WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.240 Please grab your copy of God's Word and turn to Ephesians chapter 2. 00:00:11.460 --> 00:00:16.379 I'm a guy, perhaps more than most, who really likes a plan. 00:00:16.379 --> 00:00:27.879 ! So, amongst many other, much better reasons, one of the reasons I really like verse-by-verse exposition. 00:00:27.879 --> 00:00:38.519 One of the joys of being a pastor is sitting down and breaking down a book of God's Word into presentable portions. 00:00:38.960 --> 00:00:45.019 I love building those outlines. I've got a spreadsheet with all the weeks planned out. 00:00:46.480 --> 00:00:57.340 From time to time, my plans get confounded, and we call an audible. Is that a good football? Okay. 00:00:57.880 --> 00:01:01.179 It's fall, right? We call an audible. You can tell I'm not a football guy. 00:01:01.700 --> 00:01:06.240 And we do something different. So, this morning we're going to do something different, and I want you to understand why. 00:01:07.079 --> 00:01:10.760 We've only been in the book of Romans now for two weeks. 00:01:10.760 --> 00:01:15.920 The first week, we looked at verses 1 through 4 of Paul's salutation. 00:01:16.640 --> 00:01:22.880 And then last week had the intention of looking at verses 5 through 7. 00:01:24.000 --> 00:01:30.920 I only made it through my very first point last week, and quickly realized, as we were looking at the time, 00:01:31.240 --> 00:01:34.880 I probably should wait on these last two points. 00:01:34.879 --> 00:01:41.219 So, in this week, I was thankful to get to continue to develop a sermon for today. 00:01:42.799 --> 00:01:49.479 And I want you to be aware that there's even a little bit of groaning in me to not preach these last two verses there, 00:01:49.560 --> 00:01:56.299 verse 6 and 7 of Romans chapter 1, because I love this last little bit of this text. 00:01:56.299 --> 00:02:03.920 Verse 6, and I'll tell you more about this in coming weeks, is especially precious to me, this phrase, 00:02:04.479 --> 00:02:08.979 you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. 00:02:10.120 --> 00:02:13.259 And so, I'm really eager to preach this text. 00:02:13.259 --> 00:02:20.560 And by God's grace, I have notes of preparation to preach this text. 00:02:20.759 --> 00:02:24.639 But two things are making me think about changing the direction that we go in 00:02:24.639 --> 00:02:27.899 and spending a little bit of time in Ephesians chapter 2. 00:02:28.840 --> 00:02:34.180 The first is that in 1517, on October 31st, 00:02:34.180 --> 00:02:41.439 the man known as Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the Wittenberg door 00:02:41.439 --> 00:02:46.200 and began what's called the Protestant Reformation. 00:02:46.939 --> 00:02:54.860 I think it's good for those of us who claim to be Protestants to at least tip our hats to this time each year. 00:02:55.700 --> 00:03:00.319 More reasonably, you could say that the Reformation began the following year in 1518, 00:03:00.319 --> 00:03:07.939 but this moment is a day that can be marked as the beginning of said Reformation. 00:03:09.039 --> 00:03:10.099 So that's coming up. 00:03:10.180 --> 00:03:12.340 We're thinking toward that October 31st. 00:03:12.419 --> 00:03:15.060 Next Lord's Day is October 30th. 00:03:15.079 --> 00:03:17.699 We want to stop and think a little bit together about that, 00:03:17.799 --> 00:03:22.259 why it is important and on whose shoulders we stand. 00:03:23.199 --> 00:03:27.359 The other thing, as many of you may not know this about me, 00:03:27.459 --> 00:03:29.459 but I'm a type 1 diabetic. 00:03:30.320 --> 00:03:33.900 So if you ever see strange apparatus on me, I'm not carrying a pager. 00:03:35.420 --> 00:03:38.719 I like some old school things, but not a pager. 00:03:39.760 --> 00:03:40.900 That's an insulin pump. 00:03:41.680 --> 00:03:44.080 I have a device that's constantly measuring my blood sugar, 00:03:44.180 --> 00:03:46.240 and I get to handily pull it out and look at it. 00:03:46.280 --> 00:03:49.100 If you see me from time to time looking at my phone, that's what I'm doing. 00:03:50.020 --> 00:03:53.360 And I really, really work at monitoring my blood sugar. 00:03:53.500 --> 00:03:55.540 I'm a pretty healthy diabetic. 00:03:55.539 --> 00:03:57.280 I've been a diabetic since I was 5. 00:03:57.359 --> 00:03:59.979 I'm 42, almost 43 now. 00:04:01.979 --> 00:04:04.379 My endocrinologist likes me and applauds me. 00:04:04.560 --> 00:04:08.799 So typically, things are going well in that aspect of my life. 00:04:08.800 --> 00:04:12.960 I really carefully monitor my blood sugar on Sunday mornings, trying not to get low, 00:04:13.040 --> 00:04:17.280 my blood sugar to get too low, because I get a little bit out of sorts and I can't think clearly. 00:04:17.500 --> 00:04:20.460 So I'm always very cautious on Sunday mornings. 00:04:20.459 --> 00:04:29.239 Yesterday, though, and I do not know why, beginning at about 5 p.m., I'm looking at my blood sugar just started skyrocketing. 00:04:29.659 --> 00:04:33.680 So at first I thought maybe my pump wasn't delivering insulin, but it seemed to be delivering insulin. 00:04:34.139 --> 00:04:40.919 And over the past 5 p.m. to about 6 a.m., my blood sugar went up and it stayed up and it stayed up and it stayed up. 00:04:40.939 --> 00:04:43.719 And I've been up most of the night trying to monitor and deal with that. 00:04:43.779 --> 00:04:47.699 And I put so much insulin into my body, I can't even tell you how many units exactly. 00:04:47.699 --> 00:04:50.699 It went above 450. 00:04:51.560 --> 00:04:53.500 That tells you how high it got. 00:04:54.360 --> 00:05:00.339 And when a diabetic's blood sugar goes that high over a sustained amount of time, they feel terrible. 00:05:01.920 --> 00:05:03.539 It's a difficult feeling to describe. 00:05:04.839 --> 00:05:07.399 I feel like I'm being squeezed all over. 00:05:07.819 --> 00:05:10.099 I can feel my heartbeat in every part of my body. 00:05:10.980 --> 00:05:12.060 Heart rate goes up. 00:05:12.459 --> 00:05:16.800 You run the risk of going into something called diabetic ketoacidosis, which is real, real bad. 00:05:16.800 --> 00:05:19.100 You want to be at the hospital if that happens. 00:05:20.180 --> 00:05:23.120 So I'm telling you all that just to say, I don't feel good this morning. 00:05:23.360 --> 00:05:25.740 I feel pretty crummy. 00:05:26.699 --> 00:05:27.879 And I've joked before. 00:05:27.980 --> 00:05:31.180 I think it's good for the church to be reminded that I'm just a man. 00:05:32.160 --> 00:05:35.379 But I'm only joking when I say that I know you all know that I'm just a man. 00:05:35.379 --> 00:05:44.680 It's really probably more for my sake that I remember that I'm just a man and feeble and I'm finite and that that's OK. 00:05:44.680 --> 00:05:51.120 And that, you know, God in his power uses feeble and finite people to accomplish his will. 00:05:51.120 --> 00:05:55.720 So these two reasons, I just I want to preach this text at full energy. 00:05:55.959 --> 00:06:08.680 So coming soon, the conclusion of Romans chapter one, verses five through seven today, perhaps a slightly lower energy version of me. 00:06:08.680 --> 00:06:20.100 I'd like to look at Ephesians chapter two, verses one through ten and consider the Reformation doctrine of sola gratia. 00:06:20.980 --> 00:06:22.000 Sola gratia. 00:06:22.379 --> 00:06:29.819 That is the Latin for by grace alone or grace only. 00:06:29.819 --> 00:06:34.860 And the reformers loved the word only. 00:06:35.620 --> 00:06:43.939 And the reformation and the study of it has a bearing on our lives because first, as I mentioned previously, it's it's our history. 00:06:44.360 --> 00:06:49.180 It's important for us to know the tradition from which we come. 00:06:49.259 --> 00:06:52.819 And of course, we could argue that it traces out before that as well. 00:06:52.819 --> 00:07:00.439 But much of who we are as a people find some of its locus in these moments in history. 00:07:01.139 --> 00:07:10.620 But secondly, and more importantly, we do not want to repeat the mistakes of the past as we're inclined to do. 00:07:11.800 --> 00:07:15.659 So there are five solas of the reformation in English. 00:07:15.659 --> 00:07:16.680 I'll tell you what they are. 00:07:16.680 --> 00:07:32.400 The scriptures alone tell us that's number one, that our justification comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. 00:07:32.620 --> 00:07:40.120 And I have already argued to you that this is the theme of Paul's book to the Roman believers. 00:07:40.120 --> 00:07:49.480 The scriptures alone tell us our justification comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. 00:07:50.180 --> 00:07:54.259 Some would call these doctrines of grace. 00:07:55.660 --> 00:08:01.139 Our justification is our right standing before God, right? 00:08:01.399 --> 00:08:06.120 That which we do not have apart from the saving work of Christ. 00:08:06.280 --> 00:08:09.959 Left to ourselves, we are enemies of God. 00:08:10.120 --> 00:08:22.160 In order for us to stand before him, not only having the record of our sin canceled, but also having the righteousness required by the law is to be justified. 00:08:23.620 --> 00:08:29.120 And grace is God's unmerited favor. 00:08:30.259 --> 00:08:36.000 So we are justified by grace alone. 00:08:36.000 --> 00:08:42.120 A modern evangelicals are repeating the mistakes of the past. 00:08:42.559 --> 00:08:46.399 Lord, have mercy on us that we don't do the same. 00:08:46.799 --> 00:08:55.100 But before I make that modern evangelical case to you, allow me a moment to show you a bit of the historical thread of the error. 00:08:55.100 --> 00:09:05.759 At the end of the fourth and the beginning of the fifth century, Augustine of Hippo found some occupation refuting the teaching of a man named Pelagius. 00:09:06.800 --> 00:09:19.460 Pelagius and the subsequent teaching known as Pelagianism denied original sin, believed in an autonomous and neutral free will. 00:09:19.460 --> 00:09:23.740 We read a pretty powerful statement against that together earlier. 00:09:24.860 --> 00:09:33.440 The power of sin and the judgment for it have their cause in individual choice rather than inborn sinfulness. 00:09:33.440 --> 00:09:37.800 And people become sinners by following Adam's poor example. 00:09:38.040 --> 00:09:43.240 And they become holy by following Jesus's good example. 00:09:43.900 --> 00:09:48.260 You may hear the lack of grace alone. 00:09:48.700 --> 00:09:51.300 Sola gratia in those assertions. 00:09:52.560 --> 00:09:56.200 Augustine carefully worked to refute Pelagius's teaching. 00:09:56.340 --> 00:09:58.320 We have record of the writing between them. 00:09:58.320 --> 00:10:03.080 And Pelagianism was condemned at the Council of Carthage. 00:10:04.360 --> 00:10:13.180 Although Pelagianism was still considered heresy in Luther's day, it was the doctrine largely being practiced. 00:10:13.840 --> 00:10:17.580 They condemned it in writing, but they practiced it. 00:10:17.640 --> 00:10:20.140 And we'll talk more about this next week. 00:10:20.139 --> 00:10:29.679 Later, followers of the historic doctrines taught by John Calvin had to refute the widely followed teaching of a man named Joseph Arminius. 00:10:31.120 --> 00:10:36.100 Fast forward a few centuries to the 19th century revivalist Charles Finney. 00:10:36.659 --> 00:10:40.860 Sadly, a man still celebrated in evangelicalism. 00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:47.419 Finney emphasized free will in the work of salvation and in the work of sanctification. 00:10:47.419 --> 00:10:56.559 He concluded that, quote, full present obedience is a condition of justification. 00:10:56.899 --> 00:11:04.659 So hear that he's saying a person must be perfect to be justified by themselves. 00:11:04.799 --> 00:11:05.099 Perfect. 00:11:05.919 --> 00:11:11.299 He went on to say, quote, but again to the question, can man be justified while sin remains in him? 00:11:11.299 --> 00:11:17.559 Surely he cannot, either upon legal or gospel principles, unless the law be repealed. 00:11:18.139 --> 00:11:23.939 But can he be pardoned and accepted and justified in the gospel sense while sin, any degree of sin remains in him? 00:11:24.259 --> 00:11:26.000 Certainly not. 00:11:26.919 --> 00:11:27.419 End quote. 00:11:30.019 --> 00:11:34.259 Dwight L. Moody, a 19th century evangelist, said, quote, 00:11:34.259 --> 00:11:37.439 God has cast his votes for your soul. 00:11:38.299 --> 00:11:40.200 Satan has cast his vote. 00:11:41.080 --> 00:11:44.059 You have to cast the deciding vote. 00:11:45.159 --> 00:11:45.879 End quote. 00:11:46.720 --> 00:11:49.700 If that doesn't make you crumble, let's talk. 00:11:49.799 --> 00:11:53.620 I want you to understand the heresy stated in those three sentences. 00:11:53.620 --> 00:12:01.840 Roger Olson is a modern theologian, an Armenian modern theologian, but he said this, which I agree with. 00:12:01.879 --> 00:12:04.200 So now I'm telling you, I agree with what he says here. 00:12:04.799 --> 00:12:15.000 He said, what is heard in most American evangelical pulpits today is semi-Pelagian at best, mostly Pelagianism. 00:12:15.580 --> 00:12:16.940 So there's my kind of arc. 00:12:17.139 --> 00:12:19.879 It's a problem still today. 00:12:19.879 --> 00:12:25.240 I'm going to give you some examples in a survey conducted in 2009 at an evangelical conference. 00:12:25.360 --> 00:12:29.919 The question was asked, do you agree or disagree with the following statement? 00:12:30.320 --> 00:12:31.720 A simple binary question. 00:12:31.799 --> 00:12:34.000 Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? 00:12:34.200 --> 00:12:37.019 And here was the statement without the scripture reference. 00:12:37.980 --> 00:12:40.220 None is righteous. 00:12:40.899 --> 00:12:41.779 No, not one. 00:12:42.580 --> 00:12:43.659 No one understands. 00:12:44.179 --> 00:12:45.360 No one seeks for God. 00:12:45.820 --> 00:12:48.379 This is Romans three versus 10 and 11. 00:12:48.379 --> 00:12:50.080 At an evangelical conference. 00:12:50.159 --> 00:12:52.120 People who are Christ followers, right? 00:12:52.519 --> 00:12:54.000 A direct quote from the scripture. 00:12:54.139 --> 00:12:56.179 Do you agree or disagree with this? 00:12:57.039 --> 00:12:59.279 Two thirds of those survey disagreed. 00:13:00.679 --> 00:13:01.360 Yeah. 00:13:02.019 --> 00:13:02.299 Yeah. 00:13:03.340 --> 00:13:04.059 Staggering. 00:13:05.059 --> 00:13:09.799 In another study, 86% of evangelicals agreed with the statement. 00:13:10.299 --> 00:13:13.799 Quote, God helps those who help themselves. 00:13:13.799 --> 00:13:14.799 86%. 00:13:14.799 --> 00:13:17.679 86%. 00:13:17.679 --> 00:13:24.839 And 65% of those people believe that the statement is found in the Bible. 00:13:27.319 --> 00:13:33.359 We live in a day of moralistic, therapeutic deism, which goes like this. 00:13:34.019 --> 00:13:39.740 Do good so that you can feel good so that you can get good. 00:13:39.740 --> 00:13:44.360 It's kind of a peddling of a soft prosperity gospel, right? 00:13:44.659 --> 00:13:50.220 Where you're not believing that you're going to have everything that you might want to own if you follow Jesus. 00:13:50.560 --> 00:13:50.960 Right? 00:13:51.019 --> 00:13:56.840 But you are going to get to be complete and feel good if you do. 00:13:58.139 --> 00:14:01.639 Research has shown this idea of moralistic, therapeutic deism. 00:14:01.639 --> 00:14:10.279 Research has shown that the more frequently an evangelical church is attended, the more likely this view is to be held. 00:14:11.279 --> 00:14:13.860 The more it's being taught is what that means. 00:14:13.960 --> 00:14:17.519 The more likely it is to be held. 00:14:19.159 --> 00:14:26.139 So, this doctrine, sola gratia, has a lot of bearing on today. 00:14:26.299 --> 00:14:29.659 And I pray that we never lose sight of it. 00:14:29.659 --> 00:14:34.240 So, Ephesians chapter 2, verses 1 through 10. 00:14:34.919 --> 00:14:37.980 Before I read it, let me remind you, beloved, that this is God's word to us. 00:14:38.059 --> 00:14:40.980 That it was written for his glory and our good. 00:14:41.959 --> 00:14:45.379 And so, we would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises. 00:14:46.159 --> 00:14:48.179 And to obey its commands. 00:14:49.679 --> 00:14:51.500 Paul writes to the Ephesian believers. 00:14:51.500 --> 00:14:57.899 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked. 00:14:58.700 --> 00:15:00.539 Following the course of this world. 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:03.159 Following the prince of the power of the air. 00:15:03.700 --> 00:15:06.820 The spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience. 00:15:07.659 --> 00:15:11.059 Among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh. 00:15:11.720 --> 00:15:14.240 Carrying out the desires of the body and of the mind. 00:15:14.360 --> 00:15:16.539 And were by nature children of wrath. 00:15:16.840 --> 00:15:18.500 Like the rest of mankind. 00:15:18.500 --> 00:15:20.820 But God. 00:15:21.519 --> 00:15:23.059 Being rich in mercy. 00:15:23.759 --> 00:15:26.840 Because of the great love with which he loved us. 00:15:27.500 --> 00:15:29.620 Even when we were dead in our trespasses. 00:15:30.019 --> 00:15:33.200 Made us alive together with Christ. 00:15:33.960 --> 00:15:36.620 By grace you have been saved. 00:15:37.399 --> 00:15:38.720 And raised us up with him. 00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:42.820 And seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. 00:15:42.820 --> 00:15:49.140 So that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us. 00:15:49.280 --> 00:15:50.900 In Christ Jesus. 00:15:51.820 --> 00:15:54.000 For by grace you have been saved. 00:15:54.500 --> 00:15:55.140 Through faith. 00:15:55.920 --> 00:15:56.740 And this. 00:15:57.260 --> 00:15:57.840 The faith. 00:15:58.160 --> 00:15:59.460 Is not your own doing. 00:16:00.300 --> 00:16:01.560 It is the gift of God. 00:16:01.660 --> 00:16:02.980 Not a result of works. 00:16:03.120 --> 00:16:05.440 So that no one may boast. 00:16:05.440 --> 00:16:08.220 For we are his workmanship. 00:16:08.540 --> 00:16:11.920 Created in Christ Jesus for good works. 00:16:12.160 --> 00:16:14.160 Which God prepared beforehand. 00:16:14.620 --> 00:16:15.960 That we should walk. 00:16:16.600 --> 00:16:17.120 In them. 00:16:18.600 --> 00:16:21.020 So three points for our study this morning. 00:16:21.020 --> 00:16:23.620 As we consider the doctrine of sola gratia. 00:16:23.740 --> 00:16:25.500 Found here in Ephesians chapter 2. 00:16:25.900 --> 00:16:27.400 Verses 1 through 10. 00:16:27.399 --> 00:16:28.959 First. 00:16:28.959 --> 00:16:29.439 The requirement. 00:16:29.439 --> 00:16:30.500 The requirement. 00:16:31.179 --> 00:16:32.220 Of grace. 00:16:33.079 --> 00:16:33.579 Second. 00:16:33.740 --> 00:16:34.919 The receipt. 00:16:35.220 --> 00:16:36.000 Of grace. 00:16:36.679 --> 00:16:37.480 And third. 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:38.439 The response. 00:16:39.019 --> 00:16:39.600 Of grace. 00:16:40.539 --> 00:16:40.819 First. 00:16:40.899 --> 00:16:42.019 The requirement of grace. 00:16:42.100 --> 00:16:45.039 Found in verses 1 through 3. 00:16:46.000 --> 00:16:49.000 We need God's unmerited favor. 00:16:49.500 --> 00:16:54.279 Because we cannot earn God's favor. 00:16:54.919 --> 00:16:56.740 Verse 1 tells us that. 00:16:56.740 --> 00:16:58.539 If we are in Christ. 00:16:58.700 --> 00:16:59.460 We were. 00:16:59.820 --> 00:17:00.379 Past tense. 00:17:00.560 --> 00:17:01.080 Dead. 00:17:01.279 --> 00:17:02.120 In the trespasses. 00:17:02.840 --> 00:17:04.019 And sins. 00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:05.640 And that this was a. 00:17:05.980 --> 00:17:07.339 State of being. 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:09.599 It wasn't something in degree. 00:17:09.779 --> 00:17:12.240 It was who we were. 00:17:13.519 --> 00:17:15.500 Note the continuing past tense language. 00:17:15.620 --> 00:17:17.319 In verses 2 and 3. 00:17:17.500 --> 00:17:20.059 In which you once walked. 00:17:20.059 --> 00:17:23.059 Among whom we all once lived. 00:17:23.940 --> 00:17:25.500 And Paul says we were. 00:17:25.500 --> 00:17:27.000 By nature. 00:17:27.619 --> 00:17:28.019 Children. 00:17:28.579 --> 00:17:29.599 Of wrath. 00:17:30.200 --> 00:17:31.599 That's who we were. 00:17:31.720 --> 00:17:32.799 If we are now found. 00:17:33.039 --> 00:17:33.579 In Christ. 00:17:33.779 --> 00:17:34.740 If you're not in Christ. 00:17:34.859 --> 00:17:36.160 It's who you are. 00:17:37.319 --> 00:17:38.240 We were. 00:17:38.619 --> 00:17:39.700 Spiritually dead. 00:17:40.259 --> 00:17:42.180 You were not spiritually alive. 00:17:42.519 --> 00:17:43.920 You were not sick. 00:17:43.960 --> 00:17:45.180 And in need of a doctor. 00:17:45.859 --> 00:17:46.940 Someone to administer. 00:17:47.160 --> 00:17:48.799 A pill of grace. 00:17:48.799 --> 00:17:49.359 To you. 00:17:49.420 --> 00:17:50.240 A little help. 00:17:50.339 --> 00:17:50.720 Along. 00:17:50.720 --> 00:17:52.000 The way. 00:17:52.920 --> 00:17:54.380 You were not drowning. 00:17:54.380 --> 00:17:55.160 In the sea. 00:17:55.339 --> 00:17:56.160 And Jesus threw you. 00:17:56.200 --> 00:17:56.940 A life preserver. 00:17:56.940 --> 00:17:57.799 And all you had to do. 00:17:57.839 --> 00:17:58.339 Was reach out. 00:17:58.420 --> 00:17:59.259 And grab hold of it. 00:17:59.319 --> 00:18:00.200 To be saved. 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:02.319 It's a common. 00:18:02.980 --> 00:18:03.420 Analogy. 00:18:04.620 --> 00:18:05.019 Rather. 00:18:05.019 --> 00:18:07.819 You were a rotting corpse. 00:18:07.819 --> 00:18:09.000 At the bottom of the sea. 00:18:09.940 --> 00:18:11.359 And Jesus jumped in. 00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:12.740 Pulled your lifeless body. 00:18:12.819 --> 00:18:13.539 To the surface. 00:18:14.299 --> 00:18:15.099 And breathed. 00:18:15.339 --> 00:18:15.639 Life. 00:18:16.180 --> 00:18:16.759 Into you. 00:18:17.900 --> 00:18:18.440 You contribute. 00:18:19.200 --> 00:18:19.519 Nothing. 00:18:20.139 --> 00:18:20.799 To your salvation. 00:18:21.400 --> 00:18:22.259 But your sin. 00:18:23.700 --> 00:18:24.839 Romans chapter 3. 00:18:25.220 --> 00:18:26.240 Beginning in verse 10. 00:18:26.720 --> 00:18:28.059 You're going to recognize the beginning of this. 00:18:28.220 --> 00:18:29.099 From previously. 00:18:29.099 --> 00:18:30.639 Paul says. 00:18:31.399 --> 00:18:32.639 None is righteous. 00:18:33.179 --> 00:18:33.519 No. 00:18:33.619 --> 00:18:34.159 Not one. 00:18:34.740 --> 00:18:36.059 No one understands. 00:18:36.399 --> 00:18:38.179 No one seeks for God. 00:18:38.959 --> 00:18:40.419 All have turned aside. 00:18:40.539 --> 00:18:40.959 Together. 00:18:41.480 --> 00:18:42.599 They have become worthless. 00:18:42.879 --> 00:18:43.980 No one does good. 00:18:44.139 --> 00:18:44.919 Not even. 00:18:45.599 --> 00:18:45.919 One. 00:18:47.079 --> 00:18:48.480 Their throat is an open grave. 00:18:48.579 --> 00:18:49.939 They use their tongues to deceive. 00:18:50.480 --> 00:18:53.179 The venom of asps is under their lips. 00:18:53.779 --> 00:18:56.000 Their mouth is full of curses. 00:18:56.000 --> 00:18:56.879 And bitterness. 00:18:56.880 --> 00:18:59.540 Their feet are swift to shed blood. 00:19:00.000 --> 00:19:01.640 In their paths are ruin. 00:19:01.960 --> 00:19:02.840 And misery. 00:19:03.400 --> 00:19:04.400 And the way of peace. 00:19:04.900 --> 00:19:05.880 They have not known. 00:19:06.580 --> 00:19:08.840 There is no fear of God. 00:19:09.420 --> 00:19:10.680 Before their eyes. 00:19:11.860 --> 00:19:13.560 In this extended quotation. 00:19:13.800 --> 00:19:15.000 Paul is pulling together. 00:19:15.200 --> 00:19:15.840 A myriad. 00:19:16.460 --> 00:19:18.180 Of old testament texts. 00:19:18.480 --> 00:19:19.220 To drive. 00:19:19.640 --> 00:19:20.000 His. 00:19:20.820 --> 00:19:21.180 Point. 00:19:21.900 --> 00:19:22.660 Just hear it. 00:19:22.720 --> 00:19:23.700 He's quoting here. 00:19:24.120 --> 00:19:25.980 Paul was a Bible preacher. 00:19:25.980 --> 00:19:27.640 Psalm 14. 00:19:27.759 --> 00:19:28.380 1-3. 00:19:28.579 --> 00:19:29.160 Psalm 53. 00:19:29.360 --> 00:19:29.759 1-3. 00:19:29.880 --> 00:19:30.759 Psalm 5-9. 00:19:30.860 --> 00:19:31.680 Psalm 140. 00:19:31.819 --> 00:19:32.339 Verse 3. 00:19:32.799 --> 00:19:33.740 Psalm 10-7. 00:19:33.839 --> 00:19:34.940 Proverbs 1-16. 00:19:35.160 --> 00:19:35.700 Proverbs 3. 00:19:35.819 --> 00:19:36.700 15-17. 00:19:37.180 --> 00:19:38.079 Isaiah 59. 00:19:38.259 --> 00:19:38.819 7-8. 00:19:38.920 --> 00:19:40.160 And Psalm 36. 00:19:40.360 --> 00:19:41.839 And verse 1. 00:19:42.640 --> 00:19:44.700 The Bible is replete. 00:19:45.059 --> 00:19:45.779 With this teaching. 00:19:46.759 --> 00:19:48.059 You cannot avoid it. 00:19:48.059 --> 00:19:48.980 If you're to be faithful. 00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:50.120 To the text. 00:19:51.380 --> 00:19:51.940 Spiritually. 00:19:52.519 --> 00:19:53.000 Dead. 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:54.319 No one. 00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:55.299 No one. 00:19:55.599 --> 00:19:56.099 Not even. 00:19:56.940 --> 00:19:57.220 One. 00:19:58.819 --> 00:20:00.079 You are not enough. 00:20:00.599 --> 00:20:02.740 You need the saving work of Christ. 00:20:03.440 --> 00:20:04.599 Which is all of grace. 00:20:05.599 --> 00:20:07.880 I don't think you can muster up enough. 00:20:08.779 --> 00:20:09.880 To save yourself. 00:20:10.240 --> 00:20:12.039 It must be a work of grace. 00:20:12.700 --> 00:20:13.279 In your life. 00:20:14.819 --> 00:20:16.920 Saving grace is not like a cup of coffee. 00:20:17.859 --> 00:20:20.019 I can do a lot of things better in the morning. 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:21.480 With a little coffee in me. 00:20:22.440 --> 00:20:26.400 Saving grace is God's favorable posture toward you. 00:20:26.680 --> 00:20:29.480 His unmerited favor. 00:20:29.700 --> 00:20:32.819 Our salvation is all of God. 00:20:33.079 --> 00:20:34.000 We need it. 00:20:34.059 --> 00:20:35.319 And we need it entirely. 00:20:35.619 --> 00:20:37.839 In order for us to be saved. 00:20:39.680 --> 00:20:40.160 Secondly. 00:20:40.279 --> 00:20:41.180 Let's go on in the text. 00:20:41.299 --> 00:20:43.480 To look at the receipt of grace. 00:20:43.579 --> 00:20:44.579 Verses 4-9. 00:20:44.579 --> 00:20:49.199 How did we come to receive this grace? 00:20:50.240 --> 00:20:51.899 Verse 4 begins. 00:20:52.599 --> 00:20:53.039 But. 00:20:54.419 --> 00:20:54.859 God. 00:20:55.939 --> 00:20:59.579 And I love these conjunctions. 00:20:59.919 --> 00:21:04.619 I have a really dear friend who does a Bible study that he calls the big butts of the Bible. 00:21:07.519 --> 00:21:08.919 Mostly teaches that to youth. 00:21:09.139 --> 00:21:09.259 But. 00:21:10.039 --> 00:21:11.259 He looks at these phrases. 00:21:11.539 --> 00:21:12.500 All of these phrases. 00:21:12.500 --> 00:21:14.539 And this to me is one of the most precious ones. 00:21:15.359 --> 00:21:15.660 But. 00:21:16.819 --> 00:21:17.259 God. 00:21:17.799 --> 00:21:18.559 He has said. 00:21:18.640 --> 00:21:19.720 Here's who you are. 00:21:20.500 --> 00:21:22.460 And then he turns the attention. 00:21:23.140 --> 00:21:24.440 From who we were. 00:21:24.440 --> 00:21:25.359 Or are. 00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:26.380 Apart from Christ. 00:21:26.559 --> 00:21:27.019 And says. 00:21:27.480 --> 00:21:28.240 But God. 00:21:29.119 --> 00:21:30.720 Being rich in mercy. 00:21:31.460 --> 00:21:33.940 Because of the great love with which he. 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:35.599 Loved us. 00:21:36.579 --> 00:21:37.680 Did God love us. 00:21:37.880 --> 00:21:39.940 From some merit of our own. 00:21:39.940 --> 00:21:42.440 Paul is saying here. 00:21:42.519 --> 00:21:43.200 Unequivocally. 00:21:43.360 --> 00:21:43.920 No. 00:21:44.920 --> 00:21:46.480 Do you not see. 00:21:46.860 --> 00:21:48.400 Who you were. 00:21:49.039 --> 00:21:50.059 And just to be sure. 00:21:51.180 --> 00:21:53.059 Anybody wants to come to verse 5. 00:21:53.120 --> 00:21:54.960 And not read the preceding verses to it. 00:21:55.360 --> 00:21:56.220 He then says. 00:21:56.900 --> 00:21:57.460 Even. 00:21:57.900 --> 00:21:59.080 When we were dead. 00:21:59.640 --> 00:22:00.580 In our trespasses. 00:22:02.080 --> 00:22:02.980 That state. 00:22:03.059 --> 00:22:04.039 That he has just mentioned. 00:22:04.039 --> 00:22:05.039 Even when. 00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:06.180 We were dead. 00:22:06.180 --> 00:22:06.859 In our. 00:22:07.799 --> 00:22:08.279 Trespasses. 00:22:08.579 --> 00:22:09.220 God was. 00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:10.480 Rich toward us. 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:10.980 In mercy. 00:22:11.159 --> 00:22:11.960 And he loved. 00:22:12.519 --> 00:22:12.859 Us. 00:22:13.579 --> 00:22:14.779 We were helpless. 00:22:15.759 --> 00:22:16.779 Hopelessly lost. 00:22:17.019 --> 00:22:17.779 Without his. 00:22:18.899 --> 00:22:19.379 Intervention. 00:22:21.139 --> 00:22:22.799 And what does God's grace accomplish. 00:22:23.279 --> 00:22:24.279 In our lives. 00:22:25.879 --> 00:22:26.819 Spiritual life. 00:22:27.960 --> 00:22:28.779 Spiritual life. 00:22:28.779 --> 00:22:31.599 He says in verse 5. 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:31.940 He has. 00:22:32.539 --> 00:22:33.460 Made us. 00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:34.539 Alive. 00:22:35.039 --> 00:22:35.440 Together. 00:22:36.399 --> 00:22:37.039 With Christ. 00:22:38.639 --> 00:22:39.579 And this is not. 00:22:39.660 --> 00:22:40.119 A confusing. 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:40.879 Text. 00:22:41.599 --> 00:22:42.259 Many times. 00:22:42.259 --> 00:22:42.619 When I. 00:22:43.059 --> 00:22:43.660 Go to the scripture. 00:22:43.859 --> 00:22:45.359 I want to get into the original languages. 00:22:45.480 --> 00:22:46.240 And think that somehow. 00:22:46.440 --> 00:22:46.639 Some. 00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:48.399 Amazing thing will be unlocked. 00:22:48.460 --> 00:22:49.399 As I look at the original. 00:22:49.759 --> 00:22:50.240 Language. 00:22:50.720 --> 00:22:51.940 This is a very good. 00:22:52.019 --> 00:22:53.039 English translation. 00:22:53.279 --> 00:22:53.619 Of this. 00:22:53.839 --> 00:22:54.240 Phrase. 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:54.799 Right. 00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:55.740 And it. 00:22:55.940 --> 00:22:56.339 Places. 00:22:56.339 --> 00:22:57.379 The work. 00:22:58.359 --> 00:22:59.519 On God's shoulders. 00:23:00.220 --> 00:23:00.959 And completely. 00:23:01.099 --> 00:23:01.779 Takes it off. 00:23:01.919 --> 00:23:02.399 Of ours. 00:23:02.819 --> 00:23:03.139 He. 00:23:03.480 --> 00:23:04.199 Made us. 00:23:04.579 --> 00:23:05.099 Alive. 00:23:05.179 --> 00:23:05.480 Together. 00:23:06.059 --> 00:23:06.679 With Christ. 00:23:07.519 --> 00:23:07.959 By. 00:23:08.519 --> 00:23:09.000 Grace. 00:23:09.319 --> 00:23:09.599 You. 00:23:09.819 --> 00:23:10.279 Have. 00:23:11.179 --> 00:23:11.579 Been. 00:23:11.740 --> 00:23:12.259 Saved. 00:23:13.339 --> 00:23:13.980 He. 00:23:14.119 --> 00:23:14.859 Changed us. 00:23:15.439 --> 00:23:15.959 Positionally. 00:23:16.359 --> 00:23:16.500 Right. 00:23:16.859 --> 00:23:17.359 Dead. 00:23:18.299 --> 00:23:18.799 Alive. 00:23:19.019 --> 00:23:19.639 He did it. 00:23:19.799 --> 00:23:20.480 He moved us. 00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:21.459 From that place. 00:23:21.599 --> 00:23:22.240 Once dead. 00:23:22.599 --> 00:23:23.559 Now alive. 00:23:24.319 --> 00:23:25.119 And to further. 00:23:25.220 --> 00:23:25.959 Emphasize that. 00:23:25.960 --> 00:23:26.519 Paul states. 00:23:26.519 --> 00:23:27.440 In verse six. 00:23:28.120 --> 00:23:29.519 And raised us up with him. 00:23:29.640 --> 00:23:30.660 And seated us with him. 00:23:30.720 --> 00:23:31.660 In the heavenly places. 00:23:31.900 --> 00:23:32.079 In. 00:23:32.720 --> 00:23:33.120 Christ. 00:23:33.819 --> 00:23:34.120 Jesus. 00:23:34.559 --> 00:23:34.680 Right. 00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:35.759 The glory. 00:23:35.960 --> 00:23:36.920 That is both ours. 00:23:37.079 --> 00:23:38.440 And will be ours. 00:23:39.940 --> 00:23:40.460 Forevermore. 00:23:42.400 --> 00:23:42.920 Why? 00:23:45.600 --> 00:23:46.600 I think that. 00:23:46.860 --> 00:23:47.500 All Christians. 00:23:47.660 --> 00:23:48.700 Should ask that question. 00:23:48.900 --> 00:23:49.420 Why. 00:23:49.640 --> 00:23:50.240 Oh God. 00:23:50.340 --> 00:23:51.059 Such grace. 00:23:51.920 --> 00:23:52.340 To me. 00:23:53.860 --> 00:23:54.519 We did it. 00:23:54.519 --> 00:23:55.680 Because God. 00:23:55.680 --> 00:23:56.660 Wanted to show. 00:23:57.440 --> 00:23:58.000 Sinners. 00:23:58.299 --> 00:23:59.700 So set against him. 00:23:59.779 --> 00:24:00.279 In all. 00:24:00.480 --> 00:24:01.079 That they did. 00:24:02.180 --> 00:24:02.859 Unmerited. 00:24:03.579 --> 00:24:03.920 Favor. 00:24:04.619 --> 00:24:05.559 For the praise. 00:24:05.960 --> 00:24:06.579 Of his. 00:24:07.460 --> 00:24:07.779 Name. 00:24:08.200 --> 00:24:09.059 That he might put. 00:24:09.220 --> 00:24:10.160 On display. 00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:11.879 His great. 00:24:12.579 --> 00:24:12.940 Love. 00:24:14.619 --> 00:24:15.139 Verse seven. 00:24:16.200 --> 00:24:17.259 So that in the coming ages. 00:24:17.359 --> 00:24:17.940 He might show. 00:24:18.079 --> 00:24:18.900 The immeasurable. 00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:19.759 Riches. 00:24:19.759 --> 00:24:20.519 Of his grace. 00:24:20.579 --> 00:24:21.180 And kindness. 00:24:21.180 --> 00:24:21.900 Toward us. 00:24:22.460 --> 00:24:23.160 In Christ. 00:24:23.240 --> 00:24:23.640 Jesus. 00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:25.740 That he might put it on. 00:24:26.340 --> 00:24:27.460 Display for us. 00:24:28.420 --> 00:24:29.279 For by grace. 00:24:29.340 --> 00:24:29.960 You have been saved. 00:24:30.060 --> 00:24:30.500 Through faith. 00:24:30.539 --> 00:24:31.700 And this is not your own doing. 00:24:31.840 --> 00:24:32.759 It is the gift. 00:24:32.860 --> 00:24:33.640 Of God. 00:24:33.720 --> 00:24:34.140 Not. 00:24:34.400 --> 00:24:34.799 A result. 00:24:34.920 --> 00:24:35.500 Of works. 00:24:36.160 --> 00:24:37.560 So that no one. 00:24:37.779 --> 00:24:38.100 May. 00:24:38.900 --> 00:24:39.340 Boast. 00:24:39.560 --> 00:24:40.299 So that God. 00:24:40.380 --> 00:24:41.279 Would be made. 00:24:41.920 --> 00:24:42.360 Much. 00:24:42.560 --> 00:24:42.920 Of. 00:24:43.960 --> 00:24:44.580 God's way. 00:24:44.620 --> 00:24:45.160 Of salvation. 00:24:45.160 --> 00:24:45.840 Leaves us. 00:24:45.920 --> 00:24:46.840 Without any room. 00:24:46.840 --> 00:24:47.600 For boasting. 00:24:48.200 --> 00:24:48.759 Except. 00:24:49.320 --> 00:24:50.120 In the cross. 00:24:50.700 --> 00:24:51.460 Of Christ. 00:24:52.680 --> 00:24:53.500 The means. 00:24:53.580 --> 00:24:53.880 By which. 00:24:53.960 --> 00:24:54.500 God's grace. 00:24:54.500 --> 00:24:55.100 Is made. 00:24:55.560 --> 00:24:56.040 Effectual. 00:24:56.660 --> 00:24:57.680 In our lives. 00:24:59.320 --> 00:25:00.320 I'd like to read to you. 00:25:00.440 --> 00:25:01.680 A longer bit of scripture. 00:25:01.680 --> 00:25:02.680 From the book of Isaiah. 00:25:02.820 --> 00:25:03.759 You may be well served. 00:25:03.940 --> 00:25:04.940 Turning to this. 00:25:05.060 --> 00:25:05.920 Isaiah 43. 00:25:06.700 --> 00:25:07.140 Verses. 00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:08.060 One through seven. 00:25:08.580 --> 00:25:09.259 Or maybe. 00:25:09.500 --> 00:25:10.300 You'd be well served. 00:25:10.360 --> 00:25:10.700 By just. 00:25:11.000 --> 00:25:11.320 Listening. 00:25:11.319 --> 00:25:19.359 Isaiah writes. 00:25:19.480 --> 00:25:20.059 But now. 00:25:20.319 --> 00:25:20.639 Thus. 00:25:20.919 --> 00:25:21.779 Says the Lord. 00:25:21.899 --> 00:25:23.200 He who created you. 00:25:23.700 --> 00:25:23.939 Oh. 00:25:24.019 --> 00:25:24.319 Jacob. 00:25:24.439 --> 00:25:25.679 He who formed you. 00:25:25.859 --> 00:25:26.079 Oh. 00:25:26.740 --> 00:25:27.099 Israel. 00:25:28.919 --> 00:25:29.720 Fear not. 00:25:30.480 --> 00:25:31.819 For I have redeemed you. 00:25:32.559 --> 00:25:34.200 I have called you by name. 00:25:34.439 --> 00:25:34.779 You. 00:25:35.460 --> 00:25:36.179 Are mine. 00:25:37.119 --> 00:25:38.519 When you pass through the waters. 00:25:38.639 --> 00:25:39.480 I will be with you. 00:25:39.539 --> 00:25:40.259 And through the rivers. 00:25:40.259 --> 00:25:41.079 They shall not. 00:25:41.079 --> 00:25:41.799 Overwhelm you. 00:25:42.519 --> 00:25:43.779 When you walk through fire. 00:25:43.879 --> 00:25:45.039 You shall not be burned. 00:25:45.339 --> 00:25:46.119 And the flame. 00:25:46.279 --> 00:25:47.460 Shall not consume you. 00:25:48.279 --> 00:25:49.119 For I. 00:25:49.379 --> 00:25:49.980 Am the Lord. 00:25:50.019 --> 00:25:50.439 Your God. 00:25:50.500 --> 00:25:51.480 The Holy One of Israel. 00:25:51.619 --> 00:25:52.379 Your Savior. 00:25:53.259 --> 00:25:54.220 I give Egypt. 00:25:54.339 --> 00:25:55.119 As your ransom. 00:25:55.720 --> 00:25:56.059 Cush. 00:25:56.240 --> 00:25:56.779 And Seba. 00:25:56.919 --> 00:25:57.480 In exchange. 00:25:57.919 --> 00:25:58.480 For you. 00:25:59.460 --> 00:26:00.480 Because you are precious. 00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:01.399 In my eyes. 00:26:01.480 --> 00:26:02.279 And honored. 00:26:02.399 --> 00:26:03.299 And I love you. 00:26:03.740 --> 00:26:04.439 I give men. 00:26:04.480 --> 00:26:04.879 In return. 00:26:04.879 --> 00:26:05.240 For you. 00:26:05.319 --> 00:26:05.699 Peoples. 00:26:05.819 --> 00:26:06.379 In exchange. 00:26:06.379 --> 00:26:07.460 For your life. 00:26:08.240 --> 00:26:09.159 Fear not. 00:26:09.639 --> 00:26:10.619 For I am with you. 00:26:11.099 --> 00:26:12.359 I will bring your offspring. 00:26:12.359 --> 00:26:13.199 From the east. 00:26:13.259 --> 00:26:14.079 And from the west. 00:26:14.079 --> 00:26:15.099 I will gather you. 00:26:15.839 --> 00:26:17.119 I will say to the north. 00:26:17.279 --> 00:26:17.939 Give up. 00:26:18.319 --> 00:26:19.159 And to the south. 00:26:19.299 --> 00:26:20.299 Do not withhold. 00:26:21.000 --> 00:26:22.679 Bring my sons from afar. 00:26:22.679 --> 00:26:23.519 And my daughters. 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:24.339 From the end. 00:26:24.399 --> 00:26:25.059 Of the earth. 00:26:25.599 --> 00:26:27.000 Everyone who is called. 00:26:27.000 --> 00:26:28.000 By my name. 00:26:28.359 --> 00:26:29.839 Whom I created. 00:26:30.000 --> 00:26:31.179 For my. 00:26:31.899 --> 00:26:32.239 Glory. 00:26:32.379 --> 00:26:33.159 Whom I. 00:26:33.719 --> 00:26:34.399 Formed. 00:26:34.400 --> 00:26:36.040 And made. 00:26:38.540 --> 00:26:40.060 If you are in Christ. 00:26:40.860 --> 00:26:41.860 He is speaking. 00:26:42.860 --> 00:26:43.560 Of you. 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:46.560 Now I have a. 00:26:47.060 --> 00:26:48.140 Poem I'd like to read. 00:26:48.820 --> 00:26:49.019 And. 00:26:49.420 --> 00:26:50.759 I really want to find. 00:26:51.000 --> 00:26:52.519 Who to credit this poem to. 00:26:53.019 --> 00:26:54.220 I always seem to find. 00:26:54.700 --> 00:26:55.880 A source that it was in. 00:26:56.180 --> 00:26:57.180 But then they never sourced. 00:26:57.280 --> 00:26:58.060 Who actually wrote it. 00:26:58.140 --> 00:26:58.340 So. 00:26:59.280 --> 00:26:59.580 If you. 00:26:59.640 --> 00:27:00.420 If you happen to know. 00:27:00.519 --> 00:27:00.740 Please. 00:27:00.740 --> 00:27:01.880 Please come let me know. 00:27:01.960 --> 00:27:02.640 But I'll just say. 00:27:03.019 --> 00:27:03.559 An anonymous. 00:27:04.299 --> 00:27:04.660 Author. 00:27:05.559 --> 00:27:06.279 Wrote this. 00:27:08.120 --> 00:27:09.140 Oh long. 00:27:09.140 --> 00:27:10.079 And dark. 00:27:10.579 --> 00:27:11.819 The stairs I trod. 00:27:12.599 --> 00:27:13.839 With stumbling feet. 00:27:13.960 --> 00:27:14.519 To find. 00:27:15.059 --> 00:27:15.779 My God. 00:27:16.759 --> 00:27:17.779 Gaining a foothold. 00:27:17.900 --> 00:27:18.640 Bit by bit. 00:27:19.319 --> 00:27:20.240 Then slipping back. 00:27:20.779 --> 00:27:21.579 And losing it. 00:27:22.539 --> 00:27:23.480 Never progressing. 00:27:23.759 --> 00:27:24.680 Striving still. 00:27:24.819 --> 00:27:25.859 With weakening grasp. 00:27:25.940 --> 00:27:26.819 And fainting will. 00:27:27.380 --> 00:27:28.539 Bleeding to climb. 00:27:28.640 --> 00:27:29.279 To God. 00:27:29.880 --> 00:27:30.559 While he. 00:27:31.620 --> 00:27:32.500 Serenely smiled. 00:27:33.240 --> 00:27:33.960 Unnoting me. 00:27:35.059 --> 00:27:36.180 Then came a time. 00:27:36.299 --> 00:27:36.700 When I. 00:27:37.099 --> 00:27:37.460 Loosened. 00:27:37.640 --> 00:27:38.200 My hold. 00:27:38.339 --> 00:27:38.960 And fell. 00:27:39.579 --> 00:27:40.220 Thereby. 00:27:40.819 --> 00:27:41.700 Down to the lowest. 00:27:41.880 --> 00:27:42.579 Set my fall. 00:27:42.660 --> 00:27:43.799 As if I had not climbed. 00:27:43.799 --> 00:27:44.460 At all. 00:27:45.259 --> 00:27:46.299 And while I lay. 00:27:46.420 --> 00:27:47.420 Despairing there. 00:27:48.299 --> 00:27:49.359 I heard a footfall. 00:27:50.059 --> 00:27:50.880 On the stair. 00:27:51.960 --> 00:27:53.319 In the same path. 00:27:53.380 --> 00:27:53.920 Where I. 00:27:54.079 --> 00:27:54.720 Dismayed. 00:27:54.720 --> 00:27:55.779 Faltered and fell. 00:27:55.960 --> 00:27:56.380 And lay. 00:27:57.099 --> 00:27:57.720 Afraid. 00:27:58.960 --> 00:27:59.420 And low. 00:27:59.420 --> 00:28:01.060 When hope. 00:28:01.539 --> 00:28:02.519 Had ceased to be. 00:28:03.620 --> 00:28:04.400 My God. 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:05.600 Came down the stairs. 00:28:06.200 --> 00:28:06.779 To me. 00:28:09.880 --> 00:28:10.800 Third point. 00:28:11.880 --> 00:28:12.820 The response. 00:28:13.220 --> 00:28:13.820 To grace. 00:28:14.940 --> 00:28:16.100 Found in verse 10. 00:28:16.099 --> 00:28:18.619 Paul writes. 00:28:18.699 --> 00:28:19.519 For we are. 00:28:20.119 --> 00:28:21.099 His workmanship. 00:28:21.819 --> 00:28:23.219 Created in Christ Jesus. 00:28:23.419 --> 00:28:24.359 For good works. 00:28:24.439 --> 00:28:25.059 Which God. 00:28:25.199 --> 00:28:25.679 Prepared. 00:28:26.399 --> 00:28:27.159 Beforehand. 00:28:27.939 --> 00:28:29.199 That we should walk in them. 00:28:29.200 --> 00:28:31.340 I will never. 00:28:31.340 --> 00:28:31.799 Go tired. 00:28:31.799 --> 00:28:32.319 Of saying. 00:28:32.319 --> 00:28:33.819 Our good works. 00:28:34.180 --> 00:28:35.600 Are the evidence. 00:28:35.600 --> 00:28:36.620 That we are saved. 00:28:36.620 --> 00:28:37.360 By grace. 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:39.160 And those works. 00:28:39.160 --> 00:28:41.059 Are all of grace. 00:28:41.539 --> 00:28:43.000 We are not accepted. 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:44.039 Because of our works. 00:28:44.039 --> 00:28:45.420 But being accepted. 00:28:46.200 --> 00:28:47.160 We work. 00:28:47.400 --> 00:28:48.539 It's a response. 00:28:48.799 --> 00:28:49.980 To the grace of God. 00:28:50.039 --> 00:28:50.680 In our lives. 00:28:51.940 --> 00:28:53.080 We must note. 00:28:53.220 --> 00:28:53.500 First. 00:28:53.620 --> 00:28:54.360 From verse 9. 00:28:54.440 --> 00:28:55.120 That our response. 00:28:55.200 --> 00:28:55.700 To grace. 00:28:56.080 --> 00:28:56.640 Excludes. 00:28:57.140 --> 00:28:57.580 Boasting. 00:28:57.579 --> 00:28:59.359 So that no one. 00:29:00.039 --> 00:29:00.759 May boast. 00:29:02.379 --> 00:29:03.439 Many people. 00:29:03.720 --> 00:29:04.220 Functionally. 00:29:04.220 --> 00:29:04.799 Ruin. 00:29:05.099 --> 00:29:06.240 A beautiful truth. 00:29:06.399 --> 00:29:07.460 That we are saved. 00:29:07.519 --> 00:29:08.220 By grace. 00:29:08.319 --> 00:29:08.740 Alone. 00:29:09.500 --> 00:29:10.639 By boasting. 00:29:10.639 --> 00:29:11.500 In the knowledge. 00:29:11.500 --> 00:29:12.299 That we are saved. 00:29:12.419 --> 00:29:13.000 By grace. 00:29:13.399 --> 00:29:13.759 Alone. 00:29:14.879 --> 00:29:16.379 What a deceptive thing. 00:29:17.119 --> 00:29:18.319 We don't use. 00:29:18.460 --> 00:29:19.000 Such precious. 00:29:19.319 --> 00:29:20.379 Doctrinal knowledge. 00:29:20.899 --> 00:29:21.559 To see people. 00:29:21.679 --> 00:29:22.039 Humbled. 00:29:22.299 --> 00:29:22.759 Saved. 00:29:22.859 --> 00:29:23.839 And comforted. 00:29:24.339 --> 00:29:25.079 But rather. 00:29:25.179 --> 00:29:25.699 To make them. 00:29:26.079 --> 00:29:26.679 Feel small. 00:29:27.579 --> 00:29:28.059 And us. 00:29:28.379 --> 00:29:28.619 Big. 00:29:29.980 --> 00:29:30.799 And this is not. 00:29:30.980 --> 00:29:31.480 The way of. 00:29:32.599 --> 00:29:33.039 Love. 00:29:34.779 --> 00:29:35.519 Jesus said. 00:29:35.599 --> 00:29:35.899 In John. 00:29:35.960 --> 00:29:36.819 Chapter 13. 00:29:37.059 --> 00:29:37.859 Verse 34. 00:29:38.319 --> 00:29:38.859 And following. 00:29:38.960 --> 00:29:39.339 A new. 00:29:39.839 --> 00:29:40.259 Commandment. 00:29:40.299 --> 00:29:41.079 I give to you. 00:29:41.740 --> 00:29:42.539 That you love. 00:29:42.599 --> 00:29:43.039 One another. 00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:45.539 Just as I have loved. 00:29:45.839 --> 00:29:46.059 You. 00:29:46.720 --> 00:29:48.240 You also are to love. 00:29:48.899 --> 00:29:49.659 One another. 00:29:50.679 --> 00:29:51.159 By this. 00:29:51.279 --> 00:29:52.159 All people will know. 00:29:52.240 --> 00:29:53.720 That you are my disciples. 00:29:53.720 --> 00:29:54.500 If you have. 00:29:55.039 --> 00:29:55.319 Love. 00:29:55.919 --> 00:29:56.720 For one another. 00:29:56.720 --> 00:29:59.460 Praise be to God. 00:29:59.519 --> 00:30:00.559 For doctrinal. 00:30:01.039 --> 00:30:01.480 Accuracy. 00:30:02.799 --> 00:30:04.180 We must know. 00:30:04.559 --> 00:30:05.460 The God of the Bible. 00:30:05.460 --> 00:30:06.940 In order to properly worship. 00:30:07.100 --> 00:30:07.579 The God. 00:30:08.120 --> 00:30:08.920 Of the Bible. 00:30:09.799 --> 00:30:10.500 But too often. 00:30:10.660 --> 00:30:11.620 To our shame. 00:30:12.500 --> 00:30:13.460 We take what we. 00:30:13.880 --> 00:30:14.259 Know. 00:30:14.539 --> 00:30:15.500 What's been revealed. 00:30:15.779 --> 00:30:16.440 To us. 00:30:16.579 --> 00:30:17.400 By our God. 00:30:17.740 --> 00:30:18.860 And use it as a. 00:30:19.039 --> 00:30:19.940 Reason for pride. 00:30:20.039 --> 00:30:20.339 And for. 00:30:21.039 --> 00:30:21.480 Boasting. 00:30:21.480 --> 00:30:23.259 It ought to be. 00:30:23.259 --> 00:30:24.299 All together. 00:30:25.200 --> 00:30:25.599 Humbling. 00:30:26.079 --> 00:30:26.839 We ought to be. 00:30:27.160 --> 00:30:27.519 Heartbroken. 00:30:27.519 --> 00:30:28.120 For those. 00:30:28.200 --> 00:30:28.640 Who have yet. 00:30:28.640 --> 00:30:29.799 To understand. 00:30:29.799 --> 00:30:30.720 The great. 00:30:30.920 --> 00:30:31.480 Kindness. 00:30:32.059 --> 00:30:32.480 Mercy. 00:30:33.120 --> 00:30:34.059 Of our God. 00:30:34.559 --> 00:30:34.980 Our hearts. 00:30:35.019 --> 00:30:35.339 Ought to go. 00:30:35.700 --> 00:30:36.480 Out to them. 00:30:37.180 --> 00:30:37.680 In order that. 00:30:37.799 --> 00:30:38.460 They might be. 00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:39.059 Brought. 00:30:39.660 --> 00:30:39.980 In. 00:30:41.620 --> 00:30:42.220 So God. 00:30:42.259 --> 00:30:43.059 Has given to us. 00:30:43.160 --> 00:30:43.400 This. 00:30:43.860 --> 00:30:44.259 Charge. 00:30:44.339 --> 00:30:44.759 And this. 00:30:45.759 --> 00:30:46.240 Task. 00:30:46.420 --> 00:30:46.640 Right. 00:30:46.640 --> 00:30:48.000 That we would. 00:30:48.220 --> 00:30:49.400 Having been loved. 00:30:49.600 --> 00:30:50.380 Turn and. 00:30:51.259 --> 00:30:51.580 Love. 00:30:52.060 --> 00:30:52.440 Others. 00:30:53.060 --> 00:30:54.520 And I'm not talking about some. 00:30:54.780 --> 00:30:55.080 Mealy. 00:30:55.280 --> 00:30:55.600 Feely. 00:30:55.740 --> 00:30:56.200 Kind of. 00:30:56.360 --> 00:30:56.600 Love. 00:30:56.700 --> 00:30:57.720 Please don't hear me saying. 00:30:57.880 --> 00:30:58.660 That at all. 00:30:59.360 --> 00:30:59.500 Right. 00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:00.880 Love is not a feeling. 00:31:01.040 --> 00:31:02.280 Love is an action. 00:31:02.759 --> 00:31:04.480 That seeks the highest good. 00:31:04.940 --> 00:31:05.660 Of others. 00:31:05.920 --> 00:31:06.100 Right. 00:31:06.160 --> 00:31:06.940 That speaks. 00:31:07.360 --> 00:31:08.500 With boldness. 00:31:08.960 --> 00:31:10.259 That people might come to faith. 00:31:11.020 --> 00:31:11.640 In Christ. 00:31:13.640 --> 00:31:15.080 John chapter 14. 00:31:15.600 --> 00:31:16.240 Paul goes on. 00:31:16.240 --> 00:31:17.359 Or Jesus goes on. 00:31:17.420 --> 00:31:17.700 After. 00:31:18.720 --> 00:31:19.299 The text. 00:31:19.359 --> 00:31:19.880 I just read you. 00:31:19.940 --> 00:31:20.620 In John 13. 00:31:20.759 --> 00:31:21.099 To say. 00:31:21.220 --> 00:31:22.279 If you love me. 00:31:22.660 --> 00:31:23.660 You will keep. 00:31:23.839 --> 00:31:24.160 My. 00:31:25.480 --> 00:31:26.000 Commandments. 00:31:27.160 --> 00:31:28.019 He just commanded. 00:31:28.099 --> 00:31:28.839 That we would love. 00:31:30.200 --> 00:31:30.680 Others. 00:31:31.839 --> 00:31:32.779 And John writes. 00:31:32.839 --> 00:31:33.099 In first. 00:31:33.180 --> 00:31:34.099 John chapter 4. 00:31:34.160 --> 00:31:34.819 Verse 19. 00:31:35.000 --> 00:31:35.500 And following. 00:31:35.660 --> 00:31:36.359 We love. 00:31:36.460 --> 00:31:37.680 Because he first. 00:31:37.799 --> 00:31:38.240 Loved. 00:31:38.500 --> 00:31:38.859 Us. 00:31:39.759 --> 00:31:40.620 If anyone says. 00:31:40.620 --> 00:31:41.620 I love God. 00:31:41.799 --> 00:31:42.500 And hates his brother. 00:31:43.299 --> 00:31:43.980 He's a liar. 00:31:44.779 --> 00:31:45.680 For he who does not. 00:31:45.680 --> 00:31:46.380 Love his brother. 00:31:46.799 --> 00:31:47.759 Whom he has seen. 00:31:48.360 --> 00:31:49.500 Cannot love God. 00:31:50.500 --> 00:31:51.539 Whom he has not seen. 00:31:52.900 --> 00:31:53.820 So verse 10. 00:31:53.880 --> 00:31:54.480 Tells us. 00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:54.799 That. 00:31:54.799 --> 00:31:55.700 We are created. 00:31:55.840 --> 00:31:56.539 In Christ Jesus. 00:31:56.720 --> 00:31:57.880 For good works. 00:31:58.080 --> 00:31:58.560 Which God. 00:31:58.920 --> 00:31:59.400 Prepared. 00:32:00.080 --> 00:32:00.640 Before him. 00:32:01.640 --> 00:32:02.200 And they are. 00:32:02.740 --> 00:32:02.980 Many. 00:32:03.320 --> 00:32:03.500 Right. 00:32:03.620 --> 00:32:04.320 There are so. 00:32:04.660 --> 00:32:04.880 Many. 00:32:05.160 --> 00:32:05.920 Good works. 00:32:06.100 --> 00:32:07.080 That God has prepared. 00:32:07.420 --> 00:32:08.240 For each and every. 00:32:08.600 --> 00:32:09.640 One of us. 00:32:09.640 --> 00:32:11.520 Let's just not. 00:32:11.520 --> 00:32:12.380 Lose sight. 00:32:12.500 --> 00:32:12.820 That the. 00:32:13.120 --> 00:32:13.600 Impetus. 00:32:13.800 --> 00:32:14.240 For that. 00:32:14.460 --> 00:32:15.140 The reason. 00:32:15.240 --> 00:32:15.820 In which we go. 00:32:15.920 --> 00:32:16.800 And do good works. 00:32:16.800 --> 00:32:17.300 Is because. 00:32:17.520 --> 00:32:17.700 We. 00:32:18.060 --> 00:32:18.360 Have. 00:32:18.759 --> 00:32:18.980 Been. 00:32:19.800 --> 00:32:20.240 Loved. 00:32:20.700 --> 00:32:21.240 And therefore. 00:32:21.759 --> 00:32:22.380 Are to go. 00:32:23.500 --> 00:32:24.480 And to love. 00:32:26.240 --> 00:32:27.060 Charles Spurgeon. 00:32:27.140 --> 00:32:27.759 Once wrote. 00:32:28.380 --> 00:32:28.680 Of this. 00:32:28.960 --> 00:32:29.200 Text. 00:32:29.259 --> 00:32:29.660 I just read. 00:32:29.720 --> 00:32:30.120 In first. 00:32:30.520 --> 00:32:30.820 John. 00:32:31.020 --> 00:32:31.600 Chapter 4. 00:32:31.599 --> 00:32:33.539 Put the two. 00:32:33.759 --> 00:32:34.319 Truths. 00:32:34.319 --> 00:32:34.759 Together. 00:32:35.719 --> 00:32:36.539 That the love. 00:32:36.599 --> 00:32:37.000 Of God. 00:32:37.079 --> 00:32:37.899 Is first. 00:32:38.659 --> 00:32:39.339 And that the love. 00:32:39.399 --> 00:32:39.799 Of God. 00:32:39.959 --> 00:32:40.659 Is the cause. 00:32:40.699 --> 00:32:41.779 Of our love. 00:32:42.399 --> 00:32:43.199 And I think. 00:32:43.279 --> 00:32:43.679 You will be. 00:32:43.839 --> 00:32:44.339 Inclined. 00:32:44.500 --> 00:32:45.059 Henceforth. 00:32:45.659 --> 00:32:46.459 To be believers. 00:32:46.459 --> 00:32:47.179 In what are. 00:32:47.339 --> 00:32:48.240 Commonly called. 00:32:48.799 --> 00:32:49.759 The doctrines. 00:32:50.519 --> 00:32:51.219 Of grace. 00:32:52.619 --> 00:32:53.219 It is the. 00:32:53.659 --> 00:32:54.579 Scripture alone. 00:32:55.199 --> 00:32:56.159 That teaches us. 00:32:56.599 --> 00:32:57.379 That we are justified. 00:32:57.980 --> 00:32:58.959 By grace alone. 00:32:59.500 --> 00:33:00.519 Through faith alone. 00:33:00.519 --> 00:33:02.379 In Christ alone. 00:33:02.980 --> 00:33:04.099 To the glory of God. 00:33:04.799 --> 00:33:05.200 Alone. 00:33:05.839 --> 00:33:06.660 Let us pray together.