WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.960 Well, thank you very much, Stephanie, for that lovely reading. Great to hear the passage read like that. 00:00:06.060 --> 00:00:11.400 I know at my house group last week we were commenting on Thane's reading of the passage the week before, 00:00:11.580 --> 00:00:16.179 which was really beautiful, so we're getting a high standard set for us. 00:00:16.240 --> 00:00:20.640 Now, I stand before you this morning, very pleased to be here, 00:00:20.640 --> 00:00:26.920 pleased to have the opportunity to take a few minutes as we look at Romans chapter 8, 00:00:26.920 --> 00:00:30.200 but also feeling pretty inadequate, if truth be told. 00:00:30.360 --> 00:00:33.300 So, last week, let's have a show of hands. Who was here last Sunday? 00:00:34.160 --> 00:00:37.160 Okay, quite a lot. Quite a lot weren't, which is quite interesting. 00:00:37.280 --> 00:00:43.079 We had Ewan Dodds giving us, I think, a really masterful exposition of Romans 7. 00:00:43.560 --> 00:00:45.560 He had put a huge amount of work into it. 00:00:45.560 --> 00:00:53.040 He had even consulted with Pauline theologians who had PhDs in these passages, right, 00:00:53.219 --> 00:00:56.700 in order to make sure that the exposition was really careful. 00:00:57.240 --> 00:01:00.840 Next week we have Wayne Sutton, the senior pastor at Corubbers, 00:01:00.920 --> 00:01:05.500 who also has devoted his life to studying all of this. 00:01:05.799 --> 00:01:07.519 And sandwiched in between, you've got me. 00:01:07.859 --> 00:01:10.960 So, sorry, there's no degrees or PhDs in theology. 00:01:10.960 --> 00:01:16.659 I haven't even found somebody with a PhD who I could consult to be able to speak to you. 00:01:16.659 --> 00:01:25.120 But all I have been doing is reflecting quite carefully on what are incredibly rich verses 00:01:25.120 --> 00:01:30.079 throughout the last couple of weeks and just trying to let them sink into my own heart and soul. 00:01:30.519 --> 00:01:37.299 And, of course, reading a bit, but also just praying that God would make something here really real to me 00:01:37.299 --> 00:01:40.259 so that I've got something to share with you this morning. 00:01:41.260 --> 00:01:44.680 And I think you could probably look at this and study it for a week or two 00:01:44.680 --> 00:01:47.200 and come up with about 50 different sermons, to be honest. 00:01:47.320 --> 00:01:50.140 Such is the depth and complexity to it. 00:01:50.240 --> 00:01:51.280 So, here goes. 00:01:51.460 --> 00:01:58.560 Here's my attempt at making, at just sharing what this has meant to me as I've studied it. 00:01:58.560 --> 00:02:01.320 And the title, if you want a title, is this question. 00:02:01.480 --> 00:02:03.500 Who is in charge? 00:02:04.060 --> 00:02:04.859 Who's in charge? 00:02:05.060 --> 00:02:07.200 Now, we could look at that in terms of the nation. 00:02:07.680 --> 00:02:10.460 I do, of course, have a picture there of number 10 Downing Street. 00:02:10.800 --> 00:02:12.439 And it's a question which many are asking. 00:02:12.539 --> 00:02:13.479 Who's in charge? 00:02:13.819 --> 00:02:18.240 Has Theresa May really been in charge over these last weeks and months? 00:02:18.340 --> 00:02:19.920 Well, maybe, maybe not. 00:02:20.219 --> 00:02:24.439 And we now, of course, have a battle going on for who is going to be in charge. 00:02:24.539 --> 00:02:27.099 Who is going to be having those keys? 00:02:27.099 --> 00:02:28.019 Do they have keys? 00:02:28.139 --> 00:02:29.680 The door just seems to open, doesn't it? 00:02:30.199 --> 00:02:37.000 Who is going to have the door open as they turn up to number 10 Downing Street in a few weeks' time? 00:02:37.079 --> 00:02:40.139 The battle is raging, isn't it, for control? 00:02:40.219 --> 00:02:42.299 Maybe some of you, are some of you backing Boris? 00:02:42.780 --> 00:02:45.719 Or we don't like to be too political this morning at Brunsfield. 00:02:45.959 --> 00:02:47.180 Maybe you've got your other favourites. 00:02:47.259 --> 00:02:48.099 Maybe you're not too sure. 00:02:48.359 --> 00:02:51.900 Maybe you're switched off altogether with this whole battle. 00:02:51.900 --> 00:03:00.040 But I want to present to you, as we look at Romans 8, a different battle that is raging for control. 00:03:00.400 --> 00:03:02.980 Control this time in our lives. 00:03:03.060 --> 00:03:09.280 Because time and again, and please have the passage and make sure you agree with me or feel free to disagree with me. 00:03:09.280 --> 00:03:17.719 But it seems that time and again we've got a battle between what's described variously as sin, the flesh, death. 00:03:18.180 --> 00:03:19.800 Lots of different words used for it. 00:03:20.099 --> 00:03:23.219 All seeking to have dominance and control. 00:03:24.099 --> 00:03:28.280 And on the other hand, we've got so much that is said about God. 00:03:28.280 --> 00:03:34.879 God the Father, God the Son, Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit. 00:03:35.099 --> 00:03:39.560 Indeed, 17 references in these verses to the Holy Spirit. 00:03:40.479 --> 00:03:45.139 And it seems that God is appearing to us in this passage. 00:03:45.560 --> 00:03:47.879 Father, Son, Holy Spirit. 00:03:48.159 --> 00:03:55.139 Moving and inviting us to allow Him to be in charge in our lives. 00:03:55.139 --> 00:04:03.759 And telling us something about what life will be like if we really allow God to be in charge. 00:04:04.299 --> 00:04:10.419 But yet isn't it the case that as we look in our own hearts and lives, we know the reality of this battle. 00:04:10.979 --> 00:04:14.079 Particularly those of us who would describe ourselves as Christians. 00:04:14.679 --> 00:04:20.719 Those perhaps who have been coming to this church for some time or other churches or seeking to follow God. 00:04:20.720 --> 00:04:27.580 And we recognise that for all that we have come to understand something we believe about God. 00:04:28.080 --> 00:04:31.400 Powerful forces still seem to be at work. 00:04:31.920 --> 00:04:40.920 That cause what's in these verses about sin and flesh and death to still have an influence in our lives. 00:04:41.000 --> 00:04:48.720 And we saw that particularly last week as we looked at what Paul was saying about the struggle with sin in Romans chapter 7. 00:04:48.720 --> 00:05:01.380 Well, there was a little passage I came across in Tim Keller's book, Counterfeit Gods, that I'd like to share with you before we go any further. 00:05:01.980 --> 00:05:10.140 A great book, and it's a book about how the promises of money, love and power have so much appeal but yet let us down. 00:05:10.139 --> 00:05:19.379 And he says this, the human heart is a factory that mass produces idols. 00:05:20.500 --> 00:05:25.759 Idols can never really be removed, they can only be replaced. 00:05:26.759 --> 00:05:33.939 If you try to simply uproot them, they grow back, but they can be supplanted. 00:05:33.939 --> 00:05:42.680 What we need is a living encounter with God in order for them to be supplanted. 00:05:43.639 --> 00:05:51.839 Jesus must become more beautiful to your imagination, more attractive to your heart than your idols. 00:05:52.639 --> 00:06:01.240 If you uproot the idol and fail to plant the love of God in its place, the idol will simply grow back. 00:06:01.240 --> 00:06:05.060 Now those are pretty profound words that might take us a while to get our head around. 00:06:05.379 --> 00:06:08.220 But if I can make it a bit more straightforward, I want you to think of a garden. 00:06:09.139 --> 00:06:14.319 And I want you to think of a garden, perhaps if it's anything like the patches of garden that I have, 00:06:14.540 --> 00:06:18.980 then the one thing that seems to grow very, very easily are lots and lots of weeds. 00:06:19.740 --> 00:06:25.259 And what I think Tim Keller is saying there is, it's not enough just to be trying to uproot the weeds. 00:06:25.259 --> 00:06:31.620 Because the reality is, we'll soon find in those patches of grounds, other weeds are going to grow in the place. 00:06:31.959 --> 00:06:34.860 What we have to be focusing on is planting. 00:06:35.379 --> 00:06:41.819 Planting things that will take the place of those weeds and that will cause the garden to flourish. 00:06:42.959 --> 00:06:48.120 And what I'm going to invite us all to do is perhaps to take some of the seeds, 00:06:48.120 --> 00:06:51.459 seeds which are in Romans chapter 8 verse 1 to 17. 00:06:51.939 --> 00:06:59.259 Seeds of truth, of great transformational truth about God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. 00:06:59.319 --> 00:07:03.980 I'm going to invite you to take these seeds and to plant them in your life. 00:07:04.860 --> 00:07:07.920 And we're going to focus more on the seeds of truth about God 00:07:07.920 --> 00:07:12.699 than we're going to focus on the weeds of sin, flesh, devil and all of the other idols 00:07:12.699 --> 00:07:15.439 which we may feel are taking place in our life. 00:07:15.439 --> 00:07:19.100 And I'm just going to invite you to perhaps focus on these seeds. 00:07:19.180 --> 00:07:21.699 And I hope some of them will be really precious. 00:07:21.839 --> 00:07:26.360 Maybe some you'll take and you'll want to just really cultivate in your life. 00:07:26.379 --> 00:07:29.839 Because you know that you need these seeds to grow and flourish 00:07:29.839 --> 00:07:35.139 so that God can really take his proper place in your life. 00:07:35.259 --> 00:07:40.259 And may that be the case as we just try to explore this a little bit further. 00:07:40.259 --> 00:07:45.579 So I've got three seeds to offer you which I think tell us something amazing, 00:07:45.759 --> 00:07:49.219 something really true, something really vital about God. 00:07:49.480 --> 00:07:51.399 First of all, God the Father. 00:07:51.879 --> 00:07:54.259 I'm going to turn to verse 3 where it says this, 00:07:55.060 --> 00:07:58.839 what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, 00:07:59.259 --> 00:08:06.759 God did by sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. 00:08:06.759 --> 00:08:12.039 And my first seed for you this morning is that God is an active God. 00:08:12.439 --> 00:08:16.699 God is somebody who is moving towards us in love. 00:08:17.099 --> 00:08:19.959 God is not someone in Romans 8 who is passive, 00:08:20.519 --> 00:08:23.579 who is simply waiting to see how we will respond. 00:08:23.860 --> 00:08:27.920 But God is always moving and reaching out towards us. 00:08:28.279 --> 00:08:31.860 And in verse 3 did so in the most ultimate way, 00:08:31.860 --> 00:08:41.879 by reaching out to us to send his son in the likeness of sinful flesh in order to die for us. 00:08:41.960 --> 00:08:47.639 Are we seeing God as someone who in Christ reached towards us in love 00:08:47.639 --> 00:08:54.379 and still through the work of the Holy Spirit is reaching out towards us today? 00:08:54.480 --> 00:08:55.560 Maybe there's a seed there. 00:08:55.860 --> 00:08:57.399 The God who is active, 00:08:57.840 --> 00:09:00.100 the God who is not disinterested, 00:09:00.100 --> 00:09:05.500 the God who is reaching out towards each of us in love today. 00:09:05.899 --> 00:09:10.159 But another truth about us and God is there in verse 7. 00:09:10.440 --> 00:09:13.360 And I'm going to point you to that today where it says, 00:09:13.460 --> 00:09:13.940 verse 7, 00:09:14.240 --> 00:09:19.040 the mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God. 00:09:19.659 --> 00:09:22.860 It does not submit to God's law, 00:09:23.120 --> 00:09:25.139 nor can it do so. 00:09:25.139 --> 00:09:26.360 And verse 8, 00:09:26.360 --> 00:09:31.639 those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 00:09:32.199 --> 00:09:35.659 And the reality about God that we're exposed to here 00:09:35.659 --> 00:09:39.779 is that just left to ourselves and our own devices, 00:09:39.779 --> 00:09:46.360 we will turn away from God and from all that God wants for us. 00:09:46.360 --> 00:09:51.320 And I wonder if we just need to take that truth again 00:09:51.320 --> 00:09:55.360 and remind our hearts and our souls 00:09:55.360 --> 00:09:59.580 that naturally left to our own devices, 00:09:59.580 --> 00:10:04.240 we do not as humans get better and better and better and more advanced 00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:08.740 and life does not, in the terms of this passage, get better. 00:10:08.740 --> 00:10:11.820 But rather left to our own devices, 00:10:12.039 --> 00:10:14.399 we are in rebellion against this God 00:10:14.399 --> 00:10:17.000 who is reaching out towards us in love. 00:10:17.220 --> 00:10:20.580 We are consciously, actively turning aside from him, 00:10:20.840 --> 00:10:23.740 turning away from him and going our own direction. 00:10:24.440 --> 00:10:27.259 And I wonder if we pause this morning 00:10:27.259 --> 00:10:29.500 and we allow these words, 00:10:29.899 --> 00:10:30.500 verse 8, 00:10:30.620 --> 00:10:32.860 those who are in the realm of the flesh 00:10:32.860 --> 00:10:35.159 cannot please God. 00:10:35.159 --> 00:10:39.000 And if we need to acknowledge and confess 00:10:39.000 --> 00:10:41.379 and perhaps repent of the fact 00:10:41.379 --> 00:10:43.579 that our attitude towards God 00:10:43.579 --> 00:10:47.459 has been one of turning away from him. 00:10:48.339 --> 00:10:50.539 Today is, of course, Happy Father's Day. 00:10:50.639 --> 00:10:53.639 Happy Father's Day to all of the dads here. 00:10:54.039 --> 00:10:56.679 I certainly got some lovely gifts this morning. 00:10:56.839 --> 00:10:58.199 I hope some of you are not looking around 00:10:58.199 --> 00:11:00.139 and suddenly realizing that you'd entirely forgotten 00:11:00.139 --> 00:11:02.100 to look after your own dads. 00:11:02.199 --> 00:11:03.360 Well, there's still plenty of time 00:11:03.360 --> 00:11:05.480 to write that for those of you 00:11:05.480 --> 00:11:08.000 who need to wish someone a Happy Father's Day. 00:11:08.080 --> 00:11:11.100 But the other wonderful truth about God here, 00:11:11.360 --> 00:11:14.019 and you'll see it in verse 14, 00:11:14.379 --> 00:11:16.419 and in many of the other verses towards the end, 00:11:16.460 --> 00:11:17.419 is that God has children. 00:11:18.639 --> 00:11:19.480 Verse 14, 00:11:19.680 --> 00:11:22.279 those who are led by the Spirit of God 00:11:22.279 --> 00:11:26.019 are children of God. 00:11:26.700 --> 00:11:30.659 And the wonderful truth that God invites us, 00:11:30.659 --> 00:11:32.899 it's there in verse 15, 00:11:33.500 --> 00:11:35.019 to approach him 00:11:35.019 --> 00:11:37.539 and to cry to him, 00:11:38.159 --> 00:11:39.639 Abba, Father. 00:11:39.839 --> 00:11:42.860 This simple cry out to, 00:11:43.279 --> 00:11:44.740 in need, 00:11:45.159 --> 00:11:46.100 but in trust, 00:11:46.519 --> 00:11:48.939 to one who knows us so well. 00:11:49.139 --> 00:11:51.259 The invitation of God this morning. 00:11:51.379 --> 00:11:51.860 The God, 00:11:52.100 --> 00:11:52.959 the Father God, 00:11:53.079 --> 00:11:54.600 who is moving towards us. 00:11:54.860 --> 00:11:55.539 The Father God, 00:11:55.639 --> 00:11:58.059 who naturally we are moving away from. 00:11:58.059 --> 00:12:01.299 And yet the God who invites us to approach him. 00:12:01.739 --> 00:12:05.159 The God who invites us to be part of his family, 00:12:05.699 --> 00:12:07.639 to share in his inheritance, 00:12:08.279 --> 00:12:10.019 and to call him Father. 00:12:10.119 --> 00:12:13.139 There are just a few seeds of truth about God the Father 00:12:13.139 --> 00:12:14.779 that you might want to take 00:12:14.779 --> 00:12:19.419 and plant deeply into your own life this morning, 00:12:19.759 --> 00:12:21.359 in place of the weeds 00:12:21.359 --> 00:12:24.039 that may be so prevalent 00:12:24.039 --> 00:12:26.319 and that will crop up 00:12:26.319 --> 00:12:28.339 if we allow them to. 00:12:29.139 --> 00:12:31.000 I've got four truths for you now. 00:12:31.139 --> 00:12:32.759 Four seeds about Jesus 00:12:32.759 --> 00:12:34.459 that I see in this passage. 00:12:34.819 --> 00:12:36.219 Jesus Christ, our Lord, 00:12:36.279 --> 00:12:38.419 which I want to offer to you 00:12:38.419 --> 00:12:41.199 and see if you can really take them 00:12:41.199 --> 00:12:43.319 and if they are helpful to you. 00:12:43.439 --> 00:12:44.240 And first of all, 00:12:44.659 --> 00:12:45.919 in verse 11, 00:12:46.319 --> 00:12:47.860 we are reminded of the truth. 00:12:47.939 --> 00:12:48.299 It says, 00:12:48.299 --> 00:12:49.479 If the spirit of him 00:12:49.479 --> 00:12:52.179 who raised Jesus from the dead 00:12:52.179 --> 00:12:54.120 is living in you, 00:12:54.479 --> 00:12:57.039 he who raised Christ from the dead 00:12:57.039 --> 00:13:00.219 will also give life to your mortal bodies 00:13:00.219 --> 00:13:03.000 because of his spirit who lives in you. 00:13:03.039 --> 00:13:03.679 Now reality, 00:13:03.959 --> 00:13:05.559 in that one little verse, 00:13:05.859 --> 00:13:08.199 we've got truths about what God the Father is doing, 00:13:08.479 --> 00:13:10.319 what the Holy Spirit is doing, 00:13:10.659 --> 00:13:12.799 and we've got a great truth in the middle of it 00:13:12.799 --> 00:13:13.779 about what Jesus, 00:13:14.159 --> 00:13:16.519 what has happened with Jesus Christ, 00:13:16.519 --> 00:13:19.759 and that is that he has been raised from the dead. 00:13:19.840 --> 00:13:21.980 And the word that is repeated a lot 00:13:21.980 --> 00:13:24.100 in this passage is the word life. 00:13:25.279 --> 00:13:29.379 And just as Jesus was given newness of life, 00:13:29.759 --> 00:13:32.480 so the promise that comes to us 00:13:32.480 --> 00:13:34.360 time and time again here 00:13:34.360 --> 00:13:35.699 is that the reality, 00:13:35.899 --> 00:13:38.439 if we are to live the life that God wants, 00:13:38.500 --> 00:13:40.759 then that is what we will experience too. 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:42.840 That new life that Jesus had 00:13:42.840 --> 00:13:45.779 is in some ways like the new life 00:13:45.779 --> 00:13:48.899 that we will be able to experience. 00:13:49.919 --> 00:13:52.100 Why on earth have I just put up a picture now 00:13:52.100 --> 00:13:53.019 of a sports car? 00:13:53.399 --> 00:13:54.120 You may ask. 00:13:54.579 --> 00:13:56.139 Well, I'm keen to get your attention here 00:13:56.139 --> 00:13:58.679 as we think of three other truths 00:13:58.679 --> 00:14:00.399 that we are, 00:14:00.740 --> 00:14:01.980 that we're encountered, 00:14:02.379 --> 00:14:04.839 that we're invited to reflect on here 00:14:04.839 --> 00:14:06.779 about Jesus Christ. 00:14:06.779 --> 00:14:11.500 The first truth is that it is possible 00:14:11.500 --> 00:14:16.339 to experience life in Christ. 00:14:17.299 --> 00:14:18.319 Verse 1, 00:14:18.980 --> 00:14:21.480 Therefore there is now no condemnation 00:14:21.480 --> 00:14:25.659 for those who are in Christ Jesus. 00:14:26.620 --> 00:14:27.559 And verse 10, 00:14:27.779 --> 00:14:30.500 If Christ is in you, 00:14:31.120 --> 00:14:33.799 then even though your body is subject to death 00:14:33.799 --> 00:14:34.599 because of sin, 00:14:35.000 --> 00:14:36.219 the Spirit gives life 00:14:36.219 --> 00:14:38.519 because of righteousness. 00:14:39.479 --> 00:14:41.339 So we can know the truth 00:14:41.339 --> 00:14:42.559 of being in Christ 00:14:42.559 --> 00:14:44.099 and having Christ in us. 00:14:44.259 --> 00:14:45.279 Just reflect a little 00:14:45.279 --> 00:14:46.839 on the closeness, 00:14:47.139 --> 00:14:49.099 on the intimacy involved 00:14:49.099 --> 00:14:50.000 in that image. 00:14:50.039 --> 00:14:51.299 And I can't really think of 00:14:51.299 --> 00:14:53.019 an image that is in any way 00:14:53.019 --> 00:14:53.699 good enough 00:14:53.699 --> 00:14:55.379 to even come close 00:14:55.379 --> 00:14:57.039 to describing it. 00:14:57.759 --> 00:14:59.159 But I was spending some time 00:14:59.159 --> 00:15:00.719 this week sitting in my car. 00:15:01.059 --> 00:15:01.759 The kids were having 00:15:01.759 --> 00:15:03.539 an incredibly long haircut 00:15:03.539 --> 00:15:05.279 and I decided 00:15:05.279 --> 00:15:06.799 I wasn't waiting there any longer. 00:15:07.620 --> 00:15:08.179 And indeed, 00:15:08.220 --> 00:15:08.740 I was going to give 00:15:08.740 --> 00:15:09.500 a little bit of thought 00:15:09.500 --> 00:15:10.840 to what I wanted to share 00:15:10.840 --> 00:15:11.480 with you today 00:15:11.480 --> 00:15:13.100 while sitting in my car. 00:15:13.439 --> 00:15:14.240 And it struck me 00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:16.360 that as I was in the car, 00:15:16.480 --> 00:15:19.139 I was completely enclosed 00:15:19.139 --> 00:15:20.720 by that car. 00:15:21.120 --> 00:15:22.279 The doors were shut, 00:15:22.639 --> 00:15:23.679 the windows were up, 00:15:23.919 --> 00:15:25.000 and this doesn't seem 00:15:25.000 --> 00:15:26.139 a particularly profound truth, 00:15:26.220 --> 00:15:28.220 but I was in the car. 00:15:29.919 --> 00:15:30.080 Yeah? 00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:32.920 But also that within that car 00:15:32.920 --> 00:15:34.080 there was so much 00:15:34.080 --> 00:15:35.800 that could be done 00:15:35.800 --> 00:15:37.500 that I would not be able 00:15:37.500 --> 00:15:38.460 to do myself. 00:15:39.040 --> 00:15:40.840 By simply pressing the button, 00:15:41.320 --> 00:15:42.100 putting my foot 00:15:42.100 --> 00:15:42.820 on the accelerator, 00:15:43.320 --> 00:15:44.460 and trying my best 00:15:44.460 --> 00:15:45.580 to pay attention 00:15:45.580 --> 00:15:46.400 to the surroundings 00:15:46.400 --> 00:15:47.520 and the rules of the road, 00:15:47.700 --> 00:15:48.860 I would be able to 00:15:48.860 --> 00:15:50.139 get places 00:15:50.139 --> 00:15:52.040 at a speed 00:15:52.040 --> 00:15:53.300 that would be 00:15:53.300 --> 00:15:54.460 utterly impossible 00:15:54.460 --> 00:15:56.500 if I wasn't actually 00:15:56.500 --> 00:15:57.920 in the car 00:15:57.920 --> 00:15:59.520 and driving in the car. 00:15:59.519 --> 00:16:00.000 You see where 00:16:00.000 --> 00:16:01.319 kind of my mind went to 00:16:01.319 --> 00:16:02.620 in eventually giving you 00:16:02.620 --> 00:16:04.059 an image of a racing car 00:16:04.059 --> 00:16:05.360 to think about. 00:16:05.439 --> 00:16:06.840 And I freely acknowledge 00:16:06.840 --> 00:16:07.960 that the image 00:16:07.960 --> 00:16:09.360 is limited. 00:16:10.279 --> 00:16:11.039 But the seed 00:16:11.039 --> 00:16:12.579 I want to give you 00:16:12.579 --> 00:16:13.220 this morning 00:16:13.220 --> 00:16:14.960 is just this thought 00:16:14.960 --> 00:16:15.579 about Jesus 00:16:15.579 --> 00:16:17.460 that he invites us 00:16:17.460 --> 00:16:19.159 to step into 00:16:19.159 --> 00:16:21.419 all that he is, 00:16:21.620 --> 00:16:22.720 all that he has, 00:16:22.939 --> 00:16:24.019 and all that he wants 00:16:24.019 --> 00:16:24.980 us to be. 00:16:24.980 --> 00:16:27.180 and not just have 00:16:27.180 --> 00:16:29.320 a kind of head knowledge 00:16:29.320 --> 00:16:30.159 of Jesus 00:16:30.159 --> 00:16:31.820 and yes, 00:16:32.159 --> 00:16:33.700 a set of beliefs 00:16:33.700 --> 00:16:34.800 about who he is 00:16:34.800 --> 00:16:36.159 and what he did, 00:16:36.560 --> 00:16:38.500 but to really step in 00:16:38.500 --> 00:16:40.139 and to think about 00:16:40.139 --> 00:16:40.860 what it means 00:16:40.860 --> 00:16:42.659 to be in Christ 00:16:42.659 --> 00:16:44.800 and to be experiencing 00:16:44.800 --> 00:16:45.879 a life 00:16:45.879 --> 00:16:46.560 where we are 00:16:46.560 --> 00:16:47.620 surrounded 00:16:47.620 --> 00:16:48.840 by him 00:16:48.840 --> 00:16:50.180 and by his love 00:16:50.179 --> 00:16:51.839 and by his power 00:16:51.839 --> 00:16:52.579 and by all 00:16:52.579 --> 00:16:54.039 that he offers 00:16:54.039 --> 00:16:55.639 to us 00:16:55.639 --> 00:16:57.039 in Christ. 00:16:57.539 --> 00:16:58.639 But the other phrase 00:16:58.639 --> 00:16:59.239 that comes 00:16:59.239 --> 00:17:00.659 time and again 00:17:00.659 --> 00:17:01.059 here 00:17:01.059 --> 00:17:02.279 is that it's possible 00:17:02.279 --> 00:17:03.179 not just to be 00:17:03.179 --> 00:17:03.939 in Christ 00:17:03.939 --> 00:17:05.480 but to belong 00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:06.659 to Christ. 00:17:07.259 --> 00:17:08.460 Verse 9 00:17:08.460 --> 00:17:08.980 says 00:17:08.980 --> 00:17:09.740 you whoever 00:17:09.740 --> 00:17:10.799 are not of the realm 00:17:10.799 --> 00:17:11.420 of the flesh 00:17:11.420 --> 00:17:12.319 but on the realm 00:17:12.319 --> 00:17:12.920 of the spirit 00:17:12.920 --> 00:17:13.759 if indeed 00:17:13.759 --> 00:17:15.120 the spirit of God 00:17:15.120 --> 00:17:15.700 lives in you 00:17:15.700 --> 00:17:16.759 if anyone does not 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:17.799 have the spirit of Christ 00:17:17.799 --> 00:17:19.620 they do not belong 00:17:19.620 --> 00:17:20.559 to Christ. 00:17:21.019 --> 00:17:21.480 Verse 10 00:17:21.480 --> 00:17:22.600 but if Christ is in you 00:17:22.600 --> 00:17:23.319 then even though 00:17:23.319 --> 00:17:24.299 your body is subject 00:17:24.299 --> 00:17:24.819 to death 00:17:24.819 --> 00:17:25.579 because of sin 00:17:25.579 --> 00:17:27.200 the spirit gives life 00:17:27.200 --> 00:17:29.240 because of righteousness. 00:17:30.440 --> 00:17:31.579 And here's the truth 00:17:31.579 --> 00:17:32.840 here is the seed 00:17:32.840 --> 00:17:33.940 about Jesus Christ 00:17:33.940 --> 00:17:35.059 in the same way 00:17:35.059 --> 00:17:35.940 as I 00:17:35.940 --> 00:17:37.180 and my children 00:17:37.180 --> 00:17:38.519 can say with confidence 00:17:38.519 --> 00:17:39.400 that we belong 00:17:39.400 --> 00:17:41.460 to the Johnston family 00:17:41.460 --> 00:17:44.259 and you 00:17:44.259 --> 00:17:44.900 I'm sure 00:17:44.900 --> 00:17:46.360 can look at the family 00:17:46.360 --> 00:17:47.480 and hopefully 00:17:47.480 --> 00:17:48.500 have a sense 00:17:48.500 --> 00:17:49.299 of belonging 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:50.200 to that family 00:17:50.200 --> 00:17:50.759 though I appreciate 00:17:50.759 --> 00:17:51.799 that's not a reality 00:17:51.799 --> 00:17:53.080 for everyone. 00:17:53.600 --> 00:17:54.420 So Jesus 00:17:54.420 --> 00:17:55.920 invites us today 00:17:55.920 --> 00:17:57.840 to recognize 00:17:57.840 --> 00:17:59.240 the truth 00:17:59.240 --> 00:18:01.259 that not only 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:03.460 has he died 00:18:03.460 --> 00:18:04.700 and risen for us 00:18:04.700 --> 00:18:06.360 not only does he invite us 00:18:06.359 --> 00:18:07.299 to step in 00:18:07.299 --> 00:18:07.979 and experience 00:18:07.979 --> 00:18:08.419 a life 00:18:08.419 --> 00:18:09.319 in Christ 00:18:09.319 --> 00:18:11.199 but that he says 00:18:11.199 --> 00:18:12.339 you belong. 00:18:13.500 --> 00:18:14.139 You're no longer 00:18:14.139 --> 00:18:15.099 strangers. 00:18:16.039 --> 00:18:16.659 You're no longer 00:18:16.659 --> 00:18:18.439 at a distance. 00:18:19.339 --> 00:18:19.779 Come in 00:18:19.779 --> 00:18:20.659 and experience 00:18:20.659 --> 00:18:21.719 what it is 00:18:21.719 --> 00:18:22.799 to belong 00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:24.099 to this family 00:18:24.099 --> 00:18:25.319 this family 00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:26.159 of Christ. 00:18:26.559 --> 00:18:27.000 And I wonder 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:27.740 if some of us 00:18:27.740 --> 00:18:28.740 need to experience 00:18:28.740 --> 00:18:29.279 again 00:18:29.279 --> 00:18:30.639 a sense of belonging 00:18:30.639 --> 00:18:32.379 a sense of belonging 00:18:32.379 --> 00:18:33.500 first and foremost 00:18:33.500 --> 00:18:34.319 to Jesus. 00:18:34.639 --> 00:18:35.279 We're not alone. 00:18:35.279 --> 00:18:37.019 We're not isolated. 00:18:37.379 --> 00:18:37.940 We're not trying 00:18:37.940 --> 00:18:39.200 to work all this 00:18:39.200 --> 00:18:40.259 stuff out ourselves. 00:18:41.119 --> 00:18:41.980 We belong. 00:18:43.200 --> 00:18:44.039 Hear the truth. 00:18:44.220 --> 00:18:44.899 You belong 00:18:44.899 --> 00:18:45.740 this morning. 00:18:46.240 --> 00:18:47.399 If you just step in 00:18:47.399 --> 00:18:48.460 willing to step 00:18:48.460 --> 00:18:49.599 into that relationship 00:18:49.599 --> 00:18:50.500 with Jesus Christ 00:18:50.500 --> 00:18:51.660 you're not on your own. 00:18:53.200 --> 00:18:53.639 And of course 00:18:53.639 --> 00:18:54.319 church 00:18:54.319 --> 00:18:55.859 is intended 00:18:55.859 --> 00:18:56.359 to be 00:18:56.359 --> 00:18:57.480 an expression 00:18:57.480 --> 00:18:59.420 of the truth 00:18:59.420 --> 00:19:00.740 that God offers us 00:19:00.740 --> 00:19:01.779 which is that 00:19:01.779 --> 00:19:02.639 in Jesus Christ 00:19:02.639 --> 00:19:03.319 we're not alone. 00:19:03.440 --> 00:19:03.960 We belong. 00:19:03.960 --> 00:19:04.759 And so in church 00:19:04.759 --> 00:19:05.120 we're told 00:19:05.120 --> 00:19:06.180 we belong to 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:06.980 one another. 00:19:07.120 --> 00:19:07.640 We're intended 00:19:07.640 --> 00:19:08.400 to have fellowship 00:19:08.400 --> 00:19:09.019 that just 00:19:09.019 --> 00:19:10.880 emulates in some way 00:19:10.880 --> 00:19:12.720 what it is like 00:19:12.720 --> 00:19:14.220 to be part 00:19:14.220 --> 00:19:14.819 of this 00:19:14.819 --> 00:19:15.480 family. 00:19:16.519 --> 00:19:17.100 And finally 00:19:17.100 --> 00:19:18.079 and marvelously 00:19:18.079 --> 00:19:19.180 in terms of Jesus 00:19:19.180 --> 00:19:20.480 we're about to move on 00:19:20.480 --> 00:19:21.340 to some seeds 00:19:21.340 --> 00:19:21.819 in relation 00:19:21.819 --> 00:19:22.779 to the Holy Spirit. 00:19:23.440 --> 00:19:24.319 Verse 17 00:19:24.319 --> 00:19:26.360 tells us this. 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:27.059 If we are 00:19:27.059 --> 00:19:27.799 God's children 00:19:27.799 --> 00:19:28.819 then we are 00:19:28.819 --> 00:19:29.340 heirs. 00:19:29.960 --> 00:19:30.920 Heirs of God 00:19:30.920 --> 00:19:33.539 and co-heirs 00:19:33.539 --> 00:19:34.820 with Christ. 00:19:39.080 --> 00:19:40.320 Verse 17 00:19:40.320 --> 00:19:42.420 the truth about Jesus 00:19:42.420 --> 00:19:44.460 is that as we 00:19:44.460 --> 00:19:45.779 think of Jesus 00:19:45.779 --> 00:19:47.060 and his greatness 00:19:47.060 --> 00:19:48.660 his splendor 00:19:48.660 --> 00:19:49.740 his glory 00:19:49.740 --> 00:19:51.039 as creator 00:19:51.039 --> 00:19:52.460 of this universe 00:19:52.460 --> 00:19:54.060 as the one 00:19:54.060 --> 00:19:55.820 who we see 00:19:55.820 --> 00:19:56.580 who we read about 00:19:56.580 --> 00:19:57.300 in Revelation 00:19:57.300 --> 00:19:58.420 as enthroned 00:19:58.420 --> 00:19:59.700 and exalted. 00:20:00.039 --> 00:20:00.580 We're told 00:20:00.580 --> 00:20:01.560 in verse 17 00:20:01.560 --> 00:20:02.440 that part of 00:20:02.440 --> 00:20:03.039 what's going on 00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:03.700 here in terms 00:20:03.700 --> 00:20:04.279 of God 00:20:04.279 --> 00:20:05.539 is that we are 00:20:05.539 --> 00:20:06.759 co-heirs 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:08.160 with Christ. 00:20:08.820 --> 00:20:09.720 All of his 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:10.420 inheritance 00:20:10.420 --> 00:20:11.900 all of his 00:20:11.900 --> 00:20:12.440 riches 00:20:12.440 --> 00:20:13.660 are things 00:20:13.660 --> 00:20:14.480 that we are 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:15.420 invited to 00:20:15.420 --> 00:20:16.440 share in. 00:20:16.759 --> 00:20:17.380 I don't pretend 00:20:17.380 --> 00:20:18.840 to understand 00:20:18.840 --> 00:20:19.640 even the 00:20:19.640 --> 00:20:20.340 beginnings 00:20:20.340 --> 00:20:21.140 of what that's 00:20:21.140 --> 00:20:22.539 really all about 00:20:22.539 --> 00:20:23.220 other than to 00:20:23.220 --> 00:20:24.100 offer it to you 00:20:24.100 --> 00:20:24.840 as a truth 00:20:24.840 --> 00:20:26.000 as a seed 00:20:26.000 --> 00:20:26.640 which perhaps 00:20:26.640 --> 00:20:27.980 can supplant 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:29.040 some of the 00:20:29.040 --> 00:20:29.800 rubbish 00:20:29.800 --> 00:20:31.020 that might be 00:20:31.020 --> 00:20:32.060 in our lives 00:20:32.060 --> 00:20:32.840 and growing 00:20:32.840 --> 00:20:34.759 all around us. 00:20:35.200 --> 00:20:36.300 Truths about God 00:20:36.300 --> 00:20:38.020 truths about Jesus 00:20:38.020 --> 00:20:39.500 and now we come on 00:20:39.500 --> 00:20:40.180 to in many ways 00:20:40.180 --> 00:20:40.820 the person who 00:20:40.820 --> 00:20:41.259 seems to be 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.280 the central figure 00:20:42.280 --> 00:20:43.440 in this passage 00:20:43.440 --> 00:20:44.420 the Holy Spirit 00:20:44.420 --> 00:20:45.100 himself 00:20:45.100 --> 00:20:46.520 note in verses 00:20:46.520 --> 00:20:47.720 9 and 10 00:20:47.720 --> 00:20:48.680 that he's not 00:20:48.680 --> 00:20:49.680 somebody who may 00:20:49.680 --> 00:20:50.440 or may not 00:20:50.440 --> 00:20:51.060 be present 00:20:51.060 --> 00:20:51.740 in the lives 00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:52.759 of Christians 00:20:52.759 --> 00:20:54.660 it's very very clear 00:20:54.660 --> 00:20:55.920 in verses 9 and 10 00:20:55.920 --> 00:20:56.640 that he comes 00:20:56.640 --> 00:20:57.500 and dwells 00:20:57.500 --> 00:20:59.279 in every single 00:20:59.279 --> 00:20:59.880 person 00:20:59.880 --> 00:21:01.200 who is 00:21:01.200 --> 00:21:02.400 a follower 00:21:02.400 --> 00:21:03.519 of Jesus 00:21:03.519 --> 00:21:04.080 Christ 00:21:04.080 --> 00:21:04.680 and again 00:21:04.680 --> 00:21:06.000 he offers 00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:07.340 us life 00:21:07.340 --> 00:21:08.200 verses 2 00:21:08.200 --> 00:21:09.259 verses 6 00:21:09.259 --> 00:21:10.259 verses 10 00:21:10.259 --> 00:21:11.200 verses 11 00:21:11.200 --> 00:21:12.220 verses 13 00:21:12.220 --> 00:21:13.279 and there are others 00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:14.220 repeating time 00:21:14.220 --> 00:21:14.720 and again 00:21:14.720 --> 00:21:16.060 that the Holy Spirit 00:21:16.060 --> 00:21:17.279 comes and offers 00:21:17.279 --> 00:21:18.080 life 00:21:18.080 --> 00:21:18.779 but I want to 00:21:18.779 --> 00:21:19.900 just give you 00:21:19.900 --> 00:21:20.880 two or three 00:21:20.880 --> 00:21:22.039 specific seeds 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:23.640 about the Holy Spirit 00:21:23.640 --> 00:21:24.560 that I observe 00:21:24.560 --> 00:21:26.520 in this passage 00:21:26.520 --> 00:21:27.740 which I think 00:21:27.740 --> 00:21:29.100 might be helpful 00:21:29.100 --> 00:21:29.840 for us 00:21:29.840 --> 00:21:31.140 verse 5 00:21:31.140 --> 00:21:32.640 let's look at it 00:21:32.640 --> 00:21:34.640 those who live 00:21:34.640 --> 00:21:35.700 according to the flesh 00:21:35.700 --> 00:21:36.440 have their minds 00:21:36.440 --> 00:21:37.460 set on what the flesh 00:21:37.460 --> 00:21:37.960 desires 00:21:37.960 --> 00:21:39.560 but those who live 00:21:39.560 --> 00:21:40.500 in accordance with the 00:21:40.500 --> 00:21:40.820 Spirit 00:21:40.820 --> 00:21:42.180 have their minds 00:21:42.180 --> 00:21:43.520 set on what 00:21:43.520 --> 00:21:44.100 the Spirit 00:21:44.100 --> 00:21:45.280 desires 00:21:45.280 --> 00:21:47.420 and just that wee phrase 00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:47.980 at the end 00:21:47.980 --> 00:21:49.340 has been playing 00:21:49.340 --> 00:21:50.140 in my mind 00:21:50.140 --> 00:21:51.660 mindset 00:21:51.660 --> 00:21:52.600 on what 00:21:52.600 --> 00:21:53.340 the Spirit 00:21:53.340 --> 00:21:54.160 desires 00:21:54.160 --> 00:21:55.640 and the truth 00:21:55.640 --> 00:21:56.560 about the Holy Spirit 00:21:56.560 --> 00:21:57.460 that I offer you 00:21:57.460 --> 00:21:57.940 this morning 00:21:57.940 --> 00:21:59.259 is that the Holy Spirit 00:21:59.259 --> 00:22:01.200 is not disinterested 00:22:01.200 --> 00:22:02.000 in us 00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:03.240 and in our life 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:04.340 and in our choices 00:22:04.340 --> 00:22:05.360 and in our present 00:22:05.360 --> 00:22:06.280 and in our future 00:22:06.280 --> 00:22:08.020 but he has desires 00:22:08.020 --> 00:22:09.540 for us 00:22:09.540 --> 00:22:11.700 the Holy Spirit 00:22:11.700 --> 00:22:12.900 has desires 00:22:12.900 --> 00:22:14.640 for your life 00:22:14.640 --> 00:22:15.800 and for mine 00:22:15.800 --> 00:22:17.540 regardless of our age 00:22:17.540 --> 00:22:18.340 and stage 00:22:18.339 --> 00:22:20.099 regardless of our past 00:22:20.099 --> 00:22:21.939 regardless of our regrets 00:22:21.939 --> 00:22:23.720 regardless of our fears 00:22:23.720 --> 00:22:25.139 I stand confident 00:22:25.139 --> 00:22:26.619 because it's in God's Word 00:22:26.619 --> 00:22:27.619 and say 00:22:27.619 --> 00:22:29.019 that the Holy Spirit 00:22:29.019 --> 00:22:30.759 has desires 00:22:30.759 --> 00:22:33.019 for our life 00:22:33.019 --> 00:22:35.000 and for my life 00:22:35.000 --> 00:22:36.359 verse 13 00:22:36.359 --> 00:22:37.500 another truth 00:22:37.500 --> 00:22:38.419 if you live 00:22:38.419 --> 00:22:39.539 according to the flesh 00:22:39.539 --> 00:22:40.259 you will die 00:22:40.259 --> 00:22:41.579 but if by the Spirit 00:22:41.579 --> 00:22:42.559 you put to death 00:22:42.559 --> 00:22:44.019 the misdeeds of the body 00:22:44.019 --> 00:22:45.699 you will live 00:22:45.699 --> 00:22:46.619 and the truth here 00:22:46.619 --> 00:22:47.919 is that the Holy Spirit 00:22:47.920 --> 00:22:48.880 gives us power 00:22:48.880 --> 00:22:50.360 the Holy Spirit 00:22:50.360 --> 00:22:51.519 is the only one 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:52.800 who gives us power 00:22:52.800 --> 00:22:53.380 to change 00:22:53.380 --> 00:22:54.039 he's the one 00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:55.100 who gives us the power 00:22:55.100 --> 00:22:56.720 to uproot those weeds 00:22:56.720 --> 00:22:57.400 and rubbish 00:22:57.400 --> 00:22:58.600 that might be taking 00:22:58.600 --> 00:23:00.860 place in our lives 00:23:00.860 --> 00:23:02.080 and so if we are here 00:23:02.080 --> 00:23:02.640 this morning 00:23:02.640 --> 00:23:04.240 struggling with sin 00:23:04.240 --> 00:23:06.100 feeling regretful 00:23:06.100 --> 00:23:07.259 about the 00:23:07.259 --> 00:23:09.120 perhaps the events 00:23:09.120 --> 00:23:09.960 of the last week 00:23:09.960 --> 00:23:10.360 month 00:23:10.360 --> 00:23:10.759 year 00:23:10.759 --> 00:23:11.580 or maybe even 00:23:11.580 --> 00:23:12.519 our lives 00:23:12.519 --> 00:23:14.539 then in and of ourselves 00:23:14.539 --> 00:23:15.480 that's normal 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:16.480 but I want to 00:23:16.480 --> 00:23:17.339 encourage us 00:23:17.339 --> 00:23:18.779 and to give you 00:23:18.779 --> 00:23:19.920 this seed 00:23:19.920 --> 00:23:20.680 this morning 00:23:20.680 --> 00:23:21.860 that the Holy Spirit 00:23:21.860 --> 00:23:22.700 is the one 00:23:22.700 --> 00:23:24.200 who says 00:23:24.200 --> 00:23:24.819 I'll give you 00:23:24.819 --> 00:23:25.579 that power 00:23:25.579 --> 00:23:27.160 day by day 00:23:27.160 --> 00:23:29.339 to change 00:23:29.339 --> 00:23:31.079 I'm not saying 00:23:31.079 --> 00:23:31.819 it'll be easy 00:23:31.819 --> 00:23:33.019 I'm not saying 00:23:33.019 --> 00:23:33.720 that suddenly 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:34.339 because you've got 00:23:34.339 --> 00:23:34.960 the Holy Spirit 00:23:34.960 --> 00:23:35.620 in your life 00:23:35.620 --> 00:23:36.920 everything will be fine 00:23:36.920 --> 00:23:37.860 and you'll no longer 00:23:37.860 --> 00:23:39.360 experience the desires 00:23:39.360 --> 00:23:40.220 around sin 00:23:40.220 --> 00:23:41.420 but I am saying 00:23:41.420 --> 00:23:42.500 I'll give you the power 00:23:42.500 --> 00:23:44.160 to put to death 00:23:44.160 --> 00:23:45.339 the misdeeds 00:23:45.339 --> 00:23:47.180 of the body 00:23:47.180 --> 00:23:49.220 and then another truth 00:23:49.220 --> 00:23:50.819 about the Holy Spirit 00:23:50.819 --> 00:23:52.680 is in verse 14 00:23:52.680 --> 00:23:53.319 where it says 00:23:53.319 --> 00:23:54.339 those who are led 00:23:54.339 --> 00:23:55.480 by the Spirit of God 00:23:55.480 --> 00:23:57.859 are the children of God 00:23:57.859 --> 00:23:58.880 I don't normally use slides 00:23:58.880 --> 00:23:59.420 and some of you 00:23:59.420 --> 00:23:59.900 might be saying 00:23:59.900 --> 00:24:00.599 Paul we wish you 00:24:00.599 --> 00:24:02.119 continued not to use slides 00:24:02.119 --> 00:24:03.039 because some of your pictures 00:24:03.039 --> 00:24:04.180 are really a bit bizarre 00:24:04.180 --> 00:24:05.019 why on earth 00:24:05.019 --> 00:24:05.700 are you now showing 00:24:05.700 --> 00:24:06.740 a picture of a dog 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:07.819 with a dog's lead 00:24:07.819 --> 00:24:08.400 in its mouth 00:24:08.400 --> 00:24:09.880 well I was thinking here 00:24:09.880 --> 00:24:10.579 of what it means 00:24:10.579 --> 00:24:12.140 to be led by the Spirit 00:24:12.140 --> 00:24:13.200 because as well as 00:24:13.200 --> 00:24:13.720 the Holy Spirit 00:24:13.720 --> 00:24:14.600 having desires 00:24:14.600 --> 00:24:16.120 as well as the Holy Spirit 00:24:16.120 --> 00:24:16.980 having power 00:24:16.980 --> 00:24:18.100 the reality is 00:24:18.100 --> 00:24:18.860 the Holy Spirit 00:24:18.860 --> 00:24:22.040 wants to lead us 00:24:22.040 --> 00:24:23.860 now I find it's quite strange 00:24:23.860 --> 00:24:25.440 I for the last couple of years 00:24:25.440 --> 00:24:27.080 have had a little dog 00:24:27.080 --> 00:24:29.200 and have very much enjoyed 00:24:29.200 --> 00:24:30.759 being out with a dog 00:24:30.759 --> 00:24:32.180 but there's a choice 00:24:32.180 --> 00:24:32.920 you have to make 00:24:32.920 --> 00:24:33.580 every time 00:24:33.580 --> 00:24:34.340 you're going to go out 00:24:34.340 --> 00:24:34.759 with a dog 00:24:34.759 --> 00:24:35.460 and that is 00:24:35.460 --> 00:24:36.520 is it a time 00:24:36.520 --> 00:24:37.080 to have the dog 00:24:37.080 --> 00:24:38.480 on the lead or not 00:24:38.480 --> 00:24:39.020 now some of you 00:24:39.020 --> 00:24:39.900 who might be in the 00:24:39.900 --> 00:24:40.800 kind of centre of Edinburgh 00:24:40.799 --> 00:24:42.299 maybe have never experienced 00:24:42.299 --> 00:24:43.359 taking a dog out 00:24:43.359 --> 00:24:44.539 without a lead on 00:24:44.539 --> 00:24:45.119 because I appreciate 00:24:45.119 --> 00:24:45.940 you probably don't want 00:24:45.940 --> 00:24:47.119 dogs walking up and down 00:24:47.119 --> 00:24:47.879 Leamington Terrace 00:24:47.879 --> 00:24:48.899 without leads on 00:24:48.899 --> 00:24:50.259 it's probably a bit dangerous 00:24:50.259 --> 00:24:51.819 but I do like the times 00:24:51.819 --> 00:24:52.740 where living slightly 00:24:52.740 --> 00:24:53.240 out of town 00:24:53.240 --> 00:24:54.579 it's possible to have 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:55.460 our little dog Harris 00:24:55.460 --> 00:24:56.480 running around 00:24:56.480 --> 00:24:57.639 without his lead on 00:24:57.639 --> 00:24:57.960 but do you know 00:24:57.960 --> 00:24:58.579 what happens? 00:24:59.440 --> 00:25:00.859 He gets so distracted 00:25:00.859 --> 00:25:02.519 he's having a great time 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:03.579 but he can't really 00:25:03.579 --> 00:25:04.579 get anywhere 00:25:04.579 --> 00:25:05.659 because 00:25:05.659 --> 00:25:06.579 let's face it 00:25:06.579 --> 00:25:07.220 it's smells 00:25:07.220 --> 00:25:08.919 it's lamp posts 00:25:08.920 --> 00:25:10.279 it's random bits 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:10.820 of ground 00:25:10.820 --> 00:25:12.180 it's the grass 00:25:12.180 --> 00:25:13.680 it's another dog 00:25:13.680 --> 00:25:14.680 but there are just 00:25:14.680 --> 00:25:16.620 so many distractions 00:25:16.620 --> 00:25:17.660 that if he's out 00:25:17.660 --> 00:25:18.259 without his lead 00:25:18.259 --> 00:25:19.060 then it's pretty much 00:25:19.060 --> 00:25:19.800 running round 00:25:19.800 --> 00:25:20.740 in circles time 00:25:20.740 --> 00:25:23.000 and every so often 00:25:23.000 --> 00:25:23.720 when I call him 00:25:23.720 --> 00:25:24.240 because I think 00:25:24.240 --> 00:25:25.340 we're going to go somewhere 00:25:25.340 --> 00:25:26.400 the odd thing is 00:25:26.400 --> 00:25:27.620 he gets quite excited 00:25:27.620 --> 00:25:29.640 about the lead going on 00:25:29.640 --> 00:25:30.779 and as somehow 00:25:30.779 --> 00:25:31.360 or other then 00:25:31.360 --> 00:25:31.980 having a somewhat 00:25:31.980 --> 00:25:33.019 more purposeful 00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:33.640 journey 00:25:33.640 --> 00:25:34.960 where we see more 00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:35.660 than just the same 00:25:35.660 --> 00:25:36.480 patch of grass 00:25:36.480 --> 00:25:37.160 that we're sort of 00:25:37.160 --> 00:25:37.860 running round and round 00:25:37.860 --> 00:25:38.140 and round 00:25:38.140 --> 00:25:39.120 and fascinated by 00:25:39.120 --> 00:25:39.780 slightly unpleasant 00:25:39.780 --> 00:25:40.780 smells in it 00:25:40.780 --> 00:25:42.000 now again 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:43.140 it's an illustration 00:25:43.140 --> 00:25:44.100 which I'm offering you 00:25:44.100 --> 00:25:45.420 it's got huge limitations 00:25:45.420 --> 00:25:46.640 because I do not think 00:25:46.640 --> 00:25:47.480 God sees us 00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:48.220 as people 00:25:48.220 --> 00:25:49.460 in the same way 00:25:49.460 --> 00:25:50.580 as I see that dog 00:25:50.580 --> 00:25:50.880 right 00:25:50.880 --> 00:25:51.900 so I'm not suggesting 00:25:51.900 --> 00:25:52.340 for a minute 00:25:52.340 --> 00:25:53.460 God wants to take us 00:25:53.460 --> 00:25:53.840 in a lead 00:25:53.840 --> 00:25:54.980 and drag us through life 00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:55.820 or that that's what 00:25:55.820 --> 00:25:56.880 the Holy Spirit's up 00:25:56.880 --> 00:25:57.920 but what I am saying 00:25:57.920 --> 00:25:58.860 from this passage today 00:25:58.860 --> 00:25:59.620 is the Holy Spirit 00:25:59.620 --> 00:26:00.920 wants to lead us 00:26:00.920 --> 00:26:02.680 and I think the question 00:26:02.680 --> 00:26:03.320 is whether we are 00:26:03.320 --> 00:26:04.080 willing to be led 00:26:04.080 --> 00:26:04.900 by the Holy Spirit 00:26:04.900 --> 00:26:06.680 and I think 00:26:06.680 --> 00:26:07.380 where my illustration 00:26:07.380 --> 00:26:08.420 may have some relevance 00:26:08.420 --> 00:26:09.520 is that the reality 00:26:09.520 --> 00:26:10.160 is that without 00:26:10.160 --> 00:26:11.140 the Holy Spirit's leading 00:26:11.140 --> 00:26:12.300 we might be a bit 00:26:12.300 --> 00:26:13.060 like that dog 00:26:13.060 --> 00:26:14.240 running round and round 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:15.040 and round in circles 00:26:15.040 --> 00:26:16.780 being totally distracted 00:26:16.780 --> 00:26:17.920 maybe at times 00:26:17.920 --> 00:26:18.440 thinking we're having 00:26:18.440 --> 00:26:19.000 a great time 00:26:19.000 --> 00:26:19.860 but getting absolutely 00:26:19.860 --> 00:26:20.260 nowhere 00:26:20.260 --> 00:26:25.220 and so I ask 00:26:25.220 --> 00:26:26.080 myself 00:26:26.080 --> 00:26:28.240 where is the Holy Spirit 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:29.300 wanting to take me 00:26:29.300 --> 00:26:30.860 where is he wanting 00:26:30.860 --> 00:26:31.360 me to go 00:26:31.360 --> 00:26:32.040 what decisions 00:26:32.040 --> 00:26:33.020 is he wanting me 00:26:33.019 --> 00:26:33.579 to make 00:26:33.579 --> 00:26:34.220 today 00:26:34.220 --> 00:26:35.859 and in the days 00:26:35.859 --> 00:26:36.220 ahead 00:26:36.220 --> 00:26:37.240 and am I seeking 00:26:37.240 --> 00:26:37.799 his will 00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:38.680 am I saying 00:26:38.680 --> 00:26:39.200 God 00:26:39.200 --> 00:26:40.200 through the power 00:26:40.200 --> 00:26:41.279 of the Holy Spirit 00:26:41.279 --> 00:26:42.240 please lead 00:26:42.240 --> 00:26:43.539 and direct my life 00:26:43.539 --> 00:26:44.660 so that I do not 00:26:44.660 --> 00:26:45.779 just run around 00:26:45.779 --> 00:26:46.440 in circles 00:26:46.440 --> 00:26:47.960 and waste this time 00:26:47.960 --> 00:26:48.480 on earth 00:26:48.480 --> 00:26:49.700 but that I use 00:26:49.700 --> 00:26:50.579 whatever days 00:26:50.579 --> 00:26:51.619 and moments I have 00:26:51.619 --> 00:26:52.680 to bring pleasure 00:26:52.680 --> 00:26:53.139 to you 00:26:53.139 --> 00:26:53.680 and to go 00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:54.440 in the direction 00:26:54.440 --> 00:26:55.940 that you want me 00:26:55.940 --> 00:26:56.599 to go 00:26:56.599 --> 00:26:58.019 and then finally 00:26:58.019 --> 00:26:58.879 the Holy Spirit 00:26:58.879 --> 00:26:59.440 comes 00:26:59.440 --> 00:27:00.940 and in verse 16 00:27:00.940 --> 00:27:03.279 he assures us 00:27:03.279 --> 00:27:04.380 he gives us 00:27:04.380 --> 00:27:05.340 power to change 00:27:05.340 --> 00:27:06.200 he leads us 00:27:06.200 --> 00:27:07.400 he assures us 00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:09.000 verse 16 00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:10.080 he testifies 00:27:10.080 --> 00:27:11.000 with our spirit 00:27:11.000 --> 00:27:12.600 that we are 00:27:12.600 --> 00:27:13.660 God's children 00:27:13.660 --> 00:27:14.640 and maybe some of us 00:27:14.640 --> 00:27:16.519 the seed I can offer you 00:27:16.519 --> 00:27:17.259 is that the Holy Spirit 00:27:17.259 --> 00:27:17.980 comes and says 00:27:17.980 --> 00:27:18.700 you're not alone 00:27:18.700 --> 00:27:19.799 you're not forgotten 00:27:19.799 --> 00:27:21.019 you're not abandoned 00:27:21.019 --> 00:27:23.880 and just as children 00:27:23.880 --> 00:27:25.100 need assurance 00:27:25.100 --> 00:27:26.340 after a fall 00:27:26.340 --> 00:27:28.080 or after a scare 00:27:28.079 --> 00:27:29.299 the Holy Spirit 00:27:29.299 --> 00:27:30.539 comes and assures 00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:31.460 you today 00:27:31.460 --> 00:27:33.359 you are indeed 00:27:33.359 --> 00:27:35.199 God's children 00:27:35.199 --> 00:27:36.559 we're pretty much 00:27:36.559 --> 00:27:37.439 out of time 00:27:37.439 --> 00:27:38.139 so I'm going to 00:27:38.139 --> 00:27:39.220 have to finish 00:27:39.220 --> 00:27:40.460 but I wanted to 00:27:40.460 --> 00:27:41.299 leave with you 00:27:41.299 --> 00:27:44.539 three of the promises 00:27:44.539 --> 00:27:45.799 which happen to 00:27:45.799 --> 00:27:46.759 begin with an F 00:27:46.759 --> 00:27:47.399 and therefore 00:27:47.399 --> 00:27:48.599 might be memorable 00:27:48.599 --> 00:27:49.720 for some of you 00:27:49.720 --> 00:27:50.319 if you like 00:27:50.319 --> 00:27:51.159 that kind of thing 00:27:51.159 --> 00:27:52.859 that we are offered 00:27:52.859 --> 00:27:54.960 if we are willing 00:27:54.960 --> 00:27:56.699 to do that work 00:27:56.700 --> 00:27:58.700 of getting rid 00:27:58.700 --> 00:27:59.299 of the weeds 00:27:59.299 --> 00:28:00.680 and planting 00:28:00.680 --> 00:28:01.319 in place 00:28:01.319 --> 00:28:02.039 the truth 00:28:02.039 --> 00:28:03.059 of God 00:28:03.059 --> 00:28:04.420 the truth 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.940 of what God 00:28:04.940 --> 00:28:05.420 the Father 00:28:05.420 --> 00:28:05.900 Son 00:28:05.900 --> 00:28:07.000 and Holy Spirit 00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:07.980 are wanting to do 00:28:07.980 --> 00:28:09.100 and it's there 00:28:09.100 --> 00:28:10.080 in verse 1 00:28:10.080 --> 00:28:11.680 there is no condemnation 00:28:11.680 --> 00:28:12.900 for those who are 00:28:12.900 --> 00:28:14.059 in Christ Jesus 00:28:14.059 --> 00:28:14.880 and it's there 00:28:14.880 --> 00:28:15.420 in other bits 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:16.000 of the passage 00:28:16.000 --> 00:28:17.019 the word freedom 00:28:17.019 --> 00:28:18.860 that's what we are 00:28:18.860 --> 00:28:20.059 offered today 00:28:20.059 --> 00:28:20.380 do you know 00:28:20.380 --> 00:28:21.000 in Scotland 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:22.360 there are more people 00:28:22.360 --> 00:28:23.080 imprisoned 00:28:23.080 --> 00:28:24.360 in our prisons 00:28:24.360 --> 00:28:25.220 across Scotland 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:26.339 than has been the case 00:28:26.339 --> 00:28:27.700 for many many years 00:28:27.700 --> 00:28:29.120 more than 8,000 people 00:28:29.120 --> 00:28:31.140 are in prison custody 00:28:31.140 --> 00:28:32.420 today in Scotland 00:28:32.420 --> 00:28:33.839 despite our crime 00:28:33.839 --> 00:28:35.180 being at a lower level 00:28:35.180 --> 00:28:36.579 and it's been for many many years 00:28:36.579 --> 00:28:37.319 to discuss 00:28:37.319 --> 00:28:38.420 feel free to have a chat 00:28:38.420 --> 00:28:39.259 about why that might be 00:28:39.259 --> 00:28:40.380 the case over lunch 00:28:40.380 --> 00:28:42.220 but I wonder how many of us 00:28:42.220 --> 00:28:44.140 while not being in prison custody 00:28:44.140 --> 00:28:45.240 in reality 00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:46.400 are not experiencing 00:28:46.400 --> 00:28:47.960 anything like the freedom 00:28:47.960 --> 00:28:51.240 that God actually intends 00:28:51.240 --> 00:28:51.860 for us 00:28:51.860 --> 00:28:52.900 and that he offers 00:28:52.900 --> 00:28:54.780 if we allow him 00:28:54.780 --> 00:28:55.460 to enter 00:28:55.460 --> 00:28:56.700 into our lives 00:28:56.700 --> 00:28:58.160 and then the other truth 00:28:58.160 --> 00:28:59.740 that we see time and again 00:28:59.740 --> 00:29:01.160 is that he offers us 00:29:01.160 --> 00:29:02.300 the reality of a life 00:29:02.300 --> 00:29:03.120 that is not 00:29:03.120 --> 00:29:04.780 marked by fear 00:29:04.780 --> 00:29:06.280 dread 00:29:06.280 --> 00:29:07.920 insecurity 00:29:07.920 --> 00:29:09.820 but rather 00:29:09.820 --> 00:29:10.460 a life 00:29:10.460 --> 00:29:11.340 where we can know 00:29:11.340 --> 00:29:11.960 what it is 00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:13.500 to be fearless 00:29:13.500 --> 00:29:15.380 and finally 00:29:15.380 --> 00:29:16.160 a life 00:29:16.160 --> 00:29:16.620 where we know 00:29:16.620 --> 00:29:17.259 what it is 00:29:17.259 --> 00:29:18.620 to be part of 00:29:18.620 --> 00:29:19.980 God's family 00:29:19.980 --> 00:29:21.380 I offer you those 00:29:21.380 --> 00:29:23.099 as we close 00:29:23.099 --> 00:29:24.099 and 00:29:24.099 --> 00:29:25.640 just invite us now 00:29:25.640 --> 00:29:26.640 to take a moment 00:29:26.640 --> 00:29:28.900 as we reflect 00:29:28.900 --> 00:29:30.339 on all that God 00:29:30.339 --> 00:29:31.480 Father 00:29:31.480 --> 00:29:32.360 Son 00:29:32.360 --> 00:29:33.720 Holy Spirit 00:29:33.720 --> 00:29:35.380 want to do 00:29:35.380 --> 00:29:36.440 in our lives 00:29:36.440 --> 00:29:38.259 in our hearts 00:29:38.259 --> 00:29:40.539 in this church 00:29:40.539 --> 00:29:42.819 in our families 00:29:42.819 --> 00:29:44.960 for our today 00:29:44.960 --> 00:29:47.099 and for our future 00:29:47.099 --> 00:29:48.879 let's come before him 00:29:48.879 --> 00:29:49.839 and invite him 00:29:49.839 --> 00:29:51.119 to supplant 00:29:51.119 --> 00:29:52.240 all the other stuff 00:29:52.240 --> 00:29:53.859 and to take his place 00:29:53.859 --> 00:29:55.039 in our lives 00:29:55.039 --> 00:29:59.919 God thank you 00:29:59.919 --> 00:30:00.679 for your desires 00:30:00.679 --> 00:30:01.339 for us 00:30:01.339 --> 00:30:04.959 thank you for 00:30:04.959 --> 00:30:05.539 the work 00:30:05.539 --> 00:30:06.159 that you have done 00:30:06.159 --> 00:30:06.899 for us 00:30:06.899 --> 00:30:07.679 to 00:30:07.679 --> 00:30:09.839 offer us 00:30:09.839 --> 00:30:10.899 rescue 00:30:10.899 --> 00:30:11.699 hope 00:30:11.699 --> 00:30:12.839 purpose 00:30:12.839 --> 00:30:13.679 and a future 00:30:13.680 --> 00:30:19.200 Holy Spirit 00:30:19.200 --> 00:30:19.700 thank you 00:30:19.700 --> 00:30:20.299 for your 00:30:20.299 --> 00:30:21.799 presence within 00:30:21.799 --> 00:30:24.240 and your desire 00:30:24.240 --> 00:30:25.340 to lead us 00:30:25.340 --> 00:30:27.400 and we say 00:30:27.400 --> 00:30:28.220 as we 00:30:28.220 --> 00:30:29.340 move on 00:30:29.340 --> 00:30:30.279 from this point 00:30:30.279 --> 00:30:31.519 would you 00:30:31.519 --> 00:30:33.620 dwell within 00:30:33.620 --> 00:30:36.060 be at home 00:30:36.060 --> 00:30:37.019 in our hearts 00:30:37.019 --> 00:30:39.039 and rule 00:30:39.039 --> 00:30:40.120 in our lives 00:30:40.120 --> 00:30:40.920 we ask 00:30:40.920 --> 00:30:43.660 in Jesus name 00:30:43.660 --> 00:30:44.759 and for his glory 00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:45.980 Amen