WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.099 Amen. Amen. What a joy it is to be worshiping today. So thankful for the many wonderful things that we celebrate today. 00:00:10.099 --> 00:00:20.160 ! And I pray that as we go through Scripture, we'll be reminded of our greatest celebration of all, and that is that we have a Savior and His name is Jesus. 00:00:20.580 --> 00:00:28.859 And so hopefully as we make our way through and continue in our study of James, that will be something that comes very clearly to us today. 00:00:28.859 --> 00:00:36.879 But before we get into that, I want to ask you a question. Have you ever been around somebody who likes to boast a lot? 00:00:37.379 --> 00:00:46.340 They like to share many things, their accomplishments, and they want everybody to know how wonderful they are, all the things they've accomplished, how great it is. 00:00:46.460 --> 00:00:55.120 And even when somebody else has some good news that they want to share about how God has blessed them, this person has to one-up them. 00:00:55.119 --> 00:01:01.879 They've got to share a little bit more. They've got to make sure they are the one who comes out on top. 00:01:01.959 --> 00:01:09.439 And I'm sure that as we think about that, there's probably somebody that comes to each of our minds as we think about that. 00:01:10.140 --> 00:01:13.859 And if nobody comes to mind, well, then maybe you're that person. 00:01:13.859 --> 00:01:16.019 No, I'm joking with that. 00:01:16.359 --> 00:01:27.959 But as we think about this, as we think about boasting and whatnot, nobody likes to be around someone who's constantly lifting themselves up at the expense of others. 00:01:28.439 --> 00:01:31.819 In fact, we try to teach our kids not to do that. 00:01:31.879 --> 00:01:37.099 We try to make sure that we teach them not to be braggadocious and to share their accomplishments. 00:01:37.099 --> 00:01:41.179 And hopefully we try to avoid doing it ourselves. 00:01:41.679 --> 00:01:53.459 It's not only socially inappropriate, but it's also warned against in Scripture, especially when it comes to our faith, especially when it comes to our relationship with God. 00:01:53.840 --> 00:02:01.060 Paul in Ephesians 2 is telling everybody that each and every one of us is dead in our trespasses and sins, 00:02:01.060 --> 00:02:08.740 that each and every one of us has no hope, but God made a way that we can have a relationship with Him again. 00:02:09.219 --> 00:02:14.280 And then he says, after making it very clear where our hope comes from, he says this, 00:02:14.599 --> 00:02:21.860 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing, it's what? 00:02:22.420 --> 00:02:28.060 It's a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 00:02:28.060 --> 00:02:34.759 And then Paul again in Philippians chapter 3, he reminds us that where our confidence is found, 00:02:34.979 --> 00:02:37.340 our confidence is found in none other than Jesus. 00:02:37.879 --> 00:02:43.319 He's telling the believers there, he says, look, don't put any confidence in your abilities. 00:02:43.319 --> 00:02:47.740 Don't put any confidence in your background and what you have done. 00:02:48.300 --> 00:02:53.860 And in fact, he says, if any of you think you have confidence in the flesh, he says, look, I have more. 00:02:53.860 --> 00:03:02.480 And then he lists all of his credentials out, showing how he has lived as good of a life as anyone possibly could have lived. 00:03:02.700 --> 00:03:10.960 And then he says this, he says, but whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 00:03:11.400 --> 00:03:17.840 Indeed, I count everything as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 00:03:17.840 --> 00:03:27.800 For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish in order that I may gain Christ. 00:03:28.439 --> 00:03:39.900 All throughout Scripture we are reminded that we are on our own and on our own have no reason for confidence in the flesh. 00:03:39.900 --> 00:03:48.340 We're reminded over and over again, if left to ourselves, we have no reason for confidence in the flesh. 00:03:48.420 --> 00:03:55.740 And in our passage today, we are called to look at our life, to think about what it is that we're putting our confidence in, 00:03:55.960 --> 00:04:04.599 and to realize that our only hope is a good Father who loves us more than we could ever imagine. 00:04:04.599 --> 00:04:11.519 And so if you have a copy of God's Word this morning, I want to invite you to open with me to James chapter 1. 00:04:11.680 --> 00:04:17.980 We're going to pick up where we left off last week, starting in verse 9, and make our way down through verse 18. 00:04:18.079 --> 00:04:22.339 But this is what God's Word says, starting in James 1, 9. 00:04:22.860 --> 00:04:23.319 It says, 00:04:23.319 --> 00:04:51.779 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial. 00:04:51.779 --> 00:04:58.699 For when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 00:04:59.000 --> 00:05:02.919 Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God. 00:05:03.359 --> 00:05:09.339 For God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 00:05:09.819 --> 00:05:15.339 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 00:05:15.339 --> 00:05:19.379 Then desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin. 00:05:19.659 --> 00:05:23.439 And sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death. 00:05:24.039 --> 00:05:26.139 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 00:05:26.539 --> 00:05:30.039 Every good and perfect gift is from above, 00:05:30.479 --> 00:05:32.659 coming down from the Father of lights, 00:05:32.979 --> 00:05:36.679 with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 00:05:36.680 --> 00:05:41.920 Of his own will, he brought us forth by the word of truth, 00:05:42.079 --> 00:05:47.199 that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. 00:05:47.840 --> 00:05:50.939 And so from this passage, as we look at it this morning, 00:05:51.199 --> 00:05:54.420 I hope that we'll be able to see a few reminders 00:05:54.420 --> 00:05:58.300 that will give us a renewed confidence and joy 00:05:58.300 --> 00:06:02.360 that comes only from a relationship with God. 00:06:02.360 --> 00:06:05.600 And the first reminder for us to consider this morning 00:06:05.600 --> 00:06:07.620 is to think about this question. 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:09.699 I want you to consider this question. 00:06:10.120 --> 00:06:12.259 What is it that you're boasting in? 00:06:12.879 --> 00:06:15.600 What are you boasting in? 00:06:16.060 --> 00:06:16.480 It says, 00:06:16.800 --> 00:06:19.740 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation 00:06:19.740 --> 00:06:22.480 and the rich in his humiliation. 00:06:23.259 --> 00:06:26.259 Because like a flower of the grass, he will pass away. 00:06:26.560 --> 00:06:29.240 For the sun rises with its scorching heat 00:06:29.240 --> 00:06:31.139 and withers the grass. 00:06:31.139 --> 00:06:34.560 Its flower falls and its beauty perishes. 00:06:35.539 --> 00:06:38.680 So also will the rich man fade away 00:06:38.680 --> 00:06:40.279 in the midst of his pursuits. 00:06:41.019 --> 00:06:45.060 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial. 00:06:45.539 --> 00:06:47.180 For when he has stood the test, 00:06:47.240 --> 00:06:49.060 he will receive the crown of life, 00:06:49.439 --> 00:06:53.079 which God has promised to those who love him. 00:06:53.500 --> 00:06:55.639 After all of this talk here at the beginning 00:06:55.639 --> 00:06:57.279 about not boasting 00:06:57.279 --> 00:06:59.659 and how throughout the New Testament, 00:06:59.660 --> 00:07:01.020 we see over and over again 00:07:01.020 --> 00:07:03.280 that we should not boast in our abilities, 00:07:03.780 --> 00:07:06.240 what is James telling us here? 00:07:06.400 --> 00:07:07.820 He's saying to boast. 00:07:08.020 --> 00:07:10.140 But what is he telling us to boast in? 00:07:10.680 --> 00:07:13.160 James is continuing to help his readers 00:07:13.160 --> 00:07:15.200 get from James 1-2 00:07:15.200 --> 00:07:18.040 where he's telling us to consider it pure joy 00:07:18.040 --> 00:07:19.379 when we encounter various trials. 00:07:19.379 --> 00:07:20.939 He's telling us to get, 00:07:21.100 --> 00:07:22.519 he's helping us get from there 00:07:22.519 --> 00:07:24.199 where the trials are 00:07:24.199 --> 00:07:25.800 to this verse 12 00:07:25.800 --> 00:07:28.680 of remaining steadfast in the trials. 00:07:29.680 --> 00:07:30.620 And up to this point, 00:07:30.740 --> 00:07:33.680 James has told believers to consider it pure joy. 00:07:33.980 --> 00:07:36.519 And he's told them to ask for wisdom 00:07:36.519 --> 00:07:37.459 when they need it. 00:07:37.800 --> 00:07:39.699 And now at this point, 00:07:40.159 --> 00:07:42.659 James is telling them to boast. 00:07:43.279 --> 00:07:45.040 He's telling them to boast. 00:07:45.040 --> 00:07:48.860 But a very important distinction must be made here. 00:07:49.560 --> 00:07:52.319 We're not boasting in anything 00:07:52.319 --> 00:07:54.680 other than Jesus Christ. 00:07:55.340 --> 00:07:57.740 We're not boasting in any of our abilities. 00:07:57.860 --> 00:08:00.180 We're not boasting in anything that we have to offer. 00:08:00.700 --> 00:08:03.720 What we are boasting in is Jesus Christ. 00:08:04.340 --> 00:08:06.240 You see, the gospel eradicates 00:08:06.240 --> 00:08:08.340 all boasting in our abilities 00:08:08.340 --> 00:08:09.680 and our blessings 00:08:09.680 --> 00:08:13.700 and puts the focus squarely on Jesus. 00:08:13.699 --> 00:08:16.620 Key to understanding this important truth 00:08:16.620 --> 00:08:19.199 is understanding that this is true 00:08:19.199 --> 00:08:21.459 across the board for all believers. 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:24.000 This is true for every person 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:25.279 who is a believer 00:08:25.279 --> 00:08:27.159 that we are to boast in Christ. 00:08:27.699 --> 00:08:28.699 It is true for those 00:08:28.699 --> 00:08:30.939 from very humble circumstances. 00:08:31.980 --> 00:08:33.419 And at the same time, 00:08:33.460 --> 00:08:34.679 it is true for those believers 00:08:34.679 --> 00:08:36.819 who are incredibly well off. 00:08:37.500 --> 00:08:40.220 We all must be dependent on Jesus. 00:08:40.879 --> 00:08:41.419 And therefore, 00:08:41.419 --> 00:08:42.799 all of our boasting 00:08:42.799 --> 00:08:45.360 is rooted in the finished work 00:08:45.360 --> 00:08:46.519 of Jesus Christ. 00:08:47.019 --> 00:08:48.279 All of our boasting, 00:08:48.419 --> 00:08:49.439 all of our proclaiming 00:08:49.439 --> 00:08:51.299 is rooted and grounded 00:08:51.299 --> 00:08:52.659 in the finished work 00:08:52.659 --> 00:08:53.799 of Jesus Christ. 00:08:54.379 --> 00:08:55.079 Sam Albury, 00:08:55.240 --> 00:08:56.339 who is a commentator 00:08:56.339 --> 00:08:58.479 and wrote a book on James here, 00:08:58.759 --> 00:08:59.679 he rightly notes, 00:08:59.759 --> 00:09:00.039 he says, 00:09:00.120 --> 00:09:02.939 whatever end of the pecking order 00:09:02.939 --> 00:09:04.360 we may be at, 00:09:04.419 --> 00:09:06.059 his advice is the same. 00:09:06.539 --> 00:09:08.879 We are to boast in our position. 00:09:08.879 --> 00:09:11.939 Not in our financial position, 00:09:11.939 --> 00:09:14.679 but in our spiritual position. 00:09:15.419 --> 00:09:17.480 The position we have before God, 00:09:17.600 --> 00:09:18.639 the position in which 00:09:18.639 --> 00:09:21.320 the gospel of Jesus Christ 00:09:21.320 --> 00:09:22.879 has placed us. 00:09:23.480 --> 00:09:24.939 And I believe that James 00:09:24.939 --> 00:09:26.200 is distinguishing between 00:09:26.200 --> 00:09:28.240 the rich and the lowly here 00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:30.259 because this boasting in Christ 00:09:30.259 --> 00:09:32.940 can sometimes play out differently 00:09:32.940 --> 00:09:34.299 in our lives. 00:09:34.840 --> 00:09:36.659 For those of lowly means, 00:09:36.659 --> 00:09:38.059 there's a temptation to think, 00:09:38.179 --> 00:09:39.620 well, I have failed. 00:09:39.899 --> 00:09:41.279 I haven't been good enough. 00:09:41.379 --> 00:09:42.319 I'm looking around 00:09:42.319 --> 00:09:44.539 at all of my friends and peers 00:09:44.539 --> 00:09:46.319 and see how well off they are, 00:09:46.399 --> 00:09:47.699 see how great they're doing. 00:09:48.059 --> 00:09:49.600 And it makes me look at myself 00:09:49.600 --> 00:09:51.240 and think that I'm a failure, 00:09:51.519 --> 00:09:52.679 that I'm not enough, 00:09:52.759 --> 00:09:54.360 that I can't do this, 00:09:54.480 --> 00:09:55.439 that somehow, 00:09:55.839 --> 00:09:56.879 somewhere along the way, 00:09:57.079 --> 00:09:58.100 I made a mistake 00:09:58.100 --> 00:10:00.100 and I have failed. 00:10:00.759 --> 00:10:03.019 I don't have what others have, 00:10:03.019 --> 00:10:04.259 and so that must mean 00:10:04.259 --> 00:10:06.460 that I am lacking something. 00:10:07.240 --> 00:10:08.699 And to this, James says, 00:10:08.759 --> 00:10:10.000 the message of the gospel, 00:10:10.399 --> 00:10:11.840 even to the poorest Christian, 00:10:12.220 --> 00:10:13.980 is that in Christ, 00:10:14.679 --> 00:10:15.620 you are somebody. 00:10:16.220 --> 00:10:17.179 You're important. 00:10:17.519 --> 00:10:18.919 However poor you may be 00:10:18.919 --> 00:10:21.059 from a materialistic standpoint, 00:10:21.600 --> 00:10:23.819 James says to boast 00:10:23.819 --> 00:10:25.579 in your exaltation 00:10:25.579 --> 00:10:28.879 about your position in Christ. 00:10:28.879 --> 00:10:31.080 And then to the wealthy brother, 00:10:31.240 --> 00:10:32.639 James says to boast 00:10:32.639 --> 00:10:34.480 in his humiliation. 00:10:34.860 --> 00:10:36.200 Now, how many of us in here 00:10:36.200 --> 00:10:37.639 like to boast in our humiliation? 00:10:38.299 --> 00:10:39.840 I don't think any of us 00:10:39.840 --> 00:10:43.259 like to share and boast 00:10:43.259 --> 00:10:44.059 in our humiliation, 00:10:44.059 --> 00:10:45.419 but this is what James 00:10:45.419 --> 00:10:46.659 is saying here. 00:10:46.720 --> 00:10:47.939 He says share, boast 00:10:47.939 --> 00:10:49.379 in your humiliation. 00:10:49.960 --> 00:10:51.700 You see, there's a real danger 00:10:51.700 --> 00:10:54.500 for the rich to be defined 00:10:54.500 --> 00:10:56.120 by their wealth. 00:10:56.120 --> 00:10:57.860 There is something 00:10:57.860 --> 00:11:00.240 that can be very deceptive 00:11:00.240 --> 00:11:01.120 about wealth. 00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:02.779 And I think this is why 00:11:02.779 --> 00:11:04.039 Jesus warns 00:11:04.039 --> 00:11:05.419 that it's incredibly difficult 00:11:05.419 --> 00:11:06.539 for a rich person 00:11:06.539 --> 00:11:08.580 to enter the kingdom of heaven. 00:11:08.879 --> 00:11:09.580 Because you see, 00:11:09.700 --> 00:11:11.940 when you have an abundance, 00:11:12.100 --> 00:11:12.940 when you have more 00:11:12.940 --> 00:11:14.560 than you could ever need, 00:11:14.740 --> 00:11:16.659 what you begin to have 00:11:16.659 --> 00:11:17.759 a hard time seeing 00:11:17.759 --> 00:11:18.980 is that you're desperate 00:11:18.980 --> 00:11:19.759 for something. 00:11:20.019 --> 00:11:21.060 Because this money 00:11:21.060 --> 00:11:21.720 is buying you 00:11:21.720 --> 00:11:22.600 all kinds of things 00:11:22.600 --> 00:11:24.039 that the world is telling you 00:11:24.039 --> 00:11:24.840 is important 00:11:24.840 --> 00:11:26.300 that the world is telling you 00:11:26.300 --> 00:11:28.259 can give you happiness, 00:11:28.399 --> 00:11:29.639 that can give you meaning. 00:11:30.040 --> 00:11:31.660 And so it's really hard 00:11:31.660 --> 00:11:32.440 to see that we're 00:11:32.440 --> 00:11:33.500 in desperate need 00:11:33.500 --> 00:11:34.060 of something 00:11:34.060 --> 00:11:35.620 when it's clouded 00:11:35.620 --> 00:11:36.920 by that excess. 00:11:37.680 --> 00:11:38.420 It can give us 00:11:38.420 --> 00:11:39.820 a false sense of security 00:11:39.820 --> 00:11:40.960 because it's difficult 00:11:40.960 --> 00:11:42.700 to see the need 00:11:42.700 --> 00:11:43.580 for anything. 00:11:44.500 --> 00:11:45.720 James is saying, 00:11:45.860 --> 00:11:48.019 to those that may think 00:11:48.019 --> 00:11:49.740 this world has forgotten you, 00:11:50.040 --> 00:11:52.200 and to those who have no hope 00:11:52.200 --> 00:11:54.259 because of your humble means, 00:11:54.620 --> 00:11:55.240 remember, 00:11:55.700 --> 00:11:57.980 you are a child of the King. 00:11:58.259 --> 00:11:59.460 If you're in Christ, 00:11:59.759 --> 00:12:01.080 you're a child of the King. 00:12:01.420 --> 00:12:02.720 And to those who think 00:12:02.720 --> 00:12:03.620 you may have it all, 00:12:03.960 --> 00:12:05.100 whether it be riches, 00:12:05.520 --> 00:12:06.800 talent, popularity, 00:12:07.220 --> 00:12:09.240 or whatever the case may be, 00:12:09.660 --> 00:12:10.259 remember, 00:12:10.540 --> 00:12:11.040 he says, 00:12:11.280 --> 00:12:12.840 remember that you need Jesus 00:12:12.840 --> 00:12:15.540 just like every other person. 00:12:16.379 --> 00:12:17.259 There's a song 00:12:17.259 --> 00:12:19.320 that we like to sing sometimes, 00:12:19.400 --> 00:12:20.060 I think primarily 00:12:20.059 --> 00:12:20.779 in the early service, 00:12:20.899 --> 00:12:21.679 although we'll be able 00:12:21.679 --> 00:12:22.459 to sing it in here 00:12:22.459 --> 00:12:23.619 in just a few weeks, Clay, 00:12:24.039 --> 00:12:24.979 because we'll be getting 00:12:24.979 --> 00:12:26.039 some new hymnals 00:12:26.039 --> 00:12:27.379 that will have this 00:12:27.379 --> 00:12:28.299 in there as well. 00:12:28.359 --> 00:12:29.439 But it says this, 00:12:29.819 --> 00:12:30.659 the song is called 00:12:30.659 --> 00:12:31.899 My Worth Is Not 00:12:31.899 --> 00:12:33.379 In What I Own. 00:12:33.559 --> 00:12:35.139 And it says these 00:12:35.139 --> 00:12:36.379 in the first few lines, 00:12:37.019 --> 00:12:38.159 My worth is not 00:12:38.159 --> 00:12:39.219 in what I own, 00:12:39.979 --> 00:12:41.079 not in strength 00:12:41.079 --> 00:12:42.419 of flesh and bone, 00:12:42.759 --> 00:12:44.819 but in the costly wounds 00:12:44.819 --> 00:12:46.759 of love at the cross. 00:12:46.759 --> 00:12:49.100 My worth is not 00:12:49.100 --> 00:12:50.399 in skill or name, 00:12:50.799 --> 00:12:51.919 in win or lose, 00:12:52.080 --> 00:12:53.580 in pride or shame, 00:12:53.799 --> 00:12:55.559 but in the blood of Christ 00:12:55.559 --> 00:12:57.980 that flowed at the cross. 00:12:58.740 --> 00:13:00.700 You see, for us as believers, 00:13:00.919 --> 00:13:02.179 our worth is not found 00:13:02.179 --> 00:13:03.559 in anything in this world. 00:13:03.860 --> 00:13:05.319 Our worth is found 00:13:05.319 --> 00:13:06.919 in Jesus Christ. 00:13:07.279 --> 00:13:08.539 Whether you are wealthy 00:13:08.539 --> 00:13:09.419 or you don't know 00:13:09.419 --> 00:13:10.480 where your next meal 00:13:10.480 --> 00:13:11.860 is going to come from, 00:13:12.019 --> 00:13:14.759 we can all boast in Christ. 00:13:14.759 --> 00:13:16.679 Much of this section 00:13:16.679 --> 00:13:18.519 is dealing with trials 00:13:18.519 --> 00:13:20.080 and propelling us forward 00:13:20.080 --> 00:13:21.259 to verse 12, 00:13:21.720 --> 00:13:22.740 where it says this, 00:13:23.200 --> 00:13:24.539 Blessed is the man 00:13:24.539 --> 00:13:26.080 who remains steadfast 00:13:26.080 --> 00:13:27.319 under trial. 00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:29.500 For when he has stood the test, 00:13:29.580 --> 00:13:30.379 he will receive 00:13:30.379 --> 00:13:31.779 the crown of life, 00:13:32.139 --> 00:13:33.580 which God has promised 00:13:33.580 --> 00:13:35.539 to those who love him. 00:13:36.059 --> 00:13:37.120 In order for us 00:13:37.120 --> 00:13:38.460 to remain steadfast 00:13:38.460 --> 00:13:39.759 in the midst of trials, 00:13:40.860 --> 00:13:42.639 Christians are to boast 00:13:42.639 --> 00:13:44.460 in their gospel identity. 00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:46.080 We're to boast, 00:13:46.200 --> 00:13:47.080 we're to make much 00:13:47.080 --> 00:13:49.200 of who we are before God 00:13:49.200 --> 00:13:51.139 because of Christ. 00:13:51.580 --> 00:13:53.419 If you are a follower of Christ, 00:13:53.860 --> 00:13:55.259 then your lowly state 00:13:55.259 --> 00:13:56.220 doesn't define you 00:13:56.220 --> 00:13:57.399 any more than someone 00:13:57.399 --> 00:13:58.539 who is wealthy. 00:13:59.319 --> 00:14:01.299 Your trials and your hardships 00:14:01.299 --> 00:14:04.059 are not who you are. 00:14:04.480 --> 00:14:06.360 Your grief and your despair 00:14:06.360 --> 00:14:08.819 does not define you. 00:14:09.500 --> 00:14:11.179 You are a child of God. 00:14:11.740 --> 00:14:13.379 Your debt has been bought 00:14:13.379 --> 00:14:14.379 and paid for 00:14:14.379 --> 00:14:16.159 by the precious blood 00:14:16.159 --> 00:14:17.779 of Jesus Christ. 00:14:18.379 --> 00:14:19.799 And so this brings us 00:14:19.799 --> 00:14:22.240 to our next reminder 00:14:22.240 --> 00:14:24.039 that we see in this passage, 00:14:24.700 --> 00:14:25.759 and that is this, 00:14:25.759 --> 00:14:29.019 the origin and progression of sin, 00:14:29.679 --> 00:14:31.220 where sin begins 00:14:31.220 --> 00:14:33.519 and where sin leads to. 00:14:34.200 --> 00:14:34.620 It says, 00:14:34.620 --> 00:14:35.820 let no one say 00:14:35.820 --> 00:14:36.740 when he is tempted, 00:14:37.279 --> 00:14:39.139 I am being tempted by God, 00:14:39.220 --> 00:14:40.519 for God cannot be tempted 00:14:40.519 --> 00:14:41.200 with evil, 00:14:41.580 --> 00:14:44.259 and he himself tempts no one. 00:14:44.700 --> 00:14:46.200 But each person is tempted 00:14:46.200 --> 00:14:47.080 when he is lured 00:14:47.080 --> 00:14:47.980 and enticed 00:14:47.980 --> 00:14:49.940 by his own desire. 00:14:50.500 --> 00:14:51.560 Then desire, 00:14:51.720 --> 00:14:53.340 when it has conceived, 00:14:53.600 --> 00:14:54.820 gives birth to sin. 00:14:55.220 --> 00:14:56.000 And sin, 00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:57.320 when it is fully grown, 00:14:57.639 --> 00:14:59.560 brings forth death. 00:15:00.259 --> 00:15:01.440 We already discussed 00:15:01.440 --> 00:15:02.460 how much we enjoy 00:15:02.460 --> 00:15:03.800 people who boast 00:15:03.800 --> 00:15:04.440 about themselves 00:15:04.440 --> 00:15:05.800 and how much we enjoy 00:15:05.800 --> 00:15:06.780 being around those 00:15:06.780 --> 00:15:07.920 who can't help 00:15:07.920 --> 00:15:09.100 but talk about themselves 00:15:09.100 --> 00:15:10.320 and lift themselves up. 00:15:10.360 --> 00:15:11.560 But another group 00:15:11.560 --> 00:15:13.139 that we all enjoy 00:15:13.139 --> 00:15:14.660 is those who pass the blame, 00:15:14.800 --> 00:15:15.060 right? 00:15:15.480 --> 00:15:16.900 Those who can never 00:15:16.900 --> 00:15:17.840 do any wrong, 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:19.940 those who have never done, 00:15:20.120 --> 00:15:20.700 made a mistake, 00:15:20.860 --> 00:15:21.680 and if they did, 00:15:21.920 --> 00:15:22.400 well then it was 00:15:22.400 --> 00:15:23.379 somebody else's fault 00:15:23.379 --> 00:15:24.680 that they made the mistake. 00:15:25.320 --> 00:15:26.800 Putting the blame elsewhere 00:15:26.800 --> 00:15:27.540 is something 00:15:27.540 --> 00:15:29.720 that is incredibly common 00:15:29.720 --> 00:15:30.980 in our culture today, 00:15:30.980 --> 00:15:32.240 and I think it's something 00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:33.080 that we can think 00:15:33.080 --> 00:15:35.920 maybe only has been around 00:15:35.920 --> 00:15:36.800 for a little while. 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:37.980 But here's the truth. 00:15:38.379 --> 00:15:40.300 As soon as sin entered the world, 00:15:40.680 --> 00:15:42.080 we as people 00:15:42.080 --> 00:15:44.039 have been passing the blame. 00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:45.600 We've been trying to say 00:15:45.600 --> 00:15:46.720 that we are not guilty 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:47.960 and passing the blame 00:15:47.960 --> 00:15:49.920 on to something else. 00:15:50.480 --> 00:15:50.920 In fact, 00:15:50.960 --> 00:15:52.399 if you remember in the garden 00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:54.420 after God asked Adam, 00:15:54.519 --> 00:15:55.600 have you eaten from the tree 00:15:55.600 --> 00:15:56.120 of the knowledge 00:15:56.120 --> 00:15:56.800 of good and evil? 00:15:57.159 --> 00:15:57.639 Do you remember 00:15:57.639 --> 00:15:58.600 what Adam says? 00:15:59.259 --> 00:16:00.399 Adam says this. 00:16:00.399 --> 00:16:00.980 He says, 00:16:01.340 --> 00:16:03.159 the woman whom you gave 00:16:03.159 --> 00:16:04.259 to be with me, 00:16:04.600 --> 00:16:06.059 she gave me the fruit 00:16:06.059 --> 00:16:07.019 and I ate. 00:16:07.699 --> 00:16:09.159 In one sentence, 00:16:09.600 --> 00:16:11.299 Adam puts the blame 00:16:11.299 --> 00:16:12.319 on his wife 00:16:12.319 --> 00:16:13.539 and then in turn 00:16:13.539 --> 00:16:14.620 also puts the blame 00:16:14.620 --> 00:16:15.799 on God. 00:16:16.199 --> 00:16:17.139 In one sentence, 00:16:17.179 --> 00:16:18.059 he passes the blame 00:16:18.059 --> 00:16:18.840 off on his wife 00:16:18.840 --> 00:16:20.059 and passes the blame 00:16:20.059 --> 00:16:21.559 off on God. 00:16:22.519 --> 00:16:23.899 Someone once said, 00:16:24.059 --> 00:16:25.639 to err is human 00:16:25.639 --> 00:16:27.319 and to blame it 00:16:27.319 --> 00:16:28.159 on the divine 00:16:28.159 --> 00:16:29.960 is even more human. 00:16:30.399 --> 00:16:31.259 It's something 00:16:31.259 --> 00:16:32.039 that we often 00:16:32.039 --> 00:16:33.519 find ourselves doing. 00:16:34.220 --> 00:16:34.939 Kent Hughes, 00:16:35.379 --> 00:16:36.899 he gives three ways 00:16:36.899 --> 00:16:38.079 in which we find 00:16:38.079 --> 00:16:38.740 ourselves 00:16:38.740 --> 00:16:40.019 passing the blame 00:16:40.019 --> 00:16:41.159 off on God. 00:16:41.819 --> 00:16:42.199 He says, 00:16:42.439 --> 00:16:43.259 one way that we pass 00:16:43.259 --> 00:16:44.399 the blame off on God 00:16:44.399 --> 00:16:45.279 is that we just say 00:16:45.279 --> 00:16:46.019 that our sin 00:16:46.019 --> 00:16:47.919 is ordained by God. 00:16:48.500 --> 00:16:49.559 A common misconception 00:16:49.559 --> 00:16:50.240 is saying, 00:16:50.519 --> 00:16:51.519 since God is sovereign, 00:16:51.639 --> 00:16:52.159 which he is, 00:16:52.199 --> 00:16:53.740 that he has ordained 00:16:53.740 --> 00:16:55.319 that we succumb to sin. 00:16:56.039 --> 00:16:56.559 Truth is, 00:16:56.620 --> 00:16:57.699 God hates sin 00:16:57.700 --> 00:16:58.259 and he hates 00:16:58.259 --> 00:16:59.879 to see us sin. 00:17:00.480 --> 00:17:01.360 God does not 00:17:01.360 --> 00:17:03.080 ordain or approve 00:17:03.080 --> 00:17:04.080 of sin. 00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:05.460 God is not going 00:17:05.460 --> 00:17:06.039 to tell you 00:17:06.039 --> 00:17:07.140 not to do something 00:17:07.140 --> 00:17:08.360 and then at the same time 00:17:08.360 --> 00:17:09.319 force you to do 00:17:09.319 --> 00:17:10.360 what he's just told you 00:17:10.360 --> 00:17:11.500 not to do. 00:17:12.319 --> 00:17:13.180 Others will try 00:17:13.180 --> 00:17:13.940 to blame it off 00:17:13.940 --> 00:17:14.480 and put it off 00:17:14.480 --> 00:17:15.220 on God saying 00:17:15.220 --> 00:17:16.319 that their fault 00:17:16.319 --> 00:17:17.940 is their circumstances 00:17:17.940 --> 00:17:18.880 that they find 00:17:18.880 --> 00:17:20.039 themselves in. 00:17:20.539 --> 00:17:22.200 God has placed them 00:17:22.200 --> 00:17:23.000 in the circumstances 00:17:23.000 --> 00:17:23.880 that are simply 00:17:23.880 --> 00:17:25.380 more that they can bear. 00:17:25.380 --> 00:17:26.660 A student, 00:17:26.800 --> 00:17:27.220 for example, 00:17:27.380 --> 00:17:28.260 cheats on a test 00:17:28.260 --> 00:17:28.840 because he says, 00:17:28.920 --> 00:17:29.000 well, 00:17:29.060 --> 00:17:30.000 God has just given me 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:30.960 the hardest professor 00:17:30.960 --> 00:17:31.860 there has ever been 00:17:31.860 --> 00:17:33.020 and so I just have 00:17:33.020 --> 00:17:34.100 to cheat on this test. 00:17:34.560 --> 00:17:35.700 Or maybe the thief 00:17:35.700 --> 00:17:37.580 says that he's stealing, 00:17:37.780 --> 00:17:38.660 blaming it on God 00:17:38.660 --> 00:17:39.500 for his poverty 00:17:39.500 --> 00:17:41.220 and so on and so forth 00:17:41.220 --> 00:17:42.120 where we're constantly 00:17:42.120 --> 00:17:43.240 blaming and putting 00:17:43.240 --> 00:17:44.180 the blame 00:17:44.180 --> 00:17:45.180 on our circumstances 00:17:45.180 --> 00:17:45.900 and ultimately 00:17:45.900 --> 00:17:47.020 on God 00:17:47.020 --> 00:17:47.720 for being in 00:17:47.720 --> 00:17:48.640 those circumstances. 00:17:50.040 --> 00:17:50.980 Another common 00:17:50.980 --> 00:17:52.120 misconception is 00:17:52.120 --> 00:17:53.000 it's just part 00:17:53.000 --> 00:17:53.820 of our disposition. 00:17:53.819 --> 00:17:55.779 It's just who we are. 00:17:56.259 --> 00:17:57.240 God has given me 00:17:57.240 --> 00:17:58.779 passions and appetites 00:17:58.779 --> 00:17:59.700 so strong 00:17:59.700 --> 00:18:01.039 I can do nothing 00:18:01.039 --> 00:18:02.679 but yield to them. 00:18:03.179 --> 00:18:04.200 God has made me 00:18:04.200 --> 00:18:04.839 this way 00:18:04.839 --> 00:18:05.859 and there's nothing 00:18:05.859 --> 00:18:06.740 I can do about it 00:18:06.740 --> 00:18:08.119 and so he's the one 00:18:08.119 --> 00:18:10.480 to blame for my actions. 00:18:11.059 --> 00:18:12.259 Well, this passage 00:18:12.259 --> 00:18:13.700 warns us about 00:18:13.700 --> 00:18:14.579 passing the buck 00:18:14.579 --> 00:18:15.179 like that. 00:18:15.819 --> 00:18:16.519 When it says, 00:18:16.819 --> 00:18:18.000 let no one say 00:18:18.000 --> 00:18:18.839 when he's tempted, 00:18:19.480 --> 00:18:20.779 I am being tempted 00:18:20.779 --> 00:18:21.679 by God 00:18:21.680 --> 00:18:23.299 for God cannot 00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:24.060 be tempted 00:18:24.060 --> 00:18:24.920 with evil 00:18:24.920 --> 00:18:26.759 and he himself 00:18:26.759 --> 00:18:28.960 tempts no one. 00:18:29.980 --> 00:18:30.700 And so if God 00:18:30.700 --> 00:18:31.640 is not to blame 00:18:31.640 --> 00:18:32.700 for our sin, 00:18:33.060 --> 00:18:34.360 if we can't put it 00:18:34.360 --> 00:18:35.180 off on God, 00:18:35.320 --> 00:18:37.080 then who is to blame 00:18:37.080 --> 00:18:38.120 for our sin? 00:18:39.620 --> 00:18:40.420 We are. 00:18:41.120 --> 00:18:42.080 We are, it says, 00:18:42.200 --> 00:18:43.480 but each person 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:44.539 is tempted 00:18:44.539 --> 00:18:45.759 when he is lured 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:46.900 and enticed 00:18:46.900 --> 00:18:49.100 by his own desire. 00:18:49.099 --> 00:18:51.119 We look no further 00:18:51.119 --> 00:18:51.899 than ourselves 00:18:51.899 --> 00:18:53.219 to see the origin 00:18:53.219 --> 00:18:55.219 of sin in our lives. 00:18:55.799 --> 00:18:56.859 It's easy to look 00:18:56.859 --> 00:18:57.559 at this passage 00:18:57.559 --> 00:18:58.000 and think, 00:18:58.179 --> 00:18:59.599 well, James has just 00:18:59.599 --> 00:19:00.599 shifted gears. 00:19:01.099 --> 00:19:01.240 You know, 00:19:01.279 --> 00:19:01.879 it seems like it would 00:19:01.879 --> 00:19:02.779 have been a great place 00:19:02.779 --> 00:19:03.639 to cut off back 00:19:03.639 --> 00:19:05.000 in verse 12 00:19:05.000 --> 00:19:05.919 because all of a sudden 00:19:05.919 --> 00:19:06.799 it seems like we have 00:19:06.799 --> 00:19:07.799 a whole new topic 00:19:07.799 --> 00:19:08.439 that we're dealing 00:19:08.439 --> 00:19:09.179 with here, Brett. 00:19:09.599 --> 00:19:09.839 You know, 00:19:09.859 --> 00:19:10.539 we've been talking 00:19:10.539 --> 00:19:11.779 about these trials 00:19:11.779 --> 00:19:12.740 and these testing 00:19:12.740 --> 00:19:13.299 of our faith 00:19:13.299 --> 00:19:14.559 and now we're moving 00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:15.859 into these sin 00:19:15.859 --> 00:19:16.719 and temptations 00:19:16.719 --> 00:19:17.459 in our life 00:19:17.460 --> 00:19:18.480 and it would be 00:19:18.480 --> 00:19:19.360 real easy to say, 00:19:19.480 --> 00:19:21.120 well, there's a shift here 00:19:21.120 --> 00:19:22.519 but that's not the case 00:19:22.519 --> 00:19:23.120 and that's why 00:19:23.120 --> 00:19:24.240 we're going to continue 00:19:24.240 --> 00:19:24.900 in this 00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:26.759 because there's no line 00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:27.500 that's being drawn 00:19:27.500 --> 00:19:29.200 between verses 12 and 13. 00:19:29.860 --> 00:19:30.519 In fact, 00:19:30.579 --> 00:19:32.120 I love how Douglas Moon notes, 00:19:32.180 --> 00:19:32.559 he says, 00:19:32.960 --> 00:19:34.319 that James' concern 00:19:34.319 --> 00:19:36.779 is to help his readers 00:19:36.779 --> 00:19:38.759 resist the temptation 00:19:38.759 --> 00:19:40.579 that comes along 00:19:40.579 --> 00:19:41.620 with the trial. 00:19:42.440 --> 00:19:44.000 Part of his concern here 00:19:44.000 --> 00:19:45.059 is to help us 00:19:45.059 --> 00:19:46.579 to resist the temptation 00:19:46.579 --> 00:19:47.839 that comes 00:19:47.839 --> 00:19:49.259 in the midst of trials. 00:19:50.299 --> 00:19:50.839 You see, 00:19:50.899 --> 00:19:51.939 as we go through trials, 00:19:52.059 --> 00:19:52.859 we must avoid 00:19:52.859 --> 00:19:54.480 the easy way out 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:55.659 that leads to sin. 00:19:56.039 --> 00:19:57.179 The easy way out 00:19:57.179 --> 00:19:58.419 that takes our mind 00:19:58.419 --> 00:19:59.539 off of what we're going through. 00:19:59.619 --> 00:20:00.319 The trials 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:01.639 that we're going through 00:20:01.639 --> 00:20:03.419 seem so overwhelming 00:20:03.419 --> 00:20:04.980 and so oppressive 00:20:04.980 --> 00:20:05.919 that we begin 00:20:05.919 --> 00:20:06.839 looking for 00:20:06.839 --> 00:20:07.960 the easiest way out. 00:20:08.019 --> 00:20:08.879 The first thing 00:20:08.879 --> 00:20:10.039 that we can come up with 00:20:10.039 --> 00:20:11.379 to take our mind 00:20:11.379 --> 00:20:12.559 off of our situation. 00:20:13.139 --> 00:20:13.839 The trials 00:20:13.839 --> 00:20:15.019 are weighing heavy on us 00:20:15.019 --> 00:20:15.819 and so we're looking 00:20:15.819 --> 00:20:17.119 for the first place 00:20:17.119 --> 00:20:18.119 that we can turn to 00:20:18.119 --> 00:20:19.579 to take our minds 00:20:19.579 --> 00:20:20.819 off of the trials. 00:20:21.539 --> 00:20:22.079 And so it becomes 00:20:22.079 --> 00:20:22.579 real easy 00:20:22.579 --> 00:20:24.119 to look to things 00:20:24.119 --> 00:20:25.359 such as drugs 00:20:25.359 --> 00:20:26.299 or alcohol 00:20:26.299 --> 00:20:27.200 or pornography 00:20:27.200 --> 00:20:28.539 or inappropriate 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:30.039 relationships at work 00:20:30.039 --> 00:20:30.639 and all of a sudden 00:20:30.639 --> 00:20:31.180 we're trying 00:20:31.180 --> 00:20:33.400 to find the first thing 00:20:33.400 --> 00:20:34.079 that's going 00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:35.319 to take our mind 00:20:35.319 --> 00:20:36.519 off of the trials, 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:37.900 off of the hard times 00:20:37.900 --> 00:20:39.660 that we find ourselves in. 00:20:40.319 --> 00:20:40.680 You see, 00:20:40.759 --> 00:20:41.119 there will be 00:20:41.119 --> 00:20:42.440 plenty of temptations 00:20:42.440 --> 00:20:44.120 to take the easy way out. 00:20:44.700 --> 00:20:45.900 Giving in to these things 00:20:45.900 --> 00:20:47.200 can feel so right 00:20:47.200 --> 00:20:47.920 in the moment 00:20:47.920 --> 00:20:49.580 but that path 00:20:49.580 --> 00:20:51.380 leads to destruction. 00:20:52.200 --> 00:20:53.000 That path 00:20:53.000 --> 00:20:54.240 leads to destruction. 00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:54.940 You see, 00:20:55.080 --> 00:20:56.519 sin is never clean. 00:20:56.920 --> 00:20:57.860 It's never easy. 00:20:57.940 --> 00:20:59.559 It's always messy. 00:21:00.059 --> 00:21:00.700 Verse 15, 00:21:00.820 --> 00:21:01.180 it says, 00:21:01.380 --> 00:21:02.120 Then desire, 00:21:02.279 --> 00:21:03.180 when it has conceived, 00:21:03.700 --> 00:21:05.039 gives birth to sin 00:21:05.039 --> 00:21:06.019 and sin, 00:21:06.120 --> 00:21:07.400 when it is fully grown, 00:21:07.580 --> 00:21:09.380 brings forth death. 00:21:09.380 --> 00:21:12.400 Sin is always messy 00:21:12.400 --> 00:21:14.200 and it always leads us 00:21:14.200 --> 00:21:15.000 down a path 00:21:15.000 --> 00:21:16.500 further than we ever 00:21:16.500 --> 00:21:17.740 intended on going. 00:21:18.100 --> 00:21:19.220 Nobody ever intends 00:21:19.220 --> 00:21:20.460 on going down that path 00:21:20.460 --> 00:21:21.600 as far as sin leads 00:21:21.600 --> 00:21:23.260 but yet when we sin, 00:21:23.320 --> 00:21:24.120 when we take those 00:21:24.120 --> 00:21:24.660 easy way out, 00:21:24.800 --> 00:21:26.700 that's where it leads. 00:21:27.180 --> 00:21:27.960 It is important 00:21:27.960 --> 00:21:28.760 to understand 00:21:28.760 --> 00:21:29.840 and to recognize 00:21:29.840 --> 00:21:31.600 that in the midst 00:21:31.600 --> 00:21:32.460 of trials, 00:21:33.140 --> 00:21:34.720 temptation is real 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:35.580 and that it can be 00:21:35.580 --> 00:21:36.220 some of the most 00:21:36.220 --> 00:21:37.420 challenging times 00:21:37.420 --> 00:21:38.740 in our lives 00:21:38.740 --> 00:21:39.819 to resist it 00:21:39.819 --> 00:21:40.740 is when we are 00:21:40.740 --> 00:21:41.339 in the midst 00:21:41.339 --> 00:21:42.420 of those trials 00:21:42.420 --> 00:21:44.120 and so let us remember 00:21:44.120 --> 00:21:45.440 the words of James here. 00:21:45.799 --> 00:21:47.019 He could not be clearer. 00:21:47.599 --> 00:21:48.779 The origin of temptation 00:21:48.779 --> 00:21:50.099 is not God. 00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:52.019 It's not even the devil. 00:21:52.680 --> 00:21:55.259 It's our own sinful heart. 00:21:55.839 --> 00:21:56.799 Our desire 00:21:56.799 --> 00:21:58.880 is brought under control 00:21:58.880 --> 00:22:00.180 only when 00:22:00.180 --> 00:22:01.319 it gives way 00:22:01.319 --> 00:22:02.420 to a stronger 00:22:02.420 --> 00:22:04.039 and more beautiful desire. 00:22:04.620 --> 00:22:06.599 Our desire to sin 00:22:06.599 --> 00:22:07.759 is brought under control 00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:09.180 only when we see 00:22:09.180 --> 00:22:10.240 something that is 00:22:10.240 --> 00:22:11.059 more valuable 00:22:11.059 --> 00:22:11.680 and beautiful 00:22:11.680 --> 00:22:12.500 to go after. 00:22:13.180 --> 00:22:13.519 You see, 00:22:13.599 --> 00:22:14.420 we're always going 00:22:14.420 --> 00:22:15.240 to follow that 00:22:15.240 --> 00:22:16.500 which is most important 00:22:16.500 --> 00:22:16.859 to us, 00:22:16.940 --> 00:22:17.799 that is which is 00:22:17.799 --> 00:22:19.319 most valuable to us. 00:22:19.960 --> 00:22:20.859 Imagine that I had 00:22:20.859 --> 00:22:21.799 a table set up 00:22:21.799 --> 00:22:22.240 right here 00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:23.859 and I had a $1 bill 00:22:23.859 --> 00:22:24.440 on the table 00:22:24.440 --> 00:22:25.920 and I had a $100 bill 00:22:25.920 --> 00:22:26.500 on the table 00:22:26.500 --> 00:22:27.680 and I had just 00:22:27.680 --> 00:22:28.799 an infinite amount 00:22:28.799 --> 00:22:29.579 of money behind me 00:22:29.579 --> 00:22:30.839 that I could replace it with 00:22:30.839 --> 00:22:31.180 and I said, 00:22:31.259 --> 00:22:31.460 all right, 00:22:31.500 --> 00:22:32.660 everybody gets to come up 00:22:32.660 --> 00:22:34.220 and take one bill. 00:22:34.220 --> 00:22:35.600 You can either 00:22:35.600 --> 00:22:36.660 take the $1 bill 00:22:36.660 --> 00:22:37.500 or you can take 00:22:37.500 --> 00:22:38.460 the $100 bill. 00:22:39.299 --> 00:22:40.779 Every single person 00:22:40.779 --> 00:22:41.600 in here would take 00:22:41.600 --> 00:22:42.480 the $100 bill. 00:22:42.880 --> 00:22:44.839 Even my six-year-old daughter 00:22:44.839 --> 00:22:46.279 who thinks that she can 00:22:46.279 --> 00:22:47.360 save her allowance 00:22:47.360 --> 00:22:49.039 up to get an 00:22:49.039 --> 00:22:49.759 in-ground pool 00:22:49.759 --> 00:22:50.440 at our house, 00:22:50.700 --> 00:22:51.539 she understands 00:22:51.539 --> 00:22:52.740 that one is more valuable 00:22:52.740 --> 00:22:53.360 than the other. 00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:54.900 She's completely convinced 00:22:54.900 --> 00:22:56.140 that at $5 a week 00:22:56.140 --> 00:22:56.880 in a few months 00:22:56.880 --> 00:22:57.539 you'll have enough 00:22:57.539 --> 00:22:58.360 for an in-ground pool 00:22:58.360 --> 00:22:59.480 and I told her, 00:22:59.559 --> 00:22:59.720 sweetie, 00:22:59.839 --> 00:23:00.299 go for it. 00:23:00.299 --> 00:23:01.079 If you have enough, 00:23:01.079 --> 00:23:02.339 you can put that pool 00:23:02.339 --> 00:23:03.419 wherever you want to 00:23:03.419 --> 00:23:04.659 on our own property. 00:23:05.019 --> 00:23:06.759 But even she understands 00:23:06.759 --> 00:23:08.599 that the $100 00:23:08.599 --> 00:23:10.359 is far more valuable 00:23:10.359 --> 00:23:11.179 than the one. 00:23:11.799 --> 00:23:12.720 We're always going 00:23:12.720 --> 00:23:14.259 to go after that 00:23:14.259 --> 00:23:16.500 which is most valuable to us. 00:23:16.579 --> 00:23:17.699 And so when you sin, 00:23:18.179 --> 00:23:19.259 what you are saying 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:20.579 that in that moment, 00:23:21.019 --> 00:23:21.859 this sin 00:23:21.859 --> 00:23:24.079 or the immediate gratification 00:23:24.079 --> 00:23:25.379 that this sin offers 00:23:25.379 --> 00:23:27.299 is what's most important 00:23:27.299 --> 00:23:28.099 to you. 00:23:28.419 --> 00:23:29.399 It's what's most valuable 00:23:29.399 --> 00:23:29.980 to you. 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:31.980 But when we see Jesus 00:23:31.980 --> 00:23:33.360 for who he really is 00:23:33.360 --> 00:23:34.759 and keep our eyes 00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:35.660 fixed on him, 00:23:35.779 --> 00:23:36.900 then our ability 00:23:36.900 --> 00:23:38.000 to resist temptation 00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:39.700 is given new strength. 00:23:40.160 --> 00:23:42.039 It's given new strength. 00:23:42.720 --> 00:23:43.339 Now I realize 00:23:43.339 --> 00:23:43.980 you may be thinking, 00:23:44.120 --> 00:23:44.420 well, Brett, 00:23:45.019 --> 00:23:46.360 this sounds great, 00:23:46.720 --> 00:23:47.440 but you don't know 00:23:47.440 --> 00:23:48.640 what I'm dealing with. 00:23:48.839 --> 00:23:49.519 You don't know 00:23:49.519 --> 00:23:50.519 the amount of pressure 00:23:50.519 --> 00:23:51.519 that I'm going through. 00:23:51.620 --> 00:23:52.039 You don't know 00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:52.980 how difficult 00:23:52.980 --> 00:23:53.920 this person is 00:23:53.920 --> 00:23:54.599 to live with. 00:23:54.660 --> 00:23:55.120 You don't know 00:23:55.120 --> 00:23:55.779 the pressure 00:23:55.779 --> 00:23:57.019 that I'm feeling 00:23:57.019 --> 00:23:58.259 in this moment. 00:23:58.900 --> 00:23:59.960 And I'm in the middle 00:23:59.960 --> 00:24:00.299 of it, 00:24:00.360 --> 00:24:01.000 and I don't see 00:24:01.000 --> 00:24:02.019 that there's any way 00:24:02.019 --> 00:24:02.819 out of it. 00:24:03.200 --> 00:24:04.079 This trial 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:05.500 is so pressing 00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:06.340 and this temptation 00:24:06.340 --> 00:24:07.740 is so much 00:24:07.740 --> 00:24:08.660 that it is more 00:24:08.660 --> 00:24:10.440 than I can bear. 00:24:11.460 --> 00:24:12.440 And I have to tell you 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:13.019 that you're right. 00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:14.779 I don't know 00:24:14.779 --> 00:24:15.860 what it is 00:24:15.860 --> 00:24:16.799 that you're dealing with, 00:24:16.900 --> 00:24:17.440 and I don't know 00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:18.340 how long you've been 00:24:18.340 --> 00:24:19.400 dealing with it, 00:24:19.680 --> 00:24:20.940 but I do know 00:24:20.940 --> 00:24:22.340 there's a way out 00:24:22.340 --> 00:24:23.440 and that his name 00:24:23.440 --> 00:24:24.019 is Jesus. 00:24:24.920 --> 00:24:26.279 And so the final reminder 00:24:26.279 --> 00:24:26.960 that I want us 00:24:26.960 --> 00:24:27.700 to see today 00:24:27.700 --> 00:24:28.700 is I want us 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:30.000 to clearly see 00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:31.680 the goodness of God. 00:24:32.440 --> 00:24:33.660 The goodness of God 00:24:33.660 --> 00:24:34.299 in this passage. 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:34.779 He says, 00:24:34.860 --> 00:24:35.900 Do not be deceived, 00:24:36.240 --> 00:24:37.220 my beloved brothers. 00:24:37.420 --> 00:24:38.480 Every good 00:24:38.480 --> 00:24:39.840 and perfect gift 00:24:39.840 --> 00:24:40.759 is from above, 00:24:40.860 --> 00:24:41.480 coming down 00:24:41.480 --> 00:24:42.160 from the Father 00:24:42.160 --> 00:24:42.819 of lights, 00:24:43.120 --> 00:24:44.079 with whom there is 00:24:44.079 --> 00:24:44.960 no variation 00:24:44.960 --> 00:24:45.620 or shadow 00:24:45.620 --> 00:24:46.559 due to change. 00:24:47.059 --> 00:24:48.120 Of his own will 00:24:48.120 --> 00:24:49.460 he brought us forth 00:24:49.460 --> 00:24:51.000 by the word of truth 00:24:51.000 --> 00:24:51.680 that we should be 00:24:51.680 --> 00:24:52.319 a kind of 00:24:52.319 --> 00:24:53.480 first fruits 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:55.000 of his creatures. 00:24:56.000 --> 00:24:56.319 You see, 00:24:56.400 --> 00:24:57.480 God is not the author 00:24:57.480 --> 00:24:58.120 of temptation 00:24:58.120 --> 00:24:59.099 or anything evil. 00:24:59.240 --> 00:25:00.279 He is, rather, 00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:01.880 one who gives 00:25:01.880 --> 00:25:02.480 good gifts 00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:03.240 to his children, 00:25:03.380 --> 00:25:04.519 and the best gift 00:25:04.519 --> 00:25:05.180 that he gives 00:25:05.180 --> 00:25:05.700 his children 00:25:05.700 --> 00:25:07.160 is new life 00:25:07.160 --> 00:25:08.120 in Christ. 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:09.900 So don't believe 00:25:09.900 --> 00:25:10.880 the lies that others 00:25:10.880 --> 00:25:11.420 will tell you 00:25:11.420 --> 00:25:12.039 about God 00:25:12.039 --> 00:25:12.500 in the midst 00:25:12.500 --> 00:25:13.160 of your trials 00:25:13.160 --> 00:25:14.019 and temptations. 00:25:14.400 --> 00:25:15.140 Don't believe 00:25:15.140 --> 00:25:16.079 what they tell you 00:25:16.079 --> 00:25:16.700 is important 00:25:16.700 --> 00:25:18.420 in the middle of it. 00:25:18.900 --> 00:25:20.140 You deserve to do this 00:25:20.140 --> 00:25:21.140 or it's okay, 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:22.059 it's understandable 00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:23.259 to go down this road. 00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:23.819 Look at what 00:25:23.819 --> 00:25:24.759 you've been through. 00:25:25.180 --> 00:25:26.400 Know, stay firm, 00:25:26.539 --> 00:25:27.839 keep your eyes fixed 00:25:27.839 --> 00:25:28.759 on Jesus. 00:25:28.980 --> 00:25:30.819 Know what God's word says. 00:25:31.279 --> 00:25:31.900 This is why 00:25:31.900 --> 00:25:32.680 it's so important 00:25:32.680 --> 00:25:33.279 for us to know 00:25:33.279 --> 00:25:33.759 God's word. 00:25:34.119 --> 00:25:34.779 That's why 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:35.759 on Sunday mornings 00:25:35.759 --> 00:25:36.740 we spend time 00:25:36.740 --> 00:25:37.980 going through scripture 00:25:37.980 --> 00:25:39.240 that we'll walk 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:39.839 our way through 00:25:39.839 --> 00:25:40.879 verse by verse 00:25:40.879 --> 00:25:41.660 through scripture 00:25:41.660 --> 00:25:42.900 understanding 00:25:42.900 --> 00:25:44.339 what God has for us. 00:25:45.000 --> 00:25:45.779 This is why 00:25:45.779 --> 00:25:46.799 we encourage you 00:25:46.799 --> 00:25:47.559 to get involved 00:25:47.559 --> 00:25:48.519 in live groups 00:25:48.519 --> 00:25:49.819 and Sunday school classes 00:25:49.819 --> 00:25:51.180 because not only 00:25:51.180 --> 00:25:52.119 do you experience 00:25:52.119 --> 00:25:53.039 this fellowship 00:25:53.039 --> 00:25:55.059 amongst other believers 00:25:55.059 --> 00:25:56.480 in these classes 00:25:56.480 --> 00:25:57.500 but you also 00:25:57.500 --> 00:25:58.539 dive deeper 00:25:58.539 --> 00:25:59.579 into God's word. 00:26:00.079 --> 00:26:00.539 This is why 00:26:00.539 --> 00:26:01.180 we try to give you 00:26:01.180 --> 00:26:01.779 resources 00:26:01.779 --> 00:26:03.079 and encourage you 00:26:03.079 --> 00:26:04.119 to read the Bible 00:26:04.119 --> 00:26:04.940 on your own. 00:26:05.279 --> 00:26:06.200 In just a few weeks 00:26:06.200 --> 00:26:07.059 we'll be announcing 00:26:07.059 --> 00:26:07.700 that we're going 00:26:07.700 --> 00:26:09.319 to be encouraging 00:26:09.319 --> 00:26:10.019 our church 00:26:10.019 --> 00:26:10.779 over the last 00:26:10.779 --> 00:26:11.359 three months 00:26:11.359 --> 00:26:11.839 of the year 00:26:11.839 --> 00:26:13.099 to read the whole 00:26:13.099 --> 00:26:13.759 New Testament 00:26:13.759 --> 00:26:14.379 together. 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:15.619 The reason 00:26:15.619 --> 00:26:16.480 that we encourage 00:26:16.480 --> 00:26:17.099 you to do this 00:26:17.099 --> 00:26:17.700 is so that we 00:26:17.700 --> 00:26:19.039 can know the truth 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:20.039 because if you 00:26:20.039 --> 00:26:20.940 don't know 00:26:20.940 --> 00:26:21.819 the truth 00:26:21.819 --> 00:26:22.899 it becomes 00:26:22.899 --> 00:26:23.879 really easy 00:26:23.879 --> 00:26:25.019 to believe a lie. 00:26:25.819 --> 00:26:26.220 If you don't 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:27.319 know God's word 00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:28.000 it becomes 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:28.839 really easy 00:26:28.839 --> 00:26:29.319 to believe 00:26:29.319 --> 00:26:30.379 whatever anybody 00:26:30.379 --> 00:26:31.240 else will tell 00:26:31.240 --> 00:26:31.879 you about 00:26:31.879 --> 00:26:32.700 God's word. 00:26:33.039 --> 00:26:33.899 So know the word 00:26:33.899 --> 00:26:34.659 understand that 00:26:34.659 --> 00:26:35.420 it is pointing 00:26:35.420 --> 00:26:37.279 us to Jesus. 00:26:37.500 --> 00:26:38.000 David Platt 00:26:38.000 --> 00:26:38.960 reminds us 00:26:38.960 --> 00:26:39.940 of the truth 00:26:39.940 --> 00:26:40.599 found in these 00:26:40.599 --> 00:26:41.200 words when he 00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:42.619 says in your 00:26:42.619 --> 00:26:43.500 trials and 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:44.299 temptations 00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:45.680 don't believe 00:26:45.680 --> 00:26:46.560 the lies. 00:26:47.200 --> 00:26:47.720 Remember that 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:49.120 God is good 00:26:49.120 --> 00:26:50.720 so very good 00:26:50.720 --> 00:26:51.440 and he wants 00:26:51.440 --> 00:26:52.140 that which is 00:26:52.140 --> 00:26:53.120 good for you 00:26:53.120 --> 00:26:54.640 so trust him 00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:55.640 in your trials 00:26:55.640 --> 00:26:57.580 and turn to him 00:26:57.580 --> 00:26:59.360 in your temptations. 00:27:00.400 --> 00:27:01.480 We see goodness 00:27:01.480 --> 00:27:02.580 displayed in several 00:27:02.580 --> 00:27:03.400 ways in this 00:27:03.400 --> 00:27:03.940 passage. 00:27:04.400 --> 00:27:05.039 We see it 00:27:05.039 --> 00:27:05.779 displayed in several 00:27:05.779 --> 00:27:06.060 ways. 00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:07.240 We see that his 00:27:07.240 --> 00:27:08.160 goodness is 00:27:08.160 --> 00:27:08.900 immutable. 00:27:09.539 --> 00:27:10.360 It says every 00:27:10.360 --> 00:27:11.400 good and perfect 00:27:11.400 --> 00:27:12.420 gift is from 00:27:12.420 --> 00:27:13.380 above coming 00:27:13.380 --> 00:27:14.180 down from 00:27:14.180 --> 00:27:15.380 the father of 00:27:15.380 --> 00:27:16.860 lights with 00:27:16.860 --> 00:27:17.600 whom there is 00:27:17.600 --> 00:27:18.860 no variation 00:27:18.860 --> 00:27:20.280 or shadow 00:27:20.280 --> 00:27:21.520 due to change. 00:27:22.220 --> 00:27:22.900 We see that 00:27:22.900 --> 00:27:23.680 God's goodness 00:27:23.680 --> 00:27:24.600 is immutable 00:27:24.600 --> 00:27:25.560 because God 00:27:25.560 --> 00:27:26.220 is immutable. 00:27:26.520 --> 00:27:27.000 Now immutable 00:27:27.000 --> 00:27:27.660 is just a big 00:27:27.660 --> 00:27:28.440 theological term 00:27:28.440 --> 00:27:28.840 meaning he 00:27:28.840 --> 00:27:29.960 doesn't change. 00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:31.200 He's the same 00:27:31.200 --> 00:27:31.700 yesterday, 00:27:31.960 --> 00:27:32.320 today, 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:33.640 and forever. 00:27:34.380 --> 00:27:34.800 And so we 00:27:34.800 --> 00:27:36.600 see that God 00:27:36.600 --> 00:27:37.940 is unchangeable 00:27:37.940 --> 00:27:38.680 and his goodness 00:27:38.680 --> 00:27:39.780 is unchanging. 00:27:40.140 --> 00:27:41.140 We also see that 00:27:41.140 --> 00:27:41.640 his goodness 00:27:41.640 --> 00:27:43.340 is undeserved. 00:27:43.800 --> 00:27:44.740 Verse 18 says 00:27:44.740 --> 00:27:45.900 of his own 00:27:45.900 --> 00:27:47.440 will he brought 00:27:47.440 --> 00:27:48.319 us forth. 00:27:48.880 --> 00:27:49.759 Not when we 00:27:49.759 --> 00:27:50.519 finally got our 00:27:50.519 --> 00:27:51.099 act together. 00:27:51.519 --> 00:27:52.259 Not when our 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:53.579 good things 00:27:53.579 --> 00:27:54.420 outweighed our 00:27:54.420 --> 00:27:55.299 bad things. 00:27:55.640 --> 00:27:56.220 No, he's saying 00:27:56.220 --> 00:27:56.700 when we were 00:27:56.700 --> 00:27:57.440 dead in our 00:27:57.440 --> 00:27:58.240 trespasses and 00:27:58.240 --> 00:27:58.900 sins, that's 00:27:58.900 --> 00:27:59.819 when God came. 00:28:00.299 --> 00:28:01.200 This is undeserved. 00:28:01.279 --> 00:28:02.200 This is not our 00:28:02.200 --> 00:28:02.839 own doing. 00:28:03.000 --> 00:28:03.859 It is a gift 00:28:03.859 --> 00:28:05.059 of God. 00:28:05.740 --> 00:28:06.200 And finally, 00:28:06.319 --> 00:28:06.859 we see his 00:28:06.859 --> 00:28:07.720 goodness is 00:28:07.720 --> 00:28:08.400 final. 00:28:09.180 --> 00:28:09.900 It says we are 00:28:09.900 --> 00:28:10.940 a kind of 00:28:10.940 --> 00:28:12.779 first fruits of 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:13.519 his creatures. 00:28:14.920 --> 00:28:15.320 You see, 00:28:15.380 --> 00:28:16.220 the first fruits 00:28:16.220 --> 00:28:17.220 are the initial 00:28:17.220 --> 00:28:18.160 batch of a 00:28:18.160 --> 00:28:19.039 farmer's crops 00:28:19.039 --> 00:28:20.580 that proves 00:28:20.580 --> 00:28:21.559 and guarantees 00:28:21.559 --> 00:28:23.080 the rest of 00:28:23.080 --> 00:28:23.660 the harvest 00:28:23.660 --> 00:28:24.299 is on its 00:28:24.299 --> 00:28:24.640 way. 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:26.279 We, as 00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:27.059 first fruits, 00:28:27.140 --> 00:28:27.680 are reminded 00:28:27.680 --> 00:28:28.500 that this is 00:28:28.500 --> 00:28:29.100 just the 00:28:29.100 --> 00:28:29.580 beginning. 00:28:30.180 --> 00:28:30.720 And there's 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:31.680 so much more 00:28:31.680 --> 00:28:32.259 that is in 00:28:32.259 --> 00:28:32.860 store for us, 00:28:32.880 --> 00:28:33.559 so much more 00:28:33.559 --> 00:28:34.519 to come. 00:28:35.160 --> 00:28:35.759 And so as we 00:28:35.759 --> 00:28:36.799 close out this 00:28:36.799 --> 00:28:37.600 message, I want 00:28:37.600 --> 00:28:39.080 to make something 00:28:39.079 --> 00:28:39.960 very clear. 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:42.259 Sin, it does 00:28:42.259 --> 00:28:42.960 lead to all 00:28:42.960 --> 00:28:43.619 kinds of 00:28:43.619 --> 00:28:44.119 death. 00:28:44.559 --> 00:28:45.019 The death 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:45.539 being talked 00:28:45.539 --> 00:28:46.000 about here 00:28:46.000 --> 00:28:47.000 most certainly 00:28:47.000 --> 00:28:48.279 is a 00:28:48.279 --> 00:28:49.339 physical death 00:28:49.339 --> 00:28:50.759 as well as 00:28:50.759 --> 00:28:52.079 an eternal 00:28:52.079 --> 00:28:53.240 spiritual death. 00:28:53.679 --> 00:28:54.220 But this 00:28:54.220 --> 00:28:55.799 death is also 00:28:55.799 --> 00:28:56.799 something that 00:28:56.799 --> 00:28:57.740 happens to each 00:28:57.740 --> 00:28:58.339 and every one 00:28:58.339 --> 00:28:58.639 of us. 00:28:59.059 --> 00:29:00.059 The sin that 00:29:00.059 --> 00:29:00.519 comes in our 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:01.240 lives, we have 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:02.619 the death of 00:29:02.619 --> 00:29:04.359 our relationships. 00:29:04.619 --> 00:29:04.980 We have the 00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:05.539 death of our 00:29:05.539 --> 00:29:06.339 trust in the 00:29:06.339 --> 00:29:06.919 middle of those 00:29:06.919 --> 00:29:07.279 things. 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:08.339 We experience 00:29:08.339 --> 00:29:09.259 all kinds of 00:29:09.259 --> 00:29:09.859 death because 00:29:09.859 --> 00:29:11.279 of sin. 00:29:11.879 --> 00:29:12.559 But I also 00:29:12.559 --> 00:29:13.000 want you to 00:29:13.000 --> 00:29:13.439 know that we 00:29:13.439 --> 00:29:14.359 serve a good 00:29:14.359 --> 00:29:15.359 father in heaven 00:29:15.359 --> 00:29:16.939 who loves to 00:29:16.939 --> 00:29:18.279 restore life, 00:29:18.659 --> 00:29:19.839 who loves to 00:29:19.839 --> 00:29:20.759 fix that which 00:29:20.759 --> 00:29:21.339 is broken, 00:29:21.639 --> 00:29:22.599 who loves 00:29:22.599 --> 00:29:24.039 reconciliation so 00:29:24.039 --> 00:29:25.179 much so that he 00:29:25.179 --> 00:29:26.519 gave his life so 00:29:26.519 --> 00:29:27.779 that the death 00:29:27.779 --> 00:29:28.439 does not have the 00:29:28.439 --> 00:29:29.480 final say in 00:29:29.480 --> 00:29:30.659 our lives. 00:29:31.299 --> 00:29:32.000 You see, we 00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:32.639 serve a good 00:29:32.639 --> 00:29:33.980 father who 00:29:33.980 --> 00:29:35.139 wants to restore 00:29:35.139 --> 00:29:36.119 relationships. 00:29:36.879 --> 00:29:37.720 And as long as 00:29:37.720 --> 00:29:38.500 we continue in 00:29:38.500 --> 00:29:39.200 sin, as long as 00:29:39.200 --> 00:29:40.039 we continue to 00:29:40.039 --> 00:29:41.440 justify those 00:29:41.440 --> 00:29:42.400 things, it will 00:29:42.400 --> 00:29:43.519 continue to have 00:29:43.519 --> 00:29:44.380 a weight in our 00:29:44.380 --> 00:29:45.220 lives that God 00:29:45.220 --> 00:29:45.940 does not intend 00:29:45.940 --> 00:29:46.600 for it to. 00:29:47.259 --> 00:29:47.940 Now, of course, 00:29:48.019 --> 00:29:48.559 once you are 00:29:48.559 --> 00:29:49.940 saved, your sins 00:29:49.940 --> 00:29:50.480 are paid for 00:29:50.480 --> 00:29:51.180 past, present, 00:29:51.240 --> 00:29:51.759 and future, and 00:29:51.759 --> 00:29:52.480 it's not going to 00:29:52.480 --> 00:29:53.920 affect where you 00:29:53.920 --> 00:29:54.680 spend eternity 00:29:54.680 --> 00:29:55.440 because of what 00:29:55.440 --> 00:29:56.259 Jesus has done. 00:29:56.640 --> 00:29:57.400 But one of the 00:29:57.400 --> 00:29:58.600 themes of James 00:29:58.600 --> 00:29:59.559 is that we 00:29:59.559 --> 00:30:00.319 understand that 00:30:00.319 --> 00:30:01.640 part of our 00:30:01.640 --> 00:30:02.740 faith, it 00:30:02.740 --> 00:30:03.180 produces 00:30:03.180 --> 00:30:03.920 something in us. 00:30:03.980 --> 00:30:04.720 Our faith 00:30:04.720 --> 00:30:05.539 produces 00:30:05.539 --> 00:30:06.720 faithfulness. 00:30:07.259 --> 00:30:07.620 And so we 00:30:07.620 --> 00:30:08.259 want to be 00:30:08.259 --> 00:30:08.799 putting those 00:30:08.799 --> 00:30:09.740 things to death. 00:30:10.299 --> 00:30:10.920 Now, if this 00:30:10.920 --> 00:30:11.720 is new to you 00:30:11.720 --> 00:30:12.079 or maybe 00:30:12.079 --> 00:30:12.779 something you 00:30:12.779 --> 00:30:14.620 have known 00:30:14.620 --> 00:30:15.500 but has become 00:30:15.500 --> 00:30:16.360 real today, 00:30:16.579 --> 00:30:17.559 then I encourage 00:30:17.559 --> 00:30:18.440 you to give 00:30:18.440 --> 00:30:19.700 your life to 00:30:19.700 --> 00:30:20.100 Jesus. 00:30:21.259 --> 00:30:21.759 If you've 00:30:21.759 --> 00:30:22.420 never come to 00:30:22.420 --> 00:30:22.900 him before, 00:30:23.019 --> 00:30:23.720 then come to 00:30:23.720 --> 00:30:24.319 him today. 00:30:24.460 --> 00:30:25.240 Let Jesus 00:30:25.240 --> 00:30:26.600 restore that 00:30:26.600 --> 00:30:27.920 broken relationship 00:30:27.920 --> 00:30:29.420 because here's the 00:30:29.420 --> 00:30:29.779 truth. 00:30:30.460 --> 00:30:31.360 Sin is real 00:30:31.359 --> 00:30:32.879 and it really 00:30:32.879 --> 00:30:34.599 destroys lives. 00:30:35.419 --> 00:30:36.539 It really has 00:30:36.539 --> 00:30:37.259 broken our 00:30:37.259 --> 00:30:38.299 relationship with 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:39.500 God and it 00:30:39.500 --> 00:30:41.240 absolutely leads 00:30:41.240 --> 00:30:41.859 to eternal 00:30:41.859 --> 00:30:42.479 death. 00:30:42.919 --> 00:30:43.740 But each and 00:30:43.740 --> 00:30:44.639 every one of us 00:30:44.639 --> 00:30:46.159 has the opportunity 00:30:46.159 --> 00:30:47.699 to have that 00:30:47.699 --> 00:30:48.659 relationship with 00:30:48.659 --> 00:30:50.839 restored, bought 00:30:50.839 --> 00:30:51.740 and paid for by 00:30:51.740 --> 00:30:53.559 the precious blood 00:30:53.559 --> 00:30:54.740 of Jesus Christ. 00:30:55.219 --> 00:30:55.659 And so the 00:30:55.659 --> 00:30:56.919 question becomes, 00:30:57.519 --> 00:30:58.519 have you given 00:30:58.519 --> 00:31:00.000 your life to 00:31:00.000 --> 00:31:00.339 him? 00:31:00.339 --> 00:31:01.759 Heavenly Father, 00:31:01.859 --> 00:31:02.459 we thank you 00:31:02.459 --> 00:31:03.699 for your word. 00:31:04.339 --> 00:31:04.980 We thank you 00:31:04.980 --> 00:31:05.379 for what it 00:31:05.379 --> 00:31:06.199 tells us about 00:31:06.199 --> 00:31:06.539 you. 00:31:07.019 --> 00:31:07.980 We thank you 00:31:07.980 --> 00:31:08.980 that it reminds 00:31:08.980 --> 00:31:09.559 us that our 00:31:09.559 --> 00:31:10.659 sin is real, 00:31:10.839 --> 00:31:11.639 that it's our 00:31:11.639 --> 00:31:12.500 own doing and 00:31:12.500 --> 00:31:13.699 Lord that because 00:31:13.699 --> 00:31:14.539 of sin it has 00:31:14.539 --> 00:31:15.519 broken not only 00:31:15.519 --> 00:31:16.720 relationships here 00:31:16.720 --> 00:31:17.799 on this earth 00:31:17.799 --> 00:31:18.500 but it has 00:31:18.500 --> 00:31:19.419 destroyed our 00:31:19.419 --> 00:31:20.480 relationship with 00:31:20.480 --> 00:31:20.859 you. 00:31:21.220 --> 00:31:21.980 But you look 00:31:21.980 --> 00:31:22.639 down and you 00:31:22.639 --> 00:31:24.259 didn't leave us 00:31:24.259 --> 00:31:25.500 in that brokenness. 00:31:25.899 --> 00:31:26.619 You sent your 00:31:26.619 --> 00:31:27.859 son to live the 00:31:27.859 --> 00:31:28.720 life we couldn't 00:31:28.720 --> 00:31:29.980 live, to die 00:31:29.980 --> 00:31:30.720 the death that 00:31:30.720 --> 00:31:32.059 we deserve so 00:31:32.059 --> 00:31:32.960 that those 00:31:32.960 --> 00:31:34.079 relationships can 00:31:34.079 --> 00:31:34.900 be restored. 00:31:35.440 --> 00:31:36.019 And so Lord, 00:31:36.120 --> 00:31:36.980 help us to see 00:31:36.980 --> 00:31:37.640 that clearly 00:31:37.640 --> 00:31:38.140 today. 00:31:38.660 --> 00:31:39.360 Help us to 00:31:39.360 --> 00:31:40.160 look to you and 00:31:40.160 --> 00:31:41.140 see the goodness 00:31:41.140 --> 00:31:42.240 that you have 00:31:42.240 --> 00:31:43.360 given to us even 00:31:43.360 --> 00:31:44.019 in the midst of 00:31:44.019 --> 00:31:44.839 trials, even in 00:31:44.839 --> 00:31:45.360 the midst of 00:31:45.360 --> 00:31:46.620 difficulties when 00:31:46.620 --> 00:31:47.400 it's hard to 00:31:47.400 --> 00:31:47.599 see. 00:31:47.680 --> 00:31:49.160 God, remind us 00:31:49.160 --> 00:31:50.220 of what it is 00:31:50.220 --> 00:31:50.819 that you've done 00:31:50.819 --> 00:31:51.460 for us. 00:31:51.880 --> 00:31:52.680 And so Lord, I 00:31:52.680 --> 00:31:53.480 pray that as we 00:31:53.480 --> 00:31:54.500 think through this 00:31:54.500 --> 00:31:56.240 passage that we 00:31:56.240 --> 00:31:56.980 will think about 00:31:56.980 --> 00:31:57.660 what it is that 00:31:57.660 --> 00:31:58.240 we're boasting 00:31:58.240 --> 00:31:59.640 in, what it 00:31:59.640 --> 00:32:00.080 is that we're 00:32:00.080 --> 00:32:01.620 giving our lives 00:32:01.620 --> 00:32:02.240 to, what it 00:32:02.240 --> 00:32:02.640 is that we're 00:32:02.640 --> 00:32:03.480 putting our hope 00:32:03.480 --> 00:32:03.820 in. 00:32:04.220 --> 00:32:04.900 And if it's in 00:32:04.900 --> 00:32:05.580 anything other 00:32:05.580 --> 00:32:06.340 than you, Lord, 00:32:06.420 --> 00:32:07.160 help us to see 00:32:07.160 --> 00:32:07.920 that clearly. 00:32:08.580 --> 00:32:09.360 God, we thank 00:32:09.360 --> 00:32:10.180 you so very much 00:32:10.180 --> 00:32:10.800 for all that you 00:32:10.800 --> 00:32:11.400 do and we ask 00:32:11.400 --> 00:32:12.100 all these things 00:32:12.100 --> 00:32:13.040 in Jesus' name. 00:32:13.480 --> 00:32:13.820 Amen. 00:32:15.100 --> 00:32:15.880 If God is 00:32:15.880 --> 00:32:16.480 speaking to you 00:32:16.480 --> 00:32:16.900 this morning, I 00:32:16.900 --> 00:32:17.400 want to encourage 00:32:17.400 --> 00:32:17.940 you to respond. 00:32:18.040 --> 00:32:18.380 We're going to 00:32:18.380 --> 00:32:19.240 stand together and 00:32:19.240 --> 00:32:20.019 sing hymn number 00:32:20.019 --> 00:32:22.500 249, Jesus 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:23.420 Paid It All. 00:32:23.720 --> 00:32:24.519 And as we stand 00:32:24.519 --> 00:32:25.240 together and sing, 00:32:25.300 --> 00:32:25.860 if God is 00:32:25.859 --> 00:32:27.039 responding, won't 00:32:27.039 --> 00:32:27.639 you respond?