WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.939 There's a skill in a biographer who can capture a scene that at one moment might seem insignificant, trivial, and yet that scene can be very revealing. 00:00:13.720 --> 00:00:21.059 My great subject of study is Abraham Lincoln. I will read biographies of Lincoln. I'll listen to podcasts. 00:00:21.059 --> 00:00:37.239 But I had never heard this particular story. When Richmond fell, the capital of the Confederacy, the next day President Lincoln traveled to Richmond, which was an hour and a half, two hours maybe, and he's touring the fallen city, the Confederate capital. 00:00:37.240 --> 00:00:44.760 And it was said that he stopped because he heard the cry of cats, kittens. 00:00:45.400 --> 00:00:51.040 And he looked and he saw two very small kittens kind of on the side of the road. 00:00:52.140 --> 00:01:02.620 And he leaned over, picked them up, and then he turned to one of the many soldiers with him and said, soldier, make sure these cats are looked after. 00:01:02.619 --> 00:01:08.780 The reason why I wanted to share that story is it reminded me of a quotation of Lincoln. 00:01:08.939 --> 00:01:09.959 Lincoln's very quotable. 00:01:10.640 --> 00:01:17.920 But he once said, I care not for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it. 00:01:18.840 --> 00:01:22.179 Those cats in Richmond were the better for his religion. 00:01:23.060 --> 00:01:29.019 Now, you might have pets, you might not have pets, but the idea, I think, is obvious here. 00:01:29.019 --> 00:01:43.079 If you have a faith in Jesus Christ, if you are a follower of Jesus, that faith should transform everything from the biggest to the smallest of details. 00:01:43.659 --> 00:01:50.120 So if you have pets, your pets should be the best cared for pets, cats and dogs, because you're a Christian. 00:01:50.979 --> 00:01:57.519 Your neighbors, your neighbors should be delighted that you're a Christian because of your kindness and your compassion and your consideration. 00:01:57.519 --> 00:02:03.000 We here on the south side, we should be, the neighbors should be thankful. 00:02:03.119 --> 00:02:04.259 We've got a church here. 00:02:04.780 --> 00:02:06.099 And there's not just a church. 00:02:06.319 --> 00:02:07.739 These are people that are kind. 00:02:07.859 --> 00:02:09.719 These are people that are compassionate. 00:02:09.919 --> 00:02:10.939 These are good people. 00:02:11.219 --> 00:02:13.060 And they make the neighborhood better. 00:02:13.979 --> 00:02:25.259 Now, when we look at the book of Titus, short book, three chapters, ten times Titus talks about good or specifically good works. 00:02:25.259 --> 00:02:26.099 Ten times. 00:02:26.759 --> 00:02:28.699 He tells us who is qualified. 00:02:29.139 --> 00:02:31.019 He tells us who isn't qualified. 00:02:31.299 --> 00:02:37.579 But it seems to me that Paul is telling Titus good works matter. 00:02:38.159 --> 00:02:39.379 Your works matter. 00:02:40.060 --> 00:02:42.379 If you're a parent, how you treat your children matters. 00:02:42.780 --> 00:02:45.000 If you're a child, how you treat your parents matter. 00:02:45.159 --> 00:02:48.439 If you're a student, how you interact with your classmates matter. 00:02:48.439 --> 00:02:55.180 A neighbor, you know, whatever the relationship is, your faith in Jesus should make a difference. 00:02:55.699 --> 00:02:57.020 A positive difference. 00:02:58.280 --> 00:03:03.280 I care not for a man's religion, whose dog and cat are not the better for it. 00:03:03.900 --> 00:03:09.740 Now, we often think, as Protestants, when we think of good works, we think bad. 00:03:10.159 --> 00:03:11.819 We are not saved by good works. 00:03:12.240 --> 00:03:12.439 Right? 00:03:12.860 --> 00:03:13.479 That's true. 00:03:14.120 --> 00:03:15.120 Very true. 00:03:15.120 --> 00:03:17.259 But is that all we want to say? 00:03:18.060 --> 00:03:20.039 Because that's not all that the Bible says. 00:03:20.740 --> 00:03:26.620 The Bible says that good works are the fruit of a new life, of a new heart. 00:03:27.719 --> 00:03:34.879 Or as Martin Luther, if we are Protestants, and Martin Luther certainly was, good works do not make a person good. 00:03:35.360 --> 00:03:38.240 But a good person does good works. 00:03:38.240 --> 00:03:42.939 So, today our theme is the Holy Spirit and good works. 00:03:43.020 --> 00:03:46.740 And we couldn't have chosen any better passage than Titus. 00:03:47.260 --> 00:03:51.100 Titus chapter 3 and verses 3 to 8. 00:03:51.620 --> 00:03:56.900 Because good works are the key that unlocks this short letter. 00:03:57.760 --> 00:04:01.660 I mentioned in the first reading that there was a problem in Crete. 00:04:02.280 --> 00:04:04.620 There was a sin problem in Crete. 00:04:04.620 --> 00:04:06.980 There's a problem in Edinburgh. 00:04:07.599 --> 00:04:08.900 There's a problem in Scotland. 00:04:09.300 --> 00:04:10.939 There's a problem in the United States. 00:04:11.039 --> 00:04:15.879 Wherever you're from, Indonesia, Canada, fill in the blank, there's a problem. 00:04:16.840 --> 00:04:17.980 And it's a big problem. 00:04:19.180 --> 00:04:23.699 In particular, in Crete, one of the Cretan authors put it this way. 00:04:24.500 --> 00:04:27.740 That Crete has an absence of wild beasts. 00:04:27.740 --> 00:04:33.699 But that absence was more than supplanted by the presence of its inhabitants. 00:04:34.720 --> 00:04:38.600 Such was the nature of the place and such was the nature of the people. 00:04:39.560 --> 00:04:52.439 And Paul, in his description, liars, evil, broods, lazy gluttons, he says the conclusion is detestable, disobedient, unfit for doing anything good. 00:04:52.439 --> 00:04:56.040 These are not the kind of people who are going to do good works. 00:04:56.259 --> 00:04:58.219 These are not the kind of people who are capable. 00:04:58.639 --> 00:05:00.540 These are not the kind of people who are interested. 00:05:00.980 --> 00:05:06.040 These are not the kind of people who would just naturally be kind, caring, compassionate, loving. 00:05:06.980 --> 00:05:08.220 So that's the problem. 00:05:09.819 --> 00:05:13.180 Sin creates a massive problem. 00:05:14.040 --> 00:05:16.019 Sin creates a problem in our minds. 00:05:16.159 --> 00:05:17.920 We don't think the way we should think. 00:05:17.920 --> 00:05:24.100 Sin creates a problem in our hearts that we don't feel or respond the way we should respond. 00:05:24.600 --> 00:05:27.040 And sin governs our lives. 00:05:27.759 --> 00:05:31.879 So the things that we should say yes to, sin says no. 00:05:32.319 --> 00:05:36.180 And the things that we should say no to, sin says yes. 00:05:36.900 --> 00:05:39.939 And it doesn't seem, therefore, to be a very cheery topic. 00:05:41.180 --> 00:05:44.120 And chapter 1 closes on this note. 00:05:44.520 --> 00:05:45.680 These people are unfit. 00:05:46.280 --> 00:05:47.240 They're unqualified. 00:05:47.920 --> 00:05:48.620 They're unable. 00:05:48.780 --> 00:05:49.300 They're unwilling. 00:05:49.540 --> 00:05:54.220 And they simply are not going to do that which is good. 00:05:54.819 --> 00:05:57.520 And you would think, you stop there. 00:05:58.420 --> 00:05:59.180 But no. 00:05:59.900 --> 00:06:02.540 This is exactly the kind of people. 00:06:03.140 --> 00:06:08.300 Exactly the kind of people that Jesus Christ came into this world to seek and to save. 00:06:08.300 --> 00:06:12.080 He did not come on a mission to make good people better. 00:06:12.079 --> 00:06:28.939 And this is one of the fundamental problems, I think, is that many people, many people who don't go to church, many people who aren't Christians, if asked, they would probably say that we are good people who want to become better. 00:06:28.939 --> 00:06:31.519 Well, that's just not the case. 00:06:31.519 --> 00:06:32.819 Because I'm not good. 00:06:32.819 --> 00:06:34.120 I'm not good and neither are you. 00:06:34.899 --> 00:06:41.199 And if the message of the gospel is how can we become better people, we're going to have a problem. 00:06:41.199 --> 00:06:46.379 Because I can't make myself a better person, nor can you make yourself a better person. 00:06:46.879 --> 00:06:50.319 Collectively, we don't have the wherewithal to do this. 00:06:50.659 --> 00:06:52.420 But I know someone who can. 00:06:52.939 --> 00:06:54.699 I know someone who can change. 00:06:54.699 --> 00:07:04.099 And I know someone who can change you and me, not externally, the clothes that you wear or the external words or actions. 00:07:04.199 --> 00:07:08.099 But I know someone who can change your heart. 00:07:09.139 --> 00:07:11.000 And that's where chapter 2 comes in. 00:07:11.039 --> 00:07:13.060 Because there's a problem and there's a solution. 00:07:13.899 --> 00:07:17.300 And the solution, verse 11, for the grace of God has appeared. 00:07:18.039 --> 00:07:20.860 The apostle Paul doesn't tell us about the birth of Jesus. 00:07:20.860 --> 00:07:28.259 But the apostle Paul has verses like this which tell us what the arrival of Jesus means. 00:07:28.840 --> 00:07:31.660 The arrival of Jesus means that there's a welcome mat. 00:07:32.100 --> 00:07:35.160 There's a welcome mat out and the door is open. 00:07:36.220 --> 00:07:39.160 The grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 00:07:39.240 --> 00:07:39.840 It's an open offer. 00:07:40.139 --> 00:07:40.900 Open invitation. 00:07:41.540 --> 00:07:47.360 If you're not a Christian here today, you are invited by God to believe in Jesus Christ. 00:07:47.360 --> 00:07:50.720 More than invited, actually, you're commanded by God to believe in his son. 00:07:51.139 --> 00:07:52.860 So there is an open invitation. 00:07:53.060 --> 00:07:54.540 The welcome mat is out. 00:07:55.400 --> 00:08:01.060 But notice in verse 12 of chapter 2, you go from all people to us. 00:08:01.879 --> 00:08:02.840 All us. 00:08:04.120 --> 00:08:10.100 It teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions. 00:08:10.720 --> 00:08:15.800 And to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age. 00:08:15.800 --> 00:08:22.139 So to those who respond, to those who accept, to those who believe. 00:08:22.220 --> 00:08:27.160 This morning I was preaching earlier on that magnificent text in John chapter 1, verse 12. 00:08:27.860 --> 00:08:33.980 But to those who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. 00:08:34.500 --> 00:08:39.580 And as a child of God, you are now able to say no. 00:08:40.139 --> 00:08:41.280 Previously you said yes. 00:08:41.800 --> 00:08:42.240 Absolutely. 00:08:42.540 --> 00:08:43.680 I'm in for that. 00:08:44.080 --> 00:08:45.759 But now you're able to say no. 00:08:46.360 --> 00:08:48.100 Worldly passions, ungodliness. 00:08:48.400 --> 00:08:49.139 No thank you. 00:08:49.660 --> 00:08:50.620 That was the old me. 00:08:51.040 --> 00:08:52.340 I'm not interested in that anymore. 00:08:53.040 --> 00:08:54.900 But the opposite is also true. 00:08:55.300 --> 00:08:58.160 What you used to say no to, you now want to say yes to. 00:08:58.160 --> 00:09:01.360 So you see, the Christian life is profoundly a balance. 00:09:02.100 --> 00:09:03.460 Yes and no. 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:04.759 Not just no. 00:09:05.720 --> 00:09:10.160 And if you find yourself describing the Christian life only negatively. 00:09:10.540 --> 00:09:12.700 I'm a Christian and I don't. 00:09:13.139 --> 00:09:14.940 I'm a Christian and I don't. 00:09:15.300 --> 00:09:17.000 I'm a Christian and I don't. 00:09:18.100 --> 00:09:19.280 Well what do you do? 00:09:19.780 --> 00:09:20.540 What do I do? 00:09:20.920 --> 00:09:22.180 And why does it make a difference? 00:09:22.180 --> 00:09:23.940 Why does it make a difference for good? 00:09:24.639 --> 00:09:27.100 So we say no and we say yes. 00:09:27.440 --> 00:09:30.639 Instead of living lives that are without control. 00:09:30.639 --> 00:09:35.939 We want to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. 00:09:36.600 --> 00:09:38.539 But why are we doing this? 00:09:39.480 --> 00:09:41.439 Well we're doing this for two reasons. 00:09:42.019 --> 00:09:44.759 We're doing this first because Jesus has come. 00:09:45.299 --> 00:09:47.879 He's come on a mission to seek and to save the lost. 00:09:48.480 --> 00:09:52.639 And that mission which was mission impossible became possible. 00:09:53.159 --> 00:09:54.679 He did the impossible. 00:09:55.460 --> 00:09:57.340 He set the captives free. 00:09:57.559 --> 00:09:58.980 He forgave the sinners. 00:09:58.980 --> 00:10:04.220 He took upon himself the sin and the guilt and the shame. 00:10:04.360 --> 00:10:08.460 So that we might take upon ourselves the goodness, the righteousness and the holiness. 00:10:08.580 --> 00:10:09.320 That's impossible. 00:10:09.940 --> 00:10:10.659 But not for him. 00:10:11.580 --> 00:10:12.740 But notice verse 13. 00:10:12.840 --> 00:10:16.680 We live in the light of verse 11 which is the incarnation, the arrival. 00:10:17.159 --> 00:10:19.180 Verse 13 tells us that he's coming back. 00:10:19.779 --> 00:10:22.379 So you and I are living between two bookends. 00:10:23.060 --> 00:10:26.379 Now we often think that the two bookends of our life are birth and death. 00:10:26.379 --> 00:10:29.259 Well yes, 1966 in my case. 00:10:29.340 --> 00:10:30.019 I don't know when. 00:10:30.120 --> 00:10:32.600 But you know, these are the bookends of our lives. 00:10:33.059 --> 00:10:33.840 Yes and no. 00:10:34.480 --> 00:10:36.720 They are the chronological bookends. 00:10:37.139 --> 00:10:40.500 But if you're a Christian you have two theological bookends. 00:10:40.980 --> 00:10:43.399 The arrival of Jesus and the return of Jesus. 00:10:43.980 --> 00:10:45.419 He has come and he's coming. 00:10:45.980 --> 00:10:50.039 So therefore we live this new life in light of what he has done. 00:10:50.200 --> 00:10:52.159 And in light of what he will do. 00:10:52.159 --> 00:10:58.100 And if anyone ever tells you that the Bible does not describe Jesus as God. 00:10:58.620 --> 00:11:00.939 Well, you've got it here. 00:11:01.219 --> 00:11:02.159 Titus 2.13. 00:11:03.159 --> 00:11:05.679 Go tell your neighbors, wake your friends. 00:11:06.059 --> 00:11:11.519 While we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior. 00:11:11.879 --> 00:11:12.740 Jesus Christ. 00:11:13.360 --> 00:11:14.600 Jesus is a human being. 00:11:14.899 --> 00:11:15.519 Fully human. 00:11:15.639 --> 00:11:16.519 Jesus is God. 00:11:16.639 --> 00:11:17.539 God in the flesh. 00:11:17.980 --> 00:11:19.279 I don't know how that's possible. 00:11:20.279 --> 00:11:21.000 But he does. 00:11:21.000 --> 00:11:22.259 Fully God. 00:11:22.399 --> 00:11:22.860 Fully human. 00:11:22.940 --> 00:11:23.539 One person. 00:11:24.240 --> 00:11:28.759 He does the work of God on behalf of human beings. 00:11:28.919 --> 00:11:30.320 Because he's one of us. 00:11:30.440 --> 00:11:31.820 And he's not one of us. 00:11:33.259 --> 00:11:38.039 He gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness. 00:11:38.480 --> 00:11:45.679 And to purify for himself a people that are his very own eager to do what is good. 00:11:45.679 --> 00:11:50.199 You know, as a kid, you tend to hear the same phrases. 00:11:51.019 --> 00:11:53.059 Parents tend to repeat themselves. 00:11:53.159 --> 00:11:54.879 Or my parents tend to repeat themselves. 00:11:56.000 --> 00:12:00.719 One of the things my dad always said is, you kids think that money grows on trees. 00:12:01.899 --> 00:12:02.399 Well, yeah. 00:12:02.439 --> 00:12:03.399 As a kid, you kind of do. 00:12:03.799 --> 00:12:05.939 Mom and dad have an infinite supply of money. 00:12:05.940 --> 00:12:11.640 And when you need money, you go to somebody who has an infinite supply of it. 00:12:12.200 --> 00:12:14.860 Now, of course, nobody has an infinite supply of money. 00:12:14.960 --> 00:12:22.680 But by comparison, if you're a kid and you've got pocket change and your parents seem to be wealthy, you ask them for money. 00:12:24.080 --> 00:12:27.880 We have one who has all power. 00:12:28.400 --> 00:12:32.000 We have one who has all resources. 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:38.299 When we come to God, everything that we could possibly need, he has. 00:12:38.580 --> 00:12:40.620 And he has to such an extent. 00:12:41.840 --> 00:12:44.240 You see, I just don't know how he does this. 00:12:44.299 --> 00:12:50.539 Because if I were to give you, as I'm a generous person, if you say, Bob, I'm finding it a bit tough this month. 00:12:50.700 --> 00:12:51.960 I give you 100 pounds. 00:12:52.600 --> 00:12:54.379 Now, I'm 100 pounds poorer. 00:12:54.659 --> 00:12:55.840 You're 100 pounds weaker. 00:12:57.279 --> 00:12:57.799 Richer. 00:12:57.799 --> 00:13:07.620 If God gives or when God gives, God has a way of giving and he never is impoverished. 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:11.519 God has a way of working and he's never fatigued. 00:13:12.439 --> 00:13:14.459 I don't understand how that's possible. 00:13:15.039 --> 00:13:20.620 Because every illustration that I give you, if I give you something, I don't have it, but you do. 00:13:21.059 --> 00:13:23.419 This word redeem is pay a price. 00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:26.539 He pays a price for us. 00:13:26.539 --> 00:13:28.039 And it's a high price. 00:13:28.439 --> 00:13:29.980 And yet, he's not impoverished. 00:13:30.379 --> 00:13:33.039 It's a high cost, but yet he doesn't become poorer. 00:13:33.399 --> 00:13:34.539 I don't know how that's possible. 00:13:35.139 --> 00:13:36.719 But he has all resources. 00:13:36.939 --> 00:13:37.980 He has all wisdom. 00:13:38.379 --> 00:13:39.480 He has all power. 00:13:39.879 --> 00:13:45.699 And he has come to purify for himself a people that are his very own. 00:13:46.319 --> 00:13:49.480 And notice, eager to do what is good. 00:13:50.199 --> 00:13:51.120 Ah, now Titus. 00:13:51.519 --> 00:13:53.419 There's hope for you, Titus, in Crete. 00:13:53.679 --> 00:13:55.219 There's hope for the people of Crete. 00:13:55.220 --> 00:13:59.660 Remember, these were detestable, disobedient, unfit for doing anything good. 00:13:59.820 --> 00:14:01.940 The gospel enters the equation. 00:14:02.160 --> 00:14:03.620 Jesus enters the equation. 00:14:04.139 --> 00:14:12.000 And the unfit for doing anything good can become those who are eager to do what is good. 00:14:12.000 --> 00:14:17.299 And that reminds us that the gospel, the message of Jesus, the late Tim Keller put it this way. 00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:25.419 The gospel is not just the ABCs, but it's the A to Z of the Christian life. 00:14:25.799 --> 00:14:35.740 It is inaccurate to think that the gospel saves non-Christians, and then Christians mature by trying hard to live according to biblical principles. 00:14:35.740 --> 00:14:37.460 It's simply not possible. 00:14:38.460 --> 00:14:40.180 You and I need Jesus. 00:14:40.340 --> 00:14:42.740 We need the gospel to become Christians. 00:14:43.100 --> 00:14:45.560 We need the gospel to continue as Christians. 00:14:45.659 --> 00:14:47.279 And we need the gospel to make it home. 00:14:48.000 --> 00:14:50.620 Because if it comes down to you or me, that's when we're in trouble. 00:14:51.180 --> 00:14:55.019 Our effort, our strength, our wisdom is completely inadequate. 00:14:55.019 --> 00:14:57.460 We cannot start the Christian life. 00:14:57.840 --> 00:14:59.699 We cannot continue the Christian life. 00:14:59.860 --> 00:15:02.179 And we cannot conclude the Christian life. 00:15:02.559 --> 00:15:07.419 It must be Jesus, beginning, middle, and end. 00:15:07.879 --> 00:15:10.899 So there's a problem, and there's a solution. 00:15:12.100 --> 00:15:15.840 But where does the Holy Spirit fit into the equation? 00:15:16.579 --> 00:15:21.559 How does the Spirit enable this change to happen? 00:15:21.559 --> 00:15:25.359 Because we read in chapter 2 of what Jesus does. 00:15:25.799 --> 00:15:26.919 He gives himself. 00:15:27.919 --> 00:15:28.919 He gives himself. 00:15:29.299 --> 00:15:30.119 He gives his life. 00:15:30.779 --> 00:15:32.500 He gives his life as a ransom for many. 00:15:32.679 --> 00:15:37.379 He gives himself to redeem us from wickedness and to purify for himself. 00:15:38.000 --> 00:15:42.779 So notice that a purified people are now eager to do what is good. 00:15:43.319 --> 00:15:50.579 But the theme that we are focusing on is the person and the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:15:50.580 --> 00:15:54.180 Chapter 3 and verses 3 to 8, we read that together. 00:15:55.200 --> 00:15:57.480 Notice first, and this is important. 00:15:58.500 --> 00:16:00.060 At one time, we too. 00:16:01.340 --> 00:16:05.379 You see, the Apostle Paul could say, Titus, these are bad people. 00:16:05.879 --> 00:16:06.420 You know it. 00:16:06.620 --> 00:16:07.300 I know it. 00:16:07.820 --> 00:16:09.500 And he could say, look, they. 00:16:10.340 --> 00:16:11.639 They are disobedient. 00:16:11.840 --> 00:16:12.980 They are detestable. 00:16:13.080 --> 00:16:13.340 They. 00:16:13.340 --> 00:16:17.139 But actually, Paul says, Titus, we. 00:16:18.240 --> 00:16:22.660 We too were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved. 00:16:22.659 --> 00:16:34.939 When we are honest with ourselves, and when we present the gospel as a message that we need as much as those who do not yet know Jesus, 00:16:35.719 --> 00:16:37.839 I tell you, something powerful happens. 00:16:38.659 --> 00:16:40.759 The barriers begin to come down. 00:16:40.759 --> 00:16:47.080 There's an honest discussion here because I am not telling bad people how God could help them. 00:16:47.159 --> 00:16:50.480 I'm telling people how God has helped me. 00:16:50.960 --> 00:16:55.620 That the only thing I have to offer is to say, I once were where you were, but I am there no longer. 00:16:55.720 --> 00:16:58.319 Not because of who I am, but because of who Jesus is. 00:16:59.059 --> 00:17:01.360 So the Apostle Paul's use of we too. 00:17:01.799 --> 00:17:03.439 This is what we were like, Titus. 00:17:04.099 --> 00:17:05.700 This is what our lives were like. 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:07.559 Exactly like the Cretan people. 00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:09.019 There is no difference. 00:17:09.160 --> 00:17:10.340 This is what we were like. 00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:13.340 But the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared. 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:14.380 He saved us. 00:17:14.940 --> 00:17:18.160 Not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. 00:17:18.700 --> 00:17:23.940 He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 00:17:25.440 --> 00:17:26.860 John Wesley put it this way. 00:17:26.920 --> 00:17:33.039 He said, if there are any truths that are fundamental to the Christian faith, they are doubtless these two. 00:17:33.039 --> 00:17:35.380 Justification and regeneration. 00:17:36.319 --> 00:17:38.920 Justification, that which God does for us. 00:17:39.299 --> 00:17:41.240 And we see that here, the cross. 00:17:41.960 --> 00:17:46.519 And regeneration, that which God does in us. 00:17:47.319 --> 00:17:50.220 And Paul uses two words that are huge here. 00:17:50.680 --> 00:17:53.240 The first word that he uses is rebirth. 00:17:54.279 --> 00:17:57.279 He puts two words together to make a word. 00:17:58.160 --> 00:18:01.340 So sometimes, you know, we can do this in English as well. 00:18:01.339 --> 00:18:05.359 I remember a friend of mine was doing a project on phobias. 00:18:06.059 --> 00:18:07.939 And I didn't even know this was a phobia. 00:18:08.079 --> 00:18:10.980 But the Latin word for otter is lutra. 00:18:11.359 --> 00:18:14.319 And the Latin word for phobia or fear is phobia. 00:18:14.319 --> 00:18:18.359 So if you never knew it, lutrophobia is the fear of otters. 00:18:19.179 --> 00:18:20.460 I don't know who's afraid of otters. 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:21.919 But if you are, you've got lutrophobia. 00:18:22.259 --> 00:18:25.960 But what we've just done there is we've taken two root words and we've put them together. 00:18:26.779 --> 00:18:28.000 Paul does that here. 00:18:28.460 --> 00:18:30.659 He takes one word which is called palin. 00:18:31.079 --> 00:18:33.059 Well, actually, Jesus used the word before. 00:18:33.200 --> 00:18:35.879 But he takes this word which is a composite word. 00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:37.519 Palin means again. 00:18:38.000 --> 00:18:39.240 Genesis means beginning. 00:18:40.139 --> 00:18:44.059 And he says this is what happens when the Holy Spirit shows up. 00:18:44.400 --> 00:18:47.119 This is what happened when the Holy Spirit comes to work. 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:49.000 You have an again beginning. 00:18:49.519 --> 00:18:50.819 Genesis, what happens in Genesis? 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:52.259 God creates something out of nothing. 00:18:52.920 --> 00:18:56.160 What happens when the Holy Spirit comes into a person's heart and life? 00:18:56.299 --> 00:18:57.940 He creates something out of nothing. 00:18:58.619 --> 00:19:00.279 He doesn't work with inherent goodness. 00:19:00.279 --> 00:19:03.319 He doesn't work with qualities and characteristics and make them better. 00:19:03.420 --> 00:19:03.599 No. 00:19:04.039 --> 00:19:04.879 There is no holiness. 00:19:05.079 --> 00:19:05.799 There is no righteousness. 00:19:06.059 --> 00:19:06.740 There is no goodness. 00:19:06.740 --> 00:19:07.640 There is no life. 00:19:07.880 --> 00:19:11.420 The Holy Spirit comes and creates something out of nothing. 00:19:11.859 --> 00:19:13.579 Where there's death, there's now life. 00:19:14.200 --> 00:19:16.620 That's what again beginning means. 00:19:16.900 --> 00:19:18.920 A whole new start. 00:19:19.519 --> 00:19:22.339 And if that wasn't enough, the next word that's used is renewal. 00:19:22.819 --> 00:19:26.599 It's one of these words which means like from the top of your head to the tip of your, 00:19:26.599 --> 00:19:30.960 to the top of your head to the bottom of your foot. 00:19:31.559 --> 00:19:36.059 A complete transformation of the person for the better. 00:19:36.740 --> 00:19:39.599 That's what the Holy Spirit does. 00:19:39.960 --> 00:19:42.440 He meets dead people and he makes them alive. 00:19:42.759 --> 00:19:45.099 He transforms us from top to bottom. 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:47.319 So that. 00:19:48.099 --> 00:19:52.039 So that having been justified, we might become. 00:19:52.380 --> 00:19:54.160 We have been justified by his grace. 00:19:54.240 --> 00:19:56.640 We might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 00:19:56.640 --> 00:19:57.900 So we're going to glory. 00:19:57.900 --> 00:19:58.700 We're going to heaven. 00:19:59.020 --> 00:20:00.080 But we're still here. 00:20:00.520 --> 00:20:02.300 We're going to heaven, but we're here now. 00:20:02.400 --> 00:20:02.860 What now? 00:20:02.940 --> 00:20:03.600 What do we do? 00:20:04.560 --> 00:20:06.660 This is a trustworthy saying, says Paul. 00:20:07.160 --> 00:20:15.660 And I want you to stress these things so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. 00:20:15.660 --> 00:20:20.420 These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. 00:20:20.880 --> 00:20:22.420 Doing what is good. 00:20:23.519 --> 00:20:29.580 There is no clearer preacher than Martin Luther on the subject of justification. 00:20:30.519 --> 00:20:32.759 We are justified by faith alone. 00:20:33.340 --> 00:20:34.500 Not by anything we do. 00:20:35.440 --> 00:20:36.660 But Luther said this. 00:20:36.660 --> 00:20:39.360 God does not need your good works. 00:20:40.000 --> 00:20:41.200 But our neighbor does. 00:20:42.200 --> 00:20:43.400 Good works make a difference. 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:45.800 Good works make a difference in your home. 00:20:46.380 --> 00:20:48.100 Good works make a difference where you work. 00:20:48.620 --> 00:20:50.340 Good works make a difference in your neighborhood. 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:54.720 Good works make a difference here in church among fellow believers. 00:20:56.240 --> 00:20:57.380 Good works. 00:20:58.320 --> 00:21:00.140 So let me just make it simple. 00:21:01.060 --> 00:21:04.200 So tomorrow, you're going to have all different types of encounters tomorrow. 00:21:04.200 --> 00:21:07.019 You go into a shop and you meet with people. 00:21:07.400 --> 00:21:09.039 Somebody helps you at the checkout. 00:21:09.220 --> 00:21:10.940 Somebody answers a question for you. 00:21:11.759 --> 00:21:16.080 At the end of that interaction, does that person want to see you again? 00:21:16.900 --> 00:21:21.240 Does that shopkeeper want you to be part of their customer again? 00:21:21.420 --> 00:21:24.059 Or do they say, I hope I never see him again. 00:21:24.360 --> 00:21:25.799 I hope I never see her again. 00:21:26.220 --> 00:21:28.100 And you may say, well, what's the difference? 00:21:28.180 --> 00:21:29.440 Well, I think there's a big difference. 00:21:29.860 --> 00:21:32.100 Because if we are commending Jesus, 00:21:32.099 --> 00:21:35.799 We commend Jesus, of course, with the words that we speak. 00:21:36.179 --> 00:21:39.059 But we commend Jesus by the lives that we live. 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:40.459 Kindness. 00:21:40.980 --> 00:21:41.500 Compassion. 00:21:42.119 --> 00:21:42.599 Gentleness. 00:21:43.419 --> 00:21:43.939 Consideration. 00:21:44.619 --> 00:21:45.019 Thoughtfulness. 00:21:45.359 --> 00:21:45.859 Care. 00:21:46.539 --> 00:21:47.259 What you say. 00:21:47.399 --> 00:21:48.259 How you say it. 00:21:48.759 --> 00:21:49.519 What you do. 00:21:49.599 --> 00:21:50.539 And how you do it. 00:21:51.339 --> 00:21:55.139 Good works are excellent and profitable for everyone. 00:21:55.779 --> 00:21:57.279 Now, we don't need Martin Luther. 00:21:58.119 --> 00:22:01.659 The Apostle Paul is crystal clear on justification and salvation. 00:22:01.660 --> 00:22:02.840 It is not what you do. 00:22:02.920 --> 00:22:03.980 It's what Jesus does. 00:22:04.340 --> 00:22:05.759 But knowing what Jesus does. 00:22:05.860 --> 00:22:07.380 And knowing what the Spirit has done. 00:22:07.840 --> 00:22:11.040 We are to live lives that are new. 00:22:11.800 --> 00:22:12.820 We do what is good. 00:22:12.920 --> 00:22:14.160 We avoid what is bad. 00:22:14.620 --> 00:22:17.180 We live lives that are changed. 00:22:17.620 --> 00:22:18.900 Not by ourselves. 00:22:19.019 --> 00:22:19.900 But by him. 00:22:20.920 --> 00:22:21.560 So think. 00:22:22.300 --> 00:22:23.519 Think about each day. 00:22:23.680 --> 00:22:24.720 Think about each interaction. 00:22:24.920 --> 00:22:26.259 Think about each conversation. 00:22:26.840 --> 00:22:30.060 Are you commending Jesus by what you say? 00:22:30.059 --> 00:22:33.220 Are you commending Jesus by how you say it? 00:22:33.619 --> 00:22:39.099 Are you commending Jesus and his gospel by the life decisions that you make? 00:22:39.579 --> 00:22:41.460 Because you see this transformation. 00:22:42.399 --> 00:22:45.039 The Cretans were unfit for doing anything good. 00:22:45.539 --> 00:22:47.339 The gospel enters the equation. 00:22:47.519 --> 00:22:49.599 They become eager to do what is good. 00:22:50.179 --> 00:22:57.619 And we're then told that we have a people who are now devoted to doing what is good. 00:22:57.619 --> 00:23:00.419 Is that going to be our epitaph? 00:23:00.839 --> 00:23:02.279 I don't know what these people believe. 00:23:02.359 --> 00:23:04.939 But they seem dedicated to doing what is good. 00:23:05.179 --> 00:23:07.339 I don't understand this message. 00:23:07.619 --> 00:23:09.239 But there's something about him. 00:23:09.299 --> 00:23:10.339 And something about her. 00:23:10.459 --> 00:23:11.559 And something about them. 00:23:12.059 --> 00:23:14.659 And it makes me want to know what that message is. 00:23:15.119 --> 00:23:16.159 Why do they live? 00:23:16.259 --> 00:23:17.139 Why do they speak? 00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:18.119 Why do they act? 00:23:18.219 --> 00:23:19.099 Why do they react? 00:23:19.099 --> 00:23:19.419 Why do they react? 00:23:20.139 --> 00:23:22.939 The gospel message comes to us. 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:24.159 Detestable. 00:23:24.619 --> 00:23:25.179 Disobedient. 00:23:25.679 --> 00:23:27.399 Unfit for anything good. 00:23:27.980 --> 00:23:31.980 And the gospel makes us eager and devoted to doing what is good. 00:23:32.379 --> 00:23:34.659 The spirit meets us in death. 00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:36.579 And gives us life. 00:23:37.119 --> 00:23:39.839 The spirit meets us in our incapacity. 00:23:40.039 --> 00:23:41.319 And gives us divine. 00:23:41.799 --> 00:23:44.159 The divine presence within us. 00:23:44.519 --> 00:23:47.459 God takes up residence in our hearts. 00:23:47.460 --> 00:23:49.900 That is the extent of the problem. 00:23:50.600 --> 00:23:53.079 The problem of human sin is such. 00:23:53.660 --> 00:23:55.700 That in order to solve the problem. 00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:58.420 God sends his son on a rescue mission. 00:23:58.559 --> 00:23:59.779 Which costs his life. 00:24:00.319 --> 00:24:01.940 And God sends the Holy Spirit. 00:24:02.059 --> 00:24:04.160 Which takes up residence in the human heart. 00:24:04.579 --> 00:24:06.460 That's how big the problem is. 00:24:06.539 --> 00:24:08.960 Because that's how big the solution is. 00:24:09.340 --> 00:24:12.880 But when the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts. 00:24:13.700 --> 00:24:14.519 Watch out. 00:24:14.519 --> 00:24:19.139 Because old habits begin to die. 00:24:20.079 --> 00:24:22.160 New habits begin to form. 00:24:22.680 --> 00:24:23.440 New desires. 00:24:23.660 --> 00:24:24.299 New goals. 00:24:24.460 --> 00:24:25.259 New motivations. 00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:26.680 A new focus. 00:24:26.859 --> 00:24:28.019 A new destination. 00:24:28.259 --> 00:24:29.019 New direction. 00:24:29.480 --> 00:24:30.619 Not because of us. 00:24:31.099 --> 00:24:32.319 But because of God. 00:24:32.400 --> 00:24:34.379 What God is able to do. 00:24:35.980 --> 00:24:36.559 D.L. 00:24:36.639 --> 00:24:36.799 Moody. 00:24:36.859 --> 00:24:37.819 The great evangelist. 00:24:37.879 --> 00:24:38.339 Who preached. 00:24:38.420 --> 00:24:40.460 He preached in person to a hundred million people. 00:24:40.460 --> 00:24:43.740 He said the world does not understand theology. 00:24:43.740 --> 00:24:44.900 Or dogma. 00:24:45.180 --> 00:24:47.880 But it understands love and sympathy. 00:24:48.940 --> 00:24:51.200 Now the world needs to hear theology. 00:24:51.640 --> 00:24:53.720 The world needs to hear the dogma. 00:24:53.840 --> 00:24:56.440 The world needs to hear the big story of Jesus. 00:24:57.460 --> 00:25:00.980 But will they hear it through the lips of people who care? 00:25:01.500 --> 00:25:05.600 Will they hear it through the actions of people who love? 00:25:05.599 --> 00:25:07.539 Because I guarantee you. 00:25:08.039 --> 00:25:12.419 If we take seriously our commission as followers of Jesus. 00:25:13.480 --> 00:25:16.339 Opportunities will inevitably follow. 00:25:17.179 --> 00:25:17.619 Why? 00:25:18.059 --> 00:25:19.379 Why do you live? 00:25:19.659 --> 00:25:20.779 Why do you speak? 00:25:21.019 --> 00:25:22.059 Why do you act? 00:25:22.379 --> 00:25:25.579 Why don't you react like everyone else reacts? 00:25:26.459 --> 00:25:29.439 The gospel creates a new heart. 00:25:29.959 --> 00:25:31.919 The gospel creates a new life. 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:37.039 The Holy Spirit resides now within us. 00:25:37.500 --> 00:25:40.420 And when the Holy Spirit resides in us. 00:25:40.720 --> 00:25:43.620 He is able to change. 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:44.640 To transform. 00:25:45.440 --> 00:25:46.279 And to renew. 00:25:47.460 --> 00:25:50.100 Think of President Lincoln picking up those small kittens. 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:52.160 Entrusting them to a care of another. 00:25:53.060 --> 00:25:54.800 I care not for a man's religion. 00:25:55.160 --> 00:25:58.560 For whom his dog and cat do not benefit. 00:25:59.560 --> 00:26:01.620 What is the value of our religion? 00:26:01.619 --> 00:26:03.979 What is the meaning of our religion? 00:26:04.639 --> 00:26:09.619 Unless it is transformative in each and every relationship of which we are a part. 00:26:09.979 --> 00:26:11.639 That our family is better off. 00:26:11.719 --> 00:26:12.879 Our friends are better off. 00:26:12.959 --> 00:26:14.139 Our neighbors are better off. 00:26:14.339 --> 00:26:16.479 Our colleagues and co-workers are better off. 00:26:16.699 --> 00:26:19.599 And the random people we encounter in the streets. 00:26:19.819 --> 00:26:21.639 Are a little bit better off. 00:26:21.699 --> 00:26:23.759 Because the Holy Spirit dwells in my heart. 00:26:24.039 --> 00:26:26.359 And the Lord Jesus died on my behalf. 00:26:26.819 --> 00:26:28.979 That is the power of the gospel. 00:26:28.979 --> 00:26:31.339 To change hearts and lives. 00:26:31.619 --> 00:26:32.979 And a changed heart. 00:26:32.979 --> 00:26:34.399 And a changed life. 00:26:34.559 --> 00:26:36.259 Is a powerful testimony. 00:26:36.899 --> 00:26:38.719 To Jesus Christ and him crucified. 00:26:39.459 --> 00:26:40.059 Let's pray. 00:26:40.899 --> 00:26:42.500 Father we ask that you would hear us. 00:26:42.619 --> 00:26:43.139 Help us. 00:26:43.379 --> 00:26:44.679 That you would do us good. 00:26:45.119 --> 00:26:46.659 That this again beginning. 00:26:46.879 --> 00:26:48.019 Would be the experience. 00:26:48.019 --> 00:26:50.279 The common experience of each one of us. 00:26:50.279 --> 00:26:51.139 Lord.