WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:21.000 This morning we will be continuing in Romans chapter 8 if you want to turn there. 00:00:21.000 --> 00:00:24.000 ! We'll be looking at verses 8-11. 00:00:24.000 --> 00:00:29.379 If you're using one of the Bibles here in the church, it's on page 944. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:37.000 So you can turn there if you want at this point. 00:00:37.000 --> 00:00:43.000 I'd like to start by just sharing a little story about our time in China. 00:00:43.000 --> 00:00:52.000 In China, when our family was living there, there was one specific word that we all learned relatively quickly. 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:54.000 It's the word waiguaren. 00:00:54.000 --> 00:00:55.000 Waiguaren. 00:00:55.000 --> 00:00:56.000 Waiguaren. 00:00:56.000 --> 00:00:57.000 You see it? 00:00:57.000 --> 00:00:59.000 For me it's there, but for you it's there. 00:00:59.000 --> 00:01:01.000 So I'm never sure which way to point. 00:01:01.000 --> 00:01:02.000 Waiguaren. 00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:03.000 And it means foreigner. 00:01:03.000 --> 00:01:09.000 And literally every place we went, literally every place we went. 00:01:09.000 --> 00:01:15.000 If you're walking down the street, if we're in stores, if we're in the park, if we were in restaurants, every place. 00:01:15.000 --> 00:01:20.000 People would stop and they would point and go, oh, waiguaren, waiguaren. 00:01:20.000 --> 00:01:23.000 I'm not exaggerating. 00:01:23.000 --> 00:01:26.000 And so we learned it pretty quickly. 00:01:26.000 --> 00:01:28.000 And it means foreigner. 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:37.000 And so after we had been there a while, several years, it got to the point where I kind of liked to play with them a little when this was happening. 00:01:37.000 --> 00:01:40.000 I mean, this happened, we lived there 12 years. 00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:43.000 The day we left, still just as many people going, oh, waiguaren, waiguaren. 00:01:43.000 --> 00:01:44.000 Okay, it didn't change. 00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:46.000 But after a few years, I'd like to play with them. 00:01:46.000 --> 00:01:48.000 And I would say back to them, 00:01:48.000 --> 00:01:58.000 which, that's the next one, actually is the Chinese for Hakka people. 00:01:58.000 --> 00:02:01.000 And that's the primary people group that lived in our city. 00:02:01.000 --> 00:02:04.000 And so I'd say, no, no, no, we're not foreigners. 00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:05.000 We're Hakka. 00:02:05.000 --> 00:02:11.000 Now, the way that works is in that word, you break out the two characters. 00:02:11.000 --> 00:02:17.000 There's ke, which basically means guest, visitor, that kind of thing. 00:02:17.000 --> 00:02:20.000 And jia, and jia means family. 00:02:20.000 --> 00:02:25.000 Now, the way the logic worked for me is we were by far the guest family more than they were. 00:02:25.000 --> 00:02:26.000 Right? 00:02:26.000 --> 00:02:29.000 And so I would say, no, we're Hakka. 00:02:29.000 --> 00:02:32.000 Well, as you could imagine, they didn't agree. 00:02:32.000 --> 00:02:33.000 Okay? 00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:37.000 And so then the conversation would go something like this. 00:02:37.000 --> 00:02:46.000 You're not Hakka. We're Hakka. 00:02:46.000 --> 00:02:47.000 Okay? 00:02:47.000 --> 00:02:50.000 And then the questions would ensue. 00:02:50.000 --> 00:02:51.000 Okay? 00:02:51.000 --> 00:02:59.000 And usually 99.9% of the time, 99.9% of the time, the next question would be, 00:02:59.000 --> 00:03:04.000 Can you speak Hakka? 00:03:04.000 --> 00:03:07.000 Now, we lived there a long time, okay? 00:03:07.000 --> 00:03:10.000 And my language teacher had prepared me for this question. 00:03:10.000 --> 00:03:14.000 Ashley had got me set because they always would ask that next. 00:03:14.000 --> 00:03:17.000 If I'm saying Hakka, they're going to want to know, do I speak Hakka? 00:03:17.000 --> 00:03:21.000 So I would respond, in Hakka, 00:03:21.000 --> 00:03:26.000 I really like to speak Hakka. 00:03:26.000 --> 00:03:30.000 And they would do basically what you just did. 00:03:30.000 --> 00:03:32.000 They'd be all excited. 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:38.000 And they'd say, Anvoyo, which is, it doesn't have a good translation, really great. 00:03:38.000 --> 00:03:44.000 It really means very fierce, but in a positive way. 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:46.000 And so, you know, they would respond that. 00:03:46.000 --> 00:03:49.000 And then I was already set for my response. 00:03:49.000 --> 00:03:52.000 I mean, it happened A, B, C, every time. 00:03:52.000 --> 00:03:57.000 I would say, Chu voye, chu voye, which is Hakka for, ah, it's no big deal. 00:03:58.000 --> 00:04:01.000 At that point, they were just delighted. 00:04:01.000 --> 00:04:05.000 And, and, uh, Allie can tell you, they still would talk to her after we left it. 00:04:05.000 --> 00:04:07.000 Where's your teacher that is Hakka, you know? 00:04:07.000 --> 00:04:12.000 Um, and so, the problem is, at this point in the conversation, 00:04:13.000 --> 00:04:15.000 I needed to move on. 00:04:15.000 --> 00:04:16.000 Right? 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:24.000 I mean, we were quickly approaching the, the full use of my five sentences in Hakka 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:26.000 that I had prepared. 00:04:26.000 --> 00:04:31.000 And if I lingered any longer, then it was going to come down to a, a thing like, you know, 00:04:31.000 --> 00:04:33.000 were you born here? 00:04:33.000 --> 00:04:35.000 And are your parents Hakka? 00:04:35.000 --> 00:04:39.000 And as you can imagine, those probing questions wouldn't go too well for my argument. 00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:42.000 So, right about that point, I would move on. 00:04:42.000 --> 00:04:45.000 We'd have somewhere to go or something else to do. 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:51.000 So, the point in all of that is this morning, as we come back to Romans chapter eight, 00:04:51.000 --> 00:04:58.000 and look at verses eight through 11, my goal is for us to look at three questions. 00:04:58.000 --> 00:05:04.000 Three questions that hopefully will help us dive deeper, 00:05:04.000 --> 00:05:10.000 and in a very practical way, help you avoid doing spiritually 00:05:10.000 --> 00:05:13.000 what I was intentionally doing with Hakka, 00:05:14.000 --> 00:05:19.000 giving some rote answers to cover over the truth of the matter and move on with things. 00:05:19.000 --> 00:05:24.000 So, this morning we're going to look at three questions as we go through this passage, 00:05:24.000 --> 00:05:27.000 and we're going to just go verse by verse, okay? 00:05:27.000 --> 00:05:30.000 So, we're going to start with Romans eight, verse eight. 00:05:30.000 --> 00:05:32.000 Romans eight, verse eight. 00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:34.000 I guess I better open my notes here. 00:05:34.000 --> 00:05:36.000 It'll make it a little less long. 00:05:36.000 --> 00:05:40.000 Romans eight, verse eight. 00:05:40.000 --> 00:05:44.000 And the first question is, are you in the flesh? 00:05:44.000 --> 00:05:47.000 Are you in the flesh? 00:05:47.000 --> 00:05:52.000 Romans eight, verse eight says, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:54.000 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 00:05:54.000 --> 00:06:00.000 And so, the first question I want us to consider this morning is, are you in the flesh? 00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:01.000 Okay? 00:06:01.000 --> 00:06:07.000 Now, we've talked about and used this phrase, in the flesh, many times already in Romans, 00:06:07.000 --> 00:06:09.000 and don't worry, there's still some more to come. 00:06:09.000 --> 00:06:15.000 But I wanted to take a second and just define what do we mean when we talk about in the flesh? 00:06:15.000 --> 00:06:17.000 What do we mean by in the flesh? 00:06:17.000 --> 00:06:23.000 And so, here's a brief definition from Pastor Dave's book of theology for you here. 00:06:23.000 --> 00:06:34.000 In the flesh means living out of that self-centered, selfish, prideful focus or motivation that we're all born with. 00:06:34.000 --> 00:06:35.000 Okay? 00:06:35.000 --> 00:06:39.000 So, when we talk about being in the flesh, this is what we have in mind. 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:45.000 Living out that self-centered, selfish, prideful focus or motivation that we're all born with. 00:06:45.000 --> 00:06:50.000 Very interestingly, just in the last week or two, I was talking with a young lady, 00:06:50.000 --> 00:06:56.000 and she was talking about how the majority of the people think children are born good. 00:06:56.000 --> 00:07:02.000 To which I replied, anyone who thinks children are born good haven't had any children. 00:07:03.000 --> 00:07:04.000 Right? 00:07:04.000 --> 00:07:10.000 Because I had to work really hard to get my kids to do what was right, but to lie or to cheat or to steal, 00:07:10.000 --> 00:07:15.000 or to beat their brother in the head with a stick, that all came very naturally. 00:07:15.000 --> 00:07:16.000 Yeah? 00:07:16.000 --> 00:07:20.000 So, you know, the idea when we talk about being in the flesh is that very thing. 00:07:20.000 --> 00:07:22.000 The nature that we're born with. 00:07:22.000 --> 00:07:28.000 The way that we just come out being self-centered, being selfish, being prideful. 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:32.000 And so, we notice from this verse, in verse 8, it says what? 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:37.000 It says, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 00:07:37.000 --> 00:07:42.000 That means there is some group of people that cannot please God, whatever they do. 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:47.000 And the definition of those people are those who are in the flesh. 00:07:47.000 --> 00:07:52.000 And so, if there's a group of people that cannot please God, whatever they do, 00:07:52.000 --> 00:07:59.000 and it's those people that are in the flesh, it behooves us to take a look at our lives and see, are we in the flesh? 00:07:59.000 --> 00:08:05.000 And I came up, do you guys appreciate the fact that it says flesh there, those five letters? 00:08:05.000 --> 00:08:07.000 It took a long time to do that. 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:13.000 So, if some of those words aren't good, just know it was the best I could do with the letter I had. 00:08:13.000 --> 00:08:14.000 Okay? 00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:18.000 So, here's five areas for us to look at as we consider are we in the flesh. 00:08:18.000 --> 00:08:20.000 The first is free time. 00:08:20.000 --> 00:08:21.000 Free time. 00:08:21.000 --> 00:08:22.000 Okay? 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:27.000 How do you spend your free time, the time that you have to decide what you're going to do with? 00:08:27.000 --> 00:08:31.000 Maybe you spend it sleeping or watching TV, watching movies. 00:08:31.000 --> 00:08:36.000 Maybe you spend it playing sports or going to the gym. 00:08:36.000 --> 00:08:40.000 Maybe you like working on some project or a hobby. 00:08:40.000 --> 00:08:46.000 Maybe you're involved in some kind of event where you like to be outside or just enjoy nature. 00:08:46.000 --> 00:08:52.000 You know, how are you spending your free time, the time that you get to decide what you're going to do? 00:08:52.000 --> 00:08:59.000 Now, as we consider this, something important to point out is I'm not saying any of those things are wrong. 00:08:59.000 --> 00:09:00.000 Okay? 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:02.000 I'm not saying any of those things are wrong. 00:09:02.000 --> 00:09:05.000 But first, I want you to decide how you spend your free time. 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:11.000 Second, I want you to think about what's the motivation behind what you do with your free time. 00:09:11.000 --> 00:09:13.000 See, because that's what we're talking about. 00:09:13.000 --> 00:09:18.000 When we're talking about in the flesh, we're talking about the motivation behind it. 00:09:18.000 --> 00:09:20.000 So, what's your motivation? 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:28.000 Are you choosing to spend your free time out of a heart that's selfish, that's self-centered, that's prideful? 00:09:28.000 --> 00:09:33.000 Whatever the answer is for how you spend it, what's your motivation behind it? 00:09:33.000 --> 00:09:35.000 Are you in the flesh? 00:09:35.000 --> 00:09:36.000 Okay? 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:37.000 Think about that. 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:39.000 I'll give you a second. 00:09:39.000 --> 00:09:41.000 Okay, that was long enough. 00:09:41.000 --> 00:09:42.000 Okay? 00:09:42.000 --> 00:09:44.000 Look at a second point. 00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:46.000 L, the longings. 00:09:46.000 --> 00:09:47.000 Longings. 00:09:47.000 --> 00:09:49.000 What are the things you really desire? 00:09:49.000 --> 00:09:51.000 What are the things you're pursuing? 00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:54.000 What are the things that you are lusting after? 00:09:54.000 --> 00:09:56.000 What are the things that really are driving you? 00:09:56.000 --> 00:09:57.000 Okay? 00:09:57.000 --> 00:09:59.000 Here's a list of things I came up with. 00:09:59.000 --> 00:10:00.000 Maybe it's comfort. 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:02.000 Are you longing for comfort? 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:06.000 Maybe it's physical pleasure, success, material things. 00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:12.000 Maybe you're longing for someone's approval or maybe you're longing for someone's attention. 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:14.000 Maybe you're longing to be beautiful. 00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:20.000 Maybe you're longing for financial success or wealth or security and safety. 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:26.000 Maybe you're just pursuing being distracted from all the things that are going on in your life. 00:10:26.000 --> 00:10:29.000 What is it that you really long for? 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:39.000 Now, again, it's not that any of those things necessarily is wrong, but what's your motivation in those longings? 00:10:39.000 --> 00:10:45.000 Do those things flow out of a selfish, self-centered, prideful life? 00:10:45.000 --> 00:10:46.000 So think about it. 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:47.000 Your longings. 00:10:47.000 --> 00:10:49.000 Are you in the flesh? 00:10:49.000 --> 00:10:50.000 Number three. 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:51.000 E. 00:10:51.000 --> 00:10:52.000 Your excuses. 00:10:52.000 --> 00:10:54.000 Your excuses. 00:10:54.000 --> 00:11:00.000 What are the reasons that you're giving for the things that you do or the things that you don't do? 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:05.000 Whether they're things you know you should do, you don't do, or things that you know you shouldn't do, you do. 00:11:05.000 --> 00:11:09.000 What are your reasoning for doing or not doing those things? 00:11:09.000 --> 00:11:14.000 And again, does it flow out of a selfish, self-centered life? 00:11:15.000 --> 00:11:16.000 Okay? 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:17.000 Are you in the flesh? 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:18.000 Think about it. 00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:19.000 Okay, number four. 00:11:19.000 --> 00:11:20.000 Spending. 00:11:20.000 --> 00:11:21.000 Spending. 00:11:21.000 --> 00:11:24.000 What are you spending your money on? 00:11:24.000 --> 00:11:26.000 Where is all your money going? 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:32.000 Are you spending it on necessities or luxuries, on helping others, on giving it to Jesus? 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:35.000 And actually, this is free, okay? 00:11:35.000 --> 00:11:36.000 I'm just sticking this in. 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:38.000 This is no extra charge for this little nugget here. 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:43.000 But I was talking with a couple of people in the past couple of weeks about the church 00:11:43.000 --> 00:11:49.000 and some ministries that could happen if more people came to church and then we'd have more money and we could do more things. 00:11:49.000 --> 00:11:52.000 It was actually give everybody an iPad in case you're curious. 00:11:52.000 --> 00:11:57.000 But I said to them, look, it's not that we need more people. 00:11:57.000 --> 00:12:01.000 We just need people to be giving at least 10%. 00:12:01.000 --> 00:12:02.000 Well, they were shocked. 00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:04.000 They said, no, our church is generous. 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:06.000 And our church is generous. 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:09.000 And they said, surely our church, everybody is tithing. 00:12:09.000 --> 00:12:13.000 And I said, well, I don't know the details, but I know statistically what's true. 00:12:13.000 --> 00:12:16.000 And so I grabbed some statistics for you, okay? 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:19.000 Here's some statistics about the average church. 00:12:19.000 --> 00:12:26.000 Okay, tithers, people who give at least 10%, make up only 10% to 25% of a normal congregation. 00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:31.000 Only 5% give at least 10% of their income. 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:35.000 And 80% of American Christians only give 2% of their income. 00:12:35.000 --> 00:12:41.000 Christians now in days are giving at about 2.5% of their income on average. 00:12:41.000 --> 00:12:45.000 And during the Great Depression, it was 3.3%. 00:12:45.000 --> 00:12:52.000 And for families making more than $75,000, the church giving figure drops to just 1%. 00:12:52.000 --> 00:13:00.000 Average giving by adults who attend U.S. Protestant churches is about $17 a week. 00:13:00.000 --> 00:13:01.000 Okay? 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:02.000 Interesting. 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:03.000 Okay, statistics. 00:13:03.000 --> 00:13:04.000 Now, I agree. 00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:06.000 Maranatha is more generous than average. 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:11.000 But just thinking about it, the question is, how are you spending your money? 00:13:11.000 --> 00:13:15.000 And now, that's not the hard question. 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:16.000 Okay? 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:19.000 The hard question is, what's your motivation in it? 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:28.000 So whether you're spending that on luxurities, or you're spending it on giving it to Jesus, 00:13:28.000 --> 00:13:30.000 the question is, why? 00:13:30.000 --> 00:13:32.000 What's the motivation behind it? 00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:34.000 That's what matters. 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:37.000 Are you doing it out of a selfish, self-centered heart? 00:13:37.000 --> 00:13:39.000 Is it done out of pride? 00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:42.000 If so, then it's in the flesh. 00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:43.000 Okay? 00:13:43.000 --> 00:13:45.000 One last one. 00:13:45.000 --> 00:13:47.000 H. Helping. 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:48.000 Helping. 00:13:48.000 --> 00:13:51.000 I know some of you are saying, okay, listen, preacher. 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:53.000 I was with you. 00:13:53.000 --> 00:13:54.000 Free time. 00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:55.000 I got it. 00:13:55.000 --> 00:13:56.000 Longings. 00:13:56.000 --> 00:13:57.000 I got it. 00:13:57.000 --> 00:13:58.000 Excuses, of course. 00:13:58.000 --> 00:13:59.000 Spending. 00:13:59.000 --> 00:14:00.000 You get a little particular. 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:01.000 H. Helping. 00:14:01.000 --> 00:14:06.000 You're saying, by looking at how we help and serve others, we can decide if we're in the flesh. 00:14:06.000 --> 00:14:10.000 And again, remember, it's about motivation. 00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:12.000 So think about it. 00:14:12.000 --> 00:14:13.000 Think about it. 00:14:13.000 --> 00:14:20.000 In your own life, where you're serving, helping, doing things for other people, what's the motivation? 00:14:20.000 --> 00:14:21.000 Is it self-centered? 00:14:21.000 --> 00:14:22.000 Is it self-centered? 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:31.000 Again, if you're giving all your money to feed starving orphans in India, but it's out of a selfish motivation, it's in the flesh. 00:14:31.000 --> 00:14:35.000 And we just read in verse 8 that that does not please God. 00:14:35.000 --> 00:14:36.000 Okay? 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:48.000 If you stop to help somebody whose car is broken down, or if you give all your money to the poor, or if you do everything you can to save the environment, or if you're helping a little old lady across the street. 00:14:48.000 --> 00:15:02.000 If you're helping a little bit, but it's flowing out of a spirit or a motivation that's self-centered, that's selfish, that's prideful, then those things aren't pleasing to God. 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:04.000 It's the flesh. 00:15:04.000 --> 00:15:07.000 Psalm 14, 1 through 3 says this. 00:15:07.000 --> 00:15:12.000 Only fools say in their hearts there is no God. 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:16.000 They are corrupt, and their actions are evil. 00:15:16.000 --> 00:15:18.000 Not one of them does good. 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:21.000 The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race. 00:15:21.000 --> 00:15:26.000 He looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:28.000 But no, all have turned away. 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:29.000 All have become corrupt. 00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:30.000 No one does good. 00:15:30.000 --> 00:15:32.000 Not a single one. 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:36.000 And you remember the story of the rich young ruler, right? 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:42.000 The rich young ruler comes to talk to Jesus, and he says, good teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life? 00:15:42.000 --> 00:15:48.000 And you remember Jesus says back to him, he says, why do you call me good? 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:50.000 No one's good except God alone. 00:15:50.000 --> 00:15:57.000 And we have a trouble in our society really often grasping this truth. 00:15:57.000 --> 00:16:01.000 Understanding, you know, that there is no one good. 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:04.000 That there is no one who does what's right. 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:10.000 We look at our own lives and the lives of others, and we see all the kind things that are done, 00:16:10.000 --> 00:16:16.000 or we see all the things that, you know, we're not doing wrong, or all the ways that we're better than somebody else. 00:16:16.000 --> 00:16:25.000 And we just somehow subliminally think that we're placing good works on the positive side of the scales of justice. 00:16:25.000 --> 00:16:27.000 But it comes down to motivation. 00:16:27.000 --> 00:16:31.000 It's all about why we're doing those things. 00:16:31.000 --> 00:16:35.000 If it's self-centered, if it's selfish, if it's prideful, it's in the flesh. 00:16:35.000 --> 00:16:37.000 Now, don't get me wrong. 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:41.000 I would much rather somebody help me across the street than mug me and leave me in a ditch. 00:16:41.000 --> 00:16:42.000 Okay? 00:16:42.000 --> 00:16:46.000 I mean, there are definitely actions that are better actions. 00:16:46.000 --> 00:16:48.000 They're more kind. 00:16:48.000 --> 00:16:50.000 They're more helpful. 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:51.000 They're more legal. 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:52.000 Right? 00:16:52.000 --> 00:16:56.000 They're a better reflection of Christ and His character, His law. 00:16:56.000 --> 00:17:08.000 So there are actions that are better, but we need to understand if we're doing those things out of a heart that's focused on selfishness, self-centered pridefulness, 00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:14.000 if those good things are coming out from that motivation, they're not good. 00:17:14.000 --> 00:17:16.000 And they don't please God. 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:21.000 So the question is, are you in the flesh? 00:17:21.000 --> 00:17:22.000 Are you in the flesh? 00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:25.000 So that's question number one. 00:17:25.000 --> 00:17:28.000 Question number two. 00:17:28.000 --> 00:17:31.000 Romans 8, verse 9. 00:17:31.000 --> 00:17:40.000 You, however, you, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if the Spirit of God dwells in you. 00:17:40.000 --> 00:17:44.000 Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him. 00:17:44.000 --> 00:17:48.000 Now, we ask the question, are you in the Spirit? 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:51.000 And let's just take a minute and define in the Spirit, okay? 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:56.000 Again, just for practical purposes, this is how I defined it for you. 00:17:56.000 --> 00:17:57.000 In the Spirit. 00:17:57.000 --> 00:17:58.000 In the Spirit. 00:17:58.000 --> 00:18:09.000 The Spirit of God has moved into your life, and now you have the ability to think, speak, and act from a completely different motivation. 00:18:09.000 --> 00:18:14.000 You can choose not to be self-centered, selfish, and prideful. 00:18:14.000 --> 00:18:18.000 You see, until the Holy Spirit comes into your life, you really don't have an option. 00:18:18.000 --> 00:18:19.000 Okay? 00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:21.000 But the Spirit, in the Spirit, gives you that option. 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:22.000 You can choose. 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:31.000 Your motivation, your focus can now be your love for Jesus and your desire for others to see His beauty. 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:37.000 So, when we talk about being in the Spirit, this is the concept, this is the idea. 00:18:37.000 --> 00:18:40.000 The Holy Spirit has moved in and is changing you. 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:41.000 Okay? 00:18:41.000 --> 00:18:50.000 But notice that it says, if, if the Holy Spirit is there, if the Spirit of God dwells in you. 00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:57.000 And so, I'm going to give you six fingerprints, six fingerprints of the Holy Spirit's work in your life. 00:18:57.000 --> 00:19:01.000 And let's think through this, are you in the Spirit? 00:19:01.000 --> 00:19:04.000 Number one, S, salvation. 00:19:04.000 --> 00:19:05.000 Salvation. 00:19:05.000 --> 00:19:14.000 You know, one of the first things that becomes evident when the Holy Spirit is in our life, is that we begin to see our sin. 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:20.000 And, not just see it, but to turn away from it and begin to follow Christ. 00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:22.000 Look at these verses. 00:19:22.000 --> 00:19:26.000 Jesus speaking in John 16, verses 7 and 8. 00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:27.000 Jesus says, 00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:30.000 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:32.000 It is to your advantage that I go away. 00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:37.000 For if I do not go away, the Helper, the Holy Spirit, will not come to you. 00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:40.000 But if I go, I will send Him to you. 00:19:40.000 --> 00:19:47.000 And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. 00:19:47.000 --> 00:19:53.000 Jesus is saying, it's better for Him to not be with us so the Holy Spirit can be within us. 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:57.000 But when the Holy Spirit does come, notice what happens. 00:19:57.000 --> 00:19:59.000 There's conviction of sin. 00:19:59.000 --> 00:20:00.000 Right? 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:03.000 It's not just talking about feeling guilty for when you do bad things. 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:06.000 Notice what it says in 2 Corinthians 7, 10. 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:08.000 There's two kinds of grief. 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:14.000 Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without any regret. 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:17.000 Whereas worldly grief produces death. 00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:21.000 So the Holy Spirit, when He comes into your life, begins to show you your sin. 00:20:21.000 --> 00:20:25.000 You begin to have the desire to turn away from it and follow Jesus. 00:20:25.000 --> 00:20:29.000 Notice what it says in Titus 7, verses 4 through 7. 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:31.000 It says, 00:20:31.000 --> 00:20:38.000 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us. 00:20:38.000 --> 00:20:44.000 Not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy. 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:52.000 By the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior. 00:20:52.000 --> 00:20:59.000 So that being justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 00:20:59.000 --> 00:21:01.000 So S, salvation. 00:21:01.000 --> 00:21:05.000 If the Holy Spirit's in your life, you're going to see the works of salvation happening. 00:21:05.000 --> 00:21:09.000 P, a passion for Christ. 00:21:09.000 --> 00:21:12.000 A passion for Christ's glory. 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:19.000 When the Holy Spirit comes into our life, we see a growing hunger and desire to see Christ glorified. 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:23.000 In our own lives, in the world around us, in the lives of others. 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:27.000 Again, look at John chapter 16, verses 13 and 14. 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:28.000 Jesus says, 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:32.000 When the Spirit of truth comes, again the Holy Spirit, 00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:37.000 When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:42.000 For He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, 00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:45.000 and He will declare to you the things that are to come. 00:21:45.000 --> 00:21:51.000 He will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you. 00:21:51.000 --> 00:21:55.000 In Philippians 3, 3, talking about us as Christians, says, 00:21:55.000 --> 00:22:02.000 For we are the circumcision who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus, 00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:05.000 and put no confidence in the flesh. 00:22:05.000 --> 00:22:07.000 So do you see that in your life? 00:22:07.000 --> 00:22:12.000 Do you see the Holy Spirit's fingerprints of giving you a greater passion for Christ's glory? 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:16.000 Do you have a desire to see much made of Jesus? 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:21.000 To see Him lifted up in your life, in the world, in the people around you? 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:23.000 One of the fingerprints of the Holy Spirit. 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:25.000 The first I. 00:22:25.000 --> 00:22:26.000 Okay? 00:22:26.000 --> 00:22:29.000 The Holy Spirit interprets God's Word for us. 00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:32.000 Interprets God's Word for us. 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:35.000 If the Holy Spirit is in your life, if you are in the Spirit, 00:22:35.000 --> 00:22:40.000 one of the things the Holy Spirit's going to do is give you a hunger for God's Word, 00:22:40.000 --> 00:22:43.000 and help you understand and apply it. 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:45.000 Look at John 14, 26. 00:22:45.000 --> 00:22:47.000 Jesus says, 00:22:47.000 --> 00:23:03.000 And then 1 Corinthians 2, verses 9 through 14 says, 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:04.000 It says, 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:06.000 But as it is written, 00:23:06.000 --> 00:23:12.000 What no eye has seen, no ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, 00:23:12.000 --> 00:23:15.000 what God has prepared for those who love Him, 00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:21.000 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:26.000 For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:31.000 For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person which is in him? 00:23:31.000 --> 00:23:36.000 So also, no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 00:23:36.000 --> 00:23:42.000 Now we have received not the Spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, 00:23:42.000 --> 00:23:46.000 that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 00:23:46.000 --> 00:23:50.000 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom, 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:57.000 but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 00:23:57.000 --> 00:24:01.000 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, 00:24:01.000 --> 00:24:03.000 for they are folly to him. 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:08.000 He's not able to understand them because they're spiritually discerned. 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:12.000 When the Holy Spirit comes into our life, 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:16.000 one of the fingerprints, one of the signs, one of the evidences, 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:19.000 is there's a growing desire for God's Word. 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:23.000 There's a growing impact of God's Word on our lives. 00:24:23.000 --> 00:24:28.000 You know, we talked previously in one of the sermons I shared with you about how amazing it is 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:33.000 that we believe God's Word, that it's a testimony to God's work in our life. 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:38.000 And the Holy Spirit does that, helps us understand it, helps us apply it. 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:40.000 So do you see that fingerprint in your life? 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:42.000 The R. 00:24:42.000 --> 00:24:43.000 The R. 00:24:43.000 --> 00:24:46.000 The Holy Spirit replaces our habits. 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:48.000 Replaces our habits. 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:52.000 When the Holy Spirit is in our life, when we are in the Spirit, 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:54.000 we see a change in how we live. 00:24:54.000 --> 00:24:58.000 Notice Galatians 5, 19 through 25. 00:24:58.000 --> 00:25:00.000 I'm sure this will be familiar. 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:01.000 It says, 00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:07.000 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear. 00:25:07.000 --> 00:25:17.000 Sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:27.000 outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. 00:25:27.000 --> 00:25:34.000 Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the kingdom of God. 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:36.000 But then verse 22. 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:42.000 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives. 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:52.000 Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:55.000 There is no law against these things. 00:25:55.000 --> 00:26:02.000 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:08.000 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. 00:26:08.000 --> 00:26:11.000 So, are you in the Spirit? 00:26:11.000 --> 00:26:21.000 Can you look at your life and see how the Holy Spirit is at work replacing your habits, changing how you live, moving in your life? 00:26:21.000 --> 00:26:23.000 And not that you're perfect. 00:26:23.000 --> 00:26:25.000 I'm not saying that. 00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:27.000 Again, it's always a process. 00:26:27.000 --> 00:26:34.000 But if the Holy Spirit's there, you should see that change happening if you're living in the Spirit. 00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:36.000 Okay, second I. 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:40.000 The Holy Spirit involves us in the church. 00:26:40.000 --> 00:26:44.000 The Holy Spirit involves us in the church. 00:26:44.000 --> 00:26:49.000 Notice what it says in Ephesians 2, 19 through 22. 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:50.000 It says, 00:26:50.000 --> 00:27:20.000 00:27:20.000 --> 00:27:50.000 00:27:50.000 --> 00:28:09.000 Not only does the Holy Spirit involve you in connecting with the church, but he gives you spiritual gifts for the building up of the body of Christ. 00:28:09.000 --> 00:28:14.000 Everyone here has a part to play. 00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:19.000 Everyone that is indwelled by the Spirit has a gift that we need. 00:28:19.000 --> 00:28:20.000 We need you. 00:28:20.000 --> 00:28:21.000 You need us. 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:24.000 And we labor together for the kingdom of God. 00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:27.000 It's part of what the Holy Spirit does. 00:28:27.000 --> 00:28:28.000 Okay, T. 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:30.000 Talking about Jesus. 00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:32.000 Talking about Jesus. 00:28:32.000 --> 00:28:36.000 You know, I'm sure you're familiar with Acts 1-8 where it says, 00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:38.000 You'll receive power when the Holy Spirit's come upon you. 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:42.000 You'll be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the ends of the earth. 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:45.000 But here's an interesting list from J.D. Greer. 00:28:45.000 --> 00:28:51.000 He points out that every time the Holy Spirit fills people in Luke or in Acts, they begin to talk about Jesus. 00:28:51.000 --> 00:28:52.000 Okay? 00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:54.000 So, very interesting list. 00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:55.000 Look at this. 00:28:55.000 --> 00:28:59.000 When the Spirit fills John the Baptist, he proclaims the coming of the Lord. 00:28:59.000 --> 00:29:05.000 When the Spirit fills Elizabeth, she proclaims a blessing over her relative, Mary, being the mother of Jesus. 00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:10.000 When the Spirit fills Zechariah, he prophesies about the coming glory of Jesus. 00:29:10.000 --> 00:29:16.000 When the Spirit fills the disciples at Pentecost, they declare the gospel in multiple languages. 00:29:16.000 --> 00:29:21.000 When the Spirit fills Peter, he preaches to the rulers that Jesus is their only hope of salvation. 00:29:21.000 --> 00:29:26.000 When the Spirit fills the disciples, they speak the word of God boldly in the face of persecution. 00:29:26.000 --> 00:29:31.000 When the Spirit fills Paul, he immediately begins to preach in the synagogues. 00:29:31.000 --> 00:29:42.000 We see time and time again, if the Holy Spirit is at work, if the Holy Spirit is in you, if you are in the Spirit, you're going to be talking about Jesus. 00:29:42.000 --> 00:29:44.000 It's just a natural result. 00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:56.000 If you think back, the reality is because the Holy Spirit is growing your passion for Christ, it's only going to naturally overflow in your talking with others. 00:29:56.000 --> 00:30:03.000 Whether that's the people that you work with, the people that you live with, the people that you go to church with, the people that you're shopping with, everybody around you. 00:30:03.000 --> 00:30:07.000 And I'm not saying you can't have a conversation about anything but Jesus. 00:30:07.000 --> 00:30:10.000 I mean, it's okay to be like, hey, how's the weather? Do you know Jesus? 00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:12.000 I mean, that's okay. 00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:19.000 The point is, the Holy Spirit is creating an excitement in us, and it's going to flow out of us. 00:30:19.000 --> 00:30:22.000 We're going to see that in our conversations with others. 00:30:22.000 --> 00:30:24.000 So, there's some fingerprints. 00:30:24.000 --> 00:30:25.000 There's some fingerprints. 00:30:25.000 --> 00:30:27.000 So, think about in your life. 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:33.000 Take a minute and consider, do you see these fingerprints of the Spirit happening in your life? 00:30:33.000 --> 00:30:35.000 Are you in the Spirit? 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:47.000 And the reality is, if you don't, if you don't see the fingerprints of the Holy Spirit, or maybe if you do see a high percentage of in the flesh, 00:30:47.000 --> 00:30:53.000 then you need to consider, do you have a relationship with Christ? 00:30:53.000 --> 00:30:58.000 Have you had an experience where you have come to Christ and surrendered your life to Him? 00:30:58.000 --> 00:31:01.000 Notice Acts 2, verses 38 and 39. 00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:03.000 Peter, when he's preaching, says, 00:31:03.000 --> 00:31:10.000 Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins. 00:31:10.000 --> 00:31:17.000 And you'll receive the gift of the Holy Spirit for the promises for you and for your children and for all who are far off. 00:31:17.000 --> 00:31:21.000 Everyone whom the Lord your God, our God, calls to Himself. 00:31:21.000 --> 00:31:31.000 And so, in your life, if you don't see the signs that you are in the Spirit, don't leave today without talking to someone. 00:31:31.000 --> 00:31:38.000 If you'd like to see that change of moving from being in the flesh to being in the Spirit, then talk to any of the people that are around you. 00:31:38.000 --> 00:31:45.000 Come and talk to me, and let's walk through how you can begin a relationship with Jesus today. 00:31:45.000 --> 00:31:52.000 Now, hopefully, at this point, you can see that you are growing out of being in the flesh. 00:31:52.000 --> 00:31:55.000 And you're seeing signs that you are in the Spirit. 00:31:55.000 --> 00:31:59.000 The third question that I want to ask is, are you living it out? 00:31:59.000 --> 00:32:00.000 Are you living it out? 00:32:00.000 --> 00:32:06.000 If the Spirit is in you, if you're in the Spirit, are you living it out in the world around you? 00:32:06.000 --> 00:32:07.000 Okay? 00:32:07.000 --> 00:32:09.000 Just briefly, three things. 00:32:09.000 --> 00:32:12.000 The first is from verse 9, where it says, 00:32:12.000 --> 00:32:15.000 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit. 00:32:15.000 --> 00:32:17.000 In fact, the Spirit of God dwells in you. 00:32:17.000 --> 00:32:21.000 Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him. 00:32:21.000 --> 00:32:24.000 Are you living as one who belongs? 00:32:24.000 --> 00:32:27.000 Are you living as one who belongs? 00:32:27.000 --> 00:32:30.000 And honestly, this is only half a point. 00:32:30.000 --> 00:32:34.000 Because there's responsibilities and rewards. 00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:38.000 But after preaching in a couple weeks, I'm going to use the rewards later. 00:32:38.000 --> 00:32:40.000 So, you're only getting half a point. 00:32:40.000 --> 00:32:42.000 You'll have to come back for the other half. 00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:48.000 Our responsibility, though, is if we belong to Christ, then it should affect how we live. 00:32:48.000 --> 00:32:51.000 Look at 1 Corinthians 6, 19 and 20. 00:32:51.000 --> 00:32:53.000 I'm sure you're familiar with this. 00:32:53.000 --> 00:32:54.000 It says, 00:32:54.000 --> 00:33:00.000 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? 00:33:00.000 --> 00:33:04.000 You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. 00:33:04.000 --> 00:33:06.000 You belong to Christ. 00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:09.000 So, glorify God in your body. 00:33:09.000 --> 00:33:15.000 Are you living in a way that shows you belong to Christ? 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:19.000 Are you bringing Him glory in the things that you're doing? 00:33:19.000 --> 00:33:24.000 Are you bringing Him glory in how you're living your life? 00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:29.000 And, you know, the truth is this really has just been a struggle. 00:33:29.000 --> 00:33:31.000 And I've shared some with you guys before, too. 00:33:31.000 --> 00:33:37.000 The whole issue in my life about my eating and is my eating really glorifying God? 00:33:37.000 --> 00:33:47.000 And struggling through that, even just this week praying about, you know, Lord, wanting to be an example of one who belongs. 00:33:47.000 --> 00:33:50.000 Are you glorifying God in your body? 00:33:50.000 --> 00:33:52.000 Number two. 00:33:52.000 --> 00:33:54.000 They're not numbered, but the second one. 00:33:54.000 --> 00:33:56.000 As one who is dying. 00:33:56.000 --> 00:33:59.000 Are you living as one who is dying? 00:33:59.000 --> 00:34:00.000 Verse 10 says, 00:34:00.000 --> 00:34:09.000 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is life because of righteousness. 00:34:09.000 --> 00:34:11.000 Are you living as one who is dying? 00:34:11.000 --> 00:34:16.000 You see, just because the spirit is at work in us, that doesn't change the effects of sin. 00:34:16.000 --> 00:34:17.000 Right? 00:34:17.000 --> 00:34:19.000 We still live in a sinful world. 00:34:19.000 --> 00:34:21.000 Our bodies are still dying. 00:34:21.000 --> 00:34:25.000 We're still having to face all the struggles and suffering that's happening. 00:34:25.000 --> 00:34:32.000 But are you living as one who's dying with the knowledge of what the spirit is at work doing? 00:34:32.000 --> 00:34:37.000 Look at 2 Corinthians 4, verses 7 through 12. 00:34:37.000 --> 00:34:38.000 It says, 00:34:38.000 --> 00:34:39.000 It says, 00:34:39.000 --> 00:34:51.000 But we have this treasure, the treasure of the gospel, the glories of Christ, in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 00:34:51.000 --> 00:34:56.000 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed. 00:34:56.000 --> 00:35:00.000 We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 00:35:00.000 --> 00:35:03.000 We are persecuted, but not forsaken. 00:35:03.000 --> 00:35:06.000 We're struck down, but not destroyed. 00:35:06.000 --> 00:35:11.000 Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus. 00:35:11.000 --> 00:35:14.000 We're living in a fallen world. 00:35:14.000 --> 00:35:17.000 We're carrying the death of Christ in us as his children. 00:35:17.000 --> 00:35:19.000 Always living. 00:35:19.000 --> 00:35:22.000 Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus. 00:35:22.000 --> 00:35:27.000 So that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 00:35:27.000 --> 00:35:32.000 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake. 00:35:32.000 --> 00:35:37.000 So that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 00:35:37.000 --> 00:35:40.000 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 00:35:40.000 --> 00:35:43.000 Are you living like one who's dying? 00:35:43.000 --> 00:35:45.000 Are you dying daily? 00:35:45.000 --> 00:35:47.000 Are you taking up your cross? 00:35:47.000 --> 00:35:52.000 Are you being willing to give up your rights, your desires? 00:35:52.000 --> 00:35:58.000 Are you willing to set aside the things that don't really matter because you're dying? 00:35:58.000 --> 00:36:07.000 Are you willing to carry the death of Christ in order that the life of Christ might be seen by those around you? 00:36:07.000 --> 00:36:11.000 You know, I said I wasn't going to do this, but I'm going to do it anyway. 00:36:11.000 --> 00:36:12.000 And then I'm going to cry. 00:36:12.000 --> 00:36:14.000 And then we're all going to be here another ten minutes. 00:36:14.000 --> 00:36:19.000 You know, it was such, it was, just give me a minute. 00:36:19.000 --> 00:36:23.000 It was such a blessing this week to watch our young people serve. 00:36:23.000 --> 00:36:30.000 And they served and they served and I didn't hear anybody complain. 00:36:30.000 --> 00:36:35.000 And they were sleeping here and they were having late nights and they were having early mornings. 00:36:35.000 --> 00:36:40.000 Because I was having early mornings and when I would get here, they would already be up and around and doing things. 00:36:40.000 --> 00:36:43.000 And they were serving and giving of themselves. 00:36:43.000 --> 00:36:47.000 And I assure you there were some times when they didn't want to. 00:36:47.000 --> 00:36:48.000 Okay? 00:36:48.000 --> 00:36:53.000 But they were willing to live like they're dying. 00:36:53.000 --> 00:36:55.000 That's what really mattered. 00:36:55.000 --> 00:36:57.000 They were willing to give themselves. 00:36:57.000 --> 00:37:01.000 And already we're seeing an impact from their labors. 00:37:01.000 --> 00:37:04.000 And I just ask, continue to pray for that. 00:37:04.000 --> 00:37:07.000 Are you willing to live as one who's dying? 00:37:07.000 --> 00:37:11.000 Third point, and then we'll conclude. 00:37:11.000 --> 00:37:14.000 Are you living as one who will be raised? 00:37:14.000 --> 00:37:20.000 Are you willing, are you living as one who will be raised? 00:37:20.000 --> 00:37:27.000 Not only are we living a life where we know we're dying, but there's something more, right? 00:37:27.000 --> 00:37:29.000 There's something beyond what we see. 00:37:29.000 --> 00:37:33.000 Look at 2 Corinthians chapter 5 verses 1 through 5. 00:37:33.000 --> 00:37:34.000 It says, 00:37:34.000 --> 00:38:04.000 00:38:04.000 --> 00:38:34.000 00:38:34.000 --> 00:39:04.000 00:39:04.000 --> 00:39:06.000 Our outer self is wasting away. 00:39:06.000 --> 00:39:14.000 Our inner self is being renewed day by day for this light momentary affliction. 00:39:14.000 --> 00:39:16.000 And remember, Paul is the one writing this. 00:39:16.000 --> 00:39:19.000 The one that had been shipwrecked and whipped and beaten and stoned and left for dead. 00:39:19.000 --> 00:39:21.000 Anyway, that's a long list. 00:39:21.000 --> 00:39:22.000 And he's saying, 00:39:22.000 --> 00:39:32.000 This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. 00:39:32.000 --> 00:39:36.000 As we look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. 00:39:36.000 --> 00:39:41.000 For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 00:39:41.000 --> 00:39:50.000 If you're not in the flesh, if you're in the spirit, if the spirit of God is dwelling in you, are you living as one who will be raised? 00:39:50.000 --> 00:39:59.000 Are your priorities, your heart, your focus, your passion, your response to the things going on around you, are they with a view towards eternity? 00:39:59.000 --> 00:40:04.000 Are you living out the spirit in your daily life? 00:40:04.000 --> 00:40:13.000 In closing, I have a really long quote from Francis Chan in his book, Forgotten God. 00:40:13.000 --> 00:40:14.000 But it's really good. 00:40:14.000 --> 00:40:16.000 But I have it up there, so you guys will read this too. 00:40:16.000 --> 00:40:17.000 I'll read. 00:40:17.000 --> 00:40:19.000 I feel like this is a good summary. 00:40:19.000 --> 00:40:21.000 It says, 00:40:21.000 --> 00:40:26.000 And this is the question I just can't get around. 00:40:26.000 --> 00:40:35.000 If it's true that the spirit of God dwells in us, and that our bodies are the Holy Spirit's temple, 00:40:35.000 --> 00:40:45.000 then shouldn't there be a huge difference between the person who has the spirit of God living inside him, or her, and the person who does not? 00:40:45.000 --> 00:40:58.000 This may be a silly illustration, but if I told you I had an encounter with God, where he entered my body and gave me a supernatural ability to play basketball, 00:40:58.000 --> 00:41:05.000 wouldn't you expect to see an amazing improvement in my jump shot, my defense, my speed on the court? 00:41:05.000 --> 00:41:08.000 After all, this is God we're talking about. 00:41:08.000 --> 00:41:15.000 If you saw no change in my athleticism, wouldn't you question the validity of my encounter? 00:41:15.000 --> 00:41:21.000 Churchgoers all across the nation say the Holy Spirit has entered them. 00:41:21.000 --> 00:41:31.000 They claim that God has given them a supernatural ability to follow Christ, put their sin to death, and serve the church. 00:41:31.000 --> 00:41:38.000 Christians talk about being born again and say that they were dead, but now have come to life. 00:41:38.000 --> 00:41:44.000 We've become hardened to those words, but they're powerful words that have significant meaning. 00:41:44.000 --> 00:41:55.000 Yet when those outside the church see no difference in our lives, they begin to question our integrity, our sanity, or even worse, our God. 00:41:55.000 --> 00:41:59.000 And can you blame them? 00:41:59.000 --> 00:42:01.000 Are you in the flesh? 00:42:01.000 --> 00:42:03.000 Are you in the spirit? 00:42:03.000 --> 00:42:05.000 Are you living it out? 00:42:05.000 --> 00:42:08.000 Let's pray. 00:42:08.000 --> 00:42:09.000 Let's pray. 00:42:09.000 --> 00:42:11.000 Let's pray. 00:42:11.000 --> 00:42:15.000 Let's pray. 00:42:15.000 --> 00:42:19.000 Let's pray. 00:42:19.000 --> 00:42:23.000 Let's pray. 00:42:23.000 --> 00:42:27.000 Let's pray. 00:42:27.000 --> 00:42:28.000 Let's pray. 00:42:28.000 --> 00:42:32.000 Let's pray. 00:42:32.000 --> 00:42:36.000 Let's pray. 00:42:36.000 --> 00:42:36.000 00:42:36.000 --> 00:42:36.000 00:42:36.000 --> 00:42:36.000 00:42:36.000 --> 00:42:37.000 Let's pray. 00:42:37.000 --> 00:42:38.000 Let's pray. 00:42:38.000 --> 00:42:42.000 Let's pray. 00:42:42.000 --> 00:42:43.000 Let's pray. 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000 00:42:43.000 --> 00:42:43.000