WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.419 Good morning. Open up your Bibles to Hebrews chapter 12. 00:00:05.419 --> 00:00:22.759 So, the book of Hebrews, we have been working through it for quite a while now, and we have just one more chapter after this one that's been encouraging to my soul. 00:00:23.219 --> 00:00:34.280 We're going to pick up reading in Hebrews 12, verse 12, and read through verse 17. 00:00:35.420 --> 00:00:37.560 It says in verse 12, 00:01:05.420 --> 00:01:35.420 00:01:35.420 --> 00:01:48.599 So, our writer is, if you look at the beginning of chapter 12, he begins this metaphor of a race or a marathon, comparing that to the life of a believer. 00:01:48.599 --> 00:01:54.159 And he's kind of picking back up on that metaphor in verse 12. 00:01:54.479 --> 00:02:03.019 But there's really only two questions we're going to walk through, I guess, in unpacking this text, but some different things underneath those. 00:02:03.199 --> 00:02:08.780 But number one is, what must we do to finish the race well? 00:02:09.419 --> 00:02:12.219 What must we do to finish the race well? 00:02:12.219 --> 00:02:16.219 And this is verses 12 through 14. 00:02:17.340 --> 00:02:26.360 Therefore, lift up your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather healed. 00:02:27.120 --> 00:02:33.360 Strive for peace with everyone and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 00:02:33.360 --> 00:02:43.800 And sort of at the outset of this, I think that it's great to kind of begin with this, but one way we can answer this question, what must we do to finish the race well? 00:02:44.360 --> 00:02:46.140 We need to run together. 00:02:46.139 --> 00:02:50.059 And we see this all throughout the book of Hebrews. 00:02:50.239 --> 00:02:55.079 This is not meant to be a solo marathon or a solo race that we're running. 00:02:55.479 --> 00:02:56.739 It can feel like that. 00:02:57.059 --> 00:03:04.560 Many of us, even myself this week, just felt alone, felt by myself, like I was running this race by myself. 00:03:04.560 --> 00:03:10.439 And I think that that's a tactic that the enemy uses to discourage us, to make us feel like we're all alone. 00:03:10.539 --> 00:03:12.239 But we really are not. 00:03:12.240 --> 00:03:15.939 And God hasn't designed the Christian life to be that way. 00:03:16.560 --> 00:03:21.500 So though there is a personal running, personal striving, there's only one you. 00:03:22.780 --> 00:03:27.700 It's also one that we're meant to run alongside other brothers and sisters in the faith. 00:03:28.280 --> 00:03:29.780 If you look at verse 14, it says, 00:03:29.780 --> 00:03:35.460 With everyone, implying along with everyone, together with all other believers. 00:03:36.300 --> 00:03:41.000 The language in the letter addressing the whole church, the whole community of faith. 00:03:41.000 --> 00:03:44.120 It's filled with language like this in Hebrews. 00:03:44.520 --> 00:03:45.800 Hebrews 10, 23. 00:03:46.520 --> 00:03:51.319 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering. 00:03:52.039 --> 00:04:02.560 Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another. 00:04:02.560 --> 00:04:14.460 So part of God's design and actually helping us to finish the race is to be encouraged by other people running it with us, fellow believers that are running it with us. 00:04:14.979 --> 00:04:20.899 This is why being a part of a local church, a local community of believers is so important. 00:04:20.899 --> 00:04:27.959 And some, many even, neglect meeting, like he addresses here, as is the habit of some. 00:04:28.859 --> 00:04:31.919 And so we can't go on without mutual support. 00:04:32.099 --> 00:04:35.639 No one is meant to be a lone ranger. 00:04:35.879 --> 00:04:37.979 No one's meant to run this race alone. 00:04:38.479 --> 00:04:40.000 We need help from other believers. 00:04:40.000 --> 00:04:42.139 So we run it together. 00:04:43.079 --> 00:04:46.540 And then secondly, underneath this, we run tough or run hard. 00:04:47.139 --> 00:04:48.860 Sounds like sports language, right? 00:04:48.959 --> 00:04:49.920 Run tough, run hard. 00:04:50.100 --> 00:04:51.519 Sort of what the point is. 00:04:51.579 --> 00:04:52.139 Run tough. 00:04:52.660 --> 00:04:54.620 So the offer is using the race metaphor. 00:04:54.620 --> 00:05:10.840 And we all know that the telltale signs of a runner who's running out of energy, low in spirit, toward the end of the race, the sign of them wearing out is drooping arms, flopping hands, and wobbling knees. 00:05:11.800 --> 00:05:20.800 So knowing that the race of a believer's life is really difficult, almost seemingly impossible, it feels like at times. 00:05:20.800 --> 00:05:28.060 Those who are running it, you and I, can get really discouraged, weary, and fatigued in the midst of it. 00:05:29.079 --> 00:05:37.780 So he incorporates poetic Old Testament language to further exhort his readers to run hard with endurance the race that is set before them. 00:05:38.460 --> 00:05:39.620 In verse 12, we see, 00:05:39.620 --> 00:05:48.420 Therefore, so then, lift up your drooping hands and strengthen your weak, trembling knees. 00:05:48.420 --> 00:05:55.500 And it's the image from the prophet Isaiah speaking to the people of Judah where they would be in exile in Babylon. 00:05:55.960 --> 00:05:57.900 And their hope was beginning to wane. 00:05:58.520 --> 00:05:59.800 I'll read this part to you. 00:05:59.819 --> 00:06:01.640 Isaiah 35, 2 through 4. 00:06:02.200 --> 00:06:02.580 It says, 00:06:02.580 --> 00:06:07.500 They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. 00:06:08.480 --> 00:06:11.860 Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees. 00:06:12.500 --> 00:06:15.000 Say to those who have an anxious heart, 00:06:16.000 --> 00:06:16.700 Be strong. 00:06:17.259 --> 00:06:17.860 Fear not. 00:06:18.420 --> 00:06:23.439 Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with recompense of God. 00:06:23.939 --> 00:06:25.600 He will come and save you. 00:06:26.140 --> 00:06:27.620 So look ahead. 00:06:27.800 --> 00:06:28.580 Don't be anxious. 00:06:28.819 --> 00:06:30.720 Don't throw down and quit. 00:06:31.400 --> 00:06:33.040 The Lord has come. 00:06:33.780 --> 00:06:40.800 And we all know that this writer is using that to kind of tie into the believer's life in a broader context, 00:06:40.800 --> 00:06:44.560 promising his weary people that he will come. 00:06:44.560 --> 00:06:45.379 He will save them. 00:06:45.379 --> 00:06:49.920 He will deliver them from this broken, sinful world. 00:06:49.920 --> 00:06:50.920 Jesus will come. 00:06:50.920 --> 00:06:51.960 Jesus will come. 00:06:51.960 --> 00:06:54.160 So just stop and think. 00:06:54.819 --> 00:06:59.240 If you were to kind of like measure your life on an average week, 00:06:59.240 --> 00:07:03.620 is it characterized by victory? 00:07:03.620 --> 00:07:05.939 By overcoming? 00:07:05.939 --> 00:07:11.379 It shouldn't be characterized by perfection or a stoic mentality. 00:07:11.379 --> 00:07:16.459 But are we allowing the difficulties we face to get the better of us? 00:07:16.899 --> 00:07:24.180 Are we allowing the circumstances around us to make us anxious and weighed down and disheartened? 00:07:24.180 --> 00:07:29.100 So any of us that are runners, I definitely am not a runner. 00:07:29.879 --> 00:07:31.160 I have half my lung function. 00:07:31.280 --> 00:07:32.379 Running is not my thing. 00:07:33.220 --> 00:07:35.000 I go hiking instead. 00:07:35.480 --> 00:07:39.740 But anything that's going to weigh you down, like you get rid of quick. 00:07:39.879 --> 00:07:41.259 Like you throw it off quick. 00:07:41.340 --> 00:07:42.840 It's going to hinder you from finishing. 00:07:42.839 --> 00:07:48.299 And in the backpacking world, man, I've learned a lot since I started. 00:07:48.479 --> 00:07:51.359 But like you just learn, next time I won't bring that. 00:07:52.139 --> 00:07:53.599 Next time I won't carry that. 00:07:53.659 --> 00:07:57.099 That little Bible, little Bible that's about that big. 00:07:57.319 --> 00:07:59.759 Like I'll still carry that. 00:07:59.839 --> 00:08:01.879 But a lot of other junk I just don't need. 00:08:01.959 --> 00:08:03.139 So throw it off. 00:08:03.219 --> 00:08:03.839 Get rid of it. 00:08:04.399 --> 00:08:11.620 But the point is an anxious heart weighed down and discouraged can hinder you from finishing. 00:08:11.620 --> 00:08:17.819 In Proverbs 12, verse 25, it says, anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down. 00:08:18.540 --> 00:08:21.699 But a good word makes him glad. 00:08:22.600 --> 00:08:28.680 And the Hebrew word good means a personal, kind, pleasant, sweet, timely word. 00:08:28.720 --> 00:08:30.639 Like a word spoken at the right time. 00:08:31.740 --> 00:08:36.720 And it's kind of like God is calling out to us and we need to call out to one another. 00:08:37.019 --> 00:08:39.419 Like, hey, like look at me. 00:08:40.299 --> 00:08:40.779 Finish. 00:08:40.779 --> 00:08:41.799 Stay focused. 00:08:41.959 --> 00:08:42.500 Trust me. 00:08:43.120 --> 00:08:43.699 Trust me. 00:08:43.759 --> 00:08:44.459 Look to me. 00:08:44.679 --> 00:08:46.100 Ask me to strengthen your heart. 00:08:46.299 --> 00:08:46.879 Keep pressing. 00:08:47.220 --> 00:08:48.419 Keep pressing on. 00:08:48.939 --> 00:08:51.339 Don't allow the difficulties to get the better of you. 00:08:51.860 --> 00:08:52.740 I'll strengthen you. 00:08:52.819 --> 00:08:53.459 I'll help you. 00:08:54.019 --> 00:08:57.699 So we're called to consider other believers while running the race. 00:08:57.779 --> 00:09:01.079 You could write down Galatians 6, 1 through 5. 00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:02.919 It's a good example of that. 00:09:02.919 --> 00:09:13.059 So are you actively glancing over at other believers who are running with you who may need your help? 00:09:13.059 --> 00:09:17.099 A lot of us just kind of live in our own personal bubble. 00:09:17.099 --> 00:09:24.159 This is why that independent me and God alone but no one else mentality just won't work. 00:09:24.219 --> 00:09:25.259 Because you're going to need help. 00:09:25.259 --> 00:09:30.279 But also you're supposed to be able to help strengthen those around you who aren't doing well. 00:09:30.279 --> 00:09:37.519 So if you are a part of this church, a member of this church, I think that we look out for one or another pretty well. 00:09:37.620 --> 00:09:38.959 But we always could do better. 00:09:39.919 --> 00:09:43.339 And to think about who is struggling around me. 00:09:43.459 --> 00:09:49.360 Are you even aware of what's going on in the lives of the other believers that are part of this church? 00:09:50.220 --> 00:09:51.799 Do you know what they're dealing with? 00:09:51.799 --> 00:09:57.159 I have a friend in Athens and he's been a part of a church off and on. 00:09:57.719 --> 00:09:59.779 He's in the military so he's just gone a lot. 00:10:00.259 --> 00:10:01.719 He's gone through some rough stuff. 00:10:01.899 --> 00:10:05.479 And I asked him, how's the church you're being a part of? 00:10:05.539 --> 00:10:07.019 And he goes, well, you know, it's okay. 00:10:07.159 --> 00:10:10.159 And I said, well, do they know any of the stuff that's going on with you? 00:10:10.759 --> 00:10:12.179 He goes, not really. 00:10:13.079 --> 00:10:17.479 And I'm like, well, you probably either need to tell them or go find like another body somewhere. 00:10:18.219 --> 00:10:19.479 But you need to move on. 00:10:19.480 --> 00:10:23.159 But we need to be aware of those who are running around us to help them. 00:10:24.200 --> 00:10:34.720 And we can temporarily, back into our text, many in the race can temporarily, either due to temptation or discouragement, 00:10:34.920 --> 00:10:38.220 kind of veer off the path that we're supposed to be running on. 00:10:38.759 --> 00:10:45.539 So the writer in Hebrews ties in a verse from Proverbs 4, 25 to 27. 00:10:45.539 --> 00:10:46.980 It says, 00:10:46.980 --> 00:10:52.719 Let your eyes look directly forward and your gaze be straight before you. 00:10:53.500 --> 00:10:57.879 Ponder the path of your feet, then all your ways will be sure. 00:10:58.599 --> 00:11:01.039 Do not swerve to the right or to the left. 00:11:01.679 --> 00:11:03.620 Turn your foot away from evil. 00:11:03.620 --> 00:11:12.100 And we all know that when you're running or walking, hiking, whatever, if you're like in a dangerous place, 00:11:12.460 --> 00:11:17.279 you need to kind of like pay attention to like what you're doing or you're going to like really fall and hurt yourself. 00:11:17.740 --> 00:11:19.860 And that's kind of the image here. 00:11:19.960 --> 00:11:23.820 Like fix your gaze on what's ahead and run hard. 00:11:23.820 --> 00:11:27.480 And so stick with Christ. 00:11:28.379 --> 00:11:29.660 Don't be distracted. 00:11:29.820 --> 00:11:33.360 Don't idly be just looking over to the side of other things going on. 00:11:34.280 --> 00:11:41.840 Make straight paths that are level, safe, going in the right direction for your feet, 00:11:42.020 --> 00:11:45.660 so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather healed. 00:11:46.560 --> 00:11:48.960 Stop idly looking around and getting distracted. 00:11:48.960 --> 00:11:54.340 There's so many things that the world uses to just pull us this way or pull us that way. 00:11:54.500 --> 00:12:00.960 And we have to sometimes get shaken out of that to remember that we're heading toward Zion, 00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:02.440 which is in the next few verses. 00:12:03.600 --> 00:12:04.879 And so brace yourselves. 00:12:05.080 --> 00:12:06.019 Move straight ahead. 00:12:06.879 --> 00:12:07.759 Don't look back. 00:12:07.900 --> 00:12:08.960 Find your second wind. 00:12:09.180 --> 00:12:09.759 Keep going. 00:12:10.820 --> 00:12:11.400 Keep fighting. 00:12:12.220 --> 00:12:16.900 The salvation that we already possess in Christ will soon be fully realized. 00:12:16.899 --> 00:12:19.699 So keep pressing forward. 00:12:20.539 --> 00:12:26.159 My only, I told you I'm not a runner, but I'm a hiker, a backpacker. 00:12:26.860 --> 00:12:31.120 And one of the very few times that I actually had to give up my backpack to somebody else, 00:12:31.179 --> 00:12:37.639 it was like a huge shock to the pride, was on the east coast of Ireland, north of Dublin, 00:12:38.059 --> 00:12:40.600 there's a mountain range called the Morne Mountains. 00:12:41.199 --> 00:12:42.980 And Daniel Swanson was with me. 00:12:42.980 --> 00:12:48.519 And we were looking at the map and we saw this hike going through the morns on the Irish Sea. 00:12:48.840 --> 00:12:51.139 And we thought, this looks awesome. 00:12:51.740 --> 00:12:54.480 It's like not raining, which is a miracle in the morn. 00:12:54.580 --> 00:12:56.440 So we were like going to go for the day. 00:12:56.980 --> 00:12:59.480 The book said eight hours. 00:13:00.320 --> 00:13:01.860 And I thought, we got this. 00:13:02.539 --> 00:13:04.899 But I already was in a little bit of poor health. 00:13:05.019 --> 00:13:08.700 I had an appendix surgery maybe like a month and a half before. 00:13:08.700 --> 00:13:09.460 But y'all know me. 00:13:09.560 --> 00:13:11.620 I'm like, I'm always just pushing it. 00:13:11.800 --> 00:13:16.580 So we get there and we're hiking and we're enjoying it. 00:13:16.820 --> 00:13:24.740 And there are several, several like steep inclines where it would be labeled, if you know hiking language, strenuous. 00:13:25.940 --> 00:13:28.560 And I thought, I can handle a couple of those. 00:13:28.740 --> 00:13:30.060 Like, no problem. 00:13:30.059 --> 00:13:37.919 But, man, when we went over to the second one and made it out of that, I was just like, man, good Lord. 00:13:37.979 --> 00:13:39.439 I don't know if I'm going to make it out of here. 00:13:39.479 --> 00:13:44.219 And I said, I hope there's not like another hill like that on our path. 00:13:44.259 --> 00:13:47.659 And he was looking at the map and he was like, there's another one. 00:13:47.779 --> 00:13:48.919 There's probably a couple more. 00:13:48.919 --> 00:13:53.179 And I just thought, man, we're not going to make it out of here. 00:13:53.259 --> 00:13:54.479 I'm not going to make it out of here. 00:13:55.360 --> 00:14:00.059 And so the eight-hour trip turned into almost a 12-hour hike for me. 00:14:00.299 --> 00:14:04.519 And we actually ran out of food, ran out of water. 00:14:05.639 --> 00:14:09.279 There were streams everywhere, but there was also sheep everywhere too. 00:14:10.019 --> 00:14:11.679 And that was not a good idea. 00:14:11.679 --> 00:14:14.219 So I was getting dehydrated. 00:14:14.559 --> 00:14:20.539 And finally, like, I said, dude, I don't know if I'm going to make it, man. 00:14:20.959 --> 00:14:23.339 And I was just kind of being, like, dramatic on purpose. 00:14:23.479 --> 00:14:26.579 Like, one way you deal with fear is just kind of laugh at it and make fun of it. 00:14:26.620 --> 00:14:28.679 I'm like, if I die, eat me, man. 00:14:28.819 --> 00:14:33.279 Or, you know, like, just leave me, save yourself, you know, kind of language. 00:14:33.659 --> 00:14:38.219 And I finally, like, he's like, dude, give me your backpack. 00:14:38.479 --> 00:14:40.599 And I was like, no, my backpack, not yours. 00:14:40.600 --> 00:14:42.320 And he was like, give me the backpack. 00:14:42.519 --> 00:14:43.220 He wanted to help me. 00:14:44.100 --> 00:14:47.200 And so, and I'm like, dude, can you handle two backpacks? 00:14:47.240 --> 00:14:48.100 And he went, y'all know Daniel. 00:14:48.139 --> 00:14:49.399 He's like, with these guns? 00:14:49.519 --> 00:14:50.580 Like, yeah, give me the backpack. 00:14:51.240 --> 00:14:55.300 So he carried both our backpacks for probably the last, like, two and a half hours. 00:14:55.779 --> 00:14:59.000 And I'm just like, just one foot in front of the other. 00:14:59.220 --> 00:15:03.159 And we finally get over that last mountain, and you can see the Irish Sea. 00:15:03.220 --> 00:15:04.779 And I'm like, there it is. 00:15:04.800 --> 00:15:06.320 I can see Newcastle down there. 00:15:06.399 --> 00:15:07.360 Like, God, I made it. 00:15:07.360 --> 00:15:10.379 So I just sort of got excited and kept going. 00:15:10.379 --> 00:15:13.919 And, and, but like, I got my second wind when I saw the Irish Sea. 00:15:14.019 --> 00:15:15.919 Because I'm like, we're going, this is almost over. 00:15:16.539 --> 00:15:17.939 My suffering is almost over. 00:15:18.939 --> 00:15:22.439 So you see the analogies here? 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:24.460 I needed help. 00:15:25.220 --> 00:15:26.379 He was there to help me. 00:15:26.539 --> 00:15:27.820 I wasn't doing this solo. 00:15:28.500 --> 00:15:29.439 It was very difficult. 00:15:30.360 --> 00:15:32.639 I had to fix my eyes on what was ahead. 00:15:32.639 --> 00:15:37.740 I had to run hard and tough and made it. 00:15:38.100 --> 00:15:41.620 But like the Lord is saying, like, your salvation is near. 00:15:42.139 --> 00:15:44.699 So get your second wind and finish this. 00:15:45.159 --> 00:15:46.179 Like, like, go. 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:46.980 Press on. 00:15:46.980 --> 00:15:55.180 And we're also called in this text to run after, run after peace and holiness. 00:15:56.259 --> 00:15:58.019 This is still under the first question. 00:15:58.080 --> 00:15:59.019 How do we finish well? 00:15:59.600 --> 00:16:01.560 We run after peace and holiness. 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:06.539 He doesn't want the writers to grow indifferent to the blessings of the gospel. 00:16:06.539 --> 00:16:09.319 So in verse 14, we see the word strive. 00:16:10.039 --> 00:16:12.620 It's a strong, aggressive verb. 00:16:13.459 --> 00:16:18.719 It means like to lock into something and seriously and earnestly pursue it. 00:16:19.379 --> 00:16:24.339 It's actually used in Greek language to chase after one's enemy in order to finish them off. 00:16:24.779 --> 00:16:27.860 So that's the kind of language is being implied here. 00:16:27.980 --> 00:16:29.339 Continually pursue. 00:16:29.340 --> 00:16:36.220 And the direct objects of that striving, pursuing, chasing are peace and holiness. 00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:38.100 So first, run after peace. 00:16:38.899 --> 00:16:40.399 Strive for peace with everyone. 00:16:40.600 --> 00:16:41.340 Verse 14. 00:16:42.280 --> 00:16:46.920 Though we certainly have peace with God through Christ. 00:16:47.800 --> 00:16:48.899 Romans 5, right? 00:16:49.660 --> 00:16:53.120 We also know that peace with other people around us isn't always easy. 00:16:54.440 --> 00:16:57.740 At times, in an unbelieving world, it's impossible. 00:16:57.740 --> 00:17:02.919 Jesus said, don't think that I've come to bring peace, but the sword. 00:17:03.779 --> 00:17:09.059 Meaning that his real presence in our lives can cause division, can cause trouble. 00:17:10.000 --> 00:17:16.400 In fact, Christ's actual presence in our lives can cause hostility in the lost world. 00:17:17.319 --> 00:17:24.460 Paul says, if at all possible, in so far as it has to do with you, be at peace with all men. 00:17:24.460 --> 00:17:29.819 And so, it's not peace with all people, no matter the cost. 00:17:30.559 --> 00:17:35.660 But rather, peace, what's possible within the boundaries of what God says is right. 00:17:36.840 --> 00:17:40.720 And in fact, again, standing for Christ at times can bring immense animosity. 00:17:40.860 --> 00:17:43.680 And eventually, peace is lost, shattered. 00:17:43.680 --> 00:17:50.240 Yet, we're still to make every effort to maintain peace with all men and all believers. 00:17:50.900 --> 00:17:57.660 Peace is not simply the subjective harmony, good vibes in the community that we feel. 00:17:57.920 --> 00:18:06.160 It has to do with something in our language that's objective reality resulting from the redemptive work of Christ. 00:18:06.160 --> 00:18:10.240 That brings real solidarity to the community of believers. 00:18:10.980 --> 00:18:16.259 So, the pursuit of peace holds all believers responsible for one another. 00:18:16.940 --> 00:18:18.660 Paul also wrote in Romans 14, 00:18:19.220 --> 00:18:23.120 So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. 00:18:23.980 --> 00:18:25.640 So, strive for that peace. 00:18:26.340 --> 00:18:27.660 That peaceful existence. 00:18:27.660 --> 00:18:30.060 Not just so we can have an easy life. 00:18:30.920 --> 00:18:37.900 But, that the blessing of God's peace may flow through us into the lives of others. 00:18:38.580 --> 00:18:40.340 Believers and non-believers alike. 00:18:41.480 --> 00:18:45.259 Then, the second thing we're to run after. 00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:46.700 Strive after. 00:18:47.320 --> 00:18:48.460 Is holiness. 00:18:49.560 --> 00:18:51.600 Strive after the holiness. 00:18:52.600 --> 00:18:57.000 Without which no one will see the Lord. 00:18:57.660 --> 00:18:59.680 This is one of those verses that make you go, 00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:00.259 Wait a minute. 00:19:00.720 --> 00:19:03.240 How is that actually being used? 00:19:04.060 --> 00:19:07.060 Does our salvation ultimately depend on 00:19:07.060 --> 00:19:12.560 attaining some degree of holiness before God saves us? 00:19:13.600 --> 00:19:14.160 No. 00:19:15.279 --> 00:19:17.120 Quick lesson on this. 00:19:17.120 --> 00:19:22.100 But, our terms sanctify, sanctification are built on the Latin sanctus. 00:19:22.099 --> 00:19:29.219 And, the New Testament adjective holy can also be used as a verb. 00:19:29.959 --> 00:19:32.819 Which would be holify or holification. 00:19:33.339 --> 00:19:34.779 Which we don't really have that word. 00:19:34.899 --> 00:19:37.859 So, we use sanctified, sanctification. 00:19:38.579 --> 00:19:41.859 So, it refers to our holiness in both senses. 00:19:42.500 --> 00:19:45.759 A condition of being holy, sanctified. 00:19:46.059 --> 00:19:48.579 And, a way of becoming holy. 00:19:49.399 --> 00:19:50.159 Sanctification. 00:19:50.160 --> 00:19:50.279 Sanctification. 00:19:50.600 --> 00:19:53.080 It's the two primary ways. 00:19:53.620 --> 00:19:54.300 There are others. 00:19:54.519 --> 00:19:56.320 But, the two primary ways. 00:19:57.080 --> 00:19:59.160 Sanctification is used in the scripture. 00:20:00.420 --> 00:20:01.820 Better be taking notes on this one. 00:20:02.340 --> 00:20:05.660 The first one is definitive sanctification. 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:07.160 Definitive sanctification. 00:20:08.100 --> 00:20:13.140 And, this is a once for all time simultaneous act. 00:20:13.279 --> 00:20:15.560 That occurs when we're born again. 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:16.900 Or, when we're saved. 00:20:16.900 --> 00:20:21.160 It's this idea of God taking us out of sin. 00:20:21.280 --> 00:20:22.519 And, out of the kingdom of Satan. 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:24.280 And, moving us into his kingdom. 00:20:24.960 --> 00:20:27.920 Setting us apart as his holy people. 00:20:28.700 --> 00:20:29.860 For his purposes. 00:20:30.860 --> 00:20:32.700 And, for his glory. 00:20:33.600 --> 00:20:34.820 So, as we know. 00:20:34.900 --> 00:20:37.820 Like, certain things in the temple were set apart for a holy use. 00:20:38.280 --> 00:20:39.660 That's this idea of God's people. 00:20:39.759 --> 00:20:41.460 We are his chosen people. 00:20:41.460 --> 00:20:42.840 His holy possession. 00:20:43.460 --> 00:20:43.880 Right? 00:20:43.880 --> 00:20:44.880 According to Peter. 00:20:45.500 --> 00:20:48.860 And, we see that language in 1 Corinthians 6. 00:20:49.000 --> 00:20:50.700 And, such were some of you. 00:20:51.300 --> 00:20:52.180 You were washed. 00:20:52.560 --> 00:20:53.760 You were sanctified. 00:20:54.340 --> 00:20:57.620 You were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:20:58.240 --> 00:20:59.580 And, by the spirit of our God. 00:21:00.800 --> 00:21:01.280 Secondly. 00:21:02.240 --> 00:21:03.080 There is what we call. 00:21:03.160 --> 00:21:05.660 This is the most familiar progressive sanctification. 00:21:05.660 --> 00:21:09.660 It's this idea where we are cooperating. 00:21:09.820 --> 00:21:11.160 So, not just an act of God. 00:21:11.220 --> 00:21:13.800 But, we work with the Holy Spirit. 00:21:13.800 --> 00:21:15.900 To become more like Christ. 00:21:15.980 --> 00:21:17.420 In our actual lives. 00:21:17.420 --> 00:21:17.960 Right now. 00:21:18.700 --> 00:21:20.160 It's the work of Christ. 00:21:20.220 --> 00:21:20.860 In our lives. 00:21:21.820 --> 00:21:23.240 So, in this sense. 00:21:23.279 --> 00:21:25.380 It's the outworking of the new life. 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:25.960 We're given. 00:21:26.560 --> 00:21:27.279 In regeneration. 00:21:28.540 --> 00:21:28.900 Okay. 00:21:28.900 --> 00:21:32.340 So, it involves gradual progressive work. 00:21:32.440 --> 00:21:34.940 Of putting indwelling sin to death. 00:21:35.040 --> 00:21:36.980 And, putting on the likeness of Christ. 00:21:37.600 --> 00:21:39.300 Just write down Colossians 3. 00:21:39.800 --> 00:21:40.640 5-10. 00:21:40.740 --> 00:21:42.019 That's a good way to look at that. 00:21:42.620 --> 00:21:43.540 So, listen though. 00:21:43.680 --> 00:21:47.240 The reality that we are being sanctified progressively. 00:21:48.540 --> 00:21:49.780 In this life. 00:21:49.940 --> 00:21:53.340 Evidences that God has sanctified us definitively. 00:21:53.339 --> 00:21:54.859 All right. 00:21:54.959 --> 00:21:56.099 So, you can't separate. 00:21:56.299 --> 00:21:56.959 You can't say. 00:21:57.240 --> 00:21:58.279 I'm saved. 00:21:58.399 --> 00:21:59.119 I'm born again. 00:21:59.240 --> 00:21:59.779 I'm justified. 00:22:00.059 --> 00:22:01.879 And, then not be sanctified. 00:22:03.079 --> 00:22:04.839 Arthur Pink said this. 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:07.939 Whom God saves legally. 00:22:08.459 --> 00:22:11.319 He also experimentally saves. 00:22:12.259 --> 00:22:12.500 He. 00:22:12.699 --> 00:22:14.059 Whom he justifies. 00:22:14.159 --> 00:22:15.720 He also sanctifies. 00:22:16.379 --> 00:22:18.279 Where the righteousness of Christ. 00:22:18.459 --> 00:22:19.919 Is imputed to an individual. 00:22:20.759 --> 00:22:22.559 Holiness is imparted to him. 00:22:22.559 --> 00:22:26.039 The former can only be ascertained by the latter. 00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:27.919 The only place you have to turn today. 00:22:28.039 --> 00:22:29.259 Is 1st Peter really quick. 00:22:29.359 --> 00:22:30.279 And, hold your hand in Hebrews. 00:22:30.440 --> 00:22:32.500 But, 1st Peter chapter 1. 00:22:33.740 --> 00:22:37.259 1st Peter chapter 1 verse 14. 00:22:44.599 --> 00:22:47.220 1st Peter chapter 1 verse 14. 00:22:48.339 --> 00:22:48.819 Okay. 00:22:50.240 --> 00:22:50.919 All right. 00:22:50.920 --> 00:22:53.279 And, Peter says for. 00:22:55.279 --> 00:22:56.140 Well, excuse me. 00:22:56.220 --> 00:22:56.320 Yeah. 00:22:56.400 --> 00:22:57.039 Verse 14. 00:22:57.039 --> 00:22:58.700 As obedient children. 00:22:59.060 --> 00:23:03.240 Do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance. 00:23:03.660 --> 00:23:04.039 As unbelievers. 00:23:04.700 --> 00:23:04.840 Right. 00:23:05.340 --> 00:23:07.860 But, as he who called you is holy. 00:23:08.340 --> 00:23:11.060 You also be holy in your conduct. 00:23:11.660 --> 00:23:12.840 Since it is written. 00:23:13.039 --> 00:23:13.980 You shall be holy. 00:23:14.160 --> 00:23:15.240 For I am holy. 00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:18.620 And, if you call on him as father. 00:23:18.620 --> 00:23:20.000 Who judges impartially. 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:21.599 According to each one's deeds. 00:23:22.019 --> 00:23:23.900 Conduct yourselves with fear. 00:23:24.059 --> 00:23:26.000 Throughout the time of your exile. 00:23:26.299 --> 00:23:27.200 On earth. 00:23:27.920 --> 00:23:29.799 Knowing that you were ransomed. 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:31.759 From your futile ways. 00:23:32.579 --> 00:23:34.160 Inherited from your forefathers. 00:23:34.720 --> 00:23:36.480 Not with perishable things. 00:23:36.480 --> 00:23:37.220 Such as gold. 00:23:37.599 --> 00:23:37.960 Or silver. 00:23:38.079 --> 00:23:38.559 Or gold. 00:23:39.339 --> 00:23:41.380 But with the precious blood of Christ. 00:23:41.380 --> 00:23:43.400 Like that of a lamb. 00:23:43.620 --> 00:23:45.120 Without blemish or spot. 00:23:45.740 --> 00:23:47.960 So, God commands us to be holy. 00:23:47.960 --> 00:23:49.520 Because he is holy. 00:23:50.700 --> 00:23:52.740 If we're going to have fellowship with God. 00:23:52.820 --> 00:23:54.180 We have to be holy. 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:56.760 Peter explains this though. 00:23:56.860 --> 00:23:57.400 Follow this. 00:23:57.460 --> 00:23:58.420 Just look at the text here. 00:23:58.420 --> 00:24:00.039 He tells us this. 00:24:00.120 --> 00:24:02.039 Not as an arbitrary command. 00:24:02.200 --> 00:24:03.160 Something that's impossible. 00:24:03.880 --> 00:24:05.660 But as a family trait. 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:07.779 As obedient children. 00:24:08.660 --> 00:24:10.340 Be holy in your conduct. 00:24:11.180 --> 00:24:15.460 So, holiness is the very spiritual DNA of God. 00:24:16.120 --> 00:24:18.220 So, if we are his legitimate children. 00:24:18.840 --> 00:24:21.060 We also will walk in holiness. 00:24:21.600 --> 00:24:26.080 He's made us his by the precious blood of his son. 00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:29.599 So, you can go back to Hebrews now. 00:24:30.919 --> 00:24:31.919 The writer is saying. 00:24:32.699 --> 00:24:33.419 Strive after. 00:24:34.319 --> 00:24:35.859 Aggressively chase. 00:24:36.599 --> 00:24:37.419 The holiness. 00:24:37.720 --> 00:24:39.319 Or the progressive sanctification. 00:24:40.059 --> 00:24:41.699 Because if you lack this. 00:24:42.439 --> 00:24:43.980 It may reveal. 00:24:44.299 --> 00:24:47.819 That you have not been definitively sanctified by God. 00:24:48.599 --> 00:24:49.960 We can't say again. 00:24:50.019 --> 00:24:50.639 That we're saved. 00:24:50.720 --> 00:24:53.460 And have no regard for holiness. 00:24:53.460 --> 00:24:56.860 It's the only evidence that we actually are in Christ. 00:24:56.960 --> 00:24:58.340 Is that we have a holy life. 00:24:58.420 --> 00:25:00.100 And growing in holiness. 00:25:00.860 --> 00:25:04.460 It's not a condition of our salvation. 00:25:04.880 --> 00:25:08.519 But it is a part of our salvation. 00:25:09.160 --> 00:25:10.259 And even think about this. 00:25:10.319 --> 00:25:12.620 The Holy Spirit is the one who sanctifies us. 00:25:13.340 --> 00:25:14.299 Don't miss that. 00:25:14.420 --> 00:25:15.720 The Holy Spirit. 00:25:16.240 --> 00:25:17.660 The Spirit of holiness. 00:25:17.660 --> 00:25:19.180 Is the one at work in us. 00:25:19.279 --> 00:25:20.460 Making us holy. 00:25:20.460 --> 00:25:20.980 Holy. 00:25:22.140 --> 00:25:24.920 And just as an encouragement though. 00:25:25.779 --> 00:25:27.380 Just flip back to Hebrews 10. 00:25:27.480 --> 00:25:28.819 Just a chapter earlier. 00:25:29.660 --> 00:25:31.860 And there's this amazing verse. 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:33.460 That we've studied before. 00:25:33.559 --> 00:25:34.380 But look at chapter 10. 00:25:34.440 --> 00:25:35.120 Verse 14. 00:25:35.759 --> 00:25:36.400 It says. 00:25:38.140 --> 00:25:40.160 For by a single offering. 00:25:41.539 --> 00:25:42.180 Christ. 00:25:42.720 --> 00:25:45.000 Has perfected for all time. 00:25:45.799 --> 00:25:47.779 Those being sanctified. 00:25:47.779 --> 00:25:49.819 And what I want you to. 00:25:50.460 --> 00:25:51.899 To see in this verse. 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:52.539 Is that. 00:25:53.220 --> 00:25:53.940 We can have. 00:25:54.460 --> 00:25:55.200 In the same verse. 00:25:55.259 --> 00:25:55.879 It says that. 00:25:56.220 --> 00:25:57.539 Christ has perfected us. 00:25:58.180 --> 00:25:59.220 And that we are. 00:25:59.559 --> 00:26:00.660 Being perfected. 00:26:00.720 --> 00:26:02.220 We are being sanctified. 00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:03.779 And. 00:26:04.200 --> 00:26:04.720 So. 00:26:04.940 --> 00:26:05.539 The confidence. 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:06.319 Or assurance. 00:26:06.460 --> 00:26:07.420 We need to have in. 00:26:08.279 --> 00:26:10.039 Is not our experienced. 00:26:10.319 --> 00:26:10.960 Perfection. 00:26:11.700 --> 00:26:13.079 But in our experience. 00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:13.639 Progress. 00:26:14.160 --> 00:26:14.660 We see. 00:26:15.019 --> 00:26:15.339 Growing. 00:26:15.759 --> 00:26:16.440 Of holiness. 00:26:16.720 --> 00:26:17.279 In us. 00:26:18.059 --> 00:26:19.460 And as one writer said. 00:26:21.579 --> 00:26:22.339 The fact. 00:26:22.420 --> 00:26:23.399 That we are on our way. 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:24.039 The evidence. 00:26:24.039 --> 00:26:25.379 That we are on our way. 00:26:25.819 --> 00:26:26.500 Is proof. 00:26:26.579 --> 00:26:27.799 That we have already arrived. 00:26:27.879 --> 00:26:29.160 That's like how I explain that verse. 00:26:29.859 --> 00:26:30.359 It's deep. 00:26:30.579 --> 00:26:31.039 It's good. 00:26:31.559 --> 00:26:32.819 So if we're on our way. 00:26:32.819 --> 00:26:33.559 It's evidence. 00:26:33.559 --> 00:26:34.680 That we have already arrived. 00:26:34.779 --> 00:26:35.460 We will be. 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:36.259 Perfected. 00:26:37.119 --> 00:26:37.359 And. 00:26:38.019 --> 00:26:38.500 So. 00:26:38.819 --> 00:26:40.019 We can't say. 00:26:40.799 --> 00:26:41.680 We love Christ. 00:26:41.779 --> 00:26:42.639 We belong to Christ. 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:43.859 And have no desire. 00:26:44.519 --> 00:26:45.319 For holiness. 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:46.480 And just live free. 00:26:46.480 --> 00:26:47.259 And happy. 00:26:47.579 --> 00:26:48.059 In sin. 00:26:48.559 --> 00:26:49.259 In a habitual. 00:26:49.640 --> 00:26:50.160 Lifestyle. 00:26:51.360 --> 00:26:52.400 Kevin DeYoung. 00:26:53.180 --> 00:26:54.059 Wrote a book called. 00:26:54.140 --> 00:26:55.339 What's the hole in your holiness. 00:26:55.640 --> 00:26:56.480 It's pretty good. 00:26:57.180 --> 00:26:58.059 But he said. 00:26:58.200 --> 00:26:58.660 In this. 00:26:58.759 --> 00:26:59.860 I'll finish with this. 00:26:59.940 --> 00:27:00.079 But. 00:27:00.279 --> 00:27:00.940 On this point. 00:27:01.420 --> 00:27:02.640 Not only is holiness. 00:27:02.640 --> 00:27:04.099 The goal of your redemption. 00:27:04.460 --> 00:27:05.559 It is necessary. 00:27:05.559 --> 00:27:06.759 For your redemption. 00:27:06.759 --> 00:27:08.259 Now before. 00:27:08.259 --> 00:27:09.279 Before you sound. 00:27:09.279 --> 00:27:10.539 The legalist alarm. 00:27:10.779 --> 00:27:11.480 And tie me up. 00:27:11.640 --> 00:27:13.339 By my moral bootstraps. 00:27:13.460 --> 00:27:14.420 And feed my carcass. 00:27:14.500 --> 00:27:15.259 To the Galatians. 00:27:15.879 --> 00:27:16.400 Like that. 00:27:16.619 --> 00:27:17.140 That's so him. 00:27:17.619 --> 00:27:18.299 We should see. 00:27:18.440 --> 00:27:19.259 What scripture says. 00:27:19.680 --> 00:27:20.440 Has to say. 00:27:21.119 --> 00:27:22.039 It is the consistent. 00:27:22.279 --> 00:27:23.180 And frequent teaching. 00:27:23.180 --> 00:27:23.960 Of the Bible. 00:27:24.619 --> 00:27:25.859 That those whose lives. 00:27:26.039 --> 00:27:26.980 Are habitually. 00:27:27.140 --> 00:27:27.779 Marked. 00:27:28.099 --> 00:27:29.559 So characterized by. 00:27:30.359 --> 00:27:31.000 Ungodliness. 00:27:31.180 --> 00:27:31.700 Will not. 00:27:31.799 --> 00:27:32.299 Go to heaven. 00:27:32.940 --> 00:27:33.980 First Corinthians 6. 00:27:34.039 --> 00:27:34.619 9 and 10. 00:27:35.059 --> 00:27:35.940 Galatians 5. 00:27:36.039 --> 00:27:36.960 20 through 21. 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:39.399 To find acquittal from God. 00:27:39.440 --> 00:27:40.299 On the last day. 00:27:40.480 --> 00:27:41.619 There must be evidence. 00:27:42.159 --> 00:27:43.399 Flowing out of us. 00:27:43.519 --> 00:27:44.299 That his grace. 00:27:44.419 --> 00:27:45.980 Has flown into us. 00:27:46.839 --> 00:27:47.740 To run hard. 00:27:47.740 --> 00:27:48.480 After holiness. 00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:50.139 In another way. 00:27:50.139 --> 00:27:51.119 Saying run hard. 00:27:51.359 --> 00:27:51.839 After God. 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:53.539 And so. 00:27:53.859 --> 00:27:54.859 What about you? 00:27:55.940 --> 00:27:56.960 Do you have a growing. 00:27:57.240 --> 00:27:57.680 Desire. 00:27:58.039 --> 00:27:58.659 To love God. 00:27:59.519 --> 00:28:00.159 We see this. 00:28:00.299 --> 00:28:01.099 Not like in minutes. 00:28:01.279 --> 00:28:01.960 Or days. 00:28:01.960 --> 00:28:02.799 But like months. 00:28:03.000 --> 00:28:03.299 Years. 00:28:03.480 --> 00:28:04.340 Do you see a growing. 00:28:04.539 --> 00:28:05.019 Desire. 00:28:05.640 --> 00:28:06.319 For holiness. 00:28:06.720 --> 00:28:08.019 The sin. 00:28:08.100 --> 00:28:08.680 That you once. 00:28:08.920 --> 00:28:09.480 Enjoyed. 00:28:09.480 --> 00:28:10.640 And lived free in. 00:28:11.960 --> 00:28:12.420 Do you now. 00:28:12.519 --> 00:28:13.039 Despise. 00:28:13.039 --> 00:28:13.799 And want to be freed. 00:28:13.799 --> 00:28:14.240 From it. 00:28:16.240 --> 00:28:16.920 Do you. 00:28:17.160 --> 00:28:17.480 Long. 00:28:17.640 --> 00:28:18.539 To have the effects. 00:28:18.539 --> 00:28:19.059 Of sin. 00:28:19.180 --> 00:28:19.539 Gone. 00:28:19.960 --> 00:28:20.960 And to be with God. 00:28:21.100 --> 00:28:21.299 Then. 00:28:21.840 --> 00:28:22.559 Be encouraged. 00:28:22.799 --> 00:28:23.279 Holiness. 00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:24.640 Is growing. 00:28:24.880 --> 00:28:25.340 In you. 00:28:26.019 --> 00:28:27.340 That's how we take confidence. 00:28:27.500 --> 00:28:27.720 In us. 00:28:27.759 --> 00:28:28.259 The growth. 00:28:29.039 --> 00:28:29.900 And the second question. 00:28:30.019 --> 00:28:30.519 That I have. 00:28:30.799 --> 00:28:31.519 Nine minutes for. 00:28:31.960 --> 00:28:33.759 Or eight minutes for. 00:28:33.880 --> 00:28:34.380 Number two. 00:28:35.420 --> 00:28:36.180 What must. 00:28:37.019 --> 00:28:37.880 We guard. 00:28:38.220 --> 00:28:38.660 Against. 00:28:39.759 --> 00:28:40.360 Defend us. 00:28:40.400 --> 00:28:40.720 The race. 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:41.000 Well. 00:28:41.180 --> 00:28:41.380 So. 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:41.860 There's things. 00:28:41.860 --> 00:28:42.680 That we're to run after. 00:28:42.799 --> 00:28:43.380 But there's also things. 00:28:43.420 --> 00:28:44.400 You're supposed to guard against. 00:28:44.920 --> 00:28:45.680 We see this. 00:28:45.799 --> 00:28:46.259 In Hebrews. 00:28:46.579 --> 00:28:47.059 Twelve. 00:28:47.220 --> 00:28:47.819 Fifteen. 00:28:48.299 --> 00:28:49.259 Through seventeen. 00:28:50.220 --> 00:28:51.460 But we see this idea. 00:28:51.460 --> 00:28:52.600 Of gracelessness. 00:28:52.740 --> 00:28:53.380 Guard against. 00:28:53.799 --> 00:28:54.400 Gracelessness. 00:28:55.180 --> 00:28:56.340 Strive after holiness. 00:28:57.340 --> 00:28:58.059 Guard against. 00:28:58.420 --> 00:28:59.019 Gracelessness. 00:28:59.019 --> 00:29:00.319 Look out for one another. 00:29:01.160 --> 00:29:01.519 So. 00:29:01.720 --> 00:29:02.420 This isn't saying. 00:29:02.480 --> 00:29:03.700 That you can obtain grace. 00:29:03.700 --> 00:29:04.720 Or you can earn. 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:06.259 The grace of God. 00:29:07.099 --> 00:29:07.700 Romans eleven. 00:29:07.859 --> 00:29:08.900 If it by grace. 00:29:09.079 --> 00:29:09.960 Is no longer. 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.639 On the basis. 00:29:11.220 --> 00:29:11.799 Of works. 00:29:11.879 --> 00:29:12.139 Otherwise. 00:29:12.379 --> 00:29:13.099 Grace would not. 00:29:13.220 --> 00:29:13.819 Be grace. 00:29:14.700 --> 00:29:15.420 God's grace. 00:29:15.420 --> 00:29:16.379 Is his attitude. 00:29:16.379 --> 00:29:17.039 Of love. 00:29:17.119 --> 00:29:17.839 And benevolence. 00:29:17.920 --> 00:29:19.000 That he gives his children. 00:29:19.940 --> 00:29:21.180 As Ross said earlier. 00:29:21.279 --> 00:29:22.619 Grace is lavished. 00:29:22.859 --> 00:29:23.480 Poured out. 00:29:23.599 --> 00:29:24.259 In immense. 00:29:24.480 --> 00:29:24.920 Measure. 00:29:24.920 --> 00:29:26.380 James 4. 00:29:26.460 --> 00:29:26.840 6. 00:29:27.060 --> 00:29:28.019 God gives. 00:29:28.360 --> 00:29:28.680 More. 00:29:29.039 --> 00:29:29.440 Grace. 00:29:30.120 --> 00:29:30.640 Literally. 00:29:30.880 --> 00:29:31.259 Great. 00:29:31.400 --> 00:29:31.779 Grace. 00:29:32.519 --> 00:29:33.000 So. 00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:33.660 The writer. 00:29:33.800 --> 00:29:34.320 Is warning. 00:29:34.660 --> 00:29:35.360 Us here. 00:29:36.880 --> 00:29:37.920 That failing. 00:29:38.180 --> 00:29:38.779 To obtain. 00:29:38.940 --> 00:29:39.340 The grace. 00:29:39.440 --> 00:29:39.860 Of God. 00:29:40.380 --> 00:29:41.140 Doesn't mean. 00:29:41.259 --> 00:29:41.500 Earn. 00:29:41.600 --> 00:29:41.980 Grace. 00:29:42.080 --> 00:29:42.960 But as the language. 00:29:43.100 --> 00:29:43.420 Says. 00:29:43.539 --> 00:29:44.200 Fall short. 00:29:44.320 --> 00:29:44.640 Of. 00:29:45.279 --> 00:29:45.759 The grace. 00:29:45.820 --> 00:29:46.279 Of God. 00:29:46.660 --> 00:29:46.980 Means. 00:29:47.420 --> 00:29:47.900 Falling. 00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:48.400 Behind. 00:29:48.560 --> 00:29:49.220 Not keeping. 00:29:49.380 --> 00:29:49.680 Pace. 00:29:49.759 --> 00:29:50.039 With. 00:29:50.620 --> 00:29:51.279 The grace. 00:29:51.420 --> 00:29:51.880 Of God. 00:29:52.300 --> 00:29:52.740 At work. 00:29:52.779 --> 00:29:53.259 In our lives. 00:29:53.340 --> 00:29:53.759 So remember. 00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:54.779 The writer. 00:29:54.779 --> 00:29:55.259 Of Hebrews. 00:29:55.259 --> 00:29:55.859 Knows. 00:29:55.859 --> 00:29:56.579 That he's writing. 00:29:56.579 --> 00:29:57.359 To a lot. 00:29:57.359 --> 00:29:57.940 Of believers. 00:29:58.740 --> 00:29:59.259 Writing. 00:29:59.259 --> 00:29:59.779 To the church. 00:29:59.779 --> 00:30:00.279 But he also. 00:30:00.279 --> 00:30:00.920 Understands. 00:30:00.920 --> 00:30:01.640 There are some people. 00:30:01.640 --> 00:30:02.240 In the church. 00:30:02.240 --> 00:30:02.740 That are kind of. 00:30:02.839 --> 00:30:03.319 On the fence. 00:30:04.119 --> 00:30:05.279 That are tempted. 00:30:05.279 --> 00:30:05.799 To kind of. 00:30:05.839 --> 00:30:06.420 Jump back. 00:30:06.619 --> 00:30:07.700 Away from Christ. 00:30:08.799 --> 00:30:09.279 And. 00:30:09.460 --> 00:30:10.099 He's saying. 00:30:10.200 --> 00:30:10.460 Look. 00:30:10.900 --> 00:30:11.519 You hearing. 00:30:11.519 --> 00:30:12.140 The gospel. 00:30:12.819 --> 00:30:13.519 You having. 00:30:14.119 --> 00:30:14.720 The scripture. 00:30:15.460 --> 00:30:16.099 You being. 00:30:16.180 --> 00:30:16.559 Around. 00:30:16.799 --> 00:30:17.359 The church. 00:30:17.559 --> 00:30:18.279 Those are God's. 00:30:18.359 --> 00:30:19.140 Grace to you. 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:20.240 Don't. 00:30:20.660 --> 00:30:21.000 Fail. 00:30:21.180 --> 00:30:21.859 To lay hold. 00:30:21.859 --> 00:30:22.319 Of that. 00:30:22.319 --> 00:30:22.359 God. 00:30:23.240 --> 00:30:24.439 So he's telling that. 00:30:24.460 --> 00:30:24.879 To the people. 00:30:24.879 --> 00:30:25.519 That are tempted. 00:30:25.519 --> 00:30:26.759 To possibly. 00:30:26.759 --> 00:30:27.379 Fall away. 00:30:27.439 --> 00:30:27.839 And go back. 00:30:27.859 --> 00:30:28.899 To their old lifestyle. 00:30:29.980 --> 00:30:30.500 So. 00:30:31.119 --> 00:30:32.339 The Christian community. 00:30:32.339 --> 00:30:33.220 Hearing the gospel. 00:30:33.339 --> 00:30:34.139 The word of God. 00:30:34.179 --> 00:30:34.879 All of that. 00:30:35.599 --> 00:30:36.299 Is grace. 00:30:37.339 --> 00:30:38.480 And God has put it there. 00:30:38.559 --> 00:30:39.039 Many people. 00:30:39.039 --> 00:30:40.159 Don't even have that. 00:30:40.819 --> 00:30:41.679 So failing. 00:30:41.859 --> 00:30:42.439 To respond. 00:30:42.559 --> 00:30:43.579 In genuine faith. 00:30:43.679 --> 00:30:43.919 To. 00:30:44.599 --> 00:30:45.599 The grace of God. 00:30:45.659 --> 00:30:46.220 Expressed. 00:30:46.339 --> 00:30:47.099 In those things. 00:30:47.099 --> 00:30:47.579 Is. 00:30:48.299 --> 00:30:48.619 Scary. 00:30:49.399 --> 00:30:50.139 Second Corinthians. 00:30:50.339 --> 00:30:50.639 Six. 00:30:50.719 --> 00:30:51.259 One and two. 00:30:51.439 --> 00:30:52.059 Paul says. 00:30:52.639 --> 00:30:53.559 We appeal to you. 00:30:53.699 --> 00:30:54.619 Not to receive. 00:30:54.619 --> 00:30:55.779 The grace of God. 00:30:55.779 --> 00:30:56.359 In vain. 00:30:57.359 --> 00:30:58.279 For he says. 00:30:58.319 --> 00:30:59.459 In a favorable time. 00:30:59.459 --> 00:31:00.419 I listened to you. 00:31:00.459 --> 00:31:01.399 In a day of salvation. 00:31:01.399 --> 00:31:02.199 I helped you. 00:31:02.799 --> 00:31:03.219 Behold. 00:31:03.219 --> 00:31:03.659 Now. 00:31:03.659 --> 00:31:03.659 00:31:03.659 --> 00:31:03.659 00:31:03.659 --> 00:31:03.659 00:31:03.659 --> 00:31:03.659 00:31:03.659 --> 00:31:03.659 00:31:03.659 --> 00:31:03.659 00:31:03.659 --> 00:31:03.659 00:31:03.659 --> 00:31:03.659 00:31:03.659 --> 00:31:05.299 Now. 00:31:05.559 --> 00:31:06.059 Is the day. 00:31:06.319 --> 00:31:06.879 Of salvation. 00:31:07.339 --> 00:31:08.579 I'd quit putting it off. 00:31:09.399 --> 00:31:09.879 Quit saying. 00:31:09.959 --> 00:31:10.879 I'll think about it later. 00:31:11.119 --> 00:31:11.439 Like. 00:31:11.539 --> 00:31:11.919 This is. 00:31:12.319 --> 00:31:12.619 Important. 00:31:12.739 --> 00:31:13.419 Don't fail. 00:31:13.420 --> 00:31:14.539 To obtain. 00:31:14.840 --> 00:31:15.320 The grace. 00:31:15.420 --> 00:31:15.900 Of God. 00:31:17.019 --> 00:31:17.320 And. 00:31:18.360 --> 00:31:18.860 Secondly. 00:31:19.039 --> 00:31:19.539 Guard against. 00:31:19.740 --> 00:31:20.300 Bitterness. 00:31:21.340 --> 00:31:21.740 All right. 00:31:21.759 --> 00:31:22.220 We see that. 00:31:22.279 --> 00:31:22.759 In our text. 00:31:22.840 --> 00:31:23.320 By alluding. 00:31:23.820 --> 00:31:24.400 To Deuteronomy. 00:31:24.460 --> 00:31:24.840 29. 00:31:25.000 --> 00:31:25.279 18. 00:31:25.460 --> 00:31:25.700 There. 00:31:26.160 --> 00:31:26.800 To leave. 00:31:26.860 --> 00:31:27.240 God. 00:31:27.400 --> 00:31:28.279 And the real God. 00:31:28.340 --> 00:31:28.880 And to pursue. 00:31:29.080 --> 00:31:29.519 Idols. 00:31:30.259 --> 00:31:30.759 So the writer. 00:31:30.880 --> 00:31:31.340 Desires. 00:31:31.539 --> 00:31:32.279 That no root. 00:31:32.340 --> 00:31:32.940 Of bitterness. 00:31:32.940 --> 00:31:33.860 Or resentment. 00:31:34.519 --> 00:31:35.240 Springs up. 00:31:35.300 --> 00:31:36.200 And causes trouble. 00:31:37.200 --> 00:31:37.600 And. 00:31:37.680 --> 00:31:38.240 Many of us. 00:31:38.300 --> 00:31:38.580 Who have been. 00:31:38.660 --> 00:31:39.000 In the church. 00:31:39.080 --> 00:31:39.600 For a while. 00:31:39.700 --> 00:31:40.220 Like we know. 00:31:40.300 --> 00:31:41.000 That like a bitter. 00:31:41.700 --> 00:31:42.100 Angry. 00:31:42.460 --> 00:31:43.300 Resentful person. 00:31:43.299 --> 00:31:44.299 Can just spread. 00:31:44.440 --> 00:31:44.960 Dissension. 00:31:45.639 --> 00:31:46.299 In the body. 00:31:46.339 --> 00:31:47.200 Like a plague. 00:31:47.960 --> 00:31:48.700 Like a. 00:31:48.819 --> 00:31:50.099 It's a personified. 00:31:50.259 --> 00:31:50.559 Bitter. 00:31:50.879 --> 00:31:51.200 Root. 00:31:51.980 --> 00:31:53.099 Who's mad with God. 00:31:53.379 --> 00:31:54.159 Mad at the church. 00:31:54.339 --> 00:31:55.759 Mad with everyone around them. 00:31:56.419 --> 00:31:57.319 No evidence. 00:31:57.319 --> 00:31:58.460 Of saving faith. 00:31:59.579 --> 00:31:59.940 That. 00:32:00.180 --> 00:32:01.720 They may be professing. 00:32:02.519 --> 00:32:03.039 Believer. 00:32:03.200 --> 00:32:04.000 In the congregation. 00:32:04.659 --> 00:32:05.740 But they're going to poison. 00:32:05.879 --> 00:32:06.519 The whole body. 00:32:06.659 --> 00:32:07.480 Through their bitterness. 00:32:08.200 --> 00:32:08.720 So he's saying. 00:32:08.799 --> 00:32:10.000 Look out for bitterness. 00:32:10.259 --> 00:32:10.879 Among you. 00:32:11.299 --> 00:32:12.139 Don't allow that. 00:32:12.240 --> 00:32:12.919 To take root. 00:32:12.920 --> 00:32:13.440 In your. 00:32:14.200 --> 00:32:14.640 Bodies. 00:32:15.259 --> 00:32:15.580 So. 00:32:16.180 --> 00:32:17.200 And then lastly. 00:32:18.560 --> 00:32:19.420 Guard against. 00:32:19.580 --> 00:32:20.720 Fleshly appetites. 00:32:21.320 --> 00:32:22.860 So that's the last thing we see. 00:32:22.920 --> 00:32:24.320 And this is 16 through 17. 00:32:24.980 --> 00:32:26.200 And they use Esau. 00:32:26.320 --> 00:32:27.180 As an example. 00:32:27.820 --> 00:32:28.240 So we have. 00:32:28.360 --> 00:32:29.480 We have to guard against. 00:32:29.900 --> 00:32:30.420 Fleshly. 00:32:31.539 --> 00:32:32.060 Unhinged. 00:32:33.160 --> 00:32:34.300 Sinful appetites. 00:32:35.300 --> 00:32:35.960 See to it. 00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:36.640 That no one. 00:32:36.720 --> 00:32:37.740 Is sexually immoral. 00:32:38.580 --> 00:32:39.180 Unholy. 00:32:39.519 --> 00:32:40.320 Or godless. 00:32:40.319 --> 00:32:41.119 Like Esau. 00:32:41.119 --> 00:32:41.119 00:32:41.579 --> 00:32:42.579 Who insanely. 00:32:42.980 --> 00:32:43.299 Sold. 00:32:43.859 --> 00:32:44.740 His birthright. 00:32:45.379 --> 00:32:46.679 For a single meal. 00:32:47.480 --> 00:32:48.539 So we know the story. 00:32:48.639 --> 00:32:49.480 In Genesis 25. 00:32:49.599 --> 00:32:50.279 He came in hungry. 00:32:50.439 --> 00:32:51.659 And he sold his birthright. 00:32:51.779 --> 00:32:52.679 To his younger brother. 00:32:53.480 --> 00:32:54.919 Because he was just hungry. 00:32:55.759 --> 00:32:56.159 Stupid. 00:32:56.819 --> 00:32:57.779 Insane thing to do. 00:32:58.299 --> 00:32:59.359 So the writer is saying. 00:32:59.559 --> 00:33:00.339 That later on. 00:33:00.379 --> 00:33:00.700 Esau. 00:33:00.839 --> 00:33:01.399 Sought to. 00:33:01.879 --> 00:33:02.919 Regain that title. 00:33:02.920 --> 00:33:04.259 Of his inheritance. 00:33:04.960 --> 00:33:05.880 But he's rejected. 00:33:06.100 --> 00:33:07.340 He found no opportunity. 00:33:08.060 --> 00:33:08.940 For repentance. 00:33:09.300 --> 00:33:10.259 And so what does that mean? 00:33:10.940 --> 00:33:11.800 It's not that Esau. 00:33:11.940 --> 00:33:13.200 Longed for true repentance. 00:33:13.500 --> 00:33:14.160 From God. 00:33:15.220 --> 00:33:15.600 Otherwise. 00:33:15.820 --> 00:33:17.340 God would not have refused it. 00:33:17.360 --> 00:33:18.240 If it was true repentance. 00:33:19.100 --> 00:33:20.500 All who truly repent. 00:33:20.620 --> 00:33:21.220 Like Peter. 00:33:21.400 --> 00:33:21.640 Right? 00:33:21.700 --> 00:33:22.220 Are forgiven. 00:33:22.900 --> 00:33:24.440 But it says that Esau. 00:33:24.580 --> 00:33:25.440 Sought it with tears. 00:33:25.539 --> 00:33:26.500 So what's the it there? 00:33:27.160 --> 00:33:27.720 The it. 00:33:27.720 --> 00:33:27.839 It. 00:33:28.200 --> 00:33:28.900 I believe. 00:33:29.059 --> 00:33:30.240 Refers to the blessing. 00:33:30.700 --> 00:33:31.500 Or the inheritance. 00:33:31.680 --> 00:33:32.700 But not true repentance. 00:33:32.700 --> 00:33:33.319 Toward God. 00:33:33.380 --> 00:33:33.980 He just wanted. 00:33:34.480 --> 00:33:35.400 What he had lost. 00:33:35.839 --> 00:33:36.240 Back. 00:33:36.980 --> 00:33:37.600 He didn't really. 00:33:37.740 --> 00:33:38.680 Desire God. 00:33:38.779 --> 00:33:40.019 So he failed to obtain. 00:33:40.100 --> 00:33:41.120 Isaac's blessing. 00:33:41.940 --> 00:33:42.779 And couldn't repair. 00:33:42.880 --> 00:33:44.039 What had been done. 00:33:44.880 --> 00:33:45.240 And. 00:33:45.920 --> 00:33:47.000 It also calls him. 00:33:47.759 --> 00:33:48.940 Sexually immoral. 00:33:49.319 --> 00:33:50.120 Which we get our word. 00:33:50.339 --> 00:33:51.279 Pornography from. 00:33:52.200 --> 00:33:53.200 Which agrees. 00:33:53.200 --> 00:33:54.700 With some extra biblical. 00:33:54.940 --> 00:33:55.700 Ancient accounts. 00:33:55.779 --> 00:33:56.259 Of Esau. 00:33:56.980 --> 00:33:57.640 How he was a. 00:33:57.720 --> 00:33:59.539 Sexually unrestrained guy. 00:34:00.380 --> 00:34:01.339 But the point is. 00:34:01.480 --> 00:34:02.360 Why he's saying this. 00:34:02.519 --> 00:34:02.680 Is. 00:34:03.200 --> 00:34:03.740 Is this. 00:34:04.539 --> 00:34:05.740 Don't be completely. 00:34:05.740 --> 00:34:06.500 Earthbound. 00:34:07.160 --> 00:34:07.620 Don't. 00:34:07.860 --> 00:34:08.519 Throw away. 00:34:08.619 --> 00:34:09.500 Something eternal. 00:34:10.240 --> 00:34:10.740 Divine. 00:34:10.880 --> 00:34:11.340 And sacred. 00:34:11.460 --> 00:34:12.400 Over stupid. 00:34:12.619 --> 00:34:13.720 Fleshly appetites. 00:34:14.280 --> 00:34:15.440 Don't be controlled. 00:34:16.179 --> 00:34:16.720 By your. 00:34:17.079 --> 00:34:17.380 Gut. 00:34:18.360 --> 00:34:19.079 As Esau. 00:34:19.179 --> 00:34:19.619 Threw away. 00:34:19.679 --> 00:34:20.380 His inheritance. 00:34:20.380 --> 00:34:21.179 Over a stupid. 00:34:21.179 --> 00:34:22.199 Bowl of soup. 00:34:22.780 --> 00:34:23.740 Because he was hungry. 00:34:23.900 --> 00:34:24.139 Don't. 00:34:24.559 --> 00:34:25.199 Throw away. 00:34:25.480 --> 00:34:25.659 The. 00:34:26.260 --> 00:34:26.579 Heavenly. 00:34:26.840 --> 00:34:27.400 Inheritance. 00:34:27.400 --> 00:34:28.260 Offered to you. 00:34:28.360 --> 00:34:28.940 In Christ. 00:34:29.519 --> 00:34:29.780 Is. 00:34:29.920 --> 00:34:30.200 Crazy. 00:34:30.519 --> 00:34:30.639 Is. 00:34:30.639 --> 00:34:30.820 Is. 00:34:31.220 --> 00:34:30.880 Is. 00:34:30.880 --> 00:34:31.099 Is. 00:34:31.480 --> 00:34:31.700 Is. 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:31.700 00:34:31.699 --> 00:34:38.679 saying, don't allow those things to overtake you and to lose this. So guard against the fleshly 00:34:38.679 --> 00:34:46.759 appetites that can lead you to sin. Just completely the goal of your life is to eat, drink, sleep, 00:34:47.259 --> 00:34:51.239 feel good, comfort, have sex. And that's the goal of your life. Whatever you've got to get to attain 00:34:51.239 --> 00:34:57.899 those things, don't let that be the goal of your life. Don't trade the salvation you can have in 00:34:57.900 --> 00:35:04.760 Christ. So look back up to Hebrews 12, one through two. I just want to end with some encouragement. 00:35:07.000 --> 00:35:12.720 We see in one and two, therefore, since we are surrounded by great cloud of witnesses, 00:35:13.500 --> 00:35:20.720 let us also lay aside every weight and every sin that clings so closely and run with endurance the 00:35:20.720 --> 00:35:27.599 race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, 00:35:27.900 --> 00:35:36.500 so William Tyndale, one of the earliest guys to translate the Bible into English, 00:35:37.139 --> 00:35:47.180 he loved that word author and finisher, that phrase right there, the archegos of our faith. 00:35:47.420 --> 00:35:54.700 He wrote it this way in his translation, rune, R-U-N-E, so there's the old, old English for us, 00:35:54.699 --> 00:36:03.359 with patience, the battle that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher 00:36:03.359 --> 00:36:09.799 of our faith. So we use the word founder and perfecter, same idea, but Tyndale was afraid 00:36:09.799 --> 00:36:16.039 that if he translated that word wrongly and he used the word beginner, it could imply that, 00:36:16.159 --> 00:36:20.480 it could imply to a reader that our faith may have an end too. And he was saying, 00:36:20.480 --> 00:36:27.719 our faith doesn't have an end. So how do I pick a word, an English word that encapsulate this? And so 00:36:27.719 --> 00:36:37.059 he said, the author and the finisher of our faith, the archegos of our faith. And the picture is of, 00:36:37.280 --> 00:36:43.019 like, just follow my analogy, like an elite military group on a mission, and they come across this big 00:36:43.019 --> 00:36:48.179 ravine and they don't have time to go around it. It's too urgent. So the leader of that group, 00:36:48.179 --> 00:36:55.239 at risk to himself, throws a line across, gets it secure, crosses first by himself, 00:36:55.980 --> 00:37:01.619 secures it for his team to follow him. That's what Christ has done for us. He's gone before us. 00:37:02.039 --> 00:37:08.639 He stared down the cross and now he is before us and he's, he's cleared the way for us to follow 00:37:08.639 --> 00:37:15.920 the author and finisher of our faith. We are sure that he who began the good work will 00:37:15.920 --> 00:37:21.019 complete it. God doesn't start what he doesn't finish. It just doesn't work that way. 00:37:21.719 --> 00:37:27.059 So be encouraged that we can run with endurance the races before us, looking to Christ, the author 00:37:27.059 --> 00:37:30.440 and perfect our faith. Join me in prayer. 00:37:30.440 --> 00:37:31.440 яя 00:37:31.440 --> 00:37:31.440 00:37:31.019 --> 00:37:31.440 я