WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.660 Well, did you make any New Year's resolutions before 2020 began last week? 00:00:06.900 --> 00:00:13.839 Or maybe you didn't make what you call resolutions, maybe you set some goals for the new year. 00:00:15.259 --> 00:00:18.199 What's the difference between a resolution and a goal? 00:00:19.580 --> 00:00:20.539 Well, here's one. 00:00:21.179 --> 00:00:26.300 A resolution can be defined as a firm decision to do or not do something. 00:00:26.300 --> 00:00:36.280 You may have made a resolution to get in better shape this year, and you're planning to walk three days a week, every week. 00:00:36.679 --> 00:00:38.939 You're going to lose 20 pounds. 00:00:40.219 --> 00:00:41.560 You've resolved to do that. 00:00:42.920 --> 00:00:47.900 A goal could be defined as the result toward which effort is directed. 00:00:47.900 --> 00:00:56.159 You may have not even thought in terms of a resolution, but you have set a goal of getting in better shape this year. 00:00:56.299 --> 00:01:06.140 And your goal is to walk or run every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6 a.m. at the Y on a treadmill. 00:01:07.140 --> 00:01:11.659 And you're going to lose 20 pounds by June the 1st. 00:01:12.599 --> 00:01:18.120 Now, the way I am using these words, goals are more precise. 00:01:19.120 --> 00:01:23.060 They're more result-oriented than resolutions. 00:01:23.060 --> 00:01:32.340 On this first Sunday of the new year, I want us to think God has some goals for us. 00:01:33.159 --> 00:01:37.520 But God's goals are not just for this new year. 00:01:38.460 --> 00:01:50.740 God's goals are for this hour, this day, this month, this year, and on and on. 00:01:50.739 --> 00:02:00.899 You see, God will never stop working to accomplish His goals in our lives as His children. 00:02:01.899 --> 00:02:08.419 He's going to work throughout our lives to the very, very end until He calls us home in heaven. 00:02:08.419 --> 00:02:19.579 Probably the best one-sentence description of God's ultimate goal for everyone who belongs to Him is this. 00:02:19.779 --> 00:02:21.000 Look at it from Romans 8. 00:02:21.719 --> 00:02:29.979 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. 00:02:31.019 --> 00:02:34.079 That's really God's ultimate goal for every Christian. 00:02:34.080 --> 00:02:36.820 He is conforming us. 00:02:36.920 --> 00:02:39.500 He's working in every aspect of our lives. 00:02:40.400 --> 00:02:47.120 He's working with people you live with, even the difficult people you live with, people you work with. 00:02:47.600 --> 00:02:53.080 He's working in everything, through every kind of thing imaginable, 00:02:54.480 --> 00:03:00.720 to shape and mold our character, to develop Christ-likeness in us. 00:03:00.719 --> 00:03:09.379 But I want us to look at a more detailed description of God's goal as found in Colossians chapter 3. 00:03:10.000 --> 00:03:12.800 If you would turn in your Bible to Colossians chapter 3, 00:03:13.219 --> 00:03:18.120 and we're going to begin today what I plan to be a three-part message. 00:03:19.159 --> 00:03:27.520 We're looking at God's goals for you this hour, this day, this year, and on and on. 00:03:27.520 --> 00:03:36.900 We're going to look at Colossians chapter 3, verses 1 through 17, today, next Sunday, and the following Sunday. 00:03:37.500 --> 00:03:42.360 Today I want us to look at what I'm calling the first of the three goals that God has for us. 00:03:42.920 --> 00:03:47.340 Goal number one, be mindful of who you are in Christ. 00:03:47.340 --> 00:03:57.920 Be aware, have an understanding of who you are right now as God looks at you, as God thinks of you, 00:03:58.920 --> 00:04:04.939 by virtue of the fact that you are united to Jesus by faith. 00:04:05.620 --> 00:04:06.439 Let's read it. 00:04:07.140 --> 00:04:09.259 Colossians 1, verses 1 through 4. 00:04:09.259 --> 00:04:20.800 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 00:04:21.519 --> 00:04:26.500 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 00:04:27.500 --> 00:04:32.759 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 00:04:32.759 --> 00:04:41.480 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 00:04:43.459 --> 00:04:48.599 What we're going to look at this morning, the first of the three parts, three goals, 00:04:49.259 --> 00:04:53.199 is the most difficult part. 00:04:53.879 --> 00:04:55.699 But it's also the most important. 00:04:55.699 --> 00:05:03.279 What Paul is doing here is describing who we are as Christians in spiritual terms, 00:05:03.699 --> 00:05:05.899 from God's perspective, 00:05:06.979 --> 00:05:11.060 and everything else, beginning in verse 5 and following, 00:05:11.879 --> 00:05:14.180 flows from what we're going to look at this morning. 00:05:15.219 --> 00:05:17.319 We'll see, beginning in verse 5, 00:05:17.899 --> 00:05:22.599 there are some things that shouldn't be in our lives as Christians 00:05:22.600 --> 00:05:27.840 that we need to sort of take off like a dirty coat. 00:05:28.939 --> 00:05:31.000 We'll read on in Colossians. 00:05:31.500 --> 00:05:35.120 There are some things that God wants us to develop, 00:05:35.280 --> 00:05:40.240 to put on like a clean coat in terms of character qualities. 00:05:41.240 --> 00:05:42.560 But here's what I want us to understand. 00:05:43.320 --> 00:05:47.320 You don't become a Christian by doing this and stop doing that. 00:05:47.319 --> 00:05:52.639 You don't make yourself acceptable to God. 00:05:53.779 --> 00:05:57.620 You don't put off and put on, put off bad character, 00:05:57.959 --> 00:06:03.600 put on good character as the way to make God love you more or accept you. 00:06:04.980 --> 00:06:06.680 We're going to look at this morning 00:06:06.680 --> 00:06:12.740 who we are in Christ, united to Christ. 00:06:12.740 --> 00:06:16.540 Who we are, how God accepts us. 00:06:17.540 --> 00:06:20.900 And it's all through our faith and trust in Jesus 00:06:20.900 --> 00:06:22.400 and what He's done for us. 00:06:23.800 --> 00:06:26.259 And then we're going to look after this week. 00:06:26.699 --> 00:06:30.840 Based on who we are right now before God, 00:06:31.639 --> 00:06:38.100 we need to grow in our development of Christ's character 00:06:38.100 --> 00:06:40.480 by doing certain things. 00:06:40.480 --> 00:06:42.900 You follow me. 00:06:43.360 --> 00:06:44.080 You're with me. 00:06:44.520 --> 00:06:47.759 What we're going to look at today may be hard, 00:06:48.460 --> 00:06:50.100 but it is foundational. 00:06:52.040 --> 00:06:53.379 Every Christian in this room, 00:06:53.520 --> 00:06:55.840 and by the way, this is a message for believers. 00:06:58.340 --> 00:07:02.280 We're talking about people who are truly united to Christ in faith. 00:07:03.620 --> 00:07:05.300 You have turned from your sin. 00:07:05.439 --> 00:07:06.420 You trust Jesus. 00:07:06.759 --> 00:07:08.020 You've committed your life to Him. 00:07:08.019 --> 00:07:10.639 This is a message for you. 00:07:12.240 --> 00:07:13.859 The first thing I want us to see is 00:07:13.859 --> 00:07:18.959 God calls us to understand who we are in Christ. 00:07:19.560 --> 00:07:20.779 Throughout his letters, 00:07:21.060 --> 00:07:24.039 Paul repeatedly describes Christians 00:07:24.039 --> 00:07:26.719 in terms of how God sees us. 00:07:27.819 --> 00:07:30.479 We are united to Christ in faith. 00:07:30.480 --> 00:07:34.340 I want you to look at how Jerry Bridges points this out, 00:07:35.120 --> 00:07:38.379 that it was Paul's consistent way of describing Christians. 00:07:39.120 --> 00:07:46.020 He says the term in Christ is the Apostle Paul's shorthand expression 00:07:46.020 --> 00:07:48.420 for being united to Christ. 00:07:49.080 --> 00:07:51.580 It is one of Paul's favorite expressions, 00:07:52.060 --> 00:07:57.460 and including similar expressions such as in Him or in the Lord. 00:07:57.459 --> 00:08:03.459 Paul uses it more than 160 times in his letters. 00:08:04.500 --> 00:08:08.079 Clearly, this is an important concept in Paul's theology, 00:08:08.359 --> 00:08:11.659 and it should be an important concept for us 00:08:11.659 --> 00:08:14.699 because all the remaining answers to the question, 00:08:15.159 --> 00:08:16.299 who am I as a Christian? 00:08:16.519 --> 00:08:17.719 Who am I in Christ? 00:08:18.299 --> 00:08:22.560 Are based upon the fact that we are in Christ, 00:08:22.560 --> 00:08:25.920 or we are united to Christ. 00:08:26.339 --> 00:08:28.680 Now, look at where we are in Colossians 3. 00:08:29.800 --> 00:08:32.720 Paul describes how we are united to Christ 00:08:32.720 --> 00:08:36.159 in three little bit different ways. 00:08:36.580 --> 00:08:37.539 Note in verse 1, 00:08:38.080 --> 00:08:40.659 you have been raised with Christ. 00:08:41.279 --> 00:08:41.980 Verse 3, 00:08:42.340 --> 00:08:44.899 you have died and your life is hidden, 00:08:45.159 --> 00:08:47.740 hidden with Christ in God. 00:08:48.620 --> 00:08:51.279 Something similar is in chapter 2, verse 20. 00:08:51.279 --> 00:08:54.139 With Christ, you died. 00:08:54.839 --> 00:08:55.759 And then in verse 4, 00:08:56.539 --> 00:08:59.319 Christ who is your life. 00:09:00.079 --> 00:09:01.159 Here's the idea. 00:09:02.839 --> 00:09:08.819 From the moment we put our faith in Jesus as our Savior and Lord, 00:09:10.240 --> 00:09:13.860 we were united to Him. 00:09:14.939 --> 00:09:18.059 We have been one with Him. 00:09:18.059 --> 00:09:22.439 That is how God sees us. 00:09:23.539 --> 00:09:24.699 When God looks at you, 00:09:25.319 --> 00:09:29.159 He doesn't look at you and think about the flaws, 00:09:29.319 --> 00:09:30.219 the sins, 00:09:31.039 --> 00:09:32.239 the selfishness. 00:09:33.719 --> 00:09:35.959 When He looks at you on your good day, 00:09:36.059 --> 00:09:37.899 He doesn't see how much you read the Bible, 00:09:38.019 --> 00:09:38.559 or prayed, 00:09:38.759 --> 00:09:40.179 or how much you witnessed. 00:09:40.179 --> 00:09:43.199 When God looks at you, 00:09:44.199 --> 00:09:46.799 He sees that you are united to Christ, 00:09:47.559 --> 00:09:50.279 and it's because you are united to Christ 00:09:50.279 --> 00:09:52.759 that God accepts you. 00:09:53.620 --> 00:09:56.359 Paul describes how we as Christians are united to Christ 00:09:56.359 --> 00:10:00.659 in His death and resurrection in these verses. 00:10:01.379 --> 00:10:02.019 Think about it. 00:10:02.239 --> 00:10:04.399 We have died with Christ 00:10:04.399 --> 00:10:08.039 to sin's penalty and power. 00:10:09.879 --> 00:10:11.620 The penalty for your sin, 00:10:11.720 --> 00:10:14.919 the punishment that you and I deserve because of our sin, 00:10:15.699 --> 00:10:17.319 has been paid. 00:10:17.759 --> 00:10:20.039 It was paid when Jesus died on the cross. 00:10:20.419 --> 00:10:22.980 He suffered for us in our place. 00:10:22.980 --> 00:10:24.240 Therefore, 00:10:24.639 --> 00:10:26.379 we are now forgiven. 00:10:27.820 --> 00:10:29.200 I want you to understand, 00:10:29.740 --> 00:10:33.139 God no longer holds your sin against you 00:10:33.139 --> 00:10:34.920 if you are united to Christ in faith. 00:10:36.500 --> 00:10:38.980 Don't live your life 00:10:38.980 --> 00:10:41.960 because of past sin, 00:10:42.960 --> 00:10:45.580 because you think, 00:10:45.879 --> 00:10:48.200 there's some way I've got to make up for it. 00:10:48.639 --> 00:10:49.680 If you're a Christian, 00:10:49.860 --> 00:10:51.620 you're trusting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. 00:10:52.980 --> 00:10:54.039 The penalty for your sin, 00:10:54.460 --> 00:10:55.820 all of it, 00:10:55.960 --> 00:10:56.960 has been paid. 00:10:57.899 --> 00:11:00.080 It's been paid in full. 00:11:01.539 --> 00:11:02.480 The penalty's paid. 00:11:03.039 --> 00:11:05.659 That also means we're united to Christ in His death. 00:11:06.379 --> 00:11:08.960 The power of sin over us has been broken. 00:11:08.960 --> 00:11:12.120 Do you realize 00:11:12.120 --> 00:11:14.399 that because you're united to Christ, 00:11:15.460 --> 00:11:16.360 His Spirit, 00:11:16.460 --> 00:11:17.720 the Holy Spirit lives within you, 00:11:19.039 --> 00:11:20.879 you can say no to temptation. 00:11:20.879 --> 00:11:24.340 Whatever that temptation may be. 00:11:25.659 --> 00:11:30.279 You do not have to give in to the power of sin, 00:11:30.919 --> 00:11:32.879 however it comes to you, 00:11:33.439 --> 00:11:36.480 because there is greater power in you, 00:11:37.039 --> 00:11:38.399 the Spirit of Christ. 00:11:39.779 --> 00:11:42.220 You can say no to temptation. 00:11:43.379 --> 00:11:45.259 You can resist it all. 00:11:45.259 --> 00:11:47.200 In fact, 00:11:47.840 --> 00:11:49.439 God so works in us 00:11:49.439 --> 00:11:50.360 through His Spirit 00:11:50.360 --> 00:11:53.340 to give us not only the desire 00:11:53.340 --> 00:11:55.759 to say no to temptation, 00:11:56.559 --> 00:11:57.939 but He gives us the desire 00:11:57.939 --> 00:11:58.779 and the ability 00:11:58.779 --> 00:12:00.980 to actually obey God 00:12:00.980 --> 00:12:03.319 and live the kind of life 00:12:03.319 --> 00:12:04.559 that will please God, 00:12:05.240 --> 00:12:06.139 do God's will. 00:12:07.299 --> 00:12:08.700 We've died with Christ. 00:12:09.299 --> 00:12:10.399 We're one with Him. 00:12:10.399 --> 00:12:12.579 And so we have actually died. 00:12:13.620 --> 00:12:14.419 The penalty for our sin 00:12:14.419 --> 00:12:16.620 no longer applies to us. 00:12:17.899 --> 00:12:19.860 The power of sin has been broken 00:12:19.860 --> 00:12:21.179 because of our union with Christ. 00:12:21.279 --> 00:12:22.480 He defeated it. 00:12:23.100 --> 00:12:25.600 So you can live a faithful Christian life. 00:12:26.480 --> 00:12:28.299 I can resist temptation. 00:12:28.600 --> 00:12:29.419 And when I don't, 00:12:30.299 --> 00:12:31.500 it's because I chose 00:12:31.500 --> 00:12:32.740 to give in to the temptation. 00:12:33.620 --> 00:12:35.799 Don't blame somebody you live with. 00:12:36.899 --> 00:12:38.799 Don't blame your circumstances. 00:12:38.799 --> 00:12:42.099 Don't talk about how weak you are. 00:12:42.439 --> 00:12:43.479 You are weak. 00:12:43.699 --> 00:12:44.500 But if you're a Christian, 00:12:44.639 --> 00:12:45.639 you are united to Christ. 00:12:45.759 --> 00:12:48.339 The Spirit of God lives in you. 00:12:49.599 --> 00:12:50.740 And so you can do 00:12:50.740 --> 00:12:53.639 what He calls you to do 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:57.139 because sin does not have the power 00:12:57.139 --> 00:12:59.319 over you as a Christian. 00:13:00.219 --> 00:13:00.559 Number two, 00:13:00.659 --> 00:13:03.120 we've also been raised with Christ 00:13:03.120 --> 00:13:06.059 in new resurrected life. 00:13:06.059 --> 00:13:08.379 That means we have eternal life. 00:13:09.799 --> 00:13:11.500 And eternal life is more than 00:13:11.500 --> 00:13:13.659 just living forever. 00:13:13.839 --> 00:13:16.620 But that is a part of what it is. 00:13:17.620 --> 00:13:20.419 Eternal life is also a quality of life. 00:13:21.379 --> 00:13:23.559 What Jesus called in John's gospel 00:13:23.559 --> 00:13:24.740 an abundant life. 00:13:25.759 --> 00:13:26.500 I want you to think, 00:13:26.659 --> 00:13:28.299 if you're a Christian united to Christ, 00:13:29.299 --> 00:13:32.439 you have new life. 00:13:32.440 --> 00:13:37.800 You are a privileged child of God now 00:13:37.800 --> 00:13:43.520 all because of your oneness with Christ. 00:13:45.140 --> 00:13:46.660 Paul is telling us 00:13:46.660 --> 00:13:49.640 this is how we need to look at ourselves. 00:13:51.220 --> 00:13:52.040 Paul is telling us 00:13:52.040 --> 00:13:54.300 this is now who we are 00:13:54.300 --> 00:13:58.440 by virtue of our union with Christ 00:13:58.440 --> 00:13:59.440 in faith. 00:13:59.440 --> 00:13:59.780 In faith. 00:14:00.860 --> 00:14:02.180 Understand who you are 00:14:02.180 --> 00:14:05.220 in Christ right now. 00:14:05.340 --> 00:14:06.700 That is something that's very important 00:14:06.700 --> 00:14:07.420 for us to do. 00:14:08.400 --> 00:14:09.720 God wants us to do that. 00:14:10.260 --> 00:14:12.120 And as we'll see in the next couple of weeks, 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:15.680 it is important that we don't try to 00:14:15.680 --> 00:14:17.840 think about what we do and don't do 00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:18.640 in terms of 00:14:18.640 --> 00:14:21.260 earning God's favor 00:14:21.259 --> 00:14:22.720 or losing God's favor. 00:14:23.240 --> 00:14:24.500 You, if you're a Christian, 00:14:25.740 --> 00:14:26.799 trusting Christ, 00:14:27.360 --> 00:14:29.620 you have God's favor right now. 00:14:30.759 --> 00:14:33.360 And it's in spite of your sin. 00:14:34.360 --> 00:14:35.740 And it has nothing to do 00:14:35.740 --> 00:14:37.299 with your best efforts 00:14:37.299 --> 00:14:38.519 on your best days. 00:14:40.159 --> 00:14:42.080 You're accepted by God 00:14:42.080 --> 00:14:45.100 because you are in Christ. 00:14:46.319 --> 00:14:47.519 But God wants us to do more 00:14:47.519 --> 00:14:49.059 than just understand this. 00:14:49.059 --> 00:14:51.719 God calls us to live 00:14:51.719 --> 00:14:52.819 like who we are 00:14:52.819 --> 00:14:54.199 in Christ. 00:14:54.899 --> 00:14:55.519 Let's look at that 00:14:55.519 --> 00:14:56.179 for a few minutes. 00:14:56.879 --> 00:14:57.799 God wants us to live 00:14:57.799 --> 00:14:58.899 our lives in this world 00:14:58.899 --> 00:15:00.779 in light of 00:15:00.779 --> 00:15:02.179 who we are 00:15:02.179 --> 00:15:03.359 as His children. 00:15:04.159 --> 00:15:05.039 When I was in high school, 00:15:05.099 --> 00:15:05.879 I played baseball. 00:15:07.319 --> 00:15:08.599 I was 00:15:08.599 --> 00:15:10.639 a first baseman. 00:15:11.699 --> 00:15:12.419 And sometimes 00:15:12.419 --> 00:15:13.679 I pitched. 00:15:15.059 --> 00:15:16.019 That tells you something 00:15:16.019 --> 00:15:17.239 about my pitching ability, 00:15:17.359 --> 00:15:17.699 doesn't it? 00:15:17.700 --> 00:15:19.379 I didn't have 00:15:19.379 --> 00:15:20.480 any scholarship offers. 00:15:20.620 --> 00:15:20.900 I didn't have 00:15:20.900 --> 00:15:22.300 any minor league contracts. 00:15:23.220 --> 00:15:24.320 I played baseball. 00:15:24.820 --> 00:15:25.840 I was a first baseman. 00:15:26.280 --> 00:15:26.820 And sometimes 00:15:26.820 --> 00:15:27.840 I pitched. 00:15:29.379 --> 00:15:30.860 I was not in 00:15:30.860 --> 00:15:33.200 our two-man rotation. 00:15:34.900 --> 00:15:35.740 And so when I was 00:15:35.740 --> 00:15:36.400 going to pitch, 00:15:36.600 --> 00:15:37.379 the coach would tell me 00:15:37.379 --> 00:15:38.120 the day before, 00:15:38.940 --> 00:15:39.440 tomorrow 00:15:39.440 --> 00:15:41.020 you're going to pitch. 00:15:42.080 --> 00:15:42.940 Be ready. 00:15:42.940 --> 00:15:45.440 What that meant was 00:15:45.440 --> 00:15:47.500 the coach was telling me, 00:15:47.900 --> 00:15:48.520 tomorrow 00:15:48.520 --> 00:15:51.520 your position 00:15:51.520 --> 00:15:54.140 is to pitch. 00:15:54.860 --> 00:15:56.400 And when that day came, 00:15:57.400 --> 00:15:58.940 I walked out to the mound 00:15:58.940 --> 00:16:01.100 and I pitched. 00:16:02.460 --> 00:16:03.960 If you are a Christian, 00:16:05.520 --> 00:16:06.780 God has placed you 00:16:06.780 --> 00:16:07.740 in Christ 00:16:07.740 --> 00:16:09.260 and that is your 00:16:09.260 --> 00:16:10.380 position 00:16:10.379 --> 00:16:12.059 before God. 00:16:12.059 --> 00:16:14.200 But God also 00:16:14.200 --> 00:16:14.899 calls you 00:16:14.899 --> 00:16:15.740 to live 00:16:15.740 --> 00:16:17.279 like a person 00:16:17.279 --> 00:16:19.360 who is united 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:20.100 to Christ 00:16:20.100 --> 00:16:22.740 and has the power 00:16:22.740 --> 00:16:23.840 of the Holy Spirit 00:16:23.840 --> 00:16:25.439 within you. 00:16:26.419 --> 00:16:27.100 Let's look now 00:16:27.100 --> 00:16:27.980 at how Paul describes 00:16:27.980 --> 00:16:29.460 how we are to live 00:16:29.460 --> 00:16:30.600 like a person 00:16:30.600 --> 00:16:31.659 who's in Christ. 00:16:32.000 --> 00:16:32.539 He says 00:16:32.539 --> 00:16:33.360 in verse one, 00:16:33.779 --> 00:16:34.779 we must stay focused 00:16:34.779 --> 00:16:35.539 on Christ. 00:16:35.659 --> 00:16:36.220 Let's look at it. 00:16:36.460 --> 00:16:37.159 If then you've been 00:16:37.159 --> 00:16:38.120 raised with Christ, 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:39.560 seek the things 00:16:39.560 --> 00:16:40.639 that are above 00:16:40.639 --> 00:16:42.340 where Christ is, 00:16:42.940 --> 00:16:43.720 seated at the right 00:16:43.720 --> 00:16:44.299 hand of God. 00:16:45.200 --> 00:16:46.340 Paul is telling us 00:16:46.340 --> 00:16:48.019 to seek things, 00:16:48.419 --> 00:16:50.200 focus on things 00:16:50.200 --> 00:16:52.080 related to 00:16:52.080 --> 00:16:53.460 the Lord Jesus Christ 00:16:53.460 --> 00:16:54.940 who is 00:16:54.940 --> 00:16:55.940 right now 00:16:55.940 --> 00:16:57.019 at this moment 00:16:57.019 --> 00:16:58.679 at His 00:16:58.679 --> 00:16:59.399 exalted 00:16:59.399 --> 00:17:00.379 position 00:17:00.379 --> 00:17:01.120 of power 00:17:01.120 --> 00:17:02.100 and privilege 00:17:02.100 --> 00:17:03.159 at the right 00:17:03.159 --> 00:17:03.879 hand of God. 00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:05.460 I want you to look 00:17:05.460 --> 00:17:06.099 at how Matt 00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:06.779 Chandler 00:17:06.779 --> 00:17:07.859 describes what 00:17:07.859 --> 00:17:08.759 Paul is saying 00:17:08.759 --> 00:17:10.759 in this verse. 00:17:11.899 --> 00:17:12.519 He says 00:17:12.519 --> 00:17:13.299 the goal, 00:17:13.899 --> 00:17:14.700 the pursuit, 00:17:15.420 --> 00:17:16.599 what we are after 00:17:16.599 --> 00:17:18.440 is Christ. 00:17:19.440 --> 00:17:20.420 To know Him, 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:21.720 to walk with Him, 00:17:21.980 --> 00:17:22.660 to have Him 00:17:22.660 --> 00:17:23.799 shape us, 00:17:24.220 --> 00:17:25.019 to have Him 00:17:25.019 --> 00:17:26.220 chisel away 00:17:26.220 --> 00:17:27.240 at us, 00:17:27.759 --> 00:17:28.599 to have Him 00:17:28.599 --> 00:17:30.039 create in us 00:17:30.039 --> 00:17:30.899 a joy 00:17:30.899 --> 00:17:31.920 of salvation 00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:34.019 given to us 00:17:34.019 --> 00:17:35.139 by Him. 00:17:36.779 --> 00:17:38.559 Matt's saying 00:17:38.559 --> 00:17:41.279 that Paul 00:17:41.279 --> 00:17:42.059 is saying 00:17:42.059 --> 00:17:43.759 the way 00:17:43.759 --> 00:17:44.160 to live 00:17:44.160 --> 00:17:44.960 like a person 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:46.740 who is united 00:17:46.740 --> 00:17:47.420 to Christ 00:17:47.420 --> 00:17:49.240 is to focus 00:17:49.240 --> 00:17:49.920 on Him, 00:17:51.759 --> 00:17:52.579 knowing Him, 00:17:53.539 --> 00:17:54.279 loving Him, 00:17:54.960 --> 00:17:55.819 serving Him, 00:17:56.859 --> 00:17:57.440 seeking to 00:17:57.440 --> 00:17:58.000 cooperate 00:17:58.000 --> 00:17:59.019 with the Holy Spirit 00:17:59.019 --> 00:17:59.579 as He works 00:17:59.579 --> 00:18:00.279 in our lives 00:18:00.279 --> 00:18:01.960 to make us 00:18:01.960 --> 00:18:03.379 more like Christ, 00:18:03.519 --> 00:18:03.960 to develop 00:18:03.960 --> 00:18:05.059 Christ-like character 00:18:05.059 --> 00:18:06.059 in us. 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:07.220 Now I want you 00:18:07.220 --> 00:18:08.119 to hear this next 00:18:08.119 --> 00:18:09.460 part real carefully. 00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:11.759 Here's what 00:18:11.759 --> 00:18:13.339 this does not 00:18:13.339 --> 00:18:14.039 mean. 00:18:15.079 --> 00:18:16.159 We do not 00:18:16.159 --> 00:18:17.359 focus on 00:18:17.359 --> 00:18:18.619 Jesus Christ 00:18:18.619 --> 00:18:20.059 in order to 00:18:20.059 --> 00:18:21.000 get something 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:22.119 from Him. 00:18:22.119 --> 00:18:24.460 We don't use 00:18:24.460 --> 00:18:24.899 Him 00:18:24.899 --> 00:18:26.440 to get 00:18:26.440 --> 00:18:27.480 something that 00:18:27.480 --> 00:18:29.019 we want, 00:18:29.139 --> 00:18:29.960 we need, 00:18:30.419 --> 00:18:31.179 even something 00:18:31.179 --> 00:18:31.639 good. 00:18:31.640 --> 00:18:35.280 I don't know 00:18:35.280 --> 00:18:35.759 how many people 00:18:35.759 --> 00:18:36.280 this would apply 00:18:36.280 --> 00:18:37.080 to in this room, 00:18:38.080 --> 00:18:39.560 but I've heard, 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:40.759 I know, 00:18:41.340 --> 00:18:42.080 and sometimes 00:18:42.080 --> 00:18:42.980 I think 00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:45.240 I act 00:18:45.240 --> 00:18:46.080 maybe this way. 00:18:47.740 --> 00:18:48.220 Sometimes 00:18:48.220 --> 00:18:49.259 some Christians 00:18:49.259 --> 00:18:50.160 have the idea 00:18:50.160 --> 00:18:52.000 that if I get 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:53.160 serious about 00:18:53.160 --> 00:18:54.640 living a faithful 00:18:54.640 --> 00:18:55.320 Christian life, 00:18:56.120 --> 00:18:57.020 if I get serious 00:18:57.020 --> 00:18:58.200 about being a 00:18:58.200 --> 00:18:59.080 committed follower 00:18:59.080 --> 00:18:59.640 of Jesus, 00:18:59.640 --> 00:19:01.540 then He will 00:19:01.540 --> 00:19:02.700 do something 00:19:02.700 --> 00:19:04.700 like maybe 00:19:04.700 --> 00:19:05.940 restore my 00:19:05.940 --> 00:19:06.500 marriage, 00:19:06.620 --> 00:19:07.200 if that's my 00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:07.600 problem. 00:19:09.180 --> 00:19:10.040 He'll save 00:19:10.040 --> 00:19:10.920 my rebellious 00:19:10.920 --> 00:19:11.640 child if I'll 00:19:11.640 --> 00:19:12.180 just get serious 00:19:12.180 --> 00:19:12.460 about my 00:19:12.460 --> 00:19:13.080 relationship with 00:19:13.080 --> 00:19:13.200 Him. 00:19:13.700 --> 00:19:14.360 Or He'll turn 00:19:14.360 --> 00:19:15.280 my child back. 00:19:16.360 --> 00:19:17.520 Or He'll provide 00:19:17.520 --> 00:19:18.680 me with a good 00:19:18.680 --> 00:19:19.460 job, a better 00:19:19.460 --> 00:19:21.700 job, if I just 00:19:21.700 --> 00:19:22.580 get serious 00:19:22.580 --> 00:19:23.920 about my 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:24.520 relationship with 00:19:24.520 --> 00:19:24.680 Him. 00:19:25.420 --> 00:19:25.940 Now, 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:27.140 don't misunderstand 00:19:27.140 --> 00:19:27.980 what I'm saying. 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:29.640 The Lord is able 00:19:29.640 --> 00:19:30.400 to do all those 00:19:30.400 --> 00:19:31.299 kinds of things. 00:19:33.319 --> 00:19:34.579 God wants us 00:19:34.579 --> 00:19:35.279 as His 00:19:35.279 --> 00:19:36.019 children 00:19:36.019 --> 00:19:37.500 who have a 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:38.180 relationship with 00:19:38.180 --> 00:19:39.700 Him, He wants 00:19:39.700 --> 00:19:40.680 us to pray and 00:19:40.680 --> 00:19:42.500 ask Him to 00:19:42.500 --> 00:19:43.440 meet our needs. 00:19:44.019 --> 00:19:44.380 And if your 00:19:44.380 --> 00:19:46.059 problem is at 00:19:46.059 --> 00:19:46.819 home with your 00:19:46.819 --> 00:19:49.759 spouse, ask God 00:19:49.759 --> 00:19:51.019 to work, change 00:19:51.019 --> 00:19:52.039 you, change him 00:19:52.039 --> 00:19:52.440 or her. 00:19:53.059 --> 00:19:53.900 Ask God to work 00:19:53.900 --> 00:19:54.660 in your child's 00:19:54.660 --> 00:19:55.720 life, do whatever 00:19:55.720 --> 00:19:56.519 needs to be done. 00:19:56.519 --> 00:19:58.579 never fail to 00:19:58.579 --> 00:19:59.460 ask God. 00:20:00.400 --> 00:20:01.559 Sometimes we 00:20:01.559 --> 00:20:02.240 don't have because 00:20:02.240 --> 00:20:02.859 we do not ask, 00:20:02.920 --> 00:20:03.160 the Scripture 00:20:03.160 --> 00:20:03.680 says. 00:20:04.539 --> 00:20:05.160 But what I'm 00:20:05.160 --> 00:20:06.400 saying is we 00:20:06.400 --> 00:20:08.099 cannot use 00:20:08.099 --> 00:20:11.240 Jesus and a 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:12.160 relationship with 00:20:12.160 --> 00:20:14.240 Him to guarantee 00:20:14.240 --> 00:20:16.319 ourselves such 00:20:16.319 --> 00:20:17.039 things. 00:20:18.500 --> 00:20:19.639 I know a man in 00:20:19.639 --> 00:20:20.579 another state 00:20:20.579 --> 00:20:22.319 pretty well. 00:20:23.519 --> 00:20:24.480 He went through a 00:20:24.480 --> 00:20:26.000 painful divorce just a 00:20:26.000 --> 00:20:26.680 few years ago. 00:20:28.019 --> 00:20:29.740 His wife made it a 00:20:29.740 --> 00:20:31.880 point to turn their 00:20:31.880 --> 00:20:33.380 daughter against 00:20:33.380 --> 00:20:35.480 him, her dad. 00:20:35.859 --> 00:20:37.619 Now before they had 00:20:37.619 --> 00:20:38.700 their issues, before 00:20:38.700 --> 00:20:40.519 they separated, this 00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:41.500 man and his daughter 00:20:41.500 --> 00:20:42.539 had a very good 00:20:42.539 --> 00:20:43.019 relationship. 00:20:43.220 --> 00:20:44.119 They did all kinds 00:20:44.119 --> 00:20:45.240 of things together. 00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:45.339 together. 00:20:45.339 --> 00:20:49.480 But when the man and 00:20:49.480 --> 00:20:51.839 wife separated, the 00:20:51.839 --> 00:20:53.099 wife really made it 00:20:53.099 --> 00:20:55.519 her goal, I'm going to 00:20:55.519 --> 00:20:57.160 turn my daughter against 00:20:57.160 --> 00:21:00.039 her dad, and she was 00:21:00.039 --> 00:21:00.620 successful. 00:21:01.620 --> 00:21:03.099 From the time this girl 00:21:03.099 --> 00:21:06.299 was about 14 to 17, she 00:21:06.299 --> 00:21:08.620 chose not to have any 00:21:08.620 --> 00:21:10.900 contact with her dad. 00:21:10.900 --> 00:21:12.940 It was her decision. 00:21:13.240 --> 00:21:15.800 Her mother tried to turn 00:21:15.800 --> 00:21:17.700 her against him, but her 00:21:17.700 --> 00:21:20.019 mother did not forbid her 00:21:20.019 --> 00:21:22.420 to go and see him, to do 00:21:22.420 --> 00:21:23.200 anything with him. 00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:28.700 The girl chose to believe 00:21:28.700 --> 00:21:29.160 her mother. 00:21:30.759 --> 00:21:31.820 And by the way, there was 00:21:31.820 --> 00:21:34.019 no abuse, adultery, nothing 00:21:34.019 --> 00:21:35.900 like this involved. 00:21:35.900 --> 00:21:39.620 But the girl chose, I'm 00:21:39.620 --> 00:21:40.640 going to leave my dad out 00:21:40.640 --> 00:21:41.200 of my life. 00:21:42.100 --> 00:21:43.200 Well, during her senior 00:21:43.200 --> 00:21:44.580 year in high school, it 00:21:44.580 --> 00:21:47.400 occurred to her, I want to 00:21:47.400 --> 00:21:49.620 go to college, and mama 00:21:49.620 --> 00:21:51.060 can't pay for college. 00:21:53.060 --> 00:21:56.240 And so what she did, she 00:21:56.240 --> 00:21:57.980 started making contact with 00:21:57.980 --> 00:21:59.160 her dad again. 00:22:00.100 --> 00:22:01.640 And not long after, she 00:22:01.640 --> 00:22:03.460 wasn't real smart, not long 00:22:03.460 --> 00:22:04.540 after she started making 00:22:04.539 --> 00:22:05.980 contact with her dad. 00:22:06.859 --> 00:22:09.500 She actually texted him 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:12.559 and said, will you pay for 00:22:12.559 --> 00:22:13.359 my college? 00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:16.579 He saw it coming. 00:22:17.500 --> 00:22:18.779 He knew what she was 00:22:18.779 --> 00:22:19.159 doing. 00:22:20.920 --> 00:22:23.039 And so he just texted her 00:22:23.039 --> 00:22:24.819 back, no. 00:22:27.480 --> 00:22:29.139 And as far as I know, he 00:22:29.139 --> 00:22:30.379 has not heard from her 00:22:30.379 --> 00:22:31.279 since. 00:22:31.279 --> 00:22:36.240 He was not going to be 00:22:36.759 --> 00:22:37.240 used. 00:22:37.240 --> 00:22:40.720 And what I want us to 00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:43.119 understand is, our 00:22:43.119 --> 00:22:44.940 Heavenly Father and the 00:22:44.940 --> 00:22:47.220 Lord Jesus are not going to 00:22:47.220 --> 00:22:48.720 be used either. 00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:52.379 We need to focus on Jesus 00:22:52.379 --> 00:22:55.200 today because of who he is. 00:22:56.460 --> 00:22:58.940 He is worthy of our love, 00:22:58.940 --> 00:23:01.240 our affection, our 00:23:01.240 --> 00:23:02.320 commitment, our 00:23:02.320 --> 00:23:02.900 obedience. 00:23:04.400 --> 00:23:05.340 We need to think about 00:23:05.340 --> 00:23:06.900 what he chose to do for 00:23:06.900 --> 00:23:08.140 us in dying for our 00:23:08.140 --> 00:23:09.080 sins, living a perfect 00:23:09.080 --> 00:23:10.440 life on our behalf. 00:23:10.700 --> 00:23:11.640 He did that because he 00:23:11.640 --> 00:23:12.360 loves us. 00:23:14.580 --> 00:23:15.920 We need to seek to know 00:23:15.920 --> 00:23:18.600 him, develop a relationship 00:23:18.600 --> 00:23:21.000 with him, become like him 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:23.960 because we find joy in 00:23:23.960 --> 00:23:24.279 that. 00:23:24.279 --> 00:23:27.740 Because we want that kind 00:23:27.740 --> 00:23:29.240 of relationship with him. 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:31.819 And in the context of 00:23:31.819 --> 00:23:33.039 having such a loving 00:23:33.039 --> 00:23:35.160 relationship with him, with 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:38.460 our Heavenly Father, we are 00:23:38.460 --> 00:23:41.339 invited to pray and ask for 00:23:41.339 --> 00:23:42.139 things. 00:23:44.079 --> 00:23:45.119 You know, the man in the 00:23:45.119 --> 00:23:47.379 story I was telling you, he 00:23:47.379 --> 00:23:49.839 would give anything to have a 00:23:49.839 --> 00:23:51.279 loving, close relationship 00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:53.039 with his daughter. 00:23:53.039 --> 00:23:55.759 And if he had, if it had 00:23:55.759 --> 00:23:58.200 continued, he would have 00:23:58.200 --> 00:24:00.220 gladly helped to pay to send 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:01.240 her to college. 00:24:03.240 --> 00:24:06.599 But he was not and is not 00:24:06.599 --> 00:24:08.420 being used. 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:11.559 We need to remember that. 00:24:12.879 --> 00:24:15.019 Paul is calling us to focus 00:24:15.019 --> 00:24:19.279 our attention where Christ is, 00:24:19.359 --> 00:24:20.440 seated at the right hand of 00:24:20.440 --> 00:24:20.819 God. 00:24:21.240 --> 00:24:22.759 Set your minds, that's next on 00:24:22.759 --> 00:24:23.799 the things that are above. 00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:25.720 We need to do that for the 00:24:25.720 --> 00:24:26.680 right reasons. 00:24:27.359 --> 00:24:28.599 Because we want to know him. 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:29.859 We want to be close to him. 00:24:30.400 --> 00:24:31.460 Let's look at how we can stay 00:24:31.460 --> 00:24:32.339 focused on Christ. 00:24:33.059 --> 00:24:33.960 I jumped the gun a little bit 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:34.099 here. 00:24:34.440 --> 00:24:35.799 We must set our minds on the 00:24:35.799 --> 00:24:37.319 right things and not the wrong 00:24:37.319 --> 00:24:38.259 things, verse 2. 00:24:38.539 --> 00:24:39.279 Look at the verse. 00:24:39.799 --> 00:24:41.319 Set your minds on things that 00:24:41.319 --> 00:24:43.579 are above, not on things that 00:24:43.579 --> 00:24:44.400 are on earth. 00:24:45.119 --> 00:24:46.680 How do we set our minds on 00:24:46.680 --> 00:24:47.759 things that are above? 00:24:47.759 --> 00:24:50.700 I think the simplest way to 00:24:50.700 --> 00:24:52.879 think of it is we need to go 00:24:52.879 --> 00:24:56.619 to the source of truth about 00:24:56.619 --> 00:24:59.579 the things that are above, and 00:24:59.579 --> 00:25:00.379 that is the Bible. 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:07.700 God is not who you think he is, 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:10.839 what other people think he is. 00:25:10.839 --> 00:25:16.199 Jesus is not who you have conjured 00:25:16.199 --> 00:25:17.279 up in your mind. 00:25:18.279 --> 00:25:20.619 God is who he has revealed himself 00:25:20.619 --> 00:25:22.779 to be in the pages of Scripture. 00:25:23.879 --> 00:25:28.919 Jesus is how he is revealed in the 00:25:28.919 --> 00:25:29.879 pages of Scripture. 00:25:29.880 --> 00:25:33.640 So if we want to really know him, 00:25:34.200 --> 00:25:35.740 have a relationship with God, 00:25:36.320 --> 00:25:37.900 develop Christ-like character, 00:25:38.340 --> 00:25:40.240 we need to spend time in God's 00:25:40.240 --> 00:25:44.720 word, discovering who he is and 00:25:44.720 --> 00:25:45.640 how this can be. 00:25:46.960 --> 00:25:48.140 And I want to say this on the first 00:25:48.140 --> 00:25:48.940 Sunday of a new year. 00:25:50.340 --> 00:25:53.700 If you have resolved or set a goal 00:25:53.700 --> 00:25:56.300 to read through the Bible this year, 00:25:56.640 --> 00:25:58.000 that is good. 00:25:58.000 --> 00:26:01.019 That is something that all of us 00:26:01.019 --> 00:26:03.200 could profit from. 00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:05.460 But I want to also say this. 00:26:06.119 --> 00:26:08.519 We need to do more than just read 00:26:08.519 --> 00:26:11.700 through the Bible this year as if 00:26:11.700 --> 00:26:14.259 it's just another book we're going 00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:14.920 to read. 00:26:15.680 --> 00:26:17.599 We need to make sure as we read the 00:26:17.599 --> 00:26:21.420 Bible that we take the time to 00:26:21.420 --> 00:26:25.039 listen to what God is saying through 00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:27.480 those pages and through his Spirit. 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:30.819 We need to take the time as we read 00:26:30.819 --> 00:26:33.180 to let it sink in. 00:26:35.319 --> 00:26:36.640 To believe it. 00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:39.420 To obey it. 00:26:40.420 --> 00:26:42.539 On a practical side, you may have as a 00:26:42.539 --> 00:26:43.579 goal to read through the Bible this 00:26:43.579 --> 00:26:45.880 year, will you take a certain amount 00:26:45.880 --> 00:26:47.099 of time every day to do that? 00:26:48.259 --> 00:26:49.880 But then I would encourage you to 00:26:49.880 --> 00:26:53.059 take another time to read the Bible 00:26:53.059 --> 00:26:55.639 like I'm talking about prayerfully, 00:26:56.339 --> 00:26:59.339 carefully, and listen to God 00:26:59.339 --> 00:27:01.839 with the idea you want to hear Him. 00:27:02.740 --> 00:27:04.980 You want to discover what He's saying 00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:06.720 in His Word about what you should 00:27:06.720 --> 00:27:09.319 believe, why you should believe it, 00:27:09.839 --> 00:27:11.440 how you should live. 00:27:11.440 --> 00:27:16.539 If you don't have a time set aside 00:27:16.539 --> 00:27:19.200 on a regular basis to spend time with 00:27:19.200 --> 00:27:21.019 God like this in His Word, 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:23.600 I want to encourage you to ask Him 00:27:23.600 --> 00:27:25.380 to help you get started this week. 00:27:27.279 --> 00:27:28.720 Establish a time and a place where 00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:29.500 you're going to do this. 00:27:30.460 --> 00:27:31.700 It may be in the morning, it may be 00:27:31.700 --> 00:27:32.640 night, it may be in the middle of the 00:27:32.640 --> 00:27:32.860 day. 00:27:33.480 --> 00:27:35.059 What works for you, it doesn't matter. 00:27:36.059 --> 00:27:37.420 Make an appointment with God. 00:27:37.420 --> 00:27:41.300 And don't make it a chore. 00:27:42.720 --> 00:27:45.259 Don't think of it as something I gotta do. 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:48.060 Think of it as an opportunity for you 00:27:48.060 --> 00:27:50.220 to spend with Almighty God. 00:27:51.360 --> 00:27:53.480 Think of it as a time for you to draw 00:27:53.480 --> 00:27:55.080 closer to Him. 00:27:57.180 --> 00:27:58.920 To draw closer to the Lord Jesus. 00:27:59.840 --> 00:28:01.120 To get to know Him better. 00:28:01.340 --> 00:28:03.000 To know how to please Him better. 00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:06.580 Well, let's look also, how do we avoid 00:28:06.579 --> 00:28:09.659 setting our minds on things of the earth? 00:28:10.159 --> 00:28:11.599 Now, I want to clarify what Paul is 00:28:11.599 --> 00:28:12.659 saying here real quick. 00:28:13.139 --> 00:28:14.740 He's not saying that we should not 00:28:14.740 --> 00:28:16.240 think about things on the earth. 00:28:17.319 --> 00:28:20.079 He's not de-emphasizing in any way 00:28:20.079 --> 00:28:23.240 the importance of your home, your 00:28:23.240 --> 00:28:25.819 family, your work, your school, or 00:28:25.819 --> 00:28:27.259 all the kind of things we need to do 00:28:27.259 --> 00:28:27.799 in life. 00:28:28.799 --> 00:28:31.399 If you doubt that, read on in chapter 00:28:31.399 --> 00:28:33.579 three, Paul's going to start talking 00:28:33.579 --> 00:28:35.639 about how we ought to live as 00:28:35.640 --> 00:28:37.759 husbands and wives, parents and children, 00:28:38.060 --> 00:28:39.500 and other practical things like that. 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:41.140 It matters how we live. 00:28:41.960 --> 00:28:43.280 God cares how we live. 00:28:43.600 --> 00:28:45.980 We need to think about, be involved in 00:28:45.980 --> 00:28:47.500 this world 00:28:47.500 --> 00:28:49.840 as Christians, 00:28:50.040 --> 00:28:51.140 as distinctly 00:28:51.140 --> 00:28:52.140 Christians. 00:28:52.140 --> 00:28:55.820 what Paul is talking about here is allowing 00:28:55.820 --> 00:28:57.240 things of this world 00:28:57.240 --> 00:29:00.880 to distract us 00:29:00.880 --> 00:29:03.480 and prevent us 00:29:03.480 --> 00:29:06.080 from really focusing on Christ 00:29:06.080 --> 00:29:09.080 and developing Christ-like character. 00:29:10.080 --> 00:29:11.040 We're going to look at some of the more 00:29:11.040 --> 00:29:14.080 obvious things, sinful things 00:29:14.080 --> 00:29:14.920 next week, 00:29:15.560 --> 00:29:16.940 but I want you to, 00:29:17.060 --> 00:29:18.340 this is something only you know. 00:29:18.339 --> 00:29:20.879 what kind of things do you find 00:29:20.879 --> 00:29:22.099 distracts you 00:29:22.099 --> 00:29:23.259 and hinders you 00:29:23.259 --> 00:29:26.259 from being focused on the Lord 00:29:26.259 --> 00:29:28.959 or even from living a faithful 00:29:28.959 --> 00:29:29.899 Christian life? 00:29:30.899 --> 00:29:32.579 It doesn't have to be something sinful 00:29:32.579 --> 00:29:32.980 or evil. 00:29:33.179 --> 00:29:34.199 It could be something that's basically 00:29:34.199 --> 00:29:34.519 neutral. 00:29:34.759 --> 00:29:36.779 It could be certain people in your life. 00:29:36.879 --> 00:29:37.240 They just, 00:29:37.839 --> 00:29:38.759 they're a distraction. 00:29:39.000 --> 00:29:40.159 They're a stumbling block. 00:29:41.119 --> 00:29:42.799 It could be certain types of music 00:29:42.799 --> 00:29:43.500 you listen to. 00:29:43.500 --> 00:29:47.220 I'll be honest with you. 00:29:49.180 --> 00:29:51.160 This college football season, 00:29:51.599 --> 00:29:53.599 I know too much 00:29:53.599 --> 00:29:55.160 about what's going on 00:29:55.160 --> 00:29:56.160 in college football life. 00:29:57.380 --> 00:29:58.779 I've spent too much time 00:29:58.779 --> 00:30:00.400 on that ESPN app. 00:30:01.420 --> 00:30:02.660 ESPN's not sinful. 00:30:04.640 --> 00:30:05.799 Football's not sinful. 00:30:06.819 --> 00:30:07.920 I like football. 00:30:08.119 --> 00:30:08.799 I like to play. 00:30:08.900 --> 00:30:09.799 I like to watch it. 00:30:11.440 --> 00:30:13.339 It's an entertaining thing for me. 00:30:13.500 --> 00:30:16.900 But you can do it too much. 00:30:17.339 --> 00:30:19.480 You can think about it too much. 00:30:20.539 --> 00:30:21.859 You can be more concerned 00:30:21.859 --> 00:30:24.119 to find out the scores of yesterday 00:30:24.119 --> 00:30:25.240 first thing in the morning. 00:30:26.619 --> 00:30:28.940 So concerned that you spend your time 00:30:28.940 --> 00:30:29.779 looking at what happened 00:30:29.779 --> 00:30:30.740 in college football 00:30:30.740 --> 00:30:32.920 that you don't even think about 00:30:32.920 --> 00:30:34.880 your relationship with the Lord. 00:30:35.680 --> 00:30:36.799 Spending time with Him. 00:30:38.519 --> 00:30:39.819 And I'm not the only pagan 00:30:39.819 --> 00:30:41.119 who does things like that 00:30:41.119 --> 00:30:41.660 in this room. 00:30:41.660 --> 00:30:44.060 What's yours? 00:30:45.600 --> 00:30:48.740 What's your ESPN app? 00:30:50.740 --> 00:30:51.740 Is it a person? 00:30:52.000 --> 00:30:52.740 Is it a thing? 00:30:53.380 --> 00:30:54.560 Something that could be good? 00:30:54.660 --> 00:30:55.980 Could even be your job. 00:30:56.440 --> 00:30:57.779 Certain aspects of your job 00:30:57.779 --> 00:30:58.860 you worship 00:30:58.860 --> 00:31:00.720 instead of the Lord. 00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:04.100 Identify the things of the world 00:31:04.100 --> 00:31:05.900 that what we could say 00:31:05.900 --> 00:31:07.420 hurt you spiritually 00:31:07.420 --> 00:31:10.819 and cause you to take your eyes 00:31:10.819 --> 00:31:12.180 off of Christ 00:31:12.180 --> 00:31:13.039 and following Him. 00:31:14.519 --> 00:31:15.900 Repent of engaging 00:31:15.900 --> 00:31:17.059 in such activities. 00:31:18.500 --> 00:31:19.759 Ask God to help you 00:31:19.759 --> 00:31:21.140 to eliminate them. 00:31:21.140 --> 00:31:23.400 If you're a Christian 00:31:23.400 --> 00:31:25.720 how does it show? 00:31:25.720 --> 00:31:28.700 Do you really have a heart 00:31:28.700 --> 00:31:29.240 for the Lord 00:31:29.240 --> 00:31:30.400 and the things of God? 00:31:31.059 --> 00:31:32.000 Well prove it. 00:31:32.500 --> 00:31:33.460 Prove it to yourself. 00:31:33.940 --> 00:31:34.940 Point to evidence 00:31:34.940 --> 00:31:36.180 in your thoughts 00:31:36.180 --> 00:31:37.519 in your desires 00:31:37.519 --> 00:31:39.779 in the things you talk about 00:31:39.779 --> 00:31:41.480 in the things you do. 00:31:42.779 --> 00:31:43.680 What are you doing 00:31:43.680 --> 00:31:44.279 to develop 00:31:44.279 --> 00:31:45.500 that kind of heart? 00:31:47.440 --> 00:31:48.779 What do you need to do? 00:31:50.779 --> 00:31:51.759 What are you doing 00:31:51.759 --> 00:31:52.480 that's hindering 00:31:52.480 --> 00:31:53.019 your relationship 00:31:53.019 --> 00:31:53.460 with the Lord? 00:31:53.460 --> 00:31:56.019 Those are things 00:31:56.019 --> 00:31:56.960 that need to change. 00:31:58.440 --> 00:31:59.319 God wants us to know 00:31:59.319 --> 00:32:00.440 who we are in Christ. 00:32:01.759 --> 00:32:02.720 Final thoughts. 00:32:04.039 --> 00:32:05.900 You are accepted by God 00:32:05.900 --> 00:32:06.579 if you're a Christian 00:32:06.579 --> 00:32:10.100 because you are united 00:32:10.100 --> 00:32:12.880 to Jesus Christ 00:32:12.880 --> 00:32:14.100 in faith 00:32:14.100 --> 00:32:16.360 and that's it. 00:32:18.579 --> 00:32:20.180 Let that sink in. 00:32:20.180 --> 00:32:22.539 Your acceptance 00:32:22.539 --> 00:32:23.980 is based on 00:32:23.980 --> 00:32:25.720 who Jesus is 00:32:25.720 --> 00:32:27.879 and what He has done 00:32:27.879 --> 00:32:28.879 for you. 00:32:30.059 --> 00:32:30.279 Now 00:32:30.279 --> 00:32:32.440 by God's grace 00:32:32.440 --> 00:32:34.839 live like someone 00:32:34.839 --> 00:32:37.220 who is united to Christ. 00:32:38.259 --> 00:32:39.659 Stay focused on Him. 00:32:40.779 --> 00:32:41.819 On knowing Him. 00:32:42.559 --> 00:32:43.200 Loving Him. 00:32:44.000 --> 00:32:44.859 Serving Him. 00:32:46.079 --> 00:32:47.299 By God's grace 00:32:47.299 --> 00:32:49.379 becoming more like Him. 00:32:50.259 --> 00:32:51.099 Would you pray with me? 00:32:51.099 --> 00:32:52.419 Dear God 00:32:52.419 --> 00:32:56.119 show us 00:32:56.119 --> 00:32:57.019 what our response 00:32:57.019 --> 00:32:58.039 should be right now. 00:33:01.119 --> 00:33:02.459 Make it clear 00:33:02.459 --> 00:33:06.879 and help us to do that. 00:33:09.279 --> 00:33:10.359 Father I pray 00:33:10.359 --> 00:33:10.919 that you'll 00:33:10.919 --> 00:33:12.159 emphasize 00:33:12.159 --> 00:33:13.359 help everyone 00:33:13.359 --> 00:33:13.679 to 00:33:13.679 --> 00:33:15.299 understand 00:33:15.299 --> 00:33:16.299 this is a message 00:33:16.299 --> 00:33:17.399 directed at people 00:33:17.399 --> 00:33:18.419 who are true 00:33:18.420 --> 00:33:19.880 Christians. 00:33:22.279 --> 00:33:23.180 Trusting in Jesus 00:33:23.180 --> 00:33:24.000 and Him alone 00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:25.800 for their salvation. 00:33:26.200 --> 00:33:26.920 Committed to Him 00:33:26.920 --> 00:33:28.039 wholeheartedly. 00:33:29.660 --> 00:33:30.560 But if there are people 00:33:30.560 --> 00:33:30.980 in this room 00:33:30.980 --> 00:33:31.840 who are not Christians 00:33:31.840 --> 00:33:32.440 Father I pray 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:33.019 that you'll help them 00:33:33.019 --> 00:33:33.519 to see 00:33:33.519 --> 00:33:35.420 that what they need 00:33:35.420 --> 00:33:35.840 to do 00:33:35.840 --> 00:33:36.460 is admit 00:33:36.460 --> 00:33:37.320 their need 00:33:37.320 --> 00:33:38.060 of Jesus. 00:33:39.640 --> 00:33:40.800 Admit their sin. 00:33:41.640 --> 00:33:42.539 Humble themselves. 00:33:43.440 --> 00:33:44.240 Change their mind 00:33:44.240 --> 00:33:44.560 about the way 00:33:44.560 --> 00:33:44.980 they're living. 00:33:44.980 --> 00:33:46.680 and trust Jesus 00:33:46.680 --> 00:33:47.360 as their 00:33:47.360 --> 00:33:50.180 Savior and Lord. 00:33:52.559 --> 00:33:53.539 Father make it clear 00:33:53.539 --> 00:33:54.460 what we should do 00:33:54.460 --> 00:33:55.480 how we should respond 00:33:55.480 --> 00:33:55.940 to you 00:33:55.940 --> 00:33:56.339 and help us 00:33:56.339 --> 00:33:57.319 to do it right now. 00:33:57.740 --> 00:33:58.519 Let's just pray 00:33:58.519 --> 00:34:00.039 and respond to the Lord 00:34:00.039 --> 00:34:00.680 as He speaks. 00:34:01.079 --> 00:34:01.880 I would love to pray 00:34:01.880 --> 00:34:02.180 with you 00:34:02.180 --> 00:34:02.680 help you 00:34:02.680 --> 00:34:03.519 here at the front 00:34:03.519 --> 00:34:04.440 in the next few minutes 00:34:04.440 --> 00:34:05.839 if you want to come forward. 00:34:05.839 --> 00:34:34.739 thank you very much.