WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.600 Well, now we come to the preaching of God's Word. 00:00:04.700 --> 00:00:08.759 And as I mentioned, tonight we're going to be considering our identity as a new creation. 00:00:09.500 --> 00:00:12.980 And while there's many passages in the New Testament that focus on this theme, 00:00:13.019 --> 00:00:19.679 we're going to be concentrating on 2 Corinthians 5 this evening, starting in verse 14. 00:00:20.500 --> 00:00:23.699 But let's turn to the Lord again in prayer before we read His Word. 00:00:23.699 --> 00:00:53.679 Thank you. 00:00:53.700 --> 00:00:57.020 We pray this in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen. 00:00:58.640 --> 00:01:02.820 2 Corinthians 5, starting in verse 14. 00:01:04.200 --> 00:01:09.219 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this, 00:01:10.079 --> 00:01:13.379 that one has died for all, therefore all have died. 00:01:14.460 --> 00:01:18.400 And He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves, 00:01:18.840 --> 00:01:21.960 but for Him who for their sake died and was raised. 00:01:21.959 --> 00:01:26.659 So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. 00:01:27.319 --> 00:01:30.119 Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 00:01:31.159 --> 00:01:34.780 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. 00:01:35.479 --> 00:01:37.879 The old is gone. The new is here. 00:01:37.879 --> 00:01:42.379 All this from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, 00:01:42.619 --> 00:01:44.719 and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 00:01:45.719 --> 00:01:50.079 That God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, 00:01:50.280 --> 00:01:52.500 not counting people's sins against them. 00:01:53.319 --> 00:01:56.359 And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 00:01:56.359 --> 00:02:03.299 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. 00:02:03.980 --> 00:02:07.299 We implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 00:02:08.300 --> 00:02:12.219 God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, 00:02:12.599 --> 00:02:17.360 so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 00:02:17.360 --> 00:02:18.920 And this is the Word of God. 00:02:20.240 --> 00:02:25.640 Now, I'm sure many of you know the Christian author and apologist of the 20th century, C.S. Lewis. 00:02:26.660 --> 00:02:30.520 And probably many of you are familiar and have even read one of his most popular works, 00:02:30.800 --> 00:02:35.020 The Mere Christianity, where he makes his argument in defense of Christianity. 00:02:35.140 --> 00:02:39.400 Much of the mindset and the thinking that he went through in coming to know Christ Himself. 00:02:40.560 --> 00:02:42.700 And in this book, there's four main sections. 00:02:42.960 --> 00:02:44.780 He argues for the existence of God. 00:02:44.780 --> 00:02:47.460 He gives a defense of Christian theology. 00:02:47.659 --> 00:02:51.460 He discusses Christian ethics and then considers the doctrine of the Trinity. 00:02:52.219 --> 00:02:54.699 But it's interesting how he concludes his book, 00:02:54.780 --> 00:02:59.360 because he anticipates a very basic question for anyone who's reading the book 00:02:59.360 --> 00:03:02.060 and has thought through and considered all that he says. 00:03:03.500 --> 00:03:05.039 It's as if the question is, someone says, 00:03:05.139 --> 00:03:07.520 Okay, all that you've said is well and good, 00:03:07.520 --> 00:03:09.980 but if Christianity is true, 00:03:10.820 --> 00:03:15.360 why are not all Christians obviously nicer than non-Christians? 00:03:16.740 --> 00:03:20.100 And C.S. Lewis admits this is a very reasonable question to ask. 00:03:20.540 --> 00:03:22.240 When someone becomes a Christian, 00:03:22.379 --> 00:03:25.439 we expect them to have some marked change in their life. 00:03:25.540 --> 00:03:28.240 We recognize that when a Christian behaves badly, 00:03:28.240 --> 00:03:29.820 this is a bad testimony. 00:03:30.080 --> 00:03:34.300 It makes Christianity very unbelievable to the outside world. 00:03:34.300 --> 00:03:37.540 And so Lewis points out, 00:03:37.640 --> 00:03:41.340 he recognized that niceness, though, is not the goal of Christianity. 00:03:42.480 --> 00:03:45.240 He says that although niceness is an excellent thing, 00:03:45.960 --> 00:03:49.480 we should make every effort to produce a world where people grow nice. 00:03:49.980 --> 00:03:54.000 He said we must not suppose that even if we succeeded in making everyone nice, 00:03:54.460 --> 00:03:55.900 we should have saved their souls. 00:03:56.960 --> 00:03:59.640 He says for mere improvement is not redemption. 00:03:59.639 --> 00:04:03.459 God became man to turn creatures into sons, 00:04:03.939 --> 00:04:07.699 not simply to produce better men of an old kind, 00:04:07.819 --> 00:04:09.659 but to produce a new kind of man. 00:04:10.879 --> 00:04:14.179 It is not like teaching a horse to jump better and better, 00:04:14.539 --> 00:04:17.120 but like turning the horse into a winged creature. 00:04:18.079 --> 00:04:19.779 Of course, once it's got its wings, 00:04:19.939 --> 00:04:23.019 it will soar over fences which could never have been jumped 00:04:23.019 --> 00:04:26.139 and thus beat the natural horse at its own gain. 00:04:26.139 --> 00:04:30.060 And so what Lewis is discussing here is the exact topic 00:04:30.060 --> 00:04:32.379 that we're going to be focusing on in our passage this evening, 00:04:32.719 --> 00:04:33.819 this new creation. 00:04:34.579 --> 00:04:39.439 The fact that Christ didn't die for us to become better versions of ourself. 00:04:40.479 --> 00:04:43.599 He didn't die for us to simply be able to alter our behavior 00:04:43.599 --> 00:04:45.339 or to alter our appearance. 00:04:45.579 --> 00:04:49.800 He died that we may bring about internal change 00:04:49.800 --> 00:04:51.860 and eternal change, 00:04:51.860 --> 00:04:55.740 that we are transformed from dead to living, 00:04:55.860 --> 00:04:57.259 from old to new. 00:04:58.620 --> 00:05:00.340 And so this is a theme, like I said before, 00:05:00.439 --> 00:05:02.520 this resonates throughout Paul's writings. 00:05:02.620 --> 00:05:05.000 I could have chosen any number of passages this evening 00:05:05.000 --> 00:05:07.900 to consider what Paul talks about new creation. 00:05:08.780 --> 00:05:11.460 And so while we focus on 2 Corinthians 5, 00:05:11.540 --> 00:05:13.480 we are going to be jumping around a bit, 00:05:13.580 --> 00:05:14.939 considering a few different passages, 00:05:15.540 --> 00:05:16.660 especially in Romans. 00:05:16.660 --> 00:05:20.360 But the three things I'd like for us to consider this evening 00:05:20.360 --> 00:05:23.240 are first, our need for new creation. 00:05:23.980 --> 00:05:26.320 Second, the means of new creation. 00:05:26.980 --> 00:05:29.880 And third, the effect of new creation. 00:05:30.920 --> 00:05:34.160 And so let's consider first our need for new creation. 00:05:34.860 --> 00:05:36.820 Now when we talk about new creation, 00:05:37.260 --> 00:05:39.040 it's with the assumptions kind of implied 00:05:39.040 --> 00:05:41.180 that this is not a first creation. 00:05:41.600 --> 00:05:44.840 There must have been some old creation or original creation. 00:05:44.839 --> 00:05:47.779 And we see that by going to the very beginning of the Bible 00:05:47.779 --> 00:05:48.679 in the book of Genesis, 00:05:48.839 --> 00:05:51.739 where it talks about God creating the world out of nothing. 00:05:51.839 --> 00:05:53.519 In the span of six days, 00:05:53.699 --> 00:05:55.659 He separated darkness from light. 00:05:55.759 --> 00:05:57.560 He made the sea and dry lands. 00:05:58.839 --> 00:06:01.059 We see that He made the sun and moon and stars, 00:06:01.239 --> 00:06:04.319 the birds of the air and the fish of the sea and land animals. 00:06:05.159 --> 00:06:07.699 And each day, God looked at His creation and said, 00:06:07.799 --> 00:06:08.500 this is good. 00:06:09.199 --> 00:06:12.019 But on day six, we see the climax of His creation. 00:06:12.019 --> 00:06:15.339 Because on day six, this is when God created man. 00:06:16.680 --> 00:06:19.500 God created man to be distinct from the rest of His creation. 00:06:20.399 --> 00:06:23.120 He says that God created man in His own image. 00:06:23.240 --> 00:06:25.120 In the image of God, He created man. 00:06:25.759 --> 00:06:27.599 Male and female, He created him. 00:06:28.879 --> 00:06:32.680 And so we recognize that the very essence of our beings, 00:06:32.959 --> 00:06:34.599 the very essence of our human nature, 00:06:34.859 --> 00:06:37.319 is being created in the image of God. 00:06:37.319 --> 00:06:40.800 And so after the creation of man and woman, 00:06:40.899 --> 00:06:43.099 God placed Adam and Eve in the garden, as we know, 00:06:43.180 --> 00:06:44.480 to work and to keep the land. 00:06:44.939 --> 00:06:48.519 He gives them this priestly duty of ruling 00:06:48.519 --> 00:06:52.259 and subduing creation to extend God's blessing 00:06:52.259 --> 00:06:53.620 throughout the earth. 00:06:54.819 --> 00:06:56.379 And with His command comes, 00:06:56.860 --> 00:06:58.539 or with His role, rather, comes a command, 00:06:58.659 --> 00:07:00.899 that you shall not eat of the tree of the knowledge 00:07:00.899 --> 00:07:01.519 of good and evil, 00:07:01.860 --> 00:07:03.519 for if you do, you will surely die. 00:07:03.519 --> 00:07:07.639 And so we see then, at the very beginning of this relationship, 00:07:07.819 --> 00:07:10.500 that God makes a covenant with Adam. 00:07:10.899 --> 00:07:12.379 What we call the covenant of works. 00:07:12.439 --> 00:07:13.560 It's a promise to Adam. 00:07:14.120 --> 00:07:15.299 He says, keep the law. 00:07:16.259 --> 00:07:18.519 Keep it exactly, and keep it perpetually, 00:07:19.519 --> 00:07:20.599 and you will have life. 00:07:21.599 --> 00:07:22.859 And I will be with you. 00:07:22.959 --> 00:07:24.459 I will be your God and live with you, 00:07:24.539 --> 00:07:26.139 and you will live with me. 00:07:27.560 --> 00:07:29.180 But obviously we recognize in this story 00:07:29.180 --> 00:07:31.699 that this goal isn't achieved by Adam and Eve. 00:07:31.799 --> 00:07:32.859 They are tempted by the serpent. 00:07:32.860 --> 00:07:34.759 They eat of this forbidden fruit. 00:07:35.840 --> 00:07:39.460 And ironically, in this attempt to become more and more like God, 00:07:40.139 --> 00:07:42.180 they actually become less of God. 00:07:42.259 --> 00:07:44.139 They become less than what they once were. 00:07:45.460 --> 00:07:46.639 And so because of their obedience, 00:07:46.819 --> 00:07:47.800 sin enters the world. 00:07:47.939 --> 00:07:51.259 This image of God that man had possessed becomes defaced. 00:07:52.879 --> 00:07:55.360 And we know when Adam fell, all man fell. 00:07:55.480 --> 00:07:56.639 We are all corrupt. 00:07:56.759 --> 00:07:58.819 We are all totally depraved. 00:07:58.879 --> 00:07:59.639 It says in Romans, 00:07:59.639 --> 00:08:02.280 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 00:08:02.860 --> 00:08:05.980 And so consider the state in which we've fallen. 00:08:06.400 --> 00:08:09.620 This is something that the Westminster Shorter Catechism talks about, 00:08:09.660 --> 00:08:11.740 the misery in which we have fallen. 00:08:12.620 --> 00:08:14.139 And it says, this is question 19. 00:08:14.819 --> 00:08:15.540 The answer is this. 00:08:15.600 --> 00:08:15.840 He says, 00:08:15.839 --> 00:08:36.959 So is there any question that we are in need of new creation? 00:08:36.960 --> 00:08:42.040 Do we recognize the condition in the state that we were once in before Christ? 00:08:42.120 --> 00:08:43.100 If you are not in Christ, 00:08:43.200 --> 00:08:46.200 do you recognize the severity of the state in which you stand now? 00:08:48.120 --> 00:08:51.540 Without new creation, we stand as sinners condemned, 00:08:51.780 --> 00:08:53.040 unable to keep the gospel, 00:08:53.600 --> 00:08:54.540 unable to keep the law, 00:08:54.940 --> 00:08:56.639 unable to save ourselves, 00:08:57.800 --> 00:08:59.600 helpless and hell bound. 00:08:59.600 --> 00:09:02.980 And so in recognizing this reality, 00:09:03.100 --> 00:09:04.920 then this leads us to our second point, 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:06.139 the means of new creation. 00:09:06.279 --> 00:09:08.560 We recognize our need for new creation. 00:09:08.680 --> 00:09:11.100 Well, how does this new creation come about? 00:09:11.220 --> 00:09:13.980 How do we avoid this outcome of death and hell? 00:09:15.980 --> 00:09:19.420 The temptation may be for some within the church, 00:09:19.519 --> 00:09:21.540 certainly from those on the outside looking in, 00:09:21.600 --> 00:09:24.040 the thought that Christianity is about trying harder 00:09:24.039 --> 00:09:25.659 or being better. 00:09:26.819 --> 00:09:29.059 Be a good person and God will accept you. 00:09:29.439 --> 00:09:32.019 Do your best and God will do the rest. 00:09:33.480 --> 00:09:34.919 But we recognize that's not the gospel. 00:09:35.039 --> 00:09:36.099 That's not how it works. 00:09:36.799 --> 00:09:39.480 It's important for us to understand the function of the law 00:09:39.480 --> 00:09:42.079 when we consider the means of this new creation 00:09:42.079 --> 00:09:45.139 because the law was created before the fall. 00:09:46.279 --> 00:09:48.879 And Adam and Eve had the ability to keep the law. 00:09:49.659 --> 00:09:51.419 They also had the ability to break the law. 00:09:51.419 --> 00:09:54.500 And we know that they chose to break the law. 00:09:55.419 --> 00:09:57.479 So after the fall, this dynamic changes. 00:09:57.599 --> 00:10:00.219 No longer do we have the ability to keep the law perfectly. 00:10:00.319 --> 00:10:02.979 We certainly have the ability to break the law. 00:10:04.199 --> 00:10:06.599 And so consider what the law does for us then. 00:10:06.679 --> 00:10:10.019 The law serves as a mirror for us, first and foremost, 00:10:10.259 --> 00:10:13.599 that we may look at the law and recognize our own sinfulness. 00:10:13.819 --> 00:10:15.740 We recognize that we cannot keep the law. 00:10:17.240 --> 00:10:19.620 We think about the Westminster Confession again 00:10:19.620 --> 00:10:20.820 when it talks about the law. 00:10:21.240 --> 00:10:22.299 In chapter 9 it says, 00:10:22.460 --> 00:10:27.399 The law causes us to discover the sinful pollution of our nature, 00:10:27.940 --> 00:10:30.000 our hearts, and our lives. 00:10:31.500 --> 00:10:34.399 And so while the law can still be useful to us as believers, 00:10:34.600 --> 00:10:36.060 it's a rule of life. 00:10:36.139 --> 00:10:37.139 It convicts us. 00:10:37.620 --> 00:10:39.899 It reveals our need for Christ. 00:10:39.899 --> 00:10:43.559 It shapes us into becoming more and more Christ-like. 00:10:43.659 --> 00:10:45.480 It cannot save us. 00:10:46.500 --> 00:10:49.579 And so this is what Paul argues over and over again in his epistles. 00:10:50.500 --> 00:10:53.199 In Galatians 2 he says that if righteousness were through the law, 00:10:53.299 --> 00:10:55.139 then Christ died for no purpose. 00:10:56.819 --> 00:10:59.759 Romans 8, throughout Romans actually Paul refers to the law, 00:10:59.860 --> 00:11:02.159 he talks about the law as being the law of sin and death. 00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:06.019 So he's not talking about a law that gives life. 00:11:06.120 --> 00:11:08.639 He's talking about a law that brings judgment. 00:11:10.439 --> 00:11:12.159 And so to the church, even in Galatians, 00:11:12.399 --> 00:11:13.579 in thinking Galatians again, 00:11:13.980 --> 00:11:16.179 there's this desire within the church 00:11:16.179 --> 00:11:19.559 to adhere to religious ceremony and custom 00:11:19.559 --> 00:11:22.600 and thinking that's a way that God is going to be pleased with me. 00:11:23.919 --> 00:11:24.919 And Paul says there, 00:11:25.039 --> 00:11:28.199 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision mean anything. 00:11:28.200 --> 00:11:31.520 What counts is new creation. 00:11:33.000 --> 00:11:35.960 And so that's the point that he's making here in 2 Corinthians 5. 00:11:36.060 --> 00:11:39.640 It's not about our own efforts that bring about new creation. 00:11:40.940 --> 00:11:41.960 How does it happen? 00:11:42.700 --> 00:11:43.520 Paul tells us here, 00:11:43.600 --> 00:11:46.259 it's through Christ and his representation. 00:11:48.200 --> 00:11:51.060 And so what does that mean when we think about Christ as our representative? 00:11:52.160 --> 00:11:52.820 Well, as some of you know, 00:11:52.879 --> 00:11:54.640 before I moved to Scotland, 00:11:54.780 --> 00:11:55.680 I practiced law. 00:11:55.679 --> 00:11:58.459 I practiced medical malpractice defense law. 00:11:58.620 --> 00:12:01.120 So I defended and represented doctors 00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:02.459 who had been sued by their patients. 00:12:03.159 --> 00:12:06.079 And so my responsibility was to represent these doctors 00:12:06.079 --> 00:12:09.239 in the course of their case going through the court system. 00:12:10.000 --> 00:12:13.679 And so I would represent them in filing documents, 00:12:13.939 --> 00:12:16.399 in going to court for hearings, 00:12:17.259 --> 00:12:20.199 in depositions of expert witnesses, 00:12:20.500 --> 00:12:22.059 in arguing in front of a jury. 00:12:22.059 --> 00:12:24.339 And as I did so, 00:12:24.439 --> 00:12:27.319 I did so as their representative. 00:12:27.459 --> 00:12:28.859 But in the eyes of the court, 00:12:29.899 --> 00:12:32.419 it was as if that doctor himself 00:12:32.419 --> 00:12:34.939 was taking all these steps. 00:12:37.019 --> 00:12:39.639 When I would sign a motion with the court, 00:12:39.819 --> 00:12:40.759 I'd write my name, 00:12:40.819 --> 00:12:41.939 but it would always say under it, 00:12:42.219 --> 00:12:45.839 as a representative for Dr. So-and-so. 00:12:45.840 --> 00:12:49.139 And so if we think about this representation 00:12:49.139 --> 00:12:51.899 from a spiritual perspective, 00:12:52.080 --> 00:12:54.500 there's two options when it comes to representation. 00:12:55.320 --> 00:12:57.500 We can have a representative in Adam, 00:12:58.200 --> 00:13:01.700 or Christ can be our representative. 00:13:03.080 --> 00:13:05.040 And so Paul talks about this in Romans. 00:13:05.580 --> 00:13:06.680 Romans chapter 5, 00:13:06.720 --> 00:13:07.399 if you have your Bibles, 00:13:07.480 --> 00:13:08.040 you want to turn there, 00:13:08.120 --> 00:13:09.000 Romans chapter 5, 00:13:09.019 --> 00:13:10.100 verses 17 and 18. 00:13:10.100 --> 00:13:12.620 He says this, 00:13:12.620 --> 00:13:15.279 For if by the trespass of one man 00:13:15.279 --> 00:13:17.240 death reigned through that one man, 00:13:17.360 --> 00:13:18.259 how much more, 00:13:18.800 --> 00:13:22.180 with those who received God's abundant provision of grace 00:13:22.180 --> 00:13:24.920 and of the gift of righteousness, 00:13:25.740 --> 00:13:28.100 reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ? 00:13:29.340 --> 00:13:31.600 Consequently, just as one trespass 00:13:31.600 --> 00:13:33.620 resulted in condemnation for all men, 00:13:33.879 --> 00:13:36.019 so also one righteous act 00:13:36.019 --> 00:13:38.540 resulted in justification and life for all men. 00:13:38.539 --> 00:13:41.360 So it's a lot of words to say this. 00:13:41.539 --> 00:13:43.360 As Adam as a representative, 00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:45.639 he brings condemnation and death. 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:48.319 Christ as a representative 00:13:48.319 --> 00:13:50.699 brings justification and life. 00:13:52.039 --> 00:13:53.599 And so is there really any question 00:13:53.599 --> 00:13:56.219 who we want to be our representative? 00:13:57.599 --> 00:13:59.179 Christ as our representative 00:13:59.179 --> 00:14:00.480 brings about new creation. 00:14:01.360 --> 00:14:02.179 How does this happen? 00:14:02.399 --> 00:14:04.379 Look at verse 14 of our text. 00:14:05.099 --> 00:14:05.360 It says, 00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:06.500 We have concluded this, 00:14:06.500 --> 00:14:08.620 that one has died for all, 00:14:08.720 --> 00:14:09.639 therefore all died. 00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:10.840 All have died. 00:14:11.759 --> 00:14:13.340 Christ is our representative 00:14:13.340 --> 00:14:15.100 in his death. 00:14:16.059 --> 00:14:16.840 His suffering 00:14:16.840 --> 00:14:18.320 is our suffering. 00:14:19.379 --> 00:14:20.059 His death 00:14:20.059 --> 00:14:20.799 is our death. 00:14:22.559 --> 00:14:23.399 And so this may be 00:14:23.399 --> 00:14:23.940 a little 00:14:23.940 --> 00:14:24.440 different 00:14:25.360 --> 00:14:26.240 for some of us, 00:14:26.299 --> 00:14:26.539 perhaps, 00:14:26.600 --> 00:14:27.500 when we think about this, 00:14:27.539 --> 00:14:28.879 when we consider our death 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:30.220 along with Christ's death, 00:14:30.240 --> 00:14:31.539 because often we may think of 00:14:31.539 --> 00:14:33.259 Christ as being our substitute. 00:14:33.259 --> 00:14:35.860 We think of the Passover lamb 00:14:35.860 --> 00:14:36.980 whose blood was placed 00:14:36.980 --> 00:14:38.080 on the doorpost. 00:14:38.580 --> 00:14:40.139 Christ's blood was shed for us. 00:14:40.620 --> 00:14:41.659 That's absolutely correct. 00:14:42.259 --> 00:14:43.879 Christ is our substitute. 00:14:44.019 --> 00:14:44.620 But Paul is saying 00:14:44.620 --> 00:14:45.319 more than that here. 00:14:45.659 --> 00:14:47.159 Not only is he our substitute, 00:14:47.340 --> 00:14:48.360 he is our representative. 00:14:49.039 --> 00:14:49.700 Because we see 00:14:49.700 --> 00:14:51.319 a substitute dies 00:14:51.319 --> 00:14:52.980 so that others don't have to. 00:14:54.139 --> 00:14:55.019 A representative 00:14:55.019 --> 00:14:56.939 serves as a delegate 00:14:56.939 --> 00:14:57.840 for his people, 00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:59.019 including them 00:14:59.019 --> 00:15:01.000 in his sacrificial act. 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:03.200 And so this is what 00:15:03.200 --> 00:15:04.259 Christ did for us. 00:15:04.440 --> 00:15:06.059 If he is our representative 00:15:06.059 --> 00:15:07.000 in our death, 00:15:07.320 --> 00:15:09.259 if we die in Christ, 00:15:09.899 --> 00:15:11.059 what do we die to? 00:15:12.200 --> 00:15:13.340 Well, he says in verse 16, 00:15:14.519 --> 00:15:15.399 so from now on 00:15:15.399 --> 00:15:16.600 we regard no one 00:15:16.600 --> 00:15:18.279 from a worldly point of view. 00:15:19.759 --> 00:15:20.919 Though we once regarded 00:15:20.919 --> 00:15:21.720 Christ in this way, 00:15:21.759 --> 00:15:22.659 we do so no longer. 00:15:23.700 --> 00:15:24.980 And so this worldly point of view, 00:15:25.059 --> 00:15:26.360 this is the NIV translation. 00:15:26.519 --> 00:15:27.279 I think it's probably 00:15:27.279 --> 00:15:28.340 more accurately translated 00:15:28.340 --> 00:15:29.039 in the ESV. 00:15:29.039 --> 00:15:30.219 It's literally 00:15:30.219 --> 00:15:31.620 according to the flesh. 00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:33.539 We regard no one 00:15:33.539 --> 00:15:34.839 according to the flesh. 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:36.360 We no longer live 00:15:36.360 --> 00:15:37.079 in the flesh. 00:15:37.159 --> 00:15:37.599 The flesh 00:15:37.599 --> 00:15:39.579 no longer controls us. 00:15:41.399 --> 00:15:42.439 And so if we think 00:15:42.439 --> 00:15:43.980 and go back to Romans again, 00:15:44.079 --> 00:15:45.059 Romans 7 this time, 00:15:45.779 --> 00:15:46.919 verses 4 through 6, 00:15:47.360 --> 00:15:48.879 we see a passage 00:15:48.879 --> 00:15:49.959 that's very similar, 00:15:50.459 --> 00:15:51.799 a very similar parallel 00:15:51.799 --> 00:15:53.759 to 2 Corinthians 5 here. 00:15:54.339 --> 00:15:55.219 But Paul uses 00:15:55.219 --> 00:15:55.980 different language. 00:15:55.980 --> 00:15:57.200 Rather than talking about 00:15:57.200 --> 00:15:58.340 just flesh 00:15:58.340 --> 00:16:00.039 or dying to flesh, 00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:00.860 he says something else. 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:01.139 He says, 00:16:01.220 --> 00:16:02.460 we have died to the law 00:16:02.460 --> 00:16:04.620 through the body of Christ. 00:16:06.080 --> 00:16:06.659 And so we see 00:16:06.659 --> 00:16:07.259 in these two texts, 00:16:07.360 --> 00:16:08.240 Paul is equating 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:08.879 the law 00:16:08.879 --> 00:16:10.000 and the flesh. 00:16:11.100 --> 00:16:11.740 And so if we stay 00:16:11.740 --> 00:16:12.340 in Romans 5, 00:16:12.420 --> 00:16:12.620 chapter, 00:16:13.159 --> 00:16:13.480 verse, 00:16:13.920 --> 00:16:15.000 Romans chapter 5, 00:16:15.060 --> 00:16:15.200 verse, 00:16:15.980 --> 00:16:16.480 I'll get this right, 00:16:16.700 --> 00:16:17.920 Romans chapter 7, 00:16:18.100 --> 00:16:19.060 verse 5, 00:16:19.440 --> 00:16:20.560 see how this comes together. 00:16:20.659 --> 00:16:21.000 He says, 00:16:21.000 --> 00:16:22.360 for while we were living 00:16:22.360 --> 00:16:23.299 in the flesh, 00:16:23.740 --> 00:16:24.840 our sinful passions 00:16:24.840 --> 00:16:26.179 aroused by the law 00:16:26.179 --> 00:16:27.720 were at work in our members 00:16:27.720 --> 00:16:29.620 to bear fruit for death. 00:16:31.460 --> 00:16:32.879 Consider that deadly sequence 00:16:32.879 --> 00:16:33.759 he puts together here. 00:16:35.159 --> 00:16:36.919 This language of flesh 00:16:36.919 --> 00:16:37.740 and sin 00:16:37.740 --> 00:16:38.580 and law 00:16:38.580 --> 00:16:39.419 and death. 00:16:41.019 --> 00:16:42.620 This is what we die to. 00:16:43.980 --> 00:16:44.840 In Christ, 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:46.299 this is how we are crucified 00:16:46.299 --> 00:16:47.399 with him. 00:16:47.500 --> 00:16:48.419 Our old self 00:16:48.419 --> 00:16:49.459 is no longer 00:16:49.459 --> 00:16:51.159 a slave to sin. 00:16:51.259 --> 00:16:52.259 We have been set free 00:16:52.259 --> 00:16:53.000 from the bondage 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:53.579 of sin 00:16:53.579 --> 00:16:54.439 and death 00:16:54.439 --> 00:16:55.259 and law 00:16:55.259 --> 00:16:56.079 and sin. 00:16:58.199 --> 00:16:58.740 And so Christ 00:16:58.740 --> 00:16:59.379 is a representative. 00:16:59.539 --> 00:16:59.679 Yes, 00:16:59.740 --> 00:17:00.719 he is our representative 00:17:00.719 --> 00:17:01.699 in our death, 00:17:01.719 --> 00:17:02.339 but also 00:17:02.339 --> 00:17:03.279 our representative 00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:05.059 in our life. 00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:06.339 We are also 00:17:06.339 --> 00:17:07.379 raised with him. 00:17:07.460 --> 00:17:08.079 Verse 15 00:17:08.079 --> 00:17:08.700 of our text. 00:17:09.839 --> 00:17:10.799 And he died for all 00:17:10.799 --> 00:17:12.359 that those who might live, 00:17:13.139 --> 00:17:14.299 those who live, 00:17:14.299 --> 00:17:15.339 might no longer 00:17:15.339 --> 00:17:16.359 live for themselves, 00:17:16.639 --> 00:17:17.559 but for him 00:17:17.559 --> 00:17:19.119 who for their sake 00:17:19.119 --> 00:17:20.299 died and was raised. 00:17:21.500 --> 00:17:22.119 Verse 17. 00:17:22.240 --> 00:17:22.399 Therefore, 00:17:22.539 --> 00:17:23.659 if anyone is in Christ, 00:17:23.759 --> 00:17:25.099 the new creation has come. 00:17:25.159 --> 00:17:26.000 The old has gone 00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:26.659 and the new is here. 00:17:28.179 --> 00:17:28.779 And so we see 00:17:28.779 --> 00:17:30.359 this drastic 00:17:30.359 --> 00:17:31.700 change 00:17:31.700 --> 00:17:32.359 and transformation 00:17:32.359 --> 00:17:33.359 from death 00:17:33.359 --> 00:17:34.519 to life. 00:17:35.659 --> 00:17:36.579 We die 00:17:36.579 --> 00:17:37.359 with Christ 00:17:37.359 --> 00:17:38.619 and we are raised 00:17:38.619 --> 00:17:39.819 with Christ. 00:17:40.919 --> 00:17:42.399 And so this transformation 00:17:42.399 --> 00:17:42.980 is really 00:17:42.980 --> 00:17:43.819 something we see 00:17:43.819 --> 00:17:44.700 all around us 00:17:44.700 --> 00:17:46.019 in creation, right? 00:17:46.019 --> 00:17:46.960 We think about this 00:17:46.960 --> 00:17:47.819 time of year, 00:17:47.879 --> 00:17:48.220 the autumn, 00:17:48.319 --> 00:17:49.460 the trees changing colors 00:17:49.460 --> 00:17:50.400 and falling to the ground. 00:17:50.500 --> 00:17:51.639 We do not rake them up 00:17:51.639 --> 00:17:52.980 so that we can collect them 00:17:52.980 --> 00:17:53.740 and try to stick them 00:17:53.740 --> 00:17:54.259 back on the tree 00:17:54.259 --> 00:17:55.000 the next year, right? 00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:56.879 Because we recognize 00:17:56.879 --> 00:17:57.879 that with their death 00:17:57.879 --> 00:17:58.920 comes new life 00:17:58.920 --> 00:17:59.619 behind them, 00:18:00.000 --> 00:18:00.720 new leaves 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:02.019 in the spring to come. 00:18:03.279 --> 00:18:04.139 Think about seeds 00:18:04.139 --> 00:18:05.500 that fall from a plant 00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:06.599 and they go into the ground. 00:18:06.700 --> 00:18:07.420 What has to happen? 00:18:08.059 --> 00:18:08.940 The outer husk 00:18:08.940 --> 00:18:09.480 of that seed 00:18:09.480 --> 00:18:10.240 has to die 00:18:10.240 --> 00:18:11.879 so that new life 00:18:11.879 --> 00:18:13.119 will come through it. 00:18:13.119 --> 00:18:16.039 And so this is what 00:18:16.039 --> 00:18:18.019 Paul is saying here 00:18:18.019 --> 00:18:20.500 going back to Romans 6 again, 00:18:20.559 --> 00:18:21.239 Romans 6, 4. 00:18:21.339 --> 00:18:22.539 We were buried with him 00:18:22.539 --> 00:18:24.179 by baptism into death 00:18:24.179 --> 00:18:24.759 in order that 00:18:24.759 --> 00:18:25.679 just as Christ 00:18:25.679 --> 00:18:26.959 was raised from the dead 00:18:26.959 --> 00:18:28.000 by the glory of the Father 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:29.239 we too 00:18:29.239 --> 00:18:30.299 might walk 00:18:30.299 --> 00:18:31.279 in newness 00:18:31.279 --> 00:18:32.239 of life. 00:18:33.359 --> 00:18:34.799 This is a total 00:18:34.799 --> 00:18:35.879 transformation 00:18:35.879 --> 00:18:37.219 from death 00:18:37.219 --> 00:18:38.079 to life. 00:18:39.239 --> 00:18:39.979 And so it's important 00:18:39.979 --> 00:18:40.599 though what Paul 00:18:40.599 --> 00:18:42.839 gets at in this passage 00:18:42.839 --> 00:18:44.059 is not only pointing 00:18:44.059 --> 00:18:44.720 out this transformation 00:18:44.720 --> 00:18:46.619 but how it happens. 00:18:47.139 --> 00:18:48.220 That it is the work 00:18:48.220 --> 00:18:49.019 of the Trinity 00:18:49.019 --> 00:18:50.359 that brings about 00:18:50.359 --> 00:18:51.079 this transformation 00:18:51.079 --> 00:18:52.579 in our lives. 00:18:54.119 --> 00:18:54.879 Think about this. 00:18:54.939 --> 00:18:55.859 Notice in verse 18 00:18:55.859 --> 00:18:56.220 he says, 00:18:56.379 --> 00:18:57.659 all this is from God. 00:18:58.939 --> 00:18:59.859 The one who created 00:18:59.859 --> 00:19:00.519 the heavens 00:19:00.519 --> 00:19:01.500 and the earth 00:19:01.500 --> 00:19:02.740 now brings about 00:19:02.740 --> 00:19:03.539 new creation 00:19:03.539 --> 00:19:04.720 working to restore 00:19:04.720 --> 00:19:05.799 his image 00:19:05.799 --> 00:19:06.779 in each one of us 00:19:06.779 --> 00:19:07.779 that was damaged 00:19:07.779 --> 00:19:08.279 by the fall. 00:19:09.799 --> 00:19:10.799 And so he says, 00:19:11.179 --> 00:19:11.779 the Father then, 00:19:11.779 --> 00:19:12.460 how does he do this 00:19:12.460 --> 00:19:13.099 through the Son? 00:19:14.079 --> 00:19:14.960 We already talked 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:15.539 about Christ 00:19:15.539 --> 00:19:16.379 as a representative 00:19:16.379 --> 00:19:17.720 but Paul goes 00:19:17.720 --> 00:19:18.279 further here. 00:19:18.359 --> 00:19:18.539 He says, 00:19:18.619 --> 00:19:19.240 this new creation 00:19:19.240 --> 00:19:20.799 comes to those 00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:22.319 who are in Christ. 00:19:23.500 --> 00:19:25.160 It is only in Christ 00:19:25.160 --> 00:19:26.279 that the veil 00:19:26.279 --> 00:19:26.920 is removed 00:19:26.920 --> 00:19:27.519 from our hearts. 00:19:27.559 --> 00:19:28.039 That's what he says 00:19:28.039 --> 00:19:29.220 earlier in chapter 3. 00:19:30.359 --> 00:19:31.579 So it leads 00:19:31.579 --> 00:19:31.920 to kind of 00:19:31.920 --> 00:19:32.599 the crescendo 00:19:32.599 --> 00:19:33.420 of this passage 00:19:33.420 --> 00:19:34.619 in verse 21. 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:34.899 He says, 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:35.460 for those who are 00:19:35.460 --> 00:19:36.379 in Christ 00:19:36.379 --> 00:19:37.139 we become 00:19:37.139 --> 00:19:38.000 the righteousness 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:39.240 of God. 00:19:41.180 --> 00:19:41.859 So you may say, 00:19:41.920 --> 00:19:42.400 well we see 00:19:42.400 --> 00:19:43.339 the work of the Father 00:19:43.339 --> 00:19:43.700 and we see 00:19:43.700 --> 00:19:44.400 the work of the Son 00:19:44.400 --> 00:19:45.619 but I'm not really sure 00:19:45.619 --> 00:19:46.220 where the Spirit 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:47.299 fits into this passage. 00:19:49.099 --> 00:19:49.599 Well we already 00:19:49.599 --> 00:19:50.019 talked about 00:19:50.019 --> 00:19:50.619 how Paul can 00:19:50.619 --> 00:19:51.460 kind of equate 00:19:51.460 --> 00:19:52.880 similar phrases 00:19:52.880 --> 00:19:54.420 or vocabulary here. 00:19:54.460 --> 00:19:55.119 We talked about him 00:19:55.119 --> 00:19:56.140 equating death 00:19:56.140 --> 00:19:56.640 and flesh 00:19:56.640 --> 00:19:57.099 and law 00:19:57.099 --> 00:19:57.720 and sin 00:19:57.720 --> 00:19:58.920 and uses them 00:19:58.920 --> 00:19:59.599 interchangeably. 00:20:00.680 --> 00:20:01.200 And he does 00:20:01.200 --> 00:20:01.880 the same thing 00:20:01.880 --> 00:20:02.400 with the words 00:20:02.400 --> 00:20:03.920 life and Spirit. 00:20:05.359 --> 00:20:06.019 Go back to 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:06.859 verse 15 again. 00:20:06.859 --> 00:20:08.339 He said, 00:20:08.419 --> 00:20:09.439 he's died for all 00:20:09.439 --> 00:20:10.899 that those who live 00:20:10.899 --> 00:20:12.659 might no longer 00:20:12.659 --> 00:20:13.419 live for themselves. 00:20:14.699 --> 00:20:15.219 And so when he's 00:20:15.219 --> 00:20:15.979 referring to those 00:20:15.979 --> 00:20:16.599 who live 00:20:16.599 --> 00:20:18.159 he's referring to 00:20:18.159 --> 00:20:19.219 those who have 00:20:19.219 --> 00:20:20.019 the Spirit. 00:20:21.679 --> 00:20:22.399 We know this 00:20:22.399 --> 00:20:22.919 if we go back 00:20:22.919 --> 00:20:23.559 to our passages 00:20:23.559 --> 00:20:24.419 in Romans again. 00:20:24.959 --> 00:20:25.399 Romans 6 00:20:25.399 --> 00:20:25.819 we said, 00:20:26.379 --> 00:20:26.759 we're buried 00:20:26.759 --> 00:20:27.179 with Christ 00:20:27.179 --> 00:20:27.679 in baptism 00:20:27.679 --> 00:20:28.619 raised to walk 00:20:28.619 --> 00:20:29.419 in newness 00:20:29.419 --> 00:20:30.419 of life. 00:20:31.639 --> 00:20:32.199 Think about 00:20:32.199 --> 00:20:32.659 our passage 00:20:32.659 --> 00:20:33.539 chapter 8 again. 00:20:33.919 --> 00:20:34.139 It says, 00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:35.079 we died to that 00:20:35.079 --> 00:20:36.139 which held us captive 00:20:36.139 --> 00:20:36.740 so that we 00:20:36.740 --> 00:20:37.660 may serve 00:20:37.660 --> 00:20:38.960 in a new way 00:20:38.960 --> 00:20:39.920 of the Spirit. 00:20:41.319 --> 00:20:41.799 And so this 00:20:41.799 --> 00:20:42.460 transition from 00:20:42.460 --> 00:20:43.420 death to life 00:20:43.420 --> 00:20:43.620 again. 00:20:43.779 --> 00:20:44.420 Walking in 00:20:44.420 --> 00:20:45.259 newness of life 00:20:45.259 --> 00:20:46.500 serving in a 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:47.000 new way of the 00:20:47.000 --> 00:20:47.380 Spirit. 00:20:48.279 --> 00:20:49.140 Two ways of 00:20:49.140 --> 00:20:49.900 saying the same 00:20:49.900 --> 00:20:50.279 thing. 00:20:51.279 --> 00:20:51.880 That the Spirit 00:20:51.880 --> 00:20:52.759 is a vital 00:20:52.759 --> 00:20:54.440 part of our 00:20:54.440 --> 00:20:54.799 regeneration. 00:20:56.480 --> 00:20:57.059 And so it's not 00:20:57.059 --> 00:20:57.779 Paul that's 00:20:57.779 --> 00:20:58.140 making this 00:20:58.140 --> 00:20:58.799 connection between 00:20:58.799 --> 00:20:59.319 the Spirit 00:20:59.319 --> 00:20:59.859 and life. 00:20:59.940 --> 00:21:00.359 This is not 00:21:00.359 --> 00:21:01.420 his creation 00:21:01.420 --> 00:21:02.380 or his imagination 00:21:02.380 --> 00:21:02.740 here. 00:21:02.799 --> 00:21:03.240 This is what we 00:21:03.240 --> 00:21:03.859 talked about 00:21:03.859 --> 00:21:04.559 what we read 00:21:04.559 --> 00:21:05.200 earlier from 00:21:05.200 --> 00:21:05.880 the book 00:21:05.880 --> 00:21:06.420 of Ezekiel. 00:21:07.480 --> 00:21:08.019 We read 00:21:08.019 --> 00:21:08.900 that Ezekiel 00:21:08.900 --> 00:21:09.460 prophesied, 00:21:09.660 --> 00:21:10.259 I will give 00:21:10.259 --> 00:21:11.059 you a new 00:21:11.059 --> 00:21:12.160 heart and 00:21:12.160 --> 00:21:12.720 a new spirit 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:13.220 I will put 00:21:13.220 --> 00:21:13.600 in you. 00:21:14.319 --> 00:21:14.920 And I will 00:21:14.920 --> 00:21:15.500 remove the 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:16.319 heart of stone 00:21:16.319 --> 00:21:16.920 from your 00:21:16.920 --> 00:21:18.519 flesh and I 00:21:18.519 --> 00:21:18.900 will give you 00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:19.279 a heart of 00:21:19.279 --> 00:21:19.640 flesh. 00:21:20.420 --> 00:21:20.960 And I will 00:21:20.960 --> 00:21:21.620 put my spirit 00:21:21.620 --> 00:21:22.220 within you and 00:21:22.220 --> 00:21:22.740 cause you to 00:21:22.740 --> 00:21:23.299 walk in my 00:21:23.299 --> 00:21:23.920 statutes and 00:21:23.920 --> 00:21:24.559 be careful to 00:21:24.559 --> 00:21:25.039 obey my 00:21:25.039 --> 00:21:25.400 rules. 00:21:26.740 --> 00:21:27.460 The very next 00:21:27.460 --> 00:21:27.759 chapter, 00:21:27.840 --> 00:21:28.799 chapter 37, 00:21:29.080 --> 00:21:29.319 he says, 00:21:29.400 --> 00:21:29.920 I will put my 00:21:29.920 --> 00:21:30.500 spirit within 00:21:30.500 --> 00:21:31.779 you and you 00:21:31.779 --> 00:21:33.019 shall live. 00:21:34.839 --> 00:21:35.079 And so 00:21:35.079 --> 00:21:36.240 Ezekiel's new 00:21:36.240 --> 00:21:36.799 heart that he 00:21:36.799 --> 00:21:37.279 talks about, 00:21:37.399 --> 00:21:38.440 this is precisely 00:21:38.440 --> 00:21:39.720 God's spirit 00:21:39.720 --> 00:21:40.319 working within 00:21:40.319 --> 00:21:40.680 us. 00:21:41.700 --> 00:21:42.359 Just like 00:21:42.359 --> 00:21:42.660 Ezekiel, 00:21:42.799 --> 00:21:43.539 Paul recognizes 00:21:43.539 --> 00:21:44.799 that the chief 00:21:44.799 --> 00:21:45.899 significance of 00:21:45.899 --> 00:21:46.599 the Holy Spirit 00:21:46.599 --> 00:21:47.420 is his ability 00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:48.339 to produce 00:21:48.339 --> 00:21:49.180 life. 00:21:50.420 --> 00:21:51.000 For Paul, 00:21:51.099 --> 00:21:51.700 life is the 00:21:51.700 --> 00:21:52.759 defining feature 00:21:52.759 --> 00:21:53.700 of the Spirit. 00:21:54.879 --> 00:21:55.920 One commentator, 00:21:56.420 --> 00:21:57.160 he puts it 00:21:57.160 --> 00:21:57.500 this way, 00:21:59.059 --> 00:22:00.099 he says, 00:22:00.099 --> 00:22:01.719 life is the 00:22:01.719 --> 00:22:02.319 comprehensive 00:22:02.319 --> 00:22:03.939 expression for 00:22:03.939 --> 00:22:04.719 all that the 00:22:04.719 --> 00:22:05.740 Spirit works in 00:22:05.740 --> 00:22:06.179 humanity. 00:22:07.939 --> 00:22:08.399 And so our 00:22:08.399 --> 00:22:09.419 transformation into 00:22:09.419 --> 00:22:09.839 this new 00:22:09.839 --> 00:22:11.939 creation, it's 00:22:11.939 --> 00:22:13.119 accomplished solely 00:22:13.119 --> 00:22:14.079 by the loving 00:22:14.079 --> 00:22:14.859 and sovereign 00:22:14.859 --> 00:22:15.779 work of the 00:22:15.779 --> 00:22:16.779 Father and the 00:22:16.779 --> 00:22:17.719 Son and the 00:22:17.719 --> 00:22:18.279 Holy Spirit. 00:22:19.799 --> 00:22:20.379 And so the 00:22:20.379 --> 00:22:21.279 question for us 00:22:21.279 --> 00:22:21.740 is do we 00:22:21.740 --> 00:22:23.000 recognize just 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:24.039 how drastic 00:22:24.039 --> 00:22:24.879 of a transformation 00:22:24.879 --> 00:22:25.480 this is? 00:22:25.699 --> 00:22:27.039 Just how drastic 00:22:27.039 --> 00:22:27.939 of a work it 00:22:27.939 --> 00:22:29.059 is of the 00:22:29.059 --> 00:22:30.079 Godhead in 00:22:30.079 --> 00:22:30.740 our lives? 00:22:31.939 --> 00:22:32.579 Because I think 00:22:32.579 --> 00:22:33.119 sometimes that 00:22:33.119 --> 00:22:33.579 just doesn't 00:22:33.579 --> 00:22:34.059 sink in. 00:22:34.119 --> 00:22:34.480 We think of 00:22:34.480 --> 00:22:34.799 our own 00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:35.220 salvation, 00:22:35.359 --> 00:22:35.699 maybe we've 00:22:35.699 --> 00:22:36.299 changed or 00:22:36.299 --> 00:22:36.639 improved. 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:37.039 That's not 00:22:37.039 --> 00:22:37.419 what God 00:22:37.419 --> 00:22:37.879 has done 00:22:37.879 --> 00:22:38.359 for us 00:22:38.359 --> 00:22:38.599 here. 00:22:40.799 --> 00:22:41.359 Maybe some 00:22:41.359 --> 00:22:41.759 of you are 00:22:41.759 --> 00:22:42.319 old enough 00:22:42.319 --> 00:22:42.759 to remember 00:22:42.759 --> 00:22:43.439 a TV show, 00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:43.839 I think this 00:22:43.839 --> 00:22:44.439 was during 00:22:44.439 --> 00:22:45.059 my years 00:22:45.059 --> 00:22:45.460 of uni, 00:22:45.879 --> 00:22:46.359 it was called 00:22:46.359 --> 00:22:47.159 Pimp My Ride, 00:22:47.759 --> 00:22:48.259 and I looked 00:22:48.259 --> 00:22:48.919 in the UK, 00:22:49.059 --> 00:22:49.599 it did exist 00:22:49.599 --> 00:22:50.039 in the UK 00:22:50.039 --> 00:22:50.539 for a few 00:22:50.539 --> 00:22:50.960 seasons, 00:22:51.679 --> 00:22:52.059 and in my 00:22:52.059 --> 00:22:52.399 mind this 00:22:52.399 --> 00:22:52.639 was like, 00:22:52.679 --> 00:22:53.000 oh this was 00:22:53.000 --> 00:22:53.460 a TV show 00:22:53.460 --> 00:22:53.720 from like 00:22:53.720 --> 00:22:54.119 three years 00:22:54.119 --> 00:22:54.339 ago. 00:22:54.419 --> 00:22:54.519 No, 00:22:54.539 --> 00:22:54.819 this was a 00:22:54.819 --> 00:22:55.199 TV show, 00:22:55.279 --> 00:22:55.579 it went off 00:22:55.579 --> 00:22:56.299 in 2009, 00:22:56.480 --> 00:22:56.879 so it kind 00:22:56.880 --> 00:22:57.080 of makes 00:22:57.080 --> 00:22:57.380 me feel 00:22:57.380 --> 00:22:57.740 old. 00:22:58.320 --> 00:22:58.740 But if 00:22:58.740 --> 00:22:59.240 you're familiar 00:22:59.240 --> 00:22:59.720 with the show, 00:22:59.780 --> 00:23:00.160 even if you're 00:23:00.160 --> 00:23:00.420 not, 00:23:00.540 --> 00:23:01.940 the premise 00:23:01.940 --> 00:23:02.400 of the show 00:23:02.400 --> 00:23:03.100 is they find 00:23:03.100 --> 00:23:04.000 these young 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:05.040 kids that 00:23:05.040 --> 00:23:05.420 have this 00:23:05.420 --> 00:23:05.780 beat up 00:23:05.780 --> 00:23:06.400 car and 00:23:06.400 --> 00:23:07.240 they transform 00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:07.600 it. 00:23:08.860 --> 00:23:09.580 They put in 00:23:09.580 --> 00:23:10.060 this new 00:23:10.060 --> 00:23:10.820 paint job 00:23:10.820 --> 00:23:11.360 and this new 00:23:11.360 --> 00:23:12.260 interior and 00:23:12.260 --> 00:23:12.820 lights and 00:23:12.820 --> 00:23:13.360 big screen 00:23:13.360 --> 00:23:14.080 TVs and 00:23:14.080 --> 00:23:15.160 gaming systems, 00:23:15.720 --> 00:23:16.280 but the thing 00:23:16.280 --> 00:23:17.140 is they never 00:23:17.140 --> 00:23:18.500 touch anything 00:23:18.500 --> 00:23:18.980 under the 00:23:18.980 --> 00:23:19.240 bonnet. 00:23:20.100 --> 00:23:20.520 They don't 00:23:20.520 --> 00:23:21.020 touch the 00:23:21.020 --> 00:23:21.940 engine or 00:23:21.940 --> 00:23:22.700 the transmission, 00:23:22.920 --> 00:23:23.600 it's simply 00:23:23.600 --> 00:23:24.400 cosmetic work 00:23:24.400 --> 00:23:24.920 that they do. 00:23:24.920 --> 00:23:26.420 And so 00:23:26.420 --> 00:23:26.700 you're left 00:23:26.700 --> 00:23:27.140 thinking they've 00:23:27.140 --> 00:23:27.539 done all this 00:23:27.539 --> 00:23:28.060 to the car, 00:23:28.140 --> 00:23:28.640 but they're 00:23:28.640 --> 00:23:28.800 going to 00:23:28.800 --> 00:23:29.140 drive it 00:23:29.140 --> 00:23:29.420 off the 00:23:29.420 --> 00:23:29.720 lot, 00:23:30.019 --> 00:23:30.380 this car 00:23:30.380 --> 00:23:31.300 with 200,000 00:23:31.300 --> 00:23:32.039 miles on it, 00:23:32.039 --> 00:23:32.259 and it's 00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:32.800 likely going 00:23:32.800 --> 00:23:33.279 to break 00:23:33.279 --> 00:23:34.080 down the 00:23:34.080 --> 00:23:34.480 very next 00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:34.800 week. 00:23:36.759 --> 00:23:36.980 And so 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:37.320 the work 00:23:37.320 --> 00:23:37.900 of God 00:23:37.900 --> 00:23:38.360 in us 00:23:38.360 --> 00:23:38.940 is not 00:23:38.940 --> 00:23:39.539 merely a 00:23:39.539 --> 00:23:40.100 change like 00:23:40.100 --> 00:23:40.259 this, 00:23:40.320 --> 00:23:40.779 not merely 00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:41.800 a superficial 00:23:41.800 --> 00:23:42.440 external 00:23:42.440 --> 00:23:43.060 change. 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:43.840 It's not a 00:23:43.840 --> 00:23:44.720 mere improvement 00:23:44.720 --> 00:23:45.720 or rehabilitation. 00:23:46.300 --> 00:23:46.460 No, 00:23:46.519 --> 00:23:47.019 we are a 00:23:47.019 --> 00:23:48.360 new creation. 00:23:48.539 --> 00:23:48.840 We were 00:23:48.840 --> 00:23:49.500 dead and 00:23:49.500 --> 00:23:49.840 we've been 00:23:49.840 --> 00:23:50.360 made alive. 00:23:52.820 --> 00:23:53.380 And so 00:23:53.380 --> 00:23:53.980 this transformation 00:23:53.980 --> 00:23:55.000 only comes 00:23:55.000 --> 00:23:55.380 when we 00:23:55.380 --> 00:23:56.839 receive God's 00:23:56.839 --> 00:23:57.339 grace through 00:23:57.339 --> 00:23:57.680 faith. 00:23:59.160 --> 00:23:59.480 And so 00:23:59.480 --> 00:23:59.860 this is our 00:23:59.860 --> 00:24:00.799 greatest priority 00:24:00.799 --> 00:24:01.599 in our life, 00:24:01.640 --> 00:24:02.180 that we may be 00:24:02.180 --> 00:24:03.339 found in Christ, 00:24:03.440 --> 00:24:04.059 that we may be 00:24:04.059 --> 00:24:05.779 united to Him, 00:24:06.160 --> 00:24:06.700 that we may 00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:07.339 become a new 00:24:07.339 --> 00:24:07.759 creation. 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:10.339 And so 00:24:10.339 --> 00:24:10.940 for each of us 00:24:10.940 --> 00:24:11.200 here, the 00:24:11.200 --> 00:24:11.620 question is, 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:12.740 do you believe 00:24:12.740 --> 00:24:13.140 this? 00:24:14.259 --> 00:24:15.000 Do you believe 00:24:15.000 --> 00:24:15.599 that Jesus 00:24:15.599 --> 00:24:16.360 Christ, the 00:24:16.360 --> 00:24:17.339 Son of God, 00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:17.880 died on the 00:24:17.880 --> 00:24:18.500 cross for your 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:19.759 sins to provide 00:24:19.759 --> 00:24:20.920 salvation and 00:24:20.920 --> 00:24:21.799 new creation 00:24:21.799 --> 00:24:22.360 for you? 00:24:22.359 --> 00:24:25.139 Because that 00:24:25.139 --> 00:24:25.559 brings us 00:24:25.559 --> 00:24:26.119 then to our 00:24:26.119 --> 00:24:26.639 last point. 00:24:26.719 --> 00:24:27.159 What is the 00:24:27.159 --> 00:24:28.679 effects of 00:24:28.679 --> 00:24:28.979 our new 00:24:28.979 --> 00:24:29.399 creation? 00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:31.740 Perhaps 00:24:31.740 --> 00:24:32.500 you've heard 00:24:32.500 --> 00:24:33.079 someone share 00:24:33.079 --> 00:24:33.879 their testimony 00:24:33.879 --> 00:24:34.539 before and 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:35.339 they've talked 00:24:35.339 --> 00:24:36.139 about how 00:24:36.139 --> 00:24:36.679 they walked 00:24:36.679 --> 00:24:37.199 in sin 00:24:37.199 --> 00:24:37.899 before and 00:24:37.899 --> 00:24:38.939 the sin 00:24:38.939 --> 00:24:39.199 that they 00:24:39.199 --> 00:24:39.759 were involved 00:24:39.759 --> 00:24:40.079 in, the 00:24:40.079 --> 00:24:40.479 things that 00:24:40.479 --> 00:24:40.959 they did. 00:24:41.019 --> 00:24:41.240 And they 00:24:41.240 --> 00:24:41.459 said when 00:24:41.459 --> 00:24:41.859 they came 00:24:41.859 --> 00:24:42.459 to Christ, 00:24:42.959 --> 00:24:43.799 their priorities 00:24:43.799 --> 00:24:44.439 changed, 00:24:44.519 --> 00:24:45.079 their behavior 00:24:45.079 --> 00:24:45.719 changed, and 00:24:45.719 --> 00:24:46.479 it was like 00:24:46.479 --> 00:24:46.939 they became 00:24:46.939 --> 00:24:47.539 a different 00:24:47.539 --> 00:24:47.959 person. 00:24:49.659 --> 00:24:50.299 When we hear 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:50.579 this, we 00:24:50.579 --> 00:24:51.139 think, that 00:24:51.139 --> 00:24:51.759 kind of sounds 00:24:51.759 --> 00:24:52.420 cliche, right? 00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:52.799 You've heard 00:24:52.799 --> 00:24:53.180 that kind 00:24:53.180 --> 00:24:53.579 of story 00:24:53.579 --> 00:24:53.819 a hundred 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:54.400 times, but 00:24:54.400 --> 00:24:55.720 this is the 00:24:55.720 --> 00:24:56.619 absolute truth. 00:24:57.779 --> 00:24:58.660 What happens 00:24:58.660 --> 00:24:58.980 in new 00:24:58.980 --> 00:24:59.339 creation? 00:24:59.460 --> 00:24:59.700 When we 00:24:59.700 --> 00:25:00.480 come to 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:02.339 Christ and 00:25:02.339 --> 00:25:03.220 he renews 00:25:03.220 --> 00:25:03.640 us, we 00:25:03.640 --> 00:25:04.259 should not 00:25:04.259 --> 00:25:04.619 be the 00:25:04.619 --> 00:25:04.900 same. 00:25:05.680 --> 00:25:06.019 If we 00:25:06.019 --> 00:25:06.299 are in 00:25:06.299 --> 00:25:06.779 Christ, we 00:25:06.779 --> 00:25:07.140 should look 00:25:07.140 --> 00:25:08.220 totally distinct 00:25:08.220 --> 00:25:08.819 from the 00:25:08.819 --> 00:25:09.480 man or woman 00:25:09.480 --> 00:25:09.859 we looked 00:25:09.859 --> 00:25:10.319 like before, 00:25:10.460 --> 00:25:10.819 totally 00:25:10.819 --> 00:25:11.559 distinct from 00:25:11.559 --> 00:25:12.119 the world 00:25:12.119 --> 00:25:13.539 around us. 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:15.180 And so in 00:25:15.180 --> 00:25:15.900 this final 00:25:15.900 --> 00:25:16.539 thought then, 00:25:16.599 --> 00:25:16.879 as we 00:25:16.879 --> 00:25:17.759 consider this 00:25:17.759 --> 00:25:18.440 transformation, 00:25:18.720 --> 00:25:19.279 the effect that 00:25:19.279 --> 00:25:19.700 it has in 00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:20.279 our lives, 00:25:21.019 --> 00:25:21.559 our passage, 00:25:21.559 --> 00:25:21.879 I think, 00:25:21.940 --> 00:25:22.419 points out 00:25:22.419 --> 00:25:23.039 about three 00:25:23.039 --> 00:25:24.460 ways that 00:25:24.460 --> 00:25:24.960 we're affected 00:25:24.960 --> 00:25:25.359 by new 00:25:25.359 --> 00:25:25.799 creation. 00:25:27.000 --> 00:25:27.679 We're affected 00:25:27.679 --> 00:25:27.980 in our 00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:28.700 attitude toward 00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:29.279 ourselves, 00:25:30.480 --> 00:25:31.000 we're affected 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:31.240 in our 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:32.139 attitude toward 00:25:32.139 --> 00:25:32.679 others, 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:33.599 and then 00:25:33.599 --> 00:25:34.079 affected in 00:25:34.079 --> 00:25:34.519 our attitude 00:25:34.519 --> 00:25:35.279 toward Christ. 00:25:36.519 --> 00:25:37.019 And so look 00:25:37.019 --> 00:25:37.720 at verse 15 00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:38.039 again. 00:25:38.859 --> 00:25:39.139 It says, 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:39.679 And he died 00:25:39.679 --> 00:25:40.099 for all, 00:25:40.159 --> 00:25:40.619 that those 00:25:40.619 --> 00:25:41.079 who live 00:25:41.079 --> 00:25:41.440 might no 00:25:41.440 --> 00:25:42.039 longer live 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:42.679 for themselves, 00:25:43.019 --> 00:25:43.919 but for him 00:25:43.919 --> 00:25:44.619 who for their 00:25:44.619 --> 00:25:45.279 sake died and 00:25:45.279 --> 00:25:45.759 was raised. 00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:48.179 And so as a 00:25:48.179 --> 00:25:48.879 new creation, 00:25:49.539 --> 00:25:50.119 it says we no 00:25:50.119 --> 00:25:50.839 longer live for 00:25:50.839 --> 00:25:51.259 ourselves, 00:25:51.379 --> 00:25:52.240 we live for 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:52.699 Christ. 00:25:54.659 --> 00:25:55.119 And so what 00:25:55.119 --> 00:25:55.379 does that 00:25:55.379 --> 00:25:55.519 mean? 00:25:55.559 --> 00:25:56.119 We no longer 00:25:56.119 --> 00:25:56.879 seek to 00:25:56.879 --> 00:25:57.839 fulfill our 00:25:57.839 --> 00:25:58.319 earthly, 00:25:58.559 --> 00:25:59.619 fleshly desires, 00:25:59.799 --> 00:26:00.639 to seek our 00:26:00.639 --> 00:26:01.379 own comforts, 00:26:01.439 --> 00:26:02.000 our own 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:02.399 wants, 00:26:02.639 --> 00:26:03.919 we live for 00:26:03.919 --> 00:26:04.359 Christ. 00:26:04.859 --> 00:26:05.599 His desires 00:26:05.599 --> 00:26:06.139 become our 00:26:06.139 --> 00:26:06.480 desires. 00:26:06.799 --> 00:26:07.480 His mission 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:08.159 is now our 00:26:08.159 --> 00:26:08.459 mission. 00:26:09.779 --> 00:26:10.359 Paul goes so 00:26:10.359 --> 00:26:10.939 far to say in 00:26:10.939 --> 00:26:11.539 Galatians 2, 00:26:11.619 --> 00:26:12.000 that it is not 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:12.679 I who live, 00:26:12.759 --> 00:26:13.480 but it is Christ 00:26:13.480 --> 00:26:14.359 who lives in 00:26:14.359 --> 00:26:14.539 me. 00:26:15.079 --> 00:26:16.039 My life is 00:26:16.039 --> 00:26:17.019 Christ's life. 00:26:17.019 --> 00:26:19.740 And so is 00:26:19.740 --> 00:26:20.299 this true of 00:26:20.299 --> 00:26:20.619 us? 00:26:21.759 --> 00:26:22.700 Do we hate 00:26:22.700 --> 00:26:23.319 our sin? 00:26:23.440 --> 00:26:24.079 Do we desire 00:26:24.079 --> 00:26:24.940 to become more 00:26:24.940 --> 00:26:26.079 and more like 00:26:26.079 --> 00:26:27.960 Jesus, to see 00:26:27.960 --> 00:26:28.639 his image 00:26:28.639 --> 00:26:29.279 restored in 00:26:29.279 --> 00:26:29.619 us? 00:26:32.160 --> 00:26:32.859 And so this 00:26:32.859 --> 00:26:33.379 should be a gut 00:26:33.379 --> 00:26:33.579 check. 00:26:33.660 --> 00:26:34.720 If we claim to 00:26:34.720 --> 00:26:35.359 be in Christ, 00:26:35.440 --> 00:26:36.000 but we do not 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:36.839 see any mark of 00:26:36.839 --> 00:26:37.299 difference from 00:26:37.299 --> 00:26:37.980 ourselves or 00:26:37.980 --> 00:26:39.619 anyone outside 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:41.519 of Christ, 00:26:42.139 --> 00:26:44.559 we must examine 00:26:44.559 --> 00:26:45.220 ourselves. 00:26:45.220 --> 00:26:46.600 have we truly 00:26:46.600 --> 00:26:47.460 experienced the 00:26:47.460 --> 00:26:48.620 renewing power of 00:26:48.620 --> 00:26:49.200 Christ in our 00:26:49.200 --> 00:26:49.500 lives? 00:26:51.559 --> 00:26:52.360 Thinking secondly 00:26:52.360 --> 00:26:52.940 of our attitude 00:26:52.940 --> 00:26:53.940 toward others, 00:26:54.720 --> 00:26:55.299 verse 16, 00:26:55.420 --> 00:26:55.960 so now, 00:26:56.720 --> 00:26:57.380 so from now on 00:26:57.380 --> 00:26:58.600 we regard no 00:26:58.600 --> 00:26:59.640 one from a 00:26:59.640 --> 00:27:00.519 worldly point of 00:27:00.519 --> 00:27:00.720 view. 00:27:00.980 --> 00:27:01.440 Like we said, 00:27:01.500 --> 00:27:02.180 we regard no 00:27:02.180 --> 00:27:03.360 one according to 00:27:03.360 --> 00:27:04.259 the flesh. 00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:06.039 One of the 00:27:06.039 --> 00:27:06.519 problems that 00:27:06.519 --> 00:27:07.160 Paul was 00:27:07.160 --> 00:27:07.900 addressing here 00:27:07.900 --> 00:27:08.559 in the church 00:27:08.559 --> 00:27:09.279 in Corinth is 00:27:09.279 --> 00:27:10.220 that believers 00:27:10.220 --> 00:27:11.079 were pitting 00:27:11.079 --> 00:27:12.240 Christ's servants 00:27:12.240 --> 00:27:12.920 against one 00:27:12.920 --> 00:27:13.180 another. 00:27:14.200 --> 00:27:14.620 They were 00:27:14.619 --> 00:27:15.299 choosing these 00:27:15.299 --> 00:27:16.019 rivals and 00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:16.179 thinking, 00:27:16.299 --> 00:27:16.399 oh, 00:27:16.500 --> 00:27:17.159 this is my 00:27:17.159 --> 00:27:17.459 hero. 00:27:18.339 --> 00:27:18.459 You know, 00:27:18.500 --> 00:27:19.299 for I am 00:27:19.299 --> 00:27:19.739 Paul, 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:20.500 I am of 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:20.799 Paul, 00:27:21.000 --> 00:27:21.579 or someone 00:27:21.579 --> 00:27:21.739 says, 00:27:21.819 --> 00:27:22.139 I am of 00:27:22.139 --> 00:27:22.759 Apollos. 00:27:23.839 --> 00:27:24.179 Paul says, 00:27:24.219 --> 00:27:24.579 are you not 00:27:24.579 --> 00:27:25.919 behaving like 00:27:25.919 --> 00:27:26.459 mere men? 00:27:27.739 --> 00:27:28.479 He feels that 00:27:28.479 --> 00:27:29.279 some in the 00:27:29.279 --> 00:27:29.739 church are 00:27:29.739 --> 00:27:30.259 turning a 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:30.959 critical eye 00:27:30.959 --> 00:27:31.439 to him. 00:27:32.899 --> 00:27:33.379 Paul says, 00:27:33.619 --> 00:27:33.979 I'm not 00:27:33.979 --> 00:27:34.779 concerned about 00:27:34.779 --> 00:27:35.939 being judged 00:27:35.939 --> 00:27:36.479 by you and 00:27:36.479 --> 00:27:36.859 your worldly 00:27:36.859 --> 00:27:37.399 standards. 00:27:38.079 --> 00:27:38.559 He says, 00:27:38.659 --> 00:27:39.639 stop boasting 00:27:39.639 --> 00:27:40.839 in men, 00:27:41.079 --> 00:27:42.039 boast in the 00:27:42.039 --> 00:27:42.319 Lord. 00:27:42.319 --> 00:27:42.819 God, 00:27:42.819 --> 00:27:43.659 I am of 00:27:43.659 --> 00:27:43.819 God. 00:27:43.819 --> 00:27:44.259 And that's 00:27:44.259 --> 00:27:44.559 why he 00:27:44.559 --> 00:27:45.139 calls us 00:27:45.139 --> 00:27:45.460 in verse 00:27:45.460 --> 00:27:46.099 20 to be 00:27:46.099 --> 00:27:47.079 ambassadors of 00:27:47.079 --> 00:27:47.480 Christ, 00:27:48.179 --> 00:27:48.679 that our 00:27:48.679 --> 00:27:49.319 message may 00:27:49.319 --> 00:27:49.899 be one of 00:27:49.899 --> 00:27:50.579 reconciliation. 00:27:51.839 --> 00:27:52.659 Our goal as 00:27:52.659 --> 00:27:53.259 believers is not 00:27:53.259 --> 00:27:54.039 to build up our 00:27:54.039 --> 00:27:54.879 own little tribe 00:27:54.879 --> 00:27:55.359 of who we 00:27:55.359 --> 00:27:56.059 think the best 00:27:56.059 --> 00:27:56.839 pastor is or 00:27:56.839 --> 00:27:57.439 what's the best 00:27:57.439 --> 00:27:58.039 denomination. 00:27:58.399 --> 00:27:59.119 Our primary 00:27:59.119 --> 00:28:00.139 goal is bringing 00:28:00.139 --> 00:28:00.980 people to 00:28:00.980 --> 00:28:01.500 Jesus, 00:28:02.960 --> 00:28:03.919 wanting others 00:28:03.919 --> 00:28:04.659 to experience 00:28:04.659 --> 00:28:05.519 this transformation 00:28:05.519 --> 00:28:06.299 of new life 00:28:06.299 --> 00:28:06.919 that we have 00:28:06.919 --> 00:28:07.679 experienced in 00:28:07.679 --> 00:28:07.980 Christ. 00:28:10.099 --> 00:28:10.399 And so 00:28:10.399 --> 00:28:10.700 finally, 00:28:10.799 --> 00:28:11.059 the new 00:28:11.059 --> 00:28:11.599 creation will 00:28:11.599 --> 00:28:12.179 affect our 00:28:12.179 --> 00:28:12.859 attitude toward 00:28:12.859 --> 00:28:13.279 Christ. 00:28:13.579 --> 00:28:14.059 Verse 16 00:28:14.059 --> 00:28:14.339 again. 00:28:15.740 --> 00:28:16.159 So from now 00:28:16.159 --> 00:28:16.839 on we regard 00:28:16.839 --> 00:28:17.619 no one from a 00:28:17.619 --> 00:28:18.299 worldly point of 00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:18.559 view, 00:28:18.879 --> 00:28:19.399 though we once 00:28:19.399 --> 00:28:20.279 regarded Christ 00:28:20.279 --> 00:28:21.000 in this way, 00:28:21.079 --> 00:28:21.659 we do so no 00:28:21.659 --> 00:28:21.939 longer. 00:28:23.819 --> 00:28:24.579 Just as Paul 00:28:24.579 --> 00:28:25.399 viewed Christ 00:28:25.399 --> 00:28:26.419 before he was a 00:28:26.419 --> 00:28:26.599 believer, 00:28:26.719 --> 00:28:27.259 he viewed Christ 00:28:27.259 --> 00:28:28.279 as a heretic 00:28:28.279 --> 00:28:30.319 that was worthy 00:28:30.319 --> 00:28:30.939 of death. 00:28:32.339 --> 00:28:32.480 Well, 00:28:32.500 --> 00:28:32.879 some in the 00:28:32.879 --> 00:28:33.439 church are still 00:28:33.439 --> 00:28:34.159 kind of trying to 00:28:34.159 --> 00:28:34.859 figure out who 00:28:34.859 --> 00:28:35.879 this Jesus 00:28:35.879 --> 00:28:36.939 character is. 00:28:37.959 --> 00:28:38.799 Was he just a 00:28:38.799 --> 00:28:39.279 good teacher? 00:28:40.279 --> 00:28:41.059 Was he a 00:28:41.059 --> 00:28:41.619 healer and 00:28:41.619 --> 00:28:42.299 miracle worker? 00:28:42.399 --> 00:28:43.179 Was he just a 00:28:43.179 --> 00:28:44.139 moralist of some 00:28:44.139 --> 00:28:44.579 sort? 00:28:45.659 --> 00:28:46.039 Paul says, 00:28:46.119 --> 00:28:46.539 no, no, no. 00:28:46.619 --> 00:28:47.639 We do not look at 00:28:47.639 --> 00:28:48.679 Christ from a 00:28:48.679 --> 00:28:49.740 worldly perspective 00:28:49.740 --> 00:28:50.659 according to the 00:28:50.659 --> 00:28:51.019 flesh. 00:28:51.639 --> 00:28:52.700 We must see Christ 00:28:52.700 --> 00:28:53.679 as the divine 00:28:53.679 --> 00:28:55.119 son of God. 00:28:56.519 --> 00:28:57.240 Because if we 00:28:57.240 --> 00:28:58.279 don't have faith 00:28:58.279 --> 00:28:59.259 in Christ's true 00:28:59.259 --> 00:29:00.159 identity, then we 00:29:00.159 --> 00:29:01.460 cannot rely on him 00:29:01.460 --> 00:29:02.519 for new creation. 00:29:04.599 --> 00:29:05.460 Philippians 3, 00:29:06.119 --> 00:29:06.579 Paul says, 00:29:06.579 --> 00:29:07.839 I want to know 00:29:07.839 --> 00:29:08.599 Christ. 00:29:09.379 --> 00:29:09.980 Yes, to know 00:29:09.980 --> 00:29:10.759 the power of 00:29:10.759 --> 00:29:11.419 his resurrection, 00:29:11.919 --> 00:29:12.639 the participation 00:29:12.639 --> 00:29:13.500 in his suffering, 00:29:13.939 --> 00:29:14.759 becoming like him 00:29:14.759 --> 00:29:15.059 in death, 00:29:15.139 --> 00:29:18.139 and so somehow 00:29:18.139 --> 00:29:19.559 attaining to the 00:29:19.559 --> 00:29:20.399 resurrection from 00:29:20.399 --> 00:29:20.779 the dead. 00:29:22.779 --> 00:29:23.339 And so when we 00:29:23.339 --> 00:29:23.859 think about this 00:29:23.859 --> 00:29:24.319 new creation, 00:29:24.419 --> 00:29:25.059 when Paul's talking 00:29:25.059 --> 00:29:25.480 about this 00:29:25.480 --> 00:29:26.279 resurrection, 00:29:27.460 --> 00:29:27.799 we've been 00:29:27.799 --> 00:29:28.399 thinking about it 00:29:28.399 --> 00:29:29.919 as new creation 00:29:29.919 --> 00:29:30.319 when it talks 00:29:30.319 --> 00:29:31.439 about our own 00:29:31.439 --> 00:29:31.899 salvation. 00:29:32.059 --> 00:29:32.819 That's a proper 00:29:32.819 --> 00:29:33.460 way to view it, 00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:33.859 but there's 00:29:33.859 --> 00:29:35.480 something else we 00:29:35.480 --> 00:29:35.839 need to think 00:29:35.839 --> 00:29:36.319 about when we 00:29:36.319 --> 00:29:37.460 consider new 00:29:37.460 --> 00:29:37.940 creation. 00:29:38.620 --> 00:29:39.039 We need to 00:29:39.039 --> 00:29:39.420 think about it 00:29:39.420 --> 00:29:40.319 from a future 00:29:40.319 --> 00:29:41.160 sense as well. 00:29:42.319 --> 00:29:42.960 Because when we 00:29:42.960 --> 00:29:43.720 come to Christ, 00:29:44.319 --> 00:29:45.620 we experience new 00:29:45.620 --> 00:29:46.519 creation now, 00:29:47.039 --> 00:29:47.339 right, the 00:29:47.339 --> 00:29:48.000 indwelling of the 00:29:48.000 --> 00:29:48.620 Holy Spirit who 00:29:48.620 --> 00:29:49.440 gives us life, 00:29:49.960 --> 00:29:50.380 but the thing is 00:29:50.380 --> 00:29:51.559 we're still in our 00:29:51.559 --> 00:29:52.259 earthly bodies, 00:29:52.860 --> 00:29:54.200 right, we still 00:29:54.200 --> 00:29:55.259 have to deal with 00:29:55.259 --> 00:29:56.940 sin in our lives. 00:29:57.940 --> 00:29:59.059 And so we still 00:29:59.059 --> 00:29:59.660 should have this 00:29:59.660 --> 00:30:00.299 desire, we should 00:30:00.299 --> 00:30:01.380 be looking forward 00:30:01.380 --> 00:30:02.579 to this day of 00:30:02.579 --> 00:30:03.339 Christ's return, 00:30:04.380 --> 00:30:05.099 where there's 00:30:05.099 --> 00:30:06.119 new creation, 00:30:06.299 --> 00:30:06.919 this new creation 00:30:06.919 --> 00:30:07.899 will be fully 00:30:07.899 --> 00:30:09.019 consummated, 00:30:09.639 --> 00:30:11.119 where a new 00:30:11.119 --> 00:30:11.980 heaven and new 00:30:11.980 --> 00:30:12.559 earth will be 00:30:12.559 --> 00:30:12.919 ushered in. 00:30:12.959 --> 00:30:13.399 This is what 00:30:13.399 --> 00:30:14.919 John talks about 00:30:14.919 --> 00:30:16.099 in Revelation 21, 00:30:16.799 --> 00:30:17.399 this coming of 00:30:17.399 --> 00:30:18.599 this new heaven 00:30:18.599 --> 00:30:19.519 and new earth 00:30:19.519 --> 00:30:20.199 where we will be 00:30:20.199 --> 00:30:21.240 delivered from 00:30:21.240 --> 00:30:22.119 the presence of 00:30:22.119 --> 00:30:23.000 sin, where death 00:30:23.000 --> 00:30:24.119 will be no more, 00:30:24.219 --> 00:30:25.219 where Christ will 00:30:25.219 --> 00:30:26.399 declare from his 00:30:26.399 --> 00:30:27.519 throne, I am 00:30:27.519 --> 00:30:28.919 making all things 00:30:28.919 --> 00:30:29.419 new. 00:30:31.459 --> 00:30:32.240 Because it's at 00:30:32.240 --> 00:30:32.919 that point that we 00:30:32.919 --> 00:30:33.939 will experience an 00:30:33.940 --> 00:30:34.940 even better 00:30:34.940 --> 00:30:37.120 Eden, where we 00:30:37.120 --> 00:30:38.100 will once again 00:30:38.100 --> 00:30:39.740 perfectly bear the 00:30:39.740 --> 00:30:40.820 image of God 00:30:40.820 --> 00:30:42.539 and we may live 00:30:42.539 --> 00:30:43.680 in perfect communion 00:30:43.680 --> 00:30:44.440 with our Savior. 00:30:45.920 --> 00:30:47.140 Where just as we 00:30:47.140 --> 00:30:48.400 died with Christ 00:30:48.400 --> 00:30:49.519 and we were raised 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:50.799 with Christ, we are 00:30:50.799 --> 00:30:52.539 now glorified with 00:30:52.539 --> 00:30:53.500 our Christ. 00:30:53.620 --> 00:30:54.580 This is the ultimate 00:30:54.580 --> 00:30:55.820 effect of new 00:30:55.820 --> 00:30:56.240 creation. 00:30:56.620 --> 00:30:58.000 This is what we 00:30:58.000 --> 00:30:58.740 should long for. 00:30:58.740 --> 00:31:02.079 And so if we are 00:31:02.079 --> 00:31:03.960 in Christ, if we 00:31:03.960 --> 00:31:04.579 have experienced 00:31:04.579 --> 00:31:05.539 this new creation, 00:31:05.720 --> 00:31:06.599 may this be our 00:31:06.599 --> 00:31:07.400 focus and our 00:31:07.400 --> 00:31:10.200 goal, to see 00:31:10.200 --> 00:31:11.140 Christ come again, 00:31:11.740 --> 00:31:13.120 to see his image 00:31:13.120 --> 00:31:14.220 in us restored. 00:31:16.279 --> 00:31:16.759 And for those 00:31:16.759 --> 00:31:18.160 here that may not 00:31:18.160 --> 00:31:18.900 be in Christ, 00:31:19.579 --> 00:31:20.460 recognize that this 00:31:20.460 --> 00:31:21.500 is what is offered 00:31:21.500 --> 00:31:22.599 to us. 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:24.200 Life in Christ 00:31:24.200 --> 00:31:25.440 now, the renewing 00:31:25.440 --> 00:31:26.480 presence of his 00:31:26.480 --> 00:31:27.660 spirit now, the 00:31:27.660 --> 00:31:28.660 freeing from sin 00:31:28.660 --> 00:31:29.980 and its bondage 00:31:29.980 --> 00:31:32.019 now, but also 00:31:32.019 --> 00:31:32.420 the coming 00:31:32.420 --> 00:31:33.900 completion of 00:31:33.900 --> 00:31:34.680 this new creation 00:31:34.680 --> 00:31:36.040 where we will 00:31:36.040 --> 00:31:37.440 one day live with 00:31:37.440 --> 00:31:39.120 our Savior as 00:31:39.120 --> 00:31:39.820 his children 00:31:39.820 --> 00:31:40.759 forever. 00:31:42.220 --> 00:31:43.080 Let's pray.