WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.980 jobs that no one else wanted to do. Jobs like rattle snake catcher, roadkill collector, 00:00:08.980 --> 00:00:15.780 shark attack suit tester, maggot farmer, spider venom collector, and septic tank cleaner. 00:00:16.800 --> 00:00:25.539 The show's main message was that work is good, even dirty jobs. Work with dirty jobs was good, 00:00:25.539 --> 00:00:31.660 and Mike, the host, said that he had, in fact, witnessed many people doing all kinds of odd and 00:00:31.660 --> 00:00:38.340 dirty and hard work and yet enjoying it. And that rings true with the message that I preached last 00:00:38.340 --> 00:00:45.960 week about the dignity of all work, because each one of us has been assigned our vocation by God to 00:00:45.960 --> 00:00:54.019 work out his purposes in this world. When you watch the show, though, it's obvious that while there are 00:00:54.020 --> 00:01:02.240 many positive aspects with the dirty jobs that Mike trials, there's also the negatives in some 00:01:02.240 --> 00:01:08.359 of the work. Like when he listed the requirements for roadkill collector, the negatives were that 00:01:08.359 --> 00:01:13.240 you need to be able to brave on oncoming traffic, especially if the roadkill was not quite dead yet 00:01:13.240 --> 00:01:18.719 and you needed to dispatch it or something. And also, you need to have a strong stomach. 00:01:18.719 --> 00:01:25.159 Like, the positive is that you get to work outdoors. Now, I'm not sure if the positive ultimately 00:01:25.159 --> 00:01:30.459 outweighs the negatives in those sort of work, but anyway. But it doesn't matter whether whatever 00:01:30.459 --> 00:01:35.739 your frontline is, whether it's at home, it's in a classroom, it's on a factory floor, it's in a 00:01:35.739 --> 00:01:44.560 national park, in an office cubicle. Work can be a source of great purpose and dignity, 00:01:44.560 --> 00:01:52.140 but also a source of great frustration in our lives. Dealing with difficult customers, a demanding 00:01:52.140 --> 00:02:01.659 boss, inclement weather, a family's mountain of laundry, a two-year-old, an elderly parent, 00:02:02.200 --> 00:02:08.120 lingering unemployment, underemployment, overemployment. It can all be a huge pain. 00:02:08.819 --> 00:02:14.300 And so it's pretty important for Christians, I think, to understand and to hold in tension 00:02:14.300 --> 00:02:21.320 both what the Bible says about creation, as we looked at last week, and what it says about the 00:02:21.320 --> 00:02:27.400 fall and the destructive consequences of sin. That is, it's important to hold in tension both the 00:02:27.400 --> 00:02:34.520 dignity of work and the difficulty of work, the dignity of our vocation, where God's put us, and the 00:02:34.520 --> 00:02:43.160 difficulty of our vocation. And that is why so many Christians inhabit the extremes of idealism and 00:02:43.159 --> 00:02:53.180 cynicism, or even ricochet between idealism and cynicism on a regular basis. Idealism says, 00:02:53.919 --> 00:03:01.060 through my work, my vocation, my station in life, I'm going to change the world. I'm going to make a 00:03:01.060 --> 00:03:06.180 difference, I'm going to accomplish something new, and I'm going to bring justice to this world. I'm 00:03:06.180 --> 00:03:14.300 going to do everything that previous generations did not do, and failed to do. So idealism is probably 00:03:14.300 --> 00:03:23.400 more prevalent amongst those who are younger amongst us. Cynicism says nothing really changes, 00:03:23.580 --> 00:03:28.080 don't get your hopes up, do what it takes to make a living, don't let yourself care too much, 00:03:28.080 --> 00:03:36.000 get out of it whatever you can. And so cynicism is probably prevalent amongst those who have got a 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:43.460 few more runs on the board advancing in years amongst us. But either way, we can be jumping 00:03:43.460 --> 00:03:50.460 between the two. Christians have, through their hope in God's story of redemption for the world that he 00:03:50.460 --> 00:03:59.460 created a deep contentment that enables them to work with all their being and never be ultimately 00:03:59.460 --> 00:04:08.600 discouraged by the frustrating reality of this world. And our concern in this series is how, 00:04:09.340 --> 00:04:19.660 in this context of both purpose and difficulty, that we might pursue our vocation in line with 00:04:19.660 --> 00:04:26.240 Colossians 3. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men, 00:04:26.300 --> 00:04:32.060 since you know that you'll receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ 00:04:32.060 --> 00:04:38.980 you are serving. That is, you are in the midst of your vocation, and with all the difficulties 00:04:38.980 --> 00:04:45.020 associated with it, still being able to look forward with hope, because God has a great eternal plan 00:04:45.020 --> 00:04:49.200 that he's working out through you. So how do we live out, Colossians 3, in the ordinary, 00:04:49.660 --> 00:04:56.660 of Monday to Saturday, even on front lines that make no reference to God whatsoever? 00:04:59.140 --> 00:05:08.560 And one way is to live lives transformed by Jesus on those front lines. That is to model godly 00:05:08.560 --> 00:05:15.780 character, our concern for tonight. Character, it's true, the character shines through in all that we do. 00:05:15.779 --> 00:05:22.639 And in thinking about modelling godly character, I'm thinking about more than just being nice. 00:05:23.779 --> 00:05:32.479 I'm thinking about something that's much more than middle class, North Shore, nice values. I'm thinking 00:05:32.479 --> 00:05:39.219 something a lot more than just being Canadian and just being nice. I'm thinking something a bit more 00:05:39.220 --> 00:05:46.600 than just hovering around in the world with this divine grin on your face. Modelling godly character 00:05:46.600 --> 00:05:55.840 is so much more than just niceness, in the same way that real love is so much more than niceness. 00:05:56.220 --> 00:06:05.800 Love requires courage, determination, and sacrifice. All the things that you husbands put into 00:06:05.800 --> 00:06:11.400 Valentine's Day today. Love, courage, determination, sacrifice. 00:06:13.020 --> 00:06:18.540 Because there's a few... Oh, hang on, Valentine's Day? It's Valentine's Day, is it? Forgot that one. 00:06:19.759 --> 00:06:25.259 Don't worry, as I said this morning, I bought a $2 bag of heart-shaped chocolates, 00:06:25.259 --> 00:06:36.819 which my girls devoured before Nat got one. Galatians 5 says the godly character is the fruit of God 00:06:36.819 --> 00:06:44.379 working in our lives by His Spirit. Verse 22 in Galatians 5. Grab your Bibles, smartphones, 00:06:44.519 --> 00:06:53.240 as Sam said, whatever. Get to Galatians 5, verse 22. It's a list of traits that God is working out in 00:06:53.240 --> 00:07:00.079 His people. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 00:07:00.180 --> 00:07:05.560 gentleness, and self-control. Some paraphrase the list of this fruit as love, joy, peace, 00:07:05.900 --> 00:07:14.199 patience, kindness, integrity, courage, humility, and self-control. Now, either way, it's a pretty 00:07:14.199 --> 00:07:19.439 daunting list. It's an impressive list. It's not an exhaustive list of all the things that God's 00:07:19.439 --> 00:07:26.860 working out on you, but it's pretty impressive and daunting. Love. It's the Christ-like reaction 00:07:26.860 --> 00:07:35.639 to malice. Joy. The Christ-like reaction to depressing and difficult circumstances. Peace 00:07:35.639 --> 00:07:42.360 as the Christ-like reaction to troubles and threats and anxiety. Patience as the Christ-like reaction to 00:07:42.360 --> 00:07:49.960 all that raises your blood pressure. Kindness as the Christ-like reaction to all who are unkind and cruel. 00:07:50.780 --> 00:07:58.080 Goodness is the Christ-like reaction to bad people, naughty people, and bad behavior. Faithfulness is the 00:07:58.080 --> 00:08:04.520 Christ-like reaction to lies and distortions and untruths. Gentleness is the Christ-like reaction to 00:08:04.520 --> 00:08:12.240 anger. Self-control as a Christ-like reaction to every situation where you want the 00:08:12.240 --> 00:08:22.660 sinful nature to take over and lead. That's pretty daunting. It's not niceness. It's not what we're 00:08:22.660 --> 00:08:27.579 talking about. Now, my focus here is not to unpack each one of those, but to go much broader. 00:08:28.180 --> 00:08:37.500 I want to say two things, two things about the fruit of the Spirit with 12 to 15 sub-points under 00:08:37.500 --> 00:08:45.080 each thing. No, it's not quite true. Two things. The first is the fruit of the Spirit is about 00:08:45.080 --> 00:08:57.440 supernatural internal transformation by God and not external moral constraint. That's the first thing. 00:08:58.019 --> 00:09:03.620 I'll unpack that in a minute. The second thing I'm going to say is that unless the fruit of the Spirit 00:09:03.620 --> 00:09:12.440 are growing together, then none of them are there in their supernatural form. 00:09:14.279 --> 00:09:17.060 That's the two things. And then I'm going to talk about how do we grow under Spirit. 00:09:17.320 --> 00:09:24.019 Okay? So let's understand the Spirit, the fruits of the Spirit. So having listed the fruit in verse 22, 00:09:24.019 --> 00:09:32.799 at the end of verse 23, it says, against such things, there is no law. There's a list of the nine 00:09:32.799 --> 00:09:38.579 traits. And then it says, against such things, there is no law. And now that is pretty significant. 00:09:39.399 --> 00:09:47.139 And so I need to explain what that little bit means just there. Imagine New South Wales Parliament 00:09:47.139 --> 00:09:55.559 passed the law against joylessness and anxiety. It is now against the law in New South Wales to be 00:09:55.559 --> 00:10:11.319 joyless and to be anxious. That would be pretty useless as a law. Because law is a form of moral 00:10:11.320 --> 00:10:23.340 constraint that is essentially negative in its nature. Law works to stop the results of a messed up heart, 00:10:23.620 --> 00:10:31.820 but it can't get into the inside and deal with the messed upness of the heart. 00:10:31.820 --> 00:10:41.340 You see, a well-enforced law might stem the tide of murder, might even stamp out murder. 00:10:42.620 --> 00:10:50.080 But it can't reach in and get to the anger which is in a heart, which is the root of murder. 00:10:51.040 --> 00:10:59.440 Murder is the consequence of a problem in a heart. Against pride and anxiety and joylessness and fear 00:10:59.440 --> 00:11:08.080 and all the other root problems in your heart and my heart, law is useless. Law cannot get into the 00:11:08.080 --> 00:11:14.120 heart where the root problem is. And so it cannot constrain my heart. 00:11:16.400 --> 00:11:25.000 The answer to that is in verse 24 and 25. The Holy Spirit. The Spirit can go where the law can't go. 00:11:25.000 --> 00:11:31.039 You see, the Holy Spirit and the law working together can constrain you externally, but only the Spirit 00:11:31.039 --> 00:11:38.820 can go internally and bring transformation in the root problem. Only the Spirit can deal with the 00:11:38.820 --> 00:11:44.620 internal problem of messed up heart. And the practical difference between the law and the Spirit is 00:11:44.620 --> 00:11:52.100 enormous. The difference between an external moral constraint of the law and the internal 00:11:52.100 --> 00:12:00.740 transformation, supernatural transformation of the Spirit is very significant. The British have a 00:12:00.740 --> 00:12:11.220 saying, no man is a hero to his valet. No man is a hero to his valet. Now I've watched Downton Abbey and so 00:12:11.220 --> 00:12:20.200 I know what a valet is. A valet is a wealthy man's personal male attendant who's responsible for his clothes, 00:12:20.200 --> 00:12:26.500 for his appearance, for his personal details like his bank accounts and running his bath and sponging 00:12:26.500 --> 00:12:34.780 his back. All sorts of stuff like that. What the saying means is that no matter how grand your public 00:12:34.780 --> 00:12:48.740 persona is, in private your valet sees warts and all. He sees what you truly are like and what you truly want 00:12:48.740 --> 00:12:55.740 to be. The valet sees the impatience, the selfishness, the irritability, the pettiness, the anxiety, the 00:12:55.740 --> 00:13:05.519 jealousy, the joylessness. And so no man is a hero to his valet because his valet sees what he's really like. 00:13:05.519 --> 00:13:21.480 And what this means is that when you use the law to constrain a person morally, externally, you do it at the 00:13:21.480 --> 00:13:31.340 expense of joy and peace. Which themselves are two fruits of the Spirit, you might notice. 00:13:31.340 --> 00:13:43.320 Law externally constrains you from doing what you want to internally do. And so it constrains you 00:13:43.320 --> 00:13:47.060 and locks you to a position of joylessness and peacelessness. 00:13:50.500 --> 00:13:55.360 Think about how you raise a child. You get them and you say to them, 00:13:55.360 --> 00:13:59.639 we don't want you to do this or this or this or this or this or this or this or this. 00:14:02.360 --> 00:14:03.220 And you had 00:14:03.220 --> 00:14:05.600 better not do it because firstly, 00:14:06.740 --> 00:14:08.919 you'll get caught. 00:14:10.159 --> 00:14:11.300 God will catch you, 00:14:12.159 --> 00:14:14.379 police will catch you or I will catch you. 00:14:15.720 --> 00:14:18.019 And secondly, you better not do it because 00:14:18.019 --> 00:14:20.879 what will people think of you? 00:14:20.879 --> 00:14:24.419 And thirdly, you better not do it because 00:14:24.419 --> 00:14:25.600 you will end up 00:14:25.600 --> 00:14:28.700 despising yourself. You'll have no respect 00:14:28.700 --> 00:14:29.299 for yourself. 00:14:31.419 --> 00:14:32.500 How are we making 00:14:32.500 --> 00:14:33.799 kids moral at that point? 00:14:34.460 --> 00:14:35.939 We're making them moral by 00:14:35.939 --> 00:14:37.700 nurturing joylessness 00:14:37.700 --> 00:14:40.019 and peacelessness and 00:14:40.019 --> 00:14:42.179 anxiety and insecurity. 00:14:44.679 --> 00:14:46.539 As the law establishes 00:14:46.539 --> 00:14:48.200 external moral 00:14:48.200 --> 00:14:50.559 behavior at the expense of 00:14:50.559 --> 00:14:52.199 inner joy and peace, 00:14:52.819 --> 00:14:54.500 it establishes fear 00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:56.099 and pride 00:14:56.099 --> 00:14:57.819 that reveals itself 00:14:57.819 --> 00:14:59.479 where the valet 00:14:59.479 --> 00:15:00.879 and only the valet 00:15:00.879 --> 00:15:01.779 and you see it. 00:15:05.500 --> 00:15:06.799 Or your spouse, 00:15:07.579 --> 00:15:08.759 or your children, 00:15:09.319 --> 00:15:10.279 or your parents, 00:15:10.599 --> 00:15:11.839 or your team at work, 00:15:11.879 --> 00:15:13.739 or the people who know you the best. 00:15:14.379 --> 00:15:16.039 In the private place 00:15:16.039 --> 00:15:18.459 is where you find out 00:15:18.459 --> 00:15:20.120 whether you are morally 00:15:20.120 --> 00:15:21.120 constrained 00:15:21.120 --> 00:15:23.099 externally 00:15:23.099 --> 00:15:26.120 or you're supernaturally 00:15:26.120 --> 00:15:27.699 changed internally 00:15:27.699 --> 00:15:29.480 by the Holy Spirit. 00:15:32.480 --> 00:15:34.459 Only the Spirit will go deep. 00:15:35.459 --> 00:15:37.139 Only the Spirit makes you 00:15:37.139 --> 00:15:38.980 in your most private place 00:15:38.980 --> 00:15:40.500 and private time 00:15:40.500 --> 00:15:42.139 a person of joy 00:15:42.139 --> 00:15:43.539 and calm 00:15:43.539 --> 00:15:44.399 and peace 00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:45.399 and mercy 00:15:45.399 --> 00:15:46.320 and love 00:15:46.320 --> 00:15:47.159 and patience 00:15:47.159 --> 00:15:47.919 and kindness 00:15:47.919 --> 00:15:48.679 and courage 00:15:48.679 --> 00:15:49.419 and humility. 00:15:49.419 --> 00:15:51.460 Or to put it another way, 00:15:52.460 --> 00:15:54.419 if you are not 00:15:54.419 --> 00:15:55.840 more of a hero 00:15:55.840 --> 00:15:58.000 to the people 00:15:58.000 --> 00:15:59.440 who know you 00:15:59.440 --> 00:16:00.299 the best, 00:16:01.039 --> 00:16:02.080 then you should 00:16:02.080 --> 00:16:03.000 probably have 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:04.139 an alarm bell 00:16:04.139 --> 00:16:05.320 ringing right now. 00:16:05.320 --> 00:16:10.280 That is, 00:16:10.340 --> 00:16:10.680 if you've got 00:16:10.680 --> 00:16:11.879 this great persona 00:16:11.879 --> 00:16:15.280 with some people, 00:16:15.540 --> 00:16:16.340 great guy, 00:16:16.500 --> 00:16:17.480 great at his work, 00:16:19.240 --> 00:16:19.940 and yet the people 00:16:19.940 --> 00:16:21.280 who know you the best 00:16:21.280 --> 00:16:24.400 don't regard you 00:16:24.400 --> 00:16:24.860 as a hero, 00:16:25.960 --> 00:16:27.140 ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, 00:16:27.180 --> 00:16:28.020 should be going off 00:16:28.020 --> 00:16:28.580 right now. 00:16:31.280 --> 00:16:32.480 So how are you getting on 00:16:32.480 --> 00:16:33.660 on the inside? 00:16:33.659 --> 00:16:35.319 Are you a hero 00:16:35.319 --> 00:16:36.439 to those who know you 00:16:36.439 --> 00:16:36.959 the best? 00:16:37.039 --> 00:16:38.199 Or do they laugh 00:16:38.199 --> 00:16:39.600 about you 00:16:39.600 --> 00:16:40.659 over drinks? 00:16:41.179 --> 00:16:42.879 That's a scary question, 00:16:42.980 --> 00:16:43.360 I know. 00:16:45.039 --> 00:16:46.240 But it's going to get 00:16:46.240 --> 00:16:47.579 just slightly more scarier. 00:16:49.039 --> 00:16:50.500 Because the second thing 00:16:50.500 --> 00:16:51.000 to notice 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:52.179 is that the fruit 00:16:52.179 --> 00:16:53.419 all come together. 00:16:55.139 --> 00:16:56.659 If they are not 00:16:56.659 --> 00:16:58.659 growing all together, 00:16:59.600 --> 00:17:00.639 they are not 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:02.100 growing at all, 00:17:02.579 --> 00:17:03.399 at least in their 00:17:03.399 --> 00:17:04.420 supernatural form. 00:17:06.259 --> 00:17:07.099 And I get that 00:17:07.099 --> 00:17:07.879 from verse 22. 00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:09.019 Notice the singular 00:17:09.019 --> 00:17:09.559 statement, 00:17:09.980 --> 00:17:11.119 the fruit of the 00:17:11.119 --> 00:17:12.339 Spirit is, 00:17:12.759 --> 00:17:13.539 and then goes on 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:14.359 and lists nine traits. 00:17:16.059 --> 00:17:16.940 It doesn't say 00:17:16.940 --> 00:17:17.940 the fruits of the 00:17:17.940 --> 00:17:18.900 Spirit are. 00:17:22.019 --> 00:17:22.799 The outcome 00:17:22.799 --> 00:17:23.700 of the work 00:17:23.700 --> 00:17:24.460 of the Holy Spirit 00:17:24.460 --> 00:17:25.180 in your life 00:17:25.180 --> 00:17:27.319 is nine traits. 00:17:28.779 --> 00:17:29.420 They're not 00:17:29.420 --> 00:17:30.359 separable traits. 00:17:30.519 --> 00:17:31.200 They are dependent 00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:32.019 on each other. 00:17:32.559 --> 00:17:33.259 Interdependent. 00:17:33.559 --> 00:17:34.700 The fruits of the Spirit 00:17:34.700 --> 00:17:35.819 are all aspects 00:17:35.819 --> 00:17:36.759 of the same thing. 00:17:37.080 --> 00:17:38.059 You can't be patient 00:17:38.059 --> 00:17:38.880 unless you're humble. 00:17:39.220 --> 00:17:40.240 You can't be kind 00:17:40.240 --> 00:17:40.700 with people 00:17:40.700 --> 00:17:41.360 unless you've got 00:17:41.360 --> 00:17:42.620 self-control. 00:17:43.000 --> 00:17:43.620 You can't have 00:17:43.620 --> 00:17:44.400 integrity 00:17:44.400 --> 00:17:45.840 with this group 00:17:45.840 --> 00:17:46.400 at work 00:17:46.400 --> 00:17:47.759 and this group 00:17:47.759 --> 00:17:48.539 at home 00:17:48.539 --> 00:17:50.039 unless you have 00:17:50.039 --> 00:17:51.180 tremendous amount 00:17:51.180 --> 00:17:52.620 of inner peace 00:17:52.620 --> 00:17:53.279 and security 00:17:53.279 --> 00:17:53.900 with Christ 00:17:53.900 --> 00:17:55.019 that just allows you 00:17:55.019 --> 00:17:55.480 to flourish 00:17:55.480 --> 00:17:56.360 wherever you are. 00:17:56.740 --> 00:17:57.980 They have to be together. 00:17:57.980 --> 00:18:00.420 If they're not 00:18:00.420 --> 00:18:00.900 together 00:18:00.900 --> 00:18:03.240 then they're not 00:18:03.240 --> 00:18:03.880 there at all. 00:18:05.700 --> 00:18:06.319 It's important 00:18:06.319 --> 00:18:07.319 to grapple with this 00:18:07.319 --> 00:18:08.019 so that you can 00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:08.579 recognize 00:18:08.579 --> 00:18:09.759 and evaluate 00:18:09.759 --> 00:18:10.839 the work 00:18:10.839 --> 00:18:11.480 of the Spirit 00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:12.500 in your life. 00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:13.960 The temptation 00:18:13.960 --> 00:18:14.680 here 00:18:14.680 --> 00:18:15.640 is to look 00:18:15.640 --> 00:18:16.299 at this list 00:18:16.299 --> 00:18:16.660 and to give 00:18:16.660 --> 00:18:17.200 our scores 00:18:17.200 --> 00:18:18.120 based on 00:18:18.120 --> 00:18:19.380 how many 00:18:19.380 --> 00:18:20.360 of these traits 00:18:20.360 --> 00:18:21.059 we think we're good 00:18:21.059 --> 00:18:21.720 at and how many 00:18:21.720 --> 00:18:23.220 we're kind of okay 00:18:23.220 --> 00:18:24.420 at and that one's 00:18:24.420 --> 00:18:25.000 not so good. 00:18:25.259 --> 00:18:25.640 And so we give 00:18:25.640 --> 00:18:26.440 ourselves a score 00:18:26.440 --> 00:18:28.440 and go six out of ten 00:18:28.440 --> 00:18:29.180 or nine 00:18:29.180 --> 00:18:30.920 and that's pretty good. 00:18:31.299 --> 00:18:32.039 That's more 00:18:32.039 --> 00:18:32.820 than a pass mark 00:18:32.820 --> 00:18:34.019 so I must be okay. 00:18:35.840 --> 00:18:37.380 And that would be wrong. 00:18:38.420 --> 00:18:39.700 They are interrelated 00:18:39.700 --> 00:18:40.840 and so they must 00:18:40.840 --> 00:18:41.700 grow together. 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:42.980 Now let me just 00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:43.640 take a little bit 00:18:43.640 --> 00:18:44.400 of pressure off. 00:18:44.680 --> 00:18:45.259 There can be 00:18:45.259 --> 00:18:46.299 some lag here 00:18:46.299 --> 00:18:49.240 where some 00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:51.140 are growing 00:18:51.140 --> 00:18:52.580 faster than others 00:18:52.579 --> 00:18:54.939 but they 00:18:54.939 --> 00:18:55.799 must all 00:18:55.799 --> 00:18:56.460 be growing. 00:18:58.519 --> 00:18:59.159 That's not just 00:18:59.159 --> 00:18:59.659 Galatians. 00:18:59.720 --> 00:19:00.179 That's a thrust 00:19:00.179 --> 00:19:00.319 of it. 00:19:00.359 --> 00:19:00.439 See, 00:19:00.659 --> 00:19:02.119 long before Karl Marx 00:19:02.119 --> 00:19:03.159 and Friedrich Nietzsche 00:19:03.159 --> 00:19:04.619 said that people 00:19:04.619 --> 00:19:06.199 followed moral behavior 00:19:06.199 --> 00:19:07.099 out of fear 00:19:07.099 --> 00:19:07.559 and pride 00:19:07.559 --> 00:19:08.039 and desire 00:19:08.039 --> 00:19:08.579 for power 00:19:08.579 --> 00:19:09.559 over other people, 00:19:10.279 --> 00:19:11.240 the Apostle Paul 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:12.960 said in 1 Corinthians 13 00:19:12.960 --> 00:19:14.619 that it's extremely 00:19:14.619 --> 00:19:15.259 possible 00:19:15.259 --> 00:19:16.279 for people 00:19:16.279 --> 00:19:16.939 to live 00:19:16.939 --> 00:19:18.279 a moral life 00:19:18.279 --> 00:19:19.980 without love 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:21.440 as the foundation 00:19:21.440 --> 00:19:22.680 of that life. 00:19:24.720 --> 00:19:25.500 That is 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:26.039 out of 00:19:26.039 --> 00:19:27.019 self-interest. 00:19:31.620 --> 00:19:32.400 That is 00:19:32.400 --> 00:19:33.039 without a heart 00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:33.759 that's being changed 00:19:33.759 --> 00:19:34.319 by the grace 00:19:34.319 --> 00:19:35.160 and love of God. 00:19:38.079 --> 00:19:38.980 Now that's 00:19:38.980 --> 00:19:39.860 really important 00:19:39.860 --> 00:19:40.440 because it's 00:19:40.440 --> 00:19:41.180 pretty typical 00:19:41.180 --> 00:19:42.039 for people 00:19:42.039 --> 00:19:43.660 who are kind 00:19:43.660 --> 00:19:44.500 and gentle 00:19:44.500 --> 00:19:45.279 and diplomatic 00:19:45.279 --> 00:19:46.700 and just 00:19:46.700 --> 00:19:49.720 so empathetic 00:19:49.720 --> 00:19:51.200 not 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:51.700 to be 00:19:51.700 --> 00:19:52.480 assertive, 00:19:52.720 --> 00:19:54.039 to be bold 00:19:54.039 --> 00:19:55.200 or to be 00:19:55.200 --> 00:19:55.640 courageous. 00:19:57.680 --> 00:19:58.400 They might 00:19:58.400 --> 00:19:59.220 have gentleness 00:19:59.220 --> 00:20:00.640 but they lack 00:20:00.640 --> 00:20:01.799 probably 00:20:01.799 --> 00:20:02.380 the best 00:20:02.380 --> 00:20:02.960 translation 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:03.600 in the list 00:20:03.600 --> 00:20:04.700 is faithfulness. 00:20:06.339 --> 00:20:07.120 They aren't 00:20:07.120 --> 00:20:07.519 good at 00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:08.059 confronting 00:20:08.059 --> 00:20:09.339 and courage. 00:20:10.279 --> 00:20:10.900 On the other 00:20:10.900 --> 00:20:11.140 hand, 00:20:11.180 --> 00:20:11.680 there are people 00:20:11.680 --> 00:20:12.220 who are very 00:20:12.220 --> 00:20:13.420 bold and assertive 00:20:13.420 --> 00:20:13.980 and directive 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:15.180 but tend 00:20:15.180 --> 00:20:16.079 to be impatient. 00:20:17.120 --> 00:20:17.440 A little 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:18.079 on the harsh 00:20:18.079 --> 00:20:18.519 side. 00:20:18.839 --> 00:20:19.180 They lack 00:20:19.180 --> 00:20:19.600 empathy. 00:20:20.620 --> 00:20:21.160 And in both 00:20:21.160 --> 00:20:21.620 cases, 00:20:21.759 --> 00:20:22.319 the character 00:20:22.319 --> 00:20:23.160 traits are 00:20:23.160 --> 00:20:24.539 more natural 00:20:24.539 --> 00:20:26.000 personality traits 00:20:26.000 --> 00:20:26.900 given by God, 00:20:26.980 --> 00:20:27.539 I acknowledge, 00:20:28.700 --> 00:20:29.319 rather than 00:20:29.319 --> 00:20:30.259 inner transformation 00:20:30.259 --> 00:20:31.160 of the spirit. 00:20:31.940 --> 00:20:32.140 You see, 00:20:32.220 --> 00:20:33.039 if your gentleness 00:20:33.039 --> 00:20:34.019 and your diplomacy 00:20:34.019 --> 00:20:35.100 were coming out 00:20:35.100 --> 00:20:35.779 of a heart 00:20:35.779 --> 00:20:37.039 that's transformed 00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:37.940 by God 00:20:37.940 --> 00:20:38.940 and radically 00:20:38.940 --> 00:20:39.559 secure 00:20:39.559 --> 00:20:40.819 in His love, 00:20:42.160 --> 00:20:43.279 you would 00:20:43.279 --> 00:20:43.940 be bold 00:20:43.940 --> 00:20:45.759 because 00:20:45.759 --> 00:20:46.720 you wouldn't 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:47.200 be afraid 00:20:47.200 --> 00:20:47.759 of anything 00:20:47.759 --> 00:20:48.440 or anyone 00:20:48.440 --> 00:20:50.519 because you 00:20:50.519 --> 00:20:50.900 know you're 00:20:50.900 --> 00:20:51.460 secure in 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:51.779 Jesus. 00:20:53.940 --> 00:20:54.779 And if 00:20:54.779 --> 00:20:55.220 that's not 00:20:55.220 --> 00:20:55.819 the case, 00:20:55.920 --> 00:20:56.279 then the 00:20:56.279 --> 00:20:56.740 gentleness 00:20:56.740 --> 00:20:57.340 and the 00:20:57.340 --> 00:20:58.000 diplomacy 00:20:58.000 --> 00:20:59.799 is most 00:20:59.799 --> 00:21:00.360 likely 00:21:00.360 --> 00:21:02.400 a natural 00:21:02.400 --> 00:21:04.140 temperamental 00:21:04.140 --> 00:21:07.019 sweetness, 00:21:07.380 --> 00:21:07.880 niceness. 00:21:08.580 --> 00:21:09.220 Now, 00:21:09.259 --> 00:21:09.799 that's good. 00:21:09.799 --> 00:21:11.840 Good in 00:21:11.840 --> 00:21:12.920 people and 00:21:12.920 --> 00:21:14.120 good in 00:21:14.120 --> 00:21:14.380 certain 00:21:14.380 --> 00:21:15.240 circumstances, 00:21:16.080 --> 00:21:16.800 but in a 00:21:16.800 --> 00:21:17.320 significant 00:21:17.320 --> 00:21:17.980 part, 00:21:18.120 --> 00:21:18.600 it's most 00:21:18.600 --> 00:21:19.019 likely 00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:19.820 cowardly. 00:21:19.819 --> 00:21:24.500 good for 00:21:24.500 --> 00:21:25.759 many people, 00:21:25.759 --> 00:21:26.139 but in a 00:21:26.139 --> 00:21:26.759 way, 00:21:26.759 --> 00:21:27.679 if your 00:21:27.679 --> 00:21:28.159 boldness 00:21:28.159 --> 00:21:28.439 and your 00:21:28.439 --> 00:21:28.879 directness 00:21:28.879 --> 00:21:29.319 were coming 00:21:29.319 --> 00:21:30.059 out of a 00:21:30.059 --> 00:21:30.700 heart that's 00:21:30.700 --> 00:21:31.679 transformed by 00:21:31.679 --> 00:21:32.039 God, 00:21:32.419 --> 00:21:32.759 radically 00:21:32.759 --> 00:21:33.419 secure in 00:21:33.419 --> 00:21:34.119 His love, 00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:35.019 you would 00:21:35.019 --> 00:21:36.200 be empathetic 00:21:36.200 --> 00:21:37.399 and gentle 00:21:37.399 --> 00:21:38.500 and kind. 00:21:39.359 --> 00:21:39.639 And so, 00:21:39.779 --> 00:21:40.139 if you're 00:21:40.139 --> 00:21:40.460 not, 00:21:40.579 --> 00:21:40.960 then the 00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:41.659 courage and 00:21:41.659 --> 00:21:42.299 the boldness 00:21:42.299 --> 00:21:42.599 and the 00:21:42.599 --> 00:21:43.200 assertiveness 00:21:43.200 --> 00:21:44.399 is most 00:21:44.399 --> 00:21:45.259 likely a 00:21:45.259 --> 00:21:45.720 natural 00:21:45.720 --> 00:21:46.419 temperament 00:21:46.419 --> 00:21:47.379 of assertiveness, 00:21:48.079 --> 00:21:49.220 good for 00:21:49.220 --> 00:21:49.860 many people 00:21:49.860 --> 00:21:51.039 and situations, 00:21:51.839 --> 00:21:53.140 but in a 00:21:53.140 --> 00:21:53.559 significant 00:21:53.559 --> 00:21:54.220 part, 00:21:54.380 --> 00:21:55.200 most likely 00:21:55.200 --> 00:21:55.839 arrogance. 00:21:59.079 --> 00:21:59.980 All the 00:21:59.980 --> 00:22:00.559 traits of 00:22:00.559 --> 00:22:01.059 the fruit of 00:22:01.059 --> 00:22:01.600 the Spirit 00:22:01.600 --> 00:22:02.360 have to be 00:22:02.360 --> 00:22:03.440 there in 00:22:03.440 --> 00:22:04.140 order for 00:22:04.140 --> 00:22:05.000 any of 00:22:05.000 --> 00:22:05.360 them to 00:22:05.360 --> 00:22:05.880 be there 00:22:05.880 --> 00:22:06.400 in their 00:22:06.400 --> 00:22:07.200 supernatural 00:22:07.200 --> 00:22:09.339 God-transformed 00:22:09.339 --> 00:22:09.819 form. 00:22:11.759 --> 00:22:12.539 We are 00:22:12.539 --> 00:22:13.880 only as 00:22:13.880 --> 00:22:14.460 spiritually 00:22:14.460 --> 00:22:16.180 mature as 00:22:16.180 --> 00:22:17.279 our weakest 00:22:17.279 --> 00:22:18.019 trait. 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:21.079 So go to 00:22:21.079 --> 00:22:21.660 your weakest 00:22:21.660 --> 00:22:22.140 trait. 00:22:23.339 --> 00:22:24.000 That's the 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:24.640 level of the 00:22:24.640 --> 00:22:25.180 work of the 00:22:25.180 --> 00:22:25.920 Holy Spirit 00:22:25.920 --> 00:22:26.420 in your 00:22:26.420 --> 00:22:27.000 life. 00:22:30.519 --> 00:22:30.920 Now, 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:31.339 some of us 00:22:31.339 --> 00:22:31.600 here are 00:22:31.600 --> 00:22:31.940 starting to 00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:32.279 feel a little 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:32.799 uncomfortable, 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:34.200 I hope. 00:22:36.940 --> 00:22:37.920 As I was 00:22:37.920 --> 00:22:38.559 when I was 00:22:38.559 --> 00:22:39.259 putting this 00:22:39.259 --> 00:22:39.660 down on 00:22:39.660 --> 00:22:40.039 paper, 00:22:42.120 --> 00:22:42.740 go to 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:43.559 your least, 00:22:43.680 --> 00:22:44.140 I mean, 00:22:44.200 --> 00:22:44.559 the best thing 00:22:44.559 --> 00:22:45.140 for me to do 00:22:45.140 --> 00:22:45.579 is to go and 00:22:45.579 --> 00:22:45.920 ask my 00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:46.420 valet, 00:22:46.779 --> 00:22:47.000 Nat, 00:22:47.160 --> 00:22:47.360 I mean, 00:22:47.380 --> 00:22:47.620 she's the 00:22:47.620 --> 00:22:47.940 person who 00:22:47.940 --> 00:22:48.220 knows me 00:22:48.220 --> 00:22:48.539 better than 00:22:48.539 --> 00:22:48.960 anyone else. 00:22:49.059 --> 00:22:49.420 She's not 00:22:49.420 --> 00:22:49.900 literally my 00:22:49.900 --> 00:22:50.240 valet, 00:22:50.340 --> 00:22:53.240 but please 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:53.680 don't repeat 00:22:53.680 --> 00:22:53.940 that. 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:55.820 But to go 00:22:55.820 --> 00:22:56.320 to her and 00:22:56.320 --> 00:22:56.539 say, 00:22:56.700 --> 00:22:57.860 which one 00:22:57.860 --> 00:22:58.100 do you 00:22:58.100 --> 00:22:58.400 think? 00:22:59.120 --> 00:23:00.180 And it's a 00:23:00.180 --> 00:23:00.680 scary thing 00:23:00.680 --> 00:23:01.019 for me to 00:23:01.019 --> 00:23:01.400 go to her 00:23:01.400 --> 00:23:01.640 and say, 00:23:01.700 --> 00:23:02.039 which one 00:23:02.039 --> 00:23:02.259 do you 00:23:02.259 --> 00:23:02.539 think? 00:23:03.039 --> 00:23:03.220 I mean, 00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:03.480 she might 00:23:03.480 --> 00:23:03.820 come back 00:23:03.820 --> 00:23:04.039 and say, 00:23:04.120 --> 00:23:04.380 one. 00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:05.680 I mean, 00:23:05.820 --> 00:23:06.080 you know, 00:23:07.220 --> 00:23:09.299 we're starting 00:23:09.299 --> 00:23:09.700 to feel a little 00:23:09.700 --> 00:23:10.140 uncomfortable, 00:23:10.279 --> 00:23:10.580 and I expect 00:23:10.580 --> 00:23:10.980 that's not 00:23:10.980 --> 00:23:11.799 entirely bad. 00:23:11.880 --> 00:23:12.259 Let me help 00:23:12.259 --> 00:23:12.680 you out just 00:23:12.680 --> 00:23:13.059 a little bit 00:23:13.059 --> 00:23:13.340 here. 00:23:13.779 --> 00:23:14.299 It's important 00:23:14.299 --> 00:23:14.720 to remember 00:23:14.720 --> 00:23:15.340 the growth 00:23:15.340 --> 00:23:16.140 in the fruit 00:23:16.140 --> 00:23:16.900 of the Spirit 00:23:16.900 --> 00:23:17.780 is gradual. 00:23:18.360 --> 00:23:19.160 Verse 19 00:23:19.160 --> 00:23:19.820 says that the 00:23:19.820 --> 00:23:20.340 acts of the 00:23:20.340 --> 00:23:20.960 sinful nature 00:23:20.960 --> 00:23:21.400 are, 00:23:21.440 --> 00:23:21.820 and then it 00:23:21.820 --> 00:23:22.440 goes a bunch 00:23:22.440 --> 00:23:22.759 of lists, 00:23:23.420 --> 00:23:23.980 an action 00:23:23.980 --> 00:23:24.519 happens. 00:23:25.160 --> 00:23:25.460 It's an 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:25.820 action. 00:23:26.180 --> 00:23:26.580 It happens. 00:23:26.680 --> 00:23:26.800 I mean, 00:23:26.820 --> 00:23:27.140 some actions 00:23:27.140 --> 00:23:27.540 might take a 00:23:27.540 --> 00:23:27.759 bit longer, 00:23:27.840 --> 00:23:28.180 but it's an 00:23:28.180 --> 00:23:28.519 action. 00:23:29.420 --> 00:23:29.720 Fruit, 00:23:29.820 --> 00:23:30.280 on the other 00:23:30.280 --> 00:23:30.700 hand, 00:23:31.220 --> 00:23:31.980 is a character 00:23:31.980 --> 00:23:32.540 trait that 00:23:32.540 --> 00:23:33.060 builds. 00:23:33.440 --> 00:23:34.080 It grows. 00:23:36.360 --> 00:23:37.000 It comes 00:23:37.000 --> 00:23:37.440 slowly. 00:23:37.580 --> 00:23:37.700 See, 00:23:37.820 --> 00:23:38.200 I've got a 00:23:38.200 --> 00:23:38.820 tomato plant 00:23:38.820 --> 00:23:39.380 over there in 00:23:39.380 --> 00:23:39.960 my garden, 00:23:40.680 --> 00:23:41.800 and I can't 00:23:41.800 --> 00:23:42.140 tell the 00:23:42.140 --> 00:23:42.800 difference between 00:23:42.800 --> 00:23:43.380 yesterday and 00:23:43.380 --> 00:23:43.720 today. 00:23:43.720 --> 00:23:46.100 I mean, 00:23:46.140 --> 00:23:46.519 I'm assuming 00:23:46.519 --> 00:23:47.000 it's growing 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:47.259 because it's 00:23:47.259 --> 00:23:47.819 not dying 00:23:47.819 --> 00:23:48.779 yet, 00:23:49.680 --> 00:23:51.200 and it has 00:23:51.200 --> 00:23:52.079 grown over 00:23:52.079 --> 00:23:52.360 time, 00:23:52.400 --> 00:23:52.759 but I can't 00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:53.220 see it. 00:23:53.900 --> 00:23:54.039 I mean, 00:23:54.079 --> 00:23:54.660 I can stick a 00:23:54.660 --> 00:23:55.240 measuring stick 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:55.660 against it, 00:23:55.680 --> 00:23:56.200 and I can see 00:23:56.200 --> 00:23:56.779 it happen, 00:23:57.019 --> 00:23:58.160 but it happens 00:23:58.160 --> 00:23:58.600 slowly, 00:23:58.680 --> 00:23:59.339 and I can't 00:23:59.339 --> 00:24:00.299 always see it 00:24:00.299 --> 00:24:00.759 working. 00:24:03.160 --> 00:24:04.380 And every so 00:24:04.380 --> 00:24:04.740 often, 00:24:04.860 --> 00:24:05.600 God puts a 00:24:05.600 --> 00:24:06.220 measuring stick 00:24:06.220 --> 00:24:07.160 against us, 00:24:07.360 --> 00:24:08.680 and we get to 00:24:08.680 --> 00:24:09.140 check our 00:24:09.140 --> 00:24:09.900 progress as to 00:24:09.900 --> 00:24:10.220 whether we're 00:24:10.220 --> 00:24:10.980 growing or not. 00:24:11.660 --> 00:24:12.279 It might be 00:24:12.279 --> 00:24:12.960 that you faced 00:24:12.960 --> 00:24:13.860 a situation, 00:24:13.980 --> 00:24:14.360 a familiar 00:24:14.360 --> 00:24:15.120 situation to 00:24:15.120 --> 00:24:15.480 you that you 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:16.319 faced 12 00:24:16.319 --> 00:24:16.880 months ago, 00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:17.460 and you look 00:24:17.460 --> 00:24:17.700 at your 00:24:17.700 --> 00:24:18.220 response to 00:24:18.220 --> 00:24:18.759 it now compared 00:24:18.759 --> 00:24:19.099 to then, 00:24:19.140 --> 00:24:19.539 and you go, 00:24:20.279 --> 00:24:20.500 oh, 00:24:20.519 --> 00:24:21.120 that's different. 00:24:21.779 --> 00:24:22.200 I wouldn't 00:24:22.200 --> 00:24:22.440 have done 00:24:22.440 --> 00:24:22.900 that 12 00:24:22.900 --> 00:24:23.559 months ago. 00:24:24.339 --> 00:24:24.740 Measuring 00:24:24.740 --> 00:24:25.140 stick. 00:24:25.240 --> 00:24:25.759 You're actually 00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:26.400 growing at 00:24:26.400 --> 00:24:26.960 that point, 00:24:27.160 --> 00:24:27.680 and that's 00:24:27.680 --> 00:24:28.319 God's grace 00:24:28.319 --> 00:24:28.960 to us. 00:24:30.920 --> 00:24:31.880 The last 00:24:31.880 --> 00:24:32.599 sentence of 00:24:32.599 --> 00:24:33.200 verse 17 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:33.819 is comforting, 00:24:33.980 --> 00:24:34.380 I think. 00:24:34.880 --> 00:24:35.339 Having talked 00:24:35.339 --> 00:24:35.860 about the sinful 00:24:35.860 --> 00:24:36.579 nature and the 00:24:36.579 --> 00:24:36.920 spirit, 00:24:37.019 --> 00:24:37.360 it says, 00:24:37.720 --> 00:24:38.839 they are in 00:24:38.839 --> 00:24:39.660 conflict with 00:24:39.660 --> 00:24:40.220 each other, 00:24:40.220 --> 00:24:41.140 so that you 00:24:41.140 --> 00:24:41.940 do not do 00:24:41.940 --> 00:24:42.519 what you 00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:43.120 want. 00:24:43.980 --> 00:24:44.299 And at the 00:24:44.299 --> 00:24:44.900 very least, 00:24:44.960 --> 00:24:45.460 it means that 00:24:45.460 --> 00:24:46.039 a person 00:24:46.039 --> 00:24:46.920 growing in 00:24:46.920 --> 00:24:47.339 the fruit of 00:24:47.339 --> 00:24:47.700 the spirit, 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:48.299 growing in 00:24:48.299 --> 00:24:49.180 godly character, 00:24:49.519 --> 00:24:50.420 can routinely 00:24:50.420 --> 00:24:51.000 go through 00:24:51.000 --> 00:24:52.220 seasons where 00:24:52.220 --> 00:24:52.860 they are just 00:24:52.860 --> 00:24:53.519 giving into the 00:24:53.519 --> 00:24:54.079 sinful nature. 00:24:54.200 --> 00:24:54.579 It seems like 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:54.960 there's not 00:24:54.960 --> 00:24:55.400 progress 00:24:55.400 --> 00:24:55.920 whatsoever. 00:24:57.319 --> 00:24:57.900 Paul is 00:24:57.900 --> 00:24:58.799 assuming here 00:24:58.799 --> 00:24:59.980 that you will 00:24:59.980 --> 00:25:00.779 feel like you're 00:25:00.779 --> 00:25:01.180 not making 00:25:01.180 --> 00:25:01.779 progress. 00:25:02.920 --> 00:25:03.559 And more 00:25:03.559 --> 00:25:04.140 significantly, 00:25:04.779 --> 00:25:05.519 I want to 00:25:05.519 --> 00:25:06.299 say that if 00:25:06.299 --> 00:25:06.960 that is your 00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:07.319 wrestle, 00:25:07.420 --> 00:25:07.860 when you are 00:25:07.860 --> 00:25:08.700 wrestling with 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:08.960 that, 00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:10.100 feeling like 00:25:10.100 --> 00:25:10.539 you're not 00:25:10.539 --> 00:25:11.140 growing in 00:25:11.140 --> 00:25:11.700 love or 00:25:11.700 --> 00:25:12.279 patience or 00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:12.900 gentleness or 00:25:12.900 --> 00:25:13.500 boldness, 00:25:14.980 --> 00:25:16.059 it is a 00:25:16.059 --> 00:25:16.620 sign of the 00:25:16.620 --> 00:25:17.279 spirit working 00:25:17.279 --> 00:25:17.799 in you. 00:25:18.779 --> 00:25:19.380 So hang in 00:25:19.380 --> 00:25:19.660 there. 00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:23.600 So there 00:25:23.600 --> 00:25:23.880 are a few 00:25:23.880 --> 00:25:24.360 things, 00:25:24.519 --> 00:25:25.259 that's the 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:25.579 spirit, 00:25:25.860 --> 00:25:26.500 work of the 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:26.840 fruit of the 00:25:26.840 --> 00:25:27.460 spirit generally, 00:25:27.600 --> 00:25:27.900 and there's a 00:25:27.900 --> 00:25:28.559 few things about 00:25:28.559 --> 00:25:29.620 how we might 00:25:29.620 --> 00:25:30.460 grow the fruit 00:25:30.460 --> 00:25:31.100 of the spirit 00:25:31.100 --> 00:25:32.079 in such a way 00:25:32.079 --> 00:25:34.380 that become a 00:25:34.380 --> 00:25:35.200 hero to your 00:25:35.200 --> 00:25:35.640 valet. 00:25:35.640 --> 00:25:37.759 notice 24, 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:38.680 it says, 00:25:38.840 --> 00:25:39.280 verse 24, 00:25:39.360 --> 00:25:39.640 those who 00:25:39.640 --> 00:25:40.020 belong to 00:25:40.020 --> 00:25:40.780 Christ Jesus 00:25:40.780 --> 00:25:41.360 have crucified 00:25:41.360 --> 00:25:41.780 the sinful 00:25:41.780 --> 00:25:42.240 nature with 00:25:42.240 --> 00:25:42.720 his passions 00:25:42.720 --> 00:25:43.480 and desires. 00:25:43.820 --> 00:25:44.180 Since we 00:25:44.180 --> 00:25:44.780 live by the 00:25:44.780 --> 00:25:45.140 spirit, 00:25:45.600 --> 00:25:46.940 let us keep 00:25:46.940 --> 00:25:47.660 in step 00:25:47.660 --> 00:25:48.200 with the 00:25:48.200 --> 00:25:48.540 spirit. 00:25:49.360 --> 00:25:49.840 The first 00:25:49.840 --> 00:25:50.480 thing is 00:25:50.480 --> 00:25:51.980 that we are 00:25:51.980 --> 00:25:52.580 to crucify 00:25:52.580 --> 00:25:53.100 the sinful 00:25:53.100 --> 00:25:53.460 nature. 00:25:53.600 --> 00:25:53.840 And what's 00:25:53.840 --> 00:25:54.680 mentioned here, 00:25:54.800 --> 00:25:55.600 what it means 00:25:55.600 --> 00:25:56.140 by that, 00:25:56.340 --> 00:25:57.120 is different 00:25:57.120 --> 00:25:57.660 from what it 00:25:57.660 --> 00:25:58.480 says in 00:25:58.480 --> 00:25:58.920 Galatians 00:25:58.920 --> 00:25:59.440 chapter 2 00:25:59.440 --> 00:26:00.060 verse 20 00:26:00.060 --> 00:26:01.980 and Romans 00:26:01.980 --> 00:26:03.220 6.6, 00:26:03.220 --> 00:26:04.700 where we 00:26:04.700 --> 00:26:05.519 are united 00:26:05.519 --> 00:26:06.299 with Jesus 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:07.539 through being 00:26:07.539 --> 00:26:08.700 crucified in 00:26:08.700 --> 00:26:10.039 his crucifixion 00:26:10.039 --> 00:26:11.120 and for 00:26:11.120 --> 00:26:11.559 our atonement 00:26:11.559 --> 00:26:12.200 for our sin. 00:26:12.519 --> 00:26:13.279 This verse 00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:13.900 is referring 00:26:13.900 --> 00:26:14.519 to the work 00:26:14.519 --> 00:26:15.380 that we do, 00:26:15.460 --> 00:26:15.940 not the work 00:26:15.940 --> 00:26:16.579 that Jesus 00:26:16.579 --> 00:26:17.120 does, 00:26:17.860 --> 00:26:19.100 who are now 00:26:19.100 --> 00:26:20.200 united with 00:26:20.200 --> 00:26:20.600 Jesus. 00:26:21.140 --> 00:26:21.620 So it's very 00:26:21.620 --> 00:26:22.220 similar to 00:26:22.220 --> 00:26:23.100 Mark chapter 8 00:26:23.100 --> 00:26:23.579 where Jesus 00:26:23.579 --> 00:26:23.940 says, 00:26:24.019 --> 00:26:24.180 you want to 00:26:24.180 --> 00:26:24.519 come follow 00:26:24.519 --> 00:26:24.720 me, 00:26:24.799 --> 00:26:25.160 take a big 00:26:25.160 --> 00:26:26.039 cross and 00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:26.779 follow me. 00:26:27.079 --> 00:26:27.900 It's Jesus' 00:26:27.900 --> 00:26:28.860 very vivid 00:26:28.860 --> 00:26:30.500 speech for a 00:26:30.500 --> 00:26:31.279 life of self 00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:31.759 denial. 00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:32.779 And so here, 00:26:32.779 --> 00:26:33.339 the apostle 00:26:33.339 --> 00:26:34.559 Paul takes 00:26:34.559 --> 00:26:34.980 Jesus' 00:26:35.180 --> 00:26:35.559 call to 00:26:35.559 --> 00:26:35.920 take up 00:26:35.920 --> 00:26:36.379 our cross 00:26:36.379 --> 00:26:37.019 and follow 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:37.940 him to 00:26:37.940 --> 00:26:38.700 its logical 00:26:38.700 --> 00:26:39.339 conclusion. 00:26:39.700 --> 00:26:40.039 He wants 00:26:40.039 --> 00:26:40.379 to make 00:26:40.379 --> 00:26:41.420 sure that 00:26:41.420 --> 00:26:41.700 as we 00:26:41.700 --> 00:26:42.160 take up 00:26:42.160 --> 00:26:43.299 our cross, 00:26:43.720 --> 00:26:44.379 we actually 00:26:44.379 --> 00:26:45.460 get to 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:45.920 the point 00:26:45.920 --> 00:26:46.940 of execution. 00:26:47.399 --> 00:26:47.720 He wants 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:48.139 to make 00:26:48.139 --> 00:26:49.119 sure that 00:26:49.119 --> 00:26:50.079 the execution 00:26:50.079 --> 00:26:50.619 of the 00:26:50.619 --> 00:26:51.240 sinful nature 00:26:51.240 --> 00:26:52.180 actually takes 00:26:52.180 --> 00:26:52.759 place. 00:26:54.799 --> 00:26:55.339 So that's 00:26:55.339 --> 00:26:55.680 the first 00:26:55.680 --> 00:26:55.839 thing, 00:26:55.879 --> 00:26:56.460 we crucify 00:26:56.460 --> 00:26:56.819 the sinful 00:26:56.819 --> 00:26:57.079 nature, 00:26:57.139 --> 00:26:57.420 the work 00:26:57.420 --> 00:26:57.740 that we 00:26:57.740 --> 00:26:58.079 do. 00:26:59.440 --> 00:27:00.079 The second 00:27:00.079 --> 00:27:00.579 thing is 00:27:00.579 --> 00:27:00.799 that we 00:27:00.799 --> 00:27:01.139 live by 00:27:01.139 --> 00:27:01.839 the spirit. 00:27:02.779 --> 00:27:03.359 So let 00:27:03.359 --> 00:27:03.759 us keep 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:04.139 in step 00:27:04.139 --> 00:27:04.460 with the 00:27:04.460 --> 00:27:04.700 spirit. 00:27:04.799 --> 00:27:05.079 The Holy 00:27:05.079 --> 00:27:06.639 Spirit works 00:27:06.639 --> 00:27:08.000 through means 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:10.839 to crucify 00:27:10.839 --> 00:27:11.920 the sinful 00:27:11.920 --> 00:27:14.299 nature as 00:27:14.299 --> 00:27:15.220 well as to 00:27:15.220 --> 00:27:15.859 help us to 00:27:15.859 --> 00:27:16.399 keep in step 00:27:16.399 --> 00:27:16.720 with the 00:27:16.720 --> 00:27:17.059 spirit. 00:27:17.920 --> 00:27:18.519 The Holy 00:27:18.519 --> 00:27:19.279 Spirit works 00:27:19.279 --> 00:27:20.480 through means, 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:23.279 objective 00:27:23.279 --> 00:27:24.119 means of 00:27:24.119 --> 00:27:25.059 grace like 00:27:25.059 --> 00:27:26.819 the Bible, 00:27:26.819 --> 00:27:28.700 prayer, 00:27:28.700 --> 00:27:28.819 prayer, 00:27:29.679 --> 00:27:30.099 worship, 00:27:30.879 --> 00:27:31.259 Christian 00:27:31.259 --> 00:27:31.799 fellowship, 00:27:32.299 --> 00:27:32.960 as well as 00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:33.879 subjective means 00:27:33.879 --> 00:27:34.539 of grace 00:27:34.539 --> 00:27:35.379 where we 00:27:35.379 --> 00:27:36.299 open ourselves 00:27:36.299 --> 00:27:36.960 to being 00:27:36.960 --> 00:27:37.659 changed. 00:27:38.519 --> 00:27:38.639 And, 00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:40.000 you know, 00:27:40.059 --> 00:27:40.559 things like 00:27:40.559 --> 00:27:41.240 we're thinking 00:27:41.240 --> 00:27:41.819 about where 00:27:41.819 --> 00:27:42.319 we are, 00:27:42.759 --> 00:27:43.139 listening, 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:43.899 questioning, 00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:45.759 hearing the 00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:48.079 critique and 00:27:48.079 --> 00:27:49.240 admonition of 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:49.639 others, 00:27:50.059 --> 00:27:51.099 examining our 00:27:51.099 --> 00:27:51.700 hearts, 00:27:52.879 --> 00:27:53.639 sharing our 00:27:53.639 --> 00:27:54.099 hearts, 00:27:54.099 --> 00:27:55.000 and weighing 00:27:55.000 --> 00:27:55.799 Christian 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:56.219 brothers and 00:27:56.219 --> 00:27:56.419 sisters' 00:27:56.419 --> 00:27:57.299 response to 00:27:57.299 --> 00:27:58.039 our lives. 00:27:58.039 --> 00:28:00.339 to put it 00:28:00.339 --> 00:28:00.579 simply, 00:28:00.700 --> 00:28:01.000 Paul is 00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:01.480 describing 00:28:01.480 --> 00:28:01.920 here, 00:28:02.680 --> 00:28:03.019 what he's 00:28:03.019 --> 00:28:04.119 describing is 00:28:04.119 --> 00:28:05.420 in crucifying 00:28:05.420 --> 00:28:05.779 the sinful 00:28:05.779 --> 00:28:06.299 nature and 00:28:06.299 --> 00:28:07.619 walking in 00:28:07.619 --> 00:28:08.079 step with the 00:28:08.079 --> 00:28:08.819 spirit is a 00:28:08.819 --> 00:28:10.079 life of 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:10.920 repentance. 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:12.500 That's what 00:28:12.500 --> 00:28:12.879 he's talking 00:28:12.879 --> 00:28:13.220 about. 00:28:13.440 --> 00:28:13.799 We are 00:28:13.799 --> 00:28:14.460 turning our 00:28:14.460 --> 00:28:15.299 back on one 00:28:15.299 --> 00:28:15.619 way, 00:28:15.740 --> 00:28:16.500 enabled by the 00:28:16.500 --> 00:28:17.000 Holy Spirit, 00:28:17.059 --> 00:28:17.379 we're turning 00:28:17.379 --> 00:28:17.859 our back on 00:28:17.859 --> 00:28:18.480 one way of 00:28:18.480 --> 00:28:18.799 life, 00:28:18.940 --> 00:28:19.460 and we're 00:28:19.460 --> 00:28:19.879 walking with 00:28:19.879 --> 00:28:20.159 the Holy 00:28:20.159 --> 00:28:20.759 Spirit into 00:28:20.759 --> 00:28:21.359 a new way 00:28:21.359 --> 00:28:21.940 of life. 00:28:22.879 --> 00:28:23.680 But mark 00:28:23.680 --> 00:28:24.240 this, 00:28:24.579 --> 00:28:25.480 note this, 00:28:25.879 --> 00:28:26.200 if you've 00:28:26.200 --> 00:28:26.720 kind of switched 00:28:26.720 --> 00:28:27.139 off a little 00:28:27.139 --> 00:28:27.399 bit, 00:28:27.400 --> 00:28:28.400 wake up at 00:28:28.400 --> 00:28:28.860 this point. 00:28:29.200 --> 00:28:32.940 This is 00:28:32.940 --> 00:28:34.759 essential to 00:28:34.759 --> 00:28:35.700 this life of 00:28:35.700 --> 00:28:36.240 repentance, 00:28:37.820 --> 00:28:38.180 and it's 00:28:38.180 --> 00:28:38.740 this, 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:41.720 rejoice in 00:28:41.720 --> 00:28:43.060 order to 00:28:43.060 --> 00:28:43.740 repent. 00:28:46.540 --> 00:28:47.320 Notice the 00:28:47.320 --> 00:28:47.740 beginning of 00:28:47.740 --> 00:28:48.480 verse 24, 00:28:48.660 --> 00:28:49.560 very significant. 00:28:50.200 --> 00:28:50.600 If you've 00:28:50.600 --> 00:28:50.940 got your 00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:51.240 Bible, 00:28:51.440 --> 00:28:51.900 open it, 00:28:52.080 --> 00:28:52.580 notice the 00:28:52.580 --> 00:28:52.960 beginning of 00:28:52.960 --> 00:28:53.519 verse 24. 00:28:53.519 --> 00:28:54.519 It says, 00:28:54.519 --> 00:28:58.019 those who 00:28:58.019 --> 00:28:59.799 already belong 00:28:59.799 --> 00:29:00.700 to Jesus 00:29:00.700 --> 00:29:02.619 crucify the 00:29:02.619 --> 00:29:03.420 sinful nature. 00:29:04.180 --> 00:29:05.079 Only those 00:29:05.079 --> 00:29:05.720 who are already 00:29:05.720 --> 00:29:07.059 His can 00:29:07.059 --> 00:29:08.339 crucify the 00:29:08.339 --> 00:29:09.059 sinful nature. 00:29:09.559 --> 00:29:10.180 Only those 00:29:10.180 --> 00:29:11.299 who belong, 00:29:11.740 --> 00:29:12.379 who know that 00:29:12.379 --> 00:29:13.099 they belong to 00:29:13.099 --> 00:29:14.039 Jesus, and I 00:29:14.039 --> 00:29:14.740 would suggest to 00:29:14.740 --> 00:29:15.720 the degree that 00:29:15.720 --> 00:29:16.279 they know that 00:29:16.279 --> 00:29:17.059 they belong to 00:29:17.059 --> 00:29:17.920 Jesus, and 00:29:17.920 --> 00:29:18.299 that they are 00:29:18.299 --> 00:29:19.059 secure in 00:29:19.059 --> 00:29:19.879 Jesus, they 00:29:19.879 --> 00:29:20.900 are safe in 00:29:20.900 --> 00:29:21.980 Jesus, will 00:29:21.980 --> 00:29:23.059 then crucify the 00:29:23.059 --> 00:29:23.759 sinful nature and 00:29:23.759 --> 00:29:24.299 His passions. 00:29:26.660 --> 00:29:27.180 Only 00:29:27.180 --> 00:29:27.599 Christianity 00:29:27.599 --> 00:29:28.579 says that. 00:29:30.440 --> 00:29:31.220 Every other 00:29:31.220 --> 00:29:31.900 religion says 00:29:31.900 --> 00:29:32.299 that if you 00:29:32.299 --> 00:29:33.099 crucify the 00:29:33.099 --> 00:29:34.339 flesh, then 00:29:34.339 --> 00:29:34.960 you belong to 00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:35.379 God. 00:29:35.940 --> 00:29:36.839 If you do 00:29:36.839 --> 00:29:37.579 the right thing, 00:29:37.740 --> 00:29:38.259 then you'll be 00:29:38.259 --> 00:29:38.839 included. 00:29:39.039 --> 00:29:39.759 If you do, 00:29:39.879 --> 00:29:40.339 then you will 00:29:40.339 --> 00:29:40.720 be. 00:29:43.619 --> 00:29:44.539 And that's 00:29:44.539 --> 00:29:45.240 not how the 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:45.879 Christian gospel 00:29:45.879 --> 00:29:46.519 works. 00:29:47.379 --> 00:29:47.740 Christianity 00:29:47.740 --> 00:29:49.440 says, if you 00:29:49.440 --> 00:29:50.900 be, then 00:29:50.900 --> 00:29:51.519 you will do. 00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:54.480 If you 00:29:54.480 --> 00:29:55.259 understand that 00:29:55.259 --> 00:29:56.279 in Jesus, you 00:29:56.279 --> 00:29:57.420 already belong, 00:29:57.740 --> 00:29:58.140 you're already 00:29:58.140 --> 00:29:59.539 accepted, you 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:00.559 are already His 00:30:00.559 --> 00:30:02.379 forever, you 00:30:02.379 --> 00:30:04.619 will crucify the 00:30:04.619 --> 00:30:05.879 sinful nature 00:30:05.879 --> 00:30:08.359 with joy. 00:30:09.500 --> 00:30:10.319 There's that 00:30:10.319 --> 00:30:11.519 word joy back 00:30:11.519 --> 00:30:12.220 in there again. 00:30:13.079 --> 00:30:13.839 You will do it 00:30:13.839 --> 00:30:14.559 with joy. 00:30:15.299 --> 00:30:15.819 You see, there 00:30:15.819 --> 00:30:16.980 is a way of 00:30:16.980 --> 00:30:18.099 wounding the 00:30:18.099 --> 00:30:18.700 sinful nature 00:30:18.700 --> 00:30:19.599 with fear. 00:30:19.599 --> 00:30:19.679 fear. 00:30:20.799 --> 00:30:21.159 Moral 00:30:21.159 --> 00:30:21.959 constraint 00:30:21.959 --> 00:30:23.240 feeds on 00:30:23.240 --> 00:30:23.980 fear. 00:30:25.399 --> 00:30:25.819 You had 00:30:25.819 --> 00:30:26.439 better stop 00:30:26.439 --> 00:30:27.039 that, Steve, 00:30:27.099 --> 00:30:27.899 otherwise God's 00:30:27.899 --> 00:30:28.480 going to get 00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:29.519 you and people 00:30:29.519 --> 00:30:29.859 are going to 00:30:29.859 --> 00:30:30.379 think you're 00:30:30.379 --> 00:30:31.279 stupid and 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:31.639 you're really 00:30:31.639 --> 00:30:32.000 going to be 00:30:32.000 --> 00:30:32.599 kicking yourself 00:30:32.599 --> 00:30:32.799 in the 00:30:32.799 --> 00:30:33.099 backside. 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:35.759 That's 00:30:35.759 --> 00:30:36.119 fear. 00:30:38.980 --> 00:30:39.699 The only 00:30:39.699 --> 00:30:40.019 way to 00:30:40.019 --> 00:30:40.639 crucify the 00:30:40.639 --> 00:30:41.179 sinful nature, 00:30:41.279 --> 00:30:41.639 to truly 00:30:41.639 --> 00:30:42.159 repent, to 00:30:42.159 --> 00:30:42.799 walk in the 00:30:42.799 --> 00:30:43.639 spirit is with 00:30:43.639 --> 00:30:44.299 joy. 00:30:44.679 --> 00:30:45.219 It is looking 00:30:45.219 --> 00:30:45.740 to what God 00:30:45.740 --> 00:30:46.439 has already 00:30:46.439 --> 00:30:47.219 done for you. 00:30:47.500 --> 00:30:47.679 You see, 00:30:47.719 --> 00:30:48.319 the Christian's 00:30:48.319 --> 00:30:49.480 motivation to 00:30:49.480 --> 00:30:50.420 live a life 00:30:50.420 --> 00:30:51.200 of love 00:30:51.200 --> 00:30:51.779 and joy 00:30:51.779 --> 00:30:52.259 and peace 00:30:52.259 --> 00:30:52.680 and patience 00:30:52.680 --> 00:30:53.200 and kindness 00:30:53.200 --> 00:30:53.940 and goodness 00:30:53.940 --> 00:30:54.559 and faithfulness 00:30:54.559 --> 00:30:54.980 and gentleness 00:30:54.980 --> 00:30:55.839 and self-control 00:30:55.839 --> 00:30:56.799 and humility 00:30:56.799 --> 00:30:57.920 and courage 00:30:57.920 --> 00:30:58.839 is the radical 00:30:58.839 --> 00:30:59.559 love that we 00:30:59.559 --> 00:31:00.579 receive from God. 00:31:00.740 --> 00:31:01.299 Instead of 00:31:01.299 --> 00:31:01.660 saying to 00:31:01.660 --> 00:31:02.039 yourself, 00:31:02.319 --> 00:31:03.640 you had 00:31:03.640 --> 00:31:04.819 better stop 00:31:04.819 --> 00:31:05.440 that because 00:31:05.440 --> 00:31:06.000 God's going 00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:06.799 to get you, 00:31:08.019 --> 00:31:08.460 you say, 00:31:08.559 --> 00:31:08.819 you better 00:31:08.819 --> 00:31:09.360 stop that 00:31:09.360 --> 00:31:11.400 because you 00:31:11.400 --> 00:31:12.140 have a God 00:31:12.140 --> 00:31:12.960 who's already 00:31:12.960 --> 00:31:13.559 got you. 00:31:15.779 --> 00:31:16.539 A God 00:31:16.539 --> 00:31:16.799 who has 00:31:16.799 --> 00:31:17.319 gone for 00:31:17.319 --> 00:31:18.220 infinite lengths 00:31:18.220 --> 00:31:18.860 in order to 00:31:18.859 --> 00:31:19.759 never reject 00:31:19.759 --> 00:31:21.459 you and 00:31:21.459 --> 00:31:21.719 you're 00:31:21.719 --> 00:31:22.079 forgetting 00:31:22.079 --> 00:31:22.799 the joy 00:31:22.799 --> 00:31:23.859 that what 00:31:23.859 --> 00:31:24.159 he has 00:31:24.159 --> 00:31:25.000 given you 00:31:25.000 --> 00:31:26.979 in order 00:31:26.979 --> 00:31:27.679 to go after 00:31:27.679 --> 00:31:28.319 something that 00:31:28.319 --> 00:31:29.199 is just so 00:31:29.199 --> 00:31:30.359 less valuable 00:31:30.359 --> 00:31:30.919 than what you 00:31:30.919 --> 00:31:31.679 already have. 00:31:33.439 --> 00:31:33.759 You see, 00:31:33.879 --> 00:31:34.759 if we're 00:31:34.759 --> 00:31:35.619 impatient with 00:31:35.619 --> 00:31:36.039 others, 00:31:36.459 --> 00:31:37.279 God doesn't 00:31:37.279 --> 00:31:38.279 so much say 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:38.699 to us, 00:31:39.079 --> 00:31:40.059 stop it 00:31:40.059 --> 00:31:40.479 or I'm 00:31:40.479 --> 00:31:40.679 going to 00:31:40.679 --> 00:31:41.500 get you. 00:31:41.500 --> 00:31:44.200 he says, 00:31:44.819 --> 00:31:45.380 Steve, 00:31:46.000 --> 00:31:47.259 have you 00:31:47.259 --> 00:31:47.900 forgotten 00:31:47.900 --> 00:31:49.319 how patient 00:31:49.319 --> 00:31:50.220 I am 00:31:50.220 --> 00:31:50.819 with you? 00:31:57.099 --> 00:31:57.859 One last 00:31:57.859 --> 00:31:58.319 thing about 00:31:58.319 --> 00:31:58.880 growing in the 00:31:58.880 --> 00:31:59.299 fruit of the 00:31:59.299 --> 00:32:00.720 Spirit and 00:32:00.720 --> 00:32:01.579 godly character. 00:32:02.160 --> 00:32:02.700 You're never 00:32:02.700 --> 00:32:03.440 going to grow 00:32:03.440 --> 00:32:04.819 by yourself 00:32:04.819 --> 00:32:05.559 as an 00:32:05.559 --> 00:32:06.000 individual 00:32:06.000 --> 00:32:06.660 consumer. 00:32:07.460 --> 00:32:08.319 All this, 00:32:08.720 --> 00:32:09.119 what I've 00:32:09.119 --> 00:32:09.640 talked about, 00:32:09.799 --> 00:32:10.279 walking with 00:32:10.279 --> 00:32:10.660 the Spirit, 00:32:10.779 --> 00:32:11.259 crucifying the 00:32:11.259 --> 00:32:11.799 sinful nature, 00:32:12.059 --> 00:32:13.240 all gets 00:32:13.240 --> 00:32:13.899 worked out 00:32:13.899 --> 00:32:15.059 in community. 00:32:15.559 --> 00:32:15.799 To be 00:32:15.799 --> 00:32:16.779 effective for 00:32:16.779 --> 00:32:17.500 God's glory 00:32:17.500 --> 00:32:18.079 on your 00:32:18.079 --> 00:32:18.799 front line, 00:32:19.200 --> 00:32:20.019 you need 00:32:20.019 --> 00:32:20.539 the Christian 00:32:20.539 --> 00:32:21.059 community. 00:32:23.720 --> 00:32:24.259 Notice 00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:25.079 verse 15. 00:32:25.920 --> 00:32:26.500 Sam read it 00:32:26.500 --> 00:32:26.740 out. 00:32:27.319 --> 00:32:28.059 One verse 00:32:28.059 --> 00:32:29.079 sort of before 00:32:29.079 --> 00:32:30.119 the main focus. 00:32:31.119 --> 00:32:31.859 Verse 15, 00:32:32.079 --> 00:32:32.960 if you keep 00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:33.579 on biting 00:32:33.579 --> 00:32:34.419 and devouring 00:32:34.419 --> 00:32:35.059 each other, 00:32:35.460 --> 00:32:36.039 watch out 00:32:36.039 --> 00:32:36.500 or you'll 00:32:36.500 --> 00:32:37.199 be destroyed 00:32:37.199 --> 00:32:37.659 by each 00:32:37.659 --> 00:32:37.899 other. 00:32:38.259 --> 00:32:38.559 Notice 00:32:38.559 --> 00:32:39.480 verse 26. 00:32:39.559 --> 00:32:39.799 It's the 00:32:39.799 --> 00:32:40.399 last verse 00:32:40.399 --> 00:32:40.720 of this 00:32:40.720 --> 00:32:41.240 section we're 00:32:41.240 --> 00:32:41.759 looking at. 00:32:42.619 --> 00:32:42.960 Let us 00:32:42.960 --> 00:32:43.599 not become 00:32:43.599 --> 00:32:44.220 conceited, 00:32:44.379 --> 00:32:45.240 provoking and 00:32:45.240 --> 00:32:46.139 envying each 00:32:46.139 --> 00:32:46.399 other. 00:32:46.839 --> 00:32:47.019 You see, 00:32:47.099 --> 00:32:47.599 Paul sees 00:32:47.599 --> 00:32:48.059 the community 00:32:48.059 --> 00:32:48.819 believers as 00:32:48.819 --> 00:32:49.819 the way that 00:32:49.819 --> 00:32:50.099 you're going 00:32:50.099 --> 00:32:50.919 to get all 00:32:50.919 --> 00:32:51.599 this done. 00:32:52.740 --> 00:32:53.199 All this 00:32:53.199 --> 00:32:53.899 transformation, 00:32:54.039 --> 00:32:54.740 the crucifying of 00:32:54.740 --> 00:32:55.539 one and inner 00:32:55.539 --> 00:32:56.159 transformation of 00:32:56.159 --> 00:32:56.319 the Spirit. 00:32:56.599 --> 00:32:56.799 It's the 00:32:56.799 --> 00:32:57.599 Christian community, 00:32:58.019 --> 00:32:58.819 it's the place 00:32:58.819 --> 00:32:59.259 and the way that 00:32:59.259 --> 00:32:59.480 you're going to 00:32:59.480 --> 00:32:59.899 get it all 00:32:59.899 --> 00:33:00.240 done, 00:33:00.419 --> 00:33:01.039 and he sees 00:33:01.039 --> 00:33:01.500 that getting 00:33:01.500 --> 00:33:02.079 this done 00:33:02.079 --> 00:33:02.680 as the way 00:33:02.680 --> 00:33:03.160 to better 00:33:03.160 --> 00:33:03.980 Christian 00:33:03.980 --> 00:33:04.599 community. 00:33:06.480 --> 00:33:07.339 The community 00:33:07.339 --> 00:33:07.720 of God's 00:33:07.720 --> 00:33:08.279 people is 00:33:08.279 --> 00:33:09.099 essential for 00:33:09.099 --> 00:33:09.859 growth in 00:33:09.859 --> 00:33:10.759 godly character, 00:33:11.200 --> 00:33:12.200 and that's 00:33:12.200 --> 00:33:12.819 why it's 00:33:12.819 --> 00:33:13.640 quite possible 00:33:13.640 --> 00:33:15.700 to be part 00:33:15.700 --> 00:33:16.220 of a local 00:33:16.220 --> 00:33:16.819 church, 00:33:17.579 --> 00:33:18.519 to sit in 00:33:18.519 --> 00:33:18.980 a pew, 00:33:19.460 --> 00:33:20.279 to not be 00:33:20.279 --> 00:33:21.019 relationally 00:33:21.019 --> 00:33:21.819 connected for 00:33:21.819 --> 00:33:22.420 decades, 00:33:23.299 --> 00:33:25.859 and not 00:33:25.859 --> 00:33:27.119 grow in 00:33:27.119 --> 00:33:27.500 the fruit of 00:33:27.500 --> 00:33:27.900 the Spirit. 00:33:30.500 --> 00:33:31.240 Get in a 00:33:31.240 --> 00:33:31.519 community 00:33:31.519 --> 00:33:31.819 group, 00:33:32.180 --> 00:33:32.980 if you 00:33:32.980 --> 00:33:33.160 want to 00:33:33.160 --> 00:33:33.359 grow in 00:33:33.359 --> 00:33:33.579 the fruit 00:33:33.579 --> 00:33:33.720 of the 00:33:33.720 --> 00:33:33.960 Spirit, 00:33:35.220 --> 00:33:35.620 at least 00:33:35.620 --> 00:33:35.900 as a 00:33:35.900 --> 00:33:36.160 starting 00:33:36.160 --> 00:33:36.480 point. 00:33:37.819 --> 00:33:38.380 In the 00:33:38.380 --> 00:33:38.720 frontline 00:33:38.720 --> 00:33:39.660 course that 00:33:39.660 --> 00:33:40.539 I've based 00:33:40.539 --> 00:33:41.380 this sermon 00:33:41.380 --> 00:33:41.900 series on, 00:33:41.960 --> 00:33:42.160 there's this 00:33:42.160 --> 00:33:42.700 little video 00:33:42.700 --> 00:33:43.740 clip telling 00:33:43.740 --> 00:33:44.440 the story of 00:33:44.440 --> 00:33:45.000 a Christian 00:33:45.000 --> 00:33:46.799 office assistant 00:33:46.799 --> 00:33:47.740 who has a 00:33:47.740 --> 00:33:49.319 real ogre as 00:33:49.319 --> 00:33:49.900 a boss, 00:33:50.700 --> 00:33:51.339 and the boss 00:33:51.339 --> 00:33:51.819 is bad 00:33:51.819 --> 00:33:52.180 tempered, 00:33:52.220 --> 00:33:52.500 the boss 00:33:52.500 --> 00:33:53.160 is irrational, 00:33:53.339 --> 00:33:54.039 makes every 00:33:54.039 --> 00:33:54.519 day a 00:33:54.519 --> 00:33:55.220 complete nightmare 00:33:55.220 --> 00:33:55.660 for this 00:33:55.660 --> 00:33:56.200 poor girl. 00:33:56.859 --> 00:33:57.400 The office 00:33:57.400 --> 00:33:57.900 assistant 00:33:57.900 --> 00:33:59.019 regularly prayed 00:33:59.019 --> 00:33:59.940 for patience, 00:33:59.940 --> 00:34:01.400 strength, 00:34:02.279 --> 00:34:03.340 for character, 00:34:03.920 --> 00:34:05.019 and also 00:34:05.019 --> 00:34:05.620 prayed for 00:34:05.620 --> 00:34:06.180 the boss 00:34:06.180 --> 00:34:07.000 to change, 00:34:08.079 --> 00:34:08.340 that he 00:34:08.340 --> 00:34:08.639 wouldn't be 00:34:08.639 --> 00:34:09.019 such an 00:34:09.019 --> 00:34:09.300 ogre. 00:34:12.139 --> 00:34:13.139 He didn't. 00:34:14.500 --> 00:34:15.039 He never 00:34:15.039 --> 00:34:15.599 changed. 00:34:16.780 --> 00:34:17.659 After three 00:34:17.659 --> 00:34:18.460 years of 00:34:18.460 --> 00:34:18.980 praying for 00:34:18.980 --> 00:34:19.780 support and 00:34:19.780 --> 00:34:20.440 change, 00:34:20.840 --> 00:34:21.260 she ended 00:34:21.260 --> 00:34:21.800 up walking 00:34:21.800 --> 00:34:22.340 away from 00:34:22.340 --> 00:34:22.820 that job 00:34:22.820 --> 00:34:24.000 feeling like 00:34:24.000 --> 00:34:24.579 she didn't 00:34:24.579 --> 00:34:24.960 make a 00:34:24.960 --> 00:34:25.360 difference. 00:34:25.500 --> 00:34:25.800 The boss 00:34:25.800 --> 00:34:26.179 was still 00:34:26.179 --> 00:34:26.659 the same. 00:34:27.099 --> 00:34:27.619 She didn't 00:34:27.619 --> 00:34:28.019 make a 00:34:28.019 --> 00:34:28.360 difference. 00:34:28.360 --> 00:34:28.880 She walked 00:34:28.880 --> 00:34:29.460 away thinking 00:34:29.460 --> 00:34:29.840 that she 00:34:29.840 --> 00:34:30.840 had failed 00:34:30.840 --> 00:34:32.480 in modelling 00:34:32.480 --> 00:34:33.480 character, 00:34:33.700 --> 00:34:34.140 the Christian 00:34:34.140 --> 00:34:34.579 faith, 00:34:34.760 --> 00:34:35.099 in her 00:34:35.099 --> 00:34:35.740 workplace. 00:34:36.720 --> 00:34:37.519 Three weeks 00:34:37.519 --> 00:34:38.840 after she 00:34:38.840 --> 00:34:39.260 quit, 00:34:39.440 --> 00:34:40.099 the person 00:34:40.099 --> 00:34:40.880 who replaced 00:34:40.880 --> 00:34:41.420 her rang 00:34:41.420 --> 00:34:42.420 up and 00:34:42.420 --> 00:34:43.140 said to 00:34:43.140 --> 00:34:43.539 her, 00:34:44.160 --> 00:34:44.460 it's 00:34:44.460 --> 00:34:45.240 incredible 00:34:45.240 --> 00:34:46.280 that you 00:34:46.280 --> 00:34:46.960 lasted for 00:34:46.960 --> 00:34:47.840 three years. 00:34:48.039 --> 00:34:48.559 I'm thinking 00:34:48.559 --> 00:34:49.059 of quitting 00:34:49.059 --> 00:34:49.860 after three 00:34:49.860 --> 00:34:50.300 weeks. 00:34:51.860 --> 00:34:52.099 This 00:34:52.099 --> 00:34:52.519 bloke's a 00:34:52.519 --> 00:34:52.840 nightmare. 00:34:52.840 --> 00:34:53.059 nightmare. 00:34:57.680 --> 00:34:58.559 She found 00:34:58.559 --> 00:34:58.920 out during 00:34:58.920 --> 00:34:59.660 the course 00:34:59.660 --> 00:34:59.920 of that 00:34:59.920 --> 00:35:00.720 conversation 00:35:00.720 --> 00:35:02.579 that she 00:35:02.579 --> 00:35:03.280 was known 00:35:03.280 --> 00:35:03.840 in the 00:35:03.840 --> 00:35:05.220 office as 00:35:05.220 --> 00:35:05.840 a person 00:35:05.840 --> 00:35:06.480 of great 00:35:06.480 --> 00:35:07.240 patience, 00:35:07.900 --> 00:35:08.500 integrity, 00:35:08.940 --> 00:35:10.100 and courage 00:35:10.100 --> 00:35:10.820 in the face 00:35:10.820 --> 00:35:11.320 of a difficult 00:35:11.320 --> 00:35:12.000 situation. 00:35:16.500 --> 00:35:17.320 She walked 00:35:17.320 --> 00:35:17.720 away thinking 00:35:17.720 --> 00:35:17.980 she'd 00:35:17.980 --> 00:35:18.220 fail. 00:35:18.219 --> 00:35:21.319 She wasn't 00:35:21.319 --> 00:35:21.759 convinced she 00:35:21.759 --> 00:35:22.199 was growing 00:35:22.199 --> 00:35:23.599 in patience, 00:35:24.739 --> 00:35:25.259 in godly 00:35:25.259 --> 00:35:25.699 character. 00:35:26.419 --> 00:35:27.299 It's great to 00:35:27.299 --> 00:35:27.719 hear that 00:35:27.719 --> 00:35:28.399 because you 00:35:28.399 --> 00:35:28.839 might be in 00:35:28.839 --> 00:35:29.139 a similar 00:35:29.139 --> 00:35:30.199 situation where 00:35:30.199 --> 00:35:30.599 you're at 00:35:30.599 --> 00:35:31.019 work or 00:35:31.019 --> 00:35:31.259 you're at 00:35:31.259 --> 00:35:31.559 home, 00:35:31.819 --> 00:35:32.019 you're with 00:35:32.019 --> 00:35:32.419 a group of 00:35:32.419 --> 00:35:32.599 friends, 00:35:32.659 --> 00:35:32.839 you're with 00:35:32.839 --> 00:35:33.279 your neighbours, 00:35:33.599 --> 00:35:34.059 whatever your 00:35:34.059 --> 00:35:34.799 front line is, 00:35:35.179 --> 00:35:36.879 and you're 00:35:36.879 --> 00:35:37.459 wondering in 00:35:37.459 --> 00:35:37.839 fact whether 00:35:37.839 --> 00:35:38.619 God is 00:35:38.619 --> 00:35:39.319 even at 00:35:39.319 --> 00:35:39.759 work, 00:35:40.119 --> 00:35:40.819 at all, 00:35:41.319 --> 00:35:42.179 at work, 00:35:42.859 --> 00:35:43.899 through you. 00:35:44.860 --> 00:35:45.340 You may 00:35:45.340 --> 00:35:45.700 get to the 00:35:45.700 --> 00:35:46.059 end of your 00:35:46.059 --> 00:35:46.579 day and 00:35:46.579 --> 00:35:46.980 feel that 00:35:46.980 --> 00:35:47.720 little has 00:35:47.720 --> 00:35:48.200 been done 00:35:48.200 --> 00:35:48.500 for the 00:35:48.500 --> 00:35:48.800 sake of 00:35:48.800 --> 00:35:49.139 the kingdom 00:35:49.139 --> 00:35:49.800 of God 00:35:49.800 --> 00:35:50.740 and for 00:35:50.740 --> 00:35:51.079 God's 00:35:51.079 --> 00:35:51.579 glory. 00:35:53.420 --> 00:35:53.920 And you 00:35:53.920 --> 00:35:54.320 think that 00:35:54.320 --> 00:35:54.780 because there's 00:35:54.780 --> 00:35:55.200 this battle 00:35:55.200 --> 00:35:55.860 raging within 00:35:55.860 --> 00:35:56.340 your own 00:35:56.340 --> 00:35:56.760 heart, 00:35:57.000 --> 00:35:57.460 between the 00:35:57.460 --> 00:35:58.059 sinful nature 00:35:58.059 --> 00:35:59.039 and the 00:35:59.039 --> 00:35:59.760 spirit, 00:36:01.039 --> 00:36:01.720 and you 00:36:01.720 --> 00:36:02.119 look at your 00:36:02.119 --> 00:36:02.720 results and 00:36:02.720 --> 00:36:03.119 you think that 00:36:03.119 --> 00:36:03.599 nothing's 00:36:03.599 --> 00:36:04.019 happening in 00:36:04.019 --> 00:36:04.579 the workplace, 00:36:04.820 --> 00:36:05.180 nothing's 00:36:05.180 --> 00:36:05.519 happening with 00:36:05.519 --> 00:36:06.099 my kids. 00:36:06.740 --> 00:36:07.220 I just want 00:36:07.220 --> 00:36:08.019 to say to 00:36:08.019 --> 00:36:08.519 you that it 00:36:08.519 --> 00:36:08.960 doesn't mean 00:36:08.960 --> 00:36:09.740 that God is 00:36:09.740 --> 00:36:10.300 not at 00:36:10.300 --> 00:36:10.780 work. 00:36:11.599 --> 00:36:12.480 God is at 00:36:12.480 --> 00:36:13.320 work in 00:36:13.320 --> 00:36:13.900 the redemption 00:36:13.900 --> 00:36:14.240 of his 00:36:14.240 --> 00:36:14.760 world. 00:36:15.660 --> 00:36:15.920 And I want 00:36:15.920 --> 00:36:16.340 to say the 00:36:16.340 --> 00:36:17.400 fact is God 00:36:17.400 --> 00:36:18.519 has been at 00:36:18.519 --> 00:36:19.160 work in 00:36:19.160 --> 00:36:19.519 you. 00:36:20.420 --> 00:36:20.860 If the 00:36:20.860 --> 00:36:21.660 fruit of the 00:36:21.660 --> 00:36:22.500 spirit is 00:36:22.500 --> 00:36:23.559 working in 00:36:23.559 --> 00:36:24.180 you at 00:36:24.180 --> 00:36:24.880 all, 00:36:25.380 --> 00:36:26.120 that fruit 00:36:26.120 --> 00:36:27.280 will be on 00:36:27.280 --> 00:36:27.780 display. 00:36:31.059 --> 00:36:31.780 And you're 00:36:31.780 --> 00:36:32.180 probably the 00:36:32.180 --> 00:36:32.780 last person 00:36:32.780 --> 00:36:33.260 who can see 00:36:33.260 --> 00:36:33.740 it. 00:36:34.860 --> 00:36:35.559 Because you're 00:36:35.559 --> 00:36:35.960 aware of the 00:36:35.960 --> 00:36:36.140 battle. 00:36:38.700 --> 00:36:39.559 All of this 00:36:39.559 --> 00:36:40.240 growth in the 00:36:40.240 --> 00:36:40.680 fruit of the 00:36:40.680 --> 00:36:41.620 spirit happens 00:36:41.620 --> 00:36:42.620 in the frustrations 00:36:42.620 --> 00:36:43.280 and the joy 00:36:43.280 --> 00:36:43.760 and the 00:36:43.760 --> 00:36:44.800 challenges of 00:36:44.800 --> 00:36:45.540 just another 00:36:45.540 --> 00:36:46.640 ordinary day. 00:36:47.040 --> 00:36:47.620 It is no 00:36:47.620 --> 00:36:48.420 small thing to 00:36:48.420 --> 00:36:49.019 model Christian 00:36:49.019 --> 00:36:50.140 character that 00:36:50.140 --> 00:36:50.560 is being 00:36:50.560 --> 00:36:52.260 counter-culturally 00:36:52.260 --> 00:36:53.240 transformed by 00:36:53.240 --> 00:36:53.880 the spirit of 00:36:53.880 --> 00:36:54.220 God. 00:36:54.680 --> 00:36:55.180 And there 00:36:55.180 --> 00:36:55.900 will be a 00:36:55.900 --> 00:36:56.680 future day 00:36:56.680 --> 00:36:57.680 when all 00:36:57.680 --> 00:36:58.240 will be made 00:36:58.240 --> 00:36:59.360 new and God 00:36:59.360 --> 00:37:00.160 calls us to 00:37:00.160 --> 00:37:01.000 work towards 00:37:01.000 --> 00:37:01.700 that day. 00:37:02.760 --> 00:37:03.500 Even if we 00:37:03.500 --> 00:37:04.340 don't immediately 00:37:04.340 --> 00:37:05.380 see the fruit 00:37:05.380 --> 00:37:06.760 of his work 00:37:06.760 --> 00:37:07.980 in our lives 00:37:07.980 --> 00:37:08.660 or in the 00:37:08.660 --> 00:37:09.180 world. 00:37:10.320 --> 00:37:10.720 But I 00:37:10.720 --> 00:37:11.380 suspect just 00:37:11.380 --> 00:37:11.880 like that 00:37:11.880 --> 00:37:13.099 young lady 00:37:13.099 --> 00:37:13.420 got a 00:37:13.420 --> 00:37:13.840 phone call 00:37:13.840 --> 00:37:14.240 one day 00:37:14.240 --> 00:37:14.460 and if 00:37:14.460 --> 00:37:14.740 you never 00:37:14.740 --> 00:37:15.160 get that 00:37:15.160 --> 00:37:15.780 phone call 00:37:15.780 --> 00:37:16.820 but one 00:37:16.820 --> 00:37:17.460 day at the 00:37:17.460 --> 00:37:18.220 end of time 00:37:18.220 --> 00:37:19.000 I suspect 00:37:19.000 --> 00:37:19.420 you'll be 00:37:19.420 --> 00:37:20.820 astonished by 00:37:20.820 --> 00:37:21.500 the way that 00:37:21.500 --> 00:37:22.240 God has 00:37:22.240 --> 00:37:23.740 used you 00:37:23.740 --> 00:37:24.460 for his 00:37:24.460 --> 00:37:25.599 glory and 00:37:25.599 --> 00:37:26.660 the joy of 00:37:26.660 --> 00:37:27.500 many people 00:37:27.500 --> 00:37:30.039 just by 00:37:30.039 --> 00:37:31.200 living out 00:37:31.200 --> 00:37:32.180 the inner 00:37:32.180 --> 00:37:32.820 transformation 00:37:32.820 --> 00:37:33.660 of our 00:37:33.660 --> 00:37:34.860 hearts in 00:37:34.860 --> 00:37:35.519 the ordinary 00:37:35.519 --> 00:37:36.720 circumstances of 00:37:36.720 --> 00:37:37.140 life. 00:37:37.720 --> 00:37:38.420 Take courage, 00:37:38.900 --> 00:37:39.400 keep working 00:37:39.400 --> 00:37:39.740 on the 00:37:39.740 --> 00:37:39.980 fruit.