WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.259 Open your Bibles to Galatians chapter 5, Galatians chapter 5 verses 13 to 25. 00:00:11.200 --> 00:00:19.519 ! I want to begin this morning by telling you what a Christian is not. It's really important 00:00:19.519 --> 00:00:23.359 ! It's really important in life to know what something is not as well as what something is. 00:00:23.359 --> 00:00:29.359 And I think in Galatians we have learned what a Christian is not. And so a Christian is not 00:00:29.359 --> 00:00:37.679 someone who turns over a new leaf. A Christian is not someone who kind of develops a new philosophy 00:00:37.679 --> 00:00:45.519 of life. A Christian is not someone who develops a kind of special interest in going to church 00:00:45.519 --> 00:00:53.120 and feels that they should get a bit more religious. A Christian is not someone who's just trying 00:00:53.119 --> 00:01:00.959 hard to do better. In fact, a Christian is not really someone who does anything at all. 00:01:02.879 --> 00:01:09.659 That at its root, a Christian is someone who has a growing realization of what God has done for them 00:01:09.659 --> 00:01:18.340 in Jesus Christ. As you come to the Lord's Table later this morning, as believers, isn't it, we come to the 00:01:18.340 --> 00:01:28.659 Lord's Table with nothing to give, no rewards to claim, no gifts that we can offer. We come to receive, 00:01:28.659 --> 00:01:37.780 don't we? We take the bread, we drink the wine. Because a Christian is someone who has a growing 00:01:37.780 --> 00:01:44.500 relationship of what God has done for them in Jesus Christ. That in the death and the resurrection 00:01:44.500 --> 00:01:52.819 of Jesus, God has completely, utterly, absolutely and eternally accepted us. And that there's nothing, 00:01:52.819 --> 00:02:02.120 nothing that we can do to make God love us more. And there's nothing, nothing that we can do to make 00:02:02.120 --> 00:02:10.939 God love us less. It has all been done. It has been done. That's when Jesus cries on the cross, 00:02:10.939 --> 00:02:18.620 tatalestai, it is finished. It's done. It has all been done in the death of Jesus Christ. And that is 00:02:18.620 --> 00:02:27.400 the great freedom which the Apostle Paul has. And the great freedom that the Apostle Paul has been 00:02:27.400 --> 00:02:33.759 brought to. And if you have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ and have received from Christ and are 00:02:33.759 --> 00:02:41.199 relying on him, you are free as well, you are free from having to justify yourself, from defend yourself 00:02:41.199 --> 00:02:49.079 before God. And I am free and you are free from having to justify myself before you and you before me. 00:02:51.039 --> 00:03:01.099 God has come to dwell in our lives, in our hearts by faith. And so we live by faith and not by sight. 00:03:01.099 --> 00:03:09.840 And we live by the Holy Spirit. But there's only one problem with that. Here's the problem. I'm 00:03:09.840 --> 00:03:16.459 going to call it the university entrance exam problem. And you often hear this from people who've come 00:03:16.459 --> 00:03:22.959 close to Christianity and they've got some kind of understanding of what the Christian gospel 00:03:22.959 --> 00:03:28.259 teaches, but they haven't really fully understood it. So here's the problem, the university entrance exam. 00:03:28.259 --> 00:03:37.139 Let's say you have a 16 year old son and you say to them, don't worry, you've already been accepted into 00:03:37.139 --> 00:03:45.780 university. And so it doesn't matter what you do with your schooling. It doesn't matter what grades you 00:03:45.780 --> 00:03:53.539 get in your A levels. It doesn't matter how good they are or how bad they are. It's okay, you have entrance 00:03:53.539 --> 00:04:02.419 into university already. What will happen? That's how the argument goes. 00:04:02.419 --> 00:04:08.019 So the 16 year old begins to think I've been accepted into university and they will not be motivated to 00:04:08.020 --> 00:04:18.740 work, will they? Are they going to become addicted to their phone or clash of clans or computer games or parties 00:04:20.019 --> 00:04:25.540 or YouTube shorts or whatever else it is that teenagers do this day? They're not going to work. 00:04:25.540 --> 00:04:32.180 And that's exactly the problem for the new Christians in Galatia. And they put their faith in Jesus Christ. 00:04:32.980 --> 00:04:40.340 The transformation has come, but they've also got troubles. And look at verse 15 of Galatians 5. 00:04:40.339 --> 00:04:52.979 And then look at Galatians 5 verse 26. And this church was having trouble. And the biting there is backbiting. 00:04:54.099 --> 00:04:58.819 And they were backbiting and gossiping and speaking about one another behind each other's backs. They were struggling 00:04:58.819 --> 00:05:06.659 with jealousy and arrogance. Things that you find in every Christian group. And so there's a group of new teachers 00:05:06.660 --> 00:05:14.900 that come into Galatians 5. And they use the university entrance exam argument. And they offer an illustration. 00:05:16.500 --> 00:05:22.500 And they say the problem with this message is that it leads to people just kind of living whatever they want. 00:05:22.500 --> 00:05:29.140 And so if you want to get serious, if you want to get ahead, you need to go to God's law. 00:05:30.260 --> 00:05:33.060 And you need to put yourself and come under God's law. 00:05:33.060 --> 00:05:39.379 They said there's only two ways to live. You're either a pagan and you're living for yourself. 00:05:39.860 --> 00:05:45.300 And you're gratifying the desires of your flesh. Or you're under the law and you're trying to obey God. 00:05:45.300 --> 00:05:49.060 And the Apostle Paul says, no, there's not just two options. There is a third way. 00:05:50.340 --> 00:05:52.340 And it's not the way of self-gratification. 00:05:53.220 --> 00:05:56.439 And it's not the way of moral reformation trying your hardest. 00:05:56.439 --> 00:05:59.319 But it is the way of keeping in step with the Spirit. 00:06:00.519 --> 00:06:03.560 And so the key verse for the section today is verse 25. 00:06:05.480 --> 00:06:07.480 If we live by the Spirit, 00:06:08.839 --> 00:06:11.720 let us also keep in step 00:06:11.720 --> 00:06:13.159 with the Spirit. 00:06:14.680 --> 00:06:16.120 Let us walk by the Spirit. 00:06:16.120 --> 00:06:23.639 If the Holy Spirit has come into your heart, into your life, and made you alive to God, 00:06:23.639 --> 00:06:27.879 says the Apostle, you will begin to be transformed from the inside. 00:06:30.040 --> 00:06:36.600 True spiritual transformation cannot, does not come from the outside. 00:06:37.720 --> 00:06:39.560 It does not come from obeying laws, 00:06:39.560 --> 00:06:44.680 or any external observance, or ceremony, or liturgy, or anything. 00:06:44.680 --> 00:06:48.280 But it comes from keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. 00:06:49.240 --> 00:06:53.800 And this passage is one of the deepest, and the clearest, and most practical sections 00:06:53.800 --> 00:06:56.439 I can think of in all the Bible on how to live the Christian life. 00:06:57.560 --> 00:07:00.840 I'm sorry we haven't got long to talk about it this morning, but I want to give you two 00:07:00.840 --> 00:07:04.759 coat hangers to hang your thinking. And you can go and think through these verses. 00:07:05.560 --> 00:07:08.680 Let me commend this book to you, God's Spirit. 00:07:08.680 --> 00:07:12.519 It's a book on the fruit of the Spirit. It is written by our own Reuben Hunter. 00:07:12.519 --> 00:07:15.639 He's one of our own. And it's written on these verses. 00:07:15.639 --> 00:07:18.120 It's a brilliant little book, short little chapters, 00:07:19.000 --> 00:07:21.079 looking at the fruit of the Holy Spirit. 00:07:21.879 --> 00:07:24.120 If you need to think more, and we all do, get hold of this. 00:07:24.120 --> 00:07:28.120 I think it's about 6.50 on the bookstall. But do pick that up. 00:07:28.920 --> 00:07:31.399 So, two coat hangers to hang our thinking this morning. 00:07:31.800 --> 00:07:35.560 What does this transformation look like? What it looks like, first of all? 00:07:35.560 --> 00:07:40.360 What does keeping in step with the Spirit look like? And then secondly, how does it happen? 00:07:42.120 --> 00:07:45.079 So, first of all, what does it look like? I'm going back to verse 13. 00:07:45.079 --> 00:07:50.439 You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters. 00:07:52.120 --> 00:08:03.240 But do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another. 00:08:03.240 --> 00:08:10.040 The whole law, Paul says, is fulfilled in this one word. 00:08:11.000 --> 00:08:13.240 You should love your neighbour as yourself. 00:08:15.319 --> 00:08:17.319 It's one thing to say that Christ has set us free. 00:08:18.360 --> 00:08:22.579 It's one thing to say, I'm completely accepted and I stand loved by God. 00:08:23.379 --> 00:08:25.539 It's an entirely different thing to live out that freedom. 00:08:27.060 --> 00:08:31.539 And so, until now, Paul in Galatians has been demonstrating what it means to be free. 00:08:31.939 --> 00:08:35.220 And now he starts to talk to us about how do I use this freedom. 00:08:37.379 --> 00:08:38.980 And this is what it looks like. 00:08:39.699 --> 00:08:44.899 God has made you free so that you and I will serve other people. 00:08:44.899 --> 00:08:48.980 It's very, very simple. Incredibly simple. 00:08:49.220 --> 00:08:53.539 Faith in Jesus Christ does not just bring us into connection with God, 00:08:54.659 --> 00:08:58.179 but it brings us into a particular relationship with God's people. 00:09:00.100 --> 00:09:02.179 And so, here's the truth, which is shocking in many ways. 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:05.860 You cannot walk with God unless you walk with God's people. 00:09:08.500 --> 00:09:12.019 You cannot. If you do not walk in love with God's people, 00:09:12.019 --> 00:09:15.620 you cannot say that you're walking in love with God. 00:09:18.259 --> 00:09:24.500 And so, the primary way that we express the gospel of freedom and forgiveness is 00:09:24.899 --> 00:09:26.100 serving other people in love. 00:09:27.939 --> 00:09:30.819 This is the mark of freedom, brothers and sisters. 00:09:31.139 --> 00:09:35.939 This is the mark of the reality that the Holy Spirit has taken up residence in our hearts, 00:09:36.259 --> 00:09:39.299 that we use our lives, that we make our decisions, 00:09:39.299 --> 00:09:45.219 very practical day-to-day decisions as to what will serve other people. 00:09:48.500 --> 00:09:52.659 Not in some grand gesture of self-sacrifice, 00:09:53.620 --> 00:09:57.459 that everyone will look on and say, well, aren't they fantastic that they're so giving to others? 00:09:57.939 --> 00:10:05.539 No, in the slow, invisible, quiet, daily death of small inconveniences. 00:10:05.539 --> 00:10:11.459 Paul says that is how you show that God is real in your life. 00:10:13.459 --> 00:10:15.620 And it's doing the opposite of what comes naturally. 00:10:15.860 --> 00:10:18.579 That's what Paul's point is in verses 16 to 17. Let's read those. 00:10:19.539 --> 00:10:22.419 Where he says, but I say, walk by the Spirit, 00:10:23.620 --> 00:10:27.139 and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 00:10:27.139 --> 00:10:30.980 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, 00:10:31.539 --> 00:10:34.500 and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh. 00:10:35.379 --> 00:10:41.059 For these are opposed to each other to keep you from doing the things that you want to do. 00:10:43.059 --> 00:10:45.059 In the King James Version, it says, 00:10:45.939 --> 00:10:49.299 the flesh lusteth against the flesh. 00:10:50.019 --> 00:10:52.580 The flesh lusteth against the Spirit. 00:10:52.580 --> 00:10:53.780 It's a great translation. 00:10:54.580 --> 00:10:56.740 Except, whenever I say lust, 00:10:57.379 --> 00:11:00.340 and whenever we use the word desires, we immediately think of sex. 00:11:01.460 --> 00:11:03.060 And that's not what it's about here, actually. 00:11:04.660 --> 00:11:10.420 It's speaking about the deep, inner motivation of desire and longing that we all have. 00:11:11.860 --> 00:11:15.379 And the word flesh also makes us think of sex or the body, 00:11:15.379 --> 00:11:17.700 but that isn't what it means here either. 00:11:17.700 --> 00:11:23.140 Every time Paul uses the word flesh, he's speaking about our human nature. 00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:26.180 And here's what the Bible is saying to us. 00:11:26.900 --> 00:11:33.400 That our human nature, naturally, you left to yourself and me left to myself, is hostile to God. 00:11:35.220 --> 00:11:41.120 That is intrinsically, radically, permanently, defiantly, pervasively hostile to God. 00:11:41.240 --> 00:11:42.660 That's who you are. That's who I am. 00:11:44.259 --> 00:11:46.520 The Apostle says in Romans chapter 8, 00:11:46.519 --> 00:11:50.679 for the mind that is set on the flesh or on the human nature is hostile to God. 00:11:51.799 --> 00:11:53.399 It does not submit to God's law. 00:11:53.960 --> 00:11:54.439 It cannot. 00:11:54.759 --> 00:11:58.679 Our human nature is, when it's acting true to form, 00:12:00.120 --> 00:12:04.039 is self-seeking, disobedient, and defiant towards God. 00:12:06.759 --> 00:12:07.539 And here's the truth. 00:12:07.679 --> 00:12:10.699 Every part of our human nature is touched with this. 00:12:10.700 --> 00:12:17.420 And there's no part of us that is not affected by it. 00:12:19.820 --> 00:12:21.540 And you might say, well, that's really strong, Paul. 00:12:21.640 --> 00:12:22.680 Really, really strong. 00:12:22.759 --> 00:12:23.980 But remember what Jesus said. 00:12:24.100 --> 00:12:25.440 Jesus said in Mark chapter 7, 00:12:25.580 --> 00:12:27.360 for within, from out of the heart, 00:12:27.360 --> 00:12:29.340 of man and woman, 00:12:29.519 --> 00:12:31.419 come evil thoughts, fornication, 00:12:31.940 --> 00:12:33.100 theft, murder, adultery, 00:12:33.360 --> 00:12:34.460 coveting, wickedness, deceit, 00:12:34.600 --> 00:12:38.240 licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 00:12:41.360 --> 00:12:42.879 Sometimes we say things, don't we? 00:12:43.080 --> 00:12:44.639 And we think to ourselves, 00:12:44.720 --> 00:12:45.519 I don't know where that came from. 00:12:45.659 --> 00:12:47.560 Well, the Bible tells us exactly where it comes from. 00:12:47.620 --> 00:12:48.399 It comes from our nature. 00:12:48.399 --> 00:12:52.720 All of those evil things come from within ourselves. 00:12:54.079 --> 00:12:55.840 And Jesus says they make us impure. 00:12:58.699 --> 00:12:59.919 If you're anything like me, 00:13:00.079 --> 00:13:02.860 you have a terribly flattering, optimistic, 00:13:03.179 --> 00:13:05.199 sentimental, and superficial view of yourself. 00:13:07.259 --> 00:13:09.480 We all want to think of ourselves, don't we, 00:13:09.500 --> 00:13:10.340 as basically innocent. 00:13:10.340 --> 00:13:15.759 But the proof of that hostility, 00:13:16.240 --> 00:13:18.639 between our nature and God, 00:13:18.700 --> 00:13:20.720 is that when the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, 00:13:21.160 --> 00:13:22.440 when we place our faith, 00:13:22.580 --> 00:13:23.139 and our trust, 00:13:23.240 --> 00:13:24.420 and reliance on Jesus, 00:13:25.200 --> 00:13:28.220 and God takes resident by his Spirit, 00:13:29.080 --> 00:13:31.879 your life becomes a struggle. 00:13:35.960 --> 00:13:36.759 It's wonderful. 00:13:36.900 --> 00:13:38.920 I mean, Paul is writing to Christians here. 00:13:40.340 --> 00:13:42.040 And when somebody becomes a Christian, 00:13:43.500 --> 00:13:44.160 they say, 00:13:44.399 --> 00:13:46.240 before I started to follow Jesus Christ, 00:13:46.379 --> 00:13:48.120 I never struggled with temptation, 00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:49.160 I just gave into it. 00:13:50.680 --> 00:13:52.060 But now I've become a Christian. 00:13:52.180 --> 00:13:53.940 Now I'm seeking to live for the Lord Jesus, 00:13:54.180 --> 00:13:56.340 and God the Holy Spirit has taken residence in my heart. 00:13:56.399 --> 00:13:57.580 I find it's a real struggle. 00:13:57.720 --> 00:13:58.639 It's a real battle. 00:14:00.840 --> 00:14:02.899 And so when the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts, 00:14:02.980 --> 00:14:05.920 he brings with him affections for God. 00:14:05.919 --> 00:14:11.240 And so you now begin to desire the things of God. 00:14:11.500 --> 00:14:14.339 And that comes into direct conflict with our flesh, 00:14:14.419 --> 00:14:15.620 with our own sinful desires. 00:14:15.919 --> 00:14:17.159 So for the Christian here this morning, 00:14:17.219 --> 00:14:18.979 we find that there's a battle within us. 00:14:19.979 --> 00:14:23.979 Because my nature battles against the Holy Spirit. 00:14:25.620 --> 00:14:26.219 Verse 19, 00:14:26.319 --> 00:14:27.099 what does it look like? 00:14:27.159 --> 00:14:29.079 Well, the works of the flesh are plain, aren't they? 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:30.039 Here's another list. 00:14:31.199 --> 00:14:32.419 What a list this is. 00:14:33.219 --> 00:14:33.879 Verse 19, 00:14:33.879 --> 00:14:35.059 Now the works of the flesh are evident. 00:14:35.200 --> 00:14:35.860 Sexual immorality, 00:14:36.740 --> 00:14:37.220 impurity, 00:14:38.299 --> 00:14:39.000 sensuality, 00:14:39.879 --> 00:14:40.399 idolatry, 00:14:40.580 --> 00:14:40.960 sorcery, 00:14:41.100 --> 00:14:41.460 enmity, 00:14:42.059 --> 00:14:42.340 anger, 00:14:42.820 --> 00:14:43.259 strife, 00:14:43.799 --> 00:14:44.139 jealousy, 00:14:44.620 --> 00:14:45.299 fits of anger, 00:14:45.620 --> 00:14:46.100 rivalries, 00:14:46.240 --> 00:14:46.659 dissensions, 00:14:46.840 --> 00:14:47.139 divisions, 00:14:47.419 --> 00:14:47.740 envy, 00:14:47.960 --> 00:14:48.460 drunkenness, 00:14:48.700 --> 00:14:49.240 orgies, 00:14:50.240 --> 00:14:51.360 and things like these. 00:14:58.120 --> 00:14:59.740 And I warned you, Paul says, 00:14:59.799 --> 00:15:01.139 as I warned you when I was with you, 00:15:01.139 --> 00:15:04.199 that those who practice these things, 00:15:04.559 --> 00:15:07.240 those who keep going with these things, 00:15:07.500 --> 00:15:10.580 shall not definitively inherit the kingdom of God. 00:15:11.960 --> 00:15:15.500 Now I think that that list in verses 19 and 20 00:15:15.500 --> 00:15:17.419 cover just about all of us. 00:15:19.259 --> 00:15:20.860 Can I ask for a show of hands, 00:15:21.019 --> 00:15:24.500 is there anyone this morning who is not covered by this list? 00:15:25.019 --> 00:15:25.899 I shouldn't do that. 00:15:25.899 --> 00:15:29.340 It's a great list, isn't it? 00:15:32.279 --> 00:15:33.279 Look at the sins here. 00:15:33.439 --> 00:15:34.179 Look what it talks about. 00:15:34.360 --> 00:15:35.819 Some of the sins there are, 00:15:36.079 --> 00:15:37.139 sins of religious people. 00:15:39.079 --> 00:15:41.039 Some of them are the sins of irreligious people. 00:15:43.720 --> 00:15:45.399 If you look at the first two, 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:46.899 the first couple are to do with sexuality. 00:15:48.720 --> 00:15:50.259 Some of them are to do with substance abuse. 00:15:50.259 --> 00:15:53.200 And then there's, 00:15:53.279 --> 00:15:54.179 and the killers aren't there, 00:15:54.259 --> 00:15:56.220 there's the killers of selfishness, 00:15:57.179 --> 00:15:57.559 jealousy, 00:15:59.279 --> 00:15:59.720 anger, 00:16:00.220 --> 00:16:01.220 fits of anger. 00:16:03.460 --> 00:16:04.259 The point is this, 00:16:04.319 --> 00:16:05.779 if you are led by the spirit, 00:16:06.360 --> 00:16:08.819 you are not under the law. 00:16:10.159 --> 00:16:12.179 That is the law of God. 00:16:12.439 --> 00:16:14.139 You shall not, you shall not, you shall not. 00:16:14.819 --> 00:16:18.279 It can't do anything to transform us. 00:16:18.279 --> 00:16:21.079 It can't transform this, 00:16:21.379 --> 00:16:23.500 these inner issues. 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:26.699 That only happens through the leading of the spirit. 00:16:28.959 --> 00:16:30.319 And so let me just pause here 00:16:30.319 --> 00:16:31.919 and look with you at verse 18. 00:16:33.139 --> 00:16:34.740 Because that phrase there, 00:16:34.959 --> 00:16:36.259 led by the spirit, 00:16:36.600 --> 00:16:39.279 should get an award for one of the most abused phrases 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:40.839 in all of the Bible. 00:16:42.759 --> 00:16:45.600 And so people use it today, don't they? 00:16:45.720 --> 00:16:46.759 You often hear it, isn't it? 00:16:46.759 --> 00:16:48.139 I'm being led by the spirit 00:16:48.139 --> 00:16:50.939 as if it's a kind of internet connection with God. 00:16:52.080 --> 00:16:55.980 Where I download fresh information from God 00:16:55.980 --> 00:16:58.379 and he gives me guidance today. 00:16:59.720 --> 00:17:01.000 And it usually comes, 00:17:01.059 --> 00:17:01.860 when you talk to people like that, 00:17:01.960 --> 00:17:03.139 it usually comes in the thoughts, 00:17:03.379 --> 00:17:04.099 in the case of, 00:17:04.339 --> 00:17:05.539 I had this feeling, 00:17:05.900 --> 00:17:07.559 or I felt this nudge, 00:17:08.299 --> 00:17:09.879 or I had this thought. 00:17:09.880 --> 00:17:12.600 And when that happens, 00:17:12.660 --> 00:17:12.860 we say, 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:14.300 I was led by the spirit. 00:17:15.300 --> 00:17:15.880 But actually, 00:17:15.960 --> 00:17:16.920 the phrase led by the spirit 00:17:16.920 --> 00:17:18.640 only comes up twice in the New Testament. 00:17:19.700 --> 00:17:20.960 And when we read this phrase, 00:17:21.060 --> 00:17:21.700 led by the spirit, 00:17:21.780 --> 00:17:24.220 it has got nothing to do with guidance at all, 00:17:24.980 --> 00:17:26.860 but it's got everything to do with godliness. 00:17:28.780 --> 00:17:30.380 And so being led by the spirit 00:17:30.380 --> 00:17:32.000 is not having a hotline to heaven, 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:35.539 but it is God's spirit 00:17:35.539 --> 00:17:39.160 in our hearts 00:17:39.160 --> 00:17:42.339 resisting our fallen nature. 00:17:44.900 --> 00:17:46.720 And so to be led by the spirit 00:17:46.720 --> 00:17:48.380 means actually to be in battle. 00:17:49.460 --> 00:17:50.960 It means to go to war. 00:17:53.839 --> 00:17:54.559 Here's the point. 00:17:54.680 --> 00:17:55.980 And the works of the human nature, 00:17:56.240 --> 00:17:57.000 the works of the flesh, 00:17:57.099 --> 00:17:59.039 they're not all sexual by any means, 00:17:59.039 --> 00:18:00.819 but they are all self-centered. 00:18:02.460 --> 00:18:05.519 Because sin is self-love to the core. 00:18:07.039 --> 00:18:08.480 My nature, my flesh, 00:18:08.740 --> 00:18:10.940 whispers to me all the time, 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:11.700 and it says, 00:18:12.319 --> 00:18:12.940 you're free. 00:18:13.920 --> 00:18:14.700 You're free. 00:18:15.579 --> 00:18:16.240 Sounds terrific. 00:18:16.680 --> 00:18:18.359 Don't put yourself out for others. 00:18:20.099 --> 00:18:21.159 Think very carefully. 00:18:21.359 --> 00:18:22.920 What is in this for yourself? 00:18:24.839 --> 00:18:26.519 I need to be indulged. 00:18:26.519 --> 00:18:29.019 And if you indulge me, 00:18:29.099 --> 00:18:30.079 my flesh says, 00:18:30.299 --> 00:18:32.259 I will be good to you. 00:18:33.720 --> 00:18:34.819 I will be good so long 00:18:34.819 --> 00:18:35.920 as it doesn't cost me very much. 00:18:37.240 --> 00:18:38.779 And we need to hear this this morning 00:18:38.779 --> 00:18:40.160 because we're so devious naturally, 00:18:41.720 --> 00:18:42.579 and we're so slippery 00:18:42.579 --> 00:18:43.519 in our sinful nature. 00:18:44.759 --> 00:18:45.819 And we know that 00:18:45.819 --> 00:18:48.180 our sinful nature is so slippery 00:18:48.180 --> 00:18:49.400 it will try and counterfeit 00:18:49.400 --> 00:18:50.359 the fruit of the spirit. 00:18:51.359 --> 00:18:53.299 So long as we remain in control. 00:18:54.920 --> 00:18:55.619 That's the issue. 00:18:55.619 --> 00:18:56.599 Who is in control? 00:18:58.119 --> 00:18:58.599 You see, 00:18:58.679 --> 00:18:59.779 if I remain in control, 00:19:00.399 --> 00:19:02.779 I may not be sexually promiscuous, 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:04.479 but I can be filled with pride, 00:19:04.579 --> 00:19:04.879 can't I? 00:19:06.179 --> 00:19:08.039 Or I may not appear proud, 00:19:08.959 --> 00:19:10.519 but I'm going to harbor 00:19:10.519 --> 00:19:13.259 all sorts of deep envies 00:19:13.259 --> 00:19:14.319 and jealousies towards you. 00:19:16.319 --> 00:19:17.439 But if we keep in step 00:19:17.439 --> 00:19:18.059 with the spirit, 00:19:18.459 --> 00:19:19.679 we are not controlled 00:19:19.679 --> 00:19:20.959 by our sinful desires. 00:19:21.959 --> 00:19:23.059 We're not controlled 00:19:23.059 --> 00:19:24.700 by an external institution. 00:19:24.940 --> 00:19:25.659 We're not controlled 00:19:25.659 --> 00:19:26.859 by what other Christians think, 00:19:27.159 --> 00:19:27.779 but we're controlled 00:19:27.779 --> 00:19:28.339 by the spirit. 00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:31.159 And that is why religion 00:19:31.159 --> 00:19:33.659 is so, so powerless here. 00:19:34.240 --> 00:19:35.460 It cannot help you. 00:19:36.480 --> 00:19:38.419 Religion cannot help your heart. 00:19:38.919 --> 00:19:40.159 It cannot change your heart. 00:19:40.519 --> 00:19:41.559 All the law keeping, 00:19:41.980 --> 00:19:42.859 all the ceremonies, 00:19:43.119 --> 00:19:43.919 all the attendance 00:19:43.919 --> 00:19:45.240 in all the world 00:19:45.240 --> 00:19:47.139 cannot change 00:19:47.139 --> 00:19:49.119 by fundamental egocentricity. 00:19:49.119 --> 00:19:52.099 Only God's spirit can do that. 00:19:54.679 --> 00:19:55.579 And so you see, 00:19:55.839 --> 00:19:56.939 when you want to serve God 00:19:56.939 --> 00:19:58.119 on your own terms, 00:19:58.439 --> 00:19:59.799 you're not keeping in step 00:19:59.799 --> 00:20:00.339 with the spirit, 00:20:01.159 --> 00:20:03.019 but you're giving expression 00:20:03.019 --> 00:20:04.119 to your sinful nature. 00:20:05.219 --> 00:20:06.479 When you make decisions 00:20:06.479 --> 00:20:08.039 based on your own convenience, 00:20:08.899 --> 00:20:10.219 or when you expect the church 00:20:10.219 --> 00:20:11.019 or the group of Christians 00:20:11.019 --> 00:20:11.519 around you 00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:12.879 to accommodate to your wishes, 00:20:13.239 --> 00:20:14.459 you're giving expression 00:20:14.459 --> 00:20:15.679 to your sinful nature. 00:20:15.680 --> 00:20:20.320 This is what it looks like. 00:20:21.259 --> 00:20:22.140 The sign, 00:20:22.320 --> 00:20:23.259 the real sign 00:20:23.259 --> 00:20:24.220 of transformation 00:20:24.220 --> 00:20:25.320 by the spirit 00:20:25.320 --> 00:20:27.700 is serving others in love. 00:20:28.980 --> 00:20:30.120 Using the freedom 00:20:30.120 --> 00:20:31.779 that you and I have in Christ 00:20:31.779 --> 00:20:33.700 not to get what we want, 00:20:34.640 --> 00:20:36.220 but to do what we know 00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:36.920 will help others. 00:20:38.720 --> 00:20:39.799 And so I'm afraid 00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:41.360 that many people think today 00:20:41.360 --> 00:20:43.000 that belonging to church 00:20:43.000 --> 00:20:45.299 is like joining a club 00:20:45.299 --> 00:20:46.799 or becoming a member 00:20:46.799 --> 00:20:47.660 of something. 00:20:49.680 --> 00:20:50.420 Last night, 00:20:50.859 --> 00:20:52.240 I took the dramatic snap 00:20:52.240 --> 00:20:53.140 of becoming a member 00:20:53.140 --> 00:20:53.720 of the co-op. 00:20:55.779 --> 00:20:57.059 I've been going 00:20:57.059 --> 00:20:57.779 to the co-op 00:20:57.779 --> 00:20:58.519 for 18 years. 00:20:58.640 --> 00:20:59.039 It's been a kind 00:20:59.039 --> 00:20:59.920 of casual relationship. 00:21:00.900 --> 00:21:01.579 I've been more 00:21:01.579 --> 00:21:02.299 of an adherent. 00:21:03.839 --> 00:21:04.599 But last night, 00:21:04.839 --> 00:21:05.519 me and the co-op 00:21:05.519 --> 00:21:06.000 got committed. 00:21:07.160 --> 00:21:08.359 I went to the self-service 00:21:08.359 --> 00:21:08.680 checkout, 00:21:09.079 --> 00:21:09.680 and for the first time 00:21:09.680 --> 00:21:10.359 I noticed that 00:21:10.359 --> 00:21:11.480 I could become a member 00:21:11.480 --> 00:21:12.200 just by scanning 00:21:12.200 --> 00:21:12.640 on my phone. 00:21:13.799 --> 00:21:14.740 I was given the option 00:21:14.740 --> 00:21:15.579 to scan as a member. 00:21:15.740 --> 00:21:16.759 I took my phone 00:21:16.759 --> 00:21:18.180 out of my pocket nervously. 00:21:19.619 --> 00:21:20.779 I went onto the camera. 00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:21.980 I clicked on the link, 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:23.619 and I slowly entered 00:21:23.619 --> 00:21:24.160 my details. 00:21:24.299 --> 00:21:25.059 There was no emotion. 00:21:26.019 --> 00:21:27.339 There was no crisis experience. 00:21:28.420 --> 00:21:29.480 I was sent an email 00:21:29.480 --> 00:21:30.160 which said this. 00:21:31.519 --> 00:21:32.380 Thanks for becoming 00:21:32.380 --> 00:21:33.440 a co-op member, Paul. 00:21:34.440 --> 00:21:35.240 At co-op, 00:21:35.619 --> 00:21:36.859 you're not just a member. 00:21:37.279 --> 00:21:38.019 You're an owner. 00:21:38.839 --> 00:21:40.039 We don't have shareholders. 00:21:40.740 --> 00:21:41.900 The people who use us 00:21:41.900 --> 00:21:42.640 own us, 00:21:42.920 --> 00:21:43.380 like you. 00:21:44.180 --> 00:21:45.440 I've got no clue 00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:46.140 what that means. 00:21:47.400 --> 00:21:48.220 Absolutely no clue. 00:21:51.220 --> 00:21:52.400 I don't know what difference 00:21:52.400 --> 00:21:53.100 becoming a member 00:21:53.100 --> 00:21:53.480 of the co-op 00:21:53.480 --> 00:21:53.840 is going to make 00:21:53.840 --> 00:21:54.280 to my life. 00:21:54.420 --> 00:21:55.380 It saved me 20 pence 00:21:55.380 --> 00:21:56.140 on last night's shopping. 00:21:56.140 --> 00:21:59.960 But I've got no real 00:21:59.960 --> 00:22:01.220 expectations of the co-op, 00:22:01.280 --> 00:22:02.040 and they've got no real 00:22:02.040 --> 00:22:03.060 expectations of me. 00:22:06.000 --> 00:22:06.740 When people say, 00:22:07.240 --> 00:22:07.480 you know, 00:22:07.500 --> 00:22:08.300 the kind of interview 00:22:08.300 --> 00:22:09.200 before you're preaching 00:22:09.200 --> 00:22:09.540 is that, 00:22:09.700 --> 00:22:10.400 Paul, tell us a little bit 00:22:10.400 --> 00:22:10.860 about yourself. 00:22:10.980 --> 00:22:11.820 Well, my name's Paul. 00:22:11.940 --> 00:22:13.200 I've got a wife called Claire. 00:22:13.259 --> 00:22:13.940 I've got three children. 00:22:13.940 --> 00:22:14.640 I'm Welsh 00:22:14.640 --> 00:22:15.180 and I'm a member 00:22:15.180 --> 00:22:15.640 of the co-op. 00:22:16.620 --> 00:22:17.580 No one's going to say that, 00:22:17.660 --> 00:22:17.740 are they? 00:22:17.940 --> 00:22:18.559 I'm not going to be 00:22:18.559 --> 00:22:19.240 deeply involved 00:22:19.240 --> 00:22:19.799 in the co-op. 00:22:19.880 --> 00:22:20.240 I'm not going to be 00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:21.519 engaged with the people there. 00:22:23.160 --> 00:22:23.980 I'm not going to start 00:22:23.980 --> 00:22:24.600 going in and giving 00:22:24.600 --> 00:22:25.680 pep talks to the staff. 00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:31.120 And there are many people 00:22:31.120 --> 00:22:32.019 that think that 00:22:32.019 --> 00:22:33.180 Christianity is like that. 00:22:35.720 --> 00:22:36.559 They think coming 00:22:36.559 --> 00:22:37.480 to church is like that. 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:40.599 And Paul says, 00:22:40.700 --> 00:22:40.980 no, no, 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:42.220 let us keep in step 00:22:42.220 --> 00:22:42.940 with the Spirit. 00:22:45.000 --> 00:22:45.920 And I've been really 00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:46.599 struck this week 00:22:46.599 --> 00:22:47.360 that Galatians 5, 00:22:47.480 --> 00:22:49.140 there's not a singular command. 00:22:49.980 --> 00:22:51.400 It's a plural command. 00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:54.880 And so to keep in step 00:22:54.880 --> 00:22:55.299 with the Spirit, 00:22:55.400 --> 00:22:56.259 here's what you really, 00:22:56.339 --> 00:22:57.120 I want you to grasp 00:22:57.120 --> 00:22:57.779 this this morning, 00:22:57.900 --> 00:22:58.700 that this is not something 00:22:58.700 --> 00:22:59.240 that you can do 00:22:59.240 --> 00:22:59.839 on your own. 00:23:01.980 --> 00:23:02.640 And it's not something 00:23:02.640 --> 00:23:03.579 I can do on my own. 00:23:03.880 --> 00:23:05.759 You are not a special case 00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:06.380 that can do it on your own. 00:23:06.380 --> 00:23:06.980 No one can do it 00:23:06.980 --> 00:23:07.380 on their own. 00:23:07.900 --> 00:23:09.220 Because we can only do this 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:10.079 with one another. 00:23:12.279 --> 00:23:12.680 So in Greek, 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:13.799 it is literally 00:23:13.799 --> 00:23:15.620 keep in row together 00:23:15.620 --> 00:23:16.720 with the Holy Spirit. 00:23:18.900 --> 00:23:20.279 Keep in row together 00:23:20.279 --> 00:23:20.799 with the Holy Spirit. 00:23:21.019 --> 00:23:21.539 So it's through 00:23:21.539 --> 00:23:22.740 our mutual fellowship. 00:23:24.539 --> 00:23:25.380 It's through how 00:23:25.380 --> 00:23:26.680 we are different members 00:23:26.680 --> 00:23:27.960 in the Christian community, 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:29.180 bearing with one another, 00:23:29.339 --> 00:23:30.160 loving one another, 00:23:30.579 --> 00:23:31.420 serving one another, 00:23:31.559 --> 00:23:32.400 that we keep in step 00:23:32.400 --> 00:23:32.900 with the Spirit. 00:23:34.339 --> 00:23:35.460 And the only way 00:23:35.460 --> 00:23:36.720 that we can do this 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:38.019 is by holding on 00:23:38.019 --> 00:23:38.460 to each other 00:23:38.460 --> 00:23:39.400 and serving one another. 00:23:39.680 --> 00:23:40.480 That's how we keep 00:23:40.480 --> 00:23:41.259 in step with the Spirit. 00:23:45.180 --> 00:23:46.319 And so that puts 00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:47.940 a nail in the coffin, 00:23:48.100 --> 00:23:48.500 doesn't it, 00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:51.160 of me and my Christianity, 00:23:51.680 --> 00:23:52.559 of kind of living 00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:54.619 an isolated Christian life. 00:23:54.960 --> 00:23:55.579 It's impossible. 00:23:55.700 --> 00:23:56.359 You cannot do it. 00:23:58.160 --> 00:23:58.880 That's the first thing. 00:23:58.920 --> 00:23:59.559 That's what it looks like. 00:23:59.559 --> 00:24:01.579 Secondly, 00:24:01.720 --> 00:24:02.460 how does it work? 00:24:03.599 --> 00:24:04.839 How does it work practically? 00:24:04.940 --> 00:24:06.039 Look at verse 22, please. 00:24:06.539 --> 00:24:07.839 These are wonderful verses. 00:24:08.019 --> 00:24:08.339 In fact, 00:24:08.440 --> 00:24:11.339 let's read verses 22 and 23 together. 00:24:11.519 --> 00:24:11.759 All right? 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:13.679 Verse 22 after me. 00:24:14.299 --> 00:24:15.960 But the fruit of the Spirit 00:24:15.960 --> 00:24:17.200 is love, 00:24:17.539 --> 00:24:17.859 joy, 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:18.639 peace, 00:24:18.940 --> 00:24:19.419 patience, 00:24:19.779 --> 00:24:20.159 kindness, 00:24:20.639 --> 00:24:20.940 goodness, 00:24:21.480 --> 00:24:22.099 faithfulness, 00:24:22.399 --> 00:24:23.000 gentleness, 00:24:23.339 --> 00:24:24.299 self-control. 00:24:24.700 --> 00:24:26.159 Against such things 00:24:26.159 --> 00:24:27.639 there is no law. 00:24:27.640 --> 00:24:30.759 They're wonderful things, 00:24:30.840 --> 00:24:31.120 aren't they? 00:24:32.940 --> 00:24:34.100 Paul calls them what? 00:24:34.180 --> 00:24:35.120 He calls them the fruit 00:24:35.120 --> 00:24:36.380 singular of the Holy Spirit. 00:24:39.400 --> 00:24:41.380 And these characteristics 00:24:41.380 --> 00:24:42.680 have not come about 00:24:42.680 --> 00:24:45.420 by years of earnest 00:24:45.420 --> 00:24:46.460 moral effort 00:24:46.460 --> 00:24:47.420 and hard work 00:24:47.420 --> 00:24:48.460 and self-improvement. 00:24:50.380 --> 00:24:51.580 These characteristics 00:24:51.580 --> 00:24:52.980 of love, joy, 00:24:53.080 --> 00:24:53.500 peace, patience, 00:24:53.600 --> 00:24:54.000 kindness, goodness, 00:24:54.140 --> 00:24:54.480 faithfulness, 00:24:54.540 --> 00:24:54.800 gentleness, 00:24:54.800 --> 00:24:55.680 self-control, 00:24:56.060 --> 00:24:57.620 they've not come about 00:24:57.619 --> 00:24:59.839 through religious observance 00:24:59.839 --> 00:25:00.599 or ceremonies. 00:25:00.759 --> 00:25:01.639 They've come from God 00:25:01.639 --> 00:25:03.699 and they come, 00:25:03.779 --> 00:25:03.959 don't they, 00:25:03.979 --> 00:25:05.159 in the arena of the heart 00:25:05.159 --> 00:25:08.439 and they are entirely supernatural. 00:25:11.500 --> 00:25:12.399 If you want to see 00:25:12.399 --> 00:25:13.399 what the works of the flesh 00:25:13.399 --> 00:25:13.919 look like, 00:25:14.819 --> 00:25:15.359 if you want to see 00:25:15.359 --> 00:25:16.199 what the works of the flesh 00:25:16.199 --> 00:25:16.659 look like, 00:25:16.819 --> 00:25:17.659 do what comes naturally. 00:25:19.099 --> 00:25:20.459 But Christian growth 00:25:20.460 --> 00:25:21.960 and transformation 00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:24.980 is fruit. 00:25:26.740 --> 00:25:27.460 It's fruit. 00:25:28.819 --> 00:25:29.519 It's organic. 00:25:31.279 --> 00:25:32.259 It's like what happens 00:25:32.259 --> 00:25:32.860 on a tree. 00:25:35.660 --> 00:25:36.000 Do you remember 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:37.500 in John's Gospel 00:25:37.500 --> 00:25:38.360 when Jesus says 00:25:38.360 --> 00:25:38.960 to his disciples 00:25:38.960 --> 00:25:39.660 in the upper room, 00:25:39.700 --> 00:25:39.900 he says, 00:25:40.019 --> 00:25:40.680 I am the vine, 00:25:40.860 --> 00:25:41.680 you are the branches. 00:25:41.900 --> 00:25:43.299 He who abides in me, 00:25:44.160 --> 00:25:44.640 he it is 00:25:44.640 --> 00:25:46.059 that bears much fruit. 00:25:47.180 --> 00:25:48.240 Because apart from me, 00:25:48.279 --> 00:25:48.960 you can do nothing. 00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:53.039 And so how do we bear fruit? 00:25:53.200 --> 00:25:54.100 The way that we bear fruit 00:25:54.100 --> 00:25:54.840 is by holding on 00:25:54.840 --> 00:25:55.440 to the Lord Jesus 00:25:55.440 --> 00:25:57.640 and he lives his life 00:25:57.640 --> 00:25:58.100 through us. 00:25:59.860 --> 00:26:01.519 And these nine fruits 00:26:01.519 --> 00:26:02.779 that Paul mentions here, 00:26:02.840 --> 00:26:03.660 they all belong together. 00:26:05.340 --> 00:26:06.500 Love, joy, peace. 00:26:08.200 --> 00:26:09.420 Love is basically 00:26:09.420 --> 00:26:10.480 opening ourselves 00:26:10.480 --> 00:26:10.980 to each other 00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:11.579 and treating 00:26:11.579 --> 00:26:12.600 that other person 00:26:12.600 --> 00:26:13.000 with the love 00:26:13.000 --> 00:26:13.759 of Jesus Christ. 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:15.759 Not because of 00:26:15.759 --> 00:26:16.460 what it will bring you, 00:26:16.559 --> 00:26:17.019 but because of 00:26:17.019 --> 00:26:17.940 the intrinsic value 00:26:17.940 --> 00:26:18.539 of that person. 00:26:19.500 --> 00:26:20.200 It's choosing 00:26:20.200 --> 00:26:21.720 to do what will be 00:26:21.720 --> 00:26:22.860 for the spiritual benefit 00:26:22.860 --> 00:26:23.460 of that person 00:26:23.460 --> 00:26:23.960 or that group. 00:26:25.299 --> 00:26:26.220 Sometimes they will like it, 00:26:26.279 --> 00:26:27.259 sometimes they will hate it. 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:28.779 It doesn't really matter. 00:26:29.140 --> 00:26:29.920 Joy is taking 00:26:29.920 --> 00:26:31.200 an intrinsic delight 00:26:31.200 --> 00:26:31.720 in God. 00:26:33.240 --> 00:26:33.880 It's joy 00:26:33.880 --> 00:26:34.500 in knowing 00:26:34.500 --> 00:26:35.400 that God has 00:26:35.400 --> 00:26:36.180 loved me 00:26:36.180 --> 00:26:37.000 in Jesus Christ 00:26:37.000 --> 00:26:38.180 and there is nothing 00:26:38.180 --> 00:26:39.259 in all the universe 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:40.220 that can separate me 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:41.480 from the love of God. 00:26:42.740 --> 00:26:43.620 Peace is simply 00:26:43.620 --> 00:26:44.080 knowing 00:26:44.080 --> 00:26:45.360 that God is wise. 00:26:45.600 --> 00:26:46.600 He is the wise one. 00:26:46.599 --> 00:26:48.359 And God is in control, 00:26:48.439 --> 00:26:48.639 isn't he, 00:26:48.639 --> 00:26:49.719 of all the circumstances 00:26:49.719 --> 00:26:50.679 of my life this morning. 00:26:52.959 --> 00:26:54.599 These are all ways 00:26:54.599 --> 00:26:55.939 of serving one another. 00:26:56.019 --> 00:26:56.579 Look at patience. 00:26:56.740 --> 00:26:57.519 Patience comes 00:26:57.519 --> 00:26:58.559 from the knowledge 00:26:58.559 --> 00:26:59.459 that everything 00:26:59.459 --> 00:27:00.359 that happens to me, 00:27:00.500 --> 00:27:02.240 both good and evil, 00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:04.179 comes to me 00:27:04.179 --> 00:27:05.219 from the hand of God, 00:27:06.299 --> 00:27:06.799 of a God 00:27:06.799 --> 00:27:07.480 who loves me. 00:27:07.480 --> 00:27:12.160 and that waiting 00:27:12.160 --> 00:27:13.579 is a very important 00:27:13.579 --> 00:27:14.000 instrument 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:15.120 in the hand of God 00:27:15.120 --> 00:27:15.759 to make me 00:27:15.759 --> 00:27:16.960 like the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:27:18.759 --> 00:27:19.180 Naturally, 00:27:19.259 --> 00:27:19.920 I don't want to wait. 00:27:21.200 --> 00:27:21.500 Naturally, 00:27:21.579 --> 00:27:22.120 I'm impatient. 00:27:23.740 --> 00:27:24.779 But God uses 00:27:24.779 --> 00:27:25.660 the circumstances 00:27:25.660 --> 00:27:26.180 of my life 00:27:26.180 --> 00:27:27.559 to make me wait, 00:27:28.559 --> 00:27:30.779 to make me like Jesus. 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:34.079 And we have to be patient, 00:27:34.180 --> 00:27:34.380 don't we, 00:27:34.400 --> 00:27:35.079 because the fruit 00:27:35.079 --> 00:27:35.720 of the Spirit, 00:27:35.839 --> 00:27:36.500 sometimes it feels 00:27:36.500 --> 00:27:37.480 like there's nothing happening. 00:27:39.299 --> 00:27:40.980 And there is a slowness 00:27:40.980 --> 00:27:43.779 of growth in grace. 00:27:44.599 --> 00:27:46.440 And it's totally frustrating. 00:27:46.980 --> 00:27:48.160 And it's given to me 00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:49.119 by the Holy Spirit 00:27:49.119 --> 00:27:50.579 to help me depend on God. 00:27:51.960 --> 00:27:53.079 And I found this 00:27:53.079 --> 00:27:53.920 really encouraging, 00:27:54.019 --> 00:27:55.039 the thing that we live 00:27:55.039 --> 00:27:55.420 in the church 00:27:55.420 --> 00:27:57.140 in a real program age. 00:27:57.220 --> 00:27:58.059 So you do this 00:27:58.059 --> 00:27:59.099 and it will result in that. 00:27:59.440 --> 00:28:00.519 You hold this course 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:01.420 and it will result in that. 00:28:01.480 --> 00:28:02.059 You do this, 00:28:02.140 --> 00:28:02.819 you do that, 00:28:02.960 --> 00:28:03.500 you do it. 00:28:03.839 --> 00:28:04.859 It ain't like that, 00:28:04.900 --> 00:28:05.140 is it? 00:28:05.140 --> 00:28:07.500 It's really not like that. 00:28:08.900 --> 00:28:09.700 It's organic, 00:28:09.840 --> 00:28:10.840 it's sometimes slow 00:28:10.840 --> 00:28:11.880 and imperceptible 00:28:11.880 --> 00:28:12.680 and yet, 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.759 the fruit appears. 00:28:15.720 --> 00:28:16.800 Kindness and generosity, 00:28:17.180 --> 00:28:17.740 they've got nothing 00:28:17.740 --> 00:28:18.580 to do with our abilities 00:28:18.580 --> 00:28:19.120 or our gifts 00:28:19.120 --> 00:28:19.700 or our IQ 00:28:19.700 --> 00:28:20.960 and success. 00:28:22.120 --> 00:28:23.120 You can give all your money 00:28:23.120 --> 00:28:24.200 you want to charity, 00:28:24.340 --> 00:28:24.800 you can preach 00:28:24.800 --> 00:28:25.780 a thousand sermons, 00:28:26.400 --> 00:28:27.000 you can have thousands 00:28:27.000 --> 00:28:27.880 of people come to faith 00:28:27.880 --> 00:28:28.240 through you, 00:28:28.420 --> 00:28:29.100 you can invent 00:28:29.100 --> 00:28:30.200 a cure for disease 00:28:30.200 --> 00:28:30.960 and you can be 00:28:30.960 --> 00:28:31.780 completely barren 00:28:31.780 --> 00:28:32.560 of the fruit of the Spirit. 00:28:32.559 --> 00:28:38.579 But here you've got 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:40.059 this communal reality 00:28:40.059 --> 00:28:42.899 that God sows 00:28:42.899 --> 00:28:44.200 the seed of His Word 00:28:44.200 --> 00:28:44.960 in our hearts 00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:46.039 and it takes root 00:28:46.039 --> 00:28:47.500 and it bears fruit. 00:28:50.019 --> 00:28:50.940 And if you live 00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:51.539 by the Spirit 00:28:51.539 --> 00:28:52.599 and you keep in step 00:28:52.599 --> 00:28:53.179 with the Spirit, 00:28:53.379 --> 00:28:54.299 this change, 00:28:55.019 --> 00:28:55.839 this fruitfulness 00:28:55.839 --> 00:28:56.839 is inevitable. 00:28:58.259 --> 00:28:59.339 It will happen to us. 00:28:59.339 --> 00:29:02.419 and you will become 00:29:02.419 --> 00:29:03.059 less aggressive, 00:29:03.559 --> 00:29:04.319 less touchy, 00:29:05.119 --> 00:29:07.399 less self-protective, 00:29:08.279 --> 00:29:09.000 less self-focused. 00:29:10.759 --> 00:29:11.619 And you will find 00:29:11.619 --> 00:29:12.459 as God's Word 00:29:12.459 --> 00:29:13.779 and as you live 00:29:13.779 --> 00:29:14.559 amongst His people, 00:29:15.639 --> 00:29:17.119 you become more joyful, 00:29:17.259 --> 00:29:17.980 more self-controlled, 00:29:18.379 --> 00:29:19.419 more willing to be engaged 00:29:19.419 --> 00:29:19.799 with others 00:29:19.799 --> 00:29:20.439 and serve others. 00:29:22.139 --> 00:29:22.959 It will happen. 00:29:22.960 --> 00:29:26.720 I think it's a real argument 00:29:26.720 --> 00:29:28.660 for sticking in a church 00:29:28.660 --> 00:29:29.460 for the long haul. 00:29:31.019 --> 00:29:32.299 It's one of the frustrations 00:29:32.299 --> 00:29:33.240 in London church life 00:29:33.240 --> 00:29:34.299 that people come 00:29:34.299 --> 00:29:34.700 and they're here 00:29:34.700 --> 00:29:35.340 for a short time 00:29:35.340 --> 00:29:36.400 and you begin to see change 00:29:36.400 --> 00:29:37.079 and then they go off 00:29:37.079 --> 00:29:37.860 and it's a blessing 00:29:37.860 --> 00:29:38.400 to other churches. 00:29:38.519 --> 00:29:40.100 But it is a remarkable thing 00:29:40.100 --> 00:29:41.240 that I can look around this room 00:29:41.240 --> 00:29:42.819 in the last 23 years 00:29:42.819 --> 00:29:43.600 and tell you 00:29:43.600 --> 00:29:44.819 of the character change 00:29:44.819 --> 00:29:45.860 of God's people. 00:29:49.319 --> 00:29:50.299 Maybe a good thing 00:29:50.299 --> 00:29:50.779 for you, 00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:51.539 if you've been a Christian 00:29:51.539 --> 00:29:52.039 for a long time, 00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:52.579 to ask, 00:29:53.139 --> 00:29:54.659 am I actually less abrasive 00:29:54.659 --> 00:29:55.339 than I used to be? 00:29:56.259 --> 00:29:57.639 Am I less consumed 00:29:57.639 --> 00:29:58.399 with anger? 00:29:59.480 --> 00:30:00.480 Am I more forgiving? 00:30:00.759 --> 00:30:02.039 Do I hold resentments 00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:02.940 for as long as I used to? 00:30:03.079 --> 00:30:04.240 Am I increasing in peace? 00:30:06.859 --> 00:30:07.559 The other thing is 00:30:07.559 --> 00:30:08.680 you can't pick and choose 00:30:08.680 --> 00:30:09.220 this fruit. 00:30:10.139 --> 00:30:11.079 The fruit in the Greek 00:30:11.079 --> 00:30:11.559 is singular. 00:30:12.899 --> 00:30:13.740 It's one thing 00:30:13.740 --> 00:30:14.740 with nine facets. 00:30:17.440 --> 00:30:18.159 Which means 00:30:18.159 --> 00:30:19.259 you can't say today, 00:30:19.339 --> 00:30:20.059 well I'm alright and ate, 00:30:20.379 --> 00:30:21.059 but I'll let myself 00:30:21.059 --> 00:30:22.019 lag behind on the one. 00:30:22.920 --> 00:30:23.879 If you fall behind 00:30:23.879 --> 00:30:24.180 in one, 00:30:24.319 --> 00:30:25.000 you fall behind 00:30:25.000 --> 00:30:25.339 in them all. 00:30:26.899 --> 00:30:27.639 And that is why 00:30:27.639 --> 00:30:28.379 the apostle finishes, 00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:29.440 and I want us to finish you 00:30:29.440 --> 00:30:30.359 as we come to the table 00:30:30.359 --> 00:30:31.000 with these words 00:30:31.000 --> 00:30:32.220 in verses 24 and 25. 00:30:33.980 --> 00:30:34.779 Those who belong 00:30:34.779 --> 00:30:35.259 to Christ, 00:30:35.379 --> 00:30:35.619 Jesus, 00:30:35.779 --> 00:30:36.559 have crucified 00:30:36.559 --> 00:30:37.319 the flesh 00:30:37.319 --> 00:30:39.259 with its passions 00:30:39.259 --> 00:30:39.859 and desires. 00:30:42.259 --> 00:30:43.359 If we live by the Spirit, 00:30:43.480 --> 00:30:44.460 let us keep in step 00:30:44.460 --> 00:30:45.039 with the Spirit. 00:30:45.039 --> 00:30:48.839 And so if I'm to be truthful 00:30:48.839 --> 00:30:49.619 with you this morning, 00:30:49.759 --> 00:30:50.519 I look at my heart 00:30:50.519 --> 00:30:52.039 and I see an abundance 00:30:52.039 --> 00:30:53.839 of the works of the flesh 00:30:53.839 --> 00:30:55.180 and the fruit of the Spirit. 00:30:56.220 --> 00:30:56.879 It's there, 00:30:57.000 --> 00:30:57.759 but it's very, 00:30:57.920 --> 00:30:58.859 very tiny buds. 00:31:01.039 --> 00:31:02.299 And so what the apostle does 00:31:02.299 --> 00:31:03.259 at the end of this section 00:31:03.259 --> 00:31:04.000 is he takes us back 00:31:04.000 --> 00:31:04.480 to the cross 00:31:04.480 --> 00:31:05.460 of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:31:07.180 --> 00:31:07.839 And he says, 00:31:07.839 --> 00:31:09.139 God accepts you 00:31:09.139 --> 00:31:11.199 not because of any 00:31:11.199 --> 00:31:12.139 legal standard, 00:31:13.079 --> 00:31:14.059 but through the death 00:31:14.059 --> 00:31:14.759 of Jesus Christ. 00:31:16.959 --> 00:31:18.419 And that means this, 00:31:18.659 --> 00:31:19.599 that everything I do 00:31:19.599 --> 00:31:20.199 is covered 00:31:20.199 --> 00:31:21.139 by the righteousness 00:31:21.139 --> 00:31:21.699 of Jesus. 00:31:25.119 --> 00:31:26.480 But God takes 00:31:26.480 --> 00:31:27.819 delight 00:31:27.819 --> 00:31:29.339 in any movement 00:31:29.339 --> 00:31:31.579 in this direction 00:31:31.579 --> 00:31:32.379 to serve other people. 00:31:34.159 --> 00:31:35.500 And so it does not matter 00:31:35.500 --> 00:31:35.859 this morning 00:31:35.859 --> 00:31:36.480 how stumbling, 00:31:36.659 --> 00:31:37.199 how inadequate, 00:31:37.200 --> 00:31:38.200 how hopeless 00:31:38.200 --> 00:31:39.279 it really is. 00:31:39.640 --> 00:31:40.620 Every time 00:31:40.620 --> 00:31:42.279 you try and 00:31:42.279 --> 00:31:43.360 take a step 00:31:43.360 --> 00:31:45.039 to keep in step 00:31:45.039 --> 00:31:45.700 with the Spirit, 00:31:46.440 --> 00:31:47.640 it delights God 00:31:47.640 --> 00:31:49.880 because His death 00:31:49.880 --> 00:31:50.319 covers me. 00:31:53.220 --> 00:31:54.220 The best solution 00:31:54.220 --> 00:31:54.779 I can think of 00:31:54.779 --> 00:31:56.539 is when you go 00:31:56.539 --> 00:31:57.759 to a school concert. 00:31:59.220 --> 00:31:59.779 And those of you 00:31:59.779 --> 00:32:00.420 who are parents, 00:32:01.779 --> 00:32:03.319 you might remember 00:32:03.319 --> 00:32:03.799 if your kids 00:32:03.799 --> 00:32:04.440 learned instruments, 00:32:04.580 --> 00:32:05.160 you might remember 00:32:05.160 --> 00:32:06.759 their first musical performances. 00:32:07.200 --> 00:32:09.740 they're in an orchestra, 00:32:09.840 --> 00:32:10.380 we went to them, 00:32:10.600 --> 00:32:12.220 and in many ways 00:32:12.220 --> 00:32:13.299 it's utterly unbearable. 00:32:15.380 --> 00:32:16.580 Those early days 00:32:16.580 --> 00:32:17.200 of the violin, 00:32:18.620 --> 00:32:19.900 an orchestra makes 00:32:19.900 --> 00:32:21.120 funny squeaks 00:32:21.120 --> 00:32:22.200 and squawks, 00:32:22.200 --> 00:32:24.580 and very often 00:32:24.580 --> 00:32:26.080 you haven't got a clue 00:32:26.080 --> 00:32:26.740 what they're playing. 00:32:28.059 --> 00:32:29.480 But every parent there 00:32:29.480 --> 00:32:31.539 loves every second of it. 00:32:34.620 --> 00:32:35.620 It's like when your child 00:32:35.620 --> 00:32:36.319 brings to you 00:32:36.319 --> 00:32:36.880 a painting 00:32:36.880 --> 00:32:38.220 that they've done 00:32:38.220 --> 00:32:38.880 or a drawing 00:32:38.880 --> 00:32:41.160 and on one level 00:32:41.160 --> 00:32:41.779 it's horrific. 00:32:42.779 --> 00:32:43.420 It's awful, 00:32:43.539 --> 00:32:43.840 isn't it? 00:32:44.700 --> 00:32:45.500 And yet you're so proud 00:32:45.500 --> 00:32:45.680 of it, 00:32:45.680 --> 00:32:46.420 you put it on your fridge. 00:32:46.420 --> 00:32:49.400 And that is how 00:32:49.400 --> 00:32:51.500 God looks at you 00:32:51.500 --> 00:32:52.039 this morning 00:32:52.039 --> 00:32:52.640 if you are a believer. 00:32:55.380 --> 00:32:56.759 He looks at every step 00:32:56.759 --> 00:32:57.320 you've taken 00:32:57.320 --> 00:32:58.840 at seeking to 00:32:58.840 --> 00:32:59.900 save someone else. 00:33:01.279 --> 00:33:02.100 Every step 00:33:02.100 --> 00:33:02.600 that you've taken 00:33:02.600 --> 00:33:03.100 to strengthen 00:33:03.100 --> 00:33:04.060 and to build this church 00:33:04.060 --> 00:33:05.160 and no matter how weak 00:33:05.160 --> 00:33:06.240 and no matter how mixed 00:33:06.240 --> 00:33:06.759 it is, 00:33:08.680 --> 00:33:09.340 and he's delighted 00:33:09.340 --> 00:33:09.720 by it. 00:33:09.720 --> 00:33:12.539 And so as we come 00:33:12.539 --> 00:33:13.220 to the Lord's table 00:33:13.220 --> 00:33:13.819 this morning 00:33:13.819 --> 00:33:14.740 we remember 00:33:14.740 --> 00:33:15.559 that the Lord Jesus 00:33:15.559 --> 00:33:17.759 he knelt in the garden 00:33:17.759 --> 00:33:18.339 to pray 00:33:18.339 --> 00:33:20.920 for you. 00:33:21.900 --> 00:33:22.940 And he goes 00:33:22.940 --> 00:33:24.000 to the cross 00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:24.740 of Jesus Christ 00:33:24.740 --> 00:33:25.480 for you. 00:33:27.579 --> 00:33:28.620 And in the upper room 00:33:28.620 --> 00:33:29.839 he gathers his disciples 00:33:29.839 --> 00:33:30.700 and he says this, 00:33:30.799 --> 00:33:31.259 this is 00:33:31.259 --> 00:33:32.680 my commandment 00:33:32.680 --> 00:33:33.279 to you 00:33:33.279 --> 00:33:35.380 love one another 00:33:35.380 --> 00:33:37.420 as I have loved you. 00:33:37.420 --> 00:33:39.560 And that's what 00:33:39.560 --> 00:33:40.440 he's given us to do. 00:33:41.800 --> 00:33:42.860 And that is the work 00:33:42.860 --> 00:33:43.680 of the Holy Spirit 00:33:43.680 --> 00:33:44.519 in us. 00:33:46.140 --> 00:33:46.900 And so if we 00:33:46.900 --> 00:33:48.080 live by the Spirit 00:33:48.080 --> 00:33:49.220 let us keep in step 00:33:49.220 --> 00:33:50.000 with the Spirit. 00:33:52.220 --> 00:33:52.880 And can you notice 00:33:52.880 --> 00:33:53.440 just again 00:33:53.440 --> 00:33:53.960 right at the end 00:33:53.960 --> 00:33:54.320 of the chapter 00:33:54.320 --> 00:33:55.240 look at the pronouns 00:33:55.240 --> 00:33:56.680 verses 25 and 6. 00:33:58.420 --> 00:33:59.220 It's corporate. 00:34:00.500 --> 00:34:01.380 If we 00:34:01.380 --> 00:34:03.180 let us 00:34:03.180 --> 00:34:04.940 one another 00:34:04.940 --> 00:34:06.860 one another 00:34:06.859 --> 00:34:08.819 how do we 00:34:08.819 --> 00:34:09.400 keep in step 00:34:09.400 --> 00:34:10.039 with the Spirit 00:34:10.039 --> 00:34:12.639 when we need 00:34:12.639 --> 00:34:13.039 one another? 00:34:15.339 --> 00:34:16.199 It's a beautiful thing 00:34:16.199 --> 00:34:16.420 isn't it 00:34:16.420 --> 00:34:16.739 as we come 00:34:16.739 --> 00:34:17.380 to the Lord's table 00:34:17.380 --> 00:34:19.619 and that the 00:34:19.619 --> 00:34:20.019 Son of God 00:34:20.019 --> 00:34:20.779 loved me 00:34:20.779 --> 00:34:22.679 and he gave 00:34:22.679 --> 00:34:23.000 himself 00:34:23.000 --> 00:34:23.880 for me 00:34:23.880 --> 00:34:26.380 and yet 00:34:26.380 --> 00:34:26.920 I cannot 00:34:26.920 --> 00:34:28.199 understand that 00:34:28.199 --> 00:34:28.799 without looking 00:34:28.799 --> 00:34:29.400 around this room. 00:34:30.400 --> 00:34:31.139 And I cannot 00:34:31.139 --> 00:34:32.039 live that out 00:34:32.039 --> 00:34:32.799 without looking 00:34:32.799 --> 00:34:33.359 around this room 00:34:33.359 --> 00:34:34.940 and seeing the people 00:34:34.940 --> 00:34:35.579 God has called me 00:34:35.579 --> 00:34:35.920 to love 00:34:35.920 --> 00:34:37.079 and God has 00:34:37.079 --> 00:34:37.559 called me to serve. 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:38.139 00:34:38.139 --> 00:35:08.119 Thank you.