he was with them 00:11:42.560 --> 00:11:44.259 earlier in this letter, 00:11:45.279 --> 00:11:46.000 he could have even 00:11:46.000 --> 00:11:46.799 written another letter 00:11:46.799 --> 00:11:47.399 we have no, 00:11:47.740 --> 00:11:47.899 you know, 00:11:47.940 --> 00:11:48.960 we don't know about 00:11:48.960 --> 00:11:50.600 that he talked about joy. 00:11:50.600 --> 00:11:53.299 He talked about joy 00:11:53.299 --> 00:11:54.139 a lot with them 00:11:54.139 --> 00:11:55.639 and it never got old 00:11:55.639 --> 00:11:56.560 to him. 00:11:57.620 --> 00:11:58.740 And he doesn't want it 00:11:58.740 --> 00:11:59.440 to get old 00:11:59.440 --> 00:12:00.299 to them 00:12:00.299 --> 00:12:01.080 either. 00:12:01.879 --> 00:12:02.620 He talks about 00:12:02.620 --> 00:12:03.480 at the end there. 00:12:03.799 --> 00:12:04.519 It is no trouble 00:12:04.519 --> 00:12:05.299 to me 00:12:05.299 --> 00:12:06.500 and it is safe 00:12:06.500 --> 00:12:07.320 for you. 00:12:08.340 --> 00:12:09.500 Rejoicing in the Lord, 00:12:09.860 --> 00:12:10.500 focusing on him 00:12:10.500 --> 00:12:11.399 like we're talking about, 00:12:11.860 --> 00:12:12.879 is good for our 00:12:12.879 --> 00:12:13.980 spiritual health, 00:12:14.200 --> 00:12:15.560 our spiritual well-being, 00:12:16.279 --> 00:12:18.379 our spiritual safety 00:12:18.379 --> 00:12:18.899 even. 00:12:20.600 --> 00:12:21.220 You say, 00:12:21.279 --> 00:12:22.019 how will that be? 00:12:22.340 --> 00:12:22.600 Well, 00:12:23.159 --> 00:12:23.820 it would help us 00:12:23.820 --> 00:12:24.340 to stay off 00:12:24.340 --> 00:12:25.200 the emotional 00:12:25.200 --> 00:12:26.240 roller coaster 00:12:26.240 --> 00:12:27.419 that occurs 00:12:27.419 --> 00:12:28.960 when we allow 00:12:28.960 --> 00:12:30.039 our circumstances 00:12:30.039 --> 00:12:30.899 to dictate 00:12:30.899 --> 00:12:33.240 our mood, 00:12:34.240 --> 00:12:36.240 our emotions. 00:12:37.799 --> 00:12:38.319 And some people 00:12:38.319 --> 00:12:38.740 do that more 00:12:38.740 --> 00:12:39.259 than others. 00:12:40.319 --> 00:12:40.480 I mean, 00:12:40.519 --> 00:12:41.299 some people in here, 00:12:42.179 --> 00:12:42.340 you know, 00:12:42.379 --> 00:12:42.840 you're sort of like 00:12:42.840 --> 00:12:43.879 a flag in the wind. 00:12:44.159 --> 00:12:45.459 Whatever the situation is, 00:12:45.579 --> 00:12:46.439 it gets you down, 00:12:46.519 --> 00:12:47.259 it gets you up. 00:12:47.899 --> 00:12:48.939 You're just dependent 00:12:48.939 --> 00:12:50.860 on what is happening 00:12:50.860 --> 00:12:51.699 around you 00:12:51.699 --> 00:12:52.299 to determine 00:12:52.299 --> 00:12:53.120 your mood, 00:12:53.279 --> 00:12:54.960 your emotional 00:12:54.960 --> 00:12:57.220 status or stability. 00:12:57.639 --> 00:12:58.639 And that's not healthy. 00:12:58.639 --> 00:13:00.580 We need to rejoice 00:13:00.580 --> 00:13:00.980 in the Lord, 00:13:01.240 --> 00:13:01.960 focus on him, 00:13:02.199 --> 00:13:02.919 find peace, 00:13:03.240 --> 00:13:03.559 rest, 00:13:03.740 --> 00:13:05.100 contentment in him, 00:13:05.379 --> 00:13:07.039 and that will help us, 00:13:07.179 --> 00:13:08.000 protect us, 00:13:08.319 --> 00:13:09.019 our sanity, 00:13:09.439 --> 00:13:10.679 our emotional stability, 00:13:10.819 --> 00:13:11.720 as well as our 00:13:11.720 --> 00:13:13.080 spiritual stability. 00:13:13.919 --> 00:13:14.259 Now, 00:13:15.120 --> 00:13:17.179 what could you do 00:13:17.179 --> 00:13:18.720 that would help you 00:13:18.720 --> 00:13:21.279 to rejoice more 00:13:21.279 --> 00:13:21.740 in the Lord, 00:13:22.019 --> 00:13:23.340 to focus more 00:13:23.340 --> 00:13:24.200 on him 00:13:24.200 --> 00:13:27.680 on a daily basis? 00:13:28.560 --> 00:13:28.740 You know, 00:13:28.780 --> 00:13:29.600 one thing would be 00:13:29.600 --> 00:13:31.040 to begin each day 00:13:31.040 --> 00:13:32.080 talking to him. 00:13:32.340 --> 00:13:33.020 Spend some time 00:13:33.020 --> 00:13:33.520 in prayer. 00:13:34.200 --> 00:13:34.940 Spend some time 00:13:34.940 --> 00:13:36.420 reading God's word. 00:13:36.920 --> 00:13:38.100 Focusing on the Lord 00:13:38.100 --> 00:13:39.680 as you begin the day 00:13:39.680 --> 00:13:40.780 or at some point 00:13:40.780 --> 00:13:41.620 during the day. 00:13:43.080 --> 00:13:43.759 A lot of people 00:13:43.759 --> 00:13:44.259 in this room, 00:13:45.360 --> 00:13:46.720 you spend a lot of time 00:13:46.720 --> 00:13:47.820 on the road, 00:13:48.900 --> 00:13:51.120 mornings and afternoons 00:13:51.120 --> 00:13:51.800 going to work, 00:13:51.879 --> 00:13:52.620 going to school. 00:13:52.620 --> 00:13:54.799 What do you do 00:13:54.799 --> 00:13:55.539 during that time? 00:13:57.960 --> 00:13:58.980 Could you 00:13:58.980 --> 00:14:00.379 maybe turn off 00:14:00.379 --> 00:14:00.879 the radio, 00:14:01.080 --> 00:14:01.519 iPod, 00:14:01.560 --> 00:14:02.039 or whatever it is 00:14:02.039 --> 00:14:02.820 you listen to? 00:14:03.440 --> 00:14:04.399 Could you maybe 00:14:04.399 --> 00:14:05.560 have some quiet time 00:14:05.560 --> 00:14:06.659 as you drive 00:14:06.659 --> 00:14:08.740 and just talk 00:14:08.740 --> 00:14:09.259 to the Lord? 00:14:10.379 --> 00:14:11.340 Focus on him? 00:14:13.279 --> 00:14:14.320 Could you 00:14:14.320 --> 00:14:15.360 maybe listen 00:14:15.360 --> 00:14:16.460 to some Christian music 00:14:16.460 --> 00:14:18.139 or some Christian teaching 00:14:18.139 --> 00:14:19.539 that would help you 00:14:19.539 --> 00:14:21.580 to focus more on him? 00:14:22.620 --> 00:14:23.960 or even to grow 00:14:23.960 --> 00:14:25.580 in your relationship 00:14:25.580 --> 00:14:26.019 with him, 00:14:26.080 --> 00:14:26.679 in your knowledge 00:14:26.679 --> 00:14:27.600 of God's word? 00:14:28.860 --> 00:14:30.000 Find ways 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:31.159 that you will be able 00:14:31.159 --> 00:14:33.000 to focus more 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:33.480 on the Lord 00:14:33.480 --> 00:14:34.399 throughout a day 00:14:34.399 --> 00:14:36.500 because that's 00:14:36.500 --> 00:14:37.500 what it's going to take 00:14:37.500 --> 00:14:38.419 for us to really be able 00:14:38.419 --> 00:14:39.759 to rejoice in the Lord 00:14:39.759 --> 00:14:42.460 and find safety 00:14:42.460 --> 00:14:42.960 or stability 00:14:43.620 --> 00:14:47.000 just on a regular basis. 00:14:47.000 --> 00:14:48.940 Now the next verse 00:14:48.940 --> 00:14:49.679 helps us see 00:14:49.679 --> 00:14:50.279 that rejoicing 00:14:50.279 --> 00:14:50.779 in the Lord 00:14:50.779 --> 00:14:53.000 doesn't make us 00:14:53.000 --> 00:14:53.639 immune from the 00:14:53.639 --> 00:14:54.440 harsh realities 00:14:54.440 --> 00:14:55.019 of life 00:14:55.019 --> 00:14:55.980 nor the negative 00:14:55.980 --> 00:14:56.639 emotions 00:14:56.639 --> 00:14:58.360 of being human. 00:14:58.539 --> 00:14:59.159 Look at number two. 00:14:59.600 --> 00:15:00.460 Let's be clear 00:15:00.460 --> 00:15:01.340 about who we can 00:15:01.340 --> 00:15:02.480 trust to teach 00:15:02.480 --> 00:15:03.039 the Bible. 00:15:04.080 --> 00:15:05.019 Paul warns 00:15:05.019 --> 00:15:05.779 the Philippians, 00:15:05.980 --> 00:15:06.659 this church, 00:15:07.000 --> 00:15:08.220 about false teachers 00:15:08.220 --> 00:15:10.259 in a very strong way. 00:15:10.340 --> 00:15:11.220 Look at this verse two. 00:15:11.220 --> 00:15:13.559 Look out for the dogs. 00:15:14.559 --> 00:15:16.220 Look out for the evildoers. 00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:17.820 Look out for those 00:15:17.820 --> 00:15:19.320 who mutilate the flesh. 00:15:19.899 --> 00:15:21.200 You think Paul was smiling 00:15:21.200 --> 00:15:22.100 when he wrote those words? 00:15:23.800 --> 00:15:24.320 You think he was 00:15:24.320 --> 00:15:24.960 in a happy mood? 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:26.960 He was angry. 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:29.820 I think he was red-faced. 00:15:31.080 --> 00:15:31.860 I think you could hear 00:15:31.860 --> 00:15:32.800 it in his voice. 00:15:33.740 --> 00:15:34.600 He was angry 00:15:34.600 --> 00:15:35.940 as he thought about 00:15:35.940 --> 00:15:37.399 these people, 00:15:37.540 --> 00:15:38.779 these false teachers. 00:15:39.120 --> 00:15:39.800 Here's who they were. 00:15:39.800 --> 00:15:41.660 If you're familiar 00:15:41.660 --> 00:15:42.660 with the book of Acts 00:15:42.660 --> 00:15:43.759 or you've read 00:15:43.759 --> 00:15:44.920 some of Paul's letters, 00:15:44.919 --> 00:15:46.679 you know that 00:15:46.679 --> 00:15:48.419 Paul's sort of 00:15:48.419 --> 00:15:50.519 plan of action. 00:15:51.240 --> 00:15:52.279 He went to a place, 00:15:52.360 --> 00:15:53.319 he preached the gospel, 00:15:53.479 --> 00:15:54.539 people were saved, 00:15:54.959 --> 00:15:56.299 he started a church, 00:15:56.759 --> 00:15:57.939 he did his best 00:15:57.939 --> 00:15:58.620 to get them off 00:15:58.620 --> 00:15:59.419 on the right foot, 00:15:59.639 --> 00:16:00.259 doctrinally, 00:16:00.399 --> 00:16:00.879 practically, 00:16:01.019 --> 00:16:01.659 trying to help them 00:16:01.659 --> 00:16:02.479 to understand 00:16:02.479 --> 00:16:03.599 who they were in Christ 00:16:03.599 --> 00:16:04.299 and how to grow. 00:16:06.019 --> 00:16:07.360 But after Paul left, 00:16:08.179 --> 00:16:09.519 in many of his churches, 00:16:10.099 --> 00:16:11.079 there was a group 00:16:11.079 --> 00:16:12.000 that came in. 00:16:12.000 --> 00:16:13.799 They were Jews 00:16:13.799 --> 00:16:15.320 who also claimed 00:16:15.320 --> 00:16:16.039 to be Christians. 00:16:16.820 --> 00:16:17.759 Bible commentators 00:16:17.759 --> 00:16:18.340 refer to them 00:16:18.340 --> 00:16:19.399 as Judaizers. 00:16:19.679 --> 00:16:20.179 They were trying 00:16:20.179 --> 00:16:20.980 to make Jews 00:16:20.980 --> 00:16:21.639 out of Christians. 00:16:22.179 --> 00:16:23.299 And they would come in 00:16:23.299 --> 00:16:23.679 and say, 00:16:23.860 --> 00:16:24.080 yeah, 00:16:24.240 --> 00:16:25.379 what Paul preached 00:16:25.379 --> 00:16:26.120 was okay, 00:16:26.539 --> 00:16:27.759 it is important 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:28.740 to trust in Jesus, 00:16:29.059 --> 00:16:29.460 but that's not 00:16:29.460 --> 00:16:30.139 the whole story. 00:16:31.440 --> 00:16:32.639 Their goal 00:16:32.639 --> 00:16:34.879 was to make Jews 00:16:34.879 --> 00:16:35.720 out of those Christians. 00:16:36.120 --> 00:16:36.580 They would say, 00:16:36.659 --> 00:16:37.379 Paul didn't tell you 00:16:37.379 --> 00:16:37.879 the whole story, 00:16:37.960 --> 00:16:38.940 the full gospel. 00:16:38.940 --> 00:16:40.900 What they would say 00:16:40.900 --> 00:16:42.200 is you've got to obey 00:16:42.200 --> 00:16:43.380 the Old Testament law. 00:16:44.640 --> 00:16:45.860 You've got to keep the law. 00:16:46.940 --> 00:16:48.260 You've got to practice 00:16:48.260 --> 00:16:51.360 the Old Testament circumcision. 00:16:52.460 --> 00:16:53.340 That's important 00:16:53.340 --> 00:16:54.000 for you to do. 00:16:54.780 --> 00:16:56.580 And as a faithful Jew 00:16:56.580 --> 00:16:58.460 obeying the law 00:16:58.460 --> 00:17:01.620 and trusting Christ, 00:17:02.620 --> 00:17:03.920 you will be okay. 00:17:03.920 --> 00:17:06.500 So they were Jews, 00:17:07.340 --> 00:17:08.059 false teachers, 00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:09.819 telling the Gentiles 00:17:09.819 --> 00:17:11.019 they've got to become a Jew. 00:17:13.319 --> 00:17:14.740 And that just 00:17:14.740 --> 00:17:17.220 incensed Paul 00:17:17.220 --> 00:17:19.399 because it was a lie. 00:17:19.940 --> 00:17:21.399 They were undermining 00:17:21.399 --> 00:17:22.319 the truth 00:17:22.319 --> 00:17:23.679 that he had been teaching them. 00:17:24.619 --> 00:17:25.960 And Paul made it clear 00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:26.440 in his letter 00:17:26.440 --> 00:17:27.240 to the Galatians 00:17:27.240 --> 00:17:29.779 that these Judaizers 00:17:29.779 --> 00:17:31.399 were preaching 00:17:31.399 --> 00:17:32.579 a different gospel 00:17:32.579 --> 00:17:33.339 than he preached, 00:17:33.779 --> 00:17:34.859 not completing his, 00:17:35.019 --> 00:17:36.039 a different gospel, 00:17:36.220 --> 00:17:36.919 which meant 00:17:36.920 --> 00:17:37.860 it was no gospel 00:17:37.860 --> 00:17:38.240 at all. 00:17:38.340 --> 00:17:39.120 Look at what he says. 00:17:39.420 --> 00:17:40.420 Galatians chapter 1 00:17:40.420 --> 00:17:41.200 verses 6 to 8. 00:17:43.080 --> 00:17:44.160 In Philippians, 00:17:45.160 --> 00:17:45.860 his anger 00:17:45.860 --> 00:17:46.519 is toward 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:47.740 the false teachers, 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:49.100 not these people. 00:17:49.820 --> 00:17:50.759 In Galatians, 00:17:51.360 --> 00:17:52.060 he's angry 00:17:52.060 --> 00:17:53.380 about everybody. 00:17:53.880 --> 00:17:54.779 The false teachers 00:17:54.779 --> 00:17:55.680 who are coming in 00:17:55.680 --> 00:17:56.400 behind him 00:17:56.400 --> 00:17:57.320 and undermining him 00:17:57.320 --> 00:17:59.360 and these very church members 00:17:59.360 --> 00:18:00.900 who are embracing that, 00:18:01.080 --> 00:18:01.860 believing that, 00:18:02.060 --> 00:18:02.860 being led astray. 00:18:03.080 --> 00:18:03.560 Look at it. 00:18:03.559 --> 00:18:05.379 I am astonished 00:18:05.379 --> 00:18:07.079 that you are so quickly 00:18:07.079 --> 00:18:08.319 deserting him 00:18:08.319 --> 00:18:09.399 who called you 00:18:09.399 --> 00:18:10.919 in the grace of Christ 00:18:10.919 --> 00:18:11.799 and are turning 00:18:11.799 --> 00:18:13.099 to a different gospel, 00:18:13.339 --> 00:18:14.759 not that there is 00:18:14.759 --> 00:18:15.659 another one, 00:18:16.079 --> 00:18:17.099 but there are some 00:18:17.099 --> 00:18:18.019 who trouble you 00:18:18.019 --> 00:18:19.299 and want to distort 00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:20.419 the gospel of Christ. 00:18:20.819 --> 00:18:21.960 But even if we 00:18:21.960 --> 00:18:22.799 or an angel 00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:23.480 from heaven 00:18:23.480 --> 00:18:24.399 should preach to you 00:18:24.399 --> 00:18:25.339 a gospel contrary 00:18:25.339 --> 00:18:25.700 to the one 00:18:25.700 --> 00:18:26.819 we preach to you, 00:18:27.559 --> 00:18:29.419 let him be accursed. 00:18:29.839 --> 00:18:30.579 Let him be 00:18:30.579 --> 00:18:32.299 eternally condemned. 00:18:32.299 --> 00:18:35.079 That's how strongly 00:18:35.079 --> 00:18:35.940 he felt about 00:18:35.940 --> 00:18:37.799 the purity of the gospel, 00:18:38.000 --> 00:18:38.799 preserving it 00:18:38.799 --> 00:18:41.919 and going after those 00:18:41.919 --> 00:18:44.019 who would try to dilute it 00:18:44.019 --> 00:18:44.659 or undermine it 00:18:44.659 --> 00:18:45.419 or change it. 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:47.039 Look at how Paul 00:18:47.039 --> 00:18:47.779 describes them. 00:18:48.440 --> 00:18:49.299 Let's look back 00:18:49.299 --> 00:18:49.799 in the verse. 00:18:50.839 --> 00:18:51.399 Dogs. 00:18:52.220 --> 00:18:53.399 Now don't think about 00:18:53.399 --> 00:18:55.759 your pet at home. 00:18:57.759 --> 00:18:59.519 That is not 00:18:59.519 --> 00:19:00.879 the kind of dog 00:19:00.879 --> 00:19:01.740 Paul had in mind. 00:19:02.299 --> 00:19:04.759 That is our dog, 00:19:05.399 --> 00:19:05.700 Molly. 00:19:06.519 --> 00:19:07.539 She's a good dog. 00:19:08.639 --> 00:19:09.399 Let me say this. 00:19:10.240 --> 00:19:12.019 I do not believe 00:19:12.019 --> 00:19:13.159 in reincarnation. 00:19:14.159 --> 00:19:15.579 That is heresy. 00:19:16.359 --> 00:19:17.639 That is moronic. 00:19:18.319 --> 00:19:19.079 But if reincarnation 00:19:19.079 --> 00:19:20.339 is real, 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:22.159 you want to come back 00:19:22.159 --> 00:19:23.659 as Lisa Stone's dog. 00:19:23.660 --> 00:19:27.200 You'll have the best dog 00:19:27.200 --> 00:19:28.740 life that a dog 00:19:28.740 --> 00:19:29.279 could have. 00:19:30.580 --> 00:19:31.960 That's a fine dog. 00:19:32.900 --> 00:19:33.680 But that's not 00:19:33.680 --> 00:19:35.120 who Paul is calling 00:19:35.120 --> 00:19:37.120 these false teachers. 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:38.180 Look next. 00:19:39.480 --> 00:19:40.080 That 00:19:40.080 --> 00:19:42.200 vicious, 00:19:42.759 --> 00:19:44.100 wild, 00:19:44.519 --> 00:19:45.340 scavenger 00:19:45.340 --> 00:19:46.720 kind of dog 00:19:46.720 --> 00:19:47.340 that roamed 00:19:47.340 --> 00:19:47.940 the streets 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:48.600 of the day, 00:19:49.060 --> 00:19:50.000 nobody's pet. 00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:52.180 when Paul 00:19:52.180 --> 00:19:53.079 called these people 00:19:53.079 --> 00:19:54.099 dogs, 00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:56.200 it was a hateful 00:19:56.200 --> 00:19:57.039 term 00:19:57.039 --> 00:19:58.380 of scorn. 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:01.319 It was about 00:20:01.319 --> 00:20:01.880 as strong 00:20:01.880 --> 00:20:02.720 an insult 00:20:02.720 --> 00:20:05.079 as he could say. 00:20:07.720 --> 00:20:08.500 Jews 00:20:08.500 --> 00:20:09.599 in Paul's day 00:20:09.599 --> 00:20:11.000 condescendingly 00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:13.000 often called 00:20:13.519 --> 00:20:14.480 Gentiles 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:15.000 dogs. 00:20:15.000 --> 00:20:16.039 dogs. 00:20:16.880 --> 00:20:17.500 And a lot of times 00:20:17.500 --> 00:20:18.019 Gentiles 00:20:18.019 --> 00:20:18.920 returned to favor. 00:20:20.279 --> 00:20:20.859 Then Paul 00:20:20.859 --> 00:20:21.559 next calls them 00:20:21.559 --> 00:20:22.619 evildoers. 00:20:23.539 --> 00:20:24.160 He considered 00:20:24.160 --> 00:20:25.039 what they were doing, 00:20:25.180 --> 00:20:26.319 undermining the gospel, 00:20:27.859 --> 00:20:28.880 leading people astray 00:20:28.880 --> 00:20:30.680 as doing 00:20:30.680 --> 00:20:31.640 evil. 00:20:32.400 --> 00:20:33.039 And then those 00:20:33.039 --> 00:20:33.519 who mutilate 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:34.119 the flesh, 00:20:34.519 --> 00:20:35.240 that's what Paul 00:20:35.240 --> 00:20:35.859 thought of 00:20:35.859 --> 00:20:36.900 circumcision 00:20:36.900 --> 00:20:38.099 if it's added 00:20:38.099 --> 00:20:39.059 to the gospel. 00:20:39.960 --> 00:20:41.019 It's nothing 00:20:41.019 --> 00:20:41.640 spiritual. 00:20:43.119 --> 00:20:43.339 These 00:20:43.339 --> 00:20:44.720 false teachers 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:46.339 taught a salvation 00:20:46.339 --> 00:20:47.240 by works 00:20:47.240 --> 00:20:47.640 is what they were 00:20:47.640 --> 00:20:47.839 doing. 00:20:48.279 --> 00:20:49.279 It was a man 00:20:49.279 --> 00:20:50.420 made religion, 00:20:50.660 --> 00:20:51.720 a man made 00:20:51.720 --> 00:20:52.680 salvation. 00:20:53.799 --> 00:20:54.200 But Paul 00:20:54.200 --> 00:20:54.860 tells us here, 00:20:55.880 --> 00:20:56.839 salvation is work 00:20:56.839 --> 00:20:57.519 of the Spirit 00:20:57.519 --> 00:20:57.940 of God. 00:20:58.360 --> 00:20:59.120 Salvation is work 00:20:59.120 --> 00:20:59.819 of the Holy Spirit 00:20:59.819 --> 00:21:01.120 who indwells 00:21:01.120 --> 00:21:02.200 us as Christians. 00:21:03.319 --> 00:21:03.799 The gospel 00:21:03.799 --> 00:21:04.960 calls everyone 00:21:04.960 --> 00:21:07.720 look to Jesus 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:08.360 Christ 00:21:08.360 --> 00:21:10.039 for your 00:21:10.039 --> 00:21:10.559 salvation. 00:21:12.319 --> 00:21:13.100 There's nothing 00:21:13.100 --> 00:21:13.960 you can add 00:21:13.960 --> 00:21:14.400 to it. 00:21:14.720 --> 00:21:15.600 Don't even 00:21:15.600 --> 00:21:16.100 try. 00:21:16.100 --> 00:21:17.500 Look at this, 00:21:17.640 --> 00:21:18.059 verse 3. 00:21:18.400 --> 00:21:19.100 For we are the 00:21:19.100 --> 00:21:19.559 circumcision. 00:21:19.700 --> 00:21:20.819 He's talking about 00:21:20.819 --> 00:21:21.720 spiritually here. 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:22.539 He's talking about 00:21:22.539 --> 00:21:23.660 how in Romans 00:21:23.660 --> 00:21:24.539 it says it this way, 00:21:24.620 --> 00:21:25.420 the Holy Spirit 00:21:25.420 --> 00:21:26.700 circumcises our 00:21:26.700 --> 00:21:26.900 heart. 00:21:27.059 --> 00:21:27.660 He's just talking 00:21:27.660 --> 00:21:28.319 about how God 00:21:28.319 --> 00:21:28.839 does the work 00:21:28.839 --> 00:21:29.440 of salvation 00:21:29.440 --> 00:21:30.620 in these kind 00:21:30.620 --> 00:21:31.480 of terms. 00:21:32.559 --> 00:21:33.039 For we're the 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:33.519 circumcision 00:21:33.519 --> 00:21:34.440 who worship 00:21:34.440 --> 00:21:35.160 by the Spirit 00:21:35.160 --> 00:21:35.720 of God 00:21:35.720 --> 00:21:37.039 and glory 00:21:37.039 --> 00:21:38.240 in Christ 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:38.720 Jesus 00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:40.299 and put no 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:40.900 confidence 00:21:40.900 --> 00:21:42.220 in the flesh. 00:21:42.220 --> 00:21:43.380 our good 00:21:43.380 --> 00:21:43.839 works, 00:21:43.839 --> 00:21:44.740 our keeping 00:21:44.740 --> 00:21:45.460 the law 00:21:45.460 --> 00:21:46.460 and all 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:47.059 these kinds 00:21:47.059 --> 00:21:47.559 of things. 00:21:48.700 --> 00:21:49.539 Paul wants 00:21:49.539 --> 00:21:50.200 to make sure 00:21:50.200 --> 00:21:52.079 that the 00:21:52.079 --> 00:21:52.440 Philippians 00:21:52.440 --> 00:21:53.259 understand 00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:55.839 I know 00:21:55.839 --> 00:21:56.100 what I'm 00:21:56.100 --> 00:21:56.680 talking about. 00:21:58.519 --> 00:21:59.420 Paul wants 00:21:59.420 --> 00:21:59.779 them to 00:21:59.779 --> 00:22:00.339 understand 00:22:00.339 --> 00:22:01.600 that if 00:22:01.600 --> 00:22:02.160 anyone could 00:22:02.160 --> 00:22:02.600 be right 00:22:02.600 --> 00:22:03.140 with God 00:22:03.140 --> 00:22:03.559 by doing 00:22:03.559 --> 00:22:03.860 what these 00:22:03.860 --> 00:22:04.440 false teachers 00:22:04.440 --> 00:22:04.860 say, 00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:07.720 I could 00:22:07.720 --> 00:22:08.460 and I 00:22:08.460 --> 00:22:09.400 would. 00:22:10.779 --> 00:22:11.319 Look at how 00:22:11.319 --> 00:22:11.960 he describes 00:22:11.960 --> 00:22:13.660 his heritage 00:22:13.660 --> 00:22:15.700 and his 00:22:15.700 --> 00:22:16.539 good works. 00:22:17.579 --> 00:22:18.059 He says, 00:22:18.480 --> 00:22:18.900 though I 00:22:18.900 --> 00:22:19.620 myself have 00:22:19.620 --> 00:22:20.180 reason for 00:22:20.180 --> 00:22:20.980 confidence in 00:22:20.980 --> 00:22:21.539 the flesh 00:22:21.539 --> 00:22:22.079 also, 00:22:22.880 --> 00:22:23.420 if anyone 00:22:23.420 --> 00:22:23.960 else thinks 00:22:23.960 --> 00:22:24.240 he has 00:22:24.240 --> 00:22:24.700 reason for 00:22:24.700 --> 00:22:25.220 confidence in 00:22:25.220 --> 00:22:25.519 the flesh, 00:22:25.860 --> 00:22:26.480 I have 00:22:26.480 --> 00:22:26.819 more. 00:22:27.579 --> 00:22:27.900 It's like 00:22:27.900 --> 00:22:29.640 one of the 00:22:29.640 --> 00:22:30.319 greatest Jewish 00:22:30.319 --> 00:22:30.900 resumes 00:22:30.900 --> 00:22:32.960 that a Jewish 00:22:32.960 --> 00:22:33.559 leader could 00:22:33.559 --> 00:22:33.779 have. 00:22:33.839 --> 00:22:34.059 Look at 00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:34.299 this. 00:22:35.519 --> 00:22:36.120 Circumcised 00:22:36.120 --> 00:22:36.460 on the 00:22:36.460 --> 00:22:37.140 eighth day, 00:22:37.720 --> 00:22:38.100 of the 00:22:38.100 --> 00:22:38.519 people of 00:22:38.519 --> 00:22:38.940 Israel, 00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:39.460 of the 00:22:39.460 --> 00:22:39.940 tribe of 00:22:39.940 --> 00:22:40.380 Benjamin, 00:22:40.759 --> 00:22:41.200 a Hebrew 00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:41.860 of Hebrews, 00:22:41.980 --> 00:22:42.460 as to the 00:22:42.460 --> 00:22:42.640 law, 00:22:42.759 --> 00:22:43.720 a Pharisee, 00:22:43.940 --> 00:22:44.839 as to zeal, 00:22:44.960 --> 00:22:45.960 a persecutor 00:22:45.960 --> 00:22:46.759 of the church, 00:22:47.420 --> 00:22:48.480 as to righteousness 00:22:48.480 --> 00:22:49.420 under the law, 00:22:49.980 --> 00:22:50.720 blameless. 00:22:52.140 --> 00:22:53.160 Paul was a 00:22:53.160 --> 00:22:54.140 Jew's Jew 00:22:54.140 --> 00:22:55.360 from birth. 00:22:56.700 --> 00:22:57.200 And as he 00:22:57.200 --> 00:22:57.839 grew up, 00:22:58.480 --> 00:22:58.980 as he went 00:22:58.980 --> 00:22:59.360 through his 00:22:59.360 --> 00:23:00.000 adult life 00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:00.740 until he came 00:23:00.740 --> 00:23:01.339 to Christ, 00:23:02.339 --> 00:23:02.839 he never 00:23:02.839 --> 00:23:03.559 wavered. 00:23:05.980 --> 00:23:06.299 Now, 00:23:06.299 --> 00:23:07.240 I want us 00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:07.680 to pause 00:23:07.680 --> 00:23:07.960 here and 00:23:07.960 --> 00:23:08.279 think about 00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:08.660 what Paul 00:23:08.660 --> 00:23:09.220 is saying 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:11.140 because the 00:23:11.140 --> 00:23:11.839 idea here, 00:23:11.880 --> 00:23:12.380 the concept 00:23:12.380 --> 00:23:12.779 here is a 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:13.019 matter of 00:23:13.019 --> 00:23:13.440 life and 00:23:13.440 --> 00:23:13.799 death. 00:23:15.160 --> 00:23:15.319 It's a 00:23:15.319 --> 00:23:15.519 matter of 00:23:15.519 --> 00:23:15.740 spending 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:16.160 eternity 00:23:16.160 --> 00:23:16.519 in heaven 00:23:16.519 --> 00:23:17.059 or hell. 00:23:18.839 --> 00:23:19.259 In 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:19.720 Paul's 00:23:19.720 --> 00:23:20.059 day, 00:23:20.960 --> 00:23:21.620 many Jews 00:23:21.620 --> 00:23:22.059 thought they 00:23:22.059 --> 00:23:22.579 could score 00:23:22.579 --> 00:23:23.279 points with 00:23:23.279 --> 00:23:25.319 God because 00:23:25.319 --> 00:23:26.319 they were 00:23:26.319 --> 00:23:26.900 born a Jew. 00:23:28.120 --> 00:23:28.859 They tried 00:23:28.859 --> 00:23:29.480 to keep the 00:23:29.480 --> 00:23:30.700 Ten Commandments 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:32.579 and that's 00:23:32.579 --> 00:23:32.859 what the 00:23:32.859 --> 00:23:33.480 false teachers 00:23:33.480 --> 00:23:34.759 were teaching. 00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:38.279 today, 00:23:39.079 --> 00:23:40.779 in this 00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:42.440 community, 00:23:43.440 --> 00:23:45.799 maybe in 00:23:45.799 --> 00:23:46.440 this church, 00:23:47.200 --> 00:23:48.259 some people 00:23:48.259 --> 00:23:49.759 think along 00:23:49.759 --> 00:23:50.180 that same 00:23:50.180 --> 00:23:50.559 line, 00:23:51.559 --> 00:23:53.019 what about 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:53.339 you? 00:23:54.819 --> 00:23:55.559 Think with 00:23:55.559 --> 00:23:55.819 me. 00:23:56.359 --> 00:23:56.720 Were you 00:23:56.720 --> 00:23:57.259 born into a 00:23:57.259 --> 00:23:57.940 Christian home? 00:23:57.940 --> 00:24:00.819 Did you have 00:24:00.819 --> 00:24:02.700 godly parents? 00:24:04.279 --> 00:24:04.679 Have you been 00:24:04.679 --> 00:24:05.339 to church 00:24:05.339 --> 00:24:07.819 basically all 00:24:07.819 --> 00:24:08.599 your life? 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:10.679 Well, 00:24:10.679 --> 00:24:11.200 those things 00:24:11.200 --> 00:24:12.879 are great in 00:24:12.879 --> 00:24:14.159 that they gave 00:24:14.159 --> 00:24:14.720 you the 00:24:14.720 --> 00:24:16.179 advantage of 00:24:16.179 --> 00:24:17.099 having Christian 00:24:17.099 --> 00:24:18.339 role models right 00:24:18.339 --> 00:24:18.740 there in your 00:24:18.740 --> 00:24:19.039 home. 00:24:20.379 --> 00:24:21.279 You had the 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.899 advantage of 00:24:21.899 --> 00:24:23.059 being taught the 00:24:23.059 --> 00:24:24.059 Word of God 00:24:24.059 --> 00:24:26.220 and you still 00:24:26.220 --> 00:24:27.720 know a lot 00:24:27.720 --> 00:24:28.720 that you learned 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:29.599 even at a very 00:24:29.599 --> 00:24:30.599 young age. 00:24:32.379 --> 00:24:33.119 But I want 00:24:33.119 --> 00:24:33.299 you to 00:24:33.299 --> 00:24:33.699 understand, 00:24:34.779 --> 00:24:35.899 your parents' 00:24:36.240 --> 00:24:38.000 faith and 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:38.899 your Bible 00:24:38.899 --> 00:24:39.899 knowledge and 00:24:39.899 --> 00:24:40.500 your church 00:24:40.500 --> 00:24:42.539 attendance has 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:43.619 absolutely nothing 00:24:43.619 --> 00:24:44.799 to do with your 00:24:44.799 --> 00:24:46.159 personal salvation. 00:24:47.740 --> 00:24:48.359 In fact, 00:24:49.319 --> 00:24:50.759 our exposure to 00:24:50.759 --> 00:24:52.039 Christian role 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:52.879 models like in 00:24:52.879 --> 00:24:53.519 our homes, 00:24:55.240 --> 00:24:56.199 our exposure 00:24:56.199 --> 00:24:57.959 to biblical 00:24:57.959 --> 00:24:58.759 teaching, 00:24:59.599 --> 00:25:03.279 God expects 00:25:03.279 --> 00:25:04.099 us more 00:25:04.099 --> 00:25:04.699 accountable. 00:25:06.419 --> 00:25:07.339 God expects 00:25:07.339 --> 00:25:08.219 more of you 00:25:08.219 --> 00:25:08.980 and me if we 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:09.459 grew up in a 00:25:09.459 --> 00:25:09.980 Christian home 00:25:09.980 --> 00:25:10.539 and been taught 00:25:10.539 --> 00:25:10.980 the Word of 00:25:10.980 --> 00:25:12.179 God more than 00:25:12.179 --> 00:25:12.879 someone who 00:25:12.879 --> 00:25:13.899 was a pagan, 00:25:15.119 --> 00:25:16.359 an ungodly 00:25:16.359 --> 00:25:17.359 home and never 00:25:17.359 --> 00:25:17.859 even heard 00:25:17.859 --> 00:25:18.379 anything that 00:25:18.379 --> 00:25:18.919 was in the 00:25:18.919 --> 00:25:19.240 Bible. 00:25:21.719 --> 00:25:21.919 You say, 00:25:21.959 --> 00:25:22.240 I don't know 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:22.619 about that. 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:23.179 Look at what 00:25:23.179 --> 00:25:23.859 Jesus said in 00:25:23.859 --> 00:25:24.199 one of his 00:25:24.199 --> 00:25:24.659 parables. 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:26.859 Everyone to 00:25:26.859 --> 00:25:27.639 whom much 00:25:27.640 --> 00:25:28.420 was given 00:25:28.420 --> 00:25:30.140 of him, 00:25:30.680 --> 00:25:31.300 much will be 00:25:31.300 --> 00:25:31.800 required. 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:32.200 That's the 00:25:32.200 --> 00:25:32.700 principle of 00:25:32.700 --> 00:25:33.140 life. 00:25:35.380 --> 00:25:36.180 Even as a 00:25:36.180 --> 00:25:36.680 Christian right 00:25:36.680 --> 00:25:37.000 now, 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:38.759 if God has 00:25:38.759 --> 00:25:39.640 given you 00:25:39.640 --> 00:25:40.580 spiritual gifts 00:25:40.580 --> 00:25:41.060 and talents 00:25:41.060 --> 00:25:41.740 and abilities, 00:25:43.100 --> 00:25:43.480 I mean, 00:25:43.580 --> 00:25:44.380 you're sharp. 00:25:44.920 --> 00:25:45.780 By the grace of 00:25:45.780 --> 00:25:46.640 God, you are a 00:25:46.640 --> 00:25:47.700 sharp Christian, 00:25:48.160 --> 00:25:48.620 talented, 00:25:49.320 --> 00:25:49.780 a lot of 00:25:49.780 --> 00:25:50.320 abilities. 00:25:51.000 --> 00:25:51.660 God expects you 00:25:51.660 --> 00:25:52.400 to be using them 00:25:52.400 --> 00:25:53.600 for his glory and 00:25:53.600 --> 00:25:54.259 the good of the 00:25:54.259 --> 00:25:55.180 people around you, 00:25:55.180 --> 00:25:55.960 including this 00:25:55.960 --> 00:25:56.420 church. 00:25:57.460 --> 00:25:57.960 We are 00:25:57.960 --> 00:25:58.600 accountable for 00:25:58.600 --> 00:25:59.160 what God 00:25:59.160 --> 00:26:00.220 brings into 00:26:00.220 --> 00:26:00.580 our life, 00:26:00.640 --> 00:26:01.000 what God 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:01.880 gives us. 00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:03.880 Think about 00:26:03.880 --> 00:26:04.259 this. 00:26:05.620 --> 00:26:06.060 Have you 00:26:06.060 --> 00:26:06.960 behaved yourself 00:26:06.960 --> 00:26:07.480 pretty good 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:07.940 most of your 00:26:07.940 --> 00:26:08.279 life? 00:26:10.580 --> 00:26:10.920 I mean, 00:26:12.039 --> 00:26:12.500 there's a lot 00:26:12.500 --> 00:26:12.779 of people in 00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:13.060 this room, 00:26:13.160 --> 00:26:13.680 not Mike 00:26:13.680 --> 00:26:14.160 Sterling-Kinney, 00:26:14.340 --> 00:26:14.680 but there's a 00:26:14.680 --> 00:26:14.980 lot of people 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:15.340 in this room 00:26:15.340 --> 00:26:15.680 who've been 00:26:15.680 --> 00:26:16.380 good people 00:26:16.380 --> 00:26:16.779 most of 00:26:16.779 --> 00:26:17.259 their lives. 00:26:20.140 --> 00:26:20.580 You 00:26:20.580 --> 00:26:22.360 listened to 00:26:22.360 --> 00:26:22.880 your parents. 00:26:24.060 --> 00:26:24.420 You weren't 00:26:24.420 --> 00:26:24.980 defiant, 00:26:25.140 --> 00:26:25.800 rebellious. 00:26:28.220 --> 00:26:28.880 You have 00:26:28.880 --> 00:26:29.519 tried to 00:26:29.519 --> 00:26:29.960 obey the 00:26:29.960 --> 00:26:30.600 laws of 00:26:30.600 --> 00:26:31.300 God and 00:26:31.300 --> 00:26:31.820 man. 00:26:34.060 --> 00:26:34.779 In fact, 00:26:35.600 --> 00:26:35.900 there may 00:26:35.900 --> 00:26:36.200 be a lot 00:26:36.200 --> 00:26:36.360 of people 00:26:36.360 --> 00:26:36.560 in this 00:26:36.560 --> 00:26:38.320 room that 00:26:38.320 --> 00:26:38.519 you've 00:26:38.519 --> 00:26:38.800 sort of 00:26:38.800 --> 00:26:39.440 lived a 00:26:39.440 --> 00:26:40.800 Andy Taylor 00:26:40.800 --> 00:26:41.779 of Mayberry 00:26:41.779 --> 00:26:42.279 kind of 00:26:42.279 --> 00:26:42.660 life. 00:26:44.019 --> 00:26:44.539 You've 00:26:44.539 --> 00:26:44.940 just been 00:26:44.940 --> 00:26:45.380 good. 00:26:46.860 --> 00:26:47.460 But I 00:26:47.460 --> 00:26:47.620 want you 00:26:47.620 --> 00:26:48.080 to understand, 00:26:49.580 --> 00:26:50.700 your good 00:26:50.700 --> 00:26:51.519 works may 00:26:51.519 --> 00:26:52.039 and probably 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:52.660 have made 00:26:52.660 --> 00:26:53.140 your life 00:26:53.140 --> 00:26:53.720 in this 00:26:53.720 --> 00:26:54.740 world better. 00:26:56.240 --> 00:26:57.140 But God 00:26:57.140 --> 00:26:57.700 is not 00:26:57.700 --> 00:26:58.420 impressed. 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:01.059 And you 00:27:01.059 --> 00:27:01.400 have not 00:27:01.400 --> 00:27:01.779 earned 00:27:01.779 --> 00:27:02.600 anything 00:27:02.600 --> 00:27:05.019 before God 00:27:05.019 --> 00:27:06.900 by your 00:27:06.900 --> 00:27:07.700 good life 00:27:07.700 --> 00:27:08.039 and good 00:27:08.039 --> 00:27:08.640 works. 00:27:09.900 --> 00:27:10.799 Unless you 00:27:10.799 --> 00:27:11.180 have lived 00:27:11.180 --> 00:27:11.620 an absolutely 00:27:11.620 --> 00:27:12.660 perfect life 00:27:12.660 --> 00:27:14.000 and never 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:15.059 sinned, 00:27:16.360 --> 00:27:16.819 you, 00:27:17.579 --> 00:27:17.900 no matter 00:27:17.900 --> 00:27:18.819 where you 00:27:18.819 --> 00:27:19.319 came from 00:27:19.319 --> 00:27:19.579 or what 00:27:19.579 --> 00:27:19.940 you've done, 00:27:19.940 --> 00:27:20.559 you are 00:27:20.559 --> 00:27:20.860 not 00:27:20.859 --> 00:27:21.439 acceptable 00:27:21.439 --> 00:27:23.119 to God 00:27:23.119 --> 00:27:23.899 on your 00:27:23.899 --> 00:27:24.179 own. 00:27:25.199 --> 00:27:25.479 You're 00:27:25.479 --> 00:27:25.879 not. 00:27:26.740 --> 00:27:27.240 You may 00:27:27.240 --> 00:27:27.599 be a whole 00:27:27.599 --> 00:27:28.059 lot better 00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:28.399 than the 00:27:28.399 --> 00:27:28.959 person sitting 00:27:28.959 --> 00:27:29.579 beside you 00:27:29.579 --> 00:27:29.979 in the pew. 00:27:31.419 --> 00:27:31.879 You may 00:27:31.879 --> 00:27:32.319 be a lot 00:27:32.319 --> 00:27:32.719 better than 00:27:32.719 --> 00:27:33.139 a lot of 00:27:33.139 --> 00:27:33.619 people that 00:27:33.619 --> 00:27:34.099 you know. 00:27:34.899 --> 00:27:35.419 That's part 00:27:35.419 --> 00:27:35.639 of our 00:27:35.639 --> 00:27:35.979 problem. 00:27:36.279 --> 00:27:36.519 We like 00:27:36.519 --> 00:27:37.099 to compare 00:27:37.099 --> 00:27:37.819 ourselves. 00:27:38.439 --> 00:27:38.619 You know? 00:27:41.379 --> 00:27:42.099 I would 00:27:42.099 --> 00:27:42.859 never compare 00:27:42.859 --> 00:27:43.699 myself with 00:27:43.699 --> 00:27:44.579 Rudy Gray 00:27:44.579 --> 00:27:45.019 sitting over 00:27:45.019 --> 00:27:45.240 there. 00:27:45.240 --> 00:27:46.740 You know, 00:27:46.759 --> 00:27:47.019 I just 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:47.439 couldn't, 00:27:47.859 --> 00:27:48.219 I couldn't 00:27:48.219 --> 00:27:48.979 measure up. 00:27:48.980 --> 00:27:52.259 But I 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:52.559 can compare 00:27:52.559 --> 00:27:52.960 myself to 00:27:52.960 --> 00:27:53.339 Mike Sterling 00:27:53.339 --> 00:27:53.579 Kenny, 00:27:53.779 --> 00:27:54.059 okay. 00:27:55.420 --> 00:27:55.900 So you 00:27:55.900 --> 00:27:56.099 shouldn't 00:27:56.099 --> 00:27:56.400 sit on the 00:27:56.400 --> 00:27:56.740 front row 00:27:56.740 --> 00:27:56.960 with a 00:27:56.960 --> 00:27:57.420 suit on. 00:27:57.579 --> 00:27:57.960 That just 00:27:57.960 --> 00:27:58.299 gets my 00:27:58.299 --> 00:27:58.680 attention. 00:28:03.000 --> 00:28:03.460 You see 00:28:03.460 --> 00:28:03.660 what I'm 00:28:03.660 --> 00:28:04.160 talking about? 00:28:05.360 --> 00:28:05.940 You think 00:28:05.940 --> 00:28:06.299 to yourself, 00:28:06.440 --> 00:28:06.860 I am a 00:28:06.860 --> 00:28:07.140 pretty good 00:28:07.140 --> 00:28:07.579 guy and 00:28:07.579 --> 00:28:08.000 maybe you 00:28:08.000 --> 00:28:09.220 are in 00:28:09.220 --> 00:28:09.420 this 00:28:09.420 --> 00:28:09.839 community, 00:28:10.779 --> 00:28:11.279 comparatively 00:28:11.279 --> 00:28:11.720 speaking. 00:28:13.220 --> 00:28:14.000 But before 00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:15.099 God and 00:28:15.099 --> 00:28:16.019 his perfect, 00:28:16.539 --> 00:28:17.019 righteous, 00:28:17.380 --> 00:28:18.920 holy standards, 00:28:18.980 --> 00:28:21.000 you are a 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:21.220 sinner. 00:28:22.960 --> 00:28:23.620 You can 00:28:23.620 --> 00:28:24.259 do nothing 00:28:24.259 --> 00:28:25.180 to change 00:28:25.180 --> 00:28:25.559 that. 00:28:26.420 --> 00:28:26.740 You can 00:28:26.740 --> 00:28:27.200 do nothing 00:28:27.200 --> 00:28:27.759 to overcome 00:28:27.759 --> 00:28:28.660 that on 00:28:28.660 --> 00:28:29.660 your own. 00:28:31.180 --> 00:28:31.480 We need 00:28:31.480 --> 00:28:31.880 to understand 00:28:31.880 --> 00:28:32.420 this as 00:28:32.420 --> 00:28:33.259 Paul points 00:28:33.259 --> 00:28:33.640 out next. 00:28:33.700 --> 00:28:34.000 Look at this 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:34.319 quickly. 00:28:35.079 --> 00:28:35.420 Let's be 00:28:35.420 --> 00:28:35.960 clear about 00:28:35.960 --> 00:28:37.079 what ultimately 00:28:37.079 --> 00:28:38.099 matters. 00:28:38.220 --> 00:28:38.720 Verses 7 00:28:38.720 --> 00:28:39.059 and 8. 00:28:39.380 --> 00:28:39.759 But whatever 00:28:39.759 --> 00:28:40.620 gain I had, 00:28:40.660 --> 00:28:41.240 I counted as 00:28:41.240 --> 00:28:41.920 loss for the 00:28:41.920 --> 00:28:42.240 sake of 00:28:42.240 --> 00:28:42.579 Christ. 00:28:42.900 --> 00:28:43.180 Indeed, 00:28:43.440 --> 00:28:43.819 I count 00:28:43.819 --> 00:28:44.640 everything as 00:28:44.640 --> 00:28:45.279 loss because 00:28:45.279 --> 00:28:45.539 of the 00:28:45.539 --> 00:28:46.140 surpassing 00:28:46.140 --> 00:28:47.140 worth of 00:28:47.140 --> 00:28:48.000 knowing Christ 00:28:48.000 --> 00:28:48.559 Jesus my 00:28:48.559 --> 00:28:48.839 Lord. 00:28:49.500 --> 00:28:49.980 For his 00:28:49.980 --> 00:28:50.399 sake I 00:28:50.399 --> 00:28:50.579 have 00:28:50.579 --> 00:28:51.000 suffered 00:28:51.000 --> 00:28:51.579 the loss 00:28:51.579 --> 00:28:51.940 of all 00:28:51.940 --> 00:28:52.659 things and 00:28:52.659 --> 00:28:53.200 count them 00:28:53.200 --> 00:28:54.059 as rubbish 00:28:54.059 --> 00:28:55.059 in order that 00:28:55.059 --> 00:28:55.759 I may gain 00:28:55.759 --> 00:28:56.319 Christ. 00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:57.419 I want you 00:28:57.419 --> 00:28:57.659 to look at 00:28:57.659 --> 00:28:59.059 what Paul 00:28:59.059 --> 00:29:00.419 called his 00:29:00.419 --> 00:29:01.220 previous 00:29:01.220 --> 00:29:02.819 religious 00:29:02.819 --> 00:29:04.139 resume, 00:29:04.460 --> 00:29:05.419 his assets, 00:29:06.639 --> 00:29:07.259 rubbish. 00:29:07.759 --> 00:29:08.159 R.C. 00:29:08.220 --> 00:29:09.019 Sproul explains 00:29:09.019 --> 00:29:09.480 what he meant 00:29:09.480 --> 00:29:09.819 by that. 00:29:09.919 --> 00:29:10.139 Look, 00:29:10.700 --> 00:29:11.519 some scholars 00:29:11.519 --> 00:29:12.179 contend the 00:29:12.179 --> 00:29:12.779 Greek word 00:29:12.779 --> 00:29:13.519 for rubbish 00:29:13.519 --> 00:29:14.419 is actually 00:29:14.419 --> 00:29:15.079 the ordinary 00:29:15.079 --> 00:29:16.079 slang term 00:29:16.079 --> 00:29:16.980 for dung 00:29:16.980 --> 00:29:17.960 or may 00:29:17.960 --> 00:29:18.460 refer to 00:29:18.460 --> 00:29:19.079 garbage 00:29:19.079 --> 00:29:19.720 thrown out 00:29:19.720 --> 00:29:20.319 to dogs. 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:21.379 This stuff 00:29:21.379 --> 00:29:22.159 had value 00:29:22.159 --> 00:29:23.399 before Christ 00:29:23.399 --> 00:29:24.259 but now 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:24.699 it is to 00:29:24.699 --> 00:29:26.240 be flushed 00:29:26.240 --> 00:29:26.699 away. 00:29:27.419 --> 00:29:27.980 Christ is 00:29:27.980 --> 00:29:28.460 now the 00:29:28.460 --> 00:29:29.059 only thing 00:29:29.059 --> 00:29:29.799 that counts 00:29:29.799 --> 00:29:30.839 and Paul 00:29:30.839 --> 00:29:31.859 put everything 00:29:31.859 --> 00:29:33.279 else away. 00:29:34.559 --> 00:29:35.220 Everything 00:29:35.220 --> 00:29:36.059 that Paul 00:29:36.059 --> 00:29:36.819 the Jew, 00:29:37.220 --> 00:29:37.419 everything 00:29:37.419 --> 00:29:37.960 that Paul 00:29:37.960 --> 00:29:38.579 the good 00:29:38.579 --> 00:29:39.460 guy in his 00:29:39.460 --> 00:29:40.179 day thought 00:29:40.179 --> 00:29:40.859 was important, 00:29:40.859 --> 00:29:42.879 his heritage, 00:29:42.880 --> 00:29:44.120 his good 00:29:44.120 --> 00:29:44.660 works, 00:29:45.440 --> 00:29:46.380 was really 00:29:46.380 --> 00:29:47.080 worth 00:29:47.080 --> 00:29:47.880 nothing, 00:29:48.960 --> 00:29:49.360 I mean 00:29:49.360 --> 00:29:49.960 absolutely 00:29:49.960 --> 00:29:50.740 nothing 00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:51.820 in terms 00:29:51.820 --> 00:29:52.600 of securing 00:29:52.600 --> 00:29:53.860 God's 00:29:53.860 --> 00:29:54.420 favor. 00:29:55.420 --> 00:29:55.740 Do you 00:29:55.740 --> 00:29:55.920 really 00:29:55.920 --> 00:29:56.360 understand 00:29:56.360 --> 00:29:56.640 that? 00:29:58.840 --> 00:29:59.640 Everything 00:29:59.640 --> 00:30:00.200 that you 00:30:00.200 --> 00:30:00.820 think makes 00:30:00.820 --> 00:30:01.500 you special 00:30:01.500 --> 00:30:04.740 or that 00:30:04.740 --> 00:30:05.160 gives you 00:30:05.160 --> 00:30:05.440 some kind 00:30:05.440 --> 00:30:05.840 of special 00:30:05.840 --> 00:30:06.280 standing 00:30:06.280 --> 00:30:07.100 before God 00:30:07.100 --> 00:30:08.220 like your 00:30:08.220 --> 00:30:08.700 family, 00:30:09.040 --> 00:30:09.440 your church 00:30:09.440 --> 00:30:10.060 attendance, 00:30:10.860 --> 00:30:11.320 maybe your 00:30:11.320 --> 00:30:11.740 talents, 00:30:11.900 --> 00:30:12.360 your gifts, 00:30:12.359 --> 00:30:13.459 your education. 00:30:14.939 --> 00:30:15.659 It's 00:30:15.659 --> 00:30:16.299 worthless, 00:30:17.259 --> 00:30:17.939 absolutely 00:30:17.939 --> 00:30:18.639 meaningless 00:30:18.639 --> 00:30:19.579 in terms 00:30:19.579 --> 00:30:21.199 of gaining 00:30:21.199 --> 00:30:21.799 God's 00:30:21.799 --> 00:30:22.219 favor. 00:30:23.740 --> 00:30:24.179 And anyone 00:30:24.179 --> 00:30:24.639 who tells 00:30:24.639 --> 00:30:25.159 you otherwise 00:30:25.159 --> 00:30:26.299 is a false 00:30:26.299 --> 00:30:27.099 teacher. 00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:28.500 Anyone who 00:30:28.500 --> 00:30:28.859 tells you 00:30:28.859 --> 00:30:29.199 otherwise, 00:30:29.419 --> 00:30:29.740 they're a 00:30:29.740 --> 00:30:30.279 dog, 00:30:31.179 --> 00:30:32.259 a scavenger 00:30:32.259 --> 00:30:32.779 dog. 00:30:33.539 --> 00:30:34.079 They are 00:30:34.079 --> 00:30:35.779 evil doers. 00:30:37.779 --> 00:30:38.539 Don't 00:30:38.539 --> 00:30:39.199 listen to 00:30:39.199 --> 00:30:40.359 anyone who 00:30:40.359 --> 00:30:41.459 denies or 00:30:41.459 --> 00:30:42.339 ignores the 00:30:42.339 --> 00:30:43.819 fact that 00:30:43.819 --> 00:30:44.579 you are a 00:30:44.579 --> 00:30:44.879 sinner, 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:46.859 totally 00:30:46.859 --> 00:30:47.699 dependent upon 00:30:47.699 --> 00:30:48.279 God's 00:30:48.279 --> 00:30:50.159 grace and 00:30:50.159 --> 00:30:50.539 Jesus' 00:30:51.039 --> 00:30:52.119 righteousness 00:30:52.119 --> 00:30:53.939 for your 00:30:53.939 --> 00:30:54.399 salvation. 00:30:55.899 --> 00:30:56.319 I want you 00:30:56.319 --> 00:30:56.500 to hang 00:30:56.500 --> 00:30:56.779 on to your 00:30:56.779 --> 00:30:57.179 hats on 00:30:57.179 --> 00:30:57.480 this. 00:31:00.480 --> 00:31:01.079 Whoever 00:31:01.079 --> 00:31:01.679 tells you 00:31:01.679 --> 00:31:02.179 otherwise 00:31:02.179 --> 00:31:03.639 is a 00:31:03.639 --> 00:31:04.000 false 00:31:04.000 --> 00:31:04.559 teacher, 00:31:05.559 --> 00:31:06.419 even if 00:31:06.419 --> 00:31:06.839 that's your 00:31:06.839 --> 00:31:07.439 parents 00:31:07.440 --> 00:31:10.539 or your 00:31:10.539 --> 00:31:11.340 grandparents 00:31:11.340 --> 00:31:14.160 or Joel 00:31:14.160 --> 00:31:14.860 Osteen 00:31:14.860 --> 00:31:17.420 or anyone 00:31:17.420 --> 00:31:19.519 else who 00:31:19.519 --> 00:31:20.539 denies 00:31:20.539 --> 00:31:23.620 the clear 00:31:23.620 --> 00:31:24.120 teaching of 00:31:24.120 --> 00:31:24.539 the Bible 00:31:24.539 --> 00:31:26.500 that we're all 00:31:26.500 --> 00:31:26.840 sinners, 00:31:27.299 --> 00:31:28.299 we cannot save 00:31:28.299 --> 00:31:28.759 ourselves, 00:31:28.900 --> 00:31:29.700 we cannot earn 00:31:29.700 --> 00:31:30.480 our salvation. 00:31:30.480 --> 00:31:33.860 But don't 00:31:33.860 --> 00:31:34.380 think I'm 00:31:34.380 --> 00:31:35.120 being overly 00:31:35.120 --> 00:31:36.620 harsh or 00:31:36.620 --> 00:31:37.180 hard. 00:31:38.079 --> 00:31:38.980 I'm just 00:31:38.980 --> 00:31:40.380 preaching 00:31:40.380 --> 00:31:42.200 what Paul 00:31:42.200 --> 00:31:44.200 in Galatians 00:31:44.200 --> 00:31:44.559 said. 00:31:44.700 --> 00:31:45.240 Look again, 00:31:45.880 --> 00:31:46.400 but even if 00:31:46.400 --> 00:31:47.240 we or an 00:31:47.240 --> 00:31:47.880 angel from 00:31:47.880 --> 00:31:48.660 heaven should 00:31:48.660 --> 00:31:49.140 preach to 00:31:49.140 --> 00:31:49.539 you a 00:31:49.539 --> 00:31:50.680 gospel contrary 00:31:50.680 --> 00:31:51.000 to the 00:31:51.000 --> 00:31:51.920 ones we 00:31:51.920 --> 00:31:52.440 preach to 00:31:52.440 --> 00:31:52.759 you, 00:31:52.759 --> 00:31:54.079 let him be 00:31:54.079 --> 00:31:55.120 accursed. 00:31:56.440 --> 00:31:57.120 That's how 00:31:57.120 --> 00:31:57.940 strong it is. 00:31:57.940 --> 00:32:00.400 That's how 00:32:00.400 --> 00:32:01.200 important it 00:32:01.200 --> 00:32:01.860 is that you 00:32:01.860 --> 00:32:02.580 not be 00:32:02.580 --> 00:32:03.539 misled by 00:32:03.539 --> 00:32:04.360 any human 00:32:04.360 --> 00:32:04.940 being in 00:32:04.940 --> 00:32:05.640 this world 00:32:05.640 --> 00:32:07.660 when it 00:32:07.660 --> 00:32:08.180 comes to 00:32:08.180 --> 00:32:08.860 how you 00:32:08.860 --> 00:32:09.220 are right 00:32:09.220 --> 00:32:09.600 with God. 00:32:09.759 --> 00:32:10.380 Last thing, 00:32:11.019 --> 00:32:11.480 let's be 00:32:11.480 --> 00:32:11.900 clear about 00:32:11.900 --> 00:32:12.220 how we 00:32:12.220 --> 00:32:12.840 become right 00:32:12.840 --> 00:32:13.320 with God. 00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:13.860 Let's look 00:32:13.860 --> 00:32:14.100 at verses 00:32:14.100 --> 00:32:14.640 9 and 00:32:14.640 --> 00:32:14.940 10. 00:32:15.460 --> 00:32:15.720 And be 00:32:15.720 --> 00:32:16.180 found in 00:32:16.180 --> 00:32:16.360 him, 00:32:16.440 --> 00:32:16.759 not having 00:32:16.759 --> 00:32:17.279 a righteousness 00:32:17.279 --> 00:32:17.940 of my own 00:32:17.940 --> 00:32:18.299 that comes 00:32:18.299 --> 00:32:18.600 from the 00:32:18.600 --> 00:32:18.840 law, 00:32:19.120 --> 00:32:19.480 but that 00:32:19.480 --> 00:32:20.080 which comes 00:32:20.080 --> 00:32:20.720 through faith 00:32:20.720 --> 00:32:21.420 in Christ, 00:32:21.539 --> 00:32:22.080 the righteousness 00:32:22.080 --> 00:32:22.860 from God 00:32:22.860 --> 00:32:23.600 that depends 00:32:23.600 --> 00:32:24.160 on faith. 00:32:25.200 --> 00:32:25.640 Let's stop 00:32:25.640 --> 00:32:25.840 there. 00:32:26.759 --> 00:32:27.620 Paul describes 00:32:27.619 --> 00:32:28.579 salvation as 00:32:28.579 --> 00:32:30.399 having a 00:32:30.399 --> 00:32:31.000 righteousness 00:32:31.000 --> 00:32:32.259 that comes 00:32:32.259 --> 00:32:33.159 through faith 00:32:33.159 --> 00:32:34.159 in Jesus 00:32:34.159 --> 00:32:34.639 Christ. 00:32:35.119 --> 00:32:35.599 Now what 00:32:35.599 --> 00:32:35.919 does he 00:32:35.919 --> 00:32:36.179 mean? 00:32:37.439 --> 00:32:37.799 Well the 00:32:37.799 --> 00:32:38.099 word 00:32:38.099 --> 00:32:38.759 righteousness 00:32:38.759 --> 00:32:40.139 simply means 00:32:40.139 --> 00:32:40.859 to be declared 00:32:40.859 --> 00:32:41.379 right with 00:32:41.379 --> 00:32:41.679 God. 00:32:42.979 --> 00:32:44.319 Don't stumble 00:32:44.319 --> 00:32:44.659 over it, 00:32:44.819 --> 00:32:45.219 sort of a, 00:32:45.399 --> 00:32:45.759 look at that 00:32:45.759 --> 00:32:45.959 word, 00:32:46.079 --> 00:32:46.559 what does that 00:32:46.559 --> 00:32:47.219 exactly mean? 00:32:48.159 --> 00:32:48.519 It means to 00:32:48.519 --> 00:32:49.139 be right with 00:32:49.139 --> 00:32:49.459 God, 00:32:50.079 --> 00:32:51.059 or to be 00:32:51.059 --> 00:32:51.899 declared right 00:32:51.899 --> 00:32:52.299 with God 00:32:52.299 --> 00:32:52.859 by God. 00:32:53.679 --> 00:32:54.479 God declares 00:32:54.479 --> 00:32:54.979 us to be 00:32:54.979 --> 00:32:55.439 right with 00:32:55.439 --> 00:32:55.699 him, 00:32:55.700 --> 00:32:57.940 when we 00:32:57.940 --> 00:32:58.259 put our 00:32:58.259 --> 00:32:58.779 faith in 00:32:58.779 --> 00:32:59.460 Jesus as 00:32:59.460 --> 00:33:00.000 our Savior 00:33:00.000 --> 00:33:00.980 and Lord. 00:33:02.180 --> 00:33:02.880 We will 00:33:02.880 --> 00:33:03.519 never be 00:33:03.519 --> 00:33:03.860 right with 00:33:03.860 --> 00:33:04.299 God by 00:33:04.299 --> 00:33:04.660 obeying 00:33:04.660 --> 00:33:05.039 God's 00:33:05.039 --> 00:33:05.279 law, 00:33:05.559 --> 00:33:06.480 by doing 00:33:06.480 --> 00:33:06.960 our best, 00:33:07.039 --> 00:33:07.580 by trying 00:33:07.580 --> 00:33:08.000 harder. 00:33:10.380 --> 00:33:11.059 The good 00:33:11.059 --> 00:33:11.420 news of 00:33:11.420 --> 00:33:12.140 this passage 00:33:12.140 --> 00:33:13.700 is that God 00:33:13.700 --> 00:33:14.220 sent his 00:33:14.220 --> 00:33:14.620 son into 00:33:14.620 --> 00:33:15.080 this world 00:33:15.080 --> 00:33:15.440 to be 00:33:15.440 --> 00:33:16.440 our Savior. 00:33:18.100 --> 00:33:18.440 Jesus 00:33:18.440 --> 00:33:19.279 perfectly 00:33:19.279 --> 00:33:20.180 obeyed 00:33:20.180 --> 00:33:20.740 God's 00:33:20.740 --> 00:33:21.059 law. 00:33:22.160 --> 00:33:22.539 And when 00:33:22.539 --> 00:33:22.860 we put 00:33:22.860 --> 00:33:23.640 our faith 00:33:23.640 --> 00:33:24.140 in Jesus 00:33:24.140 --> 00:33:24.759 and trust 00:33:24.759 --> 00:33:24.960 him, 00:33:25.020 --> 00:33:25.340 we become 00:33:25.340 --> 00:33:25.780 one with 00:33:25.780 --> 00:33:26.060 him, 00:33:27.100 --> 00:33:28.220 then his 00:33:28.220 --> 00:33:28.980 obedience is 00:33:28.980 --> 00:33:29.480 credited to 00:33:29.480 --> 00:33:29.840 us. 00:33:31.080 --> 00:33:31.680 Jesus took 00:33:31.680 --> 00:33:32.320 the punishment 00:33:32.320 --> 00:33:33.259 that we 00:33:33.259 --> 00:33:34.160 deserve because 00:33:34.160 --> 00:33:34.660 we've broken 00:33:34.660 --> 00:33:35.500 God's laws 00:33:35.500 --> 00:33:36.240 when he died 00:33:36.240 --> 00:33:36.480 on the 00:33:36.480 --> 00:33:36.880 cross. 00:33:38.120 --> 00:33:38.420 And so 00:33:38.420 --> 00:33:38.720 when you 00:33:38.720 --> 00:33:39.540 trust Jesus, 00:33:40.160 --> 00:33:40.560 you become 00:33:40.560 --> 00:33:41.020 one with 00:33:41.020 --> 00:33:41.320 him, 00:33:42.080 --> 00:33:42.800 and his 00:33:42.800 --> 00:33:43.620 death on 00:33:43.620 --> 00:33:44.080 the cross 00:33:44.080 --> 00:33:44.620 counts as 00:33:44.620 --> 00:33:45.720 your death 00:33:45.720 --> 00:33:46.400 to sin. 00:33:48.400 --> 00:33:49.000 If you 00:33:49.000 --> 00:33:49.400 don't have a 00:33:49.400 --> 00:33:49.800 relationship 00:33:49.800 --> 00:33:50.200 with God 00:33:50.200 --> 00:33:50.700 through faith 00:33:50.700 --> 00:33:51.060 in Jesus 00:33:51.060 --> 00:33:51.740 right now, 00:33:51.740 --> 00:33:53.940 I want 00:33:53.940 --> 00:33:54.339 to encourage 00:33:54.339 --> 00:33:54.980 you to 00:33:54.980 --> 00:33:56.400 turn to 00:33:56.400 --> 00:33:56.900 Christ in 00:33:56.900 --> 00:33:57.339 faith. 00:33:58.460 --> 00:33:58.819 It may 00:33:58.819 --> 00:33:59.240 be that 00:33:59.240 --> 00:33:59.700 you came 00:33:59.700 --> 00:33:59.960 into this 00:33:59.960 --> 00:34:00.259 room this 00:34:00.259 --> 00:34:00.480 morning, 00:34:00.799 --> 00:34:01.200 never thought 00:34:01.200 --> 00:34:01.480 about it 00:34:01.480 --> 00:34:01.960 like this 00:34:01.960 --> 00:34:02.279 before, 00:34:02.380 --> 00:34:03.400 but you 00:34:03.400 --> 00:34:03.839 are really 00:34:03.839 --> 00:34:04.279 trying to 00:34:04.279 --> 00:34:04.620 work your 00:34:04.620 --> 00:34:04.920 way to 00:34:04.920 --> 00:34:05.140 heaven. 00:34:06.000 --> 00:34:06.359 You're 00:34:06.359 --> 00:34:06.700 trying to 00:34:06.700 --> 00:34:07.220 balance the 00:34:07.220 --> 00:34:07.700 scales of 00:34:07.700 --> 00:34:08.300 being good 00:34:08.300 --> 00:34:08.920 here and 00:34:08.920 --> 00:34:10.039 doing a 00:34:10.039 --> 00:34:10.159 little bit 00:34:10.159 --> 00:34:10.559 more when 00:34:10.559 --> 00:34:10.940 you're bad 00:34:10.940 --> 00:34:11.320 there. 00:34:12.539 --> 00:34:13.260 You're really 00:34:13.260 --> 00:34:14.559 thinking God's 00:34:14.559 --> 00:34:14.960 going to accept 00:34:14.960 --> 00:34:15.420 me based on 00:34:15.420 --> 00:34:16.840 what I do, 00:34:17.559 --> 00:34:18.199 the good I 00:34:18.199 --> 00:34:18.739 can do. 00:34:19.460 --> 00:34:19.820 But that's 00:34:19.820 --> 00:34:20.699 totally wrong. 00:34:21.739 --> 00:34:23.219 The only way 00:34:23.219 --> 00:34:23.699 God's going to 00:34:23.699 --> 00:34:24.359 accept you 00:34:24.359 --> 00:34:26.139 is to admit 00:34:26.139 --> 00:34:26.959 you are a 00:34:26.959 --> 00:34:27.679 sinner, you 00:34:27.679 --> 00:34:28.459 cannot save 00:34:28.459 --> 00:34:29.659 yourself, repent, 00:34:29.939 --> 00:34:30.599 change your mind 00:34:30.599 --> 00:34:31.419 about living this 00:34:31.419 --> 00:34:32.359 way, put your 00:34:32.359 --> 00:34:33.139 trust in Jesus 00:34:33.139 --> 00:34:34.059 and Him alone. 00:34:36.199 --> 00:34:37.179 Call upon Him 00:34:37.179 --> 00:34:37.919 to save you. 00:34:38.779 --> 00:34:39.099 Surrender 00:34:39.099 --> 00:34:40.039 control of your 00:34:40.039 --> 00:34:41.519 life to Him 00:34:41.519 --> 00:34:42.779 as your 00:34:42.779 --> 00:34:43.539 Lord. 00:34:46.059 --> 00:34:46.799 I want to 00:34:46.799 --> 00:34:47.199 ask you, 00:34:47.939 --> 00:34:48.939 if you died 00:34:48.939 --> 00:34:49.500 today, 00:34:50.639 --> 00:34:51.359 this day, 00:34:51.739 --> 00:34:52.659 and you 00:34:52.659 --> 00:34:53.299 stood before 00:34:53.299 --> 00:34:54.399 God and He 00:34:54.399 --> 00:34:55.119 asked you, 00:34:55.799 --> 00:34:56.659 why should I 00:34:56.659 --> 00:34:57.299 let you into 00:34:57.299 --> 00:34:57.659 heaven? 00:34:58.859 --> 00:34:59.459 What would 00:34:59.459 --> 00:34:59.919 you say? 00:35:00.859 --> 00:35:01.359 Think about it 00:35:01.359 --> 00:35:01.579 for just a 00:35:01.579 --> 00:35:01.759 moment. 00:35:02.659 --> 00:35:03.179 You died 00:35:03.179 --> 00:35:03.579 today. 00:35:05.179 --> 00:35:05.799 And all of a 00:35:05.799 --> 00:35:06.279 sudden, you 00:35:06.279 --> 00:35:06.839 stand before 00:35:06.839 --> 00:35:07.219 God. 00:35:08.439 --> 00:35:08.979 He looks at 00:35:08.979 --> 00:35:09.399 you and says, 00:35:09.519 --> 00:35:10.379 why should I 00:35:10.379 --> 00:35:10.939 let you into 00:35:10.939 --> 00:35:11.159 heaven? 00:35:11.159 --> 00:35:13.099 What would 00:35:13.099 --> 00:35:13.559 you say? 00:35:16.059 --> 00:35:16.719 Would your 00:35:16.719 --> 00:35:17.619 answer include 00:35:17.619 --> 00:35:18.739 anything about 00:35:18.739 --> 00:35:19.959 who you are, 00:35:19.960 --> 00:35:20.880 who your 00:35:20.880 --> 00:35:21.699 family is, 00:35:22.420 --> 00:35:23.179 or what you 00:35:23.179 --> 00:35:23.960 have done 00:35:23.960 --> 00:35:25.420 to earn 00:35:25.420 --> 00:35:26.039 your place 00:35:26.039 --> 00:35:26.480 in heaven? 00:35:28.480 --> 00:35:29.300 If you're 00:35:29.300 --> 00:35:29.400 going to 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.840 answer like 00:35:29.840 --> 00:35:30.240 that, 00:35:30.740 --> 00:35:31.860 you're trying 00:35:31.860 --> 00:35:32.280 to save 00:35:32.280 --> 00:35:32.800 yourself. 00:35:34.000 --> 00:35:34.840 And you'll 00:35:34.840 --> 00:35:35.840 never get in. 00:35:37.260 --> 00:35:38.179 The only 00:35:38.179 --> 00:35:38.860 acceptable 00:35:38.860 --> 00:35:39.519 answer 00:35:39.519 --> 00:35:41.760 is that I 00:35:41.760 --> 00:35:42.320 am trusting 00:35:42.320 --> 00:35:42.920 in Jesus 00:35:42.920 --> 00:35:43.960 and Him 00:35:43.960 --> 00:35:44.500 alone 00:35:44.500 --> 00:35:46.000 for my 00:35:46.000 --> 00:35:46.519 salvation. 00:35:46.519 --> 00:35:48.480 when we 00:35:48.480 --> 00:35:48.860 come to 00:35:48.860 --> 00:35:49.239 God, 00:35:50.759 --> 00:35:51.900 be very 00:35:51.900 --> 00:35:52.300 clear about 00:35:52.300 --> 00:35:52.559 this. 00:35:52.940 --> 00:35:53.219 When we 00:35:53.219 --> 00:35:53.460 come to 00:35:53.460 --> 00:35:53.759 God, it 00:35:53.759 --> 00:35:54.179 doesn't matter 00:35:54.179 --> 00:35:54.619 who we 00:35:54.619 --> 00:35:54.960 are, 00:35:56.159 --> 00:35:56.840 where we're 00:35:56.840 --> 00:35:57.360 from, 00:35:58.280 --> 00:35:58.820 or what 00:35:58.820 --> 00:35:59.500 we've done. 00:36:00.579 --> 00:36:01.420 All that 00:36:01.420 --> 00:36:03.300 matters is 00:36:03.300 --> 00:36:03.579 that we 00:36:03.579 --> 00:36:04.119 come to 00:36:04.119 --> 00:36:06.259 Him by 00:36:06.259 --> 00:36:06.699 trusting 00:36:06.699 --> 00:36:07.119 Jesus. 00:36:08.400 --> 00:36:09.059 And that 00:36:09.059 --> 00:36:09.880 is the only 00:36:09.880 --> 00:36:11.920 way that He 00:36:11.920 --> 00:36:12.759 will ever 00:36:12.759 --> 00:36:14.119 accept anyone 00:36:14.119 --> 00:36:16.339 when we're 00:36:16.339 --> 00:36:17.039 united to 00:36:17.039 --> 00:36:18.319 Jesus by 00:36:18.319 --> 00:36:18.839 faith. 00:36:19.460 --> 00:36:19.880 Let's pray 00:36:19.880 --> 00:36:20.239 together. 00:36:21.519 --> 00:36:22.159 Father, 00:36:22.460 --> 00:36:23.119 show us 00:36:23.119 --> 00:36:25.980 now if 00:36:25.980 --> 00:36:26.400 we have 00:36:26.400 --> 00:36:27.039 reason to 00:36:27.039 --> 00:36:27.279 have 00:36:27.279 --> 00:36:28.199 confidence 00:36:28.199 --> 00:36:29.759 in our 00:36:29.759 --> 00:36:30.179 relationship 00:36:30.179 --> 00:36:30.659 with You. 00:36:34.059 --> 00:36:34.880 But Lord, 00:36:34.980 --> 00:36:35.539 make it 00:36:35.539 --> 00:36:36.779 crystal clear 00:36:36.779 --> 00:36:37.279 that anyone 00:36:37.279 --> 00:36:37.799 here who is 00:36:37.799 --> 00:36:38.440 trusting in 00:36:38.440 --> 00:36:40.219 themselves and 00:36:40.219 --> 00:36:40.619 who they 00:36:40.619 --> 00:36:42.400 are, what 00:36:42.400 --> 00:36:42.759 they are, 00:36:42.859 --> 00:36:43.339 what they've 00:36:43.340 --> 00:36:45.960 done, they 00:36:45.960 --> 00:36:46.800 fall short. 00:36:51.300 --> 00:36:52.260 They can't 00:36:52.260 --> 00:36:52.539 save 00:36:52.539 --> 00:36:53.079 themselves. 00:36:54.360 --> 00:36:54.660 But Lord, 00:36:54.740 --> 00:36:55.380 help us all 00:36:55.380 --> 00:36:57.039 to see, to 00:36:57.039 --> 00:36:57.680 be reminded, 00:36:58.019 --> 00:36:58.280 to be 00:36:58.280 --> 00:36:59.019 encouraged, 00:37:00.720 --> 00:37:01.100 that if we'll 00:37:01.100 --> 00:37:01.660 just admit our 00:37:01.660 --> 00:37:02.240 sin, our 00:37:02.240 --> 00:37:02.900 failure, 00:37:04.500 --> 00:37:07.200 and hate it 00:37:07.200 --> 00:37:07.760 and turn from 00:37:07.760 --> 00:37:09.680 it, and 00:37:09.680 --> 00:37:10.400 trust Jesus 00:37:10.400 --> 00:37:11.400 and rest in 00:37:11.400 --> 00:37:11.700 Jesus. 00:37:15.019 --> 00:37:15.860 We will be 00:37:15.860 --> 00:37:16.559 forgiven because 00:37:16.559 --> 00:37:17.180 He died for 00:37:17.180 --> 00:37:17.840 our sins. 00:37:19.220 --> 00:37:20.019 We will be 00:37:20.019 --> 00:37:21.079 righteous because 00:37:21.079 --> 00:37:22.079 we have His 00:37:22.079 --> 00:37:23.340 right standing. 00:37:26.920 --> 00:37:27.720 So help us, 00:37:27.780 --> 00:37:28.220 dear God, 00:37:29.019 --> 00:37:31.099 to make the 00:37:31.099 --> 00:37:31.380 kind of 00:37:31.380 --> 00:37:32.800 commitment or 00:37:32.800 --> 00:37:33.360 to just simply 00:37:33.360 --> 00:37:34.139 say thank 00:37:34.139 --> 00:37:36.539 you so that 00:37:36.539 --> 00:37:37.320 we can all 00:37:37.320 --> 00:37:37.980 leave here this 00:37:37.980 --> 00:37:39.280 morning with 00:37:39.280 --> 00:37:40.880 joyful confidence 00:37:40.880 --> 00:37:43.080 that we have 00:37:43.080 --> 00:37:44.140 a right and 00:37:44.140 --> 00:37:45.140 good relationship 00:37:45.140 --> 00:37:45.680 with you. 00:37:46.220 --> 00:37:46.660 Let's just 00:37:46.660 --> 00:37:47.220 pray and 00:37:47.220 --> 00:37:47.600 listen to the 00:37:47.600 --> 00:37:48.180 Lord and 00:37:48.180 --> 00:37:49.840 respond to 00:37:49.840 --> 00:37:52.240 Him as 00:37:52.240 --> 00:37:52.800 He wants us 00:37:52.800 --> 00:37:53.120 to during 00:37:53.120 --> 00:37:53.580 this time. 00:37:53.579 --> 00:38:23.559 Thank you.