WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.380 Thank you, John. Thank you, worship team. What an encouraging time of singing together about our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:00:14.320 --> 00:00:20.219 ! That last song we sang, is the joy of your salvation to meet your Savior face to face one day? 00:00:20.980 --> 00:00:28.000 Won't that be great? I appreciate your prayers this week. We are continuing our study in the book of Colossians. 00:00:28.079 --> 00:00:35.200 I invite you to open up your Bibles, please, to Colossians chapter 3. If you're using the Pew Bible in front of you, it's page 984. 00:00:35.619 --> 00:00:49.179 And as you do, let me tell you a story of what happened this week. It's been a busy week at work, but the Lord has used this opportunity to speak today to talk to my co-workers about the gospel. 00:00:50.179 --> 00:00:55.899 They asked me why I was leaving work early one day, and I said, well, I'm preparing this message. 00:00:56.780 --> 00:01:00.600 And then they asked what I was preaching on, and I said, well, Colossians chapter 3. 00:01:01.219 --> 00:01:06.359 And immediately, the senior advisor whips out his Bible from his desk. I'm like, well, that was unexpected. 00:01:07.859 --> 00:01:11.560 He opens to the table of contents, and he says, how do you spell Colossians? 00:01:12.239 --> 00:01:14.900 So then he finds it, and then he starts reading. 00:01:14.900 --> 00:01:20.840 And they began asking me some questions, and I thought, wow, this is a good opportunity. 00:01:21.820 --> 00:01:32.020 The next day, the younger 20-something advisor, he says, hey, I realize I have no clue what the Bible says. 00:01:32.019 --> 00:01:38.539 And so I asked GBT to give me a summary of Colossians chapter 3, verses 1 through 14. 00:01:38.619 --> 00:01:39.619 That's our passage today. 00:01:40.679 --> 00:01:44.759 And he said, oh, I'm in trouble. 00:01:44.760 --> 00:01:48.460 This is a scary passage. 00:01:50.420 --> 00:01:53.460 How can anyone do what's expected there? 00:01:54.719 --> 00:01:55.939 Now, what would you say? 00:01:56.939 --> 00:02:00.340 I just smiled, and I said, you're absolutely right. 00:02:00.359 --> 00:02:01.020 That's the point. 00:02:01.019 --> 00:02:11.519 We can't do what Paul instructs us to do unless we're united with Jesus Christ. 00:02:12.979 --> 00:02:14.519 He did it perfectly. 00:02:15.099 --> 00:02:16.340 He lived perfectly. 00:02:16.560 --> 00:02:17.699 He died perfectly. 00:02:17.979 --> 00:02:19.859 And he rose again from the dead. 00:02:21.000 --> 00:02:22.079 That's good news. 00:02:22.819 --> 00:02:23.900 It was a good opportunity. 00:02:24.219 --> 00:02:25.859 So I do appreciate your prayers. 00:02:26.159 --> 00:02:27.939 We're continuing our study here in Colossians. 00:02:27.939 --> 00:02:31.000 Let me pray, and then we'll continue. 00:02:31.219 --> 00:02:42.139 Father, as we open your word, remind us again of your beauty, of the things that you value. 00:02:43.079 --> 00:02:47.439 As we sang just a little bit ago, may our treasure be Christ. 00:02:49.400 --> 00:02:51.699 Help us to seek him. 00:02:53.120 --> 00:02:56.740 Help us to live the way you want us to live. 00:02:56.740 --> 00:03:00.780 Help us to put off those things that you don't want in our lives. 00:03:01.659 --> 00:03:04.100 May we reflect Christ clearly. 00:03:04.600 --> 00:03:07.860 This morning, as we open your word, may your spirit teach us. 00:03:08.520 --> 00:03:11.620 Help us to be obedient and believing. 00:03:12.640 --> 00:03:14.260 We ask this in Jesus' name. 00:03:14.340 --> 00:03:14.520 Amen. 00:03:15.020 --> 00:03:15.540 Amen. 00:03:17.740 --> 00:03:21.719 Recall that Paul's writing to this small church in Colossae. 00:03:21.719 --> 00:03:21.800 Colossae. 00:03:22.520 --> 00:03:25.159 And it's meeting in the home of Philemon. 00:03:26.319 --> 00:03:28.340 And Colossae is a little bit off the beaten path. 00:03:28.539 --> 00:03:32.240 They used to be the main road, but then they built a bypass around it a little bit north. 00:03:32.780 --> 00:03:35.819 And the city of Laodicea started getting all the attention. 00:03:37.500 --> 00:03:41.800 Their pastor of this small church, Epaphras, he left Colossae. 00:03:41.919 --> 00:03:44.300 He traveled about 1,600 miles away to go to Rome. 00:03:44.300 --> 00:03:49.439 And there he's ministering to the needs of Paul while Paul's in prison. 00:03:50.160 --> 00:03:54.180 He's also giving a report on the state of the church in Colossae and Laodicea. 00:03:54.580 --> 00:03:59.219 And so Paul writes this response as a letter, and that's what we have before us. 00:04:00.400 --> 00:04:04.500 One of the concerns that Paul's addressing is this false teaching called Gnosticism. 00:04:04.500 --> 00:04:10.199 They were teaching that you have to obtain some kind of spiritual secret knowledge. 00:04:10.639 --> 00:04:14.180 That there were these strange rites that you have to do. 00:04:15.139 --> 00:04:17.939 That anything material, oh, is bad. 00:04:19.040 --> 00:04:28.800 And as a result of that, especially that last teaching, that made Christ insignificant. 00:04:30.019 --> 00:04:31.019 He has a body? 00:04:31.160 --> 00:04:32.040 Oh, that's bad. 00:04:32.040 --> 00:04:35.060 And so Paul is spending his time. 00:04:35.220 --> 00:04:40.000 We just, Pastor Andrew has been leading us through chapters 1 and 2, talking about Jesus Christ. 00:04:40.580 --> 00:04:44.600 What rich truth there is about who Jesus is. 00:04:45.080 --> 00:04:49.879 In chapter 1, verse 15, Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God. 00:04:50.540 --> 00:04:56.320 There in verse 16 of chapter 1, Jesus Christ is the creator who holds all things together. 00:04:56.319 --> 00:05:04.839 Chapter 2, verse 3, Jesus Christ is the one in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 00:05:05.399 --> 00:05:08.360 Chapter 2, verse 6, Jesus Christ is our Lord. 00:05:09.800 --> 00:05:14.120 Chapter 2, verse 9, the indwelling of the fullness of God in the flesh. 00:05:14.839 --> 00:05:15.779 That's Jesus. 00:05:16.199 --> 00:05:17.759 He's the incarnate God. 00:05:18.759 --> 00:05:23.480 Chapter 2, verse 10, Jesus is the head of all rule and authority. 00:05:23.480 --> 00:05:26.240 Chapter 2, verse 11. 00:05:27.200 --> 00:05:30.980 He is the one who was buried in death and now resurrected to life. 00:05:31.500 --> 00:05:39.640 And then verse 12, if you believe in Jesus Christ, in him, you too have been buried with him and resurrected with him. 00:05:39.700 --> 00:05:40.340 You have life. 00:05:42.020 --> 00:05:43.340 Chapter 2, verse 19. 00:05:44.080 --> 00:05:46.600 Jesus Christ is the head of the body, the church. 00:05:46.600 --> 00:05:47.939 And there's a whole lot more. 00:05:48.120 --> 00:05:58.200 But right now, Paul is continuing into chapter 3, building on this beautiful union that his own have with Jesus Christ. 00:06:00.100 --> 00:06:05.700 He talks about how we should live now based on this teaching of Jesus. 00:06:06.160 --> 00:06:14.320 His supremacy, our union with him, and our future, we'll call it a celebratory ball that's going to last for all eternity. 00:06:14.319 --> 00:06:18.000 We'll call this message living in Christ. 00:06:18.779 --> 00:06:21.240 There are three main points that we'll examine this morning. 00:06:21.360 --> 00:06:24.819 The first is in Colossians chapter 3, verses 1 through 4. 00:06:25.560 --> 00:06:27.779 And I'm calling this seeking the heavenly. 00:06:28.459 --> 00:06:30.699 Follow along as I read this passage, please. 00:06:31.120 --> 00:06:33.279 Chapter 3, verses 1 through 4. 00:06:33.279 --> 00:06:42.239 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 00:06:43.059 --> 00:06:48.039 Set your minds on things that are above and not on things that are of the earth. 00:06:48.539 --> 00:06:52.719 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 00:06:53.379 --> 00:06:59.599 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will also appear with him in glory. 00:06:59.600 --> 00:07:04.220 What we see here is really a call to action. 00:07:05.060 --> 00:07:06.680 Well, there's two actions. 00:07:07.700 --> 00:07:09.980 These Greek verbs, seek and set. 00:07:11.080 --> 00:07:13.800 There are two, we'll call them present imperatives. 00:07:13.939 --> 00:07:19.439 And that just means that these are commands that require continual obedience. 00:07:19.439 --> 00:07:25.560 Number one, and I'm just going to have you put all three, they're up there. 00:07:25.939 --> 00:07:28.019 Seek the things that are above. 00:07:28.779 --> 00:07:32.620 Number two, set your minds on things that are above. 00:07:33.279 --> 00:07:36.759 And the third one, I'm just wording it this way, it says not. 00:07:36.879 --> 00:07:41.379 But stop setting your mind on things that are on the earth. 00:07:41.379 --> 00:07:44.719 And what Paul's commanding is this. 00:07:45.759 --> 00:07:47.060 Keep on seeking. 00:07:47.920 --> 00:07:51.279 Keep on setting your minds on things that are above. 00:07:51.800 --> 00:07:56.240 And keep on refusing to dwell on the things of the earth. 00:07:57.759 --> 00:08:01.040 The earth is no longer your home, so stop thinking about it. 00:08:02.839 --> 00:08:06.120 Make Christ and heaven your constant pursuit. 00:08:06.120 --> 00:08:15.319 Keep on diligently seeking, and not just seeking, but longing for, Jesus Christ. 00:08:16.860 --> 00:08:21.560 It reminds me of Jesus' own words in Matthew 6, verse 33, where he says, 00:08:22.300 --> 00:08:24.980 Seek the first, the kingdom of God. 00:08:25.579 --> 00:08:30.360 That first means of all preeminence, seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness. 00:08:30.959 --> 00:08:32.820 And all these things will be added to you. 00:08:32.820 --> 00:08:36.040 And then of Abraham in Hebrews 11, it says, 00:08:36.560 --> 00:08:41.800 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, 00:08:42.020 --> 00:08:43.840 who designer and builder is God. 00:08:44.840 --> 00:08:50.960 Robert Gromacki says that this seeking, it deals with the will and the active pursuit 00:08:50.960 --> 00:08:56.740 while setting our minds on something is more about what we're thinking about. 00:08:56.740 --> 00:09:02.560 Imagine that you're going on the big dream vacation next year. 00:09:03.159 --> 00:09:06.019 Don't imagine it too much or you get lost, but imagine it. 00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:12.279 You spend time looking up the details about, you know, the location and the things to do 00:09:12.279 --> 00:09:13.180 once you get there. 00:09:14.019 --> 00:09:15.680 You buy your tickets. 00:09:15.879 --> 00:09:17.259 You plan your itinerary. 00:09:17.779 --> 00:09:20.460 You get acquainted with the culture, with the language. 00:09:21.159 --> 00:09:22.379 You get your passports. 00:09:22.480 --> 00:09:24.560 You learn the rules of the land and so on. 00:09:24.559 --> 00:09:27.859 Well, this is like the seeking aspect. 00:09:29.319 --> 00:09:32.139 You want this and you're preparing for it. 00:09:32.979 --> 00:09:34.000 But there's more. 00:09:34.119 --> 00:09:36.939 And now you begin to imagine what it's going to be like once you get there. 00:09:37.819 --> 00:09:45.419 All the fun, the relaxation, the new experiences, the coffee, which is good. 00:09:45.419 --> 00:09:52.799 The sights you encounter, the time to rest and enjoy maybe a good book or two. 00:09:53.759 --> 00:09:55.719 This is the longing aspect. 00:09:56.919 --> 00:10:00.459 And you keep on thinking about it and you keep on dreaming about it. 00:10:01.099 --> 00:10:06.399 Well, Paul wants his hearers right here in this letter to do the same thing, but for Christ 00:10:06.399 --> 00:10:07.240 and for heaven. 00:10:08.279 --> 00:10:10.840 Christ triumphed at the cross. 00:10:11.959 --> 00:10:17.279 But there's still an eternity of celebration of the victory of the Lamb, our groom. 00:10:18.899 --> 00:10:21.419 Make sure that you have your blood-bought ticket. 00:10:22.360 --> 00:10:28.240 Get acquainted with the values and the culture and learn more about the king of this realm. 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:32.060 He has rules that he's established. 00:10:33.139 --> 00:10:38.539 But go ahead also and just dream about what it's going to be like when you get there. 00:10:38.680 --> 00:10:39.279 That's good. 00:10:40.360 --> 00:10:42.259 Imagine the sights and smells. 00:10:42.379 --> 00:10:43.899 You ever think about the smells of heaven? 00:10:45.180 --> 00:10:47.220 All the unbelievable experiences. 00:10:48.480 --> 00:10:51.580 Your glorified self is just going to, it's going to be great, isn't it? 00:10:51.860 --> 00:10:52.919 It's going to be wonderful. 00:10:52.919 --> 00:10:53.039 Wonderful. 00:10:54.199 --> 00:10:55.899 I'm sure the coffee will be good there too. 00:10:57.019 --> 00:11:01.659 But really, the main thing is our treasure, Jesus Christ. 00:11:02.620 --> 00:11:04.779 He's the one we're going to see face to face. 00:11:04.839 --> 00:11:05.579 That's good. 00:11:06.959 --> 00:11:11.039 Well, this call to action does have a basis, and I'm labeling this as call to faith. 00:11:12.439 --> 00:11:18.379 Paul doesn't just say that you have to do this or this without giving his reason. 00:11:18.379 --> 00:11:21.799 And so I want you to know what he's asking them to believe. 00:11:22.919 --> 00:11:25.939 Number one, raised with Christ. 00:11:26.120 --> 00:11:28.000 They have been raised with Christ. 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:33.019 This word right at the very front of your verse in chapter 3, verse 1. 00:11:33.479 --> 00:11:33.799 If. 00:11:34.599 --> 00:11:37.240 This is not a word that allows for any other possibility. 00:11:38.179 --> 00:11:40.839 This is a word that's probably best translated since. 00:11:41.599 --> 00:11:43.059 Or you could read it this way. 00:11:43.319 --> 00:11:46.419 If you have been raised with Christ, and you have. 00:11:46.419 --> 00:11:52.879 This is drawing back from chapter 2, verse 12. 00:11:53.439 --> 00:11:53.879 Where it says, 00:11:54.039 --> 00:12:02.419 In which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God who raised him from the dead. 00:12:03.079 --> 00:12:04.839 And then in chapter 2, verse 13. 00:12:05.399 --> 00:12:09.099 And you, God, has made alive together with him. 00:12:09.100 --> 00:12:12.440 So Paul says to the church in Rome almost the same thing. 00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:17.000 In chapter 6 of Romans, he says this in verse 4. 00:12:17.720 --> 00:12:21.200 We were buried, therefore, with him by baptism into death. 00:12:21.480 --> 00:12:26.340 In order that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, 00:12:26.659 --> 00:12:29.300 we too might walk in newness of life. 00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:31.019 And then in verse 5. 00:12:31.019 --> 00:12:34.039 For if we have been united with him, there's that union. 00:12:34.500 --> 00:12:36.639 If we've been united with him in a death like his, 00:12:37.019 --> 00:12:42.019 we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 00:12:42.860 --> 00:12:43.860 Believe this. 00:12:44.740 --> 00:12:45.720 Not just know it. 00:12:45.799 --> 00:12:46.539 Believe it. 00:12:47.879 --> 00:12:49.379 Secondly, believe this. 00:12:49.519 --> 00:12:51.259 Christ is alive in heaven. 00:12:52.019 --> 00:12:52.659 That verse said, 00:12:53.179 --> 00:12:55.500 Things above where Christ is. 00:12:56.279 --> 00:12:58.259 We don't serve a dead Savior. 00:12:58.519 --> 00:12:59.600 He's a living Savior. 00:12:59.600 --> 00:13:02.680 He's not just a famous person that's buried somewhere. 00:13:03.960 --> 00:13:08.680 Jesus Christ is the rightful King of kings and Lord of lords. 00:13:08.879 --> 00:13:09.060 Amen? 00:13:09.639 --> 00:13:12.080 He's not dead. 00:13:12.720 --> 00:13:13.879 He is alive. 00:13:16.340 --> 00:13:21.899 No one, nothing, could stop his perfect plan and his sovereign will from being accomplished. 00:13:23.300 --> 00:13:24.440 Believe this. 00:13:25.500 --> 00:13:26.240 Believe it. 00:13:27.240 --> 00:13:28.279 Think about him. 00:13:28.279 --> 00:13:29.839 Think about that. 00:13:31.059 --> 00:13:33.259 Thirdly, Christ is at the right hand of God. 00:13:33.360 --> 00:13:33.839 It says here, 00:13:33.959 --> 00:13:35.519 Things above where Christ is. 00:13:35.759 --> 00:13:37.259 At the right hand of God. 00:13:37.639 --> 00:13:38.959 He is on the throne. 00:13:39.259 --> 00:13:41.759 He's active and sovereignly at work. 00:13:42.600 --> 00:13:43.319 Believe it. 00:13:45.240 --> 00:13:48.720 This may have been a rough week for you, pastor. 00:13:49.059 --> 00:13:49.879 I don't know. 00:13:49.879 --> 00:13:54.519 It's not a surprise to God. 00:13:55.519 --> 00:13:57.539 God's never shocked or surprised. 00:13:59.039 --> 00:13:59.860 Believe it. 00:13:59.860 --> 00:14:04.560 Well, if you have, by faith, cried out to God. 00:14:05.240 --> 00:14:07.580 You've asked him to forgive you of all your sins. 00:14:07.580 --> 00:14:14.500 You believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, took your death penalty, dying on the cross in your place. 00:14:14.500 --> 00:14:20.000 That three days later, he conquered death by rising victoriously from the grave. 00:14:20.000 --> 00:14:23.820 And now he's ascended into heaven where he's seated at the right hand of God. 00:14:23.820 --> 00:14:26.259 If you believe that, I have good news for you. 00:14:26.259 --> 00:14:38.200 Together with Christ, you are also, in being united with him, buried with him, and risen with him, you have life. 00:14:38.899 --> 00:14:39.980 That's great news. 00:14:40.600 --> 00:14:41.659 But not only that. 00:14:42.460 --> 00:14:43.600 You have something more. 00:14:44.220 --> 00:14:47.860 That perfect life that Jesus lived, we call it a righteous life. 00:14:48.700 --> 00:14:50.899 That was placed on you as well. 00:14:51.559 --> 00:14:53.639 You have that in Christ. 00:14:53.639 --> 00:14:56.840 And that's what my 20-year-old something advisor friend didn't know. 00:14:59.879 --> 00:15:01.120 Christ has done it. 00:15:01.759 --> 00:15:06.240 And in him, we are counted as having lived that perfect life as well. 00:15:07.279 --> 00:15:07.620 Wow. 00:15:08.580 --> 00:15:12.899 Fourthly, you have died and your life is hidden with Christ. 00:15:13.639 --> 00:15:15.179 Ian McNaughton says it this way. 00:15:16.179 --> 00:15:23.399 This meaning is that Christians are clothed in Christ's righteousness and hidden from the wrath of God. 00:15:24.080 --> 00:15:25.740 Being accepted in Christ. 00:15:27.659 --> 00:15:28.480 Believe it. 00:15:29.720 --> 00:15:35.919 So not only is Christ's death my death, his resurrection my resurrection, but his righteousness is my righteousness. 00:15:37.220 --> 00:15:39.000 That's amazing, isn't it? 00:15:39.019 --> 00:15:39.319 Wow. 00:15:39.939 --> 00:15:40.519 Believe it. 00:15:41.580 --> 00:15:43.779 Well, fifthly, Christ is coming again in glory. 00:15:45.379 --> 00:15:45.939 Maranatha. 00:15:46.940 --> 00:15:47.780 That's our word. 00:15:48.540 --> 00:15:52.100 For those of you who are fairly new here, it means, what does it mean, church? 00:15:54.460 --> 00:15:55.560 Our Lord's coming. 00:15:56.020 --> 00:15:57.300 Our Lord is coming, right? 00:15:58.420 --> 00:15:59.220 Believe it. 00:16:00.000 --> 00:16:02.640 Well, then we move on to our next section here, beginning at verse 5. 00:16:02.720 --> 00:16:06.440 And I call this second one, it's a cool title, but it's called Slaying the Earthly. 00:16:06.620 --> 00:16:08.000 I like that better than Put to Death. 00:16:08.280 --> 00:16:09.540 But Slaying the Earthly. 00:16:09.539 --> 00:16:11.919 Follow along as I read, starting at verse 5. 00:16:11.980 --> 00:16:24.419 Put to death, therefore, what is earthly in you, sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 00:16:24.419 --> 00:16:28.659 On account of these, the wrath of God is coming. 00:16:29.860 --> 00:16:33.959 And these too, you once walked when you were living in them. 00:16:34.539 --> 00:16:36.379 But now you must put them all away. 00:16:36.659 --> 00:16:40.379 Anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 00:16:41.279 --> 00:16:47.059 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices. 00:16:48.919 --> 00:16:51.459 Look again at Paul's call to action. 00:16:51.460 --> 00:16:56.220 Number one, he says, put to death what is earthly. 00:16:57.639 --> 00:17:00.420 Five self-indulgent sins of the flesh are listed here. 00:17:01.900 --> 00:17:05.819 They are those that we are to put to death or to slay. 00:17:06.500 --> 00:17:08.140 Again, I like slaying. 00:17:08.220 --> 00:17:09.019 It's a cooler word. 00:17:09.440 --> 00:17:16.960 This image of slaying, I can imagine drawing the sword and wielding it and slaying dragons and ogres. 00:17:18.039 --> 00:17:19.299 And that's what Paul says. 00:17:19.299 --> 00:17:24.659 Wield your sword and slay these things in your life. 00:17:25.680 --> 00:17:28.039 First of all, he says, slay sexual immorality. 00:17:28.799 --> 00:17:31.019 This is our word that comes from the Greek word pornea. 00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:34.339 We have the word pornography that comes from that word. 00:17:35.799 --> 00:17:39.960 It's referring to sexual relationships outside of God's design for marriage. 00:17:41.339 --> 00:17:43.519 And in case you're thinking, oh, I'm good on that point. 00:17:43.519 --> 00:17:46.819 Listen to what Jesus says in Matthew chapter 5. 00:17:48.720 --> 00:17:49.480 In verse 28, 00:17:49.579 --> 00:18:00.519 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 00:18:00.519 --> 00:18:10.879 Now, guys, that expression with her, that's extremely close to the expression in Colossians, with him, of Christ. 00:18:10.880 --> 00:18:14.900 It's this image of Christ. 00:18:14.900 --> 00:18:15.960 Christ is our groom, isn't he? 00:18:16.980 --> 00:18:22.380 Saying no to Christ and turning away and finding somebody else. 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:26.520 I wasn't thinking about it until this morning and it was disgusting. 00:18:27.400 --> 00:18:33.040 But it's like if I see my wife out kissing another man. 00:18:34.260 --> 00:18:34.740 Isn't that? 00:18:34.920 --> 00:18:36.200 That's horrible. 00:18:36.200 --> 00:18:39.259 But that's the picture we're looking at here. 00:18:39.340 --> 00:18:40.960 Paul says, slay that in your life. 00:18:41.640 --> 00:18:43.340 That should never be part of your life. 00:18:47.920 --> 00:18:51.140 Christ is your life. 00:18:53.400 --> 00:18:55.120 Impurity is the second one mentioned here. 00:18:55.860 --> 00:18:58.400 And this is just moral filth of all kinds. 00:18:59.740 --> 00:19:02.460 It reeks right down to our hearts and minds. 00:19:02.580 --> 00:19:03.700 And Paul says, slay it. 00:19:03.700 --> 00:19:06.580 Stop wallowing in it. 00:19:07.620 --> 00:19:10.700 And then he says, passion and evil desire. 00:19:10.840 --> 00:19:17.319 These are very similar, but evil desire is this unbridled craving for evil things within your heart. 00:19:17.440 --> 00:19:19.539 And passion is more like acting it out. 00:19:20.360 --> 00:19:22.620 Using others to gratify yourself. 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:26.860 See, these are not becoming of the kingdom of Christ. 00:19:26.859 --> 00:19:32.719 They reflect the natural debauchery of the old kingdom from which you were rescued. 00:19:33.659 --> 00:19:34.699 Don't go back there. 00:19:35.839 --> 00:19:36.919 Paul says, slay them. 00:19:37.479 --> 00:19:38.359 Put them to death. 00:19:39.979 --> 00:19:43.939 And this fifth one is covetousness, which is idolatry. 00:19:44.979 --> 00:19:46.959 Now this is not just about having things. 00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:51.619 It's more about that insatiable desire to have more and more and more. 00:19:51.619 --> 00:19:59.259 It's placing worth on things rather than where our treasure is. 00:19:59.500 --> 00:20:00.279 And who's our treasure? 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:02.199 It's Jesus. 00:20:03.539 --> 00:20:08.479 But what this covetousness, it takes our affections off of Jesus. 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:11.099 And it places on material things. 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:14.259 Things that burn and will be destroyed. 00:20:15.239 --> 00:20:17.579 It's therefore idolatrous. 00:20:17.579 --> 00:20:21.220 Jesus said this about covetousness in Matthew chapter 6. 00:20:21.220 --> 00:20:30.339 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 00:20:30.460 --> 00:20:38.140 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 00:20:38.440 --> 00:20:43.220 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:48.380 Paul says, slay this worship of stuff in your life. 00:20:48.380 --> 00:20:53.960 Treasure Christ and the things that are above that are already ours in Christ. 00:20:55.000 --> 00:20:56.080 Jesus wants your heart. 00:20:58.300 --> 00:21:00.900 Secondly, put them all away. 00:21:02.340 --> 00:21:05.280 In chapter 3, verses 8 and 9, he says this, 00:21:05.280 --> 00:21:09.040 But now you must put them all away. 00:21:09.580 --> 00:21:14.480 Anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 00:21:14.820 --> 00:21:16.760 Do not lie to one another. 00:21:16.759 --> 00:21:21.700 Well, this sounds a lot like Paul's teaching to the church in Ephesus in chapter 4. 00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:24.920 This is what he says in verse 25. 00:21:25.319 --> 00:21:27.900 Therefore, having put away falsehood. 00:21:28.500 --> 00:21:31.180 Verse 29, let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths. 00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:39.859 In verse 31, let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 00:21:39.859 --> 00:21:53.279 We won't take time to go through that whole list, but I want you to notice that each one of them is a window into a heart that is not in tune, not in love with the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:21:54.679 --> 00:22:00.919 The anger and the wrath that are mentioned in this list, this is the uncontrolled, seething hatred. 00:22:00.920 --> 00:22:04.980 And then you have the sudden frenzied outburst. 00:22:05.460 --> 00:22:06.680 That's the wrath part. 00:22:07.740 --> 00:22:11.920 This is not the anger and wrath that's used to describe our Lord. 00:22:13.320 --> 00:22:17.840 Paul says, you must put these kinds of things away. 00:22:18.360 --> 00:22:19.940 Put them off, all of them. 00:22:19.940 --> 00:22:31.019 Thirdly, put off the old self and the practices. 00:22:31.380 --> 00:22:32.360 There in verse 9. 00:22:32.980 --> 00:22:36.840 Seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices. 00:22:38.100 --> 00:22:43.180 Paul says this in Ephesians chapter 4, verse 22. 00:22:43.180 --> 00:22:58.759 Notice that this former manner of life, what happens, what's it still doing? 00:22:58.900 --> 00:23:01.779 It has a corrupting nature about it. 00:23:03.140 --> 00:23:05.160 The old self corrupts us. 00:23:05.680 --> 00:23:09.259 It pulls us back to sin's defilement and bondage. 00:23:09.259 --> 00:23:14.319 It lies to us that all the brokenness that we had before, it wasn't so bad. 00:23:15.220 --> 00:23:18.299 The hurt and the rebellion, it wasn't that important. 00:23:19.160 --> 00:23:21.599 That old life, it really wasn't that bad. 00:23:22.379 --> 00:23:23.220 What a lie. 00:23:24.240 --> 00:23:25.160 That's a horrible lie. 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:25.960 Don't go back there. 00:23:26.259 --> 00:23:27.900 Paul says, don't do that. 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:29.079 Put that away from you. 00:23:31.099 --> 00:23:33.839 Paul wants the church there in Colossae to believe something else. 00:23:34.559 --> 00:23:36.379 And so we go into our next point, call to faith. 00:23:36.379 --> 00:23:39.039 And notice in chapter 3, verse 6, it says this. 00:23:39.259 --> 00:23:44.599 On account of these, the wrath of God is coming. 00:23:45.619 --> 00:23:46.180 Wow. 00:23:46.660 --> 00:23:52.379 MacArthur called this wrath God's constant and invariable reaction against sin. 00:23:53.680 --> 00:23:58.059 I would change it a little to say God is not indifferent to sin. 00:23:58.660 --> 00:24:05.680 And his wrath, his righteousness, his constant and invariable action against sin is coming. 00:24:05.680 --> 00:24:09.840 What's happened, God's not just responding. 00:24:10.340 --> 00:24:13.340 God's character demands that he judge sin. 00:24:13.339 --> 00:24:20.299 Remember Paul's message to the Romans in chapter 1? 00:24:21.019 --> 00:24:22.359 He says this in verse 18. 00:24:23.199 --> 00:24:28.799 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, 00:24:29.139 --> 00:24:32.139 who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 00:24:32.699 --> 00:24:33.399 Verse 32. 00:24:33.400 --> 00:24:41.200 And though they know God's righteous decrees, that those who practice such things deserve to die. 00:24:41.680 --> 00:24:43.240 Listen to how bold this is. 00:24:43.880 --> 00:24:48.720 They not only do them, but they give approval to those who practice them. 00:24:49.660 --> 00:24:50.040 Wow. 00:24:50.740 --> 00:24:52.700 This sounds so harsh and scary. 00:24:52.700 --> 00:24:58.080 It is for those who are not united with Christ. 00:25:00.160 --> 00:25:01.860 He is the light of the world. 00:25:02.400 --> 00:25:07.140 And I thought about this this past week, especially when it deals with this subject of God's wrath. 00:25:08.900 --> 00:25:14.640 God's wrath against sin is like an unstoppable property of light to overcome darkness. 00:25:14.840 --> 00:25:15.840 It just can't help it. 00:25:15.920 --> 00:25:16.580 It has to. 00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:21.500 God's holiness demands that sin be confronted and vanquished. 00:25:22.460 --> 00:25:28.019 And just as the light in the darkness, the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it, 00:25:28.379 --> 00:25:33.359 nothing can prevent the radiance of God's righteousness from prevailing over the shadows of sin. 00:25:34.419 --> 00:25:41.679 God's glory, his holiness, his justice are compelled to conquer sin and darkness. 00:25:41.680 --> 00:25:42.860 God's glory, his holiness. 00:25:42.860 --> 00:25:47.240 And that's what the cross and the great rescue is all about. 00:25:56.580 --> 00:26:06.000 I look back in chapter, you're there in Colossians, you should go back to chapter 1, verse 12, and look at this. 00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:09.319 giving thanks to the Father 00:26:09.319 --> 00:26:12.240 who has qualified you to share 00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:14.779 in the inheritance of the saints. 00:26:15.380 --> 00:26:16.420 What does your Bible say? 00:26:17.200 --> 00:26:18.160 In light. 00:26:20.119 --> 00:26:23.380 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness 00:26:23.380 --> 00:26:27.180 and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son 00:26:27.180 --> 00:26:30.460 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 00:26:30.460 --> 00:26:37.079 The gospel, effective now in your life, 00:26:37.920 --> 00:26:40.980 God pierced the darkness of the kingdom of Satan. 00:26:41.840 --> 00:26:43.579 He rescued you and me. 00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:46.319 And he delivered us into the kingdom of his Son. 00:26:46.740 --> 00:26:47.360 That's amazing. 00:26:48.720 --> 00:26:51.360 Well, let's move on to this next point. 00:26:51.460 --> 00:26:53.460 They're in verses 10 through 14. 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:57.680 This third point, slipping on the Christly. 00:26:58.279 --> 00:27:00.360 Chapter 3, verses 10 through 14. 00:27:01.420 --> 00:27:04.160 And have put on the new self, 00:27:04.700 --> 00:27:06.420 which is being renewed in knowledge 00:27:06.420 --> 00:27:07.940 after the image of its creator. 00:27:09.460 --> 00:27:11.440 Here there is not Greek or Jew, 00:27:11.620 --> 00:27:13.579 circumcised and uncircumcised, 00:27:14.079 --> 00:27:15.960 barbarian, Scythian, slave, free, 00:27:16.059 --> 00:27:18.900 but Christ is all and in all. 00:27:19.799 --> 00:27:22.019 Put on then as God's chosen ones, 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:24.740 holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, 00:27:25.200 --> 00:27:27.819 kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 00:27:28.240 --> 00:27:29.360 bearing with one another. 00:27:29.359 --> 00:27:31.719 And if one has a complaint against another, 00:27:32.039 --> 00:27:33.279 forgiving each other, 00:27:33.539 --> 00:27:35.079 as the Lord has forgiven you. 00:27:35.619 --> 00:27:37.399 So you also must forgive. 00:27:37.719 --> 00:27:39.399 And above all these, put on love, 00:27:39.679 --> 00:27:43.279 which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 00:27:43.279 --> 00:27:46.940 What's our call to action here? 00:27:47.879 --> 00:27:50.420 First, to put on the new self. 00:27:51.559 --> 00:27:54.740 Now, the Greek verbs translated put on and put off, 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:58.160 they indicate once and for all actions. 00:27:58.160 --> 00:28:02.340 That means when we trusted in Christ as our Lord and Savior, 00:28:02.340 --> 00:28:06.740 our old self was buried once and for all. 00:28:07.019 --> 00:28:10.920 And the new self was put on once and for all. 00:28:11.880 --> 00:28:13.740 We were dressing for the occasion, 00:28:13.740 --> 00:28:17.819 and that change of garments was accomplished at our salvation. 00:28:17.819 --> 00:28:20.339 The old filthy rags, they were removed. 00:28:20.720 --> 00:28:21.680 Praise the Lord, right? 00:28:23.160 --> 00:28:27.200 The robe of Christ's righteousness was then placed upon us. 00:28:28.019 --> 00:28:28.359 Wow. 00:28:28.359 --> 00:28:32.059 You've seen those store signs that said, 00:28:32.139 --> 00:28:33.619 no shirt, no service? 00:28:36.379 --> 00:28:39.299 Heaven's requirement is infinitely stricter. 00:28:41.639 --> 00:28:43.759 Jesus said, unless a man be born again, 00:28:44.759 --> 00:28:45.139 he what? 00:28:47.500 --> 00:28:49.839 Cannot enter the kingdom of God. 00:28:51.859 --> 00:28:54.559 However, the word renewed there in verse 10 of Colossians, 00:28:54.559 --> 00:28:57.379 it is a present participle, 00:28:57.379 --> 00:29:01.159 and that just means that we are constantly being renewed 00:29:01.159 --> 00:29:04.139 or changed into the image of our creator, 00:29:04.279 --> 00:29:05.299 the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:29:05.940 --> 00:29:07.519 We call this sanctification. 00:29:08.899 --> 00:29:11.039 So how does this transformation come about? 00:29:11.399 --> 00:29:13.240 In Colossians 3, verse 10, it says, 00:29:13.759 --> 00:29:14.379 it is by knowledge, 00:29:15.119 --> 00:29:18.200 which is kind of cool because what Paul is doing is he's, 00:29:18.839 --> 00:29:21.700 remember the Gnostic teaching he's trying to battle? 00:29:22.399 --> 00:29:24.379 They said, oh, you've got to have some kind of secret 00:29:24.380 --> 00:29:26.060 knowledge, so Paul's throwing it out there. 00:29:26.540 --> 00:29:27.100 You know what? 00:29:27.300 --> 00:29:28.820 How are you sanctified? 00:29:29.200 --> 00:29:30.300 It's by knowledge. 00:29:31.340 --> 00:29:33.680 It's a little bit ironic that he says that. 00:29:35.300 --> 00:29:37.880 The Gnostic knowledge, however, can never change a person. 00:29:40.240 --> 00:29:43.040 Look what Paul says to the church in Philippians 3, 00:29:43.240 --> 00:29:44.120 verse 10, 00:29:44.119 --> 00:29:58.619 When we know Christ more, 00:29:59.459 --> 00:30:01.059 we become like him. 00:30:01.059 --> 00:30:06.319 This knowledge of the incarnate word of God, 00:30:06.779 --> 00:30:09.299 it comes through the written word of God. 00:30:11.099 --> 00:30:13.559 And then secondly, he says, put on then. 00:30:14.279 --> 00:30:16.519 And you've got a whole list here. 00:30:16.579 --> 00:30:18.000 You can put the whole list up there. 00:30:18.339 --> 00:30:18.799 There you go. 00:30:20.299 --> 00:30:22.279 We don't have time to develop each one of those. 00:30:23.139 --> 00:30:24.259 But I want you to note this, 00:30:24.259 --> 00:30:26.900 that every single one of those up there on the screen, 00:30:27.700 --> 00:30:30.779 these are Christly qualities. 00:30:32.339 --> 00:30:34.559 They are the gems of your new wardrobe. 00:30:36.160 --> 00:30:39.640 Wear them well and radiate the character of Christ 00:30:39.640 --> 00:30:40.660 to one another, 00:30:40.980 --> 00:30:42.859 and then also to a lost world, 00:30:42.920 --> 00:30:45.160 the people that you know who don't know him yet. 00:30:45.160 --> 00:30:50.000 However, these garments, 00:30:50.860 --> 00:30:52.920 these are impossible for you to fit in 00:30:52.920 --> 00:30:54.540 without the help of the Holy Spirit. 00:30:56.920 --> 00:30:59.680 Listen to Paul's words in Galatians chapter 5. 00:31:01.519 --> 00:31:02.240 It says, 00:31:02.380 --> 00:31:04.740 But I say, walk by the Spirit, 00:31:04.860 --> 00:31:07.840 and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 00:31:08.660 --> 00:31:11.700 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, 00:31:11.900 --> 00:31:14.980 and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh. 00:31:15.160 --> 00:31:17.279 For these are opposed to each other 00:31:17.279 --> 00:31:19.560 to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 00:31:20.580 --> 00:31:22.040 But if you were led by the Spirit, 00:31:22.600 --> 00:31:23.940 you were not under the law. 00:31:24.880 --> 00:31:26.240 Now the works of the flesh are evident. 00:31:27.360 --> 00:31:28.680 Look at the similarity. 00:31:29.180 --> 00:31:32.700 Sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 00:31:33.279 --> 00:31:37.720 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, 00:31:37.720 --> 00:31:41.360 fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 00:31:41.540 --> 00:31:44.500 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. 00:31:44.500 --> 00:31:46.779 I warn you, as I warned you before, 00:31:47.160 --> 00:31:48.619 that those who do such things 00:31:48.619 --> 00:31:51.539 will not inherit the kingdom of God. 00:31:52.380 --> 00:31:55.559 But, that's a great word, 00:31:55.880 --> 00:31:58.119 but the fruit of the Spirit 00:31:58.119 --> 00:32:02.900 is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, 00:32:03.200 --> 00:32:05.900 goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. 00:32:06.319 --> 00:32:08.259 Against these, there is no law. 00:32:08.500 --> 00:32:10.380 There's nothing you have to do to get these. 00:32:10.380 --> 00:32:11.880 You can't do it. 00:32:13.000 --> 00:32:14.900 And those who belong to Christ Jesus 00:32:14.900 --> 00:32:18.600 have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 00:32:18.900 --> 00:32:21.080 If we live by the Spirit, 00:32:21.780 --> 00:32:24.980 let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 00:32:25.640 --> 00:32:26.000 Wow. 00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:29.940 Well, the third point. 00:32:31.339 --> 00:32:33.160 Put on love above all. 00:32:34.180 --> 00:32:35.279 There in verse 14, 00:32:36.279 --> 00:32:38.460 And above all these, put on love, 00:32:39.099 --> 00:32:42.279 which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 00:32:43.960 --> 00:32:47.660 You could well argue that this is the chief characteristic of Christ, our Savior. 00:32:47.660 --> 00:32:52.759 John writes in 1 John 4, verse 16, 00:32:54.160 --> 00:32:58.400 So we've come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. 00:32:59.340 --> 00:33:00.820 God is love. 00:33:01.500 --> 00:33:04.500 And whoever abides in love abides in God. 00:33:04.759 --> 00:33:07.040 And God abides in him. 00:33:07.039 --> 00:33:10.519 So if you say no to love, 00:33:11.500 --> 00:33:13.559 you're saying no to God. 00:33:14.879 --> 00:33:15.940 I don't want you. 00:33:18.680 --> 00:33:19.639 Paul says here, 00:33:19.799 --> 00:33:22.119 This garment of love rises above them all, 00:33:22.480 --> 00:33:25.440 and you must adorn yourselves with it. 00:33:26.799 --> 00:33:28.059 I know, as you're thinking, 00:33:28.159 --> 00:33:29.139 Well, I have no problem with that. 00:33:29.159 --> 00:33:30.019 I'm a loving person. 00:33:31.579 --> 00:33:35.539 Are you loving when the person driving in front of you just cuts you off? 00:33:37.039 --> 00:33:40.220 Are you loving when the person that you're standing in line, 00:33:40.299 --> 00:33:42.639 and the person walks in front of you and cuts in line? 00:33:45.039 --> 00:33:46.639 We struggle with it sometimes. 00:33:48.119 --> 00:33:49.799 Put on the garment of love. 00:33:51.480 --> 00:33:52.480 Think of it this way. 00:33:53.359 --> 00:33:56.839 What if you were to wear all those other garments besides love? 00:33:56.899 --> 00:33:58.480 You wear all the other ones, 00:33:58.579 --> 00:33:59.119 but you decide, 00:33:59.200 --> 00:33:59.500 You know what? 00:34:00.399 --> 00:34:02.240 I'm not going to wear this one of love. 00:34:04.720 --> 00:34:05.119 No. 00:34:05.119 --> 00:34:08.119 Now, Paul actually wrote about that. 00:34:09.480 --> 00:34:11.719 To the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 13. 00:34:12.119 --> 00:34:13.179 I don't have it up on the screen, 00:34:13.279 --> 00:34:14.079 but he said, 00:34:14.159 --> 00:34:15.480 You know, if I do all these things, 00:34:15.500 --> 00:34:16.599 and I have not love, 00:34:16.699 --> 00:34:17.119 it's what? 00:34:19.179 --> 00:34:19.859 It's worthless. 00:34:20.480 --> 00:34:21.480 It's of no value. 00:34:22.139 --> 00:34:22.920 It's meaningless. 00:34:26.279 --> 00:34:28.900 It's also treacherous to the values of the kingdom, 00:34:29.000 --> 00:34:29.420 by the way. 00:34:29.420 --> 00:34:35.099 Love is said to bind all the virtues together. 00:34:36.099 --> 00:34:38.200 It's the most compelling of all the virtues. 00:34:39.840 --> 00:34:43.420 You who are trying to win lost loved ones in your family, 00:34:44.119 --> 00:34:45.039 maybe your neighborhood, 00:34:45.559 --> 00:34:46.579 maybe people at work, 00:34:47.579 --> 00:34:49.539 just don't tell them about God's love. 00:34:50.820 --> 00:34:52.579 Adorn yourself with the love of Christ 00:34:52.579 --> 00:34:54.880 and show them that love. 00:34:54.880 --> 00:34:59.180 You who are doubting and maybe troubled by life circumstances, 00:34:59.400 --> 00:35:00.940 things are just really rough. 00:35:02.460 --> 00:35:03.160 Paul says, 00:35:03.920 --> 00:35:05.559 Adorn yourself with the love of Christ. 00:35:06.519 --> 00:35:10.220 Remind yourself and think about how much he loves you. 00:35:12.720 --> 00:35:14.880 Reflect again and again 00:35:14.880 --> 00:35:17.119 on this heavenly characteristic. 00:35:18.300 --> 00:35:20.820 Well, this brings us to this section's call to faith. 00:35:20.920 --> 00:35:21.720 They're in verse 11. 00:35:23.400 --> 00:35:24.780 And I put it this way. 00:35:26.059 --> 00:35:28.380 Your past doesn't prevent you 00:35:28.380 --> 00:35:30.380 from dressing appropriately. 00:35:31.440 --> 00:35:33.380 The ball, that is the heavenly ball, 00:35:33.480 --> 00:35:36.039 the eternal celebration in heaven. 00:35:36.380 --> 00:35:38.340 It's all about Christ anyway, isn't it? 00:35:39.000 --> 00:35:40.000 It's not about you. 00:35:40.000 --> 00:35:45.059 The focus will be on Jesus Christ there 00:35:45.059 --> 00:35:46.380 and then in the kingdom. 00:35:46.800 --> 00:35:47.960 For all eternity, 00:35:48.639 --> 00:35:51.260 it's going to be quite a celebration. 00:35:52.320 --> 00:35:53.420 And Paul's just saying this. 00:35:53.800 --> 00:35:55.500 If that is true, and it is, 00:35:56.780 --> 00:35:59.599 then focus your here and now 00:35:59.599 --> 00:36:01.659 on Jesus Christ 00:36:01.659 --> 00:36:03.659 and those heavenly things. 00:36:05.440 --> 00:36:06.539 And then secondly, 00:36:07.480 --> 00:36:08.380 believe this. 00:36:08.380 --> 00:36:10.440 God loves you. 00:36:11.860 --> 00:36:13.240 He's chosen you 00:36:13.240 --> 00:36:14.960 to attend this ball. 00:36:15.180 --> 00:36:15.800 And he did it 00:36:15.800 --> 00:36:17.380 from before the foundation of the world. 00:36:19.840 --> 00:36:21.160 I guess I'd ask the question, 00:36:21.240 --> 00:36:22.640 are you dressed for that celebration? 00:36:25.599 --> 00:36:27.760 Are you dreaming about the marriage 00:36:27.760 --> 00:36:28.960 of the Lamb? 00:36:29.860 --> 00:36:32.099 And dreaming about our groom? 00:36:34.539 --> 00:36:37.019 Are you imagining what heaven will be like? 00:36:38.380 --> 00:36:42.200 Are you living Christly now 00:36:42.200 --> 00:36:44.079 in preparation for that day? 00:36:45.460 --> 00:36:45.940 Wow. 00:36:49.160 --> 00:36:50.240 That's Paul's message. 00:36:50.900 --> 00:36:51.940 That's our message. 00:36:53.160 --> 00:36:54.460 And I would ask you this. 00:36:56.200 --> 00:36:58.140 If Jesus Christ were to come back now, 00:36:58.619 --> 00:36:59.579 I mean right now, 00:37:00.220 --> 00:37:01.519 what's your heart like? 00:37:01.519 --> 00:37:04.519 What is there in your heart 00:37:04.519 --> 00:37:05.460 that you need to say, 00:37:05.619 --> 00:37:07.179 God, I've got to give this to you. 00:37:07.579 --> 00:37:08.440 This shouldn't be here. 00:37:10.920 --> 00:37:12.239 This needs to change. 00:37:13.639 --> 00:37:14.820 You know, you don't have to wait 00:37:14.820 --> 00:37:15.480 until you get home. 00:37:17.500 --> 00:37:19.320 You can ask the Lord Jesus Christ 00:37:19.320 --> 00:37:21.659 and His Spirit, 00:37:21.800 --> 00:37:22.340 help me now. 00:37:23.480 --> 00:37:24.820 God, help me to change now. 00:37:26.179 --> 00:37:26.759 Let's pray. 00:37:26.760 --> 00:37:28.320 Father, 00:37:29.120 --> 00:37:31.980 as we sang earlier, 00:37:32.120 --> 00:37:33.240 it will be our joy, 00:37:33.340 --> 00:37:34.620 the joy of our salvation 00:37:34.620 --> 00:37:36.040 to see you face to face. 00:37:39.140 --> 00:37:40.180 And there are some here 00:37:40.180 --> 00:37:41.480 who don't know the Lord Jesus. 00:37:42.420 --> 00:37:44.240 My prayer is that they would yield 00:37:44.240 --> 00:37:46.600 to the Spirit's prompting 00:37:46.600 --> 00:37:47.520 and this wooing. 00:37:47.700 --> 00:37:48.280 And Lord, 00:37:48.340 --> 00:37:49.700 that they would recognize 00:37:49.700 --> 00:37:51.440 their need for Jesus, 00:37:52.280 --> 00:37:53.920 believe that He died their death 00:37:53.920 --> 00:37:55.659 and rose again for them. 00:37:57.740 --> 00:37:58.440 There are some 00:37:58.440 --> 00:37:59.500 who are struggling with sin. 00:38:02.659 --> 00:38:04.099 It's just overwhelmed them. 00:38:05.800 --> 00:38:07.000 God, I pray today 00:38:07.000 --> 00:38:08.099 they might turn to you 00:38:08.099 --> 00:38:08.440 and say, 00:38:08.559 --> 00:38:10.019 Lord, forgive me again. 00:38:11.119 --> 00:38:11.659 Wash me. 00:38:12.760 --> 00:38:14.720 Help me to wear these clothes 00:38:14.720 --> 00:38:16.039 of righteousness 00:38:16.039 --> 00:38:17.680 the way you want me to. 00:38:18.619 --> 00:38:19.700 May it glorify 00:38:19.700 --> 00:38:20.960 the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:38:22.280 --> 00:38:23.119 We love you, Father. 00:38:23.119 --> 00:38:23.960 We love you, Lord. 00:38:24.839 --> 00:38:26.219 We look forward to the day 00:38:26.219 --> 00:38:28.019 that we will see you again. 00:38:28.460 --> 00:38:29.239 Thank you, Spirit, 00:38:29.339 --> 00:38:30.159 for your work today. 00:38:30.719 --> 00:38:31.839 In Jesus' name, amen.