WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.100 Good job. Thank you very much. 00:00:03.060 --> 00:00:07.459 I really do enjoy this service, the recognition of graduates every year. 00:00:08.339 --> 00:00:14.280 I think it's important that we as your church family celebrate this with you, honor you in this way. 00:00:15.060 --> 00:00:23.719 One of my goals for this service every year is to preach a message that has some type of special application to graduates. 00:00:23.719 --> 00:00:32.700 Well, this year, this message, it's going to accomplish that goal because it speaks to every Christian. 00:00:33.939 --> 00:00:40.920 If you are a Christian, then what I'm going to be talking about today, what we're going to be looking at in Galatians 5, 00:00:41.659 --> 00:00:45.159 it applies to every single one of us equally. 00:00:45.159 --> 00:00:51.079 It's talking about something, if you are a Christian, you're very familiar with, 00:00:51.919 --> 00:01:03.759 an internal battle, an internal struggle between a force that entices us to sin 00:01:03.759 --> 00:01:15.439 and between the Spirit of God that so works in us, calling us to live a life that pleases God. 00:01:16.679 --> 00:01:28.359 Galatians 5, beginning in verse 16, Paul is contrasting two types of what we could call character qualities or even lifestyles. 00:01:28.359 --> 00:01:30.120 One will describe what we could call character qualities or actions. 00:01:30.120 --> 00:01:31.579 One will describe what's going on. 00:01:31.700 --> 00:01:39.959 One or the other will describe what's going on in our lives right now in terms of our attitudes or actions, 00:01:40.280 --> 00:01:43.200 at least to some degree. 00:01:44.840 --> 00:01:49.039 Now, when you see which list best describes how you are living, 00:01:49.039 --> 00:01:52.799 you will discover that at this moment, 00:01:52.799 --> 00:01:59.200 what the most powerful influence in your life is. 00:02:00.959 --> 00:02:02.500 What we're going to see this morning, 00:02:03.340 --> 00:02:07.739 some of the characteristics of people who live according to the desires of their sinful nature, 00:02:09.099 --> 00:02:14.340 some of the outworkings of the Spirit of God in a person's life. 00:02:14.659 --> 00:02:19.539 If we look at these two ways of thinking and living, 00:02:19.539 --> 00:02:24.340 whichever list most identifies you, 00:02:25.239 --> 00:02:26.799 that's going to show you 00:02:26.799 --> 00:02:33.659 what is actually the most powerful influence in your life right now, 00:02:34.379 --> 00:02:35.799 right this minute. 00:02:37.319 --> 00:02:41.599 Let's read Galatians chapter 5, beginning in verse 16, 00:02:42.599 --> 00:02:46.139 but our focus this morning will be verses 19 through 25. 00:02:46.759 --> 00:02:47.620 Let's read it. 00:02:47.620 --> 00:02:53.580 Paul is writing to churches in a region called Galatia. 00:02:54.580 --> 00:02:55.280 He says, 00:02:55.340 --> 00:02:55.900 But I say, 00:02:56.640 --> 00:02:57.780 Walk by the Spirit, 00:02:58.400 --> 00:03:01.140 and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 00:03:01.400 --> 00:03:02.420 Walk by the Spirit, 00:03:02.520 --> 00:03:05.500 and you will not gratify the desires of your sinful nature. 00:03:06.759 --> 00:03:09.700 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, 00:03:10.420 --> 00:03:13.700 and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh. 00:03:13.699 --> 00:03:19.939 For these are opposed to each other to keep you from doing the thing you want to do. 00:03:19.939 --> 00:03:22.919 But if you're led by the Spirit, 00:03:23.620 --> 00:03:24.979 you're not under the law. 00:03:24.979 --> 00:03:30.539 Now, the works of the flesh are evident. 00:03:32.099 --> 00:03:36.000 Sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 00:03:37.219 --> 00:03:42.439 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, 00:03:43.259 --> 00:03:48.179 fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, 00:03:48.180 --> 00:03:53.000 drunkenness, orgy, and things like these. 00:03:54.140 --> 00:03:55.460 I warn you, 00:03:56.040 --> 00:03:57.439 as I warned you before, 00:03:58.439 --> 00:04:03.819 that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 00:04:03.819 --> 00:04:07.239 But the fruit of the Spirit, 00:04:07.819 --> 00:04:10.299 the opposite way to live. 00:04:11.319 --> 00:04:12.859 The fruit of the Spirit is love, 00:04:13.319 --> 00:04:15.879 joy, peace, patience, kindness, 00:04:16.639 --> 00:04:20.860 goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. 00:04:22.680 --> 00:04:25.180 Against such things, there is no law. 00:04:26.759 --> 00:04:28.579 And those who belong to Christ Jesus 00:04:28.579 --> 00:04:34.079 have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 00:04:35.219 --> 00:04:37.019 If we live by the Spirit, 00:04:37.879 --> 00:04:41.000 let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 00:04:42.740 --> 00:04:46.579 We're in a series from Galatians chapter 5, 00:04:46.680 --> 00:04:49.199 verses 16 through chapter 6, 00:04:49.779 --> 00:04:52.139 about verse 5, maybe through verse 10. 00:04:52.240 --> 00:04:55.039 We'll see how it works out next week. 00:04:55.040 --> 00:04:58.400 The series is entitled, 00:04:58.780 --> 00:05:00.580 The Holy Spirit The. 00:05:00.920 --> 00:05:04.180 Notice that, all capitals, T-H-E, underlined. 00:05:04.500 --> 00:05:06.840 The Holy Spirit The Key 00:05:06.840 --> 00:05:09.540 to living a faithful Christian life. 00:05:10.200 --> 00:05:12.439 Last week, we looked at verses 16 through 18 00:05:12.439 --> 00:05:15.800 and saw how we must depend on the Holy Spirit's power. 00:05:16.840 --> 00:05:17.360 Well, today, 00:05:17.720 --> 00:05:20.640 we're looking at verses 19 through 25, 00:05:21.580 --> 00:05:23.040 and we're going to see how we must make 00:05:23.040 --> 00:05:26.980 the Holy Spirit the dominant influence 00:05:26.980 --> 00:05:28.720 in our lives. 00:05:30.060 --> 00:05:33.100 There is a dominant influence over your life right now. 00:05:33.960 --> 00:05:36.800 It's either your old sinful nature 00:05:36.800 --> 00:05:39.820 or it's the Spirit of God if you're a Christian. 00:05:41.000 --> 00:05:42.280 Let's begin by, with a question. 00:05:42.600 --> 00:05:44.840 What is the dominant influence in your life right now? 00:05:44.840 --> 00:05:50.320 What is the strongest, most powerful influence, 00:05:50.319 --> 00:05:54.899 force, power in your life right now? 00:05:55.599 --> 00:05:56.839 If you're a Christian, 00:05:57.699 --> 00:05:58.879 it's either your sinful nature, 00:05:59.000 --> 00:06:00.680 what Paul calls the flesh, 00:06:01.000 --> 00:06:02.000 or the Spirit of God. 00:06:02.819 --> 00:06:04.040 As we go through these verses, 00:06:04.159 --> 00:06:06.060 we're going to look at both, both. 00:06:07.079 --> 00:06:08.399 I want you to be honest 00:06:08.399 --> 00:06:14.100 about what is influencing you the most right now. 00:06:14.899 --> 00:06:15.879 Let's look at number one. 00:06:16.360 --> 00:06:18.959 If our sinful nature is the most powerful influence 00:06:18.959 --> 00:06:21.099 in our life, then some of the things 00:06:21.099 --> 00:06:22.839 found in verses 19 through 21 00:06:22.839 --> 00:06:24.299 will be present in us. 00:06:24.639 --> 00:06:26.459 Now, we're going to look at some things 00:06:26.459 --> 00:06:29.979 that are outrageous sins, some of them. 00:06:32.180 --> 00:06:33.560 What I want you to do is think, 00:06:34.419 --> 00:06:35.459 this list, 00:06:36.740 --> 00:06:39.859 you may not be doing this publicly, 00:06:39.859 --> 00:06:43.579 but you could be doing it privately. 00:06:43.579 --> 00:06:46.800 You may not be doing some of these things, 00:06:46.859 --> 00:06:49.159 actually acting on them, 00:06:49.240 --> 00:06:50.120 but you're thinking it. 00:06:51.680 --> 00:06:52.879 The thought is there, 00:06:52.979 --> 00:06:54.039 the desire is there, 00:06:54.139 --> 00:06:55.079 maybe just the opportunity 00:06:55.079 --> 00:06:56.259 just hasn't arisen yet. 00:06:57.919 --> 00:06:59.339 So don't just think, 00:07:00.339 --> 00:07:02.680 this doesn't describe what I'm doing. 00:07:02.919 --> 00:07:04.680 Does this describe what you want to do? 00:07:06.379 --> 00:07:09.279 Does this describe some of your desires? 00:07:09.279 --> 00:07:11.719 Let's look. 00:07:12.319 --> 00:07:12.759 First, 00:07:14.479 --> 00:07:15.959 I'm going to categorize these. 00:07:16.419 --> 00:07:17.459 A lot of commentators, 00:07:17.819 --> 00:07:19.339 they put these under some, 00:07:19.679 --> 00:07:20.859 I like four headings, 00:07:20.939 --> 00:07:23.339 and I think that helps us to look at it better. 00:07:23.739 --> 00:07:24.519 So let's do that. 00:07:26.339 --> 00:07:27.479 Look at the first one, 00:07:27.579 --> 00:07:28.799 sexual sins. 00:07:30.259 --> 00:07:31.279 Verse 19. 00:07:33.359 --> 00:07:35.359 Look at those words there. 00:07:36.979 --> 00:07:39.019 Sexual immorality, impurity. 00:07:39.279 --> 00:07:40.619 Sensuality. 00:07:41.759 --> 00:07:41.919 You know, 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:43.599 sex is one of God's good gifts, 00:07:43.679 --> 00:07:44.839 and I want to say at the outset, 00:07:45.559 --> 00:07:47.059 Paul is not talking about 00:07:47.059 --> 00:07:50.179 sex in any kind of negative way. 00:07:51.379 --> 00:07:53.579 God made us to be sexual beings 00:07:53.579 --> 00:07:54.879 with sexual needs, 00:07:55.339 --> 00:07:58.059 and he designed that those needs 00:07:58.059 --> 00:08:00.459 be met in a pure and honorable 00:08:00.459 --> 00:08:03.259 and good way in marriage, 00:08:03.819 --> 00:08:06.119 in the institution of marriage. 00:08:06.120 --> 00:08:09.100 But we all know 00:08:09.100 --> 00:08:11.939 the good gift of sex 00:08:11.939 --> 00:08:14.259 is often abused, 00:08:14.899 --> 00:08:16.980 and that's what Paul's talking about here. 00:08:17.860 --> 00:08:19.639 Sexual immorality is a broad term 00:08:19.639 --> 00:08:22.060 covering all kinds of sexual sins. 00:08:23.480 --> 00:08:25.180 He's referring to things like 00:08:25.180 --> 00:08:26.620 premarital sex, 00:08:27.340 --> 00:08:27.939 adultery, 00:08:28.840 --> 00:08:29.899 homosexuality. 00:08:29.899 --> 00:08:34.600 He's referring to you being involved 00:08:34.600 --> 00:08:35.779 in pornography. 00:08:35.779 --> 00:08:38.019 One of the great 00:08:38.019 --> 00:08:42.019 under the radar, 00:08:42.679 --> 00:08:43.379 what we think, 00:08:43.679 --> 00:08:45.919 hidden sins of today. 00:08:47.240 --> 00:08:48.419 But I want you to think, 00:08:49.000 --> 00:08:51.679 sexual immorality is not limited 00:08:51.679 --> 00:08:54.819 to just physical acts. 00:08:54.820 --> 00:08:57.440 Jesus talks about how 00:08:57.440 --> 00:08:59.379 lusting for someone 00:08:59.379 --> 00:09:01.560 is the same as committing adultery 00:09:01.560 --> 00:09:02.640 with them in your heart. 00:09:04.140 --> 00:09:06.400 So sexual immorality 00:09:06.400 --> 00:09:07.960 can just take place in your mind, 00:09:09.660 --> 00:09:10.740 just your thought life, 00:09:10.820 --> 00:09:11.720 your desires. 00:09:12.300 --> 00:09:13.760 It can take place both 00:09:13.760 --> 00:09:14.720 in our public world 00:09:14.720 --> 00:09:17.100 and our private world. 00:09:17.740 --> 00:09:19.060 Here's something we all need to remember. 00:09:20.020 --> 00:09:21.180 When it comes to God, 00:09:21.280 --> 00:09:22.380 there is no private world. 00:09:22.379 --> 00:09:25.460 I've got a private world from you 00:09:25.460 --> 00:09:27.019 and you've got a private world from me. 00:09:28.200 --> 00:09:29.259 But nobody, 00:09:29.939 --> 00:09:30.740 no one, 00:09:31.460 --> 00:09:32.939 has a private world 00:09:32.939 --> 00:09:36.059 where God is not there. 00:09:36.700 --> 00:09:38.539 And we need to always keep that in mind. 00:09:39.120 --> 00:09:41.939 The word impurity literally means uncleanness. 00:09:42.639 --> 00:09:43.620 It's describing either 00:09:43.620 --> 00:09:46.080 some kind of perverse behavior 00:09:46.080 --> 00:09:48.360 or it could be describing 00:09:48.360 --> 00:09:49.759 how sexual impurity 00:09:49.759 --> 00:09:52.679 defiles and corrupts a person 00:09:52.679 --> 00:09:55.000 which separates us from God. 00:09:56.580 --> 00:09:57.139 Sensuality, 00:09:57.220 --> 00:09:57.740 the next one, 00:09:57.980 --> 00:09:59.059 this is sexual sin 00:09:59.059 --> 00:10:00.600 without limits or restraint. 00:10:01.620 --> 00:10:02.700 William Barclay 00:10:02.700 --> 00:10:04.179 describes it like this. 00:10:04.840 --> 00:10:06.179 A love of sin 00:10:06.179 --> 00:10:07.019 so reckless 00:10:07.019 --> 00:10:08.340 and so audacious 00:10:08.340 --> 00:10:10.819 that a man has ceased to care 00:10:10.819 --> 00:10:11.620 what God 00:10:11.620 --> 00:10:12.500 or man 00:10:12.500 --> 00:10:13.319 thinks 00:10:13.319 --> 00:10:14.240 of his actions. 00:10:15.240 --> 00:10:16.340 I want us to understand something. 00:10:16.340 --> 00:10:18.700 Sometimes we can all say, 00:10:19.060 --> 00:10:19.620 I don't care 00:10:19.620 --> 00:10:20.600 what other people think. 00:10:21.740 --> 00:10:23.540 And sometimes we say that in a way 00:10:23.540 --> 00:10:25.340 that's okay, 00:10:25.500 --> 00:10:26.220 that's positive. 00:10:26.820 --> 00:10:27.019 You know, 00:10:27.040 --> 00:10:28.259 we're not going to go with the flow. 00:10:28.840 --> 00:10:29.399 We don't care 00:10:29.399 --> 00:10:30.600 if somebody criticizes us. 00:10:30.620 --> 00:10:30.920 We're going to do 00:10:30.920 --> 00:10:32.080 what we think is the right thing. 00:10:32.420 --> 00:10:33.200 So in that way, 00:10:33.259 --> 00:10:33.759 we don't care 00:10:33.759 --> 00:10:34.399 what people think. 00:10:34.580 --> 00:10:36.280 But we need to all be careful 00:10:36.280 --> 00:10:38.519 that we never develop 00:10:38.519 --> 00:10:39.139 the attitude, 00:10:39.879 --> 00:10:41.040 I don't give a rip 00:10:41.039 --> 00:10:43.500 what anybody thinks, 00:10:44.679 --> 00:10:46.199 including God. 00:10:47.539 --> 00:10:49.199 That's a dangerous place to be. 00:10:50.860 --> 00:10:51.959 It's a place of 00:10:51.959 --> 00:10:55.059 doing things that 00:10:55.059 --> 00:10:56.959 deep down, 00:10:57.039 --> 00:10:57.620 if we'll admit it, 00:10:57.679 --> 00:10:58.899 we are ashamed 00:10:58.899 --> 00:11:00.439 and we don't want to be held 00:11:00.439 --> 00:11:01.339 accountable for. 00:11:03.500 --> 00:11:04.639 What we're going to do this morning 00:11:04.639 --> 00:11:06.299 is not do an in-depth study 00:11:06.299 --> 00:11:08.839 of these sins 00:11:08.839 --> 00:11:09.819 of the sinful nature. 00:11:09.820 --> 00:11:11.240 We're looking at sort of 00:11:11.240 --> 00:11:11.960 the whole thing 00:11:11.960 --> 00:11:12.940 in a nutshell this morning 00:11:12.940 --> 00:11:13.840 and going to compare it 00:11:13.840 --> 00:11:15.040 with the fruit of the Spirit. 00:11:15.180 --> 00:11:16.740 So let's move on in this. 00:11:17.300 --> 00:11:17.920 The next group 00:11:17.920 --> 00:11:18.900 is religious sins, 00:11:19.040 --> 00:11:19.640 verse 20. 00:11:21.020 --> 00:11:22.600 Everyone worships something. 00:11:23.500 --> 00:11:24.440 God made us that way. 00:11:25.420 --> 00:11:27.060 God made us in such a way 00:11:27.060 --> 00:11:28.980 that we would want 00:11:28.980 --> 00:11:30.020 to worship Him. 00:11:30.560 --> 00:11:31.879 That was the original design. 00:11:32.280 --> 00:11:33.540 But when sin entered the world, 00:11:33.960 --> 00:11:35.240 everything got messed up. 00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:36.800 Everything is flawed, 00:11:37.520 --> 00:11:37.940 including 00:11:37.940 --> 00:11:40.620 what we worship sometimes. 00:11:41.860 --> 00:11:42.340 Idolatry 00:11:42.340 --> 00:11:43.460 can be defined as 00:11:43.460 --> 00:11:45.120 worship of the creature 00:11:45.120 --> 00:11:47.040 rather than the creator. 00:11:48.580 --> 00:11:50.320 Idolatry is when we worship 00:11:50.320 --> 00:11:53.400 maybe even a good gift of God 00:11:53.400 --> 00:11:55.540 in place of God, 00:11:55.740 --> 00:11:56.280 the giver. 00:11:56.280 --> 00:11:59.180 Anything that takes God's place 00:11:59.180 --> 00:12:00.460 in our life can be an idol. 00:12:00.460 --> 00:12:04.540 If you are worshiping a person, 00:12:04.540 --> 00:12:08.259 if you're worshiping money, 00:12:09.139 --> 00:12:10.379 if you're worshiping power, 00:12:11.100 --> 00:12:12.639 if you're worshiping education, 00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:16.519 you're an idolater 00:12:16.519 --> 00:12:18.620 according to Scripture. 00:12:19.280 --> 00:12:20.560 Anything that takes God's place 00:12:20.560 --> 00:12:22.720 in our life has become an idol, 00:12:23.240 --> 00:12:25.440 which makes us guilty of idolatry. 00:12:26.240 --> 00:12:26.840 Sorcery. 00:12:26.840 --> 00:12:28.160 That's sort of strange 00:12:28.160 --> 00:12:29.560 turning up in this passage, 00:12:29.680 --> 00:12:29.800 but 00:12:29.800 --> 00:12:32.780 it refers to any kind of involvement 00:12:32.780 --> 00:12:33.980 with the powers of evil, 00:12:34.440 --> 00:12:35.759 and it's used in the New Testament 00:12:35.759 --> 00:12:37.060 sometimes to refer to 00:12:37.060 --> 00:12:38.080 someone's involvement 00:12:38.080 --> 00:12:39.480 with the occult. 00:12:41.360 --> 00:12:42.899 Now, the word actually comes 00:12:42.899 --> 00:12:43.700 from a Greek word, 00:12:44.139 --> 00:12:44.960 pharmakon, 00:12:45.500 --> 00:12:47.100 which literally means drugs, 00:12:47.180 --> 00:12:48.899 where our word pharmacy comes from. 00:12:49.220 --> 00:12:50.399 And in New Testament times, 00:12:50.540 --> 00:12:52.060 this word was sometimes used 00:12:52.059 --> 00:12:54.319 to describe drugs 00:12:54.319 --> 00:12:56.779 that induced abortion. 00:12:58.299 --> 00:12:59.399 Sometimes it's a part 00:12:59.399 --> 00:13:01.559 of an occult practice. 00:13:02.159 --> 00:13:03.339 So that's what he's talking about there. 00:13:04.159 --> 00:13:07.379 Various kinds of unacceptable worship. 00:13:08.219 --> 00:13:10.159 The third category is social sins. 00:13:10.759 --> 00:13:12.899 Verses 20 and 21. 00:13:13.839 --> 00:13:14.979 The things on this list 00:13:14.979 --> 00:13:17.719 revealed our flawed personal character 00:13:17.719 --> 00:13:20.199 and our failure in relationships. 00:13:20.200 --> 00:13:21.500 I want you to look at that. 00:13:21.560 --> 00:13:23.620 Verses 20 and first part of verse 21. 00:13:24.340 --> 00:13:25.300 These words don't need 00:13:25.300 --> 00:13:26.259 a whole lot of explanation. 00:13:27.220 --> 00:13:28.160 He's talking about 00:13:28.160 --> 00:13:31.300 how our sinful nature 00:13:31.300 --> 00:13:33.680 so works in us 00:13:33.680 --> 00:13:35.759 that we're prideful, 00:13:36.340 --> 00:13:38.200 we are divisive, 00:13:39.020 --> 00:13:40.120 we don't get along with people. 00:13:40.700 --> 00:13:41.700 Just look at this list. 00:13:43.200 --> 00:13:45.040 Enmity, that means hatred, 00:13:46.160 --> 00:13:48.020 strife, jealousy, 00:13:48.019 --> 00:13:50.100 fits of anger, 00:13:50.779 --> 00:13:51.559 rivalries. 00:13:51.779 --> 00:13:52.819 Some translations say 00:13:52.819 --> 00:13:54.379 selfish ambition, 00:13:55.279 --> 00:13:56.039 dissensions, 00:13:56.840 --> 00:13:57.519 divisions, 00:13:58.840 --> 00:13:59.120 envy. 00:14:00.639 --> 00:14:01.600 You see what he's talking about? 00:14:02.100 --> 00:14:03.439 Paul is talking about how 00:14:03.439 --> 00:14:06.439 our sinful nature 00:14:06.439 --> 00:14:09.659 so works in us 00:14:09.659 --> 00:14:10.840 to tempt us 00:14:10.840 --> 00:14:13.419 to be sexually impure 00:14:13.419 --> 00:14:14.179 in some way. 00:14:14.939 --> 00:14:15.539 Sometimes. 00:14:15.759 --> 00:14:16.519 Not all time, 00:14:16.519 --> 00:14:17.379 but sometimes. 00:14:17.539 --> 00:14:18.120 And some people 00:14:18.120 --> 00:14:18.799 more than others. 00:14:19.860 --> 00:14:21.220 Our sinful nature 00:14:21.220 --> 00:14:22.120 provokes us 00:14:22.120 --> 00:14:24.179 to place too much emphasis 00:14:24.179 --> 00:14:26.220 on another person 00:14:26.220 --> 00:14:27.199 or a thing 00:14:27.199 --> 00:14:28.759 in place of God. 00:14:30.139 --> 00:14:31.500 Our sinful, 00:14:32.039 --> 00:14:33.480 selfish attitudes, 00:14:34.279 --> 00:14:34.860 desires, 00:14:35.579 --> 00:14:37.079 sometimes tempt us 00:14:37.079 --> 00:14:38.720 just to not be, 00:14:38.860 --> 00:14:39.919 not try to get along 00:14:39.919 --> 00:14:40.439 with someone. 00:14:41.399 --> 00:14:42.460 Just be content, 00:14:42.600 --> 00:14:43.899 or just be obsessed 00:14:43.899 --> 00:14:45.079 obsessed with our way 00:14:45.079 --> 00:14:46.000 and get angry 00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:46.899 and lash out at people 00:14:46.899 --> 00:14:48.299 when we don't get our way. 00:14:49.679 --> 00:14:50.759 The fourth category 00:14:50.759 --> 00:14:52.459 is alcohol-related sins. 00:14:53.120 --> 00:14:53.539 Drunkenness, 00:14:53.559 --> 00:14:54.439 you know what that is. 00:14:55.720 --> 00:14:56.539 But the word 00:14:56.539 --> 00:14:57.340 that's next, 00:14:57.620 --> 00:14:58.299 orgies. 00:14:59.759 --> 00:15:00.360 You think, 00:15:00.559 --> 00:15:01.120 where in the world 00:15:01.120 --> 00:15:01.819 does that come from 00:15:01.819 --> 00:15:02.439 in this list? 00:15:03.500 --> 00:15:04.559 It can be translated 00:15:04.559 --> 00:15:05.500 carousing. 00:15:06.879 --> 00:15:07.819 It can just be 00:15:07.819 --> 00:15:08.419 referring to something 00:15:08.419 --> 00:15:09.299 like what you would call 00:15:09.299 --> 00:15:10.179 wild parties. 00:15:10.179 --> 00:15:11.679 This word is used 00:15:11.679 --> 00:15:12.259 three times 00:15:12.259 --> 00:15:13.000 in the New Testament, 00:15:13.779 --> 00:15:14.620 and each time 00:15:14.620 --> 00:15:15.179 it's linked 00:15:15.179 --> 00:15:15.979 to the sin 00:15:15.979 --> 00:15:16.879 of drunkenness. 00:15:17.139 --> 00:15:17.959 That's why it's here. 00:15:18.539 --> 00:15:19.139 It's not really 00:15:19.139 --> 00:15:19.799 out of place. 00:15:21.620 --> 00:15:22.539 He's talking about 00:15:22.539 --> 00:15:23.879 not just somebody 00:15:23.879 --> 00:15:24.659 who gets drunk, 00:15:24.779 --> 00:15:25.059 but somebody 00:15:25.059 --> 00:15:26.179 who just goes wild 00:15:26.179 --> 00:15:28.419 in their drinking 00:15:28.419 --> 00:15:30.159 and drunkenness. 00:15:31.419 --> 00:15:31.559 You know, 00:15:31.599 --> 00:15:32.159 our nation's 00:15:32.159 --> 00:15:32.819 number one 00:15:32.819 --> 00:15:34.459 drug problem 00:15:34.459 --> 00:15:35.000 today is 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:36.379 alcohol abuse. 00:15:36.379 --> 00:15:39.000 it's the most 00:15:39.000 --> 00:15:41.320 problem drug 00:15:41.320 --> 00:15:43.580 among all ages, 00:15:43.860 --> 00:15:44.820 but it's certainly 00:15:44.820 --> 00:15:46.179 the most problem drug 00:15:46.179 --> 00:15:47.480 among young people, 00:15:47.620 --> 00:15:48.200 and you know, 00:15:48.320 --> 00:15:49.000 you got, 00:15:49.279 --> 00:15:50.580 you know friends 00:15:50.580 --> 00:15:51.179 in high school 00:15:51.179 --> 00:15:51.840 and college 00:15:51.840 --> 00:15:53.399 who've already got 00:15:53.399 --> 00:15:55.139 a problem with alcohol. 00:15:55.240 --> 00:15:55.840 They've abused it 00:15:55.840 --> 00:15:56.259 to the point 00:15:56.259 --> 00:15:58.259 that they're drunk 00:15:58.259 --> 00:15:59.000 more times 00:15:59.000 --> 00:15:59.960 than not 00:15:59.960 --> 00:16:00.720 on a weekend. 00:16:02.720 --> 00:16:03.279 Problem 00:16:03.279 --> 00:16:04.519 that I want to sort of 00:16:04.519 --> 00:16:05.580 focus on for a moment 00:16:05.580 --> 00:16:06.059 here is 00:16:06.059 --> 00:16:07.500 it's the number one 00:16:07.500 --> 00:16:08.299 drug problem 00:16:08.299 --> 00:16:09.459 alcohol abuse is 00:16:09.459 --> 00:16:10.279 in our country, 00:16:10.359 --> 00:16:11.699 yet it is glorified 00:16:11.699 --> 00:16:12.759 by the entertainment 00:16:12.759 --> 00:16:15.339 and advertising industries 00:16:15.339 --> 00:16:17.239 as if it is the key 00:16:17.239 --> 00:16:18.259 to having a good time. 00:16:19.079 --> 00:16:19.779 You see it in, 00:16:19.779 --> 00:16:20.339 you know, 00:16:20.459 --> 00:16:21.099 commercials, 00:16:21.259 --> 00:16:21.859 advertisements, 00:16:22.439 --> 00:16:24.039 you see it in all kinds 00:16:24.039 --> 00:16:25.219 of TV shows and movies, 00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:26.259 that if you really want 00:16:26.259 --> 00:16:27.059 to have a good time, 00:16:27.279 --> 00:16:28.000 you got to drink. 00:16:28.319 --> 00:16:29.019 And a lot of times, 00:16:29.079 --> 00:16:29.699 the more you drink, 00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:30.839 the better your time is, 00:16:30.879 --> 00:16:31.939 the more relaxed you are, 00:16:32.059 --> 00:16:33.299 the more loose you are, 00:16:33.359 --> 00:16:34.159 the more open 00:16:34.159 --> 00:16:35.379 and free you are. 00:16:36.059 --> 00:16:39.079 I want to be clear. 00:16:40.579 --> 00:16:42.519 I have never seen anyone 00:16:42.519 --> 00:16:45.159 where alcohol 00:16:45.159 --> 00:16:47.079 made them a better person. 00:16:48.739 --> 00:16:49.699 Now, if you have, 00:16:49.919 --> 00:16:51.279 I want you to tell me. 00:16:52.500 --> 00:16:53.559 I want to know that. 00:16:53.559 --> 00:16:56.139 I have never in my life 00:16:56.139 --> 00:16:58.079 seen anyone 00:16:58.079 --> 00:17:01.099 who really liked to drink, 00:17:02.099 --> 00:17:04.099 who made it a priority 00:17:04.099 --> 00:17:04.659 in their life 00:17:04.659 --> 00:17:05.839 and it made them 00:17:05.839 --> 00:17:06.720 a better husband 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:07.659 or father 00:17:07.659 --> 00:17:08.319 or mother 00:17:08.319 --> 00:17:09.019 or daughter 00:17:09.019 --> 00:17:12.159 or anything. 00:17:12.960 --> 00:17:14.539 But I have seen 00:17:14.539 --> 00:17:16.139 how alcohol 00:17:16.139 --> 00:17:17.059 has ruined 00:17:17.059 --> 00:17:18.659 people's lives. 00:17:18.660 --> 00:17:21.160 I mean, 00:17:21.240 --> 00:17:22.040 I've seen it 00:17:22.040 --> 00:17:22.779 close, 00:17:23.580 --> 00:17:25.440 very much 00:17:25.440 --> 00:17:26.340 in my face, 00:17:27.000 --> 00:17:28.560 in my family, 00:17:29.720 --> 00:17:30.519 among people 00:17:30.519 --> 00:17:31.120 that I know 00:17:31.120 --> 00:17:31.800 and love 00:17:31.800 --> 00:17:33.500 where alcohol 00:17:33.500 --> 00:17:34.560 has ruined 00:17:34.560 --> 00:17:35.480 their life, 00:17:36.820 --> 00:17:37.500 destroyed 00:17:37.500 --> 00:17:39.240 their life, 00:17:40.060 --> 00:17:41.060 their home, 00:17:41.720 --> 00:17:42.440 their family, 00:17:43.320 --> 00:17:44.460 lost their career. 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:47.420 And I want us 00:17:47.420 --> 00:17:48.900 to be aware of that. 00:17:49.079 --> 00:17:49.900 I want you to be aware 00:17:49.900 --> 00:17:50.700 of that today 00:17:50.700 --> 00:17:51.740 as a young person 00:17:51.740 --> 00:17:53.039 at any age. 00:17:54.319 --> 00:17:55.660 Let it sink in. 00:17:58.460 --> 00:17:59.500 Alcohol is the number one 00:17:59.500 --> 00:18:00.259 abused drug 00:18:00.259 --> 00:18:00.900 in this country. 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:04.340 Alcohol will not help you 00:18:04.340 --> 00:18:05.120 to be better 00:18:05.120 --> 00:18:06.819 in any way. 00:18:06.819 --> 00:18:09.919 but it can, 00:18:10.659 --> 00:18:11.319 it very well 00:18:11.319 --> 00:18:12.679 could hurt you 00:18:12.679 --> 00:18:14.759 and the people 00:18:14.759 --> 00:18:15.379 in your life 00:18:15.379 --> 00:18:15.939 that you don't want 00:18:15.939 --> 00:18:16.279 to hurt 00:18:16.279 --> 00:18:18.339 if you're not 00:18:18.339 --> 00:18:19.079 very, very careful. 00:18:20.439 --> 00:18:20.700 Now, 00:18:21.220 --> 00:18:22.000 look at verse 21. 00:18:22.200 --> 00:18:23.279 This list of acts 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:24.259 of the sinful nature 00:18:24.259 --> 00:18:26.119 ends with a very 00:18:26.119 --> 00:18:26.879 strong, 00:18:27.259 --> 00:18:28.759 serious warning. 00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:29.559 Look at it. 00:18:29.899 --> 00:18:30.819 I warn you. 00:18:31.279 --> 00:18:31.899 As I warned you 00:18:31.899 --> 00:18:32.319 before, 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:34.000 that those 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:35.759 who do such things 00:18:35.759 --> 00:18:37.079 will not 00:18:37.079 --> 00:18:38.180 inherit 00:18:38.180 --> 00:18:39.879 the kingdom of God. 00:18:41.359 --> 00:18:42.599 People whose lives 00:18:42.599 --> 00:18:43.180 are characterized 00:18:43.180 --> 00:18:44.900 by sexual immorality, 00:18:47.240 --> 00:18:47.779 by just, 00:18:47.879 --> 00:18:48.980 they're just angry, 00:18:49.920 --> 00:18:50.960 mean-spirited, 00:18:51.579 --> 00:18:52.920 cause trouble people, 00:18:53.599 --> 00:18:54.920 selfish and self-centered, 00:18:55.579 --> 00:18:57.240 they worship things 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:58.019 instead of God, 00:18:58.099 --> 00:18:58.819 they worship people 00:18:58.819 --> 00:18:59.700 instead of God. 00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:01.500 Paul is saying 00:19:01.500 --> 00:19:02.299 very clearly here 00:19:02.299 --> 00:19:03.420 that a person 00:19:03.420 --> 00:19:04.259 who lives this way, 00:19:04.519 --> 00:19:05.099 we're talking about somebody, 00:19:05.099 --> 00:19:06.799 this is their way of life. 00:19:07.079 --> 00:19:08.199 This is what they know. 00:19:08.419 --> 00:19:09.179 This is how they are. 00:19:09.319 --> 00:19:10.419 This is how they're known. 00:19:12.539 --> 00:19:13.439 They're not going to heaven 00:19:13.439 --> 00:19:14.019 when they die. 00:19:15.219 --> 00:19:15.619 Now, 00:19:16.139 --> 00:19:17.059 let's be clear. 00:19:17.959 --> 00:19:20.119 The most faithful Christian 00:19:20.119 --> 00:19:21.519 struggles 00:19:21.519 --> 00:19:24.159 with some of these 00:19:24.159 --> 00:19:26.419 on a regular basis. 00:19:28.179 --> 00:19:29.319 All of us in this room, 00:19:29.319 --> 00:19:32.279 the most respected, 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:35.819 the most godly individual 00:19:35.819 --> 00:19:36.460 in this room, 00:19:37.119 --> 00:19:38.399 you are tempted. 00:19:40.240 --> 00:19:41.679 Maybe with something 00:19:41.679 --> 00:19:43.419 related to sexual immorality. 00:19:44.419 --> 00:19:45.599 Maybe with alcohol. 00:19:47.539 --> 00:19:48.679 Maybe you've got 00:19:48.679 --> 00:19:49.679 put too much value 00:19:49.679 --> 00:19:50.539 on some things 00:19:50.539 --> 00:19:51.099 or people, 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:53.059 and God's not first 00:19:53.059 --> 00:19:53.659 in your life 00:19:53.659 --> 00:19:54.859 truly 00:19:54.859 --> 00:19:56.519 on a regular basis. 00:19:56.519 --> 00:19:58.819 Maybe you're just 00:19:58.819 --> 00:20:00.480 a selfish person. 00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:02.259 You're very arrogant. 00:20:02.700 --> 00:20:03.259 You're jealous 00:20:03.259 --> 00:20:03.940 of everything 00:20:03.940 --> 00:20:05.079 that someone has 00:20:05.079 --> 00:20:05.559 to have something 00:20:05.559 --> 00:20:06.220 more than you 00:20:06.220 --> 00:20:07.099 or better than you. 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:09.400 You're tempted this way. 00:20:10.059 --> 00:20:11.119 Sometimes you give in 00:20:11.119 --> 00:20:11.619 to this. 00:20:12.579 --> 00:20:13.319 Sometimes you give in 00:20:13.319 --> 00:20:15.059 to it more at home 00:20:15.059 --> 00:20:15.779 around your family 00:20:15.779 --> 00:20:16.460 and close friends 00:20:16.460 --> 00:20:17.460 than you do out in public. 00:20:17.700 --> 00:20:18.440 Maybe nobody at church 00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:19.160 has ever seen you, 00:20:19.339 --> 00:20:19.859 but your family 00:20:19.859 --> 00:20:21.200 certainly has seen you. 00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:23.319 Show your rear end 00:20:23.319 --> 00:20:24.440 because you're giving in 00:20:24.440 --> 00:20:25.080 the desires 00:20:25.080 --> 00:20:26.480 of your sinful nature 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:28.160 about getting your way, 00:20:28.559 --> 00:20:29.480 about making sure 00:20:29.480 --> 00:20:30.600 you get your way 00:20:30.600 --> 00:20:31.660 and you force it 00:20:31.660 --> 00:20:32.940 on everybody else 00:20:32.940 --> 00:20:33.460 in your life. 00:20:34.220 --> 00:20:34.500 You say, 00:20:34.600 --> 00:20:35.279 we're going to be real 00:20:35.279 --> 00:20:35.779 this morning. 00:20:37.539 --> 00:20:38.120 We're not going to look 00:20:38.120 --> 00:20:38.700 at this passage 00:20:38.700 --> 00:20:39.160 and talk about 00:20:39.160 --> 00:20:40.500 all those evil people. 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:42.680 We're talking about 00:20:42.680 --> 00:20:44.259 how we as Christians 00:20:44.259 --> 00:20:45.640 have a sinful nature 00:20:45.640 --> 00:20:46.799 and we are tempted. 00:20:48.160 --> 00:20:50.039 We have desires 00:20:50.039 --> 00:20:50.840 and feelings. 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:51.660 There's things, 00:20:51.820 --> 00:20:52.220 emotions 00:20:52.220 --> 00:20:54.380 that come out sometimes. 00:20:58.440 --> 00:21:00.180 If that's our normal 00:21:00.180 --> 00:21:02.019 way of living 00:21:02.019 --> 00:21:04.700 and we would say, 00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:05.500 I just can't help 00:21:05.500 --> 00:21:06.240 but be this way, 00:21:07.059 --> 00:21:07.819 that means the Spirit 00:21:07.819 --> 00:21:08.860 of God does not live 00:21:08.860 --> 00:21:09.440 in you 00:21:09.440 --> 00:21:09.980 and that means 00:21:09.980 --> 00:21:10.799 you're not a Christian. 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:12.940 You may be a church member, 00:21:13.019 --> 00:21:13.720 you may be a baptized 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:14.400 church member, 00:21:14.500 --> 00:21:15.140 but you cannot be 00:21:15.140 --> 00:21:15.900 a child of God. 00:21:16.140 --> 00:21:17.279 You are not going to heaven, 00:21:17.380 --> 00:21:18.319 the Word of God says, 00:21:18.319 --> 00:21:19.799 if this is you 00:21:19.799 --> 00:21:22.759 on a regular basis, 00:21:23.419 --> 00:21:24.559 the way you think, 00:21:24.659 --> 00:21:25.259 the way you speak, 00:21:25.339 --> 00:21:26.139 the way you act, 00:21:27.759 --> 00:21:31.419 let's hold that thought down. 00:21:31.819 --> 00:21:32.460 Let's go on. 00:21:32.859 --> 00:21:33.419 Let's look at the other 00:21:33.419 --> 00:21:34.220 source of influence 00:21:34.220 --> 00:21:34.639 in this passage, 00:21:34.759 --> 00:21:35.299 the Holy Spirit. 00:21:35.819 --> 00:21:36.700 If the Spirit of God 00:21:36.700 --> 00:21:37.339 is the most powerful 00:21:37.339 --> 00:21:38.299 influence in our lives, 00:21:38.859 --> 00:21:41.139 we will to some degree 00:21:41.139 --> 00:21:41.919 be developing 00:21:41.919 --> 00:21:43.019 character qualities 00:21:43.019 --> 00:21:43.960 described here 00:21:43.960 --> 00:21:45.579 as the fruit of the Spirit. 00:21:45.879 --> 00:21:46.399 Look at them. 00:21:46.400 --> 00:21:47.519 The fruit of the Spirit 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:49.019 is love, joy, peace, 00:21:49.140 --> 00:21:49.880 patience, kindness, 00:21:50.259 --> 00:21:51.180 goodness, faithfulness, 00:21:51.259 --> 00:21:52.680 gentleness, self-control. 00:21:53.780 --> 00:21:54.860 Now, I want you to notice 00:21:54.860 --> 00:21:56.540 a difference 00:21:56.540 --> 00:21:57.820 in the way Paul describes 00:21:57.820 --> 00:22:00.600 these works of the flesh 00:22:00.600 --> 00:22:03.400 and the fruit of the Spirit. 00:22:04.440 --> 00:22:05.140 Verse 19, 00:22:05.960 --> 00:22:07.519 the works of the flesh. 00:22:08.040 --> 00:22:08.780 He's talking about 00:22:08.780 --> 00:22:09.720 attitudes and actions 00:22:09.720 --> 00:22:10.460 that arise 00:22:10.460 --> 00:22:12.040 and come from us. 00:22:12.039 --> 00:22:15.680 just a part of who we are 00:22:15.680 --> 00:22:17.399 as fallen, sinful people. 00:22:18.519 --> 00:22:19.259 But verse 22, 00:22:19.359 --> 00:22:19.700 he describes 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:20.539 the fruit of the Spirit. 00:22:21.159 --> 00:22:21.920 These are attitudes 00:22:21.920 --> 00:22:22.579 and actions 00:22:22.579 --> 00:22:24.200 that the Spirit of God 00:22:24.200 --> 00:22:25.700 produces in 00:22:25.700 --> 00:22:27.539 and through us. 00:22:31.639 --> 00:22:32.579 We're going to be doing 00:22:32.579 --> 00:22:34.119 a study on Wednesday nights 00:22:34.119 --> 00:22:37.000 on each 00:22:37.000 --> 00:22:39.079 of these qualities 00:22:39.079 --> 00:22:39.980 in this list 00:22:39.980 --> 00:22:40.920 called the fruit of the Spirit. 00:22:40.920 --> 00:22:42.840 Wednesday night, 00:22:42.960 --> 00:22:43.460 6.30, 00:22:43.539 --> 00:22:44.580 over in the fellowship hall. 00:22:45.440 --> 00:22:46.480 This coming Wednesday night, 00:22:46.560 --> 00:22:47.160 we're going to start looking 00:22:47.160 --> 00:22:47.860 at the first one 00:22:47.860 --> 00:22:48.380 individually, 00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:49.080 love. 00:22:49.940 --> 00:22:50.800 Now, I want to encourage you 00:22:50.800 --> 00:22:51.560 to come and be a part 00:22:51.560 --> 00:22:52.300 of this study 00:22:52.300 --> 00:22:53.460 of how the Holy Spirit 00:22:53.460 --> 00:22:54.420 will work in us 00:22:54.420 --> 00:22:55.560 to enable us 00:22:55.560 --> 00:22:57.900 to experience 00:22:57.900 --> 00:22:58.940 and demonstrate 00:22:58.940 --> 00:23:00.880 love and joy and peace 00:23:00.880 --> 00:23:02.759 in the midst of difficulty. 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:06.100 When life is hard 00:23:06.100 --> 00:23:08.740 and things of that nature. 00:23:08.740 --> 00:23:10.140 But right now, 00:23:10.220 --> 00:23:10.920 look at the works 00:23:10.920 --> 00:23:11.799 of the sinful nature 00:23:11.799 --> 00:23:12.859 that we've looked at, 00:23:12.900 --> 00:23:13.400 this list, 00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:14.960 19 and 21, 00:23:15.059 --> 00:23:15.539 through 21, 00:23:15.960 --> 00:23:17.059 and the fruit of the Spirit. 00:23:18.460 --> 00:23:19.779 Which list describes 00:23:19.779 --> 00:23:21.460 the consistent desire 00:23:21.460 --> 00:23:23.140 of your heart 00:23:23.140 --> 00:23:25.839 and which is the consistent 00:23:25.839 --> 00:23:27.920 pattern of your life? 00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:30.460 Think about it. 00:23:30.460 --> 00:23:32.740 all Christians, 00:23:33.059 --> 00:23:33.880 all of us struggle 00:23:33.880 --> 00:23:34.940 with sinful desires 00:23:34.940 --> 00:23:35.400 that come from 00:23:35.400 --> 00:23:36.240 our sinful nature. 00:23:37.620 --> 00:23:39.279 It's an internal war. 00:23:40.160 --> 00:23:40.740 It's a battle 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:41.660 that's going on within us. 00:23:42.299 --> 00:23:43.039 Paul talked about it 00:23:43.039 --> 00:23:44.200 in verse 17 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:45.960 that we looked at last week. 00:23:46.960 --> 00:23:48.039 Sometimes we give in 00:23:48.039 --> 00:23:48.700 to those desires. 00:23:50.700 --> 00:23:51.140 Sometimes, 00:23:51.140 --> 00:23:55.400 the most godly 00:23:55.400 --> 00:23:56.080 in this room, 00:23:57.280 --> 00:23:58.880 give in to those temptations, 00:23:59.220 --> 00:24:00.020 those desires, 00:24:00.980 --> 00:24:02.380 and you say or do 00:24:02.380 --> 00:24:04.320 a sinful thing 00:24:04.320 --> 00:24:06.620 that people see 00:24:06.620 --> 00:24:07.280 and hear. 00:24:08.620 --> 00:24:09.620 It's obvious. 00:24:10.900 --> 00:24:11.640 Sometimes we do that 00:24:11.640 --> 00:24:12.620 more than we want to admit. 00:24:14.060 --> 00:24:14.820 But a true Christian 00:24:14.820 --> 00:24:16.040 will not let that be 00:24:16.040 --> 00:24:18.259 their normal way of life. 00:24:18.380 --> 00:24:19.040 That will not be 00:24:19.040 --> 00:24:20.000 their lifestyle, 00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:22.200 giving in to the desires 00:24:22.200 --> 00:24:23.160 of our sinful nature. 00:24:24.440 --> 00:24:25.180 Because Paul said, 00:24:25.240 --> 00:24:25.579 if we do, 00:24:25.660 --> 00:24:26.220 we will not inherit 00:24:26.220 --> 00:24:26.819 the kingdom of God. 00:24:26.859 --> 00:24:27.680 So it means a Christian 00:24:27.680 --> 00:24:28.700 won't do that. 00:24:29.559 --> 00:24:30.839 True children of God 00:24:30.839 --> 00:24:32.039 are not at the mercy 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:33.000 of our sinful nature. 00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:35.420 If you're a child of God, 00:24:35.680 --> 00:24:36.259 the Spirit of God 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:37.019 lives within you 00:24:37.019 --> 00:24:38.380 and you do not have 00:24:38.380 --> 00:24:38.940 to give in 00:24:38.940 --> 00:24:39.740 to the temptations. 00:24:41.299 --> 00:24:42.559 You do not have 00:24:42.559 --> 00:24:44.019 to act on 00:24:44.019 --> 00:24:45.640 those desires 00:24:45.640 --> 00:24:46.339 and thoughts 00:24:46.339 --> 00:24:46.859 and feelings 00:24:46.859 --> 00:24:47.640 that you have 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:48.900 that come from within you 00:24:48.900 --> 00:24:49.559 that you know 00:24:49.559 --> 00:24:50.460 are wrong. 00:24:51.339 --> 00:24:52.159 You do not have 00:24:52.159 --> 00:24:52.700 to live a life 00:24:52.700 --> 00:24:53.259 that is defined 00:24:53.259 --> 00:24:53.919 by sin. 00:24:55.319 --> 00:24:56.099 If you're living, 00:24:56.480 --> 00:24:57.059 if you're a Christian 00:24:57.059 --> 00:24:57.740 and dwell by the Spirit 00:24:57.740 --> 00:24:58.159 of God, 00:24:59.000 --> 00:25:00.759 you want to obey Him. 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:02.759 You want to do 00:25:02.759 --> 00:25:03.179 what's right, 00:25:03.259 --> 00:25:03.879 not what's wrong. 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:05.839 You want to please God, 00:25:05.899 --> 00:25:07.059 not displease Him. 00:25:08.639 --> 00:25:10.440 That's your desire 00:25:10.440 --> 00:25:11.579 that comes from 00:25:11.579 --> 00:25:13.000 the indwelling Holy Spirit. 00:25:13.399 --> 00:25:13.960 Let's look now 00:25:13.960 --> 00:25:15.259 at how we can successfully 00:25:15.259 --> 00:25:16.839 follow the leadership 00:25:16.839 --> 00:25:17.539 of the Holy Spirit 00:25:17.539 --> 00:25:19.299 and live that kind of way. 00:25:19.819 --> 00:25:20.200 Number two, 00:25:20.519 --> 00:25:21.420 how can the Holy Spirit 00:25:21.420 --> 00:25:22.720 become the dominant influence 00:25:22.720 --> 00:25:23.899 in your life every day? 00:25:24.180 --> 00:25:24.480 Well, that's what 00:25:24.480 --> 00:25:25.359 verses 24 and 25 00:25:25.359 --> 00:25:26.019 tells us. 00:25:27.259 --> 00:25:28.639 It's a two-step process. 00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:29.240 Number one, 00:25:29.399 --> 00:25:30.299 we must say no 00:25:30.299 --> 00:25:31.019 to the desires 00:25:31.019 --> 00:25:31.899 of our sinful nature. 00:25:32.359 --> 00:25:32.940 Look at what he says 00:25:32.940 --> 00:25:33.639 in verse 24. 00:25:34.139 --> 00:25:34.819 And those who belong 00:25:34.819 --> 00:25:35.480 to Christ Jesus 00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:36.579 have crucified 00:25:36.579 --> 00:25:37.700 the flesh 00:25:37.700 --> 00:25:39.159 with its passions 00:25:39.159 --> 00:25:39.779 and desires. 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:41.319 Paul uses the imagery 00:25:41.319 --> 00:25:42.240 of crucifixion 00:25:42.240 --> 00:25:43.259 for an obvious reason. 00:25:43.259 --> 00:25:45.660 Jesus was crucified. 00:25:46.660 --> 00:25:49.299 He died for our sins. 00:25:50.079 --> 00:25:51.220 He uses this imagery 00:25:51.220 --> 00:25:51.940 of crucifixion 00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:52.440 to describe 00:25:52.440 --> 00:25:53.740 the radical break 00:25:53.740 --> 00:25:55.140 that we are supposed 00:25:55.140 --> 00:25:56.640 to make 00:25:56.640 --> 00:25:59.180 when we turn 00:25:59.180 --> 00:25:59.740 from our sin, 00:25:59.839 --> 00:26:01.079 when we are saved, 00:26:01.160 --> 00:26:02.000 when we do put our faith 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:02.779 and trust in Jesus. 00:26:03.420 --> 00:26:04.099 He's referring to 00:26:04.099 --> 00:26:05.480 what we did at conversion. 00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:07.220 We repented of our sin. 00:26:07.279 --> 00:26:08.299 We turned from our sin. 00:26:08.859 --> 00:26:09.819 We turned away 00:26:09.819 --> 00:26:10.200 from everything 00:26:10.200 --> 00:26:10.859 that we thought 00:26:10.859 --> 00:26:11.759 was selfish 00:26:11.759 --> 00:26:12.579 and sinful 00:26:12.579 --> 00:26:13.640 and ungodly. 00:26:15.599 --> 00:26:16.759 Well, since that time, 00:26:16.859 --> 00:26:17.680 since whenever it was 00:26:17.680 --> 00:26:18.400 you were saved, 00:26:19.140 --> 00:26:20.099 the Lord has continued 00:26:20.099 --> 00:26:22.379 to reveal things to you 00:26:22.379 --> 00:26:23.980 that are selfish 00:26:23.980 --> 00:26:24.660 and sinful 00:26:24.660 --> 00:26:25.539 and ungodly. 00:26:26.619 --> 00:26:27.460 If you're a Christian 00:26:27.460 --> 00:26:28.720 and dwell by the Spirit of God, 00:26:29.720 --> 00:26:30.900 as you learn 00:26:30.900 --> 00:26:31.920 about those things, 00:26:32.059 --> 00:26:32.619 as you learn 00:26:32.619 --> 00:26:34.259 what does not please God, 00:26:35.440 --> 00:26:38.420 you'll do it. 00:26:39.299 --> 00:26:41.119 You'll not give in to it. 00:26:41.759 --> 00:26:42.660 When you learn 00:26:42.660 --> 00:26:43.539 what does please God, 00:26:43.599 --> 00:26:44.140 you'll want to do 00:26:44.140 --> 00:26:45.059 what pleases God. 00:26:45.879 --> 00:26:47.000 That is the desire 00:26:47.000 --> 00:26:47.379 of everyone 00:26:47.379 --> 00:26:48.039 who's been born again 00:26:48.039 --> 00:26:48.839 by the Spirit of God. 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:49.960 That's the way to test 00:26:49.960 --> 00:26:50.940 if you really are a Christian. 00:26:52.400 --> 00:26:53.599 Do you love sin 00:26:53.599 --> 00:26:54.400 and enjoy it 00:26:54.400 --> 00:26:55.059 and have no 00:26:55.059 --> 00:26:57.059 real serious 00:26:57.059 --> 00:26:58.819 guilt about it? 00:26:59.480 --> 00:27:00.059 The Spirit of God 00:27:00.059 --> 00:27:01.059 can't be living within you. 00:27:04.019 --> 00:27:04.920 But do you really 00:27:04.920 --> 00:27:05.279 and truly 00:27:05.279 --> 00:27:07.140 hate sin 00:27:07.140 --> 00:27:08.400 and you want 00:27:08.400 --> 00:27:09.099 to overcome it? 00:27:09.099 --> 00:27:10.699 You want to live 00:27:10.699 --> 00:27:11.819 a life that pleases God. 00:27:11.899 --> 00:27:12.819 You want to honor Him. 00:27:13.000 --> 00:27:13.719 You want to be right 00:27:13.719 --> 00:27:14.299 with people. 00:27:15.299 --> 00:27:15.719 That's a sign 00:27:15.719 --> 00:27:16.419 that the Spirit of God 00:27:16.419 --> 00:27:17.379 is working within you. 00:27:17.939 --> 00:27:18.579 And the second part 00:27:18.579 --> 00:27:19.299 of this process 00:27:19.299 --> 00:27:20.559 is we must say yes 00:27:20.559 --> 00:27:21.059 to the leadership 00:27:21.059 --> 00:27:21.719 of the Holy Spirit. 00:27:22.139 --> 00:27:22.399 He says, 00:27:22.500 --> 00:27:23.319 if we live by the Spirit, 00:27:23.399 --> 00:27:23.899 verse 25, 00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:24.980 let us also keep step 00:27:24.980 --> 00:27:25.419 with the Spirit. 00:27:26.599 --> 00:27:27.699 The Holy Spirit leads us 00:27:27.699 --> 00:27:28.419 by giving us 00:27:28.419 --> 00:27:29.000 the desires 00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:29.799 to live a life 00:27:29.799 --> 00:27:31.799 that will please God 00:27:31.799 --> 00:27:33.480 in mind and heart 00:27:33.480 --> 00:27:34.139 and life. 00:27:35.059 --> 00:27:36.319 The Holy Spirit works in us 00:27:36.319 --> 00:27:37.079 to enable us 00:27:37.079 --> 00:27:37.759 to produce 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:39.759 Christ-like character 00:27:39.759 --> 00:27:40.679 qualities. 00:27:42.159 --> 00:27:43.079 The fruit of the Spirit. 00:27:45.379 --> 00:27:46.339 You can live 00:27:46.339 --> 00:27:47.579 a faithful Christian life 00:27:47.579 --> 00:27:50.000 but you cannot do it 00:27:50.000 --> 00:27:50.460 on your own. 00:27:51.539 --> 00:27:52.419 You need 00:27:52.419 --> 00:27:54.079 that supernatural help 00:27:54.079 --> 00:27:56.259 that the Holy Spirit 00:27:56.259 --> 00:27:56.899 of God 00:27:56.899 --> 00:27:58.059 will give you. 00:27:59.079 --> 00:27:59.799 Chuck Swindoll 00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:01.139 gives us some good advice 00:28:01.139 --> 00:28:02.679 on how we can 00:28:02.679 --> 00:28:03.659 do this way, 00:28:03.939 --> 00:28:04.700 live this way. 00:28:05.339 --> 00:28:06.159 Listen to what he says. 00:28:06.160 --> 00:28:06.980 Look at what he says. 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:07.940 He says, 00:28:08.019 --> 00:28:09.000 resolve each morning 00:28:09.000 --> 00:28:10.860 to walk in the Spirit. 00:28:11.540 --> 00:28:13.440 First thing every morning 00:28:13.440 --> 00:28:14.640 before you get up, 00:28:15.080 --> 00:28:15.980 commit yourself 00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:17.660 to His control. 00:28:18.580 --> 00:28:19.500 Swindoll is saying, 00:28:19.600 --> 00:28:20.259 if you're really serious 00:28:20.259 --> 00:28:20.540 about living 00:28:20.540 --> 00:28:21.320 a faithful Christian life, 00:28:21.580 --> 00:28:22.259 when you wake up 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:22.500 in the morning, 00:28:22.560 --> 00:28:23.320 when the clock goes off, 00:28:23.420 --> 00:28:24.160 think to yourself, 00:28:24.779 --> 00:28:26.259 I really am a child of God. 00:28:26.480 --> 00:28:27.380 The Spirit of God 00:28:27.380 --> 00:28:28.259 lives within me. 00:28:28.779 --> 00:28:29.820 Pray and just ask God, 00:28:29.860 --> 00:28:30.620 Lord, help me 00:28:30.620 --> 00:28:31.259 to be sensitive 00:28:31.259 --> 00:28:33.080 to your Spirit's presence. 00:28:33.720 --> 00:28:34.840 Help me to be obedient 00:28:34.840 --> 00:28:35.640 to His power. 00:28:36.160 --> 00:28:36.980 Help me to watch 00:28:36.980 --> 00:28:37.900 what I say. 00:28:38.300 --> 00:28:39.180 Not just say 00:28:39.180 --> 00:28:39.960 everything I think. 00:28:40.380 --> 00:28:41.140 Help me to watch 00:28:41.140 --> 00:28:41.840 what I do. 00:28:42.060 --> 00:28:42.720 Help me to watch 00:28:42.720 --> 00:28:44.920 what my mind dwells on. 00:28:46.320 --> 00:28:46.900 And then number two, 00:28:47.240 --> 00:28:48.279 strive to maintain 00:28:48.279 --> 00:28:49.180 your walk 00:28:49.180 --> 00:28:50.160 throughout each day. 00:28:50.700 --> 00:28:51.680 Don't turn away 00:28:51.680 --> 00:28:52.779 from the Spirit's leading 00:28:52.779 --> 00:28:53.880 so you can flirt 00:28:53.880 --> 00:28:54.960 with the desires 00:28:54.960 --> 00:28:56.080 of the sinful nature. 00:28:56.779 --> 00:28:57.840 The Spirit will guide, 00:28:58.040 --> 00:28:58.360 protect, 00:28:58.440 --> 00:28:59.340 and empower you. 00:28:59.339 --> 00:29:00.740 All you must do 00:29:00.740 --> 00:29:01.699 is follow Him 00:29:01.699 --> 00:29:02.740 by faith. 00:29:03.839 --> 00:29:05.000 Begin in the mornings, 00:29:05.559 --> 00:29:07.480 committing your life 00:29:07.480 --> 00:29:08.240 and you in the fresh 00:29:08.240 --> 00:29:10.000 to be sensitive 00:29:10.000 --> 00:29:10.939 to the Spirit of God 00:29:10.939 --> 00:29:11.939 and obedient 00:29:11.939 --> 00:29:12.599 to His leadership. 00:29:13.599 --> 00:29:14.539 And throughout the day, 00:29:15.379 --> 00:29:16.240 think about that. 00:29:17.839 --> 00:29:19.379 Recognize when your sinful nature 00:29:19.379 --> 00:29:20.439 is tempting you 00:29:20.439 --> 00:29:21.240 and leading, 00:29:21.480 --> 00:29:22.099 trying to lead you 00:29:22.099 --> 00:29:22.819 in the wrong way. 00:29:23.519 --> 00:29:24.599 Learn to say no. 00:29:24.599 --> 00:29:28.779 Learn not to say it. 00:29:29.039 --> 00:29:30.159 Learn not to do it. 00:29:30.359 --> 00:29:31.659 Learn not to look at it. 00:29:32.980 --> 00:29:34.019 Learn to do instead 00:29:34.019 --> 00:29:34.899 what the Spirit of God 00:29:34.899 --> 00:29:36.139 is leading you to do. 00:29:37.559 --> 00:29:38.480 That which will 00:29:38.480 --> 00:29:39.759 please God. 00:29:39.859 --> 00:29:40.359 That which will 00:29:40.359 --> 00:29:41.919 make a positive difference 00:29:41.919 --> 00:29:42.719 in other people's lives. 00:29:43.859 --> 00:29:44.740 That which will 00:29:44.740 --> 00:29:45.279 ultimately 00:29:45.279 --> 00:29:46.659 please you. 00:29:47.639 --> 00:29:48.619 God's Word is clear. 00:29:48.740 --> 00:29:49.459 We can live 00:29:49.459 --> 00:29:49.939 a faithful, 00:29:50.099 --> 00:29:50.459 obedient, 00:29:50.619 --> 00:29:51.740 victorious Christian life 00:29:51.740 --> 00:29:53.059 if 00:29:53.059 --> 00:29:55.500 we will say no 00:29:55.500 --> 00:29:56.679 to our sinful nature 00:29:56.679 --> 00:29:58.460 and yes 00:29:58.460 --> 00:29:59.159 to the leading 00:29:59.159 --> 00:29:59.899 of the Holy Spirit 00:29:59.899 --> 00:30:01.579 every day. 00:30:02.539 --> 00:30:03.480 All day. 00:30:04.440 --> 00:30:05.819 The question is 00:30:05.819 --> 00:30:08.500 do you want to do that? 00:30:10.419 --> 00:30:11.599 Will you do that? 00:30:12.299 --> 00:30:13.319 Let's pray together. 00:30:14.419 --> 00:30:14.819 Dear God, 00:30:16.179 --> 00:30:19.539 help us right now 00:30:19.539 --> 00:30:22.859 to know exactly 00:30:22.859 --> 00:30:25.459 how you see us, 00:30:26.459 --> 00:30:27.979 how we really are. 00:30:30.279 --> 00:30:30.779 Father, 00:30:30.879 --> 00:30:31.339 show us 00:30:31.339 --> 00:30:33.319 if we really 00:30:33.319 --> 00:30:34.119 are Christians 00:30:34.119 --> 00:30:36.399 but we're not 00:30:36.399 --> 00:30:37.199 being faithful 00:30:37.199 --> 00:30:38.000 to say no 00:30:38.000 --> 00:30:38.740 to the desires 00:30:38.740 --> 00:30:39.579 of our sinful nature. 00:30:40.839 --> 00:30:42.099 We're not choosing 00:30:42.099 --> 00:30:44.059 on a daily basis 00:30:44.059 --> 00:30:47.059 to be obedient 00:30:47.059 --> 00:30:48.139 to your Spirit's leading. 00:30:50.399 --> 00:30:51.339 We're not choosing 00:30:51.339 --> 00:30:52.279 to please you. 00:30:52.379 --> 00:30:52.859 We're instead 00:30:52.859 --> 00:30:53.639 pleasing ourselves 00:30:53.639 --> 00:30:54.339 more times 00:30:54.339 --> 00:30:55.199 than we like 00:30:55.199 --> 00:30:55.539 to admit. 00:30:57.359 --> 00:30:58.159 If that's the case, 00:30:58.299 --> 00:30:58.480 Father, 00:30:59.359 --> 00:31:00.199 help that person 00:31:00.199 --> 00:31:01.220 to admit it to you, 00:31:01.279 --> 00:31:02.279 to confess their sin, 00:31:02.339 --> 00:31:03.240 to truly repent, 00:31:04.399 --> 00:31:05.439 to seek your forgiveness 00:31:05.439 --> 00:31:06.500 and a fresh start 00:31:06.500 --> 00:31:07.039 today 00:31:07.039 --> 00:31:09.119 to walk in the Spirit, 00:31:09.899 --> 00:31:10.779 to keep in step 00:31:10.779 --> 00:31:11.399 with the Spirit. 00:31:12.859 --> 00:31:13.279 Father, 00:31:13.359 --> 00:31:13.779 if there are people 00:31:13.779 --> 00:31:14.220 in this room 00:31:14.220 --> 00:31:14.839 who would say 00:31:14.839 --> 00:31:16.279 while they know 00:31:16.279 --> 00:31:17.099 they feel 00:31:17.099 --> 00:31:17.759 the battle 00:31:17.759 --> 00:31:18.439 every day, 00:31:18.440 --> 00:31:21.100 they are making 00:31:21.100 --> 00:31:21.759 progress 00:31:21.759 --> 00:31:24.299 and following 00:31:24.299 --> 00:31:24.799 the leadership 00:31:24.799 --> 00:31:25.539 of the Holy Spirit. 00:31:26.460 --> 00:31:26.820 Dear God, 00:31:26.920 --> 00:31:27.900 affirm them, 00:31:28.400 --> 00:31:29.460 encourage them 00:31:29.460 --> 00:31:30.480 to keep on, 00:31:31.480 --> 00:31:32.799 not let up, 00:31:34.279 --> 00:31:35.240 but to keep on 00:31:35.240 --> 00:31:37.360 relying upon 00:31:37.360 --> 00:31:37.840 the power 00:31:37.840 --> 00:31:38.840 that you provide 00:31:38.840 --> 00:31:39.220 through your 00:31:39.220 --> 00:31:39.940 indwelling Spirit. 00:31:41.220 --> 00:31:41.720 But dear God, 00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:42.160 if there are people 00:31:42.160 --> 00:31:42.600 in this room 00:31:42.600 --> 00:31:45.340 who are not 00:31:45.340 --> 00:31:46.259 indwelled by the Spirit, 00:31:46.259 --> 00:31:48.500 they don't have 00:31:48.500 --> 00:31:49.079 this struggle. 00:31:50.039 --> 00:31:50.879 They just live 00:31:50.879 --> 00:31:51.660 any way they want 00:31:51.660 --> 00:31:52.059 to live 00:31:52.059 --> 00:31:54.559 with relatively 00:31:54.559 --> 00:31:55.660 no guilt. 00:31:57.420 --> 00:31:58.240 Help them to see, 00:31:58.339 --> 00:31:58.740 dear God, 00:31:59.379 --> 00:32:00.099 that if they continue 00:32:00.099 --> 00:32:00.619 that way, 00:32:00.700 --> 00:32:01.579 they will not 00:32:01.579 --> 00:32:03.879 inherit your kingdom. 00:32:03.960 --> 00:32:04.619 They'll not go to heaven 00:32:04.619 --> 00:32:05.259 when they die. 00:32:05.460 --> 00:32:06.420 They're not your children. 00:32:07.759 --> 00:32:08.099 But God, 00:32:08.160 --> 00:32:08.980 we pray right now 00:32:08.980 --> 00:32:09.779 that you will create 00:32:09.779 --> 00:32:10.599 within them 00:32:10.599 --> 00:32:13.940 a desire to turn 00:32:13.940 --> 00:32:14.900 from this way of life. 00:32:14.900 --> 00:32:17.280 a desire to truly 00:32:17.280 --> 00:32:18.540 trust Jesus 00:32:18.540 --> 00:32:19.120 as their Lord 00:32:19.120 --> 00:32:19.560 and Savior. 00:32:21.080 --> 00:32:21.480 Father, 00:32:21.540 --> 00:32:22.200 help them right now 00:32:22.200 --> 00:32:23.060 to call upon Jesus 00:32:23.060 --> 00:32:23.900 to save them. 00:32:27.759 --> 00:32:28.519 I want everybody 00:32:28.519 --> 00:32:28.880 to continue 00:32:28.880 --> 00:32:29.800 in an attitude of prayer. 00:32:30.759 --> 00:32:31.840 You listen to the Lord 00:32:31.840 --> 00:32:33.480 and you obey Him. 00:32:34.440 --> 00:32:35.360 Do what He's calling you 00:32:35.360 --> 00:32:35.860 to do 00:32:35.860 --> 00:32:38.160 in these next few minutes. 00:32:39.680 --> 00:32:40.340 I'd be happy 00:32:40.340 --> 00:32:40.940 to pray with you 00:32:40.940 --> 00:32:41.580 during this time 00:32:41.580 --> 00:32:42.100 if that's what 00:32:42.100 --> 00:32:43.380 you'd like. 00:32:43.540 --> 00:32:44.660 You'd like that kind of help. 00:32:45.480 --> 00:32:46.140 If you want to talk 00:32:46.140 --> 00:32:46.720 about these things, 00:32:46.780 --> 00:32:47.920 I'd be happy to do that now. 00:32:48.560 --> 00:32:49.220 I'd be happy to do it 00:32:49.220 --> 00:32:49.800 anytime, 00:32:49.920 --> 00:32:50.240 anywhere. 00:32:51.980 --> 00:32:52.759 But let's make sure 00:32:52.759 --> 00:32:53.740 as we leave here today 00:32:53.740 --> 00:32:55.820 we are living 00:32:55.820 --> 00:32:57.880 under the power 00:32:57.880 --> 00:32:59.800 of the Spirit of God 00:32:59.800 --> 00:33:01.080 who indwells us 00:33:01.080 --> 00:33:01.580 as a Christian. 00:33:01.579 --> 00:33:04.519 thank you. 00:33:04.519 --> 00:33:04.740 I'm sending you 00:33:04.740 --> 00:33:11.599 to God's Murray 00:33:11.599 --> 00:33:11.879 through the power 00:33:12.099 --> 00:33:12.599 of the Holy Spirit of God