Paragould 07 26 26

Well, good morning, church. Want to Well, good morning, church. Want to welcome you guys. First and foremost, welcome you guys. First and foremost, welcome you guys. First and foremost, that was fun, right? Um, wait, can we that was fun, right? Um, wait, can we that was fun, right? Um, wait, can we just give it up for Eric and his just give it up for Eric and his just give it up for Eric and his leadership and his team this morning. leadership and his team this morning. leadership and his team this morning. Yeah. Um, that was really fun. Uh, that Yeah. Um, that was really fun. Uh, that Yeah. Um, that was really fun. Uh, that kind of could summarize even what we're kind of could summarize even what we're kind of could summarize even what we're going to talk about today kind of in the going to talk about today kind of in the going to talk about today kind of in the middle. But, um, if I have never had a middle. But, um, if I have never had a middle. But, um, if I have never had a chance to meet you, my name is Colobby. chance to meet you, my name is Colobby. chance to meet you, my name is Colobby. I'm the disciplehip pastor here at the I'm the disciplehip pastor here at the I'm the disciplehip pastor here at the Paracal campus. And as always, it is a Paracal campus. And as always, it is a Paracal campus. And as always, it is a joy um and an honor and a privilege to joy um and an honor and a privilege to joy um and an honor and a privilege to open God's word with you and to walk open God's word with you and to walk open God's word with you and to walk alongside you as we uh passage through alongside you as we uh passage through alongside you as we uh passage through as we work through uh Philippians as we work through uh Philippians as we work through uh Philippians chapter 3 this morning. And before we do chapter 3 this morning. And before we do chapter 3 this morning. And before we do that, before you turn there, I want to that, before you turn there, I want to that, before you turn there, I want to uh just kind of give you a couple of uh uh just kind of give you a couple of uh uh just kind of give you a couple of uh quick life updates, a couple of quick quick life updates, a couple of quick quick life updates, a couple of quick church updates. And so the first being church updates. And so the first being church updates. And so the first being is that since the last time we were is that since the last time we were is that since the last time we were together, uh the Boyd Party has added together, uh the Boyd Party has added together, uh the Boyd Party has added number three. No, number two to make it number three. No, number two to make it number three. No, number two to make it boy party of four. Um Beckham was sorry, boy party of four. Um Beckham was sorry, boy party of four. Um Beckham was sorry, no that's not a foreshadow. Beckham was no that's not a foreshadow. Beckham was no that's not a foreshadow. Beckham was born um at the start of June, June 11th born um at the start of June, June 11th born um at the start of June, June 11th um a couple weeks early. And so we are um a couple weeks early. And so we are um a couple weeks early. And so we are so excited for him. We we love him. He's so excited for him. We we love him. He's so excited for him. We we love him. He's sitting right over here. Um he's sitting right over here. Um he's sitting right over here. Um he's starting to really kind of fill in his starting to really kind of fill in his starting to really kind of fill in his cheeks a little bit, especially in a car cheeks a little bit, especially in a car cheeks a little bit, especially in a car seat. So you're kind of getting a little seat. So you're kind of getting a little seat. So you're kind of getting a little squinty eyed, chubby cheek little boy.

squinty eyed, chubby cheek little boy. squinty eyed, chubby cheek little boy. Um but man, we are loving him. We're Um but man, we are loving him. We're Um but man, we are loving him. We're head over heels. Uh big sis there is head over heels. Uh big sis there is head over heels. Uh big sis there is loving every moment of it. Um she her loving every moment of it. Um she her loving every moment of it. Um she her motherly instincts um are are starting motherly instincts um are are starting motherly instincts um are are starting to come through. She's wanting to hold to come through. She's wanting to hold to come through. She's wanting to hold him, but every once in a while, I told him, but every once in a while, I told him, but every once in a while, I told 8:00, she's going to establish dominance 8:00, she's going to establish dominance 8:00, she's going to establish dominance as well as the big sister and flick that as well as the big sister and flick that as well as the big sister and flick that head, right? Um, and so that is that is head, right? Um, and so that is that is head, right? Um, and so that is that is where we're at as a family. Now, as a where we're at as a family. Now, as a where we're at as a family. Now, as a church, kind of building off what Pastor church, kind of building off what Pastor church, kind of building off what Pastor Blake said while ago, um, just another Blake said while ago, um, just another Blake said while ago, um, just another date for you to mark, not only alongside date for you to mark, not only alongside date for you to mark, not only alongside um, August 9th, but 10 days later, um, August 9th, but 10 days later, um, August 9th, but 10 days later, August 19th is our midweek services, August 19th is our midweek services, August 19th is our midweek services, right? We kick back off. We don't have a right? We kick back off. We don't have a right? We kick back off. We don't have a graphic just yet, but we kick off graphic just yet, but we kick off graphic just yet, but we kick off midweek here um, at the Peragle campus midweek here um, at the Peragle campus midweek here um, at the Peragle campus starting at 6:15 um, going to 7:30. And starting at 6:15 um, going to 7:30. And starting at 6:15 um, going to 7:30. And so we have a as far as disciplehip's so we have a as far as disciplehip's so we have a as far as disciplehip's concerned, we have a lot happening. Life concerned, we have a lot happening. Life concerned, we have a lot happening. Life groups kick back off. Um we have a lot groups kick back off. Um we have a lot groups kick back off. Um we have a lot of courses going on. Grief share uh of courses going on. Grief share uh of courses going on. Grief share uh fighting shadows is coming back. Um our fighting shadows is coming back. Um our fighting shadows is coming back. Um our uh spiritual disciplines and then miss uh spiritual disciplines and then miss uh spiritual disciplines and then miss some of you guys even saw this past week some of you guys even saw this past week some of you guys even saw this past week Miss Becca Owens is going to teach a Miss Becca Owens is going to teach a Miss Becca Owens is going to teach a theology um or a theological foundations theology um or a theological foundations theology um or a theological foundations strictly for women. And so if you strictly for women. And so if you strictly for women. And so if you haven't gotten signed up for that, get haven't gotten signed up for that, get haven't gotten signed up for that, get signed up. Um some of those signed up. Um some of those signed up. Um some of those registrations are now open. But those registrations are now open. But those registrations are now open. But those are the things coming up for us. again, are the things coming up for us. again, are the things coming up for us. again, things that have come up for us as things that have come up for us as things that have come up for us as personally, as a family. But again, if personally, as a family. But again, if personally, as a family. But again, if you have your Bible, we're going to be you have your Bible, we're going to be you have your Bible, we're going to be in Philippians chapter 3 this morning.

in Philippians chapter 3 this morning. in Philippians chapter 3 this morning. Philippians chapter 3, as we continue Philippians chapter 3, as we continue Philippians chapter 3, as we continue this idea of having everyday joy, this this idea of having everyday joy, this this idea of having everyday joy, this heartfelt letter from Paul to the heartfelt letter from Paul to the heartfelt letter from Paul to the Philippian church. And as you're turning Philippian church. And as you're turning Philippian church. And as you're turning there, I want to share with you another there, I want to share with you another there, I want to share with you another um update kind of in the Boyd home that um update kind of in the Boyd home that um update kind of in the Boyd home that we've embarked on this summer. And that we've embarked on this summer. And that we've embarked on this summer. And that is teaching Nora how to swim. Right? is teaching Nora how to swim. Right? is teaching Nora how to swim. Right? We've introduced her to a couple of We've introduced her to a couple of We've introduced her to a couple of different pools uh throughout the different pools uh throughout the different pools uh throughout the summer. She started real hesitant, summer. She started real hesitant, summer. She started real hesitant, started real shy of the water, stayed on started real shy of the water, stayed on started real shy of the water, stayed on her what we call nor step and then even her what we call nor step and then even her what we call nor step and then even this last weekend she was climbing on this last weekend she was climbing on this last weekend she was climbing on the wall. She doesn't understand yet um the wall. She doesn't understand yet um the wall. She doesn't understand yet um that she can kick and paddle at the same that she can kick and paddle at the same that she can kick and paddle at the same time. She does one or the other. And so time. She does one or the other. And so time. She does one or the other. And so that's been a fun thing. But um man, we that's been a fun thing. But um man, we that's been a fun thing. But um man, we have seen her confidence skyrocket. But have seen her confidence skyrocket. But have seen her confidence skyrocket. But part of that training, one of the first part of that training, one of the first part of that training, one of the first things we had to do was kind of lay out things we had to do was kind of lay out things we had to do was kind of lay out some rules. If you're a parent in the some rules. If you're a parent in the some rules. If you're a parent in the room, really any teaching anybody room, really any teaching anybody room, really any teaching anybody something, you know kind of what this something, you know kind of what this something, you know kind of what this stage of the training is. That you're stage of the training is. That you're stage of the training is. That you're not allowed to go outside if anyone else not allowed to go outside if anyone else not allowed to go outside if anyone else is not around. You're not allowed to get is not around. You're not allowed to get is not around. You're not allowed to get in the water if you don't have your life in the water if you don't have your life in the water if you don't have your life jacket on. You can't run around the jacket on. You can't run around the jacket on. You can't run around the pool. Right? It's everything as I was pool. Right? It's everything as I was pool. Right? It's everything as I was thinking through this, it's everything thinking through this, it's everything thinking through this, it's everything that my parents warned me about that I that my parents warned me about that I that my parents warned me about that I didn't listen to. We're trying to do didn't listen to. We're trying to do didn't listen to. We're trying to do better. Amen. And so, we're working better. Amen. And so, we're working better. Amen. And so, we're working through those. But even more than that, through those. But even more than that, through those. But even more than that, part of this training, specifically with part of this training, specifically with part of this training, specifically with the rules, is a reminder of the rules.

the rules, is a reminder of the rules. the rules, is a reminder of the rules. That it's not just enough to say the That it's not just enough to say the That it's not just enough to say the rules one time for her and hope she rules one time for her and hope she rules one time for her and hope she takes on to it, but it's a reminder of takes on to it, but it's a reminder of takes on to it, but it's a reminder of them. And so, anytime she's going to get them. And so, anytime she's going to get them. And so, anytime she's going to get her suit on or we get her life jacket her suit on or we get her life jacket her suit on or we get her life jacket on, we kind of go through these on, we kind of go through these on, we kind of go through these different rules. Not all of them at the different rules. Not all of them at the different rules. Not all of them at the same time, but just a quick little same time, but just a quick little same time, but just a quick little checklist. Norah, are you allowed to go checklist. Norah, are you allowed to go checklist. Norah, are you allowed to go in the pool without your life jacket? in the pool without your life jacket? in the pool without your life jacket? Right. And she's kind of in the Toy Right. And she's kind of in the Toy Right. And she's kind of in the Toy Story kick right now. So, she'll answer Story kick right now. So, she'll answer Story kick right now. So, she'll answer kind of in the voice of the aliens on kind of in the voice of the aliens on kind of in the voice of the aliens on Toy Story, right? No. Right. That's kind Toy Story, right? No. Right. That's kind Toy Story, right? No. Right. That's kind of who she is right now. Nor. Are you of who she is right now. Nor. Are you of who she is right now. Nor. Are you allowed to go outside if no one else is allowed to go outside if no one else is allowed to go outside if no one else is there? No. Right. Are you allowed to be there? No. Right. Are you allowed to be there? No. Right. Are you allowed to be by yourself out back? No. Are you by yourself out back? No. Are you by yourself out back? No. Are you allowed to run around the pool? No. allowed to run around the pool? No. allowed to run around the pool? No. Right. We were even trying to practice. Right. We were even trying to practice. Right. We were even trying to practice. This a little kind of goes against what This a little kind of goes against what This a little kind of goes against what I'm teaching here, but we were even I'm teaching here, but we were even I'm teaching here, but we were even practicing yesterday in hopes that man, practicing yesterday in hopes that man, practicing yesterday in hopes that man, this whole illustration would come too. this whole illustration would come too. this whole illustration would come too. And I said, "No, are you allowed to get And I said, "No, are you allowed to get And I said, "No, are you allowed to get in the water without your life jacket?" in the water without your life jacket?" in the water without your life jacket?" Yes. I was like, "Dang it. Here we go." Yes. I was like, "Dang it. Here we go." Yes. I was like, "Dang it. Here we go." Right. Uh, but here's the thing. Here's Right. Uh, but here's the thing. Here's Right. Uh, but here's the thing. Here's why I share that. Here's what I'm kind why I share that. Here's what I'm kind why I share that. Here's what I'm kind of getting at with those rules and the of getting at with those rules and the of getting at with those rules and the reminder of them is that those rules and reminder of them is that those rules and reminder of them is that those rules and the reminder of them are no problem to the reminder of them are no problem to the reminder of them are no problem to me and her mom, right? To me and the me and her mom, right? To me and the me and her mom, right? To me and the rest of our family. They are no problem.

rest of our family. They are no problem. rest of our family. They are no problem. We know how to swim, right? They're We know how to swim, right? They're We know how to swim, right? They're foundational though for her. Her little foundational though for her. Her little foundational though for her. Her little mind still being formed on what is mind still being formed on what is mind still being formed on what is right, what is wrong. And so, they are right, what is wrong. And so, they are right, what is wrong. And so, they are crucial for her at this time because crucial for her at this time because crucial for her at this time because here's the thing. Here's what I've even here's the thing. Here's what I've even here's the thing. Here's what I've even realized again. If you're a parent in realized again. If you're a parent in realized again. If you're a parent in the room, you realize this. If you've the room, you realize this. If you've the room, you realize this. If you've taught anybody anything in life, you taught anybody anything in life, you taught anybody anything in life, you realize this that the moment she is not realize this that the moment she is not realize this that the moment she is not reminded of the foundational things reminded of the foundational things reminded of the foundational things becomes the same moment she starts becomes the same moment she starts becomes the same moment she starts living against them. The moment she is living against them. The moment she is living against them. The moment she is not reminded of the foundational things not reminded of the foundational things not reminded of the foundational things becomes the exact same moment she starts becomes the exact same moment she starts becomes the exact same moment she starts living against them. That moment I go living against them. That moment I go living against them. That moment I go and put her life jacket on and don't say and put her life jacket on and don't say and put her life jacket on and don't say anything and her little mind even right anything and her little mind even right anything and her little mind even right now it becomes and it's translated, now it becomes and it's translated, now it becomes and it's translated, well, huh, that's weird. Mom and dad well, huh, that's weird. Mom and dad well, huh, that's weird. Mom and dad didn't say anything about me putting my didn't say anything about me putting my didn't say anything about me putting my life. Maybe I can go ahead and go get in life. Maybe I can go ahead and go get in life. Maybe I can go ahead and go get in the water while they're finishing up the water while they're finishing up the water while they're finishing up inside, right? Becomes the same moment inside, right? Becomes the same moment inside, right? Becomes the same moment she starts living against it. However, she starts living against it. However, she starts living against it. However, as I was kind of working through this, I as I was kind of working through this, I as I was kind of working through this, I think often times that same thing could think often times that same thing could think often times that same thing could be said of our spiritual walks that when be said of our spiritual walks that when be said of our spiritual walks that when we are not reminded of the foundational we are not reminded of the foundational we are not reminded of the foundational gospel truths of who we are, of what we gospel truths of who we are, of what we gospel truths of who we are, of what we have h what has happened for us, when have h what has happened for us, when have h what has happened for us, when we're not reminded of those things, we we're not reminded of those things, we we're not reminded of those things, we start living against them. Here's what start living against them. Here's what start living against them. Here's what it sounds like, right? Oh, I've been it sounds like, right? Oh, I've been it sounds like, right? Oh, I've been forgiven by Jesus. Yes, amen. But I forgiven by Jesus. Yes, amen. But I forgiven by Jesus. Yes, amen. But I start living in disobedience and start living in disobedience and start living in disobedience and rebellion every day that ends in why.

rebellion every day that ends in why. rebellion every day that ends in why. Yes, I'm a son. Yes, I'm a daughter of Yes, I'm a son. Yes, I'm a daughter of Yes, I'm a son. Yes, I'm a daughter of the king. Yes, amen. But I live every the king. Yes, amen. But I live every the king. Yes, amen. But I live every day that I'm given in hopes that I'm day that I'm given in hopes that I'm day that I'm given in hopes that I'm accepted by him. I earn I work to earn accepted by him. I earn I work to earn accepted by him. I earn I work to earn his favor. Right? There's this tendency his favor. Right? There's this tendency his favor. Right? There's this tendency to naturally lean towards working to naturally lean towards working to naturally lean towards working against them. Right? Think about it even against them. Right? Think about it even against them. Right? Think about it even like this. How often do we as believers like this. How often do we as believers like this. How often do we as believers look at the gospel, think about the look at the gospel, think about the look at the gospel, think about the gospel, and it kind of is just mundane gospel, and it kind of is just mundane gospel, and it kind of is just mundane or elementary to us, right? I've gotten or elementary to us, right? I've gotten or elementary to us, right? I've gotten saved. I repented. I've believed. Yes. saved. I repented. I've believed. Yes. saved. I repented. I've believed. Yes. And amen. But then I just kind of go and And amen. But then I just kind of go and And amen. But then I just kind of go and do my own thing. I remember the gospel, do my own thing. I remember the gospel, do my own thing. I remember the gospel, but it's just kind of there now. And but it's just kind of there now. And but it's just kind of there now. And yet, here's the thing. The Christian yet, here's the thing. The Christian yet, here's the thing. The Christian life is you're working through the life is you're working through the life is you're working through the gospel the whole your whole life, right? gospel the whole your whole life, right? gospel the whole your whole life, right? You're working through that. You're You're working through that. You're You're working through that. You're enjoying that. We're going to see that enjoying that. We're going to see that enjoying that. We're going to see that in verse 10 this morning because again in verse 10 this morning because again in verse 10 this morning because again there's a tendency when we're not there's a tendency when we're not there's a tendency when we're not reminded, we start living against it. reminded, we start living against it. reminded, we start living against it. And what's so beautiful is Paul's going And what's so beautiful is Paul's going And what's so beautiful is Paul's going to speak to the Philippian church this to speak to the Philippian church this to speak to the Philippian church this morning. But as all scripture, it is morning. But as all scripture, it is morning. But as all scripture, it is breathed out by God and is profitable breathed out by God and is profitable breathed out by God and is profitable over time. He's also speaking to us in over time. He's also speaking to us in over time. He's also speaking to us in 2026 as a church right now heading out 2026 as a church right now heading out 2026 as a church right now heading out of the summer, heading into a fall that of the summer, heading into a fall that of the summer, heading into a fall that is going to be spectacular. He's is going to be spectacular. He's is going to be spectacular. He's speaking to us this morning with three speaking to us this morning with three speaking to us this morning with three key reminders that we as the church need key reminders that we as the church need key reminders that we as the church need to be aware of that we need to be to be aware of that we need to be to be aware of that we need to be reminded of so that we do not still live reminded of so that we do not still live reminded of so that we do not still live against it so that we do not start against it so that we do not start against it so that we do not start living against it because again when we living against it because again when we living against it because again when we forget the gospel we either start adding forget the gospel we either start adding forget the gospel we either start adding to it or we start doing our own thing to it or we start doing our own thing to it or we start doing our own thing and saying hey I don't need God I am my and saying hey I don't need God I am my and saying hey I don't need God I am my own God and so maybe that's you this own God and so maybe that's you this own God and so maybe that's you this morning in person online in the

morning in person online in the morning in person online in the warehouse maybe that is you and you're warehouse maybe that is you and you're warehouse maybe that is you and you're looking at your life maybe you're coming looking at your life maybe you're coming looking at your life maybe you're coming out of the summer kind kind of been hit out of the summer kind kind of been hit out of the summer kind kind of been hit or miss here and you're looking at it or miss here and you're looking at it or miss here and you're looking at it and you're tired, you're weary, you're and you're tired, you're weary, you're and you're tired, you're weary, you're dry, spiritually dry. dry, spiritually dry. dry, spiritually dry. And maybe you started trying to add back And maybe you started trying to add back And maybe you started trying to add back to the gospel, this passage is for you. to the gospel, this passage is for you. to the gospel, this passage is for you. Or maybe, hey, I I don't really know Or maybe, hey, I I don't really know Or maybe, hey, I I don't really know even what the gospel is. Or maybe I've even what the gospel is. Or maybe I've even what the gospel is. Or maybe I've just been trying to live for the favor just been trying to live for the favor just been trying to live for the favor of Jesus instead of receiving it. This of Jesus instead of receiving it. This of Jesus instead of receiving it. This passage is for you. And so with that in passage is for you. And so with that in passage is for you. And so with that in mind, may we as brothers and sisters mind, may we as brothers and sisters mind, may we as brothers and sisters lock arms and be reminded together of it lock arms and be reminded together of it lock arms and be reminded together of it this morning. May we be reminded of this morning. May we be reminded of this morning. May we be reminded of these three key things this morning. these three key things this morning. these three key things this morning. This is what the word of God says This is what the word of God says This is what the word of God says picking up in verse one. Again, this picking up in verse one. Again, this picking up in verse one. Again, this passage is for us. Starting in verse passage is for us. Starting in verse passage is for us. Starting in verse one, finally, my brethren or my brothers one, finally, my brethren or my brothers one, finally, my brethren or my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. That's and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. That's and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. That's exactly what we did. Pause right there. exactly what we did. Pause right there. exactly what we did. Pause right there. That's exactly what we did while ago. I That's exactly what we did while ago. I That's exactly what we did while ago. I was sitting standing right over here and was sitting standing right over here and was sitting standing right over here and as we were praising Jesus as we had just as we were praising Jesus as we had just as we were praising Jesus as we had just finished actually singing and worshiping finished actually singing and worshiping finished actually singing and worshiping what were we still doing? Rejoicing in what were we still doing? Rejoicing in what were we still doing? Rejoicing in the Lord. We were calling his names.

the Lord. We were calling his names. the Lord. We were calling his names. Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is Lord. To write the same things again is Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble for me and it is a safeguard no trouble for me and it is a safeguard no trouble for me and it is a safeguard for you. Beware of the dogs. Beware of for you. Beware of the dogs. Beware of for you. Beware of the dogs. Beware of the evil workers. And beware of the the evil workers. And beware of the the evil workers. And beware of the circumcision. Anytime you see repetition circumcision. Anytime you see repetition circumcision. Anytime you see repetition like that in scripture, you need to be like that in scripture, you need to be like that in scripture, you need to be on high alert that hey, whatever the on high alert that hey, whatever the on high alert that hey, whatever the author is doing, he's echoing it for a author is doing, he's echoing it for a author is doing, he's echoing it for a reason. Beware, beware, beware. Verse reason. Beware, beware, beware. Verse reason. Beware, beware, beware. Verse three, for we, the believers, the three, for we, the believers, the three, for we, the believers, the church, are the true circumcision who church, are the true circumcision who church, are the true circumcision who worship in the spirit of God and glory worship in the spirit of God and glory worship in the spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence, in Christ Jesus and put no confidence, in Christ Jesus and put no confidence, my friends, in the flesh. Let me pray my friends, in the flesh. Let me pray my friends, in the flesh. Let me pray for us and we're going to dive into for us and we're going to dive into for us and we're going to dive into these three reminders this morning. these three reminders this morning. these three reminders this morning. Father, you are good. And I pray as a Father, you are good. And I pray as a Father, you are good. And I pray as a family this morning, as brothers and family this morning, as brothers and family this morning, as brothers and sisters, we would bow the knee. We would sisters, we would bow the knee. We would sisters, we would bow the knee. We would raise the hand and we would do exactly raise the hand and we would do exactly raise the hand and we would do exactly what Paul wrote there in verse one. we what Paul wrote there in verse one. we what Paul wrote there in verse one. we would rejoice in what you have done in would rejoice in what you have done in would rejoice in what you have done in who you are. Father, I pray today you who you are. Father, I pray today you who you are. Father, I pray today you would soften our hearts and that your would soften our hearts and that your would soften our hearts and that your word would find good soil in our souls word would find good soil in our souls word would find good soil in our souls and that we would respond whether that and that we would respond whether that and that we would respond whether that is through salvation for the very first is through salvation for the very first is through salvation for the very first time or where that is in sanctification time or where that is in sanctification time or where that is in sanctification and becoming more like you right now and becoming more like you right now and becoming more like you right now God. We love you so much in Jesus name.

God. We love you so much in Jesus name. God. We love you so much in Jesus name. Amen. If you've been with us kind of Amen. If you've been with us kind of Amen. If you've been with us kind of throughout this last month, especially throughout this last month, especially throughout this last month, especially in July, um we've been again looking at in July, um we've been again looking at in July, um we've been again looking at everyday joy. Pastor Chuck kicked off everyday joy. Pastor Chuck kicked off everyday joy. Pastor Chuck kicked off July with this idea of Jesus's example July with this idea of Jesus's example July with this idea of Jesus's example that he became the servant for us, that he became the servant for us, that he became the servant for us, right? That he became the true key right? That he became the true key right? That he became the true key model. Pastor Greg followed it the week model. Pastor Greg followed it the week model. Pastor Greg followed it the week after and kind of our response that if after and kind of our response that if after and kind of our response that if Jesus is the model, how do we respond? Jesus is the model, how do we respond? Jesus is the model, how do we respond? Well, we work it out, we pour it out, Well, we work it out, we pour it out, Well, we work it out, we pour it out, and we live it out. And then Pastor and we live it out. And then Pastor and we live it out. And then Pastor Declan followed that last week with Declan followed that last week with Declan followed that last week with showing us two examples there in chapter showing us two examples there in chapter showing us two examples there in chapter 2 with Timothy and Apapraditis that hey, 2 with Timothy and Apapraditis that hey, 2 with Timothy and Apapraditis that hey, here is the true model. Here is how you here is the true model. Here is how you here is the true model. Here is how you respond and here's other brothers that respond and here's other brothers that respond and here's other brothers that have done it well. And Paul, we find him have done it well. And Paul, we find him have done it well. And Paul, we find him in chapter 3 picking exactly up there in in chapter 3 picking exactly up there in in chapter 3 picking exactly up there in verse 18 um from chapter 2 with this verse 18 um from chapter 2 with this verse 18 um from chapter 2 with this thought. He almost pauses what he's thought. He almost pauses what he's thought. He almost pauses what he's doing, talks about Timothy and doing, talks about Timothy and doing, talks about Timothy and Apaproditis and then comes back to it. Apaproditis and then comes back to it. Apaproditis and then comes back to it. Rejoice my brothers and sisters, my Rejoice my brothers and sisters, my Rejoice my brothers and sisters, my fellow co-laborers in the faith. Rejoice fellow co-laborers in the faith. Rejoice fellow co-laborers in the faith. Rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to in the Lord. To write the same things to in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me, but is a you is no trouble to me, but is a you is no trouble to me, but is a safeguard for you. Again, just like we safeguard for you. Again, just like we safeguard for you. Again, just like we remind Noah, hey, it's not a problem for remind Noah, hey, it's not a problem for remind Noah, hey, it's not a problem for us. Again, we know how to swim. They're us. Again, we know how to swim. They're us. Again, we know how to swim. They're not. It's no energy to me to tell her not. It's no energy to me to tell her not. It's no energy to me to tell her not to do that, not to do this. Right?

not to do that, not to do this. Right? not to do that, not to do this. Right? Same thing here. Paul's saying, "Hey, I Same thing here. Paul's saying, "Hey, I Same thing here. Paul's saying, "Hey, I know the gospel. I'm living it out. It's know the gospel. I'm living it out. It's know the gospel. I'm living it out. It's not a problem for me to remind you. But not a problem for me to remind you. But not a problem for me to remind you. But if anything, it's safe. It's a safeguard if anything, it's safe. It's a safeguard if anything, it's safe. It's a safeguard so that you don't trip, so that you so that you don't trip, so that you so that you don't trip, so that you don't stumble." Right? Believers in the don't stumble." Right? Believers in the don't stumble." Right? Believers in the room, may we make that a quick note that room, may we make that a quick note that room, may we make that a quick note that man, it's always going to be safe and man, it's always going to be safe and man, it's always going to be safe and always going to be beneficial for us to always going to be beneficial for us to always going to be beneficial for us to remind both ourselves and other remind both ourselves and other remind both ourselves and other believers of the gospel so that it believers of the gospel so that it believers of the gospel so that it doesn't become mundane. so that it doesn't become mundane. so that it doesn't become mundane. so that it doesn't become second nature. We want it doesn't become second nature. We want it doesn't become second nature. We want it to not feel elementary. We want to to not feel elementary. We want to to not feel elementary. We want to always fall more and more in love with always fall more and more in love with always fall more and more in love with what we say our first love and that what we say our first love and that what we say our first love and that being the gospel message of Jesus being the gospel message of Jesus being the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Always rejoicing in the Lord. It Christ. Always rejoicing in the Lord. It Christ. Always rejoicing in the Lord. It is not a problem for me. It is a safe is not a problem for me. It is a safe is not a problem for me. It is a safe guard for you. Why? Because Paul has now guard for you. Why? Because Paul has now guard for you. Why? Because Paul has now gotten word of who is actually gotten word of who is actually gotten word of who is actually infiltrating the church in verse two. infiltrating the church in verse two. infiltrating the church in verse two. Beware of the dogs. Beware of the evil Beware of the dogs. Beware of the evil Beware of the dogs. Beware of the evil workers. And beware of the circumcision. workers. And beware of the circumcision. workers. And beware of the circumcision. Again, anytime repetition is there, we Again, anytime repetition is there, we Again, anytime repetition is there, we need to take note of it. These men that need to take note of it. These men that need to take note of it. These men that Paul is talking about, he calls them Paul is talking about, he calls them Paul is talking about, he calls them three different names, is what we call three different names, is what we call three different names, is what we call the Judaizers. The Judaizers were Jews the Judaizers. The Judaizers were Jews the Judaizers. The Judaizers were Jews who believed in Jesus as the Messiah, who believed in Jesus as the Messiah, who believed in Jesus as the Messiah, but still mixed Old Testament law. They but still mixed Old Testament law. They but still mixed Old Testament law. They still fulfilled Old Testament law, still fulfilled Old Testament law, still fulfilled Old Testament law, specifically circumcision. Okay? You can specifically circumcision. Okay? You can specifically circumcision. Okay? You can think of it like this. They mixed law think of it like this. They mixed law think of it like this. They mixed law and they mixed grace together. And in and they mixed grace together. And in and they mixed grace together. And in common terms that we would put, and this common terms that we would put, and this common terms that we would put, and this is our first truth this morning, they is our first truth this morning, they is our first truth this morning, they kept religion. Right? The first reminder kept religion. Right? The first reminder kept religion. Right? The first reminder that Paul wants us to know is to know that Paul wants us to know is to know that Paul wants us to know is to know Christ above religion. These men were Christ above religion. These men were Christ above religion. These men were creeping in. Paul has already dealt with creeping in. Paul has already dealt with creeping in. Paul has already dealt with them in Acts 15 and they are creeping

them in Acts 15 and they are creeping them in Acts 15 and they are creeping in. And he says, "Beware of them. Be on in. And he says, "Beware of them. Be on in. And he says, "Beware of them. Be on guard. Do not get tripped up over them." guard. Do not get tripped up over them." guard. Do not get tripped up over them." Why? Because they are dogs. Now, you Why? Because they are dogs. Now, you Why? Because they are dogs. Now, you have to understand dogs when he's have to understand dogs when he's have to understand dogs when he's writing it here. If you've ever been to writing it here. If you've ever been to writing it here. If you've ever been to my house, it's not like my boy Herby, my house, it's not like my boy Herby, my house, it's not like my boy Herby, right? He isn't a house pet. These dogs right? He isn't a house pet. These dogs right? He isn't a house pet. These dogs are not house pets. These dogs when he are not house pets. These dogs when he are not house pets. These dogs when he calls them this is a derogatory name. calls them this is a derogatory name. calls them this is a derogatory name. Dogs in this time were old, were nasty, Dogs in this time were old, were nasty, Dogs in this time were old, were nasty, were dirty. They they wondered where were dirty. They they wondered where were dirty. They they wondered where they didn't belong. They were dangerous, they didn't belong. They were dangerous, they didn't belong. They were dangerous, much like these men that were much like these men that were much like these men that were infiltrating the church. And so what infiltrating the church. And so what infiltrating the church. And so what happens is the Jews had often referred happens is the Jews had often referred happens is the Jews had often referred to them as the Gentiles as dogs. We see to them as the Gentiles as dogs. We see to them as the Gentiles as dogs. We see this in the book of Mark that the this in the book of Mark that the this in the book of Mark that the Gentile woman that even dogs receive the Gentile woman that even dogs receive the Gentile woman that even dogs receive the crumbs that sweep up off the table, crumbs that sweep up off the table, crumbs that sweep up off the table, right? So they have known themselves as right? So they have known themselves as right? So they have known themselves as dogs. And so when Paul comes out of the dogs. And so when Paul comes out of the dogs. And so when Paul comes out of the gate swinging, hey, rejoice in the Lord. gate swinging, hey, rejoice in the Lord. gate swinging, hey, rejoice in the Lord. And then he has the haymaker of, hey, And then he has the haymaker of, hey, And then he has the haymaker of, hey, actually they're the dogs. He starts actually they're the dogs. He starts actually they're the dogs. He starts flipping this whole idea on its head. flipping this whole idea on its head. flipping this whole idea on its head. Those who were once true worshippers of Those who were once true worshippers of Those who were once true worshippers of Jesus with the circumcision are now the Jesus with the circumcision are now the Jesus with the circumcision are now the dogs. And those who are once the dogs dogs. And those who are once the dogs dogs. And those who are once the dogs are now true worshippers of Jesus. Why?

are now true worshippers of Jesus. Why? are now true worshippers of Jesus. Why? Verse three, because we are what we call Verse three, because we are what we call Verse three, because we are what we call the true circumcision. We are believers. the true circumcision. We are believers. the true circumcision. We are believers. What he's getting at here is echoing What he's getting at here is echoing What he's getting at here is echoing Romans 8 when he writes that this true Romans 8 when he writes that this true Romans 8 when he writes that this true circumcision those of a heart of a circumcision those of a heart of a circumcision those of a heart of a changed heart. Not just outward changed heart. Not just outward changed heart. Not just outward profession not just outward practice and profession not just outward practice and profession not just outward practice and religion and duty and obligation but now religion and duty and obligation but now religion and duty and obligation but now it's a repentant heart. What makes you a it's a repentant heart. What makes you a it's a repentant heart. What makes you a true believer is a repentant heart. A true believer is a repentant heart. A true believer is a repentant heart. A one that has confess Jesus as Lord and one that has confess Jesus as Lord and one that has confess Jesus as Lord and ask for his forgiveness. We're going to ask for his forgiveness. We're going to ask for his forgiveness. We're going to see that in a moment. see that in a moment. see that in a moment. They were infiltrating the church, They were infiltrating the church, They were infiltrating the church, adding to the gospel, saying, "You have adding to the gospel, saying, "You have adding to the gospel, saying, "You have to do this and you have to profess here to do this and you have to profess here to do this and you have to profess here and you have to do this." And yet, and you have to do this." And yet, and you have to do this." And yet, here's the thing. When you add to the here's the thing. When you add to the here's the thing. When you add to the gospel, my friends, you lose the gospel. gospel, my friends, you lose the gospel. gospel, my friends, you lose the gospel. It's Christ and Christ alone. Amen. When It's Christ and Christ alone. Amen. When It's Christ and Christ alone. Amen. When you add to it, you lose it. It's Christ you add to it, you lose it. It's Christ you add to it, you lose it. It's Christ and it's Christ alone. And so, he's and it's Christ alone. And so, he's and it's Christ alone. And so, he's flipping this thing on its head. He goes flipping this thing on its head. He goes flipping this thing on its head. He goes on, he says, "Hey, what does a true on, he says, "Hey, what does a true on, he says, "Hey, what does a true worshipper look like? What do believers, worshipper look like? What do believers, worshipper look like? What do believers, the church, what do they look like?" the church, what do they look like?" the church, what do they look like?" Well, the first one there, we worship or Well, the first one there, we worship or Well, the first one there, we worship or we serve the Lord Jesus himself. We bow we serve the Lord Jesus himself. We bow we serve the Lord Jesus himself. We bow the knee. We raise the hand. We sing. We the knee. We raise the hand. We sing. We the knee. We raise the hand. We sing. We celebrate. We uplift our brothers and celebrate. We uplift our brothers and celebrate. We uplift our brothers and sisters. We serve Jesus through sisters. We serve Jesus through sisters. We serve Jesus through corporate worship, through personal corporate worship, through personal corporate worship, through personal devotion. Number two, we glory or we devotion. Number two, we glory or we devotion. Number two, we glory or we boast in Christ Jesus. We look at what boast in Christ Jesus. We look at what boast in Christ Jesus. We look at what he's done on the cross, what we're going he's done on the cross, what we're going he's done on the cross, what we're going to see in a moment, and we celebrate. We to see in a moment, and we celebrate. We to see in a moment, and we celebrate. We say to ourselves and we know in our say to ourselves and we know in our say to ourselves and we know in our hearts that there is nothing I could hearts that there is nothing I could hearts that there is nothing I could have done to get to heaven. And it was have done to get to heaven. And it was have done to get to heaven. And it was solely because of Jesus. We boast.

solely because of Jesus. We boast. solely because of Jesus. We boast. Everything we have is because of him. It Everything we have is because of him. It Everything we have is because of him. It is through him and by him. And is through him and by him. And is through him and by him. And therefore, that leads to the third one. therefore, that leads to the third one. therefore, that leads to the third one. We do not put any confidence in the We do not put any confidence in the We do not put any confidence in the flesh that if he is still all good, flesh that if he is still all good, flesh that if he is still all good, which he is, that means we're not. And which he is, that means we're not. And which he is, that means we're not. And we have no reason to celebrate in our we have no reason to celebrate in our we have no reason to celebrate in our own works. My friends, here's what own works. My friends, here's what own works. My friends, here's what religion sounds like in 2026. If I read religion sounds like in 2026. If I read religion sounds like in 2026. If I read my Bible, I'll get to heaven. If I pray my Bible, I'll get to heaven. If I pray my Bible, I'll get to heaven. If I pray to God more, he'll let me in. If I go to to God more, he'll let me in. If I go to to God more, he'll let me in. If I go to church more, I I'll be good to go. If I church more, I I'll be good to go. If I church more, I I'll be good to go. If I give more money to the church, I'll buy give more money to the church, I'll buy give more money to the church, I'll buy my way into heaven. If I get baptized, my way into heaven. If I get baptized, my way into heaven. If I get baptized, I'll be set. And if I get plugged into a I'll be set. And if I get plugged into a I'll be set. And if I get plugged into a group or a midweek course that Kobe just group or a midweek course that Kobe just group or a midweek course that Kobe just mentioned, mentioned, mentioned, I don't have to worry about anything I don't have to worry about anything I don't have to worry about anything else. The reality is these things are else. The reality is these things are else. The reality is these things are actually super good, right? These things actually super good, right? These things actually super good, right? These things are super beneficial. Where it gets are super beneficial. Where it gets are super beneficial. Where it gets really bad, really sticky, really dirty really bad, really sticky, really dirty really bad, really sticky, really dirty is when you are banking everything, is when you are banking everything, is when you are banking everything, every single one of those on the hopes every single one of those on the hopes every single one of those on the hopes that you get to heaven one day. They're that you get to heaven one day. They're that you get to heaven one day. They're good. We're going to see that in just a good. We're going to see that in just a good. We're going to see that in just a moment with this diagram. It's when they moment with this diagram. It's when they moment with this diagram. It's when they we rely on them for salvation. Right? If we rely on them for salvation. Right? If we rely on them for salvation. Right? If I were to walk you through this concept I were to walk you through this concept I were to walk you through this concept in my office, more times than not, I'm in my office, more times than not, I'm in my office, more times than not, I'm gonna write out something like this. I'm gonna write out something like this. I'm gonna write out something like this. I'm a visual learner. I don't do the iPad.

a visual learner. I don't do the iPad. a visual learner. I don't do the iPad. I'm too OCD, right? But I've given us I'm too OCD, right? But I've given us I'm too OCD, right? But I've given us something better, my own doodle, right? something better, my own doodle, right? something better, my own doodle, right? And so, here's what we have. Often And so, here's what we have. Often And so, here's what we have. Often times, religion is this right here. That times, religion is this right here. That times, religion is this right here. That if I read my Bible and if I pray and if if I read my Bible and if I pray and if if I read my Bible and if I pray and if I do go to church and if I give and if I I do go to church and if I give and if I I do go to church and if I give and if I do all the things I just mentioned, then do all the things I just mentioned, then do all the things I just mentioned, then I will earn salvation. That's what the I will earn salvation. That's what the I will earn salvation. That's what the Jew Judaizers were saying. If I profess Jew Judaizers were saying. If I profess Jew Judaizers were saying. If I profess Jesus, yes. But if I am circumcised, if Jesus, yes. But if I am circumcised, if Jesus, yes. But if I am circumcised, if I'm doing this, and if I'm doing all I'm doing this, and if I'm doing all I'm doing this, and if I'm doing all these religious things, then I'll be these religious things, then I'll be these religious things, then I'll be set. I'll be good to go. I'll get to set. I'll be good to go. I'll get to set. I'll be good to go. I'll get to heaven. I'll be saved. And yet, the heaven. I'll be saved. And yet, the heaven. I'll be saved. And yet, the gospel speaks right back into that and gospel speaks right back into that and gospel speaks right back into that and says, "Hey, actually, you couldn't get says, "Hey, actually, you couldn't get says, "Hey, actually, you couldn't get to me, so I came to you." Friends, we to me, so I came to you." Friends, we to me, so I came to you." Friends, we often say it like this. You don't work often say it like this. You don't work often say it like this. You don't work for your salvation. You work from it. It for your salvation. You work from it. It for your salvation. You work from it. It is solely by Jesus Christ himself and is solely by Jesus Christ himself and is solely by Jesus Christ himself and what he has done on the cross and his what he has done on the cross and his what he has done on the cross and his work alone that now because I am saved I work alone that now because I am saved I work alone that now because I am saved I can read. Because I am saved I get to can read. Because I am saved I get to can read. Because I am saved I get to strengthen that relationship in prayer. strengthen that relationship in prayer. strengthen that relationship in prayer. Because I am saved I can give to my Because I am saved I can give to my Because I am saved I can give to my church. I can give to foreign missions.

church. I can give to foreign missions. church. I can give to foreign missions. I can give to all these different I can give to all these different I can give to all these different things. Because I am saved I follow in things. Because I am saved I follow in things. Because I am saved I follow in obedience with baptism. Because I am obedience with baptism. Because I am obedience with baptism. Because I am saved. I join a group or I get along saved. I join a group or I get along saved. I join a group or I get along other brothers and sisters that push me other brothers and sisters that push me other brothers and sisters that push me closer to Jesus and I don't neglect to closer to Jesus and I don't neglect to closer to Jesus and I don't neglect to meet anymore. It is because and it is meet anymore. It is because and it is meet anymore. It is because and it is not for religion says you do all of not for religion says you do all of not for religion says you do all of these things. The gospel speaks back these things. The gospel speaks back these things. The gospel speaks back into and says, "Hey, none of it's going into and says, "Hey, none of it's going into and says, "Hey, none of it's going to be good." It's actually filthy rags. to be good." It's actually filthy rags. to be good." It's actually filthy rags. You do it because I died for you on the You do it because I died for you on the You do it because I died for you on the cross. We, my friends, online cross. We, my friends, online cross. We, my friends, online must know Christ above our religion. must know Christ above our religion. must know Christ above our religion. Above religion. But even more so than Above religion. But even more so than Above religion. But even more so than that, the second reminder, he hits it that, the second reminder, he hits it that, the second reminder, he hits it right off the bat in verse four. We are right off the bat in verse four. We are right off the bat in verse four. We are to know Christ above our resume. to know Christ above our resume. to know Christ above our resume. Not only our religion, but our resume. Not only our religion, but our resume. Not only our religion, but our resume. He goes on in verse four, kind of Kobe He goes on in verse four, kind of Kobe He goes on in verse four, kind of Kobe paraphrasing here. He says, "Hey, yes, paraphrasing here. He says, "Hey, yes, paraphrasing here. He says, "Hey, yes, we put no confidence in the flesh, but we put no confidence in the flesh, but we put no confidence in the flesh, but let's play it out for a second. But if let's play it out for a second. But if let's play it out for a second. But if that were the case, if we were to do that were the case, if we were to do that were the case, if we were to do that, and we do get to heaven by our that, and we do get to heaven by our that, and we do get to heaven by our good works, then I should be the frontr good works, then I should be the frontr good works, then I should be the frontr runner." And why that is the case, I runner." And why that is the case, I runner." And why that is the case, I should be the one that goes first. And should be the one that goes first. And should be the one that goes first. And here's why. He's going to list in verses here's why. He's going to list in verses here's why. He's going to list in verses 5 to six what we would often call a 5 to six what we would often call a 5 to six what we would often call a testimony. He's going to list seven testimony. He's going to list seven testimony. He's going to list seven different things of where his confidence different things of where his confidence different things of where his confidence once lied before the road to Damascus, once lied before the road to Damascus, once lied before the road to Damascus, before Acts chapter nine. And the first before Acts chapter nine. And the first before Acts chapter nine. And the first four of these lists he was born into. He four of these lists he was born into. He four of these lists he was born into. He did nothing to deserve him, nothing to did nothing to deserve him, nothing to did nothing to deserve him, nothing to gain him. He was simply born. The last gain him. He was simply born. The last gain him. He was simply born. The last three he grew up and worked for. The

three he grew up and worked for. The three he grew up and worked for. The first one circumcised the eighth day. first one circumcised the eighth day. first one circumcised the eighth day. This would have been what we call ritual This would have been what we call ritual This would have been what we call ritual or religion. He was of the nation of or religion. He was of the nation of or religion. He was of the nation of Israel. This is his ethnicity of the Israel. This is his ethnicity of the Israel. This is his ethnicity of the tribe of Benjamin. This would have been tribe of Benjamin. This would have been tribe of Benjamin. This would have been where he ranked a Hebrew of Hebrews. where he ranked a Hebrew of Hebrews. where he ranked a Hebrew of Hebrews. This would have been often our or his This would have been often our or his This would have been often our or his culture or his family or maybe even culture or his family or maybe even culture or his family or maybe even today's terminology his last name. today's terminology his last name. today's terminology his last name. And so without being born at all or And so without being born at all or And so without being born at all or without doing anything, this brother was without doing anything, this brother was without doing anything, this brother was set already. And yet he grew up and he set already. And yet he grew up and he set already. And yet he grew up and he worked worked worked as to the law. I was a Pharisee. This as to the law. I was a Pharisee. This as to the law. I was a Pharisee. This would have been rulekeeping. as to zeal. would have been rulekeeping. as to zeal. would have been rulekeeping. as to zeal. I was a persecutor of the church. This I was a persecutor of the church. This I was a persecutor of the church. This would have been his passion or his would have been his passion or his would have been his passion or his attitude. People would have looked at attitude. People would have looked at attitude. People would have looked at Saul at this time and said, "Man, he's Saul at this time and said, "Man, he's Saul at this time and said, "Man, he's got such a good attitude about himself, got such a good attitude about himself, got such a good attitude about himself, right? right? right? As to the righteousness which is in the As to the righteousness which is in the As to the righteousness which is in the law, I was found blameless." This is his law, I was found blameless." This is his law, I was found blameless." This is his obedience. obedience. obedience. Here's what he's ultimately saying here Here's what he's ultimately saying here Here's what he's ultimately saying here is this right here that Paul, actually, is this right here that Paul, actually, is this right here that Paul, actually, this is what I'm saying about Paul. And this is what I'm saying about Paul. And this is what I'm saying about Paul. And then this is what he's saying. Here's then this is what he's saying. Here's then this is what he's saying. Here's the thing. Paul, for the kids in the the thing. Paul, for the kids in the the thing. Paul, for the kids in the room, parents in the room with young room, parents in the room with young room, parents in the room with young ones, Paul was the one that you wanted ones, Paul was the one that you wanted ones, Paul was the one that you wanted them to grow up and be like. He was the them to grow up and be like. He was the them to grow up and be like. He was the role model. He was the older one in role model. He was the older one in role model. He was the older one in school that you said, "Hey, I love this school that you said, "Hey, I love this school that you said, "Hey, I love this dude. I've modeled. I want you, son, to dude. I've modeled. I want you, son, to dude. I've modeled. I want you, son, to model after him. What he's doing, you model after him. What he's doing, you model after him. What he's doing, you do." Right? For others in the room kind do." Right? For others in the room kind do." Right? For others in the room kind of working off of this idea. Parents in of working off of this idea. Parents in of working off of this idea. Parents in the room especially, he was the one that the room especially, he was the one that the room especially, he was the one that you hoped your daughter came home with you hoped your daughter came home with you hoped your daughter came home with so that they could meet you, right? He so that they could meet you, right? He so that they could meet you, right? He was top tier. He had the credentials. He was top tier. He had the credentials. He was top tier. He had the credentials. He had the pedigree. He had again the

had the pedigree. He had again the had the pedigree. He had again the street cred, right? And yet what he is street cred, right? And yet what he is street cred, right? And yet what he is ultimately saying, what he's getting at ultimately saying, what he's getting at ultimately saying, what he's getting at is that it all left him empty. I did not is that it all left him empty. I did not is that it all left him empty. I did not just I was not just born into it. I just I was not just born into it. I just I was not just born into it. I lived up to it. I met every expectation lived up to it. I met every expectation lived up to it. I met every expectation my mom and my dad and my culture poured my mom and my dad and my culture poured my mom and my dad and my culture poured into me. I had a great resume. Front into me. I had a great resume. Front into me. I had a great resume. Front side, backside, I was it. side, backside, I was it. side, backside, I was it. I followed the rank. I followed the I followed the rank. I followed the I followed the rank. I followed the obedience. I kept the rules. I did obedience. I kept the rules. I did obedience. I kept the rules. I did everything possible everything possible everything possible and yet it left me empty. and yet it left me empty. and yet it left me empty. It left me unfulfilled. It left me unfulfilled. It left me unfulfilled. It left me wanting more. Very similar. It left me wanting more. Very similar. It left me wanting more. Very similar. Rich young ruler, I have kept all these Rich young ruler, I have kept all these Rich young ruler, I have kept all these from my youth. Yes, Jesus. And yet he from my youth. Yes, Jesus. And yet he from my youth. Yes, Jesus. And yet he still lacked one. Paul did all of this still lacked one. Paul did all of this still lacked one. Paul did all of this and yet still lacked one. and yet still lacked one. and yet still lacked one. He goes on in verse 7, "Whatever these He goes on in verse 7, "Whatever these He goes on in verse 7, "Whatever these things were gained to me, whatever I had things were gained to me, whatever I had things were gained to me, whatever I had accomplished from this resume, from accomplished from this resume, from accomplished from this resume, from these seven things, when I met Christ, these seven things, when I met Christ, these seven things, when I met Christ, I've counted it all as a loss for the I've counted it all as a loss for the I've counted it all as a loss for the sake of Christ. When I met him, sake of Christ. When I met him, sake of Christ. When I met him, everything else faded away. It was all a everything else faded away. It was all a everything else faded away. It was all a total loss." And yet, here's the thing.

total loss." And yet, here's the thing. total loss." And yet, here's the thing. He gained everything. Right? When he He gained everything. Right? When he He gained everything. Right? When he found Jesus, everything else diminished. found Jesus, everything else diminished. found Jesus, everything else diminished. Everything else faded away. And the Everything else faded away. And the Everything else faded away. And the brightness and the joy of Jesus Christ brightness and the joy of Jesus Christ brightness and the joy of Jesus Christ himself was on full display. Friends, do himself was on full display. Friends, do himself was on full display. Friends, do you think Paul would agree with that you think Paul would agree with that you think Paul would agree with that second song that we wrote that on the second song that we wrote that on the second song that we wrote that on the road to Damascus when he's looking at road to Damascus when he's looking at road to Damascus when he's looking at Jesus? Do you think he bowed and said, Jesus? Do you think he bowed and said, Jesus? Do you think he bowed and said, "What a God." Amen. What a God. We "What a God." Amen. What a God. We "What a God." Amen. What a God. We celebrate him. What a God. celebrate him. What a God. celebrate him. What a God. We are to know Christ above our resume. We are to know Christ above our resume. We are to know Christ above our resume. Because here's the thing. We may not Because here's the thing. We may not Because here's the thing. We may not relate to Paul fully, and there may be relate to Paul fully, and there may be relate to Paul fully, and there may be parts we do, but here's the reality. parts we do, but here's the reality. parts we do, but here's the reality. Everybody has their confidence Everybody has their confidence Everybody has their confidence somewhere. Where is yours? For some of somewhere. Where is yours? For some of somewhere. Where is yours? For some of you guys in the room, it's going to be you guys in the room, it's going to be you guys in the room, it's going to be in that last name. It's going to be in in that last name. It's going to be in in that last name. It's going to be in your background, your upbringing, where your background, your upbringing, where your background, your upbringing, where you live, where you don't live, what you live, where you don't live, what you live, where you don't live, what school you went to. For others in the school you went to. For others in the school you went to. For others in the room, it's going to be how much you room, it's going to be how much you room, it's going to be how much you bring in, what job you have, the bring in, what job you have, the bring in, what job you have, the possessions you accumulate. Right? I possessions you accumulate. Right? I possessions you accumulate. Right? I know in the referee world, here's what know in the referee world, here's what know in the referee world, here's what one I often see is what my kids one I often see is what my kids one I often see is what my kids accomplish that I don't, right? I start accomplish that I don't, right? I start accomplish that I don't, right? I start living through them. Everybody has their living through them. Everybody has their living through them. Everybody has their confidence somewhere. So where is yours?

confidence somewhere. So where is yours? confidence somewhere. So where is yours? Where is yours today? Where are you seeking it? He builds on Where are you seeking it? He builds on this in verse eight. Continue. And more this in verse eight. Continue. And more this in verse eight. Continue. And more than that, I count all things as lost to than that, I count all things as lost to than that, I count all things as lost to be in view of the surpassing value of be in view of the surpassing value of be in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus. Again, that idea knowing Christ Jesus. Again, that idea knowing Christ Jesus. Again, that idea that everything fades away as Jesus gets that everything fades away as Jesus gets that everything fades away as Jesus gets brighter. for whom I have suffered the brighter. for whom I have suffered the brighter. for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them but loss of all things and count them but loss of all things and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ. Some rubbish so that I may gain Christ. Some rubbish so that I may gain Christ. Some of your translations translate that word of your translations translate that word of your translations translate that word rubbish to maybe dung, manure, rubbish to maybe dung, manure, rubbish to maybe dung, manure, excrement. Right? I'm going to let you excrement. Right? I'm going to let you excrement. Right? I'm going to let you translate that how you want to your translate that how you want to your translate that how you want to your family in the car on the way home. family in the car on the way home. family in the car on the way home. Here's how we translate it in the boy Here's how we translate it in the boy Here's how we translate it in the boy home. Boooo. Right. We're potty training home. Boooo. Right. We're potty training home. Boooo. Right. We're potty training Norah. Norah, are you making a boo boo? Norah. Norah, are you making a boo boo? Norah. Norah, are you making a boo boo? No. Right. Here it is again. Nor you No. Right. Here it is again. Nor you No. Right. Here it is again. Nor you making a boo boo. Yes. That claw. Right. making a boo boo. Yes. That claw. Right. making a boo boo. Yes. That claw. Right. That is our life right now. Paul is That is our life right now. Paul is That is our life right now. Paul is looking at his whole life, looking at looking at his whole life, looking at looking at his whole life, looking at everything he amounted to, all the everything he amounted to, all the everything he amounted to, all the pedigree, the credentials, everything, pedigree, the credentials, everything, pedigree, the credentials, everything, and he calls it rubbish. He calls it and he calls it rubbish. He calls it and he calls it rubbish. He calls it boo-oo. He says, "No, none of that is boo-oo. He says, "No, none of that is boo-oo. He says, "No, none of that is good enough. None of that is fulfilling.

good enough. None of that is fulfilling. good enough. None of that is fulfilling. None of that did its job until Christ None of that did its job until Christ None of that did its job until Christ came on the road to Damascus." Amen. And came on the road to Damascus." Amen. And came on the road to Damascus." Amen. And that is the truth for us this morning, that is the truth for us this morning, that is the truth for us this morning, that we fill our lives with resumeé that we fill our lives with resumeé that we fill our lives with resumeé stats. We fill our lives with the things stats. We fill our lives with the things stats. We fill our lives with the things that we think will matter the most. And that we think will matter the most. And that we think will matter the most. And yet, Matthew does a great job of this. yet, Matthew does a great job of this. yet, Matthew does a great job of this. What will it profit, my friend? For a What will it profit, my friend? For a What will it profit, my friend? For a man to gain the whole world and yet lose man to gain the whole world and yet lose man to gain the whole world and yet lose or forfeit his soul? Paul lived this out or forfeit his soul? Paul lived this out or forfeit his soul? Paul lived this out firsthand. He realized, hey, I I don't firsthand. He realized, hey, I I don't firsthand. He realized, hey, I I don't have anything if I don't have Christ. have anything if I don't have Christ. have anything if I don't have Christ. Again, some of us maybe in this room, in Again, some of us maybe in this room, in Again, some of us maybe in this room, in this region, in the Bible belt, this region, in the Bible belt, this region, in the Bible belt, northeast Arkansas, spend our whole northeast Arkansas, spend our whole northeast Arkansas, spend our whole lives lives lives building a resume. We could go chair by building a resume. We could go chair by building a resume. We could go chair by chair, member by member, online, in chair, member by member, online, in chair, member by member, online, in person, either one. person, either one. person, either one. And every single person has a different And every single person has a different And every single person has a different resume. Some of them are religious steps. Some Some of them are religious steps. Some of them are good works. Some of them are of them are good works. Some of them are of them are good works. Some of them are ethnicity and culture and family ethnicity and culture and family ethnicity and culture and family with the hopes that hey, one day when I with the hopes that hey, one day when I with the hopes that hey, one day when I go and be with Jesus or I'm standing at go and be with Jesus or I'm standing at go and be with Jesus or I'm standing at the gates, I'm going to give this to the gates, I'm going to give this to the gates, I'm going to give this to him. Here's why I deserve to get in, him. Here's why I deserve to get in, him. Here's why I deserve to get in, God.

God. God. And you're hoping that he's going to And you're hoping that he's going to And you're hoping that he's going to read it and do this number right here. read it and do this number right here. read it and do this number right here. Yeah, come on right in. And yeah, here's Yeah, come on right in. And yeah, here's Yeah, come on right in. And yeah, here's the reality. I don't fully know if it the reality. I don't fully know if it the reality. I don't fully know if it happens just like this, but I'm pretty happens just like this, but I'm pretty happens just like this, but I'm pretty sure I'm pretty close. sure I'm pretty close. sure I'm pretty close. He's going to look over that resume for He's going to look over that resume for He's going to look over that resume for you. What you've banked your whole life you. What you've banked your whole life you. What you've banked your whole life on. Oh, you read your B. Good. on. Oh, you read your B. Good. on. Oh, you read your B. Good. Oh, yeah. Yeah, you did that. Oh, yeah. Yeah, you did that. Oh, yeah. Yeah, you did that. I don't I don't I don't see where you I don't I don't I don't see where you I don't I don't I don't see where you professed faith in me. Unfortunately, depart from me, for I Unfortunately, depart from me, for I never knew you. The reality is you will never knew you. The reality is you will never knew you. The reality is you will spend your whole life building a resume. spend your whole life building a resume. spend your whole life building a resume. Hand it to Jesus and then within a Hand it to Jesus and then within a Hand it to Jesus and then within a matter of seconds he will look at it and matter of seconds he will look at it and matter of seconds he will look at it and ask you to leave his sight and leave his ask you to leave his sight and leave his ask you to leave his sight and leave his presence. presence. presence. The saddest truth in the world. Depart The saddest truth in the world. Depart The saddest truth in the world. Depart from me for I never knew you. from me for I never knew you. from me for I never knew you. For some of you that is your story right For some of you that is your story right For some of you that is your story right now. And yet here's the good news and now. And yet here's the good news and now. And yet here's the good news and where we kind of start bringing this where we kind of start bringing this where we kind of start bringing this thing to better days. Right? It's kind thing to better days. Right? It's kind thing to better days. Right? It's kind of in the doom and gloom of the message of in the doom and gloom of the message of in the doom and gloom of the message yet. Here's where we start turning the yet. Here's where we start turning the yet. Here's where we start turning the corner and head upward. It doesn't have corner and head upward. It doesn't have corner and head upward. It doesn't have to be where it ends. It does not have to to be where it ends. It does not have to to be where it ends. It does not have to be how your story ends this morning for be how your story ends this morning for be how your story ends this morning for the rest of your life. It does not have the rest of your life. It does not have the rest of your life. It does not have to st end and stop like that right to st end and stop like that right to st end and stop like that right there. Why? Because verses 9 through 11 there. Why? Because verses 9 through 11 there. Why? Because verses 9 through 11 are good news. In these moments is the are good news. In these moments is the are good news. In these moments is the difference, my friends. So lock in, stay difference, my friends. So lock in, stay difference, my friends. So lock in, stay tuned in tuned in tuned in because this is the moment we start

because this is the moment we start because this is the moment we start working through what is other religion working through what is other religion working through what is other religion and what is Christianity. Because here's and what is Christianity. Because here's and what is Christianity. Because here's the thing. If your religion and your the thing. If your religion and your the thing. If your religion and your resume is what you're banking on to see resume is what you're banking on to see resume is what you're banking on to see the presence and the awesomeness of the presence and the awesomeness of the presence and the awesomeness of Jesus one day, that will be your Jesus one day, that will be your Jesus one day, that will be your outcome. But it doesn't have to be. outcome. But it doesn't have to be. outcome. But it doesn't have to be. Other religions shout and they yell and Other religions shout and they yell and Other religions shout and they yell and they say these words right here that you they say these words right here that you they say these words right here that you can get to God. We talked about it a can get to God. We talked about it a can get to God. We talked about it a while ago. can get to God with this and while ago. can get to God with this and while ago. can get to God with this and this and this and Christ in the gospel this and this and Christ in the gospel this and this and Christ in the gospel actually in Christianity comes back in actually in Christianity comes back in actually in Christianity comes back in and says, "Hey, you couldn't do and says, "Hey, you couldn't do and says, "Hey, you couldn't do anything, so I had to do everything, anything, so I had to do everything, anything, so I had to do everything, right? I had to do everything." And it right? I had to do everything." And it right? I had to do everything." And it is only by the gospel message of Jesus is only by the gospel message of Jesus is only by the gospel message of Jesus himself that that is true. The gospel is himself that that is true. The gospel is himself that that is true. The gospel is this right here that we could not get this right here that we could not get this right here that we could not get our way to heaven or earn our way to our way to heaven or earn our way to our way to heaven or earn our way to heaven or climb the ladder to heaven. heaven or climb the ladder to heaven. heaven or climb the ladder to heaven. And so Jesus climbed down to us. He was And so Jesus climbed down to us. He was And so Jesus climbed down to us. He was us. He became us. He indwelled among us. us. He became us. He indwelled among us. us. He became us. He indwelled among us. He lived a perfect life. He died the He lived a perfect life. He died the He lived a perfect life. He died the death that we rightfully deserved. He death that we rightfully deserved. He death that we rightfully deserved. He ingested our sin. And for three days ingested our sin. And for three days ingested our sin. And for three days after his death, it was doom and gloom, after his death, it was doom and gloom, after his death, it was doom and gloom, my friends. We were without hope. And my friends. We were without hope. And my friends. We were without hope. And when we were without a future, our when we were without a future, our when we were without a future, our future was hell. Our future was eternity future was hell. Our future was eternity future was hell. Our future was eternity apart from him. And yet, what happens apart from him. And yet, what happens apart from him. And yet, what happens next? Amen. The tomb could not hold next? Amen. The tomb could not hold next? Amen. The tomb could not hold them. The throne is occupied. Jesus them. The throne is occupied. Jesus them. The throne is occupied. Jesus resurrects. And in doing so, he has made resurrects. And in doing so, he has made resurrects. And in doing so, he has made a way for us to get to him. Heaven now a way for us to get to him. Heaven now a way for us to get to him. Heaven now has come to us in the form of Jesus has come to us in the form of Jesus has come to us in the form of Jesus Christ himself. We're going to walk Christ himself. We're going to walk Christ himself. We're going to walk through this because it's so beautiful.

through this because it's so beautiful. through this because it's so beautiful. Verses 9 through 11, that's where the Verses 9 through 11, that's where the Verses 9 through 11, that's where the good news comes in. Verse 9 through 11, good news comes in. Verse 9 through 11, good news comes in. Verse 9 through 11, Paul's going to walk through the Paul's going to walk through the Paul's going to walk through the Philippians, but also us through three Philippians, but also us through three Philippians, but also us through three core beliefs, what we call doctrines of core beliefs, what we call doctrines of core beliefs, what we call doctrines of the Christian faith. And it leads us the Christian faith. And it leads us the Christian faith. And it leads us right into this final and most important right into this final and most important right into this final and most important reminder. And that's this right here. reminder. And that's this right here. reminder. And that's this right here. Not only are we to know Christ above Not only are we to know Christ above Not only are we to know Christ above religion and our resume, but more than religion and our resume, but more than religion and our resume, but more than anything, we are to know Christ above anything, we are to know Christ above anything, we are to know Christ above everything. everything. everything. I want to read verse eight because it I want to read verse eight because it I want to read verse eight because it flows into nine again. More than that, I flows into nine again. More than that, I flows into nine again. More than that, I count all things to be loss and view count all things to be loss and view count all things to be loss and view with a surpassing value and knowing with a surpassing value and knowing with a surpassing value and knowing Christ whom I have suffered the loss of Christ whom I have suffered the loss of Christ whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them but rubbish all things and count them but rubbish all things and count them but rubbish that I may gain Christ. Here's the first that I may gain Christ. Here's the first that I may gain Christ. Here's the first doctrine, the first core belief in verse doctrine, the first core belief in verse doctrine, the first core belief in verse 9. and may be found in him. Not having a 9. and may be found in him. Not having a 9. and may be found in him. Not having a righteousness of my own derived from the righteousness of my own derived from the righteousness of my own derived from the law, but that which is through faith in law, but that which is through faith in law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes Christ, the righteousness which comes Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith. My from God on the basis of faith. My from God on the basis of faith. My friends, this first one, you can think friends, this first one, you can think friends, this first one, you can think of it in terms of a race. This is the of it in terms of a race. This is the of it in terms of a race. This is the starting line. This is the doctrine starting line. This is the doctrine starting line. This is the doctrine being found in him. The doctrine of being found in him. The doctrine of being found in him. The doctrine of justification. Justification is a legal justification. Justification is a legal justification. Justification is a legal term that when you repent of your sins term that when you repent of your sins term that when you repent of your sins and you believe in Jesus Christ as your and you believe in Jesus Christ as your and you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, two things happen, two Lord and Savior, two things happen, two Lord and Savior, two things happen, two sides of the same coin. One, you are sides of the same coin. One, you are sides of the same coin. One, you are forgiven of your sins. Past sins, forgiven of your sins. Past sins, forgiven of your sins. Past sins, present sins, future sins. Okay? You are present sins, future sins. Okay? You are present sins, future sins. Okay? You are forgiven. Your slate is wiped clean as forgiven. Your slate is wiped clean as forgiven. Your slate is wiped clean as far as the east is from the west. Right?

far as the east is from the west. Right? far as the east is from the west. Right? But the same thing happens. Simultaneous But the same thing happens. Simultaneous But the same thing happens. Simultaneous act. Not only are you forgiven, but you act. Not only are you forgiven, but you act. Not only are you forgiven, but you are declared right in the sight of God are declared right in the sight of God are declared right in the sight of God himself. You are declared righteous in himself. You are declared righteous in himself. You are declared righteous in the sight of God himself. A moment that the sight of God himself. A moment that the sight of God himself. A moment that happens. Two sides of the same coin. 2 happens. Two sides of the same coin. 2 happens. Two sides of the same coin. 2 Corinthians 5:21 is going to be up on Corinthians 5:21 is going to be up on Corinthians 5:21 is going to be up on the board or up on the screen behind me the board or up on the screen behind me the board or up on the screen behind me right here. And it's what the some right here. And it's what the some right here. And it's what the some scholars call the great exchange. I scholars call the great exchange. I scholars call the great exchange. I think it details this pretty good. That think it details this pretty good. That think it details this pretty good. That in this moment, forgiveness and in this moment, forgiveness and in this moment, forgiveness and justification take place. God himself justification take place. God himself justification take place. God himself takes our sin. He takes all that we are, takes our sin. He takes all that we are, takes our sin. He takes all that we are, all the bad, all the ugly, all the all the bad, all the ugly, all the all the bad, all the ugly, all the broken, all the bloody, everything that broken, all the bloody, everything that broken, all the bloody, everything that we are, all the sin, and in return, he we are, all the sin, and in return, he we are, all the sin, and in return, he gives us his righteousness. He gives us gives us his righteousness. He gives us gives us his righteousness. He gives us his perfection. This is what the Bible his perfection. This is what the Bible his perfection. This is what the Bible calls or what we call imputed calls or what we call imputed calls or what we call imputed righteousness. We don't deserve it. We righteousness. We don't deserve it. We righteousness. We don't deserve it. We haven't worked for it. We don't have the haven't worked for it. We don't have the haven't worked for it. We don't have the track record to shout for it. But he has track record to shout for it. But he has track record to shout for it. But he has given it freely out of his love for us. given it freely out of his love for us. given it freely out of his love for us. He has taken our sin. The great He has taken our sin. The great He has taken our sin. The great exchange. And in doing so, he has given exchange. And in doing so, he has given exchange. And in doing so, he has given us himself. Here's how you would break us himself. Here's how you would break us himself. Here's how you would break down this first doctrine. This first down this first doctrine. This first down this first doctrine. This first word, right, is justification. God views word, right, is justification. God views word, right, is justification. God views us now just if I had never sinned. Just us now just if I had never sinned. Just us now just if I had never sinned. Just if I had never sinned, right? Even more if I had never sinned, right? Even more if I had never sinned, right? Even more than that though, he views us now just than that though, he views us now just than that though, he views us now just if I had always obeyed. Justification if I had always obeyed. Justification if I had always obeyed. Justification just if I had never sinned and just as just if I had never sinned and just as just if I had never sinned and just as if I had always obeyed. That is your if I had always obeyed. That is your if I had always obeyed. That is your status in the sight of God for believers

status in the sight of God for believers status in the sight of God for believers in the room. That cannot be taken away in the room. That cannot be taken away in the room. That cannot be taken away from you. Okay? That cannot be removed from you. Okay? That cannot be removed from you. Okay? That cannot be removed from you. For some of you this morning, from you. For some of you this morning, from you. For some of you this morning, I told 8:00 this, I'm going to tell 11 I told 8:00 this, I'm going to tell 11 I told 8:00 this, I'm going to tell 11 o'clock. For some of you this morning, o'clock. For some of you this morning, o'clock. For some of you this morning, your first step, your application before your first step, your application before your first step, your application before we move into a time of invitation is we move into a time of invitation is we move into a time of invitation is this right here. Through rep asking this right here. Through rep asking this right here. Through rep asking Jesus to save you. How do you receive Jesus to save you. How do you receive Jesus to save you. How do you receive this? Ephesians 2:8-9 is going to be on this? Ephesians 2:8-9 is going to be on this? Ephesians 2:8-9 is going to be on the screen. By grace alone, through the screen. By grace alone, through the screen. By grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone. We see that faith alone in Christ alone. We see that faith alone in Christ alone. We see that there in verse 9 twice. Again, there in verse 9 twice. Again, there in verse 9 twice. Again, repetition that we are asking Jesus to repetition that we are asking Jesus to repetition that we are asking Jesus to forgive us. We are placing our faith in forgive us. We are placing our faith in forgive us. We are placing our faith in him. If that moment for the believers in him. If that moment for the believers in him. If that moment for the believers in the room, if that moment has happened the room, if that moment has happened the room, if that moment has happened for you, for you, for you, here is your status that you are here is your status that you are here is your status that you are royalty, that you are co-airs, my royalty, that you are co-airs, my royalty, that you are co-airs, my friends, to the throne. You are in friends, to the throne. You are in friends, to the throne. You are in already dressed in your royal garb. You already dressed in your royal garb. You already dressed in your royal garb. You are walking honorably, you are walking are walking honorably, you are walking are walking honorably, you are walking holy, and one day you are going to sit holy, and one day you are going to sit holy, and one day you are going to sit at the right hand of Jesus and praise at the right hand of Jesus and praise at the right hand of Jesus and praise him forever. What you did in the invit him forever. What you did in the invit him forever. What you did in the invit or the worship Holy Ghost, you're going or the worship Holy Ghost, you're going or the worship Holy Ghost, you're going to do it for eternity. You're going to to do it for eternity. You're going to to do it for eternity. You're going to shout, "Holy, holy, holy." Some of you shout, "Holy, holy, holy." Some of you shout, "Holy, holy, holy." Some of you this morning, here's one of the key this morning, here's one of the key this morning, here's one of the key reminders for the believers. For some of reminders for the believers. For some of reminders for the believers. For some of you this morning, that moment has you this morning, that moment has you this morning, that moment has happened. Yet, you have spent the rest happened. Yet, you have spent the rest happened. Yet, you have spent the rest of your life working towards it. You of your life working towards it. You of your life working towards it. You have spent the rest of your life trying have spent the rest of your life trying have spent the rest of your life trying to earn that favor day after day. You to earn that favor day after day. You to earn that favor day after day. You have spent your whole life seeking the have spent your whole life seeking the have spent your whole life seeking the approval of God, wanting his favor, approval of God, wanting his favor, approval of God, wanting his favor, wanting his love. And yet, what has wanting his love. And yet, what has wanting his love. And yet, what has happened? What does he teach us here?

happened? What does he teach us here? happened? What does he teach us here? You already have it. You already have it. You already have it. You are already viewed, my friends, just You are already viewed, my friends, just You are already viewed, my friends, just as if you had never seen and ju sinned as if you had never seen and ju sinned as if you had never seen and ju sinned and just as if you had always obeyed. and just as if you had always obeyed. and just as if you had always obeyed. For the believer in the room, let that For the believer in the room, let that For the believer in the room, let that soak in soak in soak in that you are royalty now. That is your that you are royalty now. That is your that you are royalty now. That is your status. And let me say it kind of like status. And let me say it kind of like status. And let me say it kind of like Pastor Chuck says it occasionally. Pastor Chuck says it occasionally. Pastor Chuck says it occasionally. Despite how you feel, the fact is you Despite how you feel, the fact is you Despite how you feel, the fact is you are righteous. are righteous. are righteous. Who cares how you feel? I feel distant. Who cares how you feel? I feel distant. Who cares how you feel? I feel distant. I feel like I'm not. I feel this. I The I feel like I'm not. I feel this. I The I feel like I'm not. I feel this. I The fact is fact is fact is you are. For others in the room, you're you are. For others in the room, you're you are. For others in the room, you're not just yet. And today can be the day not just yet. And today can be the day not just yet. And today can be the day that that happens. that that happens. that that happens. Today can be the day that that happens. Today can be the day that that happens. Today can be the day that that happens. So justification, justified, never sin, So justification, justified, never sin, So justification, justified, never sin, just as if I had always obeyed the just as if I had always obeyed the just as if I had always obeyed the starting line. He moves on in verse 10. starting line. He moves on in verse 10. starting line. He moves on in verse 10. That not only will I be found in him, That not only will I be found in him, That not only will I be found in him, that I may know him. This is the that I may know him. This is the that I may know him. This is the doctrine of sanctification. Where the doctrine of sanctification. Where the doctrine of sanctification. Where the first one was a moment in justification, first one was a moment in justification, first one was a moment in justification, sanctification is a process. It is sanctification is a process. It is sanctification is a process. It is becoming more like Jesus and less like becoming more like Jesus and less like becoming more like Jesus and less like yourself. This what is the race, right?

yourself. This what is the race, right? yourself. This what is the race, right? This is the process. Our old selves are This is the process. Our old selves are This is the process. Our old selves are dying each and every day and we are dying each and every day and we are dying each and every day and we are becoming more like Jesus every single becoming more like Jesus every single becoming more like Jesus every single moment. And here's what's beautiful. Can moment. And here's what's beautiful. Can moment. And here's what's beautiful. Can you go ahead and throw the arrow and the you go ahead and throw the arrow and the you go ahead and throw the arrow and the illustration back up? We've already illustration back up? We've already illustration back up? We've already talked about what sanctification talked about what sanctification talked about what sanctification actually looks like. Here's the thing. actually looks like. Here's the thing. actually looks like. Here's the thing. It doesn't look like this. It looks like It doesn't look like this. It looks like It doesn't look like this. It looks like this right here. Sorry, whoever's step this right here. Sorry, whoever's step this right here. Sorry, whoever's step that is to come invitation. Here's the that is to come invitation. Here's the that is to come invitation. Here's the thing. Sanctification is this right thing. Sanctification is this right thing. Sanctification is this right here. here. here. It is all the the the church things that It is all the the the church things that It is all the the the church things that we do and yet we do them because not to we do and yet we do them because not to we do and yet we do them because not to earn salvation. It is because of earn salvation. It is because of earn salvation. It is because of salvation. Right? I want to read my salvation. Right? I want to read my salvation. Right? I want to read my Bible more. So therefore, I am going to Bible more. So therefore, I am going to Bible more. So therefore, I am going to know Christ more. I'm going to know Christ more. I'm going to know Christ more. I'm going to strengthen that relationship again strengthen that relationship again strengthen that relationship again through prayer. I'm going to join in in through prayer. I'm going to join in in through prayer. I'm going to join in in corporate worship in the church. and I'm corporate worship in the church. and I'm corporate worship in the church. and I'm going to praise and I'm going to raise a going to praise and I'm going to raise a going to praise and I'm going to raise a hallelujah to with my friends to the hallelujah to with my friends to the hallelujah to with my friends to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I'm King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I'm King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I'm going to give to what the cause is to going to give to what the cause is to going to give to what the cause is to help advance the gospel to the ends of help advance the gospel to the ends of help advance the gospel to the ends of the earth. I'm going to get plugged in the earth. I'm going to get plugged in the earth. I'm going to get plugged in with other brothers and sisters into a with other brothers and sisters into a with other brothers and sisters into a group into a class into a course to help group into a class into a course to help group into a class into a course to help strengthen me and to continue to meet. I strengthen me and to continue to meet. I strengthen me and to continue to meet. I do all those things again not for do all those things again not for do all those things again not for salvation but from it. From it is salvation but from it. From it is salvation but from it. From it is sanctification, my friends. from it is sanctification, my friends. from it is sanctification, my friends. from it is becoming more like Jesus and less like becoming more like Jesus and less like becoming more like Jesus and less like our old selves. And I want to make a our old selves. And I want to make a our old selves. And I want to make a quick note. You cannot have quick note. You cannot have quick note. You cannot have sanctification without suffering. You sanctification without suffering. You sanctification without suffering. You can't have sanctification without can't have sanctification without can't have sanctification without participating in the suffering of Jesus participating in the suffering of Jesus participating in the suffering of Jesus Christ. That word right there, Christ. That word right there, Christ. That word right there, fellowship of his sufferings, can be fellowship of his sufferings, can be fellowship of his sufferings, can be translated participation in his translated participation in his translated participation in his sufferings. We cannot understand the

sufferings. We cannot understand the sufferings. We cannot understand the fullness of Jesus Christ and experience fullness of Jesus Christ and experience fullness of Jesus Christ and experience him and become more like him without him and become more like him without him and become more like him without suffering just as he did suffering just as he did suffering just as he did without participating. Paul's without participating. Paul's without participating. Paul's understanding this firsthand understanding this firsthand understanding this firsthand pers being persecuted. We cannot pers being persecuted. We cannot pers being persecuted. We cannot understand that until we are. understand that until we are. understand that until we are. So again, we have the starting line with So again, we have the starting line with So again, we have the starting line with justification. We have the race with justification. We have the race with justification. We have the race with sanctification. And now we have the sanctification. And now we have the sanctification. And now we have the finish line in verse 11, which is finish line in verse 11, which is finish line in verse 11, which is glorification. This moment is we're kind glorification. This moment is we're kind glorification. This moment is we're kind of uh more familiar with this term. of uh more familiar with this term. of uh more familiar with this term. Glorification happens when we die and we Glorification happens when we die and we Glorification happens when we die and we are go we go to heaven and we are given are go we go to heaven and we are given are go we go to heaven and we are given new glorified bodies. No more death, no new glorified bodies. No more death, no new glorified bodies. No more death, no more sadness, brokenness, sinfulness, more sadness, brokenness, sinfulness, more sadness, brokenness, sinfulness, straight perfection. Right? Everything straight perfection. Right? Everything straight perfection. Right? Everything is healed. Everything is back in union. is healed. Everything is back in union. is healed. Everything is back in union. Everything is how it should be. Paul Everything is how it should be. Paul Everything is how it should be. Paul doesn't know when this is going to doesn't know when this is going to doesn't know when this is going to happen, but he knows that as a believer, happen, but he knows that as a believer, happen, but he knows that as a believer, if I've repented and believed in Jesus, if I've repented and believed in Jesus, if I've repented and believed in Jesus, I get a glorified body. That, my I get a glorified body. That, my I get a glorified body. That, my friends, is the finish line. Often friends, is the finish line. Often friends, is the finish line. Often times, we look at it and think, "Hey, times, we look at it and think, "Hey, times, we look at it and think, "Hey, justification's the finish line. I'm I'm justification's the finish line. I'm I'm justification's the finish line. I'm I'm done." Actually, that's a starting line.

done." Actually, that's a starting line. done." Actually, that's a starting line. Let's have some fun. The race gets Let's have some fun. The race gets Let's have some fun. The race gets going. Now, I want to go ahead and going. Now, I want to go ahead and going. Now, I want to go ahead and invite the band back up as we kind of invite the band back up as we kind of invite the band back up as we kind of tie this together. We bring this to a tie this together. We bring this to a tie this together. We bring this to a close. And there's an illustration or a close. And there's an illustration or a close. And there's an illustration or a story to kind of represent what this story to kind of represent what this story to kind of represent what this looks like. Couple years ago, I heard a looks like. Couple years ago, I heard a looks like. Couple years ago, I heard a story um of a friend who had gotten a story um of a friend who had gotten a story um of a friend who had gotten a flat tire, right? he had drove um got a flat tire, right? he had drove um got a flat tire, right? he had drove um got a nail stuck in his tire and as with any nail stuck in his tire and as with any nail stuck in his tire and as with any tires pretty devastated, right? Um he tires pretty devastated, right? Um he tires pretty devastated, right? Um he understood like, "Oh my gosh, what has understood like, "Oh my gosh, what has understood like, "Oh my gosh, what has just happened?" Takes it to the tire just happened?" Takes it to the tire just happened?" Takes it to the tire shop the next morning um and they're shop the next morning um and they're shop the next morning um and they're running their diagnostics, they're running their diagnostics, they're running their diagnostics, they're running their tests, and they're in the running their tests, and they're in the running their tests, and they're in the lobby. The guy comes out, shakes his lobby. The guy comes out, shakes his lobby. The guy comes out, shakes his hand, how are you, man? Shakes his hand, hand, how are you, man? Shakes his hand, hand, how are you, man? Shakes his hand, tells him, "Hey, the tire that you had a tells him, "Hey, the tire that you had a tells him, "Hey, the tire that you had a nail in, you're going to for sure need nail in, you're going to for sure need nail in, you're going to for sure need that one fixed." And so all of a sudden, that one fixed." And so all of a sudden, that one fixed." And so all of a sudden, again, you've been there. Oh my gosh. again, you've been there. Oh my gosh. again, you've been there. Oh my gosh. And then he hits him with the curveball. And then he hits him with the curveball. And then he hits him with the curveball. We also, while we were doing the test We also, while we were doing the test We also, while we were doing the test found on the other tire on the other found on the other tire on the other found on the other tire on the other side, this spot, maybe you hit a curb, side, this spot, maybe you hit a curb, side, this spot, maybe you hit a curb, maybe we don't know what happened, but maybe we don't know what happened, but maybe we don't know what happened, but eventually it's going to need fixed, eventually it's going to need fixed, eventually it's going to need fixed, too. And for the safety of you, we too. And for the safety of you, we too. And for the safety of you, we highly encourage that you go ahead and highly encourage that you go ahead and highly encourage that you go ahead and get that tire fixed.

get that tire fixed. get that tire fixed. And so this man is s standing in this And so this man is s standing in this And so this man is s standing in this tire shop devastated. He's telling me tire shop devastated. He's telling me tire shop devastated. He's telling me that like he's devastated. He's hurt. that like he's devastated. He's hurt. that like he's devastated. He's hurt. He's kind of at a loss. Like that's not He's kind of at a loss. Like that's not He's kind of at a loss. Like that's not how he wanted to. It's 8:00 a.m. and how he wanted to. It's 8:00 a.m. and how he wanted to. It's 8:00 a.m. and he's at a loss for words and kind of he's at a loss for words and kind of he's at a loss for words and kind of just kills the mood, right? And so he just kills the mood, right? And so he just kills the mood, right? And so he goes to work, goes to work, goes to work, spends the day kind of downcast, kind of spends the day kind of downcast, kind of spends the day kind of downcast, kind of wore out, kind of already just hating wore out, kind of already just hating wore out, kind of already just hating it. Comes back to the tire shop that it. Comes back to the tire shop that it. Comes back to the tire shop that afternoon with his wallet in hand. afternoon with his wallet in hand. afternoon with his wallet in hand. Actually, matter of fact, he went ahead Actually, matter of fact, he went ahead Actually, matter of fact, he went ahead and got his card out and he's walking and got his card out and he's walking and got his card out and he's walking in. He doesn't even want to look at the in. He doesn't even want to look at the in. He doesn't even want to look at the receipt. He knows it doesn't even matter receipt. He knows it doesn't even matter receipt. He knows it doesn't even matter what number the receipt's on it. He just what number the receipt's on it. He just what number the receipt's on it. He just knows he's got to pay for it. And the knows he's got to pay for it. And the knows he's got to pay for it. And the guy at the counter behind him starts guy at the counter behind him starts guy at the counter behind him starts smiling at him. And he thinks to smiling at him. And he thinks to smiling at him. And he thinks to himself, he's telling me this, "I don't himself, he's telling me this, "I don't himself, he's telling me this, "I don't know what you think is funny, brother." know what you think is funny, brother." know what you think is funny, brother." [laughter] Like nothing is funny here. [laughter] Like nothing is funny here. [laughter] Like nothing is funny here. And he said, "Sir, I have some good news And he said, "Sir, I have some good news And he said, "Sir, I have some good news for you." And to him, he's still for you." And to him, he's still for you." And to him, he's still thinking, "There ain't no part of this thinking, "There ain't no part of this thinking, "There ain't no part of this good news. I know." good news. I know." good news. I know." And as he's putting his card on the And as he's putting his card on the And as he's putting his card on the counter to pay his debt, the man at the counter to pay his debt, the man at the counter to pay his debt, the man at the counter says, "You know that lady that counter says, "You know that lady that counter says, "You know that lady that was here this morning? She was a friend was here this morning? She was a friend was here this morning? She was a friend of theirs. They got to talking.

of theirs. They got to talking. of theirs. They got to talking. You know the lady that was in here? You know the lady that was in here? You know the lady that was in here? Yeah. Her and her husband came back in Yeah. Her and her husband came back in Yeah. Her and her husband came back in after you left and paid for your tires. after you left and paid for your tires. after you left and paid for your tires. And then he said these words, And then he said these words, And then he said these words, "Your debt is paid for. You owe nothing. "Your debt is paid for. You owe nothing. "Your debt is paid for. You owe nothing. Your debt is paid for. You owe nothing." And the man couldn't believe it. And the man couldn't believe it. The man had to just stand there The man had to just stand there The man had to just stand there and take it. All he could do was receive and take it. All he could do was receive and take it. All he could do was receive the free gift, the free gift, the free gift, slide the receipt that he was never slide the receipt that he was never slide the receipt that he was never wanting to look at, take it, leave, and wanting to look at, take it, leave, and wanting to look at, take it, leave, and live differently in light of it. live differently in light of it. live differently in light of it. He didn't have a track record. He didn't He didn't have a track record. He didn't He didn't have a track record. He didn't have a resume. He didn't have a step have a resume. He didn't have a step have a resume. He didn't have a step process as to why. He just knew deep process as to why. He just knew deep process as to why. He just knew deep down, hey, I don't deserve this. And down, hey, I don't deserve this. And down, hey, I don't deserve this. And yet, it was given freely to me. yet, it was given freely to me. yet, it was given freely to me. My friends, that is what Jesus has done My friends, that is what Jesus has done My friends, that is what Jesus has done for us on the cross. for us on the cross. for us on the cross. >> That is what he has done for us on the >> That is what he has done for us on the >> That is what he has done for us on the cross. Not because of our steps, not cross. Not because of our steps, not cross. Not because of our steps, not because of our religion, not because of because of our religion, not because of because of our religion, not because of our resumes, not because we brought our resumes, not because we brought our resumes, not because we brought something to the table and shouted at something to the table and shouted at something to the table and shouted at God. Here is why I deserve to get in, God. Here is why I deserve to get in, God. Here is why I deserve to get in, but solely because of what he did and but solely because of what he did and but solely because of what he did and who he was. His great love for us that who he was. His great love for us that who he was. His great love for us that he laid down his life for us he laid down his life for us he laid down his life for us so that he could echo and whisper into so that he could echo and whisper into so that he could echo and whisper into our hearts, "Your debt is paid for. You our hearts, "Your debt is paid for. You our hearts, "Your debt is paid for. You owe nothing."

owe nothing." owe nothing." My friend, some of you this morning have My friend, some of you this morning have My friend, some of you this morning have strived your whole life through again strived your whole life through again strived your whole life through again building your name or following these building your name or following these building your name or following these steps to hear those words right there. steps to hear those words right there. steps to hear those words right there. Your debt is paid for. You owe nothing. Your debt is paid for. You owe nothing. Your debt is paid for. You owe nothing. And yet the sad thing is you still And yet the sad thing is you still And yet the sad thing is you still haven't heard them, have you? haven't heard them, have you? haven't heard them, have you? You have yet to hear those words. You have yet to hear those words. You have yet to hear those words. My friends, may today be the day that My friends, may today be the day that My friends, may today be the day that you hear the good news, that you repent you hear the good news, that you repent you hear the good news, that you repent of that. You lay those religions and of that. You lay those religions and of that. You lay those religions and those resumes on this altar or in your those resumes on this altar or in your those resumes on this altar or in your chair. chair. chair. You back away and say, "Jesus, I can't You back away and say, "Jesus, I can't You back away and say, "Jesus, I can't gain it. I can't walk that ladder high gain it. I can't walk that ladder high gain it. I can't walk that ladder high enough. Praise God that you did. Please enough. Praise God that you did. Please enough. Praise God that you did. Please save me." If that is you who have never save me." If that is you who have never save me." If that is you who have never experienced that great exchange we're experienced that great exchange we're experienced that great exchange we're talking about, today can be the day you talking about, today can be the day you talking about, today can be the day you do. We're going to have leaders up here, do. We're going to have leaders up here, do. We're going to have leaders up here, leaders online as well [music] that leaders online as well [music] that leaders online as well [music] that would love nothing more than to walk you would love nothing more than to walk you would love nothing more than to walk you through that. through that. through that. How do I give my sin over? How do I How do I give my sin over? How do I How do I give my sin over? How do I repent? How do I place my faith? Those repent? How do I place my faith? Those repent? How do I place my faith? Those questions are for those people. Today questions are for those people. Today questions are for those people. Today can be that day. For the believer in the can be that day. For the believer in the can be that day. For the believer in the room, maybe you've already experienced room, maybe you've already experienced room, maybe you've already experienced that great exchange.

that great exchange. that great exchange. But here's my question to you. Where is But here's my question to you. Where is But here's my question to you. Where is your confidence? Are you walking in your confidence? Are you walking in your confidence? Are you walking in Jesus? You know him, yes. Jesus? You know him, yes. Jesus? You know him, yes. or excuse me, you're found in him, but or excuse me, you're found in him, but or excuse me, you're found in him, but are you knowing him more? Are you are you knowing him more? Are you are you knowing him more? Are you becoming more like him and further away becoming more like him and further away becoming more like him and further away from your old self every single day? from your old self every single day? from your old self every single day? And if that is you, again, those same And if that is you, again, those same And if that is you, again, those same people can walk you through, hey, here's people can walk you through, hey, here's people can walk you through, hey, here's some next steps we have for you. Whether some next steps we have for you. Whether some next steps we have for you. Whether that's what's coming up at midweek in that's what's coming up at midweek in that's what's coming up at midweek in the fall or whether that's coming up and the fall or whether that's coming up and the fall or whether that's coming up and how you can be discipled, how you can how you can be discipled, how you can how you can be discipled, how you can grow closer to Jesus, we have those grow closer to Jesus, we have those grow closer to Jesus, we have those things ready for you. But regardless, I things ready for you. But regardless, I things ready for you. But regardless, I want to end how I started. If we are not want to end how I started. If we are not want to end how I started. If we are not reminded of the gospel and the reminded of the gospel and the reminded of the gospel and the foundational truths that stem from it, foundational truths that stem from it, foundational truths that stem from it, we are prone to live against it, my we are prone to live against it, my we are prone to live against it, my friends. And may we heading into a great friends. And may we heading into a great friends. And may we heading into a great fall and the future of this church, fall and the future of this church, fall and the future of this church, may we not be a people that lives may we not be a people that lives may we not be a people that lives against it. May we rather be a people against it. May we rather be a people against it. May we rather be a people that lives in the reminder of the gospel that lives in the reminder of the gospel that lives in the reminder of the gospel every single day and models, rehearses every single day and models, rehearses every single day and models, rehearses it to ourselves, and lives it out.

it to ourselves, and lives it out. it to ourselves, and lives it out. I'm going to pray for us. Pastor Eric I'm going to pray for us. Pastor Eric I'm going to pray for us. Pastor Eric and his team are going to lead us in and his team are going to lead us in and his team are going to lead us in worship and you respond how you feel worship and you respond how you feel worship and you respond how you feel led. Father, thank you for today. God, led. Father, thank you for today. God, led. Father, thank you for today. God, you were good. Religion doesn't save. you were good. Religion doesn't save. you were good. Religion doesn't save. Resumes don't save. Only you and your Resumes don't save. Only you and your Resumes don't save. Only you and your grace and your blood on the cross can grace and your blood on the cross can grace and your blood on the cross can save us. Father, I pray today someone save us. Father, I pray today someone save us. Father, I pray today someone would repent of their sin and believe in would repent of their sin and believe in would repent of their sin and believe in you as their Lord and Savior. That Jesus you as their Lord and Savior. That Jesus you as their Lord and Savior. That Jesus you would give them your righteousness, you would give them your righteousness, you would give them your righteousness, give them your being. We don't deserve give them your being. We don't deserve give them your being. We don't deserve it, Father, but you have freely given it, Father, but you have freely given it, Father, but you have freely given it. And I pray that they would bask in it. And I pray that they would bask in it. And I pray that they would bask in it today, that we would enjoy it today. it today, that we would enjoy it today. it today, that we would enjoy it today. I pray that God, you would draw us I pray that God, you would draw us I pray that God, you would draw us closer to yourselves as sons and closer to yourselves as sons and closer to yourselves as sons and daughters, making us more like [music] daughters, making us more like [music] daughters, making us more like [music] you every single day. Father, thank you you every single day. Father, thank you you every single day. Father, thank you for being good. for being good. for being good. Help us lay it all and leave it all Help us lay it all and leave it all Help us lay it all and leave it all right here, Lord. We love you in Jesus right here, Lord. We love you in Jesus right here, Lord. We love you in Jesus name. Amen. Friends, let's STEM.