Everyday Joy - YOUR SALVATION ON DISPLAY - Greg Crabtree

Amen. And let me add my welcome to you. Amen. And let me add my welcome to you. I'm Pastor Greg and it's so good to see I'm Pastor Greg and it's so good to see I'm Pastor Greg and it's so good to see each and every one of you out this each and every one of you out this each and every one of you out this morning. We're going to continue our morning. We're going to continue our morning. We're going to continue our walk through Philippians chapter 2 this walk through Philippians chapter 2 this walk through Philippians chapter 2 this morning will specifically be in verses morning will specifically be in verses morning will specifically be in verses 12 through 18. And 12-18. And when we 12 through 18. And 12-18. And when we 12 through 18. And 12-18. And when we were working on this passage and and were working on this passage and and were working on this passage and and Pastor Archie come up with the outline Pastor Archie come up with the outline Pastor Archie come up with the outline and I don't think you can have a better and I don't think you can have a better and I don't think you can have a better one. And I I love those outlines him and one. And I I love those outlines him and one. And I I love those outlines him and Pastor Blake come up with us for they're Pastor Blake come up with us for they're Pastor Blake come up with us for they're very short, concise, but the title of very short, concise, but the title of very short, concise, but the title of this message is called Your Salvation Is this message is called Your Salvation Is this message is called Your Salvation Is On Display. And I struggled a little bit On Display. And I struggled a little bit On Display. And I struggled a little bit the last two weeks. First, let me the last two weeks. First, let me the last two weeks. First, let me confess every toe that I have once again confess every toe that I have once again confess every toe that I have once again has been broken for two weeks. And has been broken for two weeks. And has been broken for two weeks. And that's called conviction. But uh man, I that's called conviction. But uh man, I that's called conviction. But uh man, I just what kind of illustration to open just what kind of illustration to open just what kind of illustration to open this message up. And I got to thinking this message up. And I got to thinking this message up. And I got to thinking back to back to back to my life as a coach, my life as a coach, my life as a coach, coaching a pretty good team. You know, coaching a pretty good team. You know, coaching a pretty good team. You know, Philippi was one of the most mature Philippi was one of the most mature Philippi was one of the most mature churches that you'll find in the New churches that you'll find in the New churches that you'll find in the New Testament. but that coaching of a good Testament. but that coaching of a good Testament. but that coaching of a good team. He comes out of the gate in this team. He comes out of the gate in this team. He comes out of the gate in this passage and this is this just kind of passage and this is this just kind of passage and this is this just kind of the illustration the illustration the illustration and he gives them some words of and he gives them some words of and he gives them some words of encouragement and in the heels I tried encouragement and in the heels I tried encouragement and in the heels I tried this at 8 it flopped. So come on 9:30 in this at 8 it flopped. So come on 9:30 in this at 8 it flopped. So come on 9:30 in the hills when something went good in the hills when something went good in the hills when something went good in the sporting event your coach was like

the sporting event your coach was like the sporting event your coach was like at a boy. You ever heard of an at a boy? at a boy. You ever heard of an at a boy? at a boy. You ever heard of an at a boy? >> Okay. So when the school went broke and >> Okay. So when the school went broke and >> Okay. So when the school went broke and I started coaching girls and boys, what I started coaching girls and boys, what I started coaching girls and boys, what do you think I done the first game when do you think I done the first game when do you think I done the first game when the girls done something good? Had a boy the girls done something good? Had a boy the girls done something good? Had a boy girl. I had a girl, you know, took a girl. I had a girl, you know, took a girl. I had a girl, you know, took a little transition. But the point of that little transition. But the point of that little transition. But the point of that is Paul comes out of the gate here in is Paul comes out of the gate here in is Paul comes out of the gate here in verse 12 and he talks about a positive verse 12 and he talks about a positive verse 12 and he talks about a positive element that he sees in the church. And element that he sees in the church. And element that he sees in the church. And then he goes over the goal. And the then he goes over the goal. And the then he goes over the goal. And the goal, I'll just give you a hint, goal, I'll just give you a hint, goal, I'll just give you a hint, sanctification. sanctification. sanctification. And we could really say amen and central And we could really say amen and central And we could really say amen and central your scent after that second song that your scent after that second song that your scent after that second song that describes our salvation, the blood and describes our salvation, the blood and describes our salvation, the blood and that sanctification, what we were saved that sanctification, what we were saved that sanctification, what we were saved to do and how we are saved to walk. to do and how we are saved to walk. to do and how we are saved to walk. And then Paul gets to verse 14 and he And then Paul gets to verse 14 and he And then Paul gets to verse 14 and he identifies a problem. A problem. So that identifies a problem. A problem. So that identifies a problem. A problem. So that pretty good team, there's a problem. pretty good team, there's a problem. pretty good team, there's a problem. So he coaches them up a little bit. He So he coaches them up a little bit. He So he coaches them up a little bit. He gives them an evaluation. Then he gives gives them an evaluation. Then he gives gives them an evaluation. Then he gives them a model to follow. So that's kind them a model to follow. So that's kind them a model to follow. So that's kind of what went through my mind. You think of what went through my mind. You think of what went through my mind. You think about that. You can agree or disagree.

about that. You can agree or disagree. about that. You can agree or disagree. That's that's up to you. But uh That's that's up to you. But uh That's that's up to you. But uh Philippians 2:12-18, let's read the Philippians 2:12-18, let's read the Philippians 2:12-18, let's read the passage. passage. passage. So then, my beloved, just as you have So then, my beloved, just as you have So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence always obeyed, not as in my presence always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, only, but now much more in my absence, only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and work out your salvation with fear and work out your salvation with fear and trembling. trembling. trembling. For it is God who is at work in you, For it is God who is at work in you, For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good both to will and to work for his good both to will and to work for his good pleasure. pleasure. pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or Do all things without grumbling or Do all things without grumbling or disputing, disputing, disputing, so that you will prove yourself to be so that you will prove yourself to be so that you will prove yourself to be blameless and innocent, children of God, blameless and innocent, children of God, blameless and innocent, children of God, above reproach, in the midst of a above reproach, in the midst of a above reproach, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, crooked and perverse generation, crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the among whom you appear as lights in the among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, world, holding fast the word of life, world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ, I will so that in the day of Christ, I will so that in the day of Christ, I will have no I will have reason to glory.

have no I will have reason to glory. have no I will have reason to glory. because I did not run in vain, nor toil because I did not run in vain, nor toil because I did not run in vain, nor toil in vain. Verse 17, but even if I am in vain. Verse 17, but even if I am in vain. Verse 17, but even if I am being poured out as a drink offering being poured out as a drink offering being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your upon the sacrifice and service of your upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with faith, I rejoice and share my joy with faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. the same way and share your joy with me. the same way and share your joy with me. Let's go to the Lord in prayer. Heavenly Let's go to the Lord in prayer. Heavenly Let's go to the Lord in prayer. Heavenly Father, Lord God, I just pray now. I Father, Lord God, I just pray now. I Father, Lord God, I just pray now. I just thank you so much just thank you so much just thank you so much for the worship. Lord, I just thank you for the worship. Lord, I just thank you for the worship. Lord, I just thank you so much for the worship of baptism. And so much for the worship of baptism. And so much for the worship of baptism. And now I just pray, Holy Spirit. now I just pray, Holy Spirit. now I just pray, Holy Spirit. Lord, you speak to us in a way that only Lord, you speak to us in a way that only Lord, you speak to us in a way that only you can. Lord, you convict, you draw you can. Lord, you convict, you draw you can. Lord, you convict, you draw hearts to your word. And Lord, I just hearts to your word. And Lord, I just hearts to your word. And Lord, I just pray that you just move me out of the pray that you just move me out of the pray that you just move me out of the way and say what you want to say. Lord, way and say what you want to say. Lord, way and say what you want to say. Lord, we just love you and praise you for what we just love you and praise you for what we just love you and praise you for what you're about to do. We ask this in your you're about to do. We ask this in your you're about to do. We ask this in your holy and precious name. Amen. Amen. So, holy and precious name. Amen. Amen. So, holy and precious name. Amen. Amen. So, your salvation is on display.

your salvation is on display. your salvation is on display. Three points. Work it out, Three points. Work it out, Three points. Work it out, live it out, and pour it out. Work it live it out, and pour it out. Work it live it out, and pour it out. Work it out, live it out, and pour it out. The out, live it out, and pour it out. The out, live it out, and pour it out. The first point, we start in verse 12. First first point, we start in verse 12. First first point, we start in verse 12. First two words. It's easy to look at that and two words. It's easy to look at that and two words. It's easy to look at that and just say, "So then, so then what? What just say, "So then, so then what? What just say, "So then, so then what? What does so then mean?" So then takes us does so then mean?" So then takes us does so then mean?" So then takes us back to last week, the first 11 verses back to last week, the first 11 verses back to last week, the first 11 verses of this chapter. And Pastor Chuck walked of this chapter. And Pastor Chuck walked of this chapter. And Pastor Chuck walked us through Christ, obedience, us through Christ, obedience, us through Christ, obedience, submission. submission. submission. He walked us through the sacrifice. He He walked us through the sacrifice. He He walked us through the sacrifice. He walked us through exalting Christ. And walked us through exalting Christ. And walked us through exalting Christ. And now that we know all that, Paul says, now that we know all that, Paul says, now that we know all that, Paul says, "So then, so then that we know that, "So then, so then that we know that, "So then, so then that we know that, let's move forward." And then two more let's move forward." And then two more let's move forward." And then two more important words that you can blow right important words that you can blow right important words that you can blow right through, my beloved, who was the letter through, my beloved, who was the letter through, my beloved, who was the letter written to Philippi, written to Philippi, written to Philippi, the believers, the saved. That'll be the believers, the saved. That'll be the believers, the saved. That'll be very important when we get to about the very important when we get to about the very important when we get to about the fourth phrase of this verse. So Paul is fourth phrase of this verse. So Paul is fourth phrase of this verse. So Paul is writing this to the believers at writing this to the believers at writing this to the believers at Philippi and then he gives them the at a Philippi and then he gives them the at a Philippi and then he gives them the at a boy at a girl. Just as you have always boy at a girl. Just as you have always boy at a girl. Just as you have always obeyed obeyed obeyed not as in my presence only but now much not as in my presence only but now much not as in my presence only but now much more in my absence. Remember where is more in my absence. Remember where is more in my absence. Remember where is Paul? Is he standing up here preaching Paul? Is he standing up here preaching Paul? Is he standing up here preaching this?

this? this? He is chained He is chained He is chained to a Roman soldier while he's writing to a Roman soldier while he's writing to a Roman soldier while he's writing this. this. this. We talked about two weeks ago I if you We talked about two weeks ago I if you We talked about two weeks ago I if you were here and you remember we talked were here and you remember we talked were here and you remember we talked about as a believer we're accountable to about as a believer we're accountable to about as a believer we're accountable to the Lord the Lord the Lord in our pastor's presence in our pastor's presence in our pastor's presence but also in our pastor's absence. but also in our pastor's absence. but also in our pastor's absence. And Paul's telling them, you have been And Paul's telling them, you have been And Paul's telling them, you have been obedient both in my presence as well as obedient both in my presence as well as obedient both in my presence as well as my absence. So he he he brags on him. He my absence. So he he he brags on him. He my absence. So he he he brags on him. He gives him a word of encouragement. gives him a word of encouragement. gives him a word of encouragement. And then he comes to probably one of the And then he comes to probably one of the And then he comes to probably one of the most misunderstood, most misunderstood, most misunderstood, missed information given out about this missed information given out about this missed information given out about this phrase in scripture. phrase in scripture. phrase in scripture. Work out your salvation with fear and Work out your salvation with fear and Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. And if you stop right there, trembling. And if you stop right there, trembling. And if you stop right there, you can think, "What in the world can't you can think, "What in the world can't you can think, "What in the world can't work for our salvation?" work for our salvation?" work for our salvation?" It's why it's important not to pull one It's why it's important not to pull one It's why it's important not to pull one phrase out of a text. You continue on phrase out of a text. You continue on phrase out of a text. You continue on verse 13. Work out your salvation with verse 13. Work out your salvation with verse 13. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Verse 13, for it is fear and trembling. Verse 13, for it is fear and trembling. Verse 13, for it is God who is at work in you both to will God who is at work in you both to will God who is at work in you both to will and to work. Does it say for our and to work. Does it say for our and to work. Does it say for our pleasure?

pleasure? pleasure? For his pleasure, God's pleasure. For his pleasure, God's pleasure. For his pleasure, God's pleasure. So when you read verse 12, if you stop So when you read verse 12, if you stop So when you read verse 12, if you stop at that phrase, work out your salvation at that phrase, work out your salvation at that phrase, work out your salvation with fear and trembling, it can lead to with fear and trembling, it can lead to with fear and trembling, it can lead to some misinterpretation, some some misinterpretation, some some misinterpretation, some misinformation. misinformation. misinformation. Now, the first error of interpretation Now, the first error of interpretation Now, the first error of interpretation that a lot of people give is, well, I that a lot of people give is, well, I that a lot of people give is, well, I guess I've been told wrong all my life. guess I've been told wrong all my life. guess I've been told wrong all my life. I guess you do have to work for your I guess you do have to work for your I guess you do have to work for your salvation. Isn't that what it says? salvation. Isn't that what it says? salvation. Isn't that what it says? Absolutely not. Absolutely not. Remember Absolutely not. Absolutely not. Remember Absolutely not. Absolutely not. Remember who Paul wrote this letter to? My who Paul wrote this letter to? My who Paul wrote this letter to? My beloved. Who is my beloved from Paul? beloved. Who is my beloved from Paul? beloved. Who is my beloved from Paul? The believers at Philippi. They're The believers at Philippi. They're The believers at Philippi. They're already saved. already saved. already saved. Sanctification is what we're focusing on Sanctification is what we're focusing on Sanctification is what we're focusing on here. And I know what it says. here. And I know what it says. here. And I know what it says. Salvation. And we'll get to a phrase Salvation. And we'll get to a phrase Salvation. And we'll get to a phrase that can help clear that up at the end that can help clear that up at the end that can help clear that up at the end of this point. But we know the first of this point. But we know the first of this point. But we know the first error. error. error. So now PO Paul focuses on the believer's So now PO Paul focuses on the believer's So now PO Paul focuses on the believer's role in sanctification.

role in sanctification. role in sanctification. Paul doesn't say this. He doesn't say to Paul doesn't say this. He doesn't say to Paul doesn't say this. He doesn't say to work for your salvation. He doesn't say work for your salvation. He doesn't say work for your salvation. He doesn't say to work at your salvation. He sure to work at your salvation. He sure to work at your salvation. He sure doesn't say try to work up your doesn't say try to work up your doesn't say try to work up your salvation. All of those are bad salvation. All of those are bad salvation. All of those are bad interpretations. interpretations. interpretations. Paul is not speaking of us attaining Paul is not speaking of us attaining Paul is not speaking of us attaining salvation here by human effort or by salvation here by human effort or by salvation here by human effort or by being good. What Paul is talking about being good. What Paul is talking about being good. What Paul is talking about to the believers at Philippi, he's to the believers at Philippi, he's to the believers at Philippi, he's calling them to live out that inner calling them to live out that inner calling them to live out that inner transformation that God has graciously transformation that God has graciously transformation that God has graciously given you. And you think about it like given you. And you think about it like given you. And you think about it like this. The moment we're saved, this. The moment we're saved, this. The moment we're saved, we're indwelt with the Holy Spirit. and we're indwelt with the Holy Spirit. and we're indwelt with the Holy Spirit. and the Holy Spirit. We know we're a new the Holy Spirit. We know we're a new the Holy Spirit. We know we're a new creature. creature. creature. Eternity awaits. Eternity awaits. Eternity awaits. But at that moment, the Holy Spirit, But at that moment, the Holy Spirit, But at that moment, the Holy Spirit, it's kind of like bringing out a hammer it's kind of like bringing out a hammer it's kind of like bringing out a hammer and a chisel back in the day. You hammer and a chisel back in the day. You hammer and a chisel back in the day. You hammer and you chisel away the parts that and you chisel away the parts that and you chisel away the parts that doesn't need to be there. That's what doesn't need to be there. That's what doesn't need to be there. That's what we're talking about. That we're talking about. That we're talking about. That transformation, that work of God through transformation, that work of God through transformation, that work of God through the Holy Spirit in our lives. So, work the Holy Spirit in our lives. So, work the Holy Spirit in our lives. So, work out our salvation. How? with fear and out our salvation. How? with fear and out our salvation. How? with fear and trembling.

trembling. trembling. That can be a little puzzling too. Fear That can be a little puzzling too. Fear That can be a little puzzling too. Fear most of the times in scripture it's most of the times in scripture it's most of the times in scripture it's talking about a right reverence of God, talking about a right reverence of God, talking about a right reverence of God, a righteous life, respect, being a righteous life, respect, being a righteous life, respect, being reverent to God. But also fear and reverent to God. But also fear and reverent to God. But also fear and trembling means sometimes just what it trembling means sometimes just what it trembling means sometimes just what it sounds like. The fear and trembling here sounds like. The fear and trembling here sounds like. The fear and trembling here is the consequences of our sin. You see, is the consequences of our sin. You see, is the consequences of our sin. You see, as a believer, after salvation, as a believer, after salvation, as a believer, after salvation, we don't live that sinless, perfect life we don't live that sinless, perfect life we don't live that sinless, perfect life here on this fallen world. We're saved, here on this fallen world. We're saved, here on this fallen world. We're saved, but we still sin. What are we called to but we still sin. What are we called to but we still sin. What are we called to do when we sin? Confess, repent, and do when we sin? Confess, repent, and do when we sin? Confess, repent, and turn away from that sin. Fear and turn away from that sin. Fear and turn away from that sin. Fear and trembling. In other words, there's trembling. In other words, there's trembling. In other words, there's consequences to sin. The Lord will get a consequences to sin. The Lord will get a consequences to sin. The Lord will get a believer's attention when they're living believer's attention when they're living believer's attention when they're living in a sinful season of their life. And in a sinful season of their life. And in a sinful season of their life. And that may be through discipline. That may that may be through discipline. That may that may be through discipline. That may be chastening, all those words. But he be chastening, all those words. But he be chastening, all those words. But he will get our attention. So the fear and will get our attention. So the fear and will get our attention. So the fear and trembling reference there. But think trembling reference there. But think trembling reference there. But think about this when you're thinking about about this when you're thinking about about this when you're thinking about salvation, justification, and salvation, justification, and salvation, justification, and glorification. And we're not going deep glorification. And we're not going deep glorification. And we're not going deep here. This is one phrase to sum that up.

here. This is one phrase to sum that up. here. This is one phrase to sum that up. You might say it like this. You might say it like this. You might say it like this. Someone who has been saved, Someone who has been saved, Someone who has been saved, justification. They're saved at that justification. They're saved at that justification. They're saved at that moment. So, they have been saved. But moment. So, they have been saved. But moment. So, they have been saved. But from that point until Christ returns or from that point until Christ returns or from that point until Christ returns or we die, that's the moment sanctification we die, that's the moment sanctification we die, that's the moment sanctification starts. And you can say it like this. starts. And you can say it like this. starts. And you can say it like this. You have been saved. And sanctification, You have been saved. And sanctification, You have been saved. And sanctification, you are being saved. And then you are being saved. And then you are being saved. And then glorification. glorification. glorification. The day we go home to be with the Lord The day we go home to be with the Lord The day we go home to be with the Lord in our glorified bodies, we will be in our glorified bodies, we will be in our glorified bodies, we will be saved. So think about that when you're saved. So think about that when you're saved. So think about that when you're going through this phrase in verse 12. going through this phrase in verse 12. going through this phrase in verse 12. It's another way to describe It's another way to describe It's another way to describe justification, sanctification, and justification, sanctification, and justification, sanctification, and glorification. glorification. glorification. Now, the call of believers. What are we Now, the call of believers. What are we Now, the call of believers. What are we to do as believers? We're to work out to do as believers? We're to work out to do as believers? We're to work out our sanctification. We're to work out our sanctification. We're to work out our sanctification. We're to work out our salvation. our salvation. our salvation. But God plays the role in that But God plays the role in that But God plays the role in that sanctification. Look at verse 13. For it sanctification. Look at verse 13. For it sanctification. Look at verse 13. For it is God who is at work in you. Without is God who is at work in you. Without is God who is at work in you. Without being saved, without God working in you, being saved, without God working in you, being saved, without God working in you, you can do nothing. You can do nothing.

you can do nothing. You can do nothing. you can do nothing. You can do nothing. So our working out is simply what God is So our working out is simply what God is So our working out is simply what God is transforming and working inside of us. transforming and working inside of us. transforming and working inside of us. So hopefully that clears up the first So hopefully that clears up the first So hopefully that clears up the first point of work out your salvation with point of work out your salvation with point of work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Second point, we're fear and trembling. Second point, we're fear and trembling. Second point, we're called to live it out. We worked it out. called to live it out. We worked it out. called to live it out. We worked it out. God's transforming our lives. Now we're God's transforming our lives. Now we're God's transforming our lives. Now we're called to live it out. Why? The world is called to live it out. Why? The world is called to live it out. Why? The world is watching you. It's what Paul's telling watching you. It's what Paul's telling watching you. It's what Paul's telling us here. And he opens up with verse 14. us here. And he opens up with verse 14. us here. And he opens up with verse 14. And remember back to the good team And remember back to the good team And remember back to the good team that's kind of fell in a a a little that's kind of fell in a a a little that's kind of fell in a a a little season here that's not going well. Paul season here that's not going well. Paul season here that's not going well. Paul challenges the believers at Philippi. challenges the believers at Philippi. challenges the believers at Philippi. And you think, good, I'm glad that's not And you think, good, I'm glad that's not And you think, good, I'm glad that's not for us today. for us today. for us today. Remember God's word. It's alive. It's Remember God's word. It's alive. It's Remember God's word. It's alive. It's active. And it's relevant for us today. active. And it's relevant for us today. active. And it's relevant for us today. Just as relevant as it was 2,000 years Just as relevant as it was 2,000 years Just as relevant as it was 2,000 years ago. And here's the challenge, and I'll ago. And here's the challenge, and I'll ago. And here's the challenge, and I'll warn you when you lay out a challenge as warn you when you lay out a challenge as warn you when you lay out a challenge as a coach. Some respond well to a coach. Some respond well to a coach. Some respond well to challenging, challenging, challenging, some don't. This is one of these some don't. This is one of these some don't. This is one of these passages. So, here's the challenge.

passages. So, here's the challenge. passages. So, here's the challenge. Verse 14, do all things without Verse 14, do all things without Verse 14, do all things without grumbling or disputing. grumbling or disputing. grumbling or disputing. How good are we at that? How good are we at that? How good are we at that? You see why every one of my toes have You see why every one of my toes have You see why every one of my toes have been broken the last two weeks? And you been broken the last two weeks? And you been broken the last two weeks? And you say, "Well, you said that last time you say, "Well, you said that last time you say, "Well, you said that last time you preached two weeks ago." That's right. preached two weeks ago." That's right. preached two weeks ago." That's right. I've got a month of broken toes. It I've got a month of broken toes. It I've got a month of broken toes. It starts with me. That's that's why I kind starts with me. That's that's why I kind starts with me. That's that's why I kind of waddle instead of walk. But anyway, of waddle instead of walk. But anyway, of waddle instead of walk. But anyway, let me ask you this. let me ask you this. let me ask you this. We live in one of the richest countries, We live in one of the richest countries, We live in one of the richest countries, if not the richest country in the world. if not the richest country in the world. if not the richest country in the world. Sure, there's poverty, but overall, it's Sure, there's poverty, but overall, it's Sure, there's poverty, but overall, it's a rich country. We have a rich country. We have a rich country. We have basically anything we need, of course, basically anything we need, of course, basically anything we need, of course, but we also have a lot of wants. but we also have a lot of wants. but we also have a lot of wants. The wealthiest people, as you become The wealthiest people, as you become The wealthiest people, as you become wealthier, wealthier, wealthier, do they usually get more content?

Usually less content. Now, I have Usually less content. Now, I have nothing bad to say today about our nothing bad to say today about our nothing bad to say today about our country. We celebrated 250 years in this country. We celebrated 250 years in this country. We celebrated 250 years in this country last week. And let me tell you country last week. And let me tell you country last week. And let me tell you something, that's 50 years longer than something, that's 50 years longer than something, that's 50 years longer than the average existence of any country in the average existence of any country in the average existence of any country in the world. The average existence of a the world. The average existence of a the world. The average existence of a country is 200 years. And what does the country is 200 years. And what does the country is 200 years. And what does the country end? It implodes. country end? It implodes. country end? It implodes. It implodes. It implodes. It implodes. So great celebration last week, but So great celebration last week, but So great celebration last week, but based on the numbers that was here, I based on the numbers that was here, I based on the numbers that was here, I hope we don't celebrate anything like hope we don't celebrate anything like hope we don't celebrate anything like that on a Saturday night and Sunday for that on a Saturday night and Sunday for that on a Saturday night and Sunday for a long time. Okay? But don't go away a long time. Okay? But don't go away a long time. Okay? But don't go away saying, "I don't love our country. saying, "I don't love our country. saying, "I don't love our country. Discontentment. What do social media, Discontentment. What do social media, Discontentment. What do social media, what does media, what does any kind of what does media, what does any kind of what does media, what does any kind of entertainment, entertainment, entertainment, does it show a picture of reality? does it show a picture of reality? does it show a picture of reality? It's all fantasy land. Have you ever It's all fantasy land. Have you ever It's all fantasy land. Have you ever noticed that people on commercials, they noticed that people on commercials, they noticed that people on commercials, they don't look like me? Have you ever don't look like me? Have you ever don't look like me? Have you ever noticed that, noticed that, noticed that, man? It's fantasy. It's not reality.

man? It's fantasy. It's not reality. man? It's fantasy. It's not reality. Now, that also leads to our Now, that also leads to our Now, that also leads to our discontentment. discontentment. discontentment. A sociologist said this. You can agree A sociologist said this. You can agree A sociologist said this. You can agree with it. You cannot. with it. You cannot. with it. You cannot. Back in the day, people had large Back in the day, people had large Back in the day, people had large families, larger than they do now. families, larger than they do now. families, larger than they do now. Now, I tried this uh hillbilly accent at Now, I tried this uh hillbilly accent at Now, I tried this uh hillbilly accent at at 8. I don't know how well it worked. at 8. I don't know how well it worked. at 8. I don't know how well it worked. Pastor Blake said, "Don't do that Pastor Blake said, "Don't do that Pastor Blake said, "Don't do that again." He didn't say, "Don't do that again." He didn't say, "Don't do that again." He didn't say, "Don't do that again." So, here we go. Let me tell you again." So, here we go. Let me tell you again." So, here we go. Let me tell you something. Back in the day, I had 12 something. Back in the day, I had 12 something. Back in the day, I had 12 brothers and sisters. And at Christmas brothers and sisters. And at Christmas brothers and sisters. And at Christmas time, they'd roll out an apple and time, they'd roll out an apple and time, they'd roll out an apple and they'd roll out an orange. Law of the they'd roll out an orange. Law of the they'd roll out an orange. Law of the jungle took over. Two of us was happy. jungle took over. Two of us was happy. jungle took over. Two of us was happy. What's the point in saying something What's the point in saying something What's the point in saying something goofy like that? People didn't have goofy like that? People didn't have goofy like that? People didn't have much. And what they had when you divide much. And what they had when you divide much. And what they had when you divide by 15 people instead of three or four, by 15 people instead of three or four, by 15 people instead of three or four, they didn't have anything. They weren't they didn't have anything. They weren't they didn't have anything. They weren't spoiled as bad as we are today. My spoiled as bad as we are today. My spoiled as bad as we are today. My daughter was here the last service. My daughter was here the last service. My daughter was here the last service. My grandson, four-year-old, it's kind of grandson, four-year-old, it's kind of grandson, four-year-old, it's kind of dicey. Didn't know how that was going to dicey. Didn't know how that was going to dicey. Didn't know how that was going to go, but he sat over there and I think he go, but he sat over there and I think he go, but he sat over there and I think he made it through most of it.

made it through most of it. made it through most of it. But here's what I'll say. We have one But here's what I'll say. We have one But here's what I'll say. We have one child. We have grandkids. Two. Third one child. We have grandkids. Two. Third one child. We have grandkids. Two. Third one on the way. on the way. on the way. They have so much stuff. They have so much stuff. They have so much stuff. Stuff. Now, I'm not throwing my Stuff. Now, I'm not throwing my Stuff. Now, I'm not throwing my grandkids under the bus. I'm sure not grandkids under the bus. I'm sure not grandkids under the bus. I'm sure not throwing my daughter under the bus. But throwing my daughter under the bus. But throwing my daughter under the bus. But here's what I observe today of kids here's what I observe today of kids here's what I observe today of kids anywhere. Pick up a toy, throw it down. anywhere. Pick up a toy, throw it down. anywhere. Pick up a toy, throw it down. Pick up a toy, throw it down. Pick up a Pick up a toy, throw it down. Pick up a Pick up a toy, throw it down. Pick up a toy. Why? Because they've got 31,000 toy. Why? Because they've got 31,000 toy. Why? Because they've got 31,000 toys. toys. toys. And then we wonder why their attention And then we wonder why their attention And then we wonder why their attention span is 3.7 seconds. span is 3.7 seconds. span is 3.7 seconds. It's overwhelming. And then we rent It's overwhelming. And then we rent It's overwhelming. And then we rent storage buildings to put our stuff in. storage buildings to put our stuff in. storage buildings to put our stuff in. All that leads to is discontentment. All that leads to is discontentment. All that leads to is discontentment. And you say, "Man, I wasn't really And you say, "Man, I wasn't really And you say, "Man, I wasn't really expecting that." expecting that." expecting that." Well, what does discontentment lead to? Well, what does discontentment lead to? Well, what does discontentment lead to? Impatience. Impatience. Impatience. We used to be a fast food society. We used to be a fast food society. We used to be a fast food society. But now we get fast food delivered to us But now we get fast food delivered to us But now we get fast food delivered to us on our schedule. We don't have time for on our schedule. We don't have time for on our schedule. We don't have time for fast food. You ever thought about that?

fast food. You ever thought about that? fast food. You ever thought about that? What does years of discontentment to What does years of discontentment to What does years of discontentment to lead to? lead to? lead to? It's a thing called midlife crisis. And It's a thing called midlife crisis. And It's a thing called midlife crisis. And I'm 57. My wife's eyes got bigger as I'm 57. My wife's eyes got bigger as I'm 57. My wife's eyes got bigger as silver dollars at 8:00. She's like, silver dollars at 8:00. She's like, silver dollars at 8:00. She's like, "Where's he going with this?" I've just "Where's he going with this?" I've just "Where's he going with this?" I've just recently had mine. Now, a lot of men recently had mine. Now, a lot of men recently had mine. Now, a lot of men when they have their midlife crisis, when they have their midlife crisis, when they have their midlife crisis, they buy a motorcycle. No offense to they buy a motorcycle. No offense to they buy a motorcycle. No offense to anybody that's got one. Maybe you bought anybody that's got one. Maybe you bought anybody that's got one. Maybe you bought that when you was six. I don't know. But that when you was six. I don't know. But that when you was six. I don't know. But they buy a motorcycle. They buy a sports they buy a motorcycle. They buy a sports they buy a motorcycle. They buy a sports car. It's great. car. It's great. car. It's great. Most of you know this, pastor. I ain't Most of you know this, pastor. I ain't Most of you know this, pastor. I ain't spending that kind of money on nothing. spending that kind of money on nothing. spending that kind of money on nothing. My midlife crisis was a Harley sound for My midlife crisis was a Harley sound for My midlife crisis was a Harley sound for my ringtone on my phone and it was free. my ringtone on my phone and it was free. my ringtone on my phone and it was free. So, I've had my midlife crisis and now I So, I've had my midlife crisis and now I So, I've had my midlife crisis and now I move on. Now, all jokes aside, when did move on. Now, all jokes aside, when did move on. Now, all jokes aside, when did complaining start? complaining start? complaining start? Think about it. Did it start with me? Think about it. Did it start with me? Think about it. Did it start with me? Go all the way back to Adam. The first Go all the way back to Adam. The first Go all the way back to Adam. The first sin, sin, sin, his reaction when he seen Eve, he was his reaction when he seen Eve, he was his reaction when he seen Eve, he was blown away.

blown away. blown away. And then the first sin, And then the first sin, And then the first sin, did he step up and be the man that God did he step up and be the man that God did he step up and be the man that God created him to be, the spiritual leader created him to be, the spiritual leader created him to be, the spiritual leader of his home? God, of his home? God, of his home? God, it's my fault. it's my fault. it's my fault. I should have never put my wife in that I should have never put my wife in that I should have never put my wife in that situation. I stood there passive. We situation. I stood there passive. We situation. I stood there passive. We sinned. We ptook. sinned. We ptook. sinned. We ptook. It's my fault. My bad. Punish me. Is It's my fault. My bad. Punish me. Is It's my fault. My bad. Punish me. Is that what he said? that what he said? that what he said? Immediately went to the blame game, Immediately went to the blame game, Immediately went to the blame game, didn't he? Lord, it's your fault. You didn't he? Lord, it's your fault. You didn't he? Lord, it's your fault. You give me that woman. give me that woman. give me that woman. Complaining. Complaining. Complaining. Complaining. What about the next Complaining. What about the next Complaining. What about the next generation? Cain. generation? Cain. generation? Cain. What did Cain do? Killed his brother. What did Cain do? Killed his brother. What did Cain do? Killed his brother. And when the Lord dealt out the And when the Lord dealt out the And when the Lord dealt out the punishment for that, what was his punishment for that, what was his punishment for that, what was his reaction? He complained to the Lord, reaction? He complained to the Lord, reaction? He complained to the Lord, "Lord, this punishment is more than I "Lord, this punishment is more than I "Lord, this punishment is more than I can bear." can bear." can bear." Fast forward all the way to Moses. What Fast forward all the way to Moses. What Fast forward all the way to Moses. What did he do? He complained to the Lord, did he do? He complained to the Lord, did he do? He complained to the Lord, "Lord, why do you not hear your chosen "Lord, why do you not hear your chosen "Lord, why do you not hear your chosen people in bondage for 400 years? When people in bondage for 400 years? When people in bondage for 400 years? When are you going to let them go? Complain.

are you going to let them go? Complain. are you going to let them go? Complain. So, enough about the past. 2,000 years So, enough about the past. 2,000 years So, enough about the past. 2,000 years ago, Paul tells the church, and I'm ago, Paul tells the church, and I'm ago, Paul tells the church, and I'm shortening verse 14, basically, quit shortening verse 14, basically, quit shortening verse 14, basically, quit complaining. complaining. complaining. So, what are some complaints that we So, what are some complaints that we So, what are some complaints that we hear today? What causes a believer's hear today? What causes a believer's hear today? What causes a believer's blood pressure to boil over? And yes, blood pressure to boil over? And yes, blood pressure to boil over? And yes, I'm on blood pressure now for about 10 I'm on blood pressure now for about 10 I'm on blood pressure now for about 10 months. months. months. What about this? A driver cuts you off What about this? A driver cuts you off What about this? A driver cuts you off in traffic. How do we react to that? Not in traffic. How do we react to that? Not in traffic. How do we react to that? Not very good. very good. very good. Worse than that, get on a county road Worse than that, get on a county road Worse than that, get on a county road and get behind somebody driving slow. We and get behind somebody driving slow. We and get behind somebody driving slow. We lose our minds. lose our minds. lose our minds. Now, I had this all set up. My Now, I had this all set up. My Now, I had this all set up. My son-in-law was going to be here with my son-in-law was going to be here with my son-in-law was going to be here with my family this morning, but he had a family this morning, but he had a family this morning, but he had a deacons meeting at Central, so he deacons meeting at Central, so he deacons meeting at Central, so he couldn't be here. I was going to say couldn't be here. I was going to say couldn't be here. I was going to say your in-laws and he was going to say your in-laws and he was going to say your in-laws and he was going to say amen. amen. amen. He's not here. He's not here. He's not here. What have we complained over the last What have we complained over the last What have we complained over the last six months? The price of gas $4. That's six months? The price of gas $4. That's six months? The price of gas $4. That's ridiculous.

ridiculous. ridiculous. My truck gets eight mile a gallon and My truck gets eight mile a gallon and My truck gets eight mile a gallon and twice a day I idle 20 minutes sitting in twice a day I idle 20 minutes sitting in twice a day I idle 20 minutes sitting in line waiting for a six $6 cup of coffee. line waiting for a six $6 cup of coffee. line waiting for a six $6 cup of coffee. Think about it. What do we do? We blame Think about it. What do we do? We blame Think about it. What do we do? We blame it on the gas price and it is high. But it on the gas price and it is high. But it on the gas price and it is high. But we sit there and just sit there and idle we sit there and just sit there and idle we sit there and just sit there and idle and don't go anywhere and burn that and don't go anywhere and burn that and don't go anywhere and burn that precious gas. precious gas. precious gas. But what about inside the church? But what about inside the church? But what about inside the church? What about inside the church? Now, you What about inside the church? Now, you What about inside the church? Now, you know, I wasn't saved till I was 30, know, I wasn't saved till I was 30, know, I wasn't saved till I was 30, but my mom and dad, they raised me, but my mom and dad, they raised me, but my mom and dad, they raised me, right? And I was in church every time right? And I was in church every time right? And I was in church every time the door was open. So, I've been in the door was open. So, I've been in the door was open. So, I've been in church most of my life. 30 years is church most of my life. 30 years is church most of my life. 30 years is lost. lost. lost. What have I heard over 30 years plus 27? What have I heard over 30 years plus 27? What have I heard over 30 years plus 27? That adds up to be 57, doesn't it? 57 That adds up to be 57, doesn't it? 57 That adds up to be 57, doesn't it? 57 years. years. years. Here's some of the complaints. Here's some of the complaints. Here's some of the complaints. SOMEBODY GOT MY seat SOMEBODY GOT MY seat SOMEBODY GOT MY seat and I don't like it. You ever hear that? and I don't like it. You ever hear that? and I don't like it. You ever hear that? You don't have to. Amen.

I don't want to scoot over. I like my I don't want to scoot over. I like my spot. spot. spot. What about this one? This is a little What about this one? This is a little What about this one? This is a little more modern. I don't like the coffee more modern. I don't like the coffee more modern. I don't like the coffee this church has. this church has. this church has. Now, I go back to the funeral home fan Now, I go back to the funeral home fan Now, I go back to the funeral home fan days. I appreciate good air conditioning days. I appreciate good air conditioning days. I appreciate good air conditioning a lot because I remember and some of you a lot because I remember and some of you a lot because I remember and some of you nodding your head. Do you remember the nodding your head. Do you remember the nodding your head. Do you remember the pews and the funeral home fans in the pews and the funeral home fans in the pews and the funeral home fans in the back of the pews? Amen. For those back of the pews? Amen. For those back of the pews? Amen. For those funeral home fans. And you know how you funeral home fans. And you know how you funeral home fans. And you know how you got cooled off? It depended on how got cooled off? It depended on how got cooled off? It depended on how strong your mom's wrist was and how much strong your mom's wrist was and how much strong your mom's wrist was and how much fan air she could create with that fan. fan air she could create with that fan. fan air she could create with that fan. What about this one? It's too hot in What about this one? It's too hot in What about this one? It's too hot in here. It's too cold. The music's too here. It's too cold. The music's too here. It's too cold. The music's too loud. We hear complaining. Traffic is just too bad. It gives me Traffic is just too bad. It gives me anxiety. I can't I can't deal with that anxiety. I can't I can't deal with that anxiety. I can't I can't deal with that 15 20 minutes getting in here. Here's my 15 20 minutes getting in here. Here's my 15 20 minutes getting in here. Here's my advice. At 6:00 in the morning, the only advice. At 6:00 in the morning, the only advice. At 6:00 in the morning, the only person that you have to dodge in the person that you have to dodge in the person that you have to dodge in the parking lot is KD.

parking lot is KD. parking lot is KD. And here's how smart I am. I pull up and And here's how smart I am. I pull up and And here's how smart I am. I pull up and I back in right beside him. In other I back in right beside him. In other I back in right beside him. In other words, come to the eight o'clock words, come to the eight o'clock words, come to the eight o'clock service. There's no traffic here. service. There's no traffic here. service. There's no traffic here. You can park parallel. You've heard You can park parallel. You've heard You can park parallel. You've heard Pastor Blake say that. You see, we focus Pastor Blake say that. You see, we focus Pastor Blake say that. You see, we focus on that coming to church, but what do we on that coming to church, but what do we on that coming to church, but what do we do on the weekends? We go find us a do on the weekends? We go find us a do on the weekends? We go find us a sporting event. We go find us a rock sporting event. We go find us a rock sporting event. We go find us a rock concert, a Christian concert, whatever concert, a Christian concert, whatever concert, a Christian concert, whatever concert, and we fight our way in a concert, and we fight our way in a concert, and we fight our way in a 100,000 people, and fight our way out. 100,000 people, and fight our way out. 100,000 people, and fight our way out. And we take two days to do it, but 15 And we take two days to do it, but 15 And we take two days to do it, but 15 minutes because it's church. The last minutes because it's church. The last minutes because it's church. The last one, and I'll get off the soap box. one, and I'll get off the soap box. one, and I'll get off the soap box. crying baby. You ever heard anybody crying baby. You ever heard anybody crying baby. You ever heard anybody complain about a baby crying? Think complain about a baby crying? Think complain about a baby crying? Think about that. Here's what I'll say. That about that. Here's what I'll say. That about that. Here's what I'll say. That young man young man young man could be the next pastor at this church. could be the next pastor at this church. could be the next pastor at this church. That young woman could be the next That young woman could be the next That young woman could be the next children's director. Could be the next children's director. Could be the next children's director. Could be the next women's ministry director in that women's ministry director in that women's ministry director in that church. It's not a big deal if a baby church. It's not a big deal if a baby church. It's not a big deal if a baby cries. Look here. We don't ever hear cries. Look here. We don't ever hear cries. Look here. We don't ever hear amen. A baby crying. At least that's a amen. A baby crying. At least that's a amen. A baby crying. At least that's a little feedback. Think about it.

little feedback. Think about it. little feedback. Think about it. Okay, that one worked. Okay, that one worked. Okay, that one worked. Should have used that at eight. Should have used that at eight. Should have used that at eight. But are we actually going to lose our But are we actually going to lose our But are we actually going to lose our sanctification? Not that we can't over a sanctification? Not that we can't over a sanctification? Not that we can't over a baby crying. baby crying. baby crying. Now, think about the Lord when it comes Now, think about the Lord when it comes Now, think about the Lord when it comes to complaining. What if our crying and to complaining. What if our crying and to complaining. What if our crying and complaining complaining complaining as a child of God drove the Lord to the as a child of God drove the Lord to the as a child of God drove the Lord to the point point point this won't happen? But what if it did this won't happen? But what if it did this won't happen? But what if it did that he says, "I've had enough." Paul is telling the Philippian believers Paul is telling the Philippian believers here to stop grumbling, here to stop grumbling, here to stop grumbling, disputing, dissenting, all those words disputing, dissenting, all those words disputing, dissenting, all those words that you can package. just quit that you can package. just quit that you can package. just quit complaining. And he's given us three complaining. And he's given us three complaining. And he's given us three reasons why in this live it out portion reasons why in this live it out portion reasons why in this live it out portion of this outline, verses 15 and 16. The of this outline, verses 15 and 16. The of this outline, verses 15 and 16. The first reason to stop complaining. Look first reason to stop complaining. Look first reason to stop complaining. Look at verse 15. So that you will prove at verse 15. So that you will prove at verse 15. So that you will prove yourselves. Stop right there. Our self.

yourselves. Stop right there. Our self. yourselves. Stop right there. Our self. That's the first reason to stop That's the first reason to stop That's the first reason to stop complaining. So that you will prove complaining. So that you will prove complaining. So that you will prove yourselves to be blameless, innocent yourselves to be blameless, innocent yourselves to be blameless, innocent children of God above reproach. So why children of God above reproach. So why children of God above reproach. So why should believers stop complaining? should believers stop complaining? should believers stop complaining? So that they may become the kind of So that they may become the kind of So that they may become the kind of children that God has called them and children that God has called them and children that God has called them and saved them to be. And what kind of saved them to be. And what kind of saved them to be. And what kind of children has God calls us and saved us children has God calls us and saved us children has God calls us and saved us to be? Look at verse 15. Blameless and to be? Look at verse 15. Blameless and to be? Look at verse 15. Blameless and innocent. Blameless and innocent. innocent. Blameless and innocent. innocent. Blameless and innocent. Every Christian, every believer is in Every Christian, every believer is in Every Christian, every believer is in that sanctification process. We're that sanctification process. We're that sanctification process. We're talking about becoming more and more talking about becoming more and more talking about becoming more and more like Christ daily from the point we're like Christ daily from the point we're like Christ daily from the point we're saved till the point the Lord takes us saved till the point the Lord takes us saved till the point the Lord takes us home. home. home. Can we attain that Christlikkeness on Can we attain that Christlikkeness on Can we attain that Christlikkeness on this earth? Absolutely not. But we this earth? Absolutely not. But we this earth? Absolutely not. But we should strive to become more like Christ should strive to become more like Christ should strive to become more like Christ every day. And we're failures without every day. And we're failures without every day. And we're failures without the Holy Spirit working in us.

the Holy Spirit working in us. the Holy Spirit working in us. Sanctification Sanctification Sanctification process includes becoming more blameless process includes becoming more blameless process includes becoming more blameless and more innocent and more innocent and more innocent without blemish, moral defect, innocent, without blemish, moral defect, innocent, without blemish, moral defect, innocent, being unmixed or unadulterated. being unmixed or unadulterated. being unmixed or unadulterated. You see, the life of a believer is to be You see, the life of a believer is to be You see, the life of a believer is to be absolutely pure and unmixed with sin and absolutely pure and unmixed with sin and absolutely pure and unmixed with sin and evil. Now, you said, "Pastor, we can't evil. Now, you said, "Pastor, we can't evil. Now, you said, "Pastor, we can't live above sin." You're right. What live above sin." You're right. What live above sin." You're right. What should we do when we sin? confess to the should we do when we sin? confess to the should we do when we sin? confess to the Lord our sin, repent, and turn away and Lord our sin, repent, and turn away and Lord our sin, repent, and turn away and go the other direction. In other words, go the other direction. In other words, go the other direction. In other words, quit committing the same sin over and quit committing the same sin over and quit committing the same sin over and over again. Turn and go away from it, over again. Turn and go away from it, over again. Turn and go away from it, being innocent, blameless, and then we being innocent, blameless, and then we being innocent, blameless, and then we see above reproach. It's all impaire see above reproach. It's all impaire see above reproach. It's all impaire impossible without the power of the Holy impossible without the power of the Holy impossible without the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Spirit in us. Spirit in us. Second reason Second reason Second reason that we should quit complaining. Look at that we should quit complaining. Look at that we should quit complaining. Look at verse 15 as it reads on. In the midst of verse 15 as it reads on. In the midst of verse 15 as it reads on. In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among a crooked and perverse generation among a crooked and perverse generation among whom you appear as lights in the world whom you appear as lights in the world whom you appear as lights in the world holding fast the word of life.

holding fast the word of life. holding fast the word of life. Second reason is for the lost. Second reason is for the lost. Second reason is for the lost. Those in the world. The lost here in Those in the world. The lost here in Those in the world. The lost here in this verse are described as a crooked this verse are described as a crooked this verse are described as a crooked and perverse generation. and perverse generation. and perverse generation. How did Moses describe the rebellious How did Moses describe the rebellious How did Moses describe the rebellious children of Israel in Deuteronomy 32:5? children of Israel in Deuteronomy 32:5? children of Israel in Deuteronomy 32:5? Crooked and perverse generation. Crooked and perverse generation. Crooked and perverse generation. It's a perfect description of It's a perfect description of It's a perfect description of unbelievers. unbelievers. unbelievers. Crooked and perverse really don't need Crooked and perverse really don't need Crooked and perverse really don't need any more examples to illustrate the any more examples to illustrate the any more examples to illustrate the meaning. And what are we called to be in meaning. And what are we called to be in meaning. And what are we called to be in scripture? To the lost, lost darkness. scripture? To the lost, lost darkness. scripture? To the lost, lost darkness. We're called to be the light. Little L. We're called to be the light. Little L. We're called to be the light. Little L. Okay. When you see capital L light, Okay. When you see capital L light, Okay. When you see capital L light, that's Christ. We're little L light. You that's Christ. We're little L light. You that's Christ. We're little L light. You say, "What are you trying to say?" Well, say, "What are you trying to say?" Well, say, "What are you trying to say?" Well, as believers, as believers, as believers, verse 12 and 13 calls us to the right verse 12 and 13 calls us to the right verse 12 and 13 calls us to the right doctrine, and verse 14- 16 calls us to doctrine, and verse 14- 16 calls us to doctrine, and verse 14- 16 calls us to right living.

right living. right living. Believers must appear as lights in a Believers must appear as lights in a Believers must appear as lights in a lost world. Paul is telling the lost world. Paul is telling the lost world. Paul is telling the believers that we are to live a moral believers that we are to live a moral believers that we are to live a moral life according to his word. And that's life according to his word. And that's life according to his word. And that's how you are a spiritual light to someone how you are a spiritual light to someone how you are a spiritual light to someone who is lost. who is lost. who is lost. And I'll make this statement and I And I'll make this statement and I And I'll make this statement and I believe it with all my heart. Obedient believe it with all my heart. Obedient believe it with all my heart. Obedient believers believers believers will have an extraordinary impact on will have an extraordinary impact on will have an extraordinary impact on someone that's lost. someone that's lost. someone that's lost. What happens when we're not obedient? What happens when we're not obedient? What happens when we're not obedient? Let me say it like this. We're faithful Let me say it like this. We're faithful Let me say it like this. We're faithful and obedient and obedient and obedient will have an impact on the lost. When will have an impact on the lost. When will have an impact on the lost. When we're unfaithful, we're disobedient. I we're unfaithful, we're disobedient. I we're unfaithful, we're disobedient. I need to point over here every once in a need to point over here every once in a need to point over here every once in a while. I think I'm going too much to my while. I think I'm going too much to my while. I think I'm going too much to my left. When we're unfaithful and we're left. When we're unfaithful and we're left. When we're unfaithful and we're disobedient, disobedient, disobedient, kills our testimony. kills our testimony. kills our testimony. Why would someone lost want what they Why would someone lost want what they Why would someone lost want what they already have? Amen. already have? Amen. already have? Amen. >> That's what obedience is so important. >> That's what obedience is so important. >> That's what obedience is so important. And when we grumble and when we And when we grumble and when we And when we grumble and when we complain, and I'm saying we, we're not complain, and I'm saying we, we're not complain, and I'm saying we, we're not going to have a positive impact impact going to have a positive impact impact going to have a positive impact impact on those around us who are lost. Third on those around us who are lost. Third on those around us who are lost. Third and final reason to stop complaining and final reason to stop complaining and final reason to stop complaining for the sake of your pastor.

for the sake of your pastor. for the sake of your pastor. Paul is writing these words. Look at Paul is writing these words. Look at Paul is writing these words. Look at verse 16. verse 16. verse 16. so that in the day of Christ I will have so that in the day of Christ I will have so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in reason to glory because I did not run in reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. vain nor toil in vain. vain nor toil in vain. The third reason for not complaining is The third reason for not complaining is The third reason for not complaining is the sake of your pastors in the church. the sake of your pastors in the church. the sake of your pastors in the church. We see Paul's heart in verse 16. Paul We see Paul's heart in verse 16. Paul We see Paul's heart in verse 16. Paul looks forward to the day of Christ when looks forward to the day of Christ when looks forward to the day of Christ when he'll be with the Lord and rewards are he'll be with the Lord and rewards are he'll be with the Lord and rewards are coming coming coming and he wants to rejoice when he thinks and he wants to rejoice when he thinks and he wants to rejoice when he thinks back to those faithful believers that back to those faithful believers that back to those faithful believers that were obedient. were obedient. were obedient. >> Who are the dear brethren here we're >> Who are the dear brethren here we're >> Who are the dear brethren here we're talking about? Those are the believers talking about? Those are the believers talking about? Those are the believers that Paul served. Paul speaks of them as that Paul served. Paul speaks of them as that Paul served. Paul speaks of them as the source of his eternal joy. the source of his eternal joy. the source of his eternal joy. If you want to know what the best thing If you want to know what the best thing If you want to know what the best thing you can do for your pastor, you can do for your pastor, you can do for your pastor, it's probably not give him $100,000. it's probably not give him $100,000. it's probably not give him $100,000. The best thing you can do for your The best thing you can do for your The best thing you can do for your pastor is to faithfully live out the pastor is to faithfully live out the pastor is to faithfully live out the truth of God's word that he has given truth of God's word that he has given truth of God's word that he has given his life to teach and preach to this his life to teach and preach to this his life to teach and preach to this church.

church. church. That's what you can give your pastor. That's what you can give your pastor. That's what you can give your pastor. It's the best gift. Why is that? Paul It's the best gift. Why is that? Paul It's the best gift. Why is that? Paul says, "I will have reason to glory says, "I will have reason to glory says, "I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil because I did not run in vain nor toil because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain." In other words, everything in in vain." In other words, everything in in vain." In other words, everything in my ministry wasn't in vain for the joy my ministry wasn't in vain for the joy my ministry wasn't in vain for the joy that I have on those faithful believers. that I have on those faithful believers. that I have on those faithful believers. Every pastor desires that his rewards Every pastor desires that his rewards Every pastor desires that his rewards will be full. Let me say these two will be full. Let me say these two will be full. Let me say these two statements. Every pastor desires that statements. Every pastor desires that statements. Every pastor desires that the people under his care and love obey the people under his care and love obey the people under his care and love obey the Lord without grumbling and the Lord without grumbling and the Lord without grumbling and complaining. complaining. complaining. Second statement, every pastor desires Second statement, every pastor desires Second statement, every pastor desires that the lives of the people under their that the lives of the people under their that the lives of the people under their care and love live their lives with the care and love live their lives with the care and love live their lives with the joy that the gospel message they're joy that the gospel message they're joy that the gospel message they're sharing deserves. sharing deserves. sharing deserves. You say, "Well, is Paul the only one You say, "Well, is Paul the only one You say, "Well, is Paul the only one that says that?" Let's look at third that says that?" Let's look at third that says that?" Let's look at third John verse4 real quick. Here's what John John verse4 real quick. Here's what John John verse4 real quick. Here's what John had to say about the same topic. I have had to say about the same topic. I have had to say about the same topic. I have no greater joy than this.

no greater joy than this. no greater joy than this. To hear my children walking in the To hear my children walking in the To hear my children walking in the truth. Walking in the truth. truth. Walking in the truth. truth. Walking in the truth. Work it out. Live it out. Now it's time Work it out. Live it out. Now it's time Work it out. Live it out. Now it's time to pour it out. Pour it out. And right to pour it out. Pour it out. And right to pour it out. Pour it out. And right before I say drink offering, I'm going before I say drink offering, I'm going before I say drink offering, I'm going to take a drink. to take a drink. to take a drink. But even if I am being poured out as a But even if I am being poured out as a But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice drink offering upon the sacrifice drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, and service of your faith, and service of your faith, and then I want you to count from this and then I want you to count from this and then I want you to count from this point on how many times you see the word point on how many times you see the word point on how many times you see the word joy or rejoice. I rejoice and share my joy with you all. I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. Now, I way and share your joy with me. Now, I way and share your joy with me. Now, I was never a math major, but that's four was never a math major, but that's four was never a math major, but that's four times in two sentences. times in two sentences. times in two sentences. You think Paul had joy? You think Paul had joy? You think Paul had joy? You think Paul rejoiced? Where did that You think Paul rejoiced? Where did that You think Paul rejoiced? Where did that joy and rejoice come from?

joy and rejoice come from? joy and rejoice come from? I think it's important I think it's important I think it's important to kind of lay the groundwork before we to kind of lay the groundwork before we to kind of lay the groundwork before we give that answer. The single most give that answer. The single most give that answer. The single most important aspect of spiritual leadership important aspect of spiritual leadership important aspect of spiritual leadership is having a godly life to model. is having a godly life to model. is having a godly life to model. Now, last week, Christ is the perfect Now, last week, Christ is the perfect Now, last week, Christ is the perfect sinless model. And that is what we sinless model. And that is what we sinless model. And that is what we should strive for every day. We're not should strive for every day. We're not should strive for every day. We're not going to achieve that, but we should going to achieve that, but we should going to achieve that, but we should strive towards that. But then Paul here strive towards that. But then Paul here strive towards that. But then Paul here sets himself up as the model for the sets himself up as the model for the sets himself up as the model for the people to follow. people to follow. people to follow. Paul was named the sacrificial rejoicer. Paul was named the sacrificial rejoicer. Paul was named the sacrificial rejoicer. And nothing characterized Paul's life And nothing characterized Paul's life And nothing characterized Paul's life and ministry more than his love for the and ministry more than his love for the and ministry more than his love for the Lord, Lord, Lord, his love for the work, his love for the work, his love for the work, and his love for the people. and his love for the people. and his love for the people. >> Paul loved the people, and he served >> Paul loved the people, and he served >> Paul loved the people, and he served them sacrificially.

them sacrificially. them sacrificially. And that's a big word moving forward. And that's a big word moving forward. And that's a big word moving forward. So, back to Paul telling, "Hey, I'm the So, back to Paul telling, "Hey, I'm the So, back to Paul telling, "Hey, I'm the model that you should follow here on model that you should follow here on model that you should follow here on this earth." That sounds a little this earth." That sounds a little this earth." That sounds a little arrogant, doesn't it? Can you imagine me arrogant, doesn't it? Can you imagine me arrogant, doesn't it? Can you imagine me saying, "Listen, hey, I've got this. saying, "Listen, hey, I've got this. saying, "Listen, hey, I've got this. Follow and imitate me." We have to Follow and imitate me." We have to Follow and imitate me." We have to remember scripture. Every word in remember scripture. Every word in remember scripture. Every word in scripture is wholly breathed, scripture is wholly breathed, scripture is wholly breathed, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Paul simply inspired by the Holy Spirit. Paul simply inspired by the Holy Spirit. Paul simply held the pen. held the pen. held the pen. He held the pen. This is inspired words He held the pen. This is inspired words He held the pen. This is inspired words of God. We see in the Old Testament, who of God. We see in the Old Testament, who of God. We see in the Old Testament, who was the most humble? Moses. Scripture was the most humble? Moses. Scripture was the most humble? Moses. Scripture says that. Guess who wrote that? Moses. says that. Guess who wrote that? Moses. says that. Guess who wrote that? Moses. The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit. God inspired. God breathed. God inspired. God breathed. God inspired. God breathed. Paul's not saying anything arrogant Paul's not saying anything arrogant Paul's not saying anything arrogant here. Paul is serving these people here. Paul is serving these people here. Paul is serving these people sacrificially. And basically Paul is sacrificially. And basically Paul is sacrificially. And basically Paul is saying, Pastor Greg is saying Paul is saying, Pastor Greg is saying Paul is saying, Pastor Greg is saying Paul is the man to model on this earth. He's our the man to model on this earth. He's our the man to model on this earth. He's our model. Pastor Declan will talk about two model. Pastor Declan will talk about two model. Pastor Declan will talk about two more models next week. And I was a more models next week. And I was a more models next week. And I was a little relieved to see that we didn't little relieved to see that we didn't little relieved to see that we didn't stretch all the way out to the end of stretch all the way out to the end of stretch all the way out to the end of the chapter and cover all three models the chapter and cover all three models the chapter and cover all three models because you would have had to pack your because you would have had to pack your because you would have had to pack your lunch. But drink offering. What in the lunch. But drink offering. What in the lunch. But drink offering. What in the world is a drink offering? What does world is a drink offering? What does world is a drink offering? What does that mean? Did he pour out his life in

that mean? Did he pour out his life in that mean? Did he pour out his life in his sacrifice and service? Yes. his sacrifice and service? Yes. his sacrifice and service? Yes. But Paul knew the Jews, the Gentiles But Paul knew the Jews, the Gentiles But Paul knew the Jews, the Gentiles alike would understand the drink alike would understand the drink alike would understand the drink offering. offering. offering. The priest in the Old Testament, the The priest in the Old Testament, the The priest in the Old Testament, the sacrifice of the animal would be laid, sacrifice of the animal would be laid, sacrifice of the animal would be laid, the fire sacrifice to God. Now, false the fire sacrifice to God. Now, false the fire sacrifice to God. Now, false religions sacrifice to false gods. We're religions sacrifice to false gods. We're religions sacrifice to false gods. We're focusing on the God. The priest would focusing on the God. The priest would focusing on the God. The priest would give the sacrifice on the burnt offering give the sacrifice on the burnt offering give the sacrifice on the burnt offering and the priest would pour a cup of water and the priest would pour a cup of water and the priest would pour a cup of water with honey, wine, whatever he had on the with honey, wine, whatever he had on the with honey, wine, whatever he had on the sacrifice or right in front of it on the sacrifice or right in front of it on the sacrifice or right in front of it on the fire. Why? fire. Why? fire. Why? Because he wanted the sacrifice, his Because he wanted the sacrifice, his Because he wanted the sacrifice, his sacrifice that he was given here. He sacrifice that he was given here. He sacrifice that he was given here. He wanted it to be a pleasant aroma to the wanted it to be a pleasant aroma to the wanted it to be a pleasant aroma to the nostrils of God that he was sacrificing nostrils of God that he was sacrificing nostrils of God that he was sacrificing to. Think about that. And now process to. Think about that. And now process to. Think about that. And now process process that back into our text. Paul process that back into our text. Paul process that back into our text. Paul poured out his drink offering on the poured out his drink offering on the poured out his drink offering on the church here at Philippi. And it says on church here at Philippi. And it says on church here at Philippi. And it says on their service and their faith.

their service and their faith. their service and their faith. Paul sacrificially served this church Paul sacrificially served this church Paul sacrificially served this church like no other. So what are our greatest like no other. So what are our greatest like no other. So what are our greatest takeaways from this example? takeaways from this example? takeaways from this example? Pour it out. Others are depending on Pour it out. Others are depending on Pour it out. Others are depending on you. you. you. Sacrificial service Sacrificial service Sacrificial service to the Lord is a privilege to the Lord is a privilege to the Lord is a privilege and it's a cause for rejoicing. and it's a cause for rejoicing. and it's a cause for rejoicing. Let me tell you, according to this Let me tell you, according to this Let me tell you, according to this passage, Paul laying out four joys or passage, Paul laying out four joys or passage, Paul laying out four joys or four rejoices in a verse and a half. If four rejoices in a verse and a half. If four rejoices in a verse and a half. If you want to know where Paul's joy come you want to know where Paul's joy come you want to know where Paul's joy come from, it was from his sacrificial from, it was from his sacrificial from, it was from his sacrificial service of the Lord. service of the Lord. service of the Lord. You see, a believer's greatest joy comes You see, a believer's greatest joy comes You see, a believer's greatest joy comes at the point of your greatest sacrifice at the point of your greatest sacrifice at the point of your greatest sacrifice because serving God is all we were because serving God is all we were because serving God is all we were created to do. Everything else is just created to do. Everything else is just created to do. Everything else is just stuff. That's all we were created to do. stuff. That's all we were created to do. stuff. That's all we were created to do. The word joy used four times. And I The word joy used four times. And I The word joy used four times. And I think today think today think today too many times believers too many times believers too many times believers get there and I'll use the air quote get there and I'll use the air quote get there and I'll use the air quote once. My wife says, "Don't do that too once. My wife says, "Don't do that too once. My wife says, "Don't do that too many times, but once they get their joy, many times, but once they get their joy, many times, but once they get their joy, and I'm going to insert the word and I'm going to insert the word and I'm going to insert the word happiness instead of joy happiness instead of joy happiness instead of joy in much the same way that the world gets in much the same way that the world gets in much the same way that the world gets theirs." And you say, "Well, what do you theirs." And you say, "Well, what do you theirs." And you say, "Well, what do you mean by that?" When circumstances are mean by that?" When circumstances are mean by that?" When circumstances are favorable, the winds blow in the right favorable, the winds blow in the right favorable, the winds blow in the right direction, they're happy.

direction, they're happy. direction, they're happy. But when circumstances are unfavorable, But when circumstances are unfavorable, But when circumstances are unfavorable, in other words, the wind changes, in other words, the wind changes, in other words, the wind changes, they're sad, they're sad, they're sad, resentful, resentful, resentful, and become bitter. And that's the point and become bitter. And that's the point and become bitter. And that's the point that we start complaining not only to that we start complaining not only to that we start complaining not only to our families, our church family, our our families, our church family, our our families, our church family, our church leaders, but we start complaining church leaders, but we start complaining church leaders, but we start complaining to God. to God. to God. Man, the only thing that brings many Man, the only thing that brings many Man, the only thing that brings many believers a false sense of joy is when believers a false sense of joy is when believers a false sense of joy is when they get to promote themselves or what they get to promote themselves or what they get to promote themselves or what they're interested in. Man, I think that they're interested in. Man, I think that they're interested in. Man, I think that happens way too often. happens way too often. happens way too often. I'll say this. I'll say this. I'll say this. I think the reason that so many I think the reason that so many I think the reason that so many believers today believers today believers today doesn't experience this true joy that doesn't experience this true joy that doesn't experience this true joy that Paul is is preaching and writing about. Paul is is preaching and writing about. Paul is is preaching and writing about. because of one reason. because of one reason. because of one reason. They know very little if any of any kind They know very little if any of any kind They know very little if any of any kind of sacrifice in serving the Lord. You of sacrifice in serving the Lord. You of sacrifice in serving the Lord. You see, Paul is only is not only our model see, Paul is only is not only our model see, Paul is only is not only our model for sacrificial service, but he's also for sacrificial service, but he's also for sacrificial service, but he's also our model of the joy that that sacrifice our model of the joy that that sacrifice our model of the joy that that sacrifice that he poured out that he poured out that he poured out produced.

produced. produced. And because Paul and the believers at And because Paul and the believers at And because Paul and the believers at Philippi had sacrificed and served Philippi had sacrificed and served Philippi had sacrificed and served together, they were able to rejoice together, they were able to rejoice together, they were able to rejoice together. Man, I think this is so together. Man, I think this is so together. Man, I think this is so fitting for this specific campus, fitting for this specific campus, fitting for this specific campus, Central. Central. Central. Now, I wasn't here in the beginning, but there was a core group sent out from but there was a core group sent out from Central to plant this church. And I've Central to plant this church. And I've Central to plant this church. And I've heard stories of this core group showing heard stories of this core group showing heard stories of this core group showing up Sunday mornings in a school up Sunday mornings in a school up Sunday mornings in a school under a tent, under a tent, under a tent, the fairground, the fairground, the fairground, 5:30 on Sunday morning to set up church, 5:30 on Sunday morning to set up church, 5:30 on Sunday morning to set up church, putting up petitions and panels, chairs, putting up petitions and panels, chairs, putting up petitions and panels, chairs, tables for kids church, tables for kids church, tables for kids church, setting up chairs for worship, setting up chairs for worship, setting up chairs for worship, whatever all it involved. You guys know whatever all it involved. You guys know whatever all it involved. You guys know some of you were there some of you were there some of you were there serving with a sacrifice. The tearing serving with a sacrifice. The tearing serving with a sacrifice. The tearing down sometimes didn't get done till down sometimes didn't get done till down sometimes didn't get done till 2:00. I hear 2:00. I hear 2:00. I hear that could be considered sacrificial that could be considered sacrificial that could be considered sacrificial service. Let me tell you, service. Let me tell you, service. Let me tell you, me and my wife came to the BC Lloyd me and my wife came to the BC Lloyd me and my wife came to the BC Lloyd Center the last three services there.

Center the last three services there. Center the last three services there. You say, "Pastor, your timing was You say, "Pastor, your timing was You say, "Pastor, your timing was impeccable. You showed up when the impeccable. You showed up when the impeccable. You showed up when the building was done. All the hard work was building was done. All the hard work was building was done. All the hard work was over. Exactly. over. Exactly. over. Exactly. We drove up and could not hardly get out We drove up and could not hardly get out We drove up and could not hardly get out of our car. We were trying to sneak in. of our car. We were trying to sneak in. of our car. We were trying to sneak in. Pastor Blake had talked to me. We we Pastor Blake had talked to me. We we Pastor Blake had talked to me. We we talked about we wanted to come to the talked about we wanted to come to the talked about we wanted to come to the campus. campus. campus. Just experience it. See if the Lord was Just experience it. See if the Lord was Just experience it. See if the Lord was calling us here. We couldn't even get calling us here. We couldn't even get calling us here. We couldn't even get out of the car for people running over out of the car for people running over out of the car for people running over us with a big old smile on their face us with a big old smile on their face us with a big old smile on their face and joy. They were happy, but they had and joy. They were happy, but they had and joy. They were happy, but they had joy. They were serving. joy. They were serving. joy. They were serving. You try to get into the door at BC You try to get into the door at BC You try to get into the door at BC Lloyd. People were fanning you with Lloyd. People were fanning you with Lloyd. People were fanning you with signs. We're so happy that you're here. signs. We're so happy that you're here. signs. We're so happy that you're here. I think there were more greeters than I think there were more greeters than I think there were more greeters than there were doors. It was hard to get in there were doors. It was hard to get in there were doors. It was hard to get in and we're trying to slip in. and we're trying to slip in. and we're trying to slip in. Miss Nicole was here at the 8:00. The Miss Nicole was here at the 8:00. The Miss Nicole was here at the 8:00. The first person I think we seen was Miss first person I think we seen was Miss first person I think we seen was Miss Nicole. It's like, "What are you doing Nicole. It's like, "What are you doing Nicole. It's like, "What are you doing here?" It's like, "Uh, well, we just here?" It's like, "Uh, well, we just here?" It's like, "Uh, well, we just thought we'd head north today." You thought we'd head north today." You thought we'd head north today." You know, couldn't really say much. My point know, couldn't really say much. My point know, couldn't really say much. My point is is is joy from that sacrifice of serving. Man, joy from that sacrifice of serving. Man, joy from that sacrifice of serving. Man, I seen that core group.

I seen that core group. I seen that core group. They caught us that first Sunday. Hey, They caught us that first Sunday. Hey, They caught us that first Sunday. Hey, you want to pray with us? You bet. Go you want to pray with us? You bet. Go you want to pray with us? You bet. Go behind the bleachers and pray. behind the bleachers and pray. behind the bleachers and pray. So, here's my challenge. So, here's my challenge. So, here's my challenge. Here's my challenge to Paragule campus. Here's my challenge to Paragule campus. Here's my challenge to Paragule campus. Have we lost some of that joy because we Have we lost some of that joy because we Have we lost some of that joy because we show up to a building that's already set show up to a building that's already set show up to a building that's already set up? up? up? Have we lost some of that joy Have we lost some of that joy Have we lost some of that joy because we don't have to get here at because we don't have to get here at because we don't have to get here at 5:30 in the morning and stay till 2 in 5:30 in the morning and stay till 2 in 5:30 in the morning and stay till 2 in the afternoon? Now, I I say this out of the afternoon? Now, I I say this out of the afternoon? Now, I I say this out of extreme love. Population has went up here. Membership Population has went up here. Membership has went up. has went up. has went up. But there is no reason that a church But there is no reason that a church But there is no reason that a church this size this size this size should have to beg and plead for people should have to beg and plead for people should have to beg and plead for people to serve, members to serve in the kids to serve, members to serve in the kids to serve, members to serve in the kids ministry, in any ministry. ministry, in any ministry. ministry, in any ministry. We take it a step further. There is We take it a step further. There is We take it a step further. There is absolutely no reason that a church this absolutely no reason that a church this absolutely no reason that a church this size should ever have to take out a loan size should ever have to take out a loan size should ever have to take out a loan to expand.

to expand. to expand. All we have to do is step up and serve All we have to do is step up and serve All we have to do is step up and serve and step up and give sacrificially. and step up and give sacrificially. and step up and give sacrificially. The Lord is waiting to bless and he will The Lord is waiting to bless and he will The Lord is waiting to bless and he will through his sacrificial servants. And you say, "Well, has everybody lost And you say, "Well, has everybody lost their joy?" Absolutely not. their joy?" Absolutely not. their joy?" Absolutely not. Crowd's bigger. Why do we complain and grumble Why do we complain and grumble sometimes? I think sometimes it's sometimes? I think sometimes it's sometimes? I think sometimes it's because we show up for the show instead because we show up for the show instead because we show up for the show instead of sacrificially serve. of sacrificially serve. of sacrificially serve. Man, that's that's what I got out of Man, that's that's what I got out of Man, that's that's what I got out of this passage that hit me in that this passage that hit me in that this passage that hit me in that recliner yesterday when I was reading recliner yesterday when I was reading recliner yesterday when I was reading through this. Here's the example of through this. Here's the example of through this. Here's the example of sacrificial service and true joy. So, as sacrificial service and true joy. So, as sacrificial service and true joy. So, as we invite the band back up, what do we we invite the band back up, what do we we invite the band back up, what do we do with all this as we transition to a do with all this as we transition to a do with all this as we transition to a time of response? Well, the first thing time of response? Well, the first thing time of response? Well, the first thing that I want to emphasize to you is if that I want to emphasize to you is if that I want to emphasize to you is if you're not a believer, you're not a believer, you're not a believer, nothing I've said today really is nothing I've said today really is nothing I've said today really is relevant to you.

relevant to you. relevant to you. Sanctification cannot happen until Sanctification cannot happen until Sanctification cannot happen until you're saved. Until you accept Jesus you're saved. Until you accept Jesus you're saved. Until you accept Jesus Christ as savior, you cannot receive the Christ as savior, you cannot receive the Christ as savior, you cannot receive the Holy Spirit. You're not set apart. Holy Spirit. You're not set apart. Holy Spirit. You're not set apart. Therefore, you can't be sanctified. Therefore, you can't be sanctified. Therefore, you can't be sanctified. So, maybe you're here and you've never So, maybe you're here and you've never So, maybe you're here and you've never trusted Christ. You've never accepted trusted Christ. You've never accepted trusted Christ. You've never accepted him as savior. Here's the opportunity. him as savior. Here's the opportunity. him as savior. Here's the opportunity. Maybe you're here today Maybe you're here today Maybe you're here today and you're a believer, and you're a believer, and you're a believer, but you're not sacrificially serving. but you're not sacrificially serving. but you're not sacrificially serving. Man, it's time. It's time to step up. Man, it's time. It's time to step up. Man, it's time. It's time to step up. Maybe you're here today and you're a Maybe you're here today and you're a Maybe you're here today and you're a believer, but you're not working it out. believer, but you're not working it out. believer, but you're not working it out. You're not living it out, and you're You're not living it out, and you're You're not living it out, and you're sure not pouring it out. sure not pouring it out. sure not pouring it out. Maybe you're here today and you're tired Maybe you're here today and you're tired Maybe you're here today and you're tired of this grumbling and complaining season of this grumbling and complaining season of this grumbling and complaining season in your life and you're ready to do in your life and you're ready to do in your life and you're ready to do something about it. something about it. something about it. You see, maybe you're here as a believer You see, maybe you're here as a believer You see, maybe you're here as a believer and you're convicted that you've been and you're convicted that you've been and you're convicted that you've been living your life for yourself and you know it's time past time that and you know it's time past time that you live your life you live your life you live your life speaking the name of Jesus.

speaking the name of Jesus. speaking the name of Jesus. And let me throw this in. Actions speak And let me throw this in. Actions speak And let me throw this in. Actions speak much louder than words. much louder than words. much louder than words. I'm about to pray and whatever the need I'm about to pray and whatever the need I'm about to pray and whatever the need is, you come. Men will pray with men. is, you come. Men will pray with men. is, you come. Men will pray with men. Women will pray with women. Women will pray with women. Women will pray with women. Heavenly Father God, I just pray you Heavenly Father God, I just pray you Heavenly Father God, I just pray you have your way in this service. Lord, I have your way in this service. Lord, I have your way in this service. Lord, I thank you for your word. God, I thank thank you for your word. God, I thank thank you for your word. God, I thank you that it challenges us. It moves us you that it challenges us. It moves us you that it challenges us. It moves us to better ground. And God, I just pray to better ground. And God, I just pray to better ground. And God, I just pray have your way today. We love you and have your way today. We love you and have your way today. We love you and praise you. And it's in the holy name of praise you. And it's in the holy name of praise you. And it's in the holy name of Jesus. Amen.