WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.339 If you ever watched a hard-fought athletic contest 00:00:03.339 --> 00:00:07.100 where the players just went all out, 00:00:08.099 --> 00:00:11.099 did all they could, put forth their best efforts, 00:00:11.919 --> 00:00:15.140 and after the game, one of them said, 00:00:15.759 --> 00:00:18.140 we left it all on the field, 00:00:18.440 --> 00:00:20.820 or we left it all on the court. 00:00:22.039 --> 00:00:23.839 That was their way of describing 00:00:23.839 --> 00:00:26.260 how they held nothing back. 00:00:26.260 --> 00:00:32.480 They gave everything they had to win the game. 00:00:33.280 --> 00:00:35.640 They gave it their best effort. 00:00:36.939 --> 00:00:42.640 Well, that is how the Apostle Paul lived his life 00:00:42.640 --> 00:00:49.600 and in different words summed it up as he approached death. 00:00:50.680 --> 00:00:53.240 Paul basically said, we're going to read the passage, 00:00:53.240 --> 00:00:58.820 but he basically said, I left it all on the field of life. 00:00:59.500 --> 00:01:04.700 I put forth my very best effort to be faithful to God 00:01:04.700 --> 00:01:08.980 and fulfill his purpose for my life. 00:01:09.579 --> 00:01:11.960 Look at how he actually said it 00:01:11.960 --> 00:01:16.719 in 2 Timothy chapter 4, verses 6 through 8. 00:01:16.719 --> 00:01:21.400 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, 00:01:22.039 --> 00:01:24.640 and the time of my departure has come. 00:01:25.140 --> 00:01:27.180 I have fought the good fight. 00:01:27.680 --> 00:01:29.560 I have finished the race. 00:01:30.079 --> 00:01:31.959 I have kept the faith. 00:01:32.700 --> 00:01:36.120 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, 00:01:36.780 --> 00:01:39.500 which the Lord, the righteous judge, 00:01:39.859 --> 00:01:42.200 will award to me on that day, 00:01:42.200 --> 00:01:48.480 and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing. 00:01:50.320 --> 00:01:52.859 New Testament scholars spend a lot of time 00:01:52.859 --> 00:01:56.900 doing things like reading Paul's letters, 00:01:58.100 --> 00:02:00.960 reading what Luke says about him in the book of Acts, 00:02:01.600 --> 00:02:05.400 and trying to figure out a timeline of his life. 00:02:05.400 --> 00:02:11.620 And most of them really believe that Paul wrote 2 Timothy, 00:02:11.740 --> 00:02:15.540 this second letter to Timothy, his son in the ministry, 00:02:16.860 --> 00:02:18.340 that this was his last letter, 00:02:19.200 --> 00:02:25.900 and that he was waiting in a Roman prison cell to be executed. 00:02:26.960 --> 00:02:29.659 Now some of you are familiar with the life of Paul 00:02:29.659 --> 00:02:36.500 and how he at one point was under house arrest in Rome. 00:02:37.460 --> 00:02:39.539 The book of Acts ends with him. 00:02:39.759 --> 00:02:41.419 He's under house arrest in Rome. 00:02:41.699 --> 00:02:44.840 He's chained to a Roman soldier at all times, 00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:46.359 but he has a lot of freedom, 00:02:46.759 --> 00:02:49.900 and friends and other people can come and talk with him. 00:02:50.060 --> 00:02:51.199 He got to teach. 00:02:52.280 --> 00:02:53.960 And it was during that imprisonment, 00:02:54.019 --> 00:02:54.780 with all that freedom, 00:02:54.780 --> 00:02:58.400 that he wrote the New Testament letters of Ephesians, 00:02:58.560 --> 00:03:01.240 Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon. 00:03:02.520 --> 00:03:04.020 Now this is not in the Bible, 00:03:04.240 --> 00:03:09.840 but tradition says that Paul was released 00:03:09.840 --> 00:03:12.879 after he appealed to Caesar that day, 00:03:13.000 --> 00:03:14.979 or at that first imprisonment, 00:03:15.360 --> 00:03:17.400 and that he did go to Spain. 00:03:17.699 --> 00:03:20.280 He's talked about that at the end of his letter to the Romans. 00:03:20.539 --> 00:03:22.240 He wanted to go to Spain and preach. 00:03:22.240 --> 00:03:26.300 He wanted to take the gospel to the western part of the Roman world 00:03:26.300 --> 00:03:28.600 because he'd always been working in the eastern part. 00:03:29.800 --> 00:03:31.920 Well, tradition tells us that he went to Spain 00:03:31.920 --> 00:03:32.800 and he came back, 00:03:32.860 --> 00:03:34.300 and in Rome this time, 00:03:35.500 --> 00:03:37.100 under a time of great persecution, 00:03:37.760 --> 00:03:40.200 he was put in a real prison, 00:03:41.000 --> 00:03:42.340 dungeon-lock prison. 00:03:43.500 --> 00:03:45.360 And it's from this prison 00:03:45.360 --> 00:03:48.740 that he dictated his last letter, 00:03:49.600 --> 00:03:50.820 his letter to Timothy, 00:03:50.819 --> 00:03:53.180 and he made this statement. 00:03:54.379 --> 00:03:59.840 It sounds like a final summary of his life, doesn't it? 00:04:00.439 --> 00:04:02.900 He knows it's coming to an end. 00:04:03.259 --> 00:04:05.439 I want you to note in that first verse six, 00:04:06.419 --> 00:04:08.019 he describes his approaching death 00:04:08.019 --> 00:04:11.620 as something that has already begun. 00:04:11.719 --> 00:04:12.079 Look at it. 00:04:12.120 --> 00:04:15.060 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering. 00:04:15.060 --> 00:04:19.439 Paul's really talking about how he has poured out his life. 00:04:19.980 --> 00:04:23.060 His energy, like wine, 00:04:23.160 --> 00:04:26.060 was poured out in certain Old Testament ceremonies. 00:04:28.139 --> 00:04:29.420 In some of those ceremonies, 00:04:29.840 --> 00:04:31.879 when the wine was poured out, 00:04:32.879 --> 00:04:35.759 the entire container was emptied. 00:04:36.939 --> 00:04:37.879 Nothing was left. 00:04:37.879 --> 00:04:39.959 That's how Paul's thinking. 00:04:40.620 --> 00:04:44.240 He's thinking about how his life has been poured out 00:04:44.240 --> 00:04:48.560 in service to God and to thousands of people. 00:04:49.219 --> 00:04:51.159 And it's about to be emptied. 00:04:52.019 --> 00:04:53.259 He's going to die. 00:04:54.379 --> 00:04:55.920 That's his way of saying, 00:04:56.439 --> 00:04:58.620 he left nothing on the field. 00:04:58.620 --> 00:05:03.100 He put forth his very best effort 00:05:03.100 --> 00:05:07.139 to serve God and fulfill the mission that God gave him. 00:05:08.319 --> 00:05:09.500 Two weeks ago, 00:05:10.379 --> 00:05:12.600 Alan McQuiet was here and he preached a message 00:05:12.600 --> 00:05:15.620 that challenged us to be totally committed. 00:05:17.280 --> 00:05:19.639 He gave some examples of men and women 00:05:19.639 --> 00:05:21.939 who just sold out to the Lord, 00:05:22.819 --> 00:05:24.000 poured out their lives, 00:05:24.160 --> 00:05:25.600 spent their life. 00:05:25.600 --> 00:05:28.100 And the challenge to us was, 00:05:28.780 --> 00:05:30.280 we need to be totally committed. 00:05:30.660 --> 00:05:32.000 We don't have to be missionaries. 00:05:32.240 --> 00:05:33.740 We don't have to leave pickings. 00:05:34.300 --> 00:05:35.860 We don't have to change jobs. 00:05:36.700 --> 00:05:38.800 But total commitment is what God calls all of us to. 00:05:39.580 --> 00:05:42.600 Last week, I followed up that message with this. 00:05:43.000 --> 00:05:44.480 Don't waste your life. 00:05:45.720 --> 00:05:48.300 Don't just fritter away life. 00:05:48.840 --> 00:05:51.060 Just go in with the flow. 00:05:52.260 --> 00:05:54.379 Just whatever happens, happens. 00:05:55.600 --> 00:05:58.560 Today, I want to challenge everyone, 00:05:59.939 --> 00:06:01.080 beginning with me, 00:06:01.980 --> 00:06:04.080 to live our lives in such a way 00:06:04.080 --> 00:06:06.280 that when we face death, 00:06:07.280 --> 00:06:08.980 we can truthfully say, 00:06:09.980 --> 00:06:13.420 I left it all on the field of life. 00:06:14.280 --> 00:06:17.040 I held nothing back when it came to putting forth 00:06:17.040 --> 00:06:19.980 my best effort to serve the Lord, 00:06:19.980 --> 00:06:22.620 to develop Christian character, 00:06:23.319 --> 00:06:26.720 to truly live the life that God called me to live. 00:06:27.520 --> 00:06:28.720 By God's grace, 00:06:28.759 --> 00:06:30.000 we need to be able to say, 00:06:31.000 --> 00:06:32.020 when all is said and done, 00:06:33.300 --> 00:06:35.439 I put forth my best effort 00:06:35.439 --> 00:06:37.600 to honor the Lord 00:06:37.600 --> 00:06:39.620 and do His will. 00:06:41.200 --> 00:06:42.439 I want us to look at this passage 00:06:42.439 --> 00:06:43.319 you see on the screen 00:06:43.319 --> 00:06:46.240 and look at that as an example 00:06:46.240 --> 00:06:48.060 of what it takes to be able to say that. 00:06:48.279 --> 00:06:49.040 Look first. 00:06:49.480 --> 00:06:50.839 Giving our best to the Lord 00:06:50.839 --> 00:06:52.599 requires discipline. 00:06:53.420 --> 00:06:54.079 Discipline is a word 00:06:54.079 --> 00:06:55.300 that a lot of people don't like. 00:06:56.379 --> 00:06:57.000 Discipline is a word 00:06:57.000 --> 00:06:58.339 that a lot of people avoid. 00:06:59.480 --> 00:07:00.500 But I want you to look at how Paul 00:07:00.500 --> 00:07:02.279 described his life in service to God 00:07:02.279 --> 00:07:02.879 in verse 7. 00:07:03.139 --> 00:07:05.259 I have fought the good fight. 00:07:06.060 --> 00:07:08.259 Note two things about Paul's service. 00:07:08.259 --> 00:07:11.480 The value he placed on it. 00:07:11.939 --> 00:07:14.439 He said it was the good fight. 00:07:14.539 --> 00:07:16.519 The word good could be translated excellent 00:07:16.519 --> 00:07:19.560 or even noble. 00:07:21.560 --> 00:07:23.819 Paul considered his service to God 00:07:23.819 --> 00:07:26.959 to be something of great value. 00:07:27.199 --> 00:07:29.439 He considered giving his life 00:07:29.439 --> 00:07:32.159 and doing God's will 00:07:32.159 --> 00:07:37.139 to be a great, noble cause. 00:07:37.139 --> 00:07:39.759 He didn't think he was wasting his life. 00:07:40.860 --> 00:07:42.759 Paul spent a lot of time 00:07:42.759 --> 00:07:45.759 being opposed, being mistreated. 00:07:46.680 --> 00:07:50.459 He spent several years in prison. 00:07:53.399 --> 00:07:56.019 Paul lived the kind of life 00:07:56.019 --> 00:07:57.800 that no one would choose. 00:07:58.219 --> 00:07:59.899 No one in their right mind 00:07:59.899 --> 00:08:02.399 would want to live the kind of life 00:08:02.399 --> 00:08:05.879 and be subject to all the mistreatment 00:08:05.879 --> 00:08:08.939 that he endured. 00:08:08.939 --> 00:08:12.800 But he considered that his calling. 00:08:13.620 --> 00:08:14.860 That was just the price 00:08:14.860 --> 00:08:17.060 that it took for him to be faithful. 00:08:18.219 --> 00:08:20.060 He didn't think he was wasting his life. 00:08:20.819 --> 00:08:22.659 It was something of value. 00:08:23.379 --> 00:08:24.579 It was good. 00:08:25.500 --> 00:08:27.019 It was a noble pursuit. 00:08:28.120 --> 00:08:29.079 Now look at the next thing. 00:08:29.560 --> 00:08:30.540 The effort he put forth. 00:08:30.639 --> 00:08:31.579 He says he fought. 00:08:31.860 --> 00:08:32.360 I fought. 00:08:32.360 --> 00:08:35.120 This refers to great effort, 00:08:35.720 --> 00:08:37.399 a struggle, a fight. 00:08:38.659 --> 00:08:39.840 Living a faithful Christian life 00:08:39.840 --> 00:08:40.620 is not easy. 00:08:41.580 --> 00:08:42.659 I want you to understand that. 00:08:43.279 --> 00:08:44.659 If anybody ever tells you 00:08:44.659 --> 00:08:47.180 just give your life to the Lord, 00:08:47.300 --> 00:08:48.399 put your trust in Jesus, 00:08:48.840 --> 00:08:49.860 and all will be well, 00:08:50.360 --> 00:08:51.360 either they're just misinformed 00:08:52.019 --> 00:08:53.100 or they're lying to you. 00:08:54.700 --> 00:08:56.000 Nowhere in Scripture 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:57.700 do you find it said 00:08:57.700 --> 00:08:59.360 that living the life 00:08:59.360 --> 00:09:01.759 that would please God 00:09:01.759 --> 00:09:03.259 will be simple, 00:09:03.379 --> 00:09:04.140 will be easy. 00:09:04.660 --> 00:09:05.420 It's a fight. 00:09:05.740 --> 00:09:06.720 It is a struggle. 00:09:07.980 --> 00:09:10.360 It's a struggle spiritually at times. 00:09:10.980 --> 00:09:13.400 It's a struggle emotionally at times. 00:09:14.259 --> 00:09:16.340 It is a struggle physically sometimes. 00:09:17.120 --> 00:09:18.360 That's why Paul liked to use, 00:09:18.520 --> 00:09:19.240 and other writers, 00:09:19.300 --> 00:09:20.320 like the writers of the Hebrews, 00:09:21.120 --> 00:09:25.020 they like to use images of athletes. 00:09:25.019 --> 00:09:27.879 Paul liked to talk about runners. 00:09:28.220 --> 00:09:29.579 The writer of the Hebrews did. 00:09:30.220 --> 00:09:32.199 Paul, at the end of chapter 9 of Romans, 00:09:32.299 --> 00:09:33.980 talks about boxers even, 00:09:34.980 --> 00:09:35.759 wrestlers, 00:09:36.480 --> 00:09:39.980 everyone in Paul's day and in ours. 00:09:40.939 --> 00:09:43.019 We understand that Olympic-type athletes 00:09:43.620 --> 00:09:46.899 make all kinds of sacrifices 00:09:46.899 --> 00:09:50.120 to make the Olympic team, 00:09:50.600 --> 00:09:52.059 to go to the games, 00:09:52.679 --> 00:09:54.159 to run for the medal, 00:09:54.159 --> 00:09:55.839 I mean, think about it. 00:09:56.159 --> 00:09:58.259 They train for hours every day, 00:09:58.379 --> 00:09:59.819 eat only healthy food, 00:09:59.980 --> 00:10:00.959 and avoid anything 00:10:00.959 --> 00:10:02.159 that would be a hindrance 00:10:02.159 --> 00:10:03.339 or distraction 00:10:03.339 --> 00:10:05.759 to their efforts, 00:10:06.019 --> 00:10:06.679 listen to this, 00:10:07.699 --> 00:10:08.500 to win a medal. 00:10:09.899 --> 00:10:11.159 But we know in our day, 00:10:12.120 --> 00:10:12.959 you win a medal, 00:10:13.679 --> 00:10:14.799 you win enough of them, 00:10:14.939 --> 00:10:15.759 you win fame, 00:10:15.919 --> 00:10:16.659 you win fortune, 00:10:16.819 --> 00:10:17.819 you win a lot. 00:10:19.519 --> 00:10:21.019 Well, Paul said what he said 00:10:21.019 --> 00:10:23.340 to encourage us, 00:10:24.019 --> 00:10:25.019 make sacrifices, 00:10:26.840 --> 00:10:28.960 whatever sacrifices are necessary, 00:10:29.960 --> 00:10:31.480 to be victorious 00:10:31.480 --> 00:10:34.500 in faithful Christian living. 00:10:35.299 --> 00:10:36.639 Now what I'm talking about here is 00:10:36.639 --> 00:10:40.939 we need to put forth the effort 00:10:40.939 --> 00:10:42.319 to discipline ourselves, 00:10:42.319 --> 00:10:43.860 to be faithful, 00:10:43.860 --> 00:10:47.620 to develop Christian character, 00:10:47.620 --> 00:10:50.220 to treat people the way 00:10:50.220 --> 00:10:51.039 that we should 00:10:51.039 --> 00:10:53.820 in our homes. 00:10:54.200 --> 00:10:55.560 And that's the hardest place 00:10:55.560 --> 00:10:56.080 to do it, 00:10:56.860 --> 00:11:00.440 to really love one another, 00:11:01.440 --> 00:11:03.740 demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit, 00:11:03.860 --> 00:11:05.600 love and joy and peace 00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:05.860 and patience 00:11:06.600 --> 00:11:08.240 and kindness, 00:11:09.680 --> 00:11:10.659 self-control. 00:11:10.659 --> 00:11:13.199 But also at work, 00:11:13.639 --> 00:11:14.719 do you discipline yourself, 00:11:14.939 --> 00:11:16.259 do you put forth the effort 00:11:16.259 --> 00:11:18.659 to really be 00:11:19.419 --> 00:11:21.519 the man or woman 00:11:21.519 --> 00:11:22.500 or young person of God 00:11:22.500 --> 00:11:23.759 that you profess to be? 00:11:23.919 --> 00:11:24.699 Now if you're here, 00:11:25.179 --> 00:11:26.139 you're a church member, 00:11:26.659 --> 00:11:27.740 you've professed faith, 00:11:27.959 --> 00:11:29.259 you claim to be a Christian, 00:11:29.519 --> 00:11:31.000 are you putting forth the effort 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:34.860 to actually live that way 00:11:34.860 --> 00:11:36.639 in front of the people 00:11:36.639 --> 00:11:39.039 that are in your home and family, 00:11:39.039 --> 00:11:40.919 that you actually work with, 00:11:41.039 --> 00:11:41.679 interact with, 00:11:41.759 --> 00:11:42.579 some of them you're around 00:11:42.579 --> 00:11:43.539 more than your family. 00:11:44.319 --> 00:11:45.039 Are you doing that 00:11:45.039 --> 00:11:46.120 with your classmates 00:11:46.120 --> 00:11:48.079 even though 00:11:48.079 --> 00:11:49.719 some of them are not Christians? 00:11:50.459 --> 00:11:52.699 Some of them may make fun of you, 00:11:53.599 --> 00:11:55.039 may leave you out. 00:11:56.419 --> 00:11:58.039 Are you putting forth the effort 00:11:58.039 --> 00:12:00.620 to be victorious 00:12:00.620 --> 00:12:02.339 in Christian service? 00:12:02.340 --> 00:12:04.519 I'm talking about 00:12:04.519 --> 00:12:07.960 actually using the gifts 00:12:07.960 --> 00:12:09.440 that God's given you 00:12:09.440 --> 00:12:11.560 in some aspect 00:12:11.560 --> 00:12:13.899 of the life of our church. 00:12:15.580 --> 00:12:15.840 You know, 00:12:15.879 --> 00:12:18.000 Paul challenged Timothy like this 00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:19.620 in his first letter to him. 00:12:20.300 --> 00:12:20.639 He said, 00:12:21.220 --> 00:12:21.740 train yourself, 00:12:22.280 --> 00:12:23.420 which can also be translated, 00:12:23.920 --> 00:12:24.920 discipline yourself 00:12:24.920 --> 00:12:26.379 to be godly. 00:12:26.379 --> 00:12:29.700 You've got to work at 00:12:29.700 --> 00:12:32.500 the Spirit of God's working in you, 00:12:32.559 --> 00:12:33.460 but you've got to cooperate. 00:12:33.679 --> 00:12:34.980 You've got to work at 00:12:34.980 --> 00:12:36.980 developing godly character. 00:12:37.120 --> 00:12:38.120 It's not going to just happen. 00:12:39.820 --> 00:12:40.840 Life is such 00:12:40.840 --> 00:12:42.279 that we're going to be ungodly. 00:12:42.820 --> 00:12:43.600 Life is such 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:45.039 that we're just going to be selfish. 00:12:46.080 --> 00:12:46.659 Some of us, 00:12:46.720 --> 00:12:47.439 by temperament, 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:48.320 are going to be mean. 00:12:49.139 --> 00:12:50.340 We're going to be sarcastic. 00:12:51.299 --> 00:12:53.340 We're not going to serve anyone. 00:12:53.340 --> 00:12:56.000 We're going to try 00:12:56.000 --> 00:12:57.660 to just be served ourselves. 00:12:58.860 --> 00:12:59.899 We've got to fight 00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:01.420 the good fight of faith. 00:13:01.480 --> 00:13:03.019 That's what he told him as well. 00:13:04.040 --> 00:13:04.240 Now, 00:13:04.300 --> 00:13:04.960 don't misunderstand 00:13:04.960 --> 00:13:06.720 any of this as teaching 00:13:06.720 --> 00:13:08.340 that salvation is something 00:13:08.340 --> 00:13:09.740 that we must work for. 00:13:09.899 --> 00:13:10.399 We can't. 00:13:10.780 --> 00:13:12.000 We don't deserve it. 00:13:12.139 --> 00:13:13.440 We cannot earn it. 00:13:14.720 --> 00:13:16.740 Salvation is truly a gift 00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:19.040 of God's grace 00:13:19.040 --> 00:13:21.500 that we can only receive 00:13:21.500 --> 00:13:23.080 by faith 00:13:23.080 --> 00:13:24.759 in Jesus Christ. 00:13:25.600 --> 00:13:26.900 Jesus did earn 00:13:26.900 --> 00:13:27.620 our salvation. 00:13:27.940 --> 00:13:29.060 Salvation is costly. 00:13:30.720 --> 00:13:32.620 Jesus gave his life 00:13:32.620 --> 00:13:35.320 when he died on the cross 00:13:35.320 --> 00:13:37.440 as our substitute 00:13:37.440 --> 00:13:39.920 to take the punishment 00:13:39.920 --> 00:13:41.020 that we really deserve, 00:13:41.139 --> 00:13:42.080 the wrath of God. 00:13:43.320 --> 00:13:44.700 He died on the cross 00:13:44.700 --> 00:13:45.900 to pay the penalty 00:13:45.900 --> 00:13:47.720 for your sins 00:13:47.720 --> 00:13:48.420 if you're a Christian. 00:13:50.420 --> 00:13:51.780 He lived a perfect, 00:13:52.040 --> 00:13:52.680 righteous life, 00:13:52.679 --> 00:13:54.159 fulfilled the law of God 00:13:54.159 --> 00:13:56.539 and God credits 00:13:56.539 --> 00:13:57.639 that to you 00:13:57.639 --> 00:14:00.819 if you are a true believer. 00:14:01.620 --> 00:14:04.000 So Jesus earned our salvation. 00:14:04.159 --> 00:14:04.659 We didn't. 00:14:05.199 --> 00:14:07.219 We receive it as a gift 00:14:07.219 --> 00:14:08.859 of God's grace. 00:14:09.699 --> 00:14:10.219 But then 00:14:10.219 --> 00:14:12.539 some people have the idea, 00:14:12.719 --> 00:14:13.059 well, yeah, 00:14:13.759 --> 00:14:14.799 you're saved 00:14:14.799 --> 00:14:16.579 by trusting in Jesus. 00:14:16.779 --> 00:14:17.719 But from that point on, 00:14:17.759 --> 00:14:18.519 you've got to work. 00:14:18.519 --> 00:14:20.019 Maybe some people think 00:14:20.019 --> 00:14:20.740 to keep it. 00:14:21.059 --> 00:14:22.079 Or you've got to work 00:14:22.079 --> 00:14:25.819 to develop as a Christian. 00:14:26.840 --> 00:14:28.019 Here's how we need to think. 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:31.240 God graciously works in our lives 00:14:31.240 --> 00:14:32.360 to save us 00:14:32.360 --> 00:14:35.000 and God graciously works in our lives 00:14:35.559 --> 00:14:37.919 to enable us 00:14:37.919 --> 00:14:41.039 to continue to trust in Jesus 00:14:41.039 --> 00:14:45.220 and to become more like Him. 00:14:45.220 --> 00:14:46.460 And here's how God does it 00:14:46.460 --> 00:14:47.660 by giving us 00:14:47.660 --> 00:14:49.480 those kind of desires 00:14:49.480 --> 00:14:52.259 and then enabling us 00:14:52.259 --> 00:14:54.100 to put forth the effort 00:14:54.100 --> 00:14:57.440 to discipline ourselves 00:14:57.440 --> 00:14:59.840 and develop godly character. 00:15:00.379 --> 00:15:02.399 The best statement of that 00:15:02.399 --> 00:15:02.940 in the Bible 00:15:02.940 --> 00:15:03.800 that I'm aware of, 00:15:04.019 --> 00:15:04.980 and I put it on the screen 00:15:04.980 --> 00:15:05.860 from time to time, 00:15:07.080 --> 00:15:08.540 and if I could find a way 00:15:08.540 --> 00:15:09.060 to put it up there 00:15:09.060 --> 00:15:09.500 every week, 00:15:09.519 --> 00:15:10.080 I would. 00:15:10.700 --> 00:15:11.740 This is vitally important. 00:15:11.820 --> 00:15:12.300 Look at this. 00:15:12.299 --> 00:15:14.699 Therefore, my beloved, 00:15:14.939 --> 00:15:16.240 as you have always obeyed, 00:15:16.299 --> 00:15:16.799 so now, 00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:18.679 not only in my presence, 00:15:19.099 --> 00:15:20.879 but much more in my absence, 00:15:21.359 --> 00:15:23.620 work out your own salvation. 00:15:24.019 --> 00:15:24.819 Develop it. 00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:27.559 Grow with fear and trembling, 00:15:28.779 --> 00:15:31.279 for it is God who works in you 00:15:31.279 --> 00:15:32.779 both to will, 00:15:32.859 --> 00:15:33.699 He gives you the will, 00:15:33.799 --> 00:15:34.359 the desire, 00:15:34.799 --> 00:15:36.839 and to work to do it, 00:15:37.019 --> 00:15:38.019 to discipline yourself 00:15:38.019 --> 00:15:40.279 for His good pleasure. 00:15:40.279 --> 00:15:42.059 God does that 00:15:42.059 --> 00:15:43.759 through His Holy Spirit 00:15:43.759 --> 00:15:46.059 who lives within us. 00:15:47.419 --> 00:15:47.639 Now, 00:15:48.360 --> 00:15:50.000 let's think about 00:15:50.000 --> 00:15:53.000 how we are 00:15:53.000 --> 00:15:54.860 doing these things. 00:15:56.159 --> 00:15:57.100 How would you describe 00:15:57.100 --> 00:15:57.819 your effort 00:15:57.819 --> 00:15:58.899 when it comes to living, 00:15:59.740 --> 00:16:00.299 I'm talking about 00:16:00.299 --> 00:16:01.919 really living like a Christian, 00:16:02.199 --> 00:16:03.819 every day 00:16:03.819 --> 00:16:05.980 from the time you get up 00:16:05.980 --> 00:16:06.559 in the morning 00:16:06.559 --> 00:16:08.939 until you go to bed at night. 00:16:08.940 --> 00:16:10.020 Now, 00:16:10.080 --> 00:16:10.900 none of us 00:16:10.900 --> 00:16:12.480 have arrived 00:16:12.480 --> 00:16:13.940 and just truly 00:16:13.940 --> 00:16:15.320 walk with the Lord 00:16:15.320 --> 00:16:16.460 from the time we get up 00:16:16.460 --> 00:16:17.120 until we go to bed. 00:16:17.920 --> 00:16:18.820 But let's think about 00:16:18.820 --> 00:16:19.620 some specifics. 00:16:21.000 --> 00:16:22.760 Are you training yourself 00:16:22.760 --> 00:16:24.720 to be godly 00:16:24.720 --> 00:16:27.120 by spending time 00:16:27.120 --> 00:16:27.640 with the Lord 00:16:27.640 --> 00:16:28.680 every day 00:16:28.680 --> 00:16:30.860 in His Word 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:32.600 and prayer? 00:16:34.600 --> 00:16:36.440 That takes discipline. 00:16:36.440 --> 00:16:39.240 our lives are busy. 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:42.100 Some of you 00:16:42.100 --> 00:16:44.860 get up at 5 or 5.30. 00:16:46.040 --> 00:16:47.040 You have to get up 00:16:47.040 --> 00:16:47.520 that early 00:16:47.520 --> 00:16:48.660 to get ready 00:16:48.660 --> 00:16:51.040 to eat breakfast, 00:16:51.400 --> 00:16:52.500 to be at work 00:16:52.500 --> 00:16:52.960 at the time 00:16:52.960 --> 00:16:53.720 you've got to be there. 00:16:54.080 --> 00:16:54.980 Some of you work 00:16:54.980 --> 00:16:56.560 long hours, 00:16:57.900 --> 00:16:59.840 8, 10, 12 hours a day. 00:17:00.220 --> 00:17:01.200 You come home, 00:17:01.400 --> 00:17:02.280 you are tired. 00:17:02.279 --> 00:17:04.440 You've got to rest. 00:17:04.639 --> 00:17:05.660 You've got to unwind 00:17:05.660 --> 00:17:06.339 before you can actually 00:17:06.339 --> 00:17:07.039 go to bed. 00:17:09.639 --> 00:17:11.519 It is vitally important 00:17:11.519 --> 00:17:14.519 that we find a way 00:17:14.519 --> 00:17:15.379 to spend time 00:17:15.379 --> 00:17:16.000 with the Lord 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:17.480 some kind of time 00:17:17.480 --> 00:17:20.480 in His Word 00:17:20.480 --> 00:17:22.740 listening to Him 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:24.559 and in prayer 00:17:24.559 --> 00:17:26.039 talking to Him 00:17:26.039 --> 00:17:28.359 as well as listening to Him. 00:17:28.359 --> 00:17:30.879 I want to encourage you. 00:17:33.319 --> 00:17:34.379 Discipline yourself. 00:17:34.839 --> 00:17:36.539 Find a way, 00:17:36.679 --> 00:17:37.379 a time, 00:17:37.599 --> 00:17:38.299 a place 00:17:38.299 --> 00:17:40.579 to spend time 00:17:40.579 --> 00:17:41.159 with the Lord 00:17:41.159 --> 00:17:43.919 because that is something 00:17:43.919 --> 00:17:46.219 that every single Christian 00:17:46.219 --> 00:17:48.439 must do 00:17:48.439 --> 00:17:49.799 and continue to do 00:17:49.799 --> 00:17:50.899 being with the Lord 00:17:50.899 --> 00:17:54.439 in order to stay close to Him, 00:17:54.439 --> 00:17:56.279 in order to learn 00:17:56.279 --> 00:17:57.459 how to please Him, 00:17:58.359 --> 00:17:59.539 in order to be able 00:17:59.539 --> 00:18:00.299 to overcome 00:18:00.299 --> 00:18:02.139 sinful habits 00:18:02.139 --> 00:18:03.139 in our lives. 00:18:04.059 --> 00:18:05.299 We need that. 00:18:05.639 --> 00:18:06.839 Are you training yourself 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:07.779 to be godly 00:18:07.779 --> 00:18:11.139 by spending time 00:18:11.139 --> 00:18:11.740 with the Lord 00:18:11.740 --> 00:18:13.259 in His Word 00:18:13.259 --> 00:18:14.799 and in prayer 00:18:14.799 --> 00:18:16.240 every day 00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:16.799 or at least 00:18:16.799 --> 00:18:18.559 on a very regular basis 00:18:18.559 --> 00:18:19.679 which I can't say 00:18:19.679 --> 00:18:20.719 I couldn't be every day. 00:18:22.639 --> 00:18:24.139 Ask God to show you 00:18:24.139 --> 00:18:24.719 a way 00:18:24.719 --> 00:18:26.799 and it's going to take discipline. 00:18:27.019 --> 00:18:27.979 It won't be easy. 00:18:28.359 --> 00:18:29.199 Number two, 00:18:29.799 --> 00:18:30.740 are you fighting 00:18:30.740 --> 00:18:31.500 the good fight 00:18:31.500 --> 00:18:33.459 to be morally clean 00:18:33.459 --> 00:18:35.079 and pure 00:18:35.079 --> 00:18:37.979 in your thought life, 00:18:38.979 --> 00:18:42.039 in the things you talk about 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:44.379 and in what you do? 00:18:45.779 --> 00:18:46.159 You know, 00:18:46.219 --> 00:18:46.779 we live 00:18:46.779 --> 00:18:48.199 in a culture today, 00:18:48.200 --> 00:18:50.319 we are bombarded 00:18:50.319 --> 00:18:51.299 everywhere 00:18:51.299 --> 00:18:53.720 with all kinds 00:18:53.720 --> 00:18:54.819 of impure, 00:18:56.080 --> 00:18:57.519 lust-provoking 00:18:57.519 --> 00:18:59.019 images, 00:18:59.220 --> 00:18:59.580 aren't we? 00:19:00.680 --> 00:19:01.140 I mean, 00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:02.259 in print, 00:19:02.580 --> 00:19:03.360 on TV, 00:19:04.580 --> 00:19:06.100 all over the internet. 00:19:07.240 --> 00:19:09.100 Everything is marketed 00:19:09.100 --> 00:19:11.700 in a sexually 00:19:11.700 --> 00:19:13.500 suggestive way. 00:19:13.500 --> 00:19:18.519 If you read much 00:19:18.519 --> 00:19:19.359 of what's going on 00:19:19.359 --> 00:19:19.940 in the world, 00:19:21.279 --> 00:19:22.460 people today 00:19:22.460 --> 00:19:23.680 just talk filthy 00:19:23.680 --> 00:19:25.299 from our president 00:19:25.299 --> 00:19:26.339 on down. 00:19:28.880 --> 00:19:30.819 That is not acceptable 00:19:30.819 --> 00:19:35.819 from anyone. 00:19:35.819 --> 00:19:38.119 But when we hear it 00:19:38.119 --> 00:19:39.059 all the time, 00:19:40.720 --> 00:19:41.379 when it's just 00:19:41.379 --> 00:19:42.779 the common lingo, 00:19:42.779 --> 00:19:46.139 it is very easy 00:19:46.139 --> 00:19:47.240 to pick it up, 00:19:47.759 --> 00:19:49.200 to use it, 00:19:49.599 --> 00:19:50.480 and to think 00:19:50.480 --> 00:19:51.139 it's okay. 00:19:51.140 --> 00:19:54.620 God calls us 00:19:54.620 --> 00:19:56.240 to live 00:19:56.240 --> 00:19:57.820 morally pure 00:19:57.820 --> 00:19:59.160 lives, 00:19:59.220 --> 00:19:59.520 to be 00:19:59.520 --> 00:20:00.780 clean. 00:20:03.300 --> 00:20:04.180 He wants us 00:20:04.180 --> 00:20:04.940 to be that way 00:20:04.940 --> 00:20:05.280 in the way 00:20:05.280 --> 00:20:06.100 that we think, 00:20:07.820 --> 00:20:09.640 in our conversations, 00:20:10.560 --> 00:20:11.020 as well as 00:20:11.020 --> 00:20:11.820 in the way we live. 00:20:13.020 --> 00:20:14.080 That's not easy 00:20:14.080 --> 00:20:14.700 to do today. 00:20:15.420 --> 00:20:16.200 It's not easy 00:20:16.200 --> 00:20:16.740 for me. 00:20:17.520 --> 00:20:18.320 It's not easy 00:20:18.320 --> 00:20:18.960 for you. 00:20:18.960 --> 00:20:20.060 If you're a real 00:20:20.060 --> 00:20:21.000 human being, 00:20:21.140 --> 00:20:22.900 we've got to 00:20:22.900 --> 00:20:23.620 fight 00:20:23.620 --> 00:20:25.880 to guard 00:20:25.880 --> 00:20:27.200 our minds, 00:20:27.780 --> 00:20:29.680 our words, 00:20:31.000 --> 00:20:32.280 and our actions. 00:20:35.680 --> 00:20:36.400 Discipline 00:20:36.400 --> 00:20:37.880 your mind. 00:20:39.200 --> 00:20:39.620 Number three, 00:20:39.900 --> 00:20:40.320 are you putting 00:20:40.320 --> 00:20:41.040 forth the effort 00:20:41.040 --> 00:20:42.640 to intentionally 00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:44.360 do your job 00:20:44.360 --> 00:20:46.120 or schoolwork 00:20:46.120 --> 00:20:47.860 as if you're 00:20:47.860 --> 00:20:48.200 doing it 00:20:48.200 --> 00:20:48.740 for the Lord? 00:20:49.180 --> 00:20:49.820 Paul talked 00:20:49.820 --> 00:20:50.320 about that 00:20:50.320 --> 00:20:51.040 in Colossians. 00:20:51.140 --> 00:20:51.460 It hasn't been 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:52.200 long since we 00:20:52.200 --> 00:20:52.800 looked at that 00:20:52.800 --> 00:20:53.380 in detail. 00:20:54.420 --> 00:20:55.060 We're supposed 00:20:55.060 --> 00:20:56.960 to do what 00:20:56.960 --> 00:20:57.720 we do 00:20:57.720 --> 00:20:59.380 as if we were 00:20:59.380 --> 00:20:59.759 doing it 00:20:59.759 --> 00:21:00.380 for the Lord. 00:21:01.600 --> 00:21:02.040 And that, 00:21:02.540 --> 00:21:03.500 what I want to say 00:21:03.500 --> 00:21:03.780 is, 00:21:04.500 --> 00:21:05.060 that doesn't mean 00:21:05.060 --> 00:21:05.540 something real 00:21:05.540 --> 00:21:06.060 spiritual. 00:21:07.759 --> 00:21:08.460 We're supposed 00:21:08.460 --> 00:21:09.380 to do our, 00:21:09.520 --> 00:21:09.980 as Christians, 00:21:10.100 --> 00:21:10.640 we should be the 00:21:10.640 --> 00:21:12.060 best at our jobs 00:21:12.060 --> 00:21:13.420 that we can 00:21:13.420 --> 00:21:14.160 possibly be. 00:21:14.160 --> 00:21:16.940 that helps us 00:21:16.940 --> 00:21:18.720 to have sort of 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:19.400 a platform 00:21:19.400 --> 00:21:20.460 from which 00:21:20.460 --> 00:21:21.940 to talk about 00:21:21.940 --> 00:21:22.480 the things of 00:21:22.480 --> 00:21:22.800 God 00:21:22.800 --> 00:21:24.160 and be a witness. 00:21:24.900 --> 00:21:25.600 Don't be like 00:21:25.600 --> 00:21:26.160 the young man 00:21:26.160 --> 00:21:26.880 that I worked 00:21:26.880 --> 00:21:27.620 with many years 00:21:27.620 --> 00:21:27.980 ago. 00:21:28.480 --> 00:21:29.400 We worked in a 00:21:29.400 --> 00:21:29.820 plant. 00:21:30.700 --> 00:21:31.080 There's a lot 00:21:31.080 --> 00:21:31.660 of machinery. 00:21:32.560 --> 00:21:32.820 Those, 00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:33.519 every one of those 00:21:33.519 --> 00:21:34.519 machines needed 00:21:34.519 --> 00:21:35.779 to be oiled 00:21:35.779 --> 00:21:36.900 on a regular 00:21:36.900 --> 00:21:37.360 basis. 00:21:37.779 --> 00:21:38.519 This young fellow, 00:21:38.620 --> 00:21:39.380 20 years old, 00:21:39.980 --> 00:21:40.640 committed Christian, 00:21:40.759 --> 00:21:41.279 loved the Lord, 00:21:41.279 --> 00:21:42.039 and wanted to 00:21:42.039 --> 00:21:42.839 witness all the 00:21:42.839 --> 00:21:43.119 time. 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:43.799 But it was his 00:21:43.799 --> 00:21:45.019 job to oil 00:21:45.019 --> 00:21:46.119 those machines 00:21:46.119 --> 00:21:47.119 to go around 00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:47.399 this. 00:21:47.700 --> 00:21:48.220 It wasn't, 00:21:48.720 --> 00:21:49.680 maybe about this 00:21:49.680 --> 00:21:49.980 size. 00:21:50.079 --> 00:21:50.420 It was a little 00:21:50.420 --> 00:21:51.039 bit bigger than 00:21:51.039 --> 00:21:51.379 this. 00:21:51.839 --> 00:21:52.619 The section he 00:21:52.619 --> 00:21:53.539 had and a lot 00:21:53.539 --> 00:21:53.819 of different 00:21:53.819 --> 00:21:54.240 machines, 00:21:54.399 --> 00:21:55.639 grinding parts. 00:21:57.220 --> 00:21:57.619 You know what 00:21:57.619 --> 00:21:57.960 he did? 00:21:58.599 --> 00:21:59.379 He floated 00:21:59.379 --> 00:22:00.299 around that 00:22:00.299 --> 00:22:00.899 room, 00:22:02.059 --> 00:22:03.240 witnessing to 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:03.700 everybody. 00:22:05.259 --> 00:22:06.000 All day, 00:22:06.079 --> 00:22:06.579 talking about 00:22:06.579 --> 00:22:07.299 the things of 00:22:07.299 --> 00:22:08.899 God and not 00:22:08.899 --> 00:22:10.420 oiling the 00:22:10.420 --> 00:22:10.859 machines. 00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:13.920 He lost all 00:22:13.920 --> 00:22:14.859 credibility. 00:22:15.940 --> 00:22:16.639 Most people 00:22:16.639 --> 00:22:18.019 despised him 00:22:18.019 --> 00:22:20.879 because he was 00:22:20.879 --> 00:22:21.639 preventing their 00:22:21.639 --> 00:22:22.339 machines from 00:22:22.339 --> 00:22:23.139 running at full 00:22:23.139 --> 00:22:23.779 capacity. 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:24.460 Some of them 00:22:24.460 --> 00:22:25.139 sometimes would 00:22:25.139 --> 00:22:26.180 stop and they 00:22:26.180 --> 00:22:27.220 would come and 00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:29.039 cuss him out over 00:22:29.039 --> 00:22:31.059 his witnessing and 00:22:31.059 --> 00:22:33.200 drag him back to 00:22:33.200 --> 00:22:33.700 oil their 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:34.200 machines. 00:22:35.660 --> 00:22:36.240 I say all that 00:22:36.240 --> 00:22:36.779 to say, 00:22:36.779 --> 00:22:39.579 at school, 00:22:39.579 --> 00:22:41.519 at work, 00:22:42.259 --> 00:22:44.799 the first way you 00:22:44.799 --> 00:22:46.559 are a witness is 00:22:46.559 --> 00:22:48.439 by the quality of 00:22:48.439 --> 00:22:49.119 your work. 00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:50.899 The attitude you 00:22:50.899 --> 00:22:53.119 demonstrate in 00:22:53.119 --> 00:22:53.879 your work. 00:22:54.879 --> 00:22:55.899 If you're not good 00:22:55.899 --> 00:22:56.699 at what you do, 00:22:56.839 --> 00:22:57.740 you are a bad 00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:58.220 witness. 00:22:58.359 --> 00:22:58.919 I want you to know 00:22:58.919 --> 00:22:59.159 that. 00:22:59.720 --> 00:23:00.740 If you're a sloppy 00:23:00.740 --> 00:23:02.319 employee, don't put 00:23:02.319 --> 00:23:03.240 forth much effort. 00:23:03.579 --> 00:23:04.419 They know you don't 00:23:04.419 --> 00:23:05.099 really care. 00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:06.379 Don't tell anybody 00:23:06.380 --> 00:23:07.280 you're a Christian, 00:23:07.420 --> 00:23:07.700 okay? 00:23:08.240 --> 00:23:08.840 Don't tell them 00:23:08.840 --> 00:23:09.460 you're a member of 00:23:09.460 --> 00:23:11.860 our church because 00:23:11.860 --> 00:23:12.980 you're a poor, 00:23:13.100 --> 00:23:14.360 poor witness. 00:23:16.180 --> 00:23:16.900 We, if we're 00:23:16.900 --> 00:23:18.720 serious about living 00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:19.260 the kind of life 00:23:19.260 --> 00:23:20.280 Paul did, Paul was 00:23:20.280 --> 00:23:20.900 a tent maker. 00:23:22.660 --> 00:23:23.440 And he supported 00:23:23.440 --> 00:23:24.720 himself a lot of the 00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:25.000 time. 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:26.220 And I guarantee you 00:23:26.220 --> 00:23:27.380 the tents that Paul 00:23:27.380 --> 00:23:28.380 made would have been 00:23:28.380 --> 00:23:30.080 of high quality because 00:23:30.080 --> 00:23:31.740 he did everything to 00:23:31.740 --> 00:23:32.680 the glory of God. 00:23:32.680 --> 00:23:34.840 He was serious about 00:23:34.840 --> 00:23:37.259 living his faith, not 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:39.180 just sharing it. 00:23:39.920 --> 00:23:40.340 Are you putting 00:23:40.340 --> 00:23:43.039 forth the best 00:23:43.039 --> 00:23:45.640 effort intentionally 00:23:45.640 --> 00:23:48.000 to be a good witness 00:23:48.000 --> 00:23:49.720 by the way you work, 00:23:49.820 --> 00:23:50.840 the quality of your 00:23:50.840 --> 00:23:52.039 work, your school 00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:54.140 work, as if you're 00:23:54.140 --> 00:23:54.840 doing it for the Lord? 00:23:55.360 --> 00:23:56.900 Number four, are you 00:23:56.900 --> 00:23:58.400 disciplining yourself to 00:23:58.400 --> 00:24:00.500 be sensitive to the 00:24:00.500 --> 00:24:01.700 Holy Spirit's presence 00:24:01.700 --> 00:24:04.200 in your life so that 00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:04.980 you'll be able to 00:24:04.980 --> 00:24:06.140 discern and obey his 00:24:06.140 --> 00:24:06.340 leading? 00:24:06.600 --> 00:24:07.000 Here's what I'm 00:24:07.000 --> 00:24:07.200 saying. 00:24:07.400 --> 00:24:08.059 If you're a Christian, 00:24:08.340 --> 00:24:08.860 the Spirit of God 00:24:08.860 --> 00:24:09.559 lives within you. 00:24:10.779 --> 00:24:12.140 And what we need to 00:24:12.140 --> 00:24:14.860 do is learn to be 00:24:14.860 --> 00:24:16.080 sensitive to his 00:24:16.080 --> 00:24:19.700 presence as he prompts 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:20.420 us. 00:24:22.819 --> 00:24:24.019 Don't look at this. 00:24:24.160 --> 00:24:25.500 Don't dwell on this. 00:24:26.019 --> 00:24:27.420 Don't listen to this. 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:29.680 Get off that website. 00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:32.680 Don't engage in that 00:24:32.680 --> 00:24:33.740 kind of conversation. 00:24:35.580 --> 00:24:37.299 As he prompts us, 00:24:38.799 --> 00:24:40.120 you ought to try to 00:24:40.120 --> 00:24:42.840 develop that relationship 00:24:42.840 --> 00:24:44.620 with that person so that 00:24:44.620 --> 00:24:45.840 you can share the gospel 00:24:45.840 --> 00:24:46.279 with him. 00:24:46.480 --> 00:24:47.620 So when he prompts us, 00:24:48.019 --> 00:24:48.700 you need to share the 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:48.980 gospel. 00:24:49.240 --> 00:24:49.900 You need to ask that 00:24:49.900 --> 00:24:51.180 person about their 00:24:51.180 --> 00:24:51.940 relationship with the 00:24:51.940 --> 00:24:52.140 Lord. 00:24:53.980 --> 00:24:55.200 We need to be sensitive 00:24:55.200 --> 00:24:56.039 to his presence. 00:24:56.039 --> 00:24:59.240 He'll always guide us in 00:24:59.240 --> 00:25:00.200 a way that's consistent 00:25:00.200 --> 00:25:01.119 with what he says in the 00:25:01.119 --> 00:25:01.500 word. 00:25:01.839 --> 00:25:02.639 Never contrary. 00:25:03.579 --> 00:25:04.460 If we don't cultivate 00:25:04.460 --> 00:25:06.200 being aware of his 00:25:06.200 --> 00:25:07.920 presence, we won't hear 00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:08.099 him. 00:25:08.859 --> 00:25:10.299 We'll grieve him as the 00:25:10.299 --> 00:25:10.980 scripture talks about. 00:25:12.319 --> 00:25:13.639 I want to encourage you. 00:25:14.539 --> 00:25:15.059 Cultivate. 00:25:16.059 --> 00:25:18.299 Discipline yourself to be 00:25:18.299 --> 00:25:19.019 sensitive to the Holy 00:25:19.019 --> 00:25:20.139 Spirit's presence so you 00:25:20.139 --> 00:25:21.879 can be led by him. 00:25:21.880 --> 00:25:24.620 To do certain things, 00:25:24.680 --> 00:25:26.180 to not do other things. 00:25:27.440 --> 00:25:28.300 We're talking about 00:25:28.300 --> 00:25:29.400 living a Christian life. 00:25:30.200 --> 00:25:31.040 Now I want you to think, 00:25:31.280 --> 00:25:32.380 can you describe your 00:25:32.380 --> 00:25:35.200 service to God as 00:25:35.200 --> 00:25:37.180 fighting the good fight? 00:25:39.920 --> 00:25:41.120 Let me ask you a question. 00:25:42.400 --> 00:25:43.340 Might make some people 00:25:43.340 --> 00:25:43.880 uncomfortable. 00:25:44.760 --> 00:25:46.440 Are you serving God right 00:25:46.440 --> 00:25:46.740 now? 00:25:48.340 --> 00:25:50.000 Or are you just showing up 00:25:50.000 --> 00:25:51.060 at church every now and 00:25:51.060 --> 00:25:51.260 then? 00:25:51.880 --> 00:25:55.460 If you're not serving the 00:25:55.460 --> 00:25:58.340 Lord right now, I want to 00:25:58.340 --> 00:25:59.040 encourage you. 00:25:59.820 --> 00:26:01.240 He's given you gifts and 00:26:01.240 --> 00:26:03.960 talents and abilities that he 00:26:03.960 --> 00:26:07.020 expects you to use for his 00:26:07.020 --> 00:26:08.780 glory and other people's 00:26:08.780 --> 00:26:09.060 good. 00:26:09.800 --> 00:26:11.820 He expects you, if you're a 00:26:11.820 --> 00:26:16.200 member of this church, to use 00:26:16.200 --> 00:26:19.820 those gifts and talents and 00:26:19.819 --> 00:26:20.399 your time. 00:26:20.399 --> 00:26:24.279 If you're serving him, how 00:26:24.279 --> 00:26:24.299 do you value what you're 00:26:24.299 --> 00:26:24.559 doing? 00:26:24.559 --> 00:26:25.839 If you're already serving 00:26:25.839 --> 00:26:30.159 him, how much do you value 00:26:30.159 --> 00:26:33.439 what you're doing? 00:26:34.779 --> 00:26:36.500 Do you think about it in terms 00:26:36.500 --> 00:26:38.319 of, I'm doing a good work. 00:26:38.859 --> 00:26:40.460 I'm seeking to please God. 00:26:40.460 --> 00:26:43.519 I'm seeking to truly help other 00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:44.039 people. 00:26:46.100 --> 00:26:49.440 We need to be involved in 00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:52.620 serving the Lord, part of 00:26:52.620 --> 00:26:54.940 fighting the good fight, and 00:26:54.940 --> 00:26:56.319 that includes everyone. 00:26:57.720 --> 00:26:58.700 Just think about it this way. 00:26:59.039 --> 00:27:00.200 Aren't there some things that 00:27:00.200 --> 00:27:01.940 you do for people just because 00:27:01.940 --> 00:27:02.600 you love them? 00:27:04.600 --> 00:27:05.960 Aren't there things you do for 00:27:05.960 --> 00:27:09.700 your spouse, your children, 00:27:09.860 --> 00:27:12.380 your parents, a friend? 00:27:13.120 --> 00:27:13.960 Aren't there things that you 00:27:13.960 --> 00:27:15.480 do that you don't really like 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:18.180 to do, you don't really want 00:27:18.180 --> 00:27:21.920 to do, but you do it because 00:27:21.920 --> 00:27:22.740 you love them? 00:27:24.000 --> 00:27:26.539 And because you love them, you 00:27:26.539 --> 00:27:27.360 do it with a good attitude. 00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:30.460 You want to meet that need. 00:27:31.600 --> 00:27:32.559 Well, that's what Paul did. 00:27:33.259 --> 00:27:34.519 Paul went to places to preach 00:27:34.519 --> 00:27:35.480 that he knew he was going to be 00:27:35.480 --> 00:27:38.539 opposed, maybe run out of town, 00:27:38.619 --> 00:27:39.819 and he was a lot of times, 00:27:39.960 --> 00:27:41.879 maybe imprisoned or even killed, 00:27:42.660 --> 00:27:44.460 but he knew, Paul knew, God has 00:27:44.460 --> 00:27:46.720 graciously saved me, forgiven me, 00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:48.119 made me his child. 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:50.240 He has called me to this ministry 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:51.740 of taking the gospel where it's 00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:54.779 never been before, and that's 00:27:54.779 --> 00:27:57.299 just going to cost me a lot. 00:27:58.619 --> 00:28:00.180 He also knew if he didn't go and 00:28:00.180 --> 00:28:04.019 preach, maybe thousands, 00:28:04.519 --> 00:28:06.639 of people would never hear the 00:28:06.639 --> 00:28:10.720 gospel, never be saved, spend 00:28:10.720 --> 00:28:12.460 eternity in hell. 00:28:13.579 --> 00:28:15.559 And that was another motivating 00:28:15.559 --> 00:28:17.339 factor in his life. 00:28:17.819 --> 00:28:19.420 He fought a good fight because of his 00:28:19.420 --> 00:28:21.559 love for God and his love and 00:28:21.559 --> 00:28:22.339 concern for people. 00:28:23.039 --> 00:28:26.379 That's the key to putting forth the 00:28:26.379 --> 00:28:29.740 effort to serve the Lord in any kind 00:28:29.740 --> 00:28:30.779 of ministry. 00:28:32.099 --> 00:28:34.240 I want to ask you, do you love 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:34.579 Jesus? 00:28:35.620 --> 00:28:37.299 I'm not asking, do you believe in 00:28:37.299 --> 00:28:37.460 him? 00:28:37.819 --> 00:28:40.299 I'm asking you, do you truly love 00:28:40.299 --> 00:28:40.519 him? 00:28:44.019 --> 00:28:45.380 How do you demonstrate it? 00:28:48.259 --> 00:28:49.859 He wants us to serve him. 00:28:50.900 --> 00:28:52.240 He wants us to have a relationship 00:28:52.240 --> 00:28:52.599 with him. 00:28:52.799 --> 00:28:54.259 He wants us to be like him, but he 00:28:54.259 --> 00:28:55.920 wants us to serve him. 00:28:55.920 --> 00:28:59.920 He wants us to be intentional about 00:29:00.700 --> 00:29:01.420 doing it. 00:29:02.759 --> 00:29:04.259 I encourage you to do that. 00:29:04.880 --> 00:29:06.140 Living this kind of life requires 00:29:06.140 --> 00:29:07.360 discipline every day. 00:29:07.620 --> 00:29:08.019 Look at this. 00:29:08.460 --> 00:29:09.880 Giving our best to the Lord also 00:29:09.880 --> 00:29:10.920 requires perseverance. 00:29:12.080 --> 00:29:13.240 We've got to continue to do it. 00:29:13.440 --> 00:29:14.620 We've got to hang in there. 00:29:14.720 --> 00:29:15.480 Look at the second thing. 00:29:15.900 --> 00:29:17.360 I have finished the race. 00:29:17.800 --> 00:29:19.840 Now, don't worry. 00:29:19.960 --> 00:29:21.360 We're not going to get to the third 00:29:21.360 --> 00:29:23.000 part this morning. 00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:25.940 Paul's talking about how he's been 00:29:25.940 --> 00:29:27.019 faithful to the end. 00:29:27.380 --> 00:29:28.359 He's persevered. 00:29:28.460 --> 00:29:29.400 He is hung in there. 00:29:30.039 --> 00:29:31.700 That didn't just happen. 00:29:32.539 --> 00:29:33.500 Paul had a plan. 00:29:34.839 --> 00:29:36.839 When God saved him and called him, 00:29:37.660 --> 00:29:40.720 he planned to do whatever it took 00:29:40.720 --> 00:29:43.279 to be faithful to the very end. 00:29:43.460 --> 00:29:44.339 I want you to look at this statement 00:29:44.339 --> 00:29:46.140 he made in Acts chapter 20. 00:29:46.660 --> 00:29:48.640 However, I consider my life worth 00:29:48.640 --> 00:29:50.059 nothing to me. 00:29:50.059 --> 00:29:52.519 If only I may finish the race 00:29:52.519 --> 00:29:54.079 and complete the task 00:29:54.079 --> 00:29:56.379 the Lord Jesus has given me. 00:29:56.659 --> 00:29:58.899 The task of testifying to the gospel 00:29:58.899 --> 00:30:00.220 of God's grace. 00:30:01.019 --> 00:30:02.579 God's goal throughout his ministry 00:30:02.579 --> 00:30:04.119 was to be faithful. 00:30:05.299 --> 00:30:06.679 Complete the task the Lord Jesus 00:30:06.679 --> 00:30:07.980 had given to him 00:30:07.980 --> 00:30:10.200 no matter what. 00:30:11.319 --> 00:30:12.319 What about you? 00:30:12.319 --> 00:30:14.839 Are you planning 00:30:14.839 --> 00:30:17.439 to finish the race 00:30:17.439 --> 00:30:19.879 of Christian living? 00:30:21.339 --> 00:30:22.779 Sad truth is 00:30:22.779 --> 00:30:25.259 a lot of people aren't. 00:30:26.819 --> 00:30:27.859 A part of the 00:30:27.859 --> 00:30:30.279 finishing the race 00:30:30.279 --> 00:30:31.119 of Christian living 00:30:31.119 --> 00:30:32.079 for you 00:30:32.079 --> 00:30:34.480 where you are right now 00:30:34.480 --> 00:30:35.279 if you're married 00:30:35.279 --> 00:30:37.359 God wants you to be 00:30:37.359 --> 00:30:38.500 the best husband or wife 00:30:38.500 --> 00:30:39.220 you can be 00:30:39.220 --> 00:30:42.380 and live together 00:30:42.380 --> 00:30:44.620 in what Genesis calls 00:30:44.620 --> 00:30:46.380 a true one flesh relationship 00:30:46.380 --> 00:30:48.920 until death separates you. 00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:51.500 God wants you 00:30:51.500 --> 00:30:54.299 to disciple your children. 00:30:54.700 --> 00:30:55.240 Bring them up 00:30:55.240 --> 00:30:56.039 in the discipline 00:30:56.039 --> 00:30:57.839 and instruction of the Lord. 00:30:59.519 --> 00:31:00.740 There's certain things 00:31:00.740 --> 00:31:01.440 that's just a part 00:31:01.440 --> 00:31:02.940 of our lives as Christians 00:31:02.940 --> 00:31:04.799 that we need to be determined 00:31:04.799 --> 00:31:05.600 we're going to be faithful. 00:31:05.599 --> 00:31:08.839 We're not going to give up. 00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:11.539 We're going to hang in there. 00:31:13.319 --> 00:31:14.079 Are you? 00:31:15.519 --> 00:31:16.799 Do you have that determination? 00:31:18.279 --> 00:31:18.939 You know I don't think 00:31:18.939 --> 00:31:19.839 about it every day 00:31:19.839 --> 00:31:21.879 but when Lisa and I 00:31:21.879 --> 00:31:22.519 got married 00:31:22.519 --> 00:31:24.659 you know we made 00:31:24.659 --> 00:31:25.379 that same commitment 00:31:25.379 --> 00:31:26.199 everybody else makes 00:31:26.199 --> 00:31:27.459 on the wedding day 00:31:27.459 --> 00:31:30.819 but divorce 00:31:30.819 --> 00:31:32.000 has never entered my mind. 00:31:32.000 --> 00:31:34.299 I'm sure divorce 00:31:34.299 --> 00:31:34.920 has never entered 00:31:34.920 --> 00:31:35.640 Lisa's mind. 00:31:36.119 --> 00:31:37.259 Murder yes. 00:31:39.380 --> 00:31:41.200 Maiming injuring yes. 00:31:42.980 --> 00:31:43.779 She can come closer 00:31:43.779 --> 00:31:44.400 to killing me 00:31:44.400 --> 00:31:45.099 than divorcing me 00:31:45.099 --> 00:31:45.920 I truly believe. 00:31:47.599 --> 00:31:48.960 You see what I'm talking about. 00:31:50.420 --> 00:31:51.740 We've got to be committed. 00:31:54.279 --> 00:31:55.400 The sad truth 00:31:55.400 --> 00:31:55.940 when it comes to 00:31:55.940 --> 00:31:57.579 Christian living in general 00:31:57.579 --> 00:31:59.819 everybody doesn't 00:31:59.819 --> 00:32:00.740 finish the race. 00:32:02.000 --> 00:32:02.700 There were people 00:32:02.700 --> 00:32:03.660 in Paul's day 00:32:03.660 --> 00:32:04.619 professing Christians 00:32:04.619 --> 00:32:05.599 who just quit. 00:32:06.380 --> 00:32:07.400 Paul talks about one 00:32:07.400 --> 00:32:08.380 later on in this letter 00:32:08.380 --> 00:32:09.599 in verse 10 00:32:09.599 --> 00:32:11.220 one of his co-workers 00:32:11.220 --> 00:32:11.960 Demas 00:32:11.960 --> 00:32:13.339 look at it 00:32:13.339 --> 00:32:14.400 for Demas 00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:15.299 in love 00:32:15.299 --> 00:32:16.319 with this present world 00:32:16.319 --> 00:32:17.960 has deserted me 00:32:17.960 --> 00:32:19.500 and gone to Thessalonica. 00:32:19.660 --> 00:32:20.220 That happens 00:32:20.220 --> 00:32:20.839 in the church 00:32:20.839 --> 00:32:21.460 today. 00:32:21.900 --> 00:32:23.140 You can think of 00:32:23.140 --> 00:32:24.440 professing Christians 00:32:24.440 --> 00:32:25.799 who used to attend 00:32:25.799 --> 00:32:26.519 this church 00:32:26.519 --> 00:32:27.940 but they don't anymore. 00:32:27.940 --> 00:32:29.559 Some of them 00:32:29.559 --> 00:32:30.559 just sort of 00:32:30.559 --> 00:32:33.059 quit being active 00:32:33.059 --> 00:32:34.960 and just show up 00:32:34.960 --> 00:32:35.620 every now and then. 00:32:36.480 --> 00:32:37.340 Some quit 00:32:37.340 --> 00:32:38.259 altogether. 00:32:39.680 --> 00:32:40.240 They certainly 00:32:40.240 --> 00:32:40.700 wouldn't say 00:32:40.700 --> 00:32:42.160 they abandoned 00:32:42.160 --> 00:32:42.759 the faith 00:32:42.759 --> 00:32:42.980 but 00:32:42.980 --> 00:32:45.380 they don't show much. 00:32:46.120 --> 00:32:46.700 And then some people 00:32:46.700 --> 00:32:47.299 appear to have 00:32:47.299 --> 00:32:48.180 just quit the faith. 00:32:49.320 --> 00:32:49.940 Some people 00:32:49.940 --> 00:32:50.519 who at once 00:32:50.519 --> 00:32:51.140 professed to be 00:32:51.140 --> 00:32:51.440 Christian 00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:52.180 just turned their 00:32:52.180 --> 00:32:53.120 back on the Lord 00:32:53.119 --> 00:32:54.659 and in no way 00:32:54.659 --> 00:32:55.099 do they show 00:32:55.099 --> 00:32:56.039 any kind of evidence 00:32:56.039 --> 00:32:57.319 of being Christian. 00:32:58.579 --> 00:32:59.439 When you think 00:32:59.439 --> 00:33:00.000 of people 00:33:00.000 --> 00:33:01.779 who've quit 00:33:01.779 --> 00:33:04.339 just walked away 00:33:04.339 --> 00:33:05.439 from a real 00:33:05.439 --> 00:33:06.479 commitment to the Lord 00:33:06.479 --> 00:33:07.619 dropped out of the race 00:33:07.619 --> 00:33:09.339 let it be a warning 00:33:09.339 --> 00:33:09.959 to you. 00:33:11.000 --> 00:33:11.939 Saving faith 00:33:11.939 --> 00:33:12.619 is 00:33:12.619 --> 00:33:14.439 continuing faith. 00:33:14.979 --> 00:33:15.359 When God 00:33:15.359 --> 00:33:16.139 starts something 00:33:16.139 --> 00:33:16.579 in us 00:33:16.579 --> 00:33:17.359 He brings it 00:33:17.359 --> 00:33:17.839 to completion. 00:33:18.139 --> 00:33:18.659 I want you to look 00:33:18.659 --> 00:33:20.500 at three verses 00:33:20.500 --> 00:33:22.019 that strongly 00:33:22.019 --> 00:33:22.719 emphasizes 00:33:22.720 --> 00:33:24.500 continuing faith. 00:33:25.079 --> 00:33:25.420 And it says 00:33:25.420 --> 00:33:26.240 in Colossians 1 00:33:26.240 --> 00:33:27.059 and you 00:33:27.059 --> 00:33:28.160 who once were 00:33:28.160 --> 00:33:29.339 alienated 00:33:29.339 --> 00:33:30.299 hostile in mind 00:33:30.299 --> 00:33:31.440 and doing evil 00:33:31.440 --> 00:33:31.980 deeds 00:33:31.980 --> 00:33:33.240 He is now 00:33:33.240 --> 00:33:34.100 reconciled 00:33:34.100 --> 00:33:34.779 in His body 00:33:34.779 --> 00:33:35.400 of flesh 00:33:35.400 --> 00:33:36.339 by His death 00:33:36.339 --> 00:33:37.860 in order to present 00:33:37.860 --> 00:33:38.480 you holy 00:33:38.480 --> 00:33:39.180 and blameless 00:33:39.180 --> 00:33:40.299 and above reproach 00:33:40.299 --> 00:33:41.019 before Him. 00:33:41.240 --> 00:33:41.860 Look at this. 00:33:42.740 --> 00:33:43.700 If indeed 00:33:43.700 --> 00:33:44.880 you continue 00:33:44.880 --> 00:33:45.940 in the faith 00:33:45.940 --> 00:33:47.940 He's not going 00:33:47.940 --> 00:33:48.600 to present us 00:33:48.600 --> 00:33:49.519 before the Father 00:33:49.519 --> 00:33:52.640 holy and blameless 00:33:52.640 --> 00:33:53.720 and above reproach 00:33:53.720 --> 00:33:54.720 if we don't 00:33:54.720 --> 00:33:55.220 continue 00:33:55.220 --> 00:33:56.100 because if we 00:33:56.100 --> 00:33:56.720 don't continue 00:33:56.720 --> 00:33:57.800 we never were. 00:33:58.800 --> 00:33:59.140 He says 00:33:59.140 --> 00:33:59.640 if indeed 00:33:59.640 --> 00:34:00.060 you continue 00:34:00.060 --> 00:34:00.500 in the faith 00:34:00.500 --> 00:34:02.020 stable and steadfast 00:34:02.020 --> 00:34:03.400 not shifting 00:34:03.400 --> 00:34:04.100 from the hope 00:34:04.100 --> 00:34:04.660 of the gospel 00:34:04.660 --> 00:34:05.259 that you heard 00:34:05.259 --> 00:34:05.980 which has been 00:34:05.980 --> 00:34:06.380 proclaimed 00:34:06.380 --> 00:34:07.360 in all creation 00:34:07.360 --> 00:34:07.820 under heaven 00:34:07.820 --> 00:34:08.480 and of which 00:34:08.480 --> 00:34:09.539 I, Paul 00:34:09.539 --> 00:34:10.420 became a minister. 00:34:10.420 --> 00:34:13.680 I know 00:34:13.680 --> 00:34:14.300 you're sitting 00:34:14.300 --> 00:34:14.840 in this room 00:34:14.840 --> 00:34:15.300 right now 00:34:15.300 --> 00:34:16.639 you're here 00:34:16.639 --> 00:34:18.019 but are you 00:34:18.019 --> 00:34:19.079 really continuing 00:34:19.079 --> 00:34:20.659 in the faith 00:34:20.659 --> 00:34:22.800 of trusting 00:34:22.800 --> 00:34:23.500 loving 00:34:23.500 --> 00:34:24.300 and following 00:34:24.300 --> 00:34:24.800 Jesus? 00:34:27.200 --> 00:34:28.159 That's the only 00:34:28.159 --> 00:34:28.900 sign of a real 00:34:28.900 --> 00:34:29.280 Christian. 00:34:30.320 --> 00:34:30.860 Saving faith 00:34:30.860 --> 00:34:31.700 is continuing faith 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:32.720 saving faith 00:34:32.720 --> 00:34:33.300 is also 00:34:33.300 --> 00:34:34.659 fruitful faith. 00:34:35.559 --> 00:34:36.579 There's good works. 00:34:37.340 --> 00:34:38.320 Look at Ephesians 2.10 00:34:38.320 --> 00:34:39.620 for we are his workmanship 00:34:39.620 --> 00:34:41.260 created in Christ Jesus 00:34:41.260 --> 00:34:42.580 for good works 00:34:42.580 --> 00:34:44.039 which God prepared 00:34:44.039 --> 00:34:44.760 beforehand 00:34:44.760 --> 00:34:45.120 that we should 00:34:45.120 --> 00:34:45.720 walk in them. 00:34:46.820 --> 00:34:47.700 The first two verses 00:34:47.700 --> 00:34:48.280 before that 00:34:48.280 --> 00:34:48.640 says 00:34:48.640 --> 00:34:53.180 I forgot the verse now. 00:34:54.100 --> 00:34:54.559 For by grace 00:34:54.559 --> 00:34:55.080 you are saved 00:34:55.080 --> 00:34:55.800 through faith 00:34:55.800 --> 00:34:57.200 it's not of yourself 00:34:57.200 --> 00:34:58.180 it's the gift of God 00:34:58.180 --> 00:34:59.019 it's not of works 00:34:59.019 --> 00:35:00.200 that no one should boast. 00:35:00.940 --> 00:35:02.080 And then he says 00:35:02.080 --> 00:35:03.559 to those 00:35:03.559 --> 00:35:04.860 who are saved 00:35:04.860 --> 00:35:05.539 by the grace of God 00:35:05.539 --> 00:35:06.380 through faith in Jesus 00:35:06.380 --> 00:35:07.960 look at it. 00:35:08.320 --> 00:35:09.640 For we are his workmanship 00:35:09.640 --> 00:35:10.580 some people 00:35:10.580 --> 00:35:11.360 some translations say 00:35:11.360 --> 00:35:12.620 his masterpiece 00:35:12.620 --> 00:35:14.180 created in Christ Jesus 00:35:14.180 --> 00:35:15.700 for good works 00:35:15.700 --> 00:35:16.300 which God prepared 00:35:16.300 --> 00:35:17.000 beforehand. 00:35:17.720 --> 00:35:18.300 Are you doing 00:35:18.300 --> 00:35:19.100 those good works? 00:35:20.120 --> 00:35:21.260 God has prepared you 00:35:21.260 --> 00:35:22.519 and he prepared you 00:35:22.519 --> 00:35:23.860 by gifting you 00:35:23.860 --> 00:35:25.700 enabling you 00:35:25.700 --> 00:35:26.760 giving you 00:35:26.760 --> 00:35:27.840 the whatwithal 00:35:27.840 --> 00:35:28.640 to do it. 00:35:30.059 --> 00:35:30.940 Are you doing 00:35:30.940 --> 00:35:31.800 those good works? 00:35:32.760 --> 00:35:33.480 And here's a simple 00:35:33.480 --> 00:35:34.160 way to know 00:35:34.160 --> 00:35:35.800 name them. 00:35:35.800 --> 00:35:38.980 What are you doing? 00:35:40.260 --> 00:35:40.920 Sitting around 00:35:40.920 --> 00:35:41.420 looking pretty 00:35:41.420 --> 00:35:42.280 is not one of them. 00:35:43.300 --> 00:35:44.120 Warming a seat 00:35:44.120 --> 00:35:44.800 week after week 00:35:44.800 --> 00:35:45.900 is not one of them. 00:35:47.720 --> 00:35:49.140 What good works 00:35:49.140 --> 00:35:51.000 are you doing 00:35:51.000 --> 00:35:53.660 in and through 00:35:53.660 --> 00:35:54.080 the ministry 00:35:54.080 --> 00:35:54.780 of this church 00:35:54.780 --> 00:35:56.000 and where you work 00:35:56.000 --> 00:35:56.480 and where you go 00:35:56.480 --> 00:35:56.740 to school 00:35:56.740 --> 00:35:57.180 wherever 00:35:57.180 --> 00:35:58.380 what good works 00:35:58.380 --> 00:35:58.800 are you doing 00:35:58.800 --> 00:35:59.860 that shows 00:35:59.860 --> 00:36:00.800 the reality 00:36:00.800 --> 00:36:02.440 of your faith. 00:36:03.860 --> 00:36:04.019 You know 00:36:04.019 --> 00:36:04.760 all of us 00:36:04.760 --> 00:36:05.440 struggle 00:36:05.440 --> 00:36:06.980 to be faithful. 00:36:07.900 --> 00:36:08.560 It's hard 00:36:08.560 --> 00:36:09.200 to fight 00:36:09.200 --> 00:36:10.060 the good fight 00:36:10.060 --> 00:36:10.760 every day. 00:36:11.320 --> 00:36:11.840 We may even 00:36:11.840 --> 00:36:12.320 be tempted 00:36:12.320 --> 00:36:12.980 to quit 00:36:12.980 --> 00:36:14.180 at times. 00:36:15.300 --> 00:36:15.720 That's why 00:36:15.720 --> 00:36:16.500 Paul wrote 00:36:16.500 --> 00:36:16.940 so many 00:36:16.940 --> 00:36:18.060 warnings 00:36:18.060 --> 00:36:19.160 and encouragements 00:36:19.160 --> 00:36:19.640 in his letters 00:36:19.640 --> 00:36:20.140 like this. 00:36:20.200 --> 00:36:20.600 Look at this. 00:36:21.120 --> 00:36:21.740 Let's not become 00:36:21.740 --> 00:36:22.820 weary in doing good 00:36:22.820 --> 00:36:24.000 for at the proper time 00:36:24.000 --> 00:36:25.620 we will reap 00:36:25.620 --> 00:36:27.960 a harvest 00:36:27.960 --> 00:36:29.620 if we do not 00:36:29.620 --> 00:36:30.060 give up. 00:36:30.059 --> 00:36:31.699 we can remain 00:36:31.699 --> 00:36:32.679 faithful to the end. 00:36:33.320 --> 00:36:34.840 We can persevere 00:36:34.840 --> 00:36:35.840 because God 00:36:35.840 --> 00:36:36.719 will enable us. 00:36:36.799 --> 00:36:37.139 Look at this 00:36:37.139 --> 00:36:37.759 real quickly. 00:36:38.159 --> 00:36:38.860 God has promised 00:36:38.860 --> 00:36:39.539 to never leave us 00:36:39.539 --> 00:36:40.400 nor forsake us. 00:36:41.099 --> 00:36:41.940 I will never leave you 00:36:41.940 --> 00:36:42.619 nor forsake you. 00:36:43.440 --> 00:36:44.059 God's always 00:36:44.059 --> 00:36:44.820 working in us 00:36:44.820 --> 00:36:46.059 causing us to will 00:36:46.059 --> 00:36:46.599 and to act 00:36:46.599 --> 00:36:47.099 according to his 00:36:47.099 --> 00:36:47.659 good purpose. 00:36:47.940 --> 00:36:48.199 We've already 00:36:48.199 --> 00:36:48.759 looked at that. 00:36:49.639 --> 00:36:50.199 God will always 00:36:50.199 --> 00:36:50.860 provide a way of 00:36:50.860 --> 00:36:51.559 escape when 00:36:51.559 --> 00:36:52.599 temptation comes. 00:36:53.440 --> 00:36:54.539 If you give in 00:36:54.539 --> 00:36:55.039 to temptation 00:36:55.039 --> 00:36:56.059 if I give in 00:36:56.059 --> 00:36:56.539 to temptation 00:36:56.539 --> 00:36:57.519 it's because I want 00:36:57.519 --> 00:36:58.199 to, because you 00:36:58.199 --> 00:36:58.679 wanted to. 00:36:59.539 --> 00:36:59.940 Yes. 00:37:00.659 --> 00:37:01.380 Because look at 00:37:01.380 --> 00:37:01.799 what the scripture 00:37:01.799 --> 00:37:02.139 says. 00:37:02.519 --> 00:37:03.219 No temptation 00:37:03.219 --> 00:37:04.039 has seized you 00:37:04.039 --> 00:37:04.639 except what is 00:37:04.639 --> 00:37:05.159 common to man. 00:37:05.400 --> 00:37:06.000 And God is 00:37:06.000 --> 00:37:06.320 faithful. 00:37:06.860 --> 00:37:07.360 He will not 00:37:07.360 --> 00:37:07.820 let you be 00:37:07.820 --> 00:37:08.579 tempted beyond 00:37:08.579 --> 00:37:09.500 what you can 00:37:09.500 --> 00:37:09.799 bear. 00:37:10.079 --> 00:37:10.480 But when you 00:37:10.480 --> 00:37:10.880 are tempted 00:37:10.880 --> 00:37:11.559 he will provide 00:37:11.559 --> 00:37:12.539 a way out 00:37:12.539 --> 00:37:13.380 so that you 00:37:13.380 --> 00:37:14.480 can stand up 00:37:14.480 --> 00:37:14.960 under it. 00:37:15.119 --> 00:37:15.659 That's why I 00:37:15.659 --> 00:37:16.519 say when I 00:37:16.519 --> 00:37:17.179 sin it's because 00:37:17.179 --> 00:37:17.820 deep down 00:37:17.820 --> 00:37:18.460 that's what I 00:37:18.460 --> 00:37:19.019 wanted to do. 00:37:19.799 --> 00:37:20.779 I refused 00:37:20.779 --> 00:37:22.460 to take the 00:37:22.460 --> 00:37:23.500 way of escape. 00:37:23.500 --> 00:37:25.960 God is 00:37:25.960 --> 00:37:26.260 never 00:37:26.260 --> 00:37:30.199 will God be 00:37:30.199 --> 00:37:30.820 faithful to 00:37:30.820 --> 00:37:31.380 the very end 00:37:31.380 --> 00:37:31.940 with us. 00:37:32.659 --> 00:37:33.519 It's always 00:37:33.519 --> 00:37:35.019 will we be 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:36.480 faithful to 00:37:36.480 --> 00:37:37.219 the very end. 00:37:38.139 --> 00:37:39.280 God will do 00:37:39.280 --> 00:37:40.519 what he promises 00:37:40.519 --> 00:37:41.099 to do. 00:37:41.099 --> 00:37:43.380 but he also 00:37:43.380 --> 00:37:45.319 requires that we 00:37:45.319 --> 00:37:46.039 be committed, 00:37:47.039 --> 00:37:47.980 that we be 00:37:47.980 --> 00:37:48.619 disciplined, 00:37:49.420 --> 00:37:50.659 that we hang in 00:37:50.659 --> 00:37:51.480 there and not 00:37:51.480 --> 00:37:52.119 give up, 00:37:52.500 --> 00:37:53.619 that we 00:37:53.619 --> 00:37:54.639 persevere. 00:37:54.639 --> 00:37:56.699 I want to ask 00:37:56.699 --> 00:37:57.259 you right now. 00:37:59.719 --> 00:38:01.039 If your life, 00:38:01.619 --> 00:38:03.259 you find out 00:38:03.259 --> 00:38:03.699 it's going to 00:38:03.699 --> 00:38:04.799 come to an end 00:38:04.799 --> 00:38:06.179 within the next 00:38:06.179 --> 00:38:07.000 few weeks or 00:38:07.000 --> 00:38:07.480 months, 00:38:08.400 --> 00:38:10.940 are you ready 00:38:10.940 --> 00:38:13.379 to say with 00:38:13.379 --> 00:38:13.759 Paul, 00:38:14.480 --> 00:38:15.179 I have fought 00:38:15.179 --> 00:38:15.940 the good fight, 00:38:16.119 --> 00:38:17.119 I finished the 00:38:17.119 --> 00:38:17.519 race, 00:38:17.759 --> 00:38:18.519 I kept the 00:38:18.519 --> 00:38:18.819 faith, 00:38:19.579 --> 00:38:20.559 I left nothing 00:38:20.559 --> 00:38:21.219 on the playing 00:38:21.219 --> 00:38:22.579 field of life. 00:38:23.519 --> 00:38:24.539 If you can't 00:38:24.539 --> 00:38:25.099 say that, 00:38:26.079 --> 00:38:26.860 talk to God 00:38:26.860 --> 00:38:27.619 about it now. 00:38:28.699 --> 00:38:29.539 Make the kind 00:38:29.539 --> 00:38:30.079 of commitments 00:38:30.079 --> 00:38:30.820 you need to 00:38:30.820 --> 00:38:31.119 make. 00:38:32.279 --> 00:38:32.719 If you're not 00:38:32.719 --> 00:38:33.500 truly a Christian, 00:38:33.880 --> 00:38:34.639 admit that to 00:38:34.639 --> 00:38:35.099 God, even if 00:38:35.099 --> 00:38:35.639 you are a church 00:38:35.639 --> 00:38:35.920 member. 00:38:36.400 --> 00:38:37.079 Turn from your 00:38:37.079 --> 00:38:38.420 sin, put your 00:38:38.420 --> 00:38:39.300 trust in him, 00:38:40.139 --> 00:38:41.159 in Jesus Christ 00:38:41.159 --> 00:38:41.759 and him alone. 00:38:42.679 --> 00:38:43.259 Surrender your 00:38:43.259 --> 00:38:44.039 life to him 00:38:44.039 --> 00:38:44.860 now. 00:38:45.539 --> 00:38:45.960 Let's pray 00:38:45.960 --> 00:38:46.279 together. 00:38:47.079 --> 00:38:47.579 Dear God, 00:38:48.719 --> 00:38:50.159 help us to see 00:38:50.159 --> 00:38:50.779 right now how 00:38:50.779 --> 00:38:51.179 we need to 00:38:51.179 --> 00:38:53.900 respond so that 00:38:53.900 --> 00:38:56.059 we can have 00:38:56.059 --> 00:38:56.660 the testimony 00:38:56.660 --> 00:38:57.139 at the end 00:38:57.139 --> 00:38:57.820 of our lives 00:38:57.820 --> 00:38:58.539 whenever that 00:38:58.539 --> 00:38:58.960 may be. 00:38:59.960 --> 00:39:00.680 We left it 00:39:00.680 --> 00:39:01.079 all on the 00:39:01.079 --> 00:39:01.300 field. 00:39:02.039 --> 00:39:02.320 We held 00:39:02.320 --> 00:39:03.039 nothing back. 00:39:03.579 --> 00:39:04.480 We gave our 00:39:04.480 --> 00:39:06.380 all to 00:39:06.380 --> 00:39:07.220 cooperating with 00:39:07.220 --> 00:39:09.480 you in 00:39:09.480 --> 00:39:10.119 developing 00:39:10.119 --> 00:39:11.079 Christ-like 00:39:11.079 --> 00:39:11.740 character. 00:39:11.740 --> 00:39:13.840 We gave our 00:39:13.840 --> 00:39:15.660 all in serving 00:39:15.660 --> 00:39:17.579 you with our 00:39:17.579 --> 00:39:18.460 time, talents, 00:39:18.559 --> 00:39:19.119 and treasures. 00:39:19.119 --> 00:39:22.960 I encourage 00:39:22.960 --> 00:39:23.420 everybody in 00:39:23.420 --> 00:39:23.880 this room to 00:39:23.880 --> 00:39:24.440 listen to the 00:39:24.440 --> 00:39:25.139 Lord about what 00:39:25.139 --> 00:39:25.539 you need to 00:39:25.539 --> 00:39:25.799 do. 00:39:26.599 --> 00:39:27.880 Then respond to 00:39:27.880 --> 00:39:28.179 him in 00:39:28.179 --> 00:39:28.599 obedience. 00:39:29.339 --> 00:39:29.960 Take this time 00:39:29.960 --> 00:39:30.400 to do that. 00:39:30.799 --> 00:39:31.179 As we bow 00:39:31.179 --> 00:39:31.599 together, 00:39:33.519 --> 00:39:34.039 instruments 00:39:34.039 --> 00:39:35.319 playing, we're 00:39:35.319 --> 00:39:35.679 just going to 00:39:35.679 --> 00:39:36.440 talk to and 00:39:36.440 --> 00:39:37.239 listen to God.