WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.120 2 Peter, and while you're turning there, I want you to stop and think for a moment. 00:00:06.200 --> 00:00:08.400 I know that's hard on mornings sometimes. 00:00:09.560 --> 00:00:12.900 But what I want you to think about is I want you to consider last week. 00:00:14.560 --> 00:00:20.440 You know, I want you to think about simply last week, the things that went on in your life last week. 00:00:21.199 --> 00:00:25.839 You know, all the different things that took place, some challenges that you may have faced. 00:00:25.839 --> 00:00:32.740 You know, have you ever stopped to ask when you face those challenges, why did I respond the way I responded? 00:00:34.579 --> 00:00:40.079 You know, now this is an important dynamic because why do we respond to those challenges? 00:00:40.579 --> 00:00:42.159 You know, you think about the things that happen. 00:00:42.299 --> 00:00:44.299 Maybe you feel underappreciated at work. 00:00:45.340 --> 00:00:48.120 You know, so that's easy to do, to feel underappreciated. 00:00:48.240 --> 00:00:54.159 And your mind says, well, I'm going to give a little less because I feel unappreciated. 00:00:54.159 --> 00:00:59.679 You know, how do you respond when those thoughts come and those ideas come into your mind? 00:01:00.259 --> 00:01:03.780 You know, maybe you were sitting around the table at home after you got home from work 00:01:03.780 --> 00:01:10.319 and had a disagreement about money with your spouse about what was going to be spent and where or why. 00:01:11.379 --> 00:01:15.319 Maybe you had an issue with your children and you're trying to figure out how to walk through it. 00:01:16.120 --> 00:01:18.759 You know, not push them away but deal with it correctly. 00:01:18.959 --> 00:01:20.280 You know, how do you do? 00:01:20.359 --> 00:01:22.400 Those are challenges that we face each week. 00:01:22.400 --> 00:01:26.760 Those are things that are real in our lives, you know. 00:01:26.820 --> 00:01:29.520 How do we work through those things? 00:01:29.580 --> 00:01:31.900 Maybe you had a problem with your neighbor, you know. 00:01:32.260 --> 00:01:35.260 I don't know about you but neighbors can test your patience sometimes, amen. 00:01:37.780 --> 00:01:38.980 How do you deal with that? 00:01:40.340 --> 00:01:43.040 How do you deal with the person that irritates you on the road? 00:01:45.600 --> 00:01:47.400 These are real world things, isn't it? 00:01:47.400 --> 00:01:50.680 Why did you respond the way you responded? 00:01:52.580 --> 00:01:57.500 That's a critical dynamic as we're going to be looking here this morning 00:01:57.500 --> 00:02:02.860 because we're going to look at something about something that we have that's more sure 00:02:02.860 --> 00:02:05.740 that has what you need for those circumstances. 00:02:05.739 --> 00:02:12.979 Something that gives you guidance in walking through those dynamics of life. 00:02:13.799 --> 00:02:19.039 Of walking through the challenges that we face practically each day, you know. 00:02:19.120 --> 00:02:22.000 Because most this morning as I look around the auditorium, 00:02:22.039 --> 00:02:27.199 I would agree that we understand that the Word of God tells us how to get to heaven, amen? 00:02:28.919 --> 00:02:29.840 Well, that was weak. 00:02:29.840 --> 00:02:35.860 You know, the Word of God tells you how you can be in heaven, amen? 00:02:36.900 --> 00:02:38.780 All right, now we got that settled. 00:02:38.860 --> 00:02:39.560 We are all in agreement. 00:02:40.520 --> 00:02:43.620 But does that tell us how to live on Monday through Saturday? 00:02:44.060 --> 00:02:47.460 Because a lot of people will say, I trust Christ for my salvation, 00:02:47.460 --> 00:02:50.879 but then they ignore what God's Word says Monday through Saturday. 00:02:52.219 --> 00:02:56.460 In their decision-making that they have in their life, you know, 00:02:56.460 --> 00:02:59.080 Peter says, yes, it does. 00:02:59.840 --> 00:03:05.240 Because he tells us God has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness. 00:03:06.640 --> 00:03:07.659 All things. 00:03:07.740 --> 00:03:14.500 We're going to talk about that this morning because when we understand that godliness is our walk before God 00:03:14.500 --> 00:03:16.960 and life is our walk before others. 00:03:18.140 --> 00:03:22.020 How do we live before God and before others? 00:03:22.020 --> 00:03:28.420 And when we understand this because life is all those things, the work, the money, the marriage, the children, 00:03:28.540 --> 00:03:30.160 the friends, the neighbors, the co-workers. 00:03:31.420 --> 00:03:33.600 You know, that's the challenge that we have. 00:03:34.100 --> 00:03:37.480 But, you know, in life oftentimes, flip to the next slide. 00:03:37.600 --> 00:03:38.620 How many know what that is? 00:03:38.960 --> 00:03:40.300 This is a farmer fix-all. 00:03:40.780 --> 00:03:42.260 You know, I remember growing up as a kid, 00:03:42.259 --> 00:03:47.579 every farmer had a little leather seat on his belt and he had a pair of these pliers stuck in there. 00:03:48.780 --> 00:03:53.139 And most of them would think if it couldn't be fixed with a pair of pliers, it couldn't be fixed. 00:03:53.560 --> 00:03:55.159 Now, some of you know what I'm talking about. 00:03:56.319 --> 00:04:01.259 You know, those pliers have written here, got the little ribs wore off them from the work that they did. 00:04:01.259 --> 00:04:05.579 You know, they tried everything from adjusting and tightening and everything else. 00:04:06.099 --> 00:04:06.939 And you know what? 00:04:07.000 --> 00:04:12.759 I think oftentimes, in life, we can be just like the farmer with a pair of pliers. 00:04:14.099 --> 00:04:17.480 We think the one thing we have solves all the problems. 00:04:18.719 --> 00:04:26.839 But the issue is, is that we have a toolbox that God's given us to help solve the problems of life. 00:04:26.839 --> 00:04:37.419 But we resort to one instead of saying, God, let me use what you've given me that's appropriate tool for this situation. 00:04:38.599 --> 00:04:42.959 Because a tool might do a quasi-fix, but is it right? 00:04:43.579 --> 00:04:48.579 You know, God wants us to have a quality repair, a quality guidance in our life. 00:04:49.519 --> 00:04:52.639 To understand those things. 00:04:52.639 --> 00:05:00.519 And so, when we understand that this, we oftentimes want to use our pliers, whatever we're comfortable with. 00:05:00.759 --> 00:05:04.819 When God says, I've given you something that's way more capable. 00:05:05.399 --> 00:05:11.939 And instead of looking for answers in God's Word, we just march on with our blinders on. 00:05:12.120 --> 00:05:15.740 And say, this is how I'm going to deal with it, because that's how I've always done it. 00:05:17.500 --> 00:05:19.680 Or this is how I feel about it. 00:05:19.680 --> 00:05:26.620 You know, we're going to spend the next couple of weeks looking at what Peter says about a more sure word. 00:05:27.780 --> 00:05:32.519 One that pertains to our life and godliness. 00:05:34.079 --> 00:05:39.060 And to see how that plays out before us, because we need to look for answers. 00:05:39.060 --> 00:05:50.459 And oftentimes, we look for answers in the world to our problems, not realizing that God has already given us the direction and the tool that we need for the situation. 00:05:51.160 --> 00:05:55.759 You know, we'll see that God has given us everything for everyday life. 00:05:56.420 --> 00:05:59.639 And he instructs us what he wants us to do with it. 00:06:00.319 --> 00:06:04.779 You know, I want you to know that Peter, as Peter's writing this, is towards the end of his life. 00:06:04.779 --> 00:06:11.399 You know, it's amazing, as you get towards the end of your life, you usually should be a little smarter about life than you were at the beginning. 00:06:12.459 --> 00:06:15.779 Or at least you look at life differently at the end than you did at the beginning. 00:06:15.839 --> 00:06:19.919 Because you look back and say, man, I wasn't very good at that moment. 00:06:21.639 --> 00:06:24.539 If I had that to do over, I would handle it differently. 00:06:24.699 --> 00:06:27.259 Why? Because you understand there's a different tool to use. 00:06:28.459 --> 00:06:33.439 There's a different dynamic that could be employed that would be better in that situation. 00:06:33.439 --> 00:06:41.680 You know, you think about Peter, and sometimes we just think about Peter being the apostle, the one who God used in such a mighty way. 00:06:41.759 --> 00:06:43.879 But, you know, Peter understood real life. 00:06:44.959 --> 00:06:46.360 He understood the challenges. 00:06:46.500 --> 00:06:49.040 You've got to remember, he ran a fishing business with partners. 00:06:49.920 --> 00:06:51.819 You know, you find that he was married. 00:06:52.319 --> 00:06:55.339 On top of that, his wife's mother was staying in his house. 00:06:55.459 --> 00:06:58.339 You know, it's like he had all sorts of real-life issues. 00:06:58.839 --> 00:06:59.819 What do you laugh about, Donnie? 00:07:00.139 --> 00:07:01.339 I'm not saying it's a bad thing. 00:07:01.339 --> 00:07:02.899 I'm just saying it's a real-life issues. 00:07:02.899 --> 00:07:07.139 I want you to understand, those are things that we're challenged with. 00:07:07.219 --> 00:07:09.560 He understood what was happening. 00:07:09.699 --> 00:07:12.879 He understood making decisions in the moment that weren't right. 00:07:12.979 --> 00:07:16.639 Think about Peter when he was there at the fire, and the young maid said, 00:07:16.919 --> 00:07:18.459 you're one of those from Galilee. 00:07:18.579 --> 00:07:19.560 And Peter said, oh no! 00:07:20.079 --> 00:07:21.000 You know what? Peter understood. 00:07:21.139 --> 00:07:22.319 He should have dealt with that differently. 00:07:24.359 --> 00:07:28.639 He understood some of the things in life that should have been different. 00:07:28.639 --> 00:07:33.159 And now the end of his life here we find in 1 Peter chapter 1. 00:07:33.519 --> 00:07:41.019 It talks about those he writes to believers who have obtained like precious faith with us. 00:07:41.680 --> 00:07:43.979 And he knew that there was going to be some challenges. 00:07:44.139 --> 00:07:45.560 He knew there was going to be false teachers. 00:07:45.719 --> 00:07:48.959 He knew there was going to be wolves that come in. 00:07:49.120 --> 00:07:51.099 They were going to try to twist and distort. 00:07:51.100 --> 00:07:55.260 And he says, guys, I want you to know you have everything you need. 00:07:55.379 --> 00:07:57.000 So let's take a look at that this morning. 00:07:57.080 --> 00:07:58.260 2 Peter chapter 1. 00:07:58.340 --> 00:08:01.439 Let's stand together for the honor of reading of the Word of God. 00:08:01.500 --> 00:08:03.620 And we'll read a few verses here, have a word of prayer. 00:08:04.000 --> 00:08:07.520 And then we'll get in to the message here this morning. 00:08:08.200 --> 00:08:10.080 You know, notice here in verse 1, it says, 00:08:10.079 --> 00:08:27.339 element of Christ. 00:08:28.159 --> 00:08:31.240 According to his divine power, 00:08:31.719 --> 00:08:36.639 hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness. 00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:41.340 through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue, 00:08:42.159 --> 00:08:47.059 whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, 00:08:47.600 --> 00:08:51.259 that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, 00:08:51.720 --> 00:08:56.240 having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 00:08:56.360 --> 00:08:56.899 Let's pray. 00:08:56.980 --> 00:08:59.379 Heavenly Father, as we come before you this morning, 00:08:59.379 --> 00:09:01.120 Lord, we just thank you for your word. 00:09:01.779 --> 00:09:05.080 Lord, as we oftentimes know your word, 00:09:05.080 --> 00:09:08.440 Lord, but the application of your word, Lord, to our life, 00:09:08.900 --> 00:09:12.700 both before you and before others is sometimes lacking. 00:09:13.420 --> 00:09:15.759 Lord, as we look at Peter's challenge here this morning, 00:09:15.840 --> 00:09:19.580 the word of God that you spoke to him to give to us today, 00:09:19.720 --> 00:09:26.360 Lord, that we might understand the importance of applying these principles in our life. 00:09:26.360 --> 00:09:30.000 And Lord, we pray just to have your hand upon each one here today, 00:09:30.120 --> 00:09:34.680 Lord, that we might be challenged in this area concerning your word 00:09:34.679 --> 00:09:38.039 as a pathway to a following you. 00:09:38.159 --> 00:09:40.620 And Lord, we just give you all the praise in Jesus' name. 00:09:41.159 --> 00:09:41.539 Amen. 00:09:41.839 --> 00:09:42.359 May be seated. 00:09:43.679 --> 00:09:48.099 You know, we see here that Peter opens his letter with grace and peace 00:09:48.099 --> 00:09:50.099 be multiplied unto you through the what? 00:09:50.379 --> 00:09:54.620 The knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. 00:09:54.620 --> 00:09:58.379 You know, what's he setting up here? 00:09:58.379 --> 00:10:01.340 Where do we get our knowledge about God? 00:10:02.600 --> 00:10:03.600 From the Bible. 00:10:04.539 --> 00:10:08.899 The Bible is our source of knowledge and information about God. 00:10:09.460 --> 00:10:11.480 We don't get it from someplace else. 00:10:11.620 --> 00:10:12.740 You know, I want you to understand, 00:10:13.220 --> 00:10:15.919 YouTube is not a good source for information about God. 00:10:17.919 --> 00:10:21.000 Instagram is not a good source for information about God. 00:10:21.460 --> 00:10:24.360 The word of God is the source. 00:10:24.360 --> 00:10:28.960 God has given us the ability to go to the source. 00:10:30.360 --> 00:10:32.740 You know, you think today, how many things do we hear? 00:10:33.019 --> 00:10:35.399 And we say, well, if I just knew for sure, you know what? 00:10:35.440 --> 00:10:37.720 If you knew where the source of that information came from 00:10:37.720 --> 00:10:41.899 and you could go dig it out and personally talk to whoever the information was, 00:10:41.940 --> 00:10:47.320 you would go do that because you had the source available to give you what you need. 00:10:47.820 --> 00:10:51.139 And so we're going to see here as Peter begins here, 00:10:51.139 --> 00:10:56.419 understanding that grace and peace be multiplied through the knowledge of God 00:10:56.419 --> 00:10:58.740 and of our Lord, our Jesus, our Lord. 00:10:59.139 --> 00:11:04.580 He wants you to know that that's where peace and grace and peace come from. 00:11:05.139 --> 00:11:08.819 But what exactly has God given us besides salvation? 00:11:09.679 --> 00:11:12.580 You know, the problem today is a lot of people, they end at salvation. 00:11:12.720 --> 00:11:14.460 Well, I know I'm saved so I can do whatever I want. 00:11:14.759 --> 00:11:15.000 You know what? 00:11:15.000 --> 00:11:17.460 That's not the reality. 00:11:17.980 --> 00:11:19.500 Matter of fact, we're going to talk here in a little bit. 00:11:19.500 --> 00:11:21.679 That's what Peter addresses you today. 00:11:22.200 --> 00:11:26.740 Peter's going to address you if you think salvation is the end. 00:11:28.519 --> 00:11:33.779 Your salvation is the beginning of a different you. 00:11:35.279 --> 00:11:36.580 A new you. 00:11:37.220 --> 00:11:39.700 One that's different from the old one. 00:11:40.659 --> 00:11:43.220 You know, but what exactly has God given us? 00:11:43.279 --> 00:11:46.259 Is it enough for the week you just had? 00:11:46.259 --> 00:11:49.539 The week that you dealt with? 00:11:50.539 --> 00:11:56.059 You know, I want you to see here, look at verse 3, because verse 3 answers our question. 00:11:56.159 --> 00:11:58.620 Now notice this, according to his divine power, 00:11:58.740 --> 00:12:04.899 hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness. 00:12:05.799 --> 00:12:06.759 All things. 00:12:06.819 --> 00:12:09.879 I want you to see here, three things really stand out. 00:12:09.879 --> 00:12:11.840 The first is his power. 00:12:12.659 --> 00:12:14.360 It's his power that gives to us. 00:12:14.480 --> 00:12:20.200 God has given us through according to his divine power. 00:12:20.620 --> 00:12:21.820 His divine power. 00:12:21.939 --> 00:12:25.200 Not your power, not somebody else's power, but God's power. 00:12:26.080 --> 00:12:27.059 He is the one. 00:12:27.159 --> 00:12:29.879 He is the authority that brings it. 00:12:30.179 --> 00:12:33.480 We don't bring the tools to the table to solve life's problems. 00:12:33.659 --> 00:12:35.559 God says, I give it to you. 00:12:35.960 --> 00:12:38.000 He says, I give you what you need. 00:12:38.000 --> 00:12:45.039 I give you everything that you're going to require to accomplish the challenges of this life. 00:12:46.220 --> 00:12:49.080 You know, sometimes that also requires repairing your life. 00:12:51.019 --> 00:12:52.580 How things need to be different. 00:12:53.080 --> 00:12:53.840 Because you know what? 00:12:53.860 --> 00:12:55.860 We all can very easily mess things up. 00:12:56.259 --> 00:12:57.980 You know, I want to show of hands, but think for a moment. 00:12:58.039 --> 00:12:59.720 How many times have you broke your life? 00:13:01.899 --> 00:13:03.440 By a decision you've made. 00:13:03.919 --> 00:13:05.940 Then you've got to say, Lord, how do we fix it? 00:13:05.940 --> 00:13:09.680 How do we make it right again? 00:13:09.760 --> 00:13:12.300 How do we heal through this? 00:13:13.540 --> 00:13:14.780 Where do you go for that? 00:13:16.580 --> 00:13:21.300 You know, today we find a lot of people try to go to a doctor of some kind. 00:13:21.400 --> 00:13:22.920 You know, a mental health professional. 00:13:24.900 --> 00:13:27.320 Now, I think they might be able to help a few people. 00:13:27.420 --> 00:13:30.140 But one of the problems is that you're still there using a pair of pliers. 00:13:30.700 --> 00:13:32.240 You might get a little bit accomplished. 00:13:32.240 --> 00:13:33.100 But you know what? 00:13:33.139 --> 00:13:35.379 It's not going to be done right. 00:13:37.580 --> 00:13:42.460 Because if you don't use the right tool, you end up marring something trying to repair it. 00:13:42.919 --> 00:13:45.480 But notice, it's also, it's all things. 00:13:47.019 --> 00:13:48.440 Not most things. 00:13:50.519 --> 00:13:54.240 Have you ever noticed, you ever notice how they try to promote things? 00:13:54.480 --> 00:13:56.340 We'll send you the starter kit. 00:13:56.340 --> 00:13:59.519 What's it say? 00:13:59.600 --> 00:14:01.379 Well, then you're going to have to pay more to get more. 00:14:03.379 --> 00:14:05.080 You know the one thing about God? 00:14:05.139 --> 00:14:09.379 At the moment of salvation, God gives you everything you need. 00:14:11.320 --> 00:14:15.660 His Spirit and the Word of God opens up and becomes available to you. 00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:20.280 His full toolbox for life is available. 00:14:20.279 --> 00:14:23.459 Everything is available for you. 00:14:24.079 --> 00:14:25.399 You know, it's all things. 00:14:25.779 --> 00:14:27.139 It's not a starter kit. 00:14:27.459 --> 00:14:30.299 Because life is your everyday life. 00:14:30.480 --> 00:14:33.159 Godliness is your walk with God in this life. 00:14:33.579 --> 00:14:34.199 You know, think about it. 00:14:34.199 --> 00:14:36.120 Look over to Deuteronomy chapter 29. 00:14:36.620 --> 00:14:41.600 Deuteronomy 29, we find that Moses here tells us this. 00:14:41.659 --> 00:14:41.959 He says, 00:14:41.960 --> 00:14:56.160 You know, Moses understood what God gives us is what we need. 00:14:57.420 --> 00:14:59.480 To guide us, to direct us. 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:02.360 Psalm 19, David says, 00:15:02.360 --> 00:15:04.080 The law of the Lord is perfect. 00:15:04.780 --> 00:15:07.800 Converting the soul, the testimony of the Lord is sure. 00:15:08.300 --> 00:15:10.200 Making wise the simple. 00:15:10.200 --> 00:15:12.440 Think about what all things cover. 00:15:14.140 --> 00:15:16.320 You know, when it comes to work, you have verses like, 00:15:16.420 --> 00:15:20.580 Whatsoever you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord and not unto men. 00:15:20.920 --> 00:15:23.379 Have you thought about that at work when you feel underappreciated? 00:15:23.940 --> 00:15:26.720 You know, there's a verse that appropriates of underappreciated. 00:15:27.800 --> 00:15:28.620 Because you know what? 00:15:28.640 --> 00:15:31.180 You're not just working for appreciation of somebody else. 00:15:33.020 --> 00:15:36.900 You're doing it because it's before the Lord and unto the Lord. 00:15:36.899 --> 00:15:40.360 It changes our perspective. 00:15:41.079 --> 00:15:44.299 You know, when you think about the dynamic with money, 00:15:44.419 --> 00:15:48.959 And we understand the borrower is servant to the lender in Proverbs chapter 22. 00:15:49.679 --> 00:15:51.439 You think about at home where it says, 00:15:51.639 --> 00:15:53.939 Let not the sun go down upon your wrath. 00:15:53.940 --> 00:15:57.660 Those are basic principles. 00:15:57.660 --> 00:15:59.120 You think about with your children. 00:15:59.620 --> 00:16:00.300 You know, when it says, 00:16:00.660 --> 00:16:02.440 Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, 00:16:02.500 --> 00:16:05.140 But bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 00:16:05.520 --> 00:16:07.740 How about when talk at work turns ugly? 00:16:08.320 --> 00:16:09.480 When the word of God tells us, 00:16:09.600 --> 00:16:12.240 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, 00:16:12.420 --> 00:16:15.020 But that which is good to the use of edifying. 00:16:15.480 --> 00:16:20.020 Scripture speaks of the issues that we face in life. 00:16:20.019 --> 00:16:23.539 It doesn't require other things. 00:16:23.639 --> 00:16:27.500 It just requires us to know and to apply the truth. 00:16:28.059 --> 00:16:29.259 Because how is it understood? 00:16:29.399 --> 00:16:29.939 Notice what it says. 00:16:30.019 --> 00:16:31.639 It comes through knowing Him. 00:16:32.000 --> 00:16:35.360 Through the knowledge of Him that is what has called us. 00:16:35.620 --> 00:16:38.699 Think about what Jesus said before He was just getting ready to go to the cross. 00:16:38.799 --> 00:16:40.199 Look at John chapter 17. 00:16:41.059 --> 00:16:43.259 John chapter 17 and verse 3 says, 00:16:43.259 --> 00:16:44.620 And this is life eternal. 00:16:45.179 --> 00:16:49.039 That they might know Thee, the only true God in Jesus Christ, 00:16:49.379 --> 00:16:51.759 Whom Thou hast sent. 00:16:52.039 --> 00:16:53.039 To know Him. 00:16:54.700 --> 00:16:56.379 Not just about Him. 00:16:58.240 --> 00:17:02.019 This word know is not just informational knowledge. 00:17:02.539 --> 00:17:04.220 This is personal connection. 00:17:04.879 --> 00:17:06.660 You can know a lot about somebody. 00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:09.000 But you know what? 00:17:09.019 --> 00:17:10.140 When you live with somebody, 00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:13.040 You know a lot more about them than you did before. 00:17:13.180 --> 00:17:13.360 Why? 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:15.720 Because you've experienced life with them. 00:17:17.000 --> 00:17:19.500 This is the type of knowledge he's talking about here. 00:17:19.780 --> 00:17:22.420 That there's an experienced walk alongside. 00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:25.920 Understanding what it is. 00:17:26.180 --> 00:17:27.580 And how those things work. 00:17:27.700 --> 00:17:29.080 You know, you think about Colossians. 00:17:29.320 --> 00:17:31.620 In chapter 2 and verse 9 it says, 00:17:31.700 --> 00:17:34.820 For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 00:17:34.819 --> 00:17:37.299 And ye are complete in Him, 00:17:37.539 --> 00:17:40.859 Which is the head of all the principality and power. 00:17:41.179 --> 00:17:43.460 He is the one that completes you. 00:17:43.980 --> 00:17:46.619 He is the one that makes you what you ought to be. 00:17:46.879 --> 00:17:48.720 He is the one that makes a difference. 00:17:49.139 --> 00:17:51.539 The problem is, we don't use what God gives us. 00:17:53.419 --> 00:17:54.960 What He provides for us. 00:17:55.019 --> 00:17:57.599 Now, most of you this morning probably carry one of these. 00:17:57.859 --> 00:17:58.879 Some form or another. 00:17:59.980 --> 00:18:01.379 Let me ask you a question. 00:18:01.539 --> 00:18:03.359 Do you know all the functions on your phone? 00:18:03.359 --> 00:18:04.399 You know what? 00:18:04.479 --> 00:18:07.459 Oftentimes we treat God's Word the same way we treat our phone. 00:18:07.639 --> 00:18:09.419 It has all the functions that we need. 00:18:10.819 --> 00:18:11.899 But we never use them. 00:18:13.479 --> 00:18:15.039 Never find out how to use them. 00:18:15.539 --> 00:18:16.199 It's there. 00:18:17.519 --> 00:18:19.039 It's available to you. 00:18:20.159 --> 00:18:21.339 But you don't use it. 00:18:21.919 --> 00:18:22.839 And I'll just give you a little clue. 00:18:22.919 --> 00:18:24.039 That's just a generic thing. 00:18:24.099 --> 00:18:26.219 Because phone's got some apps you probably shouldn't use. 00:18:26.639 --> 00:18:29.639 But God's Word doesn't give you anything that you shouldn't use. 00:18:29.640 --> 00:18:30.320 Amen. 00:18:32.320 --> 00:18:33.960 Everything is beneficial. 00:18:35.820 --> 00:18:37.280 Everything has a function. 00:18:37.960 --> 00:18:39.640 Everything fills a need. 00:18:40.280 --> 00:18:42.900 You know, He speaks of the issues that we face. 00:18:43.200 --> 00:18:47.800 We don't need to add to it, but how we get a hold of all these things. 00:18:48.300 --> 00:18:49.480 And I want you to notice here. 00:18:49.520 --> 00:18:50.720 Look down at verse 4. 00:18:50.720 --> 00:18:52.620 As He tells us here, He says, 00:18:52.740 --> 00:18:56.680 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, 00:18:57.140 --> 00:19:02.039 that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature. 00:19:02.440 --> 00:19:06.140 You know, whereby we are given unto us great and precious promises. 00:19:06.640 --> 00:19:08.680 God keeps His Word. 00:19:09.460 --> 00:19:11.720 They are great and precious promises. 00:19:11.880 --> 00:19:12.660 Why are they precious? 00:19:12.660 --> 00:19:15.019 Because He keeps His Word. 00:19:15.900 --> 00:19:18.380 When God promises something, He's going to do it. 00:19:18.940 --> 00:19:20.940 You know, the promises are secure. 00:19:21.080 --> 00:19:23.800 2 Corinthians chapter 1 tells, 00:19:23.980 --> 00:19:28.620 For all the promises of God in Him are yea and in Him amen. 00:19:30.060 --> 00:19:34.200 You know, Israel found out that God keeps His Word. 00:19:34.600 --> 00:19:38.060 You know, Joshua in chapter 21 verse 45 says this, 00:19:38.059 --> 00:19:43.679 There failed not out of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel. 00:19:44.019 --> 00:19:47.039 All came to pass. 00:19:47.319 --> 00:19:48.279 God keeps His Word. 00:19:49.779 --> 00:19:53.940 God is there when we understand what God has done. 00:19:55.059 --> 00:19:56.599 How God provides. 00:19:56.659 --> 00:19:58.359 His promises are secure. 00:19:59.139 --> 00:20:01.419 When life goes upside down, 00:20:02.460 --> 00:20:04.399 we can rest assured God says, 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:07.299 I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. 00:20:07.299 --> 00:20:09.039 That's a promise of God. 00:20:09.619 --> 00:20:10.899 No matter what's going on, 00:20:11.000 --> 00:20:11.419 He says, 00:20:11.500 --> 00:20:12.220 If you're mine, 00:20:12.299 --> 00:20:14.440 if you've called upon me as your Savior, 00:20:14.940 --> 00:20:15.359 He says, 00:20:15.460 --> 00:20:18.299 I will never, ever leave you. 00:20:18.859 --> 00:20:21.399 He wants you and He gives you what's needed. 00:20:22.099 --> 00:20:25.079 Because we understand His promises are secure, 00:20:25.200 --> 00:20:26.639 but His promises transform. 00:20:27.460 --> 00:20:31.240 Through them we become partakers of the divine nature. 00:20:31.879 --> 00:20:33.079 Now I want you to understand, 00:20:33.200 --> 00:20:34.980 this doesn't mean we become God. 00:20:34.980 --> 00:20:39.539 It means that His nature is at work in us. 00:20:40.960 --> 00:20:42.299 Say, how does that happen? 00:20:42.360 --> 00:20:47.440 That happens at the moment the Holy Spirit comes and dwells within you at the moment of salvation. 00:20:48.500 --> 00:20:51.900 You have the divine nature dwelling within you. 00:20:51.900 --> 00:20:55.740 And it's transforming you. 00:20:56.380 --> 00:20:57.820 It's changing you. 00:20:57.940 --> 00:21:00.340 It's working in your life. 00:21:00.860 --> 00:21:06.759 You know, the Bible tells us very clearly to understand it's changing us. 00:21:07.019 --> 00:21:08.680 It changes us instantly. 00:21:09.160 --> 00:21:12.240 2 Corinthians chapter 5 verse 17 says, 00:21:12.240 --> 00:21:15.240 Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is what? 00:21:15.319 --> 00:21:16.740 A new creature. 00:21:17.200 --> 00:21:18.640 Old things are passed away. 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:20.519 Behold, all things are become new. 00:21:20.559 --> 00:21:22.140 That sounds like something different to me. 00:21:23.700 --> 00:21:26.799 I might be simple and have a hard time to understand, 00:21:26.920 --> 00:21:28.380 but that's pretty simple to understand. 00:21:30.599 --> 00:21:32.519 Things that are different are not the same. 00:21:34.359 --> 00:21:36.180 Because not from what I did, 00:21:36.240 --> 00:21:37.440 because of what He did. 00:21:37.440 --> 00:21:41.500 It means the Holy Spirit dwells within you. 00:21:41.960 --> 00:21:45.220 You know, that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, 00:21:45.360 --> 00:21:48.720 which is in you, which ye have of God. 00:21:48.799 --> 00:21:51.180 It tells us in 1 Corinthians chapter 6. 00:21:51.740 --> 00:21:54.480 He makes it clear to us these things. 00:21:54.880 --> 00:21:56.840 His promise is rescue. 00:21:57.400 --> 00:21:59.779 Notice what it tells us here back in verse 4. 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:00.740 He says, 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:04.840 Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 00:22:04.839 --> 00:22:07.819 We have escaped the corruption that is in the world. 00:22:08.259 --> 00:22:11.539 The world runs on wants that tear people down. 00:22:11.959 --> 00:22:15.559 God promises to pick you up and pull you out of that 00:22:15.559 --> 00:22:16.500 if you'll trust Him. 00:22:17.099 --> 00:22:18.220 Trust is a big thing. 00:22:18.779 --> 00:22:21.639 We live in a generation that we don't write very many checks anymore. 00:22:23.500 --> 00:22:24.980 I remember when you got a check, 00:22:26.039 --> 00:22:27.699 there was two thoughts went through your mind. 00:22:29.319 --> 00:22:32.319 Do I trust this person enough to know that it's good? 00:22:33.019 --> 00:22:33.419 Not you. 00:22:33.420 --> 00:22:36.160 I've had a few that were a little rubbery. 00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:38.600 They were stretching what was in the account. 00:22:38.700 --> 00:22:39.560 Let me put it that way. 00:22:40.140 --> 00:22:40.580 Do you know what? 00:22:41.160 --> 00:22:41.980 God says, 00:22:42.160 --> 00:22:44.279 Trust me because I've written you something 00:22:44.279 --> 00:22:45.900 that's going to come to pass. 00:22:47.180 --> 00:22:49.180 And you can trust it because 00:22:49.180 --> 00:22:51.259 I have put my stamp on it. 00:22:52.360 --> 00:22:54.800 I have the ability to fulfill it. 00:22:55.900 --> 00:22:59.060 That He will accomplish all that He has set to do. 00:22:59.059 --> 00:23:02.799 To understand that dynamic in our life, 00:23:02.799 --> 00:23:06.679 the question is whether you trust it and act upon it. 00:23:07.059 --> 00:23:08.619 You know, when you put a check in the bank, 00:23:08.679 --> 00:23:10.259 you're trusting it's going to have money there. 00:23:10.759 --> 00:23:12.579 You take action accordingly. 00:23:14.799 --> 00:23:17.000 With God, you put your trust in God, 00:23:17.059 --> 00:23:18.639 then you need to act accordingly. 00:23:18.640 --> 00:23:21.380 To trust Him. 00:23:21.440 --> 00:23:23.380 Put your faith in Him to say, 00:23:23.440 --> 00:23:24.460 God, I know. 00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:27.600 It starts there at the moment of salvation. 00:23:27.780 --> 00:23:28.060 It says, 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:30.320 For by grace are you saved through faith 00:23:30.320 --> 00:23:31.720 and not of yourselves. 00:23:31.860 --> 00:23:32.860 It's a gift of God. 00:23:32.940 --> 00:23:35.040 Not at works lest any man should boast. 00:23:35.720 --> 00:23:35.920 You know, 00:23:36.100 --> 00:23:37.020 I want you to understand, 00:23:37.140 --> 00:23:38.560 God's gift isn't faith. 00:23:38.860 --> 00:23:40.160 God's gift is salvation. 00:23:40.160 --> 00:23:41.960 The question is, 00:23:42.060 --> 00:23:43.040 are you going to believe it? 00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:44.940 Are you going to act upon it? 00:23:44.960 --> 00:23:46.800 Are you going to do what you need to do 00:23:46.800 --> 00:23:48.160 to be right with God? 00:23:48.820 --> 00:23:49.500 Faith is, 00:23:49.660 --> 00:23:50.960 are you going to trust Him? 00:23:51.840 --> 00:23:54.480 Are you going to fully believe what God says? 00:23:55.940 --> 00:23:56.680 But notice, 00:23:56.940 --> 00:23:58.120 when we need to also, 00:23:58.279 --> 00:23:59.740 when it talks about acting on it, 00:23:59.779 --> 00:24:00.960 we need to put in the work. 00:24:02.259 --> 00:24:03.720 Oh, this works, works. 00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:05.140 I want you to understand, 00:24:05.660 --> 00:24:08.340 you don't work to be saved. 00:24:08.339 --> 00:24:12.299 You do things because you are saved. 00:24:13.359 --> 00:24:15.240 It ought to change what you do 00:24:15.240 --> 00:24:15.859 because you know what? 00:24:15.879 --> 00:24:16.740 You're going to do something. 00:24:17.199 --> 00:24:18.240 Think about that for a moment. 00:24:18.839 --> 00:24:21.779 You will do something with this message today. 00:24:22.419 --> 00:24:23.039 Do something. 00:24:23.740 --> 00:24:25.019 Doing is part of life. 00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:26.980 If you're not doing, 00:24:27.139 --> 00:24:27.879 you're probably dead. 00:24:28.639 --> 00:24:30.319 When the Bible speaks of works, 00:24:30.399 --> 00:24:32.339 it talks about what are you going to be doing 00:24:32.859 --> 00:24:35.159 because of what you believe. 00:24:35.160 --> 00:24:38.420 How are you going to be responding 00:24:38.420 --> 00:24:40.259 because of what you believe? 00:24:40.960 --> 00:24:41.120 You know, 00:24:41.180 --> 00:24:42.180 to put in the work, 00:24:42.279 --> 00:24:42.600 notice, 00:24:42.880 --> 00:24:44.060 look down at verse 5. 00:24:44.160 --> 00:24:44.460 He says, 00:24:44.540 --> 00:24:45.160 beside this, 00:24:46.860 --> 00:24:48.380 giving all diligence, 00:24:48.620 --> 00:24:49.980 add to your faith virtue, 00:24:50.060 --> 00:24:50.880 and to virtue knowledge, 00:24:51.000 --> 00:24:52.060 and to knowledge temperance, 00:24:52.100 --> 00:24:53.040 and to temperance patience, 00:24:53.160 --> 00:24:54.240 and to patience godliness, 00:24:54.720 --> 00:24:57.740 and to godliness brotherly kindness, 00:24:57.900 --> 00:24:59.220 and to brotherly kindness charity. 00:24:59.220 --> 00:25:01.799 And if these things be in you and abound, 00:25:01.900 --> 00:25:02.559 they make you, 00:25:02.900 --> 00:25:04.440 that you shall neither be barren 00:25:04.440 --> 00:25:05.279 nor unfruitful 00:25:05.279 --> 00:25:08.200 in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:11.860 You need to put in the work. 00:25:12.940 --> 00:25:14.180 Besides this, 00:25:14.319 --> 00:25:15.720 giving all diligence. 00:25:15.860 --> 00:25:16.220 You know what? 00:25:16.559 --> 00:25:20.019 Being diligent is making a choice in your action. 00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.960 Diligence says, 00:25:23.140 --> 00:25:25.740 I'm going to do what I'm supposed to do. 00:25:25.740 --> 00:25:27.779 Diligence says, 00:25:27.900 --> 00:25:29.539 it's going to become my priority. 00:25:30.120 --> 00:25:31.960 Because I want you to understand 00:25:31.960 --> 00:25:32.880 that he says, 00:25:33.039 --> 00:25:34.960 there's grace first in salvation, 00:25:35.200 --> 00:25:35.740 then growth. 00:25:36.140 --> 00:25:37.000 Peter doesn't say, 00:25:37.380 --> 00:25:37.819 add faith. 00:25:37.920 --> 00:25:38.240 He says, 00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:39.400 add to your faith. 00:25:40.700 --> 00:25:41.120 In other words, 00:25:41.160 --> 00:25:41.440 he says, 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:43.259 if you trust Christ as your Savior, 00:25:43.759 --> 00:25:45.839 you need to add more knowledge, 00:25:46.160 --> 00:25:48.339 more information about who God is. 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:50.099 How does God direct my life? 00:25:50.180 --> 00:25:51.460 What does he expect out of me? 00:25:51.799 --> 00:25:52.839 What's he guide me 00:25:52.839 --> 00:25:54.700 in these decisions that I need to make? 00:25:54.700 --> 00:25:56.000 How do I understand 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:57.580 what's going to be the best choice? 00:25:58.140 --> 00:25:59.220 Add to your faith 00:25:59.220 --> 00:26:00.380 is to build upon 00:26:00.380 --> 00:26:01.920 what you've already believed. 00:26:02.559 --> 00:26:04.600 Because faith is where it starts 00:26:04.600 --> 00:26:08.840 and salvation is God's gift to us. 00:26:09.400 --> 00:26:10.039 Know this, 00:26:10.100 --> 00:26:11.840 we do not grow to be saved, 00:26:11.960 --> 00:26:13.680 we grow because we are saved. 00:26:14.920 --> 00:26:15.080 You know, 00:26:15.140 --> 00:26:15.480 think about it. 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:16.940 Turn to Philippians chapter 2. 00:26:17.600 --> 00:26:19.480 Philippians chapter 2 and verse 12. 00:26:19.620 --> 00:26:20.660 The Bible tells us this, 00:26:20.660 --> 00:26:21.680 wherefore my beloved, 00:26:22.640 --> 00:26:24.660 as ye have always obeyed, 00:26:24.700 --> 00:26:26.580 not in my presence only, 00:26:26.700 --> 00:26:28.740 but now much more in my absence, 00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:31.019 work out your own salvation 00:26:31.019 --> 00:26:32.240 with fear and trembling. 00:26:32.640 --> 00:26:33.900 For it is God 00:26:33.900 --> 00:26:35.040 which worketh in you 00:26:35.040 --> 00:26:35.980 both to will 00:26:35.980 --> 00:26:36.640 and to do 00:26:36.640 --> 00:26:37.880 of his good pleasure. 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:40.560 I want you to understand 00:26:40.560 --> 00:26:42.120 they're not working to be saved, 00:26:42.220 --> 00:26:42.779 they're working 00:26:42.779 --> 00:26:43.900 because they're saved. 00:26:43.900 --> 00:26:47.460 They want to please the Savior. 00:26:48.940 --> 00:26:49.300 You know, 00:26:49.340 --> 00:26:50.420 it's hard to please somebody 00:26:50.420 --> 00:26:51.500 if you don't have the right rules 00:26:51.500 --> 00:26:53.500 or the right guidance. 00:26:55.340 --> 00:26:55.820 You know, 00:26:55.880 --> 00:26:56.800 sometimes I find 00:26:56.800 --> 00:26:57.840 that the hardest thing to do 00:26:57.840 --> 00:26:59.060 is get the right guidance 00:26:59.060 --> 00:26:59.660 to the people 00:26:59.660 --> 00:27:00.680 who want to accomplish something. 00:27:01.880 --> 00:27:03.640 Because if you don't give them guidance, 00:27:03.720 --> 00:27:04.060 they're going to try 00:27:04.060 --> 00:27:04.800 to do it their own way. 00:27:06.300 --> 00:27:07.800 Certain things need direction 00:27:07.800 --> 00:27:08.680 and parameters 00:27:08.680 --> 00:27:11.780 to understand those things 00:27:11.780 --> 00:27:13.400 and oftentimes we'll say, 00:27:13.400 --> 00:27:14.340 well, go do this. 00:27:14.460 --> 00:27:14.600 You know, 00:27:14.640 --> 00:27:15.200 I've worked for, 00:27:15.259 --> 00:27:15.519 I'll go, 00:27:15.720 --> 00:27:17.420 I've had employers tell me, 00:27:17.480 --> 00:27:18.120 go do this. 00:27:18.140 --> 00:27:18.580 And it's like, 00:27:18.640 --> 00:27:19.100 well, okay, 00:27:19.120 --> 00:27:19.920 how do you want it done? 00:27:22.040 --> 00:27:22.960 What's my budget? 00:27:24.740 --> 00:27:25.300 I mean, 00:27:25.340 --> 00:27:26.920 do I have a million dollars 00:27:26.920 --> 00:27:27.800 to solve this problem 00:27:27.800 --> 00:27:28.840 or do I have $10 00:27:28.840 --> 00:27:29.920 to solve this problem? 00:27:31.940 --> 00:27:33.100 I want you to understand 00:27:33.100 --> 00:27:35.180 God tells us everything we need 00:27:35.180 --> 00:27:37.320 and he gives us all that we need. 00:27:38.440 --> 00:27:40.500 If we follow his instruction 00:27:40.500 --> 00:27:42.100 to be able to do 00:27:42.099 --> 00:27:43.559 what he wants us to do 00:27:43.559 --> 00:27:44.579 to work out 00:27:44.579 --> 00:27:46.240 and to work because 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:47.480 of our salvation 00:27:47.480 --> 00:27:48.619 with fear and trembling. 00:27:48.980 --> 00:27:49.419 You know what? 00:27:50.339 --> 00:27:51.139 If you're saved, 00:27:51.240 --> 00:27:51.919 you ought to still have 00:27:51.919 --> 00:27:53.079 a healthy fear of God. 00:27:54.480 --> 00:27:55.599 You ought to fear 00:27:55.599 --> 00:27:56.859 who he is 00:27:56.859 --> 00:27:58.279 because of, 00:27:58.619 --> 00:27:59.500 that's what led you 00:27:59.500 --> 00:28:00.219 to salvation 00:28:00.219 --> 00:28:00.959 is understanding 00:28:00.959 --> 00:28:01.719 that God 00:28:01.719 --> 00:28:03.000 is a mighty God 00:28:03.000 --> 00:28:03.639 that judges 00:28:03.639 --> 00:28:04.799 just and true 00:28:04.799 --> 00:28:05.779 and proper. 00:28:06.099 --> 00:28:07.719 He never misjudges anything. 00:28:07.720 --> 00:28:09.079 I want you to know 00:28:09.079 --> 00:28:09.900 you need to give 00:28:09.900 --> 00:28:10.920 all diligence. 00:28:11.880 --> 00:28:12.700 Giving diligence 00:28:12.700 --> 00:28:13.600 because God 00:28:13.600 --> 00:28:14.660 has given everything, 00:28:14.860 --> 00:28:16.019 we need to give everything. 00:28:16.740 --> 00:28:17.960 What God gave you 00:28:17.960 --> 00:28:18.880 is not a reason 00:28:18.880 --> 00:28:19.759 to sit back, 00:28:19.920 --> 00:28:20.900 it's a reason 00:28:20.900 --> 00:28:21.720 to get to work. 00:28:23.160 --> 00:28:24.660 Not just in 00:28:24.660 --> 00:28:26.220 outward service, 00:28:26.559 --> 00:28:28.299 but in your personal life. 00:28:28.559 --> 00:28:29.240 Think about these 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:30.420 seven things he gives. 00:28:31.299 --> 00:28:31.600 Now, 00:28:31.700 --> 00:28:32.559 these impact 00:28:32.559 --> 00:28:33.559 the rest of your life. 00:28:33.559 --> 00:28:36.359 this impacts everything, 00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:36.779 but these 00:28:36.779 --> 00:28:38.919 impact your walk 00:28:38.919 --> 00:28:39.579 with God. 00:28:41.619 --> 00:28:43.119 Seven things to add. 00:28:43.220 --> 00:28:44.039 Notice what he tells us 00:28:44.039 --> 00:28:44.639 is virtue. 00:28:46.139 --> 00:28:46.579 Virtue. 00:28:47.000 --> 00:28:47.799 What's virtue? 00:28:47.919 --> 00:28:48.539 That's doing 00:28:48.539 --> 00:28:49.460 what is right. 00:28:50.859 --> 00:28:51.559 How are you going 00:28:51.559 --> 00:28:52.399 to do what's right? 00:28:52.480 --> 00:28:52.579 Well, 00:28:52.599 --> 00:28:53.059 you need to know 00:28:53.059 --> 00:28:53.599 what's right. 00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:54.619 What's God tell us? 00:28:54.639 --> 00:28:55.259 He tells us 00:28:55.259 --> 00:28:56.119 what's right. 00:28:56.579 --> 00:28:57.259 He tells us 00:28:57.259 --> 00:28:58.099 that your scales 00:28:58.099 --> 00:28:59.079 ought to be balanced 00:28:59.079 --> 00:28:59.639 correctly. 00:29:01.940 --> 00:29:02.119 You know, 00:29:02.220 --> 00:29:03.240 unjust scales 00:29:03.240 --> 00:29:04.019 are an abomination 00:29:04.019 --> 00:29:04.940 to the Lord. 00:29:05.220 --> 00:29:06.240 When we understand 00:29:06.240 --> 00:29:06.960 that knowledge, 00:29:07.099 --> 00:29:08.460 add to virtue knowledge, 00:29:08.980 --> 00:29:10.620 knowing what God wants, 00:29:11.019 --> 00:29:12.240 knowing who he is, 00:29:13.339 --> 00:29:14.359 knowing what God's 00:29:14.359 --> 00:29:15.099 guided us, 00:29:15.519 --> 00:29:15.759 you know, 00:29:15.799 --> 00:29:16.940 and then temperance. 00:29:17.559 --> 00:29:19.039 Temperance is self-control. 00:29:19.500 --> 00:29:19.680 You know, 00:29:19.720 --> 00:29:20.200 oftentimes, 00:29:20.759 --> 00:29:22.620 this is a difficulty. 00:29:23.019 --> 00:29:23.599 Because why? 00:29:23.720 --> 00:29:24.519 Because we don't, 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:26.279 we do what we feel 00:29:26.279 --> 00:29:27.319 instead of what God's 00:29:27.319 --> 00:29:28.420 instructed us to do. 00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:30.039 Temperance is not 00:29:30.039 --> 00:29:31.220 letting your feelings 00:29:31.220 --> 00:29:33.099 override what you ought to do. 00:29:33.240 --> 00:29:34.599 That's self-control. 00:29:36.039 --> 00:29:37.099 To understand, 00:29:37.259 --> 00:29:37.859 to do what's right. 00:29:38.019 --> 00:29:38.620 Patience. 00:29:39.420 --> 00:29:40.660 That's hanging in there 00:29:40.660 --> 00:29:41.720 when it even gets hard. 00:29:43.359 --> 00:29:44.259 Trusting God 00:29:44.259 --> 00:29:45.140 in the difficulty 00:29:45.140 --> 00:29:46.460 and the challenging 00:29:46.460 --> 00:29:47.980 seasons of life. 00:29:49.640 --> 00:29:49.859 You know, 00:29:49.900 --> 00:29:51.359 today we talk about patience. 00:29:51.480 --> 00:29:52.220 We talk about it 00:29:52.220 --> 00:29:53.960 in minutes and hours. 00:29:54.380 --> 00:29:54.559 You know, 00:29:54.599 --> 00:29:56.000 sometimes patience a year. 00:29:57.259 --> 00:29:58.160 Ten years. 00:29:58.640 --> 00:29:59.539 Sometimes patience 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:00.400 forty years. 00:30:00.880 --> 00:30:01.420 Think about it 00:30:01.420 --> 00:30:02.140 in the Old Testament. 00:30:02.140 --> 00:30:04.480 The children of Israel 00:30:04.480 --> 00:30:05.640 were in captivity 00:30:05.640 --> 00:30:07.200 seventy years 00:30:07.200 --> 00:30:09.640 before God 00:30:09.640 --> 00:30:10.660 brought them out again 00:30:10.660 --> 00:30:11.820 just as He 00:30:11.820 --> 00:30:12.840 promised. 00:30:13.540 --> 00:30:14.420 He took them 00:30:14.420 --> 00:30:15.040 to Babylon 00:30:15.040 --> 00:30:16.720 and through Jeremiah 00:30:16.720 --> 00:30:17.300 the prophet 00:30:17.300 --> 00:30:17.680 He said, 00:30:17.780 --> 00:30:18.540 seventy years 00:30:18.540 --> 00:30:19.560 I'm going to bring you back. 00:30:20.020 --> 00:30:20.360 And He said, 00:30:20.440 --> 00:30:21.259 while you're there 00:30:21.259 --> 00:30:22.700 just live the way 00:30:22.700 --> 00:30:23.660 you're supposed to live 00:30:23.660 --> 00:30:25.060 and do what you're supposed to do 00:30:25.060 --> 00:30:26.200 because that's where 00:30:26.200 --> 00:30:26.920 you're going to be. 00:30:27.160 --> 00:30:27.380 You know, 00:30:27.420 --> 00:30:28.720 they had to endure patience 00:30:28.720 --> 00:30:30.060 knowing that they may 00:30:30.059 --> 00:30:31.859 never see what God promised 00:30:31.859 --> 00:30:33.139 but they need to pass 00:30:33.139 --> 00:30:33.720 that promise 00:30:33.720 --> 00:30:34.779 to the next generation 00:30:34.779 --> 00:30:35.779 that's going to see it. 00:30:37.379 --> 00:30:38.519 That's patience. 00:30:39.440 --> 00:30:39.879 Godliness. 00:30:40.159 --> 00:30:41.200 Living holy life 00:30:41.200 --> 00:30:42.000 that reflects 00:30:42.000 --> 00:30:43.019 the Savior. 00:30:44.700 --> 00:30:45.740 Brotherly kindness. 00:30:46.319 --> 00:30:47.819 Caring for your church family. 00:30:48.000 --> 00:30:48.960 Caring for others. 00:30:50.659 --> 00:30:50.899 You know, 00:30:50.919 --> 00:30:51.859 when the Bible speaks 00:30:51.859 --> 00:30:52.519 of a brother 00:30:52.519 --> 00:30:54.039 or sister in Christ, 00:30:54.119 --> 00:30:55.200 I want you to understand 00:30:55.200 --> 00:30:56.920 that ought to be a priority. 00:30:58.620 --> 00:31:00.480 That's a family dynamic 00:31:00.480 --> 00:31:01.360 that's different 00:31:01.360 --> 00:31:03.059 from any worldly relationship. 00:31:03.539 --> 00:31:04.580 When we understand 00:31:04.580 --> 00:31:05.420 that charity, 00:31:05.620 --> 00:31:06.140 that's love. 00:31:06.240 --> 00:31:06.960 Loving people 00:31:06.960 --> 00:31:08.160 the way Christ loves. 00:31:08.660 --> 00:31:08.880 You know, 00:31:10.259 --> 00:31:11.400 He understands 00:31:11.400 --> 00:31:12.200 that love 00:31:12.200 --> 00:31:12.900 is needed. 00:31:15.259 --> 00:31:15.700 You know, 00:31:15.720 --> 00:31:16.319 you think about 00:31:16.319 --> 00:31:17.640 all these things 00:31:17.640 --> 00:31:18.920 that apply 00:31:18.920 --> 00:31:20.440 to our everyday life 00:31:20.440 --> 00:31:21.580 but they apply 00:31:21.580 --> 00:31:22.860 to our walk 00:31:22.860 --> 00:31:23.319 with God. 00:31:23.400 --> 00:31:24.340 What does God see 00:31:24.339 --> 00:31:25.339 when you make your choice? 00:31:25.859 --> 00:31:26.119 You know what? 00:31:26.139 --> 00:31:27.220 These line up also 00:31:27.220 --> 00:31:28.299 with the fruit of the Spirit. 00:31:29.299 --> 00:31:30.379 Love, joy, peace, 00:31:30.459 --> 00:31:31.019 long-suffering, 00:31:31.159 --> 00:31:31.799 gentleness, goodness, 00:31:32.019 --> 00:31:33.419 faith, meekness, temperance. 00:31:34.359 --> 00:31:34.679 You know? 00:31:35.319 --> 00:31:37.500 Find those in Galatians chapter 5. 00:31:39.179 --> 00:31:40.319 I want you to understand 00:31:40.319 --> 00:31:41.359 the fruit of the Spirit 00:31:41.359 --> 00:31:42.259 is the same thing 00:31:42.259 --> 00:31:43.299 Peter's talking about here. 00:31:43.799 --> 00:31:45.019 The fruit of the Spirit 00:31:45.019 --> 00:31:47.379 working in your life 00:31:47.379 --> 00:31:48.399 produces fruit. 00:31:48.819 --> 00:31:49.859 You being diligent 00:31:49.859 --> 00:31:50.659 in your life 00:31:50.659 --> 00:31:51.259 to obey 00:31:51.259 --> 00:31:52.319 what the Spirit's doing 00:31:52.319 --> 00:31:53.019 in your life 00:31:53.019 --> 00:31:54.099 produces fruit 00:31:54.099 --> 00:31:54.779 in your life. 00:31:55.599 --> 00:31:57.299 It produces those things. 00:31:57.519 --> 00:31:58.819 It's both alongside 00:31:58.819 --> 00:32:00.240 because you know what? 00:32:00.299 --> 00:32:01.319 God doesn't force you 00:32:01.319 --> 00:32:01.959 to do anything. 00:32:02.519 --> 00:32:03.379 Sometimes God 00:32:03.379 --> 00:32:05.019 allows the consequences 00:32:05.019 --> 00:32:06.779 of your disobedience 00:32:06.779 --> 00:32:09.859 to become a reality 00:32:09.859 --> 00:32:10.740 in your life. 00:32:11.219 --> 00:32:11.359 You know, 00:32:11.399 --> 00:32:12.379 there's a consequence 00:32:12.379 --> 00:32:13.480 for disobeying 00:32:13.480 --> 00:32:14.339 the things of God. 00:32:16.559 --> 00:32:18.959 Sin has consequences. 00:32:19.519 --> 00:32:19.879 And oftentimes 00:32:19.879 --> 00:32:21.379 we blame the consequences. 00:32:21.379 --> 00:32:21.699 God, 00:32:21.700 --> 00:32:21.779 God, 00:32:21.819 --> 00:32:22.600 why did you allow this 00:32:22.600 --> 00:32:23.779 to happen in my life? 00:32:23.819 --> 00:32:24.519 And God's saying, 00:32:24.860 --> 00:32:26.500 I told you 00:32:26.500 --> 00:32:27.160 what you're supposed 00:32:27.160 --> 00:32:27.759 to do. 00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:31.039 And when you don't do it, 00:32:31.100 --> 00:32:32.180 there's consequences. 00:32:32.720 --> 00:32:33.259 There's going to be 00:32:33.259 --> 00:32:34.720 an impact in your life 00:32:34.720 --> 00:32:35.519 from the choice 00:32:35.519 --> 00:32:36.279 that you make. 00:32:37.720 --> 00:32:38.940 When you get angry 00:32:38.940 --> 00:32:39.700 and start swearing 00:32:39.700 --> 00:32:40.160 at somebody, 00:32:40.240 --> 00:32:40.519 you know what? 00:32:40.539 --> 00:32:41.559 There's a consequence. 00:32:43.299 --> 00:32:44.220 When you lose 00:32:44.220 --> 00:32:44.799 your temper 00:32:44.799 --> 00:32:46.120 and you allow 00:32:46.120 --> 00:32:46.840 your emotions 00:32:46.840 --> 00:32:47.559 to override, 00:32:48.200 --> 00:32:49.340 there's a consequence. 00:32:50.019 --> 00:32:50.819 Life is filled 00:32:50.819 --> 00:32:51.819 with consequences 00:32:51.819 --> 00:32:53.439 when we don't walk 00:32:53.439 --> 00:32:54.240 in the knowledge 00:32:54.240 --> 00:32:55.199 of the Lord. 00:32:55.879 --> 00:32:57.220 To walk in the knowledge 00:32:57.220 --> 00:32:58.579 of what God has. 00:32:59.240 --> 00:32:59.459 You know? 00:32:59.639 --> 00:33:00.599 Because that's how 00:33:00.599 --> 00:33:01.299 His Word 00:33:01.299 --> 00:33:02.599 begins to grow 00:33:02.599 --> 00:33:03.179 in us 00:33:03.179 --> 00:33:03.740 and through us. 00:33:03.779 --> 00:33:04.639 That's that work 00:33:04.639 --> 00:33:05.959 that He's talking about 00:33:05.959 --> 00:33:07.480 back in 1 Peter 2 00:33:07.480 --> 00:33:08.980 when He talks about 00:33:08.980 --> 00:33:10.220 the moment of salvation 00:33:10.220 --> 00:33:11.659 as newborn babes 00:33:11.659 --> 00:33:13.059 desiring the sincere 00:33:13.059 --> 00:33:13.899 milk of the Word 00:33:13.899 --> 00:33:15.000 that they may grow 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:15.720 thereby. 00:33:16.279 --> 00:33:16.519 You know, 00:33:16.519 --> 00:33:18.839 your Bible reading 00:33:18.839 --> 00:33:19.700 every day 00:33:19.700 --> 00:33:20.839 ought not to be 00:33:20.839 --> 00:33:21.779 just a function 00:33:21.779 --> 00:33:22.559 that performs. 00:33:23.119 --> 00:33:24.019 It's there for you 00:33:24.019 --> 00:33:24.559 to grow. 00:33:24.839 --> 00:33:25.240 I'll give you 00:33:25.240 --> 00:33:26.259 an interesting thought. 00:33:28.200 --> 00:33:28.480 You know, 00:33:28.539 --> 00:33:29.279 in the Scripture, 00:33:30.000 --> 00:33:32.220 it never tells us 00:33:32.220 --> 00:33:32.900 just to read 00:33:32.900 --> 00:33:33.559 the Word of God. 00:33:34.079 --> 00:33:34.639 It tells us 00:33:34.639 --> 00:33:35.680 to meditate on it. 00:33:36.960 --> 00:33:37.740 It tells us 00:33:37.740 --> 00:33:38.619 to study it. 00:33:41.059 --> 00:33:41.799 Consider it. 00:33:41.900 --> 00:33:42.119 I mean, 00:33:42.200 --> 00:33:43.720 the list could go on. 00:33:44.440 --> 00:33:46.400 Reading is the first step. 00:33:46.519 --> 00:33:46.960 But you know, 00:33:47.019 --> 00:33:48.059 I've read a lot of things 00:33:48.059 --> 00:33:48.859 that I can't recall. 00:33:51.000 --> 00:33:51.720 Some of it's probably 00:33:51.720 --> 00:33:52.059 a good thing 00:33:52.059 --> 00:33:52.680 I can't recall. 00:33:53.119 --> 00:33:54.619 It's not just reading. 00:33:54.839 --> 00:33:55.559 I want you to understand, 00:33:55.660 --> 00:33:56.519 reading the Word of God 00:33:56.519 --> 00:33:57.099 is important, 00:33:57.460 --> 00:33:58.400 but just doing it 00:33:58.400 --> 00:33:59.240 as a function 00:33:59.240 --> 00:34:00.740 is not going to 00:34:00.740 --> 00:34:01.839 solve the problems. 00:34:02.299 --> 00:34:03.079 When it becomes 00:34:03.079 --> 00:34:05.019 integrated into your life 00:34:05.019 --> 00:34:05.619 is when it's going 00:34:05.619 --> 00:34:06.160 to help you. 00:34:07.720 --> 00:34:08.820 The integration 00:34:08.820 --> 00:34:10.059 makes a difference 00:34:10.059 --> 00:34:12.380 because it leads 00:34:12.380 --> 00:34:12.880 to something 00:34:12.880 --> 00:34:13.920 you can see. 00:34:14.300 --> 00:34:15.039 Notice down here 00:34:15.039 --> 00:34:15.780 at verse 8, 00:34:15.780 --> 00:34:17.100 it tells us this, 00:34:17.360 --> 00:34:18.400 for if these things 00:34:18.400 --> 00:34:19.360 be in you. 00:34:21.180 --> 00:34:21.960 Now notice 00:34:21.960 --> 00:34:22.680 there's an if. 00:34:23.260 --> 00:34:23.880 We won't have time 00:34:23.880 --> 00:34:24.720 to break all that down, 00:34:24.780 --> 00:34:25.480 but you understand 00:34:25.480 --> 00:34:26.920 basic language. 00:34:27.160 --> 00:34:29.120 If is a conditional statement. 00:34:31.460 --> 00:34:32.900 And if these things 00:34:32.900 --> 00:34:33.600 be in you 00:34:33.600 --> 00:34:34.500 and abound, 00:34:34.900 --> 00:34:35.940 they make you 00:34:35.940 --> 00:34:36.540 that you shall 00:34:36.540 --> 00:34:37.700 neither be barren 00:34:37.700 --> 00:34:38.680 nor unfruitful 00:34:38.680 --> 00:34:39.500 in the knowledge 00:34:39.500 --> 00:34:41.240 of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:34:41.239 --> 00:34:44.739 but notice the next verse, 00:34:44.819 --> 00:34:45.439 verse 9, 00:34:46.179 --> 00:34:47.419 but he that lacketh 00:34:47.419 --> 00:34:48.179 these things 00:34:48.179 --> 00:34:48.979 is blind 00:34:48.979 --> 00:34:49.879 and cannot see 00:34:49.879 --> 00:34:50.619 afar off 00:34:50.619 --> 00:34:51.379 and hath forgotten 00:34:51.379 --> 00:34:53.039 that he was purged 00:34:53.039 --> 00:34:54.379 from his old sins. 00:34:54.659 --> 00:34:54.819 You know, 00:34:54.839 --> 00:34:55.619 the Bible says 00:34:55.619 --> 00:34:56.579 there's going to be fruit 00:34:56.579 --> 00:34:57.439 that's going to be visible 00:34:57.439 --> 00:34:58.159 in your life. 00:34:58.539 --> 00:34:58.799 You know, 00:34:58.839 --> 00:34:59.799 there's a lot of believers 00:34:59.799 --> 00:35:00.679 today that have 00:35:00.679 --> 00:35:01.859 some pretty barren trees. 00:35:02.339 --> 00:35:02.459 You know, 00:35:02.500 --> 00:35:04.039 a tree can be leafy 00:35:04.039 --> 00:35:04.779 but unfruitful. 00:35:05.199 --> 00:35:06.359 A tree can look healthy 00:35:06.359 --> 00:35:07.399 but not produce fruit. 00:35:07.400 --> 00:35:09.000 Fruit is what 00:35:09.000 --> 00:35:10.500 the measurement is. 00:35:11.139 --> 00:35:12.619 Growth is the mark 00:35:12.619 --> 00:35:14.260 of a healthy life. 00:35:14.519 --> 00:35:16.119 A healthy Christian life. 00:35:17.280 --> 00:35:18.260 Fruitfulness means 00:35:18.260 --> 00:35:19.200 not barren. 00:35:19.700 --> 00:35:20.160 Think about it. 00:35:20.160 --> 00:35:21.260 We talked a few weeks ago 00:35:21.260 --> 00:35:23.079 about abiding in Christ. 00:35:23.220 --> 00:35:24.519 John 15, 5. 00:35:24.960 --> 00:35:26.139 Jesus makes it clear. 00:35:26.240 --> 00:35:27.059 I am the vine 00:35:27.059 --> 00:35:28.059 and ye are the branches. 00:35:28.539 --> 00:35:29.880 He that abideth in me 00:35:29.880 --> 00:35:30.660 and I in him, 00:35:31.019 --> 00:35:32.320 the same bringeth forth 00:35:32.320 --> 00:35:33.180 much fruit 00:35:33.180 --> 00:35:35.039 for without me 00:35:35.039 --> 00:35:36.740 you can do nothing. 00:35:38.139 --> 00:35:38.619 Fruitful, 00:35:38.860 --> 00:35:39.820 not barren. 00:35:41.039 --> 00:35:41.559 Forgetful 00:35:41.559 --> 00:35:42.680 and blind 00:35:42.680 --> 00:35:44.079 is the opposite side. 00:35:44.200 --> 00:35:45.559 For one who lacks 00:35:45.559 --> 00:35:46.180 these things 00:35:46.180 --> 00:35:46.880 is blind 00:35:46.880 --> 00:35:48.380 and cannot see afar off 00:35:48.380 --> 00:35:49.619 and hath forgotten 00:35:49.619 --> 00:35:50.420 he hath purged 00:35:50.420 --> 00:35:51.760 from his old sins. 00:35:51.980 --> 00:35:52.300 You know what? 00:35:52.320 --> 00:35:52.980 I find that 00:35:52.980 --> 00:35:54.680 your Christian walk 00:35:54.680 --> 00:35:55.420 usually when you get 00:35:55.420 --> 00:35:56.500 your eyes off the Lord 00:35:56.500 --> 00:35:57.619 and on all the other things 00:35:57.619 --> 00:35:58.400 is when you start 00:35:58.400 --> 00:35:59.119 getting stagnant. 00:35:59.579 --> 00:36:00.700 Because your walk 00:36:00.700 --> 00:36:01.440 as a Christian 00:36:01.440 --> 00:36:02.480 stops growing 00:36:02.480 --> 00:36:03.380 when you forget 00:36:03.380 --> 00:36:04.619 what God has done 00:36:04.619 --> 00:36:05.200 for you. 00:36:05.579 --> 00:36:06.599 Notice what it says. 00:36:06.599 --> 00:36:07.759 cannot see 00:36:07.759 --> 00:36:09.259 afar off. 00:36:09.579 --> 00:36:10.440 Now I did a little reading 00:36:10.440 --> 00:36:10.880 on that 00:36:10.880 --> 00:36:11.460 because I'm like 00:36:11.460 --> 00:36:12.119 what's it talking about? 00:36:12.179 --> 00:36:13.319 Just being nearsighted? 00:36:14.860 --> 00:36:15.759 That's not what that 00:36:15.759 --> 00:36:17.339 verse is referring to. 00:36:17.819 --> 00:36:18.360 It's in with them 00:36:18.360 --> 00:36:19.500 cultural language things 00:36:19.500 --> 00:36:20.719 it doesn't translate well 00:36:20.719 --> 00:36:22.819 into practicality. 00:36:23.599 --> 00:36:24.699 Because it's just not 00:36:24.699 --> 00:36:26.019 being nearsighted. 00:36:27.000 --> 00:36:27.739 The other use 00:36:27.739 --> 00:36:28.159 of the term 00:36:28.159 --> 00:36:29.039 this is the only place 00:36:29.039 --> 00:36:29.460 in the Bible 00:36:29.460 --> 00:36:31.000 this term is used. 00:36:31.000 --> 00:36:35.119 But what it refers to 00:36:35.119 --> 00:36:37.039 is intentionally 00:36:37.039 --> 00:36:38.400 closing your eyes 00:36:38.400 --> 00:36:39.139 so you don't see. 00:36:39.500 --> 00:36:40.760 It's a childish act. 00:36:43.159 --> 00:36:43.519 Have you ever seen 00:36:43.519 --> 00:36:44.059 little kids 00:36:44.059 --> 00:36:44.380 it's like 00:36:44.380 --> 00:36:45.119 I don't see you. 00:36:45.559 --> 00:36:46.280 That's what Peter's 00:36:46.280 --> 00:36:46.880 talking about. 00:36:47.420 --> 00:36:48.179 Is you know 00:36:48.179 --> 00:36:49.380 what you ought to do 00:36:49.380 --> 00:36:50.360 but you intentionally 00:36:50.360 --> 00:36:51.539 close your eyes 00:36:51.539 --> 00:36:52.639 so it doesn't bother you. 00:36:53.119 --> 00:36:53.420 You know why 00:36:53.420 --> 00:36:54.280 you close your eyes? 00:36:54.380 --> 00:36:55.000 Because you forget 00:36:55.000 --> 00:36:58.679 what Christ 00:36:58.679 --> 00:37:00.099 has saved you from. 00:37:02.219 --> 00:37:03.739 That you were purged 00:37:03.739 --> 00:37:06.199 from your old sins. 00:37:08.019 --> 00:37:10.099 The price that you owed 00:37:10.099 --> 00:37:11.159 was paid. 00:37:12.599 --> 00:37:14.179 You were in bondage 00:37:14.179 --> 00:37:15.179 and set free. 00:37:15.679 --> 00:37:16.940 When we close our eyes 00:37:16.940 --> 00:37:17.260 to it 00:37:17.260 --> 00:37:18.260 you know what it tells God? 00:37:18.360 --> 00:37:18.500 It's like 00:37:18.500 --> 00:37:20.000 Lord I know what you did 00:37:20.000 --> 00:37:21.380 but I don't want to see anymore. 00:37:21.840 --> 00:37:22.940 When you close your eyes 00:37:22.940 --> 00:37:23.639 you've forgotten. 00:37:25.000 --> 00:37:26.219 what took place 00:37:26.219 --> 00:37:26.940 at salvation. 00:37:27.659 --> 00:37:28.500 But notice here 00:37:28.500 --> 00:37:28.840 it says 00:37:28.840 --> 00:37:29.599 wherefore rather 00:37:29.599 --> 00:37:30.860 brethren give diligence 00:37:30.860 --> 00:37:32.539 to make your calling 00:37:32.539 --> 00:37:33.440 and election sure 00:37:33.440 --> 00:37:35.219 for if you do these things 00:37:35.219 --> 00:37:36.940 you shall never fall. 00:37:38.099 --> 00:37:39.320 For so an entrance 00:37:39.320 --> 00:37:40.360 shall be ministered 00:37:40.360 --> 00:37:41.260 unto you abundantly 00:37:41.260 --> 00:37:42.760 into the everlasting kingdom 00:37:42.760 --> 00:37:44.000 of our Lord 00:37:44.000 --> 00:37:44.619 and Savior 00:37:44.619 --> 00:37:45.900 Jesus Christ. 00:37:46.440 --> 00:37:47.340 It needs to be sure 00:37:47.340 --> 00:37:48.559 and steadfast. 00:37:49.440 --> 00:37:50.619 Giving diligence 00:37:50.619 --> 00:37:51.780 to make your calling 00:37:51.780 --> 00:37:52.840 and election sure 00:37:52.840 --> 00:37:54.699 for if you do these things 00:37:54.699 --> 00:37:55.799 you shall never fail. 00:37:56.259 --> 00:37:57.359 Peter's not telling us 00:37:57.359 --> 00:37:58.839 to work for your salvation. 00:37:59.219 --> 00:38:00.079 He's telling you 00:38:00.079 --> 00:38:00.859 to live out 00:38:00.859 --> 00:38:01.579 with diligence 00:38:01.579 --> 00:38:03.019 what's already taken place. 00:38:03.579 --> 00:38:04.599 So our life 00:38:04.599 --> 00:38:06.859 matches what God 00:38:06.859 --> 00:38:07.599 has made you 00:38:07.599 --> 00:38:08.279 in salvation. 00:38:09.039 --> 00:38:09.960 When God made you 00:38:09.960 --> 00:38:11.460 a new creature 00:38:11.460 --> 00:38:12.099 at the moment 00:38:12.099 --> 00:38:13.399 you called upon him 00:38:13.399 --> 00:38:14.239 he says 00:38:14.239 --> 00:38:15.119 now live 00:38:15.119 --> 00:38:16.199 like a new creature. 00:38:16.759 --> 00:38:17.899 Walk like a new creature. 00:38:18.279 --> 00:38:19.639 Walk like a new creature. 00:38:20.000 --> 00:38:21.299 Think like a new creature. 00:38:21.980 --> 00:38:23.279 Hebrews tells us this 00:38:23.280 --> 00:38:24.100 in Hebrews 6 00:38:24.100 --> 00:38:24.460 he says 00:38:24.460 --> 00:38:26.019 that we desire 00:38:26.019 --> 00:38:27.280 that every one of you 00:38:27.280 --> 00:38:28.420 do show the same 00:38:28.420 --> 00:38:29.220 diligence 00:38:29.220 --> 00:38:30.320 to the full assurance 00:38:30.320 --> 00:38:30.760 of hope 00:38:30.760 --> 00:38:31.460 unto the end 00:38:31.460 --> 00:38:33.380 that ye be not slothful 00:38:33.380 --> 00:38:34.720 but followers of them 00:38:34.720 --> 00:38:35.920 who through faith 00:38:35.920 --> 00:38:37.180 and patience 00:38:37.180 --> 00:38:38.560 inherit the promises 00:38:38.560 --> 00:38:40.120 because 00:38:40.120 --> 00:38:41.600 he is able 00:38:41.600 --> 00:38:42.460 to keep you 00:38:42.460 --> 00:38:43.420 from falling. 00:38:43.740 --> 00:38:44.540 I want you to understand 00:38:44.540 --> 00:38:45.640 he is the one 00:38:45.640 --> 00:38:47.820 that ye shall never fall. 00:38:48.240 --> 00:38:48.420 You know 00:38:48.420 --> 00:38:49.480 that dynamic 00:38:49.480 --> 00:38:50.220 Jude says 00:38:50.220 --> 00:38:50.760 he is able 00:38:50.760 --> 00:38:51.460 to keep you 00:38:51.460 --> 00:38:52.080 from falling. 00:38:52.400 --> 00:38:53.220 To understand 00:38:53.220 --> 00:38:54.200 that he is the one 00:38:54.200 --> 00:38:54.960 that can do it. 00:38:55.580 --> 00:38:56.320 I want you to understand 00:38:56.320 --> 00:38:57.320 he wants Peter to say 00:38:57.320 --> 00:38:57.560 he says 00:38:57.560 --> 00:38:58.540 I want you to do this 00:38:58.540 --> 00:38:58.920 that you have 00:38:58.920 --> 00:38:59.500 an abundant 00:38:59.500 --> 00:38:59.660 ! 00:38:59.660 --> 00:39:01.500 Abundant entrance 00:39:01.500 --> 00:39:02.340 into glory. 00:39:03.720 --> 00:39:03.900 You know 00:39:03.900 --> 00:39:05.220 life doesn't end 00:39:05.220 --> 00:39:08.260 when your body 00:39:08.260 --> 00:39:09.180 goes dim 00:39:09.180 --> 00:39:09.980 in this life. 00:39:10.540 --> 00:39:11.820 Death is going to come 00:39:11.820 --> 00:39:13.920 and your body 00:39:13.920 --> 00:39:14.880 is going to shut off. 00:39:15.480 --> 00:39:16.300 Your soul 00:39:16.300 --> 00:39:18.920 is eternal. 00:39:19.700 --> 00:39:20.740 As Peter's telling us 00:39:20.740 --> 00:39:21.039 he says 00:39:21.039 --> 00:39:21.660 hey guys 00:39:21.660 --> 00:39:23.380 hey gals 00:39:23.380 --> 00:39:26.820 do what you ought 00:39:26.820 --> 00:39:27.280 to do 00:39:27.280 --> 00:39:28.080 under the guidance 00:39:28.080 --> 00:39:29.019 of the word of God 00:39:29.019 --> 00:39:29.500 to say 00:39:29.500 --> 00:39:30.980 I want to have 00:39:30.980 --> 00:39:31.780 an abundant 00:39:31.780 --> 00:39:33.220 joyful 00:39:33.220 --> 00:39:34.100 entrance 00:39:34.100 --> 00:39:35.360 into glory. 00:39:36.560 --> 00:39:37.800 Into his kingdom. 00:39:38.519 --> 00:39:38.780 You know 00:39:38.780 --> 00:39:39.220 look there 00:39:39.220 --> 00:39:40.039 at verse 11 00:39:40.039 --> 00:39:41.460 for so an entrance 00:39:41.460 --> 00:39:42.440 shall be ministered 00:39:42.440 --> 00:39:43.539 unto you abundantly 00:39:43.539 --> 00:39:44.360 under the everlasting 00:39:44.360 --> 00:39:45.480 kingdom of our Lord 00:39:45.480 --> 00:39:47.000 and Savior Jesus Christ. 00:39:47.699 --> 00:39:48.820 Let me put it this way 00:39:48.820 --> 00:39:49.719 Peter's saying 00:39:49.719 --> 00:39:50.519 I hope you don't 00:39:50.519 --> 00:39:51.940 barely make it in 00:39:51.940 --> 00:39:53.599 but be welcomed in. 00:39:54.199 --> 00:39:54.659 Let's understand 00:39:54.659 --> 00:39:55.599 once you're saved 00:39:55.599 --> 00:39:56.219 you're secure. 00:39:56.940 --> 00:39:57.780 Peter's saying 00:39:57.780 --> 00:39:58.300 and she says 00:39:58.300 --> 00:39:59.340 be diligent about 00:39:59.340 --> 00:40:00.300 doing and acting 00:40:00.300 --> 00:40:01.219 the way you ought to. 00:40:02.519 --> 00:40:04.039 To follow the things 00:40:04.039 --> 00:40:05.079 of the truth 00:40:05.079 --> 00:40:05.940 of the word of God 00:40:05.940 --> 00:40:06.800 to have an abundance 00:40:06.800 --> 00:40:07.940 entrance. 00:40:08.659 --> 00:40:09.599 To know 00:40:09.599 --> 00:40:10.480 that you're fruitful 00:40:10.480 --> 00:40:11.619 that your fruit 00:40:11.619 --> 00:40:12.380 will remain 00:40:12.380 --> 00:40:12.880 in other words 00:40:12.880 --> 00:40:14.240 things in your life 00:40:14.239 --> 00:40:15.519 have impacted others 00:40:15.519 --> 00:40:16.159 to the point 00:40:16.159 --> 00:40:17.219 that there's fruit 00:40:17.219 --> 00:40:17.979 that's produced. 00:40:18.759 --> 00:40:19.679 When you look at a tree 00:40:19.679 --> 00:40:21.359 let's take a fruit tree 00:40:21.359 --> 00:40:24.239 when you look at a tree 00:40:24.239 --> 00:40:25.219 how do you know 00:40:25.219 --> 00:40:26.219 that an apple tree 00:40:26.219 --> 00:40:27.039 is really alive? 00:40:27.779 --> 00:40:28.419 It's not just 00:40:28.419 --> 00:40:28.799 because it has 00:40:28.799 --> 00:40:29.519 a bunch of leaves 00:40:29.519 --> 00:40:31.199 a mess to clean up 00:40:31.199 --> 00:40:32.639 around apple trees 00:40:32.639 --> 00:40:32.979 it's like 00:40:32.979 --> 00:40:34.899 you got a big mess 00:40:34.899 --> 00:40:35.739 but you know 00:40:35.739 --> 00:40:36.319 what it tells me 00:40:36.319 --> 00:40:37.099 the tree's alive 00:40:37.099 --> 00:40:38.039 because it's producing 00:40:38.039 --> 00:40:38.439 what? 00:40:39.799 --> 00:40:40.199 Fruit. 00:40:40.199 --> 00:40:43.719 It's doing something. 00:40:44.359 --> 00:40:45.119 It's doing 00:40:45.119 --> 00:40:46.319 what it's supposed 00:40:46.319 --> 00:40:47.480 to do. 00:40:48.960 --> 00:40:50.319 An apple tree's job 00:40:50.319 --> 00:40:51.659 isn't just to give shade 00:40:51.659 --> 00:40:52.379 with some leaves. 00:40:54.460 --> 00:40:55.939 An apple tree's job 00:40:55.939 --> 00:40:56.319 is what? 00:40:56.379 --> 00:40:57.079 To produce 00:40:57.079 --> 00:40:58.480 apples. 00:41:00.539 --> 00:41:02.480 A Christian's job 00:41:02.480 --> 00:41:03.919 is not just to sit 00:41:03.919 --> 00:41:04.599 and to think 00:41:04.599 --> 00:41:05.339 everybody thinks 00:41:05.339 --> 00:41:06.279 everything's okay. 00:41:06.280 --> 00:41:09.260 A Christian's job 00:41:09.260 --> 00:41:10.200 is to be diligent 00:41:10.200 --> 00:41:12.160 to add to our faith 00:41:12.160 --> 00:41:13.540 all these things 00:41:13.540 --> 00:41:14.320 so we might grow 00:41:14.320 --> 00:41:14.840 and mature 00:41:14.840 --> 00:41:15.420 and understand 00:41:15.420 --> 00:41:16.200 how we walk 00:41:16.200 --> 00:41:16.940 through the challenges 00:41:16.940 --> 00:41:17.580 of life. 00:41:18.000 --> 00:41:18.640 This morning 00:41:18.640 --> 00:41:19.820 I want to challenge you 00:41:19.820 --> 00:41:21.180 we started out 00:41:21.180 --> 00:41:21.940 with the illustration 00:41:21.940 --> 00:41:22.780 of a pair of pliers. 00:41:22.940 --> 00:41:23.240 You know what? 00:41:23.260 --> 00:41:23.960 Even as a believer 00:41:23.960 --> 00:41:24.720 we often keep 00:41:24.720 --> 00:41:25.540 our old pair of pliers. 00:41:27.480 --> 00:41:28.360 This is the tool 00:41:28.360 --> 00:41:28.980 I'm going to use 00:41:28.980 --> 00:41:30.300 to solve my life's problems. 00:41:32.740 --> 00:41:33.960 I want to challenge you 00:41:33.960 --> 00:41:34.860 today to open 00:41:34.860 --> 00:41:35.860 God's toolbox 00:41:35.860 --> 00:41:37.079 that he's given you 00:41:37.079 --> 00:41:40.099 and find the right tool 00:41:40.099 --> 00:41:41.480 for the job. 00:41:43.079 --> 00:41:44.059 To guide us 00:41:44.059 --> 00:41:45.000 in those things 00:41:45.000 --> 00:41:46.720 God has given you 00:41:46.720 --> 00:41:47.460 his word 00:41:47.460 --> 00:41:49.019 that the book of the law 00:41:49.019 --> 00:41:50.000 shall not depart 00:41:50.000 --> 00:41:50.860 out of thy mouth 00:41:50.860 --> 00:41:51.940 that thou shalt meditate 00:41:51.940 --> 00:41:53.200 therein day and night 00:41:53.200 --> 00:41:55.840 to be doers of the word 00:41:55.840 --> 00:41:57.160 and not hearers only. 00:41:59.039 --> 00:41:59.500 You know Peter 00:41:59.500 --> 00:42:00.380 didn't write this 00:42:00.380 --> 00:42:01.019 to unbelievers 00:42:01.019 --> 00:42:02.019 he wrote it to believers 00:42:02.019 --> 00:42:02.960 those of like 00:42:02.960 --> 00:42:04.260 precious faith. 00:42:05.860 --> 00:42:07.440 Not just any faith 00:42:07.440 --> 00:42:08.160 but a faith 00:42:08.160 --> 00:42:09.059 in our Lord 00:42:09.059 --> 00:42:11.660 and Savior 00:42:11.660 --> 00:42:13.120 Jesus Christ. 00:42:13.740 --> 00:42:14.599 Before you can grow 00:42:14.599 --> 00:42:15.780 you have to be saved. 00:42:17.280 --> 00:42:18.519 If you're not saved 00:42:18.519 --> 00:42:19.160 you don't understand 00:42:19.160 --> 00:42:19.720 what that means 00:42:19.720 --> 00:42:20.700 I want you to know 00:42:20.700 --> 00:42:22.720 that God has a way 00:42:22.720 --> 00:42:24.200 for you to understand 00:42:24.200 --> 00:42:25.980 what he's done for you 00:42:25.980 --> 00:42:27.640 but you have to take action. 00:42:28.700 --> 00:42:29.860 You need to acknowledge 00:42:29.860 --> 00:42:30.680 your sin 00:42:30.680 --> 00:42:31.500 say God 00:42:31.500 --> 00:42:32.440 yes I'm a sinner 00:42:32.440 --> 00:42:34.639 I'm deserving 00:42:34.639 --> 00:42:35.579 of your judgment 00:42:35.579 --> 00:42:36.639 but Lord I ask 00:42:36.639 --> 00:42:37.280 that you apply 00:42:37.280 --> 00:42:38.000 what you've done 00:42:38.000 --> 00:42:38.500 for me 00:42:38.500 --> 00:42:40.039 in the place of that. 00:42:41.840 --> 00:42:42.720 And Christ says 00:42:42.720 --> 00:42:44.000 he'll always answer yes. 00:42:44.679 --> 00:42:45.579 One prayer in the Bible 00:42:45.579 --> 00:42:46.780 it always gets a yes. 00:42:48.220 --> 00:42:49.400 It's never a wait 00:42:49.400 --> 00:42:49.900 or a no. 00:42:51.679 --> 00:42:52.679 A true prayer 00:42:52.679 --> 00:42:53.320 of salvation 00:42:53.320 --> 00:42:54.880 is an absolute yes. 00:42:54.880 --> 00:43:01.440 You know this morning 00:43:01.440 --> 00:43:02.980 know the Lord 00:43:02.980 --> 00:43:03.920 but have you stopped 00:43:03.920 --> 00:43:04.619 growing 00:43:04.619 --> 00:43:06.260 in the Lord? 00:43:08.260 --> 00:43:09.140 God's given you 00:43:09.140 --> 00:43:10.099 everything you need 00:43:10.099 --> 00:43:11.000 his instruction 00:43:11.000 --> 00:43:11.900 from his word. 00:43:13.940 --> 00:43:14.760 Maybe you know 00:43:14.760 --> 00:43:15.800 what you ought to do 00:43:15.800 --> 00:43:17.539 why aren't you doing it? 00:43:18.660 --> 00:43:19.680 Maybe there's some things 00:43:19.680 --> 00:43:19.980 that Lord 00:43:19.980 --> 00:43:20.740 I don't understand 00:43:20.740 --> 00:43:21.320 how to deal 00:43:21.320 --> 00:43:22.200 with this situation. 00:43:22.639 --> 00:43:23.759 Maybe you need to pray 00:43:23.759 --> 00:43:24.899 and to do some study 00:43:24.899 --> 00:43:25.799 to say Lord 00:43:25.799 --> 00:43:26.579 what verses 00:43:26.579 --> 00:43:27.839 apply to this? 00:43:29.219 --> 00:43:30.000 What verses 00:43:30.000 --> 00:43:30.819 can I use 00:43:30.819 --> 00:43:31.199 to say 00:43:31.199 --> 00:43:32.539 what I ought to do 00:43:32.539 --> 00:43:33.559 in this situation? 00:43:35.439 --> 00:43:36.219 Instead of saying 00:43:36.219 --> 00:43:37.179 this is how I feel 00:43:37.179 --> 00:43:37.559 about it 00:43:37.559 --> 00:43:37.879 that way 00:43:37.879 --> 00:43:38.239 therefore 00:43:38.239 --> 00:43:39.219 that's what I'm going to do. 00:43:39.960 --> 00:43:40.359 I'm going to say 00:43:40.359 --> 00:43:40.699 Lord 00:43:40.699 --> 00:43:41.699 let me study 00:43:41.699 --> 00:43:42.919 open my eyes 00:43:42.919 --> 00:43:44.199 and let me see 00:43:44.199 --> 00:43:45.199 what I need to do 00:43:45.199 --> 00:43:46.319 because I want to look 00:43:46.319 --> 00:43:47.139 in your toolbox 00:43:47.139 --> 00:43:48.379 to allow you 00:43:48.379 --> 00:43:49.179 to give me the tool 00:43:49.179 --> 00:43:50.000 that I need 00:43:50.000 --> 00:43:51.019 to walk through 00:43:51.019 --> 00:43:51.859 this situation. 00:43:52.199 --> 00:43:55.019 To walk in wisdom 00:43:55.019 --> 00:43:56.139 ultimately 00:43:56.139 --> 00:43:57.059 we need to look 00:43:57.059 --> 00:43:58.099 into God's toolbox. 00:43:59.519 --> 00:44:00.259 Stop looking 00:44:00.259 --> 00:44:01.399 for answers elsewhere 00:44:01.399 --> 00:44:02.199 and trust 00:44:02.199 --> 00:44:02.899 what the Lord 00:44:02.899 --> 00:44:04.639 has already said. 00:44:06.439 --> 00:44:06.659 You know 00:44:06.659 --> 00:44:07.339 think about a verse 00:44:07.339 --> 00:44:08.500 we'll end on this thought. 00:44:09.359 --> 00:44:10.500 Proverbs chapter 3 00:44:10.500 --> 00:44:11.119 how many people 00:44:11.119 --> 00:44:12.059 can repeat this? 00:44:13.119 --> 00:44:13.960 It says what? 00:44:14.079 --> 00:44:15.079 Trust in the Lord 00:44:15.079 --> 00:44:17.319 with all thine heart 00:44:17.319 --> 00:44:18.500 and lean not 00:44:18.500 --> 00:44:19.839 under thine own understanding 00:44:19.839 --> 00:44:21.039 but in all thy ways 00:44:21.039 --> 00:44:21.559 do what? 00:44:22.320 --> 00:44:23.179 To him 00:44:23.179 --> 00:44:24.820 and he shall what? 00:44:25.440 --> 00:44:26.539 Verse for today. 00:44:27.480 --> 00:44:27.579 A minute. 00:44:28.420 --> 00:44:29.059 Bowed and eyes 00:44:29.059 --> 00:44:29.980 are closed this morning 00:44:29.980 --> 00:44:31.579 to you this morning. 00:44:32.300 --> 00:44:32.900 The Bible 00:44:32.900 --> 00:44:33.860 is a 00:44:33.860 --> 00:44:35.779 book that has 00:44:35.779 --> 00:44:36.440 the tools 00:44:36.440 --> 00:44:37.199 and the answers 00:44:37.199 --> 00:44:39.800 for life 00:44:39.800 --> 00:44:42.860 or is it just 00:44:42.860 --> 00:44:43.719 something convenient 00:44:43.719 --> 00:44:45.179 to you today? 00:44:45.360 --> 00:44:46.019 Heavenly Fathers 00:44:46.019 --> 00:44:46.980 we turn the invitation 00:44:46.980 --> 00:44:47.539 to you Lord 00:44:47.539 --> 00:44:48.119 we just pray 00:44:48.119 --> 00:44:48.679 you have your hand 00:44:48.679 --> 00:44:50.019 upon each one 00:44:50.019 --> 00:44:50.819 here this morning. 00:44:53.039 --> 00:44:53.920 Lord help us 00:44:53.920 --> 00:44:54.440 not to 00:44:54.440 --> 00:44:55.819 look over 00:44:55.819 --> 00:44:57.699 what you've given 00:44:57.699 --> 00:44:58.859 and equipped us with 00:44:58.859 --> 00:45:00.980 but to use it 00:45:00.980 --> 00:45:02.119 in our daily life 00:45:02.119 --> 00:45:02.880 to apply it 00:45:02.880 --> 00:45:03.579 to the principles 00:45:03.579 --> 00:45:04.380 and the challenges 00:45:04.380 --> 00:45:05.940 of this life 00:45:05.940 --> 00:45:06.440 Lord that we might 00:45:06.440 --> 00:45:07.619 make decisions 00:45:07.619 --> 00:45:08.299 that honor 00:45:08.299 --> 00:45:09.400 and glorify you. 00:45:10.859 --> 00:45:11.099 And Lord 00:45:11.099 --> 00:45:12.079 we ask all these 00:45:12.079 --> 00:45:12.779 things in your 00:45:12.779 --> 00:45:13.639 precious name. 00:45:15.059 --> 00:45:15.719 As heads are bowed 00:45:15.719 --> 00:45:16.500 and eyes are closed 00:45:16.500 --> 00:45:17.159 as the piano 00:45:17.159 --> 00:45:17.419 works. 00:45:17.419 --> 00:45:17.419 00:45:17.419 --> 00:45:17.719 and eyes are closed 00:45:17.159 --> 00:45:17.419 works.