When Jesus Is Your Jury | I Know That Voice | Steven Furtick | Elevation Church

Should I tell them? Do you want me to Should I tell them? Do you want me to tell them? Yeah. Okay, I'll tell I'll tell them? Yeah. Okay, I'll tell I'll tell them? Yeah. Okay, I'll tell I'll tell I'll tell them. tell I'll tell them. tell I'll tell them. >> Elevation Nights 2026 >> Elevation Nights 2026 >> Elevation Nights 2026 >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. >> October 9th through October 18th. What >> October 9th through October 18th. What >> October 9th through October 18th. What is Elevation Nights, T.D.? is Elevation Nights, T.D.? is Elevation Nights, T.D.? >> Oh, it's only the greatest night of your >> Oh, it's only the greatest night of your >> Oh, it's only the greatest night of your life. life. life. >> All your favorite songs, believing God >> All your favorite songs, believing God >> All your favorite songs, believing God with thousands of brothers and sisters with thousands of brothers and sisters with thousands of brothers and sisters in Christ. I'mma bring a word. in Christ. I'mma bring a word. in Christ. I'mma bring a word. >> Yes, [music] you are. >> Yes, [music] you are. >> Yes, [music] you are. >> Holly's going to bring a word. >> Holly's going to bring a word. >> Holly's going to bring a word. >> He's coming. >> He's coming. >> He's coming. >> And I'm bringing you >> And I'm bringing you >> And I'm bringing you >> Elevation Worship >> Elevation Worship >> Elevation Worship >> Elevation Rhythm >> Elevation Rhythm >> Elevation Rhythm >> We're going to all be there. >> We're going to all be there. >> We're going to all be there. >> All right, give them the cities, T.D. >> All right, give them the cities, T.D. >> All right, give them the cities, T.D. >> We're going to Lubbock, Dallas, Oklahoma >> We're going to Lubbock, Dallas, Oklahoma >> We're going to Lubbock, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Houston [music] City, Houston [music] City, Houston [music] >> Kansas City, Memphis, Birmingham, San >> Kansas City, Memphis, Birmingham, San >> Kansas City, Memphis, Birmingham, San Antonio Antonio Antonio >> 9th through 18th. Now, you got to get >> 9th through 18th. Now, you got to get >> 9th through 18th. Now, you got to get your tickets right now. your tickets right now. your tickets right now. elevationnights.com. And in the elevationnights.com. And in the elevationnights.com. And in the comments, let us know if you're coming, comments, let us know if you're coming, comments, let us know if you're coming, thinking about coming, or going to thinking about coming, or going to thinking about coming, or going to regret not coming for the rest of your regret not coming for the rest of your regret not coming for the rest of your life. elevationnights.com. We'll see you life. elevationnights.com. We'll see you life. elevationnights.com. We'll see you soon. I really am excited to continue a soon. I really am excited to continue a soon. I really am excited to continue a series today that I started last week. series today that I started last week. series today that I started last week. And I'm calling the series, you ready? I And I'm calling the series, you ready? I And I'm calling the series, you ready? I know that voice. know that voice. know that voice. I know that voice.

I know that voice. I know that voice. And we're talking about how to discern And we're talking about how to discern And we're talking about how to discern God's voice God's voice God's voice and then do what it says. and then do what it says. and then do what it says. Aren't both of those important? Aren't both of those important? Aren't both of those important? You know what I noticed about us You know what I noticed about us You know what I noticed about us sometimes as believers in Jesus? We get sometimes as believers in Jesus? We get sometimes as believers in Jesus? We get so caught up in the parts of what God so caught up in the parts of what God so caught up in the parts of what God has spoken that are hard to discern has spoken that are hard to discern has spoken that are hard to discern and we ignore the parts that are hard to and we ignore the parts that are hard to and we ignore the parts that are hard to do. do. do. Some things that God has spoken to us Some things that God has spoken to us Some things that God has spoken to us about, they're not hard to discern. He about, they're not hard to discern. He about, they're not hard to discern. He just told us to do that, to forgive. just told us to do that, to forgive. just told us to do that, to forgive. But that's hard to do. But that's hard to do. But that's hard to do. I'mma come over to this side. I'mma come over to this side. I'mma come over to this side. I feel resistance on this side of the I feel resistance on this side of the I feel resistance on this side of the room. Maybe it's better over here. I'mma room. Maybe it's better over here. I'mma room. Maybe it's better over here. I'mma just check the waters on this side. just check the waters on this side. just check the waters on this side. Sometimes the Lord will tell you, Sometimes the Lord will tell you, Sometimes the Lord will tell you, "Confess your sins one to another." "Confess your sins one to another." "Confess your sins one to another." That's easy to discern that you need to That's easy to discern that you need to That's easy to discern that you need to be honest about your sin. It's hard to be honest about your sin. It's hard to be honest about your sin. It's hard to do. do. do. Cuz I don't want you to see me like Cuz I don't want you to see me like Cuz I don't want you to see me like that. So, I want to keep this armor on. that. So, I want to keep this armor on. that. So, I want to keep this armor on. What we're talking about not only What we're talking about not only What we're talking about not only discerning the voice of God, but being discerning the voice of God, but being discerning the voice of God, but being able to do what he speaks. able to do what he speaks. able to do what he speaks. And I want you to be seated today. And I want you to be seated today. And I want you to be seated today. Normally, I share my scripture while Normally, I share my scripture while Normally, I share my scripture while you're standing, but I want you to be you're standing, but I want you to be you're standing, but I want you to be seated because I want to talk you into seated because I want to talk you into seated because I want to talk you into the scripture today. So, take your seat the scripture today. So, take your seat the scripture today. So, take your seat wherever you are wherever you are wherever you are and turn in your Bible, please, to 1 and turn in your Bible, please, to 1 and turn in your Bible, please, to 1 Corinthians chapter 4, Corinthians chapter 4, Corinthians chapter 4, verse 1 through 5.

Thank you for your word, Lord. Thank you for your word, Lord. Somebody say what Samuel said. Speak, Somebody say what Samuel said. Speak, Somebody say what Samuel said. Speak, Lord. Lord. Lord. >> Speak, Lord. >> Speak, Lord. >> Speak, Lord. >> Your servant is listening. >> Your servant is listening. >> Your servant is listening. >> Your servant is listening. >> Your servant is listening. >> Your servant is listening. >> We talked about Samuel last week and how >> We talked about Samuel last week and how >> We talked about Samuel last week and how he attuned his ear to the voice of God. he attuned his ear to the voice of God. he attuned his ear to the voice of God. And so that before he spoke for God, he And so that before he spoke for God, he And so that before he spoke for God, he had to learn to hear from God. Very had to learn to hear from God. Very had to learn to hear from God. Very important. important. important. The Apostle Paul was another preacher The Apostle Paul was another preacher The Apostle Paul was another preacher who had to hear from God before he could who had to hear from God before he could who had to hear from God before he could speak for God. speak for God. speak for God. Because there was a time in his life Because there was a time in his life Because there was a time in his life when he persecuted followers of Christ when he persecuted followers of Christ when he persecuted followers of Christ and he thought he was serving God. and he thought he was serving God. and he thought he was serving God. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And he had to come to that all-important >> And he had to come to that all-important >> And he had to come to that all-important place that really measures your maturity place that really measures your maturity place that really measures your maturity in the Lord where he said, "I was in the Lord where he said, "I was in the Lord where he said, "I was wrong." wrong." wrong." Try to say that one time. See how hard Try to say that one time. See how hard Try to say that one time. See how hard it is to say, "I was wrong." By a vowel, By a vowel, wrong. wrong. wrong. And he spent the rest of his ministry And he spent the rest of his ministry And he spent the rest of his ministry not trying to make it up to God, but not trying to make it up to God, but not trying to make it up to God, but trying to spread the message of the God trying to spread the message of the God trying to spread the message of the God who had saved him by grace after who had saved him by grace after who had saved him by grace after spending his whole life trying to earn spending his whole life trying to earn spending his whole life trying to earn God's favor through keeping the law.

God's favor through keeping the law. God's favor through keeping the law. In 1 Corinthians chapter 4, Paul is well In 1 Corinthians chapter 4, Paul is well In 1 Corinthians chapter 4, Paul is well into his established ministry. into his established ministry. into his established ministry. And he's doing something we would never And he's doing something we would never And he's doing something we would never think that someone of his caliber would think that someone of his caliber would think that someone of his caliber would have to do. have to do. have to do. He's defending himself He's defending himself He's defending himself to the Corinthian church. to the Corinthian church. to the Corinthian church. Not that like they really had any right Not that like they really had any right Not that like they really had any right to judge him because they were wild. to judge him because they were wild. to judge him because they were wild. They They were so wild. I'm talking They They were so wild. I'm talking They They were so wild. I'm talking about sexual immorality in the church. about sexual immorality in the church. about sexual immorality in the church. It was different back then. It was different back then. It was different back then. >> [laughter] >> They had stuff going so crazy that >> They had stuff going so crazy that believers were suing each other because believers were suing each other because believers were suing each other because they couldn't mediate any other way. they couldn't mediate any other way. they couldn't mediate any other way. It's different back then. It's different back then. It's different back then. And they were also not only And they were also not only And they were also not only dysfunctional, but they were divided. dysfunctional, but they were divided. dysfunctional, but they were divided. So, yeah, one group in the church like, So, yeah, one group in the church like, So, yeah, one group in the church like, "We like when Paul preaches." Then there "We like when Paul preaches." Then there "We like when Paul preaches." Then there was another group that was like, "Well, was another group that was like, "Well, was another group that was like, "Well, we like when Apollos preaches." we like when Apollos preaches." we like when Apollos preaches." And Paul speaks into all of that telling And Paul speaks into all of that telling And Paul speaks into all of that telling them you should be eating meat by now, them you should be eating meat by now, them you should be eating meat by now, but you still need milk because you have but you still need milk because you have but you still need milk because you have not yet developed your digestive system not yet developed your digestive system not yet developed your digestive system to realize that if God's word is being to realize that if God's word is being to realize that if God's word is being preached, he can use anything he wants preached, he can use anything he wants preached, he can use anything he wants to bring it to you, anyone he wants to to bring it to you, anyone he wants to to bring it to you, anyone he wants to bring it to you, anytime he wants to bring it to you, anytime he wants to bring it to you, anytime he wants to bring it to you.

bring it to you. bring it to you. But then it gets personal. And I've But then it gets personal. And I've But then it gets personal. And I've spent a lot of time debating how to spent a lot of time debating how to spent a lot of time debating how to share this message today because it is share this message today because it is share this message today because it is personal to me. personal to me. personal to me. I have determined that the greatest way I have determined that the greatest way I have determined that the greatest way for me to make it personal to you is to for me to make it personal to you is to for me to make it personal to you is to share how it's personal for me. But share how it's personal for me. But share how it's personal for me. But first, let's see how it's personal for first, let's see how it's personal for first, let's see how it's personal for Paul. 1 Corinthians 4:1. Paul. 1 Corinthians 4:1. Paul. 1 Corinthians 4:1. This then is how you ought to regard us This then is how you ought to regard us This then is how you ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those as servants of Christ and as those as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has entrusted with the mysteries God has entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Let's read that again. revealed. Let's read that again. revealed. Let's read that again. Entrusted with the mysteries God has Entrusted with the mysteries God has Entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. There are some mysteries that revealed. There are some mysteries that revealed. There are some mysteries that God has not revealed. God has not revealed. God has not revealed. Paul says we are not responsible for Paul says we are not responsible for Paul says we are not responsible for what God has not revealed. We are what God has not revealed. We are what God has not revealed. We are entrusted with the mysteries God has entrusted with the mysteries God has entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. There are some things in your revealed. There are some things in your revealed. There are some things in your life that God has not shown you yet. You life that God has not shown you yet. You life that God has not shown you yet. You are not responsible for what God has not are not responsible for what God has not are not responsible for what God has not revealed. revealed. revealed. And you get to trust him with those And you get to trust him with those And you get to trust him with those mysteries. But then Paul says, "We have mysteries. But then Paul says, "We have mysteries. But then Paul says, "We have been entrusted with the mystery of the been entrusted with the mystery of the been entrusted with the mystery of the gospel that has been revealed through gospel that has been revealed through gospel that has been revealed through Jesus Christ." Look at verse two.

Jesus Christ." Look at verse two. Jesus Christ." Look at verse two. Now, it is required that those who have Now, it is required that those who have Now, it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove famous. been given a trust must prove famous. been given a trust must prove famous. No, that's what everybody in our day No, that's what everybody in our day No, that's what everybody in our day wants to be is famous. But Paul said, if wants to be is famous. But Paul said, if wants to be is famous. But Paul said, if you've been entrusted with it, you don't you've been entrusted with it, you don't you've been entrusted with it, you don't have to be famous, you just have to be have to be famous, you just have to be have to be famous, you just have to be faithful. You don't even have to be that faithful. You don't even have to be that faithful. You don't even have to be that smart, you just have to be faithful. You smart, you just have to be faithful. You smart, you just have to be faithful. You don't even have to be perfect, you just don't even have to be perfect, you just don't even have to be perfect, you just have to be faithful. Verse three is have to be faithful. Verse three is have to be faithful. Verse three is where I want to pick up our thought for where I want to pick up our thought for where I want to pick up our thought for today. I care very little if I am judged today. I care very little if I am judged today. I care very little if I am judged by you by you by you or by any human court indeed. Touch your or by any human court indeed. Touch your or by any human court indeed. Touch your neighbor and say, "I don't care what you neighbor and say, "I don't care what you neighbor and say, "I don't care what you think about me." You didn't convince them. Say it again. You didn't convince them. Say it again. I don't care what you think about me. I don't care what you think about me. I don't care what you think about me. Now ask them, do you like my outfit? Now ask them, do you like my outfit? Now ask them, do you like my outfit? Does it look good on me? Does it make me Does it look good on me? Does it make me Does it look good on me? Does it make me look fat? look fat? look fat? I heard a preacher one time he was I heard a preacher one time he was I heard a preacher one time he was preaching he said, "I don't preach for preaching he said, "I don't preach for preaching he said, "I don't preach for the praise OF MEN. AMEN? AMEN?" the praise OF MEN. AMEN? AMEN?" the praise OF MEN. AMEN? AMEN?" See the irony? See the irony? See the irony? Anyway. Anyway. Anyway. We all need validation.

We all need validation. We all need validation. And so last week I talked about And so last week I talked about And so last week I talked about values. You you know God's voice when values. You you know God's voice when values. You you know God's voice when you have God's you have God's you have God's values. To ask God to speak to me about values. To ask God to speak to me about values. To ask God to speak to me about something that he hasn't revealed when something that he hasn't revealed when something that he hasn't revealed when I'm not doing what he has revealed is I'm not doing what he has revealed is I'm not doing what he has revealed is kind of missing the point. kind of missing the point. kind of missing the point. Because if I have God's values, watch Because if I have God's values, watch Because if I have God's values, watch this, I can go to any college and be a this, I can go to any college and be a this, I can go to any college and be a Christian. If I had God's values, I Christian. If I had God's values, I Christian. If I had God's values, I could show up on any job and be a could show up on any job and be a could show up on any job and be a witness. If I have God's values, I can witness. If I have God's values, I can witness. If I have God's values, I can take a wrong decision, repent, and God take a wrong decision, repent, and God take a wrong decision, repent, and God will make it right. Because when I have will make it right. Because when I have will make it right. Because when I have God's values, I hear God's voice. Today God's values, I hear God's voice. Today God's values, I hear God's voice. Today I want to switch it a little bit and I I want to switch it a little bit and I I want to switch it a little bit and I want to talk about not values, but want to talk about not values, but want to talk about not values, but verdicts. verdicts. verdicts. Verdicts, it's a courtroom term. He said Verdicts, it's a courtroom term. He said Verdicts, it's a courtroom term. He said He said, "I care He said, "I care He said, "I care very little if I'm judged by you." Verse very little if I'm judged by you." Verse very little if I'm judged by you." Verse three. So he must care a little bit, but three. So he must care a little bit, but three. So he must care a little bit, but not too much. not too much. not too much. I kind of care, but not enough to be I kind of care, but not enough to be I kind of care, but not enough to be controlled by it. I'm going to brush my controlled by it. I'm going to brush my controlled by it. I'm going to brush my teeth, I don't want to have bad breath.

teeth, I don't want to have bad breath. teeth, I don't want to have bad breath. You know, I'm I'm going to I'm going to You know, I'm I'm going to I'm going to You know, I'm I'm going to I'm going to to do my best, but but I'm not to do my best, but but I'm not to do my best, but but I'm not controlled by it. I I I care what you controlled by it. I I I care what you controlled by it. I I I care what you think, but I'm not controlled by it. think, but I'm not controlled by it. think, but I'm not controlled by it. I I don't I don't I don't have to prove I I don't I don't I don't have to prove I I don't I don't I don't have to prove it to you or any human court. And this it to you or any human court. And this it to you or any human court. And this gets deep. Verse 3 part B. Indeed, I do gets deep. Verse 3 part B. Indeed, I do gets deep. Verse 3 part B. Indeed, I do not even judge myself. not even judge myself. not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, My conscience is clear, My conscience is clear, but that doesn't make me innocent but that doesn't make me innocent but that doesn't make me innocent cuz my heart is deceptive. cuz my heart is deceptive. cuz my heart is deceptive. It is the Lord who judges me. It is the Lord who judges me. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore, judge nothing before the Therefore, judge nothing before the Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time. appointed time. appointed time. Wait until the Lord comes. Wait until the Lord comes. Wait until the Lord comes. He He He will bring to light what is hidden in will bring to light what is hidden in will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of darkness and will expose the motives of darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time, each will the heart. At that time, each will the heart. At that time, each will receive their praise receive their praise receive their praise from God. from God. from God. Here's the title of my message. I want Here's the title of my message. I want Here's the title of my message. I want to talk about when Jesus is your jury.

Come on, y'all got quiet. Come on, y'all got quiet. I know you're trying to write it down, I know you're trying to write it down, I know you're trying to write it down, but you can multitask. Shout while I but you can multitask. Shout while I but you can multitask. Shout while I Shout while you write. When Jesus is Shout while you write. When Jesus is Shout while you write. When Jesus is your jury. B- Because I'm telling you B- Because I'm telling you there are internal verdicts that are there are internal verdicts that are there are internal verdicts that are happening in your your mind and your happening in your your mind and your happening in your your mind and your heart every single day heart every single day heart every single day about others, about others, about others, about yourself, about your life. And I about yourself, about your life. And I about yourself, about your life. And I want to talk about that a little bit. want to talk about that a little bit. want to talk about that a little bit. And I chose the word jury because that's And I chose the word jury because that's And I chose the word jury because that's the job of a jury, right? To declare a the job of a jury, right? To declare a the job of a jury, right? To declare a verdict after examining evidence. And in verdict after examining evidence. And in verdict after examining evidence. And in your heart, even at this point in my your heart, even at this point in my your heart, even at this point in my message today, you have already made message today, you have already made message today, you have already made certain verdicts certain verdicts certain verdicts about the word that I'm preaching today. about the word that I'm preaching today. about the word that I'm preaching today. You've already started deciding, is this You've already started deciding, is this You've already started deciding, is this for me or is this for someone else? for me or is this for someone else? for me or is this for someone else? Do I agree with what he's saying or do I Do I agree with what he's saying or do I Do I agree with what he's saying or do I disagree with what he's saying? disagree with what he's saying? disagree with what he's saying? Do I I Pastor Steven looks good with his Do I I Pastor Steven looks good with his Do I I Pastor Steven looks good with his shirt tucked in or does it look kind of shirt tucked in or does it look kind of shirt tucked in or does it look kind of weird cuz he normally doesn't I can't weird cuz he normally doesn't I can't weird cuz he normally doesn't I can't decide. You know, all the things that decide. You know, all the things that decide. You know, all the things that you think. And and you laugh at that. you think. And and you laugh at that. you think. And and you laugh at that. You laugh at that, but it is a very You laugh at that, but it is a very You laugh at that, but it is a very peculiar thing peculiar thing peculiar thing to be a public minister.

to be a public minister. to be a public minister. And this is where I I want to share with And this is where I I want to share with And this is where I I want to share with you personally. you personally. you personally. My 18-year-old son, Graham, is preaching My 18-year-old son, Graham, is preaching My 18-year-old son, Graham, is preaching a lot right now. And you say you must be a lot right now. And you say you must be a lot right now. And you say you must be proud of him. I am, but I'm proud of all proud of him. I am, but I'm proud of all proud of him. I am, but I'm proud of all my kids. They don't have to preach to my kids. They don't have to preach to my kids. They don't have to preach to make me proud. make me proud. make me proud. Yet at the same time, it is kind of fun Yet at the same time, it is kind of fun Yet at the same time, it is kind of fun to teach him a little bit about to teach him a little bit about to teach him a little bit about preaching. preaching. preaching. And he started asking me questions about And he started asking me questions about And he started asking me questions about preaching like, "How do you do an preaching like, "How do you do an preaching like, "How do you do an introduction?" And you know, "How do you introduction?" And you know, "How do you introduction?" And you know, "How do you transition from one point to the other?" transition from one point to the other?" transition from one point to the other?" Here's one thing he said to me, and I Here's one thing he said to me, and I Here's one thing he said to me, and I don't know if this means he's just like don't know if this means he's just like don't know if this means he's just like very self-aware or a little bit very self-aware or a little bit very self-aware or a little bit arrogant, but he goes, arrogant, but he goes, arrogant, but he goes, "I'm such [clears throat] a funny "I'm such [clears throat] a funny "I'm such [clears throat] a funny person. person. person. How do I get my humor to come across How do I get my humor to come across How do I get my humor to come across more when I preach? Cuz they don't laugh more when I preach? Cuz they don't laugh more when I preach? Cuz they don't laugh when I talk." You see what he did? It's when I talk." You see what he did? It's when I talk." You see what he did? It's their fault. They're not laughing. I'm their fault. They're not laughing. I'm their fault. They're not laughing. I'm funny. How do I get them to come up to funny. How do I get them to come up to funny. How do I get them to come up to my level? my level? my level? Delusion Delusion Delusion can can be a tool can can be a tool can can be a tool for the preacher. for the preacher. for the preacher. But he is funny, and he is learning. But he is funny, and he is learning. But he is funny, and he is learning. And one day he walked past me where I And one day he walked past me where I And one day he walked past me where I study in the house. I'm going to share study in the house. I'm going to share study in the house. I'm going to share this personally, but it's not this personally, but it's not this personally, but it's not autobiographical. It's for your autobiographical. It's for your autobiographical. It's for your application. So, listen to this. application. So, listen to this. application. So, listen to this. I study in our house at a dining I study in our house at a dining I study in our house at a dining [snorts] room table with about seven [snorts] room table with about seven [snorts] room table with about seven empty chairs.

empty chairs. empty chairs. I like studying there number one because I like studying there number one because I like studying there number one because it's close to the food. And number two, And number two, I like it because I like it because I like it because those empty chairs help me prepare. those empty chairs help me prepare. those empty chairs help me prepare. Here's [clears throat] why. I sit with Here's [clears throat] why. I sit with Here's [clears throat] why. I sit with the Bible. I say, "Lord, speak to me. the Bible. I say, "Lord, speak to me. the Bible. I say, "Lord, speak to me. I need you to show me in your word what I need you to show me in your word what I need you to show me in your word what it says. Not what I think. Not what I it says. Not what I think. Not what I it says. Not what I think. Not what I preached about it last time. preached about it last time. preached about it last time. And Lord, even if I don't completely And Lord, even if I don't completely And Lord, even if I don't completely understand it, I want to share it understand it, I want to share it understand it, I want to share it because I would rather give the people a because I would rather give the people a because I would rather give the people a word that is fresh and messy word that is fresh and messy word that is fresh and messy than something that is moldy than something that is moldy than something that is moldy but has no meaning. but has no meaning. but has no meaning. So, as I'm studying a lot of times, I So, as I'm studying a lot of times, I So, as I'm studying a lot of times, I get a little lost. I love alliteration, get a little lost. I love alliteration, get a little lost. I love alliteration, so I start making everything start P, so I start making everything start P, so I start making everything start P, like it's going to do today in this like it's going to do today in this like it's going to do today in this sermon when I give you the outline. sermon when I give you the outline. sermon when I give you the outline. But after I've made everything start But after I've made everything start But after I've made everything start with the letter P and after I've tried with the letter P and after I've tried with the letter P and after I've tried to figure out lines that I can say, to figure out lines that I can say, to figure out lines that I can say, stories I can share, illustrations that stories I can share, illustrations that stories I can share, illustrations that I can do, I can do, I can do, I start talking to the empty chairs. I start talking to the empty chairs. I start talking to the empty chairs. Please don't commit me to the outreach Please don't commit me to the outreach Please don't commit me to the outreach partner that helps with mental health partner that helps with mental health partner that helps with mental health when you hear this.

when you hear this. when you hear this. But I start talking to the empty chairs But I start talking to the empty chairs But I start talking to the empty chairs or rather I let them talk to me. or rather I let them talk to me. or rather I let them talk to me. And there are people in there helping me And there are people in there helping me And there are people in there helping me prepare to preach. prepare to preach. prepare to preach. They don't know they're there, but They don't know they're there, but They don't know they're there, but they're there. they're there. they're there. Eric, you're there. Eric, you're there. Eric, you're there. I shouldn't tell you this. You might I shouldn't tell you this. You might I shouldn't tell you this. You might start wanting to get paid or something start wanting to get paid or something start wanting to get paid or something like that. like that. like that. Help me with my sermon. Help me with my sermon. Help me with my sermon. But sometimes when I'm all lost in what But sometimes when I'm all lost in what But sometimes when I'm all lost in what does the Greek say, what does the Hebrew does the Greek say, what does the Hebrew does the Greek say, what does the Hebrew say, you know, God speak to me, speak to say, you know, God speak to me, speak to say, you know, God speak to me, speak to me. me. me. I look at the empty chair and I say, "If I look at the empty chair and I say, "If I look at the empty chair and I say, "If Eric was sitting right there, Eric was sitting right there, Eric was sitting right there, and I know some of the strain and the and I know some of the strain and the and I know some of the strain and the stress that he's carrying, I've known stress that he's carrying, I've known stress that he's carrying, I've known him since we were little boys, I know him since we were little boys, I know him since we were little boys, I know that he was adopted and I know that that he was adopted and I know that that he was adopted and I know that that's complicated for him and I know that's complicated for him and I know that's complicated for him and I know that he constantly deals with the issues that he constantly deals with the issues that he constantly deals with the issues from certain things that happened before from certain things that happened before from certain things that happened before he even had a conscious memory. What he even had a conscious memory. What he even had a conscious memory. What does Eric need to hear from you, Lord? does Eric need to hear from you, Lord? does Eric need to hear from you, Lord? Even if it doesn't start with the letter Even if it doesn't start with the letter Even if it doesn't start with the letter P. P. P. Even if it messes up my outline. Even if it messes up my outline. Even if it messes up my outline. Even if it means I'm not going to get up Even if it means I'm not going to get up Even if it means I'm not going to get up there to sound so smart. What does Eric there to sound so smart. What does Eric there to sound so smart. What does Eric need to hear? need to hear? need to hear? Sometimes you're there, Matt. Matt Sometimes you're there, Matt. Matt Sometimes you're there, Matt. Matt Smart. Smart. Smart. So sometimes I'm like, you know, Matt's So sometimes I'm like, you know, Matt's So sometimes I'm like, you know, Matt's really smart, really successful. But really smart, really successful. But really smart, really successful. But success brings pressure.

success brings pressure. success brings pressure. So what does the person who's successful So what does the person who's successful So what does the person who's successful but under pressure need to hear today? but under pressure need to hear today? but under pressure need to hear today? Because you tend to think that the only Because you tend to think that the only Because you tend to think that the only people who need a touch from the Lord people who need a touch from the Lord people who need a touch from the Lord are people who are down low. are people who are down low. are people who are down low. But there is a pressure that comes with But there is a pressure that comes with But there is a pressure that comes with blessings that you have to learn how to blessings that you have to learn how to blessings that you have to learn how to manage as well. manage as well. manage as well. So what do I say to the person who is So what do I say to the person who is So what do I say to the person who is winning and weary? winning and weary? winning and weary? I say, "What do I say to the person I say, "What do I say to the person I say, "What do I say to the person that's winning and weary?" that's winning and weary?" that's winning and weary?" So I bring them all around me. I bring So I bring them all around me. I bring So I bring them all around me. I bring Holly around me. I bring Holly to the Holly around me. I bring Holly to the Holly around me. I bring Holly to the table and I I realize that she needs to table and I I realize that she needs to table and I I realize that she needs to hear honor your husbands and submit to hear honor your husbands and submit to hear honor your husbands and submit to them. them. them. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And then I put some kids in the church, >> And then I put some kids in the church, >> And then I put some kids in the church, you know, because they're not you know, because they're not you know, because they're not necessarily stressing about the same necessarily stressing about the same necessarily stressing about the same things that, you know, a 57-year-old is things that, you know, a 57-year-old is things that, you know, a 57-year-old is stressing about. So, Lord, show me what stressing about. So, Lord, show me what stressing about. So, Lord, show me what my 15-year-old daughter So, Abby's there my 15-year-old daughter So, Abby's there my 15-year-old daughter So, Abby's there and Holly's there, and it's [laughter] and Holly's there, and it's [laughter] and Holly's there, and it's [laughter] just me and the Bible to the naked eye, just me and the Bible to the naked eye, just me and the Bible to the naked eye, but I got every chair filled but I got every chair filled but I got every chair filled with people with people with people who have needs that only God knows and who have needs that only God knows and who have needs that only God knows and only God can meet. only God can meet. only God can meet. And I told Graham one day he walked by And I told Graham one day he walked by And I told Graham one day he walked by and said, "Why do you study in this and said, "Why do you study in this and said, "Why do you study in this room?" I said, "Cuz these chairs are room?" I said, "Cuz these chairs are room?" I said, "Cuz these chairs are full."

full." full." Because it reminds me that after I hear Because it reminds me that after I hear Because it reminds me that after I hear from God, I'm speaking to them. from God, I'm speaking to them. from God, I'm speaking to them. And it helps me to filter. Am I coming up here to be impressive Am I coming up here to be impressive or am I coming up here to be a blessing? or am I coming up here to be a blessing? or am I coming up here to be a blessing? One time the Holy Spirit spoke to me, he One time the Holy Spirit spoke to me, he One time the Holy Spirit spoke to me, he said, "You can impress them or bless said, "You can impress them or bless said, "You can impress them or bless them, but you can't do both at the same them, but you can't do both at the same them, but you can't do both at the same time." time." time." And if you're primary cuz you're And if you're primary cuz you're And if you're primary cuz you're listening to me, you think I'm talking listening to me, you think I'm talking listening to me, you think I'm talking about preaching. I'm talking about every about preaching. I'm talking about every about preaching. I'm talking about every room you walk into. I'm talking about room you walk into. I'm talking about room you walk into. I'm talking about how you interact with your family. I'm how you interact with your family. I'm how you interact with your family. I'm talking about how you show up in social talking about how you show up in social talking about how you show up in social situations. I'm talking about sitting situations. I'm talking about sitting situations. I'm talking about sitting with someone who's going through with someone who's going through with someone who's going through something. Are you trying to be something. Are you trying to be something. Are you trying to be impressive or a blessing? Paul said one impressive or a blessing? Paul said one impressive or a blessing? Paul said one time, "I forgot everything I knew so I time, "I forgot everything I knew so I time, "I forgot everything I knew so I could remember the cross of Christ. I could remember the cross of Christ. I could remember the cross of Christ. I count it all dung for the sake of count it all dung for the sake of count it all dung for the sake of knowing him. I preach the foolishness of knowing him. I preach the foolishness of knowing him. I preach the foolishness of the cross. It's foolishness to those who the cross. It's foolishness to those who the cross. It's foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those of us who are perishing, but to those of us who are perishing, but to those of us who are being saved, it's the power of God. are being saved, it's the power of God. are being saved, it's the power of God. So, when I preach, I want to please So, when I preach, I want to please So, when I preach, I want to please Jesus and I want to help Eric. I want to Jesus and I want to help Eric. I want to Jesus and I want to help Eric. I want to help Matt. I want to help Holly. She help Matt. I want to help Holly. She help Matt. I want to help Holly. She needs a lot of help. She's married to needs a lot of help. She's married to needs a lot of help. She's married to me. [laughter] me. [laughter] me. [laughter] I want I want to help Abby. I want to I want I want to help Abby. I want to I want I want to help Abby. I want to help them so they are there and they are help them so they are there and they are help them so they are there and they are preaching to me. And I showed Graham preaching to me. And I showed Graham preaching to me. And I showed Graham that. I said, "Before you can hear from that. I said, "Before you can hear from that. I said, "Before you can hear from God, you need to remember that you're God, you need to remember that you're God, you need to remember that you're speaking to them AND YOU'RE A SERVANT OF speaking to them AND YOU'RE A SERVANT OF speaking to them AND YOU'RE A SERVANT OF GOD'S PURPOSE BEFORE YOU ARE A SPEAKER.

GOD'S PURPOSE BEFORE YOU ARE A SPEAKER. GOD'S PURPOSE BEFORE YOU ARE A SPEAKER. YOU ARE NOT SPEAKING FOR STATUS. YOU ARE YOU ARE NOT SPEAKING FOR STATUS. YOU ARE YOU ARE NOT SPEAKING FOR STATUS. YOU ARE A SERVANT OF THE LIVING GOD. YOU SERVE A SERVANT OF THE LIVING GOD. YOU SERVE A SERVANT OF THE LIVING GOD. YOU SERVE THE WORD OF GOD, THE BREAD OF HEAVEN THE WORD OF GOD, THE BREAD OF HEAVEN THE WORD OF GOD, THE BREAD OF HEAVEN FRESH TO THE HEARTS OF HURTING PEOPLE FRESH TO THE HEARTS OF HURTING PEOPLE FRESH TO THE HEARTS OF HURTING PEOPLE and it's a privilege to do it. And then and it's a privilege to do it. And then and it's a privilege to do it. And then I pulled out my phone and I showed him a I pulled out my phone and I showed him a I pulled out my phone and I showed him a text message. I said, "I just got this text message. I said, "I just got this text message. I said, "I just got this text the other day from John. John has text the other day from John. John has text the other day from John. John has been in our church for almost 20 years. been in our church for almost 20 years. been in our church for almost 20 years. He was recently diagnosed with He was recently diagnosed with He was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's. He's in the middle of a Parkinson's. He's in the middle of a Parkinson's. He's in the middle of a battle with Parkinson's and while I'm battle with Parkinson's and while I'm battle with Parkinson's and while I'm sitting here preparing my sermon, sitting here preparing my sermon, sitting here preparing my sermon, parsing the sentences in the original parsing the sentences in the original parsing the sentences in the original languages that I hardly understand and languages that I hardly understand and languages that I hardly understand and trying to prepare to get up here and trying to prepare to get up here and trying to prepare to get up here and preach to you, I'm remembering John and preach to you, I'm remembering John and preach to you, I'm remembering John and the fact that he has Parkinson's and he the fact that he has Parkinson's and he the fact that he has Parkinson's and he sent me a text that said, 'Pastor, these sent me a text that said, 'Pastor, these sent me a text that said, 'Pastor, these last few weeks of preaching have helped last few weeks of preaching have helped last few weeks of preaching have helped me so much. You see, I have pneumonia me so much. You see, I have pneumonia me so much. You see, I have pneumonia right now and on top of the Parkinson's, right now and on top of the Parkinson's, right now and on top of the Parkinson's, it's a lot, BUT WITH GOD'S HELP, I WILL it's a lot, BUT WITH GOD'S HELP, I WILL it's a lot, BUT WITH GOD'S HELP, I WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT AND SHOW UP EVERY CONTINUE TO FIGHT AND SHOW UP EVERY CONTINUE TO FIGHT AND SHOW UP EVERY DAY.' SO, I'm not preaching DAY.' SO, I'm not preaching DAY.' SO, I'm not preaching >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> to be impressive. I'm preaching to help >> to be impressive. I'm preaching to help >> to be impressive. I'm preaching to help John. I'm preaching to John today. Do John. I'm preaching to John today. Do John. I'm preaching to John today. Do you understand today that John would you understand today that John would you understand today that John would love to be in this building, but he love to be in this building, but he love to be in this building, but he can't. He would love to be in your SEAT can't. He would love to be in your SEAT can't. He would love to be in your SEAT AND HE CAN'T and some of YOU ARE AND HE CAN'T and some of YOU ARE AND HE CAN'T and some of YOU ARE SCROLLING ON SNAPCHAT WHILE I'M SCROLLING ON SNAPCHAT WHILE I'M SCROLLING ON SNAPCHAT WHILE I'M PREACHING AND SOMEBODY WOULD GIVE PREACHING AND SOMEBODY WOULD GIVE PREACHING AND SOMEBODY WOULD GIVE ANYTHING TO BE IN your seat, you see,

ANYTHING TO BE IN your seat, you see, ANYTHING TO BE IN your seat, you see, BECAUSE THE WORD OF GOD IS MY WEAPON TO BECAUSE THE WORD OF GOD IS MY WEAPON TO BECAUSE THE WORD OF GOD IS MY WEAPON TO FIGHT through my weakness. FIGHT through my weakness. FIGHT through my weakness. >> [applause] >> I TOLD GRAHAM, "YOUR JOB >> I TOLD GRAHAM, "YOUR JOB IS TO please Jesus AND HELP JOHN. THAT'S IS TO please Jesus AND HELP JOHN. THAT'S IS TO please Jesus AND HELP JOHN. THAT'S ALL YOU GOT TO DO. THAT'S ALL YOU GOT TO ALL YOU GOT TO DO. THAT'S ALL YOU GOT TO ALL YOU GOT TO DO. THAT'S ALL YOU GOT TO DO WHEN YOU PREACH. Please Jesus and DO WHEN YOU PREACH. Please Jesus and DO WHEN YOU PREACH. Please Jesus and help John. help John. help John. So, I'm preaching for two people today, So, I'm preaching for two people today, So, I'm preaching for two people today, Jesus and John. Jesus and John. Jesus and John. That's my job. That's my job. That's my job. Paul said, "I got a job." I love the Paul said, "I got a job." I love the Paul said, "I got a job." I love the Apostle Paul because he understood the Apostle Paul because he understood the Apostle Paul because he understood the assignment. He said, "I got a job to do. assignment. He said, "I got a job to do. assignment. He said, "I got a job to do. I got to take the gospel to the I got to take the gospel to the I got to take the gospel to the Gentiles." Touch somebody say, "You got Gentiles." Touch somebody say, "You got Gentiles." Touch somebody say, "You got a job to do." a job to do." a job to do." Look at them like you expect them to Look at them like you expect them to Look at them like you expect them to report and log their hours. Say, "You report and log their hours. Say, "You report and log their hours. Say, "You got a job to do." got a job to do." got a job to do." I got a job to do. You got a job to do, I got a job to do. You got a job to do, I got a job to do. You got a job to do, Mom. You got to raise those kids. No, Mom. You got to raise those kids. No, Mom. You got to raise those kids. No, you don't have to control them, but you you don't have to control them, but you you don't have to control them, but you got to be there for them. You got a You got to be there for them. You got a You got to be there for them. You got a You got to co-labor with God, collaborate got to co-labor with God, collaborate got to co-labor with God, collaborate with God to raise that child. And watch with God to raise that child. And watch with God to raise that child. And watch this, you have a job.

this, you have a job. this, you have a job. You have a job. Students, you have a You have a job. Students, you have a You have a job. Students, you have a job. job. job. And it ain't just for you to chat GPT And it ain't just for you to chat GPT And it ain't just for you to chat GPT your way to a C and get out of this your way to a C and get out of this your way to a C and get out of this thing. thing. thing. You You You You [laughter] got You got a job. You [laughter] got You got a job. You [laughter] got You got a job. Somebody in your grade might commit Somebody in your grade might commit Somebody in your grade might commit suicide if they don't meet Jesus. You've suicide if they don't meet Jesus. You've suicide if they don't meet Jesus. You've got a job to do. YOU GOT TO SHOW THEM got a job to do. YOU GOT TO SHOW THEM got a job to do. YOU GOT TO SHOW THEM THE ONE WHO SAID, "YOU GOT A REASON TO THE ONE WHO SAID, "YOU GOT A REASON TO THE ONE WHO SAID, "YOU GOT A REASON TO LIVE." YOU GOT a job. LIVE." YOU GOT a job. LIVE." YOU GOT a job. Say it, "I got a job." Say it, "I got a job." Say it, "I got a job." I'm not unemployed in the kingdom OF I'm not unemployed in the kingdom OF I'm not unemployed in the kingdom OF GOD. I'VE GOT A JOB. I'VE GOT A JOB TO GOD. I'VE GOT A JOB. I'VE GOT A JOB TO GOD. I'VE GOT A JOB. I'VE GOT A JOB TO DO as a mom. I got a job to do as A DO as a mom. I got a job to do as A DO as a mom. I got a job to do as A STUDENT. I GOT A JOB TO DO as a small STUDENT. I GOT A JOB TO DO as a small STUDENT. I GOT A JOB TO DO as a small business owner. I got to figure this business owner. I got to figure this business owner. I got to figure this out. I got a job to do as A CREATIVE. I out. I got a job to do as A CREATIVE. I out. I got a job to do as A CREATIVE. I GOT to learn how to do this this GOT to learn how to do this this GOT to learn how to do this this graphics in a way that inspire people. I graphics in a way that inspire people. I graphics in a way that inspire people. I got a job to do not just when I show up got a job to do not just when I show up got a job to do not just when I show up to work, but as I work on myself. I got to work, but as I work on myself. I got to work, but as I work on myself. I got a job to do. I got to work on me so that a job to do. I got to work on me so that a job to do. I got to work on me so that I don't pass down to the next generation I don't pass down to the next generation I don't pass down to the next generation what I struggled with so that I can be a what I struggled with so that I can be a what I struggled with so that I can be a chain breaker in my family. I got I got chain breaker in my family. I got I got chain breaker in my family. I got I got a job to do. a job to do. a job to do. >> [applause] >> And then I told Graham, >> And then I told Graham, "You got to know your job, "You got to know your job, "You got to know your job, but you also got to know your jury.

>> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Your jury. >> Your jury. >> Your jury. Let me ask you something. Let me ask you something. Let me ask you something. Just me and you. Just me and you. Just me and you. You love it when a preacher says that. You love it when a preacher says that. You love it when a preacher says that. Like, there's a bunch of us. Okay. Like, there's a bunch of us. Okay. Like, there's a bunch of us. Okay. But if it was just me and you, then we But if it was just me and you, then we But if it was just me and you, then we could talk about it. could talk about it. could talk about it. Who's your jury? Paul said to the Corinthian church, Paul said to the Corinthian church, "You're not my jury. "You're not my jury. "You're not my jury. The Lord is." The Lord is." The Lord is." And he's not saying that so he can get And he's not saying that so he can get And he's not saying that so he can get away with sin. You're only God can judge away with sin. You're only God can judge away with sin. You're only God can judge me. me. me. Paul got stoned, but not like that. Paul got stoned, but not like that. Paul got stoned, but not like that. All right? All right? All right? Not like that. Not like that. Not like that. He wasn't saying that as an excuse to He wasn't saying that as an excuse to He wasn't saying that as an excuse to live any way he wanted to. He's saying live any way he wanted to. He's saying live any way he wanted to. He's saying there's actually a higher standard that there's actually a higher standard that there's actually a higher standard that I'm called to than what you think about I'm called to than what you think about I'm called to than what you think about me. Because when people judge, they do me. Because when people judge, they do me. Because when people judge, they do it on the surface, it on the surface, it on the surface, and they do it as a summary. So, they just label you at the level So, they just label you at the level they can see you. they can see you. they can see you. And I think if Paul had had kids, he And I think if Paul had had kids, he And I think if Paul had had kids, he would have said, "I don't care if you would have said, "I don't care if you would have said, "I don't care if you think I'm a good dad. think I'm a good dad. think I'm a good dad. You don't see how I parent my kids." You don't see how I parent my kids." You don't see how I parent my kids." So, for every mom that has a job, So, for every mom that has a job, So, for every mom that has a job, who's your jury?

who's your jury? who's your jury? Who gets to render the verdict whether Who gets to render the verdict whether Who gets to render the verdict whether you're doing a good job at it or not? you're doing a good job at it or not? you're doing a good job at it or not? And does that jury exist in real life or And does that jury exist in real life or And does that jury exist in real life or only on your screen through cultivated only on your screen through cultivated only on your screen through cultivated moments that were curated to impress moments that were curated to impress moments that were curated to impress others? others? others? So, that you are comparing the mom that So, that you are comparing the mom that So, that you are comparing the mom that you are to the mom that they pretend to you are to the mom that they pretend to you are to the mom that they pretend to be. What's your job? Who's your jury? What's your job? Who's your jury? Whose popularity would you give anything Whose popularity would you give anything Whose popularity would you give anything to earn? Who are you doing it for? I to earn? Who are you doing it for? I to earn? Who are you doing it for? I want to break this message down into want to break this message down into want to break this message down into three points that start with the letter three points that start with the letter three points that start with the letter P. Cuz John likes alliteration. Cuz John likes alliteration. He told me that one time. He told me that one time. He told me that one time. But I think it'd be simplest if we talk But I think it'd be simplest if we talk But I think it'd be simplest if we talk about the verdicts in your heart. You about the verdicts in your heart. You about the verdicts in your heart. You know what I mean when I say verdict? know what I mean when I say verdict? know what I mean when I say verdict? You You know You're no good at this. You You know You're no good at this. You You know You're no good at this. You're unworthy. You're unworthy. You're unworthy. You're the problem. You're the problem. You're the problem. You'll never change. You'll never change. You'll never change. It's too big for you. It's too big for you. It's too big for you. You don't have the experience. You don't have the experience. You don't have the experience. Those verdicts in your heart Those Those verdicts in your heart Those Those verdicts in your heart Those verdicts in your heart come from a jury.

verdicts in your heart come from a jury. verdicts in your heart come from a jury. Who's your jury? We're going to talk Who's your jury? We're going to talk Who's your jury? We're going to talk about praise. That's the first thing about praise. That's the first thing about praise. That's the first thing we're going to talk about. we're going to talk about. we're going to talk about. And then we're going to talk about And then we're going to talk about And then we're going to talk about patience. patience. patience. And we'll close the message in about 3 And we'll close the message in about 3 And we'll close the message in about 3 and 1/2 hours. Talking about power. Talking about power. Praise, Praise, Praise, patience, patience, patience, and power. and power. and power. It's interesting that Paul uses this It's interesting that Paul uses this It's interesting that Paul uses this phrase in verse 5. phrase in verse 5. phrase in verse 5. I'm going to put it on the screen again I'm going to put it on the screen again I'm going to put it on the screen again for you. for you. for you. Where he says, Where he says, Where he says, Hang on. Let me turn back there. Hang on. Let me turn back there. Hang on. Let me turn back there. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Each will receive their praise Each will receive their praise Each will receive their praise from God. Do you see that right there at from God. Do you see that right there at from God. Do you see that right there at the bottom of the screen? I'll give you the bottom of the screen? I'll give you the bottom of the screen? I'll give you a second to take it in. a second to take it in. a second to take it in. Because we're used to seeing give praise Because we're used to seeing give praise Because we're used to seeing give praise to God. to God. to God. But that looks kind of weird to see it But that looks kind of weird to see it But that looks kind of weird to see it on the screen that you also can receive on the screen that you also can receive on the screen that you also can receive praise from God. praise from God. praise from God. Now, Now, Now, whose praise you crave the most will whose praise you crave the most will whose praise you crave the most will tell me a lot about what you are chained tell me a lot about what you are chained tell me a lot about what you are chained to.

Whose praise you crave the most. Whose praise you crave the most. So, when I started explaining to Graham So, when I started explaining to Graham So, when I started explaining to Graham about the jury, I had to tell him a about the jury, I had to tell him a about the jury, I had to tell him a story about another John. story about another John. story about another John. You see, there is a part of me that when You see, there is a part of me that when You see, there is a part of me that when I preach, I want to be accurate, I want I preach, I want to be accurate, I want I preach, I want to be accurate, I want to be correct, I want to do a good job. to be correct, I want to do a good job. to be correct, I want to do a good job. And there's one memory that stands out And there's one memory that stands out And there's one memory that stands out in my mind. Um in my mind. Um in my mind. Um several years ago, several years ago, several years ago, and this is the only time that's this and this is the only time that's this and this is the only time that's this has ever happened. I was criticized for has ever happened. I was criticized for has ever happened. I was criticized for my ministry. my ministry. my ministry. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I was seeing if you'd believe that or >> I was seeing if you'd believe that or >> I was seeing if you'd believe that or not. not. not. Y'all know better than that cuz they say Y'all know better than that cuz they say Y'all know better than that cuz they say it to you, too, about going to church it to you, too, about going to church it to you, too, about going to church here. So, I get it, right? And this is here. So, I get it, right? And this is here. So, I get it, right? And this is the part that's kind of personal, but I the part that's kind of personal, but I the part that's kind of personal, but I want to give it to you. So, it can be want to give it to you. So, it can be want to give it to you. So, it can be personal for you. personal for you. personal for you. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> There was a man named John one time >> There was a man named John one time >> There was a man named John one time who was being interviewed, and he is a who was being interviewed, and he is a who was being interviewed, and he is a great theologian. He's in heaven now. great theologian. He's in heaven now. great theologian. He's in heaven now. And he is a great theologian. What's And he is a great theologian. What's And he is a great theologian. What's [clears throat] his name? [clears throat] his name? [clears throat] his name? John. John. John. They were doing a lightning round with They were doing a lightning round with They were doing a lightning round with him at a theological panel, and they him at a theological panel, and they him at a theological panel, and they were saying, were saying, were saying, "We're going to say a name of a person "We're going to say a name of a person "We're going to say a name of a person or the name of an event or the name of or the name of an event or the name of or the name of an event or the name of an organization, and we want you to an organization, and we want you to an organization, and we want you to lightning round, just respond what you lightning round, just respond what you lightning round, just respond what you think about that person." Now, I was think about that person." Now, I was think about that person." Now, I was very unsuspecting because, honestly, I very unsuspecting because, honestly, I very unsuspecting because, honestly, I really loved this guy's teaching.

really loved this guy's teaching. really loved this guy's teaching. And I studied his books in seminary. And I studied his books in seminary. And I studied his books in seminary. I mean, cemetery. I mean, seminary. I mean, cemetery. I mean, seminary. I mean, cemetery. I mean, seminary. And I studied his books to the point And I studied his books to the point And I studied his books to the point where I actually had started buying where I actually had started buying where I actually had started buying volumes of his different commentaries on volumes of his different commentaries on volumes of his different commentaries on the Bible. the Bible. the Bible. So, it was really weird to me because I So, it was really weird to me because I So, it was really weird to me because I was just watching this thing on YouTube was just watching this thing on YouTube was just watching this thing on YouTube as a spectator, and I was like, "I'm in as a spectator, and I was like, "I'm in as a spectator, and I was like, "I'm in the other room getting ready to go the other room getting ready to go the other room getting ready to go preach on a Saturday night." And they preach on a Saturday night." And they preach on a Saturday night." And they said my name. They go said my name. They go said my name. They go They go, "Steven Furtick." They go, "Steven Furtick." They go, "Steven Furtick." I'm like, I'm like, I'm like, "Is Is my mom in here somewhere calling "Is Is my mom in here somewhere calling "Is Is my mom in here somewhere calling me by my first and last name? Like, me by my first and last name? Like, me by my first and last name? Like, did they say my name?" did they say my name?" did they say my name?" And I got back to the screen just in And I got back to the screen just in And I got back to the screen just in time to see it. And I never forget it time to see it. And I never forget it time to see it. And I never forget it because it wasn't just what he said, it because it wasn't just what he said, it because it wasn't just what he said, it was how he sighed before he said it. I was how he sighed before he said it. I was how he sighed before he said it. I was expecting him to say, "Who?" was expecting him to say, "Who?" was expecting him to say, "Who?" Because I don't think of myself as Because I don't think of myself as Because I don't think of myself as anybody that this man should know about. anybody that this man should know about. anybody that this man should know about. I read his books. But he goes, "Uh I read his books. But he goes, "Uh I read his books. But he goes, "Uh >> [sighs and gasps] >> And what he said next was one word, but >> And what he said next was one word, but it felt like it had about a million it felt like it had about a million it felt like it had about a million syllables. syllables. syllables. He said, "unqualified."

I felt, I felt, "What did John "What did John "What did John just call me?" And the first thing I wanted to do was And the first thing I wanted to do was was fight. You thought I was going to say pray. No, You thought I was going to say pray. No, I don't want to pray for him. I wanted I don't want to pray for him. I wanted I don't want to pray for him. I wanted to lay hands on him cuz that's IN THE to lay hands on him cuz that's IN THE to lay hands on him cuz that's IN THE BIBLE, TOO. IT'S IN THE BIBLE. LIKE BIBLE, TOO. IT'S IN THE BIBLE. LIKE BIBLE, TOO. IT'S IN THE BIBLE. LIKE SOMETHING OUT THE [screaming] BIBLE. I CAN SHARE IT WITH YOU now because I CAN SHARE IT WITH YOU now because there's no bitterness in my heart toward there's no bitterness in my heart toward there's no bitterness in my heart toward this man. this man. this man. I'm sure he's in heaven and I'm sure I'm sure he's in heaven and I'm sure I'm sure he's in heaven and I'm sure we'll eat grits and eggs together one we'll eat grits and eggs together one we'll eat grits and eggs together one day when I get there cuz I'm going to be day when I get there cuz I'm going to be day when I get there cuz I'm going to be there, too, whether he wants me in there there, too, whether he wants me in there there, too, whether he wants me in there or not. AND I'M GOING TO KNOCK ON HIS or not. AND I'M GOING TO KNOCK ON HIS or not. AND I'M GOING TO KNOCK ON HIS DOOR AND I'M GOING TO SAY, "I READ YOUR DOOR AND I'M GOING TO SAY, "I READ YOUR DOOR AND I'M GOING TO SAY, "I READ YOUR BOOK. LET'S HAVE A BOOK CLUB, JOHN." >> BUT YOU KNOW WHAT'S weird is that >> BUT YOU KNOW WHAT'S weird is that sometimes sometimes sometimes when I sit down to study when I sit down to study when I sit down to study even though I FORGAVE HIM, EVEN THOUGH I even though I FORGAVE HIM, EVEN THOUGH I even though I FORGAVE HIM, EVEN THOUGH I WROTE a book WROTE a book WROTE a book called Unqualified called Unqualified called Unqualified and sent him a $120 tie and the book and sent him a $120 tie and the book and sent him a $120 tie and the book signed in the mail. YEAH, I DID THAT.

signed in the mail. YEAH, I DID THAT. signed in the mail. YEAH, I DID THAT. UH-HUH, I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THEY MADE UH-HUH, I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THEY MADE UH-HUH, I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THEY MADE $120 ties TILL I BOUGHT HIM ONE. EVEN $120 ties TILL I BOUGHT HIM ONE. EVEN $120 ties TILL I BOUGHT HIM ONE. EVEN THOUGH I'VE GOTTEN OVER IT, THERE ARE THOUGH I'VE GOTTEN OVER IT, THERE ARE THOUGH I'VE GOTTEN OVER IT, THERE ARE STILL SOMETIMES THAT I SIT DOWN TO STILL SOMETIMES THAT I SIT DOWN TO STILL SOMETIMES THAT I SIT DOWN TO PREACH TO ONE JOHN PREACH TO ONE JOHN PREACH TO ONE JOHN AND FIND MYSELF TRYING TO PROVE TO AND FIND MYSELF TRYING TO PROVE TO AND FIND MYSELF TRYING TO PROVE TO ANOTHER JOHN. ANOTHER JOHN. ANOTHER JOHN. BUT GOD SAID THAT'S THE WRONG JOHN. BUT GOD SAID THAT'S THE WRONG JOHN. BUT GOD SAID THAT'S THE WRONG JOHN. BECAUSE GOD DID NOT CALL YOU TO CONVINCE BECAUSE GOD DID NOT CALL YOU TO CONVINCE BECAUSE GOD DID NOT CALL YOU TO CONVINCE THE JURY, GOD CALLED YOU TO PLEASE HIM THE JURY, GOD CALLED YOU TO PLEASE HIM THE JURY, GOD CALLED YOU TO PLEASE HIM AND HELP JOHN. SO, CLAP YOUR HANDS IF AND HELP JOHN. SO, CLAP YOUR HANDS IF AND HELP JOHN. SO, CLAP YOUR HANDS IF YOU KNOW I GOT NOTHING to prove. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Wrong John. >> Wrong John. >> Wrong John. Write that down next time you find Write that down next time you find Write that down next time you find yourself trying to prove something to yourself trying to prove something to yourself trying to prove something to somebody who isn't even paying somebody who isn't even paying somebody who isn't even paying attention, by the way. You know WHAT attention, by the way. You know WHAT attention, by the way. You know WHAT THEY'RE DOING? TRYING TO PROVE THEY'RE DOING? TRYING TO PROVE THEY'RE DOING? TRYING TO PROVE THEMSELVES TO SOMEBODY WHO ISN'T PAYING THEMSELVES TO SOMEBODY WHO ISN'T PAYING THEMSELVES TO SOMEBODY WHO ISN'T PAYING ATTENTION, so they can prove themselves ATTENTION, so they can prove themselves ATTENTION, so they can prove themselves to somebody who isn't paying attention, to somebody who isn't paying attention, to somebody who isn't paying attention, because they're proving and what are you because they're proving and what are you because they're proving and what are you proving to who and what will it improve proving to who and what will it improve proving to who and what will it improve you if they do approve of you?

you if they do approve of you? you if they do approve of you? You hear what I said? You hear what I said? You hear what I said? What would it improve you if they did What would it improve you if they did What would it improve you if they did approve of you? approve of you? approve of you? So, I'm I'm saying like Paul said, So, I'm I'm saying like Paul said, So, I'm I'm saying like Paul said, I care a little bit, I care a little bit, I care a little bit, but I can't be controlled by a jury but I can't be controlled by a jury but I can't be controlled by a jury when God has given me a job. Even if it's not a person saying it. Even if it's not a person saying it. I bet you've heard it before, I bet you've heard it before, I bet you've heard it before, unqualified. unqualified. unqualified. Why I make his voice Why I make his voice Why I make his voice sound like he sound like he sound like he on a respirator or something. on a respirator or something. on a respirator or something. Unqualified. Unqualified. Unqualified. I could hear I could hear the jury. We I could hear I could hear the jury. We I could hear I could hear the jury. We have reached a verdict on Ferdic. have reached a verdict on Ferdic. have reached a verdict on Ferdic. Your honor, Your honor, Your honor, we pronounce him unqualified. And I'm we pronounce him unqualified. And I'm we pronounce him unqualified. And I'm like, yeah, like Moses. YEAH, LIKE THE like, yeah, like Moses. YEAH, LIKE THE like, yeah, like Moses. YEAH, LIKE THE VIRGIN MARY. YEAH, LIKE A SHEPHERD BOY VIRGIN MARY. YEAH, LIKE A SHEPHERD BOY VIRGIN MARY. YEAH, LIKE A SHEPHERD BOY NAMED DAVID. YEAH, LIKE A COUSIN NAMED DAVID. YEAH, LIKE A COUSIN NAMED DAVID. YEAH, LIKE A COUSIN FISHERMAN NAMED PETER. ANYBODY GOD EVER FISHERMAN NAMED PETER. ANYBODY GOD EVER FISHERMAN NAMED PETER. ANYBODY GOD EVER USED, HE DID IT through USED, HE DID IT through USED, HE DID IT through >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> their dysfunction. So, >> [applause] >> [applause] >> All right.

>> All right. >> All right. >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> We're talking about the praise that >> We're talking about the praise that >> We're talking about the praise that comes from God. Say it. The praise that comes from God. Say it. The praise that comes from God. Say it. The praise that comes from God. The The pray I wrote comes from God. The The pray I wrote comes from God. The The pray I wrote this down. Stop performing for people this down. Stop performing for people this down. Stop performing for people that don't hold your prize. Say it again, Ferdic, for the people in Say it again, Ferdic, for the people in in back of THE CHURCH WHO HAVE BEEN in back of THE CHURCH WHO HAVE BEEN in back of THE CHURCH WHO HAVE BEEN TRYING TO IMPRESS SOMEBODY, BUT THERE'S TRYING TO IMPRESS SOMEBODY, BUT THERE'S TRYING TO IMPRESS SOMEBODY, BUT THERE'S NOTHING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BOX. YOU NOTHING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BOX. YOU NOTHING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BOX. YOU REMEMBER CEREAL? You reach down in it, REMEMBER CEREAL? You reach down in it, REMEMBER CEREAL? You reach down in it, and there's something at the bottom OF and there's something at the bottom OF and there's something at the bottom OF THE BOX. SOME OF YOU ARE REACHING SO FAR THE BOX. SOME OF YOU ARE REACHING SO FAR THE BOX. SOME OF YOU ARE REACHING SO FAR DOWN FOR THE APPROVAL OF PEOPLE, BUT DOWN FOR THE APPROVAL OF PEOPLE, BUT DOWN FOR THE APPROVAL OF PEOPLE, BUT THERE'S NOTHING IN THE BOTTOM OF THE THERE'S NOTHING IN THE BOTTOM OF THE THERE'S NOTHING IN THE BOTTOM OF THE BOX. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THEY LIKE YOU, BOX. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THEY LIKE YOU, BOX. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THEY LIKE YOU, IT DOESN'T matter if they don't. You can IT DOESN'T matter if they don't. You can IT DOESN'T matter if they don't. You can love them, but do not perform for them. Because how can you commit to the Because how can you commit to the praises of God if you are addicted to praises of God if you are addicted to praises of God if you are addicted to the praises of people? Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Stop performing for people Stop performing for people Stop performing for people who don't hold your prize.

who don't hold your prize. who don't hold your prize. I didn't say stop ministering to people I didn't say stop ministering to people I didn't say stop ministering to people who treat you mean. That's called turn who treat you mean. That's called turn who treat you mean. That's called turn the other cheek. That's in the Bible. the other cheek. That's in the Bible. the other cheek. That's in the Bible. You got to do that. God revealed that. You got to do that. God revealed that. You got to do that. God revealed that. But you don't have to perform for them. But you don't have to perform for them. But you don't have to perform for them. I don't have to take 1 Corinthians 4 I don't have to take 1 Corinthians 4 I don't have to take 1 Corinthians 4 verse 5 and then go to Revelation 23 verse 5 and then go to Revelation 23 verse 5 and then go to Revelation 23 about the great white throne of judgment about the great white throne of judgment about the great white throne of judgment and the three different types of and the three different types of and the three different types of judgment in the Bible just cuz John judgment in the Bible just cuz John judgment in the Bible just cuz John might be watching me from heaven. I'm might be watching me from heaven. I'm might be watching me from heaven. I'm not preaching to that John. not preaching to that John. not preaching to that John. I'm preaching to you. I'm preaching to you. I'm preaching to you. I have a job to do today. You have a job I have a job to do today. You have a job I have a job to do today. You have a job to do. Are you performing for people? He to do. Are you performing for people? He to do. Are you performing for people? He said the Lord has my prize. So the Lord said the Lord has my prize. So the Lord said the Lord has my prize. So the Lord is the one that I'm doing it for. is the one that I'm doing it for. is the one that I'm doing it for. I thought that was so I thought that was so I thought that was so freeing for me. freeing for me. freeing for me. See, See, See, when you are a servant, okay, I'll go when you are a servant, okay, I'll go when you are a servant, okay, I'll go ahead and break down my pride barrier ahead and break down my pride barrier ahead and break down my pride barrier and just do it. I was trying to avoid and just do it. I was trying to avoid and just do it. I was trying to avoid it, but I can't now. it, but I can't now. it, but I can't now. >> [laughter] >> I want to say it right rather rather >> I want to say it right rather rather than look young up here. Okay.

When you are a servant of God's purpose, When you are a servant of God's purpose, you won't be a slave to people's praise. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> When you're a servant >> When you're a servant >> When you're a servant of God's purpose. I got to move on, but of God's purpose. I got to move on, but of God's purpose. I got to move on, but I want to talk to you about being a I want to talk to you about being a I want to talk to you about being a slave of people's [snorts] praise. See, slave of people's [snorts] praise. See, slave of people's [snorts] praise. See, if you are if you are if you are a slave of people's praise, a slave of people's praise, a slave of people's praise, you will be a casualty of their you will be a casualty of their you will be a casualty of their criticism. So, sometimes the danger isn't from the So, sometimes the danger isn't from the haters, it's from the praise. Because if you become too addicted to Because if you become too addicted to people's praise, people telling you you people's praise, people telling you you people's praise, people telling you you do a good job, what about when God calls do a good job, what about when God calls do a good job, what about when God calls you to do something that nobody's going you to do something that nobody's going you to do something that nobody's going to compliment? to compliment? to compliment? You say, "I know that voice. That's not You say, "I know that voice. That's not You say, "I know that voice. That's not the claps the claps the claps of the crowd. of the crowd. of the crowd. That's the call of God. Do you know the That's the call of God. Do you know the That's the call of God. Do you know the difference?" difference?" difference?" I have to learn the difference. I have to learn the difference. I have to learn the difference. Where the Lord will say to you Where the Lord will say to you Where the Lord will say to you sometimes, sometimes, sometimes, >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> "I need you >> "I need you >> "I need you to do something that's going to make the to do something that's going to make the to do something that's going to make the crowd think you're crazy.

crowd think you're crazy. crowd think you're crazy. But the crowd's crazy, not you. But the crowd's crazy, not you. But the crowd's crazy, not you. And if your jury of being a parent is And if your jury of being a parent is And if your jury of being a parent is other people telling you how much screen other people telling you how much screen other people telling you how much screen time your kids should have, are they time your kids should have, are they time your kids should have, are they paying for the data plan? paying for the data plan? paying for the data plan? You got to work that out with God. You got to work that out with God. You got to work that out with God. You might have to parent all your You might have to parent all your You might have to parent all your different kids different ways. The Bible different kids different ways. The Bible different kids different ways. The Bible says, "Train up a child in the way that says, "Train up a child in the way that says, "Train up a child in the way that they should go." they should go." they should go." Not in the way that your neighbor's Not in the way that your neighbor's Not in the way that your neighbor's child should go. Not in the way that child should go. Not in the way that child should go. Not in the way that some expert said they should go. Get some expert said they should go. Get some expert said they should go. Get over it. There are no experts. There's over it. There are no experts. There's over it. There are no experts. There's just guides along the way, and there is just guides along the way, and there is just guides along the way, and there is a God who made you, and the God who made a God who made you, and the God who made a God who made you, and the God who made you knows what's in you, and he's the you knows what's in you, and he's the you knows what's in you, and he's the only one who gets to decide if you've only one who gets to decide if you've only one who gets to decide if you've been responsible with what he entrusted been responsible with what he entrusted been responsible with what he entrusted to you. to you. to you. And that's why it doesn't matter much And that's why it doesn't matter much And that's why it doesn't matter much when people praise you, because people when people praise you, because people when people praise you, because people don't know what God gave you. don't know what God gave you. don't know what God gave you. So, it could be possible that you were So, it could be possible that you were So, it could be possible that you were given much more than you're working given much more than you're working given much more than you're working with, and people are impressed, but God with, and people are impressed, but God with, and people are impressed, but God is not pleased. is not pleased. is not pleased. Only God knows what he gave you. It Only God knows what he gave you. It Only God knows what he gave you. It could be possible that you are doing could be possible that you are doing could be possible that you are doing much better than people would think, but much better than people would think, but much better than people would think, but you were given a very rough start in you were given a very rough start in you were given a very rough start in life. And for you to be where you are life. And for you to be where you are life. And for you to be where you are right now is the grace of God, and don't right now is the grace of God, and don't right now is the grace of God, and don't let anybody's schedule intimidate you let anybody's schedule intimidate you let anybody's schedule intimidate you for where your life is supposed to be for where your life is supposed to be for where your life is supposed to be right now.

right now. right now. >> [applause] >> So, >> So, if I'm not a slave to their praise, I if I'm not a slave to their praise, I if I'm not a slave to their praise, I can't be a casualty of their criticism. can't be a casualty of their criticism. can't be a casualty of their criticism. Please God, help John. Please God, help John. Please God, help John. Please God, that's all I have to do. Please God, that's all I have to do. Please God, that's all I have to do. Please God, and help John, and all of Please God, and help John, and all of Please God, and help John, and all of the Johns that are in this room. And and the Johns that are in this room. And and the Johns that are in this room. And and I think you got to focus it down to I think you got to focus it down to I think you got to focus it down to know, like Paul knew, he said, I am know, like Paul knew, he said, I am know, like Paul knew, he said, I am entrusted with what God has revealed to entrusted with what God has revealed to entrusted with what God has revealed to me. And that might be one certain thing me. And that might be one certain thing me. And that might be one certain thing for each season that God reveals and for each season that God reveals and for each season that God reveals and says, you are responsible for this. You says, you are responsible for this. You says, you are responsible for this. You are not responsible for the outcome, you are not responsible for the outcome, you are not responsible for the outcome, you are only responsible to apologize. are only responsible to apologize. are only responsible to apologize. You are not responsible for the outcome, You are not responsible for the outcome, You are not responsible for the outcome, you are only responsible to show up. You you are only responsible to show up. You you are only responsible to show up. You are not responsible to create something are not responsible to create something are not responsible to create something wonderful, you're just responsible to wonderful, you're just responsible to wonderful, you're just responsible to create consistently. When I came off my create consistently. When I came off my create consistently. When I came off my summer break, I wrote a lot of songs. summer break, I wrote a lot of songs. summer break, I wrote a lot of songs. Somebody said, "Did you write us a lot Somebody said, "Did you write us a lot Somebody said, "Did you write us a lot of great songs?" I said, "A lot of of great songs?" I said, "A lot of of great songs?" I said, "A lot of songs."

songs." songs." I'll know if they're great yet. I'll let I'll know if they're great yet. I'll let I'll know if they're great yet. I'll let y'all decide that. That's not my job. y'all decide that. That's not my job. y'all decide that. That's not my job. I'm not the jury. I don't examine I'm not the jury. I don't examine I'm not the jury. I don't examine myself. I can only show up. That's myself. I can only show up. That's myself. I can only show up. That's That's all I can do, and be what Paul That's all I can do, and be what Paul That's all I can do, and be what Paul called faithful. And this kind of faith called faithful. And this kind of faith called faithful. And this kind of faith requires, and this is a very bad word, requires, and this is a very bad word, requires, and this is a very bad word, so we might need to bleep it out the so we might need to bleep it out the so we might need to bleep it out the sermon, number two, patience. Bleep it out, or nobody's going to watch Bleep it out, or nobody's going to watch the video. Patience. the video. Patience. the video. Patience. Uh verse five is one of my favorite Uh verse five is one of my favorite Uh verse five is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. And yet, verses in the Bible. And yet, verses in the Bible. And yet, [clears throat] the Lord showed me [clears throat] the Lord showed me [clears throat] the Lord showed me something fresh for us today. Can I give something fresh for us today. Can I give something fresh for us today. Can I give it to you? it to you? it to you? Can I give it to you like God gave it to Can I give it to you like God gave it to Can I give it to you like God gave it to me? me? me? Somebody say patience. Somebody say patience. Somebody say patience. Therefore, Therefore, Therefore, judge judge judge nothing nothing nothing before the appointed time. before the appointed time. before the appointed time. Wait until the Lord comes. What's he Wait until the Lord comes. What's he Wait until the Lord comes. What's he talking about? He's talking about the talking about? He's talking about the talking about? He's talking about the day when we'll stand before God. day when we'll stand before God. day when we'll stand before God. And you know, when I stand before God, And you know, when I stand before God, And you know, when I stand before God, no matter who's up there going, no matter who's up there going, no matter who's up there going, "Unqualified.

"Unqualified. "Unqualified. Don't let him in." Don't let him in." Don't let him in." I'm not going to take a test to get in. I'm not going to take a test to get in. I'm not going to take a test to get in. I'm not I'm not I'm not going to take a I'm not I'm not I'm not going to take a I'm not I'm not I'm not going to take a test. test. test. I'm just going to do a motion. I'm just going to do a motion. I'm just going to do a motion. I'm going to find the man on the middle I'm going to find the man on the middle I'm going to find the man on the middle cross cross cross and point and point and point and say it like this, "I'm with him." and say it like this, "I'm with him." and say it like this, "I'm with him." And that's how I'm going to get in. And that's how I'm going to get in. And that's how I'm going to get in. Because my eternal verdict hinges on my Because my eternal verdict hinges on my Because my eternal verdict hinges on my relationship with Jesus. relationship with Jesus. relationship with Jesus. And I have accepted him as the Lord and And I have accepted him as the Lord and And I have accepted him as the Lord and savior of my life. And he died for me, savior of my life. And he died for me, savior of my life. And he died for me, and he covered me, and all of the sin and he covered me, and all of the sin and he covered me, and all of the sin that I did was canceled. It's not only that I did was canceled. It's not only that I did was canceled. It's not only canceled, but God has so loved me with canceled, but God has so loved me with canceled, but God has so loved me with his love that he is conforming me to the his love that he is conforming me to the his love that he is conforming me to the image [clears throat] of his son, Jesus. image [clears throat] of his son, Jesus. image [clears throat] of his son, Jesus. And that is settled. That is the eternal And that is settled. That is the eternal And that is settled. That is the eternal verdict over my life. But I'd like to verdict over my life. But I'd like to verdict over my life. But I'd like to say that there are also internal say that there are also internal say that there are also internal verdicts that we make in the meantime. verdicts that we make in the meantime. verdicts that we make in the meantime. And that's not always just based on your And that's not always just based on your And that's not always just based on your relationship with Jesus. That's based on relationship with Jesus. That's based on relationship with Jesus. That's based on your relationship with the Holy Spirit.

your relationship with the Holy Spirit. your relationship with the Holy Spirit. So those verdicts that go on inside of So those verdicts that go on inside of So those verdicts that go on inside of you, you, you, where you judge stuff, where you judge stuff, where you judge stuff, you judge stuff about yourself like you judge stuff about yourself like you judge stuff about yourself like who you think you need to be to be who you think you need to be to be who you think you need to be to be qualified for a thing, or who you think qualified for a thing, or who you think qualified for a thing, or who you think you need to know to get in certain you need to know to get in certain you need to know to get in certain doors. All of those judgments, how you doors. All of those judgments, how you doors. All of those judgments, how you think your life needs to turn out. think your life needs to turn out. think your life needs to turn out. Remember I said last week Remember I said last week Remember I said last week that we can't ask God for directions if that we can't ask God for directions if that we can't ask God for directions if we don't let him set the destination. we don't let him set the destination. we don't let him set the destination. Like God is not like GPS where you put Like God is not like GPS where you put Like God is not like GPS where you put in the destination and then God will in the destination and then God will in the destination and then God will just give you the directions to the just give you the directions to the just give you the directions to the destination you chose. destination you chose. destination you chose. And so, in the process of trusting God, And so, in the process of trusting God, And so, in the process of trusting God, in the process of hearing God, in the process of hearing God, in the process of hearing God, there are some times where I have to there are some times where I have to there are some times where I have to trust his timing trust his timing trust his timing even when I don't feel like he's even when I don't feel like he's even when I don't feel like he's talking. talking. talking. And sometimes he's talking, but I've And sometimes he's talking, but I've And sometimes he's talking, but I've already made up my mind what I want him already made up my mind what I want him already made up my mind what I want him to say. So, I can't hear what he says to say. So, I can't hear what he says to say. So, I can't hear what he says cuz I already have the script written. cuz I already have the script written. cuz I already have the script written. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> This verse says something about the >> This verse says something about the >> This verse says something about the appointed appointed appointed time. Let's read it again. time. Let's read it again. time. Let's read it again. Therefore, judge nothing Therefore, judge nothing Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time. So, so Paul before the appointed time. So, so Paul before the appointed time. So, so Paul is saying, is saying, is saying, don't judge things that happen in your don't judge things that happen in your don't judge things that happen in your life.

life. life. Don't judge events. Don't judge events. Don't judge events. Don't don't even judge things that you Don't don't even judge things that you Don't don't even judge things that you call failure as being fruitless. call failure as being fruitless. call failure as being fruitless. Some of the greatest fruit in your life Some of the greatest fruit in your life Some of the greatest fruit in your life is born from the greatest failures. is born from the greatest failures. is born from the greatest failures. Shall I say it again? Shall I say it again? Shall I say it again? Some of the greatest fruit from your Some of the greatest fruit from your Some of the greatest fruit from your life will come out of the greatest life will come out of the greatest life will come out of the greatest failures. How many can testify to that? failures. How many can testify to that? failures. How many can testify to that? Just just wave a hand at me. He says, Just just wave a hand at me. He says, Just just wave a hand at me. He says, judge nothing before the appointed time. judge nothing before the appointed time. judge nothing before the appointed time. So, right now, So, right now, So, right now, this verse, therefore, judge nothing this verse, therefore, judge nothing this verse, therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time. Say it. before the appointed time. Say it. before the appointed time. Say it. Therefore, Therefore, Therefore, judge nothing before. judge nothing before. judge nothing before. Okay. Therefore, judge nothing before. Okay. Therefore, judge nothing before. Okay. Therefore, judge nothing before. In light of the fact that God is the In light of the fact that God is the In light of the fact that God is the judge, in light of the fact that God is judge, in light of the fact that God is judge, in light of the fact that God is the jury, in in light of the fact that the jury, in in light of the fact that the jury, in in light of the fact that God knows what he has entrusted to you, God knows what he has entrusted to you, God knows what he has entrusted to you, he says, therefore, judge nothing before he says, therefore, judge nothing before he says, therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time. So, what time is it the appointed time. So, what time is it the appointed time. So, what time is it right now? Somebody check your your right now? Somebody check your your right now? Somebody check your your watch real quick.

10 10 42 42 42 a.m. a.m. a.m. Eastern Standard Time. Is that right? Eastern Standard Time. Is that right? Eastern Standard Time. Is that right? 10:42 10:42 10:42 Eastern Standard Time on Sunday What's Eastern Standard Time on Sunday What's Eastern Standard Time on Sunday What's today's date? Y'all seem distracted. Y'all seem distracted. Are y'all distracted by something? Are y'all distracted by something? Are y'all distracted by something? I'm trying to preach, but y'all seem to I'm trying to preach, but y'all seem to I'm trying to preach, but y'all seem to Nobody's looking at me. Y'all seem Nobody's looking at me. Y'all seem Nobody's looking at me. Y'all seem distracted by something. distracted by something. distracted by something. Y'all are distracted Y'all are distracted Y'all are distracted because you're judging something. because you're judging something. because you're judging something. Something that you didn't expect, Something that you didn't expect, Something that you didn't expect, but something that I planned. Because Because before before before I preached the sermon, I preached the sermon, I preached the sermon, I told David, "When I say what time is I told David, "When I say what time is I told David, "When I say what time is it, I want you to start walking from the it, I want you to start walking from the it, I want you to start walking from the back of the church and walk on the back of the church and walk on the back of the church and walk on the stage. And when you walk, act like stage. And when you walk, act like stage. And when you walk, act like you're doing it on purpose so the you're doing it on purpose so the you're doing it on purpose so the security doesn't snatch you. Act like security doesn't snatch you. Act like security doesn't snatch you. Act like you know where you're going so some you know where you're going so some you know where you're going so some redneck doesn't jump up and tackle you.

redneck doesn't jump up and tackle you. redneck doesn't jump up and tackle you. SOMEBODY BE LIKE, 'AH, SOMEBODY BE LIKE, 'AH, SOMEBODY BE LIKE, 'AH, >> [screaming] >> [screaming] >> [screaming] >> GET HIM, PASTOR.' NO, NO, NO. HE'S >> GET HIM, PASTOR.' NO, NO, NO. HE'S >> GET HIM, PASTOR.' NO, NO, NO. HE'S COMING UP HERE COMING UP HERE COMING UP HERE CUZ I CALLED HIM. CUZ I CALLED HIM. CUZ I CALLED HIM. Cuz I called him. Cuz I called him. Cuz I called him. See, you thought he was a distraction, See, you thought he was a distraction, See, you thought he was a distraction, but really he was a demonstration. but really he was a demonstration. but really he was a demonstration. You didn't know what he was there for, You didn't know what he was there for, You didn't know what he was there for, but I told him before he started walking but I told him before he started walking but I told him before he started walking up the stairs what I needed HIM THERE up the stairs what I needed HIM THERE up the stairs what I needed HIM THERE FOR. CUZ I SAID, "AT A CERTAIN TIME IN FOR. CUZ I SAID, "AT A CERTAIN TIME IN FOR. CUZ I SAID, "AT A CERTAIN TIME IN MY SERMON, I'M GOING TO SAY WHAT TIME IS MY SERMON, I'M GOING TO SAY WHAT TIME IS MY SERMON, I'M GOING TO SAY WHAT TIME IS IT? AT THAT MOMENT, I DON'T WANT YOU TO IT? AT THAT MOMENT, I DON'T WANT YOU TO IT? AT THAT MOMENT, I DON'T WANT YOU TO ASK anybody's permission. I don't want ASK anybody's permission. I don't want ASK anybody's permission. I don't want you to push past anybody. I don't want you to push past anybody. I don't want you to push past anybody. I don't want you to second-guess. WHEN I SAY WHAT you to second-guess. WHEN I SAY WHAT you to second-guess. WHEN I SAY WHAT TIME IS IT, START WALKING AND JUST STAND TIME IS IT, START WALKING AND JUST STAND TIME IS IT, START WALKING AND JUST STAND THERE. AND the people [clears throat] THERE. AND the people [clears throat] THERE. AND the people [clears throat] are going to think, 'What's he there are going to think, 'What's he there are going to think, 'What's he there for?' But I told you BEFORE WHAT YOU'RE for?' But I told you BEFORE WHAT YOU'RE for?' But I told you BEFORE WHAT YOU'RE THERE FOR CUZ I WANT TO USE YOU in this THERE FOR CUZ I WANT TO USE YOU in this THERE FOR CUZ I WANT TO USE YOU in this sermon illustration. There have been sermon illustration. There have been sermon illustration. There have been some things IN MY LIFE WHERE GOD PUT ME some things IN MY LIFE WHERE GOD PUT ME some things IN MY LIFE WHERE GOD PUT ME IN situations and I didn't know what I IN situations and I didn't know what I IN situations and I didn't know what I WAS THERE FOR. BUT BEFORE JOSEPH EVER WAS THERE FOR. BUT BEFORE JOSEPH EVER WAS THERE FOR. BUT BEFORE JOSEPH EVER GOT THROWN INTO THE PRISON, GOD KNEW GOT THROWN INTO THE PRISON, GOD KNEW GOT THROWN INTO THE PRISON, GOD KNEW WHAT HE WOULD BE THERE FOR TO FEED his WHAT HE WOULD BE THERE FOR TO FEED his WHAT HE WOULD BE THERE FOR TO FEED his entire family. Y'ALL DON'T HEAR ME entire family. Y'ALL DON'T HEAR ME entire family. Y'ALL DON'T HEAR ME PREACHING. PAUL WAS IN PRISON IN PREACHING. PAUL WAS IN PRISON IN PREACHING. PAUL WAS IN PRISON IN PHILIPPI AND HE STARTED PRAISING GOD AT PHILIPPI AND HE STARTED PRAISING GOD AT PHILIPPI AND HE STARTED PRAISING GOD AT NIGHT AND SUDDENLY EVERYBODY'S CHAINS NIGHT AND SUDDENLY EVERYBODY'S CHAINS NIGHT AND SUDDENLY EVERYBODY'S CHAINS CAME LOOSE. HE DIDN'T START PRAISING CAME LOOSE. HE DIDN'T START PRAISING CAME LOOSE. HE DIDN'T START PRAISING AFTER THE CHAINS BROKE. HE STARTED AFTER THE CHAINS BROKE. HE STARTED AFTER THE CHAINS BROKE. HE STARTED PRAISING BEFORE CUZ HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS

PRAISING BEFORE CUZ HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS PRAISING BEFORE CUZ HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS THERE FOR. I'm trying to say THAT WHEN THERE FOR. I'm trying to say THAT WHEN THERE FOR. I'm trying to say THAT WHEN YOU KNOW YOUR PURPOSE, THAT WHEN YOU YOU KNOW YOUR PURPOSE, THAT WHEN YOU YOU KNOW YOUR PURPOSE, THAT WHEN YOU KNOW YOUR FATHER, when you know his KNOW YOUR FATHER, when you know his KNOW YOUR FATHER, when you know his voice Let ME PUT IT PLAIN. STOP JUDGING STUFF Let ME PUT IT PLAIN. STOP JUDGING STUFF THAT GOD IS NOT DONE with yet. THAT GOD IS NOT DONE with yet. THAT GOD IS NOT DONE with yet. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Okay. That was pretty good punctuation mark. That was pretty good punctuation mark. Yeah, see, because he's there for a Yeah, see, because he's there for a Yeah, see, because he's there for a purpose. purpose. purpose. You judged it before you knew what it You judged it before you knew what it You judged it before you knew what it was there for. was there for. was there for. You judged it. You You are judging You judged it. You You are judging You judged it. You You are judging certain things about you and you are certain things about you and you are certain things about you and you are calling them calling them calling them uh weaknesses. uh weaknesses. uh weaknesses. You You are calling them weaknesses, but You You are calling them weaknesses, but You You are calling them weaknesses, but they're really not weaknesses. They're they're really not weaknesses. They're they're really not weaknesses. They're weapons. weapons. weapons. They are there for God to use. Paul said They are there for God to use. Paul said They are there for God to use. Paul said one time, "I had a thorn in my flesh and one time, "I had a thorn in my flesh and one time, "I had a thorn in my flesh and I asked God to take it away, I asked God to take it away, I asked God to take it away, but he left it there but he left it there but he left it there for for for a purpose, so that I might know his a purpose, so that I might know his a purpose, so that I might know his grace is sufficient."

grace is sufficient." grace is sufficient." Don't judge it before you get to see Don't judge it before you get to see Don't judge it before you get to see what it was there for. what it was there for. what it was there for. That's right, good. That's right, good. That's right, good. God knows what he's doing. God knows what he's doing. God knows what he's doing. Am I preaching better than this Am I preaching better than this Am I preaching better than this Episcopalian church is shouting? Episcopalian church is shouting? Episcopalian church is shouting? >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Well, I don't need their praise. HEY, >> Well, I don't need their praise. HEY, >> Well, I don't need their praise. HEY, CUZ THE HOLY GHOST IS TELLING ME THIS CUZ THE HOLY GHOST IS TELLING ME THIS CUZ THE HOLY GHOST IS TELLING ME THIS WORD IS WORKING. WORD IS WORKING. WORD IS WORKING. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> All right, go sit back down. >> All right, go sit back down. >> All right, go sit back down. And don't run back up here again. If he And don't run back up here again. If he And don't run back up here again. If he runs back up here again, he's not runs back up here again, he's not runs back up here again, he's not authorized for an illustration. And a powerful April, I thought it was a And a powerful April, I thought it was a distraction. distraction. distraction. But pastor was using it for a But pastor was using it for a But pastor was using it for a demonstration. demonstration. demonstration. If that's true of me, If that's true of me, If that's true of me, how much more is God using things you how much more is God using things you how much more is God using things you think it's a distraction, you're judging think it's a distraction, you're judging think it's a distraction, you're judging it. it. it. You think it's a disappointment, you're You think it's a disappointment, you're You think it's a disappointment, you're judging it. judging it. judging it. Don't judge it before God gets to show Don't judge it before God gets to show Don't judge it before God gets to show you what it's. >> But Paul says something so important >> But Paul says something so important that I hope you saved a little room for that I hope you saved a little room for that I hope you saved a little room for dessert.

dessert. dessert. Because if you read this what Paul is Because if you read this what Paul is Because if you read this what Paul is saying, he's like, you can't judge me, saying, he's like, you can't judge me, saying, he's like, you can't judge me, I'm holy. I'm holy. I'm holy. You can't judge me, I know I'm walking You can't judge me, I know I'm walking You can't judge me, I know I'm walking with God. In fact, with God. In fact, with God. In fact, he makes this statement, and I think he makes this statement, and I think he makes this statement, and I think this is the problem with only using this this is the problem with only using this this is the problem with only using this scripture. So, I want to use one more scripture. So, I want to use one more scripture. So, I want to use one more today today today for this installment. Are you getting for this installment. Are you getting for this installment. Are you getting something out of this? something out of this? something out of this? Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Well, that therefore be for thing really >> Well, that therefore be for thing really >> Well, that therefore be for thing really really got me when I was studying. really got me when I was studying. really got me when I was studying. But But But I realize there's somebody listening to I realize there's somebody listening to I realize there's somebody listening to me who doesn't doesn't know what it's me who doesn't doesn't know what it's me who doesn't doesn't know what it's therefore. And therefore. And therefore. And that what Paul said that what Paul said that what Paul said not all of us can say. not all of us can say. not all of us can say. You know, when he said, "I don't judge You know, when he said, "I don't judge You know, when he said, "I don't judge myself." verse 4, myself." verse 4, myself." verse 4, "My conscience is clear." When he said, "It is the Lord that When he said, "It is the Lord that judges me." just a few words later, judges me." just a few words later, judges me." just a few words later, do you that in verse do you that in verse do you that in verse 4 part B, it is the Lord that judges me? 4 part B, it is the Lord that judges me? 4 part B, it is the Lord that judges me? We can all say that We can all say that We can all say that because it's ultimately going to be because it's ultimately going to be because it's ultimately going to be God's job to judge us ultimately.

God's job to judge us ultimately. God's job to judge us ultimately. Ultimately. Ultimately. Ultimately. I mean, that doesn't mean that people I mean, that doesn't mean that people I mean, that doesn't mean that people won't hand out consequences and that won't hand out consequences and that won't hand out consequences and that your life won't have certain verdicts your life won't have certain verdicts your life won't have certain verdicts that are just, that are just, that are just, you know, handed to you by life, but but you know, handed to you by life, but but you know, handed to you by life, but but it means that ultimately God will judge it means that ultimately God will judge it means that ultimately God will judge you. you. you. But the part that we might be tripping But the part that we might be tripping But the part that we might be tripping over is we can't all say like Paul, "My over is we can't all say like Paul, "My over is we can't all say like Paul, "My conscience is clear." Because there are a lot of you who are Because there are a lot of you who are listening to me and you're hearing this listening to me and you're hearing this listening to me and you're hearing this through the filter of guilt. through the filter of guilt. through the filter of guilt. And And And when when I read to you about Paul when when I read to you about Paul when when I read to you about Paul saying, "You can't judge me. saying, "You can't judge me. saying, "You can't judge me. I know that my conscience is clear." I know that my conscience is clear." I know that my conscience is clear." You're thinking to yourself, You're thinking to yourself, You're thinking to yourself, "People can't judge me because they "People can't judge me because they "People can't judge me because they don't even know how bad I really am." And [snorts] even sometimes, listen to And [snorts] even sometimes, listen to me, when someone tries to give you me, when someone tries to give you me, when someone tries to give you praise or a compliment or lift you up, praise or a compliment or lift you up, praise or a compliment or lift you up, you won't let it in because there is you won't let it in because there is you won't let it in because there is something that you know something that you know something that you know about you. about you. about you. So now I want to call on a third person So now I want to call on a third person So now I want to call on a third person named John.

named John. named John. If you go to John chapter 8 with me If you go to John chapter 8 with me If you go to John chapter 8 with me briefly, briefly, briefly, there is a pericope there is a pericope there is a pericope about a woman about a woman about a woman who was caught who was caught who was caught in the act in the act in the act of adultery. of adultery. of adultery. And she was brought before Jesus to be And she was brought before Jesus to be And she was brought before Jesus to be judged by a jury of religious judged by a jury of religious judged by a jury of religious professionals. For our purposes today, professionals. For our purposes today, professionals. For our purposes today, you may not be dragged in front of Jesus you may not be dragged in front of Jesus you may not be dragged in front of Jesus to be judged by a group of people. It to be judged by a group of people. It to be judged by a group of people. It may be by your own regret, resentment, may be by your own regret, resentment, may be by your own regret, resentment, dark nostalgia, remembrances of things dark nostalgia, remembrances of things dark nostalgia, remembrances of things that you did, and current struggles with that you did, and current struggles with that you did, and current struggles with things that you still do. The Bible says things that you still do. The Bible says things that you still do. The Bible says in John chapter 8 verse 1 that Jesus in John chapter 8 verse 1 that Jesus in John chapter 8 verse 1 that Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. And at dawn went to the Mount of Olives. And at dawn went to the Mount of Olives. And at dawn he appeared again in the temple courts he appeared again in the temple courts he appeared again in the temple courts where all the people gathered around where all the people gathered around where all the people gathered around him. He sat down to teach them. So get him. He sat down to teach them. So get him. He sat down to teach them. So get the picture. It is as it should be. the picture. It is as it should be. the picture. It is as it should be. Jesus, the savior, is at the center and Jesus, the savior, is at the center and Jesus, the savior, is at the center and everyone is gathered around him and he everyone is gathered around him and he everyone is gathered around him and he taught them. Verse 3, the teachers of taught them. Verse 3, the teachers of taught them. Verse 3, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought a the law and the Pharisees brought a the law and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery. So while the woman caught in adultery. So while the woman caught in adultery. So while the crowds are being taught, this woman is crowds are being taught, this woman is crowds are being taught, this woman is caught and she is brought before Jesus, caught and she is brought before Jesus, caught and she is brought before Jesus, the one who taught the crowds. Now they the one who taught the crowds. Now they the one who taught the crowds. Now they brought the woman who was caught in brought the woman who was caught in brought the woman who was caught in adultery and they they get they they do adultery and they they get they they do adultery and they they get they they do something that that religion always something that that religion always something that that religion always does. See, when the passage started, does. See, when the passage started, does. See, when the passage started, Jesus was at the center.

Jesus was at the center. Jesus was at the center. But when they got involved, sin was at But when they got involved, sin was at But when they got involved, sin was at the center. the center. the center. So so they say, "Look at her sin, Jesus. So so they say, "Look at her sin, Jesus. So so they say, "Look at her sin, Jesus. We caught her." The teachers of the law We caught her." The teachers of the law We caught her." The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought a woman caught and the Pharisees brought a woman caught and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before in adultery. They made her stand before in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of this woman was caught in the act of this woman was caught in the act of adultery. adultery. adultery. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> In the law, they're quoting scripture, >> In the law, they're quoting scripture, >> In the law, they're quoting scripture, this must be God. In the law, they're this must be God. In the law, they're this must be God. In the law, they're talking about the Bible, this must be talking about the Bible, this must be talking about the Bible, this must be God. In the law, Moses commanded us to God. In the law, Moses commanded us to God. In the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now, what do you say? stone such women. Now, what do you say? stone such women. Now, what do you say? That is a dangerous question to ask That is a dangerous question to ask That is a dangerous question to ask Jesus if you don't really want the Jesus if you don't really want the Jesus if you don't really want the answer. Don't ask him if you don't want answer. Don't ask him if you don't want answer. Don't ask him if you don't want to know because Jesus might not agree to know because Jesus might not agree to know because Jesus might not agree with you. with you. with you. It is a dangerous thing when you have It is a dangerous thing when you have It is a dangerous thing when you have made a Jesus in your mind that only ever made a Jesus in your mind that only ever made a Jesus in your mind that only ever agrees with you. agrees with you. agrees with you. Jesus might think different about it Jesus might think different about it Jesus might think different about it than you. Jesus might see it different than you. Jesus might see it different than you. Jesus might see it different than you. Jesus is my jury. Jesus is my than you. Jesus is my jury. Jesus is my than you. Jesus is my jury. Jesus is my jury. So they ask THE QUESTION, jury. So they ask THE QUESTION, jury. So they ask THE QUESTION, "TEACHER, WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT IT? HEY "TEACHER, WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT IT? HEY "TEACHER, WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT IT? HEY THERE, what do you teaching all THESE THERE, what do you teaching all THESE THERE, what do you teaching all THESE WONDERFUL THINGS, BUT WE'RE BRINGING you WONDERFUL THINGS, BUT WE'RE BRINGING you WONDERFUL THINGS, BUT WE'RE BRINGING you a woman who WAS CAUGHT WE CAUGHT HER a woman who WAS CAUGHT WE CAUGHT HER a woman who WAS CAUGHT WE CAUGHT HER RED-HANDED. WE CAUGHT HER IN THE ACT. WE RED-HANDED. WE CAUGHT HER IN THE ACT. WE RED-HANDED. WE CAUGHT HER IN THE ACT. WE KNOW WHAT THE BIBLE says and they were KNOW WHAT THE BIBLE says and they were KNOW WHAT THE BIBLE says and they were using this question as a trap in order using this question as a trap in order using this question as a trap in order to have a basis for accusing him, but to have a basis for accusing him, but to have a basis for accusing him, but it's a bad idea to try to trap the it's a bad idea to try to trap the it's a bad idea to try to trap the answer with your questions.

answer with your questions. answer with your questions. I said you better not try to trap the I said you better not try to trap the I said you better not try to trap the answer answer answer with your questions. with your questions. with your questions. See, I've got to come to him and say, See, I've got to come to him and say, See, I've got to come to him and say, "What do you think?" And and I think the "What do you think?" And and I think the "What do you think?" And and I think the most powerful thing in the Bible is what most powerful thing in the Bible is what most powerful thing in the Bible is what happens right in the middle of the happens right in the middle of the happens right in the middle of the verse, BUT JESUS verse, BUT JESUS verse, BUT JESUS BENT DOWN BENT DOWN BENT DOWN >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> AND STARTED TO write on the ground with >> AND STARTED TO write on the ground with >> AND STARTED TO write on the ground with his finger. Notice, he stoops before he his finger. Notice, he stoops before he his finger. Notice, he stoops before he speaks. speaks. speaks. He stoops before he speaks. He doesn't He stoops before he speaks. He doesn't He stoops before he speaks. He doesn't have to stoop, he's God. He doesn't have have to stoop, he's God. He doesn't have have to stoop, he's God. He doesn't have to stoop, he is the highest name, the to stoop, he is the highest name, the to stoop, he is the highest name, the name above every name, the name at which name above every name, the name at which name above every name, the name at which every knee will bow. He doesn't have to every knee will bow. He doesn't have to every knee will bow. He doesn't have to stoop, but instead of clearing his stoop, but instead of clearing his stoop, but instead of clearing his throat to speak, he rolls up his sleeves throat to speak, he rolls up his sleeves throat to speak, he rolls up his sleeves to get dirty and get to work in the life to get dirty and get to work in the life to get dirty and get to work in the life of a woman who was caught in the act of of a woman who was caught in the act of of a woman who was caught in the act of adultery. And whatever he wrote in verse adultery. And whatever he wrote in verse adultery. And whatever he wrote in verse 7 they were not satisfied with his 7 they were not satisfied with his 7 they were not satisfied with his actions. The Bible said when they kept actions. The Bible said when they kept actions. The Bible said when they kept questioning him, he straightened up and questioning him, he straightened up and questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let any of you who is said to them, "Let any of you who is said to them, "Let any of you who is without sin be the first one to throw a without sin be the first one to throw a without sin be the first one to throw a stone at her."

stone at her." stone at her." And again he stooped down And again he stooped down And again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. and wrote on the ground. and wrote on the ground. And at this And at this And at this those who heard began to go away those who heard began to go away those who heard began to go away one at a time. one at a time. one at a time. The older ones first. I wonder what they The older ones first. I wonder what they The older ones first. I wonder what they did in the 60s, baby. did in the 60s, baby. did in the 60s, baby. What what doing at Woodstock? What what doing at Woodstock? What what doing at Woodstock? And this is really good news until only And this is really good news until only And this is really good news until only Jesus Jesus Jesus was left with the woman still standing was left with the woman still standing was left with the woman still standing there. And Jesus [clears throat] there. And Jesus [clears throat] there. And Jesus [clears throat] straightened up and asked her, "Woman, straightened up and asked her, "Woman, straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where is your jury?" where is your jury?" where is your jury?" "Has no one condemned you?" "Has no one condemned you?" "Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. do I condemn you," Jesus declared. do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now "Go now "Go now and leave your life of sin."

One Baptist preacher said, "It's a good One Baptist preacher said, "It's a good thing they dropped their rock thing they dropped their rock thing they dropped their rock because Jesus can change water into because Jesus can change water into because Jesus can change water into wine. wine. wine. And if he can change water into wine, if And if he can change water into wine, if And if he can change water into wine, if one of those boys would picked up a rock one of those boys would picked up a rock one of those boys would picked up a rock and thrown it at her, and thrown it at her, and thrown it at her, Jesus would have turned it into rubber Jesus would have turned it into rubber Jesus would have turned it into rubber midair. midair. midair. And that rubber rock would have bounced And that rubber rock would have bounced And that rubber rock would have bounced off of her and bounced back back into a off of her and bounced back back into a off of her and bounced back back into a rock and bust their brains out." That's rock and bust their brains out." That's rock and bust their brains out." That's what the Baptist preacher said. what the Baptist preacher said. what the Baptist preacher said. But just touch your neighbor and simply But just touch your neighbor and simply But just touch your neighbor and simply say, "You better drop your rock." say, "You better drop your rock." say, "You better drop your rock." "You better drop your rock because none "You better drop your rock because none "You better drop your rock because none of us really wants Jesus to start of us really wants Jesus to start of us really wants Jesus to start bringing forth all of the evidence of bringing forth all of the evidence of bringing forth all of the evidence of all of the thoughts and all of the all of the thoughts and all of the all of the thoughts and all of the things and all of the times and ALL OF things and all of the times and ALL OF things and all of the times and ALL OF THE STRUGGLES." BUT WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE STRUGGLES." BUT WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE STRUGGLES." BUT WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE passage is that they were caught up THE passage is that they were caught up THE passage is that they were caught up in what a sinner she was. I don't know in what a sinner she was. I don't know in what a sinner she was. I don't know if you noticed, but but they accused if you noticed, but but they accused if you noticed, but but they accused her. See, the Holy Spirit is not an her. See, the Holy Spirit is not an her. See, the Holy Spirit is not an accuser. That's Satan's job. The Holy accuser. That's Satan's job. The Holy accuser. That's Satan's job. The Holy SPIRIT IS AN ADVOCATE. AND WHEN JESUS is SPIRIT IS AN ADVOCATE. AND WHEN JESUS is SPIRIT IS AN ADVOCATE. AND WHEN JESUS is your jury, when Jesus the PERFECT ONE, your jury, when Jesus the PERFECT ONE, your jury, when Jesus the PERFECT ONE, THE SPOTLESS ONE, the Lamb of God, the THE SPOTLESS ONE, the Lamb of God, the THE SPOTLESS ONE, the Lamb of God, the Lion of the tribe OF JUDAH, THE BRIGHT Lion of the tribe OF JUDAH, THE BRIGHT Lion of the tribe OF JUDAH, THE BRIGHT AND THE MORNING STAR, THE LILY OF THE AND THE MORNING STAR, THE LILY OF THE AND THE MORNING STAR, THE LILY OF THE VALLEY, THE ROSE OF SHARON, when that VALLEY, THE ROSE OF SHARON, when that VALLEY, THE ROSE OF SHARON, when that God gets down in the dirt, it doesn't God gets down in the dirt, it doesn't God gets down in the dirt, it doesn't matter what people declare over your matter what people declare over your matter what people declare over your life. Even you can't judge you when life. Even you can't judge you when life. Even you can't judge you when Jesus is your jury because the Bible Jesus is your jury because the Bible Jesus is your jury because the Bible says, help me preach somebody. The Bible

says, help me preach somebody. The Bible says, help me preach somebody. The Bible says that as he stooped down and began says that as he stooped down and began says that as he stooped down and began to write in the dirt, they said, the law to write in the dirt, they said, the law to write in the dirt, they said, the law commands us to stone such women. Oh, commands us to stone such women. Oh, commands us to stone such women. Oh, she's such [laughter] a sinner. Oh, she's such [laughter] a sinner. Oh, she's such [laughter] a sinner. Oh, she's such a sinner. So, remember this, she's such a sinner. So, remember this, she's such a sinner. So, remember this, power to change belongs to God. power to change belongs to God. power to change belongs to God. See, Jesus did not tell her, you have See, Jesus did not tell her, you have See, Jesus did not tell her, you have permission to keep sinning. permission to keep sinning. permission to keep sinning. He told her, now that you've met me, you He told her, now that you've met me, you He told her, now that you've met me, you have power to stop. have power to stop. have power to stop. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> So, that's why anytime the enemy starts >> So, that's why anytime the enemy starts >> So, that's why anytime the enemy starts telling you, you're such a sinner, you telling you, you're such a sinner, you telling you, you're such a sinner, you can't be used by God. You're such a can't be used by God. You're such a can't be used by God. You're such a sinner, God can't forgive you for that. sinner, God can't forgive you for that. sinner, God can't forgive you for that. You're such a sinner. See, you're You're such a sinner. See, you're You're such a sinner. See, you're missing the whole point. The point isn't missing the whole point. The point isn't missing the whole point. The point isn't that I'm such a sinner or that I'm such that I'm such a sinner or that I'm such that I'm such a sinner or that I'm such a saint, it's that he's such a savior. a saint, it's that he's such a savior. a saint, it's that he's such a savior. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Come on, come on, come on, come on. He's >> Come on, come on, come on, come on. He's >> Come on, come on, come on, come on. He's such a savior. such a savior. such a savior. Yeah, but you're such a sinner. Yeah, but you're such a sinner. Yeah, but you're such a sinner. And so, when the enemy starts beating And so, when the enemy starts beating And so, when the enemy starts beating your brains out with these rubber rocks, your brains out with these rubber rocks, your brains out with these rubber rocks, when the enemy starts throwing STUFF AT when the enemy starts throwing STUFF AT when the enemy starts throwing STUFF AT YOU AND hurling it and there's verdicts YOU AND hurling it and there's verdicts YOU AND hurling it and there's verdicts in your head, you say, yeah, I'm such a in your head, you say, yeah, I'm such a in your head, you say, yeah, I'm such a sinner. I'M NOT HERE CUZ I'M SUCH a sinner. I'M NOT HERE CUZ I'M SUCH a sinner. I'M NOT HERE CUZ I'M SUCH a saint. I'm here because he's such a saint. I'm here because he's such a saint. I'm here because he's such a savior. As a matter of fact, he's such a savior. As a matter of fact, he's such a savior. As a matter of fact, he's such a savior that in one gospel account, when savior that in one gospel account, when savior that in one gospel account, when the woman with the issue of blood snuck the woman with the issue of blood snuck the woman with the issue of blood snuck up and touched the hem of his garment, up and touched the hem of his garment, up and touched the hem of his garment, didn't even touch him, just touched the didn't even touch him, just touched the didn't even touch him, just touched the hem of his garment, the dirty part of hem of his garment, the dirty part of hem of his garment, the dirty part of his garment, the part that dragged his garment, the part that dragged his garment, the part that dragged through the streets, when she touched through the streets, when she touched through the streets, when she touched the hem of his garments, normally if the

the hem of his garments, normally if the the hem of his garments, normally if the unclean touches the clean, the clean unclean touches the clean, the clean unclean touches the clean, the clean becomes unclean. But, he's such a becomes unclean. But, he's such a becomes unclean. But, he's such a savior. He's such a savior THAT WHEN YOU savior. He's such a savior THAT WHEN YOU savior. He's such a savior THAT WHEN YOU TOUCH THIS SAVIOR, IT DOESN'T MAKE THE TOUCH THIS SAVIOR, IT DOESN'T MAKE THE TOUCH THIS SAVIOR, IT DOESN'T MAKE THE CLEAN UNCLEAN, BABY. It makes the CLEAN UNCLEAN, BABY. It makes the CLEAN UNCLEAN, BABY. It makes the unclean clean. He's such a savior. unclean clean. He's such a savior. unclean clean. He's such a savior. HE'S SUCH A SAVIOR. HE IS SUCH A SAVIOR. HE'S SUCH A SAVIOR. HE IS SUCH A SAVIOR. HE'S SUCH A SAVIOR. HE IS SUCH A SAVIOR. DOES SOMEBODY SAY HE'S SUCH A SAVIOR? DOES SOMEBODY SAY HE'S SUCH A SAVIOR? DOES SOMEBODY SAY HE'S SUCH A SAVIOR? He's such A SAVIOR. HE'S SUCH A SAVIOR He's such A SAVIOR. HE'S SUCH A SAVIOR He's such A SAVIOR. HE'S SUCH A SAVIOR THAT WHEN HE GOT TO THE GRAVE, AND IT THAT WHEN HE GOT TO THE GRAVE, AND IT THAT WHEN HE GOT TO THE GRAVE, AND IT WAS 4 DAYS INTO LAZARUS' DEATH, HE HAD WAS 4 DAYS INTO LAZARUS' DEATH, HE HAD WAS 4 DAYS INTO LAZARUS' DEATH, HE HAD TO CALL LAZARUS BY NAME BECAUSE THERE TO CALL LAZARUS BY NAME BECAUSE THERE TO CALL LAZARUS BY NAME BECAUSE THERE WAS SO MUCH POWER IN HIS word that if HE WAS SO MUCH POWER IN HIS word that if HE WAS SO MUCH POWER IN HIS word that if HE HAD JUST SAID, "GET UP," EVERY DEAD BODY HAD JUST SAID, "GET UP," EVERY DEAD BODY HAD JUST SAID, "GET UP," EVERY DEAD BODY IN JERUSALEM AND BETHANY WOULD HAVE GOT IN JERUSALEM AND BETHANY WOULD HAVE GOT IN JERUSALEM AND BETHANY WOULD HAVE GOT UP OUT THE GRAVE CUZ HE'S SUCH A SAVIOR. UP OUT THE GRAVE CUZ HE'S SUCH A SAVIOR. UP OUT THE GRAVE CUZ HE'S SUCH A SAVIOR. THERE'S ENOUGH POWER IN ONE WORD FROM THERE'S ENOUGH POWER IN ONE WORD FROM THERE'S ENOUGH POWER IN ONE WORD FROM GOD. GOD. GOD. And he is such a SAVIOR And he is such a SAVIOR And he is such a SAVIOR THAT ONE DROP OF HIS BLOOD CAN MAKE THE THAT ONE DROP OF HIS BLOOD CAN MAKE THE THAT ONE DROP OF HIS BLOOD CAN MAKE THE foulest clean. He's such a savior THAT foulest clean. He's such a savior THAT foulest clean. He's such a savior THAT WHEN THE THIEF ON THE CROSS TURNED to WHEN THE THIEF ON THE CROSS TURNED to WHEN THE THIEF ON THE CROSS TURNED to the man in the middle and said, "I know the man in the middle and said, "I know the man in the middle and said, "I know I don't deserve it. I know I've wasted I don't deserve it. I know I've wasted I don't deserve it. I know I've wasted so much time. I know I deserve to be up so much time. I know I deserve to be up so much time. I know I deserve to be up here, and you don't. But, would you here, and you don't. But, would you here, and you don't. But, would you remember me? I don't even know who you remember me? I don't even know who you remember me? I don't even know who you are yet. I don't even really get it yet.

are yet. I don't even really get it yet. are yet. I don't even really get it yet. But, would you remember me?" And he But, would you remember me?" And he But, would you remember me?" And he said, "Today, you'll be with me in said, "Today, you'll be with me in said, "Today, you'll be with me in paradise." So, I'm telling you today, paradise." So, I'm telling you today, paradise." So, I'm telling you today, the power of my testimony and the power the power of my testimony and the power the power of my testimony and the power of my confession and the power of my of my confession and the power of my of my confession and the power of my thought and the power of my overcoming thought and the power of my overcoming thought and the power of my overcoming and the power of my victory is not that and the power of my victory is not that and the power of my victory is not that I'm such a saint. I'm such a saint. I'm such a saint. It's that he is such It's that he is such It's that he is such a savior. a savior. a savior. >> [applause] >> The law commands us to stone such a >> The law commands us to stone such a woman. woman. woman. She's such a sinner. She's such a sinner. She's such a sinner. Don't you hear that sometimes about Don't you hear that sometimes about Don't you hear that sometimes about yourself? You're such an idiot. yourself? You're such an idiot. yourself? You're such an idiot. Yeah, but Jesus is sucher than you. I think I should preach a message I think I should preach a message called, you know, we talk about he's a called, you know, we talk about he's a called, you know, we talk about he's a savior. He's he's such a savior. And savior. He's he's such a savior. And savior. He's he's such a savior. And he's sucher than your sin. he's sucher than your sin. he's sucher than your sin. He's such a savior. He's such a savior. He's such a savior. He's he's such a savior He's he's such a savior He's he's such a savior that they only had the power that they only had the power that they only had the power to catch her to catch her to catch her in the act of adultery.

in the act of adultery. in the act of adultery. But he's such a savior. He has the power But he's such a savior. He has the power But he's such a savior. He has the power to catch you when you fall and stand you to catch you when you fall and stand you to catch you when you fall and stand you back up again. back up again. back up again. >> [applause] >> So, when the verdict goes in my mind, >> So, when the verdict goes in my mind, you're unqualified, or you're dirty, or you're unqualified, or you're dirty, or you're unqualified, or you're dirty, or you're unworthy, or you're a piece you're unworthy, or you're a piece you're unworthy, or you're a piece trash, you're all these things. And man, trash, you're all these things. And man, trash, you're all these things. And man, I got to tell you something. I got to tell you something. I got to tell you something. In one of those chairs around my table In one of those chairs around my table In one of those chairs around my table is me. is me. is me. I preach to me. I preach to me. I preach to me. Cuz I hear it all the time. You're Cuz I hear it all the time. You're Cuz I hear it all the time. You're you're you're such a you're you're such a you're you're such a Come on, how many of you like me Come on, how many of you like me Come on, how many of you like me struggle with self-talk and you're not struggle with self-talk and you're not struggle with self-talk and you're not going to pay for therapy, so this is all going to pay for therapy, so this is all going to pay for therapy, so this is all you're going to get today listening to you're going to get today listening to you're going to get today listening to me talk. When I went to therapy for the about the When I went to therapy for the about the third or fourth time, I was describing third or fourth time, I was describing third or fourth time, I was describing all of these thoughts that go in my all of these thoughts that go in my all of these thoughts that go in my head. I was describing my jury. head. I was describing my jury. head. I was describing my jury. The therapist didn't call it that. The therapist didn't call it that. The therapist didn't call it that. That's what I've learned that it's a That's what I've learned that it's a That's what I've learned that it's a jury making a verdict.

jury making a verdict. jury making a verdict. But she interrupted me with a question. But she interrupted me with a question. But she interrupted me with a question. She said, She said, She said, "Hey, I hear you saying some really "Hey, I hear you saying some really "Hey, I hear you saying some really harsh things about yourself. Whose voice harsh things about yourself. Whose voice harsh things about yourself. Whose voice is that?" And sometimes my voice in my head sounds And sometimes my voice in my head sounds more like the serpent that accuses than more like the serpent that accuses than more like the serpent that accuses than the savior the savior the savior that advocates. that advocates. that advocates. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> So, I shared >> So, I shared >> So, I shared 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 to let you know 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 to let you know 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 to let you know that Jesus is your jury that Jesus is your jury that Jesus is your jury and that you have a job. and that you have a job. and that you have a job. But I read John 8 to know that But I read John 8 to know that But I read John 8 to know that your job is not to be Jesus. your job is not to be Jesus. your job is not to be Jesus. Your job is to trust him. Your job is to trust him. Your job is to trust him. And he did for you what you couldn't do And he did for you what you couldn't do And he did for you what you couldn't do for you. for you. for you. And so when the when the such as start And so when the when the such as start And so when the when the such as start this week and they will this week and they will this week and they will You're such a you're such a you're such You're such a you're such a you're such You're such a you're such a you're such a bad you're such a bad a bad you're such a bad a bad you're such a bad Whose voice is that? Whose voice is that? Whose voice is that? It's not the voice of the savior, it's It's not the voice of the savior, it's It's not the voice of the savior, it's the voice of shame. And you know what?

the voice of shame. And you know what? the voice of shame. And you know what? Shame can't lift you out of your sin. Shame can't lift you out of your sin and Shame can't lift you out of your sin and grace will not leave you in it. Hey, thank you for watching the Hey, thank you for watching the Elevation Church YouTube. I want you to Elevation Church YouTube. I want you to Elevation Church YouTube. I want you to subscribe. That way you can know when we subscribe. That way you can know when we subscribe. That way you can know when we go live and post new content. Make sure go live and post new content. Make sure go live and post new content. Make sure to leave me a [music] comment. Let me to leave me a [music] comment. Let me to leave me a [music] comment. Let me know what spoke to you today, where know what spoke to you today, where know what spoke to you today, where you're watching from, and what we can you're watching from, and what we can you're watching from, and what we can pray for you about. And if you'd like to pray for you about. And if you'd like to pray for you about. And if you'd like to support the ministry financially, support the ministry financially, support the ministry financially, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you can click the give button now and >> you can click the give button now and >> you can click the give button now and help us continue reaching people around help us continue reaching people around help us continue reaching people around the world for Jesus Christ. Thanks the world for Jesus Christ. Thanks the world for Jesus Christ. Thanks again. I'll see you next time.