WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.639 A completely unobvious or obvious statement, not unobvious. 00:00:04.820 --> 00:00:08.540 Obvious statement is we have no idea what 2012 is going to bring us. 00:00:08.540 --> 00:00:15.540 ! 2012 might bring movies that change the way we think. 00:00:15.540 --> 00:00:21.100 It might bring music that will question or challenge what we believe. 00:00:22.100 --> 00:00:28.199 It might bring loss in our lives that will question our convictions. 00:00:28.199 --> 00:00:34.159 And it might bring gain that will challenge our fortitude and our faith. 00:00:34.820 --> 00:00:37.960 Do we believe, do we need God, in other words? 00:00:39.159 --> 00:00:44.960 2012 could also be a year where we find contentment no matter our situation. 00:00:45.759 --> 00:00:51.719 It could be a year where we have victory over a specific sin that has haunted us 00:00:51.719 --> 00:00:56.299 and we've struggled with so much for such a long time. 00:00:56.299 --> 00:01:00.959 It could be a year where we find strength in our weakest moments. 00:01:02.679 --> 00:01:09.399 It could be a year where we gain complete trust in our Savior alone. 00:01:09.400 --> 00:01:13.320 We don't know what 2012 will bring. 00:01:14.020 --> 00:01:16.600 We don't know what God has planned within this year. 00:01:17.940 --> 00:01:21.920 It would be futile and pointless to say we do. 00:01:22.500 --> 00:01:24.780 To say we know who's going to win the World Series. 00:01:25.000 --> 00:01:26.680 To say we know what God's going to do. 00:01:26.780 --> 00:01:28.600 To say any of these things. 00:01:28.599 --> 00:01:34.019 But, we know God's Word. 00:01:34.140 --> 00:01:35.000 We know what He's promised. 00:01:35.219 --> 00:01:37.519 We know what we are to do through the year. 00:01:37.699 --> 00:01:40.419 And that's kind of where I want to take us this morning. 00:01:42.979 --> 00:01:48.739 The typical version of New Year's resolutions are doomed to fail from the beginning. 00:01:48.739 --> 00:01:58.079 And all of us have experienced some resolution where it didn't last a week, maybe a day, maybe a couple hours, whatever it is. 00:01:58.519 --> 00:02:00.019 I know what mine would be. 00:02:00.239 --> 00:02:05.219 If I resolved to not eat sugar, it would last maybe 20 minutes. 00:02:06.439 --> 00:02:10.039 That's a magnetic hole for me, two sugar. 00:02:10.039 --> 00:02:14.099 But, they tend to not work. 00:02:14.239 --> 00:02:17.159 They're pretty much doomed to fail because they're all about ourselves. 00:02:17.299 --> 00:02:24.859 They're all rooted in what we want, what we think we need, our abilities. 00:02:25.959 --> 00:02:27.919 And the problem is that we're going to fail. 00:02:28.859 --> 00:02:31.079 There's no ifs, ands, or buts about it. 00:02:31.139 --> 00:02:32.039 We are going to fail. 00:02:33.120 --> 00:02:34.819 We are fallible. 00:02:36.079 --> 00:02:39.639 And the outcome is going to be we're going to fall short. 00:02:39.639 --> 00:02:44.739 Now, of course, there's some resolutions and some people who are strong-willed and can just fight through that. 00:02:44.959 --> 00:02:48.519 And, you know, as we say a lot, illustrations fall short somewhere. 00:02:48.759 --> 00:02:51.839 So, I understand that. 00:02:52.000 --> 00:02:55.719 However, most of the things aren't going to work. 00:02:56.339 --> 00:02:59.639 Besides being rooted in ourselves, there are also surface level. 00:03:00.019 --> 00:03:03.919 For example, I want to lose weight so that I look better. 00:03:04.279 --> 00:03:05.519 It's very surface level. 00:03:06.519 --> 00:03:09.459 There's no meat to that. 00:03:10.539 --> 00:03:12.959 I want to read more so that I know more. 00:03:13.819 --> 00:03:16.519 Again, that's a good thing, but it's just surface level. 00:03:17.299 --> 00:03:20.859 I want to talk to people so that I can then become more popular. 00:03:22.139 --> 00:03:24.139 Again, very surface level. 00:03:26.959 --> 00:03:29.819 Now, of course, not all our motives are surface level. 00:03:29.819 --> 00:03:38.479 But what if our New Year's resolutions, what if we made resolutions that were centered on our relationship with Jesus? 00:03:39.479 --> 00:03:43.699 Were Christ-centered, Christ-focused resolutions? 00:03:43.699 --> 00:03:49.879 What if we made resolutions that were founded in eternal truth? 00:03:49.879 --> 00:03:55.939 If we did that, then the outcome could be health. 00:03:56.699 --> 00:03:59.759 Our outcome could be spiritual health and physical health. 00:04:00.699 --> 00:04:03.120 Our outcome could be knowledge. 00:04:04.000 --> 00:04:06.300 Knowledge of who God is and our Savior. 00:04:07.400 --> 00:04:09.139 Our outcome could be people. 00:04:09.139 --> 00:04:13.979 We could become popular or hated, but we'd have people in our lives. 00:04:14.619 --> 00:04:17.860 We would gain a kingdom view and we would share the gospel with people. 00:04:19.560 --> 00:04:21.620 Of course, I want to be clear. 00:04:21.719 --> 00:04:29.180 I'm not dismissing resolutions, New Year's resolutions or self-examination, because those things can be healthy. 00:04:29.180 --> 00:04:38.340 But the way we've been taught to do them are usually rooted in what we want, what we desire, and they're doomed to fail. 00:04:39.199 --> 00:04:43.199 Jonathan Edwards, seven pages printed out of his resolutions. 00:04:43.460 --> 00:04:44.160 They're ridiculous. 00:04:44.439 --> 00:04:49.780 I was going to read a couple of them, and I just was under conviction not to do that, because they're pretty convicting. 00:04:51.420 --> 00:04:53.120 But he made resolutions. 00:04:53.379 --> 00:04:55.920 He made things that he was going to try to do. 00:04:56.720 --> 00:04:58.600 So there's nothing wrong with that. 00:04:59.180 --> 00:05:06.939 So with all that said, I've come up with three resolutions or encouragements for us for this year, 2012. 00:05:07.680 --> 00:05:17.480 Three things that I think can help us as we move forward as a church, but also individually, mainly individually, as followers of Christ. 00:05:19.259 --> 00:05:20.519 Resolution number one. 00:05:21.100 --> 00:05:23.579 Be the person God has made you into. 00:05:24.420 --> 00:05:26.639 Be the person that God has made you into. 00:05:26.639 --> 00:05:28.399 Turn to Romans chapter 6. 00:05:28.399 --> 00:05:36.199 And resolution number one, I kind of cheated, because if you've been around, you know that I just got finished preaching through Romans chapter 6. 00:05:36.359 --> 00:05:38.500 So it's fresh on my mind. 00:05:39.339 --> 00:05:40.219 Don't hate me. 00:05:40.539 --> 00:05:40.739 All right. 00:05:42.000 --> 00:05:43.339 Romans chapter 6. 00:05:45.239 --> 00:05:46.939 Now we're going to read two verses. 00:05:46.939 --> 00:05:55.939 When I say be the person God has made you into, I'm not saying this mystical, spiritual pep talk thing. 00:05:56.019 --> 00:05:57.959 Go and be that person that you can be. 00:05:58.300 --> 00:05:59.699 I'm not talking about that. 00:05:59.899 --> 00:06:04.639 I'm talking about the person that God has made you as a Christian, who you are before God. 00:06:04.639 --> 00:06:10.319 So resolution number one, be the person God has made you into. 00:06:10.659 --> 00:06:11.919 Romans chapter 6. 00:06:12.240 --> 00:06:13.719 We're going to read verse 6 and 7. 00:06:13.720 --> 00:06:16.860 It says, 00:06:16.860 --> 00:06:24.820 We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, 00:06:25.520 --> 00:06:29.140 so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 00:06:30.000 --> 00:06:34.360 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 00:06:34.360 --> 00:06:36.639 Let me read verse 8. 00:06:36.699 --> 00:06:41.060 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we also live with Him. 00:06:42.699 --> 00:06:44.600 The beginning of verse 6. 00:06:45.819 --> 00:06:53.680 We know that our old self, if we've got an old self, then we surely have a new self. 00:06:54.620 --> 00:06:58.939 If we're putting off or if our old self has died, then we're left with something new. 00:06:58.939 --> 00:07:03.519 In 2 Corinthians 5, 16 and 17. 00:07:04.120 --> 00:07:07.120 You guys know 17, I'm sure. 00:07:08.879 --> 00:07:10.680 But verse 16 says, 00:07:11.819 --> 00:07:15.680 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. 00:07:15.920 --> 00:07:19.199 Or Romans 6, old self. 00:07:19.360 --> 00:07:21.519 But we regard him thus no longer. 00:07:22.339 --> 00:07:26.159 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 00:07:26.160 --> 00:07:28.420 The old has passed away. 00:07:31.520 --> 00:07:33.560 Behold, the new has come. 00:07:34.700 --> 00:07:36.720 So we are a new creation. 00:07:38.700 --> 00:07:45.080 As Christians, because of the blood of Christ, because of His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, 00:07:45.540 --> 00:07:48.020 we are no longer in bondage to sin. 00:07:48.680 --> 00:07:54.040 So we're a new creation where sin, verse 6, is brought to nothing. 00:07:54.040 --> 00:07:58.520 Sin has no value, no worth, no ability over us. 00:07:59.500 --> 00:08:02.260 Sin no longer has control over us. 00:08:03.120 --> 00:08:06.700 And I know we've gone over this several times going through Romans chapter 6, 00:08:06.840 --> 00:08:13.640 but we constantly have to be reminded over and over and over that sin has no power over us. 00:08:13.720 --> 00:08:15.060 Christ has defeated sin. 00:08:16.360 --> 00:08:22.240 His resurrection has ended the reign of sin in your life if you are a Christian. 00:08:22.240 --> 00:08:22.319 A new creation. 00:08:24.639 --> 00:08:29.860 A new creation also where we're no longer enslaved to sin. 00:08:30.860 --> 00:08:32.960 We're no longer enslaved to sin. 00:08:33.080 --> 00:08:35.560 We're set free from sin. 00:08:36.539 --> 00:08:39.320 Sin no longer has control or power over you. 00:08:39.960 --> 00:08:43.259 And one of the things I struggled with when we preached in Romans chapter 6 was, 00:08:43.259 --> 00:08:46.899 how can I come up with an illustration that communicates this clearly? 00:08:47.519 --> 00:08:52.639 How can I let you know that we're set free from sin? 00:08:52.720 --> 00:08:54.460 We're no longer in bondage to sin. 00:08:54.620 --> 00:08:55.980 And I still can't do it. 00:08:56.659 --> 00:08:58.759 The truth is, though, that we are free. 00:08:59.240 --> 00:09:03.019 That we are free from the burden of sin and the power of sin in our lives. 00:09:03.019 --> 00:09:09.659 So we can no longer say, and we should no longer say, well, that's just who I am. 00:09:10.240 --> 00:09:11.860 I just struggle with that sin, right? 00:09:12.360 --> 00:09:16.139 That's just, you know, those are the cards I've been dealt and I just, you know, struggle with it. 00:09:16.519 --> 00:09:17.299 Onward I go. 00:09:18.039 --> 00:09:20.939 We can no longer say, I just can't do anymore. 00:09:21.379 --> 00:09:22.699 I've done everything I can. 00:09:22.700 --> 00:09:26.940 You are free from sin because of Jesus. 00:09:27.120 --> 00:09:28.080 And this is who you are. 00:09:28.600 --> 00:09:29.759 This is where you stand. 00:09:30.440 --> 00:09:32.320 Stop wallowing in your sin. 00:09:33.660 --> 00:09:35.680 Stop thinking that you can't do anymore. 00:09:35.840 --> 00:09:38.180 That this is just who you are because that's not the case. 00:09:39.040 --> 00:09:41.860 You and I, if you are a Christian, I'm a Christian. 00:09:42.000 --> 00:09:43.520 We are set free from sin. 00:09:43.879 --> 00:09:45.600 It no longer has control. 00:09:48.720 --> 00:09:52.280 Romans 6.11 says, 00:09:52.700 --> 00:09:57.160 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin. 00:09:57.960 --> 00:10:04.220 So our old self, dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 00:10:05.020 --> 00:10:08.280 Be dead to sin and alive to God. 00:10:08.800 --> 00:10:09.879 This is who we are. 00:10:11.180 --> 00:10:16.040 This is a good resolution to be the person God has made you into. 00:10:17.560 --> 00:10:18.960 We are at war. 00:10:18.960 --> 00:10:19.000 War. 00:10:19.800 --> 00:10:26.420 The language following in verses 12-15 tell us, use war language. 00:10:27.019 --> 00:10:27.879 We are at war. 00:10:29.060 --> 00:10:34.759 And I'm afraid, I'm afraid that a lot of us are laying down in the front lines. 00:10:34.759 --> 00:10:38.700 We are laying down without our swords, without our guns. 00:10:39.220 --> 00:10:40.480 We are being trampled. 00:10:41.000 --> 00:10:42.159 We are being taken captive. 00:10:42.319 --> 00:10:43.120 We are being tortured. 00:10:43.919 --> 00:10:45.340 And all the while, not fighting. 00:10:45.340 --> 00:10:48.980 Is there a fight in you? 00:10:49.060 --> 00:10:50.500 Are you fighting against sin? 00:10:51.500 --> 00:11:00.820 Is there a fight in you to not give in to the sin that is stronger than you think? 00:11:00.820 --> 00:11:07.140 I'm afraid that there's no fight in a lot of us. 00:11:07.780 --> 00:11:14.860 I'm afraid that there's no fight in you and sometimes in me. 00:11:14.860 --> 00:11:18.840 The question is, though, how can there be no fight? 00:11:20.000 --> 00:11:24.840 If we're reading what we're reading, we have been set free from sin. 00:11:25.960 --> 00:11:31.379 We are no longer a soldier of sin being used by sin, being abused by sin. 00:11:31.639 --> 00:11:34.740 We are soldiers of God to serve God alone. 00:11:35.379 --> 00:11:37.220 Being set free from sin. 00:11:37.220 --> 00:11:39.779 We must fight. 00:11:40.860 --> 00:11:42.759 We must fight against lust. 00:11:42.920 --> 00:11:44.100 Fight against pride. 00:11:44.620 --> 00:11:45.720 Fight against gossip. 00:11:45.980 --> 00:11:47.620 Fight against discontentment. 00:11:51.139 --> 00:11:53.740 Make war against these things. 00:11:54.300 --> 00:11:55.139 Against sin. 00:11:55.860 --> 00:11:57.660 Because if we don't, we're going to be conquered. 00:11:59.240 --> 00:12:06.580 If we don't, we're not going to have a life of joy and a life that is God-honoring. 00:12:08.220 --> 00:12:12.519 Stop laying down and saying, that's just who I am. 00:12:13.240 --> 00:12:14.279 Those are my struggles. 00:12:16.100 --> 00:12:19.540 You have been set free in order to fight. 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:22.440 And in fighting, bring glory to God. 00:12:23.379 --> 00:12:24.279 This is who we are. 00:12:24.700 --> 00:12:27.680 Be the person God has made you into. 00:12:28.460 --> 00:12:31.759 No longer a slave to sin, but a slave to righteousness. 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:33.000 This is who you are. 00:12:34.220 --> 00:12:35.379 Resolution number two. 00:12:35.379 --> 00:12:39.039 Be about the Lord's work. 00:12:39.740 --> 00:12:41.179 Be about the Lord's work. 00:12:41.740 --> 00:12:43.559 Turn to 1 Corinthians 15. 00:12:45.740 --> 00:12:48.200 I like to say a lot of obvious statements. 00:12:48.360 --> 00:12:49.899 And of course, this is an obvious statement. 00:12:50.039 --> 00:12:51.159 Be about the Lord's work. 00:12:51.279 --> 00:12:53.059 Well, you're a Christian, so do God's work. 00:12:53.179 --> 00:12:53.539 Of course. 00:12:53.919 --> 00:12:54.620 Yes, I agree. 00:12:54.620 --> 00:13:02.700 So out of who we are then, we have been set free. 00:13:03.659 --> 00:13:05.840 We have been, the chains of sin is broken. 00:13:06.639 --> 00:13:08.299 Sin no longer has control over us. 00:13:08.360 --> 00:13:11.779 We are now slaves to righteousness, which is a good thing, not a bad thing. 00:13:12.440 --> 00:13:14.159 We are now servants of the Lord. 00:13:14.159 --> 00:13:20.939 So out of that, then, we do the Lord's work. 00:13:21.240 --> 00:13:23.399 We are about the Lord's work. 00:13:24.339 --> 00:13:25.819 1 Corinthians chapter 15. 00:13:25.939 --> 00:13:27.719 One of my favorite chapters in all of Scripture. 00:13:29.019 --> 00:13:33.839 Paul starts off the chapter and he makes the case for the resurrection of Christ. 00:13:33.840 --> 00:13:37.440 And he says things like, verse 3, 00:13:37.540 --> 00:13:40.580 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:43.720 that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 00:13:44.180 --> 00:13:47.620 that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with Scriptures. 00:13:48.759 --> 00:13:52.379 If that's not enough, and that He appeared to Cephas, and then to the twelve, 00:13:52.519 --> 00:13:55.920 and then appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, 00:13:56.399 --> 00:13:59.639 more of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 00:13:59.860 --> 00:14:02.560 Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 00:14:02.559 --> 00:14:04.099 Last of all, Paul says, 00:14:04.179 --> 00:14:08.139 He also appeared to me, and why I am the most unworthy to be appeared to. 00:14:09.399 --> 00:14:13.079 He makes this case about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:14:13.839 --> 00:14:19.419 He proves it here just by the witness of these men that he has listed. 00:14:20.199 --> 00:14:23.019 Well, then he goes on to say that if Jesus was not resurrected, 00:14:23.179 --> 00:14:28.839 then we are most to be pitied because we should just go on and live life. 00:14:28.839 --> 00:14:32.399 In fact, he uses, in verse 32, 00:14:32.559 --> 00:14:35.679 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I thought would be said, 00:14:35.739 --> 00:14:40.559 Ephesus, if the dead are not raised, let us eat, drink, for tomorrow we die. 00:14:41.500 --> 00:14:44.419 Let us just forget about this Christian life and go on. 00:14:44.479 --> 00:14:48.399 If Jesus was not resurrected, if the dead was not resurrected. 00:14:48.399 --> 00:14:55.459 So then we come, and he talks about it later on in the chapter, 00:14:57.459 --> 00:15:00.659 verse 42. 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:04.220 So is it with the resurrection of the dead, what is sown is perishable, 00:15:04.319 --> 00:15:05.919 what is raised is imperishable? 00:15:06.579 --> 00:15:07.259 Verse 43. 00:15:07.519 --> 00:15:11.319 It is sown in dishonor, and it is raised in glory. 00:15:11.419 --> 00:15:13.340 It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 00:15:13.340 --> 00:15:16.780 It is sown in natural body, it is raised in spiritual body. 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:19.120 For there is natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 00:15:20.420 --> 00:15:21.560 Jesus is better. 00:15:23.019 --> 00:15:26.940 He's making the case that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is important. 00:15:26.940 --> 00:15:33.380 So we come now, and we get to the end, where because of Jesus, we have, 00:15:33.480 --> 00:15:37.340 the end of the chapter, because of Jesus, we have victory over sin, victory over death. 00:15:37.660 --> 00:15:40.440 What we believe is true, because Jesus was resurrected. 00:15:42.740 --> 00:15:45.840 And then where our English language kind of falls short a little bit. 00:15:46.640 --> 00:15:48.340 Verse 56 says, 00:15:48.720 --> 00:15:51.220 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 00:15:51.280 --> 00:15:52.240 Then verse 57. 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:56.980 But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:15:57.799 --> 00:16:01.299 So he closes this up by saying, in our English language, 00:16:01.440 --> 00:16:04.659 But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:16:05.320 --> 00:16:08.799 And I'm pretty certain that there's a little more intensity to that statement. 00:16:09.960 --> 00:16:11.480 He closes it by saying, 00:16:11.539 --> 00:16:17.120 But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:16:17.879 --> 00:16:18.759 Verse 58. 00:16:18.759 --> 00:16:23.100 Therefore, my beloved brothers, brothers and sisters, 00:16:23.240 --> 00:16:29.840 Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, 00:16:30.639 --> 00:16:35.639 knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 00:16:36.360 --> 00:16:40.259 So resolution number two is be about the Lord's work. 00:16:40.259 --> 00:16:43.580 The first here in verse 58, 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:45.340 It's the main verse I want to look at. 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:45.639 It says, 00:16:45.740 --> 00:16:46.720 Be steadfast. 00:16:47.899 --> 00:16:49.799 Another meaning for that is to sit, 00:16:50.240 --> 00:16:51.080 or to stay. 00:16:52.519 --> 00:16:54.319 Another one is to soak. 00:16:55.120 --> 00:16:56.299 To be steadfast. 00:16:56.379 --> 00:16:57.360 To not move. 00:16:58.779 --> 00:16:59.039 Now, 00:16:59.700 --> 00:17:04.480 some people would say that Spurgeon is as anointed as some of these other writers. 00:17:05.140 --> 00:17:05.900 He's not. 00:17:05.900 --> 00:17:10.060 Some people quote him as often to think that he's part of Scripture, 00:17:10.220 --> 00:17:11.060 but he's not. 00:17:11.860 --> 00:17:13.800 But he's got a good thing here, 00:17:14.300 --> 00:17:17.259 talking about Scripture and preaching. 00:17:17.460 --> 00:17:19.300 And I want to kind of read it to you, 00:17:19.440 --> 00:17:21.920 because what he says, 00:17:21.980 --> 00:17:24.420 he kind of gives light to some of these words, 00:17:24.580 --> 00:17:26.340 some of these verbs. 00:17:27.540 --> 00:17:27.940 He says, 00:17:27.940 --> 00:17:29.980 One thing more, and it is this. 00:17:30.860 --> 00:17:32.079 Let us, dear brethren, 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:34.759 try to get saturated with the Gospel, 00:17:35.360 --> 00:17:36.860 to soak in the Gospel. 00:17:37.240 --> 00:17:39.579 I always find that I can preach best 00:17:39.579 --> 00:17:43.160 when I can manage to lie a soak in my text. 00:17:43.900 --> 00:17:48.200 I like to get a text and find out its meaning and bearings and so on. 00:17:48.519 --> 00:17:50.519 And then, after I have bathed in it, 00:17:51.279 --> 00:17:53.200 I delight to lie down in it 00:17:53.200 --> 00:17:54.640 and let it soak into me. 00:17:55.240 --> 00:17:56.380 It softens me, 00:17:56.500 --> 00:17:57.380 or hardens me, 00:17:57.539 --> 00:17:59.759 or does whatever it ought to do to me. 00:17:59.980 --> 00:18:01.460 And then, I can talk about it. 00:18:02.140 --> 00:18:04.819 You need not be very particular about the words and phrases 00:18:04.819 --> 00:18:06.779 if the spirit of the text has filled you. 00:18:07.339 --> 00:18:11.120 Thoughts will leap out and find raiment for themselves. 00:18:11.660 --> 00:18:13.200 Become saturated with spices, 00:18:13.339 --> 00:18:14.440 and you will smell of them. 00:18:15.140 --> 00:18:17.440 A sweet perfume will distill from you 00:18:17.440 --> 00:18:19.240 and spread itself in every direction. 00:18:19.960 --> 00:18:20.940 We call it unction. 00:18:21.720 --> 00:18:23.559 Do you not love to listen to a brother 00:18:23.559 --> 00:18:25.740 who abides in fellowship with the Lord Jesus? 00:18:26.500 --> 00:18:28.940 Even a few minutes of such a man is refreshing. 00:18:28.940 --> 00:18:30.580 For like his master, 00:18:30.680 --> 00:18:32.279 his paths drop fatness. 00:18:33.059 --> 00:18:34.200 Dwell in the truth, 00:18:34.279 --> 00:18:36.480 and let the truth dwell in you. 00:18:36.980 --> 00:18:39.440 Be baptized into its spirit and influence 00:18:39.440 --> 00:18:42.100 that you may impart thereof to others. 00:18:42.900 --> 00:18:44.259 If you do not believe the gospel, 00:18:44.380 --> 00:18:45.259 do not preach it, 00:18:45.779 --> 00:18:47.580 for you lack an essential qualification. 00:18:47.579 --> 00:18:49.879 But even if you do believe it, 00:18:49.919 --> 00:18:52.399 do not preach it until you have taken it up into yourself 00:18:52.399 --> 00:18:54.399 as the wick takes up the oil. 00:18:55.240 --> 00:18:59.419 So only can you be a burning and shining light. 00:19:00.220 --> 00:19:01.799 Soak in the Word of God. 00:19:01.859 --> 00:19:03.199 Now, he's speaking to students. 00:19:03.639 --> 00:19:05.879 This is out of his lectures to my students. 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:08.919 He's teaching the guys who are going to be preachers. 00:19:08.920 --> 00:19:10.720 But you and me, 00:19:10.940 --> 00:19:12.060 and all of us in this room, 00:19:12.360 --> 00:19:13.880 can take the truth that he says, 00:19:14.140 --> 00:19:15.539 soak in his Word. 00:19:16.000 --> 00:19:17.620 Soak in the Word of God. 00:19:17.980 --> 00:19:19.519 To sit in the Word of God. 00:19:19.620 --> 00:19:20.759 To know the Word of God. 00:19:20.860 --> 00:19:22.660 To stand in the Word of God. 00:19:22.660 --> 00:19:25.019 To stay in the Word of God. 00:19:25.980 --> 00:19:26.680 In 1989, 00:19:27.420 --> 00:19:29.400 I can remember, 00:19:29.640 --> 00:19:31.720 and almost be horrified by the pictures, 00:19:32.200 --> 00:19:34.580 of the protests in Tiananmen Square. 00:19:34.579 --> 00:19:36.679 There was, 00:19:36.839 --> 00:19:37.839 if you go to YouTube, 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:39.039 there's a lot of videos of this, 00:19:39.119 --> 00:19:40.319 and I don't know why you would watch it, 00:19:40.379 --> 00:19:41.399 but there's, 00:19:41.879 --> 00:19:43.639 one of the famous scenes is, 00:19:43.960 --> 00:19:46.720 is the young Chinese man 00:19:46.720 --> 00:19:48.199 who stands in front of a tank, 00:19:48.779 --> 00:19:49.939 and he will not move. 00:19:50.619 --> 00:19:52.460 And protesters laying in street, 00:19:52.659 --> 00:19:54.099 in the street in front of tanks, 00:19:54.199 --> 00:19:55.059 they will not move, 00:19:55.099 --> 00:19:56.319 because they believe, 00:19:56.439 --> 00:19:58.259 they stay in what they are, 00:19:58.720 --> 00:19:59.980 in what they believe in. 00:20:00.439 --> 00:20:02.500 They're sitting in what they believe in. 00:20:02.500 --> 00:20:05.740 Likewise for us, 00:20:06.180 --> 00:20:08.819 we must sit and stay in the Word of God. 00:20:09.160 --> 00:20:10.240 Know the Word of God. 00:20:10.359 --> 00:20:11.720 Soak in the Word of God. 00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:14.380 Be willing to die for the Word of God 00:20:14.380 --> 00:20:16.140 and the truth of God's teaching. 00:20:17.660 --> 00:20:20.059 We must be steadfast 00:20:20.059 --> 00:20:22.319 in our faith, 00:20:22.759 --> 00:20:24.160 in who Jesus is, 00:20:25.180 --> 00:20:26.980 and who we are because of Jesus. 00:20:27.140 --> 00:20:28.180 We have been set free. 00:20:29.579 --> 00:20:30.599 We cannot waver, 00:20:30.599 --> 00:20:32.799 cannot waver in the Gospel. 00:20:33.699 --> 00:20:35.339 The protester did not waver. 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:37.179 We must not waver 00:20:37.179 --> 00:20:38.980 for the truth that is greater 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:40.919 than what he was fighting for. 00:20:43.119 --> 00:20:44.619 The next word it says is, 00:20:44.679 --> 00:20:45.219 immovable. 00:20:46.619 --> 00:20:47.219 Immovable. 00:20:48.099 --> 00:20:50.179 Like the protester who was immovable, 00:20:50.339 --> 00:20:51.240 did not move. 00:20:51.539 --> 00:20:52.659 Firmly persistent. 00:20:52.660 --> 00:20:56.120 When we fight, 00:20:56.779 --> 00:20:57.820 we never give up. 00:20:58.540 --> 00:21:00.120 We never give ground. 00:21:00.960 --> 00:21:02.320 We stay the course. 00:21:03.060 --> 00:21:04.200 We don't give up ground. 00:21:04.360 --> 00:21:06.860 We don't give up an inch. 00:21:09.040 --> 00:21:11.700 We can be undefeatable if we fight. 00:21:12.700 --> 00:21:15.519 We can be undefeatable if we fight with Christ, 00:21:15.779 --> 00:21:17.100 if we stand with Him. 00:21:17.099 --> 00:21:20.639 But we so often just lay down 00:21:20.639 --> 00:21:20.939 and say, 00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:21.659 this is who I am. 00:21:22.500 --> 00:21:23.919 These are the cards I've been dealt. 00:21:25.099 --> 00:21:27.379 This is my situation, 00:21:27.579 --> 00:21:28.399 and this is my struggle, 00:21:28.559 --> 00:21:28.839 and this is, 00:21:29.259 --> 00:21:30.199 some of us use, 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:31.079 this is my thorn. 00:21:32.319 --> 00:21:33.619 This is the thorn in my side 00:21:33.619 --> 00:21:34.799 that I'm going to struggle with. 00:21:35.719 --> 00:21:36.079 No, 00:21:36.219 --> 00:21:38.240 you can have victory over that sin. 00:21:38.980 --> 00:21:40.699 You can have victory 00:21:40.699 --> 00:21:42.019 over that struggle 00:21:42.019 --> 00:21:42.879 that you think 00:21:42.879 --> 00:21:44.339 has got you. 00:21:44.339 --> 00:21:46.519 We can be, 00:21:46.779 --> 00:21:48.179 we have to be immovable. 00:21:50.299 --> 00:21:52.319 Be about the Lord's work. 00:21:53.059 --> 00:21:53.980 We have to be immovable 00:21:53.980 --> 00:21:55.959 against false teaching. 00:21:56.799 --> 00:21:58.259 Be immovable about it. 00:21:58.319 --> 00:21:59.379 Not give an inch. 00:21:59.899 --> 00:22:00.359 Not say, 00:22:00.500 --> 00:22:01.699 oh, well, you know, maybe. 00:22:02.079 --> 00:22:02.980 No, immovable. 00:22:04.839 --> 00:22:06.259 Immmovable against sin. 00:22:09.779 --> 00:22:12.039 Immmovable against mediocrity in your life 00:22:12.039 --> 00:22:13.659 as a child of God. 00:22:14.339 --> 00:22:16.339 Positive. 00:22:17.619 --> 00:22:19.480 Be immovable in kingdom work. 00:22:20.220 --> 00:22:21.539 Immmovable about the gospel 00:22:21.539 --> 00:22:22.740 and sharing the gospel. 00:22:23.199 --> 00:22:24.759 Immmovable about loving others 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:26.199 no matter what they look like 00:22:26.199 --> 00:22:27.039 or who they are. 00:22:28.000 --> 00:22:29.639 We must be immovable. 00:22:30.519 --> 00:22:31.139 And then finally, 00:22:31.259 --> 00:22:31.799 in this verse, 00:22:31.879 --> 00:22:32.139 it says, 00:22:32.299 --> 00:22:33.480 always abounding 00:22:33.480 --> 00:22:35.039 in the work of the Lord. 00:22:36.399 --> 00:22:38.679 Our lives should overflow 00:22:38.679 --> 00:22:41.299 in the work of the Lord. 00:22:41.299 --> 00:22:43.440 It's not a, 00:22:43.579 --> 00:22:44.259 it's not, you know, 00:22:44.279 --> 00:22:45.359 you fill your glass up 00:22:45.359 --> 00:22:46.220 and you get to the top 00:22:46.220 --> 00:22:46.919 and you stop. 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:49.539 Because if we have that mentality, 00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:50.740 then we work 00:22:50.740 --> 00:22:51.720 and we serve the Lord 00:22:51.720 --> 00:22:52.819 until we've done enough 00:22:52.819 --> 00:22:53.559 and then we're done. 00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:55.059 Until that cup is full, 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:55.960 we're finished. 00:22:56.419 --> 00:22:56.579 No, 00:22:57.119 --> 00:22:58.220 abounding here 00:22:58.220 --> 00:22:59.759 is an overflow. 00:23:00.319 --> 00:23:02.019 You keep pouring into that cup 00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:03.339 and it keeps overflowing 00:23:03.339 --> 00:23:04.359 and overflowing 00:23:04.359 --> 00:23:05.399 and overflowing. 00:23:07.740 --> 00:23:08.919 Abounding in the work 00:23:08.919 --> 00:23:09.519 of the Lord. 00:23:11.759 --> 00:23:12.899 Acquaintances in your life 00:23:12.899 --> 00:23:13.500 should know 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:14.559 that you're a Christian. 00:23:15.559 --> 00:23:17.179 Friends should know 00:23:17.179 --> 00:23:18.359 where you stand 00:23:18.359 --> 00:23:19.459 in issues. 00:23:21.059 --> 00:23:21.219 See, 00:23:21.279 --> 00:23:22.159 if what is written 00:23:22.159 --> 00:23:23.679 here by Paul 00:23:23.679 --> 00:23:24.240 is true 00:23:24.240 --> 00:23:25.059 and if the scriptures 00:23:25.059 --> 00:23:26.000 are true, 00:23:28.039 --> 00:23:31.579 then there is no other response, 00:23:31.699 --> 00:23:33.219 no other appropriate response 00:23:33.220 --> 00:23:34.000 in our lives 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:34.640 than to do 00:23:34.640 --> 00:23:35.600 the work 00:23:35.600 --> 00:23:36.539 of the Lord. 00:23:37.920 --> 00:23:38.980 We do the work 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:39.400 of the Lord 00:23:39.400 --> 00:23:39.940 because 00:23:39.940 --> 00:23:41.259 of the work 00:23:41.259 --> 00:23:42.059 that He's already done 00:23:42.059 --> 00:23:42.720 for us. 00:23:44.700 --> 00:23:45.640 He's already done 00:23:45.640 --> 00:23:46.460 in our lives. 00:23:49.039 --> 00:23:49.539 So, 00:23:49.640 --> 00:23:50.759 resolution number one 00:23:50.759 --> 00:23:51.519 was be the man 00:23:51.519 --> 00:23:52.360 God has made you 00:23:52.360 --> 00:23:53.880 or made you into. 00:23:55.000 --> 00:23:56.120 Resolution number two, 00:23:56.460 --> 00:23:57.819 be about the Lord's work. 00:23:59.120 --> 00:24:00.620 And then resolution number three, 00:24:01.059 --> 00:24:01.960 be the person 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:03.539 you say you are. 00:24:05.180 --> 00:24:06.019 Be the person 00:24:06.019 --> 00:24:06.840 you say you are. 00:24:06.900 --> 00:24:07.000 Now, 00:24:07.039 --> 00:24:07.640 this came to me 00:24:07.640 --> 00:24:08.220 this week. 00:24:09.400 --> 00:24:10.700 Conviction of the Holy Spirit 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:12.019 and words from my wife. 00:24:13.559 --> 00:24:13.960 Husbands, 00:24:14.039 --> 00:24:14.660 you probably think 00:24:14.660 --> 00:24:15.440 they're both the same. 00:24:15.880 --> 00:24:16.680 Sometimes I do too, 00:24:16.740 --> 00:24:17.240 but they're not. 00:24:17.519 --> 00:24:18.460 Wives and Holy Spirits 00:24:18.460 --> 00:24:19.200 are a little different. 00:24:19.200 --> 00:24:24.539 I, 00:24:24.779 --> 00:24:25.740 yeah, 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:31.680 does my life 00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:34.000 away from teaching 00:24:34.000 --> 00:24:34.740 and preaching, 00:24:35.740 --> 00:24:36.759 does my life 00:24:36.759 --> 00:24:37.720 away from being 00:24:37.720 --> 00:24:38.620 in front of people 00:24:38.620 --> 00:24:40.000 line up with what I'm saying? 00:24:43.420 --> 00:24:45.100 Am I the same person? 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:47.319 Is there consistency? 00:24:49.899 --> 00:24:50.459 You know, 00:24:50.519 --> 00:24:50.679 this, 00:24:50.759 --> 00:24:51.919 this last couple weeks 00:24:51.919 --> 00:24:52.299 has been, 00:24:52.359 --> 00:24:53.159 has been tough 00:24:53.159 --> 00:24:53.539 for, 00:24:53.679 --> 00:24:54.740 for me personally 00:24:54.740 --> 00:24:56.219 and I allowed 00:24:56.219 --> 00:24:57.279 my circumstances 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:58.259 to affect 00:24:58.259 --> 00:25:00.279 my emotions 00:25:00.279 --> 00:25:00.659 and, 00:25:00.659 --> 00:25:01.779 and how I acted. 00:25:02.779 --> 00:25:03.639 For you, 00:25:04.459 --> 00:25:05.559 does your life, 00:25:05.879 --> 00:25:06.879 does what you communicate 00:25:06.879 --> 00:25:08.339 here on Sunday morning, 00:25:08.699 --> 00:25:09.500 or what you communicate 00:25:09.500 --> 00:25:10.299 to your family, 00:25:10.439 --> 00:25:11.179 or what you communicate 00:25:11.179 --> 00:25:11.759 to friends 00:25:11.759 --> 00:25:12.740 about being a Christian, 00:25:12.740 --> 00:25:13.740 does it line up 00:25:13.740 --> 00:25:14.940 with how you act 00:25:14.940 --> 00:25:16.519 every other moment 00:25:16.519 --> 00:25:17.180 of your day, 00:25:17.480 --> 00:25:18.759 every other moment 00:25:18.759 --> 00:25:19.440 of your week? 00:25:20.539 --> 00:25:21.740 Are you consistent? 00:25:22.579 --> 00:25:23.539 Does your life 00:25:23.539 --> 00:25:25.059 line up? 00:25:25.680 --> 00:25:26.660 Or do you allow 00:25:26.660 --> 00:25:27.559 circumstances 00:25:27.559 --> 00:25:29.579 to affect you? 00:25:31.660 --> 00:25:32.819 Be the person 00:25:32.819 --> 00:25:34.539 you say you are. 00:25:35.980 --> 00:25:37.099 In chapter 15, 00:25:38.539 --> 00:25:39.640 in 1 Corinthians, 00:25:39.799 --> 00:25:40.400 where we are, 00:25:41.039 --> 00:25:42.160 the church at Corinth 00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:43.160 was having, 00:25:43.400 --> 00:25:44.920 was having an identity 00:25:44.920 --> 00:25:45.480 crisis. 00:25:46.680 --> 00:25:47.300 They were, 00:25:47.420 --> 00:25:48.400 they were messing 00:25:48.400 --> 00:25:49.600 everything up. 00:25:49.779 --> 00:25:50.820 Like every truth 00:25:50.820 --> 00:25:51.279 that, 00:25:51.279 --> 00:25:52.580 that Paul had taught 00:25:52.580 --> 00:25:52.800 them, 00:25:52.860 --> 00:25:54.060 they had completely 00:25:54.060 --> 00:25:54.840 messed it up. 00:25:54.920 --> 00:25:55.259 They were, 00:25:55.440 --> 00:25:57.160 they were a messed 00:25:57.160 --> 00:25:57.759 up bunch. 00:25:58.300 --> 00:25:58.920 Messed up enough 00:25:58.920 --> 00:25:59.560 that Paul had to 00:25:59.560 --> 00:26:00.240 write two letters 00:26:00.240 --> 00:26:00.660 to them. 00:26:01.660 --> 00:26:02.500 They didn't get it 00:26:02.500 --> 00:26:03.180 the first time. 00:26:04.860 --> 00:26:05.420 And when, 00:26:05.480 --> 00:26:06.040 what they had done 00:26:06.040 --> 00:26:06.440 was they, 00:26:06.560 --> 00:26:07.500 they had twisted 00:26:07.500 --> 00:26:08.240 truths, 00:26:08.300 --> 00:26:08.920 they had forgotten 00:26:08.920 --> 00:26:09.580 the gospel 00:26:09.580 --> 00:26:09.840 that, 00:26:09.880 --> 00:26:10.100 that, 00:26:10.100 --> 00:26:10.840 that God 00:26:10.839 --> 00:26:11.339 and that Paul 00:26:11.339 --> 00:26:11.879 had taught 00:26:11.879 --> 00:26:12.220 them. 00:26:14.019 --> 00:26:14.539 And so at the 00:26:14.539 --> 00:26:15.240 beginning of, 00:26:15.240 --> 00:26:16.500 of chapter 15, 00:26:18.599 --> 00:26:19.000 after, 00:26:19.279 --> 00:26:19.639 of course, 00:26:19.720 --> 00:26:20.159 Paul wasn't 00:26:20.159 --> 00:26:20.619 writing in 00:26:20.619 --> 00:26:21.039 chapters, 00:26:21.919 --> 00:26:22.899 but he says 00:26:22.899 --> 00:26:23.899 in verse 1, 00:26:23.900 --> 00:26:25.080 Now, 00:26:25.160 --> 00:26:26.259 I would remind you 00:26:26.259 --> 00:26:26.800 brothers, 00:26:27.640 --> 00:26:28.580 of the gospel 00:26:28.580 --> 00:26:29.780 I preach to you, 00:26:29.980 --> 00:26:31.220 which you received, 00:26:31.640 --> 00:26:32.759 in which you stand, 00:26:33.060 --> 00:26:33.920 and by which you 00:26:33.920 --> 00:26:34.900 are being saved, 00:26:35.140 --> 00:26:36.240 if you hold fast 00:26:36.240 --> 00:26:37.040 to the word I 00:26:37.040 --> 00:26:37.900 preach to you, 00:26:38.360 --> 00:26:39.660 unless you believe 00:26:39.660 --> 00:26:40.259 in vain. 00:26:41.060 --> 00:26:41.860 And he goes on 00:26:41.860 --> 00:26:42.120 to, 00:26:42.440 --> 00:26:43.440 as I read earlier, 00:26:43.560 --> 00:26:44.300 to communicate 00:26:44.300 --> 00:26:45.420 the gospel that, 00:26:45.519 --> 00:26:47.080 that Christ died 00:26:47.080 --> 00:26:48.040 for our sins, 00:26:48.960 --> 00:26:50.080 that he was buried, 00:26:50.160 --> 00:26:50.500 that he was 00:26:50.500 --> 00:26:51.140 resurrected, 00:26:51.140 --> 00:26:52.880 all as the 00:26:52.880 --> 00:26:53.460 scriptures had 00:26:53.460 --> 00:26:53.920 said. 00:26:58.140 --> 00:26:58.620 So, 00:26:58.759 --> 00:26:59.780 in verse 1 and 2, 00:27:00.500 --> 00:27:01.400 this is who you 00:27:01.400 --> 00:27:02.440 are in Christ. 00:27:02.740 --> 00:27:03.460 You have received 00:27:03.460 --> 00:27:04.560 the gospel in which 00:27:04.560 --> 00:27:05.380 you stand. 00:27:06.980 --> 00:27:07.940 Because of Christ, 00:27:08.020 --> 00:27:08.580 you are able to 00:27:08.580 --> 00:27:09.200 stand in this 00:27:09.200 --> 00:27:09.940 truth. 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:13.920 Now, 00:27:13.980 --> 00:27:14.560 stop being 00:27:14.560 --> 00:27:15.520 distracted from 00:27:15.520 --> 00:27:16.320 that truth 00:27:16.320 --> 00:27:18.440 and forgetting 00:27:18.440 --> 00:27:19.080 the gospel. 00:27:19.240 --> 00:27:20.080 He has to remind 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:21.379 them the gospel. 00:27:23.059 --> 00:27:23.919 For us, 00:27:24.519 --> 00:27:24.740 you know, 00:27:24.759 --> 00:27:25.740 it's one thing 00:27:25.740 --> 00:27:26.779 to have moments 00:27:26.779 --> 00:27:27.799 of disbelief 00:27:27.799 --> 00:27:28.460 or moments 00:27:28.460 --> 00:27:29.619 of inconsistency 00:27:29.619 --> 00:27:29.879 and, 00:27:29.879 --> 00:27:30.939 and of course, 00:27:31.079 --> 00:27:32.119 we repent 00:27:32.119 --> 00:27:33.079 and ask forgiveness 00:27:33.079 --> 00:27:33.819 and we, 00:27:33.819 --> 00:27:34.240 and we, 00:27:34.399 --> 00:27:35.019 um, 00:27:35.019 --> 00:27:36.039 try not to do it 00:27:36.039 --> 00:27:36.439 again. 00:27:37.279 --> 00:27:38.199 But it's a whole 00:27:38.199 --> 00:27:38.679 other thing 00:27:38.679 --> 00:27:39.539 to have a life 00:27:39.539 --> 00:27:42.039 of that unbelief 00:27:42.039 --> 00:27:43.439 and that inconsistency. 00:27:44.960 --> 00:27:46.019 It's another thing 00:27:46.019 --> 00:27:46.240 to, 00:27:46.379 --> 00:27:47.579 to have a life 00:27:47.579 --> 00:27:48.019 that is 00:27:48.019 --> 00:27:51.900 mastered 00:27:51.900 --> 00:27:53.000 by sin. 00:27:55.160 --> 00:27:56.440 We have moments, 00:27:56.559 --> 00:27:57.059 but we cannot 00:27:57.059 --> 00:27:57.660 have a life 00:27:57.660 --> 00:27:58.599 mastered by sin 00:27:58.599 --> 00:27:59.400 and I would 00:27:59.400 --> 00:28:00.079 question the 00:28:00.079 --> 00:28:00.819 salvation of 00:28:00.819 --> 00:28:01.559 anyone who 00:28:01.559 --> 00:28:02.759 has mastered 00:28:02.759 --> 00:28:04.019 by sin 00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:05.879 because you 00:28:05.879 --> 00:28:06.599 have been set 00:28:06.599 --> 00:28:08.059 free from sin. 00:28:08.319 --> 00:28:08.819 You have been 00:28:08.819 --> 00:28:09.279 justified. 00:28:09.460 --> 00:28:09.799 You have been 00:28:09.799 --> 00:28:10.579 made right 00:28:10.579 --> 00:28:11.759 before God 00:28:11.759 --> 00:28:12.359 because of the 00:28:12.359 --> 00:28:13.200 life, 00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:14.879 death, 00:28:14.980 --> 00:28:15.559 and resurrection 00:28:15.559 --> 00:28:16.679 of Jesus Christ. 00:28:19.980 --> 00:28:20.659 You cannot. 00:28:23.539 --> 00:28:24.019 So, 00:28:24.500 --> 00:28:25.220 for you 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:25.740 and for me, 00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:27.599 are you being 00:28:27.599 --> 00:28:28.119 the person 00:28:28.119 --> 00:28:29.000 you say you are? 00:28:30.200 --> 00:28:31.039 Does your life 00:28:31.039 --> 00:28:31.579 line up with 00:28:31.579 --> 00:28:32.279 what you're teaching? 00:28:33.119 --> 00:28:34.039 Does your life 00:28:34.039 --> 00:28:34.539 line up with 00:28:34.539 --> 00:28:35.240 what you're saying, 00:28:35.339 --> 00:28:35.639 what you're 00:28:35.639 --> 00:28:36.119 communicating? 00:28:37.119 --> 00:28:37.960 Does your life 00:28:37.960 --> 00:28:38.579 line up? 00:28:39.779 --> 00:28:40.579 Does how you 00:28:40.579 --> 00:28:41.379 spend your money 00:28:41.379 --> 00:28:42.099 line up with 00:28:42.099 --> 00:28:43.220 the conviction 00:28:43.220 --> 00:28:44.399 that you say you have? 00:28:44.400 --> 00:28:45.280 does it all 00:28:45.280 --> 00:28:45.980 line up with 00:28:45.980 --> 00:28:46.360 scripture? 00:28:47.380 --> 00:28:48.019 And that's the 00:28:48.019 --> 00:28:49.460 trunk card. 00:28:52.259 --> 00:28:53.259 Be the person 00:28:53.259 --> 00:28:54.200 you say you are 00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:56.180 and ultimately 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:57.380 be the person 00:28:57.380 --> 00:28:57.880 that scripture 00:28:57.880 --> 00:28:58.880 tells you to be. 00:29:00.700 --> 00:29:01.060 So, 00:29:01.140 --> 00:29:02.220 resolutions then. 00:29:03.580 --> 00:29:03.880 Be, 00:29:04.519 --> 00:29:05.140 or act 00:29:05.140 --> 00:29:06.019 as the person 00:29:06.019 --> 00:29:06.420 that God 00:29:06.420 --> 00:29:07.300 has made you into. 00:29:08.800 --> 00:29:09.880 Be about 00:29:09.880 --> 00:29:10.840 the Lord's work 00:29:10.840 --> 00:29:12.860 and be the person 00:29:12.860 --> 00:29:13.700 you say you are. 00:29:13.700 --> 00:29:15.799 if we do 00:29:15.799 --> 00:29:16.440 these three, 00:29:17.440 --> 00:29:18.279 if we can do 00:29:18.279 --> 00:29:19.140 these three, 00:29:20.420 --> 00:29:21.120 then all the 00:29:21.120 --> 00:29:21.660 other things 00:29:21.660 --> 00:29:22.080 that we can 00:29:22.080 --> 00:29:22.640 think of as 00:29:22.640 --> 00:29:23.200 resolutions 00:29:23.200 --> 00:29:24.140 become secondary 00:29:24.140 --> 00:29:24.900 to these. 00:29:27.140 --> 00:29:28.000 And by God's 00:29:28.000 --> 00:29:28.400 grace, 00:29:29.319 --> 00:29:30.000 those secondary 00:29:30.000 --> 00:29:30.720 things might 00:29:30.720 --> 00:29:31.319 get done as 00:29:31.319 --> 00:29:31.559 well. 00:29:33.640 --> 00:29:34.680 We do things 00:29:34.680 --> 00:29:35.240 to the glory 00:29:35.240 --> 00:29:35.819 and honor of 00:29:35.819 --> 00:29:36.140 God. 00:29:37.480 --> 00:29:38.279 We may eat 00:29:38.279 --> 00:29:38.720 differently. 00:29:39.259 --> 00:29:40.340 We may act 00:29:40.340 --> 00:29:40.779 differently. 00:29:40.779 --> 00:29:41.779 We may speak 00:29:41.779 --> 00:29:42.259 differently. 00:29:42.259 --> 00:29:45.879 We may 00:29:45.879 --> 00:29:46.879 yearn 00:29:46.879 --> 00:29:48.339 and long 00:29:48.339 --> 00:29:49.039 to know God 00:29:49.039 --> 00:29:49.900 more and gain 00:29:49.900 --> 00:29:50.819 that knowledge. 00:29:52.099 --> 00:29:52.879 By God's 00:29:52.879 --> 00:29:53.220 grace, 00:29:53.339 --> 00:29:54.220 we'll share 00:29:54.220 --> 00:29:54.819 the gospel 00:29:54.819 --> 00:29:55.200 and we'll 00:29:55.200 --> 00:29:56.859 learn about 00:29:56.859 --> 00:29:57.500 people and 00:29:57.500 --> 00:29:57.960 get to know 00:29:57.960 --> 00:29:58.420 people. 00:30:00.640 --> 00:30:01.619 We can do 00:30:01.619 --> 00:30:02.299 these three 00:30:02.299 --> 00:30:04.460 and everything 00:30:04.460 --> 00:30:04.980 else is 00:30:04.980 --> 00:30:05.359 secondary. 00:30:05.359 --> 00:30:07.979 our lives 00:30:07.979 --> 00:30:08.519 bring God 00:30:08.519 --> 00:30:09.139 glory when 00:30:09.139 --> 00:30:09.679 we love 00:30:09.679 --> 00:30:10.259 Jesus, 00:30:10.819 --> 00:30:11.319 when we 00:30:11.319 --> 00:30:11.719 worship 00:30:11.719 --> 00:30:12.219 Jesus, 00:30:12.379 --> 00:30:12.659 and when 00:30:12.659 --> 00:30:13.299 we honor 00:30:13.299 --> 00:30:14.259 Jesus. 00:30:15.799 --> 00:30:16.299 And I 00:30:16.299 --> 00:30:16.679 believe that 00:30:16.679 --> 00:30:17.279 these three 00:30:17.279 --> 00:30:18.359 resolutions lead 00:30:18.359 --> 00:30:18.899 us to do 00:30:18.899 --> 00:30:19.719 just that. 00:30:22.519 --> 00:30:23.059 Honor 00:30:23.059 --> 00:30:23.479 Jesus, 00:30:23.679 --> 00:30:24.019 love 00:30:24.019 --> 00:30:24.539 Jesus, 00:30:25.819 --> 00:30:27.019 worship 00:30:27.019 --> 00:30:27.919 Jesus. 00:30:27.920 --> 00:30:29.460 and of 00:30:29.460 --> 00:30:29.840 course, 00:30:29.960 --> 00:30:30.340 all of 00:30:30.340 --> 00:30:30.700 this is 00:30:30.700 --> 00:30:30.920 done 00:30:30.920 --> 00:30:31.519 because of 00:30:31.519 --> 00:30:31.779 Jesus. 00:30:32.920 --> 00:30:33.420 We cannot 00:30:33.420 --> 00:30:33.880 do any 00:30:33.880 --> 00:30:34.180 of this 00:30:34.180 --> 00:30:34.740 apart from 00:30:34.740 --> 00:30:35.200 Christ. 00:30:36.620 --> 00:30:37.160 So as we 00:30:37.160 --> 00:30:38.060 live together, 00:30:38.480 --> 00:30:40.220 as we 00:30:40.220 --> 00:30:41.420 gather 00:30:41.420 --> 00:30:42.140 together on 00:30:42.140 --> 00:30:42.920 Sundays and 00:30:42.920 --> 00:30:43.860 on Wednesdays 00:30:43.860 --> 00:30:44.440 and on Thursday 00:30:44.440 --> 00:30:45.240 nights and on 00:30:45.240 --> 00:30:45.820 any other night 00:30:45.820 --> 00:30:46.160 we get 00:30:46.160 --> 00:30:46.600 together, 00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:48.000 let us 00:30:48.000 --> 00:30:48.640 resolve 00:30:48.640 --> 00:30:51.220 to be the 00:30:51.220 --> 00:30:51.880 person God 00:30:51.880 --> 00:30:52.480 has made us 00:30:52.480 --> 00:30:52.820 into, 00:30:52.820 --> 00:30:54.279 to be about 00:30:54.279 --> 00:30:54.880 the Lord's 00:30:54.880 --> 00:30:55.279 work, 00:30:55.279 --> 00:30:55.279 00:30:56.379 --> 00:30:56.779 and to be 00:30:56.779 --> 00:30:57.339 the person 00:30:57.339 --> 00:30:58.139 that we 00:30:58.139 --> 00:30:58.799 say we 00:30:58.799 --> 00:30:59.019 are, 00:30:59.099 --> 00:30:59.379 to be 00:30:59.379 --> 00:31:00.059 consistent, 00:31:01.539 --> 00:31:02.079 to not be 00:31:02.079 --> 00:31:02.759 hypocrites, 00:31:03.819 --> 00:31:04.500 to be lovers 00:31:04.500 --> 00:31:05.139 of Jesus 00:31:05.139 --> 00:31:06.639 with our 00:31:06.639 --> 00:31:07.279 word and 00:31:07.279 --> 00:31:07.519 deed.