WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.759 Good afternoon. 00:00:05.299 --> 00:00:07.900 Praise God for beautiful weather. 00:00:08.740 --> 00:00:10.060 It's a joy to be here. 00:00:10.779 --> 00:00:14.179 We are in the middle of a series at Church of the Advent, 00:00:14.300 --> 00:00:16.260 for those of you who may be here for the first time, 00:00:16.780 --> 00:00:19.039 exploring our identity and calling. 00:00:19.900 --> 00:00:21.879 You may, if you've been a part of a church before, 00:00:21.980 --> 00:00:26.260 you know that from time to time it's important for us to gather 00:00:26.260 --> 00:00:30.200 and to reflect on who God is calling us to be. 00:00:30.860 --> 00:00:35.240 And we do this because everything that we do in the life of this church is responsive. 00:00:35.660 --> 00:00:40.840 It's a response to what we believe God is calling us to be and to do. 00:00:41.520 --> 00:00:43.380 And so if you're here and you're not a Christian, 00:00:43.520 --> 00:00:45.439 you may think that this may not be relevant to you. 00:00:45.859 --> 00:00:48.359 I don't want to stress that everything that we're going to talk about 00:00:48.359 --> 00:00:51.920 is simply a reflection of what we believe not just to be true of Church of the Advent, 00:00:52.140 --> 00:00:53.120 but for all Christians. 00:00:53.119 --> 00:00:58.959 This is really what we believe the faith in general calls Christians to be and to do. 00:00:59.059 --> 00:01:00.320 So that's what we're going to be talking about. 00:01:00.659 --> 00:01:04.879 For us at this church, we would summarize our calling with this statement. 00:01:05.159 --> 00:01:06.500 We've been reflecting on this. 00:01:07.379 --> 00:01:11.079 As a church, we seek the flourishing of Washington, D.C. 00:01:11.700 --> 00:01:15.459 by building gospel-centered communities that practice generous hospitality, 00:01:16.079 --> 00:01:20.200 spiritual formation, and missionary faithfulness in every neighborhood. 00:01:20.200 --> 00:01:26.140 And those last three phrases are what we would consider our core values. 00:01:26.400 --> 00:01:28.740 And last week we looked at generous hospitality. 00:01:29.180 --> 00:01:34.460 This week we come to the second of these core values, spiritual formation. 00:01:34.700 --> 00:01:38.579 So that's what we're going to be talking about this afternoon, spiritual formation. 00:01:39.420 --> 00:01:42.560 And I want to define that before we even get started 00:01:42.560 --> 00:01:47.100 because I think that there's maybe some confusion around what this actually means. 00:01:47.099 --> 00:01:51.140 We live in a culture that's very fond of spirituality. 00:01:51.719 --> 00:01:58.140 And we like the idea, and many people like the idea of spiritual exploration, spiritual growth. 00:01:58.679 --> 00:02:00.699 But what do we mean by that, right? 00:02:00.939 --> 00:02:03.840 We could be talking about a good experience hiking. 00:02:04.479 --> 00:02:07.459 We could be talking about a great yoga class. 00:02:07.539 --> 00:02:11.840 We could be talking about a really great brunch, which can be a transcendent experience. 00:02:11.840 --> 00:02:17.659 And all of those things are good things, but none of those things reflect what we mean 00:02:17.659 --> 00:02:20.379 when we talk about spiritual formation as Christians. 00:02:20.900 --> 00:02:23.159 As Christians we mean something very specific. 00:02:23.900 --> 00:02:26.039 We would define spiritual formation this way. 00:02:26.759 --> 00:02:31.439 That it's the process through which we are inwardly transformed 00:02:31.439 --> 00:02:40.240 such that the personality and the characteristics of Jesus Christ flow naturally out of us 00:02:40.240 --> 00:02:42.699 whenever or wherever we are. 00:02:43.539 --> 00:02:47.599 So it's the process through which we are inwardly transformed 00:02:47.599 --> 00:02:53.699 such that the personality and characteristics of Jesus Christ flow out of us naturally 00:02:53.699 --> 00:02:57.039 whenever and wherever we happen to be. 00:02:57.039 --> 00:03:05.219 Put simply, spiritual formation is the process of converting faith into fruit. 00:03:06.159 --> 00:03:08.319 It's converting faith into fruit. 00:03:08.780 --> 00:03:12.799 And there are a couple of passages that tell us a lot more about spiritual formation 00:03:12.799 --> 00:03:15.039 and those we're going to be looking at together. 00:03:15.560 --> 00:03:18.039 There's a passage from 2 Peter chapter 1 00:03:18.039 --> 00:03:21.479 and then the gospel reading John chapter 15. 00:03:21.879 --> 00:03:24.620 And you can think of these as complementing one another. 00:03:24.620 --> 00:03:27.480 2 Peter is sort of the left brain version 00:03:27.480 --> 00:03:30.280 and John 15 is kind of the right brain version. 00:03:30.860 --> 00:03:35.800 And together they really illuminate what spiritual formation is and how it happens. 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:38.400 And they both kind of tell us the same thing. 00:03:39.159 --> 00:03:43.740 They both show us this, that spiritual formation has two pieces to it or two aspects. 00:03:44.319 --> 00:03:47.960 There's a passive or receiving aspect 00:03:47.960 --> 00:03:51.659 and then there's an active or doing aspect. 00:03:52.460 --> 00:03:54.480 So we're going to look at each of those in order. 00:03:54.479 --> 00:03:59.280 There's a passive aspect which is all about the gift that we receive. 00:04:00.060 --> 00:04:05.699 And then there's an active aspect, the fruit that we then produce as a result of the gift. 00:04:06.259 --> 00:04:10.479 So 2 Peter chapter 1 and John chapter 15. 00:04:10.599 --> 00:04:12.739 Let's pray and ask for the Lord to lead us. 00:04:12.740 --> 00:04:19.079 Father, if what we just said is true, then all we do is a response to you. 00:04:19.500 --> 00:04:23.199 And we know that all that we do now is a response to your word. 00:04:23.319 --> 00:04:26.400 That you spoke and we were created. 00:04:27.400 --> 00:04:31.220 And as you continue to speak, we will be recreated. 00:04:31.759 --> 00:04:33.540 And we pray that that would happen. 00:04:33.639 --> 00:04:36.420 That we would come under the loving care of our maker 00:04:36.420 --> 00:04:40.139 and that you would sculpt us and shape us and renew us with your word. 00:04:40.139 --> 00:04:43.659 We pray this for our good, but chiefly, Lord, and ultimately for your glory. 00:04:44.159 --> 00:04:45.439 In your son's name, amen. 00:04:47.759 --> 00:04:52.439 So, active and passive, passive and active. 00:04:52.560 --> 00:04:55.439 We're going to begin with the passive side of spiritual formation, 00:04:55.899 --> 00:04:57.860 the gift that we've received. 00:04:58.539 --> 00:05:01.199 The book of 2 Peter, if you're not familiar with it, 00:05:01.259 --> 00:05:05.919 the whole letter is about spiritual formation and growth and maturity. 00:05:06.060 --> 00:05:07.099 The whole thing is about that. 00:05:07.100 --> 00:05:10.420 And yet, at the very beginning of the letter, 00:05:12.280 --> 00:05:17.040 Peter begins, before he even talks about growth or maturity or any of that stuff, 00:05:17.660 --> 00:05:21.600 before any of that, he makes one foundational statement. 00:05:21.780 --> 00:05:23.920 And you see it in verses 2 and 3. 00:05:25.240 --> 00:05:27.100 He says, here's the first thing you need to know. 00:05:28.100 --> 00:05:32.540 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 00:05:32.540 --> 00:05:39.220 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness 00:05:39.220 --> 00:05:44.400 through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence. 00:05:45.520 --> 00:05:46.760 So, you hear what he's saying. 00:05:47.180 --> 00:05:49.759 He's saying, before we can talk about spiritual formation, 00:05:49.939 --> 00:05:51.960 before we can talk about maturity or growth, 00:05:52.500 --> 00:05:55.680 there's one thing that we need to be absolutely clear on. 00:05:55.680 --> 00:06:00.939 By knowing Jesus, saving knowledge, believing the gospel, 00:06:01.100 --> 00:06:02.620 simply by knowing Jesus, 00:06:03.420 --> 00:06:08.439 you have received in faith everything that you need. 00:06:09.900 --> 00:06:11.420 It's all yours. 00:06:12.420 --> 00:06:15.800 All of the raw material for life, for godliness. 00:06:15.939 --> 00:06:18.199 In other words, just by knowing Jesus, 00:06:18.340 --> 00:06:20.019 by coming to believe the gospel, 00:06:20.160 --> 00:06:25.280 he gives you automatically everything you need to become like him. 00:06:26.119 --> 00:06:27.159 It's all yours. 00:06:28.559 --> 00:06:30.319 And Jesus, by the way, 00:06:30.439 --> 00:06:32.039 this is the 2 Peter version, 00:06:32.399 --> 00:06:35.119 Jesus is talking about the same thing in John chapter 15. 00:06:35.279 --> 00:06:37.599 Because what is the metaphor that he uses? 00:06:37.719 --> 00:06:39.579 Like I said, this is the right brain version. 00:06:39.879 --> 00:06:43.159 He uses this beautiful metaphor of a vineyard and a grapevine. 00:06:43.519 --> 00:06:44.659 And what does he say there? 00:06:45.459 --> 00:06:46.539 He says in verse 5, 00:06:47.039 --> 00:06:47.919 I'm the vine. 00:06:49.119 --> 00:06:51.039 You are the branches. 00:06:51.040 --> 00:06:54.460 And whoever abides in me and I in him, 00:06:54.819 --> 00:06:56.640 he it is that bears much fruit. 00:06:57.200 --> 00:06:59.140 For apart from me, you can do nothing. 00:06:59.740 --> 00:07:03.960 So he's saying the exact same thing as Peter is saying in 2 Peter chapter 1. 00:07:05.140 --> 00:07:05.879 He's saying, 00:07:06.660 --> 00:07:07.700 I'm the vine. 00:07:08.259 --> 00:07:08.520 Right? 00:07:08.519 --> 00:07:10.039 And then if you know anything about a grapevine, 00:07:10.379 --> 00:07:11.359 there's one vine. 00:07:11.439 --> 00:07:13.359 And as it goes up and goes out along the trellis, 00:07:13.439 --> 00:07:15.979 there are lots of branches that come off the one vine. 00:07:16.079 --> 00:07:16.419 He's saying, 00:07:16.740 --> 00:07:17.699 I'm the true vine. 00:07:18.740 --> 00:07:19.060 You know, 00:07:19.120 --> 00:07:21.859 Israel thought of themselves as the true vine. 00:07:22.819 --> 00:07:24.439 That's what they were called in the Old Testament. 00:07:24.599 --> 00:07:27.599 But what Jesus is saying is that Israel has failed in that calling. 00:07:28.259 --> 00:07:29.620 And now he is the true vine. 00:07:30.120 --> 00:07:33.379 He's the one who's meant to bring God's fruit into the world. 00:07:33.439 --> 00:07:34.159 But how does it happen? 00:07:34.240 --> 00:07:34.760 Through us. 00:07:35.720 --> 00:07:36.140 And he's saying, 00:07:36.220 --> 00:07:36.840 you're the branches. 00:07:36.980 --> 00:07:40.900 Your whole ability to produce fruit depends on your willingness to abide in me. 00:07:41.040 --> 00:07:42.100 It all comes from me. 00:07:42.200 --> 00:07:42.860 I'm the source. 00:07:43.120 --> 00:07:44.340 So they're saying the same thing. 00:07:46.000 --> 00:07:47.680 So what does this actually mean? 00:07:47.860 --> 00:07:49.040 Why begin here? 00:07:49.200 --> 00:07:50.620 If we're talking about spiritual formation, 00:07:50.760 --> 00:07:54.879 why do we have to begin with this fact that everything we need comes from Jesus? 00:07:54.879 --> 00:07:55.860 We have to receive it. 00:07:56.660 --> 00:07:58.320 Well, let me make this a little more practical. 00:07:58.460 --> 00:08:02.760 And I want to do that by bringing us back to a movie that some of us have seen. 00:08:02.759 --> 00:08:04.939 Michael Hendricks and I were talking about this the other week. 00:08:05.000 --> 00:08:09.079 And it reminded me of just the power of the movie Saving Private Ryan. 00:08:09.199 --> 00:08:09.699 Have you seen it? 00:08:10.180 --> 00:08:12.819 If you haven't, I'm getting ready to spoil the whole thing. 00:08:13.000 --> 00:08:13.659 And I'm sorry. 00:08:14.019 --> 00:08:15.360 But you've had plenty of time. 00:08:15.740 --> 00:08:17.759 So you have absolutely no excuse. 00:08:18.240 --> 00:08:20.079 But here's what happens in the movie. 00:08:21.339 --> 00:08:23.939 Private Ryan is one of four brothers. 00:08:24.219 --> 00:08:25.259 And they're at war. 00:08:25.259 --> 00:08:31.219 And the command finds out that three of his brothers have been killed in combat. 00:08:31.579 --> 00:08:33.819 And they recognize there's only one surviving brother. 00:08:33.919 --> 00:08:36.899 And they say, we have got to get this Ryan boy home to his mom. 00:08:37.679 --> 00:08:38.879 And so they call up Miller. 00:08:39.100 --> 00:08:40.480 Miller's played by Tom Hanks. 00:08:40.840 --> 00:08:43.399 And they tell Miller to take a squad of eight men 00:08:43.399 --> 00:08:46.379 and to do whatever they have to do to find Private Ryan, 00:08:46.639 --> 00:08:48.399 to get him out of the conflict zone, 00:08:48.539 --> 00:08:50.139 and safely home to his family. 00:08:50.139 --> 00:08:56.240 They're going to risk the lives of eight people to save this one guy. 00:08:56.379 --> 00:08:58.919 And so even Miller is a bit incredulous. 00:08:59.059 --> 00:09:01.960 And he says, at one point he says, well, this guy better be worth it. 00:09:02.840 --> 00:09:05.460 He says, you know, he better go home and cure some illness 00:09:05.460 --> 00:09:07.480 or invent a longer lasting light bulb. 00:09:07.860 --> 00:09:09.000 He better be worth it. 00:09:10.139 --> 00:09:11.439 And if you know how the movie goes, 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:13.600 every single one of those men dies. 00:09:14.779 --> 00:09:19.259 They all die trying to save Private Ryan, which they do. 00:09:19.259 --> 00:09:22.039 Miller gets shot. 00:09:22.159 --> 00:09:22.700 He's dying. 00:09:22.819 --> 00:09:24.679 He's just got a few seconds to live. 00:09:25.039 --> 00:09:27.620 And as he is dying, he's there with Ryan. 00:09:27.899 --> 00:09:29.299 And Miller grabs Ryan. 00:09:29.559 --> 00:09:33.379 And his final words, earn this. 00:09:34.819 --> 00:09:36.240 And then he passes away. 00:09:38.120 --> 00:09:40.759 So then fast forward 60 years. 00:09:43.019 --> 00:09:45.759 It's a grave site in Normandy. 00:09:45.759 --> 00:09:51.559 And the aging Private Ryan is standing in front of a headstone. 00:09:51.679 --> 00:09:53.939 And on the headstone, it reads Miller. 00:09:54.720 --> 00:09:57.399 And tears are streaming down his face. 00:09:57.879 --> 00:09:59.759 And his wife comes up to comfort him. 00:10:00.319 --> 00:10:02.299 And as his wife comes up, 00:10:03.720 --> 00:10:05.759 he says through his tears, 00:10:06.539 --> 00:10:08.340 have I been a good man? 00:10:08.340 --> 00:10:11.800 Tell me I've lived a good life. 00:10:13.560 --> 00:10:17.259 And his wife tries to reassure him that he is a good man, 00:10:17.340 --> 00:10:18.759 that he has lived a good life, 00:10:18.899 --> 00:10:19.960 but he keeps crying. 00:10:22.540 --> 00:10:26.879 And it's clear that he can't really be sure. 00:10:28.180 --> 00:10:29.580 He doesn't really know. 00:10:30.620 --> 00:10:34.660 Did he earn the sacrifice of those eight men? 00:10:34.659 --> 00:10:38.620 Did he live a life worthy of that sacrifice? 00:10:39.899 --> 00:10:41.860 And what's shocking about the scene is, 00:10:41.899 --> 00:10:43.399 I watched it again this past week, 00:10:43.639 --> 00:10:45.500 is that his wife walks up, 00:10:45.579 --> 00:10:48.379 and it's clear that she has no idea who Miller is. 00:10:49.459 --> 00:10:50.620 Which tells us what? 00:10:52.379 --> 00:10:53.659 For all that time, 00:10:53.740 --> 00:10:56.279 he had carried that pain secretly inside. 00:10:56.959 --> 00:10:57.980 Not even his wife knew. 00:10:59.600 --> 00:11:00.539 Did I earn it? 00:11:00.860 --> 00:11:01.600 Was I good enough? 00:11:01.600 --> 00:11:02.980 And the point is this, 00:11:03.040 --> 00:11:05.240 I think that this movie strikes a chord with us, 00:11:05.300 --> 00:11:06.820 because I think that we all carry 00:11:06.820 --> 00:11:09.879 a kind of deep down secret question. 00:11:11.500 --> 00:11:12.899 Do I measure up? 00:11:14.540 --> 00:11:16.220 Am I worth something? 00:11:16.860 --> 00:11:16.940 Right? 00:11:18.300 --> 00:11:19.540 Am I good enough? 00:11:19.720 --> 00:11:20.860 Did I do it? 00:11:21.000 --> 00:11:21.139 Right? 00:11:21.420 --> 00:11:22.759 Do I pass muster? 00:11:23.240 --> 00:11:25.560 We want somebody whose opinion matters 00:11:25.560 --> 00:11:27.600 to come and to put their hand reassuringly 00:11:28.240 --> 00:11:29.060 on our shoulder and say, 00:11:29.060 --> 00:11:30.860 yes, you are good enough. 00:11:30.860 --> 00:11:31.960 You did enough. 00:11:32.060 --> 00:11:32.879 You measure up. 00:11:33.080 --> 00:11:34.159 You don't have to keep trying. 00:11:34.259 --> 00:11:34.980 You've done enough. 00:11:35.820 --> 00:11:36.500 It's good. 00:11:36.980 --> 00:11:37.060 Right? 00:11:37.159 --> 00:11:38.659 The quota has been met. 00:11:38.759 --> 00:11:38.860 Right? 00:11:38.899 --> 00:11:40.639 The standard has been surpassed. 00:11:40.779 --> 00:11:41.759 That's what we want. 00:11:42.539 --> 00:11:44.680 I think that's why we crave the approval 00:11:44.680 --> 00:11:45.960 that we crave from other people, 00:11:46.180 --> 00:11:47.200 from our parents. 00:11:48.460 --> 00:11:48.659 You know, 00:11:48.740 --> 00:11:51.080 I never got the approval from my parents that I wanted. 00:11:51.200 --> 00:11:53.139 I don't think that it began with your parents. 00:11:53.220 --> 00:11:54.639 I think that it's an even deeper longing. 00:11:55.759 --> 00:11:56.800 Your parents are a substitute. 00:11:56.799 --> 00:12:00.219 And it's possible that men and women 00:12:00.219 --> 00:12:02.019 experience this differently. 00:12:02.219 --> 00:12:02.339 Right? 00:12:02.419 --> 00:12:03.500 One woman was telling me, 00:12:03.539 --> 00:12:04.240 we were talking about this, 00:12:04.319 --> 00:12:04.819 she said, you know, 00:12:05.059 --> 00:12:08.740 I don't necessarily worry about measuring up. 00:12:08.839 --> 00:12:13.539 It's more a desire to be desired above all things. 00:12:13.659 --> 00:12:19.919 I want to know that I am worthy of someone's top choice. 00:12:20.039 --> 00:12:22.079 That I am the object of desire. 00:12:22.080 --> 00:12:23.540 That I am the one. 00:12:23.980 --> 00:12:25.740 That I'm the apple of someone's eye. 00:12:25.860 --> 00:12:29.840 That I'm somebody's highest joy. 00:12:30.080 --> 00:12:30.180 Right? 00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:32.720 Now, I don't know how you experience this, 00:12:32.800 --> 00:12:34.100 but however you experience it, 00:12:34.620 --> 00:12:35.720 I think deep down, 00:12:35.820 --> 00:12:39.540 we all carry the same question that Private Ryan carries. 00:12:41.940 --> 00:12:43.879 And so we have to think about that 00:12:43.879 --> 00:12:46.860 and think about that inner question. 00:12:47.480 --> 00:12:48.379 And then we have to recognize 00:12:48.379 --> 00:12:51.259 that all religions actually would acknowledge this. 00:12:51.259 --> 00:12:53.019 Most religions out there acknowledge 00:12:53.019 --> 00:12:54.639 there's some longing in us for that. 00:12:55.379 --> 00:12:55.899 And actually, 00:12:56.200 --> 00:12:58.860 most religions have a way of addressing this longing. 00:12:58.980 --> 00:13:00.519 They say, yes, you feel that longing, 00:13:00.620 --> 00:13:01.080 you have that need, 00:13:01.240 --> 00:13:02.179 here's what you do about it. 00:13:02.259 --> 00:13:03.779 So Buddhism says, 00:13:03.939 --> 00:13:05.899 here's the eightfold path to enlightenment. 00:13:06.759 --> 00:13:06.860 Right? 00:13:07.360 --> 00:13:08.039 Hinduism says, 00:13:08.939 --> 00:13:09.879 well, here's karma, 00:13:10.059 --> 00:13:13.200 and as long as your good deeds overwhelm your bad, 00:13:13.279 --> 00:13:15.480 then you'll be reincarnated in a future life 00:13:15.480 --> 00:13:17.919 at a higher level of existence. 00:13:17.919 --> 00:13:19.679 Islam says, 00:13:19.679 --> 00:13:20.719 at the end of your life, 00:13:20.879 --> 00:13:23.039 when all of your deeds are tallied up, 00:13:23.079 --> 00:13:25.759 if you have more good deeds on Allah's scale 00:13:25.759 --> 00:13:26.719 than the bad deeds, 00:13:26.779 --> 00:13:28.339 and you have the good deeds outweigh the bad, 00:13:28.439 --> 00:13:29.559 then you'll go to paradise. 00:13:30.500 --> 00:13:31.779 So they all address it, 00:13:31.839 --> 00:13:34.679 but do you see the common limitation that they all share? 00:13:34.679 --> 00:13:40.979 You can't really know until you die. 00:13:42.939 --> 00:13:43.339 Right? 00:13:43.439 --> 00:13:44.779 You can't really ever know. 00:13:46.699 --> 00:13:47.539 You hope, 00:13:48.079 --> 00:13:49.279 and you do the best you can, 00:13:49.699 --> 00:13:51.359 and you do the most good that you can, 00:13:51.479 --> 00:13:52.179 and you hope, 00:13:52.279 --> 00:13:52.739 and you try, 00:13:52.819 --> 00:13:53.799 but you never really know. 00:13:54.919 --> 00:13:56.559 You have to wait until you die 00:13:56.559 --> 00:13:57.799 for somebody to finally tell you 00:13:57.799 --> 00:13:58.779 whether or not you were good enough, 00:13:58.979 --> 00:14:00.000 whether or not you passed muster, 00:14:00.079 --> 00:14:01.740 whether or not you met the standard. 00:14:01.740 --> 00:14:05.080 So they offer no assurance now. 00:14:05.340 --> 00:14:06.980 So for somebody like Private Ryan 00:14:06.980 --> 00:14:08.039 standing in a graveyard, 00:14:08.200 --> 00:14:09.159 tears flooding down a space, 00:14:09.279 --> 00:14:09.600 wondering, 00:14:09.940 --> 00:14:10.379 did I do it? 00:14:10.419 --> 00:14:11.060 Did I pass muster? 00:14:11.100 --> 00:14:11.620 Am I good enough? 00:14:11.899 --> 00:14:12.080 You know, 00:14:12.200 --> 00:14:13.340 these religions would say, 00:14:13.440 --> 00:14:13.720 well, 00:14:13.799 --> 00:14:14.779 the jury's still out. 00:14:16.019 --> 00:14:17.259 The jury's still out. 00:14:18.480 --> 00:14:19.159 Keep trying. 00:14:20.320 --> 00:14:21.200 A good faith effort, 00:14:22.019 --> 00:14:23.240 but no assurance. 00:14:23.240 --> 00:14:26.980 So here is the thing 00:14:26.980 --> 00:14:30.080 that makes the good news of Christianity 00:14:30.080 --> 00:14:31.779 so utterly unique 00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:33.039 and so glorious. 00:14:33.539 --> 00:14:35.019 Because what does Christianity say? 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:36.159 Well, 00:14:36.220 --> 00:14:39.460 what's the verse that we just read together? 00:14:40.259 --> 00:14:41.879 2 Peter 1, 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:42.539 verse 3. 00:14:43.000 --> 00:14:43.320 Jesus, 00:14:43.620 --> 00:14:44.659 in his divine power, 00:14:45.039 --> 00:14:46.919 has given us all things 00:14:46.919 --> 00:14:48.740 that pertain to life and godliness. 00:14:48.919 --> 00:14:49.519 Has given. 00:14:49.840 --> 00:14:50.500 Past tense. 00:14:50.759 --> 00:14:51.299 It's done. 00:14:51.519 --> 00:14:52.100 It's over. 00:14:52.100 --> 00:14:53.460 It's already been given to you. 00:14:53.620 --> 00:14:54.159 This is saying, 00:14:54.440 --> 00:14:55.879 the jury has come to a decision 00:14:55.879 --> 00:14:57.120 and they're unanimous. 00:14:58.120 --> 00:14:58.860 It's done. 00:14:59.519 --> 00:15:00.980 There's nothing more that you can do. 00:15:01.060 --> 00:15:02.779 There's nothing that you can do to add to it. 00:15:03.060 --> 00:15:04.040 It's already done. 00:15:04.940 --> 00:15:05.440 And it's saying, 00:15:05.500 --> 00:15:05.680 you know, 00:15:05.779 --> 00:15:06.820 when it comes to God, 00:15:06.899 --> 00:15:07.960 God's standard is up here. 00:15:08.340 --> 00:15:10.620 And we're all way down here. 00:15:11.000 --> 00:15:12.639 But here's what has already happened. 00:15:13.600 --> 00:15:14.259 Jesus has come 00:15:14.259 --> 00:15:16.279 and he's filled in that gap. 00:15:16.480 --> 00:15:18.879 He's filled in whatever we lacked. 00:15:19.680 --> 00:15:21.240 And then he went above and beyond. 00:15:22.100 --> 00:15:24.399 So it's not just about meeting a minimum standard 00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:25.680 or filling our quota 00:15:25.680 --> 00:15:27.180 or crossing the line 00:15:27.180 --> 00:15:27.960 so that God says, 00:15:28.159 --> 00:15:28.420 okay, 00:15:28.480 --> 00:15:29.360 that's good enough. 00:15:30.840 --> 00:15:32.800 Jesus pours all of his goodness, 00:15:33.060 --> 00:15:34.000 all of his righteousness, 00:15:34.360 --> 00:15:35.740 pours that into our lives. 00:15:36.159 --> 00:15:37.960 So that God looks at us and says, 00:15:38.440 --> 00:15:39.840 I choose you. 00:15:40.040 --> 00:15:41.720 You're the one I delight in. 00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:43.639 You're the one. 00:15:45.139 --> 00:15:46.279 You're the one I want. 00:15:46.279 --> 00:15:49.199 So therefore, 00:15:49.579 --> 00:15:51.519 if we think about this in this difference, 00:15:52.740 --> 00:15:54.240 when we think about what Peter is saying, 00:15:55.079 --> 00:15:57.159 we think about what Jesus is saying. 00:15:57.980 --> 00:15:58.120 You know, 00:15:58.159 --> 00:15:59.179 this is why Jesus says, 00:15:59.360 --> 00:15:59.980 I'm the vine. 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:03.639 I'm the source of goodness and righteousness. 00:16:04.039 --> 00:16:05.220 And this is why Peter says, 00:16:05.419 --> 00:16:07.199 before we can talk about spiritual formation 00:16:07.199 --> 00:16:09.120 or growth or good works, 00:16:09.659 --> 00:16:11.159 let me make one thing clear. 00:16:11.159 --> 00:16:14.699 If you know Jesus Christ 00:16:14.699 --> 00:16:16.319 and you have received everything 00:16:16.319 --> 00:16:18.819 that pertains to life and godliness, 00:16:19.219 --> 00:16:21.579 that means that no matter what you do, 00:16:21.699 --> 00:16:23.059 no matter how much you grow, 00:16:23.319 --> 00:16:24.919 no matter how much fruit you produce, 00:16:25.019 --> 00:16:27.559 no matter how many good works fill your life, 00:16:27.959 --> 00:16:28.879 from this point on, 00:16:29.939 --> 00:16:31.959 you will not add one ounce 00:16:31.959 --> 00:16:35.679 to the righteousness that is yours in Christ. 00:16:36.059 --> 00:16:37.360 You will not add one ounce 00:16:37.360 --> 00:16:39.019 to the amount that God loves you. 00:16:39.019 --> 00:16:40.659 And conversely, 00:16:40.980 --> 00:16:42.259 if you never do anything, 00:16:42.960 --> 00:16:45.299 if your life never produces anything, 00:16:45.939 --> 00:16:46.199 right, 00:16:47.240 --> 00:16:50.819 God will not love you one ounce less. 00:16:50.960 --> 00:16:52.519 You will not detract one ounce 00:16:52.519 --> 00:16:55.399 from the righteousness that is yours in Christ 00:16:55.399 --> 00:16:57.579 because it all comes from Jesus. 00:16:57.939 --> 00:16:59.179 And so you see the difference 00:16:59.179 --> 00:17:01.000 when we begin talking about spiritual formation. 00:17:01.220 --> 00:17:03.179 If you have a religion that says, 00:17:03.299 --> 00:17:04.259 well, keep trying 00:17:04.259 --> 00:17:06.740 and hopefully it'll all pan out in the end, 00:17:06.799 --> 00:17:08.299 what's the motivation there? 00:17:08.299 --> 00:17:09.740 Well, the motivation is fear. 00:17:10.839 --> 00:17:12.579 I've got to keep trying and trying and trying 00:17:12.579 --> 00:17:13.819 and hoping and hoping and hoping. 00:17:15.019 --> 00:17:16.079 But with Christianity, 00:17:16.339 --> 00:17:18.960 because we know it's all already ours, 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:20.200 it's all been given to us, 00:17:20.639 --> 00:17:22.000 the motivation is not fear, 00:17:22.079 --> 00:17:23.139 the motivation is freedom. 00:17:24.480 --> 00:17:27.559 Our motivation for growing spiritually is not fear, 00:17:27.859 --> 00:17:29.379 it's that we have been set free. 00:17:29.539 --> 00:17:30.879 We no longer have that anxiety. 00:17:31.279 --> 00:17:32.919 We no longer have that need for assurance. 00:17:33.019 --> 00:17:33.559 We have it. 00:17:33.559 --> 00:17:36.899 And so we simply know that we're set free 00:17:36.899 --> 00:17:39.000 to be what God created us to be. 00:17:39.819 --> 00:17:41.919 Branches on the vine that produce fruit. 00:17:42.619 --> 00:17:45.019 So that brings us to the next piece, 00:17:45.119 --> 00:17:47.879 the active side of spiritual formation. 00:17:48.139 --> 00:17:48.960 If that is true, 00:17:49.019 --> 00:17:50.659 if we have all of that in Jesus Christ, 00:17:51.339 --> 00:17:53.039 then what does that mean about our lives? 00:17:53.099 --> 00:17:54.619 What are we called to as a result? 00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:57.779 Now, as we turn our attention to the active side, 00:17:57.839 --> 00:18:00.779 I want to address a potential objection right up front. 00:18:00.779 --> 00:18:02.899 And that is that some people may be thinking, 00:18:03.079 --> 00:18:04.319 well, if that's true, 00:18:04.420 --> 00:18:05.339 if what we just said is true 00:18:05.339 --> 00:18:06.799 and Jesus gives us everything we need, 00:18:07.019 --> 00:18:09.240 then why does there even need to be an active side? 00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:10.920 Right? 00:18:10.960 --> 00:18:12.559 I mean, why do anything? 00:18:12.700 --> 00:18:13.519 What's the motive? 00:18:13.579 --> 00:18:15.079 And I would say that's a really great question. 00:18:15.399 --> 00:18:17.319 And the answer, quite frankly, 00:18:17.899 --> 00:18:21.279 is that we're all exactly like Louis C.K., 00:18:21.279 --> 00:18:22.039 the comedian. 00:18:22.539 --> 00:18:23.819 We're all exactly like him. 00:18:24.379 --> 00:18:25.299 I'll tell you what I mean. 00:18:25.639 --> 00:18:26.879 There's a comedy special, 00:18:27.420 --> 00:18:28.759 and Louis C.K. is talking, 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:30.599 and at one point, he's talking about beliefs. 00:18:30.599 --> 00:18:32.819 And he's talking about something that he thinks is important 00:18:32.819 --> 00:18:33.859 that we should all believe in. 00:18:33.899 --> 00:18:35.559 He says, you know, I believe in it too. 00:18:36.559 --> 00:18:39.379 And then he says, but I don't actually do it. 00:18:40.359 --> 00:18:42.439 And then he says, you know, I have a lot of beliefs, 00:18:42.779 --> 00:18:44.659 and I live by none of them. 00:18:45.639 --> 00:18:46.939 That's just the way I am. 00:18:47.079 --> 00:18:48.459 They're my beliefs. 00:18:49.099 --> 00:18:50.899 I just like believing them. 00:18:51.419 --> 00:18:52.719 He says, I like that part. 00:18:53.159 --> 00:18:54.679 They're my little believeys. 00:18:56.519 --> 00:18:57.719 My little believeys. 00:18:57.719 --> 00:18:59.899 They make me feel good about who I am. 00:19:00.599 --> 00:19:00.959 Right? 00:19:01.079 --> 00:19:03.279 But if they get in the way of a thing I want to do, 00:19:03.339 --> 00:19:04.079 I still do it. 00:19:05.199 --> 00:19:07.859 And I think that he's nailing something about human nature. 00:19:07.980 --> 00:19:09.359 We love having beliefs. 00:19:09.659 --> 00:19:12.839 It's so great to believe what we just said about Jesus 00:19:12.839 --> 00:19:15.659 and to believe that God chooses us and God loves us. 00:19:15.699 --> 00:19:16.719 That makes me feel good. 00:19:16.899 --> 00:19:18.279 That helps me when I'm depressed. 00:19:19.240 --> 00:19:20.339 It gets me out of bed. 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:21.139 Right? 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:23.279 Helps me cheer up when I've had a hard day at work. 00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:25.639 Those are good, fun beliefs. 00:19:26.039 --> 00:19:26.299 Right? 00:19:27.399 --> 00:19:30.279 Unless they actually get in the way of something we want to do. 00:19:31.339 --> 00:19:31.779 Right? 00:19:31.819 --> 00:19:33.539 And so it's for this very reason 00:19:33.539 --> 00:19:36.420 that both Jesus and Peter emphasize 00:19:36.420 --> 00:19:39.319 that our faith needs to be converted into fruit. 00:19:39.420 --> 00:19:41.480 That this is the purpose of salvation. 00:19:42.519 --> 00:19:44.119 Not to earn God's love. 00:19:44.220 --> 00:19:44.799 We have it. 00:19:45.339 --> 00:19:47.500 But because this is what we were made for. 00:19:48.319 --> 00:19:49.920 This is who we were created to be. 00:19:51.039 --> 00:19:53.680 And so they say we need to convert that faith into fruit. 00:19:54.619 --> 00:19:56.839 And so that's why in verse 5 Peter says 00:19:56.839 --> 00:20:00.200 make every effort therefore to supplement your faith. 00:20:00.480 --> 00:20:02.539 You know, to build on or to add to 00:20:02.539 --> 00:20:05.799 or another translation says to furnish your faith. 00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:07.799 And I like that because the image is 00:20:07.799 --> 00:20:08.819 you have the house. 00:20:08.900 --> 00:20:10.859 The house is there but it's an empty house. 00:20:10.859 --> 00:20:12.880 And to make it something that you can live in 00:20:12.880 --> 00:20:13.920 it needs furniture. 00:20:14.380 --> 00:20:16.619 So he's saying furnish your house of faith. 00:20:17.379 --> 00:20:18.359 Live inside it. 00:20:18.939 --> 00:20:19.019 Right? 00:20:19.419 --> 00:20:21.139 And so to use another image 00:20:21.139 --> 00:20:23.819 as Peter is listing these out 00:20:23.819 --> 00:20:25.019 he's essentially listing 00:20:25.019 --> 00:20:27.359 what amount of virtues. 00:20:27.719 --> 00:20:28.819 And what is a virtue? 00:20:29.679 --> 00:20:30.779 A virtue is just a habit. 00:20:31.539 --> 00:20:34.179 It's a habit that you're not necessarily born with 00:20:34.179 --> 00:20:36.519 but over time as you do it more and more and more 00:20:36.519 --> 00:20:38.199 it becomes more natural. 00:20:38.500 --> 00:20:40.119 It's wired into your character. 00:20:40.119 --> 00:20:41.279 This is what a virtue is. 00:20:42.539 --> 00:20:45.259 And so think about musicians or athletes. 00:20:45.259 --> 00:20:47.660 Some of you are great athletes. 00:20:47.980 --> 00:20:48.140 You know? 00:20:48.619 --> 00:20:49.940 Or maybe you used to be. 00:20:50.500 --> 00:20:51.519 But at some point 00:20:51.519 --> 00:20:53.339 you've probably been around great athletes. 00:20:53.920 --> 00:20:55.940 Some of you are great musicians. 00:20:56.079 --> 00:20:56.200 Right? 00:20:56.220 --> 00:20:58.299 We had some very gifted musicians up here. 00:20:58.920 --> 00:21:01.019 And these people are not born with these abilities. 00:21:01.180 --> 00:21:02.460 They're born with the potential 00:21:02.460 --> 00:21:05.839 but that has to be turned into 00:21:05.839 --> 00:21:07.660 ability 00:21:07.660 --> 00:21:09.759 and something that can be expressed through practice. 00:21:09.759 --> 00:21:12.259 And to put a finer point on it 00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:13.759 through the developing of muscle memory. 00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:15.660 Right? 00:21:15.900 --> 00:21:17.839 Somebody doesn't just learn to play the piano overnight. 00:21:17.980 --> 00:21:19.339 You have to practice and practice and practice 00:21:19.339 --> 00:21:20.160 and practice and practice 00:21:20.160 --> 00:21:21.759 until it comes naturally to your hands. 00:21:21.819 --> 00:21:24.940 Until the piano becomes an extension of yourself. 00:21:25.119 --> 00:21:25.660 And in the same way 00:21:25.660 --> 00:21:27.299 an athlete has to practice again 00:21:27.299 --> 00:21:27.740 and again 00:21:27.740 --> 00:21:28.200 and again 00:21:28.200 --> 00:21:28.660 and again 00:21:28.660 --> 00:21:29.160 and again 00:21:29.160 --> 00:21:31.200 until it comes naturally. 00:21:31.680 --> 00:21:33.059 Until you develop that muscle memory. 00:21:33.220 --> 00:21:33.379 And so 00:21:33.379 --> 00:21:35.079 spiritual formation means 00:21:35.079 --> 00:21:36.640 supplementing our faith 00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:38.940 by developing a kind of 00:21:38.940 --> 00:21:40.720 spiritual muscle memory. 00:21:41.500 --> 00:21:42.340 That's what it is. 00:21:42.400 --> 00:21:43.380 That's what a virtue is. 00:21:43.440 --> 00:21:44.759 It's like spiritual muscle memory. 00:21:45.560 --> 00:21:46.860 So here are the virtues 00:21:46.860 --> 00:21:48.000 that we're called to cultivate. 00:21:49.280 --> 00:21:50.780 The first one is just virtue 00:21:50.780 --> 00:21:52.300 which means goodness. 00:21:53.120 --> 00:21:53.240 Right? 00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:54.320 A good moral character. 00:21:54.880 --> 00:21:57.259 So cultivate a solid moral character 00:21:57.259 --> 00:21:57.980 that reflects 00:21:57.980 --> 00:22:00.100 the character of Christ. 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:01.460 And then he says 00:22:01.460 --> 00:22:02.780 and then add to that knowledge. 00:22:02.780 --> 00:22:03.560 And by that 00:22:03.560 --> 00:22:04.120 he doesn't mean 00:22:04.120 --> 00:22:05.759 saving knowledge. 00:22:05.759 --> 00:22:07.299 Here he means 00:22:07.299 --> 00:22:08.400 doctrinal knowledge. 00:22:09.180 --> 00:22:09.940 So learn scripture. 00:22:10.879 --> 00:22:11.819 Learn what God is like. 00:22:12.619 --> 00:22:13.680 Learn the story of salvation. 00:22:14.859 --> 00:22:16.059 Learn the kinds of things 00:22:16.059 --> 00:22:16.960 that God cares about. 00:22:17.839 --> 00:22:18.660 Learn what God's people 00:22:18.660 --> 00:22:19.400 are called to be. 00:22:19.819 --> 00:22:20.539 Doctrinal knowledge. 00:22:21.279 --> 00:22:21.660 And then he says 00:22:21.660 --> 00:22:22.220 add to that 00:22:22.220 --> 00:22:23.000 self-control. 00:22:23.319 --> 00:22:23.980 What is self-control? 00:22:25.079 --> 00:22:25.980 Well it's just the ability 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:26.980 to enjoy good things 00:22:26.980 --> 00:22:27.859 without allowing them 00:22:27.859 --> 00:22:28.879 to become ultimate things. 00:22:30.319 --> 00:22:30.480 Right? 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:31.140 So go out 00:22:31.140 --> 00:22:31.440 and 00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:33.480 enjoy 00:22:33.480 --> 00:22:35.099 enjoy good food 00:22:35.099 --> 00:22:35.459 and drink 00:22:35.459 --> 00:22:36.359 but don't 00:22:36.359 --> 00:22:37.159 live for 00:22:37.159 --> 00:22:38.419 food and drink. 00:22:38.579 --> 00:22:38.659 Right? 00:22:38.959 --> 00:22:40.179 Enjoy the pride 00:22:40.179 --> 00:22:41.059 of a job well done 00:22:41.059 --> 00:22:42.219 but don't 00:22:42.219 --> 00:22:43.139 live for 00:22:43.139 --> 00:22:44.719 pride and approval 00:22:44.719 --> 00:22:45.279 and praise. 00:22:45.439 --> 00:22:45.619 Right? 00:22:46.559 --> 00:22:47.119 Enjoy 00:22:47.119 --> 00:22:47.939 the company 00:22:47.939 --> 00:22:49.219 of your friends 00:22:49.219 --> 00:22:49.959 and enjoy the 00:22:49.959 --> 00:22:50.599 way that 00:22:50.599 --> 00:22:51.379 you guys can 00:22:51.379 --> 00:22:52.159 celebrate together 00:22:52.159 --> 00:22:52.919 but don't 00:22:52.919 --> 00:22:53.799 live for 00:22:53.799 --> 00:22:54.740 the approval 00:22:54.740 --> 00:22:56.319 of your friends. 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:56.659 Right? 00:22:57.039 --> 00:22:58.219 Love your job 00:22:58.219 --> 00:22:58.980 and pour yourself 00:22:58.980 --> 00:22:59.619 into your job 00:22:59.619 --> 00:23:00.099 but don't 00:23:00.099 --> 00:23:01.319 live for your 00:23:01.319 --> 00:23:02.199 job 00:23:02.199 --> 00:23:03.519 and stake your life 00:23:03.519 --> 00:23:04.339 on success. 00:23:04.500 --> 00:23:04.599 Right? 00:23:04.859 --> 00:23:05.980 So self-control 00:23:05.980 --> 00:23:06.980 in all of these ways. 00:23:08.359 --> 00:23:08.720 Steadfastness 00:23:08.720 --> 00:23:09.119 he says 00:23:09.119 --> 00:23:09.440 is something 00:23:09.440 --> 00:23:09.859 that we should 00:23:09.859 --> 00:23:10.339 add to that. 00:23:10.440 --> 00:23:10.759 Now what is 00:23:10.759 --> 00:23:11.400 steadfastness? 00:23:11.480 --> 00:23:12.279 Well that's just 00:23:12.279 --> 00:23:12.700 the ability 00:23:12.700 --> 00:23:13.500 to hang in there 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:15.079 to trust God 00:23:15.079 --> 00:23:16.460 to remain devoted 00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:16.940 to God 00:23:16.940 --> 00:23:17.740 even when 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:18.799 life is hard 00:23:18.799 --> 00:23:19.680 or when it feels 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:20.400 like God is silent. 00:23:21.500 --> 00:23:21.819 He's saying 00:23:21.819 --> 00:23:22.460 all of these things 00:23:22.460 --> 00:23:22.980 are not things 00:23:22.980 --> 00:23:23.480 that just happen 00:23:23.480 --> 00:23:23.779 naturally 00:23:23.779 --> 00:23:24.440 they're habits 00:23:24.440 --> 00:23:25.079 of the heart 00:23:25.079 --> 00:23:25.619 they come just 00:23:25.619 --> 00:23:26.359 by doing them 00:23:26.359 --> 00:23:27.720 by practicing them. 00:23:28.879 --> 00:23:29.839 Godliness is next 00:23:29.839 --> 00:23:30.619 and what is godliness? 00:23:30.879 --> 00:23:31.519 Well here 00:23:31.519 --> 00:23:32.859 godliness simply means 00:23:32.859 --> 00:23:34.019 having an integrated 00:23:34.019 --> 00:23:34.460 faith. 00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:36.839 So decompartmentalizing 00:23:36.839 --> 00:23:37.599 your faith is not 00:23:37.599 --> 00:23:38.139 just something 00:23:38.139 --> 00:23:38.660 that happens 00:23:38.660 --> 00:23:39.139 on Sunday 00:23:39.139 --> 00:23:39.559 and Wednesday 00:23:39.559 --> 00:23:40.779 your faith 00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:41.920 is fully integrated 00:23:41.920 --> 00:23:42.460 into the way 00:23:42.460 --> 00:23:43.119 you understand 00:23:43.119 --> 00:23:43.859 your vocation 00:23:43.859 --> 00:23:45.579 and the unique 00:23:45.579 --> 00:23:46.400 specific ways 00:23:46.400 --> 00:23:46.779 that God 00:23:46.779 --> 00:23:47.660 has wired you 00:23:47.660 --> 00:23:48.559 to serve 00:23:48.559 --> 00:23:49.079 and to love 00:23:49.079 --> 00:23:49.420 and to live 00:23:49.420 --> 00:23:49.940 in his world. 00:23:50.319 --> 00:23:50.440 Right? 00:23:51.059 --> 00:23:51.859 Integrating your faith 00:23:51.859 --> 00:23:52.460 into all of your 00:23:52.460 --> 00:23:53.019 relationships 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:54.059 integrating your faith 00:23:54.059 --> 00:23:54.720 into how you think 00:23:54.720 --> 00:23:55.339 about your money 00:23:55.339 --> 00:23:56.180 and how you think 00:23:56.180 --> 00:23:56.740 about your body 00:23:56.740 --> 00:23:57.240 and how you think 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:58.019 about your time 00:23:58.019 --> 00:23:59.960 and how you prioritize 00:23:59.960 --> 00:24:00.940 that your faith 00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:01.799 is fully integrated 00:24:01.799 --> 00:24:02.539 that's godliness 00:24:02.539 --> 00:24:03.759 in this context. 00:24:04.720 --> 00:24:05.380 And then brotherly 00:24:05.380 --> 00:24:06.220 affection means 00:24:06.220 --> 00:24:07.480 Philadelphia 00:24:07.480 --> 00:24:07.920 right? 00:24:08.480 --> 00:24:09.400 Love for other 00:24:09.400 --> 00:24:09.840 Christians 00:24:09.840 --> 00:24:10.880 your Christian brothers 00:24:10.880 --> 00:24:11.180 and sisters 00:24:11.180 --> 00:24:12.059 love for the church 00:24:12.059 --> 00:24:13.279 that's a habit 00:24:13.279 --> 00:24:13.840 of the heart 00:24:13.840 --> 00:24:15.240 right? 00:24:15.380 --> 00:24:16.299 If you don't feel 00:24:16.299 --> 00:24:17.240 very lovingly 00:24:17.240 --> 00:24:17.960 toward your brothers 00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:19.039 and sisters in Christ 00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:20.480 it's because it's a habit 00:24:20.480 --> 00:24:21.559 that needs to be cultivated 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:22.200 in other words 00:24:22.200 --> 00:24:24.220 you act lovingly 00:24:24.220 --> 00:24:25.220 and the feelings 00:24:25.220 --> 00:24:26.840 emerge over time 00:24:26.840 --> 00:24:27.920 we were just in the 00:24:27.920 --> 00:24:29.299 foundations class earlier 00:24:29.299 --> 00:24:30.159 and we were talking 00:24:30.159 --> 00:24:30.899 about how often 00:24:30.899 --> 00:24:31.399 in our culture 00:24:31.399 --> 00:24:31.960 we think that we 00:24:31.960 --> 00:24:32.480 should be led 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:33.319 by our emotions 00:24:33.319 --> 00:24:34.799 but that in reality 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:35.339 if you know anything 00:24:35.339 --> 00:24:36.000 about your heart 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:36.819 that's like letting 00:24:36.819 --> 00:24:37.460 my six year old 00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:38.240 drive the car 00:24:38.240 --> 00:24:39.399 right? 00:24:39.500 --> 00:24:40.039 It's just not 00:24:40.039 --> 00:24:41.319 I mean he needs 00:24:41.319 --> 00:24:42.079 to be in the car 00:24:42.079 --> 00:24:42.859 he deserves a place 00:24:42.859 --> 00:24:43.240 in the car 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:44.079 but he should not 00:24:44.079 --> 00:24:44.839 be behind the wheel 00:24:44.839 --> 00:24:46.440 now he wants 00:24:46.440 --> 00:24:47.259 to be behind the wheel 00:24:47.259 --> 00:24:48.879 but he shouldn't 00:24:48.879 --> 00:24:49.460 be behind the wheel 00:24:49.460 --> 00:24:50.099 it means disaster 00:24:50.099 --> 00:24:50.720 for everybody 00:24:50.720 --> 00:24:51.899 right? 00:24:52.019 --> 00:24:52.720 So we need to learn 00:24:52.720 --> 00:24:54.059 how to drive our hearts 00:24:54.059 --> 00:24:54.980 they're meant to be driven 00:24:54.980 --> 00:24:55.799 they're meant to be led 00:24:55.799 --> 00:24:56.680 they're meant to be shaped 00:24:56.680 --> 00:24:57.480 and that's what 00:24:57.480 --> 00:24:58.519 virtues do 00:24:58.519 --> 00:24:59.619 they shape 00:24:59.619 --> 00:25:00.359 and cultivate 00:25:00.359 --> 00:25:01.460 our desires 00:25:01.460 --> 00:25:03.339 that's how it works 00:25:03.339 --> 00:25:04.900 and so ultimately 00:25:04.900 --> 00:25:05.660 what is all this 00:25:05.660 --> 00:25:06.539 leading toward? 00:25:06.660 --> 00:25:07.200 Well ultimately 00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:08.819 not just brotherly love 00:25:08.819 --> 00:25:09.660 brotherly affection 00:25:09.660 --> 00:25:11.460 but agape love 00:25:11.460 --> 00:25:13.000 which doesn't just mean 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:14.039 love for other Christians 00:25:14.039 --> 00:25:15.119 and people who are like you 00:25:15.119 --> 00:25:16.460 it means love for everybody 00:25:16.460 --> 00:25:19.940 regardless of what they believe 00:25:19.940 --> 00:25:21.099 regardless of where they come from 00:25:21.099 --> 00:25:22.240 regardless of what they look like 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:23.619 love for everybody 00:25:23.619 --> 00:25:25.220 and so this is a great thing 00:25:25.220 --> 00:25:26.039 to notice here 00:25:26.039 --> 00:25:28.359 in one sense 00:25:28.359 --> 00:25:29.399 the order doesn't matter 00:25:29.399 --> 00:25:29.899 a lot of times 00:25:29.899 --> 00:25:30.960 people make a lot 00:25:30.960 --> 00:25:31.559 out of the order 00:25:31.559 --> 00:25:32.619 that you have to do one 00:25:32.619 --> 00:25:33.440 before you do the next 00:25:33.440 --> 00:25:34.220 before you do the next 00:25:34.220 --> 00:25:35.099 I really don't think 00:25:35.099 --> 00:25:36.139 there's any evidence for that 00:25:36.139 --> 00:25:37.319 there are lots of lists 00:25:37.319 --> 00:25:38.480 like this even in the Bible 00:25:38.480 --> 00:25:39.920 and sometimes they appear 00:25:39.920 --> 00:25:40.619 in different orders 00:25:40.619 --> 00:25:41.779 but one thing 00:25:41.779 --> 00:25:42.539 that you always see 00:25:42.539 --> 00:25:43.759 it always begins in faith 00:25:43.759 --> 00:25:45.240 begins in faith 00:25:45.240 --> 00:25:46.559 and it always culminates 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:47.359 in agape love 00:25:47.359 --> 00:25:49.799 and that tells us 00:25:49.799 --> 00:25:50.359 very simply 00:25:50.359 --> 00:25:51.899 that the purpose 00:25:51.899 --> 00:25:52.779 the aim 00:25:52.779 --> 00:25:54.160 of all virtues 00:25:54.160 --> 00:25:55.859 is love 00:25:55.859 --> 00:25:57.240 they all come together 00:25:57.240 --> 00:25:58.180 and culminate 00:25:58.180 --> 00:25:59.139 in love 00:25:59.139 --> 00:26:01.039 the other thing 00:26:01.039 --> 00:26:01.759 I should point out 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:02.899 is that as we look 00:26:02.899 --> 00:26:03.759 at this list 00:26:03.759 --> 00:26:04.720 of characteristics 00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:05.420 or virtues 00:26:05.420 --> 00:26:06.359 what we're really seeing 00:26:06.359 --> 00:26:07.420 is a description 00:26:07.420 --> 00:26:08.160 of the character 00:26:08.160 --> 00:26:09.420 of Jesus Christ 00:26:09.420 --> 00:26:11.220 so when we say 00:26:11.220 --> 00:26:13.660 that spiritual formation 00:26:13.660 --> 00:26:15.839 is inward transformation 00:26:15.839 --> 00:26:17.319 such that the personality 00:26:17.319 --> 00:26:18.160 and characteristics 00:26:18.160 --> 00:26:18.700 of Jesus 00:26:18.700 --> 00:26:19.579 flow naturally 00:26:19.579 --> 00:26:20.160 out of us 00:26:20.160 --> 00:26:21.379 these are the characteristics 00:26:21.380 --> 00:26:22.200 we're talking about 00:26:22.200 --> 00:26:26.160 so as we look at this 00:26:26.160 --> 00:26:26.880 and just to kind of 00:26:26.880 --> 00:26:28.140 draw all of this together 00:26:28.140 --> 00:26:29.340 I want to show you 00:26:29.340 --> 00:26:30.240 how these work together 00:26:30.240 --> 00:26:31.700 how does the passive part 00:26:31.700 --> 00:26:32.620 and the active part 00:26:32.620 --> 00:26:33.080 work 00:26:33.080 --> 00:26:34.160 the gift that we receive 00:26:34.160 --> 00:26:35.280 and the fruit we produce 00:26:35.280 --> 00:26:35.880 how do they work 00:26:35.880 --> 00:26:37.120 well here's how it works 00:26:37.120 --> 00:26:38.260 it's a cycle 00:26:38.260 --> 00:26:39.840 and it's a cycle 00:26:39.840 --> 00:26:40.660 that we live out 00:26:40.660 --> 00:26:41.700 again and again 00:26:41.700 --> 00:26:42.260 and again 00:26:42.260 --> 00:26:42.800 and again 00:26:42.800 --> 00:26:43.280 and again 00:26:43.280 --> 00:26:44.840 thousands upon thousands 00:26:44.840 --> 00:26:45.480 of times 00:26:45.480 --> 00:26:46.520 throughout our lives 00:26:46.520 --> 00:26:48.520 we begin by 00:26:48.520 --> 00:26:49.800 receiving grace 00:26:49.799 --> 00:26:52.799 we receive it 00:26:52.799 --> 00:26:53.419 as a gift 00:26:53.419 --> 00:26:55.099 he gives us 00:26:55.099 --> 00:26:56.200 everything pertaining 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:57.200 to life and godliness 00:26:57.200 --> 00:26:57.980 it's all ours 00:26:57.980 --> 00:26:59.940 and then we recognize 00:26:59.940 --> 00:27:01.279 the freedom that we have 00:27:01.279 --> 00:27:02.019 that we're empowered 00:27:02.019 --> 00:27:02.680 for good works 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:03.339 and so we go 00:27:03.339 --> 00:27:04.799 and we begin to do that 00:27:04.799 --> 00:27:06.099 I want to be self-controlled 00:27:06.099 --> 00:27:06.980 I want to worship the Lord 00:27:06.980 --> 00:27:07.899 I want to love my brothers 00:27:07.899 --> 00:27:08.200 and sisters 00:27:08.200 --> 00:27:09.119 I want to love everybody 00:27:09.119 --> 00:27:10.059 and we go and we begin 00:27:10.059 --> 00:27:10.460 to do that 00:27:10.460 --> 00:27:11.419 and then we fail 00:27:11.419 --> 00:27:13.779 and sometimes we fail big 00:27:13.779 --> 00:27:16.339 if you haven't failed yet 00:27:16.339 --> 00:27:18.759 you have failed 00:27:18.759 --> 00:27:19.839 and you just don't know it 00:27:19.839 --> 00:27:22.399 you will fail 00:27:22.399 --> 00:27:23.199 and then what happens 00:27:23.199 --> 00:27:24.679 well you either plunge 00:27:24.679 --> 00:27:25.659 into guilt 00:27:25.659 --> 00:27:27.179 and self-recrimination 00:27:27.179 --> 00:27:28.459 and or apathy 00:27:28.459 --> 00:27:29.619 and say forget this 00:27:29.619 --> 00:27:30.639 this is too hard 00:27:30.639 --> 00:27:33.000 or you come back 00:27:33.000 --> 00:27:33.980 in the cycle 00:27:33.980 --> 00:27:34.599 to the gospel 00:27:34.599 --> 00:27:37.159 oh it doesn't depend on me 00:27:37.159 --> 00:27:38.259 it doesn't hinge on me 00:27:38.259 --> 00:27:39.899 god doesn't love me 00:27:39.899 --> 00:27:40.480 any less 00:27:40.480 --> 00:27:41.639 I'm no less worthy 00:27:41.639 --> 00:27:42.559 because I failed 00:27:42.559 --> 00:27:43.139 in this way 00:27:43.139 --> 00:27:44.419 everything that I need 00:27:44.419 --> 00:27:45.159 I already have 00:27:45.160 --> 00:27:46.340 I can't add to it at all 00:27:46.340 --> 00:27:48.560 and you recognize 00:27:48.560 --> 00:27:49.320 and remember 00:27:49.320 --> 00:27:50.640 the love that you have 00:27:50.640 --> 00:27:51.540 through Jesus Christ 00:27:51.540 --> 00:27:53.340 and hopefully 00:27:53.340 --> 00:27:54.300 you have brothers and sisters 00:27:54.300 --> 00:27:55.240 reminding you of that 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:56.000 and then you get back up 00:27:56.000 --> 00:27:57.000 and you try again 00:27:57.000 --> 00:27:57.900 and then you fail 00:27:57.900 --> 00:27:58.720 and then you plunge 00:27:58.720 --> 00:27:59.240 into grace 00:27:59.240 --> 00:28:00.460 and then you come 00:28:00.460 --> 00:28:01.160 and you try again 00:28:01.160 --> 00:28:02.200 and so on and so forth 00:28:02.200 --> 00:28:03.160 and what happens there 00:28:03.160 --> 00:28:03.680 well two things 00:28:03.680 --> 00:28:04.720 are happening simultaneously 00:28:04.720 --> 00:28:06.640 the more you do that cycle 00:28:06.640 --> 00:28:09.380 the more on the one hand 00:28:09.380 --> 00:28:11.019 you will be cultivating 00:28:11.019 --> 00:28:12.480 virtue and character 00:28:12.480 --> 00:28:14.880 you try 00:28:14.880 --> 00:28:15.599 and you try 00:28:15.599 --> 00:28:16.240 and you try 00:28:16.240 --> 00:28:16.980 and over time 00:28:16.980 --> 00:28:17.900 it will shape you 00:28:17.900 --> 00:28:18.779 and shape your mind 00:28:18.779 --> 00:28:19.620 and shape your heart 00:28:19.620 --> 00:28:20.480 it's just the way 00:28:20.480 --> 00:28:21.400 human beings are wired 00:28:21.400 --> 00:28:22.819 it's the beauty 00:28:22.819 --> 00:28:23.759 of neuroplasticity 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:26.500 we are shaped 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:27.259 by our habits 00:28:27.259 --> 00:28:27.819 right 00:28:27.819 --> 00:28:28.839 it will have 00:28:28.839 --> 00:28:29.779 an impact on you 00:28:29.779 --> 00:28:31.640 but on the other hand 00:28:31.640 --> 00:28:32.420 what's also happening 00:28:32.420 --> 00:28:34.519 every single failure 00:28:34.519 --> 00:28:35.720 is driving you 00:28:35.720 --> 00:28:36.599 deeper and deeper 00:28:36.599 --> 00:28:37.120 and deeper 00:28:37.120 --> 00:28:37.640 and deeper 00:28:37.640 --> 00:28:39.480 into the unlimited 00:28:39.480 --> 00:28:40.599 depths 00:28:40.599 --> 00:28:42.439 of Jesus' grace 00:28:42.439 --> 00:28:44.699 and so spiritual formation 00:28:44.699 --> 00:28:45.279 for Christians 00:28:45.279 --> 00:28:46.339 involves both kinds 00:28:46.339 --> 00:28:46.839 of growth 00:28:46.839 --> 00:28:47.879 on the one hand 00:28:47.879 --> 00:28:48.500 I'm developing 00:28:48.500 --> 00:28:50.039 a more godly character 00:28:50.039 --> 00:28:50.939 and on the other hand 00:28:50.939 --> 00:28:51.559 I'm developing 00:28:51.559 --> 00:28:53.059 a much deeper awareness 00:28:53.059 --> 00:28:53.799 of my sin 00:28:53.799 --> 00:28:55.000 and my need for grace 00:28:55.000 --> 00:28:55.939 and both happen 00:28:55.939 --> 00:28:56.659 simultaneously 00:28:56.659 --> 00:28:58.059 so this is why Paul 00:28:58.059 --> 00:28:58.539 over the course 00:28:58.539 --> 00:28:59.139 of his ministry 00:28:59.139 --> 00:29:00.039 on the one hand 00:29:00.039 --> 00:29:00.599 you see him 00:29:00.599 --> 00:29:01.859 in chronological order 00:29:01.859 --> 00:29:02.740 if you look at his letters 00:29:02.740 --> 00:29:03.719 in chronological order 00:29:03.719 --> 00:29:04.559 on the one hand 00:29:04.559 --> 00:29:05.379 he's becoming more 00:29:05.379 --> 00:29:06.079 and more and more 00:29:06.079 --> 00:29:07.879 shaped by Jesus Christ 00:29:07.879 --> 00:29:09.079 he's growing in his character 00:29:09.079 --> 00:29:10.019 but on the other hand 00:29:10.019 --> 00:29:10.720 simultaneously 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:12.379 his self-estimation 00:29:12.379 --> 00:29:13.480 isn't increasing 00:29:13.480 --> 00:29:14.740 he's not saying 00:29:14.740 --> 00:29:16.279 man I'm such a better person 00:29:16.279 --> 00:29:17.000 now than I was 00:29:17.000 --> 00:29:17.660 ten years ago 00:29:17.660 --> 00:29:20.139 it's going in the 00:29:20.139 --> 00:29:20.900 reverse direction 00:29:20.900 --> 00:29:21.279 right 00:29:21.279 --> 00:29:23.099 actually the more godly 00:29:23.099 --> 00:29:23.960 his character becomes 00:29:23.960 --> 00:29:25.019 the more he becomes aware 00:29:25.019 --> 00:29:26.059 of his own identity 00:29:26.059 --> 00:29:26.559 as a sinner 00:29:26.559 --> 00:29:27.400 so he goes from 00:29:27.400 --> 00:29:28.240 just referring to himself 00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:28.920 as an apostle 00:29:28.920 --> 00:29:30.099 to referring to himself 00:29:30.099 --> 00:29:31.019 near the end of his life 00:29:31.019 --> 00:29:33.180 as the chief of sinners 00:29:33.180 --> 00:29:35.519 right 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:36.980 so this is the unique way 00:29:36.980 --> 00:29:37.940 that Christian spiritual 00:29:37.940 --> 00:29:39.379 formation happens 00:29:39.380 --> 00:29:42.140 and so this is the kind 00:29:42.140 --> 00:29:42.800 of community 00:29:42.800 --> 00:29:43.840 that we want to have 00:29:43.840 --> 00:29:44.640 at Church of the Advent 00:29:44.640 --> 00:29:45.620 at every level 00:29:45.620 --> 00:29:46.520 we want this happening 00:29:46.520 --> 00:29:47.700 in every sphere 00:29:47.700 --> 00:29:49.000 whether it's on a Sunday 00:29:49.000 --> 00:29:49.600 like this 00:29:49.600 --> 00:29:50.720 or just a group of friends 00:29:50.720 --> 00:29:51.320 hanging out 00:29:51.320 --> 00:29:52.420 on a random night 00:29:52.420 --> 00:29:52.760 of the week 00:29:52.760 --> 00:29:53.880 we want this culture 00:29:53.880 --> 00:29:54.540 to exist 00:29:54.540 --> 00:29:55.360 right 00:29:55.360 --> 00:29:56.460 because we recognize 00:29:56.460 --> 00:29:58.140 that if you have a church 00:29:58.140 --> 00:30:00.140 Tom and Allison 00:30:00.140 --> 00:30:01.000 you guys are here 00:30:01.000 --> 00:30:01.860 oh my gosh 00:30:01.860 --> 00:30:02.600 good to see you 00:30:02.599 --> 00:30:04.919 if you have a church 00:30:04.919 --> 00:30:08.939 if you have a church 00:30:08.939 --> 00:30:10.399 that only focuses 00:30:10.399 --> 00:30:11.139 on the passive 00:30:11.139 --> 00:30:12.339 it's only what Jesus 00:30:12.339 --> 00:30:13.139 has done for us 00:30:13.139 --> 00:30:14.359 and never talks about 00:30:14.359 --> 00:30:15.179 what we're called to 00:30:15.179 --> 00:30:15.759 as Christians 00:30:15.759 --> 00:30:18.359 then you're going to have 00:30:18.359 --> 00:30:19.579 a church that understands 00:30:19.579 --> 00:30:20.139 grace 00:30:20.139 --> 00:30:22.879 and understands the cross 00:30:22.879 --> 00:30:25.919 but only so far 00:30:25.919 --> 00:30:27.839 because it takes 00:30:27.839 --> 00:30:29.000 actively failing 00:30:29.000 --> 00:30:30.440 to then really 00:30:30.440 --> 00:30:31.539 remind me 00:30:31.539 --> 00:30:32.680 of the real meaning 00:30:32.680 --> 00:30:33.240 of grace 00:30:33.240 --> 00:30:34.900 I have to fail 00:30:34.900 --> 00:30:35.799 to feel the need 00:30:35.799 --> 00:30:36.579 so I will plunge 00:30:36.579 --> 00:30:37.279 into that pool 00:30:37.279 --> 00:30:38.500 right 00:30:38.500 --> 00:30:39.839 and because I'm never 00:30:39.839 --> 00:30:41.359 called to anything 00:30:41.359 --> 00:30:43.160 I won't change 00:30:43.160 --> 00:30:43.660 I won't grow 00:30:43.660 --> 00:30:44.180 there won't be 00:30:44.180 --> 00:30:44.819 any transformation 00:30:44.819 --> 00:30:46.180 right 00:30:46.180 --> 00:30:47.140 it's the cross 00:30:47.140 --> 00:30:48.000 without the resurrection 00:30:48.000 --> 00:30:50.259 but on the other hand 00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:51.039 if you have a church 00:30:51.039 --> 00:30:51.980 that only focuses 00:30:51.980 --> 00:30:53.240 on the character 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:53.779 and the virtue 00:30:53.779 --> 00:30:54.680 and what I'm called to 00:30:54.680 --> 00:30:55.220 and obedience 00:30:55.220 --> 00:30:56.700 but forgets about grace 00:30:56.700 --> 00:30:59.480 it may actually be worse 00:30:59.480 --> 00:31:01.480 because you have a culture 00:31:01.480 --> 00:31:04.039 where people look 00:31:04.039 --> 00:31:04.880 like they've changed 00:31:04.880 --> 00:31:06.039 right 00:31:06.039 --> 00:31:07.160 there's conformity 00:31:07.160 --> 00:31:07.580 happening 00:31:07.580 --> 00:31:10.019 but underneath the surface 00:31:10.019 --> 00:31:11.140 everybody's concealing 00:31:11.140 --> 00:31:11.360 right 00:31:11.360 --> 00:31:12.539 Christianity just becomes 00:31:12.539 --> 00:31:14.240 avoid the obvious sins 00:31:14.240 --> 00:31:16.240 and hide all the rest 00:31:16.240 --> 00:31:16.920 right 00:31:16.920 --> 00:31:17.980 and so it becomes 00:31:17.980 --> 00:31:19.000 a legalistic culture 00:31:19.000 --> 00:31:19.680 of conformity 00:31:19.680 --> 00:31:20.120 but again 00:31:20.120 --> 00:31:21.580 no actual change 00:31:21.580 --> 00:31:23.019 in order to have a culture 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:23.819 where you actually 00:31:23.819 --> 00:31:24.680 are transformed 00:31:24.680 --> 00:31:25.180 and grow 00:31:25.180 --> 00:31:26.160 you need both 00:31:26.160 --> 00:31:26.600 right 00:31:26.599 --> 00:31:27.299 and this is what 00:31:27.299 --> 00:31:28.319 we want Advent to be 00:31:28.319 --> 00:31:29.119 so on the one hand 00:31:29.119 --> 00:31:29.839 we want to take 00:31:29.839 --> 00:31:31.599 holiness seriously 00:31:31.599 --> 00:31:33.299 God calls us to holiness 00:31:33.299 --> 00:31:35.099 God calls us to holiness 00:31:35.099 --> 00:31:36.019 in all that we do 00:31:36.019 --> 00:31:36.959 right 00:31:36.959 --> 00:31:37.959 that virtues 00:31:37.959 --> 00:31:38.839 matter 00:31:38.839 --> 00:31:39.480 that we should have 00:31:39.480 --> 00:31:39.839 a culture 00:31:39.839 --> 00:31:40.659 where we are calling 00:31:40.659 --> 00:31:41.899 the best out of each other 00:31:41.899 --> 00:31:44.159 where we want to become 00:31:44.159 --> 00:31:45.439 more than we are 00:31:45.439 --> 00:31:46.399 where we want to grow 00:31:46.399 --> 00:31:48.019 and character matters 00:31:48.019 --> 00:31:50.379 but on the other hand 00:31:50.379 --> 00:31:51.899 we want to have a church 00:31:51.899 --> 00:31:53.279 that when we confront sin 00:31:53.279 --> 00:31:54.980 when we challenge one another 00:31:54.980 --> 00:31:55.579 when we have those 00:31:55.579 --> 00:31:56.259 hard conversations 00:31:56.259 --> 00:31:57.400 that it always leads 00:31:57.400 --> 00:31:58.099 back to grace 00:31:58.099 --> 00:31:59.839 that we recognize 00:31:59.839 --> 00:32:00.640 that we are all 00:32:00.640 --> 00:32:01.779 fellow strugglers 00:32:01.779 --> 00:32:03.019 fellow sinners 00:32:03.019 --> 00:32:04.680 drawing from that well 00:32:04.680 --> 00:32:05.599 right 00:32:05.599 --> 00:32:06.980 and so this is the kind 00:32:06.980 --> 00:32:07.500 of culture 00:32:07.500 --> 00:32:09.019 where real transformation 00:32:09.019 --> 00:32:10.019 happens 00:32:10.019 --> 00:32:11.019 and so this is why 00:32:11.019 --> 00:32:11.599 we talk about 00:32:11.599 --> 00:32:12.640 the three C's 00:32:12.640 --> 00:32:13.700 at Church of the Advent 00:32:13.700 --> 00:32:14.700 it's just a mnemonic 00:32:14.700 --> 00:32:15.379 for remembering 00:32:15.379 --> 00:32:16.660 the kind of pathway 00:32:16.660 --> 00:32:17.519 of discipleship 00:32:17.519 --> 00:32:19.740 that the first C 00:32:19.740 --> 00:32:20.819 we just want everybody 00:32:20.819 --> 00:32:21.480 every week 00:32:21.480 --> 00:32:22.660 to be here at communion 00:32:22.660 --> 00:32:23.720 this all of what 00:32:23.720 --> 00:32:24.480 we're talking about 00:32:24.480 --> 00:32:25.800 we're reminded of this 00:32:25.800 --> 00:32:26.400 every week 00:32:26.400 --> 00:32:27.180 that we come together 00:32:27.180 --> 00:32:28.960 so you should be here 00:32:28.960 --> 00:32:29.500 every week 00:32:29.500 --> 00:32:30.700 even Super Bowl Sunday 00:32:30.700 --> 00:32:33.360 and if that isn't the case 00:32:33.360 --> 00:32:34.800 if you're not here 00:32:34.800 --> 00:32:35.320 if you're out of town 00:32:35.320 --> 00:32:35.840 if you're traveling 00:32:35.840 --> 00:32:36.779 then we encourage you 00:32:36.779 --> 00:32:37.660 to make every effort 00:32:37.660 --> 00:32:39.019 to try to find a church 00:32:39.019 --> 00:32:39.560 where you are 00:32:39.560 --> 00:32:40.000 and worship 00:32:40.000 --> 00:32:41.140 find a good local church 00:32:41.140 --> 00:32:41.960 and go worship there 00:32:41.960 --> 00:32:42.380 you know 00:32:42.380 --> 00:32:43.120 if you don't 00:32:43.120 --> 00:32:44.160 if you're just visiting 00:32:44.160 --> 00:32:44.980 and you don't live here 00:32:44.980 --> 00:32:45.900 or you're part of another 00:32:45.900 --> 00:32:46.620 church in the city 00:32:46.620 --> 00:32:47.360 that's awesome 00:32:47.360 --> 00:32:48.000 but you should really 00:32:48.000 --> 00:32:48.860 be a part of that church 00:32:48.860 --> 00:32:49.779 on a weekly basis 00:32:49.779 --> 00:32:51.299 that's the first thing 00:32:51.299 --> 00:32:51.660 communion 00:32:51.660 --> 00:32:52.399 second thing 00:32:52.399 --> 00:32:52.879 community 00:32:52.879 --> 00:32:54.279 having people 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:54.920 in your life 00:32:54.920 --> 00:32:55.440 who know you 00:32:55.440 --> 00:32:56.259 outside of Sunday 00:32:56.259 --> 00:32:58.279 that happens in our church 00:32:58.279 --> 00:32:59.139 through core groups 00:32:59.139 --> 00:33:00.980 but having people 00:33:00.980 --> 00:33:02.019 who know you well enough 00:33:02.019 --> 00:33:02.920 so that they can do 00:33:02.920 --> 00:33:03.720 both of these things 00:33:03.720 --> 00:33:04.279 in your life 00:33:04.279 --> 00:33:06.240 they can call you 00:33:06.240 --> 00:33:06.740 to virtue 00:33:06.740 --> 00:33:07.980 and call you to character 00:33:07.980 --> 00:33:09.079 and call you to holiness 00:33:09.079 --> 00:33:09.680 and godliness 00:33:09.680 --> 00:33:11.680 and they can also speak 00:33:11.680 --> 00:33:12.420 grace and love 00:33:12.420 --> 00:33:12.980 into your life 00:33:12.980 --> 00:33:14.539 and they know you well enough 00:33:14.539 --> 00:33:16.519 to know when you need 00:33:16.519 --> 00:33:19.200 each of these 00:33:19.200 --> 00:33:20.920 and then the third thing 00:33:20.920 --> 00:33:21.480 is commitment 00:33:21.480 --> 00:33:23.900 it's just encouraging people 00:33:23.900 --> 00:33:25.019 that if you're going 00:33:25.019 --> 00:33:25.700 to be a part of a church 00:33:25.700 --> 00:33:26.360 whether it's Advent 00:33:26.360 --> 00:33:27.059 or another church 00:33:27.059 --> 00:33:27.640 that you should be 00:33:27.640 --> 00:33:28.259 fully committed 00:33:28.259 --> 00:33:28.940 that you should 00:33:28.940 --> 00:33:30.380 really strongly consider 00:33:30.380 --> 00:33:30.779 membership 00:33:30.779 --> 00:33:32.940 that you should be 00:33:32.940 --> 00:33:33.960 actively giving 00:33:33.960 --> 00:33:35.600 actively serving 00:33:35.600 --> 00:33:37.819 finding ways to contribute 00:33:37.819 --> 00:33:38.720 actively giving 00:33:38.720 --> 00:33:39.539 of your time 00:33:39.539 --> 00:33:40.880 giving of your money 00:33:40.880 --> 00:33:41.980 giving of your energy 00:33:41.980 --> 00:33:42.480 and your gifts 00:33:42.480 --> 00:33:43.319 now why would we talk 00:33:43.319 --> 00:33:44.440 about that in spiritual formation 00:33:44.440 --> 00:33:45.740 well as we talk about 00:33:45.740 --> 00:33:46.819 the cultivation of virtue 00:33:46.819 --> 00:33:47.920 that's the place 00:33:47.920 --> 00:33:48.860 where you're most going 00:33:48.860 --> 00:33:50.220 to be called out 00:33:50.220 --> 00:33:50.860 in terms of 00:33:50.860 --> 00:33:51.680 you're going to be asked 00:33:51.680 --> 00:33:52.400 to step up 00:33:52.400 --> 00:33:53.240 right 00:33:53.240 --> 00:33:54.080 you have to have 00:33:54.080 --> 00:33:54.519 a certain amount 00:33:54.519 --> 00:33:55.080 of character 00:33:55.080 --> 00:33:55.880 you have to have 00:33:55.880 --> 00:33:56.259 a certain amount 00:33:56.259 --> 00:33:56.740 of virtue 00:33:56.740 --> 00:33:58.640 to be willing 00:33:58.640 --> 00:33:59.539 to follow through 00:33:59.539 --> 00:34:00.140 on your commitments 00:34:00.140 --> 00:34:01.740 to say you're going 00:34:01.740 --> 00:34:02.160 to do something 00:34:02.160 --> 00:34:02.759 and then do it 00:34:02.759 --> 00:34:02.940 right 00:34:02.940 --> 00:34:03.940 to order your time 00:34:03.940 --> 00:34:04.860 and order your spending 00:34:04.860 --> 00:34:05.920 and order your energy 00:34:05.920 --> 00:34:07.100 such that you're able 00:34:07.100 --> 00:34:08.920 to give regularly 00:34:08.920 --> 00:34:09.900 and sacrificially 00:34:09.900 --> 00:34:11.019 to the body 00:34:11.019 --> 00:34:11.940 that is one of the 00:34:11.940 --> 00:34:12.639 greatest places 00:34:12.639 --> 00:34:13.079 for growth 00:34:13.079 --> 00:34:13.980 and in my own life 00:34:13.980 --> 00:34:14.760 it's been one of the places 00:34:14.760 --> 00:34:15.860 where I've most experienced 00:34:15.860 --> 00:34:16.320 growth 00:34:16.320 --> 00:34:18.200 is when a church 00:34:18.200 --> 00:34:19.300 really asked me 00:34:19.300 --> 00:34:21.019 we need you 00:34:21.019 --> 00:34:22.000 to be fully in 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:22.660 we need you 00:34:22.660 --> 00:34:23.320 we need your time 00:34:23.320 --> 00:34:23.880 money energy 00:34:23.880 --> 00:34:24.800 we need you to be a part 00:34:24.800 --> 00:34:25.640 of contributing 00:34:25.640 --> 00:34:26.519 to the vitality 00:34:26.519 --> 00:34:27.180 of this community 00:34:27.180 --> 00:34:29.579 so these are the things 00:34:29.579 --> 00:34:30.240 that we talk about 00:34:30.240 --> 00:34:31.079 but we need to remember 00:34:31.079 --> 00:34:31.800 that all of this 00:34:31.800 --> 00:34:32.840 is rooted in the grace 00:34:32.840 --> 00:34:34.099 of Jesus Christ 00:34:34.099 --> 00:34:35.340 that the way we produce 00:34:35.340 --> 00:34:36.079 fruit 00:34:36.079 --> 00:34:36.980 is by first 00:34:36.980 --> 00:34:37.620 receiving 00:34:37.620 --> 00:34:38.740 the gift 00:34:38.740 --> 00:34:40.240 so going back 00:34:40.240 --> 00:34:40.980 to Private Ryan 00:34:40.980 --> 00:34:41.880 just as we try to 00:34:41.880 --> 00:34:43.480 draw all this together 00:34:43.480 --> 00:34:44.680 think about Ryan 00:34:44.679 --> 00:34:45.659 think about him 00:34:45.659 --> 00:34:46.419 standing in that 00:34:46.419 --> 00:34:46.759 graveyard 00:34:46.759 --> 00:34:47.839 think about the tears 00:34:47.839 --> 00:34:51.239 his wife can't 00:34:51.239 --> 00:34:51.799 assure him 00:34:51.799 --> 00:34:54.960 am I good enough 00:34:54.960 --> 00:34:55.619 did I earn it 00:34:55.619 --> 00:34:56.859 his wife can't 00:34:56.859 --> 00:34:57.239 assure him 00:34:57.239 --> 00:34:58.219 no matter what she says 00:34:58.219 --> 00:34:59.699 his kids can't 00:34:59.699 --> 00:35:00.139 assure him 00:35:00.139 --> 00:35:02.299 his friends 00:35:02.299 --> 00:35:03.199 can't assure him 00:35:03.199 --> 00:35:05.899 his counselor 00:35:05.899 --> 00:35:07.019 can't assure him 00:35:07.019 --> 00:35:08.399 his pastor 00:35:08.399 --> 00:35:09.639 can't assure him 00:35:09.639 --> 00:35:10.579 what does he 00:35:10.579 --> 00:35:11.339 really want 00:35:11.340 --> 00:35:13.500 he wants 00:35:13.500 --> 00:35:14.019 Miller 00:35:14.019 --> 00:35:15.500 to come back 00:35:15.500 --> 00:35:16.320 from the grave 00:35:16.320 --> 00:35:18.440 and to say 00:35:18.440 --> 00:35:20.180 you did it 00:35:20.180 --> 00:35:22.039 you earned it 00:35:22.039 --> 00:35:24.320 that's what he wants 00:35:24.320 --> 00:35:25.960 but that's impossible 00:35:25.960 --> 00:35:26.320 right 00:35:26.320 --> 00:35:28.100 and beyond that 00:35:28.100 --> 00:35:28.860 even if Miller 00:35:28.860 --> 00:35:29.720 were to come back 00:35:29.720 --> 00:35:31.579 I suspect 00:35:31.579 --> 00:35:32.860 that even that 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:33.680 wouldn't fully 00:35:33.680 --> 00:35:34.500 give him the assurance 00:35:34.500 --> 00:35:35.180 he's looking for 00:35:35.180 --> 00:35:35.460 why 00:35:35.460 --> 00:35:36.300 because I suspect 00:35:36.300 --> 00:35:37.059 that he had that 00:35:37.059 --> 00:35:37.559 in him 00:35:37.559 --> 00:35:38.840 long before he even 00:35:38.840 --> 00:35:39.660 met Miller 00:35:39.659 --> 00:35:40.460 because he's a human 00:35:40.460 --> 00:35:40.859 being 00:35:40.859 --> 00:35:43.420 but here's the good 00:35:43.420 --> 00:35:44.039 news of the gospel 00:35:44.039 --> 00:35:46.579 someone has come 00:35:46.579 --> 00:35:47.779 back from the grave 00:35:47.779 --> 00:35:49.480 Jesus Christ 00:35:49.480 --> 00:35:50.879 and if Jesus Christ 00:35:50.879 --> 00:35:51.819 were to meet Ryan 00:35:51.819 --> 00:35:53.039 in that graveyard 00:35:53.039 --> 00:35:55.500 and Ryan were to 00:35:55.500 --> 00:35:56.199 ask Jesus 00:35:56.199 --> 00:35:58.639 did I earn it 00:35:58.639 --> 00:36:00.399 you know what 00:36:00.399 --> 00:36:01.039 Jesus would say 00:36:01.039 --> 00:36:03.039 no 00:36:03.039 --> 00:36:04.759 no 00:36:04.759 --> 00:36:05.659 you didn't 00:36:05.659 --> 00:36:07.819 but here's the good 00:36:07.819 --> 00:36:08.159 news 00:36:08.159 --> 00:36:09.799 I did 00:36:09.799 --> 00:36:11.960 and here's the best 00:36:11.960 --> 00:36:12.359 part 00:36:12.359 --> 00:36:14.639 all of it 00:36:14.639 --> 00:36:16.659 all of it 00:36:16.659 --> 00:36:18.399 I did for you 00:36:18.399 --> 00:36:20.719 and that's the gospel 00:36:20.719 --> 00:36:22.539 let's pray 00:36:22.539 --> 00:36:23.279 that's the gospel 00:36:23.279 --> 00:36:35.800 good 00:36:35.800 --> 00:36:36.739 I bijna 00:36:36.739 --> 00:36:37.519 yes 00:36:37.519 --> 00:36:39.360 you 00:36:39.360 --> 00:36:40.820 and 00:36:40.820 --> 00:36:41.099 bye 00:36:41.099 --> 00:36:41.599 e 00:36:41.599 --> 00:36:42.119 ś