WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 Good evening to you. If you could turn with me to the book of Philippians and Philippians chapter 3. 00:00:07.200 --> 00:00:12.500 Philippians chapter 3. We're continuing our series in the book of Philippians. 00:00:16.160 --> 00:00:20.240 Your pastor has given me a humdinger of a passage. 00:00:21.719 --> 00:00:26.019 I'm not sure that's a theological word, humdinger, but there you go. 00:00:26.019 --> 00:00:32.500 So the basic question that we've got here in Philippians 3 is, how can I be forgiven? 00:00:33.619 --> 00:00:40.640 How can a person be forgiven or how can I get right with God? 00:00:41.359 --> 00:00:43.320 How does a person get right with God? 00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:48.799 Step one, getting right with God, is to know that you're wrong with God. 00:00:49.960 --> 00:00:51.280 But that is a possibility. 00:00:51.280 --> 00:00:57.439 We can sort of get the idea that we're sort of semi-obedient, but God's okay with us. 00:00:58.039 --> 00:01:05.000 And no, if you've rebelled against God, you've been ignoring God, things are not okay between you and God. 00:01:05.120 --> 00:01:07.920 You need a saviour who's going to save you. 00:01:09.120 --> 00:01:10.579 So that's step number one. 00:01:11.240 --> 00:01:14.879 Step number two is found in verses 1 to 14. 00:01:14.879 --> 00:01:23.439 Now, when I spoke on this passage at my church, I took about 90 minutes. 00:01:24.619 --> 00:01:24.879 Okay? 00:01:25.079 --> 00:01:26.179 I've only got about 30 here. 00:01:26.879 --> 00:01:29.640 So what we're going to do is we're just going to read this verse by verse. 00:01:30.199 --> 00:01:32.379 I'm going to go through the verses and comment on them. 00:01:32.379 --> 00:01:51.539 If you could sum up Paul's attitude or his spirit in chapter three, I would say passionate, fiery, direct, confrontational, blunt. 00:01:52.799 --> 00:01:53.079 Okay? 00:01:53.140 --> 00:01:53.699 Very blunt. 00:01:55.280 --> 00:01:57.039 So let's follow this through, shall we? 00:01:58.120 --> 00:01:59.479 Chapter three, verse one. 00:01:59.480 --> 00:02:05.079 Finally, my brothers, sisters, by implication, rejoice in the Lord. 00:02:06.180 --> 00:02:12.640 It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 00:02:14.740 --> 00:02:20.319 So this is going to be one of the great command in Philippians 2, the second part. 00:02:20.800 --> 00:02:23.080 And it is joy in the Lord. 00:02:23.780 --> 00:02:23.879 Yeah? 00:02:23.879 --> 00:02:25.879 Not joy in my circumstances. 00:02:26.319 --> 00:02:28.480 Not joy for things going my way. 00:02:28.479 --> 00:02:30.039 But joy in the Lord. 00:02:30.439 --> 00:02:31.280 Who he is. 00:02:32.119 --> 00:02:32.979 What he has done. 00:02:33.519 --> 00:02:34.239 And what he's promised. 00:02:35.259 --> 00:02:36.259 That's where my joy. 00:02:36.500 --> 00:02:38.359 It goes beyond circumstance. 00:02:39.379 --> 00:02:44.519 And we're told in verse one, it can even act as a spiritual safeguard for you. 00:02:45.179 --> 00:02:49.979 Which is why we should practice rejoicing in Christ often. 00:02:50.500 --> 00:02:52.399 It will protect us spiritually. 00:02:52.400 --> 00:02:54.760 Verse two. 00:02:54.760 --> 00:02:58.560 Watch out for those dogs. 00:02:59.360 --> 00:03:01.000 Those men who do evil. 00:03:01.620 --> 00:03:03.740 Those mutilators of the flesh. 00:03:03.740 --> 00:03:09.439 So this is a reference to Jewish believers. 00:03:10.980 --> 00:03:13.760 Who had a background of the Old Testament law. 00:03:15.040 --> 00:03:19.100 In that law was confirmed male circumcision. 00:03:19.700 --> 00:03:22.760 Young boys cut a part of their foreskin off. 00:03:22.759 --> 00:03:24.859 These guys. 00:03:24.859 --> 00:03:25.859 These men. 00:03:25.979 --> 00:03:26.659 These teachers. 00:03:27.419 --> 00:03:29.560 Had a background in the Old Covenant. 00:03:29.879 --> 00:03:30.639 But now. 00:03:31.199 --> 00:03:32.399 They're New Covenant people. 00:03:33.579 --> 00:03:33.719 Yeah? 00:03:33.780 --> 00:03:35.699 They're trusted in the death of Jesus. 00:03:36.739 --> 00:03:37.560 But here's the thing. 00:03:38.039 --> 00:03:40.239 They are still asking parents. 00:03:40.620 --> 00:03:42.219 To circumcise the kids. 00:03:43.680 --> 00:03:44.180 Yeah? 00:03:44.319 --> 00:03:45.759 Which is a combination of. 00:03:46.159 --> 00:03:46.959 The Old Covenant. 00:03:47.180 --> 00:03:47.959 And the New Covenant. 00:03:47.960 --> 00:03:49.379 They're doing a bit of both. 00:03:50.379 --> 00:03:51.219 And therefore. 00:03:51.360 --> 00:03:52.760 They are adding to the Gospel. 00:03:54.680 --> 00:03:57.780 So this whole phrase of mutilators of the flesh. 00:03:58.180 --> 00:03:59.280 Quite strong stuff is that. 00:04:00.340 --> 00:04:00.500 Yeah? 00:04:00.620 --> 00:04:01.640 What he's basically saying is. 00:04:01.740 --> 00:04:02.420 This is unnecessary. 00:04:03.219 --> 00:04:04.319 Leave the kids alone. 00:04:04.620 --> 00:04:05.840 There's a New Covenant in there. 00:04:06.360 --> 00:04:08.860 You don't have to keep slicing parts of their body off. 00:04:11.480 --> 00:04:12.280 And then. 00:04:12.860 --> 00:04:13.819 It gets even harder. 00:04:13.920 --> 00:04:14.140 Doesn't it? 00:04:14.400 --> 00:04:15.060 Well how does he call them? 00:04:15.319 --> 00:04:15.840 Verse two. 00:04:16.759 --> 00:04:17.160 Dogs. 00:04:17.959 --> 00:04:19.279 You people are dogs. 00:04:20.639 --> 00:04:22.899 Not that they're the sort of manicured. 00:04:23.259 --> 00:04:25.299 2020 London sort of dogs. 00:04:25.879 --> 00:04:26.060 Yeah? 00:04:26.120 --> 00:04:27.859 The nice friendly dogs that Avena has. 00:04:28.039 --> 00:04:28.239 See? 00:04:28.519 --> 00:04:29.019 They're nice. 00:04:29.500 --> 00:04:29.659 No? 00:04:29.939 --> 00:04:31.979 These are the sort of 1970s dogs. 00:04:32.620 --> 00:04:33.959 Do you remember those sort of strays? 00:04:34.240 --> 00:04:35.979 Who would be wandering around street corners? 00:04:36.699 --> 00:04:36.879 Yeah? 00:04:37.199 --> 00:04:38.099 Often mongrels. 00:04:38.419 --> 00:04:39.599 And you'd have to watch out for them. 00:04:40.579 --> 00:04:40.799 Yeah? 00:04:40.979 --> 00:04:42.000 If you're a younger person. 00:04:42.079 --> 00:04:43.419 You're trying to understand older people. 00:04:43.500 --> 00:04:43.579 Say. 00:04:43.759 --> 00:04:45.599 Why are they so uptight about dogs? 00:04:45.600 --> 00:04:47.980 It's usually if you lived in London in them days. 00:04:48.280 --> 00:04:49.320 And you had to try and avoid them. 00:04:49.560 --> 00:04:50.800 And if you saw more than one. 00:04:51.060 --> 00:04:51.760 You ran for it. 00:04:52.580 --> 00:04:53.379 Because these dogs. 00:04:53.480 --> 00:04:54.120 If they get you. 00:04:54.200 --> 00:04:54.900 They will bite you. 00:04:55.480 --> 00:04:57.100 And if they come together as a group. 00:04:57.439 --> 00:04:59.060 They will rip you to pieces. 00:05:01.060 --> 00:05:01.340 Therefore. 00:05:01.339 --> 00:05:03.060 What is he saying? 00:05:03.179 --> 00:05:03.679 He's saying. 00:05:04.239 --> 00:05:05.560 False teaching is dangerous. 00:05:06.919 --> 00:05:09.319 We can have a sort of benign attitude to it. 00:05:09.679 --> 00:05:09.959 You know. 00:05:11.079 --> 00:05:12.000 Live and let live. 00:05:12.219 --> 00:05:12.399 No. 00:05:12.639 --> 00:05:13.620 They will bite you. 00:05:14.359 --> 00:05:15.199 They will harm you. 00:05:15.279 --> 00:05:16.120 They will hurt you. 00:05:16.439 --> 00:05:17.939 Keep away from false teaching. 00:05:18.339 --> 00:05:19.000 And especially. 00:05:19.539 --> 00:05:20.779 People are going to add to the gospel. 00:05:21.919 --> 00:05:23.759 Watch out for people to take away from the gospel. 00:05:24.719 --> 00:05:25.819 They're just as much a menace. 00:05:26.179 --> 00:05:27.620 But watch out for people who are going to add. 00:05:28.019 --> 00:05:28.919 To the gospel as well. 00:05:29.239 --> 00:05:29.639 Avoid. 00:05:29.639 --> 00:05:29.680 Avoid. 00:05:30.240 --> 00:05:30.899 Those people. 00:05:32.719 --> 00:05:34.120 And if you think that was strong. 00:05:35.219 --> 00:05:36.000 There's more to come. 00:05:36.959 --> 00:05:37.240 Okay. 00:05:37.379 --> 00:05:38.259 Verse 3. 00:05:39.000 --> 00:05:39.879 For it is we. 00:05:40.360 --> 00:05:41.599 Who are of a circumcision. 00:05:42.399 --> 00:05:42.800 We. 00:05:43.060 --> 00:05:44.740 Who worship by the spirit of God. 00:05:44.939 --> 00:05:46.579 Who glory in Christ Jesus. 00:05:46.579 --> 00:05:48.939 Who put no confidence in the flesh. 00:05:49.519 --> 00:05:50.500 Though I myself. 00:05:51.060 --> 00:05:52.019 Have reasons for such. 00:05:52.579 --> 00:05:53.099 Confidence. 00:05:55.120 --> 00:05:55.979 So again. 00:05:56.740 --> 00:05:58.620 There's no false humility here. 00:05:58.620 --> 00:05:59.759 You know. 00:05:59.959 --> 00:06:01.720 Sometimes in mixed religious circles. 00:06:01.939 --> 00:06:02.340 Oh. 00:06:02.420 --> 00:06:04.500 I must humbly be a humble person. 00:06:04.600 --> 00:06:05.459 And not be too proud. 00:06:05.800 --> 00:06:05.980 No. 00:06:06.180 --> 00:06:07.240 Actually he says. 00:06:09.139 --> 00:06:10.379 We are the people. 00:06:11.079 --> 00:06:11.740 Not them. 00:06:12.420 --> 00:06:13.360 We are the people. 00:06:13.360 --> 00:06:15.160 If you're a new covenant person. 00:06:15.420 --> 00:06:16.340 Who is not in. 00:06:16.580 --> 00:06:18.540 Trying to bring bits of the old covenant in. 00:06:18.900 --> 00:06:20.540 You are the person. 00:06:21.340 --> 00:06:22.420 The religious people. 00:06:22.540 --> 00:06:23.379 They are a copy. 00:06:23.879 --> 00:06:25.020 We are the real deal. 00:06:25.460 --> 00:06:27.199 And he doesn't hesitate to say that. 00:06:27.780 --> 00:06:29.160 We are the real deal. 00:06:29.300 --> 00:06:30.840 Because they circumcise. 00:06:31.080 --> 00:06:32.319 Parts of kids bodies. 00:06:32.900 --> 00:06:35.300 We have the circumcision of the heart. 00:06:35.420 --> 00:06:36.639 Done by the father in heaven. 00:06:36.960 --> 00:06:38.500 We have a better thing going on. 00:06:39.319 --> 00:06:40.920 And he's not ashamed to say it. 00:06:40.920 --> 00:06:42.939 And we should not be ashamed of that as well. 00:06:46.939 --> 00:06:47.379 Objection. 00:06:47.920 --> 00:06:48.100 Okay. 00:06:48.460 --> 00:06:49.379 Possible objection. 00:06:50.100 --> 00:06:51.860 To what Paul has said so far. 00:06:52.460 --> 00:06:53.060 That is. 00:06:53.740 --> 00:06:54.900 These men can say. 00:06:55.640 --> 00:06:55.980 Paul. 00:06:55.980 --> 00:06:58.340 Is a spiritual lightweight. 00:06:59.560 --> 00:07:01.580 He's a spiritual lightweight. 00:07:02.040 --> 00:07:03.800 He's not a passionate worshipper. 00:07:04.200 --> 00:07:05.240 He's not full. 00:07:05.319 --> 00:07:06.340 Full on Judaism. 00:07:06.759 --> 00:07:08.540 He's one of those sort of nominal guys. 00:07:08.700 --> 00:07:11.020 Who turns up at feasts a couple of times a year. 00:07:11.200 --> 00:07:12.100 And that's about it. 00:07:12.100 --> 00:07:13.180 And then here he is. 00:07:13.420 --> 00:07:14.200 Lecturing us. 00:07:15.900 --> 00:07:17.319 And the answer to this. 00:07:18.160 --> 00:07:18.680 Is. 00:07:19.180 --> 00:07:20.680 Paul's spiritual CV. 00:07:21.300 --> 00:07:22.379 That we see in verse. 00:07:22.939 --> 00:07:24.460 From verse five onwards. 00:07:24.780 --> 00:07:25.480 Or four onwards. 00:07:25.980 --> 00:07:26.540 He says. 00:07:26.620 --> 00:07:27.060 If anyone. 00:07:27.200 --> 00:07:27.620 Verse four. 00:07:28.040 --> 00:07:29.480 Anyone else thinks. 00:07:30.160 --> 00:07:32.300 He has reasons to put confidence in the flesh. 00:07:32.920 --> 00:07:33.700 I have more. 00:07:34.680 --> 00:07:36.340 Circumcised on the eighth day. 00:07:36.920 --> 00:07:38.319 Of the people of Israel. 00:07:38.660 --> 00:07:40.080 Of the tribe of Benjamin. 00:07:40.560 --> 00:07:42.000 A Hebrew of Hebrews. 00:07:42.360 --> 00:07:43.400 In regards to the law. 00:07:43.460 --> 00:07:44.319 A Pharisee. 00:07:44.319 --> 00:07:45.379 As for zeal. 00:07:45.920 --> 00:07:46.980 Persecuting the church. 00:07:47.379 --> 00:07:49.040 As for legalistic righteousness. 00:07:49.540 --> 00:07:50.140 Absolutely. 00:07:50.500 --> 00:07:51.240 Without fault. 00:07:51.300 --> 00:07:52.060 One hundred percent. 00:07:52.500 --> 00:07:54.160 As far as any human being can do. 00:07:54.160 --> 00:07:54.780 Yeah. 00:07:57.920 --> 00:07:59.180 So he says effectively. 00:07:59.840 --> 00:08:01.060 When it comes to my background. 00:08:01.700 --> 00:08:03.300 When it comes to my tribe. 00:08:03.800 --> 00:08:05.080 When it comes to devotion. 00:08:05.540 --> 00:08:06.840 When it comes to knowledge. 00:08:07.180 --> 00:08:08.340 When it comes to passion. 00:08:08.720 --> 00:08:10.760 When it comes to sorting out those Christians. 00:08:10.759 --> 00:08:12.539 Who are messing up our Judaism. 00:08:12.939 --> 00:08:14.379 I am top draw. 00:08:14.699 --> 00:08:16.060 I am premier league. 00:08:16.680 --> 00:08:16.819 Yeah. 00:08:17.099 --> 00:08:17.199 You. 00:08:17.439 --> 00:08:18.800 I am Mr. Judaism. 00:08:19.120 --> 00:08:19.920 AD 50. 00:08:20.879 --> 00:08:21.740 That's who I am. 00:08:21.740 --> 00:08:24.780 So it's not coming from someone. 00:08:24.980 --> 00:08:26.860 Who's a sort of semi worshiper. 00:08:27.160 --> 00:08:28.579 Turn up a couple of times a year. 00:08:29.280 --> 00:08:30.000 That's not him. 00:08:34.379 --> 00:08:35.240 So we say. 00:08:35.320 --> 00:08:36.560 Paul does that make you right with God? 00:08:37.620 --> 00:08:38.539 And he says no. 00:08:39.379 --> 00:08:39.840 He says no. 00:08:39.899 --> 00:08:40.500 Look what he says in. 00:08:40.860 --> 00:08:41.700 In verse seven. 00:08:42.480 --> 00:08:42.919 Verse seven. 00:08:42.919 --> 00:08:45.539 But what was to my prophet. 00:08:45.899 --> 00:08:47.059 I now consider loss. 00:08:47.579 --> 00:08:48.779 For the sake of Christ. 00:08:49.579 --> 00:08:50.439 What is more. 00:08:50.979 --> 00:08:52.279 I consider everything. 00:08:52.639 --> 00:08:53.139 A loss. 00:08:53.620 --> 00:08:55.000 Compared to the surpassing. 00:08:55.479 --> 00:08:55.959 Greatness. 00:08:56.439 --> 00:08:58.199 Of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 00:08:58.759 --> 00:08:59.299 For whom. 00:08:59.599 --> 00:09:00.139 Whose sake. 00:09:00.339 --> 00:09:00.979 I have lost. 00:09:01.659 --> 00:09:02.719 All things. 00:09:05.519 --> 00:09:07.240 We're getting a sort of insight. 00:09:08.839 --> 00:09:09.360 Into. 00:09:10.000 --> 00:09:10.399 Religion. 00:09:10.399 --> 00:09:13.220 And how religious people think. 00:09:13.600 --> 00:09:14.340 Most of us. 00:09:15.600 --> 00:09:17.199 How we see our good. 00:09:17.439 --> 00:09:18.240 And our bad. 00:09:18.840 --> 00:09:19.259 That is. 00:09:19.360 --> 00:09:21.620 We often see it in terms of either scales. 00:09:22.620 --> 00:09:22.860 Okay. 00:09:22.939 --> 00:09:24.000 So here's my good deeds. 00:09:24.199 --> 00:09:25.059 And here's my bad deeds. 00:09:25.120 --> 00:09:25.959 I put them on the scale. 00:09:26.600 --> 00:09:28.319 My good deeds outweigh my bad deeds. 00:09:28.559 --> 00:09:29.500 And therefore God is happy. 00:09:30.079 --> 00:09:30.959 Or another way. 00:09:31.120 --> 00:09:31.379 Okay. 00:09:31.379 --> 00:09:32.379 Which is especially appropriate. 00:09:33.299 --> 00:09:34.319 Because you've got a couple of people. 00:09:34.319 --> 00:09:35.460 From an accounting background. 00:09:35.840 --> 00:09:37.500 I've got my profit and my loss account. 00:09:38.539 --> 00:09:38.819 Okay. 00:09:38.840 --> 00:09:40.059 I've got my accounts ledgers. 00:09:40.740 --> 00:09:42.100 And my good deeds are coming here. 00:09:42.279 --> 00:09:43.419 My bad deeds are going there. 00:09:43.620 --> 00:09:44.699 If my good deeds. 00:09:45.319 --> 00:09:46.240 Are really good. 00:09:46.279 --> 00:09:46.959 I'll put them over here. 00:09:47.000 --> 00:09:47.620 My bad deeds. 00:09:47.679 --> 00:09:48.459 I'll try and put over there. 00:09:48.699 --> 00:09:50.000 And then when I come before God. 00:09:50.039 --> 00:09:51.079 I'll show him my accounts. 00:09:51.340 --> 00:09:52.319 And he'll see I'm in credit. 00:09:52.559 --> 00:09:53.240 And all will be well. 00:09:53.240 --> 00:09:58.960 But what if. 00:09:59.759 --> 00:10:01.779 What if the things I thought were good. 00:10:03.060 --> 00:10:04.180 God said were bad. 00:10:06.039 --> 00:10:07.860 I've gone and put it on the credit side. 00:10:08.480 --> 00:10:09.680 And I should have put it on the debit. 00:10:10.620 --> 00:10:11.860 And I come before God. 00:10:11.940 --> 00:10:12.320 And he says no. 00:10:12.379 --> 00:10:12.940 Take that off. 00:10:13.299 --> 00:10:13.899 Take that off. 00:10:14.019 --> 00:10:14.419 Take that off. 00:10:14.580 --> 00:10:15.480 You misapplied that. 00:10:15.560 --> 00:10:16.259 You misapplied that. 00:10:16.340 --> 00:10:17.120 And you misapplied that. 00:10:18.019 --> 00:10:19.940 And what if the good things that remained. 00:10:20.340 --> 00:10:21.659 In this profit and loss account. 00:10:22.200 --> 00:10:25.060 What if they actually were contaminated. 00:10:25.060 --> 00:10:26.200 By the bad things. 00:10:26.200 --> 00:10:28.640 The bad things I've done. 00:10:28.820 --> 00:10:29.960 Which is bad motives. 00:10:30.500 --> 00:10:32.120 So doing good things with bad motives. 00:10:32.820 --> 00:10:34.460 And then what if I showed that before God. 00:10:34.500 --> 00:10:35.460 And God said move that. 00:10:35.700 --> 00:10:36.200 Move that. 00:10:36.379 --> 00:10:36.780 Move that. 00:10:38.259 --> 00:10:41.200 And what if after God had done all his accounting work. 00:10:41.420 --> 00:10:42.460 After I've done mine. 00:10:43.180 --> 00:10:45.280 I'm left with no credit at all. 00:10:46.640 --> 00:10:47.860 I'm left with only debit. 00:10:49.540 --> 00:10:51.100 And I'm standing before God. 00:10:51.320 --> 00:10:52.340 And this is my works. 00:10:52.379 --> 00:10:53.379 I'm going to present to him. 00:10:54.100 --> 00:10:55.900 And I'm spiritually naked. 00:10:57.020 --> 00:10:57.900 I'm vulnerable. 00:10:58.759 --> 00:11:01.200 And I have no leg to stand on. 00:11:04.400 --> 00:11:04.879 Friends. 00:11:04.879 --> 00:11:05.320 That is us. 00:11:05.320 --> 00:11:05.640 That is us now. 00:11:07.480 --> 00:11:09.040 If that is our model. 00:11:09.040 --> 00:11:10.860 Of how we're going to get right with God. 00:11:11.820 --> 00:11:13.060 What is Paul's view. 00:11:13.660 --> 00:11:15.379 Of religious devotion. 00:11:16.840 --> 00:11:17.460 He says. 00:11:18.720 --> 00:11:19.600 Verse 8. 00:11:22.040 --> 00:11:25.280 The surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 00:11:25.279 --> 00:11:26.620 For whose sake. 00:11:26.980 --> 00:11:28.179 I have lost all things. 00:11:28.679 --> 00:11:30.459 I consider them rubbish. 00:11:31.279 --> 00:11:33.839 But I may gain Christ and be found in him. 00:11:35.399 --> 00:11:37.939 So what does he think of his deeds? 00:11:38.179 --> 00:11:38.620 Rubbish. 00:11:39.839 --> 00:11:40.259 Rubbish. 00:11:40.259 --> 00:11:42.279 Or I think the Greek word is skubalon. 00:11:43.720 --> 00:11:44.019 Okay. 00:11:44.340 --> 00:11:44.740 Skubalon. 00:11:45.539 --> 00:11:50.659 Which is either the stuff that you avoid in the field where the cows have been. 00:11:51.179 --> 00:11:52.019 The brown stuff. 00:11:52.439 --> 00:11:57.319 Or the stuff that will end up here as the contents of your toilet before you flush it away. 00:11:57.320 --> 00:11:59.600 That is what he means by skubalon. 00:12:00.400 --> 00:12:01.879 Is that making the point? 00:12:02.440 --> 00:12:03.840 The point there is. 00:12:04.780 --> 00:12:06.620 That's what he thinks of his good deeds. 00:12:09.080 --> 00:12:09.920 Now I've got to say. 00:12:10.060 --> 00:12:12.220 I can in some ways relate to this. 00:12:13.240 --> 00:12:13.480 Okay. 00:12:13.480 --> 00:12:13.840 So. 00:12:14.740 --> 00:12:15.720 My own background. 00:12:16.420 --> 00:12:17.300 Religious upbringing. 00:12:18.560 --> 00:12:20.300 I think I was baptised after three months. 00:12:21.580 --> 00:12:22.240 Went to church. 00:12:22.759 --> 00:12:23.259 Went to a. 00:12:23.620 --> 00:12:24.360 Yeah. 00:12:24.420 --> 00:12:25.659 Said my prayers fairly regularly. 00:12:26.080 --> 00:12:26.560 On and off. 00:12:30.300 --> 00:12:31.720 Regular attender at church. 00:12:31.800 --> 00:12:32.580 Six years old. 00:12:33.159 --> 00:12:35.539 Confirmed in my faith at about 13, 14. 00:12:36.120 --> 00:12:37.279 Sunday school teacher. 00:12:37.779 --> 00:12:40.480 Read through all my Bible before I was probably 21. 00:12:40.480 --> 00:12:43.200 One earmarked for church council. 00:12:43.800 --> 00:12:44.139 Become a. 00:12:44.300 --> 00:12:46.580 Join a church leadership team at 21. 00:12:46.800 --> 00:12:47.519 What were they thinking? 00:12:49.700 --> 00:12:50.779 When you look back. 00:12:51.980 --> 00:12:52.860 It was all skubalon. 00:12:53.940 --> 00:12:54.320 Wasn't it? 00:12:55.220 --> 00:12:55.800 It's all. 00:12:55.840 --> 00:12:56.539 It's all skubalon. 00:12:57.340 --> 00:12:58.000 It is not. 00:12:58.399 --> 00:12:59.180 Going to. 00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:00.480 Sort out. 00:13:00.680 --> 00:13:01.779 My relationship with God. 00:13:02.560 --> 00:13:03.680 It can never save me. 00:13:04.019 --> 00:13:04.820 It is never enough. 00:13:05.700 --> 00:13:06.240 Step one. 00:13:06.379 --> 00:13:06.820 Remember that? 00:13:07.779 --> 00:13:09.180 Before we get right with God. 00:13:09.179 --> 00:13:11.259 We need to know that we are not right with God. 00:13:12.620 --> 00:13:14.539 And religious people are the most vulnerable. 00:13:15.319 --> 00:13:17.459 Because we can think that we're right with God. 00:13:17.539 --> 00:13:18.479 Because of our deeds. 00:13:19.120 --> 00:13:20.620 And that is not enough. 00:13:23.779 --> 00:13:24.739 So positively. 00:13:25.959 --> 00:13:27.439 How do I get right with God? 00:13:28.319 --> 00:13:28.739 Verse. 00:13:28.919 --> 00:13:29.699 Verse eight again. 00:13:30.699 --> 00:13:30.879 Says. 00:13:31.059 --> 00:13:32.599 I have lost all things. 00:13:33.059 --> 00:13:34.299 I consider them rubbish. 00:13:34.379 --> 00:13:35.500 For I may gain Christ. 00:13:35.819 --> 00:13:37.019 And be found in him. 00:13:37.019 --> 00:13:40.659 Not having a righteousness of my own. 00:13:40.659 --> 00:13:41.960 That comes from the law. 00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:44.679 But that which is through faith in Christ. 00:13:45.120 --> 00:13:47.639 The righteousness that comes from God. 00:13:48.059 --> 00:13:49.939 And is by faith. 00:13:51.139 --> 00:13:51.659 So. 00:13:52.480 --> 00:13:54.879 Here are the key thoughts. 00:13:55.399 --> 00:13:57.319 I'm abandoning my good works. 00:13:58.039 --> 00:13:58.240 Okay. 00:13:58.299 --> 00:13:59.360 You've got to leave it behind. 00:13:59.799 --> 00:14:01.279 You can't take any of it into. 00:14:01.439 --> 00:14:02.500 Into the presence of God. 00:14:03.079 --> 00:14:03.939 Leave it all behind. 00:14:03.940 --> 00:14:04.480 Number one. 00:14:04.800 --> 00:14:05.760 Then number two is. 00:14:06.140 --> 00:14:07.600 I'm being given a righteousness. 00:14:08.180 --> 00:14:09.260 It's from God. 00:14:09.900 --> 00:14:11.040 I haven't got to work at it. 00:14:11.280 --> 00:14:12.160 He will give it to me. 00:14:12.200 --> 00:14:12.960 If I ask him. 00:14:13.020 --> 00:14:14.100 He will give it to you. 00:14:14.260 --> 00:14:15.300 If you ask him. 00:14:17.280 --> 00:14:18.300 And then we're told. 00:14:18.440 --> 00:14:19.400 It is by faith. 00:14:19.740 --> 00:14:20.900 I have to trust. 00:14:21.300 --> 00:14:22.860 That this righteousness from God. 00:14:23.040 --> 00:14:24.620 Is going to sort everything out. 00:14:25.620 --> 00:14:27.200 And I'm not going to sort of. 00:14:27.780 --> 00:14:28.500 Sneak off. 00:14:28.640 --> 00:14:30.260 And do a few good works on the side. 00:14:30.460 --> 00:14:31.900 But I'm going to tuck into my back pocket. 00:14:31.899 --> 00:14:33.159 In case I face God. 00:14:33.620 --> 00:14:33.919 No. 00:14:34.159 --> 00:14:35.120 I come with the righteousness. 00:14:35.559 --> 00:14:36.620 Of Christ. 00:14:37.559 --> 00:14:37.980 And that's what. 00:14:38.139 --> 00:14:38.779 We've got to be given. 00:14:39.199 --> 00:14:40.699 Which means we've got to ask. 00:14:41.340 --> 00:14:41.819 And again. 00:14:42.519 --> 00:14:43.299 Have you ever done that? 00:14:44.279 --> 00:14:45.699 Have you ever asked God. 00:14:46.559 --> 00:14:47.720 For his righteousness. 00:14:49.439 --> 00:14:50.740 The good deeds of Jesus. 00:14:50.919 --> 00:14:52.699 And have you ever handed over. 00:14:53.120 --> 00:14:53.379 Your. 00:14:54.340 --> 00:14:56.139 What you think are your good deeds to God. 00:14:57.299 --> 00:14:58.519 If that's what needs to happen. 00:14:59.199 --> 00:15:00.460 If we're going to have life. 00:15:00.460 --> 00:15:02.360 But the good news is. 00:15:02.440 --> 00:15:02.960 It can happen. 00:15:03.800 --> 00:15:04.920 It happens every day. 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:06.759 It just needs to happen. 00:15:06.840 --> 00:15:07.440 To all of us here. 00:15:07.500 --> 00:15:07.879 Doesn't it? 00:15:08.620 --> 00:15:09.500 And God can do that. 00:15:11.860 --> 00:15:12.259 So. 00:15:13.620 --> 00:15:15.440 We trust in God's righteousness. 00:15:16.240 --> 00:15:17.580 What do we now have? 00:15:18.120 --> 00:15:19.680 What does this church have? 00:15:20.519 --> 00:15:20.879 That. 00:15:22.160 --> 00:15:22.600 Judaism. 00:15:22.920 --> 00:15:23.379 That religion. 00:15:23.500 --> 00:15:24.180 Cannot give them. 00:15:24.660 --> 00:15:25.920 Well starting from verse 10. 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:26.500 We're told. 00:15:26.940 --> 00:15:28.139 Let me read all of it to you. 00:15:28.440 --> 00:15:29.519 And then we'll go for it slowly. 00:15:29.519 --> 00:15:30.299 Um. 00:15:30.819 --> 00:15:32.139 I want you to know Christ. 00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:34.480 And the power of his resurrection. 00:15:34.980 --> 00:15:37.299 And the fellowship of sharing in his suffering. 00:15:37.980 --> 00:15:39.579 Becoming like him in his death. 00:15:40.340 --> 00:15:41.659 And so somehow. 00:15:42.519 --> 00:15:44.159 To attain to the resurrection. 00:15:44.699 --> 00:15:45.019 Of. 00:15:45.600 --> 00:15:46.000 The dead. 00:15:47.639 --> 00:15:48.500 So I've identified. 00:15:48.659 --> 00:15:49.620 I think five things there. 00:15:50.299 --> 00:15:51.000 That we have. 00:15:51.399 --> 00:15:53.259 As a result of being made right with God. 00:15:53.620 --> 00:15:54.100 Number one. 00:15:54.419 --> 00:15:54.539 With. 00:15:54.899 --> 00:15:55.740 With the life. 00:15:55.860 --> 00:15:56.699 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:15:56.700 --> 00:15:56.900 Jesus. 00:15:57.680 --> 00:15:57.900 Okay. 00:15:58.220 --> 00:15:58.400 The. 00:15:59.020 --> 00:16:01.100 Not now knowing about him. 00:16:01.660 --> 00:16:02.720 But knowing him. 00:16:03.280 --> 00:16:04.640 Knowing him personally. 00:16:05.140 --> 00:16:06.100 Speaking to him. 00:16:06.400 --> 00:16:07.240 Hearing from him. 00:16:07.480 --> 00:16:08.580 Experiencing him. 00:16:09.640 --> 00:16:09.860 Yeah. 00:16:10.080 --> 00:16:10.580 Religion. 00:16:10.960 --> 00:16:11.580 Far off. 00:16:11.960 --> 00:16:12.220 Okay. 00:16:12.560 --> 00:16:13.120 Distant. 00:16:13.440 --> 00:16:14.180 Second hand. 00:16:14.179 --> 00:16:16.319 The gospel. 00:16:17.000 --> 00:16:17.819 Straight up. 00:16:18.399 --> 00:16:19.059 Straight up. 00:16:19.219 --> 00:16:19.739 Straight in. 00:16:19.979 --> 00:16:21.139 To the father's presence. 00:16:22.099 --> 00:16:23.059 That's what you're being offered. 00:16:24.019 --> 00:16:24.199 Okay. 00:16:24.299 --> 00:16:25.059 And you can say. 00:16:25.120 --> 00:16:25.419 Well look. 00:16:26.579 --> 00:16:27.259 I don't want to. 00:16:27.339 --> 00:16:28.559 I don't want to trade for that. 00:16:29.099 --> 00:16:30.279 I prefer just to. 00:16:30.519 --> 00:16:31.379 Be distant from him. 00:16:32.259 --> 00:16:32.899 But friends. 00:16:33.019 --> 00:16:34.259 If you're distant from him. 00:16:34.699 --> 00:16:35.579 If that's your life. 00:16:35.620 --> 00:16:36.179 Or your lifestyle. 00:16:36.479 --> 00:16:37.559 You'll be distant with him forever. 00:16:38.199 --> 00:16:38.719 You could be. 00:16:39.680 --> 00:16:40.080 No. 00:16:40.120 --> 00:16:41.080 This is a beautiful thing. 00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:41.580 You're being offered. 00:16:42.740 --> 00:16:43.040 The very. 00:16:43.240 --> 00:16:45.340 Very access to the Lord Jesus himself. 00:16:46.180 --> 00:16:46.779 Isn't that great? 00:16:48.460 --> 00:16:48.940 Marvelous. 00:16:50.080 --> 00:16:50.519 Okay. 00:16:50.519 --> 00:16:51.100 Number two. 00:16:51.540 --> 00:16:51.820 Is. 00:16:53.420 --> 00:16:54.620 His presence. 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:55.519 In suffering. 00:16:56.639 --> 00:16:57.340 His presence. 00:16:57.500 --> 00:16:58.060 In suffering. 00:16:58.960 --> 00:16:59.820 Being united. 00:17:00.080 --> 00:17:00.500 To him. 00:17:00.879 --> 00:17:01.660 That's what happens. 00:17:01.759 --> 00:17:03.200 When you receive this righteousness. 00:17:03.840 --> 00:17:05.039 And so you have a communion. 00:17:05.380 --> 00:17:06.779 Which even involves suffering. 00:17:07.660 --> 00:17:07.920 Now. 00:17:08.119 --> 00:17:08.980 I'll be frank with you. 00:17:09.079 --> 00:17:11.059 I'm speaking beyond my experience. 00:17:11.920 --> 00:17:13.079 And you hearing this. 00:17:13.180 --> 00:17:14.859 It may be on your experience as well. 00:17:15.619 --> 00:17:17.039 But people have testified. 00:17:17.839 --> 00:17:19.559 The children of God have given testimony. 00:17:20.180 --> 00:17:20.399 That. 00:17:21.099 --> 00:17:22.740 In times of immense suffering. 00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:25.899 The presence of God was very real. 00:17:27.319 --> 00:17:27.700 So. 00:17:28.119 --> 00:17:28.899 Helen Rosevere. 00:17:29.619 --> 00:17:30.599 Missionary in the Congo. 00:17:32.460 --> 00:17:32.980 1960s. 00:17:33.519 --> 00:17:34.259 Was kidnapped. 00:17:34.539 --> 00:17:35.099 Assaulted. 00:17:35.099 --> 00:17:36.500 Over weeks. 00:17:37.679 --> 00:17:38.659 And she shares. 00:17:38.659 --> 00:17:39.719 In one of her books. 00:17:39.819 --> 00:17:41.439 The most extraordinary experience. 00:17:42.159 --> 00:17:42.859 She says. 00:17:43.139 --> 00:17:43.379 This. 00:17:43.539 --> 00:17:43.919 She says. 00:17:45.899 --> 00:17:46.959 One word. 00:17:47.319 --> 00:17:47.799 Becomes. 00:17:48.199 --> 00:17:48.819 Unbelievably. 00:17:49.159 --> 00:17:49.439 Clear. 00:17:49.619 --> 00:17:50.500 As I think back. 00:17:51.319 --> 00:17:52.299 And that word is. 00:17:53.059 --> 00:17:53.740 Privilege. 00:17:54.799 --> 00:17:55.379 Privilege. 00:17:56.339 --> 00:17:57.879 He didn't take away my. 00:17:58.240 --> 00:17:58.599 Pain. 00:17:59.039 --> 00:17:59.699 Or cruelty. 00:18:00.259 --> 00:18:01.019 Or humiliation. 00:18:01.859 --> 00:18:02.139 No. 00:18:02.140 --> 00:18:03.620 It was all there. 00:18:04.259 --> 00:18:05.380 But it was altogether. 00:18:06.160 --> 00:18:06.600 Different. 00:18:07.620 --> 00:18:08.220 It was. 00:18:08.800 --> 00:18:09.560 With him. 00:18:10.400 --> 00:18:11.200 For him. 00:18:12.000 --> 00:18:12.560 In him. 00:18:13.720 --> 00:18:14.540 He was actually. 00:18:14.660 --> 00:18:15.200 Offering me. 00:18:15.259 --> 00:18:15.980 The privilege. 00:18:16.480 --> 00:18:17.080 Of sharing. 00:18:17.620 --> 00:18:18.600 In some small. 00:18:18.800 --> 00:18:19.360 Little way. 00:18:20.040 --> 00:18:20.620 The edge. 00:18:20.820 --> 00:18:21.440 Of the fellowship. 00:18:21.700 --> 00:18:22.320 Of suffering. 00:18:23.320 --> 00:18:24.320 In the weeks. 00:18:24.380 --> 00:18:24.720 And years. 00:18:24.780 --> 00:18:25.320 That followed. 00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:25.419 God. 00:18:26.119 --> 00:18:26.799 One has tried. 00:18:26.899 --> 00:18:27.859 To count the cost. 00:18:28.599 --> 00:18:29.379 But I find. 00:18:29.819 --> 00:18:30.980 It's swallowed up in. 00:18:31.839 --> 00:18:32.439 Privilege. 00:18:36.519 --> 00:18:37.419 Now that is deep. 00:18:37.480 --> 00:18:37.740 Isn't it? 00:18:38.659 --> 00:18:39.799 What it means is. 00:18:41.299 --> 00:18:42.079 Where God. 00:18:42.220 --> 00:18:43.319 Does call us to suffer. 00:18:44.179 --> 00:18:45.119 We are not alone. 00:18:46.399 --> 00:18:46.720 Okay. 00:18:47.000 --> 00:18:47.700 We are not alone. 00:18:47.839 --> 00:18:48.000 So. 00:18:48.319 --> 00:18:48.980 Knowing Christ. 00:18:49.099 --> 00:18:49.559 Personally. 00:18:50.980 --> 00:18:51.419 Fellowship. 00:18:51.419 --> 00:18:52.019 With his suffering. 00:18:52.639 --> 00:18:53.079 Resurrection. 00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:53.559 Power. 00:18:53.899 --> 00:18:54.319 There's 10. 00:18:54.319 --> 00:18:54.679 Isn't it? 00:18:55.439 --> 00:18:56.419 I want to know Christ. 00:18:56.639 --> 00:18:57.240 And the power. 00:18:57.339 --> 00:18:57.939 Of the resurrection. 00:18:59.099 --> 00:19:00.000 The one who. 00:19:00.379 --> 00:19:00.960 Raised Christ. 00:19:01.019 --> 00:19:01.559 From the dead. 00:19:03.079 --> 00:19:03.559 Religion. 00:19:03.859 --> 00:19:04.460 Is often. 00:19:04.619 --> 00:19:05.220 A powerless. 00:19:05.700 --> 00:19:06.179 Experience. 00:19:07.119 --> 00:19:07.619 If. 00:19:07.679 --> 00:19:08.139 If you've been. 00:19:08.259 --> 00:19:09.000 Steeped in religion. 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:09.919 You will know. 00:19:10.200 --> 00:19:10.500 Is a. 00:19:10.619 --> 00:19:11.019 Is a. 00:19:11.700 --> 00:19:12.179 Powerless. 00:19:12.819 --> 00:19:13.259 Frustrating. 00:19:14.099 --> 00:19:14.579 Experience. 00:19:14.740 --> 00:19:15.559 Because we've got. 00:19:15.559 --> 00:19:16.319 These magnificent. 00:19:16.679 --> 00:19:17.119 Commands. 00:19:17.799 --> 00:19:18.559 But we've got. 00:19:18.659 --> 00:19:19.079 No strength. 00:19:19.159 --> 00:19:19.639 To do them. 00:19:20.899 --> 00:19:21.579 With no energy. 00:19:21.700 --> 00:19:22.200 To do them. 00:19:23.379 --> 00:19:24.299 But in Christ. 00:19:25.099 --> 00:19:26.200 There is a power. 00:19:26.200 --> 00:19:26.919 To obey. 00:19:27.480 --> 00:19:27.960 A power. 00:19:28.099 --> 00:19:28.619 To grow. 00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:29.559 A power. 00:19:30.079 --> 00:19:30.679 To serve. 00:19:30.779 --> 00:19:31.480 And to serve. 00:19:31.779 --> 00:19:32.339 Effectively. 00:19:33.059 --> 00:19:34.099 That's what we have. 00:19:35.299 --> 00:19:35.559 Okay. 00:19:35.639 --> 00:19:36.200 Couple more. 00:19:37.059 --> 00:19:38.559 We become like Christ. 00:19:39.599 --> 00:19:39.720 Yeah. 00:19:39.759 --> 00:19:40.799 It says that we become like Christ. 00:19:40.859 --> 00:19:41.919 We become like him. 00:19:42.119 --> 00:19:42.720 In his death. 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:43.539 We become like him. 00:19:45.419 --> 00:19:45.679 That. 00:19:45.740 --> 00:19:46.679 That is your purpose. 00:19:46.679 --> 00:19:47.359 If you're a Christian. 00:19:47.720 --> 00:19:48.759 That's the main reason. 00:19:48.759 --> 00:19:49.599 Why you're here on earth. 00:19:50.720 --> 00:19:51.720 That is your purpose. 00:19:51.720 --> 00:19:52.559 That is your destiny. 00:19:52.940 --> 00:19:53.519 To become. 00:19:53.880 --> 00:19:54.380 Like him. 00:19:55.100 --> 00:19:56.380 And he will help you to do that. 00:19:57.480 --> 00:19:59.039 But that's why you're really here. 00:20:00.779 --> 00:20:02.680 If there are other things you may do in the meantime. 00:20:03.120 --> 00:20:04.299 But that's not the main reason. 00:20:05.360 --> 00:20:06.220 And then finally. 00:20:06.880 --> 00:20:07.640 He says. 00:20:08.500 --> 00:20:09.000 Verse 11. 00:20:09.140 --> 00:20:11.819 And so somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead. 00:20:11.819 --> 00:20:17.159 To actually be resurrected like Jesus. 00:20:18.179 --> 00:20:20.939 In the same way Christ died and was buried and rose again. 00:20:21.379 --> 00:20:22.559 So you believe. 00:20:22.939 --> 00:20:24.099 That if you have to die. 00:20:24.700 --> 00:20:26.179 You will be raised again by him. 00:20:26.439 --> 00:20:27.319 In a similar way. 00:20:29.899 --> 00:20:30.119 Okay. 00:20:30.200 --> 00:20:32.240 And he says the word is somehow. 00:20:33.759 --> 00:20:34.079 Well. 00:20:35.079 --> 00:20:36.119 King James Version. 00:20:36.460 --> 00:20:37.439 If any means. 00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:38.240 Yeah. 00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:40.700 He's effectively saying. 00:20:40.920 --> 00:20:43.220 I'm not sure how God will do this. 00:20:43.700 --> 00:20:43.880 But. 00:20:44.759 --> 00:20:45.920 God will do this. 00:20:48.160 --> 00:20:48.559 Because. 00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:51.220 Some of the resurrections. 00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:52.259 That need to take place. 00:20:52.299 --> 00:20:53.240 Are going to be quite interesting. 00:20:54.059 --> 00:20:54.759 For instance. 00:20:55.019 --> 00:20:56.080 What if you died at sea? 00:20:57.420 --> 00:20:58.180 Where's your body? 00:20:59.460 --> 00:21:00.480 What has happened to it? 00:21:01.360 --> 00:21:02.440 How can it be resurrected? 00:21:03.500 --> 00:21:04.700 Have the fish had some of it? 00:21:04.900 --> 00:21:05.340 I don't know. 00:21:06.079 --> 00:21:07.500 What about the apostle Paul himself? 00:21:08.099 --> 00:21:09.139 Where's his burial place? 00:21:10.419 --> 00:21:10.699 I mean. 00:21:10.859 --> 00:21:11.199 There are probably. 00:21:11.439 --> 00:21:12.379 Quite a few Italians. 00:21:12.500 --> 00:21:13.419 And quite a few visitors. 00:21:13.419 --> 00:21:14.159 Have trod on it. 00:21:15.240 --> 00:21:16.599 Probably trod over some of his body. 00:21:17.519 --> 00:21:18.939 Probably scraped off their foot. 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:19.579 And they've gone somewhere else. 00:21:19.779 --> 00:21:21.139 How's he going to resurrect all these people? 00:21:22.099 --> 00:21:22.500 Paul says. 00:21:22.539 --> 00:21:23.079 I don't know. 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:24.859 But I know he's going to. 00:21:25.859 --> 00:21:26.899 I know he's going to do it. 00:21:27.799 --> 00:21:28.539 Leave it to him. 00:21:29.119 --> 00:21:29.659 Don't worry. 00:21:30.859 --> 00:21:31.099 But. 00:21:32.959 --> 00:21:33.939 Do you believe. 00:21:34.099 --> 00:21:35.220 That you are going to be resurrected? 00:21:35.339 --> 00:21:37.699 Do you believe. 00:21:37.779 --> 00:21:39.000 That God is able to resurrect you? 00:21:41.119 --> 00:21:41.939 Do you believe. 00:21:42.059 --> 00:21:43.019 That you have a power. 00:21:43.279 --> 00:21:44.019 That will enable you. 00:21:44.119 --> 00:21:45.079 To serve effectively. 00:21:45.459 --> 00:21:46.439 And become more like Jesus? 00:21:47.819 --> 00:21:48.619 Do you believe. 00:21:48.699 --> 00:21:49.399 That your destiny. 00:21:49.659 --> 00:21:50.619 Is not simply to. 00:21:51.359 --> 00:21:52.759 Accumulate more and more possessions. 00:21:53.139 --> 00:21:53.899 But actually. 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:56.039 To become more like Jesus. 00:21:57.579 --> 00:21:58.439 Do you believe. 00:21:58.559 --> 00:21:59.240 That you can. 00:21:59.419 --> 00:21:59.959 You can. 00:22:00.119 --> 00:22:01.079 Have a relationship. 00:22:01.079 --> 00:22:01.980 With Jesus. 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:06.160 That's what we've been called to believe. 00:22:06.160 --> 00:22:06.880 This evening. 00:22:09.559 --> 00:22:10.740 And that's the good news. 00:22:11.039 --> 00:22:11.200 So. 00:22:11.860 --> 00:22:13.360 That's what it means to be right with God. 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:14.220 So what do we do? 00:22:15.339 --> 00:22:16.079 Let's look at this. 00:22:16.140 --> 00:22:16.360 Verse. 00:22:16.359 --> 00:22:16.959 Verse. 00:22:16.959 --> 00:22:17.679 12 to 14. 00:22:18.619 --> 00:22:19.599 12 to 14. 00:22:20.179 --> 00:22:21.379 And we'll finish with this. 00:22:21.879 --> 00:22:22.159 It says. 00:22:22.219 --> 00:22:22.759 Verse 12. 00:22:23.139 --> 00:22:25.179 Not that I have already obtained all this. 00:22:25.859 --> 00:22:27.419 Or have already been made perfect. 00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:30.179 But I press on to take hold of that. 00:22:30.339 --> 00:22:32.339 Which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 00:22:32.339 --> 00:22:33.939 Brothers. 00:22:34.019 --> 00:22:35.259 I do not consider myself. 00:22:35.259 --> 00:22:36.939 Yet to have taken hold of it. 00:22:37.679 --> 00:22:38.939 But one thing I do. 00:22:39.799 --> 00:22:41.019 Forgetting what is behind. 00:22:41.659 --> 00:22:43.480 And straining towards what is ahead. 00:22:44.019 --> 00:22:45.679 I press on towards the goal. 00:22:46.319 --> 00:22:47.539 To win the prize. 00:22:48.099 --> 00:22:50.459 For which God has called me heavenward. 00:22:50.879 --> 00:22:52.419 In Christ Jesus. 00:22:55.599 --> 00:22:58.019 So what do we do with all this righteousness teaching? 00:22:58.679 --> 00:22:59.240 Well number one. 00:22:59.339 --> 00:23:00.319 We ask him for righteousness. 00:23:00.319 --> 00:23:02.240 But when he's given us the righteousness. 00:23:02.460 --> 00:23:03.000 What do we do? 00:23:03.519 --> 00:23:04.980 We start running. 00:23:05.839 --> 00:23:06.099 Okay. 00:23:06.439 --> 00:23:09.059 We run the spiritual race. 00:23:09.799 --> 00:23:11.659 And this is less Olympic games. 00:23:12.480 --> 00:23:12.740 Okay. 00:23:13.139 --> 00:23:13.919 So don't think. 00:23:15.399 --> 00:23:16.519 Fraser Price. 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:18.000 Don't think Usain Bolt. 00:23:18.439 --> 00:23:19.259 Forget all that stuff. 00:23:19.619 --> 00:23:20.759 Think park run. 00:23:21.960 --> 00:23:22.220 Okay. 00:23:22.319 --> 00:23:24.000 The London phenomenon of park run. 00:23:24.599 --> 00:23:25.819 Whereby everybody. 00:23:26.539 --> 00:23:28.339 On a Saturday morning. 00:23:28.339 --> 00:23:30.079 Whether you're young. 00:23:30.220 --> 00:23:30.639 Old. 00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:31.019 Rich. 00:23:31.179 --> 00:23:31.519 Poor. 00:23:31.720 --> 00:23:32.000 Big. 00:23:32.119 --> 00:23:32.559 Small. 00:23:33.159 --> 00:23:33.480 Far. 00:23:33.579 --> 00:23:33.919 Slow. 00:23:34.319 --> 00:23:35.980 Everybody sort of running around. 00:23:36.099 --> 00:23:37.639 Doing their little two miles together. 00:23:37.959 --> 00:23:39.059 That's the way to look on it. 00:23:39.259 --> 00:23:40.279 That's what it looks like. 00:23:40.899 --> 00:23:41.720 We're going to run. 00:23:41.859 --> 00:23:43.240 But it's a bit of a park run. 00:23:43.779 --> 00:23:44.519 Super fit. 00:23:44.740 --> 00:23:45.339 The fun runner. 00:23:45.599 --> 00:23:46.339 The older people. 00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:47.220 The young kids. 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:48.099 Everybody. 00:23:49.459 --> 00:23:49.599 Yeah. 00:23:49.599 --> 00:23:51.779 And maturity is measured. 00:23:51.779 --> 00:23:52.299 I think. 00:23:52.859 --> 00:23:54.000 In the Christian walk. 00:23:54.359 --> 00:23:55.339 With your ability. 00:23:55.779 --> 00:23:57.059 To relate to the fellow runners. 00:23:58.159 --> 00:23:58.539 Okay. 00:23:58.679 --> 00:24:00.599 Your ability to relate to the fellow runners. 00:24:00.839 --> 00:24:02.240 If you're just sort of like. 00:24:02.619 --> 00:24:02.859 Oh. 00:24:03.159 --> 00:24:03.719 I'm Mr. 00:24:03.859 --> 00:24:04.759 I'm Mr. Athletic. 00:24:05.240 --> 00:24:06.519 As the gun goes off. 00:24:06.559 --> 00:24:07.619 Here I go around the track. 00:24:07.679 --> 00:24:08.719 I'm running around on my own. 00:24:08.799 --> 00:24:09.699 I'm looking at those people. 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:10.439 I look at them. 00:24:10.500 --> 00:24:11.299 They need to get fitter. 00:24:11.639 --> 00:24:12.599 They're out of puff. 00:24:12.879 --> 00:24:13.039 No. 00:24:13.079 --> 00:24:14.099 That's not the way it works. 00:24:14.919 --> 00:24:15.139 Yes. 00:24:15.199 --> 00:24:15.719 You run. 00:24:15.939 --> 00:24:17.299 But then you encourage others. 00:24:17.419 --> 00:24:17.980 As they're running. 00:24:18.799 --> 00:24:19.899 And that's not the Olympic Games. 00:24:19.919 --> 00:24:20.219 Is it? 00:24:21.439 --> 00:24:21.759 Yeah. 00:24:21.839 --> 00:24:22.899 You don't see Mo Farah. 00:24:23.039 --> 00:24:24.099 As he's running around the track. 00:24:24.199 --> 00:24:24.319 Say. 00:24:24.579 --> 00:24:25.240 Speaking to someone. 00:24:25.339 --> 00:24:25.480 I'll say. 00:24:25.599 --> 00:24:26.259 How you doing mate? 00:24:26.319 --> 00:24:26.459 Oh. 00:24:26.459 --> 00:24:26.759 Come on. 00:24:26.779 --> 00:24:27.019 Come on. 00:24:27.039 --> 00:24:27.279 Come on. 00:24:27.339 --> 00:24:27.659 No. 00:24:27.819 --> 00:24:27.939 No. 00:24:27.939 --> 00:24:27.980 No. 00:24:27.980 --> 00:24:28.819 I'll leave you straight there. 00:24:28.919 --> 00:24:29.480 I need to run. 00:24:29.559 --> 00:24:30.519 I need to win the gold. 00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:31.959 No. 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:32.079 No. 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:32.219 No. 00:24:32.740 --> 00:24:33.519 With this run. 00:24:34.059 --> 00:24:36.119 You're running with others. 00:24:36.899 --> 00:24:37.139 Okay. 00:24:37.519 --> 00:24:38.679 And you have to encourage. 00:24:38.799 --> 00:24:39.559 God will call on you. 00:24:39.859 --> 00:24:41.839 To encourage other people. 00:24:42.619 --> 00:24:43.319 Verse 12. 00:24:43.319 --> 00:24:45.319 You're not waiting for perfect conditions. 00:24:46.359 --> 00:24:46.599 This is. 00:24:46.759 --> 00:24:46.919 So. 00:24:47.279 --> 00:24:48.119 It's not a sort of. 00:24:48.799 --> 00:24:49.919 Until I get fit. 00:24:49.980 --> 00:24:51.000 Then I cannot start running. 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:51.839 No. 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:53.159 You need to run the race. 00:24:54.339 --> 00:24:55.599 The father will sort it out. 00:24:55.960 --> 00:24:56.659 Verse 13. 00:24:57.039 --> 00:24:58.240 Forget what is behind. 00:24:59.679 --> 00:25:00.159 Stop. 00:25:01.079 --> 00:25:02.480 Focusing on the past. 00:25:02.960 --> 00:25:04.419 Stop getting bogged down. 00:25:04.419 --> 00:25:05.619 In your past. 00:25:06.519 --> 00:25:07.519 Rehearsing failures. 00:25:07.519 --> 00:25:08.759 That you've made in your life. 00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:09.439 Again. 00:25:09.659 --> 00:25:10.059 And again. 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:10.639 And again. 00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:11.939 Confess it. 00:25:12.259 --> 00:25:13.000 Repent of it. 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:14.359 Perhaps apologize for it. 00:25:14.680 --> 00:25:15.539 And move on. 00:25:15.900 --> 00:25:16.599 Move forward. 00:25:16.839 --> 00:25:18.099 There's a race to be run. 00:25:18.460 --> 00:25:19.660 Run the race. 00:25:23.740 --> 00:25:24.779 Let's run the race. 00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:28.500 Verse 14. 00:25:28.640 --> 00:25:29.859 I press on toward the goal. 00:25:30.900 --> 00:25:32.019 To win the prize. 00:25:32.539 --> 00:25:34.380 For which God has called me heavenward. 00:25:34.880 --> 00:25:36.440 In Christ Jesus. 00:25:36.440 --> 00:25:42.200 The US civil rights. 00:25:42.200 --> 00:25:42.220 The US civil rights. 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:43.240 1960s. 00:25:43.279 --> 00:25:44.279 1970s. 00:25:45.000 --> 00:25:46.360 Had this phrase. 00:25:47.360 --> 00:25:48.240 Keep your eyes. 00:25:48.620 --> 00:25:49.220 On the prize. 00:25:50.600 --> 00:25:50.820 Okay. 00:25:51.180 --> 00:25:52.200 Keep your eyes. 00:25:52.340 --> 00:25:53.259 On the prize. 00:25:53.960 --> 00:25:55.440 They took it from Philippians 3. 00:25:55.620 --> 00:25:55.940 Didn't they? 00:25:56.920 --> 00:25:58.059 Keep your eyes. 00:25:58.180 --> 00:25:58.620 On the prize. 00:25:59.000 --> 00:25:59.779 Their prize. 00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:01.460 Equality of treatment. 00:26:01.460 --> 00:26:02.279 In their country. 00:26:02.279 --> 00:26:03.639 Our prize. 00:26:04.259 --> 00:26:05.420 God himself. 00:26:06.379 --> 00:26:06.519 Yeah. 00:26:06.660 --> 00:26:08.180 It's not just eternal life. 00:26:08.700 --> 00:26:10.000 It's eternal life. 00:26:10.440 --> 00:26:11.059 With the father. 00:26:11.379 --> 00:26:11.899 And the son. 00:26:12.420 --> 00:26:12.940 And the spirit. 00:26:13.339 --> 00:26:14.139 That's what we're about. 00:26:15.359 --> 00:26:15.539 Yeah. 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:18.579 And if you enjoy. 00:26:19.819 --> 00:26:21.720 Any union with Christ. 00:26:21.839 --> 00:26:22.700 In this world. 00:26:24.119 --> 00:26:25.639 Multiply it by thousands. 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:28.059 Because that is going to be. 00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:29.119 Our experience. 00:26:29.700 --> 00:26:30.180 In glory. 00:26:30.700 --> 00:26:31.720 Is going to be magnificent. 00:26:33.220 --> 00:26:33.319 Yeah. 00:26:33.659 --> 00:26:33.899 So. 00:26:34.180 --> 00:26:35.039 Let's summarize this. 00:26:36.379 --> 00:26:37.559 How do you get right with God? 00:26:38.680 --> 00:26:39.000 Okay. 00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:40.139 I'm going to give you. 00:26:40.740 --> 00:26:41.339 Questions after. 00:26:41.680 --> 00:26:41.799 No. 00:26:41.859 --> 00:26:42.099 I'm joking. 00:26:42.659 --> 00:26:42.819 No. 00:26:42.960 --> 00:26:43.740 How do you get right with God? 00:26:44.099 --> 00:26:45.059 Realize that you're not. 00:26:45.539 --> 00:26:46.099 That's number one. 00:26:46.220 --> 00:26:46.980 Realize you're not. 00:26:48.799 --> 00:26:50.079 Or you might not be. 00:26:50.399 --> 00:26:51.099 Right with God. 00:26:52.180 --> 00:26:52.680 And then. 00:26:52.920 --> 00:26:53.399 Being right. 00:26:53.619 --> 00:26:55.299 You've got to dump the religious past. 00:26:56.759 --> 00:26:58.859 You've got to dump all your sort of. 00:26:59.619 --> 00:27:00.019 Family. 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:01.220 Spiritual heritage. 00:27:01.420 --> 00:27:02.379 Push that to one side. 00:27:02.740 --> 00:27:03.559 And pursue him. 00:27:03.839 --> 00:27:05.119 And ask him for righteousness. 00:27:06.339 --> 00:27:07.579 Ask him for the righteousness. 00:27:08.379 --> 00:27:08.980 That you need. 00:27:10.059 --> 00:27:10.779 And as you ask. 00:27:10.879 --> 00:27:11.460 He will give you. 00:27:12.659 --> 00:27:12.899 Okay. 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:14.379 What have you got? 00:27:14.720 --> 00:27:15.339 As a result. 00:27:15.339 --> 00:27:16.379 Verses 10 to 11. 00:27:16.619 --> 00:27:17.579 What should you do? 00:27:17.899 --> 00:27:18.740 You need to run. 00:27:19.539 --> 00:27:20.359 We need to run. 00:27:21.000 --> 00:27:21.779 And if we've stopped. 00:27:22.539 --> 00:27:24.059 Or if our trainers have got a hole in it. 00:27:24.579 --> 00:27:25.720 Then go put on another pair. 00:27:26.259 --> 00:27:26.879 And let's get going. 00:27:28.139 --> 00:27:29.179 In his strength. 00:27:29.359 --> 00:27:29.599 Okay. 00:27:29.899 --> 00:27:31.559 Because I left that one last idea. 00:27:32.279 --> 00:27:33.519 So if you come to chapter one. 00:27:34.799 --> 00:27:35.159 And. 00:27:36.980 --> 00:27:37.819 Verse two. 00:27:37.819 --> 00:27:39.879 It says there. 00:27:39.879 --> 00:27:40.819 Grace and peace. 00:27:40.819 --> 00:27:42.700 Grace and peace. 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:44.879 To you from God our father. 00:27:45.539 --> 00:27:46.639 And the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:27:47.500 --> 00:27:49.379 And then if you go to chapter four. 00:27:50.659 --> 00:27:51.879 Verse 23. 00:27:53.059 --> 00:27:53.619 It says. 00:27:53.980 --> 00:27:56.099 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:27:56.639 --> 00:27:57.919 Be with your spirit. 00:27:58.819 --> 00:27:59.099 Amen. 00:27:59.099 --> 00:28:00.919 So. 00:28:01.419 --> 00:28:02.799 We were doing a bible study. 00:28:03.019 --> 00:28:03.699 At a church. 00:28:04.939 --> 00:28:05.339 And. 00:28:05.559 --> 00:28:06.399 In the middle of it. 00:28:07.299 --> 00:28:08.519 One of the ladies. 00:28:08.859 --> 00:28:09.119 Sharon. 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:10.599 She said. 00:28:11.079 --> 00:28:12.179 This is interesting. 00:28:12.559 --> 00:28:12.839 You know. 00:28:13.599 --> 00:28:14.039 Because. 00:28:14.919 --> 00:28:15.639 At the start. 00:28:16.599 --> 00:28:17.179 Of the letter. 00:28:18.319 --> 00:28:19.359 It speaks about grace. 00:28:20.519 --> 00:28:21.519 And at the end. 00:28:22.139 --> 00:28:22.740 Of the letter. 00:28:23.639 --> 00:28:24.699 It speaks about grace. 00:28:25.679 --> 00:28:26.699 Isn't that interesting? 00:28:27.919 --> 00:28:28.659 And I thought. 00:28:29.439 --> 00:28:29.779 Yeah. 00:28:30.299 --> 00:28:31.019 It is interesting. 00:28:31.679 --> 00:28:32.379 So I looked. 00:28:32.379 --> 00:28:34.039 At all the letters of Paul. 00:28:35.179 --> 00:28:36.619 And almost all of them. 00:28:37.899 --> 00:28:39.179 Have grace. 00:28:39.619 --> 00:28:40.240 At the beginning. 00:28:41.079 --> 00:28:41.819 And at the end. 00:28:42.839 --> 00:28:43.599 Do you think. 00:28:43.699 --> 00:28:44.759 There is a significance in that? 00:28:46.079 --> 00:28:46.480 See. 00:28:46.539 --> 00:28:47.740 I have told you to run the race. 00:28:47.819 --> 00:28:49.220 We have been told to run the race. 00:28:52.119 --> 00:28:53.359 I will give you the grace. 00:28:53.459 --> 00:28:53.879 To do it. 00:28:55.099 --> 00:28:55.899 Come to me. 00:28:56.139 --> 00:28:57.039 I will give you the grace. 00:28:57.139 --> 00:28:57.539 To do it. 00:28:57.799 --> 00:28:58.779 I will give you the strength. 00:28:58.859 --> 00:28:59.259 To do it. 00:28:59.559 --> 00:29:00.339 Even that. 00:29:00.500 --> 00:29:01.199 Will be supplied. 00:29:02.139 --> 00:29:02.879 How great. 00:29:03.459 --> 00:29:04.439 Our God and father. 00:29:04.959 --> 00:29:05.240 Is. 00:29:06.000 --> 00:29:06.959 To him be the glory. 00:29:08.119 --> 00:29:09.319 For all he has done. 00:29:09.919 --> 00:29:10.279 Amen. 00:29:10.779 --> 00:29:11.099 Amen.