WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.140 Maybe you can hear me now. There we go. I'm plugged in. 00:00:03.480 --> 00:00:09.980 This movie came out in 1998 called The Holy Man, starred one of, I was going to say favorite. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:11.500 He's not really. I do kind of like him. 00:00:11.880 --> 00:00:19.019 An actor called Eddie Murphy, and as a modern day holy man who helped people. 00:00:19.539 --> 00:00:26.780 And the only problem with this movie is that Eddie Murphy is usually a really fun, charismatic, excitable person. 00:00:26.780 --> 00:00:31.679 But this movie robbed him of all of that and just made him boring. 00:00:32.600 --> 00:00:35.179 Now what do you picture when you think of a holy person? 00:00:36.120 --> 00:00:41.060 Is it the Eddie Murphy type who is somehow separated from real life? 00:00:41.179 --> 00:00:44.799 Maybe you imagine Gandhi as the holy man. He's wearing robes. 00:00:45.659 --> 00:00:48.180 He's withdrawn from life. 00:00:49.719 --> 00:00:50.659 Maybe it's boring. 00:00:51.600 --> 00:00:53.840 And maybe for us it's unattainable. 00:00:53.840 --> 00:00:57.460 You know, that holy man living is not for us. 00:00:58.000 --> 00:01:02.080 Maybe you've met a person who's got a holier-than-thou attitude. 00:01:02.380 --> 00:01:06.240 You know, the person who looks down their nose on everybody else. 00:01:06.400 --> 00:01:09.140 They seem to hold the moral high ground. 00:01:10.260 --> 00:01:15.580 You know, we tend to pull back from people like this because they seem to like the sound of their own voice 00:01:15.580 --> 00:01:17.900 and they don't see their own problems. 00:01:17.900 --> 00:01:24.320 From an Eastern perspective, it might actually be the Confucian nobleman. 00:01:24.960 --> 00:01:28.400 One, a person who has gone on a journey of enlightenment. 00:01:28.960 --> 00:01:33.140 Who acts in proper conduct in public and to their family. 00:01:33.780 --> 00:01:35.719 They're respectful to parents and they're superior. 00:01:36.100 --> 00:01:37.800 And they're a person of great learning. 00:01:39.040 --> 00:01:42.840 Now these are all different views of holy people. 00:01:42.840 --> 00:01:47.260 And they can seem very distant from regular folk. 00:01:48.320 --> 00:01:51.500 And being holy can seem very far away. 00:01:52.680 --> 00:01:56.400 The Bible says that God calls us to be like Him. 00:01:56.520 --> 00:01:57.600 To be holy. 00:01:58.060 --> 00:01:59.300 To be like Jesus. 00:02:00.600 --> 00:02:06.480 But pursuing holiness can seem like just something that is not for us. 00:02:06.480 --> 00:02:12.640 I'm sure you know the feeling that you have when you get stuck in a cycle of sin. 00:02:13.340 --> 00:02:14.500 You do the wrong thing. 00:02:14.860 --> 00:02:15.659 You feel guilty. 00:02:15.800 --> 00:02:16.460 You get convicted. 00:02:16.900 --> 00:02:18.020 And so you try harder. 00:02:18.300 --> 00:02:19.460 And you sin again. 00:02:19.560 --> 00:02:20.240 And you feel guilty. 00:02:20.340 --> 00:02:21.120 And you try harder. 00:02:21.379 --> 00:02:24.060 And eventually you just give up because it's all too hard. 00:02:24.400 --> 00:02:31.120 And so even the thought of pursuing some kind of view of holiness can feel very distant and far away. 00:02:31.300 --> 00:02:32.439 And something for other people. 00:02:32.599 --> 00:02:35.040 That's something for people who've chosen to put on robes. 00:02:35.099 --> 00:02:36.300 To choose to live a life of that. 00:02:36.300 --> 00:02:37.340 They're going to pursue that. 00:02:37.980 --> 00:02:39.280 And that is for other people. 00:02:41.320 --> 00:02:44.920 We are in the very middle of our vision series. 00:02:45.500 --> 00:02:50.620 A series where we want to see what God is doing in us and through us. 00:02:50.880 --> 00:02:55.040 And see what God is going to be doing in and through us over the next five years. 00:02:56.420 --> 00:03:00.980 And we've been seeing who God is making us to be as disciples. 00:03:01.420 --> 00:03:03.340 To be people who are following Jesus. 00:03:03.340 --> 00:03:09.719 In the first week we saw that God has given us the resource of his word and prayer so we can be in relationship. 00:03:10.140 --> 00:03:11.580 He's given us the Holy Spirit. 00:03:11.900 --> 00:03:14.420 And last week we saw the value of church. 00:03:14.920 --> 00:03:18.060 Brothers and sisters in arms following Jesus together. 00:03:18.539 --> 00:03:22.640 And I must say it's been wonderful singing with you brothers and sisters today already. 00:03:22.639 --> 00:03:28.219 Today we begin to see what followers of Jesus look like. 00:03:28.579 --> 00:03:30.699 The characteristics of disciples. 00:03:31.699 --> 00:03:34.599 Today we're going to see that a Christian is holy. 00:03:35.599 --> 00:03:38.959 And we're going to seek to understand what it means to be holy. 00:03:38.960 --> 00:03:42.180 Why we should be holy and how. 00:03:43.500 --> 00:03:45.580 Now holiness is not just about the clothes we wear. 00:03:45.700 --> 00:03:46.740 Whether it's robes. 00:03:46.860 --> 00:03:48.379 Or whether we spout wisdom. 00:03:49.659 --> 00:03:53.020 But holiness is a gift that we have now. 00:03:53.240 --> 00:03:54.400 That we can pursue. 00:03:54.900 --> 00:04:02.000 And the challenge for us today will be to see how God wants each of us to be pursuing holiness. 00:04:02.000 --> 00:04:07.900 So as we jump into God's word and to see what he has to say for us today let me pray for us. 00:04:08.580 --> 00:04:15.840 Dear Heavenly Father we thank you so much for who you are and for who you are making us to be. 00:04:16.879 --> 00:04:20.180 Lord thinking about holiness can feel very far away. 00:04:20.639 --> 00:04:24.500 Help us as we consider your plans for us today. 00:04:25.220 --> 00:04:25.639 Amen. 00:04:25.639 --> 00:04:25.719 Amen. 00:04:26.919 --> 00:04:28.579 So please have your Bibles open. 00:04:28.819 --> 00:04:31.379 We're going to jump around a couple of different parts of the Bible. 00:04:31.479 --> 00:04:32.579 Have your phones out. 00:04:32.860 --> 00:04:34.680 They're nice and fast as well. 00:04:35.419 --> 00:04:38.180 And we're going to be spending a little bit of time in Colossians 3 later. 00:04:38.459 --> 00:04:39.939 But we're going to be jumping around. 00:04:40.060 --> 00:04:43.699 Now if you don't have a Bible and would like one. 00:04:43.899 --> 00:04:45.180 We would love you to have one. 00:04:45.259 --> 00:04:46.899 There are Bibles on the sides. 00:04:47.039 --> 00:04:47.759 Brown Bibles. 00:04:47.939 --> 00:04:48.539 Take those. 00:04:48.699 --> 00:04:49.979 Write your name in that. 00:04:49.979 --> 00:04:53.560 Bring that back next week so you can highlight and underline things. 00:04:53.560 --> 00:05:00.639 In Isaiah chapter 6 verse 3 it describes who our God is. 00:05:01.560 --> 00:05:06.780 It says holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. 00:05:07.819 --> 00:05:10.399 That description of holy is used three times. 00:05:10.560 --> 00:05:12.840 Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty. 00:05:13.120 --> 00:05:17.199 When a description is used three times it is an over the top description. 00:05:18.660 --> 00:05:22.759 It's to express that something is phenomenally over the top. 00:05:22.759 --> 00:05:26.539 And so God is holy, holy, holy. 00:05:27.620 --> 00:05:29.939 God is holy and we are not. 00:05:30.439 --> 00:05:33.980 And this is the central divide between us and him. 00:05:35.099 --> 00:05:38.659 The word holy has a concept of being separate. 00:05:39.360 --> 00:05:41.560 And so God is separate from us. 00:05:42.379 --> 00:05:45.980 He is always good and perfect and just. 00:05:46.740 --> 00:05:47.759 Yet we are not. 00:05:47.759 --> 00:05:51.560 We are not good and we are not perfect and we are not just. 00:05:53.099 --> 00:05:58.139 God is only good and because we are not, we can't even stand in his presence. 00:05:58.740 --> 00:06:01.079 Because he is so good and we are so sinful. 00:06:01.560 --> 00:06:09.819 And so in the Old Testament, when the high priest would enter into the temple and enter into a place called the Holy of Holies. 00:06:09.819 --> 00:06:12.759 Which the high priest could only do once a year. 00:06:13.379 --> 00:06:15.779 It was the place where God himself dwelt. 00:06:16.339 --> 00:06:22.500 And so when the high priest entered into this place, he had to carry in an offering for his sin. 00:06:23.139 --> 00:06:26.639 He had to carry in blood for himself and for the nation. 00:06:26.959 --> 00:06:31.680 Otherwise he would be struck down because he was in the presence of a holy God. 00:06:31.680 --> 00:06:39.519 God is so good and just that sinful man cannot even stand before him. 00:06:40.840 --> 00:06:46.519 And so when Jesus comes, he is the holy God in flesh. 00:06:47.480 --> 00:06:53.079 He comes so God would work out his plan to deal with this separation problem. 00:06:53.540 --> 00:06:56.139 So that we would be like he is. 00:06:56.600 --> 00:06:58.220 So that we would be holy. 00:06:58.220 --> 00:07:03.980 In Leviticus it says, be holy like I am holy. 00:07:04.540 --> 00:07:07.620 And Jesus calls us to do the same thing in Matthew 5. 00:07:08.540 --> 00:07:12.180 Be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect. 00:07:13.320 --> 00:07:16.400 And so God calls us to be like him. 00:07:17.020 --> 00:07:18.860 He calls us to be perfect. 00:07:19.200 --> 00:07:20.540 He calls us to be holy. 00:07:21.440 --> 00:07:25.640 But the wonderful truth is, he has already made us holy. 00:07:25.639 --> 00:07:29.339 In Colossians 3, 12 it says, 00:07:29.899 --> 00:07:35.399 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved. 00:07:37.000 --> 00:07:41.620 God has chosen us and he has already made us holy. 00:07:42.139 --> 00:07:47.379 He is making us holy, but he has already made us holy. 00:07:47.379 --> 00:07:47.480 He has made us holy. 00:07:48.159 --> 00:07:48.639 He has made us holy. 00:07:48.639 --> 00:07:49.639 He has made us holy. 00:07:49.639 --> 00:07:51.019 He has made us holy. 00:07:51.019 --> 00:07:53.579 He has set us apart as his church. 00:07:54.779 --> 00:07:56.800 And we are special to God. 00:07:57.180 --> 00:07:59.500 This is a concept that always blows my mind. 00:07:59.719 --> 00:08:02.100 That we, for some reason, are special to God. 00:08:02.199 --> 00:08:03.500 He dearly loves us. 00:08:04.079 --> 00:08:06.459 And he has made us holy. 00:08:07.459 --> 00:08:08.839 And he does this in two ways. 00:08:09.579 --> 00:08:12.339 The first is the work of justification. 00:08:12.339 --> 00:08:18.019 Because of the death of Jesus in our place, we can stand before God. 00:08:18.599 --> 00:08:25.859 When he looks at us now, he sees that we have been made clean by Jesus' blood. 00:08:26.299 --> 00:08:27.839 Made pure and holy now. 00:08:27.979 --> 00:08:28.799 So that's the first work. 00:08:29.319 --> 00:08:33.100 God sees us pure because of the work of Jesus. 00:08:33.240 --> 00:08:34.379 And that's called justification. 00:08:35.100 --> 00:08:38.439 The second work I'd like to call holification. 00:08:38.440 --> 00:08:40.240 But that's not a word. 00:08:40.920 --> 00:08:43.420 So we'll go with the official word, which is sanctification. 00:08:44.400 --> 00:08:47.820 It is the process of being made holy. 00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:56.020 And so in 1 Thessalonians 4, it says that it is God's will that you would be sanctified. 00:08:57.200 --> 00:09:02.080 It is this process of day by day making us like his son. 00:09:02.940 --> 00:09:05.460 Shaping us in the image of Jesus. 00:09:05.460 --> 00:09:10.440 So justification is God declaring that a sinner is righteous. 00:09:10.660 --> 00:09:12.620 You are righteous because of the work of Jesus. 00:09:13.420 --> 00:09:19.360 Sanctification is God's process of transforming a believer to be who they already are. 00:09:20.120 --> 00:09:26.080 In mind, in will, in behavior, in affections, in loves. 00:09:26.700 --> 00:09:28.400 Through the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:09:29.600 --> 00:09:31.740 God's plan is to make us holy. 00:09:31.740 --> 00:09:37.060 And he does that through justifying us and through the process of sanctifying us. 00:09:37.340 --> 00:09:40.139 He is making us who we already are. 00:09:41.279 --> 00:09:45.840 Now, if you don't know this, Jesus, this is really wonderful news. 00:09:45.940 --> 00:09:49.220 Because this is not something that we do. 00:09:49.360 --> 00:09:51.240 This is something that is done for us. 00:09:52.060 --> 00:09:54.320 And that's something we get to do with God. 00:09:54.799 --> 00:09:56.200 He justifies us. 00:09:56.340 --> 00:09:57.980 And he is sanctifying us. 00:09:58.039 --> 00:09:59.259 And we get to be part of that. 00:09:59.259 --> 00:10:03.220 And so if you don't know this, Jesus, this is really wonderful news. 00:10:04.919 --> 00:10:08.799 So Christians are holy but are also being made holy. 00:10:09.600 --> 00:10:12.980 Holiness is being one mind with God. 00:10:13.720 --> 00:10:14.879 Loving what he loves. 00:10:15.679 --> 00:10:16.740 Hating what he hates. 00:10:17.379 --> 00:10:23.779 Working to put off sin and to put on love of God and obedience of his commands. 00:10:23.779 --> 00:10:28.179 It is giving sacrificially instead of hoarding for ourselves. 00:10:29.299 --> 00:10:30.699 It is of humility. 00:10:31.819 --> 00:10:33.019 Lowliness of mind. 00:10:33.600 --> 00:10:35.959 Thinking others are better than ourselves. 00:10:37.459 --> 00:10:40.039 I became a Christian about 20 years ago. 00:10:41.059 --> 00:10:44.139 And when I first became a Christian, there was so much excitement. 00:10:44.139 --> 00:10:48.059 I still remember the moment when I went and told my dad that I had become a Christian. 00:10:48.819 --> 00:10:54.360 And I wanted with all of my energy, with all of my zeal, to live for God. 00:10:54.939 --> 00:10:56.039 I wanted to obey him. 00:10:56.100 --> 00:10:57.340 I wanted to act like Jesus. 00:10:57.840 --> 00:11:01.019 I used to wear one of those what would Jesus do bracelets. 00:11:01.699 --> 00:11:02.919 Does anybody remember those? 00:11:03.740 --> 00:11:04.000 Yeah. 00:11:04.199 --> 00:11:06.480 All of the people nodding are of similar vintage to me. 00:11:06.519 --> 00:11:06.960 That's wonderful. 00:11:07.879 --> 00:11:09.100 I would wear one of those. 00:11:09.600 --> 00:11:10.000 WWJD. 00:11:10.059 --> 00:11:10.819 What would Jesus do? 00:11:10.819 --> 00:11:13.200 To remind me, what would Jesus do in this situation? 00:11:13.200 --> 00:11:13.280 It was a Christian. 00:11:15.060 --> 00:11:23.600 But over time, the call to pursue holiness feels like it turned from joy to drudgery. 00:11:24.640 --> 00:11:29.560 Following God's command started to feel like a burden instead of a blessing. 00:11:31.400 --> 00:11:35.280 Sometimes it started to feel like I've got a stark choice before me. 00:11:35.280 --> 00:11:39.100 Do I obey God's command to pursue holiness? 00:11:39.740 --> 00:11:43.020 Or do I choose my own happiness in this moment? 00:11:43.200 --> 00:11:47.340 Do I do the thing that I think will make me happy? 00:11:47.480 --> 00:11:53.580 Or do I do what God says, and I know that it will bring me happiness? 00:11:54.100 --> 00:11:54.759 But do you know what? 00:11:54.780 --> 00:11:57.340 I want to choose the thing that will give me the short-term happiness. 00:11:58.800 --> 00:12:05.300 Sin feels like such a part of me, and I don't necessarily want to get rid of it. 00:12:05.299 --> 00:12:09.219 I just want to make my life easier to deal with. 00:12:10.139 --> 00:12:11.859 There's a quote from Charles Spurgeon. 00:12:12.859 --> 00:12:18.299 He said that many are troubled because the gospel interferes with their sin. 00:12:20.479 --> 00:12:27.659 And so as a Christian, I went through this journey of feeling burdened by obeying God. 00:12:27.659 --> 00:12:31.259 God makes us holy. 00:12:31.679 --> 00:12:36.259 He calls us to pursue holiness throughout our life, to be holy like he is. 00:12:37.100 --> 00:12:46.199 But the challenge of our heart, of my heart, to pursue God and a life like Jesus' can feel burdened. 00:12:47.319 --> 00:12:48.679 It can feel impossible. 00:12:48.679 --> 00:12:56.159 Maybe we see those stereotypes of a holy person and think, I don't want to be like that person. 00:12:56.239 --> 00:12:57.639 They're so separated from life. 00:12:57.819 --> 00:12:59.839 Or even I can't be like that person. 00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:03.379 I don't have the time to devote to that kind of pursuit of holiness. 00:13:05.539 --> 00:13:10.120 The hole in our holiness is that we just don't care about it. 00:13:11.739 --> 00:13:16.319 In the Christian world, I don't see too many people doing passionate calls to be holy. 00:13:16.320 --> 00:13:21.980 We talk about sin, stop sinning, do these good things instead. 00:13:22.480 --> 00:13:25.100 But holiness is not just about doing good things. 00:13:25.180 --> 00:13:26.560 It's not being a better person. 00:13:27.320 --> 00:13:31.220 It's about becoming God's version, God's person. 00:13:33.660 --> 00:13:37.240 And so we can see this picture of God calling us to be holy. 00:13:38.820 --> 00:13:40.420 But why? 00:13:41.040 --> 00:13:44.120 Why should we pursue holiness? 00:13:44.120 --> 00:13:54.440 This is the, I'm going to put it out there that pursuing holiness is God's plan for us for human flourishing. 00:13:55.279 --> 00:13:56.980 Holiness is God's plan for us. 00:13:58.740 --> 00:14:03.360 Now, I'm a pretty bad handyman when it comes to doing things around the house. 00:14:04.220 --> 00:14:08.600 And if I need to go and get a screwdriver and I'm already in the kitchen, 00:14:09.299 --> 00:14:11.500 can you guess what tool I'm going to use instead? 00:14:11.500 --> 00:14:15.679 Instead, it's going to be a knife because it's pretty similar, right? 00:14:16.600 --> 00:14:19.399 And I'll just get a knife from the drawer and make do. 00:14:20.139 --> 00:14:25.000 But when I go to the effort of getting the tool that was designed for the task, 00:14:25.460 --> 00:14:26.720 it just sings. 00:14:27.440 --> 00:14:31.220 It's just like the screwdriver just drives that screw home so effortlessly 00:14:31.220 --> 00:14:34.379 compared to stabbing at it with a knife and trying to get it. 00:14:34.379 --> 00:14:36.860 But the reality is I end up blunting the knife. 00:14:38.159 --> 00:14:39.620 And the screw was ruined. 00:14:40.919 --> 00:14:46.360 We blunt ourselves pursuing the wrong things and living the wrong way. 00:14:47.419 --> 00:14:51.539 Pursuing holiness is how God has made us to be, to be like him. 00:14:51.639 --> 00:14:55.399 It is being who we are and who we are made to be. 00:14:55.399 --> 00:15:00.559 We were damaged in the Garden of Eden, restored in the resurrection of Jesus. 00:15:01.039 --> 00:15:05.679 And God has made us like Jesus and caused us to pursue being like him. 00:15:07.699 --> 00:15:09.379 And it can feel like a burden. 00:15:10.579 --> 00:15:15.079 In Leviticus chapter 9, God's people have come out of Egypt. 00:15:15.240 --> 00:15:16.279 God has saved them. 00:15:16.699 --> 00:15:19.759 And all of God's people are gathered to praise God. 00:15:19.759 --> 00:15:22.500 It says in chapter 9, verse 23, 00:15:22.939 --> 00:15:25.759 Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting. 00:15:26.679 --> 00:15:28.460 When they came out, they blessed the people. 00:15:28.939 --> 00:15:32.779 And the glory of the Lord appeared to all of the people. 00:15:33.559 --> 00:15:35.700 Fire came out from the presence of the Lord 00:15:35.700 --> 00:15:39.340 and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. 00:15:40.039 --> 00:15:44.220 And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell face down. 00:15:44.600 --> 00:15:46.419 God's people have been saved. 00:15:46.419 --> 00:15:50.059 And God has appeared in their midst. 00:15:50.379 --> 00:15:52.500 He has accepted their sin offering. 00:15:52.620 --> 00:15:55.240 Their sin has been taken away. 00:15:56.000 --> 00:15:58.139 And they respond to God with joy. 00:15:59.939 --> 00:16:00.860 Absolute joy. 00:16:03.219 --> 00:16:06.379 Similarly, as Kel read for us in John, 00:16:06.479 --> 00:16:10.379 when Jesus' disciples are locked up because Jesus has been killed, 00:16:11.019 --> 00:16:14.399 they are fearful of the Jews coming to kill them as well. 00:16:14.399 --> 00:16:17.039 Jesus appears to them, resurrected. 00:16:18.279 --> 00:16:22.259 They see him and they respond with joy. 00:16:24.360 --> 00:16:32.639 We seem to have to choose between the impossible, undesirable, boring pursuit of being holy 00:16:32.639 --> 00:16:38.860 and happiness through depravity and chasing our own sin. 00:16:39.539 --> 00:16:41.100 This is a lie. 00:16:41.100 --> 00:16:46.779 If we believe the lie that says pursuing holiness means there is no happiness, 00:16:46.980 --> 00:16:48.320 it's going to be an uphill battle. 00:16:49.139 --> 00:16:51.639 The life of a Christian is going to be hard 00:16:51.639 --> 00:16:55.460 because being made like Jesus is going to feel hard for us. 00:16:56.600 --> 00:16:58.800 And there's going to be no amount of self-control 00:16:58.800 --> 00:17:01.040 that can keep us from seeking happiness. 00:17:01.039 --> 00:17:04.480 What's going to happen is we're going to fail. 00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:05.899 We'll beat ourselves up. 00:17:06.819 --> 00:17:07.960 We'll try harder. 00:17:08.220 --> 00:17:09.819 We'll do things that we've been encouraging. 00:17:10.079 --> 00:17:12.180 We'll try to read the Bible four or more times a week. 00:17:12.599 --> 00:17:13.480 Do that anyway. 00:17:13.799 --> 00:17:16.639 But when we fail, it's going to feel worse. 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:17.980 We'll have good accountability. 00:17:18.500 --> 00:17:20.240 We'll walk closely with other Christians. 00:17:20.420 --> 00:17:21.259 And we'll fail. 00:17:21.259 --> 00:17:22.759 And we'll fall. 00:17:23.039 --> 00:17:25.180 And we can become despondent, depressed. 00:17:27.619 --> 00:17:31.180 Because often we are just using the lever of self-control. 00:17:32.519 --> 00:17:36.279 Self-control is not the way we pursue holiness long-term. 00:17:37.180 --> 00:17:38.980 It might work in the short-term. 00:17:39.140 --> 00:17:42.119 If I'm trying to particularly change a sinful behavior, 00:17:42.819 --> 00:17:44.740 holiness might work in the short-term. 00:17:44.740 --> 00:17:51.799 But pursuing holiness and using the lever of self-control, 00:17:51.980 --> 00:17:54.819 choosing to not do things, choosing not to be happy. 00:17:55.240 --> 00:17:57.259 Maybe I'm going to separate myself from life. 00:17:57.319 --> 00:17:59.420 I'm going to go and be that monastic monk. 00:17:59.519 --> 00:18:00.680 And I'm going to live in a cave. 00:18:00.940 --> 00:18:02.059 Then I can be like Jesus. 00:18:02.440 --> 00:18:04.539 And then I can get rid of my sin. 00:18:04.720 --> 00:18:08.980 That is not a path to pursuing holiness long-term. 00:18:09.660 --> 00:18:10.559 It doesn't work. 00:18:11.420 --> 00:18:14.559 Satan tries to rig the game by convincing us 00:18:14.559 --> 00:18:17.419 that pursuing holiness, pursuing being like Christ, 00:18:18.039 --> 00:18:21.159 Christ makes dull and boring Christians. 00:18:23.339 --> 00:18:27.240 Pursuing holiness in life is not about saying no to things. 00:18:28.059 --> 00:18:30.899 It's about saying yes to something that is better. 00:18:31.679 --> 00:18:35.599 Pursuing holiness for us is a reorientation of our loves. 00:18:36.919 --> 00:18:40.079 If you've ever tried to change what you eat 00:18:40.079 --> 00:18:43.919 or read about dieting, it's the same kind of concept. 00:18:44.899 --> 00:18:48.000 It's really hard to say no to all of the delicious foods 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:49.700 that you love and are unhealthy. 00:18:49.879 --> 00:18:52.720 And for me, this is really hard because I've got a sweet tooth 00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:54.539 and a savory tooth. 00:18:55.599 --> 00:18:58.119 And is butter another type of tooth? 00:18:58.359 --> 00:18:59.940 Is that another thing? 00:19:00.099 --> 00:19:00.419 Carbs? 00:19:00.500 --> 00:19:01.559 Like I've got all of the teeth. 00:19:01.639 --> 00:19:02.839 All of the types of food teeth. 00:19:02.879 --> 00:19:03.399 I've got them all. 00:19:03.740 --> 00:19:04.460 I love them all. 00:19:04.460 --> 00:19:09.840 But it doesn't work to just say no to the things 00:19:09.840 --> 00:19:11.640 that you want to pursue. 00:19:12.680 --> 00:19:16.160 From what I've read, a diet is much more likely to work 00:19:16.160 --> 00:19:19.799 if you say no to some things but also say yes, 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:21.180 have a clear yes. 00:19:21.539 --> 00:19:23.880 I'm going to eat these things instead. 00:19:25.519 --> 00:19:26.900 Pursuing holiness is similar. 00:19:26.900 --> 00:19:30.000 It's not just about saying no to sin 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:34.420 and saying no to the things, the parts of us 00:19:34.420 --> 00:19:38.240 that are sinful and that we think will make us happy. 00:19:38.320 --> 00:19:40.140 It's not just about saying no to those things. 00:19:40.140 --> 00:19:45.140 We must say yes to the true happiness that God has for us. 00:19:45.140 --> 00:19:50.240 So our mouths might be tempted to spread gossip, 00:19:50.660 --> 00:19:52.800 to feel important and valued. 00:19:53.420 --> 00:19:55.500 We have to say no to that. 00:19:55.900 --> 00:19:58.800 But we also have to say yes to reminding ourselves 00:19:58.800 --> 00:20:01.580 that we are valued by someone greater. 00:20:02.080 --> 00:20:03.860 We are valued by God himself. 00:20:05.880 --> 00:20:10.440 We need to say no to lies that protect ourselves for a moment 00:20:10.440 --> 00:20:14.200 and say yes to loving people with truthful words. 00:20:15.140 --> 00:20:18.780 Does retail therapy bring a measure of happiness? 00:20:20.060 --> 00:20:23.400 Say no to a temporary happiness that leaves us feeling flat 00:20:23.400 --> 00:20:25.700 and yes to pursuing a God 00:20:25.700 --> 00:20:28.360 who has given us every blessing in Jesus. 00:20:30.320 --> 00:20:34.840 Lust and chasing someone for a couple of extra seconds 00:20:34.840 --> 00:20:38.259 as they walk past as a little taste of happiness. 00:20:38.960 --> 00:20:40.700 Say no to that little taste 00:20:40.700 --> 00:20:44.740 and yes to pursuing a God who has made our bodies 00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:46.180 and he has made beauty 00:20:46.180 --> 00:20:49.039 and honor him with our whole body. 00:20:50.819 --> 00:20:55.180 Pursuing holiness doesn't mean ignoring joy and happiness 00:20:55.180 --> 00:20:59.359 but following the God who made joy and happiness 00:20:59.359 --> 00:21:03.180 because we've been created to treasure Jesus 00:21:03.180 --> 00:21:04.680 with our hearts 00:21:04.680 --> 00:21:07.160 and to see the blessings that God has given us. 00:21:08.519 --> 00:21:11.559 Lust is the love of beauty 00:21:11.559 --> 00:21:15.740 and desire for sexual intimacy in the wrong place. 00:21:17.379 --> 00:21:20.679 Impatience is the love of order and timeliness 00:21:20.679 --> 00:21:23.000 over people. 00:21:24.139 --> 00:21:27.480 Consumerism is the love of the created thing over the creator. 00:21:27.839 --> 00:21:30.980 Gossip and slander are the love of self 00:21:30.980 --> 00:21:33.099 over the love of other people. 00:21:33.099 --> 00:21:36.959 And so we have an option. 00:21:37.980 --> 00:21:40.559 Do we say no to the things 00:21:40.559 --> 00:21:44.000 that will give us a temporary sinful burst of happiness 00:21:44.000 --> 00:21:46.579 or do we say yes to the God 00:21:46.579 --> 00:21:48.079 who offers us a greater happiness? 00:21:50.159 --> 00:21:51.079 Over the last week, 00:21:51.179 --> 00:21:54.179 I've been thinking about my own pursuit of holiness. 00:21:55.359 --> 00:21:56.659 One of my challenges 00:21:56.659 --> 00:22:00.240 is my desire for control. 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:03.259 And I get frustrated and impatient 00:22:03.259 --> 00:22:07.120 when people don't do what I want them to do. 00:22:07.519 --> 00:22:08.640 Particularly my kids. 00:22:08.779 --> 00:22:11.960 I get frustrated when they don't do what I expect them to do. 00:22:12.680 --> 00:22:14.980 And so happiness in this concept is very sinful. 00:22:15.839 --> 00:22:16.660 Do what I want. 00:22:18.559 --> 00:22:20.559 But true happiness for me 00:22:20.559 --> 00:22:22.779 is to remember that I am not in control. 00:22:23.519 --> 00:22:24.460 That there is a God 00:22:24.460 --> 00:22:26.680 who is in control of all things. 00:22:26.680 --> 00:22:28.279 And for him, 00:22:28.400 --> 00:22:30.080 I definitely take too long 00:22:30.080 --> 00:22:31.560 to do what he wants me to do. 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:35.720 And yet he is quick to patience 00:22:35.720 --> 00:22:37.980 and quick to forgive. 00:22:39.060 --> 00:22:41.580 And I am slow to patience 00:22:41.580 --> 00:22:42.880 and slow to forgive. 00:22:43.980 --> 00:22:44.660 And so for me, 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:46.620 the path to holiness that I am pursuing 00:22:46.620 --> 00:22:48.840 is to acknowledge that God is in control. 00:22:49.759 --> 00:22:51.680 And it's not just saying to myself, 00:22:52.299 --> 00:22:53.019 oh, you know, 00:22:53.080 --> 00:22:54.560 these kids are doing the wrong thing 00:22:54.560 --> 00:22:55.759 and I need to go harder at them. 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:56.180 No, no, no. 00:22:56.440 --> 00:22:58.220 It is saying yes 00:22:58.220 --> 00:23:00.180 to a greater love for my kids. 00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:03.339 Knowing who God has, 00:23:03.579 --> 00:23:04.940 what God has done for me 00:23:04.940 --> 00:23:06.859 and who he is making me to be. 00:23:10.099 --> 00:23:10.900 Lastly today, 00:23:11.059 --> 00:23:12.960 how do we pursue this holiness? 00:23:14.220 --> 00:23:16.160 God has justified us. 00:23:16.400 --> 00:23:17.640 He has made us holy 00:23:17.640 --> 00:23:19.400 and he is making us holy. 00:23:19.519 --> 00:23:20.980 He is sanctifying us. 00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:24.119 And so Paul in Colossians 3, 00:23:24.119 --> 00:23:25.699 which was read for us, 00:23:25.779 --> 00:23:26.799 has two lists. 00:23:27.659 --> 00:23:29.179 Things to say no to 00:23:29.179 --> 00:23:31.299 and things to say yes to. 00:23:31.399 --> 00:23:32.539 Things to put off 00:23:32.539 --> 00:23:34.259 and things to put on. 00:23:35.459 --> 00:23:36.619 Just another reminder, 00:23:36.959 --> 00:23:38.099 we pursue holiness 00:23:38.099 --> 00:23:40.739 because God has already made us holy. 00:23:41.719 --> 00:23:43.959 So have a look at Colossians 3, 00:23:44.219 --> 00:23:45.239 verse 5. 00:23:45.479 --> 00:23:46.879 There's one of these lists for us. 00:23:46.880 --> 00:23:49.660 Put to death, 00:23:49.920 --> 00:23:50.420 therefore, 00:23:51.160 --> 00:23:53.020 whatever belongs to your earthly nature, 00:23:53.760 --> 00:23:54.740 sexual immorality, 00:23:54.920 --> 00:23:55.380 impurity, 00:23:55.840 --> 00:23:56.200 lust, 00:23:56.540 --> 00:23:57.300 evil desires, 00:23:57.380 --> 00:23:57.920 and greed, 00:23:58.340 --> 00:23:59.860 which is idolatry. 00:24:00.520 --> 00:24:01.340 Put them to death. 00:24:02.340 --> 00:24:03.940 Don't allow them to continue. 00:24:04.820 --> 00:24:06.120 The list continues in verse 8. 00:24:06.119 --> 00:24:07.679 But now you must also 00:24:07.679 --> 00:24:08.419 read yourself 00:24:08.419 --> 00:24:10.239 of all such things as these. 00:24:10.739 --> 00:24:11.199 Anger, 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:12.299 rage, 00:24:12.679 --> 00:24:13.159 malice, 00:24:13.459 --> 00:24:13.899 slander, 00:24:14.119 --> 00:24:15.439 filthy language from your lips. 00:24:16.079 --> 00:24:17.479 Kill them dead. 00:24:19.219 --> 00:24:20.899 I've been trying to put to death 00:24:20.899 --> 00:24:22.899 the clover in my front yard 00:24:22.899 --> 00:24:24.699 for a couple of years now. 00:24:25.399 --> 00:24:26.959 It requires persistence, 00:24:27.579 --> 00:24:28.519 hard work, 00:24:28.659 --> 00:24:30.000 and if I slack off, 00:24:30.339 --> 00:24:32.099 it comes back very quickly 00:24:32.099 --> 00:24:32.859 and aggressively. 00:24:32.859 --> 00:24:36.279 Sin is much more deeply rooted 00:24:36.279 --> 00:24:37.279 in my heart 00:24:37.279 --> 00:24:38.079 and your hearts 00:24:38.079 --> 00:24:39.000 than any plant. 00:24:40.419 --> 00:24:41.099 And we're called 00:24:41.099 --> 00:24:42.439 not to just prune it, 00:24:42.959 --> 00:24:44.579 but to make it look acceptable 00:24:44.579 --> 00:24:45.299 to people 00:24:45.299 --> 00:24:47.379 so that we can survive 00:24:47.379 --> 00:24:48.599 doing what we want to do. 00:24:48.719 --> 00:24:49.639 But we are called 00:24:49.639 --> 00:24:51.500 to kill our sin. 00:24:53.500 --> 00:24:54.299 And to do this, 00:24:54.379 --> 00:24:55.659 I really appreciate 00:24:55.659 --> 00:24:56.699 John Piper. 00:24:57.219 --> 00:24:58.979 He has a really helpful acrostic 00:24:58.979 --> 00:25:00.879 to help us kill our sin dead. 00:25:00.880 --> 00:25:03.320 So imagine for me 00:25:03.320 --> 00:25:04.580 a sin you've been struggling with. 00:25:04.840 --> 00:25:06.420 I've got a whole list of mine. 00:25:07.000 --> 00:25:07.860 Have a look at that list 00:25:07.860 --> 00:25:08.660 in Colossians 3. 00:25:08.880 --> 00:25:09.540 Pick a sin 00:25:09.540 --> 00:25:10.560 that you're struggling with. 00:25:11.220 --> 00:25:13.280 If you can't think of one, 00:25:13.360 --> 00:25:14.800 ask the person sitting next to you, 00:25:15.020 --> 00:25:16.320 what's a sin I need to work on? 00:25:17.620 --> 00:25:19.280 And as you picture that, 00:25:19.780 --> 00:25:21.420 John Piper has a helpful 00:25:21.420 --> 00:25:23.800 acronym for us. 00:25:24.100 --> 00:25:25.180 It is ANTHEM. 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:26.940 Anthem. 00:25:27.000 --> 00:25:28.120 A-N-T-H-E-M. 00:25:28.680 --> 00:25:29.460 First of all, 00:25:29.460 --> 00:25:30.720 avoid. 00:25:32.160 --> 00:25:33.600 Don't put yourself 00:25:33.600 --> 00:25:34.799 in a situation 00:25:34.799 --> 00:25:37.440 that will encourage you to sin. 00:25:38.299 --> 00:25:38.759 Secondly, 00:25:39.259 --> 00:25:39.819 say no. 00:25:40.279 --> 00:25:42.400 Say no in the first five seconds. 00:25:42.539 --> 00:25:43.460 I know when I'm faced 00:25:43.460 --> 00:25:44.079 with a temptation, 00:25:44.259 --> 00:25:44.940 whether it's to sin 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:45.700 or to eat a donut, 00:25:46.319 --> 00:25:49.079 if I dwell on it longer, 00:25:49.319 --> 00:25:50.960 I am more likely to do it. 00:25:51.539 --> 00:25:53.279 Say no in the first five seconds. 00:25:55.420 --> 00:25:55.900 Turn. 00:25:55.900 --> 00:25:57.740 Turn away 00:25:57.740 --> 00:25:58.820 from the sinful, 00:25:59.120 --> 00:25:59.660 fallen thing 00:25:59.660 --> 00:26:01.480 and turn to what God's plan 00:26:01.480 --> 00:26:02.340 is for you 00:26:02.340 --> 00:26:02.920 in that moment. 00:26:03.280 --> 00:26:03.840 Turn away 00:26:03.840 --> 00:26:04.820 from the no 00:26:04.820 --> 00:26:05.820 to the yes 00:26:05.820 --> 00:26:07.180 of God's purpose 00:26:07.180 --> 00:26:08.160 for true happiness. 00:26:09.700 --> 00:26:10.220 H, 00:26:10.960 --> 00:26:11.500 hold. 00:26:12.300 --> 00:26:13.220 Just hold 00:26:13.220 --> 00:26:14.340 on to that yes 00:26:14.340 --> 00:26:15.019 for a moment 00:26:15.019 --> 00:26:16.960 and then enjoy 00:26:16.960 --> 00:26:18.420 God's promises. 00:26:20.380 --> 00:26:20.960 Finally, 00:26:21.100 --> 00:26:21.380 move. 00:26:21.440 --> 00:26:21.680 Actually, 00:26:21.780 --> 00:26:22.420 move away. 00:26:22.680 --> 00:26:23.600 Do something else. 00:26:24.119 --> 00:26:26.119 Put a song on. 00:26:26.199 --> 00:26:26.859 Praise God. 00:26:27.000 --> 00:26:27.299 Pray. 00:26:27.519 --> 00:26:28.639 Do something to move. 00:26:29.319 --> 00:26:29.639 And so, 00:26:29.759 --> 00:26:30.219 for me, 00:26:31.199 --> 00:26:32.399 my sin of frustration 00:26:32.399 --> 00:26:33.079 which comes out 00:26:33.079 --> 00:26:33.659 of my kids, 00:26:34.639 --> 00:26:34.839 well, 00:26:34.919 --> 00:26:35.399 first of all, 00:26:35.879 --> 00:26:36.919 I can't avoid them. 00:26:39.219 --> 00:26:40.740 That one's a bit hard. 00:26:41.339 --> 00:26:42.119 But I can do 00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:43.019 the right thing 00:26:43.019 --> 00:26:45.000 to be more patient 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:45.579 in the moment. 00:26:45.719 --> 00:26:45.819 So, 00:26:45.899 --> 00:26:46.119 for me, 00:26:46.179 --> 00:26:46.919 that means going to bed 00:26:46.919 --> 00:26:47.819 earlier than the night before. 00:26:48.539 --> 00:26:49.240 To be a dad 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:49.980 who slept well. 00:26:51.319 --> 00:26:51.939 And then, 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:53.379 in those first five seconds 00:26:53.380 --> 00:26:55.000 when there's a moment 00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:55.660 of, you know, 00:26:55.680 --> 00:26:56.660 the kids being kids 00:26:56.660 --> 00:26:59.060 and I feel my frustrations 00:26:59.060 --> 00:27:00.540 boiling up like a kettle, 00:27:01.700 --> 00:27:03.380 I say no to that. 00:27:05.000 --> 00:27:06.820 And not just clamp the lid on 00:27:06.820 --> 00:27:07.780 and so the kettle 00:27:07.780 --> 00:27:08.800 will burst later 00:27:08.800 --> 00:27:09.400 at the dog 00:27:09.400 --> 00:27:10.080 or at my wife 00:27:10.080 --> 00:27:10.980 or whatever it is. 00:27:12.280 --> 00:27:13.220 Instead of just putting 00:27:13.220 --> 00:27:14.240 that frustration 00:27:14.240 --> 00:27:15.200 to one side, 00:27:15.860 --> 00:27:17.920 turn and put on patience. 00:27:18.560 --> 00:27:19.720 Remind myself 00:27:19.720 --> 00:27:21.839 of how patient 00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:22.680 God has been 00:27:22.680 --> 00:27:23.660 in my frustration. 00:27:24.539 --> 00:27:25.360 Put on 00:27:25.360 --> 00:27:26.660 true happiness 00:27:26.660 --> 00:27:28.440 in that moment. 00:27:30.779 --> 00:27:31.299 Turn. 00:27:31.500 --> 00:27:31.839 For me, 00:27:31.940 --> 00:27:32.480 that turn 00:27:32.480 --> 00:27:34.360 looks like 00:27:34.360 --> 00:27:35.400 changing my tone 00:27:35.400 --> 00:27:35.900 of voice. 00:27:36.880 --> 00:27:37.500 And hold 00:27:37.500 --> 00:27:38.039 onto that. 00:27:38.200 --> 00:27:38.900 This happened to me 00:27:38.900 --> 00:27:39.400 the other day. 00:27:40.440 --> 00:27:41.620 And in the moment 00:27:41.620 --> 00:27:42.279 of frustration, 00:27:42.779 --> 00:27:42.799 I, 00:27:43.420 --> 00:27:44.140 this, 00:27:44.339 --> 00:27:45.860 this word came to mind. 00:27:46.179 --> 00:27:46.879 I turned 00:27:46.879 --> 00:27:47.759 from the frustration. 00:27:48.159 --> 00:27:48.799 I held 00:27:48.799 --> 00:27:49.399 onto it. 00:27:49.879 --> 00:27:51.019 And in that moment, 00:27:51.019 --> 00:27:51.899 I realized, 00:27:52.019 --> 00:27:52.379 oh God, 00:27:52.439 --> 00:27:53.459 you are so good. 00:27:53.759 --> 00:27:54.419 And I just had 00:27:54.419 --> 00:27:55.500 a very brief moment 00:27:55.500 --> 00:27:56.639 of praising God 00:27:56.639 --> 00:27:58.899 because he had given me 00:27:58.899 --> 00:28:00.500 patience and love 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:03.099 where moments before 00:28:03.099 --> 00:28:04.139 I was frustrated 00:28:04.139 --> 00:28:05.619 and frustration 00:28:05.619 --> 00:28:06.099 and anger 00:28:06.099 --> 00:28:06.819 was about to boil 00:28:06.819 --> 00:28:07.339 out of me. 00:28:08.379 --> 00:28:09.299 Enjoy that moment. 00:28:09.699 --> 00:28:10.639 Thanks be to God 00:28:10.639 --> 00:28:11.240 for his love 00:28:11.240 --> 00:28:12.199 and patience for me. 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:13.700 And then get moving. 00:28:14.140 --> 00:28:14.980 Change that situation. 00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:15.700 Praise God. 00:28:16.440 --> 00:28:17.039 I think anthem 00:28:17.039 --> 00:28:18.340 is a very helpful 00:28:18.340 --> 00:28:19.019 reminder 00:28:19.019 --> 00:28:20.000 and a helpful 00:28:20.000 --> 00:28:21.180 practice for us 00:28:21.180 --> 00:28:22.660 to put on 00:28:22.660 --> 00:28:23.160 holiness 00:28:23.160 --> 00:28:24.039 in the moment. 00:28:24.840 --> 00:28:25.640 To not put on 00:28:25.640 --> 00:28:25.980 sin, 00:28:26.559 --> 00:28:27.440 but to put on 00:28:27.440 --> 00:28:27.799 holiness. 00:28:28.400 --> 00:28:29.420 Because verse 12 00:28:29.420 --> 00:28:30.240 reminds us of 00:28:30.240 --> 00:28:30.900 Colossians 3 00:28:30.900 --> 00:28:32.160 that we are already 00:28:32.160 --> 00:28:33.019 dearly loved. 00:28:34.340 --> 00:28:35.279 This is who we are 00:28:35.279 --> 00:28:35.880 to be. 00:28:37.160 --> 00:28:38.100 And it's the motivation 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.799 for putting on 00:28:38.799 --> 00:28:39.200 these things. 00:28:39.440 --> 00:28:39.920 So first, 00:28:40.100 --> 00:28:41.340 from Colossians 3 00:28:41.340 --> 00:28:42.059 chapter 12, 00:28:43.160 --> 00:28:44.180 these are the yeses. 00:28:44.580 --> 00:28:45.299 Clothe yourselves 00:28:45.299 --> 00:28:46.240 with compassion, 00:28:46.980 --> 00:28:47.400 kindness, 00:28:47.680 --> 00:28:48.160 humility, 00:28:48.980 --> 00:28:49.380 gentleness, 00:28:49.539 --> 00:28:50.200 and patience. 00:28:51.080 --> 00:28:52.100 Bear with each other 00:28:52.100 --> 00:28:53.259 and forgive one another 00:28:53.259 --> 00:28:54.279 if any of you 00:28:54.279 --> 00:28:55.019 has a grievance 00:28:55.019 --> 00:28:55.720 against someone. 00:28:56.600 --> 00:28:58.019 Forgive as the Lord 00:28:58.019 --> 00:28:58.840 forgave you. 00:28:59.580 --> 00:29:00.920 And over all these 00:29:00.920 --> 00:29:01.299 virtues, 00:29:01.440 --> 00:29:02.160 put on love, 00:29:02.500 --> 00:29:03.500 which binds them 00:29:03.500 --> 00:29:04.140 all together 00:29:04.140 --> 00:29:05.100 in perfect unity. 00:29:05.940 --> 00:29:06.740 That acronym 00:29:06.740 --> 00:29:07.740 anthem is really 00:29:07.740 --> 00:29:08.720 helpful in a moment 00:29:08.720 --> 00:29:09.279 of temptation 00:29:09.279 --> 00:29:09.920 to help us 00:29:09.920 --> 00:29:11.200 to put off 00:29:11.200 --> 00:29:12.200 and to put 00:29:12.200 --> 00:29:12.819 on 00:29:12.819 --> 00:29:14.019 these things 00:29:14.019 --> 00:29:14.480 which Paul 00:29:14.480 --> 00:29:14.940 has said, 00:29:15.259 --> 00:29:16.100 God's plan 00:29:16.100 --> 00:29:16.460 for us 00:29:16.460 --> 00:29:16.900 for true 00:29:16.900 --> 00:29:17.400 happiness. 00:29:19.580 --> 00:29:20.440 Kevin DeYoung 00:29:20.440 --> 00:29:21.799 is a pastor 00:29:21.799 --> 00:29:22.319 and author 00:29:22.319 --> 00:29:22.940 from the US 00:29:22.940 --> 00:29:24.400 and he has 00:29:24.400 --> 00:29:24.960 a wonderful 00:29:24.960 --> 00:29:25.960 process of 00:29:25.960 --> 00:29:26.580 working through 00:29:26.580 --> 00:29:26.940 holiness 00:29:26.940 --> 00:29:27.500 for his whole 00:29:27.500 --> 00:29:27.799 self. 00:29:28.160 --> 00:29:28.779 He also has 00:29:28.779 --> 00:29:29.500 seven children, 00:29:29.980 --> 00:29:30.640 so I want to 00:29:30.640 --> 00:29:31.120 listen to what 00:29:31.120 --> 00:29:31.440 this guy 00:29:31.440 --> 00:29:32.160 has to say. 00:29:34.160 --> 00:29:35.319 When he does 00:29:35.319 --> 00:29:35.500 this, 00:29:35.580 --> 00:29:36.279 he regularly 00:29:36.279 --> 00:29:37.019 brings himself 00:29:37.019 --> 00:29:37.700 before God 00:29:37.700 --> 00:29:38.039 and he's 00:29:38.039 --> 00:29:38.620 got a practice 00:29:38.620 --> 00:29:39.180 of checking 00:29:39.180 --> 00:29:39.580 where his 00:29:39.580 --> 00:29:40.559 holiness is at. 00:29:40.840 --> 00:29:41.299 He works 00:29:41.299 --> 00:29:41.779 through his 00:29:41.779 --> 00:29:42.259 whole body. 00:29:43.299 --> 00:29:43.620 And so he 00:29:43.620 --> 00:29:44.100 starts with 00:29:44.100 --> 00:29:44.620 his mind. 00:29:45.759 --> 00:29:46.440 Is it filled 00:29:46.440 --> 00:29:47.019 with the knowledge 00:29:47.019 --> 00:29:47.480 of God 00:29:47.480 --> 00:29:48.620 or am I 00:29:48.620 --> 00:29:49.160 filling my 00:29:49.160 --> 00:29:49.620 mind with 00:29:49.620 --> 00:29:50.240 other things? 00:29:51.500 --> 00:29:52.120 His eyes, 00:29:52.519 --> 00:29:53.100 our eyes, 00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:54.580 do our eyes 00:29:54.580 --> 00:29:55.900 turn away 00:29:55.900 --> 00:29:56.660 from lust 00:29:56.660 --> 00:29:57.620 and evil acts? 00:29:58.660 --> 00:29:59.400 Do they turn 00:29:59.400 --> 00:30:00.360 away from bullying 00:30:00.360 --> 00:30:01.080 or are they 00:30:01.080 --> 00:30:02.279 dragged towards 00:30:02.279 --> 00:30:02.519 them? 00:30:03.819 --> 00:30:04.360 Our mouths, 00:30:04.440 --> 00:30:04.980 do our mouths 00:30:04.980 --> 00:30:06.019 speak out of love 00:30:06.019 --> 00:30:06.740 or out of 00:30:06.740 --> 00:30:07.400 slander and 00:30:07.400 --> 00:30:07.700 gossip? 00:30:08.579 --> 00:30:09.480 Our souls, 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:10.960 are they resting 00:30:10.960 --> 00:30:12.619 and trusting 00:30:12.619 --> 00:30:13.519 in God 00:30:13.519 --> 00:30:14.559 or are they 00:30:14.559 --> 00:30:15.240 full of 00:30:15.240 --> 00:30:15.819 anxiety? 00:30:16.799 --> 00:30:17.539 Our shoulders, 00:30:17.740 --> 00:30:18.039 are they 00:30:18.039 --> 00:30:19.299 burdened with 00:30:19.299 --> 00:30:19.940 the world 00:30:19.940 --> 00:30:20.460 or are they 00:30:20.460 --> 00:30:21.200 living each 00:30:21.200 --> 00:30:21.740 day knowing 00:30:21.740 --> 00:30:22.139 that God 00:30:22.139 --> 00:30:22.420 is in 00:30:22.420 --> 00:30:22.799 control? 00:30:24.039 --> 00:30:24.819 Our hearts, 00:30:25.059 --> 00:30:25.599 are they 00:30:25.599 --> 00:30:26.619 joyfully 00:30:26.619 --> 00:30:27.220 treasuring 00:30:27.220 --> 00:30:28.000 Jesus or 00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:28.259 are they 00:30:28.259 --> 00:30:28.680 full of 00:30:28.680 --> 00:30:29.920 pride and 00:30:29.920 --> 00:30:30.299 envy? 00:30:31.200 --> 00:30:31.960 Our sexual 00:30:31.960 --> 00:30:32.440 organs, 00:30:32.579 --> 00:30:33.119 are they 00:30:33.119 --> 00:30:34.819 pure and 00:30:34.819 --> 00:30:35.519 reserved for 00:30:35.519 --> 00:30:35.859 marriage 00:30:35.859 --> 00:30:36.399 between a 00:30:36.399 --> 00:30:36.859 man and 00:30:36.859 --> 00:30:37.219 a woman? 00:30:38.379 --> 00:30:38.979 Our hands, 00:30:39.059 --> 00:30:39.299 are they 00:30:39.299 --> 00:30:40.119 quick to 00:30:40.119 --> 00:30:41.740 help and 00:30:41.740 --> 00:30:42.279 quick to 00:30:42.279 --> 00:30:43.019 fold in 00:30:43.019 --> 00:30:43.439 prayer? 00:30:44.539 --> 00:30:44.959 And our 00:30:44.959 --> 00:30:45.279 feet, 00:30:45.919 --> 00:30:46.599 do our 00:30:46.599 --> 00:30:47.599 feet quickly 00:30:47.599 --> 00:30:48.439 move towards 00:30:48.439 --> 00:30:49.019 people in 00:30:49.019 --> 00:30:49.879 love or 00:30:49.879 --> 00:30:50.079 are they 00:30:50.079 --> 00:30:50.779 moving towards 00:30:50.779 --> 00:30:52.119 people in 00:30:52.119 --> 00:30:52.479 senseless 00:30:52.479 --> 00:30:52.919 conflict? 00:30:54.439 --> 00:30:55.139 This body, 00:30:55.299 --> 00:30:55.500 again, 00:30:55.579 --> 00:30:56.219 two practices, 00:30:56.719 --> 00:30:57.539 use anthem 00:30:57.539 --> 00:30:58.159 in the 00:30:58.159 --> 00:30:59.279 moment to 00:30:59.279 --> 00:31:00.240 put on 00:31:00.240 --> 00:31:01.659 love and 00:31:01.659 --> 00:31:02.500 patience and 00:31:02.500 --> 00:31:02.879 forgiveness 00:31:02.880 --> 00:31:05.020 and the 00:31:05.020 --> 00:31:05.640 concept of 00:31:05.640 --> 00:31:06.160 thinking about 00:31:06.160 --> 00:31:06.760 ourselves as 00:31:06.760 --> 00:31:07.140 a whole 00:31:07.140 --> 00:31:07.680 person. 00:31:08.400 --> 00:31:09.180 Work through 00:31:09.180 --> 00:31:10.560 yourself to 00:31:10.560 --> 00:31:11.100 bring yourself 00:31:11.100 --> 00:31:11.740 before God, 00:31:11.840 --> 00:31:12.760 to ask him, 00:31:12.800 --> 00:31:14.160 God, how do I 00:31:14.160 --> 00:31:14.680 need to be 00:31:14.680 --> 00:31:15.500 pursuing holiness 00:31:15.500 --> 00:31:15.880 today? 00:31:17.520 --> 00:31:18.640 The reason we 00:31:18.640 --> 00:31:19.460 exist as a 00:31:19.460 --> 00:31:20.140 church is to 00:31:20.140 --> 00:31:21.180 be treasuring our 00:31:21.180 --> 00:31:22.140 Jesus together 00:31:22.140 --> 00:31:23.600 for God's glory 00:31:23.600 --> 00:31:24.140 and the joy of 00:31:24.140 --> 00:31:24.580 all people. 00:31:25.620 --> 00:31:26.180 We treasure 00:31:26.180 --> 00:31:26.540 Jesus. 00:31:26.700 --> 00:31:27.180 He's the 00:31:27.180 --> 00:31:28.000 ultimate treasure 00:31:28.000 --> 00:31:29.700 and he shows 00:31:29.700 --> 00:31:30.160 us how to 00:31:30.160 --> 00:31:30.779 have a life 00:31:30.779 --> 00:31:31.500 that is full 00:31:31.500 --> 00:31:32.200 of joy. 00:31:33.180 --> 00:31:33.480 Pursuing 00:31:33.480 --> 00:31:35.259 holiness and 00:31:35.259 --> 00:31:36.099 treasuring Jesus 00:31:36.099 --> 00:31:37.880 is the key to 00:31:37.880 --> 00:31:39.420 who we want to 00:31:39.420 --> 00:31:40.000 be as a 00:31:40.000 --> 00:31:41.319 church, who 00:31:41.319 --> 00:31:41.920 we want to be 00:31:41.920 --> 00:31:42.640 becoming over 00:31:42.640 --> 00:31:43.259 the next five 00:31:43.259 --> 00:31:43.599 years. 00:31:44.279 --> 00:31:44.920 In your 00:31:44.920 --> 00:31:45.700 follow 25 00:31:45.700 --> 00:31:46.359 booklets, if 00:31:46.359 --> 00:31:47.200 you don't have 00:31:47.200 --> 00:31:47.859 one of these, 00:31:48.160 --> 00:31:49.019 if you had one 00:31:49.019 --> 00:31:50.119 and don't know 00:31:50.119 --> 00:31:50.480 where it is, 00:31:50.519 --> 00:31:50.900 grab another 00:31:50.900 --> 00:31:51.319 one there on 00:31:51.319 --> 00:31:51.720 the table 00:31:51.720 --> 00:31:52.200 outside. 00:31:52.900 --> 00:31:53.799 In the 00:31:53.799 --> 00:31:54.420 center of 00:31:54.420 --> 00:31:56.200 this is the 00:31:56.200 --> 00:31:57.259 key to who 00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:57.740 we want to 00:31:57.740 --> 00:31:58.180 be as a 00:31:58.180 --> 00:31:59.319 church, right 00:31:59.319 --> 00:32:01.039 here, which 00:32:01.039 --> 00:32:02.480 says that we 00:32:02.480 --> 00:32:03.039 want to see 00:32:03.039 --> 00:32:05.400 65% of our 00:32:05.400 --> 00:32:06.559 church identifying 00:32:06.559 --> 00:32:08.160 much growth in 00:32:08.160 --> 00:32:08.519 faith. 00:32:09.620 --> 00:32:10.420 The vast 00:32:10.420 --> 00:32:11.940 majority, 65% 00:32:11.940 --> 00:32:12.680 of us, growing 00:32:12.680 --> 00:32:14.599 much in faith 00:32:14.599 --> 00:32:15.759 through the work 00:32:15.759 --> 00:32:16.500 of this church. 00:32:17.599 --> 00:32:18.380 Growing in 00:32:18.380 --> 00:32:19.140 faith and 00:32:19.140 --> 00:32:20.539 holiness are 00:32:20.539 --> 00:32:21.319 inextricably 00:32:21.319 --> 00:32:21.660 linked. 00:32:23.420 --> 00:32:24.259 Faith is 00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:24.900 trusting in 00:32:24.900 --> 00:32:25.779 God's plan for 00:32:25.779 --> 00:32:26.400 us and 00:32:26.400 --> 00:32:27.720 pursuing holiness 00:32:27.720 --> 00:32:29.160 holiness is 00:32:29.160 --> 00:32:29.720 trusting that 00:32:29.720 --> 00:32:30.440 God has a 00:32:30.440 --> 00:32:30.839 plan for 00:32:30.839 --> 00:32:31.940 us, that 00:32:31.940 --> 00:32:32.519 he knows 00:32:32.519 --> 00:32:32.960 better for 00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:33.559 our lives 00:32:33.559 --> 00:32:34.120 than what 00:32:34.120 --> 00:32:34.900 I choose. 00:32:35.480 --> 00:32:35.980 Because that's 00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:36.440 all holiness 00:32:36.440 --> 00:32:37.059 is. 00:32:37.860 --> 00:32:38.500 Doing what 00:32:38.500 --> 00:32:39.740 God has set 00:32:39.740 --> 00:32:40.360 out for me 00:32:40.360 --> 00:32:41.240 because it is 00:32:41.240 --> 00:32:41.579 the best 00:32:41.579 --> 00:32:41.880 thing. 00:32:43.420 --> 00:32:43.860 Pursuing 00:32:43.860 --> 00:32:44.819 holiness and 00:32:44.819 --> 00:32:45.620 God's design 00:32:45.620 --> 00:32:47.220 is a big 00:32:47.220 --> 00:32:48.559 step of 00:32:48.559 --> 00:32:49.000 faith. 00:32:50.140 --> 00:32:51.259 When we do 00:32:51.259 --> 00:32:52.339 that, our 00:32:52.339 --> 00:32:53.279 faith and our 00:32:53.279 --> 00:32:54.059 trust in God 00:32:54.059 --> 00:32:54.620 will grow 00:32:54.620 --> 00:32:55.740 moment by 00:32:55.740 --> 00:32:56.740 moment, day 00:32:56.740 --> 00:32:57.319 by day. 00:32:58.759 --> 00:32:59.140 Pursuing 00:32:59.140 --> 00:33:00.620 holiness is 00:33:00.620 --> 00:33:01.900 something that 00:33:01.900 --> 00:33:02.620 each of us 00:33:02.620 --> 00:33:03.140 can do 00:33:03.140 --> 00:33:05.660 because God 00:33:05.660 --> 00:33:06.339 has already 00:33:06.339 --> 00:33:07.019 made us 00:33:07.019 --> 00:33:07.319 holy. 00:33:08.099 --> 00:33:08.680 And we 00:33:08.680 --> 00:33:09.279 should do it 00:33:09.279 --> 00:33:09.900 because it is 00:33:09.900 --> 00:33:10.559 the way we 00:33:10.559 --> 00:33:10.900 can have 00:33:10.900 --> 00:33:11.440 greatest 00:33:11.440 --> 00:33:12.359 happiness. 00:33:12.819 --> 00:33:13.220 It is the 00:33:13.220 --> 00:33:13.839 way that God 00:33:13.839 --> 00:33:14.420 has designed 00:33:14.420 --> 00:33:15.359 us as his 00:33:15.359 --> 00:33:15.660 people. 00:33:16.319 --> 00:33:16.640 Let me 00:33:16.640 --> 00:33:16.900 pray. 00:33:16.900 --> 00:33:16.960 Amen. 00:33:20.500 --> 00:33:21.059 Heavenly 00:33:21.059 --> 00:33:22.400 Father, I 00:33:22.400 --> 00:33:23.019 thank you so 00:33:23.019 --> 00:33:24.599 much for how 00:33:24.599 --> 00:33:25.259 much you 00:33:25.259 --> 00:33:25.879 love us. 00:33:26.859 --> 00:33:27.279 That not 00:33:27.279 --> 00:33:28.599 only have 00:33:28.599 --> 00:33:29.059 you made 00:33:29.059 --> 00:33:29.639 us holy 00:33:29.639 --> 00:33:30.079 through the 00:33:30.079 --> 00:33:30.480 blood of 00:33:30.480 --> 00:33:32.079 Jesus, but 00:33:32.079 --> 00:33:32.419 you are 00:33:32.419 --> 00:33:33.480 making us 00:33:33.480 --> 00:33:33.879 holy. 00:33:34.039 --> 00:33:34.279 You are 00:33:34.279 --> 00:33:35.279 making us 00:33:35.279 --> 00:33:35.959 like you 00:33:35.959 --> 00:33:37.199 bit by 00:33:37.199 --> 00:33:37.799 bit and 00:33:37.799 --> 00:33:38.240 day by 00:33:38.240 --> 00:33:38.599 day. 00:33:39.939 --> 00:33:40.379 Lord, 00:33:40.539 --> 00:33:41.139 pursuing 00:33:41.139 --> 00:33:42.039 holiness can 00:33:42.039 --> 00:33:43.019 feel hard 00:33:43.019 --> 00:33:44.359 and distant. 00:33:45.939 --> 00:33:46.480 Lord, 00:33:46.639 --> 00:33:47.339 remind us 00:33:47.339 --> 00:33:47.779 of its 00:33:47.779 --> 00:33:48.139 goodness. 00:33:49.740 --> 00:33:50.459 Thank you 00:33:50.459 --> 00:33:51.139 for practical 00:33:51.139 --> 00:33:51.980 helps to do 00:33:51.980 --> 00:33:52.160 it. 00:33:52.440 --> 00:33:52.940 But Lord, 00:33:53.059 --> 00:33:53.720 this week, 00:33:53.819 --> 00:33:54.299 as we 00:33:54.299 --> 00:33:54.940 head out 00:33:54.940 --> 00:33:55.519 into weeks 00:33:55.519 --> 00:33:56.259 full of 00:33:56.259 --> 00:33:57.620 busyness, 00:33:57.860 --> 00:33:58.680 challenges at 00:33:58.680 --> 00:33:59.180 work and 00:33:59.180 --> 00:33:59.940 challenges at 00:33:59.940 --> 00:34:01.380 home, kids, 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:02.799 colleagues, all 00:34:02.799 --> 00:34:03.700 of these things, 00:34:03.900 --> 00:34:04.660 Lord, a life 00:34:04.660 --> 00:34:05.380 that is full of 00:34:05.380 --> 00:34:06.259 problems before 00:34:06.259 --> 00:34:06.740 us. 00:34:08.420 --> 00:34:09.599 Help us to 00:34:09.599 --> 00:34:10.639 put off sin 00:34:10.639 --> 00:34:12.699 and to put on 00:34:12.699 --> 00:34:13.840 love for 00:34:13.840 --> 00:34:14.599 others and 00:34:14.599 --> 00:34:15.539 love for you 00:34:15.539 --> 00:34:16.179 as you have 00:34:16.179 --> 00:34:16.760 designed us, 00:34:16.900 --> 00:34:17.039 Lord. 00:34:17.800 --> 00:34:19.219 We ask this in 00:34:19.219 --> 00:34:20.240 Jesus' name and 00:34:20.240 --> 00:34:20.820 all for your 00:34:20.820 --> 00:34:21.119 glory. 00:34:21.119 --> 00:34:22.059 Amen.