WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.820 Let's read together Romans chapter 1 verses 8 through 15. 00:00:06.240 --> 00:00:07.020 Paul writes, 00:00:07.020 --> 00:00:10.099 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, 00:00:10.099 --> 00:00:13.140 ! because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 00:00:14.320 --> 00:00:13.160 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:39.759 I want you to know, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you, 00:00:39.759 --> 00:00:41.759 but thus far have been prevented, 00:00:42.500 --> 00:00:44.399 in order that I may reap some harvest among you, 00:00:44.439 --> 00:00:46.620 as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 00:00:47.320 --> 00:00:50.219 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, 00:00:50.299 --> 00:00:52.280 both to the wise and to the foolish. 00:00:52.760 --> 00:00:56.879 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also, who are in Rome. 00:00:57.880 --> 00:01:00.140 Now, as I studied this text this week, it's kind of interesting, 00:01:00.240 --> 00:01:05.520 because we kind of get Paul's salutation to the Romans later on in his letter. 00:01:05.520 --> 00:01:09.620 He's begun the first seven verses of this book with a great gospel presentation, 00:01:09.820 --> 00:01:11.700 which we talked about last week. 00:01:12.439 --> 00:01:16.320 And then he turns to greet the Roman believers. 00:01:17.379 --> 00:01:20.200 And he tells us about how he longs to come to them, 00:01:20.460 --> 00:01:23.700 his desire to come and to mutually encourage them. 00:01:23.700 --> 00:01:27.320 And that kind of seemed to be the bearing of the text as I first read through it. 00:01:28.180 --> 00:01:29.379 We read in verse 8, 00:01:29.640 --> 00:01:31.180 I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, 00:01:31.240 --> 00:01:33.240 because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 00:01:33.500 --> 00:01:35.600 And I thought, oh, what a great sermon this will be, 00:01:35.659 --> 00:01:37.920 on the kind of faith we should have, 00:01:37.960 --> 00:01:41.540 and what people should be looking at with our faith. 00:01:42.219 --> 00:01:46.280 But as I read through the text and arrived at verse 14, 00:01:46.800 --> 00:01:48.680 I got stuck on a little phrase. 00:01:48.980 --> 00:01:49.859 And that phrase was, 00:01:50.100 --> 00:01:51.740 Under obligation. 00:01:51.739 --> 00:01:55.119 It seemed a strange phrase to me. 00:01:55.159 --> 00:01:57.539 I am under obligation. 00:01:58.719 --> 00:02:01.060 And as I did some word studying to it, 00:02:01.140 --> 00:02:02.299 it perplexed me further. 00:02:03.039 --> 00:02:03.959 And so if you'll permit me, 00:02:04.019 --> 00:02:05.560 we're going to start with verse 14. 00:02:06.239 --> 00:02:08.240 And then I'm going to show you what I really believe 00:02:08.240 --> 00:02:11.019 the great example of this text is to us. 00:02:11.599 --> 00:02:15.139 But I want to start by putting up the one point of this morning's sermon. 00:02:15.419 --> 00:02:17.680 It'll be up on the screen there for you if you're taking notes. 00:02:17.680 --> 00:02:19.400 And that is this. 00:02:19.900 --> 00:02:22.879 Christian, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, our Lord, 00:02:23.060 --> 00:02:25.900 you are obligated to share your faith with the church, 00:02:26.420 --> 00:02:27.200 firstly, 00:02:27.560 --> 00:02:29.040 and with the world, 00:02:29.719 --> 00:02:31.140 for the sake of Jesus' name, 00:02:31.280 --> 00:02:32.159 among all the nations. 00:02:32.260 --> 00:02:32.780 So this week, 00:02:32.819 --> 00:02:36.580 we're going to talk about that obligation to share our faith with the church. 00:02:36.640 --> 00:02:37.300 And next week, 00:02:37.340 --> 00:02:41.260 we'll talk about the obligation to share our faith with the world. 00:02:41.259 --> 00:02:43.159 So this little phrase, 00:02:43.299 --> 00:02:44.039 under obligation, 00:02:44.199 --> 00:02:46.840 is only used three times in the New Testament, 00:02:46.979 --> 00:02:47.799 all by Paul. 00:02:48.819 --> 00:02:50.120 Once in the book of Galatians, 00:02:50.179 --> 00:02:52.299 and then twice here in his letter to the Romans. 00:02:53.479 --> 00:02:54.679 It simply means, 00:02:54.819 --> 00:02:56.639 the Greek term, 00:02:56.859 --> 00:02:57.840 which I could not pronounce, 00:02:57.939 --> 00:02:58.840 so I'm not going to tell it to you, 00:02:59.139 --> 00:03:00.299 simply means, 00:03:01.000 --> 00:03:02.459 one who owes another, 00:03:03.180 --> 00:03:03.919 or a debtor. 00:03:04.739 --> 00:03:06.219 One who owes another, 00:03:07.079 --> 00:03:07.819 or a debtor. 00:03:08.959 --> 00:03:10.780 Now the reason that perplexed me, 00:03:11.259 --> 00:03:12.379 is we know, 00:03:12.659 --> 00:03:14.479 Paul's already talked about grace to him. 00:03:14.780 --> 00:03:17.079 We've received grace and apostleship, 00:03:17.139 --> 00:03:18.079 that's in verse 5. 00:03:18.899 --> 00:03:22.519 And if there is somehow then something he owes back to God, 00:03:22.599 --> 00:03:23.799 then grace is to be grace. 00:03:25.179 --> 00:03:25.799 Doesn't it? 00:03:26.199 --> 00:03:27.840 Grace is the free gift of God. 00:03:27.939 --> 00:03:30.919 We know that we do not deserve anything that God has done for us. 00:03:30.979 --> 00:03:32.099 Our sin has bought us, 00:03:32.519 --> 00:03:33.579 justly bought us, 00:03:33.680 --> 00:03:34.979 God's wrath upon us. 00:03:35.560 --> 00:03:37.379 But he's gracious to us. 00:03:37.379 --> 00:03:41.780 He then doesn't require us to work that off. 00:03:42.579 --> 00:03:43.180 Does he? 00:03:44.519 --> 00:03:46.379 So if we owe God something, 00:03:47.379 --> 00:03:49.000 then it ceases to be grace. 00:03:49.699 --> 00:03:50.900 And that's what troubled me. 00:03:51.699 --> 00:03:54.939 So to kind of give a little evidence to the meaning of that word, 00:03:55.000 --> 00:03:56.319 that's in fact what it means. 00:03:56.939 --> 00:03:58.000 Galatians 5.3, 00:03:58.120 --> 00:03:58.500 Paul writes, 00:03:58.500 --> 00:04:01.939 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision, 00:04:01.939 --> 00:04:05.680 that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 00:04:06.599 --> 00:04:07.280 Same word there. 00:04:07.560 --> 00:04:10.099 But we know Paul previously talked in Galatians 3.10, 00:04:10.379 --> 00:04:10.659 he says, 00:04:10.759 --> 00:04:12.819 for all who rely on works of the law are under a curse. 00:04:13.379 --> 00:04:15.699 For it is written in Deuteronomy chapter 27, 00:04:16.199 --> 00:04:20.420 cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, 00:04:20.600 --> 00:04:21.379 and do them. 00:04:22.220 --> 00:04:25.399 He further goes on in the same chapter to say that no one can. 00:04:25.399 --> 00:04:25.919 Right? 00:04:27.120 --> 00:04:29.779 So Paul uses that same term to say, 00:04:29.919 --> 00:04:33.899 if you're going to try to gain acceptance with God through works, 00:04:33.899 --> 00:04:35.919 then you're obligated to be perfect. 00:04:36.579 --> 00:04:38.120 You're indebted to perfection. 00:04:39.039 --> 00:04:39.199 Right? 00:04:39.439 --> 00:04:40.759 So the word holds true. 00:04:40.899 --> 00:04:42.500 It means to be a debtor. 00:04:42.819 --> 00:04:45.139 That is what you must do, 00:04:45.259 --> 00:04:48.019 and you have no choice in the matter. 00:04:48.879 --> 00:04:52.620 The other place it's used is in Romans chapter 8, verse 9. 00:04:52.620 --> 00:04:57.519 And I'd like you to turn there because I think it gives us a greater understanding 00:04:57.519 --> 00:05:00.259 of what Paul means to be under obligation. 00:05:00.959 --> 00:05:02.360 Romans chapter 8, verse 9. 00:05:06.959 --> 00:05:08.060 We're going to read through 14. 00:05:09.340 --> 00:05:09.980 Paul writes, 00:05:09.980 --> 00:05:27.700 So he draws a dichotomy. 00:05:27.700 --> 00:05:29.819 Those who have the spirit and those who do not. 00:05:29.980 --> 00:05:32.680 Those who are in Christ and those who are not. 00:05:32.780 --> 00:05:33.379 Those who are lost. 00:05:34.140 --> 00:05:34.759 Those who are saved. 00:05:35.200 --> 00:05:35.259 Okay? 00:05:35.860 --> 00:05:36.360 Verse 11. 00:05:36.360 --> 00:05:39.699 If the spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, 00:05:39.980 --> 00:05:43.980 he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies 00:05:43.980 --> 00:05:45.699 through his spirit who dwells in you. 00:05:46.439 --> 00:05:48.900 So then, brothers, we are debtors. 00:05:49.340 --> 00:05:50.220 Same Greek term. 00:05:50.580 --> 00:05:52.620 Translated differently in the ESV. 00:05:53.020 --> 00:05:55.080 So then, brothers, we are debtors. 00:05:55.460 --> 00:05:58.319 Not to the flesh to live according to the flesh. 00:05:58.660 --> 00:06:00.199 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die. 00:06:00.300 --> 00:06:04.300 But if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 00:06:04.300 --> 00:06:08.500 For all who are led by the spirit of God are sons of God. 00:06:09.040 --> 00:06:09.180 Okay? 00:06:09.420 --> 00:06:10.860 I want to draw your attention to a few things here. 00:06:11.360 --> 00:06:13.240 First, last half of verse 9. 00:06:13.340 --> 00:06:15.360 Anyone who does not have the spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 00:06:15.540 --> 00:06:18.639 But if Christ is in you, right? 00:06:18.699 --> 00:06:21.199 And then in verse 12, we are debtors. 00:06:21.519 --> 00:06:22.639 So what are we debtors to? 00:06:22.780 --> 00:06:23.840 In verse 12, he says, 00:06:24.180 --> 00:06:25.019 Not to the flesh. 00:06:25.600 --> 00:06:27.199 Then he goes on to speak about the spirit. 00:06:27.199 --> 00:06:30.500 The very end of verse 14. 00:06:31.120 --> 00:06:35.579 For all who are led by the spirit of God are sons of God. 00:06:37.120 --> 00:06:38.500 So what are we indebted to? 00:06:41.019 --> 00:06:41.500 Ourselves. 00:06:43.099 --> 00:06:44.839 Now let that become selfish sounding. 00:06:45.159 --> 00:06:46.039 Our identities. 00:06:47.659 --> 00:06:53.039 Because of who we are in Christ, we must do certain things. 00:06:53.040 --> 00:06:57.140 We are compelled by Christ to do certain things. 00:06:57.660 --> 00:06:58.840 The spirit lives within us. 00:06:58.920 --> 00:07:03.360 And as a result, we will look a certain way. 00:07:04.000 --> 00:07:08.720 We just got done studying the book of 1 John in the evenings with the men's group and the women's group. 00:07:09.300 --> 00:07:10.720 And that's the theme of that book. 00:07:11.379 --> 00:07:13.879 Christian, live this way. 00:07:14.540 --> 00:07:16.960 Little children, beloved sons of God. 00:07:17.040 --> 00:07:18.860 Your life will look this way. 00:07:18.860 --> 00:07:21.960 If you have grace in your life. 00:07:22.960 --> 00:07:26.439 So our obligation is to who we are in Christ. 00:07:26.800 --> 00:07:28.020 To our identities. 00:07:29.580 --> 00:07:30.980 So Paul is saying here, 00:07:31.379 --> 00:07:35.639 I'm under obligation to share my faith with the Greeks. 00:07:36.199 --> 00:07:38.420 He says to the Greeks and to the barbarians. 00:07:38.500 --> 00:07:40.740 The barbarians were those who were not educated. 00:07:41.860 --> 00:07:46.259 But their language was unintelligible to the Greeks who were very highly educated. 00:07:46.259 --> 00:07:48.319 They were actually mocked. 00:07:48.379 --> 00:07:49.959 Their language to them sounded like babbling. 00:07:50.099 --> 00:07:52.699 So they would say their language sounded like bar, bar, bar, bar, bar. 00:07:53.019 --> 00:07:55.800 And that's where that term barbarians comes from. 00:07:55.939 --> 00:07:59.539 So he kind of adds understanding to what he says when he says Greeks and to barbarians. 00:07:59.599 --> 00:08:01.939 He says both to the wise and to the foolish. 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:03.639 He's defining what he means. 00:08:03.699 --> 00:08:08.839 Those Greeks who were so wise and to the barbarians who were rather foolish in their minds. 00:08:10.120 --> 00:08:11.399 But then in verse 15 he says, 00:08:11.399 --> 00:08:15.800 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. 00:08:16.860 --> 00:08:25.259 So Paul is being compelled and he's indebted to his own identity in Christ to share his faith with the fellow believers. 00:08:26.560 --> 00:08:27.759 And we're called to the same. 00:08:28.740 --> 00:08:35.460 The great value that we can pull from this is to see this example of Paul and to the Roman believers and to do the same. 00:08:36.460 --> 00:08:38.539 In verse 11 he says, 00:08:38.539 --> 00:08:55.240 The spiritual gift that Paul longs to give to them to strengthen them, he defines for us in verse 12. 00:08:55.699 --> 00:08:58.259 That is mutual encouragement of our faith. 00:08:58.259 --> 00:09:02.279 And then in verse 8 he says, 00:09:02.360 --> 00:09:09.259 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 00:09:10.240 --> 00:09:10.919 Isn't that phenomenal? 00:09:11.159 --> 00:09:16.080 I think it's worth just pausing and touching on that, although that's not the thrust of what I'm trying to show you this morning. 00:09:16.080 --> 00:09:22.639 The Roman believers had a faith that was proclaimed in all the known world at the time. 00:09:23.400 --> 00:09:27.000 They were being talked about all over the world. 00:09:28.060 --> 00:09:28.920 Isn't that phenomenal? 00:09:28.919 --> 00:09:31.679 Oh, I want us to be a people like that. 00:09:31.799 --> 00:09:34.939 Not just Christ Family Church, but Christians of North Georgia. 00:09:35.819 --> 00:09:37.379 I want people all over the world to go, 00:09:37.500 --> 00:09:39.139 Have you guys heard about those North Georgia Christians? 00:09:39.919 --> 00:09:41.039 They have got faith. 00:09:41.399 --> 00:09:43.620 They radically believe the promises of God. 00:09:44.199 --> 00:09:46.139 Look at the way they live. 00:09:46.639 --> 00:09:51.259 Man, they must have a great God because they place all of their trust in him. 00:09:51.919 --> 00:09:54.039 Long to be a place like that. 00:09:54.039 --> 00:10:00.399 At the very end of verse 4, 4b, end of verse 5, Paul wrote, 00:10:00.719 --> 00:10:05.860 Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship. 00:10:06.279 --> 00:10:07.240 For what end? 00:10:07.539 --> 00:10:10.279 Okay, so he's given us the grace, that free gift of grace, 00:10:10.679 --> 00:10:14.379 and a mission, a message to carry to the world, which is the gospel, 00:10:14.899 --> 00:10:18.219 to bring about the obedience of faith. 00:10:18.539 --> 00:10:22.219 To bring about the obedience of faith or the obedience of the faith. 00:10:22.220 --> 00:10:27.519 All right, so not just to see converts made, but to also see disciples made. 00:10:28.639 --> 00:10:29.240 And for what end? 00:10:29.620 --> 00:10:34.660 For the sake of his name being Christ among all the nations. 00:10:35.700 --> 00:10:39.660 So you get then there, you can see in these first 15 verses that phrase, 00:10:39.720 --> 00:10:42.160 I don't know if it's still, it is indeed up on the board, 00:10:42.360 --> 00:10:44.200 but Christian, as a disciple of Jesus Christ our Lord, 00:10:44.279 --> 00:10:48.120 you are obligated to share your faith with the church and with the world 00:10:48.120 --> 00:10:51.879 for the sake of Jesus' name among all the nations. 00:10:52.220 --> 00:10:57.060 Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9, verse 16, 00:10:57.759 --> 00:11:01.220 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting, 00:11:01.720 --> 00:11:03.980 for necessity is laid upon me. 00:11:04.480 --> 00:11:06.860 Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel. 00:11:08.460 --> 00:11:12.940 And I think many of us find ourselves in that position this morning. 00:11:12.940 --> 00:11:16.880 Both that we do not share our faith with the world around us, 00:11:16.880 --> 00:11:20.060 and we do not share our faith with each other. 00:11:20.540 --> 00:11:23.480 Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel. 00:11:24.940 --> 00:11:27.960 The vision statement of Christ Family Church is, 00:11:28.080 --> 00:11:29.980 Christ Family Church exists to experience, 00:11:30.740 --> 00:11:35.060 proclaim, and display the supremacy of Jesus Christ in all things. 00:11:35.059 --> 00:11:36.279 I don't know if you ever pay attention, 00:11:36.419 --> 00:11:39.859 but that's usually up on the screen when you come in here in the morning. 00:11:40.059 --> 00:11:42.119 Christ Family Church exists to experience, 00:11:43.059 --> 00:11:46.679 so we have a felt that a reality in all of our lives 00:11:46.679 --> 00:11:49.319 that Jesus Christ is supreme to all other things. 00:11:50.199 --> 00:11:53.679 We proclaim that, we tell others about that, 00:11:53.719 --> 00:11:55.119 which is what we're talking about this morning, 00:11:55.120 --> 00:11:57.560 and we display it in the way we live. 00:11:57.940 --> 00:11:59.560 We believe the promises of God, 00:11:59.620 --> 00:12:01.919 and that changes the way we live 00:12:01.919 --> 00:12:06.480 because we hold Christ more valuable than all other things. 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:10.340 So if we're to realize this vision as a church, 00:12:10.840 --> 00:12:12.840 if we're to get to that place, 00:12:13.659 --> 00:12:15.799 we need to be sharing the gospel with one another, don't we? 00:12:16.139 --> 00:12:19.399 We need to be speaking to one another these gospel truths, 00:12:19.740 --> 00:12:23.220 carrying this apostolic message that's been given to us 00:12:23.220 --> 00:12:28.040 so that all of us will arrive at the obedience of the faith. 00:12:28.680 --> 00:12:30.160 That's what we're talking about there, isn't it? 00:12:30.160 --> 00:12:32.680 If Christ Family Church truly experiences, 00:12:32.820 --> 00:12:35.340 proclaims, and displays the supremacy of Jesus Christ in all things, 00:12:35.580 --> 00:12:37.139 we've arrived at that point, haven't we? 00:12:38.399 --> 00:12:40.220 I don't think we're going to arrive there at this side of glory, 00:12:40.759 --> 00:12:41.700 but we can sure try. 00:12:42.160 --> 00:12:44.600 We can set a goal for ourselves that's so lofty. 00:12:44.940 --> 00:12:46.920 I am an idealist, and I love it 00:12:46.920 --> 00:12:48.279 because I think Christ was an idealist. 00:12:48.940 --> 00:12:51.420 That's a high thing to attain to. 00:12:51.419 --> 00:12:54.959 So that's our goal, is to work to that point. 00:12:55.819 --> 00:12:57.799 Some of you have heard me use this analogy, 00:12:57.879 --> 00:13:00.159 and I apologize to those of you who are tired of it. 00:13:01.439 --> 00:13:03.899 I've read a book called The Trellis and the Vine. 00:13:04.319 --> 00:13:06.779 It's co-written by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne. 00:13:07.819 --> 00:13:11.039 And it's a book about gospel ministry in the church. 00:13:11.659 --> 00:13:14.439 And they use this analogy, which I'm going to read to you in just a second, 00:13:14.579 --> 00:13:16.779 to speak about the trellis work and the vine work. 00:13:16.819 --> 00:13:19.219 And the vine work is the work of gospel ministry, 00:13:19.220 --> 00:13:22.139 and that's what we're meant to be about in the church. 00:13:22.639 --> 00:13:27.019 And trellis work is necessary to support vine work, 00:13:27.360 --> 00:13:30.580 but we often get too wrapped up in the one and forget the other. 00:13:31.279 --> 00:13:35.600 So if you'll permit me, I'm going to read you just a short page out of this. 00:13:36.180 --> 00:13:37.200 This is written by Tony Payne. 00:13:37.200 --> 00:14:07.180 He says, 00:14:07.200 --> 00:14:37.200 00:14:37.200 --> 00:14:50.040 It's hard to tell what condition the trellis is in under the jasmine, 00:14:50.039 --> 00:14:52.179 but at the few points where it is still visible, 00:14:52.500 --> 00:14:54.860 I can see that it hasn't been painted in a long time. 00:14:55.519 --> 00:14:59.279 At one end, it has been pried off the fence by the insistent fingers of the jasmine. 00:14:59.719 --> 00:15:02.779 And although I have tried to reattach it more than once, it is useless. 00:15:03.199 --> 00:15:04.339 The jasmine has taken over. 00:15:05.139 --> 00:15:07.339 I know I'll have to do something about this in the long term, 00:15:07.419 --> 00:15:11.339 because eventually the weight of the jasmine will pull the trellis off the fence altogether, 00:15:11.599 --> 00:15:13.399 and the whole thing will collapse. 00:15:13.399 --> 00:15:16.379 I have often thought of taking a cutting from the jasmine 00:15:16.379 --> 00:15:19.899 and seeing if it will grow on the beautiful but vacant trellis on the garage, 00:15:20.559 --> 00:15:23.740 although it almost seems a shame to cover it up. 00:15:25.059 --> 00:15:27.220 And that's what much of our work here, 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:29.799 or maybe not here, I hope not, 00:15:29.919 --> 00:15:31.340 but work in church is about, 00:15:31.779 --> 00:15:32.600 is trellis. 00:15:33.299 --> 00:15:36.620 Building programs that are intended to support the work of God, 00:15:36.819 --> 00:15:39.419 the gospel ministry in the church, 00:15:39.419 --> 00:15:40.959 but tend to do the opposite. 00:15:41.319 --> 00:15:42.139 Let me give you an example. 00:15:43.979 --> 00:15:45.799 Once upon a time, the church that met here 00:15:45.799 --> 00:15:48.019 had a program called Awanas. 00:15:48.219 --> 00:15:49.199 Are you guys familiar with Awanas? 00:15:49.719 --> 00:15:51.519 And the language that went on around here was that 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:53.159 Awanas is such a great program. 00:15:53.979 --> 00:15:56.379 Awanas helps kids learn scripture. 00:15:57.240 --> 00:15:59.819 Awanas grows mature believers. 00:16:01.159 --> 00:16:02.740 Awanas does none of those things. 00:16:03.639 --> 00:16:06.860 The gospel ministry that happens in that framework 00:16:06.860 --> 00:16:09.079 accomplishes those things. 00:16:09.419 --> 00:16:10.019 Okay? 00:16:10.539 --> 00:16:11.360 Small example. 00:16:11.860 --> 00:16:13.740 So we put all of our faith in the programs 00:16:13.740 --> 00:16:15.039 and the system that we build 00:16:15.039 --> 00:16:16.219 and the buildings that we have 00:16:16.219 --> 00:16:19.979 and the CEO-like structure in our churches, 00:16:20.240 --> 00:16:23.159 and we forget to do gospel ministry. 00:16:26.659 --> 00:16:28.819 Congregants are the most guilty of this 00:16:28.819 --> 00:16:31.620 because you come and you fill a seat. 00:16:32.099 --> 00:16:33.019 You're a spectator, 00:16:33.219 --> 00:16:35.299 and you're not involved in the work of the church. 00:16:36.559 --> 00:16:38.259 This is an indictment on you. 00:16:39.419 --> 00:16:40.479 You have a job. 00:16:40.539 --> 00:16:42.699 You have a role to play here. 00:16:43.639 --> 00:16:44.319 And you might say, 00:16:44.399 --> 00:16:46.579 well, I've asked to serve a role. 00:16:46.819 --> 00:16:47.579 I've come and said, 00:16:47.659 --> 00:16:48.339 hey, will you let me know 00:16:48.339 --> 00:16:49.559 when there's something that needs to be done? 00:16:51.639 --> 00:16:52.639 That's trellis, 00:16:52.860 --> 00:16:54.179 which needs to happen. 00:16:54.579 --> 00:16:56.219 I might ask you someday to mop a floor. 00:16:56.799 --> 00:16:58.019 It has to be done. 00:16:58.019 --> 00:17:01.159 But you all already have a job. 00:17:02.240 --> 00:17:03.779 And that's gospel ministry. 00:17:04.240 --> 00:17:06.539 The people sitting next to you need the gospel. 00:17:08.680 --> 00:17:11.359 I would assume that most of us in here, 00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:12.799 a high percentage of us in here, 00:17:13.200 --> 00:17:14.099 are Christians already. 00:17:14.339 --> 00:17:15.639 We have placed our faith in Christ. 00:17:16.420 --> 00:17:17.299 We need the gospel. 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:20.419 I stand up here and preach. 00:17:20.579 --> 00:17:21.279 I need the gospel. 00:17:21.419 --> 00:17:24.159 I need you guys to speak the gospel to me. 00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:27.379 You've been given a great task. 00:17:28.359 --> 00:17:30.919 I'm afraid for most American Christians, 00:17:31.700 --> 00:17:34.180 the gospel itself has kind of become white noise. 00:17:34.180 --> 00:17:37.140 It's that thing that we get thrown on 00:17:37.140 --> 00:17:38.420 to the end of every sermon. 00:17:39.060 --> 00:17:41.700 So we get a little quip in our sermon, 00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:43.720 five ways to have a better marriage 00:17:43.720 --> 00:17:44.820 is the sermon this morning. 00:17:45.279 --> 00:17:45.940 Oh, and by the way, 00:17:46.740 --> 00:17:48.600 you've got to get that Jesus thing sorted out first 00:17:48.600 --> 00:17:50.960 if you want to do these five things. 00:17:51.519 --> 00:17:53.320 And most of us check out when that happens. 00:17:53.360 --> 00:17:54.000 Oh, I'm saved. 00:17:54.120 --> 00:17:54.440 That's cool. 00:17:54.440 --> 00:17:58.140 I don't need to hear this gospel message any longer. 00:17:58.920 --> 00:17:59.840 It becomes white noise. 00:17:59.960 --> 00:18:01.539 Yesterday we went on a hiking trip 00:18:01.539 --> 00:18:03.500 with Jamie and Chris and my mom 00:18:03.500 --> 00:18:04.220 and all the kids. 00:18:04.859 --> 00:18:07.460 And we were hiking along the creek at DeSoto Falls. 00:18:07.539 --> 00:18:08.279 If you've ever been there, 00:18:08.339 --> 00:18:09.319 you know what I'm talking about. 00:18:09.440 --> 00:18:12.160 So path falls right along the water the entire time. 00:18:12.460 --> 00:18:13.859 And it ends, three quarters of a mile, 00:18:13.940 --> 00:18:16.180 it ends at this rather magnificent waterfall, 00:18:16.480 --> 00:18:17.420 which is quite loud. 00:18:17.940 --> 00:18:21.680 And the kids have been hiking along the sound of the water 00:18:21.680 --> 00:18:23.480 for so long up this trail 00:18:23.480 --> 00:18:25.259 that I had to point out, 00:18:26.000 --> 00:18:27.559 I mean, it was crashing down, 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:30.079 but the volume had just gotten turned up a little bit 00:18:30.079 --> 00:18:31.119 on the sound of that water. 00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:32.700 And I had to point out to them, 00:18:32.700 --> 00:18:34.120 and we'd come to the waterfall, 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:35.460 like, look, look up through the trees. 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:37.279 You could see it coming down the side of the mountain. 00:18:37.779 --> 00:18:38.660 It's 100 feet. 00:18:38.740 --> 00:18:39.259 It's loud. 00:18:39.880 --> 00:18:41.580 But they totally had tuned out 00:18:41.580 --> 00:18:43.299 to that altogether. 00:18:44.360 --> 00:18:46.400 So if we're tuning the gospel out in our lives, 00:18:46.920 --> 00:18:47.940 what are we tuning into? 00:18:50.059 --> 00:18:50.720 Ourselves, right? 00:18:51.539 --> 00:18:52.900 I'm at limited space up here. 00:18:53.240 --> 00:18:54.480 We're tuning into ourselves. 00:18:55.340 --> 00:18:57.000 That's a dangerous place to be in. 00:18:57.000 --> 00:19:01.960 So do you know how the work of Jesus informs 00:19:01.960 --> 00:19:03.240 and impacts your life today? 00:19:04.859 --> 00:19:07.500 Is the gospel still relevant for you? 00:19:08.559 --> 00:19:09.819 It most certainly is. 00:19:10.019 --> 00:19:11.579 So let me give you an example of what I mean. 00:19:12.579 --> 00:19:15.359 Do you know how Christ's ascension, 00:19:16.859 --> 00:19:18.980 when he went to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father, 00:19:19.039 --> 00:19:19.819 where he sits today, 00:19:19.819 --> 00:19:23.759 do you know how that informs and impacts your life today? 00:19:25.359 --> 00:19:28.559 I imagine most of you could give me some answer to that question. 00:19:29.659 --> 00:19:30.619 But it's a big one. 00:19:31.279 --> 00:19:34.379 Do we know how the gospel affects our life today? 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:36.939 I once heard a wonderful example, 00:19:37.079 --> 00:19:40.619 and I tried my hardest to give credit to whoever said this, 00:19:40.659 --> 00:19:41.539 but I couldn't remember who. 00:19:41.539 --> 00:19:47.019 I heard this wonderful example of where we all stood before Christ. 00:19:47.879 --> 00:19:48.680 And this preacher said, 00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:51.480 it was as if we stood in a valley 00:19:51.480 --> 00:19:55.139 at the bottom of a dam that's 10,000 miles wide 00:19:55.139 --> 00:19:56.680 and 10,000 miles high. 00:19:56.920 --> 00:19:58.019 Try to picture that. 00:19:58.079 --> 00:20:01.159 10,000 miles wide, 10,000 miles high. 00:20:01.399 --> 00:20:04.119 And behind it, it's held back the waters, 00:20:04.359 --> 00:20:05.859 which represent the wrath of God. 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:10.000 We have purchased that. 00:20:10.000 --> 00:20:12.740 That is ours because of our sin. 00:20:13.579 --> 00:20:16.640 And each one of us stands at this giant dam, 00:20:17.559 --> 00:20:20.000 and suddenly that dam bursts loose. 00:20:20.880 --> 00:20:22.440 It doesn't get a crack and dribble. 00:20:22.599 --> 00:20:24.680 It busts the whole thing. 00:20:24.819 --> 00:20:26.599 And all that water is rushing towards us. 00:20:26.740 --> 00:20:29.440 Certain destruction is coming our way. 00:20:29.880 --> 00:20:33.259 And we stand there with this wall of water that comes our way. 00:20:33.460 --> 00:20:34.880 And just before it reaches us, 00:20:35.099 --> 00:20:37.180 a great hole opens up in the ground, 00:20:37.180 --> 00:20:40.240 and that water gets sucked and pulled down into that hole 00:20:40.240 --> 00:20:40.980 as we stand there. 00:20:41.039 --> 00:20:44.340 And all that destruction gets taken away. 00:20:46.100 --> 00:20:48.000 You remember in the Garden of Gethsemane, 00:20:49.000 --> 00:20:53.840 Christ prayed that the cup was going to pass from him. 00:20:53.839 --> 00:20:56.959 You know where all that wrath went? 00:20:57.679 --> 00:20:58.679 It went to that cup. 00:21:00.539 --> 00:21:01.759 That's what Jesus was praying. 00:21:01.859 --> 00:21:05.019 God, is there any way, any way we can accomplish this 00:21:05.019 --> 00:21:07.639 without me bearing your wrath for the church? 00:21:09.159 --> 00:21:10.139 And there wasn't. 00:21:10.259 --> 00:21:12.240 And he did it voluntarily for us. 00:21:12.839 --> 00:21:15.819 So he took that cup, all that wrath, 00:21:16.339 --> 00:21:18.119 and he drank it to the last drop. 00:21:18.179 --> 00:21:19.659 And when he got done, he turned it over, 00:21:20.059 --> 00:21:21.539 he set it down, and he said, 00:21:21.539 --> 00:21:22.599 it is finished. 00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:27.539 And then he went to heaven, 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:29.299 and he sits down at the right hand of the Father, 00:21:29.460 --> 00:21:30.480 interceding for us, 00:21:31.079 --> 00:21:31.980 giving us his spirit. 00:21:32.700 --> 00:21:34.240 That's the ascension. 00:21:37.180 --> 00:21:39.460 It's significant that he's sitting down. 00:21:40.019 --> 00:21:42.700 He's not making constant propitiation for our sins. 00:21:42.859 --> 00:21:45.379 It is finished. 00:21:45.380 --> 00:21:48.120 And all of us, 00:21:48.380 --> 00:21:49.340 as you drank that wrath, 00:21:49.420 --> 00:21:50.020 stood on the side, 00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:50.720 yelling, 00:21:50.920 --> 00:21:51.180 chug. 00:21:54.480 --> 00:21:55.440 So how does that, 00:21:55.520 --> 00:21:56.240 how does that reality, 00:21:56.340 --> 00:21:57.180 how does that truth 00:21:57.180 --> 00:21:58.760 impact our daily living? 00:21:59.140 --> 00:22:00.280 What do you do with that? 00:22:00.360 --> 00:22:01.700 How do you minister to the gospel, 00:22:01.840 --> 00:22:02.720 to those around you, 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:04.500 knowing just that, 00:22:04.660 --> 00:22:05.760 just this one thing, 00:22:05.880 --> 00:22:06.780 the ascension of Christ, 00:22:07.740 --> 00:22:09.960 one of many things that he accomplished? 00:22:09.960 --> 00:22:13.660 I just want to give you a few examples. 00:22:15.100 --> 00:22:16.559 Turn to Philippians chapter 2. 00:22:17.840 --> 00:22:18.640 We're going to leave Romans, 00:22:18.740 --> 00:22:20.180 so don't worry about marking it. 00:22:21.700 --> 00:22:24.140 And we'll deal with the rest of the text next week. 00:22:25.600 --> 00:22:26.579 Philippians chapter 2. 00:22:28.200 --> 00:22:30.019 What do you do if you have a brother or a sister 00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:31.980 that you know is prideful, 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:35.440 that you know is dealing with pride in their life? 00:22:36.180 --> 00:22:38.259 It's usually a difficult person to talk to, isn't it? 00:22:38.259 --> 00:22:40.339 It's difficult to tell a prideful person 00:22:40.339 --> 00:22:41.819 that they're wrong. 00:22:42.420 --> 00:22:43.379 Philippians chapter 2, 00:22:43.859 --> 00:22:45.099 verses 3 through 8, 00:22:45.440 --> 00:22:45.859 reads, 00:22:46.640 --> 00:22:49.140 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, 00:22:49.200 --> 00:22:50.180 but in humility, 00:22:50.480 --> 00:22:53.019 count others more significant than yourselves. 00:22:53.920 --> 00:22:55.759 Let each of you look not only to your own interests, 00:22:55.819 --> 00:22:57.420 but also to the interests of others. 00:22:58.200 --> 00:22:59.859 Have this mind among yourselves, 00:22:59.920 --> 00:23:02.279 which is yours in Christ Jesus. 00:23:03.440 --> 00:23:04.079 Catch that. 00:23:04.160 --> 00:23:05.879 Have this mind among yourselves, 00:23:06.019 --> 00:23:07.220 which is yours. 00:23:07.220 --> 00:23:08.759 In Christ Jesus. 00:23:08.839 --> 00:23:10.220 If you have placed your faith in Christ, 00:23:10.839 --> 00:23:13.120 Christ has purchased that for you. 00:23:14.660 --> 00:23:15.960 Who, though he was in the form of God, 00:23:16.039 --> 00:23:19.019 did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 00:23:19.140 --> 00:23:20.579 but made himself nothing. 00:23:21.160 --> 00:23:22.519 Taking the form of a servant, 00:23:22.620 --> 00:23:24.180 being born in the likeness of men, 00:23:24.259 --> 00:23:25.620 and being found in human form, 00:23:25.660 --> 00:23:26.579 he humbled himself 00:23:26.579 --> 00:23:29.360 by becoming obedient to the point of death, 00:23:30.019 --> 00:23:31.200 even death on a cross. 00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:35.059 So how do you minister the gospel to a prideful person? 00:23:36.019 --> 00:23:37.519 You say, look at the life of Christ. 00:23:38.080 --> 00:23:40.440 What did Christ do for you on your behalf? 00:23:40.539 --> 00:23:42.340 He became humble for you. 00:23:42.620 --> 00:23:43.600 And now because of that, 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:44.360 because he's ascended, 00:23:44.460 --> 00:23:45.380 and he's sitting at the right hand of the Father, 00:23:45.460 --> 00:23:46.519 and he's giving you the gift of the Spirit, 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.600 you have the same mind. 00:23:48.140 --> 00:23:49.039 You should live that way. 00:23:51.819 --> 00:23:52.900 How about this as an example? 00:23:52.900 --> 00:23:55.060 If you have a brother or sister 00:23:55.060 --> 00:23:57.560 struggling with the guilt of sin, 00:23:58.600 --> 00:24:00.640 and got that habitual sin in their life, 00:24:00.680 --> 00:24:02.780 that thing they seem to not be able to lick, 00:24:03.200 --> 00:24:05.580 and they carry around a great burden of guilt 00:24:05.580 --> 00:24:07.580 as a result of that. 00:24:08.620 --> 00:24:11.740 Romans chapter 8, verses 1 through 4. 00:24:14.240 --> 00:24:15.100 Go ahead and turn there. 00:24:15.160 --> 00:24:16.180 We've got another text there too, 00:24:16.259 --> 00:24:17.259 but I'm going to go ahead and read it to you. 00:24:18.019 --> 00:24:20.900 There's therefore now no condemnation 00:24:20.900 --> 00:24:22.840 for those who are in Christ Jesus. 00:24:23.780 --> 00:24:25.340 For the law of the Spirit of life 00:24:25.340 --> 00:24:27.480 has set you free in Christ Jesus 00:24:27.480 --> 00:24:29.160 from the law of sin and death. 00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:30.840 For God has done what the law 00:24:30.840 --> 00:24:32.460 weakened by the flesh could not do 00:24:32.460 --> 00:24:33.700 by sending his own Son 00:24:33.700 --> 00:24:35.180 in the likeness of sinful flesh. 00:24:35.680 --> 00:24:37.759 And for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh 00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:39.680 in order that the righteousness requirement 00:24:39.680 --> 00:24:41.620 of the law might be fulfilled in us 00:24:41.620 --> 00:24:43.180 who walk not according to the flesh, 00:24:43.920 --> 00:24:45.120 but according to the Spirit. 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:48.560 What's the answer for that person? 00:24:49.500 --> 00:24:50.460 You know Christ? 00:24:51.220 --> 00:24:53.220 You walk now according to the Spirit. 00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:55.440 He sits at the right hand of the Father 00:24:55.440 --> 00:24:56.200 interceding for you, 00:24:56.259 --> 00:24:59.299 and there's no condemnation for you 00:24:59.299 --> 00:25:02.279 because of what Christ has accomplished. 00:25:02.279 --> 00:25:05.339 How about a brother or sister 00:25:05.339 --> 00:25:06.759 who's received some bad news 00:25:06.759 --> 00:25:08.139 in the same chapter? 00:25:08.259 --> 00:25:10.700 We have another wonderful passage of text. 00:25:13.139 --> 00:25:14.879 Brother or sister who's received some bad news. 00:25:14.940 --> 00:25:17.619 I think all of us could use this gospel ministry 00:25:17.619 --> 00:25:19.059 at times. 00:25:19.720 --> 00:25:20.559 Romans 8.28. 00:25:21.399 --> 00:25:22.759 We're going to read through the end of the chapter. 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:25.500 And we know 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:27.480 that for those who love God, 00:25:27.539 --> 00:25:30.039 all things work together for good. 00:25:31.960 --> 00:25:33.200 For those who are called 00:25:33.200 --> 00:25:34.339 according to his purpose, 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:36.339 for those whom he foreknew, 00:25:36.539 --> 00:25:38.099 he also predestined to be conformed 00:25:38.099 --> 00:25:38.900 to the image of a Son 00:25:38.900 --> 00:25:41.259 in order that he might be the firstborn 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:42.180 among many brothers. 00:25:42.799 --> 00:25:43.960 And those whom he predestined, 00:25:44.019 --> 00:25:44.680 he also called. 00:25:44.799 --> 00:25:45.799 And those whom he called, 00:25:45.920 --> 00:25:46.779 he also justified. 00:25:47.279 --> 00:25:48.400 And those whom he justified, 00:25:49.359 --> 00:25:50.519 he also glorified. 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:52.500 So you're found in Christ. 00:25:52.660 --> 00:25:53.879 You know these things 00:25:53.879 --> 00:25:55.180 to be true. 00:25:56.440 --> 00:25:57.839 Because of everything we've talked about, 00:25:57.900 --> 00:25:58.779 I won't repeat it again. 00:25:59.200 --> 00:26:01.859 Because of all that Christ accomplished for us, 00:26:02.599 --> 00:26:04.579 we know as his chosen children, 00:26:05.160 --> 00:26:06.839 he's moving us in a direction. 00:26:07.019 --> 00:26:09.259 He is taking us to perfection. 00:26:10.900 --> 00:26:11.940 Because we know that, 00:26:12.019 --> 00:26:13.299 we know that all the things that he's doing 00:26:13.299 --> 00:26:14.259 because we're his children 00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:15.079 are for our good. 00:26:15.180 --> 00:26:16.960 He's working us in that way. 00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:18.539 The things that we may not interpret 00:26:18.539 --> 00:26:20.680 as good in our lives. 00:26:20.879 --> 00:26:21.859 The pain I deal with, 00:26:21.920 --> 00:26:22.819 I don't like it. 00:26:23.319 --> 00:26:24.940 I would rather it not be around. 00:26:25.240 --> 00:26:26.899 But it is part of this process 00:26:26.899 --> 00:26:28.379 that God is taking me through 00:26:28.379 --> 00:26:30.180 as a beloved child of his. 00:26:32.379 --> 00:26:33.139 Verse 31. 00:26:34.279 --> 00:26:36.099 What then shall we say to these things? 00:26:37.039 --> 00:26:38.159 All these bad things. 00:26:38.259 --> 00:26:39.619 If God is for us, 00:26:40.000 --> 00:26:42.399 who or what can be against us? 00:26:43.399 --> 00:26:45.039 He who did not spare his own Son, 00:26:45.079 --> 00:26:46.440 but gave him up for us all, 00:26:46.440 --> 00:26:48.539 how will he not also with him 00:26:48.539 --> 00:26:50.980 graciously give us all things? 00:26:52.180 --> 00:26:53.420 Who shall bring any charge 00:26:53.420 --> 00:26:54.299 against God's elect? 00:26:54.539 --> 00:26:56.380 It is God who justifies. 00:26:56.799 --> 00:26:57.580 Who is to condemn? 00:26:59.259 --> 00:27:00.980 Christ Jesus is the one who died. 00:27:01.320 --> 00:27:02.600 More than that who was raised, 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:03.799 who is at the right hand of God, 00:27:03.880 --> 00:27:06.080 who indeed is interceding for us. 00:27:06.220 --> 00:27:06.880 There's that ascension. 00:27:07.980 --> 00:27:09.059 Who shall separate us 00:27:09.059 --> 00:27:09.960 from the love of Christ? 00:27:10.140 --> 00:27:10.860 Shall tribulation, 00:27:11.120 --> 00:27:11.580 or distress, 00:27:11.840 --> 00:27:12.360 or persecution, 00:27:12.720 --> 00:27:13.220 or famine, 00:27:13.600 --> 00:27:14.400 or nakedness, 00:27:14.400 --> 00:27:15.060 or danger, 00:27:15.440 --> 00:27:16.140 or sore, 00:27:16.360 --> 00:27:17.860 and you can add your own list 00:27:17.860 --> 00:27:18.680 to the end of that. 00:27:19.640 --> 00:27:20.519 As it is written, 00:27:20.880 --> 00:27:22.140 for your sake we are being killed 00:27:22.140 --> 00:27:22.800 all the day long. 00:27:22.900 --> 00:27:23.920 We are regarded as sheep 00:27:23.920 --> 00:27:24.720 to be slaughtered. 00:27:25.340 --> 00:27:25.700 No. 00:27:26.019 --> 00:27:26.820 In all these things, 00:27:26.840 --> 00:27:27.860 we are more than conquerors 00:27:27.860 --> 00:27:28.940 through him who loved us. 00:27:29.540 --> 00:27:30.860 For I'm sure that neither death, 00:27:30.960 --> 00:27:31.400 nor life, 00:27:31.759 --> 00:27:32.360 nor angels, 00:27:32.540 --> 00:27:33.019 nor rulers, 00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:34.040 nor things present, 00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:35.060 nor things to come, 00:27:35.380 --> 00:27:36.000 nor powers, 00:27:36.120 --> 00:27:36.480 nor height, 00:27:36.540 --> 00:27:36.920 nor depth, 00:27:37.019 --> 00:27:37.900 nor anything else 00:27:37.900 --> 00:27:39.300 in all creation 00:27:39.300 --> 00:27:40.620 will be able to separate us 00:27:40.620 --> 00:27:41.360 from the love of God 00:27:41.360 --> 00:27:42.340 in Christ Jesus, 00:27:42.840 --> 00:27:43.340 our Lord. 00:27:43.339 --> 00:27:46.019 Incredible, right? 00:27:46.879 --> 00:27:48.679 In Christ's action 00:27:48.679 --> 00:27:50.819 on behalf of his saints. 00:27:50.959 --> 00:27:52.579 It is finished. 00:27:52.839 --> 00:27:53.639 It is done. 00:27:53.759 --> 00:27:55.339 And nothing can take that away. 00:27:56.099 --> 00:27:57.419 And because you are sons 00:27:57.419 --> 00:27:58.279 and daughters of God, 00:27:58.740 --> 00:28:00.179 you can trust that everything 00:28:00.179 --> 00:28:01.299 that happens in your life 00:28:01.299 --> 00:28:02.039 is for your good. 00:28:03.419 --> 00:28:04.459 It's gospel ministry. 00:28:05.619 --> 00:28:05.839 Right? 00:28:05.919 --> 00:28:07.079 I'm encouraging myself. 00:28:08.419 --> 00:28:09.399 There are things in my life 00:28:09.399 --> 00:28:10.779 that I don't think are good. 00:28:11.599 --> 00:28:12.000 Amen. 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:12.200 Amen. 00:28:13.000 --> 00:28:13.799 For that truth. 00:28:15.279 --> 00:28:16.420 People around you 00:28:16.420 --> 00:28:18.720 need the gospel. 00:28:18.960 --> 00:28:19.660 Saved or not, 00:28:19.839 --> 00:28:21.759 they need the gospel. 00:28:21.920 --> 00:28:22.839 Something sitting next to you 00:28:22.839 --> 00:28:23.460 is hurting 00:28:23.460 --> 00:28:24.619 in a way that you may not 00:28:24.619 --> 00:28:26.259 ever be able to understand. 00:28:28.339 --> 00:28:29.700 We're all in different positions 00:28:29.700 --> 00:28:30.440 in our lives. 00:28:31.259 --> 00:28:31.660 Young, 00:28:31.880 --> 00:28:33.059 you can minister to the old. 00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:33.579 Old, 00:28:33.720 --> 00:28:35.059 please minister to the young. 00:28:36.519 --> 00:28:37.440 There are situations 00:28:37.440 --> 00:28:39.059 that I can never touch. 00:28:39.860 --> 00:28:40.740 Losing a baby. 00:28:41.080 --> 00:28:42.700 I can't ever get that. 00:28:43.299 --> 00:28:43.880 I'm a man. 00:28:43.980 --> 00:28:45.000 It doesn't happen to me. 00:28:45.779 --> 00:28:46.059 Right? 00:28:47.140 --> 00:28:48.720 But I have the gospel truth. 00:28:49.559 --> 00:28:50.660 And the gospel truth 00:28:50.660 --> 00:28:53.360 ministers to every hurt 00:28:53.360 --> 00:28:54.500 that the Christian has. 00:28:56.720 --> 00:28:57.700 Look around you. 00:28:58.480 --> 00:28:59.120 There are people 00:28:59.120 --> 00:29:00.980 who need the gospel. 00:29:01.360 --> 00:29:02.059 It ought to become 00:29:02.059 --> 00:29:03.019 a habit of ours 00:29:03.019 --> 00:29:04.200 to speak about our Savior. 00:29:04.600 --> 00:29:04.779 Right? 00:29:04.779 --> 00:29:05.359 It shouldn't be 00:29:05.359 --> 00:29:06.440 white noise to us. 00:29:07.079 --> 00:29:07.680 We should wake up 00:29:07.680 --> 00:29:08.700 every morning 00:29:08.700 --> 00:29:09.720 praising God 00:29:09.720 --> 00:29:10.139 for the work 00:29:10.139 --> 00:29:11.000 that He's done for us. 00:29:11.379 --> 00:29:12.259 Putting to death 00:29:12.259 --> 00:29:13.039 our flesh 00:29:13.039 --> 00:29:14.019 and praising Him 00:29:14.019 --> 00:29:14.779 for the Spirit 00:29:14.779 --> 00:29:15.599 that exists within us. 00:29:15.740 --> 00:29:16.440 Because we're under 00:29:16.440 --> 00:29:17.799 obligation to do so. 00:29:18.099 --> 00:29:19.700 Because of who we are 00:29:19.700 --> 00:29:21.319 we should live this way. 00:29:23.879 --> 00:29:25.160 It ought not be an option 00:29:25.160 --> 00:29:26.500 in your life. 00:29:28.319 --> 00:29:29.759 If you don't live this way 00:29:29.759 --> 00:29:31.899 there's two choices. 00:29:32.099 --> 00:29:32.519 There's two 00:29:32.519 --> 00:29:34.579 possible solutions. 00:29:34.579 --> 00:29:35.019 Answer that. 00:29:36.159 --> 00:29:36.679 If you're not 00:29:36.679 --> 00:29:37.740 constantly sharing 00:29:37.740 --> 00:29:38.859 your faith 00:29:38.859 --> 00:29:40.039 in gospel ministry 00:29:40.039 --> 00:29:40.559 around you 00:29:40.559 --> 00:29:41.339 there's two options. 00:29:41.899 --> 00:29:42.500 The first 00:29:42.500 --> 00:29:43.379 is that you're not 00:29:43.379 --> 00:29:44.119 a Christian at all. 00:29:45.299 --> 00:29:46.139 You've never experienced 00:29:46.139 --> 00:29:46.699 the grace of God 00:29:46.699 --> 00:29:47.139 in your life. 00:29:47.480 --> 00:29:48.960 And that wall of water 00:29:48.960 --> 00:29:50.399 someday 00:29:50.399 --> 00:29:51.659 will destroy you. 00:29:53.119 --> 00:29:53.279 Alright? 00:29:53.519 --> 00:29:54.159 There will be no 00:29:54.159 --> 00:29:54.679 great hole 00:29:54.679 --> 00:29:55.399 that opens up 00:29:55.399 --> 00:29:56.720 to take it away. 00:29:56.919 --> 00:29:57.819 It will destroy you. 00:29:58.699 --> 00:29:59.379 And the solution 00:29:59.379 --> 00:29:59.879 to that is to 00:29:59.879 --> 00:30:00.699 repent and believe. 00:30:01.079 --> 00:30:01.919 Turn from your sin. 00:30:02.019 --> 00:30:02.559 Place your faith 00:30:02.559 --> 00:30:03.119 in Christ. 00:30:04.659 --> 00:30:05.679 Believe that he drank 00:30:05.679 --> 00:30:06.839 that cup on your behalf 00:30:06.839 --> 00:30:08.279 and you will be saved. 00:30:09.279 --> 00:30:10.000 Second option 00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:10.539 is that you are 00:30:10.539 --> 00:30:10.940 a Christian 00:30:10.940 --> 00:30:12.480 and you're living 00:30:12.480 --> 00:30:12.879 in sin. 00:30:14.159 --> 00:30:14.720 And guess what? 00:30:14.819 --> 00:30:15.579 It's the same solution. 00:30:16.179 --> 00:30:16.619 Repent 00:30:16.619 --> 00:30:17.980 and believe. 00:30:18.940 --> 00:30:19.299 Turn 00:30:19.299 --> 00:30:20.339 from your sin 00:30:20.339 --> 00:30:21.519 and turn back 00:30:21.519 --> 00:30:22.039 to Christ. 00:30:22.039 --> 00:30:23.519 if we are to be 00:30:23.519 --> 00:30:24.599 disciples of Christ 00:30:24.599 --> 00:30:25.680 we will be about 00:30:25.680 --> 00:30:26.700 gospel ministry 00:30:26.700 --> 00:30:28.139 in the church. 00:30:28.700 --> 00:30:29.819 We all have a great 00:30:29.819 --> 00:30:31.279 task before us 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:32.500 and praise God 00:30:32.500 --> 00:30:33.480 that he provides 00:30:33.480 --> 00:30:35.119 for all that he asks. 00:30:35.879 --> 00:30:36.619 Let's pray together.