WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.240 Good morning. My name is Matthew Capone and I'm one of the pastors here at Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church and it's my joy to bring God's word to you today. 00:00:12.240 --> 00:00:22.719 We're continuing our series in the book of Romans. You remember that Romans is a letter written by the Apostle Paul in the 50s AD. 00:00:22.719 --> 00:00:35.579 It's called Romans because it is written to the churches in the city of Rome and this letter is about the gospel, about the good news of Jesus' life and death and resurrection. 00:00:35.659 --> 00:00:46.519 And as I've done the last couple weeks, I'm going to remind you again where we are at in the argument, the flow of the book of Romans because it can be complicated at times. 00:00:46.520 --> 00:00:59.480 In chapter 5, we talked about the fact that we are saved by Jesus' life and death and resurrection. We are not saved by our works. We're not saved by anything you do. 00:00:59.479 --> 00:01:10.560 Chapter 6 then goes on to say, okay, you are saved not by your works but by Christ's work and but you can't do whatever you want. 00:01:11.200 --> 00:01:19.479 You still have to live a life of holiness, which then takes us to this next question which we're still answering in chapter 8, which is how do we do that? 00:01:19.479 --> 00:01:27.140 How do we live that life of obedience to God? So chapter 7 then goes on to say what the answer is not. 00:01:27.140 --> 00:01:39.560 Chapter 7 says the answer is not more rules. The law cannot create holiness. Holiness does not come from more rules. 00:01:40.019 --> 00:01:51.400 Which then now we come to the payoff in chapter 8, which gives us finally the answer. Paul tells us holiness comes by the Spirit of God. 00:01:51.400 --> 00:02:00.880 And so chapter 8 is a chapter about life in a Spirit. Life empowered by God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit. 00:02:01.680 --> 00:02:07.620 Two weeks ago, verses 5 through 8, we talked about how we live by the Spirit. 00:02:07.780 --> 00:02:14.719 We live by the Spirit by setting our mind on the things of the Spirit. 00:02:14.719 --> 00:02:27.599 The things of the Spirit are Jesus Christ and His work, His life, His death, His resurrection, and all the benefits that flow to us from that. 00:02:28.280 --> 00:02:33.240 So we're living life, all of life, in light of Christ's resurrection. That's how we live in the Spirit. 00:02:33.719 --> 00:02:41.919 Then last week, verses 9 through 11, we saw that God, by His Spirit, also gives us new life. 00:02:41.919 --> 00:02:46.659 It gives us new life, both now and in the future. 00:02:46.939 --> 00:02:52.560 We talked about the fact that Christianity is not just or merely new beliefs and new behaviors. 00:02:53.099 --> 00:02:59.359 It is also a new power at work within you and a new heart. 00:02:59.359 --> 00:03:07.959 Because God, by His Holy Spirit, has taken up residence in your life. 00:03:07.960 --> 00:03:11.640 Jesus lives in you. 00:03:12.120 --> 00:03:15.640 And that happens by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. 00:03:16.100 --> 00:03:24.680 We have life now as the Spirit's at work, convicting us of sin, assuring us of God's love, making the gospel clear, among many other things. 00:03:25.100 --> 00:03:28.700 We have life in the future as we have a resurrection body. 00:03:28.699 --> 00:03:37.419 We get a new body that will not decay, that will live forever, that won't have sin and temptation, sickness, and disease. 00:03:37.819 --> 00:03:39.479 So that, I've caught us up. 00:03:40.439 --> 00:03:42.099 That's where we ended last week. 00:03:42.179 --> 00:03:47.199 We ended with the new body, the resurrection life that we look forward to. 00:03:47.759 --> 00:03:54.979 This week, we're continuing this same overarching question of how we live in holiness, how we walk by the Spirit. 00:03:54.979 --> 00:03:58.599 And we have a specific question this week, which is why? 00:04:00.619 --> 00:04:06.199 Why do we say no to sin and yes to righteousness? 00:04:07.459 --> 00:04:08.919 Why should you obey God? 00:04:09.919 --> 00:04:13.699 And what does the Holy Spirit have to do with that? 00:04:14.359 --> 00:04:17.860 By the way, I bid off more than I could chew for this week. 00:04:18.039 --> 00:04:23.060 It was extremely ambitious, thinking we would make it all the way from verse 12 to verse 15. 00:04:23.060 --> 00:04:26.339 We are only looking at verses 12 and 13. 00:04:26.500 --> 00:04:28.480 I'm not even going to read 14 and 15 for you. 00:04:28.839 --> 00:04:30.899 So 14 and 15 are in your worship guide. 00:04:31.240 --> 00:04:33.420 They are a problem for Monday, Matthew. 00:04:34.759 --> 00:04:36.139 But it is Sunday, Matthew. 00:04:36.300 --> 00:04:40.660 So I'm going to preach the same strategy we've been using, straight line from top to bottom. 00:04:41.220 --> 00:04:47.319 So with that, I invite you to turn with me to Romans chapter 8, starting at verse 12, 00:04:47.439 --> 00:04:50.579 which you will find page 8 of your worship guide. 00:04:50.579 --> 00:04:53.699 Remember, as we come here, that this is God's word. 00:04:54.680 --> 00:05:02.060 Jeremiah chapter 23 tells us that God's word is like a hammer that breaks a rock into pieces, 00:05:02.319 --> 00:05:10.819 which is a way of saying that there is nothing so powerful that God's word is not more powerful still. 00:05:10.819 --> 00:05:16.500 And so that's why I invite you to read with me now Romans chapter 8, verse 12. 00:05:17.300 --> 00:05:23.659 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 00:05:24.339 --> 00:05:27.319 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die. 00:05:28.180 --> 00:05:34.039 But if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 00:05:34.040 --> 00:05:39.240 I invite you to pray with me as we come to this portion of God's word. 00:05:41.319 --> 00:05:50.200 Our Father in heaven, we do thank you and praise you again for your many gifts to us and your mercy and your grace, 00:05:51.080 --> 00:05:57.000 especially the gift of your Holy Spirit that comes and gives us new resurrection life. 00:05:57.000 --> 00:06:04.959 We ask that you would pour out the Holy Spirit here and now in a powerful and extra special way among us as we come to your word, 00:06:05.879 --> 00:06:16.439 that you would open up our eyes, you would unstop our ears, you'd clear our minds, you'd soften our hearts, 00:06:16.759 --> 00:06:23.779 that we would be able to hear and see and understand and believe everything that you've written in your word. 00:06:23.779 --> 00:06:28.039 And we ask these things not because we have earned them or deserve them. 00:06:28.699 --> 00:06:31.139 We know that we haven't and we don't. 00:06:31.819 --> 00:06:34.599 We simply ask for them in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 00:06:35.079 --> 00:06:35.479 Amen. 00:06:38.539 --> 00:06:42.739 I want you all to imagine with me, we're going to do a thought experiment, 00:06:43.219 --> 00:06:44.699 that you have two things. 00:06:44.739 --> 00:06:51.079 You have a free Saturday afternoon and you have an extra $1,000. 00:06:52.299 --> 00:06:52.779 Okay? 00:06:52.779 --> 00:06:54.339 There's a catch though. 00:06:55.179 --> 00:07:02.599 You have to spend that afternoon with someone and the person you spend the afternoon with, 00:07:02.679 --> 00:07:05.039 you have to give them the $1,000. 00:07:05.799 --> 00:07:10.199 So you have this free afternoon, you have this $1,000, but it's not actually yours, you have to give away. 00:07:10.879 --> 00:07:11.799 So that's catch one. 00:07:12.139 --> 00:07:17.979 There's another catch, which is you only have two options for who receives this. 00:07:17.980 --> 00:07:19.160 Okay? 00:07:19.160 --> 00:07:27.840 Option one, you can spend the afternoon with someone who has mistreated you, stolen from you, 00:07:28.980 --> 00:07:32.960 lied about you, and lied to you. 00:07:32.959 --> 00:07:34.739 So that's option one. 00:07:34.739 --> 00:07:36.680 That's one person you can spend the afternoon with. 00:07:37.919 --> 00:07:43.979 Second option, you can spend the afternoon with a friend who has sacrificed for you, 00:07:44.719 --> 00:07:45.979 helped you, 00:07:45.980 --> 00:07:50.360 and at one point, this friend even saved your life. 00:07:51.920 --> 00:07:53.939 Now, who do you choose? 00:07:55.200 --> 00:07:56.500 Tough question, right? 00:07:56.500 --> 00:07:58.740 No, it's a stupid question. 00:08:00.180 --> 00:08:04.160 Of course, you're going to spend it with a second person, right? 00:08:04.259 --> 00:08:05.399 That's obvious. 00:08:05.399 --> 00:08:08.539 Why would you even consider the first person? 00:08:08.979 --> 00:08:12.099 First person doesn't make any sense. 00:08:12.620 --> 00:08:16.399 Of course, your friend will receive all of this. 00:08:16.500 --> 00:08:17.879 We might even say, 00:08:18.539 --> 00:08:21.620 you owe that to them. 00:08:22.659 --> 00:08:25.279 It would be scandalous, actually, 00:08:25.739 --> 00:08:29.679 if you gave it to the person who mistreated you. 00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:35.700 And that, my friends, is exactly what Paul is saying here in verse 12. 00:08:36.320 --> 00:08:38.159 He starts with a so then, 00:08:38.299 --> 00:08:41.879 which means in light of everything we've looked at in the previous verses. 00:08:42.060 --> 00:08:43.000 And what have we looked at? 00:08:43.220 --> 00:08:44.639 Life in the Holy Spirit. 00:08:44.779 --> 00:08:49.340 So so then, because of Jesus' death and resurrection 00:08:49.340 --> 00:08:51.720 that results in the gift of the Holy Spirit, 00:08:51.720 --> 00:08:55.899 which gives you both new life now and in the future. 00:08:55.899 --> 00:08:59.799 Because of that, we're debtors. 00:09:00.699 --> 00:09:02.059 We owe someone something. 00:09:03.059 --> 00:09:07.059 But we need to be clear who we don't owe anything to. 00:09:07.819 --> 00:09:10.799 We don't owe anything to the flesh. 00:09:12.240 --> 00:09:17.500 We don't owe anything to live according to the flesh. 00:09:18.120 --> 00:09:20.879 And so once again, I'm going to remind you what the flesh is. 00:09:21.179 --> 00:09:25.059 Same definition from the last two weeks on page seven of your worship guide. 00:09:25.059 --> 00:09:33.359 The flesh is human nature as corrupted, directed, and controlled by sin. 00:09:34.359 --> 00:09:37.179 Remember our question, why? 00:09:37.879 --> 00:09:39.219 Why do you obey God? 00:09:40.579 --> 00:09:46.519 Well, you obey God because you don't owe sin anything. 00:09:46.519 --> 00:09:52.559 You obey God because you don't owe sin anything. 00:09:53.500 --> 00:09:59.679 And because you do owe God everything. 00:10:01.519 --> 00:10:02.759 You don't sin. 00:10:02.939 --> 00:10:05.620 You obey God because you don't owe sin anything. 00:10:05.939 --> 00:10:08.019 And because you do owe God everything. 00:10:08.439 --> 00:10:11.720 And you owe God everything because of Jesus' resurrection 00:10:11.720 --> 00:10:15.620 and the new life that he gives to you. 00:10:16.139 --> 00:10:20.019 The new life from the Holy Spirit that gives you 00:10:20.019 --> 00:10:25.620 something now, gives you something in the future. 00:10:26.720 --> 00:10:30.759 Verse 12, we are debtors. 00:10:30.759 --> 00:10:34.039 You're just not debtors to the flesh. 00:10:34.120 --> 00:10:35.559 You're debtors to God. 00:10:36.779 --> 00:10:38.600 Why do we say no to sin? 00:10:39.639 --> 00:10:44.139 We say no to sin because we owe it to God. 00:10:46.059 --> 00:10:50.840 We owe it to God because of everything that's come before in chapter 8. 00:10:51.879 --> 00:10:53.019 Remember, that's why Paul says, 00:10:53.019 --> 00:11:01.319 So then, we owe it to God because the gift of life given to us through the Holy Spirit. 00:11:04.500 --> 00:11:08.279 Now, the word owe here can sound a little bit negative. 00:11:08.500 --> 00:11:11.079 We could end up in a weird place if we take it too far 00:11:11.079 --> 00:11:15.240 because God's gift of salvation is a gift. 00:11:15.340 --> 00:11:18.179 We're not meant to think of it as we have to repay God somehow. 00:11:18.340 --> 00:11:19.539 That's not what Paul's getting at. 00:11:19.919 --> 00:11:21.759 I want you to go back to our opening illustration. 00:11:23.019 --> 00:11:25.840 Why did you choose person two? 00:11:26.679 --> 00:11:28.259 At least, I hope that's who you chose. 00:11:29.559 --> 00:11:35.019 You chose person two because of the great love that they've shown you. 00:11:35.720 --> 00:11:35.799 Right? 00:11:37.259 --> 00:11:41.299 Spending the afternoon with them is not burdensome. 00:11:42.299 --> 00:11:43.279 You don't think to yourself, 00:11:43.419 --> 00:11:46.139 Wow, I really, you know, I really just wanted to take a nap. 00:11:46.240 --> 00:11:49.379 I hate that I have to be with this person who's been so kind to me. 00:11:50.379 --> 00:11:51.179 No, it's a delight. 00:11:51.179 --> 00:11:53.319 I think that's an easy choice. 00:11:53.399 --> 00:11:55.039 Of course, I want to spend the afternoon with them. 00:11:55.779 --> 00:11:59.379 You're not resentful that you have to give them your $1,000. 00:12:00.839 --> 00:12:01.879 No, you're thrilled. 00:12:03.319 --> 00:12:04.939 You're thrilled that you're able to do that. 00:12:05.759 --> 00:12:08.620 It's small compared with what they've done. 00:12:10.479 --> 00:12:11.659 That's what Paul's telling us. 00:12:11.659 --> 00:12:20.039 Obedience comes from hearts that have been melted by the gospel. 00:12:20.039 --> 00:12:21.740 We're thrilled. 00:12:21.740 --> 00:12:21.740 00:12:21.740 --> 00:12:25.740 We're thrilled. 00:12:27.259 --> 00:12:28.480 By God's grace. 00:12:28.799 --> 00:12:29.519 It's a delight. 00:12:31.299 --> 00:12:32.279 By the way, 00:12:33.000 --> 00:12:36.599 God's mercy and grace and love to us 00:12:36.599 --> 00:12:39.679 must capture our hearts. 00:12:39.679 --> 00:12:42.339 If you're a Christian, 00:12:42.539 --> 00:12:44.099 we've talked about this over and over, 00:12:44.259 --> 00:12:44.699 that 00:12:44.699 --> 00:12:48.699 is what drives you to the new life. 00:12:50.059 --> 00:12:52.779 If you really understand what Paul's been saying, 00:12:53.439 --> 00:12:56.759 verses 1 through 11 of chapter 8, 00:12:58.279 --> 00:13:00.599 everything else in your life 00:13:00.599 --> 00:13:03.479 pales in comparison. 00:13:03.480 --> 00:13:07.340 If you really understand, 00:13:08.200 --> 00:13:10.440 if you grasp what it means 00:13:10.440 --> 00:13:13.840 that you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God 00:13:13.840 --> 00:13:16.200 who is at work giving you 00:13:16.200 --> 00:13:19.680 new love, affection, and power, 00:13:20.840 --> 00:13:25.899 everything else is small in comparison. 00:13:29.899 --> 00:13:33.320 So when sin comes calling, 00:13:33.480 --> 00:13:36.279 and suggests to you, 00:13:36.440 --> 00:13:37.560 commands you, 00:13:37.940 --> 00:13:39.460 tries to coerce you 00:13:39.460 --> 00:13:41.620 to disobey God, 00:13:42.220 --> 00:13:44.580 you can talk back to it. 00:13:46.259 --> 00:13:47.019 You can say, 00:13:47.100 --> 00:13:47.379 you know what? 00:13:48.340 --> 00:13:51.580 You're not in charge anymore. 00:13:53.259 --> 00:13:53.800 In fact, 00:13:53.820 --> 00:13:55.460 you can even say it out loud if it helps. 00:13:55.519 --> 00:13:55.840 You can say, 00:13:55.920 --> 00:13:57.920 you don't run this place anymore. 00:13:59.560 --> 00:14:02.460 And I don't owe you anything. 00:14:03.480 --> 00:14:04.080 In fact, 00:14:04.139 --> 00:14:04.779 quite the opposite. 00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:06.899 I'm going to give myself 00:14:06.899 --> 00:14:09.560 to the one who loves me. 00:14:10.820 --> 00:14:12.240 I'm going to give myself 00:14:12.240 --> 00:14:13.060 to the one 00:14:13.060 --> 00:14:15.360 who's given me new life 00:14:15.360 --> 00:14:17.420 through the Spirit. 00:14:17.419 --> 00:14:22.240 We are debtors. 00:14:30.620 --> 00:14:31.059 Now, 00:14:31.139 --> 00:14:32.719 we don't just say yes to righteousness 00:14:32.719 --> 00:14:33.959 because we're debtors. 00:14:34.079 --> 00:14:35.639 Paul goes on in the next verse 00:14:35.639 --> 00:14:37.000 to give us his second reason. 00:14:37.799 --> 00:14:39.039 We say yes 00:14:39.039 --> 00:14:41.159 because it is a choice 00:14:41.159 --> 00:14:43.980 between life and death. 00:14:43.980 --> 00:14:45.879 verse 13. 00:14:46.800 --> 00:14:47.740 For if you live 00:14:47.740 --> 00:14:49.620 according to the flesh, 00:14:49.920 --> 00:14:51.899 you will die. 00:14:54.259 --> 00:14:56.019 We have to have some qualifications here, 00:14:56.080 --> 00:14:57.340 remind you some basics. 00:14:57.580 --> 00:14:58.420 This is going even back 00:14:58.420 --> 00:14:59.340 to chapter 5. 00:14:59.820 --> 00:15:01.200 You are not saved 00:15:01.200 --> 00:15:02.259 by your works. 00:15:02.259 --> 00:15:04.439 But, 00:15:04.919 --> 00:15:08.980 God does produce works 00:15:08.980 --> 00:15:11.080 in those he saves. 00:15:13.080 --> 00:15:15.019 God does not save you 00:15:15.019 --> 00:15:16.720 based on anything 00:15:16.720 --> 00:15:18.139 you have done 00:15:18.139 --> 00:15:19.659 or will do. 00:15:21.039 --> 00:15:21.639 But, 00:15:22.220 --> 00:15:22.960 and, 00:15:24.039 --> 00:15:25.960 those God saves, 00:15:26.460 --> 00:15:28.059 he sanctifies. 00:15:28.059 --> 00:15:33.059 holiness 00:15:33.059 --> 00:15:36.000 comes from 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:37.359 and after 00:15:37.359 --> 00:15:38.679 salvation, 00:15:39.279 --> 00:15:41.799 but holiness 00:15:41.799 --> 00:15:43.299 does 00:15:43.299 --> 00:15:44.179 come. 00:15:45.779 --> 00:15:46.859 If you belong 00:15:46.859 --> 00:15:47.459 to God, 00:15:48.439 --> 00:15:49.839 if God has 00:15:49.839 --> 00:15:51.139 chosen you, 00:15:51.959 --> 00:15:53.259 he will 00:15:53.259 --> 00:15:54.419 also 00:15:54.419 --> 00:15:55.500 change you. 00:15:55.500 --> 00:15:58.279 if God 00:15:58.279 --> 00:15:59.580 has chosen you, 00:16:00.539 --> 00:16:01.059 he 00:16:01.059 --> 00:16:01.879 will 00:16:01.879 --> 00:16:03.019 change you. 00:16:04.740 --> 00:16:05.460 Put it in a 00:16:05.460 --> 00:16:05.840 other way, 00:16:06.620 --> 00:16:07.740 if you keep 00:16:07.740 --> 00:16:08.200 living 00:16:08.200 --> 00:16:10.179 exactly 00:16:10.179 --> 00:16:11.039 the same way 00:16:11.039 --> 00:16:11.700 as you were living 00:16:11.700 --> 00:16:12.139 before, 00:16:13.139 --> 00:16:14.039 you 00:16:14.039 --> 00:16:14.799 will 00:16:14.799 --> 00:16:15.419 die. 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:18.220 Heaven 00:16:18.220 --> 00:16:19.600 is not 00:16:19.600 --> 00:16:20.259 where you are 00:16:20.259 --> 00:16:20.559 headed. 00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:23.419 If you keep 00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:24.220 living exactly 00:16:24.220 --> 00:16:24.960 the same way 00:16:24.960 --> 00:16:25.360 you're living 00:16:25.360 --> 00:16:25.860 before, 00:16:26.240 --> 00:16:27.160 heaven is not 00:16:27.160 --> 00:16:28.000 your final 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:28.840 destination. 00:16:29.200 --> 00:16:29.940 That is not 00:16:29.940 --> 00:16:30.920 the metro line 00:16:30.920 --> 00:16:31.840 that you 00:16:31.840 --> 00:16:32.740 are on. 00:16:39.560 --> 00:16:40.420 Is there 00:16:40.420 --> 00:16:40.960 a battle 00:16:40.960 --> 00:16:43.280 against sin 00:16:43.280 --> 00:16:44.639 in your life? 00:16:48.960 --> 00:16:49.740 Are you 00:16:49.740 --> 00:16:50.680 fighting against 00:16:50.680 --> 00:16:50.900 it? 00:16:53.019 --> 00:16:54.000 I certainly 00:16:54.000 --> 00:16:54.600 hope so. 00:16:54.960 --> 00:16:55.240 sin. 00:16:56.680 --> 00:16:57.379 That's the 00:16:57.379 --> 00:16:58.240 life of the 00:16:58.240 --> 00:16:58.759 Christian. 00:16:59.259 --> 00:17:00.180 The life of the 00:17:00.180 --> 00:17:00.860 Christian is what 00:17:00.860 --> 00:17:01.639 Paul says here. 00:17:01.700 --> 00:17:02.320 We're putting 00:17:02.320 --> 00:17:03.920 sin to death. 00:17:04.980 --> 00:17:05.940 If you are 00:17:05.940 --> 00:17:06.480 not 00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:07.799 fighting sin, 00:17:08.740 --> 00:17:10.440 if you are 00:17:10.440 --> 00:17:11.380 not battling 00:17:11.380 --> 00:17:12.319 for holiness, 00:17:13.600 --> 00:17:16.160 you should 00:17:16.160 --> 00:17:17.000 question 00:17:17.000 --> 00:17:18.840 whether you 00:17:18.840 --> 00:17:20.500 truly belong 00:17:20.500 --> 00:17:21.380 to God. 00:17:21.380 --> 00:17:23.800 it does 00:17:23.800 --> 00:17:26.740 it does 00:17:26.740 --> 00:17:27.400 not matter 00:17:27.400 --> 00:17:28.960 how much 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:29.640 theology 00:17:29.640 --> 00:17:30.440 you know. 00:17:31.780 --> 00:17:32.280 It does 00:17:32.280 --> 00:17:32.880 not matter 00:17:32.880 --> 00:17:33.480 how many 00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:34.360 events for 00:17:34.360 --> 00:17:34.860 the church 00:17:34.860 --> 00:17:35.240 you have 00:17:35.240 --> 00:17:35.800 planned. 00:17:36.660 --> 00:17:37.240 It does 00:17:37.240 --> 00:17:37.800 not matter 00:17:37.800 --> 00:17:38.300 how many 00:17:38.300 --> 00:17:39.240 Bible studies 00:17:39.240 --> 00:17:39.660 you've 00:17:39.660 --> 00:17:40.100 attended, 00:17:40.280 --> 00:17:40.780 how many 00:17:40.780 --> 00:17:41.300 churches 00:17:41.300 --> 00:17:41.680 you've been 00:17:41.680 --> 00:17:42.180 a part 00:17:42.180 --> 00:17:42.600 of. 00:17:43.360 --> 00:17:43.920 Fighting 00:17:43.920 --> 00:17:44.360 against 00:17:44.360 --> 00:17:44.800 sin, 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:45.660 concern 00:17:45.660 --> 00:17:46.580 for holiness, 00:17:46.579 --> 00:17:48.259 that is 00:17:48.259 --> 00:17:48.799 what the 00:17:48.799 --> 00:17:50.000 Holy Spirit 00:17:50.000 --> 00:17:51.179 stirs up 00:17:51.179 --> 00:17:51.480 in the 00:17:51.480 --> 00:17:51.899 Christian. 00:17:55.240 --> 00:17:55.960 Remember 00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:56.879 verse 9 00:17:56.879 --> 00:17:57.439 from last 00:17:57.439 --> 00:17:57.659 week, 00:17:58.299 --> 00:17:59.019 and every 00:17:59.019 --> 00:17:59.599 Christian 00:17:59.599 --> 00:18:00.619 has the 00:18:00.619 --> 00:18:01.339 Holy Spirit. 00:18:01.339 --> 00:18:04.559 all said 00:18:04.559 --> 00:18:05.000 it already. 00:18:05.539 --> 00:18:06.339 If the 00:18:06.339 --> 00:18:07.419 Holy Spirit 00:18:07.419 --> 00:18:08.339 is not 00:18:08.339 --> 00:18:09.240 in you, 00:18:09.759 --> 00:18:10.799 you are 00:18:10.799 --> 00:18:11.619 not a 00:18:11.619 --> 00:18:12.059 Christian. 00:18:15.099 --> 00:18:16.159 Is there 00:18:16.159 --> 00:18:16.720 a battle 00:18:16.720 --> 00:18:18.579 against sin 00:18:18.579 --> 00:18:19.079 in your 00:18:19.079 --> 00:18:19.579 life? 00:18:20.839 --> 00:18:21.839 Are you 00:18:21.839 --> 00:18:22.599 fighting 00:18:22.599 --> 00:18:23.959 against it? 00:18:25.359 --> 00:18:26.439 For if you 00:18:26.439 --> 00:18:27.500 live according 00:18:27.500 --> 00:18:27.939 to the 00:18:27.939 --> 00:18:28.379 flesh, 00:18:28.859 --> 00:18:29.919 you will 00:18:29.919 --> 00:18:30.559 die. 00:18:31.339 --> 00:18:33.199 And if 00:18:33.199 --> 00:18:33.419 you think 00:18:33.419 --> 00:18:33.659 that's 00:18:33.659 --> 00:18:34.159 too harsh, 00:18:34.659 --> 00:18:35.240 hear the 00:18:35.240 --> 00:18:35.779 words of 00:18:35.779 --> 00:18:36.159 our Lord 00:18:36.159 --> 00:18:36.720 Jesus in 00:18:36.720 --> 00:18:37.000 Matthew 00:18:37.000 --> 00:18:37.759 chapter 7. 00:18:38.959 --> 00:18:39.240 Not 00:18:39.240 --> 00:18:40.240 everyone who 00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:40.899 says to 00:18:40.899 --> 00:18:41.220 me, 00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:41.839 Lord, 00:18:42.019 --> 00:18:42.419 Lord, 00:18:42.619 --> 00:18:43.459 will enter 00:18:43.459 --> 00:18:44.059 the kingdom 00:18:44.059 --> 00:18:44.619 of heaven, 00:18:45.079 --> 00:18:45.799 but the 00:18:45.799 --> 00:18:46.459 one who 00:18:46.459 --> 00:18:47.259 does the 00:18:47.259 --> 00:18:48.599 will of 00:18:48.599 --> 00:18:49.379 my Father 00:18:49.379 --> 00:18:50.279 who is 00:18:50.279 --> 00:18:51.399 in heaven. 00:18:54.879 --> 00:18:55.639 Do 00:18:55.639 --> 00:18:56.159 you 00:18:56.159 --> 00:18:57.599 do the 00:18:57.599 --> 00:18:58.799 will of 00:18:58.799 --> 00:18:59.019 your 00:18:59.019 --> 00:18:59.559 Father 00:18:59.559 --> 00:19:00.819 who is 00:19:00.819 --> 00:19:01.619 in 00:19:01.619 --> 00:19:02.279 heaven? 00:19:12.720 --> 00:19:13.359 We've 00:19:13.359 --> 00:19:13.579 made it 00:19:13.579 --> 00:19:13.799 through the 00:19:13.799 --> 00:19:14.480 first half 00:19:14.480 --> 00:19:15.259 of verse 00:19:15.259 --> 00:19:15.740 13, 00:19:15.839 --> 00:19:16.359 which tells 00:19:16.359 --> 00:19:17.639 us holiness 00:19:17.639 --> 00:19:19.639 is non-negotiable 00:19:19.639 --> 00:19:20.399 in the 00:19:20.399 --> 00:19:21.099 Christian life. 00:19:21.659 --> 00:19:22.359 The second 00:19:22.359 --> 00:19:22.919 part of 00:19:22.919 --> 00:19:23.500 verse 13 00:19:23.500 --> 00:19:24.399 tells us 00:19:24.399 --> 00:19:25.019 holiness 00:19:25.019 --> 00:19:25.819 takes work. 00:19:26.319 --> 00:19:26.879 We play 00:19:26.879 --> 00:19:27.240 a part. 00:19:27.919 --> 00:19:28.259 So we're 00:19:28.259 --> 00:19:28.379 going to 00:19:28.379 --> 00:19:28.639 break it 00:19:28.640 --> 00:19:28.900 down. 00:19:30.020 --> 00:19:30.300 But if 00:19:30.300 --> 00:19:30.660 by the 00:19:30.660 --> 00:19:31.020 spirit 00:19:31.020 --> 00:19:31.400 you put 00:19:31.400 --> 00:19:31.880 to death 00:19:31.880 --> 00:19:32.660 the deeds 00:19:32.660 --> 00:19:33.040 of the 00:19:33.040 --> 00:19:33.420 body, 00:19:33.580 --> 00:19:33.960 you will 00:19:33.960 --> 00:19:34.380 live. 00:19:34.680 --> 00:19:34.940 And that 00:19:34.940 --> 00:19:35.600 first phrase 00:19:35.600 --> 00:19:36.360 is important. 00:19:36.500 --> 00:19:37.800 If by 00:19:37.800 --> 00:19:38.780 the spirit. 00:19:39.840 --> 00:19:40.340 Remember, 00:19:40.460 --> 00:19:41.000 this chapter 00:19:41.000 --> 00:19:42.080 is answering 00:19:42.080 --> 00:19:42.860 this question 00:19:42.860 --> 00:19:43.420 Paul's been 00:19:43.420 --> 00:19:43.960 getting at, 00:19:44.020 --> 00:19:44.880 which is how 00:19:44.880 --> 00:19:46.120 do we live 00:19:46.120 --> 00:19:46.800 lives of 00:19:46.800 --> 00:19:47.220 holiness? 00:19:47.220 --> 00:19:47.600 And we've 00:19:47.600 --> 00:19:48.259 already seen 00:19:48.259 --> 00:19:49.220 it is not 00:19:49.220 --> 00:19:49.600 by the 00:19:49.600 --> 00:19:49.940 law. 00:19:50.180 --> 00:19:50.500 That's 00:19:50.500 --> 00:19:51.180 chapter 7. 00:19:51.180 --> 00:19:52.140 It is not 00:19:52.140 --> 00:19:52.620 by more 00:19:52.620 --> 00:19:53.180 rules. 00:19:53.180 --> 00:19:54.500 It is not 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:55.240 by gritting 00:19:55.240 --> 00:19:55.920 your teeth 00:19:55.920 --> 00:19:56.519 harder. 00:19:57.380 --> 00:19:58.140 It is not 00:19:58.140 --> 00:19:58.980 by pulling 00:19:58.980 --> 00:19:59.920 ourselves up 00:19:59.920 --> 00:20:00.460 by our 00:20:00.460 --> 00:20:01.220 bootstraps. 00:20:01.779 --> 00:20:02.160 Remember, 00:20:02.940 --> 00:20:04.100 if God 00:20:04.100 --> 00:20:05.039 has chosen 00:20:05.039 --> 00:20:05.640 you, 00:20:05.960 --> 00:20:07.019 he will 00:20:07.019 --> 00:20:08.100 change you. 00:20:09.700 --> 00:20:10.259 He 00:20:10.259 --> 00:20:12.220 will change 00:20:12.220 --> 00:20:12.480 you. 00:20:13.100 --> 00:20:13.720 It is 00:20:13.720 --> 00:20:14.840 by the 00:20:14.840 --> 00:20:15.340 spirit. 00:20:16.519 --> 00:20:16.880 Some of 00:20:16.880 --> 00:20:17.100 you are 00:20:17.100 --> 00:20:17.720 familiar with 00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:18.100 the Navy 00:20:18.100 --> 00:20:18.700 SEAL and 00:20:18.700 --> 00:20:19.320 influencer 00:20:19.320 --> 00:20:19.940 Jocko 00:20:19.940 --> 00:20:20.519 Willink who 00:20:20.519 --> 00:20:20.960 says, 00:20:21.840 --> 00:20:22.400 only person 00:20:22.400 --> 00:20:22.800 who can 00:20:22.800 --> 00:20:23.380 fix your 00:20:23.380 --> 00:20:23.960 problems 00:20:23.960 --> 00:20:24.640 is you. 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:26.640 And that's 00:20:26.640 --> 00:20:26.920 actually 00:20:26.920 --> 00:20:27.320 false. 00:20:29.040 --> 00:20:29.720 It's not 00:20:29.720 --> 00:20:30.019 true. 00:20:30.540 --> 00:20:31.060 And it's 00:20:31.060 --> 00:20:31.400 not true 00:20:31.400 --> 00:20:31.980 because your 00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:32.840 problems are 00:20:32.840 --> 00:20:34.019 too big 00:20:34.019 --> 00:20:34.759 for you 00:20:34.759 --> 00:20:35.340 to fix. 00:20:37.019 --> 00:20:37.700 That's the 00:20:37.700 --> 00:20:38.100 bad news 00:20:38.100 --> 00:20:38.320 of the 00:20:38.320 --> 00:20:38.660 gospel. 00:20:39.740 --> 00:20:40.680 You must 00:20:40.680 --> 00:20:41.480 change, 00:20:41.860 --> 00:20:42.300 and you 00:20:42.300 --> 00:20:43.040 cannot 00:20:43.040 --> 00:20:44.200 change 00:20:44.200 --> 00:20:44.840 yourself. 00:20:47.300 --> 00:20:47.940 So what 00:20:47.940 --> 00:20:48.100 do you 00:20:48.100 --> 00:20:48.300 do? 00:20:50.019 --> 00:20:51.240 You need 00:20:51.240 --> 00:20:52.220 the new 00:20:52.220 --> 00:20:53.660 life that 00:20:53.660 --> 00:20:55.120 comes from 00:20:55.120 --> 00:20:55.720 the Holy 00:20:55.720 --> 00:20:56.600 Spirit. 00:20:57.480 --> 00:20:58.200 The new 00:20:58.200 --> 00:20:59.339 life that 00:20:59.339 --> 00:21:00.339 gives you 00:21:00.339 --> 00:21:01.480 new 00:21:01.480 --> 00:21:02.620 desires, 00:21:03.500 --> 00:21:04.319 new 00:21:04.319 --> 00:21:05.279 motivations, 00:21:06.100 --> 00:21:07.220 and new 00:21:07.220 --> 00:21:09.259 power to 00:21:09.259 --> 00:21:10.680 put sin 00:21:10.680 --> 00:21:11.579 to death. 00:21:12.880 --> 00:21:13.799 Without 00:21:13.799 --> 00:21:15.600 the Holy 00:21:15.600 --> 00:21:17.400 Spirit at 00:21:17.400 --> 00:21:18.339 work in 00:21:18.339 --> 00:21:18.880 you, 00:21:19.519 --> 00:21:20.120 changing 00:21:20.119 --> 00:21:20.619 your 00:21:20.619 --> 00:21:20.959 heart 00:21:20.959 --> 00:21:21.459 stone 00:21:21.459 --> 00:21:22.099 into a 00:21:22.099 --> 00:21:22.359 heart 00:21:22.359 --> 00:21:22.619 of 00:21:22.619 --> 00:21:23.219 flesh, 00:21:23.219 --> 00:21:24.859 you have 00:21:24.859 --> 00:21:25.279 no 00:21:25.279 --> 00:21:25.819 hope. 00:21:27.819 --> 00:21:28.500 By 00:21:28.500 --> 00:21:29.619 the 00:21:29.619 --> 00:21:30.000 Spirit. 00:21:31.599 --> 00:21:32.259 Now those 00:21:32.259 --> 00:21:32.919 new desires, 00:21:33.059 --> 00:21:33.319 those new 00:21:33.319 --> 00:21:33.919 motivations, 00:21:34.179 --> 00:21:34.439 that new 00:21:34.439 --> 00:21:35.599 power also 00:21:35.599 --> 00:21:36.179 leads to 00:21:36.179 --> 00:21:36.879 new action. 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:37.199 That's the 00:21:37.199 --> 00:21:37.799 next part 00:21:37.799 --> 00:21:39.000 of 13. 00:21:39.500 --> 00:21:40.079 Put to 00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:40.759 death 00:21:40.759 --> 00:21:42.059 the deeds 00:21:42.059 --> 00:21:42.639 of the 00:21:42.639 --> 00:21:42.939 body. 00:21:44.039 --> 00:21:44.519 And we've 00:21:44.519 --> 00:21:44.959 talked about 00:21:44.959 --> 00:21:45.559 this before. 00:21:45.559 --> 00:21:46.000 this word 00:21:46.000 --> 00:21:46.839 body does 00:21:46.839 --> 00:21:47.700 not mean 00:21:47.700 --> 00:21:48.440 that the 00:21:48.440 --> 00:21:49.159 body is 00:21:49.159 --> 00:21:49.759 bad. 00:21:50.000 --> 00:21:50.259 What it 00:21:50.259 --> 00:21:50.559 means is 00:21:50.559 --> 00:21:50.899 this. 00:21:51.279 --> 00:21:51.819 When you 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:52.359 sin, 00:21:52.539 --> 00:21:53.259 whenever you 00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:53.599 sin, 00:21:53.700 --> 00:21:54.359 it happens 00:21:54.359 --> 00:21:54.700 in your 00:21:54.700 --> 00:21:55.740 body in 00:21:55.740 --> 00:21:56.279 one way 00:21:56.279 --> 00:21:56.859 or another. 00:21:57.379 --> 00:21:57.839 Your sin 00:21:57.839 --> 00:21:58.139 is an 00:21:58.139 --> 00:21:58.679 embodied 00:21:58.679 --> 00:21:59.299 act. 00:21:59.740 --> 00:22:00.200 Sin is a 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:01.159 presence that 00:22:01.159 --> 00:22:02.960 expresses itself 00:22:02.960 --> 00:22:03.659 in your 00:22:03.659 --> 00:22:04.099 embodied 00:22:04.099 --> 00:22:04.720 existence. 00:22:06.039 --> 00:22:06.440 And so you 00:22:06.440 --> 00:22:06.679 must, 00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:07.220 you must put 00:22:07.220 --> 00:22:07.799 those sinful 00:22:07.799 --> 00:22:08.259 acts to 00:22:08.259 --> 00:22:08.460 death. 00:22:08.539 --> 00:22:08.819 You must 00:22:08.819 --> 00:22:09.599 end them. 00:22:10.399 --> 00:22:10.720 You must 00:22:10.720 --> 00:22:11.879 wage war 00:22:11.879 --> 00:22:13.000 against the 00:22:13.000 --> 00:22:14.659 presence of 00:22:14.660 --> 00:22:15.000 sin. 00:22:15.860 --> 00:22:16.120 Remember 00:22:16.120 --> 00:22:16.800 chapter 6, 00:22:16.860 --> 00:22:17.360 we talked 00:22:17.360 --> 00:22:17.740 about the 00:22:17.740 --> 00:22:18.519 war against 00:22:18.519 --> 00:22:18.840 sin, 00:22:19.820 --> 00:22:20.920 which tells 00:22:20.920 --> 00:22:22.100 us obedience 00:22:22.100 --> 00:22:25.220 requires specific 00:22:25.220 --> 00:22:26.680 commitment to 00:22:26.680 --> 00:22:27.160 change. 00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:29.680 It is one 00:22:29.680 --> 00:22:30.420 thing to 00:22:30.420 --> 00:22:30.900 say, 00:22:31.220 --> 00:22:32.200 yes, 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:32.640 I'm going 00:22:32.640 --> 00:22:33.040 to follow 00:22:33.040 --> 00:22:33.360 God. 00:22:34.560 --> 00:22:35.420 It is 00:22:35.420 --> 00:22:36.019 another thing 00:22:36.019 --> 00:22:36.660 to say, 00:22:37.160 --> 00:22:38.500 I am going 00:22:38.500 --> 00:22:39.220 to stay 00:22:39.220 --> 00:22:40.000 away from 00:22:40.000 --> 00:22:40.759 people and 00:22:40.759 --> 00:22:41.620 places that 00:22:41.620 --> 00:22:42.500 cause me to 00:22:42.500 --> 00:22:43.220 drink too 00:22:43.220 --> 00:22:43.560 much. 00:22:44.660 --> 00:22:45.860 it's another 00:22:45.860 --> 00:22:46.440 thing to 00:22:46.440 --> 00:22:46.740 say, 00:22:46.860 --> 00:22:47.340 I am going 00:22:47.340 --> 00:22:47.860 to put a 00:22:47.860 --> 00:22:48.740 filter or 00:22:48.740 --> 00:22:49.259 accountability 00:22:49.259 --> 00:22:50.340 software on 00:22:50.340 --> 00:22:51.340 my phone and 00:22:51.340 --> 00:22:52.080 my computer. 00:22:53.040 --> 00:22:54.120 It is another 00:22:54.120 --> 00:22:54.759 thing to say, 00:22:54.840 --> 00:22:55.320 I'm going to 00:22:55.320 --> 00:22:56.279 work on a 00:22:56.279 --> 00:22:57.080 budget so 00:22:57.080 --> 00:22:57.519 that I can 00:22:57.519 --> 00:22:58.500 be generous 00:22:58.500 --> 00:22:59.580 consistently. 00:23:00.880 --> 00:23:02.000 It is another 00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:02.800 thing to say, 00:23:02.880 --> 00:23:03.320 I'm going to 00:23:03.320 --> 00:23:04.160 talk to a 00:23:04.160 --> 00:23:04.660 friend and 00:23:04.660 --> 00:23:04.900 say, 00:23:05.060 --> 00:23:05.400 yes, 00:23:05.420 --> 00:23:06.000 I'm tempted 00:23:06.000 --> 00:23:06.860 to gossip. 00:23:07.500 --> 00:23:07.880 Would you 00:23:07.880 --> 00:23:08.220 help me? 00:23:09.300 --> 00:23:10.300 It is another 00:23:10.300 --> 00:23:12.279 thing to go 00:23:12.279 --> 00:23:12.980 to bed on 00:23:12.980 --> 00:23:13.720 Saturday night. 00:23:14.660 --> 00:23:15.240 So you 00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:15.680 can come 00:23:15.680 --> 00:23:16.000 here on 00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:16.620 Sunday morning 00:23:16.620 --> 00:23:17.460 to worship 00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:18.480 the living 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:18.920 God. 00:23:21.640 --> 00:23:22.860 Putting sin 00:23:22.860 --> 00:23:23.580 to death, 00:23:23.660 --> 00:23:24.060 putting to 00:23:24.060 --> 00:23:24.560 death the 00:23:24.560 --> 00:23:25.279 deeds of 00:23:25.279 --> 00:23:25.720 the body 00:23:25.720 --> 00:23:26.440 means we 00:23:26.440 --> 00:23:27.580 take action, 00:23:28.140 --> 00:23:28.820 empowered by 00:23:28.820 --> 00:23:29.160 the Holy 00:23:29.160 --> 00:23:29.620 Spirit, 00:23:29.740 --> 00:23:30.860 enabled by 00:23:30.860 --> 00:23:31.320 our new 00:23:31.320 --> 00:23:31.800 power, 00:23:31.980 --> 00:23:32.259 love, 00:23:32.440 --> 00:23:32.980 motivation, 00:23:33.160 --> 00:23:33.860 and desire, 00:23:34.420 --> 00:23:35.259 but action 00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:35.660 nonetheless. 00:23:36.880 --> 00:23:37.400 Action 00:23:37.400 --> 00:23:39.040 towards holiness. 00:23:40.279 --> 00:23:40.680 The person 00:23:40.680 --> 00:23:41.220 who is fighting 00:23:41.220 --> 00:23:41.700 this war 00:23:41.700 --> 00:23:42.460 doesn't dismiss 00:23:42.460 --> 00:23:43.039 their sin. 00:23:43.100 --> 00:23:43.420 They don't 00:23:43.420 --> 00:23:44.039 say things 00:23:44.039 --> 00:23:44.259 like, 00:23:44.360 --> 00:23:44.640 oh, 00:23:44.700 --> 00:23:45.000 you know, 00:23:45.079 --> 00:23:45.620 there's grace 00:23:45.620 --> 00:23:46.120 for that. 00:23:46.720 --> 00:23:47.600 God accepts 00:23:47.600 --> 00:23:48.200 me as I 00:23:48.200 --> 00:23:48.720 am. 00:23:49.660 --> 00:23:50.059 No, 00:23:50.140 --> 00:23:50.559 they're in a 00:23:50.559 --> 00:23:50.880 fight. 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:52.559 They are 00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:53.220 putting to 00:23:53.220 --> 00:23:54.360 death the 00:23:54.360 --> 00:23:55.420 deeds of 00:23:55.420 --> 00:23:55.840 the body. 00:23:57.740 --> 00:23:58.319 Paul doesn't 00:23:58.319 --> 00:23:59.019 leave any room 00:23:59.019 --> 00:23:59.440 for us to 00:23:59.440 --> 00:23:59.819 wonder, 00:23:59.940 --> 00:24:00.100 right? 00:24:00.120 --> 00:24:00.500 I'm not sure 00:24:00.500 --> 00:24:00.740 if there's 00:24:00.740 --> 00:24:01.180 anything more 00:24:01.180 --> 00:24:01.940 radical than 00:24:01.940 --> 00:24:02.880 putting to 00:24:02.880 --> 00:24:03.279 death. 00:24:03.360 --> 00:24:03.559 He's saying 00:24:03.559 --> 00:24:03.940 there needs 00:24:03.940 --> 00:24:04.360 to be something 00:24:04.360 --> 00:24:04.680 that is 00:24:04.680 --> 00:24:05.759 aggressive and 00:24:05.759 --> 00:24:06.380 determined. 00:24:06.960 --> 00:24:07.279 You are 00:24:07.279 --> 00:24:08.460 taking sin 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:09.200 by the 00:24:09.200 --> 00:24:09.660 throat 00:24:09.660 --> 00:24:11.880 and strangling 00:24:11.880 --> 00:24:12.220 it. 00:24:13.420 --> 00:24:14.200 Not cozying 00:24:14.200 --> 00:24:14.579 up with 00:24:14.579 --> 00:24:14.819 it, 00:24:15.620 --> 00:24:16.180 killing it. 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:19.680 Remember, 00:24:19.960 --> 00:24:20.680 Romans is 00:24:20.680 --> 00:24:21.220 the fifth 00:24:21.220 --> 00:24:21.860 gospel, 00:24:22.980 --> 00:24:24.940 which means 00:24:24.940 --> 00:24:25.279 that what 00:24:25.279 --> 00:24:26.079 Paul teaches 00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:26.640 Jesus 00:24:26.640 --> 00:24:27.620 first. 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:29.440 Jesus teaches 00:24:29.440 --> 00:24:29.880 this in 00:24:29.880 --> 00:24:30.200 Matthew 00:24:30.200 --> 00:24:31.140 chapter 5. 00:24:32.299 --> 00:24:32.700 If your 00:24:32.700 --> 00:24:33.519 right eye 00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:34.220 causes you 00:24:34.220 --> 00:24:34.680 to sin, 00:24:35.600 --> 00:24:35.940 tear it 00:24:35.940 --> 00:24:36.900 out and 00:24:36.900 --> 00:24:37.220 throw it 00:24:37.220 --> 00:24:37.480 away. 00:24:38.460 --> 00:24:39.039 For it 00:24:39.039 --> 00:24:39.620 is better 00:24:39.620 --> 00:24:40.480 that you 00:24:40.480 --> 00:24:41.360 lose one 00:24:41.360 --> 00:24:41.700 of your 00:24:41.700 --> 00:24:43.319 members than 00:24:43.319 --> 00:24:43.660 that your 00:24:43.660 --> 00:24:44.700 whole body 00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:45.819 be thrown 00:24:45.819 --> 00:24:46.940 into hell. 00:24:48.079 --> 00:24:48.660 And if 00:24:48.660 --> 00:24:49.100 your right 00:24:49.100 --> 00:24:49.759 hand causes 00:24:49.759 --> 00:24:50.380 you to sin, 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:51.120 cut it off 00:24:51.120 --> 00:24:51.539 and throw 00:24:51.539 --> 00:24:52.000 it away. 00:24:53.380 --> 00:24:53.819 For it 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:54.360 is better 00:24:54.360 --> 00:24:55.620 that you 00:24:55.620 --> 00:24:56.299 lose one 00:24:56.299 --> 00:24:56.640 of your 00:24:56.640 --> 00:24:57.980 members than 00:24:57.980 --> 00:24:58.319 that your 00:24:58.319 --> 00:24:59.700 whole body 00:24:59.700 --> 00:25:01.779 go into 00:25:01.779 --> 00:25:02.120 hell. 00:25:05.980 --> 00:25:06.720 For if 00:25:06.720 --> 00:25:07.180 you live 00:25:07.180 --> 00:25:07.660 according to 00:25:07.660 --> 00:25:08.200 the flesh, 00:25:08.460 --> 00:25:09.120 you will 00:25:09.120 --> 00:25:09.440 die. 00:25:10.480 --> 00:25:11.039 But if 00:25:11.039 --> 00:25:11.360 by the 00:25:11.360 --> 00:25:11.720 spirit 00:25:11.720 --> 00:25:12.180 you put 00:25:12.180 --> 00:25:12.600 to death 00:25:12.600 --> 00:25:13.420 the deeds 00:25:13.420 --> 00:25:14.079 of the 00:25:14.079 --> 00:25:14.420 body, 00:25:15.039 --> 00:25:15.539 you will 00:25:15.539 --> 00:25:15.779 live. 00:25:15.779 --> 00:25:25.579 Now there's 00:25:25.579 --> 00:25:25.940 a million 00:25:25.940 --> 00:25:27.640 things we 00:25:27.640 --> 00:25:28.140 could say, 00:25:28.539 --> 00:25:29.180 I could say 00:25:29.180 --> 00:25:29.539 about the 00:25:29.539 --> 00:25:30.779 fight against 00:25:30.779 --> 00:25:31.100 sin, 00:25:31.180 --> 00:25:31.480 a hundred 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:32.279 qualifications, 00:25:32.819 --> 00:25:33.079 and my 00:25:33.079 --> 00:25:33.420 goal. 00:25:33.420 --> 00:25:34.660 this morning 00:25:34.660 --> 00:25:34.900 as I 00:25:34.900 --> 00:25:35.220 sometimes 00:25:35.220 --> 00:25:35.660 tell you 00:25:35.660 --> 00:25:35.940 when we're 00:25:35.940 --> 00:25:36.340 up against 00:25:36.340 --> 00:25:36.880 a massive 00:25:36.880 --> 00:25:37.519 topic, 00:25:37.800 --> 00:25:38.039 it's 00:25:38.039 --> 00:25:38.519 to say 00:25:38.519 --> 00:25:39.180 something 00:25:39.180 --> 00:25:39.940 on 00:25:39.940 --> 00:25:40.360 everything. 00:25:41.759 --> 00:25:42.080 And so 00:25:42.080 --> 00:25:42.460 as we 00:25:42.460 --> 00:25:43.300 think about 00:25:43.300 --> 00:25:44.200 our battle 00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:44.779 against sin, 00:25:44.860 --> 00:25:45.420 putting sin 00:25:45.420 --> 00:25:45.880 to death, 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:46.560 the war 00:25:46.560 --> 00:25:47.660 of obedience, 00:25:47.660 --> 00:25:48.160 I want to 00:25:48.160 --> 00:25:48.540 point out 00:25:48.540 --> 00:25:49.300 two and 00:25:49.300 --> 00:25:49.720 only two 00:25:49.720 --> 00:25:50.200 things to 00:25:50.200 --> 00:25:50.380 you. 00:25:50.380 --> 00:25:51.900 Two pastoral 00:25:51.900 --> 00:25:52.320 notes. 00:25:53.340 --> 00:25:53.880 First, 00:25:54.660 --> 00:25:55.759 if you want 00:25:55.759 --> 00:25:57.560 progress in 00:25:57.560 --> 00:25:58.259 your battle 00:25:58.259 --> 00:25:59.200 against sin, 00:25:59.759 --> 00:26:01.800 you cannot 00:26:01.800 --> 00:26:03.000 do it 00:26:03.000 --> 00:26:03.759 alone. 00:26:03.759 --> 00:26:06.299 if you 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:07.140 want to 00:26:07.140 --> 00:26:07.759 put sin 00:26:07.759 --> 00:26:08.339 to death, 00:26:08.599 --> 00:26:09.559 that is 00:26:09.559 --> 00:26:10.220 not a 00:26:10.220 --> 00:26:10.920 solo 00:26:10.920 --> 00:26:12.220 journey. 00:26:14.200 --> 00:26:15.099 I've said 00:26:15.099 --> 00:26:15.519 before, 00:26:15.660 --> 00:26:16.160 the opposite 00:26:16.160 --> 00:26:16.759 of, 00:26:17.160 --> 00:26:17.740 and this 00:26:17.740 --> 00:26:18.140 doesn't come 00:26:18.140 --> 00:26:18.500 from me, 00:26:18.559 --> 00:26:19.019 the opposite 00:26:19.019 --> 00:26:19.859 of addiction 00:26:19.859 --> 00:26:20.420 is not 00:26:20.420 --> 00:26:21.140 sobriety, 00:26:21.879 --> 00:26:22.460 the opposite 00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:23.119 of addiction 00:26:23.119 --> 00:26:24.299 is connection. 00:26:26.079 --> 00:26:27.000 God has 00:26:27.000 --> 00:26:28.059 not designed 00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:29.440 us to 00:26:29.440 --> 00:26:30.339 kill sin 00:26:30.339 --> 00:26:31.579 by ourselves. 00:26:31.579 --> 00:26:33.859 you have 00:26:33.859 --> 00:26:34.299 to tell 00:26:34.299 --> 00:26:34.779 someone, 00:26:35.460 --> 00:26:37.119 someone who 00:26:37.119 --> 00:26:37.740 will help 00:26:37.740 --> 00:26:38.059 you. 00:26:40.859 --> 00:26:41.740 When someone 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:42.599 asks for help, 00:26:42.699 --> 00:26:42.879 I say, 00:26:42.960 --> 00:26:43.119 wow, 00:26:43.179 --> 00:26:43.819 I'm so proud 00:26:43.819 --> 00:26:44.079 of you. 00:26:45.279 --> 00:26:46.059 You are 00:26:46.059 --> 00:26:46.799 doing the 00:26:46.799 --> 00:26:48.379 exact right 00:26:48.379 --> 00:26:49.019 thing 00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:50.980 to kill 00:26:50.980 --> 00:26:51.319 sin, 00:26:51.960 --> 00:26:53.220 bringing it 00:26:53.220 --> 00:26:54.279 out into 00:26:54.279 --> 00:26:54.740 the light. 00:26:56.259 --> 00:26:56.639 The Bible 00:26:56.639 --> 00:26:57.099 has something 00:26:57.099 --> 00:26:57.639 to say about 00:26:57.639 --> 00:26:57.980 this. 00:26:58.460 --> 00:26:58.699 James 00:26:58.699 --> 00:26:59.599 chapter 5, 00:27:00.419 --> 00:27:00.839 therefore, 00:27:01.579 --> 00:27:02.639 confess your 00:27:02.639 --> 00:27:03.220 sins to 00:27:03.220 --> 00:27:03.879 one another 00:27:03.879 --> 00:27:05.159 and pray 00:27:05.159 --> 00:27:05.619 for one 00:27:05.619 --> 00:27:06.039 another 00:27:06.039 --> 00:27:07.059 that you 00:27:07.059 --> 00:27:07.419 may be 00:27:07.419 --> 00:27:07.699 healed. 00:27:10.899 --> 00:27:11.619 Second, 00:27:12.720 --> 00:27:13.460 in our 00:27:13.460 --> 00:27:14.059 battle against 00:27:14.059 --> 00:27:14.419 sin, 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:16.399 we must 00:27:16.399 --> 00:27:17.139 remember 00:27:17.139 --> 00:27:18.919 that God's 00:27:18.919 --> 00:27:19.559 law 00:27:19.559 --> 00:27:21.299 is life. 00:27:22.619 --> 00:27:23.500 As we've 00:27:23.500 --> 00:27:23.899 seen many 00:27:23.899 --> 00:27:24.539 times in the 00:27:24.539 --> 00:27:24.819 book of 00:27:24.819 --> 00:27:25.079 Romans, 00:27:25.220 --> 00:27:25.819 it is in 00:27:25.819 --> 00:27:26.299 God's 00:27:26.299 --> 00:27:26.960 glory 00:27:26.960 --> 00:27:27.899 that we 00:27:27.899 --> 00:27:28.599 discover our 00:27:28.599 --> 00:27:28.839 good. 00:27:29.759 --> 00:27:30.179 In other 00:27:30.179 --> 00:27:30.379 words, 00:27:30.380 --> 00:27:30.940 it is the 00:27:30.940 --> 00:27:31.620 wrong way 00:27:31.620 --> 00:27:31.980 to think 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:32.580 about this 00:27:32.580 --> 00:27:33.040 when you're 00:27:33.040 --> 00:27:33.520 tempted to 00:27:33.520 --> 00:27:33.680 say, 00:27:33.780 --> 00:27:34.020 you know, 00:27:34.120 --> 00:27:34.400 I'll 00:27:34.400 --> 00:27:34.920 obey, 00:27:35.480 --> 00:27:35.840 I'll 00:27:35.840 --> 00:27:36.600 miss out 00:27:36.600 --> 00:27:37.240 now, 00:27:37.380 --> 00:27:37.900 so I 00:27:37.900 --> 00:27:38.320 can gain 00:27:38.320 --> 00:27:38.520 in the 00:27:38.520 --> 00:27:38.840 future. 00:27:39.440 --> 00:27:39.700 I'll 00:27:39.700 --> 00:27:40.560 forgo all 00:27:40.560 --> 00:27:40.860 these 00:27:40.860 --> 00:27:41.540 wonderful, 00:27:41.720 --> 00:27:42.060 beautiful 00:27:42.060 --> 00:27:42.780 things with 00:27:42.780 --> 00:27:43.140 some kind 00:27:43.140 --> 00:27:43.480 of hope 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:43.880 of heaven. 00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:44.800 That's the 00:27:44.800 --> 00:27:45.280 wrong view 00:27:45.280 --> 00:27:45.800 because you 00:27:45.800 --> 00:27:46.420 are not 00:27:46.420 --> 00:27:47.360 missing out 00:27:47.360 --> 00:27:47.780 now, 00:27:47.860 --> 00:27:48.280 you are 00:27:48.280 --> 00:27:48.900 gaining 00:27:48.900 --> 00:27:49.500 now. 00:27:50.780 --> 00:27:51.240 God's 00:27:51.240 --> 00:27:52.080 law is 00:27:52.080 --> 00:27:53.260 always the 00:27:53.260 --> 00:27:54.040 path to 00:27:54.040 --> 00:27:54.560 life. 00:27:54.559 --> 00:27:56.839 God 00:27:56.839 --> 00:27:57.579 has designed 00:27:57.579 --> 00:27:58.159 the universe 00:27:58.159 --> 00:27:58.559 in a 00:27:58.559 --> 00:27:59.399 certain way 00:27:59.399 --> 00:28:00.359 and his 00:28:00.359 --> 00:28:01.299 commands tell 00:28:01.299 --> 00:28:01.859 us how to 00:28:01.859 --> 00:28:03.079 live within 00:28:03.079 --> 00:28:03.980 the grain 00:28:03.980 --> 00:28:04.440 of the 00:28:04.440 --> 00:28:04.980 universe, 00:28:05.299 --> 00:28:05.679 the way 00:28:05.679 --> 00:28:06.460 it actually 00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:07.279 brings us 00:28:07.279 --> 00:28:07.960 joy and 00:28:07.960 --> 00:28:09.139 hope and 00:28:09.139 --> 00:28:09.639 peace. 00:28:10.539 --> 00:28:11.059 Remember 00:28:11.059 --> 00:28:11.859 verse 6, 00:28:12.299 --> 00:28:13.079 to set the 00:28:13.079 --> 00:28:14.039 mind on 00:28:14.039 --> 00:28:14.940 the spirit 00:28:14.940 --> 00:28:16.460 is life 00:28:16.460 --> 00:28:17.720 and peace. 00:28:17.720 --> 00:28:19.980 your heavenly 00:28:19.980 --> 00:28:21.620 father has 00:28:21.620 --> 00:28:22.279 given you 00:28:22.279 --> 00:28:23.140 his commands 00:28:23.140 --> 00:28:24.120 not as a 00:28:24.120 --> 00:28:24.839 killjoy, 00:28:25.519 --> 00:28:26.299 but as 00:28:26.299 --> 00:28:27.160 one who 00:28:27.160 --> 00:28:27.920 desires 00:28:27.920 --> 00:28:29.160 your good. 00:28:30.860 --> 00:28:31.519 Do you 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:32.279 want to be 00:28:32.279 --> 00:28:34.019 protected from 00:28:34.019 --> 00:28:35.079 the ravages of 00:28:35.079 --> 00:28:35.680 this world? 00:28:37.860 --> 00:28:38.920 Stay within 00:28:38.920 --> 00:28:39.539 the fences 00:28:39.539 --> 00:28:40.299 that God 00:28:40.299 --> 00:28:41.319 has given. 00:28:43.019 --> 00:28:43.839 And when 00:28:43.839 --> 00:28:44.500 you see 00:28:44.500 --> 00:28:46.240 someone who 00:28:46.240 --> 00:28:46.740 you think is 00:28:46.740 --> 00:28:47.600 better off 00:28:47.599 --> 00:28:48.039 than you 00:28:48.039 --> 00:28:48.259 are, 00:28:48.339 --> 00:28:48.559 because 00:28:48.559 --> 00:28:49.339 they're not 00:28:49.339 --> 00:28:50.980 constrained by 00:28:50.980 --> 00:28:52.219 Christian ethics, 00:28:52.339 --> 00:28:52.539 you know, 00:28:52.579 --> 00:28:53.679 they're experiencing, 00:28:54.019 --> 00:28:54.740 enjoying all 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:55.639 these things that 00:28:55.639 --> 00:28:56.359 you're not because 00:28:56.359 --> 00:28:57.119 of their sin. 00:28:57.579 --> 00:28:58.019 Remember 00:28:58.019 --> 00:28:58.459 this, 00:28:59.279 --> 00:29:01.659 that person 00:29:01.659 --> 00:29:02.980 is neither 00:29:02.980 --> 00:29:05.000 joyful nor 00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:06.079 peaceful. 00:29:08.899 --> 00:29:09.759 They do 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:10.399 not have 00:29:10.399 --> 00:29:11.740 what only 00:29:11.740 --> 00:29:12.519 the spirit 00:29:12.519 --> 00:29:13.139 of God 00:29:13.139 --> 00:29:13.740 can give. 00:29:15.259 --> 00:29:15.939 God's 00:29:15.939 --> 00:29:17.159 law is 00:29:17.160 --> 00:29:17.740 the way 00:29:17.740 --> 00:29:19.080 the life. 00:29:20.380 --> 00:29:20.779 I remember 00:29:20.779 --> 00:29:21.340 years and 00:29:21.340 --> 00:29:21.920 years ago 00:29:21.920 --> 00:29:23.480 I met 00:29:23.480 --> 00:29:24.160 with a 00:29:24.160 --> 00:29:25.480 Christian 00:29:25.480 --> 00:29:26.180 counselor and 00:29:26.180 --> 00:29:26.660 I was telling 00:29:26.660 --> 00:29:27.100 him about, 00:29:27.259 --> 00:29:27.680 you know, 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:28.100 this other 00:29:28.100 --> 00:29:28.680 person in my 00:29:28.680 --> 00:29:29.080 life who 00:29:29.080 --> 00:29:29.400 had all 00:29:29.400 --> 00:29:30.060 these things 00:29:30.060 --> 00:29:30.740 and he 00:29:30.740 --> 00:29:31.120 just looked 00:29:31.120 --> 00:29:31.420 at me and 00:29:31.420 --> 00:29:31.880 he said, 00:29:31.880 --> 00:29:34.740 at what cost? 00:29:36.520 --> 00:29:38.580 At what cost? 00:29:39.980 --> 00:29:40.560 God, 00:29:40.640 --> 00:29:41.340 your father 00:29:41.340 --> 00:29:43.500 longs to 00:29:43.500 --> 00:29:44.100 give you 00:29:44.100 --> 00:29:44.760 life. 00:29:46.760 --> 00:29:47.420 Longs to 00:29:47.420 --> 00:29:47.700 give you 00:29:47.700 --> 00:29:48.660 life now, 00:29:49.100 --> 00:29:50.560 he longs to 00:29:50.560 --> 00:29:51.320 give you life 00:29:51.320 --> 00:29:52.720 in the future. 00:29:53.920 --> 00:29:54.260 We'll end 00:29:54.260 --> 00:29:54.680 with this, 00:29:54.740 --> 00:29:55.400 you see this on 00:29:55.400 --> 00:29:56.220 page eight 00:29:56.220 --> 00:29:57.320 of your worship 00:29:57.320 --> 00:29:57.720 guide. 00:29:57.720 --> 00:29:59.980 A fish is 00:29:59.980 --> 00:30:00.779 only free 00:30:00.779 --> 00:30:01.759 when it is 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:02.900 bound to 00:30:02.900 --> 00:30:03.319 the water. 00:30:04.640 --> 00:30:05.620 A bird 00:30:05.620 --> 00:30:06.799 is only free 00:30:06.799 --> 00:30:07.860 when it is 00:30:07.860 --> 00:30:08.779 bound to 00:30:08.779 --> 00:30:09.140 the air. 00:30:10.220 --> 00:30:10.880 And we 00:30:10.880 --> 00:30:11.360 are only 00:30:11.360 --> 00:30:12.220 truly free 00:30:12.220 --> 00:30:12.660 when we 00:30:12.660 --> 00:30:13.319 are bound 00:30:13.319 --> 00:30:14.400 to God. 00:30:15.740 --> 00:30:16.420 Walking 00:30:16.420 --> 00:30:17.360 according to 00:30:17.360 --> 00:30:18.039 his will 00:30:18.039 --> 00:30:19.420 is not 00:30:19.420 --> 00:30:20.380 an oppressive 00:30:20.380 --> 00:30:20.960 burden. 00:30:22.019 --> 00:30:22.620 It is a 00:30:22.620 --> 00:30:23.360 liberating 00:30:23.360 --> 00:30:24.500 blessing. 00:30:24.500 --> 00:30:27.039 living in 00:30:27.039 --> 00:30:28.119 obedience to 00:30:28.119 --> 00:30:28.559 God 00:30:28.559 --> 00:30:30.779 revives our 00:30:30.779 --> 00:30:31.420 souls, 00:30:32.299 --> 00:30:33.319 makes us 00:30:33.319 --> 00:30:34.240 wise, 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:35.940 and fills 00:30:35.940 --> 00:30:36.559 us 00:30:36.559 --> 00:30:37.859 with joy. 00:30:42.200 --> 00:30:43.119 For if you 00:30:43.119 --> 00:30:43.700 live according 00:30:43.700 --> 00:30:44.420 to the flesh, 00:30:44.619 --> 00:30:45.220 you will die. 00:30:46.099 --> 00:30:46.880 But if by the 00:30:46.880 --> 00:30:47.619 spirit you put 00:30:47.619 --> 00:30:48.400 to death the 00:30:48.400 --> 00:30:48.980 deeds of the 00:30:48.980 --> 00:30:49.319 body, 00:30:49.839 --> 00:30:50.319 you will 00:30:50.319 --> 00:30:50.579 live. 00:30:51.220 --> 00:30:51.740 Let's pray. 00:30:51.740 --> 00:30:54.000 Our 00:30:54.000 --> 00:30:54.460 Father in 00:30:54.460 --> 00:30:54.640 heaven, 00:30:54.740 --> 00:30:55.200 we do 00:30:55.200 --> 00:30:56.579 praise you 00:30:56.579 --> 00:30:57.160 and thank 00:30:57.160 --> 00:30:58.319 you that 00:30:58.319 --> 00:30:59.019 you come 00:30:59.019 --> 00:30:59.940 to give us 00:30:59.940 --> 00:31:00.579 life and 00:31:00.579 --> 00:31:00.920 give us 00:31:00.920 --> 00:31:02.079 life abundantly. 00:31:03.019 --> 00:31:03.920 We ask 00:31:03.920 --> 00:31:04.680 that we 00:31:04.680 --> 00:31:05.319 would see 00:31:05.319 --> 00:31:07.319 your beauty, 00:31:07.779 --> 00:31:08.880 your love, 00:31:10.740 --> 00:31:11.180 that as we 00:31:11.180 --> 00:31:11.960 meditate on 00:31:11.960 --> 00:31:12.319 the great 00:31:12.319 --> 00:31:13.059 blessings that 00:31:13.059 --> 00:31:13.620 are ours in 00:31:13.620 --> 00:31:14.240 the gospel, 00:31:14.579 --> 00:31:15.259 it would warm 00:31:15.259 --> 00:31:15.900 and soften 00:31:15.900 --> 00:31:16.740 our hearts and 00:31:16.740 --> 00:31:17.059 we would 00:31:17.059 --> 00:31:18.339 respond with 00:31:18.339 --> 00:31:18.900 joy and 00:31:18.900 --> 00:31:19.559 obedience to 00:31:19.559 --> 00:31:19.799 you. 00:31:20.279 --> 00:31:21.000 We ask all 00:31:21.000 --> 00:31:21.279 of these 00:31:21.279 --> 00:31:21.640 things, 00:31:21.740 --> 00:31:22.019 in Jesus' 00:31:22.240 --> 00:31:22.420 name. 00:31:22.940 --> 00:31:23.180 Amen. 00:31:24.720 --> 00:31:25.440 I invite 00:31:25.440 --> 00:31:25.660 you to 00:31:25.660 --> 00:31:26.240 stand for 00:31:26.240 --> 00:31:26.700 our closing 00:31:26.700 --> 00:31:27.000 hymn.