WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.940 In our study, I'm going to reference some charts. 00:00:05.299 --> 00:00:11.220 If you have a bulletin already in your hands, you'll see these already and probably have already thought, what in the world are these? 00:00:11.980 --> 00:00:16.620 If you don't have one in your hand right now, I think you'll be benefited by having one in your hand. 00:00:16.679 --> 00:00:19.800 This will not magically appear on the screen over my left shoulder. 00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:25.859 So if you don't have a bulletin and you'd like one, Adam's got a stack of them in the back and he'd be glad to put one in your hand right now. 00:00:25.940 --> 00:00:29.160 If you'll raise your hand, he will run around the room and make this happen. 00:00:29.160 --> 00:00:29.899 Here's some hands. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:30.740 Okay, very good, Adam. 00:00:31.500 --> 00:00:33.039 Keep him high for him so he can see him. 00:00:33.420 --> 00:00:34.780 Don't do a little half elbow hand. 00:00:34.920 --> 00:00:35.820 Do a full hand. 00:00:35.980 --> 00:00:38.539 Let him get around the room and get him to you. 00:00:41.019 --> 00:00:43.060 I believe these will be helpful to you. 00:00:43.140 --> 00:00:49.700 I'll do my best to talk about them in such a way that you may not need them, but just in case. 00:00:49.700 --> 00:00:57.900 As those are coming around, let me remind you, in last week's text, we were exhorted by James to be quick to hear in verse 19. 00:00:57.899 --> 00:01:05.079 And I made the specific case to you that James is telling us to be quick to hear God's word. 00:01:05.239 --> 00:01:10.959 There's a broader application to this idea of being quick to hear and slow to speak and slow to anger. 00:01:10.959 --> 00:01:21.739 But specifically, he's talking about being quick to hear God's word as he goes on in verse 20 to exhort us to receive with meekness the implanted word. 00:01:21.739 --> 00:01:31.259 Two weeks ago, in celebration of Reformation Day, we considered 2 Peter 1, verse 16 through chapter 2 and verse 3, 00:01:31.519 --> 00:01:38.139 and the need for us always to be reforming by God's word. 00:01:38.239 --> 00:01:41.799 To come back to it again and again and again. 00:01:42.079 --> 00:01:47.519 Hold up our lives and the function of our church, the light of God's word. 00:01:47.519 --> 00:01:52.299 Peter writes in verse 19 of 2 Peter chapter 1, 00:01:52.299 --> 00:02:07.199 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 00:02:07.200 --> 00:02:19.340 So, we will do well to hear God's word and to be transformed by God's word has been the theme that's been kind of picked up over the last couple of weeks. 00:02:19.480 --> 00:02:24.000 And today's text continues this line of reasoning. 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:29.599 So, before I read James chapter 1, beginning in verse 22 and following, 00:02:29.740 --> 00:02:34.319 I remind you, beloved, that this is God's word to us. 00:02:34.560 --> 00:02:38.080 It has bearing on us today, sitting in this room. 00:02:38.939 --> 00:02:42.639 It was written for his glory and for our good. 00:02:43.680 --> 00:02:50.300 And so, we would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and to obey its commands. 00:02:50.300 --> 00:02:53.740 James chapter 1, beginning in verse 22. 00:02:54.900 --> 00:03:02.540 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 00:03:03.400 --> 00:03:10.520 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 00:03:11.260 --> 00:03:15.700 For he looks at himself and goes away at once, forgets what he was like. 00:03:15.699 --> 00:03:30.139 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets, but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. 00:03:30.139 --> 00:03:44.779 There are times when we come to a text in God's word and I want to read it and I just want to go, okay, let me read it one more time for you and we'll be done. 00:03:46.539 --> 00:03:50.659 And initially, this is kind of the impulse for me of a text like this, right? 00:03:51.079 --> 00:03:53.799 Don't just be a hearer, be a doer. 00:03:54.019 --> 00:03:54.739 Everybody got it? 00:03:55.199 --> 00:03:57.500 And to walk away from it. 00:03:57.500 --> 00:04:06.979 But there's a lot to consider and I think there's especially a lot to consider in our age about what a text like this means for the church. 00:04:07.740 --> 00:04:08.900 So we are going to study it. 00:04:09.060 --> 00:04:13.800 We're going to keep it open and we're going to continue to look at it over the next half hour or so. 00:04:15.020 --> 00:04:19.579 James here in this text juxtaposes two types of people. 00:04:20.060 --> 00:04:23.959 And notice that they are both hearers of the word. 00:04:23.959 --> 00:04:29.219 So they're within the category of those who are hearing the word. 00:04:29.639 --> 00:04:33.759 But only one is obedient to the word. 00:04:35.000 --> 00:04:38.560 Let's consider this text with a very simple outline. 00:04:39.379 --> 00:04:42.339 Number one, the way of the deceived. 00:04:43.539 --> 00:04:47.500 And number two, the way of the blessed. 00:04:48.299 --> 00:04:51.399 The way of the deceived and the way of the blessed. 00:04:51.399 --> 00:04:53.620 So first, the way of the deceived. 00:04:54.439 --> 00:04:58.679 James desires that his hearers not be deceived. 00:04:59.799 --> 00:05:02.699 And he's giving them instruction to that very end. 00:05:03.219 --> 00:05:11.359 So you have to notice just off the cuff that it is possible to be a hearer of the word and to be deceived. 00:05:11.360 --> 00:05:17.720 I think he's even suggesting that you can be quick to hear and slow to speak and slow to anger. 00:05:17.819 --> 00:05:24.540 That you can sit under the instruction of the word and take the word in and yet be deceived. 00:05:26.000 --> 00:05:31.860 Out of great love and out of great care for you, for your soul. 00:05:31.860 --> 00:05:37.040 Let me say to you, my friends, it is altogether possible to believe that you are in the faith. 00:05:37.580 --> 00:05:40.939 That you have placed your trust in the personal work of Jesus Christ. 00:05:41.139 --> 00:05:44.340 But to be deceived. 00:05:45.620 --> 00:05:49.379 And we say these kinds of things a lot in the life of our church. 00:05:49.379 --> 00:05:54.400 Because we live in an age where it seems that many people are, in fact, deceived. 00:05:54.399 --> 00:05:59.139 But I want you to know that we don't do this because we want to cause doubt in your heart. 00:05:59.560 --> 00:06:01.839 We want you to have the assurance of your salvation. 00:06:01.939 --> 00:06:04.259 We want you to stand confident in Christ. 00:06:04.379 --> 00:06:07.299 We don't want you to come here every week and walk away going, I just don't know. 00:06:08.359 --> 00:06:10.399 But we want you to know. 00:06:11.359 --> 00:06:14.259 And often the warning is not issued. 00:06:14.379 --> 00:06:18.120 And so we want to clearly, with great clarity, issue the warning. 00:06:18.120 --> 00:06:23.959 It's possible to think you're in the faith and not be in the faith. 00:06:24.819 --> 00:06:28.600 We live in an age of cheap grace. 00:06:29.639 --> 00:06:31.540 I want to define that term for you. 00:06:31.639 --> 00:06:34.980 And I'm going to do it with the one who coined the term. 00:06:35.740 --> 00:06:38.720 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was an early 20th century pastor. 00:06:38.920 --> 00:06:40.180 You need to learn about him. 00:06:40.259 --> 00:06:42.399 He's a wonderful study in history. 00:06:42.399 --> 00:06:51.500 And he defines this term cheap grace as opposed to costly grace in his book, The Cost of Discipleship. 00:06:51.560 --> 00:06:54.519 So listen to this paragraph from that book. 00:06:55.560 --> 00:07:00.579 Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance. 00:07:01.699 --> 00:07:04.359 Baptism without church discipline. 00:07:04.979 --> 00:07:06.419 Communion without confession. 00:07:06.659 --> 00:07:08.819 Absolution without personal confession. 00:07:08.819 --> 00:07:12.800 Cheap grace is grace without discipleship. 00:07:13.519 --> 00:07:15.019 Grace without the cross. 00:07:15.740 --> 00:07:19.800 Grace without Jesus Christ living and incarnate. 00:07:21.399 --> 00:07:25.300 Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field. 00:07:25.759 --> 00:07:28.899 For the sake of it, a man will go and sell all that he has. 00:07:29.480 --> 00:07:34.759 It is the pearl of great price to buy, which the merchant will sell all his goods. 00:07:35.719 --> 00:07:38.279 It is the kingly rule of Christ. 00:07:38.819 --> 00:07:42.199 For whose sake a man will pluck out the eyes, which causes him to stumble. 00:07:42.860 --> 00:07:49.240 It is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him. 00:07:50.360 --> 00:07:54.139 To follow Christ is costly. 00:07:54.420 --> 00:07:57.439 It requires all of us. 00:07:58.939 --> 00:08:04.259 Last week, I rushed through a reading of the parable of the sower from Mark chapter 4. 00:08:04.519 --> 00:08:05.500 Toward the end of the sermon. 00:08:05.500 --> 00:08:08.819 I want to put this toward the beginning of our time together today. 00:08:08.819 --> 00:08:10.800 And so, if you will, turn with me. 00:08:10.959 --> 00:08:13.100 Keep James chapter 1, Mark. 00:08:13.180 --> 00:08:14.220 We're coming right back to it. 00:08:14.279 --> 00:08:17.300 But turn with me to Mark chapter 4. 00:08:17.420 --> 00:08:22.680 And let's take another slightly less hurried look at this text. 00:08:22.680 --> 00:08:27.180 Mark chapter 4, verses 3 through 9. 00:08:27.720 --> 00:08:29.840 Now, as I read this, I will add comments. 00:08:29.959 --> 00:08:35.519 But these comments are Jesus' explanation following his telling of this parable. 00:08:35.740 --> 00:08:41.620 This is one of those rare parables where he tells us exactly what it means. 00:08:41.620 --> 00:08:45.779 And he says this beginning in verse 3 of Mark 4. 00:08:46.779 --> 00:08:47.259 Listen. 00:08:48.299 --> 00:08:52.580 There's a call right away to be quick to hear. 00:08:52.799 --> 00:08:53.100 Listen. 00:08:53.740 --> 00:08:58.419 Behold, a sower went out to sow. 00:08:59.019 --> 00:09:02.419 And we're told later that the sower is one who's sowing the word. 00:09:02.620 --> 00:09:06.039 Who's making a broad gospel call. 00:09:06.360 --> 00:09:07.580 Sowing the word. 00:09:07.580 --> 00:09:12.780 And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path. 00:09:13.379 --> 00:09:16.040 And the birds came and devoured it. 00:09:16.460 --> 00:09:18.920 So it's seed that never takes root at all. 00:09:19.740 --> 00:09:22.680 Satan comes along and snatches it away. 00:09:23.180 --> 00:09:24.259 Satan is the father of lies. 00:09:24.360 --> 00:09:30.120 So some other lies come in and take the seed of the truth away. 00:09:30.940 --> 00:09:31.620 Verse 5. 00:09:31.620 --> 00:09:35.220 Other seed fell on rocky ground where it did not have much soil. 00:09:35.220 --> 00:09:39.399 And immediately it sprang up since it had no depth of soil. 00:09:40.399 --> 00:09:43.800 So there's some apparent growth from this. 00:09:44.560 --> 00:09:45.680 But then verse 6 says, 00:09:45.800 --> 00:09:48.139 And when the sun rose, it was scorched. 00:09:48.420 --> 00:09:52.720 And since it had no root, it withered away. 00:09:53.460 --> 00:09:58.779 We're told that the sun is tribulation or trouble and persecution. 00:09:58.779 --> 00:10:03.799 So trial comes into the life of this soil. 00:10:04.299 --> 00:10:05.559 And it withers. 00:10:05.839 --> 00:10:07.059 And it doesn't come back. 00:10:07.360 --> 00:10:07.459 Right? 00:10:07.699 --> 00:10:08.919 There's no progress. 00:10:10.139 --> 00:10:11.139 Verse 7. 00:10:12.220 --> 00:10:13.919 Other seed fell among thorns. 00:10:14.319 --> 00:10:16.579 And the thorns grew up and choked it. 00:10:16.959 --> 00:10:19.319 And it yielded no grain. 00:10:19.399 --> 00:10:25.019 And Jesus tells us later that these thorns are the cares and the riches of the world. 00:10:25.019 --> 00:10:30.919 And lastly, other seed fell into good soil and produced grain, 00:10:31.019 --> 00:10:37.860 growing up and increasing and yielding 30-fold and 60-fold and 100-fold. 00:10:37.960 --> 00:10:41.519 And this is the fruit of righteousness. 00:10:42.019 --> 00:10:42.100 Right? 00:10:42.259 --> 00:10:46.639 People who are producing good works. 00:10:47.639 --> 00:10:50.600 And he concludes the parable in verse 9 by saying, 00:10:50.600 --> 00:10:55.920 And he who has ears to hear, let him hear. 00:10:56.379 --> 00:10:59.159 Be quick to hear. 00:10:59.879 --> 00:11:07.420 Understand that it is possible to receive the word and to not bear fruit. 00:11:08.740 --> 00:11:11.040 James here in our text, you can go back to James 1, 00:11:11.120 --> 00:11:16.560 uses a bit of a parable in warning us not to deceive ourselves. 00:11:16.559 --> 00:11:20.279 That's what he's doing in verse 23 and verse 24. 00:11:20.839 --> 00:11:23.659 If you're a hearer of the word and not a doer, 00:11:23.819 --> 00:11:26.839 if you're not obedient to the word that you hear, 00:11:27.339 --> 00:11:31.500 then you're like a man who looks intently at your natural face in a mirror. 00:11:31.779 --> 00:11:32.679 You look at your face. 00:11:33.199 --> 00:11:34.079 You see your face. 00:11:34.779 --> 00:11:35.979 And what does he say happens? 00:11:36.339 --> 00:11:41.139 He looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 00:11:41.139 --> 00:11:46.779 It doesn't bear any work in your life at all. 00:11:47.220 --> 00:11:51.039 Look in the mirror and you forget what you look like. 00:11:51.919 --> 00:11:55.539 If we are saved by Christ, right, 00:11:55.720 --> 00:11:58.139 we have been made fundamentally new. 00:11:58.840 --> 00:12:01.659 We no longer have hearts that are bent toward the world, 00:12:02.139 --> 00:12:03.019 toward sinfulness, 00:12:03.480 --> 00:12:04.840 towards rebellion against God. 00:12:04.840 --> 00:12:07.940 We now have hearts that are bent toward obedience, 00:12:08.540 --> 00:12:11.560 toward being his children. 00:12:11.860 --> 00:12:14.960 And our lives will, in varying degree, 00:12:15.300 --> 00:12:20.200 look different or fundamentally changed. 00:12:21.280 --> 00:12:22.759 In the discipline of my children, 00:12:22.899 --> 00:12:24.040 I say to them all the time, 00:12:24.440 --> 00:12:25.899 you're my kids, right? 00:12:25.940 --> 00:12:26.860 And I love you. 00:12:27.280 --> 00:12:30.480 And my children want to obey. 00:12:30.980 --> 00:12:34.480 My children want to listen to their loving father, right? 00:12:34.480 --> 00:12:39.080 They want to be identified with their father and his ways. 00:12:40.240 --> 00:12:41.800 And of course, I don't do this perfectly. 00:12:43.060 --> 00:12:44.600 But when my children disobey, 00:12:44.800 --> 00:12:46.240 I don't reject them as my children. 00:12:46.340 --> 00:12:50.300 I don't put them out on the curb with a free child sign around their neck. 00:12:50.860 --> 00:12:52.220 But I say to them again, 00:12:52.399 --> 00:12:53.259 you're my child. 00:12:53.440 --> 00:12:57.480 And my children want to listen to the loving instruction of their father. 00:12:57.720 --> 00:13:00.460 Imperfect, but loving instruction. 00:13:01.620 --> 00:13:03.240 And beloved, we have a heavenly father 00:13:03.240 --> 00:13:05.680 whose instruction is always perfect. 00:13:05.840 --> 00:13:08.940 It is never with fail. 00:13:09.139 --> 00:13:11.759 It always is the right instruction for us. 00:13:11.879 --> 00:13:13.060 And therefore, as his children, 00:13:13.180 --> 00:13:16.919 we ought to want to obey. 00:13:17.240 --> 00:13:18.500 We'll do it imperfectly, 00:13:18.919 --> 00:13:20.139 but we ought to desire 00:13:20.139 --> 00:13:22.039 to turn away from the things of this world 00:13:22.039 --> 00:13:25.679 and to turn toward God. 00:13:26.579 --> 00:13:29.159 If we have been delivered from our bondage to sin, 00:13:29.819 --> 00:13:31.480 we will be moved progressively 00:13:31.480 --> 00:13:34.519 to look more and more like our Savior 00:13:34.519 --> 00:13:37.059 from day to day. 00:13:38.019 --> 00:13:40.159 A quotation on your bulletin by Thomas Brooks. 00:13:40.259 --> 00:13:40.500 He says, 00:13:40.559 --> 00:13:42.959 There is no fear of knowing too much of the Bible. 00:13:43.219 --> 00:13:43.360 Right? 00:13:43.719 --> 00:13:44.860 Oh, no, the Bible. 00:13:45.199 --> 00:13:45.399 Right? 00:13:45.439 --> 00:13:47.099 It is a rich, rich book 00:13:47.099 --> 00:13:49.399 for our good and for the glory of God. 00:13:49.399 --> 00:13:52.179 There is no fear of knowing too much of the Bible, he says, 00:13:52.179 --> 00:13:54.840 but there is a great amount of fear 00:13:54.840 --> 00:13:59.159 that goes into practicing too little. 00:14:00.679 --> 00:14:02.379 Now, I think at this point, 00:14:02.419 --> 00:14:04.959 it may be helpful to make careful distinctions 00:14:04.959 --> 00:14:08.100 about how we are saved 00:14:08.100 --> 00:14:12.759 and how we are kept to the end. 00:14:13.180 --> 00:14:14.420 There's always a fear 00:14:14.420 --> 00:14:16.360 in talking about sanctification, 00:14:16.700 --> 00:14:18.360 which is what we're going to be discussing at length, 00:14:18.580 --> 00:14:20.279 of making people believe 00:14:20.279 --> 00:14:23.840 that they are saved by their works. 00:14:24.879 --> 00:14:27.040 No, you are not saved by your works. 00:14:27.100 --> 00:14:28.340 I want to be very clear about that. 00:14:28.460 --> 00:14:29.580 No, no, no. 00:14:29.779 --> 00:14:32.080 We are saved by the works of another, 00:14:32.639 --> 00:14:33.580 the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:14:34.040 --> 00:14:35.220 His perfect work, 00:14:35.560 --> 00:14:36.600 his sacrificial death. 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:38.680 We cannot be saved by our works. 00:14:39.460 --> 00:14:40.800 So you've got to write that big 00:14:40.800 --> 00:14:41.720 at the top of your page. 00:14:41.820 --> 00:14:42.960 If that's going to be confusing to you 00:14:42.960 --> 00:14:43.680 at any point 00:14:43.680 --> 00:14:45.139 in the rest of what I'm going to say today, 00:14:45.200 --> 00:14:48.759 we cannot be saved by our works. 00:14:49.899 --> 00:14:52.500 But our works will give evidence 00:14:52.500 --> 00:14:53.779 of our salvation. 00:14:55.399 --> 00:14:57.440 Now, to work this out for you a bit, 00:14:57.820 --> 00:14:58.720 I'm going to give to you 00:14:58.720 --> 00:15:01.080 what is called the ordo salutis 00:15:01.080 --> 00:15:02.420 or order of salvation. 00:15:02.419 --> 00:15:08.120 We are first elected 00:15:08.120 --> 00:15:10.339 before the foundation of the world. 00:15:11.219 --> 00:15:13.439 God has chosen people for his glory. 00:15:14.919 --> 00:15:18.099 Second, for our benefit, 00:15:18.839 --> 00:15:20.579 an atonement was made. 00:15:21.519 --> 00:15:25.419 Jesus Christ died in our place, 00:15:26.199 --> 00:15:30.259 paid the penalty for our sin. 00:15:30.259 --> 00:15:35.460 Third, there's a general gospel call made. 00:15:35.980 --> 00:15:37.100 Anybody sitting in this room 00:15:37.100 --> 00:15:40.259 who is a Christian heard the gospel, 00:15:40.620 --> 00:15:41.620 whether it was proclaimed, 00:15:42.139 --> 00:15:45.319 word, or picked up and read 00:15:45.319 --> 00:15:46.899 in a track form, 00:15:47.000 --> 00:15:48.000 in the scripture itself, 00:15:48.120 --> 00:15:49.860 some way the gospel of Jesus Christ 00:15:49.860 --> 00:15:52.039 was shared with you. 00:15:52.159 --> 00:15:54.840 There was a gospel call made. 00:15:54.840 --> 00:15:57.360 And the spirit of Christ 00:15:57.360 --> 00:15:59.220 took that gospel call 00:15:59.220 --> 00:16:01.320 and made an inward call. 00:16:01.560 --> 00:16:02.360 It's step four. 00:16:02.860 --> 00:16:05.660 An inward gospel call was made. 00:16:06.220 --> 00:16:07.840 And he made your heart new 00:16:07.840 --> 00:16:09.759 in the act of regeneration, right? 00:16:10.420 --> 00:16:12.820 Caused your heart to be changed 00:16:12.820 --> 00:16:14.480 so that, in step six, 00:16:14.620 --> 00:16:16.519 you could believe 00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:18.560 in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:16:18.660 --> 00:16:19.440 You could repent 00:16:19.440 --> 00:16:22.100 and place faith in your conversion 00:16:22.100 --> 00:16:23.840 in this gospel call. 00:16:23.840 --> 00:16:25.639 And at that moment, 00:16:25.920 --> 00:16:26.560 step seven, 00:16:27.259 --> 00:16:29.720 you were declared by God justified, 00:16:30.600 --> 00:16:32.500 declared righteous. 00:16:32.840 --> 00:16:33.420 In Christ, 00:16:33.639 --> 00:16:34.840 all of your sins forgiven, 00:16:35.240 --> 00:16:36.480 all of his righteousness 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:38.120 given to you, 00:16:38.480 --> 00:16:41.460 you were justified in him. 00:16:42.620 --> 00:16:44.580 Step eight in the Ordo Salutis, 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:47.000 you are sanctified. 00:16:47.840 --> 00:16:48.940 And we find in the scripture 00:16:48.940 --> 00:16:49.960 three different tenses 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:51.300 for this word. 00:16:51.500 --> 00:16:52.840 So I want to be clear about this, right? 00:16:52.840 --> 00:16:54.139 There's both a past, 00:16:54.340 --> 00:16:54.580 present, 00:16:54.660 --> 00:16:57.200 and future use of this word 00:16:57.200 --> 00:16:58.600 because to be sanctified 00:16:58.600 --> 00:17:00.840 to mean to be declared 00:17:00.840 --> 00:17:03.000 holy or set apart. 00:17:04.200 --> 00:17:06.340 So there's a past tense to this, 00:17:06.460 --> 00:17:07.480 like when you are justified, 00:17:07.680 --> 00:17:08.720 you are also sanctified. 00:17:08.840 --> 00:17:09.819 You are set apart. 00:17:10.160 --> 00:17:12.740 Set apart for God. 00:17:14.000 --> 00:17:16.620 But there's also a present reality to that. 00:17:16.619 --> 00:17:18.679 We are being set apart. 00:17:18.979 --> 00:17:21.379 We are growing in our holiness 00:17:21.379 --> 00:17:23.779 in the way in which we represent God. 00:17:23.839 --> 00:17:25.599 And this is the most common usage 00:17:25.599 --> 00:17:26.939 of this term. 00:17:27.739 --> 00:17:28.099 Typically, 00:17:28.099 --> 00:17:29.219 when you hear it spoken, 00:17:29.639 --> 00:17:29.819 right, 00:17:29.879 --> 00:17:30.359 from a stage, 00:17:30.399 --> 00:17:30.739 from a pulpit, 00:17:30.779 --> 00:17:31.839 we talk about sanctification. 00:17:32.059 --> 00:17:33.279 This is what we're talking about, 00:17:33.559 --> 00:17:33.739 right? 00:17:33.819 --> 00:17:35.419 The life in which we now live. 00:17:35.500 --> 00:17:36.459 Having been justified, 00:17:36.639 --> 00:17:39.039 we are being sanctified. 00:17:39.879 --> 00:17:41.019 And then from time to time, 00:17:41.059 --> 00:17:42.420 it'll also be used in a future tense. 00:17:42.619 --> 00:17:46.119 We'll be fully and finally set apart one day. 00:17:46.240 --> 00:17:46.700 And for that, 00:17:46.779 --> 00:17:49.859 we typically use the term glorification, 00:17:50.059 --> 00:17:51.480 which is the last step in that, right? 00:17:51.519 --> 00:17:53.399 When our body of flesh 00:17:53.399 --> 00:17:54.519 will be put off fully, 00:17:54.859 --> 00:17:58.339 we'll be delivered completely from sin 00:17:58.339 --> 00:18:01.240 when we're in the presence of our Savior. 00:18:02.220 --> 00:18:02.660 So election, 00:18:02.799 --> 00:18:03.140 atonement, 00:18:03.279 --> 00:18:04.180 a general gospel call, 00:18:04.259 --> 00:18:05.240 an inward gospel call, 00:18:05.339 --> 00:18:06.039 work by the Spirit, 00:18:06.799 --> 00:18:07.160 regeneration, 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:08.319 conversion, 00:18:08.559 --> 00:18:10.160 which happens with repentance and faith, 00:18:10.920 --> 00:18:11.319 justification, 00:18:11.920 --> 00:18:12.539 sanctification, 00:18:13.660 --> 00:18:14.400 glorification, 00:18:14.839 --> 00:18:14.980 right? 00:18:15.019 --> 00:18:15.420 So again, 00:18:15.559 --> 00:18:16.039 hear me, 00:18:16.640 --> 00:18:20.720 we are not saved by our works. 00:18:21.539 --> 00:18:23.559 But as a proof that we have been saved 00:18:23.559 --> 00:18:24.259 by grace alone, 00:18:24.339 --> 00:18:24.980 through faith alone, 00:18:25.059 --> 00:18:26.640 in the personal work of Jesus Christ alone, 00:18:26.779 --> 00:18:28.319 we will make this evident 00:18:28.319 --> 00:18:30.220 by the power of the Spirit, 00:18:30.220 --> 00:18:33.819 through progressive sanctification. 00:18:35.480 --> 00:18:38.700 There is much well-meaning confusion 00:18:38.700 --> 00:18:41.819 about the nature of sanctification, 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:44.140 which is why I want to bring clarity 00:18:44.140 --> 00:18:45.200 to the issue, right? 00:18:45.400 --> 00:18:49.339 By showing you the five prominent views, 00:18:49.539 --> 00:18:50.940 some more prominent than others. 00:18:50.980 --> 00:18:52.000 And this is the back of your bulletin. 00:18:52.059 --> 00:18:54.539 This is why I think you'll benefit 00:18:54.539 --> 00:18:57.579 from having this in your hands. 00:18:57.579 --> 00:19:00.759 Please don't see this as a distraction 00:19:00.759 --> 00:19:01.859 to the text today, right? 00:19:01.879 --> 00:19:02.980 I'm trying to explain to you 00:19:02.980 --> 00:19:04.460 why James picks this up, 00:19:04.579 --> 00:19:05.939 why he says it's important 00:19:05.939 --> 00:19:08.159 that we be doers of the word 00:19:08.159 --> 00:19:09.759 and not just hearers, right? 00:19:09.799 --> 00:19:11.199 This is all an explanation 00:19:11.199 --> 00:19:12.359 of how it is 00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:15.779 that we can deceive ourselves. 00:19:15.779 --> 00:19:20.399 So first, and quickly, 00:19:20.700 --> 00:19:21.240 and I want to say, 00:19:21.319 --> 00:19:22.899 I didn't create any of these images. 00:19:24.339 --> 00:19:26.180 I don't want to be a plagiarist here. 00:19:26.240 --> 00:19:26.799 So if you want to know 00:19:26.799 --> 00:19:27.680 where I got these things from, 00:19:27.700 --> 00:19:28.680 I'll be happy to send them to you. 00:19:28.740 --> 00:19:29.359 I'll send you the article 00:19:29.359 --> 00:19:30.180 that they're found in, 00:19:30.660 --> 00:19:32.980 explains these things more and more. 00:19:33.759 --> 00:19:35.220 So first, the Wesleyan view, 00:19:36.059 --> 00:19:36.639 sanctification, 00:19:36.779 --> 00:19:39.299 taught originally by John Wesley. 00:19:39.619 --> 00:19:42.240 Note, in every one of these diagrams, 00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:45.039 the cross is the point of salvation. 00:19:45.500 --> 00:19:46.839 That's what it's communicating. 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:49.420 So you'll see first work of grace 00:19:49.420 --> 00:19:50.740 in this first one. 00:19:51.500 --> 00:19:54.559 Saved by grace, Wesley would have said, 00:19:54.859 --> 00:19:57.000 but non-sanctified at this point. 00:19:57.319 --> 00:19:59.299 And at some point in the life of a Christian, 00:19:59.400 --> 00:20:00.799 there's some crisis of faith 00:20:00.799 --> 00:20:03.859 and a second working of grace. 00:20:03.960 --> 00:20:05.700 This is what he argued. 00:20:06.299 --> 00:20:08.240 And at this point in the Christian's life, 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:11.599 they experience entire sanctification, 00:20:12.279 --> 00:20:15.359 or he also called it Christian perfection. 00:20:15.779 --> 00:20:18.940 He didn't mean that we were made entirely like Christ, 00:20:19.339 --> 00:20:23.779 but that we would put off all known sin. 00:20:24.200 --> 00:20:25.700 Still capable of sinning, 00:20:26.220 --> 00:20:29.240 but we would put off all known sin. 00:20:30.000 --> 00:20:31.240 And in this chart, 00:20:31.900 --> 00:20:33.920 the little dotted arrows pointing up and down 00:20:33.920 --> 00:20:35.799 means that Wesley would argue 00:20:35.799 --> 00:20:38.279 that you could step out of this state of perfection 00:20:38.279 --> 00:20:40.899 and then back into this state of perfection. 00:20:41.579 --> 00:20:44.819 But it wasn't so much a progress being made, 00:20:44.899 --> 00:20:45.779 but an either or. 00:20:46.460 --> 00:20:47.240 You're stepping in, 00:20:47.359 --> 00:20:50.539 you're stepping out of this position. 00:20:52.119 --> 00:20:53.099 Out of this, 00:20:53.799 --> 00:20:54.659 I'd suggest to you, 00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:57.559 some very unhealthy views of sanctification have come. 00:20:58.000 --> 00:20:59.299 I don't know that Wesley would have supported, 00:20:59.299 --> 00:21:03.480 but perhaps some who hold this view of sanctification 00:21:03.480 --> 00:21:06.960 claim that they haven't sinned in years. 00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:09.259 You hear that claim being made. 00:21:10.019 --> 00:21:11.220 And I hope that you go, 00:21:11.559 --> 00:21:11.880 what? 00:21:13.799 --> 00:21:15.160 I've probably sinned, 00:21:15.319 --> 00:21:16.079 not known, 00:21:16.299 --> 00:21:19.079 in the moment that you've seen me standing on this stage, 00:21:19.200 --> 00:21:21.380 that some way my inclinations or my motives 00:21:21.380 --> 00:21:22.940 have been wrong in what I've done. 00:21:24.059 --> 00:21:26.140 But Wesley brought it down to this very narrow, 00:21:26.360 --> 00:21:28.740 known sin category. 00:21:28.740 --> 00:21:29.880 And even then, 00:21:29.940 --> 00:21:30.279 I would say, 00:21:30.339 --> 00:21:31.120 how could you claim 00:21:31.120 --> 00:21:33.740 if you're not paying attention, 00:21:33.980 --> 00:21:37.980 if you think in years you haven't sinned? 00:21:38.640 --> 00:21:38.940 Now, 00:21:38.980 --> 00:21:40.420 out of this Wesleyan view, 00:21:40.620 --> 00:21:43.480 the Wesleyan view collided with Pentecostalism, 00:21:44.299 --> 00:21:45.400 and some other views came about. 00:21:45.799 --> 00:21:47.740 I made these small to fit them on the page, 00:21:47.799 --> 00:21:49.539 but also because they're kind of subcategories 00:21:49.539 --> 00:21:52.120 of this same view of sanctification. 00:21:52.460 --> 00:21:54.559 So you have the Keswick view, 00:21:55.140 --> 00:21:57.079 which is a region in England. 00:21:57.079 --> 00:21:59.539 That's where the name comes from, 00:21:59.679 --> 00:22:01.740 the Keswick view. 00:22:02.539 --> 00:22:03.339 And in this, 00:22:03.399 --> 00:22:05.299 you may have heard this phrase before, 00:22:06.000 --> 00:22:08.599 let go and let God. 00:22:09.659 --> 00:22:12.259 The key to this view is trusting, 00:22:12.539 --> 00:22:13.699 not trying. 00:22:15.119 --> 00:22:16.460 In the same way, 00:22:16.799 --> 00:22:18.059 you're saved, 00:22:18.220 --> 00:22:20.099 but here you're not spirit-filled. 00:22:20.220 --> 00:22:21.960 They would call you a defeated Christian. 00:22:22.079 --> 00:22:22.759 And I don't know about you, 00:22:22.839 --> 00:22:24.019 but when I was converted, 00:22:24.159 --> 00:22:25.579 I was in no way defeated. 00:22:27.079 --> 00:22:30.639 Christ declared me victorious in him. 00:22:31.480 --> 00:22:32.879 They make the distinction 00:22:32.879 --> 00:22:34.419 between the carnal person 00:22:34.419 --> 00:22:35.799 and the spiritual person. 00:22:35.899 --> 00:22:36.139 Again, 00:22:36.199 --> 00:22:37.539 another crisis of faith 00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:39.819 where a person stops trying so hard 00:22:39.819 --> 00:22:41.319 and just lets go 00:22:41.319 --> 00:22:43.939 and has God work in them. 00:22:44.980 --> 00:22:45.480 Perfection. 00:22:46.639 --> 00:22:48.319 Another spirit-filled, 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:51.259 victorious Christian life. 00:22:51.259 --> 00:22:53.240 The congregational holiness movement 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:54.400 came out of this. 00:22:55.000 --> 00:22:56.319 We have a congregational holiness 00:22:56.319 --> 00:22:57.379 congregation that meets 00:22:57.379 --> 00:22:58.379 just down the road here. 00:22:59.039 --> 00:22:59.460 Free Chapel, 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.440 if you're familiar with, 00:23:00.579 --> 00:23:02.460 is a congregational holiness church. 00:23:02.980 --> 00:23:04.720 I don't know how both of these congregations, 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:06.500 if they hold this view strictly or not, 00:23:06.559 --> 00:23:07.039 but this is 00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:09.480 the view that birthed 00:23:09.480 --> 00:23:12.019 those kinds of movements. 00:23:13.339 --> 00:23:13.700 Also, 00:23:13.819 --> 00:23:14.960 the Pentecostal view, 00:23:15.180 --> 00:23:15.339 right? 00:23:15.400 --> 00:23:16.119 You're saved. 00:23:16.240 --> 00:23:17.559 This is the first work of grace, 00:23:17.559 --> 00:23:19.579 but you're a defeated Christian 00:23:19.579 --> 00:23:20.419 at that time 00:23:20.419 --> 00:23:20.960 until 00:23:20.960 --> 00:23:21.960 you're 00:23:21.960 --> 00:23:23.359 filled with the spirit. 00:23:23.480 --> 00:23:24.799 You get the spirit baptism, 00:23:25.220 --> 00:23:25.359 right? 00:23:25.599 --> 00:23:26.599 Many Pentecostals will argue 00:23:26.599 --> 00:23:27.579 that's the first time 00:23:27.579 --> 00:23:28.319 you receive 00:23:28.319 --> 00:23:29.240 the spirit, 00:23:29.419 --> 00:23:30.599 that you're evidenced 00:23:30.599 --> 00:23:31.059 in 00:23:31.059 --> 00:23:32.440 various outward signs 00:23:32.440 --> 00:23:34.099 like speaking in tongues 00:23:34.099 --> 00:23:35.179 and you live this 00:23:35.179 --> 00:23:37.919 victorious Christian life 00:23:37.919 --> 00:23:39.599 at that second work 00:23:39.599 --> 00:23:40.700 of grace 00:23:40.700 --> 00:23:41.379 in your life. 00:23:42.419 --> 00:23:42.659 Now, 00:23:42.679 --> 00:23:43.720 some of us may encounter people 00:23:43.720 --> 00:23:44.399 who are believing these 00:23:44.399 --> 00:23:45.259 and may not even know, 00:23:45.339 --> 00:23:45.460 right? 00:23:45.460 --> 00:23:47.000 Probably few people 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:47.559 would say to you, 00:23:47.600 --> 00:23:47.720 oh, 00:23:47.759 --> 00:23:48.759 I hold the Keswick view 00:23:48.759 --> 00:23:50.840 of sanctification, 00:23:51.000 --> 00:23:52.400 but you might see it work in, 00:23:52.480 --> 00:23:53.920 maybe even in your own thinking, 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:55.299 the way you ought to live. 00:23:55.440 --> 00:23:57.019 I've been saved 00:23:57.019 --> 00:23:57.860 by the grace of God. 00:23:57.920 --> 00:23:59.039 I ought to live more perfectly 00:23:59.039 --> 00:24:00.559 than I'm currently living. 00:24:00.660 --> 00:24:01.720 You might have some of this work 00:24:01.720 --> 00:24:02.960 inside of your 00:24:02.960 --> 00:24:04.660 thought process. 00:24:06.140 --> 00:24:08.160 The one I'm more concerned about 00:24:08.160 --> 00:24:10.400 tends to be held 00:24:10.400 --> 00:24:11.759 more regularly 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:14.440 is the Chaferian view 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:15.400 of sanctification. 00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:18.000 This view 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:19.019 comes out of, 00:24:19.059 --> 00:24:20.599 there's three prominent 00:24:20.599 --> 00:24:21.500 theologians 00:24:21.500 --> 00:24:22.519 that have espoused this view. 00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:23.920 The primary one 00:24:23.920 --> 00:24:26.000 is Lewis Sperry Chafer. 00:24:26.299 --> 00:24:27.500 That's the Chaferian view. 00:24:27.900 --> 00:24:28.779 And they all 00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:30.019 come out of 00:24:30.019 --> 00:24:32.619 Dallas Theological Seminary. 00:24:34.220 --> 00:24:34.700 Now, 00:24:34.940 --> 00:24:38.099 this is a prominent view 00:24:38.099 --> 00:24:40.000 in American evangelicalism. 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:41.240 I grew up 00:24:41.240 --> 00:24:42.180 in churches 00:24:42.180 --> 00:24:43.279 under this view 00:24:43.279 --> 00:24:44.099 of sanctification. 00:24:44.740 --> 00:24:46.500 We get phrases like 00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:48.299 backslidden 00:24:48.299 --> 00:24:50.380 and the idea 00:24:50.380 --> 00:24:51.400 of rededication 00:24:51.400 --> 00:24:52.839 from this view 00:24:52.839 --> 00:24:53.900 of sanctification. 00:24:54.140 --> 00:24:54.519 You may be 00:24:54.519 --> 00:24:55.660 more familiar with it 00:24:55.660 --> 00:24:56.240 than you 00:24:56.240 --> 00:24:57.940 realize. 00:24:59.019 --> 00:25:00.380 This view 00:25:00.380 --> 00:25:02.039 divides up 00:25:02.039 --> 00:25:02.500 mankind 00:25:02.500 --> 00:25:03.920 into three different categories. 00:25:04.200 --> 00:25:04.440 First, 00:25:04.599 --> 00:25:05.839 the natural 00:25:05.839 --> 00:25:06.779 or unconverted 00:25:06.779 --> 00:25:07.980 man. 00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:09.740 second, 00:25:09.940 --> 00:25:11.079 the carnal, 00:25:11.259 --> 00:25:12.120 which is the converted 00:25:12.120 --> 00:25:13.920 but not spirit-filled 00:25:13.920 --> 00:25:14.480 man. 00:25:14.640 --> 00:25:14.960 Again, 00:25:15.240 --> 00:25:16.039 the term defeated 00:25:16.039 --> 00:25:16.740 is often 00:25:16.740 --> 00:25:18.620 used in this case. 00:25:19.079 --> 00:25:19.740 This is a person 00:25:19.740 --> 00:25:20.620 that accepts 00:25:20.620 --> 00:25:21.180 Christ 00:25:21.180 --> 00:25:22.500 as Savior. 00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:23.039 This view 00:25:23.039 --> 00:25:23.660 would argue 00:25:23.660 --> 00:25:24.480 that you can make 00:25:24.480 --> 00:25:25.360 a profession 00:25:25.360 --> 00:25:26.240 of faith in Christ 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:28.200 most typically 00:25:28.200 --> 00:25:29.220 during an invitation. 00:25:29.220 --> 00:25:30.180 So you've walked 00:25:30.180 --> 00:25:30.720 an aisle, 00:25:31.099 --> 00:25:31.660 you've signed 00:25:31.660 --> 00:25:32.420 a card, 00:25:33.099 --> 00:25:33.579 and they want 00:25:33.579 --> 00:25:34.440 to give you assurance 00:25:34.440 --> 00:25:35.400 at that moment. 00:25:35.400 --> 00:25:36.700 So you've accepted 00:25:36.700 --> 00:25:37.980 Christ as your Savior, 00:25:38.980 --> 00:25:39.480 but 00:25:39.480 --> 00:25:41.720 you've not 00:25:41.720 --> 00:25:42.460 accepted Him 00:25:42.460 --> 00:25:44.200 as your Lord. 00:25:44.860 --> 00:25:45.840 They draw a distinction 00:25:45.840 --> 00:25:46.560 between the two. 00:25:46.680 --> 00:25:47.280 You can have Jesus 00:25:47.280 --> 00:25:47.740 as Savior 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:49.240 and not as Lord, 00:25:49.280 --> 00:25:49.740 but there will be 00:25:49.740 --> 00:25:50.880 some crisis of faith 00:25:50.880 --> 00:25:51.500 in your life 00:25:51.500 --> 00:25:52.060 where you really 00:25:52.060 --> 00:25:52.960 dedicate yourself 00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:54.060 to this. 00:25:54.280 --> 00:25:55.019 And at that point, 00:25:55.140 --> 00:25:56.080 they would call you 00:25:56.080 --> 00:25:57.380 spirit-filled, 00:25:57.740 --> 00:25:58.540 at which point 00:25:58.540 --> 00:26:00.019 you begin this process 00:26:00.019 --> 00:26:00.880 of bit by bit 00:26:00.880 --> 00:26:01.620 by bit growing 00:26:01.620 --> 00:26:02.460 in holiness. 00:26:02.460 --> 00:26:04.620 A little more tomorrow 00:26:04.620 --> 00:26:05.860 than the day 00:26:05.860 --> 00:26:07.539 before. 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:09.319 Now, 00:26:09.880 --> 00:26:12.500 perhaps I need 00:26:12.500 --> 00:26:13.079 a doctorate 00:26:13.079 --> 00:26:13.660 to understand 00:26:13.660 --> 00:26:14.360 the arguments 00:26:14.360 --> 00:26:15.460 of the Chaferian view. 00:26:16.880 --> 00:26:17.660 And perhaps 00:26:17.660 --> 00:26:18.340 that doctorate 00:26:18.340 --> 00:26:18.900 would have to come 00:26:18.900 --> 00:26:19.620 from Dallas 00:26:19.620 --> 00:26:20.500 Theological Seminary. 00:26:22.400 --> 00:26:23.860 But I want to suggest 00:26:23.860 --> 00:26:25.900 that if I am 00:26:25.900 --> 00:26:27.299 quick to hear 00:26:27.299 --> 00:26:29.480 and slow to speak, 00:26:30.720 --> 00:26:31.200 that the Bible 00:26:31.200 --> 00:26:32.039 makes it plain 00:26:32.039 --> 00:26:34.659 that we are to have, 00:26:34.819 --> 00:26:35.639 if we're going to have 00:26:35.639 --> 00:26:36.920 Jesus as our Savior, 00:26:37.740 --> 00:26:38.799 then He must 00:26:38.799 --> 00:26:41.399 also be our Lord. 00:26:42.759 --> 00:26:43.779 I love the doctrine 00:26:43.779 --> 00:26:44.579 of the perspicuity 00:26:44.579 --> 00:26:45.500 of Scripture, 00:26:45.639 --> 00:26:46.480 the clarity 00:26:46.480 --> 00:26:48.000 of the Bible. 00:26:49.299 --> 00:26:50.180 So let me just read 00:26:50.180 --> 00:26:51.159 to you a couple of texts. 00:26:53.259 --> 00:26:54.099 Jesus said 00:26:54.099 --> 00:26:55.240 in John chapter 14 00:26:55.240 --> 00:26:56.099 and verse 15, 00:26:56.579 --> 00:26:57.659 this Jesus 00:26:57.659 --> 00:26:58.700 that we're talking about, 00:26:59.139 --> 00:26:59.659 He said, 00:26:59.819 --> 00:27:01.779 if you love Me, 00:27:01.779 --> 00:27:03.660 you will keep 00:27:03.660 --> 00:27:04.180 My commandments. 00:27:06.240 --> 00:27:06.960 How do we have 00:27:06.960 --> 00:27:07.859 Jesus as Savior? 00:27:08.259 --> 00:27:09.240 Certainly we love 00:27:09.240 --> 00:27:10.339 Him as Savior. 00:27:11.000 --> 00:27:12.500 He saved my soul 00:27:12.500 --> 00:27:13.180 and suggests 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:13.899 that we don't 00:27:13.899 --> 00:27:14.899 then have to keep 00:27:14.899 --> 00:27:15.779 His commandments. 00:27:16.339 --> 00:27:17.240 If we love Christ, 00:27:17.319 --> 00:27:19.779 we love His commandments. 00:27:20.740 --> 00:27:22.000 He must be our Savior 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:23.680 and our Lord. 00:27:23.680 --> 00:27:25.080 God bless you 00:27:25.080 --> 00:27:25.700 The Apostle Peter 00:27:25.700 --> 00:27:27.180 wrote in 2 Peter chapter 1 00:27:27.180 --> 00:27:28.039 and verse 10, 00:27:28.200 --> 00:27:28.440 Therefore, 00:27:28.900 --> 00:27:29.440 brothers, 00:27:30.340 --> 00:27:31.420 be all the more diligent 00:27:31.420 --> 00:27:32.860 to confirm your calling 00:27:32.860 --> 00:27:34.080 and election. 00:27:34.240 --> 00:27:35.060 And this is on the tail 00:27:35.060 --> 00:27:36.220 of a bunch of qualities 00:27:36.220 --> 00:27:37.240 that should be exhibited 00:27:37.240 --> 00:27:38.140 in the life of a Christian. 00:27:38.460 --> 00:27:39.380 For if you practice 00:27:39.380 --> 00:27:40.039 these qualities, 00:27:40.720 --> 00:27:42.700 you will never fall. 00:27:42.700 --> 00:27:45.059 James, 00:27:45.140 --> 00:27:45.759 the brother of Jesus, 00:27:45.940 --> 00:27:46.640 wrote further 00:27:46.640 --> 00:27:47.460 in this letter 00:27:47.460 --> 00:27:48.140 that we're studying 00:27:48.140 --> 00:27:49.460 in James chapter 2 00:27:49.460 --> 00:27:50.539 and verse 14, 00:27:51.440 --> 00:27:52.059 What good is it, 00:27:52.100 --> 00:27:52.539 my brothers, 00:27:52.660 --> 00:27:53.620 if someone says 00:27:53.620 --> 00:27:54.460 he has faith 00:27:54.460 --> 00:27:56.180 but does not have works? 00:27:57.279 --> 00:27:59.100 Seems very clear to me. 00:27:59.420 --> 00:28:00.160 As if he's saying, 00:28:00.240 --> 00:28:00.640 What good is it, 00:28:00.660 --> 00:28:00.960 my brothers, 00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:01.779 if someone says 00:28:01.779 --> 00:28:03.360 he has Jesus as Savior 00:28:03.360 --> 00:28:04.559 but not as Lord? 00:28:05.920 --> 00:28:07.140 Can that faith 00:28:07.140 --> 00:28:08.340 save him? 00:28:09.500 --> 00:28:10.259 James asks 00:28:10.259 --> 00:28:11.619 and he'll go on 00:28:11.619 --> 00:28:12.059 to argue 00:28:12.059 --> 00:28:13.379 that it can't. 00:28:13.640 --> 00:28:14.779 James chapter 2 00:28:14.779 --> 00:28:15.379 and verse 20, 00:28:16.200 --> 00:28:17.440 Do you want to be shown, 00:28:18.279 --> 00:28:19.539 you foolish person, 00:28:19.859 --> 00:28:20.819 that faith, 00:28:21.180 --> 00:28:22.180 apart from works, 00:28:22.519 --> 00:28:23.339 is useless? 00:28:25.980 --> 00:28:27.160 The Apostle John 00:28:27.160 --> 00:28:28.680 wrote in 1 John chapter 2 00:28:28.680 --> 00:28:29.519 verse 15 00:28:29.519 --> 00:28:30.480 and following, 00:28:31.180 --> 00:28:32.680 Do not love the world 00:28:32.680 --> 00:28:34.279 or the things in the world. 00:28:34.960 --> 00:28:36.319 If anyone loves the world, 00:28:36.400 --> 00:28:37.599 the love of the Father 00:28:37.599 --> 00:28:39.480 is not 00:28:39.480 --> 00:28:41.180 in him. 00:28:42.259 --> 00:28:43.380 For all there's in the world 00:28:43.380 --> 00:28:44.440 the desires of the flesh 00:28:44.440 --> 00:28:45.900 and the desires of the eyes 00:28:45.900 --> 00:28:47.039 and pride of life 00:28:47.039 --> 00:28:48.599 is not from the Father 00:28:48.599 --> 00:28:50.380 but is from 00:28:50.380 --> 00:28:52.360 the world. 00:28:54.680 --> 00:28:56.120 And in 1 John chapter 5 00:28:56.120 --> 00:28:57.059 in verse 3, 00:28:58.339 --> 00:28:59.000 John writes, 00:28:59.160 --> 00:29:00.319 This is the love of God 00:29:00.319 --> 00:29:01.620 that we keep 00:29:01.620 --> 00:29:02.740 his commandments 00:29:02.740 --> 00:29:04.380 and his commandments 00:29:04.380 --> 00:29:05.319 are not 00:29:05.319 --> 00:29:07.360 burdensome. 00:29:07.359 --> 00:29:09.979 Many years ago 00:29:09.979 --> 00:29:11.319 in the life 00:29:11.319 --> 00:29:11.979 of this church 00:29:11.979 --> 00:29:12.740 I had a young man 00:29:12.740 --> 00:29:13.379 who was a 00:29:13.379 --> 00:29:14.359 college student 00:29:14.359 --> 00:29:14.779 at the time 00:29:14.779 --> 00:29:15.379 walk up to me 00:29:15.379 --> 00:29:15.839 and said, 00:29:16.339 --> 00:29:17.799 My father is furious 00:29:17.799 --> 00:29:18.379 with you. 00:29:19.319 --> 00:29:20.039 This is not a thing 00:29:20.039 --> 00:29:20.519 you want to hear 00:29:20.519 --> 00:29:21.299 a college student 00:29:21.299 --> 00:29:22.000 say, 00:29:22.139 --> 00:29:23.179 although it's not 00:29:23.179 --> 00:29:23.599 the only time 00:29:23.599 --> 00:29:24.199 I've heard it. 00:29:24.200 --> 00:29:27.180 I said, 00:29:27.259 --> 00:29:27.519 Really? 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:28.080 Why? 00:29:28.160 --> 00:29:28.460 And he said, 00:29:28.500 --> 00:29:30.059 You're a heretic 00:29:30.059 --> 00:29:31.660 because you believe 00:29:31.660 --> 00:29:32.960 in lordship salvation. 00:29:33.759 --> 00:29:34.819 And I had no concept. 00:29:34.980 --> 00:29:35.400 I was like, 00:29:35.480 --> 00:29:36.279 I don't know 00:29:36.279 --> 00:29:37.660 what that even means. 00:29:38.759 --> 00:29:39.700 And so I said to him, 00:29:39.740 --> 00:29:39.860 Well, 00:29:39.900 --> 00:29:40.460 I'm going to go look 00:29:40.460 --> 00:29:40.900 into that. 00:29:40.980 --> 00:29:41.900 If I've erred in any way 00:29:41.900 --> 00:29:42.680 I certainly want to be 00:29:42.680 --> 00:29:43.519 made aware of it. 00:29:43.580 --> 00:29:44.779 I don't want to teach 00:29:44.779 --> 00:29:45.580 a heresy 00:29:45.580 --> 00:29:47.519 in the church. 00:29:47.519 --> 00:29:50.079 So I went to my computer 00:29:50.079 --> 00:29:50.700 that afternoon 00:29:50.700 --> 00:29:51.460 and I typed in 00:29:51.460 --> 00:29:52.319 lordship salvation 00:29:52.319 --> 00:29:53.700 and very quickly 00:29:53.700 --> 00:29:55.299 within a few moments 00:29:55.299 --> 00:29:55.480 went, 00:29:55.680 --> 00:29:55.819 Oh, 00:29:56.180 --> 00:29:56.460 Oh yeah, 00:29:56.480 --> 00:29:57.200 I totally believe 00:29:57.200 --> 00:29:58.059 this to be the case. 00:29:58.720 --> 00:29:59.400 If we're to have 00:29:59.400 --> 00:30:00.319 Jesus as our savior, 00:30:00.420 --> 00:30:02.059 he must be our Lord. 00:30:02.160 --> 00:30:03.639 He's going to work in us 00:30:03.639 --> 00:30:04.960 not with perfection. 00:30:05.680 --> 00:30:06.519 Don't hear me say that. 00:30:07.000 --> 00:30:08.200 I'm not saying I'm perfect. 00:30:08.339 --> 00:30:09.400 That's not what I'm saying. 00:30:10.240 --> 00:30:11.379 But if Jesus is my savior, 00:30:11.700 --> 00:30:12.859 I will desire 00:30:12.859 --> 00:30:14.480 to grow in holiness. 00:30:14.619 --> 00:30:15.720 I want to honor him. 00:30:15.740 --> 00:30:16.480 I want to listen 00:30:16.480 --> 00:30:19.500 to his good commands. 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:21.059 So the next Lord's day, 00:30:21.140 --> 00:30:22.059 I went to this young man 00:30:22.059 --> 00:30:22.339 and I said, 00:30:22.440 --> 00:30:22.620 Yep, 00:30:22.900 --> 00:30:24.400 I would suggest to you 00:30:24.400 --> 00:30:25.360 that I am not a heretic, 00:30:25.579 --> 00:30:27.460 but that is what I believe 00:30:27.460 --> 00:30:28.079 to be true. 00:30:28.160 --> 00:30:29.220 And I turned to first John 00:30:29.220 --> 00:30:30.400 chapter five in verse three. 00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:31.440 This is the love of God 00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:33.279 that we keep his commandments 00:30:33.279 --> 00:30:34.220 and his commandments 00:30:34.220 --> 00:30:37.160 are not burdensome. 00:30:37.920 --> 00:30:40.440 And I'm very grateful 00:30:40.440 --> 00:30:41.579 that this young guy 00:30:41.579 --> 00:30:42.420 searched out the scripture 00:30:42.420 --> 00:30:45.259 and stayed with our church 00:30:45.259 --> 00:30:46.140 until he moved away 00:30:46.140 --> 00:30:47.720 and he is our accountant 00:30:47.720 --> 00:30:48.759 for our church 00:30:48.759 --> 00:30:51.160 to this day. 00:30:52.300 --> 00:30:52.320 Right? 00:30:52.560 --> 00:30:54.040 So if Jesus is our Lord, 00:30:54.120 --> 00:30:55.540 we will be pursuing holiness. 00:30:55.820 --> 00:30:55.940 Right? 00:30:55.960 --> 00:30:57.800 We will find this miraculous work 00:30:57.800 --> 00:30:58.259 in us 00:30:58.259 --> 00:30:59.740 that we'll want to turn away 00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:00.600 from the things of the world 00:31:00.600 --> 00:31:01.540 and turn toward 00:31:01.540 --> 00:31:02.580 the things of God. 00:31:02.680 --> 00:31:03.900 But we don't do this 00:31:03.900 --> 00:31:04.940 immediately. 00:31:05.160 --> 00:31:06.000 We don't do this 00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:07.360 with perfection. 00:31:08.780 --> 00:31:09.780 John also wrote 00:31:09.780 --> 00:31:11.000 in first John chapter one 00:31:11.000 --> 00:31:11.400 and verse eight, 00:31:11.400 --> 00:31:13.180 if we say we have no sin, 00:31:13.759 --> 00:31:14.820 we deceive ourselves 00:31:14.820 --> 00:31:16.380 and the truth 00:31:16.380 --> 00:31:17.940 is not in us. 00:31:18.280 --> 00:31:18.420 Right? 00:31:18.660 --> 00:31:19.680 So James warns us 00:31:19.680 --> 00:31:20.720 that we ought to be very careful 00:31:20.720 --> 00:31:21.759 not to deceive ourselves. 00:31:21.759 --> 00:31:22.120 Right? 00:31:22.280 --> 00:31:23.519 That we ought to be doers 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:24.120 of this word. 00:31:24.200 --> 00:31:24.740 We ought to love 00:31:24.740 --> 00:31:25.720 the commands of God 00:31:25.720 --> 00:31:28.019 and want to follow God. 00:31:29.019 --> 00:31:29.680 John also says, 00:31:29.800 --> 00:31:31.140 but don't be deceived 00:31:31.140 --> 00:31:31.820 and think that you 00:31:31.820 --> 00:31:32.800 don't have 00:31:32.800 --> 00:31:34.540 sin. 00:31:34.539 --> 00:31:37.659 So we must be careful. 00:31:38.559 --> 00:31:41.059 Do not be deceived. 00:31:41.799 --> 00:31:42.740 We're going to be told 00:31:42.740 --> 00:31:43.599 verse 25 00:31:43.599 --> 00:31:45.259 that we're to persevere. 00:31:45.559 --> 00:31:46.500 We're to continue 00:31:46.500 --> 00:31:47.240 to follow. 00:31:47.500 --> 00:31:48.819 That it's going to take 00:31:48.819 --> 00:31:52.139 effort on our part. 00:31:52.940 --> 00:31:55.319 And we do not do this alone. 00:31:56.099 --> 00:31:57.460 This is why you need 00:31:57.460 --> 00:31:58.799 the church. 00:31:59.960 --> 00:32:02.159 The greatest affirmations 00:32:02.159 --> 00:32:03.879 my salvation 00:32:03.880 --> 00:32:04.540 is that I have a group 00:32:04.540 --> 00:32:05.060 of people 00:32:05.060 --> 00:32:06.840 that I walk together with. 00:32:06.920 --> 00:32:07.640 A group of people 00:32:07.640 --> 00:32:08.300 who are looking 00:32:08.300 --> 00:32:09.760 into my life. 00:32:10.240 --> 00:32:11.020 A group of people 00:32:11.020 --> 00:32:11.660 who bring to me 00:32:11.660 --> 00:32:12.460 loving correction 00:32:12.460 --> 00:32:14.560 when I'm at fault. 00:32:14.660 --> 00:32:15.740 That I might repent 00:32:15.740 --> 00:32:16.600 and continue 00:32:16.600 --> 00:32:17.320 to pursue 00:32:17.320 --> 00:32:18.900 Christ. 00:32:20.040 --> 00:32:20.920 We need the spirit. 00:32:21.040 --> 00:32:21.560 We need the word. 00:32:21.660 --> 00:32:22.220 We need 00:32:22.220 --> 00:32:23.760 one another. 00:32:24.100 --> 00:32:24.700 Be careful. 00:32:24.880 --> 00:32:25.980 Do not be 00:32:25.980 --> 00:32:27.060 deceived. 00:32:27.380 --> 00:32:28.460 It is very possible 00:32:28.460 --> 00:32:29.760 to be a hearer 00:32:29.760 --> 00:32:30.400 of the word 00:32:30.400 --> 00:32:30.980 and to think 00:32:30.980 --> 00:32:31.660 that you're a Christian 00:32:31.660 --> 00:32:32.780 and your life 00:32:32.780 --> 00:32:33.700 looks nothing 00:32:33.700 --> 00:32:35.120 like the word. 00:32:35.620 --> 00:32:36.340 Don't be deceived. 00:32:37.220 --> 00:32:37.900 Help others 00:32:37.900 --> 00:32:39.160 not to be 00:32:39.160 --> 00:32:40.500 deceived. 00:32:41.039 --> 00:32:41.840 So this is the 00:32:41.840 --> 00:32:44.059 way of the deceived. 00:32:44.220 --> 00:32:44.360 Right? 00:32:45.059 --> 00:32:45.700 Always hearing, 00:32:45.880 --> 00:32:47.039 never acting. 00:32:48.039 --> 00:32:48.740 But we also see 00:32:48.740 --> 00:32:49.600 the way of the 00:32:49.600 --> 00:32:50.519 blessed. 00:32:51.559 --> 00:32:51.920 He says, 00:32:52.000 --> 00:32:53.039 but the one who looks 00:32:53.039 --> 00:32:54.779 into the perfect law 00:32:54.779 --> 00:32:56.980 and this word, 00:32:57.080 --> 00:32:57.620 this Greek word 00:32:57.620 --> 00:32:58.940 looks means gaze. 00:32:59.039 --> 00:33:00.180 It's a deep gazing. 00:33:00.180 --> 00:33:00.740 Right? 00:33:00.740 --> 00:33:01.720 It's not merely 00:33:01.720 --> 00:33:03.340 a quick glance. 00:33:03.519 --> 00:33:04.519 It's a staring 00:33:04.519 --> 00:33:06.400 within the perfect 00:33:06.400 --> 00:33:07.400 law. 00:33:07.740 --> 00:33:07.820 Right? 00:33:07.860 --> 00:33:08.460 The commands 00:33:08.460 --> 00:33:09.060 given to us. 00:33:09.120 --> 00:33:10.600 The law of liberty. 00:33:11.240 --> 00:33:12.560 The gospel of Jesus 00:33:12.560 --> 00:33:13.799 Christ that sets us 00:33:13.799 --> 00:33:15.240 free from bondage 00:33:15.240 --> 00:33:16.539 to having to earn 00:33:16.539 --> 00:33:17.180 our acceptance 00:33:17.180 --> 00:33:17.900 before God. 00:33:18.100 --> 00:33:18.960 But the law of liberty 00:33:18.960 --> 00:33:20.060 that sets us free 00:33:20.060 --> 00:33:20.920 from that. 00:33:21.519 --> 00:33:22.279 Sets us free 00:33:22.279 --> 00:33:23.460 from having to 00:33:23.460 --> 00:33:25.019 earn salvation, 00:33:25.259 --> 00:33:26.299 which we cannot do. 00:33:26.299 --> 00:33:28.980 But a glorious law 00:33:28.980 --> 00:33:30.599 that we get to follow 00:33:30.599 --> 00:33:31.819 now out of grateful 00:33:31.819 --> 00:33:33.539 obedience to what 00:33:33.539 --> 00:33:34.220 God has done 00:33:34.220 --> 00:33:35.339 for us. 00:33:36.019 --> 00:33:36.980 So the one who does 00:33:36.980 --> 00:33:37.579 this, 00:33:37.740 --> 00:33:38.839 who looks intently 00:33:38.839 --> 00:33:40.519 into this law 00:33:40.519 --> 00:33:41.720 and perseveres 00:33:41.720 --> 00:33:42.059 in it, 00:33:42.099 --> 00:33:42.700 who continues 00:33:42.700 --> 00:33:43.839 to work, 00:33:43.980 --> 00:33:44.899 to labor, 00:33:45.779 --> 00:33:46.819 being no hearer 00:33:46.819 --> 00:33:47.299 who forgets, 00:33:48.220 --> 00:33:49.079 but a doer 00:33:49.079 --> 00:33:50.440 who acts. 00:33:51.099 --> 00:33:51.899 He will be, 00:33:52.639 --> 00:33:53.519 there's this blessing 00:33:53.519 --> 00:33:53.980 declared, 00:33:54.180 --> 00:33:54.599 blessed. 00:33:54.859 --> 00:33:55.879 He will be blessed. 00:33:56.299 --> 00:33:58.940 In his doing. 00:34:00.359 --> 00:34:01.200 So this brings us 00:34:01.200 --> 00:34:02.299 on the back of your bulletin 00:34:02.299 --> 00:34:03.759 to this final view, 00:34:03.859 --> 00:34:05.000 which is most common 00:34:05.000 --> 00:34:06.259 called the reformed view. 00:34:06.379 --> 00:34:07.240 And just to be fair, 00:34:07.619 --> 00:34:08.980 I put that on the sheet, 00:34:09.039 --> 00:34:10.000 but I really just wanted 00:34:10.000 --> 00:34:11.000 to say the biblical view. 00:34:15.480 --> 00:34:17.800 I really make good effort 00:34:17.800 --> 00:34:18.940 at being kind-hearted 00:34:18.940 --> 00:34:20.360 to people that I disagree with. 00:34:23.039 --> 00:34:24.259 And I disagree, 00:34:24.380 --> 00:34:24.980 I disagree 00:34:24.980 --> 00:34:26.340 with the Chafferian view 00:34:26.340 --> 00:34:27.240 because I think 00:34:27.240 --> 00:34:28.119 that it's damning 00:34:28.119 --> 00:34:28.619 to people. 00:34:29.179 --> 00:34:30.079 I think there are people 00:34:30.079 --> 00:34:31.059 who think they're Christians 00:34:31.059 --> 00:34:32.840 and they're fine 00:34:32.840 --> 00:34:33.599 with that Jesus 00:34:33.599 --> 00:34:34.480 is Savior piece. 00:34:34.920 --> 00:34:35.699 They're okay with that. 00:34:35.760 --> 00:34:35.960 They're like, 00:34:36.000 --> 00:34:36.240 yeah, yeah, 00:34:36.340 --> 00:34:37.219 got the Jesus is Savior 00:34:37.219 --> 00:34:37.780 part of this 00:34:37.780 --> 00:34:38.480 and I'm good. 00:34:40.579 --> 00:34:41.300 And they think 00:34:41.300 --> 00:34:42.019 they're in the faith 00:34:42.019 --> 00:34:43.119 and they're not in the faith. 00:34:43.219 --> 00:34:43.920 They're deceiving 00:34:43.920 --> 00:34:45.119 themselves 00:34:45.119 --> 00:34:47.839 and they're being deceived. 00:34:48.359 --> 00:34:48.759 So, 00:34:49.719 --> 00:34:50.659 the biblical view 00:34:50.659 --> 00:34:52.099 of sanctification. 00:34:53.460 --> 00:34:55.279 When we are saved, 00:34:55.819 --> 00:34:56.759 which is entirely 00:34:56.759 --> 00:34:57.519 a work of God, 00:34:57.920 --> 00:34:59.279 we did nothing to earn it. 00:34:59.480 --> 00:35:00.359 We could do nothing 00:35:00.359 --> 00:35:00.980 to earn it. 00:35:01.159 --> 00:35:02.339 We were dead in our sin. 00:35:02.400 --> 00:35:03.299 He made us alive 00:35:03.299 --> 00:35:04.420 in Christ. 00:35:05.759 --> 00:35:06.920 We're submitting to him 00:35:06.920 --> 00:35:08.059 both as Savior 00:35:08.059 --> 00:35:10.099 and Lord. 00:35:11.259 --> 00:35:12.679 And we don't do this perfectly. 00:35:12.679 --> 00:35:13.960 We still carry around 00:35:13.960 --> 00:35:16.579 the baggage of our flesh. 00:35:17.339 --> 00:35:18.579 We have new hearts 00:35:18.579 --> 00:35:21.599 but we still have our flesh. 00:35:21.699 --> 00:35:24.779 And our flesh just loves sin 00:35:24.779 --> 00:35:27.460 but our new hearts do not. 00:35:29.179 --> 00:35:29.779 So, 00:35:29.859 --> 00:35:31.639 it's the work of a Christian 00:35:31.639 --> 00:35:32.419 as an individual 00:35:32.419 --> 00:35:33.899 and a Christian in community 00:35:33.899 --> 00:35:35.899 to take a careful look 00:35:35.899 --> 00:35:36.579 of our lives, 00:35:36.619 --> 00:35:37.279 to make our calling 00:35:37.279 --> 00:35:38.059 and election sure, 00:35:38.219 --> 00:35:39.319 to be constantly looking 00:35:39.319 --> 00:35:39.960 and assessing 00:35:39.960 --> 00:35:42.139 and not in an obsessive way, 00:35:42.679 --> 00:35:43.480 but to ask, 00:35:43.579 --> 00:35:45.059 am I growing in holiness? 00:35:46.019 --> 00:35:47.519 Do I see an improvement 00:35:47.519 --> 00:35:48.419 within me? 00:35:49.079 --> 00:35:50.399 Do I love the things 00:35:50.399 --> 00:35:50.919 of the world 00:35:50.919 --> 00:35:52.339 or do I love the things 00:35:52.339 --> 00:35:53.440 of God? 00:35:53.839 --> 00:35:54.899 When I sin, 00:35:55.079 --> 00:35:55.799 am I hardened 00:35:55.799 --> 00:35:56.779 to that sin? 00:35:57.239 --> 00:35:58.639 Or do I hate that sin? 00:35:58.919 --> 00:35:59.599 Do I want 00:35:59.599 --> 00:36:00.559 to put it off 00:36:00.559 --> 00:36:01.559 and put on 00:36:01.559 --> 00:36:02.799 righteousness? 00:36:03.659 --> 00:36:04.599 Do I see 00:36:04.599 --> 00:36:06.139 the Spirit of God 00:36:06.139 --> 00:36:06.960 active 00:36:06.960 --> 00:36:08.739 and at work in me? 00:36:08.739 --> 00:36:09.099 Right? 00:36:09.459 --> 00:36:10.739 As I take up the word, 00:36:11.039 --> 00:36:12.939 am I being a doer 00:36:12.939 --> 00:36:14.259 of the word? 00:36:15.619 --> 00:36:16.579 This view 00:36:16.579 --> 00:36:17.379 of sanctification 00:36:17.379 --> 00:36:20.619 is synergistic. 00:36:20.899 --> 00:36:22.159 It takes effort 00:36:22.159 --> 00:36:23.379 on our part. 00:36:23.879 --> 00:36:24.959 We don't let go 00:36:24.959 --> 00:36:25.579 and let God. 00:36:25.979 --> 00:36:27.119 We continue to work. 00:36:27.239 --> 00:36:28.839 We pick up the daily things 00:36:28.839 --> 00:36:29.679 that we ought to do. 00:36:29.899 --> 00:36:31.000 The habits of grace. 00:36:31.239 --> 00:36:32.119 The things that God 00:36:32.119 --> 00:36:32.979 has given to us 00:36:32.979 --> 00:36:34.679 to grow in Him. 00:36:35.319 --> 00:36:36.019 And we press 00:36:36.019 --> 00:36:36.820 and we press 00:36:36.820 --> 00:36:37.800 and we press 00:36:37.800 --> 00:36:39.679 recognizing all along 00:36:39.679 --> 00:36:40.719 anything good 00:36:40.719 --> 00:36:41.480 that we accomplish 00:36:41.480 --> 00:36:42.300 is a work 00:36:42.300 --> 00:36:43.039 of the Spirit 00:36:43.039 --> 00:36:44.079 in our lives. 00:36:44.519 --> 00:36:45.820 Bringing about obedience 00:36:45.820 --> 00:36:47.139 bit by bit 00:36:47.139 --> 00:36:48.179 by bit. 00:36:48.739 --> 00:36:49.639 We ask others 00:36:49.639 --> 00:36:50.840 to examine our lives. 00:36:51.639 --> 00:36:51.860 Brother, 00:36:52.199 --> 00:36:54.280 what do you think? 00:36:54.619 --> 00:36:55.619 Am I in the faith? 00:36:55.699 --> 00:36:56.300 Do you see me 00:36:56.300 --> 00:36:56.980 growing in Christ? 00:36:57.219 --> 00:36:58.380 When we have our doubts, 00:36:58.460 --> 00:36:59.340 we look to our brothers. 00:37:00.099 --> 00:37:00.320 Brother? 00:37:00.659 --> 00:37:00.900 Sister? 00:37:01.699 --> 00:37:02.599 Am I in the faith? 00:37:02.599 --> 00:37:05.639 I've given much counsel 00:37:05.639 --> 00:37:07.639 over the past decade plus 00:37:07.639 --> 00:37:08.119 to people 00:37:08.119 --> 00:37:09.440 who are doubting to say, 00:37:09.960 --> 00:37:10.199 oh, 00:37:10.539 --> 00:37:11.719 but I've watched your life 00:37:11.719 --> 00:37:12.860 over these past years. 00:37:13.400 --> 00:37:14.539 And you love 00:37:14.539 --> 00:37:15.739 the things of God. 00:37:15.860 --> 00:37:16.599 You are growing 00:37:16.599 --> 00:37:19.619 in your faith. 00:37:21.380 --> 00:37:22.480 Jesus tells a parable 00:37:22.480 --> 00:37:23.739 in Matthew chapter 21 00:37:23.739 --> 00:37:24.880 beginning in verse 28 00:37:24.880 --> 00:37:25.380 and following. 00:37:25.960 --> 00:37:26.279 He says, 00:37:26.339 --> 00:37:27.139 what do you think? 00:37:27.799 --> 00:37:29.360 A man had two sons 00:37:29.360 --> 00:37:30.500 and he went to the first 00:37:30.500 --> 00:37:30.960 and said, 00:37:30.960 --> 00:37:31.360 son, 00:37:31.579 --> 00:37:32.340 go and work 00:37:32.340 --> 00:37:33.240 in the vineyard today. 00:37:33.900 --> 00:37:34.539 And he answered, 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.740 I will not. 00:37:36.420 --> 00:37:37.159 But afterward, 00:37:37.519 --> 00:37:38.780 he changed his mind 00:37:38.780 --> 00:37:40.119 and he went. 00:37:40.920 --> 00:37:42.199 So he heard the word 00:37:42.199 --> 00:37:43.420 and eventually 00:37:43.420 --> 00:37:44.780 he was obedient 00:37:44.780 --> 00:37:45.860 to the word. 00:37:46.500 --> 00:37:47.000 And he went 00:37:47.000 --> 00:37:47.780 to the other son 00:37:47.780 --> 00:37:48.760 and said the same. 00:37:49.199 --> 00:37:49.960 And he answered, 00:37:50.059 --> 00:37:50.840 I go, sir, 00:37:51.420 --> 00:37:52.800 but did not go. 00:37:53.820 --> 00:37:54.699 So he heard the word, 00:37:54.980 --> 00:37:56.800 but he was not obedient 00:37:56.800 --> 00:37:57.760 to the word. 00:37:58.940 --> 00:37:59.760 Jesus asked, 00:37:59.760 --> 00:38:00.600 which of the two 00:38:00.600 --> 00:38:01.360 did the will 00:38:01.360 --> 00:38:02.780 of his father? 00:38:03.620 --> 00:38:04.440 And they said, 00:38:04.520 --> 00:38:05.260 these are the Pharisees, 00:38:05.340 --> 00:38:05.960 the first, 00:38:06.660 --> 00:38:07.760 Jesus said to them, 00:38:08.600 --> 00:38:09.540 truly I say to you, 00:38:09.600 --> 00:38:10.380 the tax collectors 00:38:10.380 --> 00:38:11.380 and the prostitutes 00:38:11.380 --> 00:38:11.980 go into the kingdom 00:38:11.980 --> 00:38:12.960 of God before you. 00:38:14.580 --> 00:38:14.980 Hated, 00:38:15.340 --> 00:38:16.020 hated people 00:38:16.020 --> 00:38:16.940 by the Pharisees. 00:38:17.700 --> 00:38:19.020 For John came to you 00:38:19.020 --> 00:38:19.900 in the way of righteousness 00:38:19.900 --> 00:38:21.720 and you did not believe him. 00:38:22.400 --> 00:38:23.400 But the tax collectors 00:38:23.400 --> 00:38:24.040 and the prostitutes 00:38:24.040 --> 00:38:24.560 believed him. 00:38:24.559 --> 00:38:26.679 And even when you saw it, 00:38:26.759 --> 00:38:27.759 you did not afterward 00:38:27.759 --> 00:38:28.920 change your minds 00:38:28.920 --> 00:38:31.219 and believe him. 00:38:32.960 --> 00:38:33.880 Our belief 00:38:33.880 --> 00:38:36.139 is evidenced 00:38:36.139 --> 00:38:37.639 by our obedience. 00:38:38.360 --> 00:38:39.099 Hear that. 00:38:39.440 --> 00:38:40.199 Oh, hear that. 00:38:40.340 --> 00:38:42.699 Do not be deceived. 00:38:43.880 --> 00:38:45.340 Hear James' exhortation 00:38:45.340 --> 00:38:47.440 one more time. 00:38:47.799 --> 00:38:48.239 So at the beginning, 00:38:48.320 --> 00:38:48.519 I said, 00:38:48.539 --> 00:38:49.239 I just wanted to read it 00:38:49.239 --> 00:38:49.639 and say, okay, 00:38:49.779 --> 00:38:50.539 I'll read it one more time. 00:38:50.880 --> 00:38:51.820 Well, I said a bunch of things 00:38:51.820 --> 00:38:53.120 and now let me read it 00:38:53.120 --> 00:38:54.380 one more time. 00:38:55.480 --> 00:38:57.500 But be doers of the word 00:38:57.500 --> 00:38:59.340 and not hearers only 00:38:59.340 --> 00:39:01.180 deceiving yourselves. 00:39:02.000 --> 00:39:03.200 For if anyone is a hearer 00:39:03.200 --> 00:39:03.580 of the word 00:39:03.580 --> 00:39:04.300 and not a doer, 00:39:04.400 --> 00:39:05.160 he is like a man 00:39:05.160 --> 00:39:05.920 who looks intently 00:39:05.920 --> 00:39:07.059 at his natural face 00:39:07.059 --> 00:39:08.080 in a mirror. 00:39:08.620 --> 00:39:09.559 For he looks at himself 00:39:09.559 --> 00:39:10.180 and goes away 00:39:10.180 --> 00:39:11.380 and at once forgets 00:39:11.380 --> 00:39:12.640 what he was like. 00:39:13.740 --> 00:39:14.780 But the one who looks 00:39:14.780 --> 00:39:16.019 into the perfect law, 00:39:16.500 --> 00:39:17.680 the law of liberty, 00:39:18.120 --> 00:39:19.160 and perseveres, 00:39:19.700 --> 00:39:20.519 being no hearer 00:39:20.519 --> 00:39:21.100 who forgets 00:39:21.099 --> 00:39:22.880 but a doer who acts, 00:39:23.619 --> 00:39:24.460 he will be blessed 00:39:24.460 --> 00:39:25.679 in his doing. 00:39:26.420 --> 00:39:27.159 Let's pray together.