Everyday Joy - Know Christ - Dr. Archie Mason

Amen. Amen and amen. Please be seated if Amen. Amen and amen. Please be seated if you would. you would. you would. Well, good morning to all of you. If Well, good morning to all of you. If Well, good morning to all of you. If you're visiting with us for the first you're visiting with us for the first you're visiting with us for the first time, my name is Archie Mason. I'm a time, my name is Archie Mason. I'm a time, my name is Archie Mason. I'm a senior pastor, so thanks for being with senior pastor, so thanks for being with senior pastor, so thanks for being with us today. As always, good morning to us today. As always, good morning to us today. As always, good morning to anyone joining us live streaming or by anyone joining us live streaming or by anyone joining us live streaming or by television, wherever you may be. If you television, wherever you may be. If you television, wherever you may be. If you got a Bible with you, let's take it and got a Bible with you, let's take it and got a Bible with you, let's take it and go ahead and turn to the book of go ahead and turn to the book of go ahead and turn to the book of Philippians. You may have your Bible on Philippians. You may have your Bible on Philippians. You may have your Bible on your phone. We're going to be in your phone. We're going to be in your phone. We're going to be in Philippians chapter 3. If you are new Philippians chapter 3. If you are new Philippians chapter 3. If you are new with us, we're teaching through the book with us, we're teaching through the book with us, we're teaching through the book of Philippians. It's Paul's writing to of Philippians. It's Paul's writing to of Philippians. It's Paul's writing to the church there at Philippi. The title the church there at Philippi. The title the church there at Philippi. The title of today of this message is knowing of today of this message is knowing of today of this message is knowing Christ. It is knowing Christ. Now, I'm Christ. It is knowing Christ. Now, I'm Christ. It is knowing Christ. Now, I'm about to put the pictures up of some about to put the pictures up of some about to put the pictures up of some very famous people, and I want you to very famous people, and I want you to very famous people, and I want you to tell me who they are. So, here's the tell me who they are. So, here's the tell me who they are. So, here's the first one. It's going up. Who's this first one. It's going up. Who's this first one. It's going up. Who's this guy? guy? guy? Peyton Manning. Now, I'm not going to Peyton Manning. Now, I'm not going to Peyton Manning. Now, I'm not going to ask you if you've ever wore his jersey, ask you if you've ever wore his jersey, ask you if you've ever wore his jersey, and I'm not going to get into debate or and I'm not going to get into debate or and I'm not going to get into debate or anything like that, but most of you anything like that, but most of you anything like that, but most of you recognize his face. He's a pretty recognize his face. He's a pretty recognize his face. He's a pretty famous. He's retired. He does a lot of famous. He's retired. He does a lot of famous. He's retired. He does a lot of commercials, that kind of stuff like commercials, that kind of stuff like commercials, that kind of stuff like that. Okay, you got another person's that. Okay, you got another person's that. Okay, you got another person's going to go up. Who Who's that? going to go up. Who Who's that? going to go up. Who Who's that? Woo! Hey. Now, not only in the 9:30 Woo! Hey. Now, not only in the 9:30 Woo! Hey. Now, not only in the 9:30 service, but in the 8:00 service, Dolly service, but in the 8:00 service, Dolly service, but in the 8:00 service, Dolly Parton's the hit out of everybody. I Parton's the hit out of everybody. I Parton's the hit out of everybody. I just want you to know. Maybe you've been just want you to know. Maybe you've been just want you to know. Maybe you've been able to see her at the Grand Ole Opry, able to see her at the Grand Ole Opry, able to see her at the Grand Ole Opry, or maybe you've been to a concert she's or maybe you've been to a concert she's or maybe you've been to a concert she's done, something like that.

done, something like that. done, something like that. But, you know, you know she has a lot of But, you know, you know she has a lot of But, you know, you know she has a lot of songs. Maybe you know some of her songs songs. Maybe you know some of her songs songs. Maybe you know some of her songs personally. You may know a lot of personally. You may know a lot of personally. You may know a lot of information about them. Here's one other information about them. Here's one other information about them. Here's one other famous person. Who Who's that? famous person. Who Who's that? famous person. Who Who's that? Michael Jordan. Now, let's don't get Michael Jordan. Now, let's don't get Michael Jordan. Now, let's don't get into an argument, but I believe he's the into an argument, but I believe he's the into an argument, but I believe he's the greatest basketball player there's ever greatest basketball player there's ever greatest basketball player there's ever been. You may say it's LeBron or been. You may say it's LeBron or been. You may say it's LeBron or somebody like that, but I'm not going to somebody like that, but I'm not going to somebody like that, but I'm not going to ask you if you've ever wore his jersey, ask you if you've ever wore his jersey, ask you if you've ever wore his jersey, but probably you have. I'm not going to but probably you have. I'm not going to but probably you have. I'm not going to ask you if you got his shoes on right ask you if you got his shoes on right ask you if you got his shoes on right now, but you may have those on. Okay, so now, but you may have those on. Okay, so now, but you may have those on. Okay, so these are famous people that probably these are famous people that probably these are famous people that probably all of us, if you like sports, like all of us, if you like sports, like all of us, if you like sports, like Michael Jordan, watching him Michael Jordan, watching him Michael Jordan, watching him play, or Peyton, or maybe listening to play, or Peyton, or maybe listening to play, or Peyton, or maybe listening to Miss Dolly, or singing her songs, right? Miss Dolly, or singing her songs, right? Miss Dolly, or singing her songs, right? You You and I, we know a lot. Now, in You You and I, we know a lot. Now, in You You and I, we know a lot. Now, in fact, I know there's some sports fact, I know there's some sports fact, I know there's some sports enthusiasts in here. You know all the enthusiasts in here. You know all the enthusiasts in here. You know all the stats stats stats on these two athletes that we have up on these two athletes that we have up on these two athletes that we have up here. You might not You might know their here. You might not You might know their here. You might not You might know their birthdays. You might know all the birthdays. You might know all the birthdays. You might know all the history and like I said, so I would say history and like I said, so I would say history and like I said, so I would say the majority of us lost, we know a lot the majority of us lost, we know a lot the majority of us lost, we know a lot about these famous individuals. But the about these famous individuals. But the about these famous individuals. But the question is, do they know you question is, do they know you question is, do they know you or me?

or me? or me? I would probably say that Well, let me I would probably say that Well, let me I would probably say that Well, let me just ask the question. Does anybody in just ask the question. Does anybody in just ask the question. Does anybody in here know either of these three here know either of these three here know either of these three personally? personally? personally? That you have a relationship with them? That you have a relationship with them? That you have a relationship with them? Cuz if you know Michael Jordan, we will Cuz if you know Michael Jordan, we will Cuz if you know Michael Jordan, we will take some shoes, okay? Now, really. take some shoes, okay? Now, really. take some shoes, okay? Now, really. But but honestly, none of us I mean, But but honestly, none of us I mean, But but honestly, none of us I mean, maybe you have or whatever, but I've maybe you have or whatever, but I've maybe you have or whatever, but I've never met them personally. I don't have never met them personally. I don't have never met them personally. I don't have a relationship with them. a relationship with them. a relationship with them. Well, this is where we're at in the book Well, this is where we're at in the book Well, this is where we're at in the book of Philippians. Paul of Philippians. Paul of Philippians. Paul before the road to Damascus before the road to Damascus before the road to Damascus was the I call him this and it's an old was the I call him this and it's an old was the I call him this and it's an old term. Some of you younger people won't term. Some of you younger people won't term. Some of you younger people won't know what it is. I call him the golden know what it is. I call him the golden know what it is. I call him the golden child coming up. He was the guy. He was child coming up. He was the guy. He was child coming up. He was the guy. He was a man. He was bilingual. a man. He was bilingual. a man. He was bilingual. He was very intelligent. In fact, I'll He was very intelligent. In fact, I'll He was very intelligent. In fact, I'll I'll go so far as to say this. I'll go so far as to say this. I'll go so far as to say this. He knew more about God He knew more about God He knew more about God than probably any person at that time than probably any person at that time than probably any person at that time according to the Old Testament. according to the Old Testament. according to the Old Testament. You see, he knew about him. You see, he knew about him. You see, he knew about him. But he didn't meet him personally till But he didn't meet him personally till But he didn't meet him personally till on the road to Damascus. on the road to Damascus. on the road to Damascus. You see, again, I believe he probably You see, again, I believe he probably You see, again, I believe he probably knew more about God according to the Old knew more about God according to the Old knew more about God according to the Old Testament than anybody really at that Testament than anybody really at that Testament than anybody really at that time. He was the golden child. We're time. He was the golden child. We're time. He was the golden child. We're going to read his resume in just a going to read his resume in just a going to read his resume in just a moment. He was a golden child coming up.

moment. He was a golden child coming up. moment. He was a golden child coming up. He knew it all. Again, very intelligent, He knew it all. Again, very intelligent, He knew it all. Again, very intelligent, very smart, trained under one of the very smart, trained under one of the very smart, trained under one of the leading rabbis of the day. I mean, he leading rabbis of the day. I mean, he leading rabbis of the day. I mean, he was the guy. was the guy. was the guy. So, he knew a lot of facts about God. He So, he knew a lot of facts about God. He So, he knew a lot of facts about God. He just didn't know him personally. The just didn't know him personally. The just didn't know him personally. The road to Damascus changed everything in road to Damascus changed everything in road to Damascus changed everything in his life his life his life when he met Christ. when he met Christ. when he met Christ. And you see, that's where a lot of us And you see, that's where a lot of us And you see, that's where a lot of us can be if we don't pay attention. can be if we don't pay attention. can be if we don't pay attention. I would so go so far as to say as most I would so go so far as to say as most I would so go so far as to say as most everyone across the room, those joining everyone across the room, those joining everyone across the room, those joining us online, wherever you may be, us online, wherever you may be, us online, wherever you may be, we believe the facts about the Lord we believe the facts about the Lord we believe the facts about the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe he's born of a Jesus Christ. We believe he's born of a Jesus Christ. We believe he's born of a virgin Mary. We believe that he lived a virgin Mary. We believe that he lived a virgin Mary. We believe that he lived a sinless life. We believe many of you I sinless life. We believe many of you I sinless life. We believe many of you I would say all of you say, "Yes, he was a would say all of you say, "Yes, he was a would say all of you say, "Yes, he was a historical figure." You cannot not claim historical figure." You cannot not claim historical figure." You cannot not claim that he did not walk on this earth cuz that he did not walk on this earth cuz that he did not walk on this earth cuz we got outside sources that said he did. we got outside sources that said he did. we got outside sources that said he did. So, you know he walked you would go so So, you know he walked you would go so So, you know he walked you would go so far as to say, "Yes, I I believe that he far as to say, "Yes, I I believe that he far as to say, "Yes, I I believe that he died on the cross for sins at Calvary died on the cross for sins at Calvary died on the cross for sins at Calvary and I believe he was raised from the and I believe he was raised from the and I believe he was raised from the dead the third day." dead the third day." dead the third day." And I believe that he's coming back. You And I believe that he's coming back. You And I believe that he's coming back. You may believe all the facts intellectually may believe all the facts intellectually may believe all the facts intellectually about Christ and it's all here, but has about Christ and it's all here, but has about Christ and it's all here, but has has it made it here? There's a has it made it here? There's a has it made it here? There's a difference between intellectual difference between intellectual difference between intellectual knowledge and what is known as this knowledge and what is known as this knowledge and what is known as this heart knowledge, this saving knowledge, heart knowledge, this saving knowledge, heart knowledge, this saving knowledge, experiential relationship. Now, there's experiential relationship. Now, there's experiential relationship. Now, there's a difference between knowing all the a difference between knowing all the a difference between knowing all the articles of clothing that Michael Jordan articles of clothing that Michael Jordan articles of clothing that Michael Jordan has has has than actually having a personal than actually having a personal than actually having a personal relationship with Michael Jordan.

relationship with Michael Jordan. relationship with Michael Jordan. You can know all the facts, You can know all the facts, You can know all the facts, but you don't actually know him. That's but you don't actually know him. That's but you don't actually know him. That's why that verse of scripture that why that verse of scripture that why that verse of scripture that strikes fear many times in the heart of strikes fear many times in the heart of strikes fear many times in the heart of people is found in Matthew 7. people is found in Matthew 7. people is found in Matthew 7. It says, "On that day there'll be those It says, "On that day there'll be those It says, "On that day there'll be those that come and say, 'Lord, Lord, did we that come and say, 'Lord, Lord, did we that come and say, 'Lord, Lord, did we not do this? Did we not do this? Did we not do this? Did we not do this? Did we not do this? Did we not do this? Did we not do that?'" And he says, "Depart from not do that?'" And he says, "Depart from not do that?'" And he says, "Depart from me. I don't know you." me. I don't know you." me. I don't know you." He's like, "I don't know you." He's like, "I don't know you." He's like, "I don't know you." So, the question today, and this will be So, the question today, and this will be So, the question today, and this will be at the time of invitation, at the time of invitation, at the time of invitation, I would go so far as to say if almost I would go so far as to say if almost I would go so far as to say if almost 100% of you you got it here, 100% of you you got it here, 100% of you you got it here, but do you have it here? That's what but do you have it here? That's what but do you have it here? That's what Paul this whole 11 verses we're going to Paul this whole 11 verses we're going to Paul this whole 11 verses we're going to work through. He's going to talk about work through. He's going to talk about work through. He's going to talk about knowing Christ in that that relationship knowing Christ in that that relationship knowing Christ in that that relationship way over religion, over a resume, a way over religion, over a resume, a way over religion, over a resume, a pedigree of all the good things we've pedigree of all the good things we've pedigree of all the good things we've done, and over everything. The whole done, and over everything. The whole done, and over everything. The whole pursuit of the Christian life is to know pursuit of the Christian life is to know pursuit of the Christian life is to know Christ, to grow in him continually. We Christ, to grow in him continually. We Christ, to grow in him continually. We call that the process of sanctification. call that the process of sanctification. call that the process of sanctification. Hey, if you're physically able, would Hey, if you're physically able, would Hey, if you're physically able, would you stand with me for the public reading you stand with me for the public reading you stand with me for the public reading of scripture? I'll pick up in verse 1. of scripture? I'll pick up in verse 1. of scripture? I'll pick up in verse 1. Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is Lord. To write the same things again is Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me. It is a safeguard for no trouble to me. It is a safeguard for no trouble to me. It is a safeguard for you. Now, look at this language. "Beware you. Now, look at this language. "Beware you. Now, look at this language. "Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the first circumcision, false beware of the first circumcision, false beware of the first circumcision, false circumcision." Nobody wants to be called circumcision." Nobody wants to be called circumcision." Nobody wants to be called those names. "For we are the true those names. "For we are the true those names. "For we are the true circumcision, who worship in the spirit circumcision, who worship in the spirit circumcision, who worship in the spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh. Although put no confidence in the flesh. Although put no confidence in the flesh. Although Now, here's his Here's his resume.

Now, here's his Here's his resume. Now, here's his Here's his resume. "Although I myself might have confidence "Although I myself might have confidence "Although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh, if anyone else has a even in the flesh, if anyone else has a even in the flesh, if anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I mind to put confidence in the flesh, I mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more." He says, "You think you're far more." He says, "You think you're far more." He says, "You think you're good? Well, I was better than you were." good? Well, I was better than you were." good? Well, I was better than you were." "Circumcised eighth day of the nation of "Circumcised eighth day of the nation of "Circumcised eighth day of the nation of Israel, the tribe of Benjamin, Hebrew of Israel, the tribe of Benjamin, Hebrew of Israel, the tribe of Benjamin, Hebrew of Hebrews, as to law a Pharisee, as to Hebrews, as to law a Pharisee, as to Hebrews, as to law a Pharisee, as to zeal, a persecutor of the church, as to zeal, a persecutor of the church, as to zeal, a persecutor of the church, as to the righteousness which is in the law the righteousness which is in the law the righteousness which is in the law found blameless. But whatever things found blameless. But whatever things found blameless. But whatever things were gained to me, those things I have were gained to me, those things I have were gained to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. counted as loss for the sake of Christ. counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be More than that, I count all things to be More than that, I count all things to be lost in view of the surpassing value." lost in view of the surpassing value." lost in view of the surpassing value." Now, this is that This is that knowing, Now, this is that This is that knowing, Now, this is that This is that knowing, that personal relationship, that that personal relationship, that that personal relationship, that experiential knowledge, where it's went experiential knowledge, where it's went experiential knowledge, where it's went from head to heart and down to the feet, from head to heart and down to the feet, from head to heart and down to the feet, where it's actually taking action and where it's actually taking action and where it's actually taking action and and steps of faith. He says, "Whatever and steps of faith. He says, "Whatever and steps of faith. He says, "Whatever those things were, surpassing value of those things were, surpassing value of those things were, surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I've suffered the loss of all things, I've suffered the loss of all things, I've suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish, so that I and count them but rubbish, so that I and count them but rubbish, so that I might gain Christ. might gain Christ. might gain Christ. And may be found in him, not having a And may be found in him, not having a And may be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the righteousness of my own derived from the righteousness of my own derived from the law, but that which is through faith in law, but that which is through faith in law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness comes from God Christ, the righteousness comes from God Christ, the righteousness comes from God on the basis of faith. That I might know on the basis of faith. That I might know on the basis of faith. That I might know him and the power of his resurrection, him and the power of his resurrection, him and the power of his resurrection, the fellowship of his sufferings, being the fellowship of his sufferings, being the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, in order that I conformed to his death, in order that I conformed to his death, in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the may attain to the resurrection from the may attain to the resurrection from the dead." Let's pray. Father, thank you for dead." Let's pray. Father, thank you for dead." Let's pray. Father, thank you for today. Lord, we do not take for granted today. Lord, we do not take for granted today. Lord, we do not take for granted that you woke us up this morning, that that you woke us up this morning, that that you woke us up this morning, that you have us here. Life is a vapor, it's you have us here. Life is a vapor, it's you have us here. Life is a vapor, it's here today, it's gone tomorrow. So, here today, it's gone tomorrow. So, here today, it's gone tomorrow. So, thank you for allowing us to be here.

thank you for allowing us to be here. thank you for allowing us to be here. Lord, each person that's here, each soul Lord, each person that's here, each soul Lord, each person that's here, each soul in this room, boy or girl, man or woman, in this room, boy or girl, man or woman, in this room, boy or girl, man or woman, today is a divine appointment, Lord. I today is a divine appointment, Lord. I today is a divine appointment, Lord. I pray, Lord, you disciple us as believers pray, Lord, you disciple us as believers pray, Lord, you disciple us as believers and teach us and give us understanding. and teach us and give us understanding. and teach us and give us understanding. Help us grow in sanctification, Lord, in Help us grow in sanctification, Lord, in Help us grow in sanctification, Lord, in the knowledge and understanding of you. the knowledge and understanding of you. the knowledge and understanding of you. Uh Lord, but also is the day of Uh Lord, but also is the day of Uh Lord, but also is the day of salvation. Lord, I know there are folks salvation. Lord, I know there are folks salvation. Lord, I know there are folks who need to be saved today. And so, who need to be saved today. And so, who need to be saved today. And so, Lord, I pray someone may have been a Lord, I pray someone may have been a Lord, I pray someone may have been a member of a church. Someone may have a a member of a church. Someone may have a a member of a church. Someone may have a a a great resume of being a successful a great resume of being a successful a great resume of being a successful Christian, but they do not know you. And Christian, but they do not know you. And Christian, but they do not know you. And so, Lord, I pray today is that place of so, Lord, I pray today is that place of so, Lord, I pray today is that place of the saving knowledge of you, where the saving knowledge of you, where the saving knowledge of you, where there's conviction, there's repentance, there's conviction, there's repentance, there's conviction, there's repentance, there's faith. And I pray someone enters there's faith. And I pray someone enters there's faith. And I pray someone enters into the kingdom today. May it be for into the kingdom today. May it be for into the kingdom today. May it be for your glory. In your name we pray, the your glory. In your name we pray, the your glory. In your name we pray, the name of Jesus. Now, all God's people name of Jesus. Now, all God's people name of Jesus. Now, all God's people said, "Amen. Amen." Please be seated said, "Amen. Amen." Please be seated said, "Amen. Amen." Please be seated again. Thanks for standing for the uh again. Thanks for standing for the uh again. Thanks for standing for the uh public reading of scripture. If you've public reading of scripture. If you've public reading of scripture. If you've been here with me very long, I believe been here with me very long, I believe been here with me very long, I believe in the public reading of scripture. You in the public reading of scripture. You in the public reading of scripture. You just can't mess that up. And uh so, pray just can't mess that up. And uh so, pray just can't mess that up. And uh so, pray the Holy Spirit moves and works in the the Holy Spirit moves and works in the the Holy Spirit moves and works in the heart. So, let's talk about how it heart. So, let's talk about how it heart. So, let's talk about how it starts off. We're going to talk about starts off. We're going to talk about starts off. We're going to talk about what Paul is basically saying that what Paul is basically saying that what Paul is basically saying that knowing Christ over religion. So, he knowing Christ over religion. So, he knowing Christ over religion. So, he starts off right there. He says, starts off right there. He says, starts off right there. He says, "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord." What What does that mean? Rejoice Lord." What What does that mean? Rejoice Lord." What What does that mean? Rejoice in the Lord. You hear that a lot. Well, in the Lord. You hear that a lot. Well, in the Lord. You hear that a lot. Well, it just means to rejoice in the Lord. Uh it just means to rejoice in the Lord. Uh it just means to rejoice in the Lord. Uh rejoice in the gospel of the Lord Jesus rejoice in the gospel of the Lord Jesus rejoice in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, that the Lord Jesus Christ left Christ, that the Lord Jesus Christ left Christ, that the Lord Jesus Christ left the throne room of heaven. The Bible the throne room of heaven. The Bible the throne room of heaven. The Bible tells us did not regard equality with tells us did not regard equality with tells us did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, okay, hung on God a thing to be grasped, okay, hung on God a thing to be grasped, okay, hung on to, but emptied himself, uh not of his to, but emptied himself, uh not of his to, but emptied himself, uh not of his divinity, but of that that aura, we call divinity, but of that that aura, we call divinity, but of that that aura, we call it, the Shekinah glory. Anyway, he it, the Shekinah glory. Anyway, he it, the Shekinah glory. Anyway, he and became a man, came in flesh, 100%

and became a man, came in flesh, 100% and became a man, came in flesh, 100% God, 100% man, for the whole purpose of God, 100% man, for the whole purpose of God, 100% man, for the whole purpose of going to the cross for you and me. We going to the cross for you and me. We going to the cross for you and me. We rejoice in that. That Jesus went to the rejoice in that. That Jesus went to the rejoice in that. That Jesus went to the cross you and me. We do not deserve cross you and me. We do not deserve cross you and me. We do not deserve that. We cannot earn that. It's by the that. We cannot earn that. It's by the that. We cannot earn that. It's by the grace of God. And so, he poured out his grace of God. And so, he poured out his grace of God. And so, he poured out his blood on the cross at Calvary, so we blood on the cross at Calvary, so we blood on the cross at Calvary, so we could have forgiveness of sin. As we see could have forgiveness of sin. As we see could have forgiveness of sin. As we see in the text and talk a little bit more in the text and talk a little bit more in the text and talk a little bit more in detail in just a moment, that when we in detail in just a moment, that when we in detail in just a moment, that when we come to the saving knowledge of Christ, come to the saving knowledge of Christ, come to the saving knowledge of Christ, okay, not the facts, we know facts, but okay, not the facts, we know facts, but okay, not the facts, we know facts, but right here, where we actually experience right here, where we actually experience right here, where we actually experience here and say, "Lord Jesus, I want you to here and say, "Lord Jesus, I want you to here and say, "Lord Jesus, I want you to save me. Lord Jesus, I repent of my save me. Lord Jesus, I repent of my save me. Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, I believe in you. sins. Lord Jesus, I believe in you. sins. Lord Jesus, I believe in you. Lord, take control uh of my life." When Lord, take control uh of my life." When Lord, take control uh of my life." When we we come to that place, the imputation we we come to that place, the imputation we we come to that place, the imputation of the righteousness of the Lord Jesus of the righteousness of the Lord Jesus of the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ is put upon us. Do you realize Christ is put upon us. Do you realize Christ is put upon us. Do you realize that as a believer in the Lord Jesus that as a believer in the Lord Jesus that as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, that when when the Lord looks Christ, that when when the Lord looks Christ, that when when the Lord looks down at us, when the Father looks to us, down at us, when the Father looks to us, down at us, when the Father looks to us, he sees the righteousness of us as a he sees the righteousness of us as a he sees the righteousness of us as a sinless son of his son, the Lord Jesus sinless son of his son, the Lord Jesus sinless son of his son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He sees the righteousness of Christ. He sees the righteousness of Christ. He sees the righteousness of Christ upon us. We've been clothed in Christ upon us. We've been clothed in Christ upon us. We've been clothed in that. I mean, this is what we're that. I mean, this is what we're that. I mean, this is what we're rejoicing. We we can't earn that, can't rejoicing. We we can't earn that, can't rejoicing. We we can't earn that, can't deserve that. It's by the grace of God.

deserve that. It's by the grace of God. deserve that. It's by the grace of God. AND THEN HE'S COMING BACK for us one AND THEN HE'S COMING BACK for us one AND THEN HE'S COMING BACK for us one day. And then we get to be on purpose day. And then we get to be on purpose day. And then we get to be on purpose and on mission. So what Paul's saying, and on mission. So what Paul's saying, and on mission. So what Paul's saying, look, I know things are tough. I know look, I know things are tough. I know look, I know things are tough. I know things are going on. He says, but you things are going on. He says, but you things are going on. He says, but you can rejoice in the Lord. And he says, "I can rejoice in the Lord. And he says, "I can rejoice in the Lord. And he says, "I write these things again, it's not a write these things again, it's not a write these things again, it's not a trouble for me." So apparently, what trouble for me." So apparently, what trouble for me." So apparently, what he's about to say, there seems to be he's about to say, there seems to be he's about to say, there seems to be he's already had a conversation to he's already had a conversation to he's already had a conversation to someone. He says, "It's not a trouble someone. He says, "It's not a trouble someone. He says, "It's not a trouble for me, it is a safeguard for you." And for me, it is a safeguard for you." And for me, it is a safeguard for you." And then he jumps in. He got these three then he jumps in. He got these three then he jumps in. He got these three words there. He says, "Beware words there. He says, "Beware words there. He says, "Beware three times." And first he says, "Of the three times." And first he says, "Of the three times." And first he says, "Of the dogs." Now, beware means pay attention. dogs." Now, beware means pay attention. dogs." Now, beware means pay attention. So, this is the Holy Spirit of God So, this is the Holy Spirit of God So, this is the Holy Spirit of God speaking to us. And what the Lord says speaking to us. And what the Lord says speaking to us. And what the Lord says today, it's relevant. Relevant then, today, it's relevant. Relevant then, today, it's relevant. Relevant then, relevant today. What he says is, you relevant today. What he says is, you relevant today. What he says is, you need to be aware of the dogs. need to be aware of the dogs. need to be aware of the dogs. Now, that is interesting to me. Now, I Now, that is interesting to me. Now, I Now, that is interesting to me. Now, I don't know, you may think, "Well, you don't know, you may think, "Well, you don't know, you may think, "Well, you just like a kid." Well, yes, in a way. just like a kid." Well, yes, in a way. just like a kid." Well, yes, in a way. I can remember when Angie and I first I can remember when Angie and I first I can remember when Angie and I first got cows. got cows. got cows. Um Um Um we had them in a pasture and Mr. Gary we had them in a pasture and Mr. Gary we had them in a pasture and Mr. Gary Moss has gone to be with the Lord. I Moss has gone to be with the Lord. I Moss has gone to be with the Lord. I asked Mr. Gary, I said, "Mr. Gary, I asked Mr. Gary, I said, "Mr. Gary, I asked Mr. Gary, I said, "Mr. Gary, I said, you ever worry about coyotes said, you ever worry about coyotes said, you ever worry about coyotes attacking the calves?" I remember him attacking the calves?" I remember him attacking the calves?" I remember him looking at me and he said, "Well, not looking at me and he said, "Well, not looking at me and he said, "Well, not really."

really." really." I said, "No, I said, well, I've heard I said, "No, I said, well, I've heard I said, "No, I said, well, I've heard that coyotes will do this and do that." that coyotes will do this and do that." that coyotes will do this and do that." He said, "I'm more afraid of a pack of He said, "I'm more afraid of a pack of He said, "I'm more afraid of a pack of wild dogs than I am coyotes." I said, wild dogs than I am coyotes." I said, wild dogs than I am coyotes." I said, "What do you mean wild dogs?" He said, "What do you mean wild dogs?" He said, "What do you mean wild dogs?" He said, "Wild dogs." I said, "You mean like dogs "Wild dogs." I said, "You mean like dogs "Wild dogs." I said, "You mean like dogs that used to be puppies and then they that used to be puppies and then they that used to be puppies and then they became dogs and they were like became dogs and they were like became dogs and they were like somebody's house and then they started somebody's house and then they started somebody's house and then they started living wild." He said, "Yeah." He said, living wild." He said, "Yeah." He said, living wild." He said, "Yeah." He said, "They were one time." He said, "But "They were one time." He said, "But "They were one time." He said, "But somebody has thrown them out on the somebody has thrown them out on the somebody has thrown them out on the ridge." And he said, "They're running in ridge." And he said, "They're running in ridge." And he said, "They're running in a pack." He said, "They'll kill more a pack." He said, "They'll kill more a pack." He said, "They'll kill more calves than coyotes will." I thought, calves than coyotes will." I thought, calves than coyotes will." I thought, "That's it." Until we experienced it. I "That's it." Until we experienced it. I "That's it." Until we experienced it. I thought, "That's the craziest thing I've thought, "That's the craziest thing I've thought, "That's the craziest thing I've ever heard in my life. Well, when Paul ever heard in my life. Well, when Paul ever heard in my life. Well, when Paul says beware of the dogs, dogs, they knew says beware of the dogs, dogs, they knew says beware of the dogs, dogs, they knew at that time there were vicious packs of at that time there were vicious packs of at that time there were vicious packs of once that were little puppies that were once that were little puppies that were once that were little puppies that were now wild vicious dogs that roam through now wild vicious dogs that roam through now wild vicious dogs that roam through the city and then in the night, you know the city and then in the night, you know the city and then in the night, you know what they did? They tore stuff apart. what they did? They tore stuff apart. what they did? They tore stuff apart. This is the kind of pack of dogs you This is the kind of pack of dogs you This is the kind of pack of dogs you didn't want your toddlers to be around, didn't want your toddlers to be around, didn't want your toddlers to be around, your small kids, you didn't want to be your small kids, you didn't want to be your small kids, you didn't want to be around them. They're very vicious, worse around them. They're very vicious, worse around them. They're very vicious, worse than any other animal. Well, what does than any other animal. Well, what does than any other animal. Well, what does he mean by that? Because of the tearing. he mean by that? Because of the tearing. he mean by that? Because of the tearing. A cult, an organization that is a cult, A cult, an organization that is a cult, A cult, an organization that is a cult, is that organization tears at the deity is that organization tears at the deity is that organization tears at the deity of Christ. They add or take away.

of Christ. They add or take away. of Christ. They add or take away. They may say he is not the son of God or They may say he is not the son of God or They may say he is not the son of God or they may say was Jesus plus this or it they may say was Jesus plus this or it they may say was Jesus plus this or it could be that they say, well, well, could be that they say, well, well, could be that they say, well, well, Jesus is not, you know, he's not really Jesus is not, you know, he's not really Jesus is not, you know, he's not really the son of God. He at one time was an the son of God. He at one time was an the son of God. He at one time was an angel and then he became the son. Now angel and then he became the son. Now angel and then he became the son. Now he's an angel again. That's tearing at he's an angel again. That's tearing at he's an angel again. That's tearing at the deity of Christ. Or it can be they the deity of Christ. Or it can be they the deity of Christ. Or it can be they say, well, you know, Jesus was born of a say, well, you know, Jesus was born of a say, well, you know, Jesus was born of a physical man and a physical woman. physical man and a physical woman. physical man and a physical woman. That's the idea. That's a very rough That's the idea. That's a very rough That's the idea. That's a very rough language. He said beware of the dogs. language. He said beware of the dogs. language. He said beware of the dogs. And the only way that you can beware of And the only way that you can beware of And the only way that you can beware of the vicious dogs is you've got to know the vicious dogs is you've got to know the vicious dogs is you've got to know the truth. It's the truth of Christ. So, the truth. It's the truth of Christ. So, the truth. It's the truth of Christ. So, he says beware of that. He says beware he says beware of that. He says beware he says beware of that. He says beware of the evil workers. Well, what in the of the evil workers. Well, what in the of the evil workers. Well, what in the world? He just went from dog to worker. world? He just went from dog to worker. world? He just went from dog to worker. That can be morally evil, but it can That can be morally evil, but it can That can be morally evil, but it can also be a person that denies salvation also be a person that denies salvation also be a person that denies salvation through grace. And what that is, they through grace. And what that is, they through grace. And what that is, they believe they can earn salvation. They're believe they can earn salvation. They're believe they can earn salvation. They're referred to as an evil worker. And then referred to as an evil worker. And then referred to as an evil worker. And then the false circumcision, you get that. the false circumcision, you get that. the false circumcision, you get that. These were the Jewish people of that These were the Jewish people of that These were the Jewish people of that day. That that circumcision in the Old day. That that circumcision in the Old day. That that circumcision in the Old Testament was the covenant of God with Testament was the covenant of God with Testament was the covenant of God with Abraham and it would mark an individual, Abraham and it would mark an individual, Abraham and it would mark an individual, a male, that they were followers of God.

a male, that they were followers of God. a male, that they were followers of God. It it had no salvific expression to it, It it had no salvific expression to it, It it had no salvific expression to it, no salvation in it, but it just marked no salvation in it, but it just marked no salvation in it, but it just marked them. And so, it was to be done on the them. And so, it was to be done on the them. And so, it was to be done on the eighth day after birth and and all that. eighth day after birth and and all that. eighth day after birth and and all that. Well, the false circumcision, they Well, the false circumcision, they Well, the false circumcision, they believed that's how they had a believed that's how they had a believed that's how they had a relationship with God. And so Paul says, relationship with God. And so Paul says, relationship with God. And so Paul says, "Beware. Beware. Pay attention. You "Beware. Beware. Pay attention. You "Beware. Beware. Pay attention. You know, beware. Beware. And And how do you know, beware. Beware. And And how do you know, beware. Beware. And And how do you know that something is a counterfeit? know that something is a counterfeit? know that something is a counterfeit? That something's not real. That That something's not real. That That something's not real. That something would be considered dog and something would be considered dog and something would be considered dog and evil worker or false circumcision? How evil worker or false circumcision? How evil worker or false circumcision? How do we know that? We got to know the do we know that? We got to know the do we know that? We got to know the original. If you've ever had like a $50 original. If you've ever had like a $50 original. If you've ever had like a $50 bill or by God's grace you had a $100 bill or by God's grace you had a $100 bill or by God's grace you had a $100 bill. If you ever had a $100 bill and bill. If you ever had a $100 bill and bill. If you ever had a $100 bill and you go somewhere and you're going to pay you go somewhere and you're going to pay you go somewhere and you're going to pay for something, you know, you give it to for something, you know, you give it to for something, you know, you give it to the cashier and they look at it and then the cashier and they look at it and then the cashier and they look at it and then you start thinking, "Hmm." you start thinking, "Hmm." you start thinking, "Hmm." Then they dig around and I find a little Then they dig around and I find a little Then they dig around and I find a little marker and then then you start going, marker and then then you start going, marker and then then you start going, "I hope this thing's real cuz I don't "I hope this thing's real cuz I don't "I hope this thing's real cuz I don't know where it came from." Do you ever know where it came from." Do you ever know where it came from." Do you ever done that? done that? done that? You know, and you know, they mark on it. You know, and you know, they mark on it. You know, and you know, they mark on it. It's like, "Okay, you know." Goes in It's like, "Okay, you know." Goes in It's like, "Okay, you know." Goes in there. Maybe paying for gas, doing there. Maybe paying for gas, doing there. Maybe paying for gas, doing something like that. something like that. something like that. But the deal is and and this is old. But the deal is and and this is old. But the deal is and and this is old. You've heard this before. You've heard this before. You've heard this before. I can tell you a hundred times probably, I can tell you a hundred times probably, I can tell you a hundred times probably, but they say, "How can people spot but they say, "How can people spot but they say, "How can people spot something that's counterfeit?" It's something that's counterfeit?" It's something that's counterfeit?" It's because they study the original. They because they study the original. They because they study the original. They don't study the false things. They study don't study the false things. They study don't study the false things. They study the original.

the original. the original. This is the idea here. It says, "Beware This is the idea here. It says, "Beware This is the idea here. It says, "Beware of these things." Because this is why he of these things." Because this is why he of these things." Because this is why he launches into next verse three. "We're launches into next verse three. "We're launches into next verse three. "We're the true circumcision." the true circumcision." the true circumcision." True. Cut of the heart. True. Cut of the heart. True. Cut of the heart. Okay? We've been cut of the heart. We Okay? We've been cut of the heart. We Okay? We've been cut of the heart. We have had forgiveness that's in Christ. have had forgiveness that's in Christ. have had forgiveness that's in Christ. We believe Jesus is the son of God. We We believe Jesus is the son of God. We We believe Jesus is the son of God. We believe he's been raised from the dead. believe he's been raised from the dead. believe he's been raised from the dead. And we worship in the spirit of God uh And we worship in the spirit of God uh And we worship in the spirit of God uh and glory in Christ Jesus and put no and glory in Christ Jesus and put no and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence uh in the flesh. And so confidence uh in the flesh. And so confidence uh in the flesh. And so basically uh what he's saying here is basically uh what he's saying here is basically uh what he's saying here is that yeah, we got to recognize those that yeah, we got to recognize those that yeah, we got to recognize those false leaders and we've got to rejoice false leaders and we've got to rejoice false leaders and we've got to rejoice in Christ. He says, "We put no in Christ. He says, "We put no in Christ. He says, "We put no confidence uh in the flesh and worship." confidence uh in the flesh and worship." confidence uh in the flesh and worship." We can only have the true worship of God We can only have the true worship of God We can only have the true worship of God through the indwelling of the Holy through the indwelling of the Holy through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Spirit. Spirit. So the Holy Spirit within us and the So the Holy Spirit within us and the So the Holy Spirit within us and the worshiping. Do you realize that we come worshiping. Do you realize that we come worshiping. Do you realize that we come and yes, we sing and we preach and we and yes, we sing and we preach and we and yes, we sing and we preach and we teach and God's word and we pray. That's teach and God's word and we pray. That's teach and God's word and we pray. That's the exaltation uh of the Lord Jesus the exaltation uh of the Lord Jesus the exaltation uh of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are worshipping him. Lifting Christ. We are worshipping him. Lifting Christ. We are worshipping him. Lifting uh him up uh and doing this. And again, uh him up uh and doing this. And again, uh him up uh and doing this. And again, that's how we rejoice along. Yesterday that's how we rejoice along. Yesterday that's how we rejoice along. Yesterday Angie and I were in a truck and we were Angie and I were in a truck and we were Angie and I were in a truck and we were driving along. We were having this driving along. We were having this driving along. We were having this conversation about something. Just life conversation about something. Just life conversation about something. Just life in general.

in general. in general. She said, "Well, you know She said, "Well, you know She said, "Well, you know we're not going to be here much longer." we're not going to be here much longer." we're not going to be here much longer." Now, you know, when your wife says that Now, you know, when your wife says that Now, you know, when your wife says that after 38 years, I look at her and I after 38 years, I look at her and I after 38 years, I look at her and I said, "We're not going to be much." She said, "We're not going to be much." She said, "We're not going to be much." She says She didn't say we're in a short says She didn't say we're in a short says She didn't say we're in a short rows. That's a farming She didn't say rows. That's a farming She didn't say rows. That's a farming She didn't say we're in short rows. She said, "We're at we're in short rows. She said, "We're at we're in short rows. She said, "We're at the We're close to the end." I thought, the We're close to the end." I thought, the We're close to the end." I thought, "Well, I'm feeling pretty good right "Well, I'm feeling pretty good right "Well, I'm feeling pretty good right now. I don't know about that." But, you now. I don't know about that." But, you now. I don't know about that." But, you know, I got to think about it. I think know, I got to think about it. I think know, I got to think about it. I think about our age. We're in the last third about our age. We're in the last third about our age. We're in the last third of life. We're in the last quarter. of life. We're in the last quarter. of life. We're in the last quarter. And she says, "There's going to come a And she says, "There's going to come a And she says, "There's going to come a day." She said, "We're not going to be day." She said, "We're not going to be day." She said, "We're not going to be here that much longer." You see, for us, here that much longer." You see, for us, here that much longer." You see, for us, it was like yesterday we were 20. It was it was like yesterday we were 20. It was it was like yesterday we were 20. It was like yesterday we were married. And now like yesterday we were married. And now like yesterday we were married. And now we've been married 38 years later, we're we've been married 38 years later, we're we've been married 38 years later, we're sitting in a truck like two old people, sitting in a truck like two old people, sitting in a truck like two old people, and we're talking about we're not going and we're talking about we're not going and we're talking about we're not going to be here much longer, right? Cuz why to be here much longer, right? Cuz why to be here much longer, right? Cuz why is that? Because we're older. is that? Because we're older. is that? Because we're older. And but, you know what? She had a smile And but, you know what? She had a smile And but, you know what? She had a smile on her face. She said, "And we're just on her face. She said, "And we're just on her face. She said, "And we're just not going to be dealing with the stuff not going to be dealing with the stuff not going to be dealing with the stuff of this world anymore." And I'll tell of this world anymore." And I'll tell of this world anymore." And I'll tell you what, you know, really You may you what, you know, really You may you what, you know, really You may think, "Well, that's kind of morbid and think, "Well, that's kind of morbid and think, "Well, that's kind of morbid and weird." No, it really's like I just weird." No, it really's like I just weird." No, it really's like I just rejoice in the Lord over that. rejoice in the Lord over that. rejoice in the Lord over that. You know, amen and amen. That Jesus You know, amen and amen. That Jesus You know, amen and amen. That Jesus Christ would come and down across, and I Christ would come and down across, and I Christ would come and down across, and I would have the opportunity to hear the would have the opportunity to hear the would have the opportunity to hear the gospel, that I grew up in a church that gospel, that I grew up in a church that gospel, that I grew up in a church that taught the gospel. Didn't get saved I taught the gospel. Didn't get saved I taught the gospel. Didn't get saved I was 25. It was all right here, then it was 25. It was all right here, then it was 25. It was all right here, then it moved to here, and then it went to these moved to here, and then it went to these moved to here, and then it went to these feet. You see, that's a sanctification.

feet. You see, that's a sanctification. feet. You see, that's a sanctification. I rejoice in that. That's what Paul I rejoice in that. That's what Paul I rejoice in that. That's what Paul says, "We're of that true succor to says, "We're of that true succor to says, "We're of that true succor to this." So, he says it's knowing Christ this." So, he says it's knowing Christ this." So, he says it's knowing Christ over religion. But, also he says this, over religion. But, also he says this, over religion. But, also he says this, "You knowing Christ over your resume." "You knowing Christ over your resume." "You knowing Christ over your resume." You see, sometimes the greatest You see, sometimes the greatest You see, sometimes the greatest hindrance to following after Christ is hindrance to following after Christ is hindrance to following after Christ is not a sinful past, it's a successful not a sinful past, it's a successful not a sinful past, it's a successful religious past. religious past. religious past. Now, you see, I'm on this extreme over Now, you see, I'm on this extreme over Now, you see, I'm on this extreme over here here here of the sinful past. But, what he's of the sinful past. But, what he's of the sinful past. But, what he's saying is he says, "Sometimes the saying is he says, "Sometimes the saying is he says, "Sometimes the greatest hindrance is that successful greatest hindrance is that successful greatest hindrance is that successful religious past." So, Paul says, "You religious past." So, Paul says, "You religious past." So, Paul says, "You think you're good?" think you're good?" think you're good?" He said, "Let me just tell you about my He said, "Let me just tell you about my He said, "Let me just tell you about my stuff in my life." And so, he kind of stuff in my life." And so, he kind of stuff in my life." And so, he kind of goes through there and begins to list goes through there and begins to list goes through there and begins to list out you realize that in regard to Paul out you realize that in regard to Paul out you realize that in regard to Paul that Paul was of the uh that Paul was of the uh that Paul was of the uh he was of the right birth, okay? he was of the right birth, okay? he was of the right birth, okay? He was of the right nation, he was of He was of the right nation, he was of He was of the right nation, he was of the right tribe, he was of the right the right tribe, he was of the right the right tribe, he was of the right ethnicity, he was of the right religion ethnicity, he was of the right religion ethnicity, he was of the right religion of that time being a Pharisee, uh and he of that time being a Pharisee, uh and he of that time being a Pharisee, uh and he had the right righteousness of that had the right righteousness of that had the right righteousness of that time. So, when you go down through all time. So, when you go down through all time. So, when you go down through all the stuff that he mentioned, he says the stuff that he mentioned, he says the stuff that he mentioned, he says in verse 6, "As to zeal, okay, in verse 6, "As to zeal, okay, in verse 6, "As to zeal, okay, persecuted the church." So, he had that persecuted the church." So, he had that persecuted the church." So, he had that passion and he he viewed that as passion passion and he he viewed that as passion passion and he he viewed that as passion for God persecuting Christians before he for God persecuting Christians before he for God persecuting Christians before he was dramatically converted on the road was dramatically converted on the road was dramatically converted on the road to Damascus. But, look at what he says.

to Damascus. But, look at what he says. to Damascus. But, look at what he says. "Righteousness which is in the law found "Righteousness which is in the law found "Righteousness which is in the law found blameless." Oh me. How many of you, blameless." Oh me. How many of you, blameless." Oh me. How many of you, don't raise your hand. don't raise your hand. don't raise your hand. According to Old Testament law, see the According to Old Testament law, see the According to Old Testament law, see the law shows us our sin. The Ten law shows us our sin. The Ten law shows us our sin. The Ten Commandments shows us our sin. That's Commandments shows us our sin. That's Commandments shows us our sin. That's Old Testament law, okay? Old Testament law, okay? Old Testament law, okay? Well, how many of you can say that Well, how many of you can say that Well, how many of you can say that according to Old Testament law, let's according to Old Testament law, let's according to Old Testament law, let's just use the Ten Commandments. Honoring just use the Ten Commandments. Honoring just use the Ten Commandments. Honoring father and mother. father and mother. father and mother. Uh you know, Uh you know, Uh you know, uh uh uh loving the Lord God, heart, mind, soul, loving the Lord God, heart, mind, soul, loving the Lord God, heart, mind, soul, strength, you know, not having a graven strength, you know, not having a graven strength, you know, not having a graven image. You go through this, if you don't image. You go through this, if you don't image. You go through this, if you don't know what they all are, go to Exodus know what they all are, go to Exodus know what they all are, go to Exodus chapter 20. chapter 20. chapter 20. But, how many of you could say But, how many of you could say But, how many of you could say I've not violated the Ten Commandments I've not violated the Ten Commandments I've not violated the Ten Commandments this past week. I'd probably You know, I this past week. I'd probably You know, I this past week. I'd probably You know, I like it says like don't covet your like it says like don't covet your like it says like don't covet your neighbor's donkey. That's kind of neighbor's donkey. That's kind of neighbor's donkey. That's kind of interesting, right? interesting, right? interesting, right? How many of you have driven down the How many of you have driven down the How many of you have driven down the road here lately and said road here lately and said road here lately and said "Man, I wish I had that four-wheeler." "Man, I wish I had that four-wheeler." "Man, I wish I had that four-wheeler." Now, some of you are like, "Well, I'm Now, some of you are like, "Well, I'm Now, some of you are like, "Well, I'm not a four-wheeler person." Well, I not a four-wheeler person." Well, I not a four-wheeler person." Well, I don't know, whatever kind of person you don't know, whatever kind of person you don't know, whatever kind of person you are, okay? You drive down the road and are, okay? You drive down the road and are, okay? You drive down the road and you see somebody, "I wish I had that you see somebody, "I wish I had that you see somebody, "I wish I had that piece of property. I wish I had that piece of property. I wish I had that piece of property. I wish I had that house. I wish I lived there. I wish I house. I wish I lived there. I wish I house. I wish I lived there. I wish I had that." That's how I did, don't had that." That's how I did, don't had that." That's how I did, don't covet.

covet. covet. Paul says, "According to the law, Paul says, "According to the law, Paul says, "According to the law, you can't find any blame in me." That is you can't find any blame in me." That is you can't find any blame in me." That is a big statement. a big statement. a big statement. Now, think about that. He says, "I've Now, think about that. He says, "I've Now, think about that. He says, "I've not violated Ten Commandments not violated Ten Commandments not violated Ten Commandments not here recently." Now, you know it'd not here recently." Now, you know it'd not here recently." Now, you know it'd be profitable cuz you think, "Oh, yeah, be profitable cuz you think, "Oh, yeah, be profitable cuz you think, "Oh, yeah, you did." But, he's like, "Found you did." But, he's like, "Found you did." But, he's like, "Found blameless. According to law, found blameless. According to law, found blameless. According to law, found blameless." You could not throw blameless." You could not throw blameless." You could not throw something at me and it stick. That's something at me and it stick. That's something at me and it stick. That's what Paul was saying. But, then he he what Paul was saying. But, then he he what Paul was saying. But, then he he goes on. He says that, "But, whatever goes on. He says that, "But, whatever goes on. He says that, "But, whatever things were gained to me, those things I things were gained to me, those things I things were gained to me, those things I have counted but as loss." So, why do we have counted but as loss." So, why do we have counted but as loss." So, why do we have a tendency to try to earn it? Why have a tendency to try to earn it? Why have a tendency to try to earn it? Why do we do that? Got a couple things here. do we do that? Got a couple things here. do we do that? Got a couple things here. We We We We naturally believe that we can earn We naturally believe that we can earn We naturally believe that we can earn God's approval. God's approval. God's approval. You see, I shared this last week that You see, I shared this last week that You see, I shared this last week that our default is selfishness. our default is selfishness. our default is selfishness. We don't drift towards being selfless, We don't drift towards being selfless, We don't drift towards being selfless, we drift toward being selfish. we drift toward being selfish. we drift toward being selfish. Let me say that one more time. We don't Let me say that one more time. We don't Let me say that one more time. We don't drift toward being selfless, we drift drift toward being selfless, we drift drift toward being selfless, we drift toward being selfish. And that And so, toward being selfish. And that And so, toward being selfish. And that And so, it's a natural default of ours that we it's a natural default of ours that we it's a natural default of ours that we believe we can earn it. Why is this? Cuz believe we can earn it. Why is this? Cuz believe we can earn it. Why is this? Cuz from childhood, we learn that rewards from childhood, we learn that rewards from childhood, we learn that rewards come through performance.

come through performance. come through performance. We learn that. We also learn that good We learn that. We also learn that good We learn that. We also learn that good grades get recognition. I didn't have grades get recognition. I didn't have grades get recognition. I didn't have that that that issue. Okay. We uh issue. Okay. We uh issue. Okay. We uh We learned that hard work earns We learned that hard work earns We learned that hard work earns promotions. promotions. promotions. We learned that good behavior earns We learned that good behavior earns We learned that good behavior earns privileges. We learned that success privileges. We learned that success privileges. We learned that success earns approval. You know, I can't earns approval. You know, I can't earns approval. You know, I can't remember I know we live in this I'm remember I know we live in this I'm remember I know we live in this I'm probably going to hurt somebody's probably going to hurt somebody's probably going to hurt somebody's feelings today, but you know, we live in feelings today, but you know, we live in feelings today, but you know, we live in a day and age where everybody gets a a day and age where everybody gets a a day and age where everybody gets a trophy. I didn't grow up in that. trophy. I didn't grow up in that. trophy. I didn't grow up in that. I didn't grow up in that. And I was not I didn't grow up in that. And I was not I didn't grow up in that. And I was not the athletic superstar, either. I You the athletic superstar, either. I You the athletic superstar, either. I You know, I might get a trophy like most know, I might get a trophy like most know, I might get a trophy like most hustle So, you know, something like hustle So, you know, something like hustle So, you know, something like that. Which Here's what my daddy told that. Which Here's what my daddy told that. Which Here's what my daddy told me. Here's what my daddy told me, okay? me. Here's what my daddy told me, okay? me. Here's what my daddy told me, okay? They They were both athletes. He said, They They were both athletes. He said, They They were both athletes. He said, "Look, Archie, you may not be very "Look, Archie, you may not be very "Look, Archie, you may not be very good." good." good." He said, "But, you better give it 100%." He said, "But, you better give it 100%." He said, "But, you better give it 100%." He said, "I'm not going to get on to you He said, "I'm not going to get on to you He said, "I'm not going to get on to you if you strike out or if you don't catch if you strike out or if you don't catch if you strike out or if you don't catch a football they throw to you, but you a football they throw to you, but you a football they throw to you, but you better give it 100% so I could get the better give it 100% so I could get the better give it 100% so I could get the most hustle award." I just was not that most hustle award." I just was not that most hustle award." I just was not that athletic. Now, I say that, but I'm just athletic. Now, I say that, but I'm just athletic. Now, I say that, but I'm just designed like that. I am I I I'm all designed like that. I am I I I'm all designed like that. I am I I I'm all about So, we naturally drift toward about So, we naturally drift toward about So, we naturally drift toward thinking we can earn God's approval thinking we can earn God's approval thinking we can earn God's approval because we've been raised like that even because we've been raised like that even because we've been raised like that even as kids. But also, too, what happens as kids. But also, too, what happens as kids. But also, too, what happens pride wants the credit.

pride wants the credit. pride wants the credit. Pride wants the credit in our own life. Pride wants the credit in our own life. Pride wants the credit in our own life. And so, you know, we want to we want to And so, you know, we want to we want to And so, you know, we want to we want to feel like we have contributed something feel like we have contributed something feel like we have contributed something to salvation. We like that. It's a to salvation. We like that. It's a to salvation. We like that. It's a tendency. tendency. tendency. We prefer what we can control. We prefer what we can control. We prefer what we can control. We do that. But Paul says, "Whatever We do that. But Paul says, "Whatever We do that. But Paul says, "Whatever these things are," he said, "I count these things are," he said, "I count these things are," he said, "I count them as loss." In fact, he goes on for them as loss." In fact, he goes on for them as loss." In fact, he goes on for the sake of Christ. He counts them as the sake of Christ. He counts them as the sake of Christ. He counts them as that word, he calls it like rubbish is that word, he calls it like rubbish is that word, he calls it like rubbish is what it is. And and so, you may be here what it is. And and so, you may be here what it is. And and so, you may be here today. Maybe your your maybe your today. Maybe your your maybe your today. Maybe your your maybe your testimony's not me. testimony's not me. testimony's not me. It's okay. You know, sometimes somebody It's okay. You know, sometimes somebody It's okay. You know, sometimes somebody tell me one time they said, "I wish I tell me one time they said, "I wish I tell me one time they said, "I wish I had a testimony like you." I said, "No, had a testimony like you." I said, "No, had a testimony like you." I said, "No, you don't." you don't." you don't." They said, "Oh, yeah, that's it." I They said, "Oh, yeah, that's it." I They said, "Oh, yeah, that's it." I said, "No, you don't." I said, "There said, "No, you don't." I said, "There said, "No, you don't." I said, "There are consequences of forgiven sin. Can I are consequences of forgiven sin. Can I are consequences of forgiven sin. Can I get a witness from anybody out here?" get a witness from anybody out here?" get a witness from anybody out here?" There's consequences of forgiven sin. There's consequences of forgiven sin. There's consequences of forgiven sin. So, don't ever think, "Well, I wish I So, don't ever think, "Well, I wish I So, don't ever think, "Well, I wish I had that simple past." No, no, no. had that simple past." No, no, no. had that simple past." No, no, no. But your greatest obstacle may be that But your greatest obstacle may be that But your greatest obstacle may be that you got a successful religious past. you got a successful religious past. you got a successful religious past. You got all the gold stars. There's You got all the gold stars. There's You got all the gold stars. There's nothing wrong with gold stars. A lot of nothing wrong with gold stars. A lot of nothing wrong with gold stars. A lot of us grew up going to Sunday school to get us grew up going to Sunday school to get us grew up going to Sunday school to get gold stars. There's nothing wrong with gold stars. There's nothing wrong with gold stars. There's nothing wrong with that.

that. that. You You You you've not you've not you've not you've not been ugly to kittens. You love You love puppy dogs. puppy dogs. puppy dogs. You know, You know, You know, you're at church all the time. you're at church all the time. you're at church all the time. That's good things. That's good things. That's good things. You know, you're not angry. You're You know, you're not angry. You're You know, you're not angry. You're you know, easy-going. you know, easy-going. you know, easy-going. The greatest obstacle The greatest obstacle The greatest obstacle from here to here from here to here from here to here is your successful religious past. What Paul says, he says, "You think you What Paul says, he says, "You think you got it? Think you you think you were got it? Think you you think you were got it? Think you you think you were good?" He said, "Look at my stuff." He good?" He said, "Look at my stuff." He good?" He said, "Look at my stuff." He said, "I count it all." You need to go said, "I count it all." You need to go said, "I count it all." You need to go look up that word rubbish, trash. That's look up that word rubbish, trash. That's look up that word rubbish, trash. That's a bad word. It's It's like you say a bad a bad word. It's It's like you say a bad a bad word. It's It's like you say a bad word, but it's it's pretty descriptive word, but it's it's pretty descriptive word, but it's it's pretty descriptive in that. He says, "I count all that is in that. He says, "I count all that is in that. He says, "I count all that is lost for the sake of knowing Christ." lost for the sake of knowing Christ." lost for the sake of knowing Christ." Now, so we are to know Christ above Now, so we are to know Christ above Now, so we are to know Christ above everything. Look at verse 8. More than everything. Look at verse 8. More than everything. Look at verse 8. More than that, I count all things be lost in view that, I count all things be lost in view that, I count all things be lost in view of the surpassing value. Now, when he of the surpassing value. Now, when he of the surpassing value. Now, when he says this word surpassing value knowing says this word surpassing value knowing says this word surpassing value knowing Christ, this surpassing value that Christ, this surpassing value that Christ, this surpassing value that that's an idea of that experiential that's an idea of that experiential that's an idea of that experiential knowledge where you have come to the the knowledge where you have come to the the knowledge where you have come to the the the saving knowledge of Christ and the saving knowledge of Christ and the saving knowledge of Christ and you're are growing him. And again, a you're are growing him. And again, a you're are growing him. And again, a friend of mine brought it up this friend of mine brought it up this friend of mine brought it up this morning at the first service. He this morning at the first service. He this morning at the first service. He this thought about in service and so I said thought about in service and so I said thought about in service and so I said it a couple times. He said, "It's it's it a couple times. He said, "It's it's it a couple times. He said, "It's it's that idea of of sanctification. Greatest that idea of of sanctification. Greatest that idea of of sanctification. Greatest suit of Christianity is knowing Christ, suit of Christianity is knowing Christ, suit of Christianity is knowing Christ, being sanctified in him, growing in being sanctified in him, growing in being sanctified in him, growing in him." You know, it's head to its heart him." You know, it's head to its heart him." You know, it's head to its heart salvation, this whole salvation salvation, this whole salvation salvation, this whole salvation experience. But then it goes to our feet experience. But then it goes to our feet experience. But then it goes to our feet where it's action that's taking place.

where it's action that's taking place. where it's action that's taking place. It's those steps of faith. And so Paul It's those steps of faith. And so Paul It's those steps of faith. And so Paul says this. He says, "I count all this says this. He says, "I count all this says this. He says, "I count all this stuff as lost, surpassing value, knowing stuff as lost, surpassing value, knowing stuff as lost, surpassing value, knowing Christ, whom I've suffered the loss of Christ, whom I've suffered the loss of Christ, whom I've suffered the loss of all things. It's but rubbish." He said, all things. It's but rubbish." He said, all things. It's but rubbish." He said, "To be found in him." Okay? For the "To be found in him." Okay? For the "To be found in him." Okay? For the purpose of the righteousness of Christ. purpose of the righteousness of Christ. purpose of the righteousness of Christ. And And so what we see here is that And And so what we see here is that And And so what we see here is that Christ gives us He gives us again Christ gives us He gives us again Christ gives us He gives us again true righteousness. When we come to the true righteousness. When we come to the true righteousness. When we come to the saving knowledge of Christ, that is saving knowledge of Christ, that is saving knowledge of Christ, that is where His righteousness is imputed to where His righteousness is imputed to where His righteousness is imputed to us, placed upon us. I know I keep saying us, placed upon us. I know I keep saying us, placed upon us. I know I keep saying this. I keep reiterating this that His this. I keep reiterating this that His this. I keep reiterating this that His right And And so this is where you're right And And so this is where you're right And And so this is where you're clothed in the Lord Jesus Christ. This clothed in the Lord Jesus Christ. This clothed in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is when Father God looks down at you and is when Father God looks down at you and is when Father God looks down at you and what He sees is the righteousness of His what He sees is the righteousness of His what He sees is the righteousness of His Son, the person of the Lord Jesus Son, the person of the Lord Jesus Son, the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, this is a big statement. Christ. Now, this is a big statement. Christ. Now, this is a big statement. So, He says, "We cannot be made So, He says, "We cannot be made So, He says, "We cannot be made righteous by the Old Testament law." In righteous by the Old Testament law." In righteous by the Old Testament law." In fact, Isaiah 64 says, "Our fact, Isaiah 64 says, "Our fact, Isaiah 64 says, "Our righteousness, personal righteousness righteousness, personal righteousness righteousness, personal righteousness that Paul had, the pedigree, the that Paul had, the pedigree, the that Paul had, the pedigree, the successful rich successful rich successful rich religious past was but as filthy rags."

religious past was but as filthy rags." religious past was but as filthy rags." Now, you want another word study? Go Now, you want another word study? Go Now, you want another word study? Go look that one up. look that one up. look that one up. Uh that's that's a It's not like a bad Uh that's that's a It's not like a bad Uh that's that's a It's not like a bad word, but it's very descriptive. He says word, but it's very descriptive. He says word, but it's very descriptive. He says that is but filthy rags. So you cannot that is but filthy rags. So you cannot that is but filthy rags. So you cannot earn this righteousness. So Paul said, I earn this righteousness. So Paul said, I earn this righteousness. So Paul said, I had it all going. I was trained under had it all going. I was trained under had it all going. I was trained under the leading rabbi of the day. I was the leading rabbi of the day. I was the leading rabbi of the day. I was coming up being the golden child that coming up being the golden child that coming up being the golden child that was coming out. And he said in fact of was coming out. And he said in fact of was coming out. And he said in fact of all that, he says what I do, he says I all that, he says what I do, he says I all that, he says what I do, he says I count that but as loss. And then he says count that but as loss. And then he says count that but as loss. And then he says this. this. this. He says for the the fact of really He says for the the fact of really He says for the the fact of really knowing this is back in verse 8, knowing knowing this is back in verse 8, knowing knowing this is back in verse 8, knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Now this is Christ Jesus my Lord. Now this is Christ Jesus my Lord. Now this is prophet, priest, king language. I don't prophet, priest, king language. I don't prophet, priest, king language. I don't have time to have to go into that. But have time to have to go into that. But have time to have to go into that. But when he says knowing Christ Jesus my when he says knowing Christ Jesus my when he says knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, prophet, priest, and king. And he Lord, prophet, priest, and king. And he Lord, prophet, priest, and king. And he says to know him and again know him in says to know him and again know him in says to know him and again know him in that intimate way. Now, that intimate way. Now, that intimate way. Now, here's the clincher of the passage. here's the clincher of the passage. here's the clincher of the passage. He says in verse 10, he says that I He says in verse 10, he says that I He says in verse 10, he says that I might know him in the power of his might know him in the power of his might know him in the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his resurrection and the fellowship of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings being conformed to his death. sufferings being conformed to his death. sufferings being conformed to his death. Now the word maintain the resurrection Now the word maintain the resurrection Now the word maintain the resurrection day. So he's talking about that going to day. So he's talking about that going to day. So he's talking about that going to heaven one day. He's talking about if heaven one day. He's talking about if heaven one day. He's talking about if the Lord Jesus comes and raptures the Lord Jesus comes and raptures the Lord Jesus comes and raptures the church off the earth, he he kind of the church off the earth, he he kind of the church off the earth, he he kind of always looked forward to the imminent always looked forward to the imminent always looked forward to the imminent return of Christ. But what about the return of Christ. But what about the return of Christ. But what about the power of the resurrection? Now this is power of the resurrection? Now this is power of the resurrection? Now this is not original with me, but let me read it not original with me, but let me read it not original with me, but let me read it to you.

to you. to you. The uh The uh The uh the resurrection is not just a the resurrection is not just a the resurrection is not just a historical event to be believed, historical event to be believed, historical event to be believed, but what it is, it is a but what it is, it is a but what it is, it is a it is a presence to be experienced. it is a presence to be experienced. it is a presence to be experienced. Let me say that one more time. Let me say that one more time. Let me say that one more time. The resurrection not just a historical The resurrection not just a historical The resurrection not just a historical event to be believed, but it is a event to be believed, but it is a event to be believed, but it is a present work to be experienced. What present work to be experienced. What present work to be experienced. What does he mean the power of the does he mean the power of the does he mean the power of the resurrection? I used to read this after resurrection? I used to read this after resurrection? I used to read this after I came to faith in Christ. I'm like, I came to faith in Christ. I'm like, I came to faith in Christ. I'm like, what does that mean? Because you know, I what does that mean? Because you know, I what does that mean? Because you know, I had explored all this false religion had explored all this false religion had explored all this false religion stuff. I had a explored all this stuff. stuff. I had a explored all this stuff. stuff. I had a explored all this stuff. So I see the power of the resurrection So I see the power of the resurrection So I see the power of the resurrection and I always go, and I always go, and I always go, well Lord, does that mean that somebody well Lord, does that mean that somebody well Lord, does that mean that somebody goes out and says the miracle be done, goes out and says the miracle be done, goes out and says the miracle be done, you know? I would I would look is that you know? I would I would look is that you know? I would I would look is that the idea of that? But no, it's a present the idea of that? But no, it's a present the idea of that? But no, it's a present work to be experienced. So, what is the work to be experienced. So, what is the work to be experienced. So, what is the power uh of the resurrection? Well, here power uh of the resurrection? Well, here power uh of the resurrection? Well, here it is. The resurrection power gives us it is. The resurrection power gives us it is. The resurrection power gives us new life. So, the resurrection power, new life. So, the resurrection power, new life. So, the resurrection power, the same power that raised Jesus Christ the same power that raised Jesus Christ the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead, raises us spiritually. from the dead, raises us spiritually. from the dead, raises us spiritually. And so, what happens is the resurrection And so, what happens is the resurrection And so, what happens is the resurrection power uh gives us new life. This is the power uh gives us new life. This is the power uh gives us new life. This is the divine power that accomplishes what divine power that accomplishes what divine power that accomplishes what human strength cannot. So, resurrection human strength cannot. So, resurrection human strength cannot. So, resurrection power gives us new life. Resurrection power gives us new life. Resurrection power gives us new life. Resurrection power gives us victory over sin.

power gives us victory over sin. power gives us victory over sin. The resurrection The resurrection The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and his of the Lord Jesus Christ and his of the Lord Jesus Christ and his resurrection power, when we come to resurrection power, when we come to resurrection power, when we come to believe in it, breaks that dominance of believe in it, breaks that dominance of believe in it, breaks that dominance of sin. Before Christ, we are enslaved to sin. Before Christ, we are enslaved to sin. Before Christ, we are enslaved to sin. You've heard my testimony. I I'd be sin. You've heard my testimony. I I'd be sin. You've heard my testimony. I I'd be in the middle of the night and all my in the middle of the night and all my in the middle of the night and all my craziness, like, "Oh, Lord, forgive me." craziness, like, "Oh, Lord, forgive me." craziness, like, "Oh, Lord, forgive me." You know, I've been in church a long I You know, I've been in church a long I You know, I've been in church a long I knew to pray and ask for forgiveness. knew to pray and ask for forgiveness. knew to pray and ask for forgiveness. It's all right here. Facts. I knew what It's all right here. Facts. I knew what It's all right here. Facts. I knew what to do. It's never went to here and it to do. It's never went to here and it to do. It's never went to here and it never gone to my feet. And and so, I never gone to my feet. And and so, I never gone to my feet. And and so, I would just pray uh and do that and oh, would just pray uh and do that and oh, would just pray uh and do that and oh, Lord, but I didn't mean that or whatever Lord, but I didn't mean that or whatever Lord, but I didn't mean that or whatever cuz I was enslaved to sin. But, then cuz I was enslaved to sin. But, then cuz I was enslaved to sin. But, then through the resurrection power of the through the resurrection power of the through the resurrection power of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the breaking Lord Jesus Christ. This is the breaking Lord Jesus Christ. This is the breaking power. When I came to faith in Christ, power. When I came to faith in Christ, power. When I came to faith in Christ, my desires were changed. my desires were changed. my desires were changed. Uh you know, are there temptations and Uh you know, are there temptations and Uh you know, are there temptations and things that will occur in life? Yes. things that will occur in life? Yes. things that will occur in life? Yes. But, they no longer can just rule over But, they no longer can just rule over But, they no longer can just rule over me uh in that stuff. They can no longer me uh in that stuff. They can no longer me uh in that stuff. They can no longer do that. And and so, it's the do that. And and so, it's the do that. And and so, it's the resurrection power. It's the present resurrection power. It's the present resurrection power. It's the present work to be experienced in our life. work to be experienced in our life. work to be experienced in our life. That's the idea that he's talking about That's the idea that he's talking about That's the idea that he's talking about here. here. here. But, the resurrection power gives us But, the resurrection power gives us But, the resurrection power gives us strength for daily living. Gives us strength for daily living. Gives us strength for daily living. Gives us strength to obey. This is the power that strength to obey. This is the power that strength to obey. This is the power that raised uh Jesus from the dead through raised uh Jesus from the dead through raised uh Jesus from the dead through the indwelling of a Holy Spirit that the indwelling of a Holy Spirit that the indwelling of a Holy Spirit that lives in us today, gives us the ability lives in us today, gives us the ability lives in us today, gives us the ability to obey, to endure, to forgive, to love, to obey, to endure, to forgive, to love, to obey, to endure, to forgive, to love, to serve, to to persevere.

to serve, to to persevere. to serve, to to persevere. You know, there may be someone in your You know, there may be someone in your You know, there may be someone in your relationships relationships sphere or a relationships relationships sphere or a relationships relationships sphere or a place of work place of work place of work that I've often said, you know, it's that I've often said, you know, it's that I've often said, you know, it's like love like love like love them is like hugging a porcupine, you them is like hugging a porcupine, you them is like hugging a porcupine, you know, or something. You know, it just it know, or something. You know, it just it know, or something. You know, it just it is maybe a difficult person. is maybe a difficult person. is maybe a difficult person. And maybe that they've done stuff to And maybe that they've done stuff to And maybe that they've done stuff to you. You know, there are those of you you. You know, there are those of you you. You know, there are those of you you've been hurt intentionally by other you've been hurt intentionally by other you've been hurt intentionally by other people. And I can almost assure you over people. And I can almost assure you over people. And I can almost assure you over the course of time that individual is the course of time that individual is the course of time that individual is not going to come to you and ask for not going to come to you and ask for not going to come to you and ask for your forgiveness. Not unless the Holy your forgiveness. Not unless the Holy your forgiveness. Not unless the Holy Spirit of the Lord gets a hold of their Spirit of the Lord gets a hold of their Spirit of the Lord gets a hold of their heart. We probably all had that kind of heart. We probably all had that kind of heart. We probably all had that kind of stuff in our life all time. They have stuff in our life all time. They have stuff in our life all time. They have hurt us intentionally, but unless the hurt us intentionally, but unless the hurt us intentionally, but unless the Lord gets a hold of them, they're not Lord gets a hold of them, they're not Lord gets a hold of them, they're not going to come ask you for forgiveness. going to come ask you for forgiveness. going to come ask you for forgiveness. But you know what? Through the power of But you know what? Through the power of But you know what? Through the power of the resurrection, you no longer have to the resurrection, you no longer have to the resurrection, you no longer have to be enslaved to their hurt. be enslaved to their hurt. be enslaved to their hurt. Through the power of the resurrection, Through the power of the resurrection, Through the power of the resurrection, you no longer have to be enslaved you no longer have to be enslaved you no longer have to be enslaved allowing them to rule over you, allowing allowing them to rule over you, allowing allowing them to rule over you, allowing them to fill your mind continually them to fill your mind continually them to fill your mind continually because of what they did to you. Through because of what they did to you. Through because of what they did to you. Through the power of the resurrection and the the power of the resurrection and the the power of the resurrection and the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit in indwelling work of the Holy Spirit in indwelling work of the Holy Spirit in your life as a believer, you can your life as a believer, you can your life as a believer, you can actually forgive them. It does not mean actually forgive them. It does not mean actually forgive them. It does not mean that you forget, but it means that you that you forget, but it means that you that you forget, but it means that you forgive and they no longer have a hold forgive and they no longer have a hold forgive and they no longer have a hold on your life.

on your life. on your life. You see, that's the power of the You see, that's the power of the You see, that's the power of the resurrection in that. But also too, resurrection in that. But also too, resurrection in that. But also too, here's another one. The resurrection here's another one. The resurrection here's another one. The resurrection power sustains us through suffering. power sustains us through suffering. power sustains us through suffering. The resurrection power is often The resurrection power is often The resurrection power is often experienced most clearly in our weakest experienced most clearly in our weakest experienced most clearly in our weakest moments. It's the resurrection power. moments. It's the resurrection power. moments. It's the resurrection power. That's what it says in the fellowship of That's what it says in the fellowship of That's what it says in the fellowship of sufferings. But also, sufferings. But also, sufferings. But also, what we see is that Christ gives us that what we see is that Christ gives us that what we see is that Christ gives us that eternal hope. And so, the resurrection eternal hope. And so, the resurrection eternal hope. And so, the resurrection power gives us confidence over death. power gives us confidence over death. power gives us confidence over death. The resurrection guarantees our own The resurrection guarantees our own The resurrection guarantees our own resurrection because Jesus Christ resurrection because Jesus Christ resurrection because Jesus Christ defeated death. Death is no longer the defeated death. Death is no longer the defeated death. Death is no longer the believer's greatest enemy. believer's greatest enemy. believer's greatest enemy. Death becomes a doorway Death becomes a doorway Death becomes a doorway into God's promise, into God's presence, into God's promise, into God's presence, into God's promise, into God's presence, into eternal life. So, when Angie said into eternal life. So, when Angie said into eternal life. So, when Angie said yesterday, yesterday, yesterday, you know, we don't have much longer you know, we don't have much longer you know, we don't have much longer >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> in that truck, >> in that truck, >> in that truck, with a smile on her face. with a smile on her face. with a smile on her face. You know, it was good to know You know, it was good to know You know, it was good to know that my wife of 38 years does not fear that my wife of 38 years does not fear that my wife of 38 years does not fear death. death. death. Do you fear death?

Do you fear death? Do you fear death? It's legitimate cuz if Jesus doesn't It's legitimate cuz if Jesus doesn't It's legitimate cuz if Jesus doesn't come back, guess what? come back, guess what? come back, guess what? This body This body This body is going to quit. In fact, one of my is going to quit. In fact, one of my is going to quit. In fact, one of my good friends, Mr. Noah, brother Noah, came out after the service and we were came out after the service and we were having a discussion. He said, "You know, having a discussion. He said, "You know, having a discussion. He said, "You know, the average age of a man the average age of a man the average age of a man and life expectancy is 75 to 80 years and life expectancy is 75 to 80 years and life expectancy is 75 to 80 years old." old." old." Now, when he said that to me as my Now, when he said that to me as my Now, when he said that to me as my brother in Christ, you know what I brother in Christ, you know what I brother in Christ, you know what I thought? I thought, thought? I thought, thought? I thought, "Lord, I've only got 15 more years." "Lord, I've only got 15 more years." "Lord, I've only got 15 more years." And then he said, "Have you ever thought And then he said, "Have you ever thought And then he said, "Have you ever thought about calculating the number of days in about calculating the number of days in about calculating the number of days in a year times the average of those years a year times the average of those years a year times the average of those years left of a man?" left of a man?" left of a man?" I was still hung on just 15 years. And I was still hung on just 15 years. And I was still hung on just 15 years. And he was just smiling. he was just smiling. he was just smiling. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> Life is but a vapor. >> Life is but a vapor. >> Life is but a vapor. We're here today We're here today We're here today and we're gone tomorrow. and we're gone tomorrow. and we're gone tomorrow. It's the resurrection power It's the resurrection power It's the resurrection power gives us eternal hope gives us eternal hope gives us eternal hope because our savior has been raised from because our savior has been raised from because our savior has been raised from the dead.

the dead. the dead. He's given us victory over sin and he's He's given us victory over sin and he's He's given us victory over sin and he's given us victory over death. Now, none given us victory over death. Now, none given us victory over death. Now, none of us in the room are going to sit here of us in the room are going to sit here of us in the room are going to sit here and go, "Well, I'm I hope it happens to and go, "Well, I'm I hope it happens to and go, "Well, I'm I hope it happens to me today." If If you're doing that, it's me today." If If you're doing that, it's me today." If If you're doing that, it's probably kind of weird, kind of morbid, probably kind of weird, kind of morbid, probably kind of weird, kind of morbid, okay? okay? okay? But, But, But, we don't have to fear. we don't have to fear. we don't have to fear. You see, that's the resurrection. So, You see, that's the resurrection. So, You see, that's the resurrection. So, when he says that I may attain to the when he says that I may attain to the when he says that I may attain to the resurrection, that I may have that resurrection, that I may have that resurrection, that I may have that resurrection power, know him, the power resurrection power, know him, the power resurrection power, know him, the power of his resurrection. of his resurrection. of his resurrection. He says, "Looking forward to that day He says, "Looking forward to that day He says, "Looking forward to that day when I'll be raised from the dead." when I'll be raised from the dead." when I'll be raised from the dead." The question at the invitation and The question at the invitation and The question at the invitation and invitations are not man-made, by the invitations are not man-made, by the invitations are not man-made, by the way. way. way. Jesus Christ is the one who said, "Come Jesus Christ is the one who said, "Come Jesus Christ is the one who said, "Come to me, all you weary and heavy laden, to me, all you weary and heavy laden, to me, all you weary and heavy laden, and I'll give you rest." and I'll give you rest." and I'll give you rest." And for anyone who's a preacher of the And for anyone who's a preacher of the And for anyone who's a preacher of the gospel gospel gospel or a teacher of God's word not to give or a teacher of God's word not to give or a teacher of God's word not to give an invitation for people who have heard an invitation for people who have heard an invitation for people who have heard God's word to respond, I I believe God's word to respond, I I believe God's word to respond, I I believe that's ill will in doing that. that's ill will in doing that. that's ill will in doing that. But the question is still the same as But the question is still the same as But the question is still the same as what we started with. I would say everyone, 100%, probably I would say everyone, 100%, probably everyone engaging with us online everyone engaging with us online everyone engaging with us online is here.

is here. is here. But is it here? But is it here? But is it here? And you say, "Well, well, how do I know And you say, "Well, well, how do I know And you say, "Well, well, how do I know if if it's made it to the heart?" Well, if if it's made it to the heart?" Well, if if it's made it to the heart?" Well, usually it makes it to the heart, it usually it makes it to the heart, it usually it makes it to the heart, it goes to the feet, too. It's all part of goes to the feet, too. It's all part of goes to the feet, too. It's all part of the sanctification process in this. the sanctification process in this. the sanctification process in this. You may know the facts, but do you have You may know the facts, but do you have You may know the facts, but do you have that relationship with him? So, today that relationship with him? So, today that relationship with him? So, today can be the day of salvation. I don't can be the day of salvation. I don't can be the day of salvation. I don't believe we have to have a lengthy believe we have to have a lengthy believe we have to have a lengthy invitation. invitation. invitation. Because here's what I believe. This is Because here's what I believe. This is Because here's what I believe. This is God's word. We've read it. We broke it God's word. We've read it. We broke it God's word. We've read it. We broke it down. We've talked about it. down. We've talked about it. down. We've talked about it. And if the Holy Spirit's speaking to And if the Holy Spirit's speaking to And if the Holy Spirit's speaking to your heart, you know. your heart, you know. your heart, you know. You know it. You know it. You know it. And you're making a decision right now. And you're making a decision right now. And you're making a decision right now. You may be here and you say, "Well, You may be here and you say, "Well, You may be here and you say, "Well, Archie, I've been a member of the church Archie, I've been a member of the church Archie, I've been a member of the church and I've done this. My daddy was a and I've done this. My daddy was a and I've done this. My daddy was a deacon. My mama played the piano and deacon. My mama played the piano and deacon. My mama played the piano and you know, and I've been good. I haven't you know, and I've been good. I haven't you know, and I've been good. I haven't I have never been drunk. I have never I have never been drunk. I have never I have never been drunk. I have never done anything." And now this, the done anything." And now this, the done anything." And now this, the greatest hindrance greatest hindrance greatest hindrance to true salvation for many people is not to true salvation for many people is not to true salvation for many people is not a simple past. a simple past. a simple past. It's a successful religious past. It's a successful religious past. It's a successful religious past. But the Holy Spirit's piercing your But the Holy Spirit's piercing your But the Holy Spirit's piercing your heart and you know heart and you know heart and you know he's spoken to you.

he's spoken to you. he's spoken to you. Okay. So, if it doesn't go to these Okay. So, if it doesn't go to these Okay. So, if it doesn't go to these then it hadn't got to here. then it hadn't got to here. then it hadn't got to here. It's still stuck here. It's still stuck here. It's still stuck here. And so, it may be right now you need to And so, it may be right now you need to And so, it may be right now you need to call upon him. Lord Jesus, I'm a sinner. call upon him. Lord Jesus, I'm a sinner. call upon him. Lord Jesus, I'm a sinner. Lord Jesus, save me. Lord Jesus, I Lord Jesus, save me. Lord Jesus, I Lord Jesus, save me. Lord Jesus, I repent. Lord Jesus, I believe you died repent. Lord Jesus, I believe you died repent. Lord Jesus, I believe you died for me on the cross. Lord, I believe for me on the cross. Lord, I believe for me on the cross. Lord, I believe your blood was shed for me. Save me, your blood was shed for me. Save me, your blood was shed for me. Save me, Lord Jesus. Lord Jesus. Lord Jesus. It is not magical words. It's the It is not magical words. It's the It is not magical words. It's the attitude of the heart and he knows. attitude of the heart and he knows. attitude of the heart and he knows. He says, "If you call upon me, I'll save He says, "If you call upon me, I'll save He says, "If you call upon me, I'll save you." you." you." See, he's paid the price. You can't earn See, he's paid the price. You can't earn See, he's paid the price. You can't earn it. There's You have a natural tendency. it. There's You have a natural tendency. it. There's You have a natural tendency. Our default is I want to contribute to Our default is I want to contribute to Our default is I want to contribute to it. I want to do something, you know, I it. I want to do something, you know, I it. I want to do something, you know, I can be good enough. That's a natural can be good enough. That's a natural can be good enough. That's a natural tendency to do that and that's what what tendency to do that and that's what what tendency to do that and that's what what the enemy uses and pride wants to have the enemy uses and pride wants to have the enemy uses and pride wants to have control. Now you got to say, "Lord, save control. Now you got to say, "Lord, save control. Now you got to say, "Lord, save me." And then there'll be pastors here me." And then there'll be pastors here me." And then there'll be pastors here at the front. We give I pray you need to at the front. We give I pray you need to at the front. We give I pray you need to say you can come to one of these pastors say you can come to one of these pastors say you can come to one of these pastors and say, "Today I've given my life to and say, "Today I've given my life to and say, "Today I've given my life to Christ." Christ." Christ." Here's what I know. You know. Here's what I know. You know. Here's what I know. You know. So you got to you got to answer the So you got to you got to answer the So you got to you got to answer the call. But secondly, there are believers call. But secondly, there are believers call. But secondly, there are believers here. Maybe today has been a place where here. Maybe today has been a place where here. Maybe today has been a place where the Holy Spirit struck your heart. You the Holy Spirit struck your heart. You the Holy Spirit struck your heart. You can't get saved all over again, but can't get saved all over again, but can't get saved all over again, but there's some things you need to repent there's some things you need to repent there's some things you need to repent of. Maybe some things you need to get of. Maybe some things you need to get of. Maybe some things you need to get right with the Lord.

right with the Lord. right with the Lord. Maybe there's been a lack of joy and Maybe there's been a lack of joy and Maybe there's been a lack of joy and stuff. Maybe you got focused on all the stuff. Maybe you got focused on all the stuff. Maybe you got focused on all the stuff, you know, oil prices are up, stuff, you know, oil prices are up, stuff, you know, oil prices are up, down, up, down. We got all kinds of down, up, down. We got all kinds of down, up, down. We got all kinds of stuff going on all around the world. We stuff going on all around the world. We stuff going on all around the world. We don't know what's happening, all that don't know what's happening, all that don't know what's happening, all that stuff. I guess what? You know what? Read stuff. I guess what? You know what? Read stuff. I guess what? You know what? Read the Bible. the Bible. the Bible. Cuz it's all in the Bible. Kind of stuff Cuz it's all in the Bible. Kind of stuff Cuz it's all in the Bible. Kind of stuff like that. And so it's just a world. The like that. And so it's just a world. The like that. And so it's just a world. The we live in a fallen world. And so, you we live in a fallen world. And so, you we live in a fallen world. And so, you know, maybe just lose your joy. Rejoice know, maybe just lose your joy. Rejoice know, maybe just lose your joy. Rejoice in the Lord that this world is not our in the Lord that this world is not our in the Lord that this world is not our home. home. home. And so maybe you just need to pray, And so maybe you just need to pray, And so maybe you just need to pray, "Lord, restore to me the joy of your "Lord, restore to me the joy of your "Lord, restore to me the joy of your salvation." I don't know what it is, but salvation." I don't know what it is, but salvation." I don't know what it is, but here's what I can promise you. You know. here's what I can promise you. You know. here's what I can promise you. You know. You know. You know. You know. Because the Holy Spirit spoke to your Because the Holy Spirit spoke to your Because the Holy Spirit spoke to your heart. So heart. So heart. So he's already here. he's already here. he's already here. You got to activate these feet. You got to activate these feet. You got to activate these feet. And so maybe you just want to come and And so maybe you just want to come and And so maybe you just want to come and pray. Maybe you want to speak with a pray. Maybe you want to speak with a pray. Maybe you want to speak with a pastor. Maybe you got a friend you want pastor. Maybe you got a friend you want pastor. Maybe you got a friend you want to pray with. Maybe you want to pray to pray with. Maybe you want to pray to pray with. Maybe you want to pray right where you are. right where you are. right where you are. Just answer his call Just answer his call Just answer his call upon your life. Fathers, we pray across upon your life. Fathers, we pray across upon your life. Fathers, we pray across this room. this room. this room. And Lord, as I said this, Lord Jesus, And Lord, as I said this, Lord Jesus, And Lord, as I said this, Lord Jesus, you're the author of the invitation. you're the author of the invitation. you're the author of the invitation. You're the one who you cried out to You're the one who you cried out to You're the one who you cried out to people to come to you. Weary and heavy people to come to you. Weary and heavy people to come to you. Weary and heavy laden. And Lord, laden. And Lord, laden. And Lord, there were folks that just stood in the there were folks that just stood in the there were folks that just stood in the crowd.

crowd. crowd. They heard, but they didn't answer. They heard, but they didn't answer. They heard, but they didn't answer. But Lord, there those there were those But Lord, there those there were those But Lord, there those there were those who answered and who had who answered and who had who answered and who had who found peace in you. who found peace in you. who found peace in you. And so Lord, I pray that that takes And so Lord, I pray that that takes And so Lord, I pray that that takes place today. I pray we don't hold back. place today. I pray we don't hold back. place today. I pray we don't hold back. I pray we listen. I pray we listen. I pray we listen. I pray Lord we walk by faith and not by I pray Lord we walk by faith and not by I pray Lord we walk by faith and not by sight. And I pray it's for your glory sight. And I pray it's for your glory sight. And I pray it's for your glory today. Lord, as I always pray, Lord, today. Lord, as I always pray, Lord, today. Lord, as I always pray, Lord, right now, I pray somebody's calling right now, I pray somebody's calling right now, I pray somebody's calling upon you for salvation. And Lord, may upon you for salvation. And Lord, may upon you for salvation. And Lord, may they not be ashamed of you. May they they not be ashamed of you. May they they not be ashamed of you. May they share that with one of these pastors share that with one of these pastors share that with one of these pastors today. Your name we pray, name of Jesus. today. Your name we pray, name of Jesus. today. Your name we pray, name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. Can we stand on our feet?