WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:16.839 We're continuing in the book of Romans. 00:00:16.839 --> 00:00:23.219 If you are going to use one of the Bibles that's in front of you, it's still page 944. 00:00:24.379 --> 00:00:26.039 It's kind of nice going this slow. 00:00:26.120 --> 00:00:27.240 I don't have to look every week. 00:00:27.239 --> 00:00:29.599 I just know it's still page 944. 00:00:29.919 --> 00:00:35.299 So you can turn there, or if you have your own Bible, turn to Romans chapter 8. 00:00:35.640 --> 00:00:42.780 We're going to start with verse 14, which is the last verse that Pastor Saul covered two weeks ago. 00:00:43.619 --> 00:00:44.959 And we're going to start with that. 00:00:45.000 --> 00:00:48.280 We're going to read verses 14 through 17. 00:00:48.560 --> 00:00:50.379 Verses 14 through 17. 00:00:50.980 --> 00:00:53.359 Romans 8, 14 through 17. 00:00:53.579 --> 00:00:55.519 And you can follow along while I read. 00:00:55.519 --> 00:00:56.560 It reads, 00:00:57.240 --> 00:01:01.820 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 00:01:02.820 --> 00:01:07.500 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. 00:01:08.500 --> 00:01:13.520 But you have received the spirit of adoption as sons by whom we cry, 00:01:14.159 --> 00:01:15.200 Abba, Father. 00:01:15.980 --> 00:01:19.980 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. 00:01:19.980 --> 00:01:30.640 And if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him, in order that we may also be glorified with him. 00:01:30.640 --> 00:01:36.060 And we're going to take it kind of from the center and work our way out. 00:01:36.560 --> 00:01:36.760 Okay? 00:01:37.719 --> 00:01:40.219 We're going to take it from the center and work our way out. 00:01:40.579 --> 00:01:43.900 Basically, we're going to start at the end of verse 15. 00:01:44.400 --> 00:01:45.920 At the end of verse 15. 00:01:45.920 --> 00:01:51.019 And the first point is that you are a child of the Most High God. 00:01:51.820 --> 00:01:56.099 You are a child of the Most High God. 00:01:58.180 --> 00:01:59.400 Nobody said amen. 00:02:00.460 --> 00:02:01.219 Let me try again. 00:02:01.719 --> 00:02:04.659 You are a child of the Most High God. 00:02:04.659 --> 00:02:05.459 Amen. 00:02:05.920 --> 00:02:06.299 Okay. 00:02:06.439 --> 00:02:07.140 We'll work on it. 00:02:08.259 --> 00:02:11.919 Now, let me just start with a disclaimer. 00:02:12.319 --> 00:02:12.500 Okay? 00:02:13.620 --> 00:02:17.120 That is not true for everyone in this room. 00:02:19.240 --> 00:02:19.759 Okay? 00:02:19.919 --> 00:02:21.960 It's not true for everyone in this room. 00:02:22.259 --> 00:02:23.979 But it can be. 00:02:25.199 --> 00:02:26.120 It can be. 00:02:26.120 --> 00:02:28.840 Before you leave today, it can be true. 00:02:29.139 --> 00:02:31.539 Look at John 1, verse 12. 00:02:32.560 --> 00:02:34.379 John 1, verse 12. 00:02:35.099 --> 00:02:35.620 It says, 00:02:36.500 --> 00:02:39.639 All who did receive him, and the him is Jesus, 00:02:40.280 --> 00:02:43.939 All who did receive him, who believed in his name, 00:02:44.280 --> 00:02:48.159 he gave the right to become children of God. 00:02:49.259 --> 00:02:50.579 Notice a couple things. 00:02:50.840 --> 00:02:50.979 Okay? 00:02:51.180 --> 00:02:52.419 First is all. 00:02:53.379 --> 00:02:53.960 All. 00:02:54.340 --> 00:02:56.960 This offer is open to everyone. 00:02:57.359 --> 00:03:02.900 Everyone in this room, if not yet, can leave here a child of God. 00:03:04.659 --> 00:03:05.460 Everyone. 00:03:06.099 --> 00:03:07.120 It's open to all. 00:03:07.460 --> 00:03:11.439 Notice the next section here talks about receiving him. 00:03:11.759 --> 00:03:12.599 Receiving him. 00:03:12.840 --> 00:03:18.560 And that concept is that we're entering into a relationship with Jesus. 00:03:18.560 --> 00:03:23.860 So, everyone can enter into a relationship with Jesus. 00:03:25.120 --> 00:03:26.080 That's the offer. 00:03:26.199 --> 00:03:27.259 It's the offer on the table. 00:03:27.599 --> 00:03:27.939 Today. 00:03:28.479 --> 00:03:28.659 Okay? 00:03:29.199 --> 00:03:31.340 Everyone can enter into a relationship with Jesus. 00:03:31.340 --> 00:03:32.520 But look at the third thing. 00:03:32.960 --> 00:03:34.580 Believed on his name. 00:03:35.900 --> 00:03:37.980 Believed in his name. 00:03:38.980 --> 00:03:42.120 And notice, okay, the notes here. 00:03:42.439 --> 00:03:42.740 It says, 00:03:42.740 --> 00:03:49.780 It's an acceptance of Jesus and of what he claims to be and a commitment of your life to him. 00:03:51.100 --> 00:03:55.140 You know, when we talk about believing in his name, that's the concept. 00:03:55.640 --> 00:03:55.800 Okay? 00:03:55.920 --> 00:03:57.040 That's what we mean. 00:03:57.280 --> 00:04:00.320 And you may not know a lot about Jesus yet. 00:04:00.400 --> 00:04:01.700 We can take care of that. 00:04:01.699 --> 00:04:08.159 But the understanding is, believing in his name, is we believe that he is who he says he is. 00:04:09.159 --> 00:04:13.539 And that, by itself, requires us to commit ourselves to him. 00:04:14.119 --> 00:04:14.299 Okay? 00:04:14.599 --> 00:04:16.639 So, in summary, so, I think I did a summary. 00:04:16.740 --> 00:04:17.219 Did I do a summary? 00:04:17.300 --> 00:04:18.099 I did a summary. 00:04:18.620 --> 00:04:26.539 Anyone who is willing to enter into a relationship with Jesus on his terms can become children of God. 00:04:26.540 --> 00:04:33.520 So, it may not be true of everyone in this room yet, but it can be today before you leave. 00:04:34.120 --> 00:04:35.900 You can be a child of God. 00:04:36.300 --> 00:04:42.120 Now, as we go through the rest of this message, if you do not have a relationship with Jesus yet, 00:04:42.360 --> 00:04:45.360 let me encourage you to think of this as a commercial. 00:04:46.600 --> 00:04:52.060 Think about all that's being offered to you today as a child of God. 00:04:52.060 --> 00:04:52.100 God. 00:04:52.879 --> 00:04:57.319 And, hopefully, by the end, you will be ready to make that commitment. 00:04:58.600 --> 00:05:01.540 So, you are a child of the Most High God. 00:05:01.860 --> 00:05:02.060 Okay? 00:05:02.100 --> 00:05:03.100 That's the first point. 00:05:03.780 --> 00:05:05.819 You are a child of the Most High God. 00:05:06.639 --> 00:05:09.319 And we're going to look at five things. 00:05:09.459 --> 00:05:11.399 You got, if you have your bulletin, you see the blanks. 00:05:11.439 --> 00:05:12.120 Five things. 00:05:12.579 --> 00:05:17.180 And because someone liked the last time I did a little anacronym, I did child this time. 00:05:18.300 --> 00:05:19.279 Don't get used to it. 00:05:19.340 --> 00:05:20.040 It takes a lot of work. 00:05:20.420 --> 00:05:20.579 Okay? 00:05:20.579 --> 00:05:20.620 Okay? 00:05:22.060 --> 00:05:24.360 But, five things. 00:05:24.519 --> 00:05:28.740 And this isn't everything that we get by being a child of God. 00:05:29.019 --> 00:05:32.639 But these are five that are important that we need to keep in mind. 00:05:32.980 --> 00:05:37.699 And I hope that you will see are worth meditating on. 00:05:37.800 --> 00:05:37.959 Okay? 00:05:38.420 --> 00:05:40.040 So, the first is C. 00:05:40.439 --> 00:05:42.079 And it changes everything. 00:05:42.399 --> 00:05:43.220 It changes everything. 00:05:43.300 --> 00:05:44.060 I want to tell you a story. 00:05:44.060 --> 00:05:53.759 This past Sunday night, those of you that came to the water night, Sunday night in the park, we had slip and slides everywhere. 00:05:54.180 --> 00:05:56.160 Kids flying this way and that way. 00:05:56.160 --> 00:06:00.460 And as it was all ending up, I was cleaning up one of the slip and slides. 00:06:01.540 --> 00:06:04.340 And Nate Hayes came up to me. 00:06:04.680 --> 00:06:05.540 Now, I don't know. 00:06:05.660 --> 00:06:06.920 I know some of you are guests. 00:06:06.920 --> 00:06:13.160 But Aaron and Andy Hayes adopted two children from Brundi just over a year ago. 00:06:13.160 --> 00:06:13.379 Right? 00:06:13.439 --> 00:06:15.600 Just barely more than a year ago. 00:06:16.160 --> 00:06:19.500 And Nate is the youngest and smallest of them. 00:06:19.720 --> 00:06:20.319 Which is good. 00:06:20.460 --> 00:06:24.700 Just so you know, I remembered in the beginning because Nate is shorter than Jonas. 00:06:25.379 --> 00:06:25.939 The words. 00:06:26.379 --> 00:06:28.259 So, just in case you need help with that. 00:06:29.240 --> 00:06:31.300 And so, that's how I kept it straight. 00:06:31.920 --> 00:06:33.639 But anyway, Nate walked up to me. 00:06:33.779 --> 00:06:35.439 And I see Nate all the time. 00:06:35.500 --> 00:06:36.680 And I say, hey, how you doing? 00:06:36.860 --> 00:06:37.860 And what's going on? 00:06:37.899 --> 00:06:38.720 And good morning. 00:06:38.959 --> 00:06:41.420 And, you know, he doesn't acknowledge my existence. 00:06:41.600 --> 00:06:41.740 Okay? 00:06:42.019 --> 00:06:44.759 But I'm okay with that. 00:06:45.100 --> 00:06:47.720 But Sunday night, I'm working on this. 00:06:47.779 --> 00:06:49.120 He walks up to me by himself. 00:06:49.120 --> 00:06:51.439 He looks up at me and says, what you doing? 00:06:51.439 --> 00:06:57.639 And I kind of am starting to have like this out of body experience. 00:06:58.180 --> 00:07:01.500 I'm like, I'm flipping this slip and slide over. 00:07:02.100 --> 00:07:03.139 He says, why? 00:07:05.000 --> 00:07:07.639 I said, I need to clean the back of it. 00:07:08.040 --> 00:07:08.899 He said, okay. 00:07:09.399 --> 00:07:10.399 And he walks away. 00:07:12.339 --> 00:07:17.120 And I know that seems unimpressive to you. 00:07:17.120 --> 00:07:26.120 But what impacted me in studying this is how much their lives have changed in a year. 00:07:27.280 --> 00:07:35.019 And those of you that have been here that have walked through this process with the Hayes family knows it was a bumpy start. 00:07:35.199 --> 00:07:36.879 We'll come back to that later in the sermon. 00:07:36.959 --> 00:07:37.300 Don't worry. 00:07:37.780 --> 00:07:39.959 But they've changed so much. 00:07:40.120 --> 00:07:41.579 Everything about them has changed. 00:07:41.939 --> 00:07:43.100 I mean, they're speaking English. 00:07:43.240 --> 00:07:44.980 I had a conversation with him. 00:07:44.980 --> 00:07:47.540 I mean, it wasn't a long conversation. 00:07:47.720 --> 00:07:48.700 It was long enough for me. 00:07:48.840 --> 00:07:50.060 I couldn't hardly bear it. 00:07:50.379 --> 00:07:51.300 I was so shocked. 00:07:51.840 --> 00:07:54.340 But we had a conversation. 00:07:54.759 --> 00:07:57.000 His language has changed. 00:07:57.740 --> 00:07:59.439 How they dress has changed. 00:07:59.960 --> 00:08:01.680 Where they go has changed. 00:08:02.200 --> 00:08:04.160 What they like has changed. 00:08:04.680 --> 00:08:06.580 What they love has changed. 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:09.100 What they don't want has changed. 00:08:09.319 --> 00:08:11.280 How they treat each other has changed. 00:08:11.279 --> 00:08:17.159 Their relationships with everyone and everything has changed because they were adopted into the Hayes family. 00:08:19.559 --> 00:08:20.559 Do you get it? 00:08:21.639 --> 00:08:23.399 We're adopted into God's family. 00:08:23.559 --> 00:08:26.259 It changes everything or it should change everything. 00:08:26.439 --> 00:08:31.239 If you are really adopted, it will change everything in your life. 00:08:31.419 --> 00:08:35.319 It will change how you talk, how you dress, where you go, what you like, what you love. 00:08:35.679 --> 00:08:36.720 Everything changes. 00:08:37.179 --> 00:08:40.139 2 Corinthians 5.17 says it this way. 00:08:40.139 --> 00:08:41.620 Adoption. 00:08:41.779 --> 00:08:43.340 Oh, wrong line. 00:08:43.620 --> 00:08:44.379 It says this. 00:08:44.740 --> 00:08:49.159 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. 00:08:49.559 --> 00:08:50.919 The old life is gone. 00:08:51.159 --> 00:08:53.159 A new life has begun. 00:08:53.159 --> 00:08:58.120 Y'all aren't very excited about this. 00:08:58.639 --> 00:09:01.819 Maybe you just need to, you know, let it soak a little bit. 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:05.219 This afternoon, you'll be shouting hallelujah and everybody won't know why. 00:09:05.299 --> 00:09:10.699 But, you know, being adopted, being the child of the Most High God changes everything. 00:09:11.279 --> 00:09:13.079 Okay, consider this. 00:09:13.080 --> 00:09:18.400 We've been here now a little bit longer than Nate and Jonas. 00:09:18.940 --> 00:09:21.720 But you guys, I'm sure, have seen my daughter Abby. 00:09:21.800 --> 00:09:23.480 She'll run up to me and she'll hug me. 00:09:23.580 --> 00:09:25.040 We're a very touchy family. 00:09:25.160 --> 00:09:26.879 So, that's a very common occurrence. 00:09:26.879 --> 00:09:30.939 And she calls me daddy. 00:09:31.259 --> 00:09:31.480 Okay? 00:09:32.340 --> 00:09:35.159 Now, if Tim Jones starts calling me daddy, it's going to be a little awkward. 00:09:36.460 --> 00:09:36.939 Right? 00:09:37.259 --> 00:09:39.480 There's just that relationship's not quite there. 00:09:39.559 --> 00:09:40.340 I love Tim Jones. 00:09:40.439 --> 00:09:41.539 Nothing against Tim. 00:09:41.820 --> 00:09:43.299 I'm just saying it would be awkward. 00:09:43.419 --> 00:09:43.639 Right? 00:09:43.639 --> 00:09:47.939 Because my daughter has a special place in my heart. 00:09:48.279 --> 00:09:49.039 There's this connection. 00:09:49.220 --> 00:09:53.360 There's this intimacy that's different than anyone else. 00:09:53.639 --> 00:09:54.840 My heart is towards her. 00:09:55.120 --> 00:09:56.319 My eyes are on her. 00:09:56.539 --> 00:09:58.000 I'm watching what's going on. 00:09:58.100 --> 00:09:59.460 I'm committed to protect her. 00:09:59.720 --> 00:10:01.259 I'm committed to provide for her. 00:10:01.419 --> 00:10:02.720 I'm committed to teach her. 00:10:02.980 --> 00:10:06.639 I'm committed to do whatever is necessary for her good. 00:10:07.059 --> 00:10:09.500 That's the kind of picture we have here. 00:10:09.500 --> 00:10:14.480 When it talks about the spirit of adoption, us being able to cry, Abba, Father. 00:10:15.220 --> 00:10:17.860 There's this intimacy that is new. 00:10:18.019 --> 00:10:18.940 It's brand new. 00:10:19.100 --> 00:10:19.500 It's unbelievable. 00:10:20.440 --> 00:10:21.720 The God of all creation. 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:24.679 The God who spoke everything into existence. 00:10:25.080 --> 00:10:28.480 The God who holds all things together in his hand. 00:10:29.240 --> 00:10:31.600 Allows you to call him daddy. 00:10:33.039 --> 00:10:34.679 That's what I'm talking about. 00:10:36.080 --> 00:10:39.179 Man, how glorious it is. 00:10:39.179 --> 00:10:41.339 To have everything changed. 00:10:41.659 --> 00:10:43.419 To be a child of the most high God. 00:10:43.539 --> 00:10:44.239 We've got to keep going. 00:10:44.439 --> 00:10:45.979 I haven't run through this sermon. 00:10:46.099 --> 00:10:47.599 Just so you know, like I usually do. 00:10:47.799 --> 00:10:49.079 We may be here until two. 00:10:49.439 --> 00:10:51.399 That's when my battery goes out, Mike said. 00:10:52.599 --> 00:10:53.079 Okay. 00:10:53.579 --> 00:10:53.759 So. 00:10:57.000 --> 00:10:57.879 Number two. 00:10:58.779 --> 00:10:59.099 H. 00:10:59.459 --> 00:11:00.799 Help is always available. 00:11:01.379 --> 00:11:03.599 Help is always available. 00:11:03.919 --> 00:11:06.120 Do you realize being the child of the most high God 00:11:06.120 --> 00:11:09.740 means that you can go to him with any need. 00:11:10.100 --> 00:11:14.080 Look at Hebrews chapter 4 verses 14 through 16. 00:11:15.000 --> 00:11:15.799 It says this. 00:11:16.279 --> 00:11:20.480 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens. 00:11:20.480 --> 00:11:24.680 Jesus, the son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 00:11:24.680 --> 00:11:28.940 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness. 00:11:29.279 --> 00:11:32.620 But one who in every respect has been tempted as we are. 00:11:32.820 --> 00:11:33.639 Yet without sin. 00:11:33.740 --> 00:11:34.340 Verse 16. 00:11:34.420 --> 00:11:34.800 Look at this. 00:11:35.039 --> 00:11:35.600 Verse 16. 00:11:35.680 --> 00:11:37.320 If you don't have this memorized, memorize this. 00:11:37.820 --> 00:11:39.779 Let us then with confidence. 00:11:40.100 --> 00:11:43.440 Let us boldly draw near to the throne of grace. 00:11:43.620 --> 00:11:48.500 That we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 00:11:49.039 --> 00:11:49.259 Okay. 00:11:49.320 --> 00:11:50.320 Let me tell you another story. 00:11:50.919 --> 00:11:51.899 Just happened this morning. 00:11:52.360 --> 00:11:52.620 Okay. 00:11:52.919 --> 00:11:53.919 It's going to make me cry too. 00:11:53.980 --> 00:11:54.860 I'm going to cry a lot today. 00:11:56.480 --> 00:11:57.679 I'm sitting at my desk. 00:11:58.320 --> 00:11:59.820 Being angsty about my sermon. 00:12:00.720 --> 00:12:02.899 And my son texts me. 00:12:03.419 --> 00:12:04.340 And he says. 00:12:05.620 --> 00:12:06.720 On the way to church. 00:12:07.379 --> 00:12:08.259 I was praying. 00:12:09.039 --> 00:12:09.740 I was praying. 00:12:09.860 --> 00:12:13.299 Lord, please let them have something cold to drink at church today. 00:12:13.919 --> 00:12:15.440 My throat is kind of itchy. 00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:17.060 And I just was praying. 00:12:17.120 --> 00:12:18.920 God, please let there be something cold to drink. 00:12:19.280 --> 00:12:21.700 And he sent me a picture of a cup of lemonade. 00:12:22.520 --> 00:12:22.860 He said. 00:12:22.900 --> 00:12:24.940 Dad, I've gone here two years. 00:12:25.140 --> 00:12:28.140 And they've never had anything cold to drink. 00:12:28.260 --> 00:12:29.320 When you get here in the morning. 00:12:29.560 --> 00:12:29.960 Never. 00:12:30.260 --> 00:12:31.300 And this morning I showed up. 00:12:31.380 --> 00:12:32.020 And there was lemonade. 00:12:33.620 --> 00:12:34.340 And I went. 00:12:34.900 --> 00:12:35.240 Lord. 00:12:36.920 --> 00:12:38.400 How glorious you are. 00:12:38.740 --> 00:12:39.000 You see. 00:12:39.000 --> 00:12:40.360 Whatever's going on in your life. 00:12:40.580 --> 00:12:41.720 Whatever struggle it is. 00:12:42.000 --> 00:12:43.440 Big or small. 00:12:43.759 --> 00:12:44.720 As a child of God. 00:12:44.879 --> 00:12:46.600 You have access to help. 00:12:46.899 --> 00:12:47.500 It's there. 00:12:47.779 --> 00:12:50.500 The throne room of grace is open to you. 00:12:50.700 --> 00:12:51.820 So whether you're struggling. 00:12:51.980 --> 00:12:52.700 Whether you're suffering. 00:12:52.840 --> 00:12:55.419 Whether you're facing problems that are insurmountable. 00:12:55.500 --> 00:12:56.879 Or demands that you can't meet. 00:12:57.120 --> 00:12:58.039 Whatever it is. 00:12:58.340 --> 00:12:59.840 Whatever your need is. 00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:00.659 At any moment. 00:13:00.779 --> 00:13:01.460 At any time. 00:13:01.600 --> 00:13:02.899 Even lemonade. 00:13:03.899 --> 00:13:04.379 God. 00:13:04.379 --> 00:13:04.779 God. 00:13:04.980 --> 00:13:06.179 Opens up the throne room. 00:13:06.240 --> 00:13:06.539 And says. 00:13:06.820 --> 00:13:07.220 Come in. 00:13:07.919 --> 00:13:09.139 Tell me what you need son. 00:13:09.559 --> 00:13:10.759 Tell me what you need daughter. 00:13:11.919 --> 00:13:13.539 How glorious is that? 00:13:13.899 --> 00:13:14.559 Or children. 00:13:14.659 --> 00:13:15.480 The most high God. 00:13:15.539 --> 00:13:16.620 It changes everything. 00:13:16.919 --> 00:13:18.919 And help is always available. 00:13:19.960 --> 00:13:21.059 Y'all aren't excited enough. 00:13:21.120 --> 00:13:21.419 Come on. 00:13:21.939 --> 00:13:22.240 I. 00:13:23.240 --> 00:13:23.639 I. 00:13:24.240 --> 00:13:24.720 Inheritance. 00:13:24.720 --> 00:13:25.980 We have an inheritance. 00:13:26.399 --> 00:13:27.860 Beyond imagination. 00:13:28.340 --> 00:13:30.179 An inheritance beyond imagination. 00:13:30.720 --> 00:13:33.460 Not only do we have all that we need here. 00:13:33.460 --> 00:13:35.400 But there's something more than here. 00:13:36.240 --> 00:13:36.420 Right? 00:13:36.480 --> 00:13:37.960 There's something more than now. 00:13:38.120 --> 00:13:39.840 There's something more than this life. 00:13:39.980 --> 00:13:41.940 We have something that we're looking forward to. 00:13:42.120 --> 00:13:42.379 Look. 00:13:42.420 --> 00:13:44.259 Here's some summaries of some verses. 00:13:44.920 --> 00:13:45.940 1 Peter 1.4. 00:13:46.220 --> 00:13:47.660 Talks about our inheritance. 00:13:48.060 --> 00:13:49.100 As imperishable. 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:50.139 Undefiled. 00:13:50.740 --> 00:13:51.259 Unfading. 00:13:51.980 --> 00:13:53.139 Philippians 3.21. 00:13:53.360 --> 00:13:54.840 Talks about our new bodies. 00:13:54.960 --> 00:13:55.379 Hallelujah. 00:13:55.680 --> 00:13:56.620 Who wants a new body? 00:13:57.040 --> 00:13:59.300 Our lowly body will be transformed. 00:13:59.440 --> 00:14:01.340 It will be like his glorious body. 00:14:01.940 --> 00:14:02.940 Revelation 21. 00:14:02.940 --> 00:14:03.600 3.3. 00:14:03.600 --> 00:14:04.480 3.4. 00:14:04.680 --> 00:14:06.120 We will dwell with God. 00:14:06.200 --> 00:14:07.340 He'll wipe away our tears. 00:14:07.640 --> 00:14:08.680 There will be no more death. 00:14:08.780 --> 00:14:09.320 Or sadness. 00:14:09.460 --> 00:14:09.960 Or crying. 00:14:10.040 --> 00:14:10.480 Or pain. 00:14:10.740 --> 00:14:11.960 If you were at last Sunday night. 00:14:12.060 --> 00:14:13.540 You heard Andy talk about that. 00:14:13.900 --> 00:14:14.980 And Revelation 21. 00:14:15.100 --> 00:14:15.440 18. 00:14:15.600 --> 00:14:16.040 Through 21. 00:14:16.160 --> 00:14:17.480 Talks about the beauties of heaven. 00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:18.640 Streets of gold. 00:14:18.920 --> 00:14:19.960 Walls made of gems. 00:14:20.560 --> 00:14:22.980 How glorious our inheritance is. 00:14:23.520 --> 00:14:27.840 We are bound for much more than this. 00:14:28.240 --> 00:14:28.560 Amen? 00:14:29.340 --> 00:14:29.900 Amen. 00:14:29.899 --> 00:14:31.679 We have an inheritance. 00:14:31.679 --> 00:14:34.459 Because we're a child of the most high God. 00:14:35.740 --> 00:14:36.379 L. 00:14:37.279 --> 00:14:38.959 Love without conditions. 00:14:40.019 --> 00:14:41.100 Love without conditions. 00:14:41.579 --> 00:14:42.840 Let's look at some verses. 00:14:43.019 --> 00:14:44.819 Ephesians 1.3-5. 00:14:44.820 --> 00:14:49.040 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:14:49.040 --> 00:14:53.620 Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. 00:14:54.400 --> 00:14:58.080 Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world. 00:14:58.540 --> 00:15:01.379 That we should be holy and blameless before him. 00:15:01.780 --> 00:15:07.080 In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ. 00:15:07.160 --> 00:15:08.940 According to the purpose of his will. 00:15:08.940 --> 00:15:10.380 Before the world was made. 00:15:10.640 --> 00:15:12.260 Before anything was in existence. 00:15:12.640 --> 00:15:16.000 God had already set his heart to adopt you. 00:15:16.340 --> 00:15:17.440 Love without conditions. 00:15:17.580 --> 00:15:17.980 Look at this. 00:15:18.060 --> 00:15:20.080 Romans 5.6-8. 00:15:20.720 --> 00:15:23.380 For while we were still weak at the right time. 00:15:23.680 --> 00:15:25.300 Christ died for the ungodly. 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:28.460 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person. 00:15:28.720 --> 00:15:32.460 Though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die. 00:15:32.460 --> 00:15:36.100 But God shows his love for us. 00:15:36.379 --> 00:15:38.320 In that while we were still sinners. 00:15:38.480 --> 00:15:39.660 While we were in rebellion. 00:15:40.000 --> 00:15:41.360 While we were his enemies. 00:15:41.700 --> 00:15:43.480 While we were against him. 00:15:43.800 --> 00:15:45.820 Christ died for us. 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:48.320 1 John 4.9-10. 00:15:48.900 --> 00:15:51.160 God showed us how much he loved us. 00:15:51.420 --> 00:15:53.920 By sending his one and only son into the world. 00:15:54.259 --> 00:15:56.639 So that we might have eternal life through him. 00:15:57.080 --> 00:15:58.019 This is real love. 00:15:58.200 --> 00:15:59.800 Not that we loved God. 00:15:59.799 --> 00:16:05.199 But that he loved us and sent his son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 00:16:06.479 --> 00:16:07.740 Love without condition. 00:16:08.479 --> 00:16:10.779 That's the kind of love God pours out on you. 00:16:11.319 --> 00:16:12.579 You know think about it like this. 00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:12.839 Okay. 00:16:12.959 --> 00:16:14.839 I was talking to Andy the other night. 00:16:15.599 --> 00:16:17.740 And he said something like this to me. 00:16:17.819 --> 00:16:18.620 If I misquote him. 00:16:18.839 --> 00:16:19.419 It's my fault. 00:16:19.479 --> 00:16:20.019 Not his fault. 00:16:20.539 --> 00:16:21.299 But he said. 00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:22.359 Aaron and I. 00:16:22.479 --> 00:16:23.519 Aaron can tell me if this is right. 00:16:23.879 --> 00:16:26.179 Aaron and I have thought many times. 00:16:26.579 --> 00:16:29.339 If we had to go for a week and come home. 00:16:29.799 --> 00:16:32.379 Would we have been able to go back and get the boys? 00:16:32.879 --> 00:16:34.120 The first week was rough. 00:16:34.639 --> 00:16:34.879 Okay. 00:16:35.359 --> 00:16:36.419 You know they signed up. 00:16:36.519 --> 00:16:37.279 They paid the money. 00:16:37.399 --> 00:16:38.579 They signed on the dotted line. 00:16:38.839 --> 00:16:41.199 Knowing nothing about what they were getting. 00:16:41.299 --> 00:16:42.259 I mean they read some books. 00:16:42.339 --> 00:16:43.399 They knew things could be rough. 00:16:43.799 --> 00:16:46.740 But it didn't even compare to what happened. 00:16:46.939 --> 00:16:47.240 Right. 00:16:48.319 --> 00:16:48.620 Now. 00:16:49.679 --> 00:16:50.159 God. 00:16:50.159 --> 00:16:50.279 God. 00:16:51.159 --> 00:16:51.600 Looks. 00:16:51.879 --> 00:16:52.679 At you. 00:16:53.480 --> 00:16:53.879 God. 00:16:54.379 --> 00:16:55.000 Chose you. 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:55.500 God. 00:16:55.639 --> 00:16:56.279 Adopted you. 00:16:56.679 --> 00:16:57.120 Knowing. 00:16:58.240 --> 00:16:58.679 Everything. 00:16:59.219 --> 00:16:59.860 You would ever. 00:17:00.259 --> 00:17:00.879 Do wrong. 00:17:01.419 --> 00:17:02.059 In the past. 00:17:02.199 --> 00:17:02.659 In the future. 00:17:02.779 --> 00:17:03.639 From this point on. 00:17:04.000 --> 00:17:04.460 God knew. 00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:05.680 It would be like. 00:17:06.039 --> 00:17:07.259 If Andy and Aaron. 00:17:07.379 --> 00:17:08.019 Had known. 00:17:08.220 --> 00:17:08.980 Every time. 00:17:09.240 --> 00:17:10.539 Those kids were going to break something. 00:17:10.659 --> 00:17:11.500 Throw something away. 00:17:11.639 --> 00:17:12.500 Pee on the carpet. 00:17:12.720 --> 00:17:13.099 Spit. 00:17:14.039 --> 00:17:15.339 The list is really long. 00:17:15.399 --> 00:17:16.220 We won't keep going. 00:17:16.220 --> 00:17:17.839 But if they knew. 00:17:18.039 --> 00:17:19.339 Even what was going to happen. 00:17:19.420 --> 00:17:20.539 The first month. 00:17:22.160 --> 00:17:23.180 We would be missing. 00:17:23.259 --> 00:17:23.880 Nate and Jonas. 00:17:26.600 --> 00:17:28.059 But God knows. 00:17:28.339 --> 00:17:29.480 God knows you. 00:17:29.740 --> 00:17:30.620 He loves you. 00:17:30.960 --> 00:17:31.400 Unconditionally. 00:17:31.680 --> 00:17:33.279 Not because he's ignorant. 00:17:33.400 --> 00:17:35.059 But because he's not ignorant. 00:17:35.059 --> 00:17:36.839 He chose you. 00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:39.059 In your condition. 00:17:39.539 --> 00:17:41.960 Without any ignorance at all. 00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:43.380 Amen. 00:17:44.440 --> 00:17:45.120 We're a child. 00:17:45.119 --> 00:17:46.259 Of the most high God. 00:17:46.759 --> 00:17:47.139 Okay D. 00:17:47.439 --> 00:17:48.119 You gotta keep moving. 00:17:48.219 --> 00:17:48.819 You're late already. 00:17:50.299 --> 00:17:51.479 Discipline out of love. 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:52.579 Some of you are going. 00:17:52.639 --> 00:17:52.779 Wait. 00:17:52.839 --> 00:17:53.799 I don't want to talk about this one. 00:17:53.839 --> 00:17:54.559 This doesn't sound good. 00:17:55.039 --> 00:17:56.500 Let's look at Hebrews 12. 00:17:57.239 --> 00:17:58.459 5 through 11. 00:18:00.319 --> 00:18:01.739 And you have forgotten. 00:18:01.899 --> 00:18:02.859 The encouraging words. 00:18:02.919 --> 00:18:03.699 God spoke to you. 00:18:03.739 --> 00:18:04.319 As his children. 00:18:05.099 --> 00:18:05.479 He said. 00:18:05.539 --> 00:18:06.059 My child. 00:18:06.500 --> 00:18:07.439 Don't make light. 00:18:07.519 --> 00:18:08.419 Of the Lord's discipline. 00:18:08.659 --> 00:18:09.399 Don't give up. 00:18:09.399 --> 00:18:10.379 When he corrects you. 00:18:10.939 --> 00:18:11.459 For the Lord. 00:18:11.799 --> 00:18:12.239 Disciplines. 00:18:12.319 --> 00:18:13.299 Those he loves. 00:18:13.819 --> 00:18:14.599 And he punishes. 00:18:14.599 --> 00:18:15.259 Each one. 00:18:15.459 --> 00:18:16.199 He accepts. 00:18:16.199 --> 00:18:17.319 As his child. 00:18:18.059 --> 00:18:19.299 As you endure. 00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:20.619 This divine discipline. 00:18:21.059 --> 00:18:21.559 Remember. 00:18:21.559 --> 00:18:23.219 That God is treating you. 00:18:23.219 --> 00:18:24.579 As his own children. 00:18:24.879 --> 00:18:26.099 Whoever heard of a child. 00:18:26.099 --> 00:18:27.279 Who is never disciplined. 00:18:27.279 --> 00:18:28.219 By its father. 00:18:29.059 --> 00:18:30.000 In verse 8. 00:18:30.199 --> 00:18:32.139 If God doesn't discipline you. 00:18:32.699 --> 00:18:33.539 As he does. 00:18:33.639 --> 00:18:34.539 All of his children. 00:18:35.240 --> 00:18:35.799 It means. 00:18:35.799 --> 00:18:37.199 You are illegitimate. 00:18:37.199 --> 00:18:38.419 And not really. 00:18:38.599 --> 00:18:39.439 His children at all. 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:41.299 Since we respected. 00:18:41.299 --> 00:18:42.240 Our earthly fathers. 00:18:42.240 --> 00:18:43.480 Who disciplined us. 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:44.799 Shouldn't we submit. 00:18:44.940 --> 00:18:45.799 Even more. 00:18:45.940 --> 00:18:46.660 To the discipline. 00:18:46.660 --> 00:18:47.279 Of the father. 00:18:47.279 --> 00:18:48.099 Of our spirits. 00:18:48.099 --> 00:18:48.880 And live forever. 00:18:49.880 --> 00:18:50.779 For our earthly fathers. 00:18:50.779 --> 00:18:51.559 Disciplined us. 00:18:51.559 --> 00:18:52.360 For a few years. 00:18:52.559 --> 00:18:53.339 Doing the best. 00:18:53.440 --> 00:18:54.039 They knew how. 00:18:54.380 --> 00:18:55.680 But God's discipline. 00:18:55.680 --> 00:18:57.200 Is always good for us. 00:18:57.360 --> 00:18:58.819 So that we might share. 00:18:58.819 --> 00:18:59.960 In his holiness. 00:19:00.960 --> 00:19:01.460 Verse 11. 00:19:02.460 --> 00:19:03.279 No discipline. 00:19:03.279 --> 00:19:04.099 Is enjoyable. 00:19:04.099 --> 00:19:05.079 While it's happening. 00:19:05.500 --> 00:19:06.120 It's painful. 00:19:06.339 --> 00:19:07.160 But afterward. 00:19:07.400 --> 00:19:08.599 There will be a peaceful. 00:19:08.599 --> 00:19:09.980 A peaceful harvest. 00:19:09.980 --> 00:19:11.199 Of right living. 00:19:11.199 --> 00:19:12.639 For those who are trained. 00:19:12.639 --> 00:19:13.619 In this way. 00:19:14.740 --> 00:19:14.919 You know. 00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:15.919 Discipline is not. 00:19:16.019 --> 00:19:16.819 A negative thing. 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:18.959 It may be an unpleasant thing. 00:19:19.039 --> 00:19:19.759 But it's not. 00:19:19.839 --> 00:19:20.819 A negative thing. 00:19:20.980 --> 00:19:21.199 Right. 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:22.399 We started by talking about. 00:19:22.599 --> 00:19:23.559 How being a child of God. 00:19:23.639 --> 00:19:24.459 Changes everything. 00:19:24.679 --> 00:19:25.500 We talked about. 00:19:25.579 --> 00:19:26.119 Nate and Jonas. 00:19:26.219 --> 00:19:27.399 How much they've changed. 00:19:27.579 --> 00:19:28.399 I assure you. 00:19:28.500 --> 00:19:29.679 Much of that change. 00:19:29.679 --> 00:19:30.659 Has been through. 00:19:31.379 --> 00:19:31.899 Discipline. 00:19:32.879 --> 00:19:33.219 Right. 00:19:34.059 --> 00:19:35.500 The change we long for. 00:19:35.500 --> 00:19:36.099 In our lives. 00:19:36.099 --> 00:19:37.759 What we truly desire. 00:19:38.059 --> 00:19:38.719 What we want. 00:19:38.839 --> 00:19:39.879 More than anything. 00:19:40.719 --> 00:19:41.480 Most often. 00:19:41.579 --> 00:19:42.399 God brings. 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:44.059 Through the process of discipline. 00:19:44.299 --> 00:19:45.480 But the good news is. 00:19:45.659 --> 00:19:46.459 It's discipline. 00:19:46.459 --> 00:19:47.439 Out of love. 00:19:49.480 --> 00:19:50.519 It's discipline. 00:19:51.039 --> 00:19:51.899 Out of love. 00:19:53.319 --> 00:19:54.740 And that's so important. 00:19:55.480 --> 00:19:56.519 It's so important. 00:19:57.939 --> 00:19:58.919 You're a child. 00:19:59.079 --> 00:20:00.019 Of the most high God. 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:01.779 Okay. 00:20:02.459 --> 00:20:03.219 You're a child. 00:20:03.279 --> 00:20:04.119 Of the most high God. 00:20:04.339 --> 00:20:05.159 Changes everything. 00:20:05.259 --> 00:20:06.019 Helps always avail. 00:20:06.379 --> 00:20:07.659 Inheritance beyond imagination. 00:20:08.079 --> 00:20:08.859 Love without condition. 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:09.759 Discipline. 00:20:09.959 --> 00:20:10.719 Out of love. 00:20:11.459 --> 00:20:12.819 Now that leads us to a question. 00:20:14.399 --> 00:20:15.879 Why are you afraid? 00:20:17.059 --> 00:20:17.919 Why are you afraid? 00:20:18.839 --> 00:20:19.559 Now I know. 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:20.619 You might be thinking. 00:20:21.219 --> 00:20:21.659 Well. 00:20:21.879 --> 00:20:22.119 Okay. 00:20:22.159 --> 00:20:22.919 I could see how. 00:20:23.219 --> 00:20:24.500 Being a child of the most high God. 00:20:25.019 --> 00:20:25.500 Impacts. 00:20:25.959 --> 00:20:26.859 Our fear. 00:20:27.079 --> 00:20:27.259 You know. 00:20:27.359 --> 00:20:27.439 We. 00:20:27.699 --> 00:20:28.219 It's true. 00:20:28.699 --> 00:20:29.740 Being God's child. 00:20:29.839 --> 00:20:30.500 Should impact. 00:20:30.639 --> 00:20:31.539 Just our general fears. 00:20:31.619 --> 00:20:31.799 Right. 00:20:32.119 --> 00:20:32.639 Spiders. 00:20:34.059 --> 00:20:35.099 Spiders is big. 00:20:35.099 --> 00:20:35.579 But. 00:20:35.819 --> 00:20:36.379 Impacts. 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:36.980 Spiders. 00:20:36.980 --> 00:20:38.699 Or our fear of others. 00:20:39.219 --> 00:20:39.319 Or. 00:20:39.719 --> 00:20:40.500 Even after. 00:20:40.859 --> 00:20:41.980 Things are happening this weekend. 00:20:42.319 --> 00:20:43.740 Our fear of active shooters. 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:44.899 All of that should be. 00:20:45.159 --> 00:20:45.699 Impacted. 00:20:45.759 --> 00:20:47.179 In knowing that we're God's child. 00:20:47.759 --> 00:20:48.419 It says. 00:20:48.420 --> 00:20:49.580 In Psalm 56. 00:20:49.920 --> 00:20:50.980 9 through 11. 00:20:51.400 --> 00:20:53.779 Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. 00:20:54.120 --> 00:20:54.720 This I know. 00:20:54.900 --> 00:20:56.340 That God is for me. 00:20:56.980 --> 00:20:58.680 In God whose word I praise. 00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:00.700 In the Lord whose word I praise. 00:21:01.080 --> 00:21:01.200 I. 00:21:01.360 --> 00:21:01.840 In trust. 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:03.060 In God I trust. 00:21:03.160 --> 00:21:04.360 I shall not be afraid. 00:21:04.700 --> 00:21:06.180 What can man do to me? 00:21:06.880 --> 00:21:07.180 So. 00:21:07.600 --> 00:21:08.480 Being a child of God. 00:21:08.539 --> 00:21:10.000 Should impact our fears. 00:21:10.279 --> 00:21:12.240 And we could talk about that extensively. 00:21:12.460 --> 00:21:13.680 I actually had a whole sermon on that. 00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:14.920 That's what I thought we were going to talk about. 00:21:14.920 --> 00:21:15.640 But we're not. 00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:15.920 So. 00:21:16.039 --> 00:21:16.519 Surprised. 00:21:16.880 --> 00:21:17.680 To both of us. 00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:20.200 But. 00:21:21.560 --> 00:21:23.320 But what we really need to look at. 00:21:23.400 --> 00:21:24.640 Is verse 15 again. 00:21:24.940 --> 00:21:25.160 Okay. 00:21:25.519 --> 00:21:26.340 Verse 15. 00:21:26.840 --> 00:21:27.360 Romans 8. 00:21:27.400 --> 00:21:27.700 15. 00:21:27.779 --> 00:21:28.019 Says. 00:21:28.940 --> 00:21:31.820 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery. 00:21:32.240 --> 00:21:34.400 To fall back into fear. 00:21:35.480 --> 00:21:38.240 You did not receive the spirit of slavery. 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:39.460 To fall back into fear. 00:21:39.460 --> 00:21:39.600 But. 00:21:39.920 --> 00:21:41.279 You received the spirit of adoption. 00:21:41.400 --> 00:21:41.779 As sons. 00:21:42.060 --> 00:21:42.820 By whom we cry. 00:21:42.940 --> 00:21:43.259 Abba. 00:21:43.340 --> 00:21:43.600 Father. 00:21:43.880 --> 00:21:44.820 And you notice. 00:21:44.920 --> 00:21:46.039 As we've been going through. 00:21:46.140 --> 00:21:47.039 Romans chapter 8. 00:21:47.240 --> 00:21:47.940 Time and again. 00:21:48.019 --> 00:21:49.160 We see the parallels. 00:21:49.560 --> 00:21:50.960 Happening in Paul's writing. 00:21:51.279 --> 00:21:51.440 Right. 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:52.840 And we see it again here. 00:21:53.080 --> 00:21:54.980 We see that there's a spirit of slavery. 00:21:55.360 --> 00:21:57.120 Compared to the spirit of adoption. 00:21:57.500 --> 00:21:58.019 We see this. 00:21:58.200 --> 00:21:59.220 This sense of fear. 00:21:59.620 --> 00:22:00.500 Compared to this. 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:01.080 Abba. 00:22:01.200 --> 00:22:01.600 Father. 00:22:02.100 --> 00:22:02.259 And. 00:22:02.340 --> 00:22:02.440 And. 00:22:02.440 --> 00:22:02.740 And. 00:22:02.740 --> 00:22:03.320 And so. 00:22:03.620 --> 00:22:04.180 The question is. 00:22:04.300 --> 00:22:05.519 Why are you afraid. 00:22:05.640 --> 00:22:07.100 If you're the child of God. 00:22:07.420 --> 00:22:08.580 And maybe you're saying to yourself. 00:22:08.820 --> 00:22:09.039 Well. 00:22:09.320 --> 00:22:09.759 You know. 00:22:09.880 --> 00:22:10.400 Doesn't the Bible say. 00:22:10.480 --> 00:22:11.940 We're supposed to be afraid of God. 00:22:12.060 --> 00:22:12.259 You know. 00:22:12.380 --> 00:22:12.820 Fear God. 00:22:12.880 --> 00:22:14.039 There's lots of fear God verses. 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:15.299 Aren't we supposed to fear God? 00:22:15.480 --> 00:22:16.559 The answer is yes. 00:22:16.559 --> 00:22:17.920 Because the Bible's always right. 00:22:18.079 --> 00:22:18.960 So if it says it. 00:22:19.039 --> 00:22:19.680 You should do it. 00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:20.240 Fear God. 00:22:20.779 --> 00:22:22.659 But what I would say to you is this. 00:22:22.899 --> 00:22:24.240 There's a big difference. 00:22:24.559 --> 00:22:26.599 Between fear as a slave. 00:22:26.960 --> 00:22:28.680 And fear as a son. 00:22:30.680 --> 00:22:31.159 Okay. 00:22:31.420 --> 00:22:33.720 There's a huge difference. 00:22:34.159 --> 00:22:35.879 Between fear as a slave. 00:22:36.019 --> 00:22:38.039 Versus fear as a son. 00:22:38.039 --> 00:22:38.680 My children. 00:22:38.680 --> 00:22:39.720 My children. 00:22:39.720 --> 00:22:40.480 All fear me. 00:22:42.159 --> 00:22:42.799 They do. 00:22:43.859 --> 00:22:45.960 They know when to fear me more than other times. 00:22:47.299 --> 00:22:49.599 But none of them have ever feared me as a slave. 00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:53.079 Even when I discipline them. 00:22:53.339 --> 00:22:54.639 They never doubt. 00:22:55.139 --> 00:22:55.980 My love for them. 00:22:56.559 --> 00:22:58.519 They're never afraid to come to me. 00:22:58.779 --> 00:23:00.519 They're not even afraid to come to me. 00:23:00.599 --> 00:23:02.519 And tell me they've done things wrong. 00:23:02.519 --> 00:23:06.660 Because there's a difference in fear as a slave. 00:23:06.779 --> 00:23:07.559 And fear as a son. 00:23:07.779 --> 00:23:11.259 And I think that's the beauty of how God puts it in this verse. 00:23:11.940 --> 00:23:13.680 He specifies clearly. 00:23:14.160 --> 00:23:17.039 Now the problem in that is this. 00:23:17.720 --> 00:23:19.900 The problem in that is this. 00:23:19.900 --> 00:23:28.820 Because so often we slip back into fearing as slaves. 00:23:30.720 --> 00:23:32.920 We slip back into fearing as slaves. 00:23:33.660 --> 00:23:37.580 I think we can see this in the story that you're all very familiar with. 00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:39.100 The story of the prodigal son. 00:23:39.840 --> 00:23:41.860 From Luke chapter 15. 00:23:42.540 --> 00:23:44.320 And in case you don't know it. 00:23:44.360 --> 00:23:45.240 Let me just give you a summary. 00:23:45.380 --> 00:23:45.500 Okay. 00:23:45.840 --> 00:23:46.759 There are two sons. 00:23:46.860 --> 00:23:47.519 They have a father. 00:23:47.860 --> 00:23:48.360 And they're. 00:23:48.400 --> 00:23:48.980 I don't know. 00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:49.460 They're rich. 00:23:49.460 --> 00:23:50.200 I don't know. 00:23:50.579 --> 00:23:52.100 So the one son. 00:23:52.220 --> 00:23:53.200 The prodigal son. 00:23:53.279 --> 00:23:54.620 Which if you don't know prodigal. 00:23:54.840 --> 00:23:57.860 It means somebody that's frivolous in how they spend money. 00:23:58.180 --> 00:23:58.420 Okay. 00:23:58.640 --> 00:24:01.279 So the prodigal son comes to the father. 00:24:01.500 --> 00:24:02.220 And you remember he says. 00:24:02.640 --> 00:24:03.259 Hey you know. 00:24:03.460 --> 00:24:05.840 I'd like to go ahead and get my share of the inheritance. 00:24:06.220 --> 00:24:06.579 Now. 00:24:07.400 --> 00:24:07.680 You know. 00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:09.019 Which just in case you don't know. 00:24:09.100 --> 00:24:10.100 That's basically like saying. 00:24:10.380 --> 00:24:11.539 Dad I wish you were dead already. 00:24:11.620 --> 00:24:12.519 But since you're not. 00:24:12.680 --> 00:24:12.980 Can I. 00:24:13.079 --> 00:24:14.220 Can I have my part of the money? 00:24:14.880 --> 00:24:15.079 Okay. 00:24:15.299 --> 00:24:16.740 And so the father gives it to him. 00:24:16.740 --> 00:24:17.600 And you remember what happens. 00:24:17.600 --> 00:24:19.279 He goes off to a far away land. 00:24:19.279 --> 00:24:20.639 And he's prodigal. 00:24:20.759 --> 00:24:23.079 He spends it frivolously. 00:24:23.660 --> 00:24:25.899 On all kinds of terrible things. 00:24:26.279 --> 00:24:26.579 Right. 00:24:26.720 --> 00:24:27.819 And so. 00:24:28.339 --> 00:24:29.660 He has all these parties. 00:24:29.799 --> 00:24:30.700 Does all this stuff. 00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:31.680 Until the money's gone. 00:24:31.740 --> 00:24:32.039 You remember. 00:24:32.139 --> 00:24:33.339 He ends up then broke. 00:24:33.440 --> 00:24:35.559 And none of his friends want to hang out there anymore. 00:24:35.680 --> 00:24:36.579 Because after all. 00:24:36.680 --> 00:24:37.680 He's broke now. 00:24:37.740 --> 00:24:39.539 And who likes to go to a broke party. 00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:40.180 So. 00:24:40.700 --> 00:24:41.579 He's alone. 00:24:42.000 --> 00:24:43.779 Feeding pigs to survive. 00:24:44.059 --> 00:24:44.299 Right. 00:24:44.379 --> 00:24:45.180 You remember the story. 00:24:45.740 --> 00:24:46.000 Right. 00:24:46.059 --> 00:24:46.500 You with me. 00:24:46.980 --> 00:24:48.420 And that's where this picks up. 00:24:48.659 --> 00:24:48.879 Okay. 00:24:48.920 --> 00:24:49.559 In verse 17. 00:24:50.519 --> 00:24:51.220 He says. 00:24:51.220 --> 00:24:52.880 But when he came to himself. 00:24:53.440 --> 00:24:53.720 He said. 00:24:54.299 --> 00:24:56.079 How many of my father's hired servants. 00:24:56.480 --> 00:24:58.299 Have more than enough bread. 00:24:58.700 --> 00:25:00.440 But I perish here with hunger. 00:25:01.079 --> 00:25:02.059 I will arise. 00:25:02.220 --> 00:25:03.160 And go to my father. 00:25:03.299 --> 00:25:04.180 I will say to him. 00:25:04.279 --> 00:25:04.579 Father. 00:25:04.700 --> 00:25:05.940 I have sinned against heaven. 00:25:06.140 --> 00:25:06.839 And before you. 00:25:06.940 --> 00:25:09.420 I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. 00:25:09.779 --> 00:25:12.579 Treat me as one of your hired servants. 00:25:15.039 --> 00:25:15.420 Now. 00:25:16.120 --> 00:25:17.220 Brothers and sisters. 00:25:17.640 --> 00:25:18.680 Let me ask you this. 00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:21.640 How often do we get stuck. 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:24.080 At this place in the story. 00:25:24.900 --> 00:25:26.360 How often do we get stuck. 00:25:26.420 --> 00:25:27.740 At this place in the story. 00:25:28.080 --> 00:25:30.460 Afraid of getting what you deserve. 00:25:31.400 --> 00:25:32.580 And so when I ask you. 00:25:32.620 --> 00:25:33.420 Why are you afraid. 00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:34.779 That's what I'm really asking you. 00:25:35.019 --> 00:25:37.460 Why are you afraid of getting what you deserve. 00:25:37.880 --> 00:25:38.120 Now. 00:25:38.360 --> 00:25:39.420 Let's be honest. 00:25:39.720 --> 00:25:39.960 Okay. 00:25:40.039 --> 00:25:40.640 Let's be honest. 00:25:41.120 --> 00:25:41.920 I have to read this. 00:25:41.980 --> 00:25:45.019 Because I extensively wrote down my honesty list here. 00:25:45.560 --> 00:25:46.600 The truth is. 00:25:46.600 --> 00:25:48.340 This is a room full of children. 00:25:48.339 --> 00:25:49.459 Of the most high God. 00:25:50.419 --> 00:25:50.819 But. 00:25:51.720 --> 00:25:53.279 Every one of us is a failure. 00:25:54.699 --> 00:25:56.619 We've failed at keeping our eyes. 00:25:56.740 --> 00:25:57.339 Our minds. 00:25:57.480 --> 00:25:58.220 And our mouths. 00:25:58.480 --> 00:25:58.799 Pure. 00:26:00.139 --> 00:26:01.799 We have failed at loving others. 00:26:02.139 --> 00:26:04.000 We have failed at being generous. 00:26:04.359 --> 00:26:05.919 We've failed at our relationships. 00:26:06.240 --> 00:26:06.879 And our friendships. 00:26:07.720 --> 00:26:09.179 We've failed in our singleness. 00:26:09.579 --> 00:26:10.799 We've failed in our marriages. 00:26:11.159 --> 00:26:12.439 We've failed in our parenting. 00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:14.500 We've failed in our grandparenting. 00:26:14.500 --> 00:26:16.519 And if there's any great grandparents. 00:26:16.660 --> 00:26:17.420 Just add that on there. 00:26:17.480 --> 00:26:17.619 Okay. 00:26:18.259 --> 00:26:19.559 We are alcoholics. 00:26:19.559 --> 00:26:20.940 And drug addicts. 00:26:20.940 --> 00:26:22.420 We're homosexuals. 00:26:22.420 --> 00:26:23.380 And adulterers. 00:26:23.599 --> 00:26:25.200 We've been sexually unfaithful. 00:26:25.200 --> 00:26:26.000 In our singleness. 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:27.119 And in our marriages. 00:26:27.619 --> 00:26:28.599 We are hateful. 00:26:28.740 --> 00:26:29.859 And spiteful. 00:26:30.019 --> 00:26:31.059 And gossips. 00:26:31.240 --> 00:26:32.319 And slanderers. 00:26:32.680 --> 00:26:33.519 We are greedy. 00:26:33.519 --> 00:26:34.359 And selfish. 00:26:34.500 --> 00:26:35.420 And materialistic. 00:26:35.900 --> 00:26:37.140 We're willing to steal. 00:26:37.380 --> 00:26:38.119 And cheat. 00:26:38.279 --> 00:26:39.099 And lie. 00:26:40.059 --> 00:26:42.039 We're willing to turn a blind eye. 00:26:42.139 --> 00:26:43.299 To other people's suffering. 00:26:44.000 --> 00:26:45.359 We worship comfort. 00:26:45.559 --> 00:26:46.279 And pleasure. 00:26:46.619 --> 00:26:47.500 And indulgence. 00:26:47.679 --> 00:26:48.339 And novelty. 00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:50.099 We are prideful. 00:26:50.379 --> 00:26:52.279 And we blame our faults and failures. 00:26:52.279 --> 00:26:53.919 On everyone but ourselves. 00:26:54.099 --> 00:26:57.299 Or else we just justify them away. 00:27:04.219 --> 00:27:05.639 We know our own hearts. 00:27:06.379 --> 00:27:06.859 Right? 00:27:07.439 --> 00:27:08.619 We know our own hearts. 00:27:08.619 --> 00:27:09.739 We know our own minds. 00:27:09.739 --> 00:27:11.679 We know our own pasts. 00:27:11.679 --> 00:27:12.519 Our history. 00:27:12.879 --> 00:27:14.279 We know our own sin. 00:27:14.779 --> 00:27:16.239 And so easily. 00:27:16.359 --> 00:27:17.439 Because of that. 00:27:17.739 --> 00:27:19.579 We can slip into thinking. 00:27:19.579 --> 00:27:21.099 Like the prodigal son. 00:27:22.679 --> 00:27:26.339 We begin to see this sense of. 00:27:26.559 --> 00:27:29.459 I'm no longer to be worthy to call your son or daughter. 00:27:29.719 --> 00:27:31.859 Just treat me as one of your hired servants. 00:27:32.239 --> 00:27:33.500 Treat me as a slave. 00:27:34.259 --> 00:27:36.559 And so we live in fear. 00:27:36.559 --> 00:27:36.639 Fear. 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:38.779 We live in fear. 00:27:39.119 --> 00:27:41.259 Waiting for the hammer to fall. 00:27:43.619 --> 00:27:45.799 We're expecting something terrible to happen. 00:27:45.940 --> 00:27:47.899 As a judgment for our past sins. 00:27:47.899 --> 00:27:49.240 Or in retribution. 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:52.519 For not making as much progress in holy living as we should. 00:27:53.159 --> 00:27:59.000 We imagine in some way that God's waiting with a big stick to whack us every time we fail. 00:27:59.000 --> 00:28:02.779 We live as slaves. 00:28:03.779 --> 00:28:04.880 Driven by fear. 00:28:05.900 --> 00:28:06.380 Insecurity. 00:28:07.119 --> 00:28:07.680 Uncertainty. 00:28:08.119 --> 00:28:09.759 We begin to doubt God's love. 00:28:09.859 --> 00:28:10.619 God's grace. 00:28:10.759 --> 00:28:11.380 God's mercy. 00:28:11.680 --> 00:28:13.839 Now we don't doubt it towards others. 00:28:14.880 --> 00:28:15.380 After all. 00:28:15.480 --> 00:28:17.380 We realize they're probably better than us anyway. 00:28:18.059 --> 00:28:19.599 But we doubt it towards us. 00:28:19.599 --> 00:28:22.240 So we try to work harder. 00:28:22.539 --> 00:28:23.579 We decide we'll do better. 00:28:23.959 --> 00:28:25.299 We commit to be good enough. 00:28:25.839 --> 00:28:27.459 Yet deep down inside. 00:28:27.980 --> 00:28:28.619 We're afraid. 00:28:29.219 --> 00:28:29.959 Sooner or later. 00:28:30.619 --> 00:28:32.059 We will get what we deserve. 00:28:33.339 --> 00:28:35.379 And the worst part about this subtle. 00:28:35.639 --> 00:28:37.439 Maybe even unconscious fear. 00:28:37.740 --> 00:28:41.119 Is it begins to eat away at our intimacy with the Father. 00:28:41.419 --> 00:28:43.359 Whatever intimacy we have. 00:28:43.359 --> 00:28:45.899 When we begin to think this way. 00:28:46.000 --> 00:28:47.599 When we begin to take this stance. 00:28:47.839 --> 00:28:50.879 And function as slaves instead of sons. 00:28:51.399 --> 00:28:53.740 That intimacy begins to be broken apart. 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:56.699 And not just with our Father. 00:28:56.919 --> 00:28:57.859 But with each other. 00:28:58.479 --> 00:28:58.759 Right? 00:28:59.959 --> 00:29:02.699 We know how we are. 00:29:02.699 --> 00:29:03.859 And because of that. 00:29:04.099 --> 00:29:05.159 We push away. 00:29:06.119 --> 00:29:08.519 We feel a need to be isolated. 00:29:08.719 --> 00:29:10.259 We don't want people to really know us. 00:29:10.319 --> 00:29:11.939 We have to put on this facade. 00:29:12.059 --> 00:29:12.879 We can't be real. 00:29:12.880 --> 00:29:14.580 We can't talk about our struggles. 00:29:14.720 --> 00:29:15.980 We can't talk about our brokenness. 00:29:16.060 --> 00:29:17.380 We can't talk about our families. 00:29:17.780 --> 00:29:19.440 Because we give in to this sense. 00:29:19.520 --> 00:29:21.300 That we're just not good enough. 00:29:22.100 --> 00:29:24.720 We treat each other like slaves too. 00:29:26.620 --> 00:29:28.360 And so how does somebody run. 00:29:29.280 --> 00:29:31.320 To a Father that they just expect. 00:29:31.400 --> 00:29:32.940 Is going to whack them back down. 00:29:36.620 --> 00:29:38.660 So we continue to go through all the motions. 00:29:39.080 --> 00:29:39.280 Right? 00:29:40.040 --> 00:29:41.720 We still do all the right things. 00:29:41.720 --> 00:29:43.220 We say all the right stuff. 00:29:43.319 --> 00:29:44.700 We check off all the right boxes. 00:29:44.880 --> 00:29:46.319 But we feel isolated. 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:47.640 We feel disconnected. 00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:49.000 We feel alone. 00:29:49.360 --> 00:29:51.000 Knowing something is right. 00:29:51.360 --> 00:29:52.799 I mean something isn't right. 00:29:52.839 --> 00:29:54.680 But not sure how to fix it. 00:29:54.680 --> 00:29:58.140 Look at 1 John 4. 00:29:58.140 --> 00:29:58.180 1 John 4. 00:29:58.320 --> 00:30:00.080 16 through 19. 00:30:00.080 --> 00:30:01.100 1 John 4. 00:30:01.200 --> 00:30:02.160 16 through 19. 00:30:03.160 --> 00:30:04.940 So we have come to know. 00:30:05.240 --> 00:30:06.539 And to believe. 00:30:07.080 --> 00:30:07.660 The love. 00:30:08.180 --> 00:30:09.840 That God has for us. 00:30:10.640 --> 00:30:11.680 God is love. 00:30:12.180 --> 00:30:13.400 And whoever abides in love. 00:30:13.519 --> 00:30:14.320 Abides in God. 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:16.220 And God abides in him. 00:30:17.100 --> 00:30:19.140 By this is love perfected with us. 00:30:19.400 --> 00:30:20.960 So that we may have confidence. 00:30:20.960 --> 00:30:22.080 For the day of judgment. 00:30:22.079 --> 00:30:24.759 Because as he is. 00:30:25.059 --> 00:30:26.220 So also are we. 00:30:26.559 --> 00:30:27.139 In this world. 00:30:28.199 --> 00:30:30.059 There is no fear in love. 00:30:30.679 --> 00:30:33.119 But perfect love casts out fear. 00:30:33.919 --> 00:30:35.519 For fear has to do with punishment. 00:30:35.899 --> 00:30:38.539 Whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 00:30:39.659 --> 00:30:40.299 We love. 00:30:40.819 --> 00:30:44.299 Because he first loved us. 00:30:45.599 --> 00:30:48.579 Notice the underlined part of that passage. 00:30:48.579 --> 00:30:51.240 He is. 00:30:51.319 --> 00:30:52.019 As he is. 00:30:52.059 --> 00:30:53.579 So also are we in this world. 00:30:54.899 --> 00:30:55.879 Brothers and sisters. 00:30:55.879 --> 00:30:57.759 You are a child of the most high God. 00:30:58.879 --> 00:31:01.119 The standing that Jesus has. 00:31:01.500 --> 00:31:02.559 Before the father. 00:31:02.720 --> 00:31:04.519 Is the same standing that you have. 00:31:05.039 --> 00:31:06.220 Not that you deserve. 00:31:06.519 --> 00:31:07.319 Praise the Lord. 00:31:07.699 --> 00:31:08.879 But it's the one you have. 00:31:09.559 --> 00:31:10.419 As he is. 00:31:10.619 --> 00:31:12.439 So also are we in this world. 00:31:13.039 --> 00:31:14.619 Jesus doesn't have to be afraid. 00:31:14.619 --> 00:31:15.980 To approach the father. 00:31:16.359 --> 00:31:17.099 No matter what. 00:31:17.099 --> 00:31:18.519 He doesn't have to cower. 00:31:18.639 --> 00:31:19.819 He doesn't have to be concerned. 00:31:19.939 --> 00:31:21.079 He doesn't have to withdraw. 00:31:21.480 --> 00:31:23.399 Because his relationship is right. 00:31:23.699 --> 00:31:25.959 And that's the relationship that you have. 00:31:26.079 --> 00:31:27.359 In Jesus Christ. 00:31:28.819 --> 00:31:29.339 Amen. 00:31:30.980 --> 00:31:32.019 Look at the ending. 00:31:32.259 --> 00:31:33.439 To the prodigal son story. 00:31:33.599 --> 00:31:34.279 You guys know this. 00:31:34.359 --> 00:31:35.419 But let's look at it. 00:31:35.459 --> 00:31:35.799 It says. 00:31:36.619 --> 00:31:37.359 And he rose. 00:31:37.599 --> 00:31:38.699 And came to his father. 00:31:38.700 --> 00:31:42.319 But while he was still a long way off. 00:31:43.920 --> 00:31:45.299 His father saw him. 00:31:45.580 --> 00:31:46.500 And felt compassion. 00:31:46.940 --> 00:31:47.740 And ran. 00:31:48.039 --> 00:31:48.960 And embraced him. 00:31:49.120 --> 00:31:50.080 And kissed him. 00:31:51.120 --> 00:31:51.880 And the son. 00:31:52.140 --> 00:31:52.980 You're so dumb. 00:31:53.059 --> 00:31:53.319 Isn't he? 00:31:54.340 --> 00:31:55.360 The son says. 00:31:55.480 --> 00:31:56.340 He's got this speech. 00:31:56.380 --> 00:31:57.039 He's been practicing. 00:31:57.200 --> 00:31:58.680 For however many miles he's been walking. 00:31:58.920 --> 00:31:59.279 Father. 00:31:59.380 --> 00:32:00.539 I have sinned against heaven. 00:32:00.600 --> 00:32:01.259 And before you. 00:32:01.380 --> 00:32:02.460 I'm no longer worthy. 00:32:02.460 --> 00:32:03.580 To be called your son. 00:32:03.580 --> 00:32:05.259 And the father's not even listening to him. 00:32:05.340 --> 00:32:05.480 Right? 00:32:05.480 --> 00:32:06.880 I mean. 00:32:07.299 --> 00:32:07.860 He's like. 00:32:07.960 --> 00:32:08.059 He's. 00:32:08.160 --> 00:32:08.660 I know. 00:32:08.759 --> 00:32:09.259 I got this. 00:32:09.480 --> 00:32:09.860 Okay. 00:32:09.880 --> 00:32:10.960 I'm going to do my presentation. 00:32:11.400 --> 00:32:13.279 The father's calling to his servants. 00:32:15.160 --> 00:32:16.200 Bring quickly. 00:32:16.440 --> 00:32:17.420 The best robe. 00:32:17.519 --> 00:32:18.180 And put it on him. 00:32:18.400 --> 00:32:19.259 Bring a ring. 00:32:19.420 --> 00:32:20.680 Put a ring on his hand. 00:32:20.720 --> 00:32:21.740 And shoes on his feet. 00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:23.200 Bring the fattened calf. 00:32:23.259 --> 00:32:23.720 And kill it. 00:32:23.900 --> 00:32:24.640 Let us eat. 00:32:24.779 --> 00:32:25.500 And celebrate. 00:32:30.500 --> 00:32:32.620 Imagine how different things would have been. 00:32:32.900 --> 00:32:34.099 For the prodigal son. 00:32:34.200 --> 00:32:35.400 If he had only. 00:32:36.000 --> 00:32:36.400 Known. 00:32:37.059 --> 00:32:38.000 What was going to happen. 00:32:38.059 --> 00:32:38.620 When he went home. 00:32:39.519 --> 00:32:39.700 I mean. 00:32:39.740 --> 00:32:40.700 How long did he stand there. 00:32:40.759 --> 00:32:41.299 Feeding pigs. 00:32:42.660 --> 00:32:43.059 Right? 00:32:43.700 --> 00:32:45.019 How long did he wallow. 00:32:45.099 --> 00:32:46.360 In his own misery. 00:32:47.120 --> 00:32:48.400 His own brokenness. 00:32:48.579 --> 00:32:49.559 His own failure. 00:32:49.839 --> 00:32:51.099 His own abilities. 00:32:51.099 --> 00:32:52.319 To be a slave. 00:32:52.460 --> 00:32:53.620 And not to imagine. 00:32:53.620 --> 00:32:55.259 That the father still saw him. 00:32:55.380 --> 00:32:55.960 As a son. 00:32:56.880 --> 00:32:57.920 If only he had known. 00:32:58.099 --> 00:32:59.519 How quickly would he have gone home. 00:33:00.420 --> 00:33:02.380 How much would he have run. 00:33:02.440 --> 00:33:03.860 Into his father's arms. 00:33:03.859 --> 00:33:06.439 Why are you afraid? 00:33:06.439 --> 00:33:06.519 Why are you afraid? 00:33:08.000 --> 00:33:09.419 Why are you afraid? 00:33:11.419 --> 00:33:12.639 Romans 8.15. 00:33:12.640 --> 00:33:16.540 You did not receive the spirit of slavery. 00:33:16.540 --> 00:33:18.180 To fall back into fear. 00:33:18.180 --> 00:33:21.280 But you have received the spirit of adoption as sons. 00:33:21.560 --> 00:33:22.259 By whom we cry. 00:33:22.580 --> 00:33:23.060 Abba. 00:33:23.300 --> 00:33:23.800 Father. 00:33:24.240 --> 00:33:24.700 Daddy. 00:33:25.620 --> 00:33:26.420 Whatever you've done. 00:33:27.100 --> 00:33:28.300 Whatever you're still doing. 00:33:28.940 --> 00:33:30.240 Whatever you're ashamed of. 00:33:30.440 --> 00:33:32.280 Whatever seems not good enough. 00:33:32.820 --> 00:33:34.160 Throw it all aside. 00:33:34.960 --> 00:33:37.280 Run into the arms of the one who loves you. 00:33:37.380 --> 00:33:38.080 Crying out. 00:33:38.360 --> 00:33:38.740 Daddy. 00:33:38.740 --> 00:33:39.380 Daddy. 00:33:39.380 --> 00:33:39.420 Daddy. 00:33:39.680 --> 00:33:40.720 Don't wait. 00:33:41.359 --> 00:33:42.559 Why are you waiting? 00:33:43.099 --> 00:33:44.900 Don't keep living as a slave. 00:33:44.900 --> 00:33:47.579 When you're already a child of the most high God. 00:33:49.960 --> 00:33:50.720 And you know. 00:33:50.799 --> 00:33:52.059 It's like an interesting cycle. 00:33:52.599 --> 00:33:54.359 Because once you do that. 00:33:54.980 --> 00:33:58.720 As you begin to run more consistently to your father. 00:33:58.720 --> 00:34:00.079 Not away from your father. 00:34:00.339 --> 00:34:03.400 We see verse 16 become more and more evident in our lives. 00:34:03.880 --> 00:34:06.460 The spirit himself bears witness with our spirit. 00:34:06.460 --> 00:34:07.900 That we are children of God. 00:34:08.920 --> 00:34:12.199 The spirit bears witness by verse 15. 00:34:12.300 --> 00:34:14.400 Pouring out that love for God in our lives. 00:34:14.659 --> 00:34:15.679 A growing love. 00:34:15.760 --> 00:34:16.519 That's a witness. 00:34:17.199 --> 00:34:18.280 And in verse 13. 00:34:18.360 --> 00:34:19.539 The pastor Saul talked about. 00:34:19.619 --> 00:34:20.159 We see it. 00:34:20.300 --> 00:34:23.920 Because we see a growing hatred for sin growing in our lives. 00:34:24.019 --> 00:34:26.019 We're putting to death those things. 00:34:26.800 --> 00:34:27.139 And so. 00:34:27.320 --> 00:34:28.559 As we run to God. 00:34:28.679 --> 00:34:29.500 Out of love. 00:34:29.559 --> 00:34:30.780 And we stop fearing him. 00:34:30.840 --> 00:34:33.760 And stop treating him as our slave owner. 00:34:33.760 --> 00:34:35.880 We see this change in us. 00:34:36.100 --> 00:34:38.660 Our lives are being transformed by his love. 00:34:39.100 --> 00:34:40.780 Everything is changed. 00:34:50.440 --> 00:34:51.680 That leads to a question. 00:34:51.940 --> 00:34:53.060 Let's look at verse 17. 00:34:54.600 --> 00:34:56.480 Will you suffer to be with Jesus? 00:34:56.480 --> 00:35:01.500 Will you suffer to be with Jesus? 00:35:02.619 --> 00:35:03.880 Verse 17 says. 00:35:04.019 --> 00:35:05.019 If children then heirs. 00:35:05.840 --> 00:35:07.699 Heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. 00:35:07.820 --> 00:35:09.300 Provided we suffer with him. 00:35:09.400 --> 00:35:13.139 In order that we may also be glorified with him. 00:35:13.880 --> 00:35:14.880 Now the truth is. 00:35:15.000 --> 00:35:16.599 If you do not understand. 00:35:16.860 --> 00:35:18.940 And experience God's love for you. 00:35:19.199 --> 00:35:20.000 As his child. 00:35:20.219 --> 00:35:22.219 If you do not cast aside. 00:35:22.420 --> 00:35:23.820 That slavish fear. 00:35:23.820 --> 00:35:26.500 You will never be able to answer this question yes. 00:35:30.039 --> 00:35:33.580 Only by living in his great and glorious love. 00:35:34.860 --> 00:35:39.980 Only by experiencing life as a child of the most high God. 00:35:40.160 --> 00:35:44.000 Will you be willing to do whatever it takes to be close to Jesus. 00:35:45.000 --> 00:35:47.019 Paul expresses it this way. 00:35:47.100 --> 00:35:48.539 A passage you might be familiar with. 00:35:48.660 --> 00:35:49.420 Philippians 3. 00:35:49.800 --> 00:35:51.200 8 through 14. 00:35:51.199 --> 00:35:53.039 It says. 00:35:53.039 --> 00:35:53.399 Indeed. 00:35:54.500 --> 00:35:55.960 I count everything as loss. 00:35:56.599 --> 00:35:58.419 Because of the surpassing worth. 00:35:58.839 --> 00:36:00.839 Of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 00:36:01.519 --> 00:36:02.139 For his sake. 00:36:02.539 --> 00:36:04.559 I have suffered the loss of all things. 00:36:05.079 --> 00:36:06.559 And count them as rubbish. 00:36:07.219 --> 00:36:09.279 In order that I may gain Christ. 00:36:09.639 --> 00:36:10.699 Be found in him. 00:36:10.939 --> 00:36:12.980 Not having a righteousness of my own. 00:36:13.239 --> 00:36:14.199 That comes from the law. 00:36:14.519 --> 00:36:16.939 But that which comes through faith in Christ. 00:36:17.279 --> 00:36:19.859 The righteousness from God that depends on faith. 00:36:19.860 --> 00:36:22.160 That I may know him. 00:36:22.500 --> 00:36:23.800 And the power of his resurrection. 00:36:24.380 --> 00:36:26.200 And share in his sufferings. 00:36:26.400 --> 00:36:27.980 Becoming like him in his death. 00:36:28.180 --> 00:36:29.940 That by any means possible. 00:36:30.079 --> 00:36:32.740 I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:34.640 Not that I've already obtained it. 00:36:35.539 --> 00:36:36.400 But I press on. 00:36:37.400 --> 00:36:40.059 Are you willing to suffer the loss of all things? 00:36:40.340 --> 00:36:41.260 Count them as rubbish. 00:36:41.820 --> 00:36:43.900 Are you willing to share in Jesus' suffering? 00:36:44.240 --> 00:36:45.860 Become like him in his death. 00:36:45.860 --> 00:36:48.860 In order to know by any means possible. 00:36:49.640 --> 00:36:50.980 The resurrection from the dead. 00:36:51.079 --> 00:36:52.900 To be with him forever. 00:36:54.140 --> 00:36:55.500 Are you willing to give away your car? 00:36:57.120 --> 00:36:59.300 Maybe take a homeless person into your home. 00:36:59.680 --> 00:37:01.340 Give up eating so others can eat. 00:37:01.500 --> 00:37:03.320 Give up coffee, chocolate, pizza. 00:37:03.599 --> 00:37:04.960 I didn't list tater tots on there. 00:37:05.500 --> 00:37:06.640 Lose your job. 00:37:06.920 --> 00:37:07.820 Become homeless. 00:37:08.280 --> 00:37:09.740 Leave your family and friends. 00:37:09.940 --> 00:37:11.599 Are you willing to move around the world? 00:37:11.720 --> 00:37:12.840 Or adopt a child? 00:37:12.840 --> 00:37:16.039 Or two, send your child off to a dangerous place. 00:37:16.440 --> 00:37:17.340 Bury a child. 00:37:17.640 --> 00:37:19.400 Care for a special needs child. 00:37:19.700 --> 00:37:20.980 Live with chronic pain. 00:37:21.240 --> 00:37:21.920 Have cancer. 00:37:22.220 --> 00:37:23.400 Develop a disability. 00:37:24.340 --> 00:37:24.860 Etc. 00:37:25.620 --> 00:37:28.059 Are you willing to suffer with Christ. 00:37:28.200 --> 00:37:30.000 In whatever way he chooses. 00:37:30.500 --> 00:37:32.519 In order to be with him. 00:37:33.340 --> 00:37:34.700 Now let me ask you this. 00:37:35.860 --> 00:37:37.340 I hope you didn't have lunch plans. 00:37:37.340 --> 00:37:42.539 When you hear a list like that. 00:37:42.740 --> 00:37:43.460 How do you feel? 00:37:44.019 --> 00:37:44.680 Are you scared? 00:37:44.940 --> 00:37:45.620 Are you offended? 00:37:46.019 --> 00:37:47.480 Do you begin making excuses? 00:37:48.480 --> 00:37:51.320 Do you hear in it only the giving up. 00:37:51.860 --> 00:37:53.280 And not the getting. 00:37:54.559 --> 00:37:55.500 The rich young ruler. 00:37:55.900 --> 00:37:57.140 You guys are familiar with this. 00:37:57.579 --> 00:37:58.480 Let's look at this. 00:37:58.620 --> 00:37:59.620 Let me give you a little background. 00:38:00.160 --> 00:38:01.000 Rich young ruler. 00:38:01.160 --> 00:38:01.760 Comes to Jesus. 00:38:01.860 --> 00:38:03.940 Says what do I have to do to receive eternal life? 00:38:03.940 --> 00:38:05.639 He says okay well. 00:38:06.019 --> 00:38:07.200 How about you know. 00:38:07.240 --> 00:38:07.579 Do this. 00:38:07.659 --> 00:38:07.960 Do this. 00:38:08.019 --> 00:38:08.300 Do this. 00:38:08.360 --> 00:38:08.539 Do this. 00:38:08.800 --> 00:38:10.179 You guys says no problem. 00:38:10.380 --> 00:38:11.480 I got that down. 00:38:11.659 --> 00:38:11.880 Okay. 00:38:12.139 --> 00:38:13.300 And then verse 21. 00:38:13.480 --> 00:38:13.659 Okay. 00:38:13.760 --> 00:38:14.039 Says. 00:38:14.559 --> 00:38:16.220 And Jesus looking at him. 00:38:16.960 --> 00:38:17.960 Loved him. 00:38:18.519 --> 00:38:19.539 And said to him. 00:38:20.200 --> 00:38:21.200 You lack one thing. 00:38:21.960 --> 00:38:23.619 Go sell all that you have. 00:38:23.659 --> 00:38:24.559 And give to the poor. 00:38:24.920 --> 00:38:26.220 You will have treasure in heaven. 00:38:26.679 --> 00:38:27.599 Come follow me. 00:38:28.599 --> 00:38:29.039 It says. 00:38:29.599 --> 00:38:31.179 He was disheartened by the saying. 00:38:31.260 --> 00:38:31.940 And he went away sorrowful. 00:38:31.940 --> 00:38:33.980 For he had great possessions. 00:38:35.720 --> 00:38:36.079 You see. 00:38:36.619 --> 00:38:37.480 When he heard that. 00:38:37.619 --> 00:38:40.139 All he heard was go and sell. 00:38:40.360 --> 00:38:41.340 He didn't hear. 00:38:41.619 --> 00:38:42.579 Come and follow. 00:38:43.579 --> 00:38:43.860 You know. 00:38:43.920 --> 00:38:45.320 He heard God. 00:38:45.599 --> 00:38:45.940 Jesus. 00:38:46.220 --> 00:38:47.000 Placing on him. 00:38:47.260 --> 00:38:48.720 This list of requirements. 00:38:49.400 --> 00:38:49.679 Okay. 00:38:49.720 --> 00:38:50.639 If you want eternal life. 00:38:50.840 --> 00:38:51.400 You got to do this. 00:38:51.440 --> 00:38:51.920 You got to do this. 00:38:51.940 --> 00:38:52.460 You got to do this. 00:38:52.460 --> 00:38:53.220 And then hey. 00:38:53.460 --> 00:38:53.860 You know what. 00:38:54.220 --> 00:38:55.159 Let's just top it off. 00:38:55.240 --> 00:38:56.320 Make things a little challenging. 00:38:56.700 --> 00:38:57.579 Sell everything you got. 00:38:59.880 --> 00:39:01.420 And that's as far as he got. 00:39:02.840 --> 00:39:04.000 He walked away. 00:39:05.179 --> 00:39:07.320 He missed the fact that Jesus loved him. 00:39:07.539 --> 00:39:08.519 And Jesus was saying. 00:39:08.780 --> 00:39:09.139 Okay. 00:39:09.559 --> 00:39:10.119 You know what. 00:39:10.380 --> 00:39:11.659 Put aside your old life. 00:39:11.720 --> 00:39:12.659 And come be with me. 00:39:13.119 --> 00:39:14.260 There was an invitation. 00:39:14.720 --> 00:39:15.840 Jesus was inviting him. 00:39:16.079 --> 00:39:16.920 Give that up. 00:39:16.980 --> 00:39:18.539 So you can be with me. 00:39:18.539 --> 00:39:22.300 Do you hear the come and follow? 00:39:24.360 --> 00:39:26.079 Will you suffer to be with Jesus? 00:39:26.079 --> 00:39:28.420 If you answer yes. 00:39:28.460 --> 00:39:29.400 I have good news. 00:39:29.719 --> 00:39:30.299 Kind of. 00:39:30.980 --> 00:39:32.319 It's only for a little while. 00:39:33.719 --> 00:39:35.239 It's only for a little while. 00:39:35.460 --> 00:39:37.239 If you're willing to suffer to be with Jesus. 00:39:37.400 --> 00:39:38.980 No matter how hard it is. 00:39:39.059 --> 00:39:39.739 How painful. 00:39:39.980 --> 00:39:40.799 How challenging. 00:39:40.960 --> 00:39:42.360 No matter what it costs you. 00:39:42.539 --> 00:39:44.179 The longest it can last. 00:39:44.319 --> 00:39:45.179 Is for a lifetime. 00:39:46.519 --> 00:39:47.719 And that's not that long. 00:39:47.719 --> 00:39:51.939 Let's look at 2 Corinthians. 00:39:52.779 --> 00:39:54.019 2 Corinthians 4. 00:39:54.099 --> 00:39:55.239 8-12 says. 00:39:55.619 --> 00:39:56.839 We are afflicted. 00:39:56.899 --> 00:39:57.679 Paul's writing. 00:39:57.819 --> 00:39:59.379 We are afflicted in every way. 00:39:59.819 --> 00:40:00.679 But not crushed. 00:40:01.679 --> 00:40:02.239 Perplexed. 00:40:02.299 --> 00:40:03.599 But not driven to despair. 00:40:04.079 --> 00:40:04.519 Persecuted. 00:40:04.699 --> 00:40:05.839 But not forsaken. 00:40:06.379 --> 00:40:07.159 Struck down. 00:40:07.259 --> 00:40:08.179 But not destroyed. 00:40:08.539 --> 00:40:10.399 Always carrying in the body. 00:40:10.500 --> 00:40:11.599 The death of Jesus. 00:40:12.059 --> 00:40:13.639 So that the life of Jesus. 00:40:13.639 --> 00:40:16.119 May also be manifested in our bodies. 00:40:16.440 --> 00:40:17.699 So people can see it. 00:40:18.339 --> 00:40:19.239 For we who live. 00:40:19.319 --> 00:40:20.919 Are always being given over to death. 00:40:20.960 --> 00:40:21.779 For Jesus sake. 00:40:22.059 --> 00:40:23.399 So that the life of Jesus. 00:40:23.559 --> 00:40:25.539 May be seen in our mortal flesh. 00:40:25.779 --> 00:40:27.960 So death is at work in us. 00:40:28.079 --> 00:40:29.399 But life in you. 00:40:30.039 --> 00:40:30.880 Then it continues. 00:40:31.059 --> 00:40:31.960 In verse 15. 00:40:32.480 --> 00:40:32.820 It says. 00:40:33.059 --> 00:40:34.619 For it is all for your sake. 00:40:34.820 --> 00:40:37.700 So that as grace extends to more and more people. 00:40:37.900 --> 00:40:40.960 It may increase thanksgiving to the glory of God. 00:40:40.960 --> 00:40:42.780 So we do not lose heart. 00:40:43.200 --> 00:40:45.300 Though our outer self is wasting away. 00:40:45.480 --> 00:40:48.180 Our inner self is being renewed day by day. 00:40:48.740 --> 00:40:49.360 Verse 17. 00:40:50.599 --> 00:40:54.180 For this light momentary affliction. 00:40:54.579 --> 00:40:58.200 Is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory. 00:40:58.199 --> 00:41:00.379 Beyond all comparison. 00:41:00.759 --> 00:41:02.679 Not worthy to be compared. 00:41:04.219 --> 00:41:04.619 18. 00:41:04.699 --> 00:41:06.659 As we look not to the things that are seen. 00:41:06.799 --> 00:41:08.299 But to the things that are unseen. 00:41:08.579 --> 00:41:10.279 For the things that are seen are transient. 00:41:10.480 --> 00:41:12.939 But the things that are unseen are eternal. 00:41:13.500 --> 00:41:15.099 I mean you understand in that passage. 00:41:15.279 --> 00:41:17.119 Paul just talks about being crushed. 00:41:17.599 --> 00:41:18.099 And being. 00:41:18.239 --> 00:41:18.379 You know. 00:41:18.460 --> 00:41:19.759 If you read 2nd Corinthians. 00:41:19.759 --> 00:41:21.259 Which I highly recommend. 00:41:21.339 --> 00:41:22.439 It's one of my favorite books. 00:41:22.939 --> 00:41:24.000 With the other 66. 00:41:24.000 --> 00:41:26.139 But the other 65 I guess. 00:41:27.280 --> 00:41:29.460 If you read 2nd Corinthians to this point. 00:41:29.559 --> 00:41:30.380 Paul's talked about. 00:41:30.679 --> 00:41:32.039 Being at the point where he. 00:41:32.400 --> 00:41:34.400 He wishes he was going to die. 00:41:35.300 --> 00:41:36.360 If you read past this. 00:41:36.420 --> 00:41:38.380 It talks about all the things that he's gone through. 00:41:38.840 --> 00:41:40.000 And then he says. 00:41:40.239 --> 00:41:42.340 This light momentary affliction. 00:41:42.340 --> 00:41:46.059 But the good news is. 00:41:46.260 --> 00:41:47.400 He realized. 00:41:48.220 --> 00:41:50.120 The worse it can be is for a lifetime. 00:41:52.440 --> 00:41:54.519 But being with Jesus was going to be forever. 00:41:55.920 --> 00:41:56.440 So. 00:41:56.740 --> 00:41:58.260 You're a child of the most high God. 00:41:58.780 --> 00:42:00.100 Why are you afraid? 00:42:00.740 --> 00:42:01.740 Will you suffer. 00:42:02.180 --> 00:42:03.600 To be with Jesus. 00:42:04.100 --> 00:42:04.660 Let's pray. 00:42:04.659 --> 00:42:05.480 Let's pray. 00:42:05.480 --> 00:42:05.480 00:42:05.480 --> 00:42:05.480 00:42:05.480 --> 00:42:05.819 Let's pray. 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819 00:42:05.819 --> 00:42:05.819