WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.200 You know, we're now in the middle of this revisioning series, 00:00:07.459 --> 00:00:12.160 this sermon series on aiming our church at making disciples of all people. 00:00:12.640 --> 00:00:16.240 And I've got to be honest with you all, this is no program. 00:00:16.480 --> 00:00:17.699 This is no fad. 00:00:18.339 --> 00:00:24.620 What we're talking about is culture, church culture, shaping our culture. 00:00:24.620 --> 00:00:30.800 So what we're actually talking about is becoming a church in making disciples. 00:00:30.839 --> 00:00:32.480 It's the air that we breathe. 00:00:32.840 --> 00:00:34.679 It's the fabric of who we are. 00:00:36.079 --> 00:00:39.620 We're a church that is following Jesus ourselves, 00:00:39.740 --> 00:00:44.659 and we are looking to bring people with us as we run after Jesus. 00:00:46.020 --> 00:00:50.780 Now, for the communion meditation, I reminded you of the big picture. 00:00:51.260 --> 00:00:53.299 And I've got to be honest with you, I was going to bring my computer. 00:00:53.299 --> 00:00:59.059 I always forget my power cord, so I put the power cord in my backpack, 00:00:59.479 --> 00:01:03.359 brought it here to the building, opened up my backpack, 00:01:03.679 --> 00:01:05.780 and there was my power cord, but not my computer. 00:01:08.799 --> 00:01:11.539 So I'm going to have to verbally remind you of things. 00:01:12.759 --> 00:01:17.719 So the big picture, triune God, big plan, Christ at the middle of everything, 00:01:18.140 --> 00:01:20.459 flipping people, making people into disciples, 00:01:20.459 --> 00:01:23.839 running in domain of darkness away from God, 00:01:24.179 --> 00:01:28.199 by God's grace, aiming them at and running them to Jesus, 00:01:29.019 --> 00:01:30.280 and it's all for His glory. 00:01:31.339 --> 00:01:34.739 And then last week, I sought to aim you from Mark chapter 8 00:01:34.739 --> 00:01:36.239 of what a disciple is, 00:01:36.319 --> 00:01:38.859 and I threw at you a bunch of L's. 00:01:39.679 --> 00:01:41.519 A disciple is anyone who is, 00:01:41.519 --> 00:01:43.119 who is by God's grace, 00:01:43.280 --> 00:01:45.099 laying down their life 00:01:45.099 --> 00:01:47.280 to learn from Jesus, 00:01:47.519 --> 00:01:48.459 to live for Jesus, 00:01:48.640 --> 00:01:49.759 to become like Jesus, 00:01:49.859 --> 00:01:51.259 all out of a love for Jesus. 00:01:54.399 --> 00:01:56.119 I was with some friends last night, 00:01:56.280 --> 00:01:56.459 and 00:01:56.459 --> 00:02:00.019 I was asked if I cook. 00:02:02.019 --> 00:02:02.840 And to be honest, 00:02:02.899 --> 00:02:04.519 my greatest joy in the cooking process 00:02:04.519 --> 00:02:06.500 is the eating part of the process. 00:02:06.500 --> 00:02:09.319 But I've got some cooking skills. 00:02:09.520 --> 00:02:11.259 I have some proficiency on the grill. 00:02:12.639 --> 00:02:13.719 I can flip a burger, 00:02:14.020 --> 00:02:14.800 make some steaks, 00:02:14.900 --> 00:02:15.800 I'm hit and miss with chicken. 00:02:17.039 --> 00:02:20.460 But if there is one thing I'm known for in my family, 00:02:20.599 --> 00:02:22.719 it's my ability to create massive, 00:02:23.180 --> 00:02:25.400 substantial chocolate chip pancakes. 00:02:26.719 --> 00:02:28.659 Because they're really just four ingredients. 00:02:29.699 --> 00:02:30.139 Bisquick, 00:02:31.379 --> 00:02:33.159 milk, eggs, chocolate chip. 00:02:33.159 --> 00:02:35.079 Very straightforward, 00:02:35.680 --> 00:02:36.939 very predictable result. 00:02:38.199 --> 00:02:40.479 With just those four ingredients, 00:02:41.579 --> 00:02:42.460 give me a hot griddle, 00:02:42.740 --> 00:02:43.400 a little time, 00:02:43.579 --> 00:02:44.879 a little attention I can give, 00:02:45.400 --> 00:02:47.340 and I will work you pancake wonders. 00:02:50.240 --> 00:02:52.319 But what does making pancakes 00:02:52.319 --> 00:02:54.019 have to do with making disciples? 00:02:55.780 --> 00:02:56.300 Well, 00:02:56.699 --> 00:02:58.240 if there was a recipe 00:02:58.240 --> 00:03:02.019 God has for making disciples, 00:03:02.020 --> 00:03:06.320 there are four essential ingredients. 00:03:08.760 --> 00:03:11.580 And if we are actively 00:03:11.580 --> 00:03:13.420 deploying, 00:03:14.040 --> 00:03:14.439 using, 00:03:14.719 --> 00:03:16.660 making the most of these means of grace, 00:03:17.420 --> 00:03:19.480 God will be working through us 00:03:19.480 --> 00:03:20.500 to make disciples, 00:03:20.719 --> 00:03:21.700 not just of ourselves, 00:03:22.140 --> 00:03:23.840 but of those living in darkness right now. 00:03:24.160 --> 00:03:24.960 So this morning, 00:03:25.100 --> 00:03:26.800 I'm going to stick pretty close 00:03:26.800 --> 00:03:28.120 to the chapter, 00:03:28.600 --> 00:03:29.760 conviction number three, 00:03:29.759 --> 00:03:31.859 how are disciples made 00:03:31.859 --> 00:03:32.799 from this book. 00:03:33.719 --> 00:03:35.299 And I want to walk you through 00:03:35.299 --> 00:03:36.419 the four Ps. 00:03:38.739 --> 00:03:40.199 Proclamation of God's Word, 00:03:41.060 --> 00:03:42.739 prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit, 00:03:43.479 --> 00:03:44.899 people are God's fellow workers, 00:03:45.639 --> 00:03:47.359 and persevering step by step. 00:03:47.500 --> 00:03:49.019 These four ingredients 00:03:49.019 --> 00:03:51.399 are essential to making disciples. 00:03:52.620 --> 00:03:54.000 It's God's means of grace. 00:03:54.099 --> 00:03:55.199 We get to join Him 00:03:55.199 --> 00:03:56.959 in what He's doing. 00:03:57.639 --> 00:03:58.000 So, 00:03:58.199 --> 00:03:58.859 I'm going to take 00:03:58.859 --> 00:04:00.199 each of these ingredients 00:04:00.199 --> 00:04:00.959 one at a time. 00:04:01.060 --> 00:04:01.719 I'm going to point you 00:04:01.719 --> 00:04:02.859 at a verse in the Bible 00:04:02.859 --> 00:04:03.899 that talks about it. 00:04:05.899 --> 00:04:06.899 So let's get cooking. 00:04:09.399 --> 00:04:10.299 Ingredient number one, 00:04:11.379 --> 00:04:12.939 proclamation of the Word of God. 00:04:13.000 --> 00:04:14.000 Would you open up your Bibles 00:04:14.000 --> 00:04:15.799 to 2 Timothy chapter 3, 00:04:15.899 --> 00:04:17.159 verses 16 and 17? 00:04:17.980 --> 00:04:19.159 Just to give you a little background, 00:04:19.159 --> 00:04:21.039 the Apostle Paul is writing. 00:04:21.040 --> 00:04:24.680 2 Timothy was actually a letter 00:04:24.680 --> 00:04:26.640 to his protege, Timothy, 00:04:27.040 --> 00:04:28.760 and he is helping Timothy 00:04:28.760 --> 00:04:30.960 establish a church 00:04:30.960 --> 00:04:32.960 in the city of Ephesus. 00:04:33.900 --> 00:04:35.040 And what a church is, 00:04:35.160 --> 00:04:36.620 it's a people 00:04:36.620 --> 00:04:37.420 who've been flipped 00:04:37.420 --> 00:04:38.500 by God's grace 00:04:38.500 --> 00:04:40.040 who are following 00:04:40.040 --> 00:04:41.340 Jesus Christ together. 00:04:43.480 --> 00:04:44.700 Well, in chapter 3, 00:04:44.800 --> 00:04:46.040 Paul's reminding Timothy 00:04:46.040 --> 00:04:47.040 of the vital importance 00:04:47.800 --> 00:04:48.840 of the Scripture, 00:04:49.780 --> 00:04:50.879 the Word of God. 00:04:51.040 --> 00:04:52.480 Hear God's Word 00:04:52.480 --> 00:04:54.040 on God's Word. 00:04:55.100 --> 00:04:56.300 2 Timothy 3, 16. 00:04:56.860 --> 00:04:57.600 All Scripture 00:04:57.600 --> 00:05:00.120 is breathed out by God 00:05:00.120 --> 00:05:02.360 and profitable. 00:05:03.939 --> 00:05:05.379 All Scripture, 00:05:06.340 --> 00:05:08.100 every word, 00:05:09.620 --> 00:05:11.180 is breathed out by God 00:05:11.180 --> 00:05:13.200 and profitable. 00:05:14.580 --> 00:05:15.900 Here's the claim 00:05:15.900 --> 00:05:17.600 of this book in your hands. 00:05:18.379 --> 00:05:20.020 Every word of this book 00:05:20.019 --> 00:05:21.979 did not originate 00:05:21.979 --> 00:05:22.639 in the mind 00:05:22.639 --> 00:05:24.299 of a human being. 00:05:26.299 --> 00:05:27.539 Every word of this book 00:05:27.539 --> 00:05:29.039 originated in the mind 00:05:29.039 --> 00:05:30.000 of God Himself. 00:05:31.839 --> 00:05:33.199 When we read those words, 00:05:33.339 --> 00:05:33.799 all Scriptures 00:05:33.799 --> 00:05:34.959 breathe out by God, 00:05:35.180 --> 00:05:37.180 it's getting at the very source, 00:05:37.519 --> 00:05:37.959 origin, 00:05:38.639 --> 00:05:40.399 of the words of this book, 00:05:40.479 --> 00:05:41.579 where they come from. 00:05:42.639 --> 00:05:43.599 God Himself, 00:05:44.240 --> 00:05:45.159 from Genesis 00:05:45.159 --> 00:05:46.240 to Revelation, 00:05:46.899 --> 00:05:47.859 through the words 00:05:47.860 --> 00:05:48.580 in this book, 00:05:48.580 --> 00:05:50.580 is speaking to us. 00:05:52.480 --> 00:05:55.000 That is a phenomenal claim. 00:05:57.139 --> 00:05:58.960 So what this book contains 00:05:58.960 --> 00:06:01.420 is God's definitive 00:06:01.420 --> 00:06:03.360 and authoritative instruction 00:06:03.360 --> 00:06:04.259 on a variety 00:06:04.259 --> 00:06:05.220 of different subjects, 00:06:05.600 --> 00:06:08.560 one of which is God Himself. 00:06:10.480 --> 00:06:11.120 Maybe you remember 00:06:11.120 --> 00:06:11.580 coming through 00:06:11.580 --> 00:06:12.620 our membership class. 00:06:13.020 --> 00:06:14.360 When we talk about the Bible 00:06:14.360 --> 00:06:15.480 in our membership class, 00:06:15.480 --> 00:06:17.360 I try to make the case 00:06:17.360 --> 00:06:18.560 is the Bible is like 00:06:18.560 --> 00:06:19.319 God's selfie, 00:06:20.520 --> 00:06:22.100 making Himself known to you. 00:06:22.939 --> 00:06:24.020 This is who I am 00:06:24.020 --> 00:06:25.700 in all my glory. 00:06:26.480 --> 00:06:27.600 This book is also 00:06:27.600 --> 00:06:28.759 authoritative and definitive. 00:06:28.960 --> 00:06:29.900 This is God speaking 00:06:29.900 --> 00:06:30.819 on the nature 00:06:30.819 --> 00:06:32.340 of human beings 00:06:32.340 --> 00:06:34.420 that were image bearers 00:06:34.420 --> 00:06:35.560 corrupted by sin 00:06:35.560 --> 00:06:37.480 in need of salvation. 00:06:37.980 --> 00:06:40.520 This book describes for us 00:06:40.520 --> 00:06:41.140 over and over again 00:06:41.140 --> 00:06:42.540 God's big plan 00:06:42.540 --> 00:06:43.840 for the fullness of time 00:06:43.839 --> 00:06:46.379 in which He is rescuing 00:06:46.379 --> 00:06:47.819 and restoring sinners 00:06:47.819 --> 00:06:49.359 into a relationship 00:06:49.359 --> 00:06:50.079 with Himself. 00:06:52.500 --> 00:06:54.079 This book tells us, 00:06:54.859 --> 00:06:56.279 God tells us 00:06:56.279 --> 00:06:58.560 how we are to live 00:06:58.560 --> 00:06:59.879 in light of what He's done 00:06:59.879 --> 00:07:00.539 on our behalf. 00:07:00.919 --> 00:07:03.219 How to follow Jesus now. 00:07:03.759 --> 00:07:04.379 This book, 00:07:04.799 --> 00:07:07.019 it lays out a way 00:07:07.019 --> 00:07:08.019 for us to live. 00:07:08.019 --> 00:07:11.500 This book is absolutely 00:07:11.500 --> 00:07:12.299 essential 00:07:12.299 --> 00:07:14.120 to becoming a Christian 00:07:14.120 --> 00:07:15.379 and to growing 00:07:15.379 --> 00:07:16.279 as a Christian. 00:07:16.879 --> 00:07:17.759 It shows us 00:07:17.759 --> 00:07:19.079 how to become a disciple 00:07:19.079 --> 00:07:21.039 and how to continually 00:07:21.039 --> 00:07:22.799 to lay down your life 00:07:22.799 --> 00:07:24.399 in order to learn from, 00:07:24.599 --> 00:07:25.019 live for, 00:07:25.079 --> 00:07:26.199 and become like Jesus 00:07:26.199 --> 00:07:27.819 again and again. 00:07:28.719 --> 00:07:29.659 So this book, 00:07:29.779 --> 00:07:30.479 our posture 00:07:30.479 --> 00:07:32.240 is not this. 00:07:32.620 --> 00:07:32.799 Hmm. 00:07:33.159 --> 00:07:33.939 Our posture, 00:07:34.359 --> 00:07:35.259 each and every one of us, 00:07:35.319 --> 00:07:35.879 is this. 00:07:35.879 --> 00:07:38.079 Each one of us 00:07:38.079 --> 00:07:39.459 comes under the authority 00:07:39.459 --> 00:07:41.120 of God speaking to us. 00:07:42.519 --> 00:07:43.699 It's authoritative. 00:07:44.459 --> 00:07:45.339 It's definitive. 00:07:45.560 --> 00:07:46.259 It makes a claim 00:07:46.259 --> 00:07:47.000 on our lives. 00:07:47.360 --> 00:07:48.120 It's vital. 00:07:48.860 --> 00:07:49.459 We can't live 00:07:49.459 --> 00:07:50.300 without God's Word. 00:07:50.420 --> 00:07:51.040 Jesus said, 00:07:51.699 --> 00:07:52.659 man cannot live 00:07:52.659 --> 00:07:54.540 by bread alone, 00:07:54.620 --> 00:07:55.600 but by every word 00:07:55.600 --> 00:07:56.100 that proceeds 00:07:56.100 --> 00:07:57.139 from the mouth of God. 00:07:58.420 --> 00:07:59.839 So 2 Timothy 3.16 00:07:59.839 --> 00:08:00.659 is talking about 00:08:00.659 --> 00:08:01.579 the nature, 00:08:02.060 --> 00:08:02.560 all scriptures, 00:08:02.740 --> 00:08:03.319 God breathe, 00:08:03.560 --> 00:08:04.540 of this book. 00:08:04.540 --> 00:08:07.400 But it also 00:08:07.400 --> 00:08:08.180 points to 00:08:08.180 --> 00:08:09.160 its effectiveness. 00:08:10.760 --> 00:08:11.360 All scriptures 00:08:11.360 --> 00:08:12.580 breathe out by God 00:08:12.580 --> 00:08:14.379 and profitable. 00:08:15.120 --> 00:08:16.560 It gets something done. 00:08:17.560 --> 00:08:18.120 And if you look 00:08:18.120 --> 00:08:19.420 at the rest of 16, 00:08:19.580 --> 00:08:20.379 it starts telling me 00:08:20.379 --> 00:08:21.160 what it gets done. 00:08:21.840 --> 00:08:22.520 For teaching, 00:08:22.740 --> 00:08:23.379 for reproof, 00:08:23.500 --> 00:08:24.100 for correction, 00:08:24.280 --> 00:08:24.840 and for training 00:08:24.840 --> 00:08:25.360 in righteousness. 00:08:26.180 --> 00:08:26.439 Okay, 00:08:26.620 --> 00:08:27.740 does everybody have 00:08:27.740 --> 00:08:29.180 a directional app 00:08:29.180 --> 00:08:30.240 on their smartphone? 00:08:31.840 --> 00:08:32.279 Yes. 00:08:32.279 --> 00:08:34.600 I see some heads nodding. 00:08:35.759 --> 00:08:36.000 Well, 00:08:36.199 --> 00:08:38.000 if you have a directional app 00:08:38.000 --> 00:08:39.240 on your cell phone, 00:08:40.240 --> 00:08:41.279 it shows you how to go 00:08:41.279 --> 00:08:43.039 from point A to point B. 00:08:43.139 --> 00:08:43.919 It shows you 00:08:43.919 --> 00:08:46.240 the path to travel on 00:08:46.240 --> 00:08:47.860 to get to your destination. 00:08:49.139 --> 00:08:51.399 And if you go off the path, 00:08:51.620 --> 00:08:52.980 your phone app 00:08:52.980 --> 00:08:54.059 will let you know 00:08:54.059 --> 00:08:55.240 you're off the path. 00:08:55.240 --> 00:08:57.340 And then your phone app 00:08:57.340 --> 00:08:59.419 will reroute you 00:08:59.419 --> 00:09:00.360 in order to show you 00:09:00.360 --> 00:09:00.960 how to get back 00:09:00.960 --> 00:09:01.919 on the path. 00:09:02.120 --> 00:09:02.680 And then, 00:09:02.899 --> 00:09:03.879 if you are regularly 00:09:03.879 --> 00:09:05.919 using that directional app 00:09:05.919 --> 00:09:06.460 on your phone, 00:09:06.620 --> 00:09:07.580 you are regularly 00:09:07.580 --> 00:09:09.560 trained by your app 00:09:09.560 --> 00:09:10.340 and how to get 00:09:10.340 --> 00:09:11.100 to certain places. 00:09:13.460 --> 00:09:14.340 God's Word, 00:09:15.419 --> 00:09:16.460 this book, 00:09:16.539 --> 00:09:17.639 God speaking to us, 00:09:17.840 --> 00:09:19.240 shows us 00:09:19.240 --> 00:09:20.240 how to live. 00:09:20.240 --> 00:09:20.799 live. 00:09:21.820 --> 00:09:23.159 It lays out a path 00:09:23.159 --> 00:09:24.460 for us to walk. 00:09:25.620 --> 00:09:27.100 It teaches us 00:09:27.100 --> 00:09:28.139 the way we should go. 00:09:28.519 --> 00:09:29.560 And then when we veer 00:09:29.560 --> 00:09:31.120 from God's path for us, 00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:32.560 it rebukes us. 00:09:33.919 --> 00:09:35.399 You're driving over the curb. 00:09:36.519 --> 00:09:37.419 Don't do that. 00:09:37.740 --> 00:09:38.159 Stop. 00:09:38.560 --> 00:09:39.560 That's not good for you. 00:09:40.120 --> 00:09:41.500 And then it corrects us 00:09:41.500 --> 00:09:42.299 how to get back 00:09:42.299 --> 00:09:43.139 on the path. 00:09:43.639 --> 00:09:44.659 How to get back 00:09:44.659 --> 00:09:45.580 on the path of life 00:09:45.580 --> 00:09:46.560 and following Jesus. 00:09:47.299 --> 00:09:48.659 And then it trains us 00:09:48.659 --> 00:09:49.219 in righteousness. 00:09:49.699 --> 00:09:50.719 It shows us 00:09:50.719 --> 00:09:51.439 again and again 00:09:51.439 --> 00:09:52.219 how to live 00:09:52.219 --> 00:09:53.860 in terms of our speech, 00:09:54.439 --> 00:09:55.620 in terms of our sexuality, 00:09:56.199 --> 00:09:57.000 in terms of how you 00:09:57.000 --> 00:09:58.159 think about yourself, 00:09:58.600 --> 00:09:59.620 how you steward 00:09:59.620 --> 00:10:00.399 your finances, 00:10:00.860 --> 00:10:01.459 what it means 00:10:01.459 --> 00:10:02.379 to follow Jesus 00:10:02.379 --> 00:10:03.480 again and again. 00:10:03.600 --> 00:10:04.899 It lays out a path 00:10:04.899 --> 00:10:05.699 for us to walk, 00:10:06.120 --> 00:10:06.719 helps us know 00:10:06.719 --> 00:10:07.899 when we fall off the path, 00:10:08.019 --> 00:10:08.919 step out of the path, 00:10:09.199 --> 00:10:10.240 how to get back on, 00:10:10.579 --> 00:10:12.019 and then over and over again. 00:10:12.219 --> 00:10:12.839 This book 00:10:12.839 --> 00:10:13.839 gets something done. 00:10:15.339 --> 00:10:17.100 It's life to us. 00:10:18.659 --> 00:10:23.059 It's transformational. 00:10:25.399 --> 00:10:26.579 And so what this means 00:10:26.579 --> 00:10:27.899 for our discipleship 00:10:27.899 --> 00:10:29.159 is that it's absolutely 00:10:29.159 --> 00:10:30.120 for us 00:10:30.120 --> 00:10:31.600 in our following Jesus 00:10:31.600 --> 00:10:33.579 and it's absolutely essential 00:10:33.579 --> 00:10:34.679 in helping others 00:10:34.679 --> 00:10:35.759 follow Jesus too. 00:10:37.279 --> 00:10:38.839 So the question now becomes, 00:10:39.399 --> 00:10:41.259 how do you respond? 00:10:41.980 --> 00:10:43.100 How do you respond 00:10:43.100 --> 00:10:43.939 to this reality 00:10:43.939 --> 00:10:44.980 that we must be 00:10:44.980 --> 00:10:46.139 proclaiming God's word? 00:10:46.139 --> 00:10:47.220 Well, it begins 00:10:47.220 --> 00:10:48.819 with our own intake 00:10:48.819 --> 00:10:49.779 and application 00:10:49.779 --> 00:10:50.519 of God's word. 00:10:50.620 --> 00:10:51.299 So let me just give you 00:10:51.299 --> 00:10:52.059 a quick visual. 00:10:52.519 --> 00:10:53.699 This is from the Navigators. 00:10:54.500 --> 00:10:55.379 Here are four ways 00:10:55.379 --> 00:10:56.379 you can take God's word 00:10:56.379 --> 00:10:57.480 into your life. 00:10:58.039 --> 00:10:59.939 It's by hearing 00:10:59.939 --> 00:11:00.860 God's word proclaimed. 00:11:01.179 --> 00:11:02.639 It's by reading God's word, 00:11:03.080 --> 00:11:03.840 having time, 00:11:03.919 --> 00:11:04.379 where you're regularly 00:11:04.379 --> 00:11:05.139 reading His word, 00:11:05.500 --> 00:11:06.659 studying God's word. 00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:07.559 We have a bunch of ladies 00:11:07.559 --> 00:11:08.240 on Tuesday 00:11:08.240 --> 00:11:09.960 studying 2 Timothy 00:11:09.960 --> 00:11:12.539 by memorizing God's word, 00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:13.620 hiding it on your heart. 00:11:13.620 --> 00:11:15.019 These are all ways 00:11:15.019 --> 00:11:16.779 where we take God's word 00:11:16.779 --> 00:11:17.560 into us 00:11:17.560 --> 00:11:19.779 so that God can move us. 00:11:21.240 --> 00:11:22.500 But there's one thing 00:11:22.500 --> 00:11:23.159 to take it in. 00:11:23.220 --> 00:11:23.759 There's another thing 00:11:23.759 --> 00:11:24.259 to live it out. 00:11:24.360 --> 00:11:25.039 That's why you need 00:11:25.039 --> 00:11:25.679 your thumb. 00:11:27.060 --> 00:11:28.039 Your thumb 00:11:28.039 --> 00:11:30.240 is your applier. 00:11:31.139 --> 00:11:32.279 It's what gives you 00:11:32.279 --> 00:11:33.019 a grip 00:11:33.019 --> 00:11:34.500 on God's word 00:11:34.500 --> 00:11:35.919 and gets God's word 00:11:35.919 --> 00:11:36.779 a grip on you. 00:11:37.919 --> 00:11:38.639 And so what it is 00:11:38.639 --> 00:11:39.879 is when you hear God's word, 00:11:40.159 --> 00:11:41.659 you seek to apply it. 00:11:41.659 --> 00:11:42.899 It gives you a grip 00:11:42.899 --> 00:11:43.860 on what God is saying. 00:11:44.379 --> 00:11:45.559 And when you hear God's word 00:11:45.559 --> 00:11:46.679 and you read God's word, 00:11:46.819 --> 00:11:48.139 it gives you a better grip. 00:11:48.360 --> 00:11:49.139 And then you go on 00:11:49.139 --> 00:11:49.819 with studying 00:11:49.819 --> 00:11:51.179 and then you go on 00:11:51.179 --> 00:11:52.079 with memorizing. 00:11:52.339 --> 00:11:53.799 As long as you're applying it, 00:11:53.939 --> 00:11:54.459 you're going to be 00:11:54.459 --> 00:11:55.679 getting a hold 00:11:55.679 --> 00:11:56.379 on God's word 00:11:56.379 --> 00:11:57.299 and God will be 00:11:57.299 --> 00:11:58.199 getting a hold on you. 00:11:59.379 --> 00:12:00.240 You take it in 00:12:00.240 --> 00:12:01.259 to live it out. 00:12:02.179 --> 00:12:03.299 And that's what we teach 00:12:03.299 --> 00:12:03.839 other people, 00:12:04.579 --> 00:12:05.240 other disciples. 00:12:05.759 --> 00:12:06.759 We help them 00:12:06.759 --> 00:12:08.120 take God's word in 00:12:08.120 --> 00:12:09.659 by hearing it, 00:12:09.759 --> 00:12:10.379 by reading it, 00:12:10.379 --> 00:12:11.120 by studying it, 00:12:11.159 --> 00:12:12.100 by memorizing it. 00:12:12.879 --> 00:12:13.960 Because this book 00:12:13.960 --> 00:12:15.580 shows us the way to live, 00:12:15.720 --> 00:12:16.759 how to follow Jesus. 00:12:19.220 --> 00:12:19.600 Now, 00:12:19.919 --> 00:12:21.379 this point 00:12:21.379 --> 00:12:22.580 about how to make disciples 00:12:22.580 --> 00:12:23.860 means we need to be 00:12:23.860 --> 00:12:24.939 proclaiming God's word. 00:12:25.240 --> 00:12:25.700 And typically, 00:12:25.939 --> 00:12:27.279 when Christians hear that, 00:12:27.340 --> 00:12:27.720 they think, 00:12:28.059 --> 00:12:29.360 I need to preach God's word. 00:12:29.460 --> 00:12:30.639 I need to pull up a pulpit 00:12:30.639 --> 00:12:32.039 and proclaim God's word 00:12:32.039 --> 00:12:32.379 to someone. 00:12:32.779 --> 00:12:33.700 That's one way 00:12:33.700 --> 00:12:34.779 you proclaim God's word. 00:12:34.879 --> 00:12:35.740 It's not the only way 00:12:35.740 --> 00:12:36.620 to proclaim God's word. 00:12:37.059 --> 00:12:38.059 Think about it more 00:12:38.059 --> 00:12:39.579 in terms of having 00:12:39.579 --> 00:12:41.659 conversations about God's word. 00:12:42.379 --> 00:12:43.719 About raising it like this. 00:12:43.819 --> 00:12:44.719 You're in a life group. 00:12:44.799 --> 00:12:45.759 Someone brings something up. 00:12:46.439 --> 00:12:46.579 Well, 00:12:46.619 --> 00:12:47.299 what does God's word 00:12:47.299 --> 00:12:47.959 say about it? 00:12:49.319 --> 00:12:50.279 That's how you get into 00:12:50.279 --> 00:12:50.959 a conversation 00:12:50.959 --> 00:12:51.759 about God's word. 00:12:52.859 --> 00:12:54.000 But that doesn't end there. 00:12:54.699 --> 00:12:55.539 It continues on 00:12:55.539 --> 00:12:56.019 by saying, 00:12:56.599 --> 00:12:57.159 now that we know 00:12:57.159 --> 00:12:57.759 what God's word 00:12:57.759 --> 00:12:58.439 says about it, 00:12:58.719 --> 00:13:00.000 how do we live our lives 00:13:00.000 --> 00:13:00.699 in light of that? 00:13:01.799 --> 00:13:02.939 How do we live it out? 00:13:04.639 --> 00:13:05.359 Could you imagine 00:13:05.359 --> 00:13:05.799 more and more 00:13:05.799 --> 00:13:06.519 of those conversations 00:13:06.519 --> 00:13:07.120 in our church? 00:13:07.379 --> 00:13:08.319 What does God's word say? 00:13:09.059 --> 00:13:09.919 How do we live it out? 00:13:11.120 --> 00:13:12.379 We're proclaiming God's word 00:13:12.379 --> 00:13:12.899 to one another. 00:13:15.620 --> 00:13:17.299 It happens conversationally. 00:13:17.559 --> 00:13:18.639 It happens over text. 00:13:18.759 --> 00:13:19.379 This past week, 00:13:19.799 --> 00:13:20.860 the life group I was in, 00:13:20.939 --> 00:13:22.299 we are swapping definitions 00:13:22.299 --> 00:13:23.079 of what it means 00:13:23.079 --> 00:13:23.740 to be a disciple. 00:13:23.960 --> 00:13:24.879 It was encouraging. 00:13:25.899 --> 00:13:26.819 It's getting God's word 00:13:26.819 --> 00:13:27.539 into our lives. 00:13:29.059 --> 00:13:30.559 So this book, 00:13:31.079 --> 00:13:32.379 God's speaking to us, 00:13:32.379 --> 00:13:33.980 this is our shared, 00:13:34.519 --> 00:13:35.379 authoritative, 00:13:35.379 --> 00:13:36.919 directional app 00:13:36.919 --> 00:13:37.679 that we're all 00:13:37.679 --> 00:13:38.480 working off of 00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:41.059 to follow Jesus together. 00:13:41.299 --> 00:13:42.439 That's the first ingredient. 00:13:43.659 --> 00:13:44.600 Here's the second. 00:13:45.840 --> 00:13:47.019 The second ingredient 00:13:47.019 --> 00:13:48.419 is prayerful dependence 00:13:48.419 --> 00:13:49.519 on the Holy Spirit. 00:13:50.080 --> 00:13:50.960 If you would turn 00:13:50.960 --> 00:13:51.439 in your Bibles 00:13:51.439 --> 00:13:52.720 to John chapter 16, 00:13:55.240 --> 00:13:56.360 we're going to be looking 00:13:56.360 --> 00:13:58.299 at verses 12, 13, and 14, 00:13:58.480 --> 00:13:59.460 specifically 14. 00:13:59.919 --> 00:14:01.659 But as soon as you bring up 00:14:01.659 --> 00:14:02.320 the Holy Spirit 00:14:02.320 --> 00:14:03.220 in a room of Christians, 00:14:03.220 --> 00:14:04.279 you can have a variety 00:14:04.279 --> 00:14:05.259 of different responses. 00:14:07.039 --> 00:14:07.939 Here are two. 00:14:10.159 --> 00:14:11.899 People hear Holy Spirit 00:14:11.899 --> 00:14:12.519 and they think, 00:14:12.679 --> 00:14:14.220 oh, we long to experience 00:14:14.220 --> 00:14:16.500 more of the Holy Spirit's fullness, 00:14:16.639 --> 00:14:17.559 and that's a good thing. 00:14:17.860 --> 00:14:18.919 But many times, 00:14:19.019 --> 00:14:21.539 people have a very specific idea 00:14:21.539 --> 00:14:22.740 of what it looks like 00:14:22.740 --> 00:14:23.480 to experience 00:14:23.480 --> 00:14:24.519 the Holy Spirit's fullness. 00:14:26.120 --> 00:14:27.360 On the other side, 00:14:27.480 --> 00:14:29.620 people hear you say Holy Spirit, 00:14:29.620 --> 00:14:30.799 and they get a little guarded 00:14:30.799 --> 00:14:31.699 and a little suspicious 00:14:31.699 --> 00:14:33.079 because they've come out 00:14:33.079 --> 00:14:35.579 or they've seen abuse 00:14:35.579 --> 00:14:36.740 of the Holy Spirit. 00:14:37.479 --> 00:14:38.740 Whether that's in teaching 00:14:38.740 --> 00:14:40.139 or in experience, 00:14:40.559 --> 00:14:41.939 it's left a bad taste 00:14:41.939 --> 00:14:42.740 in your mouth. 00:14:43.099 --> 00:14:44.159 And so, what do we do? 00:14:44.359 --> 00:14:45.019 Here's what we do. 00:14:45.359 --> 00:14:46.799 What does God's Word say 00:14:46.799 --> 00:14:47.819 about the Holy Spirit? 00:14:49.819 --> 00:14:51.019 That's why I have you 00:14:51.019 --> 00:14:53.579 in John chapter 16. 00:14:54.620 --> 00:14:56.139 In John chapter 16, 00:14:56.620 --> 00:14:57.539 Jesus is preparing 00:14:57.539 --> 00:14:58.259 His disciples 00:14:58.259 --> 00:15:00.139 for His departure. 00:15:00.360 --> 00:15:01.860 He's going to be crucified. 00:15:02.360 --> 00:15:03.480 He's going to be raised. 00:15:03.600 --> 00:15:05.000 He's going to ascend. 00:15:05.460 --> 00:15:06.559 He's leaving them, 00:15:06.819 --> 00:15:07.299 but He's saying, 00:15:07.519 --> 00:15:08.799 there's someone better 00:15:08.799 --> 00:15:09.819 that I'm going to leave with you. 00:15:10.539 --> 00:15:11.480 The Holy Spirit. 00:15:12.200 --> 00:15:14.240 So, let me just read verses. 00:15:15.460 --> 00:15:16.340 It'd be good if I'm 00:15:16.340 --> 00:15:17.200 in the book of John. 00:15:19.319 --> 00:15:20.919 Verses 12 through 14. 00:15:21.679 --> 00:15:22.379 Jesus speaking, 00:15:22.539 --> 00:15:23.679 I still have many things 00:15:23.679 --> 00:15:24.419 to say to you, 00:15:24.419 --> 00:15:25.700 but you cannot bear them now. 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:28.139 When the Spirit of truth comes, 00:15:28.259 --> 00:15:28.879 He will guide you 00:15:28.879 --> 00:15:29.799 into all truth, 00:15:30.159 --> 00:15:31.860 for He will not speak 00:15:31.860 --> 00:15:33.439 on His own authority, 00:15:33.559 --> 00:15:34.779 but whatever He hears, 00:15:35.039 --> 00:15:35.960 He will speak, 00:15:36.279 --> 00:15:37.580 and He will declare to you 00:15:37.580 --> 00:15:38.639 the things that are to come. 00:15:39.059 --> 00:15:41.460 He will glorify Me, 00:15:42.299 --> 00:15:43.600 for He will take what is Mine 00:15:43.600 --> 00:15:44.679 and declare it to you. 00:15:45.299 --> 00:15:46.360 Just a couple things to note. 00:15:48.259 --> 00:15:49.919 The Holy Spirit is sent 00:15:49.919 --> 00:15:52.059 to guide us into truth. 00:15:52.059 --> 00:15:57.219 This book is our truth. 00:15:57.759 --> 00:15:59.479 The Holy Spirit is seeking 00:15:59.479 --> 00:16:02.199 to guide us in our living 00:16:02.199 --> 00:16:03.539 according to the truth 00:16:03.539 --> 00:16:04.619 revealed in this book. 00:16:05.939 --> 00:16:06.419 Furthermore, 00:16:07.539 --> 00:16:09.500 the Holy Spirit's a proclaimer. 00:16:09.699 --> 00:16:10.939 Did you see that in this passage? 00:16:11.539 --> 00:16:12.299 He will not speak 00:16:12.299 --> 00:16:13.219 on His own authority, 00:16:13.559 --> 00:16:14.439 but whatever He hears, 00:16:14.539 --> 00:16:15.119 He will speak, 00:16:15.219 --> 00:16:15.819 He will declare. 00:16:16.279 --> 00:16:18.439 The Holy Spirit is a revealer. 00:16:18.699 --> 00:16:19.719 He's an illuminator. 00:16:19.720 --> 00:16:22.639 He wants to make you know 00:16:22.639 --> 00:16:24.720 what God's truth is. 00:16:26.220 --> 00:16:27.480 He wants that. 00:16:29.120 --> 00:16:30.379 The third thing I want you 00:16:30.379 --> 00:16:31.440 to quickly notice is 00:16:31.440 --> 00:16:33.940 the personal pronoun He. 00:16:36.379 --> 00:16:37.700 He will guide you 00:16:37.700 --> 00:16:38.720 into all truth. 00:16:38.920 --> 00:16:39.759 He will not speak 00:16:39.759 --> 00:16:40.800 on His own authority. 00:16:41.360 --> 00:16:41.920 He hears. 00:16:42.120 --> 00:16:42.800 He will speak. 00:16:42.960 --> 00:16:43.620 He will declare. 00:16:43.800 --> 00:16:44.920 He will glorify Me. 00:16:44.919 --> 00:16:47.019 The Holy Spirit 00:16:47.019 --> 00:16:49.360 is the third person 00:16:49.360 --> 00:16:50.979 of the Trinity. 00:16:51.439 --> 00:16:52.319 He is not 00:16:52.319 --> 00:16:53.719 some kind of 00:16:53.719 --> 00:16:55.339 impersonal force. 00:16:56.500 --> 00:16:57.659 He is a person. 00:16:59.099 --> 00:17:00.339 Ephesians 4.30 says 00:17:00.339 --> 00:17:01.579 you can grieve Him 00:17:01.579 --> 00:17:04.119 just like you can grieve Jesus. 00:17:06.920 --> 00:17:08.420 So let me aim you now 00:17:08.420 --> 00:17:09.740 at what He says 00:17:09.740 --> 00:17:10.619 in verse 14 00:17:10.619 --> 00:17:12.519 because this is a very 00:17:12.519 --> 00:17:14.339 simple, general way 00:17:14.339 --> 00:17:15.220 to understand 00:17:15.220 --> 00:17:16.399 what the Holy Spirit 00:17:16.399 --> 00:17:17.439 is seeking to do 00:17:17.439 --> 00:17:18.679 in our lives. 00:17:19.019 --> 00:17:19.799 We don't need to be 00:17:19.799 --> 00:17:20.740 afraid of this. 00:17:23.599 --> 00:17:25.099 It's not the only thing 00:17:25.099 --> 00:17:26.399 but it is 00:17:26.399 --> 00:17:27.919 the primary aim 00:17:27.919 --> 00:17:28.759 of the Holy Spirit. 00:17:30.579 --> 00:17:31.720 Jesus says of Him 00:17:31.720 --> 00:17:33.339 He will glorify Me 00:17:33.339 --> 00:17:35.659 for He will take 00:17:35.659 --> 00:17:36.179 what is Mine 00:17:36.179 --> 00:17:37.139 and declare it to you. 00:17:37.500 --> 00:17:38.220 Jesus says 00:17:38.220 --> 00:17:39.339 of the Holy Spirit 00:17:39.339 --> 00:17:42.019 He will glorify 00:17:42.019 --> 00:17:44.099 spotlight Me. 00:17:44.339 --> 00:17:45.419 the one in whom 00:17:45.419 --> 00:17:47.980 salvation is accomplished. 00:17:48.399 --> 00:17:49.399 The one in whom 00:17:49.399 --> 00:17:51.259 we are called to follow. 00:17:52.220 --> 00:17:54.159 He will spotlight 00:17:54.159 --> 00:17:54.939 Jesus. 00:17:57.459 --> 00:17:58.980 J.I. Packer 00:17:58.980 --> 00:18:01.980 a prolific author 00:18:01.980 --> 00:18:02.740 and teacher 00:18:02.740 --> 00:18:03.759 recently died. 00:18:05.099 --> 00:18:05.779 The story goes 00:18:05.779 --> 00:18:06.539 he was on his way 00:18:06.539 --> 00:18:07.179 to preach 00:18:07.179 --> 00:18:08.459 an evening service 00:18:08.459 --> 00:18:09.480 in Vancouver, 00:18:09.699 --> 00:18:10.339 British Columbia 00:18:10.339 --> 00:18:12.159 and he was walking up 00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:13.240 a hill to the church 00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:14.120 night was falling 00:18:14.120 --> 00:18:15.380 and he was preaching 00:18:15.380 --> 00:18:16.200 on this passage 00:18:16.200 --> 00:18:17.320 He will glorify Me 00:18:17.320 --> 00:18:18.880 and he still hadn't 00:18:18.880 --> 00:18:19.759 he didn't have 00:18:19.759 --> 00:18:21.060 an opening illustration. 00:18:21.660 --> 00:18:22.320 So he's trying to think 00:18:22.320 --> 00:18:23.700 of the opening illustration. 00:18:23.900 --> 00:18:24.660 He's walking up 00:18:24.660 --> 00:18:26.080 to the church building 00:18:26.080 --> 00:18:27.160 and then he looks up 00:18:27.160 --> 00:18:28.019 and bam 00:18:28.019 --> 00:18:28.680 he has 00:18:28.680 --> 00:18:30.180 his opening illustration 00:18:30.180 --> 00:18:31.460 because as night 00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:32.240 was falling 00:18:32.240 --> 00:18:34.580 on the front 00:18:34.580 --> 00:18:35.460 of this building 00:18:35.460 --> 00:18:37.740 was a cross 00:18:37.740 --> 00:18:38.160 illuminated 00:18:38.160 --> 00:18:39.640 illuminated by a spotlight. 00:18:40.840 --> 00:18:41.720 That's it. 00:18:42.680 --> 00:18:43.460 The Holy Spirit 00:18:43.460 --> 00:18:44.200 isn't seeking 00:18:44.200 --> 00:18:44.980 to draw attention 00:18:44.980 --> 00:18:45.640 to Him 00:18:45.640 --> 00:18:46.440 Himself 00:18:46.440 --> 00:18:48.440 but to the Son 00:18:48.440 --> 00:18:50.480 to Jesus 00:18:50.480 --> 00:18:52.440 to His cross 00:18:52.440 --> 00:18:52.840 work 00:18:52.840 --> 00:18:54.100 to His person 00:18:54.100 --> 00:18:56.460 so that we could 00:18:56.460 --> 00:18:58.660 glorify Jesus. 00:18:58.660 --> 00:19:03.279 So this third person 00:19:03.279 --> 00:19:04.040 of the Trinity 00:19:04.040 --> 00:19:06.480 is by God's plan 00:19:06.480 --> 00:19:07.440 the first person 00:19:07.440 --> 00:19:08.140 of the Trinity 00:19:08.140 --> 00:19:10.060 seeking to glorify 00:19:10.060 --> 00:19:11.160 the second person 00:19:11.160 --> 00:19:11.759 of the Trinity 00:19:11.759 --> 00:19:13.840 who is at the very center 00:19:13.840 --> 00:19:14.740 of God's plan 00:19:14.740 --> 00:19:15.360 of salvation. 00:19:17.160 --> 00:19:18.320 So what does this mean 00:19:18.320 --> 00:19:18.860 for us? 00:19:20.019 --> 00:19:20.779 Simply said 00:19:20.779 --> 00:19:22.080 the primary aim 00:19:22.080 --> 00:19:22.779 of the Holy Spirit 00:19:22.779 --> 00:19:23.560 is to spotlight 00:19:23.560 --> 00:19:25.080 Jesus to us 00:19:25.080 --> 00:19:26.120 to reveal Jesus 00:19:26.120 --> 00:19:26.759 to us 00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:28.259 to spotlight 00:19:28.259 --> 00:19:29.879 Jesus in us 00:19:29.879 --> 00:19:31.180 to make us 00:19:31.180 --> 00:19:31.980 like Jesus 00:19:31.980 --> 00:19:33.519 to sanctify us 00:19:33.519 --> 00:19:35.740 and then to empower 00:19:35.740 --> 00:19:37.059 our witness 00:19:37.059 --> 00:19:38.720 to others. 00:19:40.059 --> 00:19:41.039 The Holy Spirit 00:19:41.039 --> 00:19:41.619 is looking to 00:19:41.619 --> 00:19:43.059 spotlight Jesus 00:19:43.059 --> 00:19:44.240 to us 00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:44.700 in us 00:19:44.700 --> 00:19:45.700 and through us. 00:19:47.180 --> 00:19:48.140 And the good news 00:19:48.140 --> 00:19:48.480 is this 00:19:48.480 --> 00:19:49.180 we don't need 00:19:49.180 --> 00:19:50.379 to fear the Holy Spirit. 00:19:51.640 --> 00:19:52.480 We don't need 00:19:52.480 --> 00:19:53.059 to fear Him. 00:19:53.779 --> 00:19:54.680 Jesus Himself 00:19:54.680 --> 00:19:55.680 is saying here 00:19:55.680 --> 00:19:57.820 He's going 00:19:57.820 --> 00:19:58.700 to glorify me. 00:20:00.340 --> 00:20:01.060 We don't need 00:20:01.060 --> 00:20:01.740 to fear that. 00:20:02.860 --> 00:20:03.460 In fact 00:20:03.460 --> 00:20:05.019 it should compel you 00:20:05.019 --> 00:20:05.779 to seek 00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:06.820 the Holy Spirit. 00:20:07.860 --> 00:20:08.720 To seek 00:20:08.720 --> 00:20:09.360 the Spirit 00:20:09.360 --> 00:20:10.920 to do His work 00:20:10.920 --> 00:20:12.240 to us 00:20:12.240 --> 00:20:12.980 and in us 00:20:12.980 --> 00:20:13.720 and through us 00:20:13.720 --> 00:20:14.360 for the glory 00:20:14.360 --> 00:20:14.920 of Jesus. 00:20:17.539 --> 00:20:18.519 So what does it mean 00:20:18.519 --> 00:20:19.220 to prayerfully 00:20:19.220 --> 00:20:19.820 depend upon 00:20:19.820 --> 00:20:20.480 the Holy Spirit? 00:20:22.080 --> 00:20:23.100 Well we regularly 00:20:23.100 --> 00:20:24.160 ask God our Father 00:20:24.160 --> 00:20:24.700 to pour out 00:20:24.700 --> 00:20:25.400 the Holy Spirit 00:20:25.400 --> 00:20:26.040 on us 00:20:26.040 --> 00:20:26.880 in various ways 00:20:26.880 --> 00:20:27.840 so that Jesus 00:20:27.840 --> 00:20:28.560 would be exalted. 00:20:29.840 --> 00:20:30.820 And I tell you that 00:20:30.820 --> 00:20:31.680 because that's exactly 00:20:31.680 --> 00:20:32.620 what the Apostle Paul 00:20:32.620 --> 00:20:33.880 does in Ephesians 00:20:33.880 --> 00:20:34.560 chapter 3 00:20:34.560 --> 00:20:35.980 verses 14 through 19 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:36.640 when he prays 00:20:36.640 --> 00:20:37.440 for the Ephesian church. 00:20:38.300 --> 00:20:40.279 He asks God the Father 00:20:40.279 --> 00:20:40.900 to pour out 00:20:40.900 --> 00:20:41.660 the Holy Spirit 00:20:41.660 --> 00:20:43.400 so that Christ's love 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:44.360 would fill them 00:20:44.360 --> 00:20:44.840 with the fullness 00:20:44.840 --> 00:20:45.460 of God 00:20:45.460 --> 00:20:46.720 and that's what 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:47.400 unites them. 00:20:47.400 --> 00:20:50.680 So here's how 00:20:50.680 --> 00:20:51.800 you could pray. 00:20:53.560 --> 00:20:53.780 It's 00:20:53.780 --> 00:20:55.019 you're 00:20:55.019 --> 00:20:55.960 regularly 00:20:55.960 --> 00:20:56.900 asking God 00:20:56.900 --> 00:20:57.380 the Father 00:20:57.380 --> 00:20:57.860 oh God 00:20:57.860 --> 00:20:58.740 fill me afresh 00:20:58.740 --> 00:21:00.640 fill me afresh 00:21:00.640 --> 00:21:01.680 so that 00:21:01.680 --> 00:21:03.019 by your Spirit 00:21:03.019 --> 00:21:03.840 so that I can 00:21:03.840 --> 00:21:05.360 I can live for Jesus 00:21:05.360 --> 00:21:06.259 in front of my children 00:21:06.259 --> 00:21:06.680 today. 00:21:07.460 --> 00:21:08.400 Fill me afresh 00:21:08.400 --> 00:21:10.000 so that I can 00:21:10.000 --> 00:21:11.660 kind of speak 00:21:11.660 --> 00:21:12.640 encouraging words 00:21:12.640 --> 00:21:13.600 to my life group. 00:21:13.940 --> 00:21:15.000 Fill me afresh 00:21:15.000 --> 00:21:16.680 so that I can 00:21:16.680 --> 00:21:18.160 exercise my gifts 00:21:18.160 --> 00:21:19.160 in the church 00:21:19.160 --> 00:21:20.339 for the glory of Jesus. 00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:21.920 Fill me afresh 00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:22.799 because I got a hard 00:21:22.799 --> 00:21:23.799 phone conversation 00:21:23.799 --> 00:21:25.900 and I want to exalt Jesus 00:21:25.900 --> 00:21:28.519 in me and through me. 00:21:30.839 --> 00:21:31.859 It also gives us 00:21:31.859 --> 00:21:32.519 a diagnostic 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:33.319 and here's what 00:21:33.319 --> 00:21:33.940 I mean by that. 00:21:35.440 --> 00:21:36.359 How do we know 00:21:36.359 --> 00:21:37.099 that the Holy Spirit 00:21:37.099 --> 00:21:38.339 is working in our church? 00:21:40.279 --> 00:21:41.519 Is Jesus 00:21:41.519 --> 00:21:43.200 being glorified? 00:21:45.000 --> 00:21:47.220 Is He being revealed 00:21:47.220 --> 00:21:47.799 to us? 00:21:49.140 --> 00:21:49.980 Are we being 00:21:49.980 --> 00:21:51.339 conformed to Him? 00:21:53.059 --> 00:21:54.140 Is Jesus being 00:21:54.140 --> 00:21:55.099 made known 00:21:55.099 --> 00:21:55.940 through us? 00:21:59.079 --> 00:22:00.319 These are ways 00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:01.680 in which we respond 00:22:01.680 --> 00:22:03.000 and live in light of 00:22:03.000 --> 00:22:04.460 prayerful dependence 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:05.279 on the Holy Spirit. 00:22:05.380 --> 00:22:05.980 That's the second 00:22:05.980 --> 00:22:07.019 ingredient of making 00:22:07.019 --> 00:22:07.500 disciples. 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:09.039 It's not by my 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:09.779 not by power 00:22:09.779 --> 00:22:10.940 but by my Spirit 00:22:10.940 --> 00:22:11.740 says the Lord. 00:22:12.740 --> 00:22:12.900 The Lord 00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:16.220 let me now 00:22:16.220 --> 00:22:17.059 move you to 00:22:17.059 --> 00:22:18.799 the third ingredient. 00:22:20.579 --> 00:22:21.220 People 00:22:21.220 --> 00:22:22.059 are God's 00:22:22.059 --> 00:22:22.960 fellow workers. 00:22:24.039 --> 00:22:24.920 I don't know 00:22:24.920 --> 00:22:25.880 if you knew this. 00:22:26.799 --> 00:22:27.680 When you became 00:22:27.680 --> 00:22:28.279 a Christian 00:22:28.279 --> 00:22:30.299 you were called 00:22:30.299 --> 00:22:31.460 into Christian 00:22:31.460 --> 00:22:32.019 ministry. 00:22:33.299 --> 00:22:34.220 When you put 00:22:34.220 --> 00:22:35.119 your faith in Jesus 00:22:35.119 --> 00:22:36.839 He put His claim 00:22:36.839 --> 00:22:37.500 on you 00:22:37.500 --> 00:22:39.460 and called you 00:22:39.460 --> 00:22:40.940 into the priesthood 00:22:40.940 --> 00:22:41.579 of all believers. 00:22:41.579 --> 00:22:41.779 believers. 00:22:42.960 --> 00:22:43.460 A disciple 00:22:43.460 --> 00:22:44.019 of Jesus 00:22:44.019 --> 00:22:44.699 is to be 00:22:44.699 --> 00:22:45.659 making disciples 00:22:45.659 --> 00:22:46.480 of Jesus. 00:22:49.039 --> 00:22:50.059 A couple weeks 00:22:50.059 --> 00:22:50.779 ago when I was 00:22:50.779 --> 00:22:51.539 preaching on 00:22:51.539 --> 00:22:52.980 God's plan 00:22:52.980 --> 00:22:54.759 for the fullness 00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:55.359 of time 00:22:55.359 --> 00:22:56.539 Ephesians chapter 1 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:59.000 I really sought 00:22:59.000 --> 00:23:00.099 to impress upon you 00:23:00.099 --> 00:23:00.819 that God 00:23:00.819 --> 00:23:01.639 right now 00:23:01.639 --> 00:23:02.699 is carrying out 00:23:02.699 --> 00:23:03.439 His plan 00:23:03.439 --> 00:23:04.639 all around the world. 00:23:05.079 --> 00:23:06.159 He is moving 00:23:06.159 --> 00:23:07.259 people to the cross 00:23:07.259 --> 00:23:08.220 flipping them 00:23:08.220 --> 00:23:09.019 by His grace 00:23:09.019 --> 00:23:10.059 and calling them 00:23:10.059 --> 00:23:10.720 to follow Him. 00:23:11.579 --> 00:23:12.359 He is doing it 00:23:12.359 --> 00:23:12.779 right now 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:14.599 and we get 00:23:14.599 --> 00:23:15.379 to join Him 00:23:15.379 --> 00:23:16.439 in what He is doing. 00:23:16.679 --> 00:23:17.079 In fact 00:23:17.079 --> 00:23:18.559 He calls us 00:23:18.559 --> 00:23:19.679 to join Him 00:23:19.679 --> 00:23:20.879 in what He is doing. 00:23:22.359 --> 00:23:23.000 When you are 00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:23.399 converted 00:23:23.399 --> 00:23:25.939 you are called 00:23:25.939 --> 00:23:27.179 into ministry. 00:23:28.179 --> 00:23:28.480 I am going to 00:23:28.480 --> 00:23:28.980 develop this 00:23:28.980 --> 00:23:29.639 next week 00:23:29.639 --> 00:23:30.539 in a sermon 00:23:30.539 --> 00:23:31.319 unto itself 00:23:31.319 --> 00:23:32.839 but I just want 00:23:32.839 --> 00:23:33.259 to point you 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:33.839 to Ephesians 00:23:33.839 --> 00:23:34.619 chapter 4 00:23:34.619 --> 00:23:35.199 real quick. 00:23:35.579 --> 00:23:36.119 I want to show 00:23:36.119 --> 00:23:36.740 you just a few 00:23:36.740 --> 00:23:37.819 things to whet 00:23:37.819 --> 00:23:38.319 your appetite. 00:23:38.319 --> 00:23:38.439 right. 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:40.779 In Ephesians 00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:41.460 chapter 4 00:23:41.460 --> 00:23:42.779 11 through 16 00:23:42.779 --> 00:23:43.960 Paul is talking 00:23:43.960 --> 00:23:44.700 about Christian 00:23:44.700 --> 00:23:45.299 ministry 00:23:45.299 --> 00:23:47.619 and in 411 00:23:47.619 --> 00:23:48.099 he says 00:23:48.099 --> 00:23:48.720 and he gave 00:23:48.720 --> 00:23:49.519 the apostles 00:23:49.519 --> 00:23:50.139 the prophets 00:23:50.139 --> 00:23:51.019 and the evangelists 00:23:51.019 --> 00:23:51.819 the shepherds 00:23:51.819 --> 00:23:52.240 and teachers 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:53.519 to equip the saints 00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:54.059 for the work 00:23:54.059 --> 00:23:54.579 of ministry 00:23:54.579 --> 00:23:55.899 for building up 00:23:55.899 --> 00:23:56.759 the body of Christ 00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:57.559 until we all 00:23:57.559 --> 00:23:58.460 attain to the unity 00:23:58.460 --> 00:23:59.079 of faith 00:23:59.079 --> 00:23:59.980 and of the knowledge 00:23:59.980 --> 00:24:00.819 of the Son of God 00:24:00.819 --> 00:24:02.039 to mature manhood 00:24:02.039 --> 00:24:02.859 to the measure 00:24:02.859 --> 00:24:03.539 of the stature 00:24:03.539 --> 00:24:04.179 of the fullness 00:24:04.179 --> 00:24:04.740 of Christ. 00:24:04.839 --> 00:24:05.559 Look at verse 15. 00:24:06.099 --> 00:24:06.839 Rather speaking 00:24:06.839 --> 00:24:07.599 the truth and love 00:24:07.599 --> 00:24:08.539 we are to grow up 00:24:08.539 --> 00:24:09.179 in every way 00:24:09.179 --> 00:24:09.879 into him 00:24:09.879 --> 00:24:11.099 who is the head 00:24:11.099 --> 00:24:12.099 into Christ. 00:24:12.199 --> 00:24:12.759 Let me point out 00:24:12.759 --> 00:24:13.839 just three quick things. 00:24:14.279 --> 00:24:14.519 First, 00:24:15.159 --> 00:24:15.639 the nature 00:24:15.639 --> 00:24:16.339 of the work 00:24:16.339 --> 00:24:16.899 of ministry. 00:24:18.859 --> 00:24:20.279 In verse 12 00:24:20.279 --> 00:24:21.959 to equip the saints 00:24:21.959 --> 00:24:22.480 for the work 00:24:22.480 --> 00:24:22.980 of ministry 00:24:22.980 --> 00:24:24.399 for building up 00:24:24.399 --> 00:24:25.459 the body of Christ. 00:24:25.779 --> 00:24:26.539 What is ministry 00:24:26.539 --> 00:24:27.500 in this passage? 00:24:27.899 --> 00:24:28.419 Building up 00:24:28.419 --> 00:24:29.339 the body of Christ. 00:24:30.059 --> 00:24:31.319 Don't confuse that. 00:24:32.639 --> 00:24:33.159 Don't think 00:24:33.159 --> 00:24:33.720 that's something 00:24:33.720 --> 00:24:34.799 other than 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:35.579 making disciples 00:24:35.579 --> 00:24:36.119 of Jesus. 00:24:36.839 --> 00:24:37.859 building up 00:24:37.859 --> 00:24:38.839 the body of Christ 00:24:38.839 --> 00:24:39.459 and making 00:24:39.459 --> 00:24:40.639 disciples of Jesus. 00:24:40.839 --> 00:24:41.419 We're talking 00:24:41.419 --> 00:24:42.220 about the same thing. 00:24:42.259 --> 00:24:42.619 We're just talking 00:24:42.619 --> 00:24:43.599 using different language. 00:24:45.559 --> 00:24:46.279 Paul's using 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:47.139 his favorite metaphor 00:24:47.139 --> 00:24:47.919 for the church. 00:24:48.439 --> 00:24:49.359 Building up the body 00:24:49.359 --> 00:24:51.599 into our head 00:24:51.599 --> 00:24:52.539 Jesus Christ. 00:24:52.899 --> 00:24:53.099 So, 00:24:53.659 --> 00:24:54.859 when Paul talks 00:24:54.859 --> 00:24:56.599 about ministry here, 00:24:56.919 --> 00:24:57.699 he's not talking 00:24:57.699 --> 00:24:58.199 about something 00:24:58.199 --> 00:24:58.859 other than 00:24:58.859 --> 00:24:59.659 making disciples. 00:25:00.559 --> 00:25:01.039 It's exactly 00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:01.659 what he's talking 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.959 about. 00:25:02.220 --> 00:25:02.939 Moving people 00:25:02.939 --> 00:25:03.639 towards Jesus. 00:25:03.640 --> 00:25:03.820 Christians. 00:25:05.520 --> 00:25:06.440 The second thing 00:25:06.440 --> 00:25:07.120 I want you to note 00:25:07.120 --> 00:25:09.140 is who does 00:25:09.140 --> 00:25:09.780 the work 00:25:09.780 --> 00:25:10.580 of ministry? 00:25:11.840 --> 00:25:12.520 In verse 11, 00:25:12.660 --> 00:25:13.180 he gives 00:25:13.180 --> 00:25:14.300 Christian leaders, 00:25:14.560 --> 00:25:14.880 apostles, 00:25:15.100 --> 00:25:15.360 prophets, 00:25:15.520 --> 00:25:15.920 evangelists, 00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:16.259 shepherds, 00:25:16.340 --> 00:25:16.660 teachers, 00:25:16.660 --> 00:25:18.200 to verse 12, 00:25:18.780 --> 00:25:20.240 to equip the saints 00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:20.980 for the work 00:25:20.980 --> 00:25:21.540 of ministry. 00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:22.640 The saints 00:25:22.640 --> 00:25:23.759 are all Christians. 00:25:24.640 --> 00:25:25.540 It's not an elite 00:25:25.540 --> 00:25:26.480 group of Christians. 00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:28.340 Saints are all 00:25:28.340 --> 00:25:28.840 Christians. 00:25:28.839 --> 00:25:29.039 Christians. 00:25:30.859 --> 00:25:32.079 And it's the saints 00:25:32.079 --> 00:25:34.199 who are to do 00:25:34.199 --> 00:25:35.439 the work 00:25:35.439 --> 00:25:36.319 of ministry. 00:25:36.679 --> 00:25:37.279 Building up 00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:38.199 the body of Christ, 00:25:38.699 --> 00:25:39.480 making disciples 00:25:39.480 --> 00:25:40.799 of others. 00:25:41.679 --> 00:25:42.459 When you were 00:25:42.459 --> 00:25:43.339 made alive 00:25:43.339 --> 00:25:44.720 by the grace 00:25:44.720 --> 00:25:45.319 of God, 00:25:45.939 --> 00:25:46.559 you were 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:47.740 deputized 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:48.980 as a minister 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:50.000 of the gospel 00:25:50.000 --> 00:25:51.559 to make disciples 00:25:51.559 --> 00:25:53.299 to build the church. 00:25:54.299 --> 00:25:55.139 The third thing 00:25:55.139 --> 00:25:56.079 I want to point out 00:25:56.079 --> 00:25:57.039 quickly is 00:25:57.039 --> 00:25:58.980 the primary way 00:25:58.980 --> 00:26:00.500 we 00:26:00.500 --> 00:26:02.359 build up the body, 00:26:02.519 --> 00:26:03.220 make disciples. 00:26:03.359 --> 00:26:04.299 It's in verse 15. 00:26:05.500 --> 00:26:05.740 Rather, 00:26:05.980 --> 00:26:06.879 speaking the truth 00:26:06.879 --> 00:26:07.460 in love, 00:26:07.619 --> 00:26:08.299 we are to grow up 00:26:08.299 --> 00:26:08.859 in every way 00:26:08.859 --> 00:26:09.480 into Him 00:26:09.480 --> 00:26:10.519 who's the head 00:26:10.519 --> 00:26:11.180 into Jesus. 00:26:11.399 --> 00:26:13.079 We use this book 00:26:13.079 --> 00:26:15.059 and speak this book 00:26:15.059 --> 00:26:15.819 in love 00:26:15.819 --> 00:26:16.740 to one another 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:18.059 to move us 00:26:18.059 --> 00:26:18.500 to Jesus. 00:26:22.839 --> 00:26:23.799 Imagine with me, 00:26:24.799 --> 00:26:25.859 you go to the 00:26:25.859 --> 00:26:26.539 Christ the King 00:26:26.539 --> 00:26:27.180 Church webpage. 00:26:28.379 --> 00:26:29.659 You click on it, 00:26:29.740 --> 00:26:30.399 you enter in, 00:26:30.460 --> 00:26:31.420 you have this menu 00:26:31.420 --> 00:26:32.079 that says 00:26:32.079 --> 00:26:32.859 leadership 00:26:32.859 --> 00:26:34.039 and then it says 00:26:34.039 --> 00:26:35.059 ministry staff. 00:26:36.159 --> 00:26:37.240 You click on 00:26:37.240 --> 00:26:38.539 the ministry staff 00:26:38.539 --> 00:26:39.420 of Christ the King 00:26:39.420 --> 00:26:39.799 Church 00:26:39.799 --> 00:26:41.559 and to your surprise, 00:26:42.379 --> 00:26:43.379 pages 00:26:43.379 --> 00:26:45.980 full of members 00:26:45.980 --> 00:26:46.859 and regular 00:26:46.859 --> 00:26:47.440 attenders 00:26:47.440 --> 00:26:48.279 of Christ the King 00:26:48.279 --> 00:26:48.639 Church. 00:26:49.319 --> 00:26:50.639 Pictures of faces, 00:26:51.159 --> 00:26:51.619 names, 00:26:51.619 --> 00:26:51.759 names, 00:26:52.759 --> 00:26:54.039 you just scroll 00:26:54.039 --> 00:26:54.819 through person 00:26:54.819 --> 00:26:55.799 after person. 00:26:57.000 --> 00:26:57.819 Brothers and 00:26:57.819 --> 00:26:58.139 sisters, 00:26:59.219 --> 00:26:59.899 the ministry 00:26:59.899 --> 00:27:00.639 staff of 00:27:00.639 --> 00:27:01.219 Christ the King 00:27:01.219 --> 00:27:01.699 Church 00:27:01.699 --> 00:27:03.359 is Christ 00:27:03.359 --> 00:27:03.879 the King 00:27:03.879 --> 00:27:04.500 Church. 00:27:05.699 --> 00:27:06.119 We 00:27:06.119 --> 00:27:08.459 are the 00:27:08.459 --> 00:27:08.959 ministers. 00:27:10.119 --> 00:27:11.079 We are the 00:27:11.079 --> 00:27:11.719 priesthood 00:27:11.719 --> 00:27:13.439 in this church. 00:27:13.779 --> 00:27:14.500 So what does 00:27:14.500 --> 00:27:15.000 this mean? 00:27:15.799 --> 00:27:16.759 We're all in it 00:27:16.759 --> 00:27:17.119 together. 00:27:17.119 --> 00:27:19.419 we're all 00:27:19.419 --> 00:27:20.119 ministering 00:27:20.119 --> 00:27:20.579 together, 00:27:21.739 --> 00:27:22.379 moving towards 00:27:22.379 --> 00:27:22.799 Jesus. 00:27:24.239 --> 00:27:24.719 You've been 00:27:24.719 --> 00:27:25.639 called by Christ 00:27:25.639 --> 00:27:26.579 and gifted by the 00:27:26.579 --> 00:27:27.239 Spirit of God 00:27:27.239 --> 00:27:28.699 for the work 00:27:28.699 --> 00:27:29.539 of ministry. 00:27:29.759 --> 00:27:30.439 So the question 00:27:30.439 --> 00:27:31.019 isn't, 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:33.399 should I do 00:27:33.399 --> 00:27:33.919 something, 00:27:34.759 --> 00:27:35.399 serve in the 00:27:35.399 --> 00:27:35.739 church? 00:27:36.139 --> 00:27:37.519 It's where 00:27:37.519 --> 00:27:39.519 and how is the 00:27:39.519 --> 00:27:40.199 best way to 00:27:40.199 --> 00:27:41.199 steward my gift? 00:27:42.079 --> 00:27:42.899 All of us 00:27:42.899 --> 00:27:43.599 are on the 00:27:43.599 --> 00:27:44.119 Christ the King 00:27:44.119 --> 00:27:45.219 Church ministry 00:27:45.220 --> 00:27:45.920 staff team, 00:27:46.460 --> 00:27:47.440 all of us. 00:27:50.420 --> 00:27:51.220 It should 00:27:51.220 --> 00:27:51.779 change the way 00:27:51.779 --> 00:27:52.299 you think about 00:27:52.299 --> 00:27:52.720 yourself. 00:27:54.019 --> 00:27:54.819 It should 00:27:54.819 --> 00:27:55.920 move you from 00:27:55.920 --> 00:27:56.440 thinking of 00:27:56.440 --> 00:27:57.259 yourself as a 00:27:57.259 --> 00:27:58.839 consumer to a 00:27:58.839 --> 00:28:00.920 participant because 00:28:00.920 --> 00:28:01.839 you're part of the 00:28:01.839 --> 00:28:02.740 ministry staff of 00:28:02.740 --> 00:28:03.299 this church. 00:28:05.279 --> 00:28:06.079 The third 00:28:06.079 --> 00:28:06.920 ingredient to be 00:28:06.920 --> 00:28:07.960 making disciples is 00:28:07.960 --> 00:28:08.740 people are God's 00:28:08.740 --> 00:28:09.360 fellow workers. 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:10.980 God, by His 00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:11.819 grace, works 00:28:11.819 --> 00:28:12.559 through all of 00:28:12.559 --> 00:28:13.579 us to build 00:28:13.579 --> 00:28:14.680 us up and 00:28:14.680 --> 00:28:15.160 others, 00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:15.920 into Jesus. 00:28:16.920 --> 00:28:17.880 That's essential 00:28:17.880 --> 00:28:19.360 to making 00:28:19.360 --> 00:28:19.880 disciples. 00:28:21.100 --> 00:28:21.660 The fourth 00:28:21.660 --> 00:28:24.880 ingredient is 00:28:24.880 --> 00:28:26.059 persevering step 00:28:26.059 --> 00:28:26.700 by step. 00:28:27.500 --> 00:28:28.220 Persevering is 00:28:28.220 --> 00:28:29.059 godly grit. 00:28:29.839 --> 00:28:30.500 It's gumption. 00:28:32.420 --> 00:28:33.299 It's the ability 00:28:33.299 --> 00:28:33.980 to endure 00:28:33.980 --> 00:28:36.059 hardship and 00:28:36.059 --> 00:28:37.960 heartache and 00:28:37.960 --> 00:28:40.339 headache for the 00:28:40.339 --> 00:28:41.079 good work Jesus 00:28:41.079 --> 00:28:41.920 is doing in you 00:28:41.920 --> 00:28:42.640 and in others. 00:28:42.640 --> 00:28:44.740 you endure. 00:28:45.640 --> 00:28:46.640 You persevere. 00:28:47.860 --> 00:28:49.140 Discipleship is a 00:28:49.140 --> 00:28:50.940 lifelong process of 00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:52.040 daily laying down 00:28:52.040 --> 00:28:52.860 your life, of 00:28:52.860 --> 00:28:54.460 daily learning from 00:28:54.460 --> 00:28:55.540 Jesus, of daily 00:28:55.540 --> 00:28:56.520 living for Jesus, 00:28:56.680 --> 00:28:57.860 of daily becoming 00:28:57.860 --> 00:28:59.200 like Jesus because 00:28:59.200 --> 00:28:59.800 we love Him. 00:29:00.820 --> 00:29:02.540 But it's a 00:29:02.540 --> 00:29:03.860 lifelong process. 00:29:04.600 --> 00:29:05.880 A church is a 00:29:05.880 --> 00:29:06.680 community of 00:29:06.680 --> 00:29:07.980 disciples in this 00:29:07.980 --> 00:29:09.300 lifelong process of 00:29:09.299 --> 00:29:10.460 following Jesus. 00:29:10.460 --> 00:29:12.480 And we're all at 00:29:12.480 --> 00:29:13.859 different points in 00:29:13.859 --> 00:29:15.379 this race of 00:29:15.379 --> 00:29:16.159 following Jesus. 00:29:17.819 --> 00:29:18.879 Some people are 00:29:18.879 --> 00:29:19.799 just starting out. 00:29:22.200 --> 00:29:23.299 It's all new. 00:29:25.059 --> 00:29:26.119 Other people have 00:29:26.119 --> 00:29:27.240 been running for a 00:29:27.240 --> 00:29:27.599 while. 00:29:30.000 --> 00:29:30.819 Other people are 00:29:30.819 --> 00:29:31.619 moving towards the 00:29:31.619 --> 00:29:32.419 end of the race. 00:29:32.420 --> 00:29:39.960 discipleship is a 00:29:39.960 --> 00:29:41.680 lifelong process. 00:29:41.960 --> 00:29:42.400 And if I can 00:29:42.400 --> 00:29:46.019 borrow a title of 00:29:46.019 --> 00:29:46.460 a book from 00:29:46.460 --> 00:29:47.240 Eugene Peterson, 00:29:48.420 --> 00:29:50.759 discipleship is a 00:29:50.759 --> 00:29:52.980 long obedience in 00:29:52.980 --> 00:29:54.400 the same direction 00:29:54.400 --> 00:29:56.220 to Jesus. 00:29:56.220 --> 00:30:00.640 It's going to 00:30:00.640 --> 00:30:01.640 require perseverance, 00:30:01.799 --> 00:30:02.880 not just for you in 00:30:02.880 --> 00:30:03.700 running the race. 00:30:04.440 --> 00:30:05.079 It requires 00:30:05.079 --> 00:30:06.380 perseverance for us 00:30:06.380 --> 00:30:06.920 who are making 00:30:06.920 --> 00:30:07.980 disciples of others. 00:30:10.720 --> 00:30:11.799 It gets hard. 00:30:13.220 --> 00:30:13.940 That's why I want to 00:30:13.940 --> 00:30:14.700 point you to 1 00:30:14.700 --> 00:30:15.839 Corinthians 15. 00:30:16.660 --> 00:30:18.299 1 Corinthians 15 is 00:30:18.299 --> 00:30:19.940 that great passage at 00:30:19.940 --> 00:30:22.019 the end of the first 00:30:22.019 --> 00:30:23.299 book of Corinthians. 00:30:24.100 --> 00:30:25.440 This chapter starts 00:30:25.440 --> 00:30:26.759 with Paul receiving 00:30:26.759 --> 00:30:27.900 of first importance 00:30:27.900 --> 00:30:28.900 what he heard and 00:30:28.900 --> 00:30:29.880 passing on to us. 00:30:29.940 --> 00:30:30.400 It's the first 00:30:30.400 --> 00:30:31.299 importance that 00:30:31.299 --> 00:30:32.900 Christ died for our 00:30:32.900 --> 00:30:33.519 sins according to 00:30:33.519 --> 00:30:33.940 the scripture. 00:30:34.059 --> 00:30:35.440 He's buried and he 00:30:35.440 --> 00:30:36.120 was raised on the 00:30:36.120 --> 00:30:37.019 third day according to 00:30:37.019 --> 00:30:37.460 the scriptures. 00:30:37.559 --> 00:30:38.880 He says that is of 00:30:38.880 --> 00:30:39.960 what's first importance. 00:30:40.100 --> 00:30:40.700 We call that the 00:30:40.700 --> 00:30:41.120 gospel. 00:30:43.460 --> 00:30:45.000 And it's that good 00:30:45.000 --> 00:30:46.059 news in which 00:30:46.059 --> 00:30:47.600 Paul picks up in 00:30:47.600 --> 00:30:48.940 verse 56 and he 00:30:48.940 --> 00:30:49.200 says, 00:30:49.620 --> 00:30:50.360 the sting of death 00:30:50.360 --> 00:30:51.500 is sin and the 00:30:51.500 --> 00:30:52.759 power of sin is the 00:30:52.759 --> 00:30:53.059 law. 00:30:53.460 --> 00:30:54.320 But thanks be to 00:30:54.320 --> 00:30:55.420 God who gives us 00:30:55.420 --> 00:30:56.640 the victory through 00:30:56.640 --> 00:30:57.340 our Lord Jesus 00:30:57.340 --> 00:30:57.920 Christ. 00:30:59.140 --> 00:31:01.440 The gospel is a 00:31:01.440 --> 00:31:02.340 proclamation of 00:31:02.340 --> 00:31:04.279 victory that Jesus 00:31:04.279 --> 00:31:05.539 won over death and 00:31:05.539 --> 00:31:06.460 the power of sin. 00:31:07.820 --> 00:31:08.500 It's victory. 00:31:09.620 --> 00:31:10.060 And then in verse 00:31:10.060 --> 00:31:12.240 58, therefore my 00:31:12.240 --> 00:31:13.880 beloved brothers, be 00:31:13.880 --> 00:31:14.519 steadfast. 00:31:15.380 --> 00:31:16.440 That word means to 00:31:16.440 --> 00:31:17.800 be, to have a 00:31:17.800 --> 00:31:19.039 singularity of focus. 00:31:20.720 --> 00:31:21.320 Immovable. 00:31:22.160 --> 00:31:23.420 That word means you 00:31:23.420 --> 00:31:25.039 keep on keeping on 00:31:25.039 --> 00:31:25.960 that focus. 00:31:26.500 --> 00:31:28.220 You don't veer to 00:31:28.220 --> 00:31:28.720 the left or the 00:31:28.720 --> 00:31:28.900 right. 00:31:29.019 --> 00:31:30.140 You stay on target. 00:31:30.340 --> 00:31:31.660 You press on. 00:31:32.920 --> 00:31:34.460 Always abounding in 00:31:34.460 --> 00:31:35.259 the work of the 00:31:35.259 --> 00:31:35.539 Lord. 00:31:36.480 --> 00:31:38.640 Always being a part 00:31:38.640 --> 00:31:40.259 of God's work. 00:31:41.200 --> 00:31:43.740 Doing, moving people 00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:44.500 towards Jesus 00:31:44.500 --> 00:31:45.320 together. 00:31:45.779 --> 00:31:46.580 Announcing the 00:31:46.580 --> 00:31:46.900 victory. 00:31:47.340 --> 00:31:48.460 Helping people live in 00:31:48.460 --> 00:31:49.220 light of the victory. 00:31:49.900 --> 00:31:50.700 Knowing that in the 00:31:50.700 --> 00:31:51.880 Lord your labor is not 00:31:51.880 --> 00:31:52.279 in vain. 00:31:53.019 --> 00:31:53.700 When you're doing 00:31:53.700 --> 00:31:55.259 that, you know you're 00:31:55.259 --> 00:31:55.759 on target. 00:31:56.660 --> 00:31:57.580 You know you're 00:31:57.580 --> 00:31:58.299 pleasing the Lord. 00:31:59.480 --> 00:32:00.940 And it keeps you 00:32:00.940 --> 00:32:02.120 from discouragement. 00:32:03.319 --> 00:32:04.259 It helps us 00:32:04.259 --> 00:32:04.920 persevere. 00:32:11.380 --> 00:32:12.460 Do you know why 00:32:12.460 --> 00:32:14.700 the Apostle Paul is 00:32:15.500 --> 00:32:17.180 writing this to this 00:32:17.180 --> 00:32:17.620 church? 00:32:19.700 --> 00:32:20.560 If you're familiar 00:32:20.560 --> 00:32:21.960 with the 00:32:21.960 --> 00:32:22.740 Corinthian letters, 00:32:23.019 --> 00:32:23.799 you know that the 00:32:23.799 --> 00:32:24.720 Corinthian church, 00:32:25.560 --> 00:32:27.820 it was a complex 00:32:27.820 --> 00:32:29.360 and chaotic mess 00:32:29.360 --> 00:32:30.799 of divisions 00:32:30.799 --> 00:32:32.000 and disputes. 00:32:32.620 --> 00:32:33.860 And here Paul is 00:32:33.860 --> 00:32:35.440 calling the entire 00:32:35.440 --> 00:32:36.000 church, 00:32:36.580 --> 00:32:36.900 therefore, 00:32:37.279 --> 00:32:37.840 my beloved 00:32:37.840 --> 00:32:38.539 brothers, 00:32:39.660 --> 00:32:41.019 to focus on 00:32:41.019 --> 00:32:41.740 one thing. 00:32:43.500 --> 00:32:44.560 To go after 00:32:44.560 --> 00:32:45.340 one thing. 00:32:45.480 --> 00:32:46.380 To be steadfast, 00:32:46.380 --> 00:32:46.960 immovable, 00:32:47.400 --> 00:32:48.680 abounding in it, 00:32:48.900 --> 00:32:49.680 knowing that your 00:32:49.680 --> 00:32:51.780 work regarding it 00:32:51.780 --> 00:32:52.740 is not in vain. 00:32:53.860 --> 00:32:54.600 Gospel work. 00:32:55.060 --> 00:32:55.620 Moving people 00:32:55.620 --> 00:32:56.300 towards Jesus. 00:32:59.320 --> 00:32:59.880 Well, 00:33:00.420 --> 00:33:03.080 like the 00:33:03.080 --> 00:33:03.980 Corinthian church, 00:33:05.120 --> 00:33:06.480 people have been 00:33:06.480 --> 00:33:07.760 messy forever, 00:33:08.300 --> 00:33:09.000 since Adam and 00:33:09.000 --> 00:33:09.440 Eve fell. 00:33:11.520 --> 00:33:12.580 Perseverance is 00:33:12.580 --> 00:33:13.660 necessary. 00:33:14.340 --> 00:33:15.160 It's a necessary 00:33:15.160 --> 00:33:16.240 ingredient to making 00:33:16.240 --> 00:33:18.140 disciples because 00:33:18.140 --> 00:33:18.960 people are messy. 00:33:19.759 --> 00:33:20.940 It gets hard. 00:33:22.059 --> 00:33:23.180 It's challenging. 00:33:24.180 --> 00:33:25.519 It's discouraging. 00:33:26.180 --> 00:33:27.339 It's disappointing. 00:33:28.380 --> 00:33:29.120 Sometimes you just 00:33:29.120 --> 00:33:29.680 want to bail. 00:33:30.960 --> 00:33:31.599 Sometimes you just 00:33:31.599 --> 00:33:32.900 want to cut out, 00:33:33.500 --> 00:33:34.420 go somewhere else. 00:33:36.620 --> 00:33:37.339 Yesterday, I 00:33:37.339 --> 00:33:38.160 volunteered with a 00:33:38.160 --> 00:33:38.819 handful of folks 00:33:38.819 --> 00:33:39.640 from our church at 00:33:39.640 --> 00:33:41.099 the Wisconsin 00:33:41.099 --> 00:33:41.759 Marathon, 00:33:42.940 --> 00:33:43.980 aid station number 00:33:43.980 --> 00:33:44.339 one. 00:33:46.039 --> 00:33:46.279 You know, 00:33:46.680 --> 00:33:47.200 a marathon 00:33:47.200 --> 00:33:47.920 requires 00:33:47.920 --> 00:33:48.599 perseverance. 00:33:51.279 --> 00:33:51.799 Jesus, 00:33:52.920 --> 00:33:53.519 following Jesus 00:33:53.519 --> 00:33:54.200 is like running 00:33:54.200 --> 00:33:54.700 a marathon. 00:33:55.860 --> 00:33:56.599 Hebrews 12 00:33:56.599 --> 00:33:57.039 says, 00:33:57.660 --> 00:33:58.700 let us run 00:33:58.700 --> 00:33:59.339 with endurance 00:33:59.339 --> 00:34:00.120 the race marked 00:34:00.120 --> 00:34:00.740 out for us, 00:34:00.880 --> 00:34:01.660 looking to Jesus, 00:34:01.819 --> 00:34:02.400 the founder and 00:34:02.400 --> 00:34:03.440 perfecter of our 00:34:03.440 --> 00:34:03.819 faith. 00:34:04.920 --> 00:34:06.079 Each of us 00:34:06.079 --> 00:34:07.299 is running a 00:34:07.299 --> 00:34:08.119 marathon after 00:34:08.119 --> 00:34:08.500 Jesus, 00:34:08.699 --> 00:34:09.579 and each of us 00:34:09.579 --> 00:34:10.199 will be tempted 00:34:10.199 --> 00:34:11.059 to discouragement 00:34:11.059 --> 00:34:11.800 and to despair 00:34:11.800 --> 00:34:12.460 and to give up. 00:34:12.460 --> 00:34:14.659 But here's what 00:34:14.659 --> 00:34:15.820 disciple-making is. 00:34:16.980 --> 00:34:18.220 Disciple-making is 00:34:18.220 --> 00:34:19.340 you yourself 00:34:19.340 --> 00:34:20.280 are running 00:34:20.280 --> 00:34:21.059 the marathon, 00:34:22.380 --> 00:34:23.000 enduring and 00:34:23.000 --> 00:34:23.740 persevering, 00:34:24.880 --> 00:34:25.639 and as you're 00:34:25.639 --> 00:34:26.059 running, 00:34:26.480 --> 00:34:27.240 you're seeking to 00:34:27.240 --> 00:34:28.139 help other 00:34:28.139 --> 00:34:29.699 fellow runners 00:34:29.699 --> 00:34:31.179 persevere too. 00:34:32.220 --> 00:34:32.860 You're seeking to 00:34:32.860 --> 00:34:33.760 come alongside of 00:34:33.760 --> 00:34:34.780 them and help 00:34:34.780 --> 00:34:35.679 them press on. 00:34:36.860 --> 00:34:38.599 Help them fix 00:34:38.599 --> 00:34:39.320 their eyes on 00:34:39.320 --> 00:34:39.639 Jesus. 00:34:41.099 --> 00:34:41.619 Keep going. 00:34:41.619 --> 00:34:42.920 don't give up. 00:34:43.880 --> 00:34:44.519 You've got a 00:34:44.519 --> 00:34:44.960 little more to 00:34:44.960 --> 00:34:45.139 go. 00:34:47.380 --> 00:34:48.259 We are running 00:34:48.259 --> 00:34:48.960 after Jesus 00:34:48.960 --> 00:34:49.819 together as a 00:34:49.819 --> 00:34:50.299 church, 00:34:50.759 --> 00:34:51.519 as a pack, 00:34:52.119 --> 00:34:53.699 and we are 00:34:53.699 --> 00:34:55.000 making disciples 00:34:55.000 --> 00:34:55.799 of one another. 00:34:56.039 --> 00:34:57.019 It's hard work. 00:34:57.679 --> 00:34:58.139 We need to 00:34:58.139 --> 00:34:58.719 persevere. 00:35:02.139 --> 00:35:02.839 Here's what's 00:35:02.839 --> 00:35:03.239 going to help 00:35:03.239 --> 00:35:03.880 you persevere 00:35:03.880 --> 00:35:04.440 as you run 00:35:04.440 --> 00:35:05.259 this race. 00:35:05.260 --> 00:35:10.040 this word is 00:35:10.040 --> 00:35:10.740 central to all 00:35:10.740 --> 00:35:11.260 that you do. 00:35:11.820 --> 00:35:12.340 It's your 00:35:12.340 --> 00:35:13.340 directional app. 00:35:14.460 --> 00:35:15.420 It keeps you on 00:35:15.420 --> 00:35:15.900 the way. 00:35:17.520 --> 00:35:18.540 And you pray, 00:35:19.380 --> 00:35:20.220 God, fill me by 00:35:20.220 --> 00:35:20.720 your spirit. 00:35:20.820 --> 00:35:21.640 Give me strength 00:35:21.640 --> 00:35:22.260 to persevere. 00:35:22.400 --> 00:35:23.240 And I pray for 00:35:23.240 --> 00:35:24.380 this person that 00:35:24.380 --> 00:35:24.920 you would help 00:35:24.920 --> 00:35:25.660 them persevere. 00:35:25.800 --> 00:35:26.080 Give them 00:35:26.080 --> 00:35:26.580 strength. 00:35:27.520 --> 00:35:28.160 Prayerful dependence 00:35:28.160 --> 00:35:28.980 on the Holy Spirit. 00:35:30.520 --> 00:35:31.220 And then people are 00:35:31.220 --> 00:35:32.300 God's fellow workers. 00:35:32.300 --> 00:35:33.039 And so if you're 00:35:33.039 --> 00:35:34.460 discouraged, you 00:35:34.460 --> 00:35:35.600 tell somebody else 00:35:35.600 --> 00:35:38.539 so that they can 00:35:38.539 --> 00:35:39.519 minister to you. 00:35:39.740 --> 00:35:40.440 So that they can 00:35:40.440 --> 00:35:41.600 say to you, oh 00:35:41.600 --> 00:35:42.220 brother, I'm there 00:35:42.220 --> 00:35:43.260 to fix your eyes 00:35:43.260 --> 00:35:43.920 on Jesus. 00:35:44.080 --> 00:35:44.600 Let's do this 00:35:44.600 --> 00:35:44.960 together. 00:35:45.820 --> 00:35:46.519 Let's press on 00:35:46.519 --> 00:35:46.880 together. 00:35:47.960 --> 00:35:48.640 Let's not get 00:35:48.640 --> 00:35:49.980 thrown by things 00:35:49.980 --> 00:35:50.960 that aren't that 00:35:50.960 --> 00:35:51.400 important. 00:35:51.580 --> 00:35:52.519 Let's focus 00:35:52.519 --> 00:35:54.360 together on Jesus 00:35:54.360 --> 00:35:56.519 and run the race 00:35:56.519 --> 00:35:57.740 marked out for us 00:35:57.740 --> 00:35:59.160 all the way to 00:35:59.160 --> 00:35:59.539 the end. 00:36:02.300 --> 00:36:03.360 People are messy. 00:36:03.880 --> 00:36:04.480 It's challenging 00:36:04.480 --> 00:36:05.220 and it's hard. 00:36:06.420 --> 00:36:08.060 But we run with 00:36:08.060 --> 00:36:09.880 perseverance together. 00:36:20.460 --> 00:36:21.480 When it boils right 00:36:21.480 --> 00:36:24.539 down to it, this 00:36:24.539 --> 00:36:26.660 fourth ingredient, the 00:36:26.660 --> 00:36:27.820 secret to persevering, 00:36:28.820 --> 00:36:30.400 is fixing your eyes 00:36:30.400 --> 00:36:30.860 on Jesus. 00:36:32.300 --> 00:36:34.340 These are the four 00:36:34.340 --> 00:36:35.420 ingredients to make 00:36:35.420 --> 00:36:35.900 disciples. 00:36:37.480 --> 00:36:38.400 These are God's 00:36:38.400 --> 00:36:39.200 means of grace 00:36:39.200 --> 00:36:41.039 which we use with 00:36:41.039 --> 00:36:42.120 one another and 00:36:42.120 --> 00:36:43.660 others to move 00:36:43.660 --> 00:36:44.280 them to Jesus 00:36:44.280 --> 00:36:44.740 together. 00:36:44.880 --> 00:36:45.720 We're moving people 00:36:45.720 --> 00:36:46.519 towards Jesus. 00:36:47.420 --> 00:36:48.019 Proclaiming the 00:36:48.019 --> 00:36:48.640 word of God, 00:36:49.019 --> 00:36:49.700 prayerful dependence 00:36:49.700 --> 00:36:50.660 on the Holy Spirit. 00:36:51.140 --> 00:36:51.840 People are God's 00:36:51.840 --> 00:36:53.560 fellow workers and 00:36:53.560 --> 00:36:54.780 persevering step by 00:36:54.780 --> 00:36:55.180 step. 00:36:55.380 --> 00:36:56.880 We're in it for the 00:36:56.880 --> 00:36:57.440 long haul. 00:36:59.660 --> 00:37:00.360 They're means of 00:37:00.360 --> 00:37:00.780 grace. 00:37:00.780 --> 00:37:02.760 Wouldn't it be 00:37:02.760 --> 00:37:04.620 wonderful if more 00:37:04.620 --> 00:37:06.740 and more of us are 00:37:06.740 --> 00:37:07.620 saying to one another, 00:37:07.740 --> 00:37:08.920 let's fix our eyes on 00:37:08.920 --> 00:37:11.100 Jesus and let's call 00:37:11.100 --> 00:37:12.400 other people to come 00:37:12.400 --> 00:37:13.940 run the race with us, 00:37:14.440 --> 00:37:16.200 to come follow Jesus, 00:37:16.940 --> 00:37:18.560 to lay our lives down, 00:37:19.280 --> 00:37:20.420 to learn from Jesus, 00:37:20.680 --> 00:37:21.700 to live for him, 00:37:22.000 --> 00:37:23.120 to become like him 00:37:23.120 --> 00:37:24.720 because we love him. 00:37:24.800 --> 00:37:25.980 We know this is God's 00:37:25.980 --> 00:37:26.820 plan for the fullness 00:37:26.820 --> 00:37:27.360 of time. 00:37:27.360 --> 00:37:29.660 making disciples of 00:37:29.660 --> 00:37:31.740 Jesus is way better 00:37:31.740 --> 00:37:32.680 than making chocolate 00:37:32.680 --> 00:37:33.539 chip pancakes. 00:37:35.079 --> 00:37:35.980 Do you know why? 00:37:38.780 --> 00:37:40.039 We get to see God 00:37:40.039 --> 00:37:42.920 change people and we 00:37:42.920 --> 00:37:44.120 get to be changed in the 00:37:44.120 --> 00:37:44.360 doing. 00:37:45.420 --> 00:37:46.099 Will you pray with me? 00:37:47.480 --> 00:37:50.360 God in heaven, we're in 00:37:50.360 --> 00:37:51.099 over our heads. 00:37:51.099 --> 00:37:55.279 we want to faithfully 00:37:55.279 --> 00:37:57.199 live according to your 00:37:57.199 --> 00:37:57.559 word. 00:37:57.699 --> 00:38:00.099 We want to be 00:38:00.099 --> 00:38:00.920 empowered by your 00:38:00.920 --> 00:38:01.319 spirit. 00:38:02.319 --> 00:38:04.239 We want to be 00:38:04.239 --> 00:38:06.139 faithfully stewarding 00:38:06.139 --> 00:38:07.000 the gifts you've given 00:38:07.000 --> 00:38:07.940 us to the building up of 00:38:07.940 --> 00:38:08.360 your body. 00:38:08.500 --> 00:38:09.779 We want to persevere 00:38:09.779 --> 00:38:11.739 step by step in our 00:38:11.739 --> 00:38:13.099 own pursuit of you and 00:38:13.099 --> 00:38:14.279 helping others in their 00:38:14.279 --> 00:38:15.000 pursuit of you. 00:38:15.880 --> 00:38:16.880 Father, would you pour 00:38:16.880 --> 00:38:17.779 out your Holy Spirit 00:38:17.779 --> 00:38:18.699 upon us, your people? 00:38:18.699 --> 00:38:21.059 Would you do a work 00:38:21.059 --> 00:38:23.159 that you alone will be 00:38:23.159 --> 00:38:24.219 glorified for? 00:38:24.879 --> 00:38:26.059 That Christ would be 00:38:26.059 --> 00:38:27.379 exalted in our midst? 00:38:29.419 --> 00:38:32.899 It's for your glory, 00:38:33.419 --> 00:38:34.539 God, we ask. 00:38:35.319 --> 00:38:36.219 In Jesus' name, 00:38:36.960 --> 00:38:37.199 Amen.