WEBVTT 00:00:00.520 --> 00:00:03.740 We hope that you enjoy this teaching from Christchurch. 00:00:03.960 --> 00:00:13.939 This material is copyrighted and no unauthorized duplication, redistribution, or any other use of any part is permitted without prior consent from Christchurch. 00:00:14.099 --> 00:00:21.120 Please consider donating to this work in the San Francisco Bay Area online at ChristchurchEastBay.org. 00:00:21.120 --> 00:00:31.820 Good morning. My name is Carrie Moulton and I am a member of the Oakland Women's Little Faith Group. 00:00:32.579 --> 00:00:40.900 And our reading today is a reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans, chapter 6, verses 1 through 14. 00:00:46.620 --> 00:00:48.120 What shall we say then? 00:00:48.119 --> 00:00:51.619 Shall we go on sinning that grace may increase? 00:00:52.179 --> 00:00:53.199 By no means. 00:00:54.259 --> 00:00:56.239 We are those who have died to sin. 00:00:56.899 --> 00:00:58.599 How can we live in it any longer? 00:00:59.920 --> 00:01:05.859 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 00:01:06.759 --> 00:01:16.060 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, 00:01:16.060 --> 00:01:19.400 we too may live a new life. 00:01:20.400 --> 00:01:28.620 For if we have been united with him in death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 00:01:29.480 --> 00:01:36.280 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin may be done away with. 00:01:36.280 --> 00:01:39.620 That we should no longer be slaves to sin. 00:01:40.620 --> 00:01:44.320 Because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. 00:01:44.319 --> 00:01:49.839 Now, if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 00:01:50.799 --> 00:01:54.859 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again. 00:01:55.679 --> 00:01:58.139 Death no longer has mastery over him. 00:01:59.199 --> 00:02:03.179 The death he died, he died to sin once for all. 00:02:03.819 --> 00:02:06.500 But the life he lives, he lives to God. 00:02:06.500 --> 00:02:14.240 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God and Christ Jesus. 00:02:15.939 --> 00:02:20.939 Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 00:02:21.840 --> 00:02:26.000 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, 00:02:26.479 --> 00:02:32.680 but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought to him from death to life. 00:02:32.680 --> 00:02:37.760 And offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:45.180 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. 00:02:45.840 --> 00:02:47.159 This is the word of the Lord. 00:02:47.860 --> 00:02:49.020 Thanks be to God. 00:02:50.360 --> 00:02:52.200 Thank you, Carrie, for that scripture reading. 00:02:52.260 --> 00:02:52.780 Good morning, everyone. 00:02:52.860 --> 00:02:53.520 My name is Andrew. 00:02:53.840 --> 00:02:54.980 I'm one of the pastors here. 00:02:55.760 --> 00:02:58.219 Just to let you know if you're new here, this is not a typical Sunday. 00:02:58.439 --> 00:03:00.260 You don't normally have to listen to me up here. 00:03:00.259 --> 00:03:02.959 And also our lead pastor is gone. 00:03:03.519 --> 00:03:06.639 So this is not a typical Sunday, but we're so glad that you're here. 00:03:06.759 --> 00:03:10.819 And we will be here every Sunday worshiping and honoring the Lord's day. 00:03:11.079 --> 00:03:17.139 I want to give a shout out to everyone who held it together last week when me, Jonathan, and Eric were all gone last week. 00:03:17.199 --> 00:03:19.379 But it seemed like, you know, Christ was still worshiped. 00:03:19.879 --> 00:03:25.139 And in the words of one of our elders, Bill Barnes, no irreversible harm was done, right? 00:03:25.479 --> 00:03:27.079 So praise God for that. 00:03:27.080 --> 00:03:33.340 Will you join me in prayer as we open up God's word, continuing our series in Paul's letter to the church in Rome. 00:03:35.100 --> 00:03:38.460 Father, we have come to listen to your voice. 00:03:39.080 --> 00:03:40.820 Not just to hear it, but to listen to it. 00:03:40.900 --> 00:03:43.120 To take heed to what you have to say to us. 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:49.500 Because as the apostles proclaim, you alone, your son alone has the words of life. 00:03:50.580 --> 00:03:52.700 And we so want to experience that life. 00:03:52.699 --> 00:04:00.000 So would your spirit speak to us that truth of life this morning in the preaching of your word. 00:04:00.060 --> 00:04:02.099 And would Christ be exalted here? 00:04:03.119 --> 00:04:04.039 In his name we pray. 00:04:04.919 --> 00:04:05.239 Amen. 00:04:05.240 --> 00:04:10.340 All right, so we're in chapter 6 now of the book of Romans. 00:04:10.600 --> 00:04:21.060 And if you've been following Paul's argument in the last five chapters, you know that he's been laboring to explain the good news that we can be justified before God, righteous in God's eyes, 00:04:21.060 --> 00:04:30.500 not by dutifully fulfilling the works of God's law, but by dependently trusting and placing our faith in the work of God's Son, Jesus Christ. 00:04:30.980 --> 00:04:41.000 So that no matter how obediently and diligently someone has tried to not sin by observing God's law, they cannot be justified by their own self-righteousness. 00:04:41.000 --> 00:04:52.660 And yet no matter how wicked and sinful someone else has been, they can be justified by faith in the righteousness of Christ, accepted in the eyes of God if they would just embrace his Son in faith. 00:04:53.100 --> 00:04:54.800 That's what justification by faith is. 00:04:54.899 --> 00:05:01.339 Forgiveness, honor, acceptance, belonging, and status, all by faith and not by works. 00:05:02.360 --> 00:05:02.540 Amen. 00:05:02.600 --> 00:05:09.680 If you've done some terrible things in your life like I have, or if you've failed to do the good and important things in your life that you're supposed to do, 00:05:09.680 --> 00:05:12.939 also like I have, man, this is super good news. 00:05:13.400 --> 00:05:22.740 This is really, really good news that there's still hope for us, that we can still be right with God, not by merit, not by self-effort, but by grace through faith. 00:05:23.759 --> 00:05:29.220 But you know, without the fuller picture of who God is and how he works in this world and what he wants for us, 00:05:29.240 --> 00:05:34.980 if all we have is this simple principle that we can be justified by faith no matter what evil we do, 00:05:35.780 --> 00:05:38.379 well, that can be a dangerous thing like in a vacuum. 00:05:38.379 --> 00:05:46.379 And you know, when I was a kid, with a simplistic, immature, and hardly formed faith, I took advantage of this dangerous thing. 00:05:47.219 --> 00:05:53.519 I remember, technically, I don't know, my parents believe I became a Christian on December 15, 1991. 00:05:53.920 --> 00:05:54.939 I was four years old. 00:05:55.319 --> 00:05:56.540 I was by my bed. 00:05:57.000 --> 00:06:00.719 My dad asked me if I wanted to invite Jesus into my life. 00:06:00.879 --> 00:06:07.620 He said, Jesus would forgive me no matter how bad I'd been, and I was bad, all right, if I just believed in him. 00:06:07.620 --> 00:06:13.360 Or, to use my dad's language, if I just accepted him into my heart as my personal savior. 00:06:14.360 --> 00:06:15.879 And so I prayed to Jesus. 00:06:16.459 --> 00:06:20.680 I asked him into my heart to forgive me, and I trusted him to save me. 00:06:21.439 --> 00:06:28.879 And you know, for many years after that, I was in absolute terror, all right, to my parents, to my teachers, 00:06:28.879 --> 00:06:32.740 to my brother and sister, a bad influence on my friends, a bully at school. 00:06:32.819 --> 00:06:33.439 And you know why? 00:06:34.180 --> 00:06:38.899 Because of this wrong theological idea that I had, that because of my faith in Jesus, 00:06:39.540 --> 00:06:45.019 I had a get-out-of-hell free card, a free pass, to sin and do whatever I wanted. 00:06:45.719 --> 00:06:46.579 Disrespect my parents. 00:06:46.719 --> 00:06:47.620 Disrespect my teachers. 00:06:47.779 --> 00:06:48.659 Beat up my little brother. 00:06:49.079 --> 00:06:49.719 Be a bully. 00:06:49.860 --> 00:06:50.199 Steal. 00:06:50.500 --> 00:06:50.779 Lie. 00:06:50.779 --> 00:06:51.539 When I got older. 00:06:51.679 --> 00:06:52.679 Consumed pornography. 00:06:53.479 --> 00:06:56.239 All because I thought I had a license to sin. 00:06:56.279 --> 00:06:56.879 I was racist. 00:06:57.000 --> 00:06:57.839 I was sexist. 00:06:58.339 --> 00:07:00.699 And overall, I just lived to put myself first. 00:07:01.219 --> 00:07:02.239 Assert my own will. 00:07:02.500 --> 00:07:03.459 My own desires. 00:07:04.119 --> 00:07:08.719 Because in my understanding of the Christian faith, I could be unrighteous by faith. 00:07:09.879 --> 00:07:15.379 Now, to Paul's biggest objectors, this was precisely the problem of the gospel that he preached. 00:07:15.379 --> 00:07:18.819 The problem with justification by faith and not by works. 00:07:19.519 --> 00:07:23.459 And so, you know, while the church has, from the very beginning, always preached against legalism 00:07:23.459 --> 00:07:27.579 and against righteousness by works, it has also had to preach against something else. 00:07:27.819 --> 00:07:28.899 And here's a new word for you. 00:07:28.939 --> 00:07:29.540 I hope it's helpful. 00:07:29.899 --> 00:07:31.379 It's this word, antinomianism. 00:07:32.019 --> 00:07:32.699 Can you say that with me? 00:07:34.360 --> 00:07:35.100 Antinomianism, all right? 00:07:35.159 --> 00:07:35.980 And we take that apart. 00:07:36.699 --> 00:07:37.139 Antinomianism. 00:07:38.360 --> 00:07:38.759 Antinamas. 00:07:38.899 --> 00:07:39.879 Namas is the law. 00:07:40.279 --> 00:07:43.139 So antinomians are anti-law. 00:07:43.139 --> 00:07:47.699 And the history behind this is basically that when Paul preached against the Pharisees 00:07:47.699 --> 00:07:53.419 and against the legalists in the first century, that righteousness and justification were by faith, 00:07:54.159 --> 00:07:59.479 some people took that to mean that they could live as unrighteously as they wanted, 00:07:59.879 --> 00:08:02.279 since Jesus would save them if they just believed. 00:08:02.919 --> 00:08:09.479 So like, if legalism is righteousness by works, antinomianism was unrighteousness by faith. 00:08:09.480 --> 00:08:15.580 And if you study church history, you'll know that ever since this gospel of justification was first proclaimed, 00:08:15.680 --> 00:08:23.819 the church has always struggled to walk the third way, Jesus' way, apart from legalism and apart from antinomianism. 00:08:24.460 --> 00:08:28.960 A third way outside of righteousness by works and unrighteousness by faith. 00:08:29.520 --> 00:08:34.220 So in the New Testament, you can find Apostle Paul refuting legalism here in Romans chapter 1 through 5. 00:08:34.220 --> 00:08:37.320 In his letter to the church in Galatia, Galatians chapter 3, he says, 00:08:37.560 --> 00:08:40.399 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse. 00:08:40.960 --> 00:08:45.639 No one who relies on the law is justified before God because the righteous will live by faith. 00:08:46.600 --> 00:08:53.139 But then you also see in the New Testament, the Apostles John and Jude refuting antinomianism in their letters. 00:08:53.300 --> 00:08:54.860 John writes in 1 John chapter 3, 00:08:54.860 --> 00:09:07.240 In Jude's letter, he describes some fake Christians who secretly slipped into the church, 00:09:07.300 --> 00:09:14.100 and he describes them as ungodly people who pervert the grace of God into a license for immorality 00:09:14.100 --> 00:09:17.919 and deny Jesus Christ our sovereign and Lord. 00:09:18.899 --> 00:09:21.820 So you see, the gospel is not just contrary to legalism. 00:09:21.820 --> 00:09:24.900 It's also contrary to antinomianism. 00:09:25.300 --> 00:09:29.720 And if we don't understand how the good news of Jesus is a third way opposing both, 00:09:30.379 --> 00:09:33.680 then we probably have a deficient understanding of the good news of Jesus, 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:35.440 just like my four-year-old self. 00:09:36.100 --> 00:09:42.140 If the supposedly good news we believe is that because Jesus' righteousness was credited to us by faith, 00:09:42.200 --> 00:09:46.160 we can therefore sin as much as we want so that grace might abound, 00:09:46.240 --> 00:09:48.940 we can murder, we can steal, we can lie, we can hate, we can hoard, 00:09:48.940 --> 00:09:52.080 we can whore ourselves and each other like it's no big deal to God, 00:09:52.420 --> 00:09:56.400 like it doesn't offend him, stir up his righteous wrath, or break his heart. 00:09:56.900 --> 00:10:00.880 If this is our gospel, then can we really call it good news? 00:10:01.720 --> 00:10:04.240 And has Jesus actually saved us from anything? 00:10:05.600 --> 00:10:11.260 And see, this is how Paul's opposition understood his teaching of justification by faith. 00:10:11.259 --> 00:10:14.240 And of course, they would have some counter-arguments, right, 00:10:14.279 --> 00:10:16.779 if this is how they understood justification by faith. 00:10:16.899 --> 00:10:20.960 So here in chapter 6, Paul addresses probably the top counter-argument 00:10:20.960 --> 00:10:24.319 that people had against his teaching on justification by faith. 00:10:24.899 --> 00:10:27.120 After closing chapter 5 by writing, 00:10:27.460 --> 00:10:30.620 where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 00:10:31.539 --> 00:10:35.139 Paul anticipates his objector's counter-argument here in verse 1, 00:10:35.139 --> 00:10:42.819 And that's the question. 00:10:43.279 --> 00:10:44.620 This is a legitimate question, right? 00:10:44.639 --> 00:10:47.740 It's the same question the older brother probably had for his father 00:10:47.740 --> 00:10:51.039 when his father welcomed his younger prodigal son home, right? 00:10:51.399 --> 00:10:53.699 If you're unfamiliar with that story that Jesus once told, 00:10:53.919 --> 00:10:55.379 basically a father had two sons. 00:10:55.679 --> 00:10:56.399 The younger says, 00:10:56.819 --> 00:10:58.279 Father, I wish you were dead. 00:10:58.340 --> 00:10:59.200 Just give me my inheritance. 00:10:59.519 --> 00:11:02.340 He goes and he lives this reckless prodigal life, 00:11:02.340 --> 00:11:05.660 spends it all, and then he returns home in shame. 00:11:06.100 --> 00:11:06.960 But what does the father do? 00:11:07.019 --> 00:11:09.060 The father welcomes him back in, 00:11:09.120 --> 00:11:10.300 throws a party to celebrate, 00:11:10.680 --> 00:11:14.300 and now it's the father in the story who seems reckless and prodigal, 00:11:14.560 --> 00:11:16.920 especially to his older indignant son, right? 00:11:16.920 --> 00:11:20.600 To this older brother who'd spent his whole life obeying his dad, 00:11:20.720 --> 00:11:23.600 never receiving anything, though, like this party. 00:11:24.440 --> 00:11:28.400 His dad now seems like a fool for celebrating his younger brother, 00:11:28.500 --> 00:11:29.280 the prodigal son. 00:11:30.139 --> 00:11:32.919 And you may remember I shared this story maybe a month or so ago 00:11:32.919 --> 00:11:35.240 about how we went over this with our high schoolers, 00:11:35.319 --> 00:11:36.759 this past winter retreat, 00:11:37.039 --> 00:11:39.039 and the high schoolers, too, were skeptical 00:11:39.039 --> 00:11:43.659 about the father's decision to throw a party for his son, 00:11:43.759 --> 00:11:44.459 and rightly so. 00:11:44.939 --> 00:11:46.500 And one of the main objections was what? 00:11:46.679 --> 00:11:49.159 How was the younger son going to learn his lesson? 00:11:49.899 --> 00:11:52.319 How was he going to stop doing such harmful things? 00:11:52.379 --> 00:11:54.759 If the father insisted on giving his runaway son his robe, 00:11:54.759 --> 00:11:57.899 his ring, throwing him a party after everything that he'd done, 00:11:57.899 --> 00:12:00.919 what was going to keep him from shaming his father, 00:12:01.379 --> 00:12:04.240 dishonoring his family, making more bad choices, 00:12:04.439 --> 00:12:06.819 and harming himself and others all over again? 00:12:07.899 --> 00:12:10.860 And see, that's the question we're dealing with here today in chapter 6. 00:12:11.399 --> 00:12:14.759 If justification and righteousness before God is by faith 00:12:14.759 --> 00:12:16.039 and not by good works, 00:12:16.319 --> 00:12:20.620 then what's to keep us from our unrighteous bad works? 00:12:21.139 --> 00:12:24.139 If abundant sin can lead to abundant grace, 00:12:24.139 --> 00:12:26.799 then doesn't that actually give us more reason, 00:12:26.939 --> 00:12:29.460 more incentive, more permission to sin? 00:12:29.519 --> 00:12:30.919 Why not sin as much as we want 00:12:30.919 --> 00:12:33.740 so that grace might abound all the more? 00:12:34.539 --> 00:12:36.460 That's the question here in verse 1. 00:12:37.240 --> 00:12:38.379 Now, no surprise to us, 00:12:38.439 --> 00:12:41.000 Paul immediately answers this question in verse 2, 00:12:41.080 --> 00:12:41.539 emphatically, 00:12:41.899 --> 00:12:43.439 by no means. 00:12:43.500 --> 00:12:44.539 But the question still stands, 00:12:44.620 --> 00:12:45.259 well, why not? 00:12:46.120 --> 00:12:46.720 Why not? 00:12:47.379 --> 00:12:50.100 And that's the question for our consideration today. 00:12:50.100 --> 00:12:51.840 Why, for what reason, 00:12:52.420 --> 00:12:54.000 should we not go on sinning? 00:12:54.060 --> 00:12:56.560 Like, what is it that will keep us from sinning 00:12:56.560 --> 00:12:58.620 if our justification and forgiveness 00:12:58.620 --> 00:13:01.639 are so freely received by faith? 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:04.540 Now, before we get to Paul's reason, 00:13:05.180 --> 00:13:06.659 I want to acknowledge that this discussion 00:13:06.659 --> 00:13:08.639 about why we should stop sinning 00:13:08.639 --> 00:13:11.840 might seem like a particularly religious discussion 00:13:11.840 --> 00:13:12.540 to some of you. 00:13:12.940 --> 00:13:15.820 Maybe like an irrelevant insider conversation 00:13:15.820 --> 00:13:17.220 only for Christians. 00:13:17.420 --> 00:13:18.259 Maybe you're here today 00:13:18.259 --> 00:13:20.740 and you don't even prefer to use the language of sin 00:13:20.740 --> 00:13:22.679 because to you, sin is just this, you know, 00:13:22.720 --> 00:13:23.860 abstract religious concept 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:27.019 and you don't particularly consider yourself religious 00:13:27.019 --> 00:13:28.960 and certainly not of the Christian religion. 00:13:29.840 --> 00:13:32.259 But if we could just put aside that religious baggage 00:13:32.259 --> 00:13:34.059 with the word sin for a second, 00:13:34.120 --> 00:13:34.659 can I just ask, 00:13:35.679 --> 00:13:37.679 isn't it true that all of us, 00:13:38.059 --> 00:13:39.100 whether Christian or not, 00:13:39.179 --> 00:13:41.179 we often do and think things 00:13:41.179 --> 00:13:42.559 that we wish we hadn't, right? 00:13:42.899 --> 00:13:45.120 Things that fill us with guilt and shame 00:13:45.120 --> 00:13:47.159 or maybe we don't do and think the things 00:13:47.159 --> 00:13:48.959 that we ought and that fills us with guilt 00:13:48.959 --> 00:13:50.019 and shame as well. 00:13:50.879 --> 00:13:52.039 I mean, it can't just be me, right? 00:13:53.579 --> 00:13:55.120 Have you ever looked upon your life, 00:13:55.620 --> 00:13:57.299 your actions, your inactions, 00:13:57.419 --> 00:13:58.019 and thought to yourself, 00:13:58.120 --> 00:14:00.519 man, this is far from the person I want to be, 00:14:00.600 --> 00:14:02.759 this is far from the person I ought to be, 00:14:03.079 --> 00:14:04.439 but it seems so hard to change. 00:14:04.899 --> 00:14:06.539 Maybe, maybe even impossible. 00:14:07.539 --> 00:14:08.980 And have you ever wondered, 00:14:09.159 --> 00:14:10.100 what's it gonna take 00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:12.379 for me to be the person I'm supposed to be? 00:14:12.799 --> 00:14:14.539 Or where might I find the resources 00:14:14.539 --> 00:14:18.439 to overcome my seemingly insurmountable flaws? 00:14:19.139 --> 00:14:20.919 Have you ever longed like I have 00:14:20.919 --> 00:14:21.840 for some kind of power, 00:14:22.159 --> 00:14:23.519 some kind of influence 00:14:23.519 --> 00:14:25.460 that could get you on the right track, 00:14:25.659 --> 00:14:26.399 like guaranteed? 00:14:27.720 --> 00:14:28.500 Well, if that's you, 00:14:28.700 --> 00:14:30.320 what Paul says here today about sin 00:14:30.320 --> 00:14:32.439 and why and how we should stop sinning 00:14:32.439 --> 00:14:34.299 might be more relevant to all of us 00:14:34.299 --> 00:14:34.980 than we think. 00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:36.620 Because see, whether or not we call it sin, 00:14:37.320 --> 00:14:38.480 I think we're all familiar, 00:14:38.620 --> 00:14:40.820 even those of us with the strongest willpower, 00:14:40.820 --> 00:14:41.840 I think we're all familiar 00:14:41.840 --> 00:14:43.740 with that sense of helplessness 00:14:43.740 --> 00:14:45.320 in the face of our flaws. 00:14:46.020 --> 00:14:46.879 Whether it's your temper, 00:14:47.180 --> 00:14:47.600 your greed, 00:14:47.840 --> 00:14:48.340 your jealousy, 00:14:48.640 --> 00:14:49.320 your sloth, 00:14:49.940 --> 00:14:51.620 an addiction to this or that substance, 00:14:51.720 --> 00:14:52.180 to alcohol, 00:14:52.320 --> 00:14:52.720 to porn, 00:14:52.840 --> 00:14:54.040 to people's approval, 00:14:54.700 --> 00:14:57.140 or whether it's the selfishness 00:14:57.140 --> 00:14:58.540 that continues to seep 00:14:58.540 --> 00:14:59.620 into your relationships, 00:14:59.740 --> 00:15:00.580 only wreaking havoc 00:15:00.580 --> 00:15:01.540 in your workplaces 00:15:01.540 --> 00:15:02.480 and your marriages 00:15:02.480 --> 00:15:03.620 and your homes. 00:15:04.660 --> 00:15:05.120 Come on, come on, 00:15:05.200 --> 00:15:06.220 is it not true 00:15:06.220 --> 00:15:08.240 that we're all looking 00:15:08.240 --> 00:15:09.080 for some kind of power, 00:15:09.080 --> 00:15:10.500 some kind of influence 00:15:10.500 --> 00:15:11.580 outside of ourselves 00:15:11.580 --> 00:15:12.960 to deliver us 00:15:12.960 --> 00:15:14.040 from our helplessness, 00:15:14.100 --> 00:15:14.639 to deliver us 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:15.840 from the bondage of sin 00:15:15.840 --> 00:15:16.879 or whatever you want to call it, 00:15:17.080 --> 00:15:18.000 that thing that seems 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:19.220 to have such a strong hold 00:15:19.220 --> 00:15:21.000 and devastating influence 00:15:21.000 --> 00:15:21.879 upon our lives, 00:15:21.920 --> 00:15:22.860 that thing we all worry 00:15:22.860 --> 00:15:24.000 will take us down the path 00:15:24.000 --> 00:15:25.520 of a breaking bad, right, 00:15:25.600 --> 00:15:26.680 from Walter White 00:15:26.680 --> 00:15:28.000 to Heisenberg, all right? 00:15:29.060 --> 00:15:29.379 Now see, 00:15:29.480 --> 00:15:30.560 that's really what Paul's 00:15:30.560 --> 00:15:31.220 getting at here 00:15:31.220 --> 00:15:33.580 in his discussion of sin. 00:15:34.280 --> 00:15:35.860 The way Paul talks about sin here 00:15:35.860 --> 00:15:37.860 is not simply in terms of behavior 00:15:37.860 --> 00:15:39.500 as we typically think about sin. 00:15:40.279 --> 00:15:40.899 Now for Paul, 00:15:41.200 --> 00:15:41.720 and we'll talk more 00:15:41.720 --> 00:15:42.379 about this next week, 00:15:42.419 --> 00:15:42.899 but for Paul, 00:15:43.000 --> 00:15:43.840 sin is not primarily 00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:44.720 about behavior, 00:15:45.000 --> 00:15:46.360 about action or inaction. 00:15:46.620 --> 00:15:47.000 For Paul, 00:15:47.139 --> 00:15:49.159 sin is a powerful force. 00:15:49.779 --> 00:15:50.399 It's a realm, 00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:52.480 a dark, formidable sphere 00:15:52.480 --> 00:15:54.360 of influence and dominion. 00:15:54.460 --> 00:15:54.840 Think about it 00:15:54.840 --> 00:15:56.500 like a huge, dark domain, 00:15:56.620 --> 00:15:58.200 a dark, dingy dungeon 00:15:58.200 --> 00:15:59.440 where the only way out 00:15:59.440 --> 00:16:00.560 is death. 00:16:01.300 --> 00:16:03.039 That's what Paul understands sin 00:16:03.039 --> 00:16:03.340 to be, 00:16:03.379 --> 00:16:04.940 a powerful realm 00:16:04.940 --> 00:16:06.320 that rules us 00:16:06.320 --> 00:16:07.620 and dominates us. 00:16:08.420 --> 00:16:09.120 He says it right here. 00:16:09.160 --> 00:16:10.040 Look with me at verse 6. 00:16:10.160 --> 00:16:10.900 Paul talks about 00:16:10.900 --> 00:16:13.560 the body being ruled by sin, 00:16:13.700 --> 00:16:14.840 enslaved to sin. 00:16:15.380 --> 00:16:16.240 Then in verse 7, 00:16:16.460 --> 00:16:17.100 there's this concept 00:16:17.100 --> 00:16:18.380 of either being bound in sin 00:16:18.380 --> 00:16:19.400 or set free from it. 00:16:19.940 --> 00:16:20.780 Or look at verse 12. 00:16:20.860 --> 00:16:21.100 He says, 00:16:21.220 --> 00:16:22.740 do not let sin reign 00:16:22.740 --> 00:16:25.000 so that you obey its desires. 00:16:25.820 --> 00:16:27.000 Verse 13 talks about 00:16:27.000 --> 00:16:28.100 not offering ourselves 00:16:28.100 --> 00:16:29.520 and our bodies to sin 00:16:29.520 --> 00:16:31.220 as if sin were some kind of God 00:16:31.220 --> 00:16:32.400 that we present ourselves 00:16:32.399 --> 00:16:33.980 as offerings unto. 00:16:34.720 --> 00:16:36.220 And then in verse 14, 00:16:36.340 --> 00:16:37.259 Paul very explicitly 00:16:37.259 --> 00:16:38.120 calls us away 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:39.019 from bowing down 00:16:39.019 --> 00:16:40.539 in submission to sin 00:16:40.539 --> 00:16:41.559 as our master 00:16:41.559 --> 00:16:42.600 and as our Lord. 00:16:43.199 --> 00:16:43.639 So you see, 00:16:43.679 --> 00:16:44.939 a discussion of sin 00:16:44.939 --> 00:16:46.139 according to Paul 00:16:46.139 --> 00:16:47.059 and the rest of the scriptures 00:16:47.059 --> 00:16:48.519 really is not first 00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:49.179 and foremost 00:16:49.179 --> 00:16:51.559 about right versus wrong behavior. 00:16:52.579 --> 00:16:54.079 Sin, rightly understood, 00:16:54.939 --> 00:16:56.139 is about a power, 00:16:56.759 --> 00:16:57.500 a dominion, 00:16:58.139 --> 00:16:58.840 an influence 00:16:58.840 --> 00:17:00.439 that seeks to lord itself 00:17:00.440 --> 00:17:01.500 over us, 00:17:01.920 --> 00:17:02.720 dominate us, 00:17:02.900 --> 00:17:04.000 and lead us toward death 00:17:04.000 --> 00:17:05.080 and demise. 00:17:05.539 --> 00:17:06.640 And that's why, 00:17:07.160 --> 00:17:07.720 for those of you 00:17:07.720 --> 00:17:08.259 who are familiar 00:17:08.259 --> 00:17:09.759 with the Bible's origin story, 00:17:10.059 --> 00:17:10.920 remember what happens 00:17:10.920 --> 00:17:11.980 after the very first sin. 00:17:12.080 --> 00:17:12.799 After Adam and Eve's 00:17:12.799 --> 00:17:13.400 very first sin, 00:17:13.440 --> 00:17:14.340 they have a firstborn son, 00:17:14.460 --> 00:17:14.900 Cain, right? 00:17:15.299 --> 00:17:16.340 And he's angry with God 00:17:16.340 --> 00:17:17.380 and he's so jealous 00:17:17.380 --> 00:17:18.580 with his brother Abel, 00:17:18.640 --> 00:17:19.740 he's tempted to kill him. 00:17:20.100 --> 00:17:21.240 And what does God say to him 00:17:21.240 --> 00:17:22.320 in Genesis chapter 4? 00:17:22.380 --> 00:17:22.700 He says, 00:17:22.700 --> 00:17:23.820 sin, Cain, 00:17:24.200 --> 00:17:25.980 is crouching at your door 00:17:25.980 --> 00:17:27.220 like an enemy, 00:17:27.740 --> 00:17:28.400 like a threat, 00:17:28.400 --> 00:17:30.220 and its desire is for you 00:17:30.220 --> 00:17:30.920 and its seeking 00:17:30.920 --> 00:17:33.240 to rule over you. 00:17:34.060 --> 00:17:35.060 So this is a word 00:17:35.060 --> 00:17:36.180 for all of us. 00:17:36.240 --> 00:17:37.080 It's not just a word 00:17:37.080 --> 00:17:37.960 about how to stop, 00:17:38.060 --> 00:17:38.340 you know, 00:17:38.940 --> 00:17:40.019 impiously breaking 00:17:40.019 --> 00:17:41.000 religious rules. 00:17:41.759 --> 00:17:42.519 God's word today 00:17:42.519 --> 00:17:43.320 prompts us to consider 00:17:43.320 --> 00:17:44.080 what power, 00:17:44.700 --> 00:17:45.340 what domain, 00:17:45.820 --> 00:17:46.660 what influence 00:17:46.660 --> 00:17:47.420 we are under. 00:17:47.540 --> 00:17:48.500 What is the primary 00:17:48.500 --> 00:17:49.840 ruling force and principle 00:17:49.840 --> 00:17:51.400 at work in our lives 00:17:51.400 --> 00:17:52.759 and where is it going to lead? 00:17:53.300 --> 00:17:54.120 To our best 00:17:54.120 --> 00:17:54.920 and freest 00:17:54.920 --> 00:17:56.080 and most authentic selves 00:17:56.079 --> 00:17:57.319 or to bondage, 00:17:57.500 --> 00:17:57.839 demise, 00:17:58.119 --> 00:17:58.859 and destruction. 00:17:59.879 --> 00:18:00.099 Alright? 00:18:00.279 --> 00:18:01.159 That's what sin is. 00:18:01.859 --> 00:18:02.779 Alright, so that's 00:18:02.779 --> 00:18:03.480 what's at stake here. 00:18:03.779 --> 00:18:04.439 But now let's look 00:18:04.439 --> 00:18:05.919 at the reason Paul supplies 00:18:05.919 --> 00:18:06.879 for why we should not 00:18:06.879 --> 00:18:07.659 go on sinning. 00:18:07.939 --> 00:18:09.159 Even if justification 00:18:09.159 --> 00:18:10.379 is by faith 00:18:10.379 --> 00:18:11.059 and even if 00:18:11.059 --> 00:18:12.500 where our sin increases, 00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:13.500 grace increases 00:18:13.500 --> 00:18:14.199 all the more. 00:18:14.919 --> 00:18:15.740 And his reason 00:18:15.740 --> 00:18:16.819 is actually super unique 00:18:16.819 --> 00:18:17.599 and in many ways 00:18:17.599 --> 00:18:18.759 unexpected, right? 00:18:19.059 --> 00:18:19.439 Because you see 00:18:19.439 --> 00:18:20.359 the typical reason 00:18:20.359 --> 00:18:21.759 given by most people 00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:22.419 whether religious 00:18:22.419 --> 00:18:23.339 or not 00:18:23.339 --> 00:18:24.480 for why we should not sin 00:18:24.480 --> 00:18:25.199 or why we should not 00:18:25.199 --> 00:18:25.939 do bad things 00:18:25.940 --> 00:18:26.920 the typical reason 00:18:26.920 --> 00:18:27.880 always has to do 00:18:27.880 --> 00:18:28.259 with what? 00:18:28.580 --> 00:18:29.960 The after consequences. 00:18:30.740 --> 00:18:30.860 Right? 00:18:30.900 --> 00:18:31.380 Or in other words 00:18:31.380 --> 00:18:31.980 what will happen 00:18:31.980 --> 00:18:32.880 to us 00:18:32.880 --> 00:18:33.980 as a bad result 00:18:33.980 --> 00:18:34.700 you know, 00:18:34.740 --> 00:18:35.860 after or as a result 00:18:35.860 --> 00:18:36.400 of our sin 00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:37.400 and our wrongdoing. 00:18:38.160 --> 00:18:38.759 And that's why 00:18:38.759 --> 00:18:39.519 our high schoolers 00:18:39.519 --> 00:18:40.299 weren't sure 00:18:40.299 --> 00:18:41.120 if the father 00:18:41.120 --> 00:18:42.120 in Jesus' story 00:18:42.120 --> 00:18:43.220 did the right thing. 00:18:44.240 --> 00:18:45.120 He didn't make his son 00:18:45.120 --> 00:18:46.240 face all the consequences 00:18:46.240 --> 00:18:47.960 and possible after effects 00:18:47.960 --> 00:18:49.400 of his rebellious behavior. 00:18:50.019 --> 00:18:50.180 Right? 00:18:50.180 --> 00:18:50.559 Because according 00:18:50.559 --> 00:18:51.700 to conventional wisdom 00:18:51.700 --> 00:18:53.840 people need to know 00:18:53.840 --> 00:18:55.420 that there are consequences 00:18:55.420 --> 00:18:57.539 to their wrongful actions. 00:18:58.200 --> 00:18:58.640 And the more 00:18:58.640 --> 00:18:59.980 they're aware 00:18:59.980 --> 00:19:01.200 of those consequences 00:19:01.200 --> 00:19:02.660 the less wrong 00:19:02.660 --> 00:19:03.920 they will hypothetically 00:19:03.920 --> 00:19:04.360 commit. 00:19:04.539 --> 00:19:04.640 Right? 00:19:05.220 --> 00:19:05.720 If they know 00:19:05.720 --> 00:19:06.519 what's coming to them. 00:19:06.860 --> 00:19:06.940 Right? 00:19:07.279 --> 00:19:07.920 Secular people 00:19:07.920 --> 00:19:08.539 think this way 00:19:08.539 --> 00:19:09.360 religious people 00:19:09.360 --> 00:19:09.940 think this way 00:19:09.940 --> 00:19:10.620 conservatives 00:19:10.620 --> 00:19:11.279 and liberals 00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:11.680 right? 00:19:11.940 --> 00:19:12.700 Conservative Christians 00:19:12.700 --> 00:19:13.539 emphasize that 00:19:13.539 --> 00:19:14.240 if we sin 00:19:14.240 --> 00:19:15.539 then what will come next 00:19:15.539 --> 00:19:16.259 are eternal 00:19:16.259 --> 00:19:17.440 and spiritual consequences. 00:19:17.860 --> 00:19:18.740 Hell, judgment, 00:19:19.120 --> 00:19:19.340 wrath, 00:19:19.440 --> 00:19:20.120 eternal punishment 00:19:20.120 --> 00:19:20.519 right? 00:19:20.560 --> 00:19:21.200 And they're not wrong. 00:19:22.360 --> 00:19:23.259 And liberal Christians 00:19:23.259 --> 00:19:24.080 emphasize that 00:19:24.079 --> 00:19:24.720 if we sin 00:19:24.720 --> 00:19:25.960 then what will come next 00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:26.859 are the temporal 00:19:26.859 --> 00:19:28.619 and material consequences 00:19:28.619 --> 00:19:30.379 a poor quality of life 00:19:30.379 --> 00:19:31.119 and they're also 00:19:31.119 --> 00:19:31.899 not wrong. 00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:33.639 But the point is 00:19:33.639 --> 00:19:35.039 both secular and religious 00:19:35.039 --> 00:19:36.139 both conservatives 00:19:36.139 --> 00:19:36.980 and liberals 00:19:36.980 --> 00:19:38.319 though they might 00:19:38.319 --> 00:19:39.399 emphasize different 00:19:39.399 --> 00:19:40.240 consequences 00:19:40.240 --> 00:19:41.240 what they all share 00:19:41.240 --> 00:19:41.720 in common 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:43.099 is that they appeal 00:19:43.099 --> 00:19:44.759 to after consequences. 00:19:45.519 --> 00:19:46.119 Or another way 00:19:46.119 --> 00:19:46.599 we could put it 00:19:46.599 --> 00:19:47.299 is that they all 00:19:47.299 --> 00:19:47.980 appeal again 00:19:47.980 --> 00:19:49.199 to self-interest. 00:19:49.919 --> 00:19:50.839 It's like if the father 00:19:50.839 --> 00:19:51.500 told his sons 00:19:51.500 --> 00:19:52.460 don't disobey 00:19:52.460 --> 00:19:53.700 my household rules 00:19:53.700 --> 00:19:55.259 or else something bad 00:19:55.259 --> 00:19:56.279 is going to happen to you 00:19:56.279 --> 00:19:57.319 in this life 00:19:57.319 --> 00:19:58.180 or the next. 00:19:59.000 --> 00:19:59.359 Now again 00:19:59.359 --> 00:20:00.660 this is not untrue. 00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:02.119 There are consequences 00:20:02.119 --> 00:20:02.779 to sin 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:04.019 that should deter us 00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:04.460 but the question 00:20:04.460 --> 00:20:05.240 I want to ask 00:20:05.240 --> 00:20:05.839 is 00:20:05.839 --> 00:20:06.940 what if the after 00:20:06.940 --> 00:20:08.339 consequences of sin 00:20:08.339 --> 00:20:09.839 aren't the only 00:20:09.839 --> 00:20:11.220 or 00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:12.400 the most compelling 00:20:12.400 --> 00:20:13.079 factors 00:20:13.079 --> 00:20:14.420 that ought to 00:20:14.420 --> 00:20:15.160 dissuade us 00:20:15.160 --> 00:20:16.480 from going on 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:17.119 in sin? 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:19.079 What's interesting 00:20:19.079 --> 00:20:19.660 and unique 00:20:19.660 --> 00:20:20.480 about the reason 00:20:20.480 --> 00:20:21.039 Paul gives 00:20:21.039 --> 00:20:21.680 for why we should 00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:22.620 not go on sinning 00:20:22.620 --> 00:20:23.480 the reason 00:20:23.480 --> 00:20:24.380 doesn't have to do 00:20:24.380 --> 00:20:25.299 with what would 00:20:25.299 --> 00:20:26.740 happen to us 00:20:26.740 --> 00:20:28.620 if we sinned 00:20:28.620 --> 00:20:29.500 rather the reason 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:30.099 has to do with 00:20:30.099 --> 00:20:31.019 what has already 00:20:31.019 --> 00:20:32.860 happened to Christ 00:20:32.860 --> 00:20:34.599 and for us 00:20:34.599 --> 00:20:35.880 when we've already 00:20:35.880 --> 00:20:36.779 sinned. 00:20:37.559 --> 00:20:38.640 And this is the gospel. 00:20:39.440 --> 00:20:40.299 Paul doesn't say 00:20:40.299 --> 00:20:40.880 in verse 2 00:20:40.880 --> 00:20:41.740 by no means 00:20:41.740 --> 00:20:42.339 because if you go 00:20:42.339 --> 00:20:42.819 on sinning 00:20:42.819 --> 00:20:43.420 something terrible 00:20:43.420 --> 00:20:44.120 is going to happen 00:20:44.120 --> 00:20:44.579 to you. 00:20:44.980 --> 00:20:45.360 No. 00:20:46.099 --> 00:20:47.079 He says in verse 2 00:20:47.079 --> 00:20:47.940 by no means 00:20:47.940 --> 00:20:48.819 we are those 00:20:48.819 --> 00:20:49.960 who have died to sin 00:20:49.960 --> 00:20:51.340 how can we live 00:20:51.340 --> 00:20:51.680 in it 00:20:51.680 --> 00:20:52.600 any longer? 00:20:53.600 --> 00:20:54.079 He doesn't 00:20:54.079 --> 00:20:55.019 point us forward 00:20:55.019 --> 00:20:55.960 to what terror 00:20:55.960 --> 00:20:56.819 might befall us 00:20:56.819 --> 00:20:57.440 as a payment 00:20:57.440 --> 00:20:58.059 for our sin 00:20:58.059 --> 00:20:58.779 he points us 00:20:58.779 --> 00:20:59.160 backwards 00:20:59.160 --> 00:21:00.440 to the terror 00:21:00.440 --> 00:21:01.100 that befell 00:21:01.100 --> 00:21:02.240 Jesus Christ 00:21:02.240 --> 00:21:03.400 and if we 00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:04.180 have been united 00:21:04.180 --> 00:21:04.960 with Christ 00:21:04.960 --> 00:21:05.779 by faith 00:21:05.779 --> 00:21:07.380 he points us 00:21:07.380 --> 00:21:07.900 to what has 00:21:07.900 --> 00:21:08.640 already been done 00:21:08.640 --> 00:21:09.400 for us 00:21:09.400 --> 00:21:10.259 and in us 00:21:10.259 --> 00:21:11.100 through Christ 00:21:11.100 --> 00:21:12.319 and how inconsistent 00:21:12.319 --> 00:21:13.500 it is 00:21:13.500 --> 00:21:14.340 with our identity 00:21:14.340 --> 00:21:15.299 in Christ. 00:21:16.100 --> 00:21:16.819 Look at verse 3 00:21:16.819 --> 00:21:17.559 what does it mean 00:21:17.559 --> 00:21:18.019 that we have died 00:21:18.019 --> 00:21:18.240 to sin? 00:21:18.299 --> 00:21:18.879 Well he points us 00:21:18.879 --> 00:21:19.539 to our baptism 00:21:19.539 --> 00:21:20.179 right? 00:21:20.279 --> 00:21:20.759 Verse 3 00:21:20.759 --> 00:21:27.220 Now he's not saying 00:21:27.220 --> 00:21:27.700 that baptism 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:28.559 in and of itself 00:21:28.559 --> 00:21:29.500 apart from faith 00:21:29.500 --> 00:21:30.500 unites us 00:21:30.500 --> 00:21:31.119 with Christ 00:21:31.119 --> 00:21:31.740 but 00:21:31.740 --> 00:21:33.039 what baptism 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:33.720 signifies 00:21:33.720 --> 00:21:34.879 and what it seals 00:21:34.879 --> 00:21:35.539 unto us 00:21:35.539 --> 00:21:36.679 if we receive it 00:21:36.679 --> 00:21:37.220 by faith 00:21:37.220 --> 00:21:37.980 is 00:21:37.980 --> 00:21:38.799 our union 00:21:38.799 --> 00:21:39.679 with Christ. 00:21:39.779 --> 00:21:40.299 The church's 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:41.059 sacraments 00:21:41.059 --> 00:21:41.700 of baptism 00:21:41.700 --> 00:21:42.740 always made 00:21:42.740 --> 00:21:43.319 visible 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:44.240 a person's 00:21:44.240 --> 00:21:45.099 union with Christ 00:21:45.099 --> 00:21:45.839 and that's another term 00:21:45.839 --> 00:21:46.359 I want us to 00:21:46.359 --> 00:21:47.139 get familiar with 00:21:47.139 --> 00:21:48.179 union with Christ 00:21:48.179 --> 00:21:49.699 and that's why 00:21:49.699 --> 00:21:50.659 Paul uses the language 00:21:50.659 --> 00:21:51.299 of being baptized 00:21:51.299 --> 00:21:52.359 into Christ 00:21:52.359 --> 00:21:53.000 or Jesus says 00:21:53.000 --> 00:21:53.839 baptize them 00:21:53.839 --> 00:21:54.859 into the name 00:21:54.859 --> 00:21:55.339 of the Father 00:21:55.339 --> 00:21:56.079 and the Son 00:21:56.079 --> 00:21:57.099 and the Holy Spirit 00:21:57.099 --> 00:21:57.919 and what union 00:21:57.919 --> 00:21:59.079 with Christ means 00:21:59.079 --> 00:22:00.359 is that everything 00:22:00.359 --> 00:22:01.359 that is Christ 00:22:01.359 --> 00:22:02.579 is ours. 00:22:03.079 --> 00:22:03.799 When we are united 00:22:03.799 --> 00:22:04.480 with him 00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:05.159 by faith 00:22:05.159 --> 00:22:05.619 his death 00:22:05.619 --> 00:22:06.099 is not just 00:22:06.099 --> 00:22:06.679 in the place 00:22:06.679 --> 00:22:07.159 of our death 00:22:07.159 --> 00:22:08.059 but in a real way 00:22:08.059 --> 00:22:08.779 his death 00:22:08.779 --> 00:22:10.019 is our death. 00:22:11.019 --> 00:22:11.480 Verse 4 00:22:11.480 --> 00:22:12.539 We were therefore 00:22:12.539 --> 00:22:13.899 buried with him 00:22:13.899 --> 00:22:14.919 through baptism 00:22:14.920 --> 00:22:16.000 into death 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:16.800 in order that 00:22:16.800 --> 00:22:17.640 just as Christ 00:22:17.640 --> 00:22:18.160 was raised 00:22:18.160 --> 00:22:18.680 from the dead 00:22:18.680 --> 00:22:19.440 through the glory 00:22:19.440 --> 00:22:20.039 of the Father 00:22:20.039 --> 00:22:21.240 we too 00:22:21.240 --> 00:22:22.060 may live 00:22:22.060 --> 00:22:22.779 a new life. 00:22:23.740 --> 00:22:24.519 See in union 00:22:24.519 --> 00:22:25.259 with Christ 00:22:25.259 --> 00:22:25.960 Christ's death 00:22:25.960 --> 00:22:26.539 is our death 00:22:26.539 --> 00:22:27.360 Christ's burial 00:22:27.360 --> 00:22:28.080 is our burial 00:22:28.080 --> 00:22:29.100 and his resurrection 00:22:29.100 --> 00:22:30.460 life is ours too. 00:22:31.620 --> 00:22:32.039 Verse 5 00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:32.940 For if we have been 00:22:32.940 --> 00:22:33.700 united with him 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:34.900 in a death like his 00:22:34.900 --> 00:22:35.960 we will certainly 00:22:35.960 --> 00:22:37.440 be united with him 00:22:37.440 --> 00:22:38.519 in a resurrection 00:22:38.519 --> 00:22:39.440 like his. 00:22:39.560 --> 00:22:40.900 So to sum this up 00:22:40.900 --> 00:22:42.160 the reason 00:22:42.160 --> 00:22:42.940 Paul gives 00:22:42.940 --> 00:22:43.779 for why Christians 00:22:43.779 --> 00:22:44.379 should not go 00:22:44.379 --> 00:22:45.019 on sinning 00:22:45.019 --> 00:22:46.339 is because 00:22:46.339 --> 00:22:47.039 they are dead 00:22:47.039 --> 00:22:47.920 in sin. 00:22:48.420 --> 00:22:49.180 And they are dead 00:22:49.180 --> 00:22:50.139 in sin because 00:22:50.139 --> 00:22:51.359 they've been united 00:22:51.359 --> 00:22:52.460 to Christ 00:22:52.460 --> 00:22:53.960 who already died 00:22:53.960 --> 00:22:54.660 to sin 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:55.680 upon the cross. 00:22:56.399 --> 00:22:56.759 You see 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:57.639 when Christ 00:22:57.639 --> 00:22:58.480 became sin 00:22:58.480 --> 00:23:00.019 and bore our curse 00:23:00.019 --> 00:23:01.079 and died on the cross 00:23:01.079 --> 00:23:01.859 he did so 00:23:01.859 --> 00:23:02.599 to break 00:23:02.599 --> 00:23:03.839 sin's dominion 00:23:03.839 --> 00:23:04.799 and rule over us 00:23:04.799 --> 00:23:05.180 because see 00:23:05.180 --> 00:23:06.440 sin as a dominion 00:23:06.440 --> 00:23:07.359 it had rightful claim 00:23:07.359 --> 00:23:08.500 over all of us 00:23:08.500 --> 00:23:09.680 because of 00:23:09.680 --> 00:23:10.379 how complicit 00:23:10.379 --> 00:23:11.160 we have been 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:11.720 with sin 00:23:11.720 --> 00:23:12.259 we were not just 00:23:12.259 --> 00:23:13.240 born in sin 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:14.240 we've all lived 00:23:14.240 --> 00:23:15.400 and walked in sin 00:23:15.400 --> 00:23:16.019 sin has ruled 00:23:16.019 --> 00:23:16.779 each and every one 00:23:16.779 --> 00:23:17.140 of us 00:23:17.140 --> 00:23:18.680 for a very long time 00:23:18.680 --> 00:23:20.440 it owned us 00:23:20.440 --> 00:23:21.420 like rightfully 00:23:21.420 --> 00:23:22.380 it owned us 00:23:22.380 --> 00:23:23.440 we walked 00:23:23.440 --> 00:23:24.580 right into its domain 00:23:24.580 --> 00:23:25.720 we threw away the key 00:23:25.720 --> 00:23:26.840 and the only way out 00:23:26.840 --> 00:23:27.680 was death 00:23:27.680 --> 00:23:29.420 a formidable 00:23:29.420 --> 00:23:30.259 dominion 00:23:30.259 --> 00:23:30.840 that's what sin is 00:23:30.840 --> 00:23:31.440 with a mighty 00:23:31.440 --> 00:23:32.759 mighty hold 00:23:32.759 --> 00:23:33.740 on each of us 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:34.600 in its grip 00:23:34.600 --> 00:23:36.380 but the good news 00:23:36.380 --> 00:23:36.860 of Jesus 00:23:36.860 --> 00:23:38.220 is that though 00:23:38.220 --> 00:23:39.320 death was the only way 00:23:39.319 --> 00:23:40.139 out of this dungeon 00:23:40.139 --> 00:23:41.559 in Christ 00:23:41.559 --> 00:23:42.179 verse 6 00:23:42.179 --> 00:23:43.220 our old self 00:23:43.220 --> 00:23:44.159 was crucified 00:23:44.159 --> 00:23:44.679 with him 00:23:44.679 --> 00:23:45.779 so that the body 00:23:45.779 --> 00:23:46.439 ruled by sin 00:23:46.439 --> 00:23:47.500 might be done away with 00:23:47.500 --> 00:23:48.559 that we should 00:23:48.559 --> 00:23:49.819 no longer be slaves 00:23:49.819 --> 00:23:50.379 to sin 00:23:50.379 --> 00:23:51.460 because anyone 00:23:51.460 --> 00:23:52.179 who has died 00:23:52.179 --> 00:23:53.159 has been set free 00:23:53.159 --> 00:23:54.139 from sin 00:23:54.139 --> 00:23:55.439 and you know 00:23:55.439 --> 00:23:56.099 what this means 00:23:56.099 --> 00:23:56.899 for our relationship 00:23:56.899 --> 00:23:57.579 to sin 00:23:57.579 --> 00:23:58.679 and its former 00:23:58.679 --> 00:23:59.460 bondage 00:23:59.460 --> 00:24:00.379 if we've been 00:24:00.379 --> 00:24:01.299 united with Christ 00:24:01.299 --> 00:24:01.960 by faith 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:03.799 it says so right here 00:24:03.799 --> 00:24:04.559 in verses 9 and 10 00:24:04.559 --> 00:24:05.259 for we know 00:24:05.259 --> 00:24:06.379 that since Christ 00:24:06.379 --> 00:24:07.339 was raised from the dead 00:24:07.339 --> 00:24:08.659 he cannot die again 00:24:08.660 --> 00:24:10.019 death no longer 00:24:10.019 --> 00:24:11.180 has mastery over him 00:24:11.180 --> 00:24:12.140 the death he died 00:24:12.140 --> 00:24:13.640 he died once for all 00:24:13.640 --> 00:24:15.300 but the life he lives 00:24:15.300 --> 00:24:15.980 he lives 00:24:15.980 --> 00:24:16.500 to God 00:24:16.500 --> 00:24:17.200 the good news 00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:17.800 of Jesus 00:24:17.800 --> 00:24:19.080 is that he not only 00:24:19.080 --> 00:24:19.779 died to sin 00:24:19.779 --> 00:24:20.920 and freed us 00:24:20.920 --> 00:24:22.100 from its bondage 00:24:22.100 --> 00:24:23.500 paid the debt we owed 00:24:23.500 --> 00:24:24.400 but he rose 00:24:24.400 --> 00:24:25.420 and he lives 00:24:25.420 --> 00:24:26.640 forever unto God 00:24:26.640 --> 00:24:27.759 and this is true freedom 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:29.060 not the ability 00:24:29.060 --> 00:24:30.140 to do whatever sin 00:24:30.140 --> 00:24:30.880 we want 00:24:30.880 --> 00:24:32.060 but resurrection life 00:24:32.060 --> 00:24:32.759 in the direction 00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:33.660 of God 00:24:33.660 --> 00:24:34.340 the direction we were 00:24:34.340 --> 00:24:34.940 always intended 00:24:34.940 --> 00:24:35.680 to run in 00:24:35.680 --> 00:24:36.540 in the first place 00:24:36.540 --> 00:24:38.080 and so what Paul 00:24:38.079 --> 00:24:38.859 preaches in order 00:24:38.859 --> 00:24:39.639 that all who read 00:24:39.639 --> 00:24:39.980 this letter 00:24:39.980 --> 00:24:40.879 including us 00:24:40.879 --> 00:24:42.220 might not go on 00:24:42.220 --> 00:24:42.539 sinning 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:42.939 is this 00:24:42.939 --> 00:24:43.439 verse 11 00:24:43.439 --> 00:24:44.720 in the same way 00:24:44.720 --> 00:24:46.500 count yourselves 00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:47.619 reckon yourselves 00:24:47.619 --> 00:24:47.899 he says 00:24:47.899 --> 00:24:48.720 think of yourselves 00:24:48.720 --> 00:24:49.919 understand your true 00:24:49.919 --> 00:24:51.259 identity in Christ 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:52.960 as dead to sin 00:24:52.960 --> 00:24:54.379 but alive 00:24:54.379 --> 00:24:55.119 to God 00:24:55.119 --> 00:24:56.819 in Christ Jesus 00:24:56.819 --> 00:24:58.639 verse 12 00:24:58.639 --> 00:24:59.619 therefore 00:24:59.619 --> 00:25:01.299 do not let sin 00:25:01.299 --> 00:25:02.679 reign in your mortal body 00:25:02.679 --> 00:25:03.980 so that you obey 00:25:03.980 --> 00:25:04.879 its evil desires 00:25:04.879 --> 00:25:05.419 he doesn't say 00:25:05.419 --> 00:25:06.259 if you sin 00:25:06.259 --> 00:25:06.939 you'll go to hell 00:25:06.940 --> 00:25:07.660 therefore 00:25:07.660 --> 00:25:08.860 do not let sin 00:25:08.860 --> 00:25:09.140 reign 00:25:09.140 --> 00:25:10.779 he points us 00:25:10.779 --> 00:25:11.820 to the cross 00:25:11.820 --> 00:25:13.039 and our identity 00:25:13.039 --> 00:25:13.539 with him 00:25:13.539 --> 00:25:13.980 and says 00:25:13.980 --> 00:25:14.840 therefore 00:25:14.840 --> 00:25:16.360 do not let sin 00:25:16.360 --> 00:25:16.779 reign 00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:17.299 or obey 00:25:17.299 --> 00:25:18.080 its evil desires 00:25:18.080 --> 00:25:18.279 you see 00:25:18.279 --> 00:25:19.440 if we are united 00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:20.120 with Christ 00:25:20.120 --> 00:25:21.420 if we are no longer 00:25:21.420 --> 00:25:22.080 slaves to sin 00:25:22.080 --> 00:25:23.340 no longer in the dungeon 00:25:23.340 --> 00:25:24.900 the way out 00:25:24.900 --> 00:25:25.460 was death 00:25:25.460 --> 00:25:25.960 but we've been 00:25:25.960 --> 00:25:27.100 crucified with Christ 00:25:27.100 --> 00:25:28.220 so sin 00:25:28.220 --> 00:25:28.820 and death 00:25:28.820 --> 00:25:29.600 no longer 00:25:29.600 --> 00:25:30.440 have their hold 00:25:30.440 --> 00:25:31.279 sin can no longer 00:25:31.279 --> 00:25:31.880 reign 00:25:31.880 --> 00:25:32.940 with those 00:25:32.940 --> 00:25:33.740 who are united 00:25:33.740 --> 00:25:34.460 with Christ 00:25:34.460 --> 00:25:34.900 by faith 00:25:34.900 --> 00:25:35.500 if we're united 00:25:35.500 --> 00:25:36.180 with Christ 00:25:36.180 --> 00:25:37.580 we have a choice 00:25:37.580 --> 00:25:37.920 now 00:25:37.920 --> 00:25:39.019 agency 00:25:39.019 --> 00:25:40.080 freedom 00:25:40.080 --> 00:25:41.440 to not let 00:25:41.440 --> 00:25:42.680 sin reign 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:44.620 as those united 00:25:44.620 --> 00:25:45.480 to Christ 00:25:45.480 --> 00:25:46.000 by faith 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:46.840 and freed from sin 00:25:46.840 --> 00:25:47.660 and alive to God 00:25:47.660 --> 00:25:48.620 we now belong 00:25:48.620 --> 00:25:50.080 to a different dominion 00:25:50.080 --> 00:25:51.660 a different kingdom 00:25:51.660 --> 00:25:52.980 a different master 00:25:52.980 --> 00:25:55.040 and not a slave master 00:25:55.040 --> 00:25:55.540 like sin 00:25:55.540 --> 00:25:56.160 but a master 00:25:56.160 --> 00:25:56.759 who laid down 00:25:56.759 --> 00:25:57.259 his life 00:25:57.259 --> 00:25:58.000 for us 00:25:58.000 --> 00:25:58.860 to save us 00:25:58.860 --> 00:26:00.080 and to deliver us 00:26:00.080 --> 00:26:00.519 a master 00:26:00.519 --> 00:26:01.639 we should gladly 00:26:01.639 --> 00:26:02.799 offer ourselves 00:26:02.799 --> 00:26:03.799 and our lives 00:26:03.799 --> 00:26:04.519 unto 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:05.200 a gracious 00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:06.019 loving 00:26:06.019 --> 00:26:07.619 sacrificial king 00:26:07.619 --> 00:26:09.359 who makes it easy 00:26:09.359 --> 00:26:09.759 for us 00:26:09.759 --> 00:26:10.639 to heed his command 00:26:10.639 --> 00:26:11.779 here in verse 13 00:26:11.779 --> 00:26:13.420 do not offer 00:26:13.420 --> 00:26:14.779 any part of yourself 00:26:14.779 --> 00:26:15.379 to sin 00:26:15.379 --> 00:26:16.599 as an instrument 00:26:16.599 --> 00:26:17.480 of wickedness 00:26:17.480 --> 00:26:18.500 but rather 00:26:18.500 --> 00:26:19.200 offer yourselves 00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:19.879 to God 00:26:19.879 --> 00:26:20.940 as those 00:26:20.940 --> 00:26:21.599 who have been brought 00:26:21.599 --> 00:26:22.460 from death 00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:23.200 to life 00:26:23.200 --> 00:26:23.619 and offer 00:26:23.619 --> 00:26:24.500 every part 00:26:24.500 --> 00:26:25.279 of yourself 00:26:25.279 --> 00:26:26.400 to him 00:26:26.400 --> 00:26:27.480 as an instrument 00:26:27.480 --> 00:26:28.759 of righteousness 00:26:28.759 --> 00:26:31.339 this morning church 00:26:31.339 --> 00:26:31.960 I want to ask 00:26:31.960 --> 00:26:32.660 each of us 00:26:32.660 --> 00:26:34.359 each of you 00:26:34.359 --> 00:26:35.819 do you hear 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:36.559 God's voice 00:26:36.559 --> 00:26:38.359 calling you 00:26:38.359 --> 00:26:39.359 to offer 00:26:39.359 --> 00:26:40.079 every part 00:26:40.079 --> 00:26:40.839 of yourself 00:26:40.839 --> 00:26:41.759 to him 00:26:41.759 --> 00:26:43.400 because if you're 00:26:43.400 --> 00:26:44.019 not offering 00:26:44.019 --> 00:26:44.779 every part 00:26:44.779 --> 00:26:45.220 of yourself 00:26:45.220 --> 00:26:45.680 to God 00:26:45.680 --> 00:26:46.279 as instruments 00:26:46.279 --> 00:26:47.400 of righteousness 00:26:47.400 --> 00:26:48.960 you're offering 00:26:48.960 --> 00:26:49.440 yourselves 00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:50.279 as instruments 00:26:50.279 --> 00:26:51.379 of wickedness 00:26:51.379 --> 00:26:52.599 to another God 00:26:52.599 --> 00:26:54.000 a lesser God 00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:54.900 who does not love you 00:26:54.900 --> 00:26:56.220 who cannot save you 00:26:56.220 --> 00:26:57.519 has not died for you 00:26:57.519 --> 00:26:58.460 will not raise you up 00:26:58.460 --> 00:26:59.100 when you die 00:26:59.100 --> 00:27:00.380 in its dungeon 00:27:00.380 --> 00:27:02.340 what part 00:27:02.340 --> 00:27:02.740 of you 00:27:02.740 --> 00:27:03.200 might God 00:27:03.200 --> 00:27:03.740 be calling you 00:27:03.740 --> 00:27:04.259 to offer up 00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:04.880 to him today 00:27:04.880 --> 00:27:05.940 as an instrument 00:27:05.940 --> 00:27:06.940 of righteousness 00:27:06.940 --> 00:27:07.720 as one who has been 00:27:07.720 --> 00:27:08.880 brought from death 00:27:08.880 --> 00:27:09.720 to life 00:27:09.720 --> 00:27:11.460 and if you haven't 00:27:11.460 --> 00:27:12.180 entered into 00:27:12.180 --> 00:27:13.819 this resurrection life 00:27:13.819 --> 00:27:14.720 by placing your faith 00:27:14.720 --> 00:27:15.120 in Jesus 00:27:15.120 --> 00:27:16.500 and offering yourself 00:27:16.500 --> 00:27:17.019 to him 00:27:17.019 --> 00:27:17.539 what might be 00:27:17.539 --> 00:27:18.160 holding you back 00:27:18.160 --> 00:27:18.799 I want to ask 00:27:18.799 --> 00:27:20.440 what is holding you back 00:27:20.440 --> 00:27:22.019 do you really have 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:23.059 a better master 00:27:23.059 --> 00:27:24.039 because we all 00:27:24.039 --> 00:27:24.579 have a master 00:27:24.579 --> 00:27:25.100 it's just a matter 00:27:25.100 --> 00:27:25.500 of who 00:27:25.500 --> 00:27:26.240 and which one 00:27:26.240 --> 00:27:26.680 is better 00:27:26.680 --> 00:27:28.100 and I'm here 00:27:28.100 --> 00:27:28.539 to say that 00:27:28.539 --> 00:27:29.240 if it's a master 00:27:29.240 --> 00:27:30.200 other than Christ 00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:32.000 I highly doubt 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:32.860 that it's a better 00:27:32.860 --> 00:27:33.720 master 00:27:33.720 --> 00:27:35.500 I mean look at 00:27:35.500 --> 00:27:36.380 what Paul says here 00:27:36.380 --> 00:27:37.519 in verse 14 00:27:37.519 --> 00:27:39.320 for sin 00:27:39.320 --> 00:27:40.240 shall no longer 00:27:40.240 --> 00:27:41.380 be your master 00:27:41.380 --> 00:27:42.740 because you are 00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:43.799 not under the law 00:27:43.799 --> 00:27:44.720 but under grace 00:27:44.720 --> 00:27:45.279 he says that 00:27:45.279 --> 00:27:45.759 to the church 00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:46.180 in Rome 00:27:46.180 --> 00:27:47.720 see there are 00:27:47.720 --> 00:27:48.660 only two ways 00:27:48.660 --> 00:27:49.620 there are only two ways 00:27:49.620 --> 00:27:51.039 to live 00:27:51.039 --> 00:27:52.080 with sin 00:27:52.080 --> 00:27:52.920 as your master 00:27:52.920 --> 00:27:54.220 or Christ 00:27:54.220 --> 00:27:55.600 under the burden 00:27:55.600 --> 00:27:56.259 of the law 00:27:56.259 --> 00:27:57.799 or under the fountain 00:27:57.799 --> 00:27:58.660 of grace 00:27:58.660 --> 00:28:00.680 every other master 00:28:00.680 --> 00:28:01.420 than Christ 00:28:01.420 --> 00:28:02.319 gives us 00:28:02.319 --> 00:28:03.500 law after law 00:28:03.500 --> 00:28:04.000 after law 00:28:04.000 --> 00:28:04.440 to follow 00:28:04.440 --> 00:28:05.519 with the false promise 00:28:05.519 --> 00:28:06.440 that if we try 00:28:06.440 --> 00:28:07.019 hard enough 00:28:07.019 --> 00:28:07.980 work hard enough 00:28:07.980 --> 00:28:09.079 obey hard enough 00:28:09.079 --> 00:28:09.900 we can deliver 00:28:09.900 --> 00:28:10.519 ourselves 00:28:10.519 --> 00:28:11.759 out of bondage 00:28:11.759 --> 00:28:13.000 and out of the dungeon 00:28:13.000 --> 00:28:13.579 of sin 00:28:13.579 --> 00:28:15.960 but for those of us 00:28:15.960 --> 00:28:16.720 who are united 00:28:16.720 --> 00:28:17.640 with Christ 00:28:17.640 --> 00:28:18.500 by faith 00:28:18.500 --> 00:28:20.039 with him 00:28:20.039 --> 00:28:20.620 as our king 00:28:20.620 --> 00:28:22.279 we know the truth 00:28:22.279 --> 00:28:23.799 the truth is 00:28:23.799 --> 00:28:24.559 the only way 00:28:24.559 --> 00:28:25.240 out of the dungeon 00:28:25.240 --> 00:28:25.700 of sin 00:28:25.700 --> 00:28:26.500 is death 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:26.940 and it's either 00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:27.279 going to be 00:28:27.279 --> 00:28:27.980 our death 00:28:27.980 --> 00:28:29.879 or our death 00:28:29.879 --> 00:28:30.460 in union 00:28:30.460 --> 00:28:31.579 with Christ 00:28:31.579 --> 00:28:33.039 the free gift 00:28:33.039 --> 00:28:33.559 of grace 00:28:33.559 --> 00:28:34.299 to be received 00:28:34.299 --> 00:28:35.339 by faith 00:28:35.339 --> 00:28:36.099 and see this 00:28:36.099 --> 00:28:37.180 is the ultimate 00:28:37.180 --> 00:28:37.940 grounds 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:39.339 for why we should 00:28:39.339 --> 00:28:40.319 not go on 00:28:40.319 --> 00:28:41.099 sinning 00:28:41.099 --> 00:28:41.940 verse 14 00:28:41.940 --> 00:28:43.759 not because the law 00:28:43.759 --> 00:28:44.440 tells us 00:28:44.440 --> 00:28:45.420 not to sin 00:28:45.420 --> 00:28:46.559 or else 00:28:46.559 --> 00:28:47.259 right 00:28:47.259 --> 00:28:48.500 no the ultimate 00:28:48.500 --> 00:28:49.099 grounds 00:28:49.099 --> 00:28:49.819 for why we should 00:28:49.819 --> 00:28:50.819 not go on sinning 00:28:50.819 --> 00:28:51.919 it's because we 00:28:51.919 --> 00:28:53.659 are under grace 00:28:53.659 --> 00:28:55.299 see the true 00:28:55.299 --> 00:28:56.480 nature of grace 00:28:56.480 --> 00:28:57.119 and don't mistake 00:28:57.119 --> 00:28:57.679 this the true 00:28:57.679 --> 00:28:58.559 nature of grace 00:28:58.559 --> 00:28:59.759 is that it doesn't 00:28:59.759 --> 00:29:00.839 like make sin okay 00:29:00.839 --> 00:29:01.899 or permissible 00:29:01.899 --> 00:29:03.139 or not that bad 00:29:03.139 --> 00:29:04.139 no grace never 00:29:04.139 --> 00:29:05.399 makes sin okay 00:29:05.399 --> 00:29:06.419 grace recognizes 00:29:06.419 --> 00:29:07.379 sin for as evil 00:29:07.379 --> 00:29:08.000 as it is 00:29:08.000 --> 00:29:08.519 but what grace 00:29:08.519 --> 00:29:09.200 does do 00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:10.559 is it pays 00:29:10.559 --> 00:29:11.039 the penalty 00:29:11.039 --> 00:29:11.839 for our sin 00:29:11.839 --> 00:29:13.099 the highest cost 00:29:13.099 --> 00:29:13.700 the life 00:29:13.700 --> 00:29:14.799 of the son of God 00:29:14.799 --> 00:29:16.519 and to the extent 00:29:16.519 --> 00:29:17.359 that we understand 00:29:17.359 --> 00:29:18.279 what this grace 00:29:18.279 --> 00:29:19.099 cost 00:29:19.099 --> 00:29:20.299 that is the extent 00:29:20.299 --> 00:29:20.839 to which we will 00:29:20.839 --> 00:29:21.559 be transformed 00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:22.220 and live 00:29:22.220 --> 00:29:23.419 transformed lives 00:29:23.419 --> 00:29:24.200 and not go on 00:29:24.200 --> 00:29:25.379 sinning any longer 00:29:25.379 --> 00:29:27.139 listen to what the 00:29:27.139 --> 00:29:28.180 apostle Paul wrote 00:29:28.180 --> 00:29:29.039 to Titus 00:29:29.039 --> 00:29:30.240 for the grace of God 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:30.899 has appeared 00:29:30.899 --> 00:29:32.059 bringing salvation 00:29:32.059 --> 00:29:32.919 for all people 00:29:32.919 --> 00:29:34.139 training us 00:29:34.139 --> 00:29:35.079 to renounce 00:29:35.079 --> 00:29:35.879 ungodliness 00:29:35.879 --> 00:29:37.259 and worldly passions 00:29:37.259 --> 00:29:38.119 and to live 00:29:38.119 --> 00:29:39.139 self-controlled 00:29:39.139 --> 00:29:39.899 upright 00:29:39.899 --> 00:29:41.180 and godly lives 00:29:41.180 --> 00:29:42.240 in the present age 00:29:42.240 --> 00:29:43.240 waiting for our 00:29:43.240 --> 00:29:43.759 blessed hope 00:29:43.759 --> 00:29:44.720 the appearing of 00:29:44.720 --> 00:29:45.279 the glory 00:29:45.279 --> 00:29:46.319 of our great God 00:29:46.319 --> 00:29:46.839 and Savior 00:29:46.839 --> 00:29:47.579 Jesus Christ 00:29:47.579 --> 00:29:48.559 who gave himself 00:29:48.559 --> 00:29:49.500 for us 00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:50.559 to redeem us 00:29:50.559 --> 00:29:52.179 from all lawlessness 00:29:52.179 --> 00:29:53.359 and to purify 00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:54.319 for himself 00:29:54.319 --> 00:29:55.339 a people 00:29:55.339 --> 00:29:56.319 for his own 00:29:56.319 --> 00:29:57.000 possession 00:29:57.000 --> 00:29:58.319 who are zealous 00:29:58.319 --> 00:29:59.839 for good works 00:29:59.839 --> 00:30:01.619 that is what grace 00:30:01.619 --> 00:30:02.319 does 00:30:02.319 --> 00:30:03.539 that is what the gospel 00:30:03.539 --> 00:30:03.899 does 00:30:03.899 --> 00:30:04.819 that is what Jesus 00:30:04.819 --> 00:30:06.379 does in us 00:30:06.379 --> 00:30:07.700 when he saves us 00:30:07.700 --> 00:30:08.679 when he justifies us 00:30:08.679 --> 00:30:09.539 by faith 00:30:09.539 --> 00:30:11.659 and if I could share 00:30:11.659 --> 00:30:12.359 from my own life 00:30:12.359 --> 00:30:12.700 to close 00:30:12.700 --> 00:30:13.159 you know earlier 00:30:13.159 --> 00:30:13.659 in this sermon 00:30:13.659 --> 00:30:14.859 I mentioned 00:30:14.859 --> 00:30:15.700 the way I'd let 00:30:15.700 --> 00:30:16.099 pornography 00:30:16.099 --> 00:30:17.159 into my life 00:30:17.159 --> 00:30:18.099 as a teenager 00:30:18.099 --> 00:30:19.039 and you know 00:30:19.039 --> 00:30:19.959 for many years 00:30:19.959 --> 00:30:21.379 I felt like a slave 00:30:21.379 --> 00:30:23.019 to my lustful desires 00:30:23.019 --> 00:30:24.399 and you know 00:30:24.399 --> 00:30:25.059 for years 00:30:25.059 --> 00:30:25.659 I told myself 00:30:25.659 --> 00:30:26.619 you know what's wrong 00:30:26.619 --> 00:30:27.359 don't do it 00:30:27.359 --> 00:30:27.919 it's impure 00:30:27.919 --> 00:30:28.899 the Bible says not to 00:30:28.899 --> 00:30:29.539 it's sinful 00:30:29.539 --> 00:30:30.279 it's unholy 00:30:30.279 --> 00:30:31.839 you're committing adultery 00:30:31.839 --> 00:30:32.679 with your eyes 00:30:32.679 --> 00:30:33.119 right 00:30:33.119 --> 00:30:34.199 you're objectifying women 00:30:34.199 --> 00:30:35.339 but I'd still fall 00:30:35.339 --> 00:30:36.059 again 00:30:36.059 --> 00:30:36.839 and again 00:30:36.839 --> 00:30:37.519 and again 00:30:37.519 --> 00:30:39.240 and then I remember 00:30:39.240 --> 00:30:40.240 one time in college 00:30:40.240 --> 00:30:41.919 I was about to lead worship 00:30:41.919 --> 00:30:43.219 at my church 00:30:43.219 --> 00:30:44.399 and it was like a big deal 00:30:44.400 --> 00:30:45.320 at this church 00:30:45.320 --> 00:30:46.140 it was a big honor 00:30:46.140 --> 00:30:46.840 to lead worship 00:30:46.840 --> 00:30:48.019 you had to be respected 00:30:48.019 --> 00:30:48.780 you had to be 00:30:48.780 --> 00:30:49.380 you know 00:30:49.380 --> 00:30:50.259 seen as mature 00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:51.480 and godly 00:30:51.480 --> 00:30:53.440 but then 00:30:53.440 --> 00:30:55.040 the Friday evening before 00:30:55.040 --> 00:30:56.519 I fell 00:30:56.519 --> 00:30:57.220 once again 00:30:57.220 --> 00:30:58.480 I viewed pornography 00:30:58.480 --> 00:31:00.300 and I emailed 00:31:00.300 --> 00:31:01.220 my college pastor 00:31:01.220 --> 00:31:01.580 just 00:31:01.580 --> 00:31:02.660 just 00:31:02.660 --> 00:31:04.019 absolutely devastated 00:31:04.019 --> 00:31:05.040 confessing to him 00:31:05.040 --> 00:31:05.680 guilt ridden 00:31:05.680 --> 00:31:06.200 ashamed 00:31:06.200 --> 00:31:08.019 disappointed in myself 00:31:08.019 --> 00:31:09.680 feeling unfit 00:31:09.680 --> 00:31:10.800 and unworthy 00:31:10.800 --> 00:31:12.120 letting him know 00:31:12.120 --> 00:31:13.000 that I understood 00:31:13.000 --> 00:31:14.380 if he wanted to find 00:31:14.380 --> 00:31:15.039 someone else 00:31:15.039 --> 00:31:16.000 to lead worship 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:17.259 the following Sunday 00:31:17.259 --> 00:31:18.660 but do you know 00:31:18.660 --> 00:31:19.339 what his response 00:31:19.339 --> 00:31:19.940 to me was 00:31:19.940 --> 00:31:21.140 he said 00:31:21.140 --> 00:31:21.940 Andrew tomorrow 00:31:21.940 --> 00:31:23.759 I want you to lead 00:31:23.759 --> 00:31:25.460 as someone who is not 00:31:25.460 --> 00:31:26.099 under the law 00:31:26.099 --> 00:31:27.859 but under grace 00:31:27.859 --> 00:31:30.180 as someone who's been 00:31:30.180 --> 00:31:30.799 forgiven 00:31:30.799 --> 00:31:32.460 who is now 00:31:32.460 --> 00:31:33.700 dead to sin 00:31:33.700 --> 00:31:35.680 and alive to God 00:31:35.680 --> 00:31:37.079 already 00:31:37.079 --> 00:31:37.839 crucified 00:31:37.839 --> 00:31:38.940 with Christ 00:31:38.940 --> 00:31:39.940 and risen now 00:31:39.940 --> 00:31:40.700 with him 00:31:40.700 --> 00:31:41.619 as well 00:31:41.619 --> 00:31:43.879 my pastor 00:31:43.879 --> 00:31:44.839 pointed me 00:31:44.839 --> 00:31:45.819 to Christ 00:31:45.819 --> 00:31:48.259 not to the consequences 00:31:48.259 --> 00:31:49.519 of my actions 00:31:49.519 --> 00:31:50.959 but to who I was 00:31:50.959 --> 00:31:52.299 and to whose 00:31:52.299 --> 00:31:53.219 I was 00:31:53.219 --> 00:31:54.199 in Christ 00:31:54.199 --> 00:31:56.959 and how do you think 00:31:56.959 --> 00:31:58.399 that affected the way 00:31:58.399 --> 00:31:59.519 I led worship 00:31:59.519 --> 00:32:00.459 that Sunday 00:32:00.459 --> 00:32:02.639 and waged war 00:32:02.639 --> 00:32:04.039 against every sin 00:32:04.039 --> 00:32:04.619 in my life 00:32:04.619 --> 00:32:05.419 for the years 00:32:05.419 --> 00:32:06.199 to follow 00:32:06.199 --> 00:32:07.939 Christ 00:32:07.939 --> 00:32:08.079 church 00:32:08.079 --> 00:32:08.759 this is the power 00:32:08.759 --> 00:32:09.339 of grace 00:32:09.339 --> 00:32:11.139 shall we go on 00:32:11.139 --> 00:32:11.519 sinning 00:32:11.519 --> 00:32:12.539 that grace 00:32:12.539 --> 00:32:13.399 may abound 00:32:13.399 --> 00:32:14.599 by no means 00:32:14.599 --> 00:32:15.919 for grace 00:32:15.919 --> 00:32:16.519 has already 00:32:16.519 --> 00:32:17.379 abounded 00:32:17.379 --> 00:32:18.539 to infinity 00:32:18.539 --> 00:32:19.980 through the work 00:32:19.980 --> 00:32:20.559 of Christ 00:32:20.559 --> 00:32:22.579 and there is nothing 00:32:22.579 --> 00:32:24.119 there is nothing 00:32:24.119 --> 00:32:25.339 more powerful 00:32:25.339 --> 00:32:26.759 than the grace 00:32:26.759 --> 00:32:27.259 of God 00:32:27.259 --> 00:32:28.439 toward us 00:32:28.439 --> 00:32:29.720 in Christ 00:32:29.720 --> 00:32:30.859 crucified 00:32:30.859 --> 00:32:31.819 and risen 00:32:31.819 --> 00:32:33.339 for us 00:32:33.339 --> 00:32:34.899 will you pray 00:32:34.899 --> 00:32:35.599 with me 00:32:35.599 --> 00:32:47.459 father 00:32:47.459 --> 00:32:48.139 we want to 00:32:48.139 --> 00:32:48.639 acknowledge 00:32:48.639 --> 00:32:49.339 your holiness 00:32:49.339 --> 00:32:51.459 the depths 00:32:51.459 --> 00:32:52.099 of our sin 00:32:52.099 --> 00:32:54.579 father 00:32:54.579 --> 00:32:55.399 make us a people 00:32:55.399 --> 00:32:58.719 make us a people 00:32:58.719 --> 00:32:59.659 who mourn 00:32:59.659 --> 00:33:00.419 over our sin 00:33:00.419 --> 00:33:02.279 of many tears 00:33:02.279 --> 00:33:03.899 because of the filth 00:33:03.900 --> 00:33:04.860 that is in our lives 00:33:04.860 --> 00:33:07.759 we thank you 00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:08.460 that you're a God 00:33:08.460 --> 00:33:10.000 who can transform 00:33:10.000 --> 00:33:10.640 those tears 00:33:10.640 --> 00:33:11.700 into tears of joy 00:33:11.700 --> 00:33:13.240 and gratitude 00:33:13.240 --> 00:33:15.700 because in Christ 00:33:15.700 --> 00:33:17.460 you've already 00:33:17.460 --> 00:33:18.060 paid it all 00:33:18.060 --> 00:33:20.140 if we'll just 00:33:20.140 --> 00:33:21.220 trust him by faith 00:33:21.220 --> 00:33:23.960 you've made his death 00:33:23.960 --> 00:33:24.460 our death 00:33:24.460 --> 00:33:25.620 and you've promised us 00:33:25.620 --> 00:33:26.780 resurrection life too 00:33:26.780 --> 00:33:29.100 what a promise 00:33:29.100 --> 00:33:31.480 God I pray 00:33:31.480 --> 00:33:32.920 that we would be 00:33:32.920 --> 00:33:33.340 a people 00:33:33.340 --> 00:33:34.400 who hate sin 00:33:34.400 --> 00:33:35.720 and love grace 00:33:35.720 --> 00:33:38.039 who hate sin 00:33:38.039 --> 00:33:39.240 and love Christ 00:33:39.240 --> 00:33:40.539 who believe 00:33:40.539 --> 00:33:41.080 that the gospel 00:33:41.080 --> 00:33:41.779 truly is 00:33:41.779 --> 00:33:42.560 good news 00:33:42.560 --> 00:33:43.380 and the only kind 00:33:43.380 --> 00:33:43.800 of news 00:33:43.800 --> 00:33:44.680 that can change 00:33:44.680 --> 00:33:45.039 the world 00:33:45.039 --> 00:33:46.019 and give hope 00:33:46.019 --> 00:33:46.759 to this world 00:33:46.759 --> 00:33:49.900 God show us 00:33:49.900 --> 00:33:51.779 how inferior 00:33:51.779 --> 00:33:52.740 every other master 00:33:52.740 --> 00:33:53.220 is 00:33:53.220 --> 00:33:55.120 to Christ 00:33:55.120 --> 00:33:57.100 the one who 00:33:57.100 --> 00:33:57.740 loved us 00:33:57.740 --> 00:33:58.880 and gave himself 00:33:58.880 --> 00:33:59.539 for us 00:33:59.539 --> 00:34:00.460 thank you 00:34:00.460 --> 00:34:01.140 for the cross 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:02.060 thank you 00:34:02.060 --> 00:34:02.759 for the resurrection 00:34:02.759 --> 00:34:04.220 thank you 00:34:04.220 --> 00:34:04.859 for allowing us 00:34:04.859 --> 00:34:05.259 to call 00:34:05.259 --> 00:34:06.440 you our father 00:34:06.440 --> 00:34:07.539 making us your own 00:34:07.539 --> 00:34:08.900 because of what 00:34:08.900 --> 00:34:09.440 he's done 00:34:09.440 --> 00:34:10.239 your son 00:34:10.239 --> 00:34:11.239 in our place 00:34:11.239 --> 00:34:13.619 help us to remember 00:34:13.619 --> 00:34:14.400 him at this table 00:34:14.400 --> 00:34:14.920 we pray 00:34:14.920 --> 00:34:16.320 in Jesus' name 00:34:16.320 --> 00:34:17.519 amen 00:34:17.519 --> 00:34:21.199 in Jesus ac transparency 00:34:21.199 --> 00:34:22.300 fear 00:34:22.360 --> 00:34:25.259 and 00:34:25.280 --> 00:34:25.460 God 00:34:25.460 --> 00:34:25.759 is 00:34:25.759 --> 00:34:25.780 never 00:34:25.780 --> 00:34:26.519 terrible 00:34:26.519 --> 00:34:27.039 I move 00:34:27.039 --> 00:34:28.119 into 00:34:28.119 --> 00:34:28.699 I be 00:34:28.699 --> 00:34:29.759 king