WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.000 Thank you, God, for letting me come and teach you this morning, preach the Word of God to you this morning. 00:00:12.620 --> 00:00:19.300 It's a privilege every time, and it's a joy to study and to be able to have an opportunity like this. 00:00:20.300 --> 00:00:22.080 I want to start by posing a question. 00:00:22.079 --> 00:00:30.259 Do you know why the Gospel has lost its potency for so many of us? 00:00:31.359 --> 00:00:38.759 Do you know why it is possible for you to come to church week after week, to hear the Gospel preached, and yet there be no change in your life? 00:00:40.619 --> 00:00:43.560 It is because you have lost your sense of your own sin. 00:00:44.700 --> 00:00:46.459 You have lost your grasp of it. 00:00:47.679 --> 00:00:50.899 You have forgotten what you once were. 00:00:52.079 --> 00:00:55.299 And so the good news of Jesus Christ ceases to be what it is. 00:00:57.780 --> 00:01:01.619 How many of you are experiencing today an amazing Jesus Christ? 00:01:02.399 --> 00:01:04.099 An irresistible Jesus Christ? 00:01:04.799 --> 00:01:06.420 A precious Jesus Christ? 00:01:07.340 --> 00:01:08.579 A felt Christ? 00:01:10.640 --> 00:01:11.480 How many of you? 00:01:12.120 --> 00:01:13.759 Has He changed or have you changed? 00:01:15.620 --> 00:01:18.239 Is it Christ that isn't cool as He used to be? 00:01:18.900 --> 00:01:21.180 Or is it that your affections for Him have been cooled? 00:01:22.079 --> 00:01:23.200 By sin. 00:01:25.659 --> 00:01:28.359 Forgetfulness is the root of all sorts of evil in Christianity. 00:01:29.200 --> 00:01:30.560 And I want to talk about that today. 00:01:30.620 --> 00:01:33.519 I want to remind you of what you have been saved from. 00:01:34.519 --> 00:01:36.259 Or what you have yet to be saved from. 00:01:36.260 --> 00:01:43.620 I would even venture to say that the only reason we ever sin is because we lose perspective. 00:01:44.340 --> 00:01:47.160 We forget how great Christ's love toward us is. 00:01:47.500 --> 00:01:52.939 And with a weakened joy in God, we wander off to other seemingly more attractive alternatives. 00:01:54.580 --> 00:01:56.840 Forgetfulness kills Christianity. 00:01:58.100 --> 00:01:59.219 Kills sanctification. 00:01:59.219 --> 00:02:05.859 Not one of us has rightly comprehended the magnitude of God's grace toward us. 00:02:07.120 --> 00:02:09.599 We all need to be daily reminded of our sin. 00:02:09.599 --> 00:02:22.379 Because a right understanding of what we once were is the only way by which we will be able and be moved to enjoy what Christ presently is and forever will be. 00:02:23.560 --> 00:02:23.900 Okay? 00:02:23.900 --> 00:02:29.920 We have to be reminded of our sin, our depravity, our lack of Christ-likeness. 00:02:30.659 --> 00:02:33.840 Of what we once were before Christ ever came into our hearts. 00:02:34.259 --> 00:02:43.159 Because a right understanding of what we once were is the only way by which we can be moved to enjoy rightly what Christ is presently today. 00:02:43.159 --> 00:02:48.020 He is an amazing, amazing Savior. 00:02:48.139 --> 00:02:51.180 He is worthy to be worshipped in the right light. 00:02:51.879 --> 00:02:55.340 There may also be many of us in this room who need to be reminded of their sin this morning. 00:02:55.939 --> 00:03:04.699 Because a right understanding of what you are presently is the only way by which you may be moved to true saving repentance and faith in Christ. 00:03:05.500 --> 00:03:06.719 Some of you are still in your sin. 00:03:07.620 --> 00:03:08.519 You don't know Christ. 00:03:09.680 --> 00:03:11.479 You are still depraved. 00:03:11.479 --> 00:03:13.780 You are still in need of a Savior. 00:03:15.439 --> 00:03:23.060 And an understanding of your sin, a true understanding of your sin, of your offense against God is the only way that you can be saved. 00:03:26.899 --> 00:03:31.280 My hope is that you will leave here this morning with an impassioned love for Christ. 00:03:32.060 --> 00:03:38.719 Because of the strong reminder that I intend to give of your own sinfulness and thusly of Christ's amazing love. 00:03:39.620 --> 00:03:40.939 So let me just pray real quick. 00:03:41.479 --> 00:03:47.439 In order for us to understand the text and the greatness of our sin and also the greatness of our Savior. 00:03:50.639 --> 00:03:53.539 Jesus Christ, we love you because you first loved us. 00:03:54.599 --> 00:03:56.959 We are saved because you chose to save us. 00:03:57.099 --> 00:04:00.359 Not because there was anything inside of us that was worthy of your salvation. 00:04:00.360 --> 00:04:05.640 We have been given more grace than can be comprehended. 00:04:06.920 --> 00:04:13.000 And so, Lord God, this morning we ask just for a further comprehension of what we already somewhat know but don't fully know. 00:04:13.000 --> 00:04:20.180 We pray to you with all of our heart, Lord, that you would give us just the understanding to know what it is that we've been saved from. 00:04:20.240 --> 00:04:21.980 And not just this morning, but every morning. 00:04:22.399 --> 00:04:25.959 Lord, help us to be reminded of our depravity, of our need for a Savior. 00:04:26.379 --> 00:04:36.800 And help us to run to you, Lord, in joyful expectation of forgiveness and joyful expectation of grace to live the day, to live out the day in the way that you've called us to. 00:04:37.800 --> 00:04:39.520 Forgive us, Father God, for our forgetfulness. 00:04:41.100 --> 00:04:42.660 And just, Father, empower this message. 00:04:42.800 --> 00:04:46.020 Empower your word to do its work in your people, in your way. 00:04:46.460 --> 00:04:47.920 You know the hearts of the people that are here. 00:04:48.620 --> 00:04:49.759 And I pray that you would touch them. 00:04:49.840 --> 00:04:50.360 In Christ's name. 00:04:50.560 --> 00:04:50.740 Amen. 00:04:52.379 --> 00:04:53.879 If you have your Bible, turn to Romans 3. 00:04:56.580 --> 00:05:02.180 We find ourselves at the climax of a long indictment that Paul's been giving against humanity. 00:05:03.540 --> 00:05:06.180 The tension has been building since chapter 1, verse 18. 00:05:06.800 --> 00:05:10.379 And it's not going to actually stop until next week. 00:05:10.480 --> 00:05:13.680 So, this is kind of the climax of the tension and the bad news. 00:05:15.980 --> 00:05:21.920 In chapter 1, Paul proved the guilt of the Gentiles. 00:05:22.580 --> 00:05:28.060 That everyone that is not a Jew is under sin, is in need of Christ. 00:05:28.660 --> 00:05:30.480 In chapter 2, he proves the guilt of the Jews. 00:05:30.480 --> 00:05:40.620 In the beginning of chapter 3, as we studied last week, he begins to answer some questions that would logically be posed by the readers of this book. 00:05:41.460 --> 00:05:43.680 And now we come to verse 9 of chapter 3. 00:05:43.680 --> 00:05:49.920 And we find ourselves at the summary, or the closing arguments, if you will, of his case. 00:05:50.939 --> 00:05:51.819 Let's read it. 00:05:54.660 --> 00:05:55.620 Beginning in verse 9. 00:05:55.620 --> 00:05:56.840 What then? 00:05:57.480 --> 00:05:58.399 Are we better than they? 00:05:59.040 --> 00:05:59.780 Not at all. 00:05:59.959 --> 00:06:03.259 For we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin. 00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:04.879 As it is written, 00:06:05.939 --> 00:06:06.959 There is none righteous. 00:06:07.560 --> 00:06:08.319 Not even one. 00:06:09.060 --> 00:06:10.259 There is none who understands. 00:06:10.800 --> 00:06:12.280 There is none who seeks for God. 00:06:12.699 --> 00:06:13.840 All have turned aside. 00:06:14.459 --> 00:06:15.660 Together they have become useless. 00:06:16.740 --> 00:06:18.120 There is no one who does good. 00:06:18.420 --> 00:06:19.319 There is not even one. 00:06:20.480 --> 00:06:21.939 Their throat is an open grave. 00:06:22.060 --> 00:06:23.720 With their tongues they keep deceiving. 00:06:23.720 --> 00:06:26.320 The poison of asps is under their lips. 00:06:27.280 --> 00:06:29.480 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. 00:06:30.060 --> 00:06:31.660 Their feet are swift to shed blood. 00:06:32.180 --> 00:06:34.200 Destruction and misery are in their paths. 00:06:34.500 --> 00:06:36.620 And the path of peace they have not known. 00:06:37.320 --> 00:06:40.120 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 00:06:41.740 --> 00:06:43.700 So what Paul has been trying to prove, 00:06:44.460 --> 00:06:46.840 and what Paul is trying to punctuate with this passage, 00:06:47.000 --> 00:06:49.900 with this series of quotations from the Old Testament, 00:06:49.899 --> 00:06:55.039 is the universal reality of mankind's depravity. 00:06:55.759 --> 00:06:55.959 Okay? 00:06:56.019 --> 00:06:58.459 The universal reality of mankind's depravity. 00:06:58.819 --> 00:06:59.939 It's a universal truth. 00:07:00.120 --> 00:07:01.919 Everyone is included in this. 00:07:02.659 --> 00:07:03.299 No exceptions. 00:07:04.060 --> 00:07:04.839 Notice the repetition. 00:07:05.060 --> 00:07:07.599 It's used in the first couple of verses here. 00:07:07.639 --> 00:07:08.500 The first three or so. 00:07:09.299 --> 00:07:12.620 You see the word none and not one used continuously. 00:07:13.060 --> 00:07:13.659 None righteous. 00:07:14.299 --> 00:07:15.039 None who understands. 00:07:15.179 --> 00:07:16.000 None who seeks for God. 00:07:16.060 --> 00:07:16.679 Not one of them. 00:07:16.680 --> 00:07:18.699 Everyone under sin. 00:07:20.540 --> 00:07:24.280 So that enables us to understand this passage very easily. 00:07:24.379 --> 00:07:25.439 This is a very simple passage. 00:07:25.560 --> 00:07:26.100 It's very clear. 00:07:26.579 --> 00:07:28.540 There's not a lot of, you know, 00:07:28.699 --> 00:07:30.840 there's not more depth to it than you really see at face value. 00:07:30.920 --> 00:07:32.060 It really does mean what it says. 00:07:32.280 --> 00:07:32.899 Nobody's righteous. 00:07:33.360 --> 00:07:36.939 There's nobody that is capable of being righteous outside of Christ. 00:07:37.280 --> 00:07:38.160 Everyone is under sin. 00:07:39.879 --> 00:07:41.199 So what does it mean to be under sin? 00:07:42.079 --> 00:07:43.319 Verse 9 says that, right? 00:07:43.319 --> 00:07:45.399 Both Jews and Greeks are all under sin. 00:07:46.680 --> 00:07:48.620 It's another way of saying depraved. 00:07:48.699 --> 00:07:50.900 It's a phrase that means depraved in the Bible. 00:07:52.160 --> 00:07:53.620 Sin, as we know, infects everyone. 00:07:53.680 --> 00:07:54.660 But nobody has a problem with that. 00:07:55.540 --> 00:07:56.720 Everyone knows that everyone sins. 00:07:56.900 --> 00:07:57.939 Nobody thinks anybody's perfect. 00:07:59.540 --> 00:08:06.899 But there is a problem with the extent to which we are in sin. 00:08:07.439 --> 00:08:09.600 The extent to which we are depraved. 00:08:09.680 --> 00:08:12.280 People have a lot of conversation about that. 00:08:12.279 --> 00:08:16.099 And the question kind of comes down to this. 00:08:16.219 --> 00:08:20.019 Are we naturally good people that sometimes commit sins? 00:08:21.199 --> 00:08:26.159 Or are we naturally evil people that commit sin because it's who we are? 00:08:28.099 --> 00:08:29.079 That's the question. 00:08:29.899 --> 00:08:31.079 Are we naturally good? 00:08:32.079 --> 00:08:33.399 Or are we naturally bad? 00:08:34.139 --> 00:08:35.000 Naturally righteous? 00:08:35.379 --> 00:08:36.639 Do some bad things. 00:08:36.779 --> 00:08:37.659 Naturally unrighteous? 00:08:37.899 --> 00:08:38.919 Only do bad things. 00:08:38.919 --> 00:08:46.779 The doctrine of total depravity would say that we are totally, totally incapable of doing anything but sin. 00:08:48.219 --> 00:08:57.120 Before Christ, hear me clearly on this, totally incapable of doing anything good in the eyes of God. 00:08:58.199 --> 00:08:59.059 That's important. 00:08:59.059 --> 00:09:07.099 Unless Christ, by sweet grace, gives us the ability to do so. 00:09:07.279 --> 00:09:08.179 Gives us a new nature. 00:09:08.839 --> 00:09:09.879 Gives us a new heart. 00:09:10.019 --> 00:09:10.779 Gives us new desires. 00:09:10.919 --> 00:09:11.859 Gives us new affections. 00:09:12.259 --> 00:09:17.159 That enables us to actually love God as we've been called to love Him. 00:09:18.059 --> 00:09:22.039 But apart from Christ intervening, we cannot glorify God. 00:09:22.219 --> 00:09:23.099 We cannot do good. 00:09:23.879 --> 00:09:25.979 That is what depravity, the idea of that says. 00:09:25.980 --> 00:09:29.320 It also states that we are enemies of God. 00:09:29.399 --> 00:09:31.060 We're opposed to all that is good. 00:09:31.139 --> 00:09:32.039 We're haters of Christ. 00:09:32.360 --> 00:09:34.000 We're lovers of self and of pleasure. 00:09:34.480 --> 00:09:35.639 Our God is our appetite. 00:09:36.500 --> 00:09:37.300 Whatever suits you. 00:09:38.940 --> 00:09:43.300 Our tendencies are continually toward evil and we know nothing of righteousness. 00:09:44.879 --> 00:09:47.759 Listen to this definition by this guy named Lorraine Bettner. 00:09:49.019 --> 00:09:52.379 This is describing the doctrine of total depravity. 00:09:52.379 --> 00:10:01.080 This doctrine of total inability, which declares that men are dead in sin, does not mean that 00:10:01.080 --> 00:10:07.720 all men are equally bad, or that any man is as bad as he could be, nor that anyone is 00:10:07.720 --> 00:10:14.059 entirely destitute of virtue, nor that human nature is evil in itself, nor that man's spirit 00:10:14.059 --> 00:10:17.679 is inactive, and much less does it mean that the body is dead. 00:10:17.679 --> 00:10:24.659 What it does mean is that since the fall, man rests under the curse of sin. 00:10:25.599 --> 00:10:31.399 That he is actuated by wrong principles, and that he is wholly unable to love God or do anything 00:10:31.399 --> 00:10:32.319 meriting salvation. 00:10:33.639 --> 00:10:36.839 His corruption is extensive, but not necessarily intensive. 00:10:37.879 --> 00:10:43.539 It is in this sense that man, since the fall, is utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite 00:10:43.539 --> 00:10:44.559 to all good. 00:10:44.559 --> 00:11:00.259 He is an alien by birth, and he is a sinner by choice. 00:11:01.339 --> 00:11:07.379 The inability under which he labors is not an inability to exercise volition, but an inability 00:11:07.379 --> 00:11:09.579 to exercise holy volitions. 00:11:09.580 --> 00:11:14.259 He cannot do good in the eyes of God. 00:11:14.340 --> 00:11:15.440 He can do good things. 00:11:15.700 --> 00:11:16.800 You can be philanthropic. 00:11:17.240 --> 00:11:18.639 You can do nice things for your neighbors. 00:11:19.440 --> 00:11:24.460 You can do good, virtuous things in life, but that does not credit or merit anything in 00:11:24.460 --> 00:11:25.139 the eyes of God. 00:11:26.580 --> 00:11:31.160 There are a lot of good people, by secular standards, that are doing a lot of great things in this 00:11:31.160 --> 00:11:31.480 world. 00:11:31.879 --> 00:11:33.700 Bill Gates gives away 58% of all his wealth. 00:11:34.120 --> 00:11:34.879 That's a lot of money. 00:11:36.180 --> 00:11:39.020 But he's not a good person in the eyes of God if he doesn't know Christ. 00:11:39.580 --> 00:11:41.420 And that's what it comes down to. 00:11:42.080 --> 00:11:42.639 Holiness. 00:11:43.220 --> 00:11:44.340 Do you have holiness? 00:11:44.540 --> 00:11:45.720 Do you have blamelessness? 00:11:46.040 --> 00:11:47.000 Do you have righteousness? 00:11:47.879 --> 00:11:49.500 And you can't get that outside of Jesus. 00:11:50.759 --> 00:11:52.240 And that's what it means to be depraved. 00:11:55.500 --> 00:11:56.420 Is that biblical? 00:11:57.160 --> 00:11:58.440 Is that what our text says? 00:11:58.520 --> 00:12:00.259 Well, we'll let our passage speak for itself. 00:12:01.700 --> 00:12:02.820 I have three points. 00:12:02.879 --> 00:12:06.220 My first point is the character of the depraved. 00:12:07.220 --> 00:12:08.020 The character. 00:12:08.020 --> 00:12:08.080 The character. 00:12:09.580 --> 00:12:13.920 Verses 10 through 12. 00:12:14.120 --> 00:12:14.400 He says, 00:12:14.660 --> 00:12:15.400 There is none righteous. 00:12:15.820 --> 00:12:16.660 Not even one. 00:12:17.879 --> 00:12:19.240 There is none who understands. 00:12:20.220 --> 00:12:21.720 There is none who seeks for God. 00:12:22.139 --> 00:12:23.240 All have turned aside. 00:12:24.400 --> 00:12:25.620 Together they have become useless. 00:12:26.400 --> 00:12:27.500 There is none who does good. 00:12:28.600 --> 00:12:29.500 There is not even one. 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:32.879 Alright, next point. 00:12:33.180 --> 00:12:33.480 Just kidding. 00:12:33.480 --> 00:12:35.480 No. 00:12:35.480 --> 00:12:38.320 There is none righteous. 00:12:39.360 --> 00:12:39.580 Okay? 00:12:40.379 --> 00:12:41.279 That is to say, 00:12:41.360 --> 00:12:44.500 There is nobody that is able to keep God's law. 00:12:45.860 --> 00:12:46.019 Okay? 00:12:46.100 --> 00:12:47.899 Righteousness is defined by that. 00:12:48.920 --> 00:12:50.980 Perfect conformity to the law of God. 00:12:51.259 --> 00:12:53.460 That's what Christ did that we can't do. 00:12:54.259 --> 00:12:55.680 He was perfectly righteous. 00:12:55.899 --> 00:12:59.200 Perfectly obedient and submissive to all the Father asked of Him. 00:12:59.539 --> 00:13:01.100 Perfectly obedient to all the commandments. 00:13:01.100 --> 00:13:03.320 That's what made Him different. 00:13:05.440 --> 00:13:12.659 Living a life in perfect conformity to the law of God is the only way that a man of himself can be made righteous. 00:13:13.320 --> 00:13:17.540 And since nobody has ever done that or will ever do that, we are all unrighteous. 00:13:17.539 --> 00:13:19.079 We are all desperately wicked. 00:13:20.279 --> 00:13:22.480 Secondly, the passage says that no one understands. 00:13:23.459 --> 00:13:25.819 All of our eyes were once darkened. 00:13:26.459 --> 00:13:26.579 Okay? 00:13:26.779 --> 00:13:31.199 Some of you may still have this darkened eyesight. 00:13:32.079 --> 00:13:37.919 In Matthew 13, Jesus is describing the reason why He actually gives parables to certain people. 00:13:38.639 --> 00:13:42.419 And He tells His disciples that seeing, they will not understand. 00:13:42.559 --> 00:13:43.240 They will not perceive. 00:13:43.799 --> 00:13:45.779 Hearing, they will not grasp it. 00:13:45.779 --> 00:13:49.100 And that's the state of the depraved man. 00:13:49.279 --> 00:13:53.059 They hear, they understand, they take in truth, but they can't comprehend it. 00:13:53.259 --> 00:13:57.559 It doesn't make the sense that God intends the sense to be to them. 00:14:02.379 --> 00:14:05.179 Because of this darkening, we could not see the beauty of Christ. 00:14:06.879 --> 00:14:08.740 His glory is unknown to us. 00:14:08.740 --> 00:14:12.180 The glory of the gospel is darkened. 00:14:12.980 --> 00:14:15.220 Our need for His blood is not felt. 00:14:16.639 --> 00:14:18.360 Turn to 2 Corinthians real quick. 00:14:20.100 --> 00:14:21.139 2 Corinthians 4. 00:14:27.340 --> 00:14:28.600 Beginning in verse 3. 00:14:30.379 --> 00:14:32.480 2 Corinthians 4 verse 3 says, 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:55.019 There's a lot of people that make an intellectual assent to God. 00:14:55.019 --> 00:14:57.879 They say, yes, I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. 00:14:58.559 --> 00:15:01.220 Yes, I believe in the things that the Bible says about God. 00:15:01.799 --> 00:15:04.500 But they have not been shown His glory. 00:15:04.659 --> 00:15:07.919 They have not been given the grace to submit to His will. 00:15:09.620 --> 00:15:13.139 And therefore, the good things that they do, the good professions that they make, 00:15:13.379 --> 00:15:15.679 are still filled with unrighteousness. 00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:19.399 This is what we once were. 00:15:19.399 --> 00:15:21.419 This is what you are. 00:15:22.059 --> 00:15:23.199 If you don't know Christ. 00:15:24.860 --> 00:15:26.659 This is the reality of being depraved. 00:15:27.860 --> 00:15:29.740 Thirdly, no one seeks. 00:15:31.939 --> 00:15:32.600 Nobody seeks. 00:15:32.679 --> 00:15:33.860 You may say, surely that's not true. 00:15:34.299 --> 00:15:35.879 There are billions of seekers in the world. 00:15:35.959 --> 00:15:40.220 There's a billion plus seekers of all different kinds of religions. 00:15:41.840 --> 00:15:43.460 These people are all going for God. 00:15:43.539 --> 00:15:44.360 They're all looking for God. 00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:47.240 They're all trying to figure out, how can I be a part of God's family? 00:15:47.240 --> 00:15:49.199 They want to go to heaven. 00:15:49.399 --> 00:15:53.919 How can you say they aren't seeking God? 00:15:56.079 --> 00:15:58.199 Because they are seeking Him for His benefits. 00:15:59.159 --> 00:16:00.720 They are not seeking Him for Him. 00:16:01.919 --> 00:16:02.819 That's the difference. 00:16:04.059 --> 00:16:08.559 The kind of seeking spoken of in our passage is as Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones said, 00:16:09.500 --> 00:16:13.159 to seek God means to desire God above everything and everybody. 00:16:13.579 --> 00:16:14.819 To seek His glory. 00:16:14.939 --> 00:16:16.980 To be anxious to promote His glory. 00:16:16.980 --> 00:16:21.539 To seek God in the biblical sense means that God is the center of our thinking. 00:16:22.340 --> 00:16:28.180 And it is the supreme object of our lives to know Him and to love Him and to live for His glory. 00:16:28.179 --> 00:16:37.159 The supreme object of our lives is to know Him and to live for His glory. 00:16:37.159 --> 00:16:40.319 That is a different kind of seeking. 00:16:40.319 --> 00:16:44.399 There is seeking that goes on in this world. 00:16:45.839 --> 00:16:47.279 But people seek heaven for heaven. 00:16:47.419 --> 00:16:50.719 People seek forgiveness simply for the sake of forgiveness. 00:16:50.899 --> 00:16:53.319 People seek God for His benefits. 00:16:53.320 --> 00:16:56.540 So they don't go to hell. 00:16:59.400 --> 00:17:02.640 Natural depraved men don't seek like Christ has called us to seek. 00:17:04.820 --> 00:17:05.680 No one seeks. 00:17:05.740 --> 00:17:08.080 Listen to the clear words of Jesus in John 15, 16. 00:17:08.140 --> 00:17:08.840 This is true of you. 00:17:09.539 --> 00:17:10.160 Listen to this. 00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:13.299 You did not choose me, but I chose you. 00:17:13.299 --> 00:17:18.159 1 John 4, 19 says we love wine. 00:17:19.480 --> 00:17:20.779 Because He first loved us. 00:17:23.399 --> 00:17:24.539 Christ sought you out. 00:17:26.299 --> 00:17:29.240 And the only kind of seeking that we can do is a responsive seeking. 00:17:30.059 --> 00:17:32.039 In light of what Christ has done for us. 00:17:32.740 --> 00:17:36.000 In light of the initiation that He came and brought into our lives. 00:17:36.279 --> 00:17:38.159 That's why we can love Him. 00:17:38.379 --> 00:17:39.599 That's why we can cherish Him. 00:17:39.839 --> 00:17:41.180 That's why we can appreciate Him. 00:17:41.460 --> 00:17:43.119 That's why His Word is precious to us. 00:17:43.419 --> 00:17:46.139 That's why evangelism is important to us. 00:17:46.479 --> 00:17:47.299 That's why friendship. 00:17:47.519 --> 00:17:48.179 That's why the church. 00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:50.799 That's why the body of Christ is so treasured by us. 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:53.839 It's because Christ has made those things precious to you. 00:17:54.939 --> 00:17:56.019 It wasn't natural. 00:17:58.339 --> 00:17:59.359 It's not natural. 00:18:01.359 --> 00:18:04.619 As a result of these three things described, we find in verse 12, 00:18:04.619 --> 00:18:11.359 the effect, which is uselessness and bad doing. 00:18:11.359 --> 00:18:13.979 All have turned aside, it says. 00:18:14.079 --> 00:18:15.179 Together they have become useless. 00:18:15.859 --> 00:18:17.179 There is none who does good. 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:18.639 There is not even one. 00:18:18.679 --> 00:18:21.679 This is the effect of the character of the depraved. 00:18:22.819 --> 00:18:23.759 Useless, bad doing. 00:18:24.299 --> 00:18:24.959 We're like sheep. 00:18:25.979 --> 00:18:26.419 Stupid. 00:18:27.119 --> 00:18:27.839 Dumb animals. 00:18:28.679 --> 00:18:29.519 Driven by our appetite. 00:18:29.519 --> 00:18:32.740 Straying away from the protection of the shepherd. 00:18:33.139 --> 00:18:35.740 Killed by sin like a sheep is by a wolf. 00:18:38.180 --> 00:18:40.839 All we like sheep, the Scripture says of us in Isaiah 53, 00:18:41.119 --> 00:18:42.779 all we like sheep have gone astray. 00:18:42.779 --> 00:18:46.119 Everyone has turned to his own way. 00:18:47.879 --> 00:18:49.079 Exclusions of no one. 00:18:49.779 --> 00:18:52.539 Everyone has gone the wrong way. 00:18:53.359 --> 00:18:54.160 Away from the shepherd. 00:18:54.319 --> 00:18:55.139 Away from Christ. 00:18:55.819 --> 00:18:56.440 We're rebels. 00:18:57.799 --> 00:18:58.700 That's what we are. 00:18:59.039 --> 00:18:59.799 That's what we were. 00:19:00.579 --> 00:19:02.039 That's what Christ has saved you from. 00:19:02.680 --> 00:19:02.980 Death. 00:19:03.240 --> 00:19:03.720 Sure death. 00:19:04.960 --> 00:19:05.740 And wrath. 00:19:05.740 --> 00:19:08.519 Because of sin we are spoiled. 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:10.700 Useless to God. 00:19:11.019 --> 00:19:12.940 Like a broken cup that can hold no water. 00:19:13.039 --> 00:19:14.700 Like salt that has become tasteless. 00:19:15.700 --> 00:19:17.000 Those are descriptions in Scripture. 00:19:18.299 --> 00:19:19.200 Useless to God. 00:19:20.079 --> 00:19:22.440 Like a cup that is broken and can hold no water. 00:19:22.519 --> 00:19:23.299 You can't drink from it. 00:19:23.460 --> 00:19:24.500 It's purposeless. 00:19:24.880 --> 00:19:26.920 That's what you are apart from Christ giving you purpose. 00:19:28.539 --> 00:19:30.039 Our depravity is so great. 00:19:31.140 --> 00:19:33.279 But our Savior is great too. 00:19:33.279 --> 00:19:39.339 Secondly, my second point is the conversation of the depraved. 00:19:40.240 --> 00:19:41.259 First was the character. 00:19:41.420 --> 00:19:42.399 Second is the conversation. 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:44.680 This is verses 13 and 14. 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:47.579 Their throat is an open grave. 00:19:48.599 --> 00:19:50.339 With their tongues they keep deceiving. 00:19:51.299 --> 00:19:53.579 The poison of asps is under their lips. 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:56.680 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. 00:19:59.680 --> 00:20:00.720 It's really descriptive. 00:20:00.720 --> 00:20:06.579 It's clear again to see that Paul intends to expose the extent of our corruption. 00:20:07.720 --> 00:20:08.759 The extent of it. 00:20:09.200 --> 00:20:14.160 Every organ associated with our speaking is distinguished by Paul and then damned by Paul. 00:20:16.100 --> 00:20:16.579 Throat. 00:20:16.880 --> 00:20:17.299 Tongue. 00:20:17.900 --> 00:20:18.240 Lips. 00:20:18.620 --> 00:20:18.920 Mouth. 00:20:18.920 --> 00:20:24.680 I think it's also important to notice the direction of the organs. 00:20:25.360 --> 00:20:26.980 As they proceed out of the man's heart. 00:20:27.620 --> 00:20:28.640 The direction of them. 00:20:29.460 --> 00:20:30.420 The throat is first. 00:20:30.840 --> 00:20:31.500 Then the tongue. 00:20:32.080 --> 00:20:32.539 The lips. 00:20:33.340 --> 00:20:34.140 And then the mouth. 00:20:35.740 --> 00:20:38.580 Everything proceeding in a direction from the heart. 00:20:39.860 --> 00:20:41.460 Which is like Christ describes. 00:20:43.060 --> 00:20:44.300 Everything about your speaking. 00:20:44.400 --> 00:20:46.519 Everything about what comes out of your heart is corrupted. 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:49.500 What's the point? 00:20:49.599 --> 00:20:50.319 Everything is corrupted. 00:20:51.019 --> 00:20:51.859 What's he trying to make here? 00:20:51.900 --> 00:20:54.720 What's the point he's trying to make with this descriptive language? 00:20:55.160 --> 00:20:56.000 Everything is vile. 00:20:56.700 --> 00:20:58.339 There's not one redeemable part of man. 00:20:59.700 --> 00:21:01.180 He is completely spoiled. 00:21:01.720 --> 00:21:03.099 Mankind is completely vitiated. 00:21:03.440 --> 00:21:04.559 Mankind is completely ruined. 00:21:07.059 --> 00:21:08.920 What was your speech like before Christ? 00:21:08.920 --> 00:21:12.279 Did you cuss? 00:21:13.360 --> 00:21:14.779 Did you use a lot of sarcasm? 00:21:16.039 --> 00:21:17.140 Did you make fun of people? 00:21:17.240 --> 00:21:18.240 Did you talk behind their back? 00:21:18.340 --> 00:21:18.880 Did you lie? 00:21:19.900 --> 00:21:20.580 Did you deceive? 00:21:20.740 --> 00:21:21.279 Did you flatter? 00:21:22.980 --> 00:21:23.820 Did you manipulate? 00:21:26.160 --> 00:21:29.720 What great wickedness can you find in the tongue? 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:30.720 Remember. 00:21:32.720 --> 00:21:33.000 Remember. 00:21:34.079 --> 00:21:34.980 One slip of the tongue. 00:21:35.100 --> 00:21:35.839 One little comment. 00:21:36.360 --> 00:21:37.740 One little white lie. 00:21:38.120 --> 00:21:41.079 Had enough power of evil in it. 00:21:41.440 --> 00:21:44.660 To damn the whole human race to hell for all eternity. 00:21:45.740 --> 00:21:48.740 I'm referring to Satan's lie in the garden. 00:21:50.240 --> 00:21:50.940 One lie. 00:21:51.880 --> 00:21:52.819 How many times have you lied? 00:21:53.819 --> 00:21:55.339 How many times have you cursed God? 00:21:55.400 --> 00:21:56.920 How many times have you forgotten Christ? 00:21:56.920 --> 00:22:01.060 How many times have you spoke sarcastically against a brother that's like a knife to his back? 00:22:01.100 --> 00:22:06.539 How many times have you manipulated, flattered to get something for your own benefit? 00:22:07.100 --> 00:22:10.800 Every single one of those things was damnable to the entire human race. 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:14.860 If that had been the only sin that had ever been committed, it would have been worthy of eternal damnation. 00:22:16.860 --> 00:22:19.160 And Christ saved you from that. 00:22:21.600 --> 00:22:25.320 Your speech is a great evidence of your depravity. 00:22:26.920 --> 00:22:28.320 Look at James 3 real quick. 00:22:39.200 --> 00:22:41.120 Beginning in verses 5 and 6. 00:22:42.539 --> 00:22:43.600 James 3, 5. 00:22:43.599 --> 00:22:48.099 So also the tongue is a small part of the body. 00:22:49.740 --> 00:22:51.459 And yet it boasts of great things. 00:22:52.199 --> 00:22:56.279 Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire. 00:22:57.439 --> 00:22:58.899 And the tongue is a fire. 00:22:59.879 --> 00:23:01.279 The very world of iniquity. 00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:05.339 The tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body. 00:23:05.740 --> 00:23:08.899 And sets on fire the course of our life. 00:23:08.900 --> 00:23:11.240 And is set on fire by hell. 00:23:13.280 --> 00:23:18.880 So James points out for us that our tongues, apart from the sanctifying work of the Spirit, 00:23:20.320 --> 00:23:21.000 are hellish. 00:23:22.420 --> 00:23:25.700 Are capable of great, great devastation. 00:23:30.300 --> 00:23:32.420 Christ came to die for every single word you have spoken. 00:23:32.420 --> 00:23:35.300 Your depravity is extensive. 00:23:37.400 --> 00:23:38.700 But our Savior is great. 00:23:40.440 --> 00:23:43.060 Lastly, the conduct of the depraved. 00:23:45.740 --> 00:23:47.440 The conduct of the depraved. 00:23:48.600 --> 00:23:50.019 Verses 15-18. 00:23:50.019 --> 00:23:57.180 Their feet are swift to shed blood. 00:23:58.139 --> 00:23:59.799 Destruction and misery are in their paths. 00:24:00.180 --> 00:24:01.900 And the path of peace they have not known. 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:05.420 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 00:24:07.879 --> 00:24:11.940 If you ever come across somebody who doubts the sovereignty of God in salvation. 00:24:13.000 --> 00:24:14.519 God's sovereign election of man. 00:24:15.779 --> 00:24:17.839 Or somebody that doubts depravity. 00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:21.339 Somebody that doubts man's inability to save himself. 00:24:22.139 --> 00:24:23.439 Look no further than Judas. 00:24:25.220 --> 00:24:26.179 Bring him to Judas. 00:24:27.500 --> 00:24:29.559 Three years he followed the fleshly Christ. 00:24:30.699 --> 00:24:33.740 Three years he saw his power to heal and raise dead people. 00:24:35.139 --> 00:24:37.279 To suppress natural disasters. 00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:41.799 Calming waves of the ocean, of the sea. 00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:46.699 Three years he saw him create food out of thin air from nothing. 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:53.980 Three years he himself was sent on mission and witnessed miracles and salvations. 00:24:55.559 --> 00:24:56.919 And what was the result? 00:24:58.059 --> 00:24:58.779 Betrayal? 00:24:59.579 --> 00:25:00.299 Murder? 00:25:02.439 --> 00:25:04.220 Judas' feet were swift to shed blood. 00:25:04.220 --> 00:25:11.660 You and I are one decision away from being Judas. 00:25:13.440 --> 00:25:14.279 One decision. 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:18.680 If God had not decided to save you, 00:25:19.799 --> 00:25:20.519 you would be Him. 00:25:22.220 --> 00:25:26.000 You would be headed towards the exact same place that He is in. 00:25:26.000 --> 00:25:28.720 With the exact same condemnation. 00:25:29.920 --> 00:25:31.859 With the exact same hatred of God. 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:34.599 In opposition to all that is godly. 00:25:37.180 --> 00:25:38.660 God's grace saved you. 00:25:42.440 --> 00:25:43.759 You would be exactly the same. 00:25:43.880 --> 00:25:45.339 Do you feel that though? 00:25:45.680 --> 00:25:48.819 Do you feel the same carnal tendencies as Judas felt? 00:25:48.819 --> 00:25:52.279 He was driven and motivated by greed. 00:25:52.379 --> 00:25:54.339 Have you never been driven and motivated by greed before? 00:25:57.799 --> 00:26:03.299 Have you never felt or thought of exacting revenge on an enemy before? 00:26:04.500 --> 00:26:06.539 Have you never felt those feelings of restraint? 00:26:07.259 --> 00:26:10.399 Fathers, have you never considered what you would do to the perpetrator 00:26:10.399 --> 00:26:12.220 if one of your children were taken advantage of? 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:17.299 Husbands, have you never considered what you would do if your wife were assaulted? 00:26:18.120 --> 00:26:18.799 I have. 00:26:19.680 --> 00:26:20.539 Many times over. 00:26:22.240 --> 00:26:24.339 I would exact vengeance myself. 00:26:24.940 --> 00:26:25.940 If I had the right to. 00:26:27.880 --> 00:26:29.339 I would take it into my own hands. 00:26:29.700 --> 00:26:30.120 To kill. 00:26:30.500 --> 00:26:31.100 To destroy. 00:26:31.380 --> 00:26:32.339 To ruin his family. 00:26:32.559 --> 00:26:33.460 For ruining my family. 00:26:35.720 --> 00:26:38.279 Those tendencies are all inside of every one of us. 00:26:39.620 --> 00:26:41.740 Every one of us is just like Judas. 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:44.680 Just one decision away from being exactly as he was. 00:26:47.240 --> 00:26:48.380 Tightly clenched fist. 00:26:48.740 --> 00:26:49.660 A gnarled brow. 00:26:49.960 --> 00:26:50.599 Gritted teeth. 00:26:50.680 --> 00:26:51.839 We've all felt that hatred. 00:26:53.160 --> 00:26:54.819 The only thing holding you back is God's grace. 00:26:54.900 --> 00:26:56.660 But if removed for just a moment, 00:26:57.460 --> 00:26:58.220 you would kill. 00:27:00.140 --> 00:27:01.720 What happens when people... 00:27:01.720 --> 00:27:02.620 What happens when... 00:27:02.620 --> 00:27:04.519 What happened when Martin Luther King was killed? 00:27:04.960 --> 00:27:05.720 And assassinated? 00:27:06.500 --> 00:27:08.000 There was all kind of looting. 00:27:09.099 --> 00:27:09.500 Theft. 00:27:09.500 --> 00:27:13.019 I'm sure that a lot of those people would say, 00:27:13.119 --> 00:27:14.880 I never would steal like that. 00:27:14.960 --> 00:27:15.539 I never would do that. 00:27:16.220 --> 00:27:17.440 But when pushed to the edge, 00:27:18.500 --> 00:27:22.480 when your fleshly nature is tempted to a certain degree, 00:27:23.440 --> 00:27:25.059 the human being is capable of anything. 00:27:27.859 --> 00:27:29.220 We all have that inside of us. 00:27:29.220 --> 00:27:32.380 But God's grace has chosen to give you His Spirit. 00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:36.860 To suppress those desires. 00:27:37.339 --> 00:27:38.380 To kill sin. 00:27:39.339 --> 00:27:43.660 To remove thoughts and feelings and tendencies of hatred. 00:27:43.799 --> 00:27:51.059 To give you an ability to respond in a humble and forgiving and Christ-exalting way. 00:27:51.059 --> 00:27:55.099 To forgive those who don't deserve forgiveness. 00:27:55.779 --> 00:27:56.759 How many times did Christ say, 00:27:56.839 --> 00:27:57.319 Forgive your brother? 00:27:57.559 --> 00:27:57.879 Seven? 00:27:58.399 --> 00:27:59.659 No, seventy times seven. 00:27:59.720 --> 00:28:00.339 It's a way of saying, 00:28:00.659 --> 00:28:01.519 Forever. 00:28:04.599 --> 00:28:05.960 No matter what He does to you. 00:28:06.899 --> 00:28:08.059 Our own Savior was... 00:28:09.679 --> 00:28:10.839 What we know. 00:28:12.740 --> 00:28:14.720 And God allowed it for His glory. 00:28:15.899 --> 00:28:17.299 You would destroy if you could. 00:28:17.299 --> 00:28:20.240 We make movies about it, don't we? 00:28:21.339 --> 00:28:23.059 We rejoice in the destruction of the wicked 00:28:23.059 --> 00:28:24.619 and the just killing of the merciless. 00:28:25.960 --> 00:28:27.000 We applaud it. 00:28:28.539 --> 00:28:31.759 However, we fail to see that if it were not for the blood of our great Savior, 00:28:31.859 --> 00:28:35.740 we would be the objects of God's eternal justice and wrath. 00:28:37.500 --> 00:28:38.559 We are the merciless. 00:28:39.700 --> 00:28:42.619 We are those who would never have known the path of peace 00:28:42.619 --> 00:28:44.680 had it not been for Christ. 00:28:44.680 --> 00:28:48.060 You are super depraved. 00:28:49.759 --> 00:28:50.740 So depraved. 00:28:51.440 --> 00:28:52.740 So in need of a Savior. 00:28:53.940 --> 00:28:54.759 So broken. 00:28:57.380 --> 00:29:01.940 So far from what Christ intended for you to be. 00:29:04.420 --> 00:29:08.539 I wish I could paint an accurate picture for how far away from God you really are. 00:29:09.000 --> 00:29:10.400 So you could feel the distance. 00:29:11.840 --> 00:29:13.980 I hope and pray that through this word you feel a little bit of it. 00:29:14.680 --> 00:29:16.779 And are reminded of the grace that God has given to you. 00:29:18.500 --> 00:29:19.500 Don't forget this. 00:29:20.660 --> 00:29:25.420 You fearless sinners have been made into reverential lovers of Jesus. 00:29:26.160 --> 00:29:27.560 Eternal worshippers of His grace. 00:29:29.560 --> 00:29:30.279 Or have you? 00:29:31.200 --> 00:29:33.240 That's the question that I'm going to end with. 00:29:34.240 --> 00:29:34.799 Is have you? 00:29:34.799 --> 00:29:38.399 Have you been saved? 00:29:38.839 --> 00:29:40.379 Have you been washed? 00:29:40.559 --> 00:29:42.299 Have you been sanctified? 00:29:42.399 --> 00:29:43.500 Are you being sanctified? 00:29:44.779 --> 00:29:49.980 Do you have an affection and a love for Jesus Christ that is like nothing you felt before? 00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:52.299 Do you see sin diminishing? 00:29:52.299 --> 00:29:57.419 Do you see your love for Jesus Christ growing? 00:29:58.119 --> 00:30:00.159 Your love for the things that Christ loves growing? 00:30:00.259 --> 00:30:01.099 Your love for the church? 00:30:02.960 --> 00:30:04.059 Your hatred of sin? 00:30:04.159 --> 00:30:05.119 Your love of the saints? 00:30:05.119 --> 00:30:11.019 These are important questions to answer. 00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:13.179 This is the bad news. 00:30:13.719 --> 00:30:14.839 But it's necessary. 00:30:15.919 --> 00:30:17.859 We cannot worship God rightly apart from it. 00:30:19.599 --> 00:30:21.099 Vodibachum once said this. 00:30:21.099 --> 00:30:25.199 If I feel like I'm pretty good. 00:30:26.879 --> 00:30:28.959 If I feel like I'm a pretty good person. 00:30:29.500 --> 00:30:32.719 I will never comprehend the depths of my own sin. 00:30:33.019 --> 00:30:35.199 And the depths of my need of Jesus Christ. 00:30:36.240 --> 00:30:38.980 If I feel that I'm a pretty good person. 00:30:39.099 --> 00:30:42.299 I will never come to the place where I magnify Christ rightly. 00:30:42.659 --> 00:30:44.379 And worship and adore Him. 00:30:44.579 --> 00:30:46.419 In the way that He is to be worshipped and adored. 00:30:46.420 --> 00:30:52.080 Because I do not comprehend the vast magnitude of difference between Him and me. 00:30:53.140 --> 00:30:55.700 It is only when I understand sin rightly. 00:30:56.640 --> 00:31:00.060 That I magnify and worship Christ appropriately. 00:31:00.860 --> 00:31:01.560 Let's pray. 00:31:02.539 --> 00:31:06.779 Father, I thank You for this opportunity to bring Your Word to Your people. 00:31:08.820 --> 00:31:12.440 God, there's so much hidden in Scripture that we don't see. 00:31:12.539 --> 00:31:13.220 That we don't know. 00:31:13.300 --> 00:31:14.220 That we don't feel. 00:31:14.220 --> 00:31:17.160 Lord God, that if we did see it. 00:31:17.200 --> 00:31:18.279 And if we did feel it more. 00:31:18.339 --> 00:31:21.279 We would be able to more accurately and more fully worship You. 00:31:23.279 --> 00:31:27.120 God, I pray that You please just unveil for us more of the truth of the Gospel. 00:31:27.720 --> 00:31:28.740 The bad and the good. 00:31:29.640 --> 00:31:31.259 Help us to, Father, rejoice in You. 00:31:31.860 --> 00:31:32.700 As our Savior. 00:31:32.860 --> 00:31:33.519 As our Lord. 00:31:34.500 --> 00:31:36.559 And, Father God, as our eternal lover. 00:31:37.440 --> 00:31:38.279 Of our souls. 00:31:39.120 --> 00:31:40.799 We are so unworthy of You, God. 00:31:40.900 --> 00:31:42.640 That the sin that we've committed is so vile. 00:31:42.640 --> 00:31:46.780 One sin plunged mankind into an eternal destiny. 00:31:48.300 --> 00:31:49.220 Of wrath. 00:31:49.980 --> 00:31:50.460 Hellfire. 00:31:51.259 --> 00:31:51.740 Indignation. 00:31:53.000 --> 00:31:55.280 And yet, Lord God, by Your one sacrifice. 00:31:55.700 --> 00:31:59.660 You can save all of us. 00:32:00.700 --> 00:32:02.520 You can wash all of our sins away. 00:32:02.519 --> 00:32:06.980 You can separate us from our sin as far as the east is from the west. 00:32:08.279 --> 00:32:09.299 You can give us freedom. 00:32:10.000 --> 00:32:10.619 And joy. 00:32:12.059 --> 00:32:13.019 And our relationship. 00:32:14.000 --> 00:32:16.099 So please, Lord, help us just to remember the death. 00:32:17.160 --> 00:32:18.500 That we have died to sin. 00:32:19.139 --> 00:32:20.599 And the life that we now live to God. 00:32:20.660 --> 00:32:22.579 And let us live that life, Lord, with faith. 00:32:23.000 --> 00:32:23.740 And with joy. 00:32:24.180 --> 00:32:24.980 And with contentment. 00:32:25.779 --> 00:32:26.619 We pray this in Christ's name. 00:32:26.720 --> 00:32:26.879 Amen. 00:32:26.879 --> 00:32:26.980 Amen. 00:32:26.980 --> 00:32:27.079 Amen. 00:32:27.079 --> 00:32:28.139 Amen. 00:32:28.139 --> 00:32:28.279 Amen. 00:32:28.279 --> 00:32:28.339 Amen. 00:32:28.339 --> 00:32:28.379 Amen. 00:32:28.379 --> 00:32:28.900 Amen. 00:32:28.900 --> 00:32:28.920 Amen. 00:32:28.920 --> 00:32:28.960 Amen.