WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.400 One of the first major non-human casualties of the coronavirus crisis was college basketball's biggest tournament, March Madness. 00:00:12.240 --> 00:00:18.300 Well, right after that, as most everyone knows, other sporting events were canceled. 00:00:18.960 --> 00:00:27.560 Now, we're living in a world that's basically where there's just no live sporting events taking place. 00:00:27.559 --> 00:00:40.479 Now, for many people in this sports-crazed world, this is the most devastating and depressing thing that's happened throughout this worldwide pandemic. 00:00:40.479 --> 00:00:46.839 I'm sure there are some people in South Carolina and beyond, church-going people, 00:00:47.419 --> 00:00:57.739 who were more concerned or more upset when Clemson canceled their spring football game than they were when their church canceled their first service. 00:00:58.259 --> 00:01:05.179 But, of course, I know no one in Pickens County or no one in our church would have ever been disappointed like that. 00:01:05.180 --> 00:01:20.960 It's the fact that many people in this world and in our country in particular have gone overboard in their involvement with some even worship of sports. 00:01:21.880 --> 00:01:24.880 Some people have just become obsessed with it. 00:01:25.940 --> 00:01:33.400 But, you know, the popularity of athletics, the popularity of athletes, it's not something new. 00:01:33.400 --> 00:01:38.900 It's not because of all the TV networks and all the things that are on TV today. 00:01:40.240 --> 00:01:46.600 Sports, sport events, athletic contests, they've been popular for centuries. 00:01:47.800 --> 00:01:56.060 If you're a reader of the New Testament, you know that the Apostle Paul was either a sports fan or he knew that many people were 00:01:56.060 --> 00:02:00.400 because in several of his letters, he uses sports analogies. 00:02:00.400 --> 00:02:03.880 Here's a good example from 1 Corinthians 9. 00:02:04.700 --> 00:02:05.060 He says, 00:02:05.180 --> 00:02:08.860 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. 00:02:09.360 --> 00:02:10.780 I do not run aimlessly. 00:02:11.280 --> 00:02:13.780 I do not box as one beating the air. 00:02:14.780 --> 00:02:22.740 The unknown author of Hebrews also uses what has become a well-known sports analogy. 00:02:23.379 --> 00:02:26.800 I want you to look at it with me this morning in Hebrews 12. 00:02:26.800 --> 00:02:29.260 It's in the first two verses. 00:02:30.439 --> 00:02:36.880 He talks about living the Christian life in terms of running a race. 00:02:37.480 --> 00:02:38.380 Let's look at it. 00:02:38.719 --> 00:02:40.280 Hebrews 12, verse 1. 00:02:40.280 --> 00:02:45.740 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 00:02:46.280 --> 00:02:51.879 let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely. 00:02:52.379 --> 00:02:56.020 Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 00:02:56.479 --> 00:03:00.300 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, 00:03:00.800 --> 00:03:04.460 who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, 00:03:04.460 --> 00:03:10.280 despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 00:03:11.480 --> 00:03:16.800 The writer is describing in these verses Christian living 00:03:16.800 --> 00:03:20.860 in terms of running a long-distance race. 00:03:21.379 --> 00:03:24.580 It's important that we understand a long-distance race, 00:03:24.819 --> 00:03:26.640 a marathon, 10,000 meters, 00:03:26.860 --> 00:03:30.300 something much longer than a sprint. 00:03:30.300 --> 00:03:36.560 He's calling attention to how a successful athlete must run, 00:03:37.360 --> 00:03:39.580 disciplining himself, staying focused, 00:03:39.920 --> 00:03:45.840 enduring pain to illustrate living a faithful Christian life. 00:03:46.600 --> 00:03:49.080 Now, before we look at the details of these verses, 00:03:49.939 --> 00:03:55.560 we need to note that the writer has just spent the entire chapter 11 00:03:55.560 --> 00:03:59.020 describing men and women of the Old Testament 00:03:59.020 --> 00:04:02.300 and their faith, their faithfulness. 00:04:02.680 --> 00:04:04.199 In fact, in chapter 11, 00:04:04.620 --> 00:04:09.860 he is holding these Old Testament saints up as models for us. 00:04:10.520 --> 00:04:13.219 We're to look at them and be inspired 00:04:13.219 --> 00:04:17.519 and know that we can live out our faith. 00:04:17.660 --> 00:04:20.300 We can live faithfully just like they did. 00:04:20.300 --> 00:04:24.340 Now, it's encouraging to know 00:04:24.340 --> 00:04:28.879 that these models of faith that he holds up, 00:04:29.199 --> 00:04:31.460 they're far from perfect people. 00:04:32.280 --> 00:04:35.280 They were very flawed individuals just like us. 00:04:35.780 --> 00:04:38.759 They were sinners just like us. 00:04:39.120 --> 00:04:43.259 If you go back and read some of the names in Hebrews chapter 11, 00:04:43.259 --> 00:04:47.779 you'll remember from, I hope, your Bible reading, 00:04:48.939 --> 00:04:51.899 Abraham, he was a great man of faith, 00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:55.579 the father of the people of faith, people of God today. 00:04:56.480 --> 00:04:59.240 But Abraham was also known for lying. 00:05:00.379 --> 00:05:04.800 Moses, the great liberator of the people of Israel, 00:05:05.740 --> 00:05:08.680 he had anger issues at times, didn't he? 00:05:09.939 --> 00:05:11.060 Rahab is mentioned. 00:05:11.779 --> 00:05:12.920 She was a prostitute. 00:05:13.800 --> 00:05:17.920 And most Christians are familiar with the story of David, 00:05:18.699 --> 00:05:22.279 all of the positive things that he did as a king, 00:05:22.599 --> 00:05:25.980 as a great military leader, as the writer of Psalms. 00:05:25.980 --> 00:05:31.779 But he was also an adulterer and a murderer. 00:05:32.779 --> 00:05:34.659 Now, I want you to think, 00:05:35.800 --> 00:05:42.079 the fact that God uses imperfect, flawed, sinful people like them 00:05:42.079 --> 00:05:47.300 should encourage us that he can use us. 00:05:47.519 --> 00:05:49.419 They were flawed. 00:05:49.419 --> 00:05:53.839 There were times that they fell flat on their faces, spiritually speaking. 00:05:53.839 --> 00:05:56.500 By the grace of God, they always got up. 00:05:56.500 --> 00:05:58.599 And we can do the same thing. 00:05:58.599 --> 00:06:04.119 God can work in our lives to enable us to be faithful 00:06:04.119 --> 00:06:11.620 and to be used by him to serve good purposes, 00:06:11.620 --> 00:06:19.439 his good purposes in our homes, in this church, in this community. 00:06:19.439 --> 00:06:21.839 So I want us this morning to look. 00:06:22.719 --> 00:06:24.480 Hebrews chapter 12. 00:06:25.219 --> 00:06:28.199 I want us to see how we must cooperate with God 00:06:28.199 --> 00:06:35.800 as he works in us to help us run the race of faithful and useful Christian living. 00:06:35.800 --> 00:06:39.420 First thing I want us to see is that we must eliminate anything 00:06:39.420 --> 00:06:42.340 that may slow us down or trip us up. 00:06:42.960 --> 00:06:46.819 If we're going to run this race of faithful Christian living and be successful, 00:06:47.620 --> 00:06:52.060 we have got to eliminate anything that may slow us down, 00:06:52.720 --> 00:06:55.660 anything that may cause us to trip and fall. 00:06:56.019 --> 00:06:58.819 Look at verse 1, the second sentence. 00:06:58.819 --> 00:07:05.159 Let us also lay aside every weight and the sin which clings so closely. 00:07:05.699 --> 00:07:07.819 He's talking about eliminating two things. 00:07:08.000 --> 00:07:12.860 First, we must lay aside every weight that might slow us down. 00:07:13.439 --> 00:07:14.959 Just like an athlete, 00:07:15.740 --> 00:07:20.159 we've got to exercise the self-control and personal discipline 00:07:20.159 --> 00:07:24.860 to lay aside anything that may hinder us 00:07:24.860 --> 00:07:27.180 and prevent us from living a holy life 00:07:27.180 --> 00:07:30.520 and really being used by God. 00:07:31.860 --> 00:07:32.960 Examine yourself. 00:07:34.319 --> 00:07:35.060 Think about it. 00:07:36.139 --> 00:07:40.080 What have you found that slows you down 00:07:40.080 --> 00:07:43.759 or hinders you from living this kind of life? 00:07:44.620 --> 00:07:46.400 We're not talking about sinful things here. 00:07:46.680 --> 00:07:47.680 That'll come next. 00:07:48.540 --> 00:07:50.879 We're talking about things that anything here. 00:07:50.879 --> 00:07:55.300 It could be something good, something positive in and of itself. 00:07:56.159 --> 00:08:00.319 For an example, some people take a hobby too far. 00:08:01.219 --> 00:08:06.319 Some people become obsessed with playing golf, fishing, hunting. 00:08:08.139 --> 00:08:14.500 What could be a great form of recreation, relaxation, fellowship with others, 00:08:14.839 --> 00:08:16.939 it becomes an obsession. 00:08:16.939 --> 00:08:22.000 It takes all your time away from your family. 00:08:23.259 --> 00:08:27.219 Keeps you from being really involved in the life of the church. 00:08:27.680 --> 00:08:31.839 It may even be just distracting to you doing your job. 00:08:32.919 --> 00:08:35.059 Some people, it's their job. 00:08:35.559 --> 00:08:36.799 They're addicted to it. 00:08:37.159 --> 00:08:38.120 They're obsessed. 00:08:38.940 --> 00:08:42.259 And for them, their job is their life, 00:08:42.779 --> 00:08:45.679 not family and certainly not God. 00:08:45.679 --> 00:08:48.879 And then some people, 00:08:50.939 --> 00:08:53.519 it's the influence of a certain person in your life. 00:08:53.819 --> 00:08:55.219 Maybe a longtime friend. 00:08:55.819 --> 00:08:59.779 Maybe someone that has come into your life recently. 00:09:00.219 --> 00:09:03.759 It may be a certain group that when you hang out with them, 00:09:04.539 --> 00:09:07.259 it just drags you down spiritually. 00:09:07.879 --> 00:09:10.879 It causes you to think thoughts and engage in conversations 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:13.500 that you know are not pleasing to God. 00:09:13.500 --> 00:09:16.259 And you'd really be ashamed for people at church to know 00:09:16.259 --> 00:09:20.779 that you were involved in such conversations or even activities. 00:09:21.659 --> 00:09:23.220 What about social media? 00:09:24.019 --> 00:09:25.000 Nothing's wrong with it. 00:09:25.100 --> 00:09:26.860 In and of itself, it could be a fun thing, 00:09:26.899 --> 00:09:29.419 a way to keep up with family and friends and things like that. 00:09:30.539 --> 00:09:32.700 But you know, as well as I do, 00:09:33.399 --> 00:09:37.000 social media has become an addiction to a lot of people. 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:43.059 I want to ask you to just maybe do a time study sometime. 00:09:43.960 --> 00:09:46.840 Think about the amount of time you spend on Facebook, 00:09:47.460 --> 00:09:49.059 other forms of social media, 00:09:49.460 --> 00:09:50.980 or just surfing the internet. 00:09:53.580 --> 00:09:56.080 Maybe that will shed some light 00:09:56.080 --> 00:10:00.000 on why you find it hard to make time to pray, 00:10:01.259 --> 00:10:04.139 to spend some time just prayerfully, 00:10:04.139 --> 00:10:06.860 carefully, slowly reading the Bible, 00:10:08.059 --> 00:10:11.740 seeking to understand God's ways and God's will. 00:10:12.799 --> 00:10:17.120 You know, you might find that some of your social media, 00:10:17.539 --> 00:10:20.080 it's not just distracting you and your relationship with God. 00:10:20.899 --> 00:10:25.220 It's taking time away from meaningful face-to-face interaction 00:10:25.220 --> 00:10:28.439 with your children, with your spouse, 00:10:28.440 --> 00:10:30.480 with other people in your life 00:10:30.480 --> 00:10:32.740 that you need to be doing things with 00:10:32.740 --> 00:10:34.640 and be with in person. 00:10:35.780 --> 00:10:36.680 Social media, 00:10:37.400 --> 00:10:42.740 it can be a great way to keep up with people 00:10:42.740 --> 00:10:44.480 that you really want to keep up with, 00:10:44.560 --> 00:10:45.680 need to keep up with. 00:10:46.500 --> 00:10:49.940 But it is hindering many people's relationships, 00:10:50.800 --> 00:10:51.940 their relationship with God, 00:10:52.300 --> 00:10:53.640 their relationship with their family, 00:10:54.200 --> 00:10:54.740 their relationship, 00:10:55.000 --> 00:10:57.580 real relationship with friends. 00:10:57.580 --> 00:10:59.780 If that's true for you, 00:11:00.980 --> 00:11:03.420 even though it would be difficult, 00:11:04.460 --> 00:11:05.620 you need to lay it aside. 00:11:06.840 --> 00:11:08.340 Just like that hobby 00:11:08.340 --> 00:11:10.120 that is becoming an obsession, 00:11:10.660 --> 00:11:13.040 just like that person or that crowd 00:11:13.040 --> 00:11:14.360 that's dragging you down. 00:11:14.960 --> 00:11:16.139 We're told here, 00:11:16.980 --> 00:11:18.540 we've got to lay it aside 00:11:18.540 --> 00:11:20.980 because it is hindering us 00:11:20.980 --> 00:11:23.280 from living the faithful Christian life 00:11:23.280 --> 00:11:25.020 that God has called us to live. 00:11:25.019 --> 00:11:25.519 And really, 00:11:25.639 --> 00:11:26.620 if we are Christians, 00:11:27.419 --> 00:11:28.819 the life that we want to live ourselves. 00:11:29.819 --> 00:11:31.139 This past Tuesday, 00:11:32.199 --> 00:11:33.860 many members of our church 00:11:33.860 --> 00:11:36.179 prayed for spiritual awakening 00:11:36.179 --> 00:11:39.419 with over 200,000 Christians, 00:11:39.919 --> 00:11:41.740 probably from around the world, 00:11:41.840 --> 00:11:43.179 but especially in this country. 00:11:43.179 --> 00:11:46.220 What I want us to understand, 00:11:46.740 --> 00:11:48.980 as I mentioned at the beginning this morning, 00:11:48.980 --> 00:11:52.360 the first step to a spiritual awakening 00:11:52.360 --> 00:11:57.379 is for us to experience a personal spiritual renewal, 00:11:58.379 --> 00:12:02.440 for us to personally be broken over our sin 00:12:02.440 --> 00:12:06.639 and draw close to God in real loving fellowship. 00:12:07.440 --> 00:12:08.860 The second step to personal, 00:12:09.279 --> 00:12:11.720 to spiritual awakening is a church revival. 00:12:11.720 --> 00:12:16.000 When God does a work in so many of us, 00:12:16.220 --> 00:12:17.800 let's just say in our church, 00:12:18.300 --> 00:12:19.779 that He changes our church. 00:12:20.139 --> 00:12:21.720 He changes the focus, the priority, 00:12:22.500 --> 00:12:23.820 the spirit of our worship, 00:12:24.200 --> 00:12:26.700 the desires of our hearts. 00:12:28.100 --> 00:12:28.639 And then, 00:12:29.440 --> 00:12:33.800 after Christians have truly become spiritually awake, 00:12:34.759 --> 00:12:36.160 churches have revived, 00:12:36.159 --> 00:12:41.659 then we can expect to see God move in larger areas 00:12:41.659 --> 00:12:44.579 to bring about a true spiritual awakening 00:12:44.579 --> 00:12:48.079 that will touch even the lives of unsaved people. 00:12:48.240 --> 00:12:48.579 In fact, 00:12:48.799 --> 00:12:51.039 many will come to Christ as a result 00:12:51.039 --> 00:12:52.839 of such a spiritual awakening. 00:12:54.120 --> 00:12:55.159 I want to ask you, 00:12:56.379 --> 00:12:58.379 you prayed on Tuesday. 00:12:59.579 --> 00:13:01.379 Have you continued to pray? 00:13:02.339 --> 00:13:04.439 Have you continued to think about 00:13:04.439 --> 00:13:05.919 how we need to pray? 00:13:06.159 --> 00:13:08.419 for personal spiritual renewal, 00:13:08.659 --> 00:13:09.679 for church revival, 00:13:10.159 --> 00:13:13.079 for a big, wide spiritual awakening. 00:13:14.620 --> 00:13:16.199 What is hindering you 00:13:16.199 --> 00:13:18.600 from praying that way every day? 00:13:20.439 --> 00:13:22.419 What is hindering you 00:13:22.419 --> 00:13:24.039 from experiencing 00:13:24.039 --> 00:13:27.860 your own personal spiritual renewal? 00:13:29.360 --> 00:13:30.299 Think about it. 00:13:30.799 --> 00:13:32.079 What is hindering you 00:13:32.079 --> 00:13:33.759 from living a faithful, 00:13:33.759 --> 00:13:36.819 consistent Christian life? 00:13:37.759 --> 00:13:39.500 Well, God wants you to identify it. 00:13:41.500 --> 00:13:42.220 Name it. 00:13:43.220 --> 00:13:44.779 And ask Him to help you 00:13:44.779 --> 00:13:46.019 to work on it, 00:13:46.460 --> 00:13:47.659 to eliminate it. 00:13:48.720 --> 00:13:49.799 I want to encourage you. 00:13:50.179 --> 00:13:51.360 You know what it is. 00:13:51.659 --> 00:13:52.340 If you're a Christian, 00:13:52.460 --> 00:13:53.980 the Spirit of God lives within you. 00:13:55.059 --> 00:13:56.139 He'll make it known. 00:13:56.259 --> 00:13:57.259 He wants you to know. 00:13:57.259 --> 00:13:58.600 And deep down, 00:13:58.700 --> 00:13:59.840 if you are a child of God, 00:13:59.919 --> 00:14:00.600 you want to know. 00:14:01.600 --> 00:14:02.679 I want to encourage you. 00:14:02.799 --> 00:14:03.960 Stop allowing it 00:14:03.960 --> 00:14:05.679 to drag you down spiritually. 00:14:06.519 --> 00:14:07.939 Stop allowing it 00:14:07.939 --> 00:14:09.039 or him or her 00:14:09.039 --> 00:14:10.879 to pollute your heart and mind. 00:14:12.159 --> 00:14:13.220 Stop allowing it 00:14:13.220 --> 00:14:14.779 to waste your time. 00:14:16.139 --> 00:14:17.439 Don't allow anyone 00:14:17.439 --> 00:14:18.419 or anything 00:14:18.419 --> 00:14:20.479 to keep you 00:14:20.479 --> 00:14:21.479 from enjoying 00:14:21.479 --> 00:14:22.479 a personal, 00:14:23.039 --> 00:14:25.079 close relationship 00:14:25.079 --> 00:14:25.860 with God 00:14:25.860 --> 00:14:27.719 and being used 00:14:27.719 --> 00:14:28.379 by Him 00:14:28.379 --> 00:14:30.039 for His glory 00:14:30.039 --> 00:14:31.959 and other people's good. 00:14:33.039 --> 00:14:34.279 Look back in the verse. 00:14:35.360 --> 00:14:36.079 We see another way 00:14:36.079 --> 00:14:37.279 we've got to discipline ourselves 00:14:37.279 --> 00:14:38.000 in verse 1. 00:14:38.419 --> 00:14:39.319 We must lay aside 00:14:39.319 --> 00:14:40.279 every sin 00:14:40.279 --> 00:14:41.939 which clings so closely 00:14:41.939 --> 00:14:43.399 and trips us up. 00:14:44.199 --> 00:14:45.559 The writer has in mind 00:14:45.559 --> 00:14:46.099 a runner 00:14:46.099 --> 00:14:47.000 in that day 00:14:47.000 --> 00:14:47.799 in the ancient world, 00:14:47.799 --> 00:14:49.719 stripping off clothes 00:14:49.719 --> 00:14:51.539 that would slow Him down. 00:14:52.859 --> 00:14:55.059 All sin causes us to fall 00:14:55.059 --> 00:14:58.139 but every one of us 00:14:58.139 --> 00:15:00.819 have certain sins 00:15:00.819 --> 00:15:03.339 that keep tripping us up. 00:15:04.559 --> 00:15:05.479 What sin 00:15:05.479 --> 00:15:07.740 or sins 00:15:07.740 --> 00:15:08.759 do you find 00:15:08.759 --> 00:15:11.539 that keeps clinging to you 00:15:11.539 --> 00:15:14.399 or you are clinging to it 00:15:14.399 --> 00:15:18.059 and every few days 00:15:18.059 --> 00:15:19.620 or every few weeks 00:15:19.620 --> 00:15:21.759 it trips you up. 00:15:22.459 --> 00:15:24.059 You know what it is. 00:15:24.419 --> 00:15:25.439 One thing 00:15:25.439 --> 00:15:26.740 or a couple of things 00:15:26.740 --> 00:15:28.899 sinful attitudes, 00:15:29.079 --> 00:15:30.139 words or actions 00:15:30.139 --> 00:15:32.079 that is preventing you 00:15:32.079 --> 00:15:33.220 from living this faithful 00:15:33.220 --> 00:15:34.139 Christian life 00:15:34.139 --> 00:15:35.980 that we're being called here 00:15:35.980 --> 00:15:37.459 and told that we'll be 00:15:37.459 --> 00:15:38.819 enabled by God to do. 00:15:38.820 --> 00:15:42.140 In the context 00:15:42.140 --> 00:15:43.080 of this passage 00:15:43.080 --> 00:15:45.120 it could refer 00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:45.620 to 00:15:45.620 --> 00:15:47.980 the sin of 00:15:47.980 --> 00:15:49.220 not trusting God 00:15:49.220 --> 00:15:50.320 a lack of faith. 00:15:51.820 --> 00:15:52.920 He's been talking 00:15:52.920 --> 00:15:53.480 about that 00:15:53.480 --> 00:15:54.080 throughout the book 00:15:54.080 --> 00:15:54.540 of Hebrews. 00:15:55.500 --> 00:15:56.520 So let me just ask you 00:15:56.520 --> 00:15:58.700 do you really trust God 00:15:58.700 --> 00:16:00.440 in the details 00:16:00.440 --> 00:16:01.340 of your life? 00:16:02.280 --> 00:16:03.380 Are you more likely 00:16:03.380 --> 00:16:04.880 when problems arise 00:16:04.880 --> 00:16:05.620 to worry 00:16:05.620 --> 00:16:07.320 or to pray? 00:16:08.519 --> 00:16:09.799 Are you more likely 00:16:09.799 --> 00:16:10.899 to look to God 00:16:10.899 --> 00:16:11.519 for answers 00:16:11.519 --> 00:16:12.500 or look everywhere 00:16:12.500 --> 00:16:14.000 except to God? 00:16:15.659 --> 00:16:17.460 Do you really trust God 00:16:17.460 --> 00:16:19.580 as we're going through 00:16:19.580 --> 00:16:21.399 this pandemic? 00:16:22.399 --> 00:16:23.560 As we're going through 00:16:23.560 --> 00:16:27.000 this great unusual event? 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:29.360 Are you trusting God 00:16:29.360 --> 00:16:30.259 looking to Him 00:16:30.259 --> 00:16:31.779 depending on Him? 00:16:32.840 --> 00:16:33.799 Or maybe your problem 00:16:33.799 --> 00:16:35.019 is a different kind of sin. 00:16:35.620 --> 00:16:37.019 You know what it is. 00:16:38.019 --> 00:16:38.919 Could be anger. 00:16:39.820 --> 00:16:41.220 That's your number one problem. 00:16:41.860 --> 00:16:42.840 It could be gossip 00:16:42.840 --> 00:16:43.879 or slander. 00:16:45.259 --> 00:16:46.159 It could be some type 00:16:46.159 --> 00:16:47.360 of sexual immorality, 00:16:47.580 --> 00:16:48.019 lust. 00:16:49.379 --> 00:16:50.700 Could be lying. 00:16:53.120 --> 00:16:54.679 You lie. 00:16:55.779 --> 00:16:56.879 You tell more lies 00:16:56.879 --> 00:16:58.060 to cover up lies. 00:16:59.259 --> 00:17:00.340 It could be 00:17:00.340 --> 00:17:02.279 it's just laziness. 00:17:02.279 --> 00:17:05.559 You just don't do 00:17:05.559 --> 00:17:06.139 what you know 00:17:06.139 --> 00:17:07.000 you need to do. 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:09.019 It could be 00:17:09.019 --> 00:17:09.899 an alcohol 00:17:09.899 --> 00:17:10.980 or drug issue. 00:17:12.139 --> 00:17:13.039 You know what 00:17:13.039 --> 00:17:15.200 your major sin problem is. 00:17:15.920 --> 00:17:16.879 So I want to encourage you 00:17:16.879 --> 00:17:17.839 to ask God 00:17:17.839 --> 00:17:19.000 to help you 00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:20.339 to start resisting 00:17:20.339 --> 00:17:21.139 the temptation. 00:17:22.460 --> 00:17:23.379 Ask God to help you 00:17:23.379 --> 00:17:24.519 to not only resist 00:17:24.519 --> 00:17:25.019 the temptation 00:17:25.019 --> 00:17:26.220 but to overcome it. 00:17:26.720 --> 00:17:27.420 To develop 00:17:27.420 --> 00:17:29.660 godly and holy habits 00:17:29.660 --> 00:17:31.600 in place of this. 00:17:31.600 --> 00:17:33.420 Now if God 00:17:33.420 --> 00:17:34.140 is dealing with you 00:17:34.140 --> 00:17:34.779 right now 00:17:34.779 --> 00:17:36.340 about a specific sin 00:17:36.340 --> 00:17:37.720 or specific sins 00:17:37.720 --> 00:17:40.440 the first way 00:17:40.440 --> 00:17:41.300 you need to respond 00:17:41.300 --> 00:17:41.680 to God 00:17:41.680 --> 00:17:42.400 is to confess 00:17:42.400 --> 00:17:42.940 that sin. 00:17:43.120 --> 00:17:43.880 Agree with Him 00:17:43.880 --> 00:17:44.400 about it 00:17:44.400 --> 00:17:45.880 and turn from it. 00:17:46.340 --> 00:17:47.040 We have looked 00:17:47.040 --> 00:17:49.600 several times 00:17:49.600 --> 00:17:50.620 during these 00:17:50.620 --> 00:17:52.519 online sermons 00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:54.480 at 1 John 1.9. 00:17:54.480 --> 00:17:55.559 If we confess 00:17:55.559 --> 00:17:56.259 our sins 00:17:56.259 --> 00:17:57.299 He is faithful 00:17:57.299 --> 00:17:58.339 and just 00:17:58.339 --> 00:17:59.120 to forgive us 00:17:59.120 --> 00:17:59.799 of our sins 00:17:59.799 --> 00:18:01.460 and to cleanse us 00:18:01.460 --> 00:18:02.480 from all unrighteousness. 00:18:03.319 --> 00:18:04.579 One of my favorite verses. 00:18:05.400 --> 00:18:06.019 One of my most 00:18:06.019 --> 00:18:08.200 used verses. 00:18:08.880 --> 00:18:09.299 But it's also 00:18:09.299 --> 00:18:10.160 a great comfort 00:18:10.160 --> 00:18:10.700 to know 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:11.920 that when I truly 00:18:11.920 --> 00:18:13.120 confess to God 00:18:13.120 --> 00:18:14.160 agree with God 00:18:14.160 --> 00:18:15.519 hate that sin 00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:16.680 turn from it 00:18:16.680 --> 00:18:17.480 He forgives. 00:18:18.500 --> 00:18:19.400 He cleanses. 00:18:19.740 --> 00:18:20.200 He gives me 00:18:20.200 --> 00:18:20.880 a fresh start 00:18:20.880 --> 00:18:21.200 and He will do 00:18:21.200 --> 00:18:21.799 that for you. 00:18:22.700 --> 00:18:23.460 It's also important 00:18:23.460 --> 00:18:24.059 to understand 00:18:24.059 --> 00:18:26.059 that whatever 00:18:26.059 --> 00:18:27.340 the temptation is 00:18:27.340 --> 00:18:28.759 regardless of how 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:30.120 strong it may be 00:18:30.120 --> 00:18:32.799 you can resist it. 00:18:33.680 --> 00:18:35.460 You can overcome it. 00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:39.220 God clearly tells us 00:18:39.220 --> 00:18:41.140 we have His Word on it. 00:18:41.759 --> 00:18:42.559 Look at this 00:18:42.559 --> 00:18:44.600 in 1 Corinthians 10. 00:18:45.600 --> 00:18:46.559 No temptation 00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:47.759 has overtaken you 00:18:47.759 --> 00:18:49.299 that is not common 00:18:49.299 --> 00:18:50.079 to man. 00:18:50.799 --> 00:18:51.900 God is faithful 00:18:51.900 --> 00:18:52.860 and He will not 00:18:52.859 --> 00:18:53.939 let you be tempted 00:18:53.939 --> 00:18:55.279 beyond your ability 00:18:55.279 --> 00:18:57.099 but with the temptation 00:18:57.099 --> 00:18:58.919 He will also provide 00:18:58.919 --> 00:19:00.039 the way of escape 00:19:00.039 --> 00:19:01.819 that you may be able 00:19:01.819 --> 00:19:03.079 to endure it. 00:19:03.839 --> 00:19:04.959 God is faithful 00:19:04.959 --> 00:19:06.500 even when we're not. 00:19:07.299 --> 00:19:08.119 And if we're children 00:19:08.119 --> 00:19:08.699 of God 00:19:08.699 --> 00:19:10.079 the Scripture says here 00:19:10.079 --> 00:19:11.079 He will not let you 00:19:11.079 --> 00:19:11.639 be tempted 00:19:11.639 --> 00:19:13.240 beyond your ability. 00:19:13.699 --> 00:19:15.079 He will always provide 00:19:15.079 --> 00:19:16.459 a way of escape. 00:19:17.959 --> 00:19:19.000 Our problem is 00:19:19.000 --> 00:19:19.479 we don't always 00:19:19.479 --> 00:19:20.219 look for it. 00:19:20.220 --> 00:19:21.960 Our problem is 00:19:21.960 --> 00:19:22.620 we don't always 00:19:22.620 --> 00:19:23.640 take it when we do 00:19:23.640 --> 00:19:24.299 see it. 00:19:25.380 --> 00:19:26.140 But I want you 00:19:26.140 --> 00:19:26.620 to understand 00:19:26.620 --> 00:19:28.920 by God's grace 00:19:28.920 --> 00:19:31.019 you can eliminate 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:33.240 whatever it is 00:19:33.240 --> 00:19:34.380 whatever sin 00:19:34.380 --> 00:19:37.640 whatever hindrance 00:19:37.640 --> 00:19:39.660 that is keeping you 00:19:39.660 --> 00:19:41.640 from running the race 00:19:41.640 --> 00:19:43.380 of faithful Christian living. 00:19:43.380 --> 00:19:45.620 but you've got to do 00:19:45.620 --> 00:19:46.560 what God calls you 00:19:46.560 --> 00:19:46.880 to do. 00:19:48.320 --> 00:19:49.320 You've got to 00:19:49.320 --> 00:19:50.300 obey Him 00:19:50.300 --> 00:19:51.900 and we move on 00:19:51.900 --> 00:19:52.680 in this passage 00:19:52.680 --> 00:19:54.220 and see some of our 00:19:54.220 --> 00:19:55.520 other responsibilities 00:19:55.520 --> 00:19:56.600 along this line. 00:19:56.980 --> 00:19:57.380 Number two 00:19:57.380 --> 00:19:58.480 we must put forth 00:19:58.480 --> 00:19:59.640 consistent effort 00:19:59.640 --> 00:20:01.620 and stay on course 00:20:01.620 --> 00:20:03.000 in order to run 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:03.600 this race 00:20:03.600 --> 00:20:04.240 effectively. 00:20:04.720 --> 00:20:05.720 Look at the last part 00:20:05.720 --> 00:20:06.860 of verse one. 00:20:07.460 --> 00:20:08.060 Let us run 00:20:08.060 --> 00:20:08.900 with endurance 00:20:08.900 --> 00:20:10.100 the race 00:20:10.100 --> 00:20:10.620 that is set 00:20:10.620 --> 00:20:11.420 before us. 00:20:11.960 --> 00:20:12.560 This involves 00:20:12.560 --> 00:20:13.220 two things. 00:20:13.480 --> 00:20:14.019 He says we must 00:20:14.019 --> 00:20:15.220 run with endurance. 00:20:16.560 --> 00:20:17.580 An Olympic type 00:20:17.580 --> 00:20:18.780 long distance runner 00:20:18.780 --> 00:20:20.180 runs with the attitude 00:20:20.180 --> 00:20:21.500 that no matter what 00:20:21.500 --> 00:20:23.480 no matter how much 00:20:23.480 --> 00:20:25.340 pain I feel 00:20:25.340 --> 00:20:26.380 in my knees 00:20:26.380 --> 00:20:27.380 or ankles 00:20:27.380 --> 00:20:28.000 or whatever 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:29.220 no matter how 00:20:29.220 --> 00:20:30.920 exhausted I am 00:20:30.920 --> 00:20:32.500 I will not quit. 00:20:33.340 --> 00:20:34.960 I will not stop. 00:20:35.720 --> 00:20:36.720 I am going 00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:37.640 to finish 00:20:37.640 --> 00:20:38.500 the race. 00:20:39.620 --> 00:20:40.160 Well that's the kind 00:20:40.160 --> 00:20:40.720 of determination 00:20:40.720 --> 00:20:41.940 we've got to have 00:20:41.940 --> 00:20:43.400 when it comes to 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:44.259 living a faithful 00:20:44.259 --> 00:20:45.200 Christian life 00:20:45.200 --> 00:20:46.220 every day. 00:20:47.740 --> 00:20:48.740 You know as well 00:20:48.740 --> 00:20:49.280 as I do 00:20:49.280 --> 00:20:50.960 too many people 00:20:50.960 --> 00:20:52.580 have professed 00:20:52.580 --> 00:20:53.660 faith in Jesus 00:20:53.660 --> 00:20:56.360 gave the appearance 00:20:56.360 --> 00:20:57.680 of starting to live 00:20:57.680 --> 00:20:58.620 a Christian life 00:20:58.620 --> 00:20:59.600 starting down 00:20:59.600 --> 00:21:00.740 the path 00:21:00.740 --> 00:21:01.440 starting down 00:21:01.440 --> 00:21:02.000 the race 00:21:02.000 --> 00:21:03.620 but somewhere 00:21:03.620 --> 00:21:04.360 along the line 00:21:04.360 --> 00:21:05.880 sooner or later 00:21:05.880 --> 00:21:07.620 they dropped 00:21:07.620 --> 00:21:08.060 out 00:21:08.060 --> 00:21:10.160 they quit. 00:21:11.680 --> 00:21:12.500 No doubt 00:21:12.500 --> 00:21:13.240 you have thought 00:21:13.240 --> 00:21:14.200 of some people 00:21:14.200 --> 00:21:15.100 some individuals 00:21:15.100 --> 00:21:17.020 who have done 00:21:17.020 --> 00:21:17.420 that. 00:21:18.420 --> 00:21:19.680 It may be 00:21:19.680 --> 00:21:20.060 that 00:21:20.060 --> 00:21:21.940 the truth 00:21:21.940 --> 00:21:22.400 is 00:21:22.400 --> 00:21:23.960 that describes 00:21:23.960 --> 00:21:24.380 you. 00:21:26.060 --> 00:21:27.340 Be honest. 00:21:29.060 --> 00:21:29.880 What I want us 00:21:29.880 --> 00:21:30.320 to understand 00:21:30.320 --> 00:21:31.000 is that all 00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:31.580 Christians 00:21:31.580 --> 00:21:32.780 struggle 00:21:32.780 --> 00:21:33.780 at times 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:34.559 to stay faithful. 00:21:35.399 --> 00:21:35.759 The Christian 00:21:35.759 --> 00:21:36.700 life is never 00:21:36.700 --> 00:21:37.599 a cakewalk. 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:38.339 It's never 00:21:38.339 --> 00:21:38.920 a stroll 00:21:38.920 --> 00:21:39.639 in the park 00:21:39.639 --> 00:21:40.680 for any 00:21:40.680 --> 00:21:41.119 Christian. 00:21:41.980 --> 00:21:42.759 Christian life 00:21:42.759 --> 00:21:43.759 is a true 00:21:43.759 --> 00:21:44.599 race 00:21:44.599 --> 00:21:45.799 an agonizing 00:21:45.799 --> 00:21:46.460 long 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:47.119 distant 00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:48.079 race. 00:21:50.299 --> 00:21:50.819 Every true 00:21:50.819 --> 00:21:51.759 child of God 00:21:51.759 --> 00:21:53.539 will stumble 00:21:53.539 --> 00:21:54.019 and fall 00:21:54.019 --> 00:21:54.700 at times 00:21:54.700 --> 00:21:56.099 but every 00:21:56.099 --> 00:21:56.899 true child 00:21:56.899 --> 00:21:57.440 of God 00:21:57.440 --> 00:21:58.619 will sooner 00:21:58.619 --> 00:21:59.160 or later 00:21:59.160 --> 00:22:00.379 get up. 00:22:00.380 --> 00:22:01.340 that's 00:22:01.340 --> 00:22:02.140 because God 00:22:02.140 --> 00:22:02.860 will enable 00:22:02.860 --> 00:22:03.360 us 00:22:03.360 --> 00:22:04.440 to get up. 00:22:04.940 --> 00:22:05.280 Paul 00:22:05.280 --> 00:22:06.280 was confident 00:22:06.280 --> 00:22:06.840 of that 00:22:06.840 --> 00:22:07.540 when he wrote 00:22:07.540 --> 00:22:08.340 this in the book 00:22:08.340 --> 00:22:09.100 of Philippians 00:22:09.100 --> 00:22:10.480 and I am sure 00:22:10.480 --> 00:22:11.060 of this 00:22:11.060 --> 00:22:11.980 that he 00:22:11.980 --> 00:22:12.740 who began 00:22:12.740 --> 00:22:13.700 a good work 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:14.280 in you 00:22:14.280 --> 00:22:15.360 will bring 00:22:15.360 --> 00:22:16.080 it to completion 00:22:16.080 --> 00:22:16.600 at the day 00:22:16.600 --> 00:22:17.640 of Jesus Christ. 00:22:18.780 --> 00:22:19.080 God 00:22:19.080 --> 00:22:19.860 will not allow 00:22:19.860 --> 00:22:20.480 his true 00:22:20.480 --> 00:22:21.220 children 00:22:21.220 --> 00:22:22.400 to drop 00:22:22.400 --> 00:22:23.080 out 00:22:23.080 --> 00:22:24.760 of the race 00:22:24.760 --> 00:22:25.340 of Christian 00:22:25.340 --> 00:22:25.720 living 00:22:25.720 --> 00:22:27.120 and stay 00:22:27.120 --> 00:22:27.500 out. 00:22:28.120 --> 00:22:28.780 There may be 00:22:28.779 --> 00:22:29.519 times you 00:22:29.519 --> 00:22:30.019 are a 00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:30.279 committed 00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:30.720 Christian 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:31.139 now 00:22:31.139 --> 00:22:31.960 but there 00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:32.480 were times 00:22:32.480 --> 00:22:33.039 when you 00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:33.920 walked away 00:22:33.920 --> 00:22:34.200 from the 00:22:34.200 --> 00:22:34.399 Lord. 00:22:35.099 --> 00:22:35.460 Maybe you 00:22:35.460 --> 00:22:35.980 fell 00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:37.039 deeply 00:22:37.039 --> 00:22:38.079 into sin 00:22:38.079 --> 00:22:39.819 but God 00:22:39.819 --> 00:22:40.420 wouldn't leave 00:22:40.420 --> 00:22:40.819 you there. 00:22:41.639 --> 00:22:42.339 He rescued 00:22:42.339 --> 00:22:42.680 you. 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:43.539 He picked 00:22:43.539 --> 00:22:43.980 you up. 00:22:44.059 --> 00:22:44.619 He dusted 00:22:44.619 --> 00:22:45.399 you off. 00:22:46.440 --> 00:22:47.039 You confessed 00:22:47.039 --> 00:22:47.579 your sin. 00:22:47.700 --> 00:22:48.200 You repented. 00:22:48.339 --> 00:22:48.980 He forgave 00:22:48.980 --> 00:22:49.539 you and gave 00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:50.240 you a fresh 00:22:50.240 --> 00:22:50.660 start. 00:22:51.039 --> 00:22:51.519 That's what 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:52.420 God does 00:22:52.420 --> 00:22:53.319 in the life 00:22:53.319 --> 00:22:53.899 of every 00:22:53.899 --> 00:22:54.759 one of his 00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:55.460 children. 00:22:56.240 --> 00:22:56.460 You know 00:22:56.460 --> 00:22:58.139 it's not 00:22:58.139 --> 00:22:58.700 easy. 00:22:58.779 --> 00:22:59.139 ever 00:22:59.139 --> 00:23:00.399 to run 00:23:00.399 --> 00:23:00.879 the race 00:23:00.879 --> 00:23:01.319 of faithful 00:23:01.319 --> 00:23:01.660 Christian 00:23:01.660 --> 00:23:01.980 living. 00:23:03.059 --> 00:23:03.639 But God 00:23:03.639 --> 00:23:04.519 does not 00:23:04.519 --> 00:23:04.960 leave us 00:23:04.960 --> 00:23:05.279 alone. 00:23:06.599 --> 00:23:06.859 God 00:23:06.859 --> 00:23:07.240 does not 00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:07.839 ever tell 00:23:07.839 --> 00:23:08.460 us just 00:23:08.460 --> 00:23:09.599 do the 00:23:09.599 --> 00:23:10.200 best that 00:23:10.200 --> 00:23:10.700 you can. 00:23:11.700 --> 00:23:12.079 God 00:23:12.079 --> 00:23:12.700 works in 00:23:12.700 --> 00:23:13.220 us from 00:23:13.220 --> 00:23:13.619 within 00:23:13.619 --> 00:23:14.119 through his 00:23:14.119 --> 00:23:14.500 spirit. 00:23:15.779 --> 00:23:16.339 It's God 00:23:16.339 --> 00:23:16.819 who gives 00:23:16.819 --> 00:23:17.519 us this 00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:18.180 desire. 00:23:19.180 --> 00:23:19.399 And it's 00:23:19.399 --> 00:23:19.920 God who 00:23:19.920 --> 00:23:20.639 is the 00:23:20.639 --> 00:23:21.019 one who 00:23:21.019 --> 00:23:21.519 gives us 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:22.359 the power 00:23:22.359 --> 00:23:23.660 to be 00:23:23.660 --> 00:23:24.079 faithful. 00:23:24.740 --> 00:23:25.200 One of my 00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:25.599 favorite 00:23:25.599 --> 00:23:26.019 verses 00:23:26.019 --> 00:23:27.500 in all of 00:23:27.500 --> 00:23:27.879 scripture, 00:23:27.880 --> 00:23:28.440 Philippians 00:23:28.440 --> 00:23:29.140 2.13. 00:23:29.560 --> 00:23:30.100 Paul said, 00:23:30.280 --> 00:23:30.600 for it is 00:23:30.600 --> 00:23:31.200 God who 00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:31.880 works in 00:23:31.880 --> 00:23:32.840 you both 00:23:32.840 --> 00:23:33.680 to will 00:23:33.680 --> 00:23:34.380 and to 00:23:34.380 --> 00:23:35.900 work for 00:23:35.900 --> 00:23:36.320 his good 00:23:36.320 --> 00:23:36.760 pleasure. 00:23:37.320 --> 00:23:38.000 We're not 00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:38.660 in this race 00:23:38.660 --> 00:23:39.100 on our 00:23:39.100 --> 00:23:39.380 own. 00:23:39.380 --> 00:23:40.000 God, 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:41.920 through his 00:23:41.920 --> 00:23:42.280 spirit, 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:43.120 lives in 00:23:43.120 --> 00:23:43.580 us. 00:23:44.680 --> 00:23:45.040 And he 00:23:45.040 --> 00:23:45.900 will enable 00:23:45.900 --> 00:23:46.980 us to be 00:23:46.980 --> 00:23:47.420 faithful. 00:23:47.820 --> 00:23:48.180 But he 00:23:48.180 --> 00:23:48.940 does require 00:23:48.940 --> 00:23:49.840 us to 00:23:49.840 --> 00:23:50.340 cooperate. 00:23:50.339 --> 00:23:50.539 cooperate. 00:23:51.740 --> 00:23:52.359 I want 00:23:52.359 --> 00:23:52.500 us to 00:23:52.500 --> 00:23:52.699 look at 00:23:52.699 --> 00:23:53.179 one more 00:23:53.179 --> 00:23:53.480 thing. 00:23:54.099 --> 00:23:54.679 Here in 00:23:54.679 --> 00:23:55.240 this one, 00:23:55.879 --> 00:23:56.319 at the 00:23:56.319 --> 00:23:56.539 end of 00:23:56.539 --> 00:23:57.119 verse 1. 00:23:57.980 --> 00:23:58.419 We are 00:23:58.419 --> 00:23:59.240 responsible 00:23:59.240 --> 00:24:00.639 to cooperate 00:24:00.639 --> 00:24:01.240 with him. 00:24:01.299 --> 00:24:01.519 Look at 00:24:01.519 --> 00:24:01.679 this. 00:24:02.019 --> 00:24:02.299 We must 00:24:02.299 --> 00:24:03.059 run with 00:24:03.059 --> 00:24:04.480 endurance the 00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:04.959 race that 00:24:04.959 --> 00:24:05.220 is set 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:05.839 before us. 00:24:06.359 --> 00:24:06.980 The long 00:24:06.980 --> 00:24:07.319 distance 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:07.779 runner's 00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:08.119 got to 00:24:08.119 --> 00:24:09.059 run the 00:24:09.059 --> 00:24:11.000 race along 00:24:11.000 --> 00:24:11.799 the course 00:24:11.799 --> 00:24:12.279 that has 00:24:12.279 --> 00:24:12.799 been marked 00:24:12.799 --> 00:24:13.319 out for 00:24:13.319 --> 00:24:13.539 him. 00:24:14.059 --> 00:24:14.559 He can't 00:24:14.559 --> 00:24:14.879 take a 00:24:14.879 --> 00:24:15.220 shortcut. 00:24:15.959 --> 00:24:16.439 He certainly 00:24:16.439 --> 00:24:16.799 wouldn't want 00:24:16.799 --> 00:24:17.220 to take a 00:24:17.220 --> 00:24:17.720 detour. 00:24:17.720 --> 00:24:19.140 He's got 00:24:19.140 --> 00:24:20.240 to run 00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:20.759 the race 00:24:20.759 --> 00:24:21.039 that's been 00:24:21.039 --> 00:24:21.660 marked out 00:24:21.660 --> 00:24:22.779 in order to 00:24:22.779 --> 00:24:23.680 stay qualified. 00:24:24.819 --> 00:24:24.960 Well, 00:24:25.000 --> 00:24:25.480 God has 00:24:25.480 --> 00:24:26.360 marked out 00:24:26.360 --> 00:24:27.120 a particular 00:24:27.120 --> 00:24:29.160 course for 00:24:29.160 --> 00:24:29.759 you and 00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:30.200 for me. 00:24:31.539 --> 00:24:32.180 In fact, 00:24:32.460 --> 00:24:33.180 God has 00:24:33.180 --> 00:24:33.759 marked out 00:24:33.759 --> 00:24:34.420 a particular 00:24:34.420 --> 00:24:35.400 course, 00:24:36.039 --> 00:24:36.720 a race, 00:24:37.339 --> 00:24:38.220 uniquely for 00:24:38.220 --> 00:24:39.839 you and 00:24:39.839 --> 00:24:40.480 then for 00:24:40.480 --> 00:24:40.839 me. 00:24:41.980 --> 00:24:42.880 Truth is, 00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:43.460 some of us 00:24:43.460 --> 00:24:44.000 have a more 00:24:44.000 --> 00:24:45.740 easy race 00:24:45.740 --> 00:24:46.400 than others. 00:24:46.400 --> 00:24:47.800 Some people, 00:24:47.900 --> 00:24:48.300 the race 00:24:48.300 --> 00:24:48.680 that God 00:24:48.680 --> 00:24:49.019 has marked 00:24:49.019 --> 00:24:49.320 out for 00:24:49.320 --> 00:24:49.580 them, 00:24:50.660 --> 00:24:51.920 most of 00:24:51.920 --> 00:24:52.380 the race 00:24:52.380 --> 00:24:53.820 is smooth. 00:24:54.820 --> 00:24:55.540 Not many 00:24:55.540 --> 00:24:56.240 hills and 00:24:56.240 --> 00:24:56.620 valleys. 00:24:57.740 --> 00:24:58.019 But then 00:24:58.019 --> 00:24:58.280 there are 00:24:58.280 --> 00:24:58.540 other 00:24:58.540 --> 00:24:59.160 Christians, 00:25:00.120 --> 00:25:00.420 other 00:25:00.420 --> 00:25:01.300 faithful men 00:25:01.300 --> 00:25:01.600 and women 00:25:01.600 --> 00:25:02.100 of God. 00:25:03.019 --> 00:25:03.500 For whatever 00:25:03.500 --> 00:25:03.960 reason, 00:25:04.080 --> 00:25:04.660 God's 00:25:04.660 --> 00:25:05.740 course for 00:25:05.740 --> 00:25:07.080 them has 00:25:07.080 --> 00:25:07.340 a lot 00:25:07.340 --> 00:25:08.200 more hills, 00:25:09.120 --> 00:25:09.460 a lot 00:25:09.460 --> 00:25:10.420 more valleys, 00:25:11.500 --> 00:25:12.340 even 00:25:12.340 --> 00:25:13.259 potholes 00:25:13.259 --> 00:25:13.800 along the 00:25:13.800 --> 00:25:14.080 way. 00:25:14.079 --> 00:25:14.220 people. 00:25:15.419 --> 00:25:16.139 But I 00:25:16.139 --> 00:25:16.359 want us 00:25:16.359 --> 00:25:16.759 to understand 00:25:16.759 --> 00:25:17.399 that whatever 00:25:17.399 --> 00:25:18.359 course of 00:25:18.359 --> 00:25:18.859 life that 00:25:18.859 --> 00:25:19.240 God has 00:25:19.240 --> 00:25:19.720 called us 00:25:19.720 --> 00:25:19.939 to, 00:25:21.299 --> 00:25:23.139 we must 00:25:23.139 --> 00:25:23.960 endure, 00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:25.559 we must 00:25:25.559 --> 00:25:26.419 persevere, 00:25:27.119 --> 00:25:27.519 we must 00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:28.619 always keep 00:25:28.619 --> 00:25:30.419 on remaining 00:25:30.419 --> 00:25:32.039 faithful with 00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:32.899 confidence that 00:25:32.899 --> 00:25:33.819 God's going to 00:25:33.819 --> 00:25:34.819 enable us. 00:25:35.259 --> 00:25:35.839 Day in and 00:25:35.839 --> 00:25:36.339 day out, 00:25:36.919 --> 00:25:37.579 God is going 00:25:37.579 --> 00:25:38.240 to work in 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:39.139 us to 00:25:39.139 --> 00:25:40.259 enable us 00:25:40.259 --> 00:25:42.019 if we 00:25:42.019 --> 00:25:42.339 will. 00:25:42.339 --> 00:25:43.599 I want to 00:25:43.599 --> 00:25:44.039 ask you, 00:25:44.659 --> 00:25:45.139 are you 00:25:45.139 --> 00:25:45.879 putting forth 00:25:45.879 --> 00:25:46.919 consistent 00:25:46.919 --> 00:25:49.039 effort to 00:25:49.039 --> 00:25:49.699 stay in 00:25:49.699 --> 00:25:50.259 the race, 00:25:50.659 --> 00:25:51.480 to stay 00:25:51.480 --> 00:25:52.480 on course, 00:25:53.480 --> 00:25:54.319 to live the 00:25:54.319 --> 00:25:55.059 Christian life 00:25:55.059 --> 00:25:55.859 that you 00:25:55.859 --> 00:25:57.459 know God's 00:25:57.459 --> 00:25:58.099 calling to 00:25:58.099 --> 00:25:58.480 and deep 00:25:58.480 --> 00:25:58.859 down you 00:25:58.859 --> 00:25:59.339 want to 00:25:59.339 --> 00:25:59.720 live? 00:26:00.500 --> 00:26:01.319 If not, 00:26:02.039 --> 00:26:02.819 why not? 00:26:03.919 --> 00:26:04.839 What needs 00:26:04.839 --> 00:26:05.679 to change? 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:06.899 Is it an 00:26:06.899 --> 00:26:07.220 attitude? 00:26:08.220 --> 00:26:09.299 Is it a 00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:09.740 lifestyle? 00:26:09.740 --> 00:26:11.880 Do you 00:26:11.880 --> 00:26:12.380 need to get 00:26:12.380 --> 00:26:13.460 serious about 00:26:13.460 --> 00:26:14.759 spending time 00:26:14.759 --> 00:26:15.359 with God, 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:16.059 talking to 00:26:16.059 --> 00:26:16.359 Him in 00:26:16.359 --> 00:26:16.680 prayer, 00:26:17.720 --> 00:26:18.460 listening to 00:26:18.460 --> 00:26:19.960 Him as 00:26:19.960 --> 00:26:20.299 you read 00:26:20.299 --> 00:26:20.920 His Word? 00:26:21.859 --> 00:26:22.539 No one can 00:26:22.539 --> 00:26:22.819 live the 00:26:22.819 --> 00:26:23.299 Christian life 00:26:23.299 --> 00:26:24.059 without spending 00:26:24.059 --> 00:26:24.920 time with 00:26:24.920 --> 00:26:25.720 God like 00:26:25.720 --> 00:26:26.019 this. 00:26:26.120 --> 00:26:26.660 No one. 00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:28.579 You know 00:26:28.579 --> 00:26:28.920 what you 00:26:28.920 --> 00:26:29.420 need to do. 00:26:30.460 --> 00:26:31.039 God always 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:31.440 makes it 00:26:31.440 --> 00:26:32.680 clear to us. 00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.099 So I want 00:26:34.099 --> 00:26:34.460 to encourage 00:26:34.460 --> 00:26:35.120 you to ask 00:26:35.120 --> 00:26:36.640 Him and 00:26:36.640 --> 00:26:37.319 then obey 00:26:37.319 --> 00:26:37.700 Him. 00:26:38.839 --> 00:26:39.160 Do it 00:26:39.160 --> 00:26:39.600 now. 00:26:40.600 --> 00:26:41.200 Our final 00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:42.060 responsibility is 00:26:42.060 --> 00:26:42.279 the most 00:26:42.279 --> 00:26:42.940 important one. 00:26:43.580 --> 00:26:44.180 It's the most 00:26:44.180 --> 00:26:44.740 important one 00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:45.320 because of 00:26:45.320 --> 00:26:46.300 where we're 00:26:46.300 --> 00:26:47.660 looking and 00:26:47.660 --> 00:26:49.320 because Jesus 00:26:49.320 --> 00:26:51.019 will enable us 00:26:51.019 --> 00:26:51.680 to be successful 00:26:51.680 --> 00:26:52.180 in all these 00:26:52.180 --> 00:26:52.840 other things. 00:26:53.360 --> 00:26:53.920 Look there. 00:26:54.160 --> 00:26:54.640 We must stay 00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:55.360 focused on our 00:26:55.360 --> 00:26:56.220 goal and our 00:26:56.220 --> 00:26:57.019 goal is Jesus. 00:26:57.380 --> 00:26:57.900 Verse 2, 00:26:58.380 --> 00:26:59.040 looking to 00:26:59.040 --> 00:26:59.700 Jesus, the 00:26:59.700 --> 00:27:00.380 founder and 00:27:00.380 --> 00:27:01.080 perfecter of 00:27:01.080 --> 00:27:01.680 our faith, 00:27:02.140 --> 00:27:02.620 who for the 00:27:02.620 --> 00:27:03.400 joy that was 00:27:03.400 --> 00:27:04.000 set before 00:27:04.000 --> 00:27:05.080 Him endured 00:27:05.080 --> 00:27:05.779 the cross, 00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:07.100 despising the 00:27:07.100 --> 00:27:08.160 shame, and 00:27:08.160 --> 00:27:08.779 is seated at 00:27:08.779 --> 00:27:09.099 the right 00:27:09.099 --> 00:27:09.460 hand of 00:27:09.460 --> 00:27:09.779 the throne 00:27:09.779 --> 00:27:10.279 of God. 00:27:10.940 --> 00:27:11.619 The Olympic 00:27:11.619 --> 00:27:12.279 runner runs 00:27:12.279 --> 00:27:12.559 with his 00:27:12.559 --> 00:27:13.279 eyes on 00:27:13.279 --> 00:27:13.920 one goal, 00:27:14.119 --> 00:27:14.539 the finish 00:27:14.539 --> 00:27:15.859 line, to 00:27:15.859 --> 00:27:16.299 get the 00:27:16.299 --> 00:27:17.920 prize, whatever 00:27:17.920 --> 00:27:18.799 it might be. 00:27:20.059 --> 00:27:21.519 Well, we've 00:27:21.519 --> 00:27:22.019 got to run 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:24.019 our race with 00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:24.980 our eyes fixed 00:27:24.980 --> 00:27:25.639 upon our Lord 00:27:25.639 --> 00:27:26.019 Jesus. 00:27:26.839 --> 00:27:27.500 And the writer 00:27:27.500 --> 00:27:28.599 here explains 00:27:28.599 --> 00:27:29.460 why in the rest 00:27:29.460 --> 00:27:30.019 of verse 2. 00:27:30.440 --> 00:27:31.200 Jesus is the 00:27:31.200 --> 00:27:31.920 founder and 00:27:31.920 --> 00:27:32.839 perfecter of 00:27:32.839 --> 00:27:33.519 our faith. 00:27:34.220 --> 00:27:34.859 Everything about 00:27:34.859 --> 00:27:35.220 the Christian 00:27:35.220 --> 00:27:35.759 life, it 00:27:35.759 --> 00:27:36.359 begins, it 00:27:36.359 --> 00:27:37.199 continues and 00:27:37.199 --> 00:27:38.500 ends with 00:27:38.500 --> 00:27:38.899 Jesus. 00:27:39.959 --> 00:27:40.579 And there's a 00:27:40.579 --> 00:27:41.579 special focus 00:27:41.579 --> 00:27:42.219 in Scripture 00:27:42.219 --> 00:27:44.779 on His death 00:27:44.779 --> 00:27:45.639 on the cross 00:27:45.639 --> 00:27:46.679 for our sins. 00:27:47.639 --> 00:27:48.039 Now, in 00:27:48.039 --> 00:27:48.639 keeping with 00:27:48.639 --> 00:27:49.500 this race 00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:51.639 imagery, He 00:27:51.639 --> 00:27:52.359 has cleared 00:27:52.359 --> 00:27:54.919 the path for 00:27:54.919 --> 00:27:57.419 us to run in 00:27:57.419 --> 00:27:58.000 terms of He 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:58.619 has eliminated 00:27:58.619 --> 00:27:59.819 the roadblocks, 00:28:00.299 --> 00:28:01.099 things that 00:28:01.099 --> 00:28:02.539 would stop us. 00:28:02.759 --> 00:28:03.079 He has 00:28:03.079 --> 00:28:04.059 eliminated through 00:28:04.059 --> 00:28:04.699 His death and 00:28:04.700 --> 00:28:05.299 resurrection. 00:28:07.100 --> 00:28:08.220 But all of 00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:10.360 us, along 00:28:10.360 --> 00:28:11.759 the way, as 00:28:11.759 --> 00:28:12.240 we run this 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:13.500 race, there 00:28:13.500 --> 00:28:14.440 are hills and 00:28:14.440 --> 00:28:14.840 valleys. 00:28:15.860 --> 00:28:16.299 There are 00:28:16.299 --> 00:28:18.500 obstacles that 00:28:18.500 --> 00:28:19.220 we've got to 00:28:19.220 --> 00:28:21.220 overcome, that 00:28:21.220 --> 00:28:22.279 we've got to 00:28:22.279 --> 00:28:22.860 endure. 00:28:23.860 --> 00:28:24.400 But the Lord 00:28:24.400 --> 00:28:25.220 always promises 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:26.559 He'll never 00:28:26.559 --> 00:28:27.120 leave us nor 00:28:27.120 --> 00:28:27.539 forsake us. 00:28:27.559 --> 00:28:28.620 He is with 00:28:28.620 --> 00:28:29.140 us. 00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:30.559 Look also, 00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:31.519 Jesus has 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:32.360 already endured 00:28:32.360 --> 00:28:33.039 the cross, 00:28:33.380 --> 00:28:34.240 despising the 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:34.900 shame, and 00:28:34.900 --> 00:28:35.640 is seated at 00:28:35.640 --> 00:28:36.319 the right hand 00:28:36.319 --> 00:28:36.799 of the throne 00:28:36.799 --> 00:28:37.319 of God. 00:28:37.839 --> 00:28:38.680 The cross was 00:28:38.680 --> 00:28:40.339 the lowest form 00:28:40.339 --> 00:28:40.940 of execution 00:28:40.940 --> 00:28:41.640 in the Roman 00:28:41.640 --> 00:28:42.059 world. 00:28:42.960 --> 00:28:43.460 A Roman 00:28:43.460 --> 00:28:45.200 citizen could 00:28:45.200 --> 00:28:46.160 not be 00:28:46.160 --> 00:28:47.359 executed by 00:28:47.359 --> 00:28:48.640 crucifixion no 00:28:48.640 --> 00:28:49.200 matter what 00:28:49.200 --> 00:28:50.400 his crime was. 00:28:51.519 --> 00:28:53.819 Crucifixion was 00:28:53.819 --> 00:28:54.920 the way of 00:28:54.920 --> 00:28:55.720 execution for 00:28:55.720 --> 00:28:56.960 the lowest of 00:28:56.960 --> 00:28:57.460 the low. 00:28:58.779 --> 00:28:59.519 It was, 00:29:00.319 --> 00:29:00.859 it involved 00:29:00.859 --> 00:29:01.500 torture. 00:29:01.500 --> 00:29:03.640 It was 00:29:03.640 --> 00:29:05.619 exposed, the 00:29:05.619 --> 00:29:05.900 person who 00:29:05.900 --> 00:29:06.119 was being 00:29:06.119 --> 00:29:06.880 crucified to 00:29:06.880 --> 00:29:07.660 public 00:29:07.660 --> 00:29:09.160 humiliation. 00:29:10.940 --> 00:29:11.180 Well, the 00:29:11.180 --> 00:29:11.680 scripture says 00:29:11.680 --> 00:29:12.180 that Jesus 00:29:12.180 --> 00:29:13.779 willingly endured 00:29:13.779 --> 00:29:14.819 that death 00:29:14.819 --> 00:29:16.500 and chose to 00:29:16.500 --> 00:29:17.599 disregard that 00:29:17.599 --> 00:29:18.339 shame. 00:29:19.960 --> 00:29:20.299 Do you know 00:29:20.299 --> 00:29:20.700 why? 00:29:21.980 --> 00:29:22.720 The scripture 00:29:22.720 --> 00:29:23.599 tells us here, 00:29:24.200 --> 00:29:24.940 Jesus did that 00:29:24.940 --> 00:29:25.759 for the joy 00:29:25.759 --> 00:29:26.799 that was set 00:29:26.799 --> 00:29:27.400 before Him. 00:29:27.400 --> 00:29:27.980 Again, in verse 00:29:27.980 --> 00:29:29.059 two, Jesus 00:29:29.059 --> 00:29:30.039 looked beyond 00:29:30.039 --> 00:29:30.839 the horror, 00:29:31.120 --> 00:29:31.960 the pain, 00:29:32.279 --> 00:29:32.819 the suffering 00:29:32.819 --> 00:29:33.539 of the cross 00:29:33.539 --> 00:29:35.240 to the joy 00:29:35.240 --> 00:29:36.620 that He would 00:29:36.620 --> 00:29:37.519 experience on 00:29:37.519 --> 00:29:38.279 the other side. 00:29:39.099 --> 00:29:39.799 And that joy 00:29:39.799 --> 00:29:40.460 involved two 00:29:40.460 --> 00:29:41.059 things. 00:29:41.500 --> 00:29:42.339 One is stated 00:29:42.339 --> 00:29:42.920 right here. 00:29:43.259 --> 00:29:43.880 He knew that He 00:29:43.880 --> 00:29:44.579 would return to 00:29:44.579 --> 00:29:45.339 His place of 00:29:45.339 --> 00:29:46.120 honor, look at 00:29:46.120 --> 00:29:47.539 it, seated at 00:29:47.539 --> 00:29:48.519 the right hand 00:29:48.519 --> 00:29:49.279 of the throne 00:29:49.279 --> 00:29:50.079 of God. 00:29:50.079 --> 00:29:51.799 But He also 00:29:51.799 --> 00:29:53.559 knew that having 00:29:53.559 --> 00:29:55.460 completed His 00:29:55.460 --> 00:29:56.019 work on the 00:29:56.019 --> 00:29:57.079 cross, He 00:29:57.980 --> 00:29:59.299 salvation would 00:29:59.299 --> 00:29:59.920 be provided 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:00.839 for every 00:30:00.839 --> 00:30:01.640 person who 00:30:01.640 --> 00:30:02.000 would ever 00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:02.900 believe in 00:30:02.900 --> 00:30:03.180 Him. 00:30:04.180 --> 00:30:04.980 That gave 00:30:04.980 --> 00:30:05.720 Him joy 00:30:05.720 --> 00:30:07.120 to know He 00:30:07.120 --> 00:30:07.599 was going 00:30:07.599 --> 00:30:08.259 back to the 00:30:08.259 --> 00:30:09.920 Father, seated 00:30:09.920 --> 00:30:10.440 at the right 00:30:10.440 --> 00:30:10.980 hand of the 00:30:10.980 --> 00:30:12.539 Father, interceding 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:13.279 for us, His 00:30:13.279 --> 00:30:13.720 people. 00:30:14.220 --> 00:30:14.740 It brought 00:30:14.740 --> 00:30:15.819 Jesus joy to 00:30:15.819 --> 00:30:17.380 know that on 00:30:17.380 --> 00:30:18.259 the other side, 00:30:18.319 --> 00:30:18.900 after His death 00:30:18.900 --> 00:30:19.559 and resurrection, 00:30:20.099 --> 00:30:22.279 salvation would 00:30:22.279 --> 00:30:22.980 be freely 00:30:22.980 --> 00:30:24.740 proclaimed as 00:30:24.740 --> 00:30:26.559 a gift to 00:30:26.559 --> 00:30:27.259 all who will 00:30:27.259 --> 00:30:28.379 receive Him 00:30:28.379 --> 00:30:29.539 as their 00:30:29.539 --> 00:30:30.019 Savior and 00:30:30.019 --> 00:30:30.279 Lord. 00:30:31.140 --> 00:30:32.140 We need to 00:30:32.140 --> 00:30:32.859 keep our 00:30:32.859 --> 00:30:33.660 eyes of 00:30:33.660 --> 00:30:35.200 faith firmly 00:30:35.200 --> 00:30:36.259 on Jesus 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:37.799 every day. 00:30:38.640 --> 00:30:39.019 And I want 00:30:39.019 --> 00:30:39.319 you to think 00:30:39.319 --> 00:30:39.799 about two 00:30:39.799 --> 00:30:40.559 reasons we 00:30:40.559 --> 00:30:40.859 ought to do 00:30:40.859 --> 00:30:41.059 that. 00:30:41.539 --> 00:30:43.319 First, we 00:30:43.319 --> 00:30:43.799 are to follow 00:30:43.799 --> 00:30:44.480 His example. 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:46.180 And what 00:30:46.180 --> 00:30:47.000 Jesus did there 00:30:47.000 --> 00:30:47.539 on the cross, 00:30:47.640 --> 00:30:49.160 He demonstrates, 00:30:49.379 --> 00:30:50.220 exemplifies, 00:30:50.940 --> 00:30:52.839 that we can 00:30:52.839 --> 00:30:54.579 endure whatever 00:30:54.579 --> 00:30:56.140 pain, whatever 00:30:56.140 --> 00:30:57.860 suffering, whatever 00:30:57.860 --> 00:30:58.759 hardship comes 00:30:58.759 --> 00:30:59.320 our way in 00:30:59.320 --> 00:30:59.620 life. 00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:00.440 And for 00:31:00.440 --> 00:31:01.180 some people, 00:31:01.780 --> 00:31:02.400 life is 00:31:02.400 --> 00:31:03.640 extremely hard. 00:31:03.920 --> 00:31:04.380 Life's not 00:31:04.380 --> 00:31:04.800 fair for 00:31:04.800 --> 00:31:05.080 anyone. 00:31:06.600 --> 00:31:07.200 Life is 00:31:07.200 --> 00:31:08.960 difficult at 00:31:08.960 --> 00:31:09.660 times for 00:31:09.660 --> 00:31:10.240 everyone. 00:31:10.240 --> 00:31:12.120 But what this 00:31:12.120 --> 00:31:12.940 writer is saying, 00:31:13.060 --> 00:31:14.360 by looking beyond 00:31:14.360 --> 00:31:15.560 whatever it is we 00:31:15.560 --> 00:31:16.160 have to suffer, 00:31:17.120 --> 00:31:18.520 looking beyond it 00:31:18.520 --> 00:31:20.160 to the joy we 00:31:20.160 --> 00:31:21.500 will experience as 00:31:21.500 --> 00:31:22.480 God's children 00:31:22.480 --> 00:31:24.220 when we cross 00:31:24.220 --> 00:31:25.160 that finish line 00:31:25.160 --> 00:31:26.200 and enter into 00:31:26.200 --> 00:31:27.039 His presence. 00:31:27.660 --> 00:31:28.799 That joy should 00:31:28.799 --> 00:31:29.880 motivate us. 00:31:30.279 --> 00:31:30.720 And Jesus' 00:31:30.980 --> 00:31:31.860 example of 00:31:31.860 --> 00:31:33.120 looking toward 00:31:33.120 --> 00:31:34.059 that with joy 00:31:34.059 --> 00:31:35.160 is one we 00:31:35.160 --> 00:31:35.740 need to follow. 00:31:36.160 --> 00:31:36.819 But also, 00:31:37.980 --> 00:31:38.440 we need to keep 00:31:38.440 --> 00:31:39.420 our eyes firmly 00:31:39.420 --> 00:31:40.279 fixed on Jesus 00:31:40.279 --> 00:31:41.160 to experience 00:31:41.160 --> 00:31:41.880 His power. 00:31:43.360 --> 00:31:44.240 Jesus empowers 00:31:44.240 --> 00:31:45.880 us day by day, 00:31:47.079 --> 00:31:47.960 even moment by 00:31:47.960 --> 00:31:49.360 moment, week 00:31:49.360 --> 00:31:51.420 by week, to run 00:31:51.420 --> 00:31:52.200 the race of 00:31:52.200 --> 00:31:53.140 faithful Christian 00:31:53.140 --> 00:31:53.700 living. 00:31:54.500 --> 00:31:55.519 He empowers us 00:31:55.519 --> 00:31:56.980 by indwelling us 00:31:56.980 --> 00:31:59.140 with His Spirit. 00:32:00.140 --> 00:32:00.480 You know, the 00:32:00.480 --> 00:32:01.200 Holy Spirit is 00:32:01.200 --> 00:32:01.960 called at times 00:32:01.960 --> 00:32:02.400 in Scripture 00:32:02.400 --> 00:32:03.320 the Spirit of 00:32:03.320 --> 00:32:04.240 God, but He's 00:32:04.240 --> 00:32:05.019 also called at 00:32:05.019 --> 00:32:05.759 times the Spirit 00:32:05.759 --> 00:32:06.580 of Christ. 00:32:07.259 --> 00:32:07.940 Romans chapter 00:32:07.940 --> 00:32:09.360 8, verse 9 00:32:09.360 --> 00:32:10.279 is a good example 00:32:10.279 --> 00:32:10.720 of that. 00:32:11.400 --> 00:32:12.100 How does Jesus 00:32:12.100 --> 00:32:12.920 live with us 00:32:12.920 --> 00:32:13.259 today? 00:32:14.200 --> 00:32:14.640 Through the 00:32:14.640 --> 00:32:15.460 person of the 00:32:15.460 --> 00:32:16.120 Holy Spirit 00:32:16.120 --> 00:32:17.580 who indwells 00:32:17.580 --> 00:32:17.940 us. 00:32:19.080 --> 00:32:19.840 The way God 00:32:19.840 --> 00:32:20.620 intends for us 00:32:20.619 --> 00:32:22.139 to live the 00:32:22.139 --> 00:32:22.799 faithful Christian 00:32:22.799 --> 00:32:24.439 life today is 00:32:24.439 --> 00:32:25.359 to be motivated 00:32:25.359 --> 00:32:26.199 by the example 00:32:26.199 --> 00:32:27.899 of Jesus and 00:32:27.899 --> 00:32:28.939 to be empowered 00:32:28.939 --> 00:32:30.739 by the Spirit 00:32:30.739 --> 00:32:32.119 of Jesus who 00:32:32.119 --> 00:32:33.019 lives in us. 00:32:33.479 --> 00:32:34.579 If we will, 00:32:35.779 --> 00:32:37.459 we will be able 00:32:37.459 --> 00:32:38.439 to have the 00:32:38.439 --> 00:32:40.519 experience on an 00:32:40.519 --> 00:32:41.500 ongoing basis. 00:32:42.139 --> 00:32:42.979 Like the Apostle 00:32:42.979 --> 00:32:43.500 Paul when he 00:32:43.500 --> 00:32:44.339 made this statement, 00:32:44.839 --> 00:32:45.739 I can do all 00:32:45.739 --> 00:32:46.759 things through 00:32:46.759 --> 00:32:48.239 Him, Christ, 00:32:48.839 --> 00:32:49.699 who strengthens 00:32:49.700 --> 00:32:49.940 me. 00:32:51.120 --> 00:32:51.420 You know, 00:32:51.480 --> 00:32:52.120 we'll never be 00:32:52.120 --> 00:32:52.640 able to live a 00:32:52.640 --> 00:32:53.279 faithful Christian 00:32:53.279 --> 00:32:54.019 life that honors 00:32:54.019 --> 00:32:55.860 God and brings 00:32:55.860 --> 00:32:56.779 joy and satisfaction 00:32:56.779 --> 00:32:57.819 to our own lives 00:32:57.819 --> 00:32:59.160 if all we do is 00:32:59.160 --> 00:32:59.640 dwell on our 00:32:59.640 --> 00:33:00.380 circumstances, 00:33:01.600 --> 00:33:02.480 dwell on our 00:33:02.480 --> 00:33:03.819 feelings, 00:33:04.380 --> 00:33:06.779 or what the 00:33:06.779 --> 00:33:08.940 world offers us 00:33:08.940 --> 00:33:10.600 and tempts us 00:33:10.600 --> 00:33:10.980 with. 00:33:11.779 --> 00:33:12.559 Instead, what we've 00:33:12.559 --> 00:33:13.140 got to always 00:33:13.140 --> 00:33:15.240 remember, Jesus is 00:33:15.240 --> 00:33:15.779 the goal. 00:33:16.299 --> 00:33:16.960 He is to be our 00:33:16.960 --> 00:33:17.559 focus. 00:33:17.559 --> 00:33:18.879 We've got to 00:33:18.879 --> 00:33:19.419 follow His 00:33:19.419 --> 00:33:19.960 example. 00:33:20.480 --> 00:33:20.819 We've got to 00:33:20.819 --> 00:33:21.679 depend on His 00:33:21.679 --> 00:33:22.139 power. 00:33:23.139 --> 00:33:24.440 And we do need 00:33:24.440 --> 00:33:25.579 to look beyond 00:33:25.579 --> 00:33:26.599 our sufferings, 00:33:26.679 --> 00:33:27.619 our difficulties, 00:33:27.619 --> 00:33:30.859 to the joy that 00:33:30.859 --> 00:33:32.220 is in store for 00:33:32.220 --> 00:33:34.279 us when we cross 00:33:34.279 --> 00:33:35.279 the finish line 00:33:35.279 --> 00:33:36.940 and enter the 00:33:36.940 --> 00:33:37.659 presence of our 00:33:37.659 --> 00:33:38.139 Lord Jesus. 00:33:38.679 --> 00:33:39.740 That is something 00:33:39.740 --> 00:33:40.599 that is going to 00:33:40.599 --> 00:33:42.500 happen one day. 00:33:42.500 --> 00:33:44.640 and throughout 00:33:44.640 --> 00:33:46.259 the Bible, that 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:47.819 reward is spoken 00:33:47.819 --> 00:33:48.779 of in a way that 00:33:48.779 --> 00:33:50.119 should motivate us 00:33:50.119 --> 00:33:51.559 and encourage us. 00:33:52.039 --> 00:33:53.119 Be faithful today. 00:33:54.019 --> 00:33:54.960 Be faithful in 00:33:54.960 --> 00:33:55.920 what is really a 00:33:55.920 --> 00:33:58.039 short span of 00:33:58.039 --> 00:33:59.740 life so that we 00:33:59.740 --> 00:34:01.579 can experience God's 00:34:01.579 --> 00:34:02.900 eternal blessings 00:34:02.900 --> 00:34:04.279 and rewards and 00:34:04.279 --> 00:34:06.400 joys forever. 00:34:07.400 --> 00:34:08.139 That's what the 00:34:08.139 --> 00:34:09.099 Apostle Paul did. 00:34:09.099 --> 00:34:12.099 That's what enabled 00:34:12.099 --> 00:34:13.880 him to run the 00:34:13.880 --> 00:34:15.079 faithful Christian 00:34:15.079 --> 00:34:16.239 life or live the 00:34:16.239 --> 00:34:16.779 faithful Christian 00:34:16.779 --> 00:34:17.980 life, run the race 00:34:17.980 --> 00:34:19.759 to the very end. 00:34:20.679 --> 00:34:21.440 And in the book of 00:34:21.440 --> 00:34:23.099 2 Timothy, Paul is 00:34:23.099 --> 00:34:23.940 approaching the 00:34:23.940 --> 00:34:24.659 finish line. 00:34:25.259 --> 00:34:26.480 He knows that death 00:34:26.480 --> 00:34:27.920 is soon to come. 00:34:28.839 --> 00:34:29.880 And as he thought 00:34:29.880 --> 00:34:30.900 about that, as he 00:34:30.900 --> 00:34:31.719 was coming to the 00:34:31.719 --> 00:34:33.000 end, thinking about 00:34:33.000 --> 00:34:33.759 going into the 00:34:33.759 --> 00:34:34.279 presence of the 00:34:34.279 --> 00:34:35.460 Lord, listen to what 00:34:35.460 --> 00:34:35.860 he said. 00:34:35.860 --> 00:34:37.460 I have fought the 00:34:37.460 --> 00:34:38.099 good fight. 00:34:38.460 --> 00:34:39.480 I have finished the 00:34:39.480 --> 00:34:39.900 race. 00:34:40.260 --> 00:34:41.260 I have kept the 00:34:41.260 --> 00:34:41.680 faith. 00:34:42.260 --> 00:34:43.099 Now there is in 00:34:43.099 --> 00:34:43.960 store for me the 00:34:43.960 --> 00:34:45.340 crown of righteousness, 00:34:45.740 --> 00:34:46.800 which the Lord, the 00:34:46.800 --> 00:34:47.800 righteous judge, will 00:34:47.800 --> 00:34:48.920 award to me on that 00:34:48.920 --> 00:34:50.320 day, and not only to 00:34:50.320 --> 00:34:53.740 me, but all who have 00:34:53.740 --> 00:34:54.900 longed for his 00:34:54.900 --> 00:34:55.300 appearing. 00:34:56.620 --> 00:34:57.880 When you approach the 00:34:57.880 --> 00:34:59.260 finish line of life 00:34:59.260 --> 00:35:02.019 one day, will you 00:35:02.019 --> 00:35:02.880 have that kind of 00:35:02.880 --> 00:35:05.660 confidence as you 00:35:05.659 --> 00:35:06.679 think about crossing 00:35:06.679 --> 00:35:09.219 over the line from 00:35:09.219 --> 00:35:10.139 this world to the 00:35:10.139 --> 00:35:12.460 next and entering 00:35:12.460 --> 00:35:13.420 into the presence of 00:35:13.420 --> 00:35:13.699 Jesus? 00:35:15.159 --> 00:35:17.859 If you don't, I 00:35:17.859 --> 00:35:18.719 encourage you to do 00:35:18.719 --> 00:35:19.980 whatever is necessary 00:35:19.980 --> 00:35:22.039 right now to get 00:35:22.039 --> 00:35:22.519 that kind of 00:35:22.519 --> 00:35:22.920 confidence. 00:35:23.299 --> 00:35:23.940 If you're not a 00:35:23.940 --> 00:35:26.000 Christian, admit your 00:35:26.000 --> 00:35:27.960 sin, turn from it, 00:35:28.259 --> 00:35:29.159 put your trust in 00:35:29.159 --> 00:35:30.759 Jesus right now, call 00:35:30.759 --> 00:35:31.799 on him to save you. 00:35:33.079 --> 00:35:34.539 If you are a 00:35:34.539 --> 00:35:35.460 Christian who's away 00:35:35.460 --> 00:35:37.079 from the Lord, if 00:35:37.079 --> 00:35:37.960 this message this 00:35:37.960 --> 00:35:38.840 morning has just 00:35:38.840 --> 00:35:43.039 beat you up, because 00:35:43.039 --> 00:35:45.000 everything that a 00:35:45.000 --> 00:35:47.000 Christian should be and 00:35:47.000 --> 00:35:49.220 do and trust, it's not 00:35:49.220 --> 00:35:50.179 what you're doing now. 00:35:50.940 --> 00:35:52.039 Just admit that to God. 00:35:52.099 --> 00:35:53.079 Don't make excuses. 00:35:54.159 --> 00:35:55.119 Confess your sins. 00:35:55.360 --> 00:35:56.300 Seek his forgiveness. 00:35:57.099 --> 00:35:57.800 Experience his 00:35:57.800 --> 00:35:58.460 cleansing. 00:35:59.559 --> 00:36:00.380 Draw close to him. 00:36:00.380 --> 00:36:04.039 But I know that many 00:36:04.039 --> 00:36:05.599 Christians, many members 00:36:05.599 --> 00:36:07.840 of our church, you have 00:36:07.840 --> 00:36:08.480 that confidence. 00:36:09.360 --> 00:36:10.280 You have that confidence 00:36:10.280 --> 00:36:11.220 not because you've lived a 00:36:11.220 --> 00:36:12.140 perfect life, but because 00:36:12.140 --> 00:36:14.000 you are truly trusting in 00:36:14.000 --> 00:36:14.260 Jesus. 00:36:14.440 --> 00:36:15.220 You love him. 00:36:16.260 --> 00:36:17.640 You're trusting him. 00:36:18.200 --> 00:36:19.280 You're seeking to follow 00:36:19.280 --> 00:36:20.640 him, to serve him. 00:36:21.500 --> 00:36:23.500 And the idea of entering 00:36:23.500 --> 00:36:24.880 into his presence brings a 00:36:24.880 --> 00:36:26.059 smile to your face. 00:36:26.059 --> 00:36:28.519 If that describes you, then 00:36:28.519 --> 00:36:30.900 thank the Lord for the way 00:36:30.900 --> 00:36:32.639 he has worked in you and 00:36:32.639 --> 00:36:34.239 just draw closer to him 00:36:34.239 --> 00:36:34.860 right now. 00:36:36.219 --> 00:36:37.440 Express your thanks. 00:36:38.500 --> 00:36:40.279 Tell him how much you love 00:36:40.279 --> 00:36:40.539 him. 00:36:42.159 --> 00:36:43.259 Let's pray together. 00:36:44.099 --> 00:36:44.559 Father, 00:36:45.559 --> 00:36:50.579 help every Christian to see 00:36:50.579 --> 00:36:52.480 where they are along the race 00:36:52.480 --> 00:36:54.719 of faithful Christian living. 00:36:57.119 --> 00:36:58.300 Help them to see, Father, 00:36:58.440 --> 00:36:59.559 if they have allowed 00:36:59.559 --> 00:37:02.199 maybe even good things 00:37:02.199 --> 00:37:04.300 to hinder their progress. 00:37:05.760 --> 00:37:06.900 Help them to see if they 00:37:06.900 --> 00:37:09.880 have allowed certain sins 00:37:09.880 --> 00:37:12.780 to trip them up over and 00:37:12.780 --> 00:37:13.659 over and over again. 00:37:15.480 --> 00:37:17.000 Help them, Father, to lay 00:37:17.000 --> 00:37:18.219 these things aside, 00:37:19.219 --> 00:37:20.860 to eliminate them, 00:37:20.860 --> 00:37:22.980 to not let them continue 00:37:22.980 --> 00:37:24.940 to get in the way, 00:37:26.320 --> 00:37:27.860 to rob them of a close 00:37:27.860 --> 00:37:29.660 relationship with you. 00:37:31.420 --> 00:37:33.099 Father, help us all to see 00:37:33.099 --> 00:37:34.960 just how serious we are 00:37:34.960 --> 00:37:37.559 about showing discipline, 00:37:38.000 --> 00:37:39.260 exercising discipline, 00:37:40.160 --> 00:37:41.400 enduring hardship, 00:37:42.500 --> 00:37:44.680 and persevering in living 00:37:44.680 --> 00:37:46.019 this faithful Christian life. 00:37:46.640 --> 00:37:48.180 Help us to see that is 00:37:48.180 --> 00:37:50.539 necessary, but you will help 00:37:50.539 --> 00:37:51.719 us, enable us, 00:37:51.840 --> 00:37:53.119 by giving us the desires 00:37:53.119 --> 00:37:53.860 and the ability 00:37:53.860 --> 00:37:55.279 to be successful. 00:37:56.599 --> 00:37:58.320 Lord, help each of us 00:37:58.320 --> 00:38:00.840 to really see right now 00:38:00.840 --> 00:38:03.579 just how focused in we are 00:38:03.579 --> 00:38:04.320 on Jesus, 00:38:05.420 --> 00:38:07.599 looking to him as an example, 00:38:08.599 --> 00:38:11.079 but also looking to him 00:38:11.079 --> 00:38:11.840 for power. 00:38:13.699 --> 00:38:14.920 Show us all how we need 00:38:14.920 --> 00:38:15.519 to respond, 00:38:16.519 --> 00:38:17.539 and help us, Father, 00:38:17.619 --> 00:38:18.800 to respond in such a way 00:38:18.800 --> 00:38:21.900 that we go on from here 00:38:21.900 --> 00:38:22.360 today, 00:38:23.400 --> 00:38:24.580 running the race 00:38:24.580 --> 00:38:26.820 of faithful Christian 00:38:26.820 --> 00:38:28.980 living for your glory, 00:38:30.300 --> 00:38:31.860 other people's good, 00:38:32.920 --> 00:38:34.100 and our own joy 00:38:34.100 --> 00:38:35.380 and satisfaction. 00:38:36.560 --> 00:38:37.820 In Jesus' name we pray. 00:38:38.600 --> 00:38:38.920 Amen. 00:38:38.920 --> 00:38:39.039 Amen. 00:38:39.039 --> 00:38:39.100 Amen. 00:38:39.100 --> 00:38:39.120 Amen. 00:38:39.120 --> 00:38:39.140 Amen. 00:38:39.140 --> 00:38:39.180 Amen. 00:38:39.180 --> 00:38:39.200 Amen. 00:38:39.200 --> 00:38:41.100 Amen. 00:38:41.100 --> 00:38:41.160 Amen. 00:38:41.160 --> 00:38:41.180 Amen. 00:38:41.180 --> 00:38:41.200 Amen. 00:38:41.200 --> 00:38:41.220 Amen. 00:38:41.220 --> 00:38:41.240 Amen. 00:38:41.240 --> 00:38:41.260 Amen. 00:38:41.260 --> 00:38:41.300 Amen.