WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.000 I want to add my excitement to what Kelly said. 00:00:15.519 --> 00:00:19.039 I'm really excited about the Express Grace conference this weekend. 00:00:19.580 --> 00:00:24.800 Just want to remind you, if you show up next Sunday, that's great and we're glad you're 00:00:24.800 --> 00:00:24.940 here. 00:00:25.019 --> 00:00:26.519 You'll have missed half of it already. 00:00:26.519 --> 00:00:27.120 Okay. 00:00:27.120 --> 00:00:31.100 The first two sessions are Saturday morning and Saturday night. 00:00:31.200 --> 00:00:36.120 Don't miss the chance to serve together, to deepen relationships with our partners, to 00:00:36.120 --> 00:00:40.700 learn from Ben, who is a pastor and personal friend of mine. 00:00:41.260 --> 00:00:44.000 For many years now, I've learned so much from him. 00:00:45.240 --> 00:00:51.500 So sign up, but more importantly, show up and enjoy that annual conference. 00:00:51.500 --> 00:00:57.380 We're going to get back soon to our study of John's gospel and finish that up. 00:00:57.880 --> 00:01:04.960 But this morning, as we've been saying, is part two of two, a little mini series on why 00:01:04.960 --> 00:01:08.099 we are here through the lens of holiness. 00:01:09.680 --> 00:01:14.379 Last week, in case you weren't here, everybody who was here remembers all of this, of course, 00:01:14.379 --> 00:01:19.199 we heard God tell us that you are holy. 00:01:20.839 --> 00:01:29.500 Already set apart because you were made by God to be his and you were redeemed by God to 00:01:29.500 --> 00:01:34.399 be his through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. 00:01:34.400 --> 00:01:39.800 Before you do anything holy. 00:01:41.620 --> 00:01:46.060 I've talked with many of you this week and we've had a lot of the same reactions to that, 00:01:46.180 --> 00:01:53.700 feeling the weight of that reality because we often feel that ourselves were just not 00:01:53.700 --> 00:01:54.620 holy. 00:01:54.620 --> 00:01:57.420 That's our experience of ourselves. 00:01:58.240 --> 00:02:07.180 And we've felt some joy in that reality that it's inspiring us to consider that God is working 00:02:07.180 --> 00:02:17.159 in me, his glory in my life because he's made me, he's made us a tabernacle for himself. 00:02:18.219 --> 00:02:22.439 We're set apart for God completely. 00:02:22.439 --> 00:02:24.400 That's who we are. 00:02:24.840 --> 00:02:27.520 That's why we're here to be his. 00:02:28.719 --> 00:02:36.919 But there's another aspect of holiness that we're still becoming as God keeps working in 00:02:36.919 --> 00:02:37.240 us, right? 00:02:37.280 --> 00:02:43.800 The finished work of Christ on the cross we love and also the continued work of the Holy 00:02:43.800 --> 00:02:45.579 Spirit in our hearts. 00:02:46.259 --> 00:02:51.240 I told you we were going to pick up where we left off last week with this quote from Dr. 00:02:51.240 --> 00:02:52.200 Martin Lloyd-Jones. 00:02:54.520 --> 00:03:01.340 Holiness is not something we are called upon to do in order that we may become something. 00:03:02.100 --> 00:03:07.140 It is something we are to do because of what we already are. 00:03:07.139 --> 00:03:16.879 Becoming holy is the process of that heavenly reality about who we are. 00:03:17.959 --> 00:03:20.659 Holy, whether you act like it or not. 00:03:21.479 --> 00:03:28.000 That reality becoming the way we actually live here on earth. 00:03:28.099 --> 00:03:30.519 That we do act like it. 00:03:31.159 --> 00:03:32.719 Act like we are gods. 00:03:32.719 --> 00:03:36.120 Let's live our lives for him, all for Jesus. 00:03:37.340 --> 00:03:43.340 It's something we do because of what we already are. 00:03:43.819 --> 00:03:49.139 Or you could say it's becoming who you were born to be. 00:03:49.139 --> 00:03:56.599 You may recognize that phrase or that theme from numerous famous stories. 00:03:56.599 --> 00:04:05.519 It's a very common theme of someone who is born to be king but being slow to take up that mantle. 00:04:06.399 --> 00:04:15.939 Preferring for a time to live for himself rather than to step into that role that's rightfully his. 00:04:15.939 --> 00:04:29.100 You may think when I say that of Tolkien's hooded ranger strider who lurks in the shadows until the race of man needs him most. 00:04:30.660 --> 00:04:40.420 You may think of Twain's prince and the pauper where Prince Edward thinks that he'd rather switch places with poor Tom Canty. 00:04:41.120 --> 00:04:43.360 And get away from palace life forever. 00:04:43.360 --> 00:04:49.879 Or probably even more of you think of Disney's Simba, right? 00:04:50.540 --> 00:04:54.420 Who runs away to a life famously free from worry. 00:04:55.040 --> 00:04:56.240 No responsibilities. 00:04:57.000 --> 00:05:02.000 Until he remembers that he was made for more than that. 00:05:03.040 --> 00:05:11.720 All of them undergo a transformation that makes them eventually into the king that they were born to be. 00:05:11.720 --> 00:05:13.700 They were the rightful king. 00:05:13.940 --> 00:05:15.000 No doubt about it. 00:05:15.080 --> 00:05:17.740 Whether they acted like it or not, they were the king. 00:05:18.740 --> 00:05:24.400 But finally, they each became who they were born to be. 00:05:24.480 --> 00:05:29.280 To their own fulfillment and to the blessing of many, many others. 00:05:30.640 --> 00:05:37.020 This morning, this year even, I want us to see ourselves in that light. 00:05:37.019 --> 00:05:41.740 God has made us for himself. 00:05:42.299 --> 00:05:46.219 God is remaking us for his purpose. 00:05:46.680 --> 00:05:50.839 So, how will we live for his glory? 00:05:51.180 --> 00:05:55.060 And along the way as we do that, yes, it will bring glory to him. 00:05:55.199 --> 00:06:00.539 But along the way, we'll find ourselves fulfilled and becoming who we were really born to be. 00:06:00.540 --> 00:06:05.080 And we'll find many others blessed by our lives with God. 00:06:05.120 --> 00:06:06.080 How will that happen? 00:06:07.379 --> 00:06:12.100 That's what happens as we become holy. 00:06:13.540 --> 00:06:18.900 One last clarification before we read our passage for today. 00:06:19.939 --> 00:06:28.460 Become who you are means that grace and holiness are related in the right order. 00:06:28.459 --> 00:06:36.519 Some of you think that you go to a grace church and you must be lost this morning. 00:06:36.859 --> 00:06:39.979 Because we've said the word holy so many times. 00:06:40.079 --> 00:06:43.620 Two weeks in a row, Will keeps talking about our holiness. 00:06:44.439 --> 00:06:45.519 Where am I? 00:06:47.679 --> 00:06:55.279 Listen, it's important for us to understand that God's grace is not in competition with our holiness. 00:06:55.279 --> 00:06:59.679 And in fact, it inspires our holiness. 00:06:59.939 --> 00:07:04.559 It makes holy lives possible because he has come to live within us. 00:07:04.599 --> 00:07:07.979 And that's the only way that we can have anything to do with holiness. 00:07:08.339 --> 00:07:11.439 Holiness is Christ in me. 00:07:12.159 --> 00:07:16.539 I want to show you some images I've used before just to make sure we're on the same page. 00:07:17.039 --> 00:07:20.719 Some people think that this is the picture of Christianity. 00:07:20.720 --> 00:07:20.920 Christianity. 00:07:22.120 --> 00:07:24.240 But it's not. 00:07:25.280 --> 00:07:34.640 The Bible does not call us to live holy enough lives that we can make our way up the stairway to heaven 00:07:34.640 --> 00:07:40.980 and a holy God and his eternal salvation being holy with him forever. 00:07:41.960 --> 00:07:42.300 No. 00:07:42.300 --> 00:07:49.199 There is a connection between grace and holiness in biblical Christianity. 00:07:50.379 --> 00:07:52.040 But it's the other way around. 00:07:53.160 --> 00:07:54.939 Grace comes first. 00:07:55.660 --> 00:08:03.180 The holy God comes down from heaven to us to make us holy. 00:08:03.180 --> 00:08:03.300 Holy. 00:08:04.079 --> 00:08:11.560 The amazing grace of that movement of his, his condescension to us, changes the way I live now 00:08:11.560 --> 00:08:14.600 because now I'm his and he's with me. 00:08:14.759 --> 00:08:15.600 I'm holy. 00:08:17.040 --> 00:08:22.879 So if you listen this morning as we talk and what you think is, you know, I need to be holy. 00:08:23.660 --> 00:08:24.579 More holy. 00:08:25.300 --> 00:08:25.759 Good. 00:08:25.759 --> 00:08:25.840 Good. 00:08:25.839 --> 00:08:25.919 Good. 00:08:27.119 --> 00:08:31.979 But don't think that the solution then is, I need to live better. 00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:37.519 No, the solution is, I need Jesus. 00:08:38.360 --> 00:08:44.199 I need him to show up in my life and make me holy. 00:08:44.200 --> 00:08:54.000 We're going to see here in 1 Peter how those heavenly realities and this holy God transform our earthly lives 00:08:54.000 --> 00:09:00.759 so that we actually live and love and long for different things. 00:09:01.500 --> 00:09:10.360 1 Peter chapter 1, a letter written to help the people of God who are living in this world amidst suffering 00:09:10.360 --> 00:09:18.700 and opposition and struggle to live with an eternal perspective because of who God is and what he's done for us. 00:09:18.899 --> 00:09:24.919 He's just been talking about those amazing realities and now we pick up the reading at verse 13. 00:09:25.639 --> 00:09:29.800 Therefore, in light of this glorious hope God has called you to, 00:09:31.399 --> 00:09:34.779 preparing your minds for action and being sober-minded, 00:09:34.779 --> 00:09:41.240 set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 00:09:42.039 --> 00:09:47.000 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 00:09:48.000 --> 00:09:54.000 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. 00:09:54.559 --> 00:10:00.120 Since it is written, you shall be holy for I am holy. 00:10:01.039 --> 00:10:02.419 This is God's holy word. 00:10:02.419 --> 00:10:03.879 Let's ask for his help. 00:10:04.779 --> 00:10:14.740 Father, we give you thanks that you, the one who is holy, holy, holy, 00:10:15.120 --> 00:10:23.000 would meet with us about holiness, would even desire to come to us and make us holy. 00:10:25.179 --> 00:10:30.299 And we're well aware that that requires you to make something about us different. 00:10:30.299 --> 00:10:36.399 And so we do honestly open our hearts to you and say, 00:10:36.519 --> 00:10:41.199 come and transform us, change us. 00:10:42.099 --> 00:10:47.279 You can do that and we need you to by your spirit, through your word, even now. 00:10:48.359 --> 00:10:50.939 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:10:50.940 --> 00:10:51.040 Amen. 00:10:53.280 --> 00:11:00.340 So what does this look like as we become who we were born to be, holy to God? 00:11:00.820 --> 00:11:02.100 Peter highlights two things. 00:11:02.220 --> 00:11:07.420 This is pretty common in the Bible, the negative and the positive, right? 00:11:07.500 --> 00:11:09.100 Often they're together. 00:11:09.360 --> 00:11:16.260 First, this looks like a life shaped less by my priorities without God. 00:11:16.259 --> 00:11:18.939 Look at verse 14. 00:11:20.019 --> 00:11:26.600 Do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance. 00:11:27.600 --> 00:11:31.480 This is the first side of the coin, the negative side, right? 00:11:31.679 --> 00:11:39.939 If being holy is being set apart, this is what we as God's children are set apart from. 00:11:39.940 --> 00:11:49.460 And no more hiding in the shadows, no more disguising as a commoner, no more rolling around in the dirt with warthogs, right? 00:11:50.400 --> 00:11:54.200 You have to leave that life behind to become who you are. 00:11:55.200 --> 00:12:00.260 You can watch this pattern continue through the New Testament, 2 Timothy chapter 2. 00:12:00.259 --> 00:12:12.279 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he'll be a vessel for honorable you set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 00:12:12.659 --> 00:12:16.340 So flee youthful passions, right? 00:12:16.439 --> 00:12:17.159 Same idea. 00:12:17.519 --> 00:12:19.120 Flee youthful passions. 00:12:20.059 --> 00:12:26.779 Paul tells the Corinthians especially to flee, in particular, sexual immorality. 00:12:27.460 --> 00:12:27.799 Why? 00:12:27.799 --> 00:12:28.479 Why? 00:12:28.559 --> 00:12:29.779 Just because it's a bad idea? 00:12:30.620 --> 00:12:34.659 Well, specifically because they are holy. 00:12:35.939 --> 00:12:41.779 Their body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, so they are not their own. 00:12:41.979 --> 00:12:48.159 I would tell you that's one of the most countercultural things that the Bible says anywhere to 21st century people. 00:12:49.439 --> 00:12:51.899 You are not your own. 00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:55.019 Is that possible? 00:12:55.859 --> 00:12:56.159 How's that? 00:12:56.159 --> 00:13:00.100 You were bought with a price. 00:13:01.919 --> 00:13:06.159 As a result of that, glorify God with your body. 00:13:06.439 --> 00:13:07.559 Be holy to Him. 00:13:07.679 --> 00:13:09.679 Live in a holy way. 00:13:10.259 --> 00:13:15.059 All these passages are describing what the Bible calls repentance. 00:13:15.059 --> 00:13:25.559 When Jesus comes to us and we say yes to Jesus, as a result of that, we say no to other things. 00:13:25.559 --> 00:13:27.939 Other things that claim to offer life. 00:13:28.039 --> 00:13:29.519 When He says, I am life. 00:13:29.599 --> 00:13:31.539 Knowing me is life. 00:13:31.539 --> 00:13:35.620 So we turn from those things back to Him. 00:13:35.699 --> 00:13:40.959 Or another theology word for this, mortification. 00:13:40.960 --> 00:13:44.340 Putting to death. 00:13:44.340 --> 00:13:48.940 Whatever keeps us from being completely holy to God. 00:13:49.240 --> 00:13:50.540 Set apart for Him. 00:13:50.660 --> 00:13:51.740 And all of life. 00:13:51.800 --> 00:13:52.519 It has to go. 00:13:53.480 --> 00:13:54.700 And now you're thinking, there He goes. 00:13:54.800 --> 00:13:55.740 I knew it. 00:13:55.940 --> 00:13:57.560 This is what it was all going to come down to. 00:13:57.620 --> 00:14:00.600 It's the list of things to avoid in order to be holy. 00:14:00.720 --> 00:14:01.500 Don't drink. 00:14:01.960 --> 00:14:02.720 Don't smoke. 00:14:02.960 --> 00:14:03.440 Don't chew. 00:14:03.539 --> 00:14:04.899 Don't go with girls who do. 00:14:05.080 --> 00:14:07.120 Just avoid them all and you'll be good. 00:14:07.179 --> 00:14:08.600 I knew He was going to get to that. 00:14:10.279 --> 00:14:16.860 If that's what you're thinking, what's vital to notice here is what Peter says we turn from. 00:14:16.860 --> 00:14:18.320 Or put to death. 00:14:18.460 --> 00:14:22.860 What is it that's over here that I keep talking about we need to repent from? 00:14:23.620 --> 00:14:31.000 He says, the passions of your former ignorance. 00:14:31.860 --> 00:14:34.059 That's what He's calling us to turn from. 00:14:34.539 --> 00:14:36.259 It's not just stuff we do. 00:14:37.279 --> 00:14:37.960 The passions. 00:14:38.419 --> 00:14:41.679 The desires beneath the sins. 00:14:43.039 --> 00:14:48.299 See, He's saying, now that you are holy to God, life is found in Him. 00:14:48.620 --> 00:14:52.059 Stop living as though life is found somewhere else. 00:14:52.840 --> 00:14:59.879 Stop being molded, shaped, impacted by the things that you used to think would satisfy or fulfill you. 00:14:59.879 --> 00:15:05.360 In my words, these are what my priorities are when God is not in the picture. 00:15:06.700 --> 00:15:08.799 Where am I going to find myself filled up? 00:15:08.860 --> 00:15:10.860 Where am I going to find significance and satisfaction? 00:15:10.860 --> 00:15:23.639 A young man said to me not long ago, I finally realize I've been looking for my girlfriend to do for me what only God can. 00:15:24.800 --> 00:15:27.620 Make me valuable and satisfied. 00:15:27.620 --> 00:15:33.279 I thought, man, that is really mature. 00:15:34.159 --> 00:15:40.960 Because when I was in high school, as this young man was, and never had a girlfriend, by the way, as you suspected, 00:15:40.960 --> 00:15:44.800 I, that was not that funny. 00:15:45.639 --> 00:15:46.120 Phew. 00:15:48.120 --> 00:15:49.639 I'm not going to use that one again. 00:15:53.139 --> 00:15:56.560 I often thought, and this is sincere, not a joke, 00:15:57.160 --> 00:16:03.160 I thought if I could just get the right girl to fall in love with me, I'd be set. 00:16:03.159 --> 00:16:15.539 I mean, life would be perfect when I actually knew or said I did that only God could satisfy me. 00:16:16.459 --> 00:16:16.639 Right? 00:16:16.899 --> 00:16:20.480 That's living in ignorant passions. 00:16:20.480 --> 00:16:27.019 Of course, relationships can also involve immoral behavior. 00:16:28.259 --> 00:16:35.899 When our youthful passions convince us that we need whatever we want in order to be happy. 00:16:36.360 --> 00:16:39.220 And listen, we are naturally self-focused, right? 00:16:39.620 --> 00:16:40.940 That's the way we're born. 00:16:41.320 --> 00:16:46.019 And then voices all around us are saying to us, if it feels good, do it. 00:16:46.779 --> 00:16:47.980 That's what you need. 00:16:47.980 --> 00:16:58.220 Listen, don't say you're holy to God, living for His purposes, but then reject His plan 00:16:58.220 --> 00:17:01.860 and say that your plan for being fulfilled is better. 00:17:02.000 --> 00:17:05.299 I mean, God's goal is all for Jesus, but my way. 00:17:05.980 --> 00:17:06.120 Right? 00:17:06.220 --> 00:17:08.259 I'll do it the way I want. 00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:14.579 I mean, God's the creator king, but my plan for sexuality is clearly better than His. 00:17:15.720 --> 00:17:16.079 What? 00:17:16.079 --> 00:17:16.439 No. 00:17:16.439 --> 00:17:17.079 No. 00:17:17.079 --> 00:17:18.079 No. 00:17:18.079 --> 00:17:18.220 No. 00:17:18.779 --> 00:17:24.879 Don't live conformed to those passions of your thinking as though your way was better. 00:17:26.079 --> 00:17:33.779 Y'all, even when relationships are good and right, no spouse or significant other can fulfill you like God. 00:17:34.899 --> 00:17:36.299 Don't live like they could. 00:17:37.439 --> 00:17:41.119 Don't be shaped by that longing, Peter says. 00:17:41.119 --> 00:17:43.119 It's not that easy. 00:17:43.119 --> 00:17:51.019 Some of us are looking for that in other places, like in retirement and the comfort and ease and peace and quiet. 00:17:51.119 --> 00:17:52.179 Won't that be nice? 00:17:53.579 --> 00:17:55.739 That promises to satisfy us. 00:17:55.740 --> 00:18:03.559 but if what you mean by retirement is living for yourself doing whatever you good and well please 00:18:03.559 --> 00:18:10.900 every moment of every day God doesn't know anything of that word it's just not there 00:18:10.900 --> 00:18:19.660 God says you are holy to me and you will always be that won't ever stop don't set your hope on 00:18:19.660 --> 00:18:26.940 retirement look the best is yet to come it's even better than that a future full of grace 00:18:26.940 --> 00:18:32.320 when Jesus Christ is revealed that's what you've got to look forward to set your hope fully there 00:18:32.320 --> 00:18:39.820 see when we wrongly believed that this world was all there was our passions made us want not just 00:18:39.820 --> 00:18:45.680 retirement but in the meantime more stuff right can you even remember that day when you when you 00:18:45.680 --> 00:18:53.600 wanted more things when you know you can't oh good sometimes we believe that and our passions 00:18:53.600 --> 00:18:59.940 are for that and maybe the outward sin was stealing from a store to get more stuff it could have been 00:18:59.940 --> 00:19:06.140 stealing from the nation by cheating on your taxes it could have been stealing from your employer by 00:19:06.140 --> 00:19:12.920 cheating on your expense reports but Peter says don't repent only from that that's not where he's 00:19:12.920 --> 00:19:21.480 focused he says repent from looking to possessions to satisfy you to thinking stuff would be enough 00:19:21.480 --> 00:19:30.000 repent from from lusting and coveting and and being greedy because you didn't embrace that that your father 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:37.880 owns it all and gives you exactly what you need repent from believing that you needed more 00:19:37.880 --> 00:19:46.340 some of us have tried that with popularity if I could just fit in and and get along with 00:19:46.340 --> 00:19:53.520 that group of people that would do it for me and and we found as one young person said to me recently 00:19:53.520 --> 00:19:57.240 sometimes friends are the worst 00:19:57.240 --> 00:20:06.820 remember people can be good friends we need good friends but they're still terrible gods 00:20:06.819 --> 00:20:14.960 there is one faithful God who will always let you in who will never let you down he's the one you need 00:20:14.960 --> 00:20:23.299 some of us have lied about our co-workers to get ahead we've run others down to get power or control 00:20:23.299 --> 00:20:29.119 we've neglected our neighbors in an effort to to be at the top of the food chain and find life there as 00:20:29.119 --> 00:20:36.279 DJ was saying before he sang and having control and and power Peter says don't let your life be shaped that 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:46.619 way you know better now you don't need to be in control to be valuable you don't you were made for more to be gods 00:20:46.619 --> 00:20:55.960 that's several ideas I'd like each of us just to think of one could you could you do that focus on one 00:20:55.960 --> 00:21:06.680 passion and even just right now as you think that should shape my life less than it does don't stop at 00:21:06.680 --> 00:21:12.900 the outward action that you should quit to be more holy what's the desire beneath that sin 00:21:12.900 --> 00:21:21.079 that you can see even right now it's part of your former ignorance something you know won't 00:21:21.079 --> 00:21:30.139 actually be where life is something distracting you from being holy to God will you start talking to 00:21:30.139 --> 00:21:39.619 Jesus about that even this afternoon repenting of it rejecting its lies that's the negative part 00:21:39.619 --> 00:21:44.839 of becoming holy turning from the unholy 00:21:44.839 --> 00:21:54.899 that's where Peter starts but but it's not where he stops leaving that life behind leaving the shadows 00:21:54.899 --> 00:22:02.839 and the warthogs and the common life behind is not all that's needed to become who you were born 00:22:02.839 --> 00:22:10.559 to be if our heroes are going to become the kings that they rightly are in these stories 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:18.220 they will need to lead men into battle against evil right they'll need to step into the roles of 00:22:18.220 --> 00:22:24.679 decision making for the country they will need to fight the hyenas so that the pride is protected 00:22:24.679 --> 00:22:30.379 there's good work that needs to be done these kings have weighty responsibilities on them 00:22:30.379 --> 00:22:35.619 and the king of kings has given the same to you 00:22:35.619 --> 00:22:43.879 he's opened even even greater vistas than these of of wonderful life before his sons and daughters 00:22:43.879 --> 00:22:50.479 that he's invited into this relationship with him Peter states the call to holiness positively 00:22:50.479 --> 00:23:01.959 verse 15 as he who called you is holy you also be holy in all your conduct 00:23:01.960 --> 00:23:11.380 be holy be set apart for God not just in theory not just because he says it's true that he made you 00:23:11.380 --> 00:23:21.600 that way but in your conduct becoming who you were born to be means a life shaped more by God's priorities 00:23:21.600 --> 00:23:28.200 with me what God wants and what could happen if he's really present with me do you believe that 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:36.200 if he's really powerfully at work in me and through me what could life look like well pursue righteousness 00:23:36.200 --> 00:23:46.360 faith love and peace do you read those do you think these could mark my life he said yes he said yes 00:23:46.360 --> 00:23:56.140 that's what I've made you for glorify God with your body you're his right see this is the positive half 00:23:56.140 --> 00:24:06.040 of repentance you don't merely turn from your sin but to God and life with him something is new and different 00:24:06.040 --> 00:24:18.140 this is what the theologians call vivification bringing to life the fruits of the spirit of God dwelling in you 00:24:18.140 --> 00:24:26.080 you God's holy temple now there's new life in you and it looks different there's different fruit growing on 00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:36.699 that tree if you turn from those old desires and needs you'll find you've got time and space for new ones 00:24:36.699 --> 00:24:43.659 I've found that a lot of times what else could I possibly do I've got all my times accounted for I bet 00:24:43.659 --> 00:24:49.720 some of your times accounted for by passions of your former ignorance and this is going to open up 00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:58.259 new opportunities God comes to us in his grace he sets us apart for himself and he transforms us 00:24:58.259 --> 00:25:08.440 in every way this is a total transformation from the inside out right as our desires are now for things 00:25:08.440 --> 00:25:17.779 that he loves as our confidence today and tomorrow is in his constant empowerment that our hope is in his 00:25:17.779 --> 00:25:26.319 eternal glory freeing us up now in these days to live wholly for God's kingdom to come here instead of living 00:25:26.319 --> 00:25:38.680 for ourselves see heaven comes down to earth in that image heaven comes down to us Peter says we have a certain 00:25:38.680 --> 00:25:47.759 future a faithful father a purchased freedom so now we can have fun becoming holy 00:25:47.759 --> 00:25:56.480 in our lives see holiness is an exciting adventure just in case you're confused it includes more than 00:25:56.480 --> 00:26:03.579 singing songs and listening to sermons in church okay that that's part of it but it goes outside of 00:26:03.579 --> 00:26:12.779 these walls it has to it means all that you are is consecrated to God isn't that right verse 15 again 00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:27.519 just checking be holy in all your conduct unless you're staying here all week it's got to go out here beyond these walls 00:26:27.519 --> 00:26:38.220 so now for example have some fun my money it's not something that I have to find life in anymore so it becomes 00:26:38.220 --> 00:26:46.940 kingdom ammunition to blow a hole in the gates of hell with right I listened this week to some amazing 00:26:46.940 --> 00:26:57.980 people gathered to talk about holistic systems that that could be developed around here to to rescue and to love 00:26:57.980 --> 00:27:04.980 victims of human trafficking these were experts from across the country seeing it happen in different states and 00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:11.160 they're talking about all sorts of things you know why they were gathered here because some people with 00:27:11.160 --> 00:27:22.200 money wanted to put those resources to holy use for God's kingdom they wanted to know how best to love these 00:27:22.200 --> 00:27:29.779 particular downtrodden image bearers of God with their resources and they were having fun doing it 00:27:29.779 --> 00:27:39.799 I told you last week I've been wrestling with my time being God's as I've prayed this week he's 00:27:39.799 --> 00:27:46.440 especially shown me an opportunity with my margin my downtime one of the things that happens some of 00:27:46.440 --> 00:27:52.539 you've experienced my kids have gotten older all of a sudden there are times there are these windows 00:27:52.539 --> 00:27:57.720 of time in the evening where everybody else in my family is busy and nobody's wanting to hang out with me 00:27:57.720 --> 00:28:08.680 that's weird it's great isn't it my time grab it wherever you can right some some me time 00:28:08.680 --> 00:28:21.839 but God has been reminding me that all of my time is his and in fact I've got an eternity of time that's not 00:28:21.839 --> 00:28:29.359 going to run out time's not this this thing that's so limited anymore I've got I've got eternity and so 00:28:29.359 --> 00:28:35.599 rather than making a list of all the things I want to do and just chasing after him so fast he's telling me 00:28:35.599 --> 00:28:47.359 I can slow down and be with Jesus it it is his time after all I'll be honest with you I'm still learning how best 00:28:47.359 --> 00:28:53.459 to do that it is really hard for me to sit still some of you know what that feels like 00:28:53.459 --> 00:29:04.619 but it's exciting to to be with him that when I do slow down I'm not alone he's with me and I can spend time 00:29:04.619 --> 00:29:12.459 with him your money your time what about your relationships they become kingdom opportunities don't they 00:29:12.460 --> 00:29:16.700 whether you're talking about the neighbors that God has placed you in relationship with like 00:29:16.700 --> 00:29:22.600 several of us were this week some some new neighbors at a retirement community we're figuring out how 00:29:22.600 --> 00:29:29.519 how those relationships can be engaged for holy purposes maybe you're considering your kids 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:36.759 or your friends or your family that you just can't get along with well what might God do 00:29:36.759 --> 00:29:42.900 if he was working in you if he was working through you in those relationships I don't know 00:29:42.900 --> 00:29:49.079 but don't give up hope there think creatively and have fun how might that relationship be used 00:29:49.079 --> 00:29:54.259 for his glory what new relationship might God call you into for his glory 00:29:54.259 --> 00:30:02.940 just throw out one more idea for positive holiness as you're thinking and dreaming and exploring 00:30:02.940 --> 00:30:08.640 all of these conversations that I had by the way were just this week can you imagine 00:30:08.640 --> 00:30:19.019 if all of us in this room being set apart for God that God would would see come to life in holy 00:30:19.019 --> 00:30:25.200 people set apart for himself some incredible things I don't know what all he might do 00:30:25.200 --> 00:30:32.920 Christy and I revisited this week an old conversation about our home being a kingdom outpost 00:30:32.940 --> 00:30:43.279 it's not my house it's God's house I'm just living in it if every part of my life is holy to him it's his 00:30:43.279 --> 00:30:51.920 what does it look like then to use it as a place for rest for refreshment for refuge for others 00:30:51.920 --> 00:31:00.720 maybe you don't usually think of life-giving parties and strategic financial investments and 00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:06.279 neighborhood hospitality as holy living they sound like too much fun 00:31:06.279 --> 00:31:12.400 but I hope if you don't that God is is expanding your horizons right now 00:31:12.400 --> 00:31:19.700 we did sing all for Jesus didn't we all of it all we are all we have 00:31:19.700 --> 00:31:25.920 listen I'm gonna stop coming up with ideas because y'all are way more creative than I am 00:31:25.920 --> 00:31:30.680 I love that about this church I couldn't even think up these things if y'all weren't already 00:31:30.680 --> 00:31:36.860 doing them and I just say oh that looks fun look what God's doing over there what's he gonna do 00:31:36.860 --> 00:31:43.420 for you he's he's setting you free I want you to feel this and know this when we talk about being holy 00:31:43.420 --> 00:31:50.420 God's not trying to to button you up in this command to holiness he's not saying to you just don't mess up 00:31:50.420 --> 00:31:58.600 make sure you don't get out of line no he's trying actually to set you free to live for him 00:31:58.600 --> 00:32:07.019 everywhere in all sorts of good works that he the most creative one of us all has prepared in advance 00:32:07.019 --> 00:32:16.240 for you to walk in for you to walk in those good works as he walks with you as you you together get the 00:32:16.240 --> 00:32:22.620 the evil forces of darkness on the run you get life flourishing everywhere around you it's King 00:32:22.620 --> 00:32:28.660 Simba coming back to pride rock and and relationships blossom and and the vulnerable are protected and 00:32:28.660 --> 00:32:36.000 and predatory leaders are chased away and everyone rejoices that's what God's freeing you up for 00:32:36.000 --> 00:32:46.200 it's really exciting because as you start turning from your sin and turning to God moment by moment 00:32:46.200 --> 00:32:52.500 as you start seeing all of life as this this playground it's God's playground that he's made 00:32:52.500 --> 00:32:59.700 for me you'll start to feel that this is what you were made for I don't know what the the this 00:32:59.700 --> 00:33:05.880 specifically will look like for you but but it doesn't have to be flashy and grab headlines 00:33:05.880 --> 00:33:14.500 it may be very quiet and involve a lot of listening it may be time-consuming 00:33:14.500 --> 00:33:24.640 and require a lot of sacrifice but whatever it is you'll never be alone in it I want to end where 00:33:24.640 --> 00:33:34.819 we started with this God who comes to live with us to make us holy see God doesn't come looking for 00:33:34.819 --> 00:33:40.660 holy people right this is one of the beautiful things about how gracious and glorious he is he 00:33:40.660 --> 00:33:48.040 doesn't have to look for holy people because when he shows up in people's hearts and lives the most 00:33:48.040 --> 00:33:55.220 unholy people become holy don't they and even with all the exciting things you'll get to do 00:33:55.220 --> 00:34:05.100 seeing Satan fall seeing hurting people healed seeing dead people come to life the most exciting part 00:34:05.099 --> 00:34:15.980 of all of it is being his being in relationship with him as you go about it all see God is so gracious 00:34:15.980 --> 00:34:27.759 that he doesn't give demands to be burdensome to us become who you are is not a finger wagging demand 00:34:27.760 --> 00:34:35.600 for you to perform live up to what you should you've carried that burden before 00:34:35.600 --> 00:34:39.980 no with God it's an open-handed invitation 00:34:39.980 --> 00:34:49.540 into the wonderful reality of relationship with God come come become who you are become who I made you 00:34:49.539 --> 00:35:00.360 to be come be in relationship with the holy holy holy God so it is absolutely a product of grace which means 00:35:00.360 --> 00:35:05.099 it's more about abiding with him than it is about achieving for him 00:35:05.099 --> 00:35:18.699 listen it is not up to you to make yourself holy your holiness even this week doesn't rest on your choices 00:35:18.699 --> 00:35:28.000 your efforts or your success it rests on your father and so must you 00:35:28.000 --> 00:35:40.480 God makes us holy as our catechism says as a work of his free grace I hope that gives you joy and freedom 00:35:40.480 --> 00:35:46.739 I want you to listen to this verse in Hebrews 10 it's about the sacrifice of Jesus so you can leave 00:35:46.739 --> 00:35:57.619 with this kind of hope and confidence by a single offering he has perfected for all time just just stop there 00:35:57.619 --> 00:36:13.219 he has made perfect for all time you are holy right who who is who's perfect already for all time 00:36:13.219 --> 00:36:21.759 those who are being made holy those who are still in process 00:36:21.759 --> 00:36:31.279 that is a divine passive voice which you don't need to know other than you need to know that it means 00:36:31.279 --> 00:36:41.219 you are being made holy by the holy God that's who's doing the work being his having eternal security 00:36:41.219 --> 00:36:50.399 having a heavenly homeland and family it motivates us and it sets us apart to become holy in our lives 00:36:50.399 --> 00:36:53.959 every day right here and right now in every way you can think of 00:36:53.959 --> 00:36:59.719 Southwood you are holy 00:36:59.719 --> 00:37:03.819 you were made for holiness 00:37:03.820 --> 00:37:15.920 become who you were born to be let's pray oh father what a delight that we can come to you 00:37:15.920 --> 00:37:24.660 and know that you've promised to make us into what you've called us to you made us in the first place 00:37:24.660 --> 00:37:29.840 and you've promised you won't stop working on us till you finish the good work you've begun at the day of 00:37:29.840 --> 00:37:39.140 Christ Jesus what hope that gives us what excitement would you turn us loose on our families and our 00:37:39.140 --> 00:37:47.620 neighbors and this city for the glory of King Jesus thank you for making us holy please don't stop 00:37:47.620 --> 00:37:54.180 even when it hurts even when we struggle against it call our hearts back again to you 00:37:54.179 --> 00:37:59.460 we need your help and ask for it in Jesus name amen 00:37:59.460 --> 00:38:04.379 for more information visit us online at southwood.org 00:38:04.379 --> 00:38:05.379 you