Our Power: Spirit-Filled Living – Timothy Keller [Sermon]

[music] divine power has given us [music] divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life everything we need for a godly life everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called through our knowledge of him who called through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. us by his own glory and goodness. us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very Through these he has given us his very Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises so that great and precious promises so that great and precious promises so that through them you may participate in the through them you may participate in the through them you may participate in the divine nature having escaped the divine nature having escaped the divine nature having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil corruption in the world caused by evil corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make desires. For this very reason, make desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith every effort to add to your faith every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness knowledge, and goodness, and to goodness knowledge, and goodness, and to goodness knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control, and to to knowledge, self-control, and to to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance, and to self-control, perseverance, and to self-control, perseverance, and to perseverance godliness, and to godliness perseverance godliness, and to godliness perseverance godliness, and to godliness mutual affection, and to mutual mutual affection, and to mutual mutual affection, and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess affection, love. For if you possess affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, these qualities in increasing measure, these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being they will keep you from being they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your ineffective and unproductive in your ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is whoever does not have them is whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that nearsighted and blind, forgetting that nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past they have been cleansed from their past they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sins. Therefore, my brothers and sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm sisters, make every effort to confirm sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do your calling and election. For if you do your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble and these things, you will never stumble and these things, you will never stumble and you will receive a rich welcome into the you will receive a rich welcome into the you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is God's word.

Now, uh, every branch of the Christian Now, uh, every branch of the Christian church teaches that when you put your church teaches that when you put your church teaches that when you put your faith in Jesus Christ, you receive the faith in Jesus Christ, you receive the faith in Jesus Christ, you receive the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. And on Pentecost Sunday, many churches And on Pentecost Sunday, many churches And on Pentecost Sunday, many churches in the world observe today as Pentecost in the world observe today as Pentecost in the world observe today as Pentecost Sunday, it's very appropriate for us to Sunday, it's very appropriate for us to Sunday, it's very appropriate for us to be looking at a passage like this. Even be looking at a passage like this. Even be looking at a passage like this. Even though the Holy Spirit's not actually though the Holy Spirit's not actually though the Holy Spirit's not actually mentioned in the passage, what is mentioned in the passage, what is mentioned in the passage, what is mentioned uh and in fact what the mentioned uh and in fact what the mentioned uh and in fact what the teaching that is given here, it's one of teaching that is given here, it's one of teaching that is given here, it's one of the most important passages in the Bible the most important passages in the Bible the most important passages in the Bible to teach us about spiritual growth. to teach us about spiritual growth. to teach us about spiritual growth. Ultimately, being a Christian, uh living Ultimately, being a Christian, uh living Ultimately, being a Christian, uh living the Christian life is not actually a the Christian life is not actually a the Christian life is not actually a matter of willpower and self-effort. uh matter of willpower and self-effort. uh matter of willpower and self-effort. uh because of the Holy Spirit in our lives, because of the Holy Spirit in our lives, because of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we have the potential for radical and we have the potential for radical and we have the potential for radical and organic organic organic growth, character change. You can see it growth, character change. You can see it growth, character change. You can see it as we will be looking here in a minute as we will be looking here in a minute as we will be looking here in a minute where it says uh you should be adding to where it says uh you should be adding to where it says uh you should be adding to your faith goodness to that knowledge to your faith goodness to that knowledge to your faith goodness to that knowledge to knowledge, self-control to self-control, knowledge, self-control to self-control, knowledge, self-control to self-control, perseverance. Uh it's talking about perseverance. Uh it's talking about perseverance. Uh it's talking about moving from selfishness to moving from selfishness to moving from selfishness to unselfishness, unselfishness, unselfishness, from enslavement to freedom and from enslavement to freedom and from enslavement to freedom and self-control, self-control, self-control, from foolishness to wisdom. It's talking from foolishness to wisdom. It's talking from foolishness to wisdom. It's talking about change, character change, inward about change, character change, inward about change, character change, inward character change, spiritual growth. What character change, spiritual growth. What character change, spiritual growth. What do we learn from this passage about do we learn from this passage about do we learn from this passage about that? Quite a lot. In fact, I'd like to that? Quite a lot. In fact, I'd like to that? Quite a lot. In fact, I'd like to point out five things, not just three point out five things, not just three point out five things, not just three things. So a lot of you might want to things. So a lot of you might want to things. So a lot of you might want to cancel those appointments you have after cancel those appointments you have after cancel those appointments you have after the service. But the service. But the service. But according to this passage, spiritual

according to this passage, spiritual according to this passage, spiritual growth is growth is growth is possible, gradual, possible, gradual, possible, gradual, essential, practical, and ultimately essential, practical, and ultimately essential, practical, and ultimately wonderful. wonderful. wonderful. Let's go through those. Let's go through those. Let's go through those. First of all, spiritual growth is First of all, spiritual growth is First of all, spiritual growth is possible. Let's take a look at the very possible. Let's take a look at the very possible. Let's take a look at the very top, verses 3 and four. His divine power top, verses 3 and four. His divine power top, verses 3 and four. His divine power has given us everything we need for has given us everything we need for has given us everything we need for godly living godly living godly living so that through him you may participate so that through him you may participate so that through him you may participate in the divine nature. These are in the divine nature. These are in the divine nature. These are stupendous statements. And just to throw stupendous statements. And just to throw stupendous statements. And just to throw into relief how stupendous they are, let into relief how stupendous they are, let into relief how stupendous they are, let me just say I would be rich if I had a me just say I would be rich if I had a me just say I would be rich if I had a dollar for every time I heard somebody dollar for every time I heard somebody dollar for every time I heard somebody over my lifetime say people don't really over my lifetime say people don't really over my lifetime say people don't really change. change. change. I'd be rich. But I would be 10 times I'd be rich. But I would be 10 times I'd be rich. But I would be 10 times richer richer richer if I also got a dollar for every time if I also got a dollar for every time if I also got a dollar for every time that I quietly that I quietly that I quietly assumed that assumed that assumed that toward other people and even toward toward other people and even toward toward other people and even toward myself. myself. myself. This is I think that people really don't This is I think that people really don't This is I think that people really don't change is I think a working assumption change is I think a working assumption change is I think a working assumption for most of us. And verses three and for most of us. And verses three and for most of us. And verses three and four four four radically contradict that. Verse four radically contradict that. Verse four radically contradict that. Verse four says, and he's speaking to us. He's says, and he's speaking to us. He's says, and he's speaking to us. He's speaking to Christians who have believed speaking to Christians who have believed speaking to Christians who have believed the promises of the gospel. It says the promises of the gospel. It says the promises of the gospel. It says through them we participate in the through them we participate in the through them we participate in the divine nature. Now that is an astounding divine nature. Now that is an astounding divine nature. Now that is an astounding way to put it. I we get the Holy Spirit.

way to put it. I we get the Holy Spirit. way to put it. I we get the Holy Spirit. Yes. But it's it this is this is helpful Yes. But it's it this is this is helpful Yes. But it's it this is this is helpful to put it like this. We participate in to put it like this. We participate in to put it like this. We participate in the divine nature. When you are the divine nature. When you are the divine nature. When you are conceived, the DNA of your ancestors is implanted the DNA of your ancestors is implanted into you. The genetic material of your into you. The genetic material of your into you. The genetic material of your ancestors implanted into you. And when ancestors implanted into you. And when ancestors implanted into you. And when you're born and you live your life, that you're born and you live your life, that you're born and you live your life, that DNA essentially plays itself out in the DNA essentially plays itself out in the DNA essentially plays itself out in the rest of your life, making you what you rest of your life, making you what you rest of your life, making you what you are. are. are. And when you believe in the Lord Jesus And when you believe in the Lord Jesus And when you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, Christ, Christ, you receive the Holy Spirit. And the you receive the Holy Spirit. And the you receive the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit is not just a kind of Holy Spirit is not just a kind of Holy Spirit is not just a kind of nebulous force that is with you. It is nebulous force that is with you. It is nebulous force that is with you. It is he is the Holy Spirit. He is the third he is the Holy Spirit. He is the third he is the Holy Spirit. He is the third person of the Trinity. That's God coming person of the Trinity. That's God coming person of the Trinity. That's God coming to you. And therefore when you believe to you. And therefore when you believe to you. And therefore when you believe the very DNA of God is implanted in you the very DNA of God is implanted in you the very DNA of God is implanted in you and the rest of your life is an and the rest of your life is an and the rest of your life is an outworking of that DNA which makes you outworking of that DNA which makes you outworking of that DNA which makes you what the person that you will become. what the person that you will become. what the person that you will become. So it's a and that's the reason because So it's a and that's the reason because So it's a and that's the reason because we're we're being told the very DNA of we're we're being told the very DNA of we're we're being told the very DNA of God has been implanted in you when you God has been implanted in you when you God has been implanted in you when you believe in Jesus Christ. That's the believe in Jesus Christ. That's the believe in Jesus Christ. That's the reason why Peter can say this most reason why Peter can say this most reason why Peter can say this most convicting and yet most hopeful verse convicting and yet most hopeful verse convicting and yet most hopeful verse verse three. It's maybe the most verse three. It's maybe the most verse three. It's maybe the most convicting. It's the most devastating convicting. It's the most devastating convicting. It's the most devastating and the most hopeful verse at the same and the most hopeful verse at the same and the most hopeful verse at the same time maybe in the New Testament. Look time maybe in the New Testament. Look time maybe in the New Testament. Look what it says. His divine power has given what it says. His divine power has given what it says. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life.

us everything we need for a godly life. us everything we need for a godly life. Okay, you want to hear the devastating Okay, you want to hear the devastating Okay, you want to hear the devastating aspect of that? There is no excuses. aspect of that? There is no excuses. aspect of that? There is no excuses. This is Peter is saying don't tell me This is Peter is saying don't tell me This is Peter is saying don't tell me you don't have what you need to live as you don't have what you need to live as you don't have what you need to live as you should. You absolutely do. What more you should. You absolutely do. What more you should. You absolutely do. What more would you want? You got the divine would you want? You got the divine would you want? You got the divine nature. nature. nature. No, you don't need some kind of esoteric No, you don't need some kind of esoteric No, you don't need some kind of esoteric knowledge that you don't have yet or knowledge that you don't have yet or knowledge that you don't have yet or some mystical experience. You've got it. some mystical experience. You've got it. some mystical experience. You've got it. If you are a Christian who believes, has If you are a Christian who believes, has If you are a Christian who believes, has received the Holy Spirit. You're a received the Holy Spirit. You're a received the Holy Spirit. You're a participator in the divine nature. participator in the divine nature. participator in the divine nature. So, the devastating part, the incredibly So, the devastating part, the incredibly So, the devastating part, the incredibly convicting part is Peter saying, "You convicting part is Peter saying, "You convicting part is Peter saying, "You already have everything you need to live already have everything you need to live already have everything you need to live exactly as you know you should. Don't exactly as you know you should. Don't exactly as you know you should. Don't tell me you don't have that." But the tell me you don't have that." But the tell me you don't have that." But the hopeful part of course is what? The hopeful part of course is what? The hopeful part of course is what? The hopeful aspect. hopeful aspect. hopeful aspect. It doesn't It doesn't It doesn't There is no wound so deep in your life There is no wound so deep in your life There is no wound so deep in your life that it can't be healed. There is no that it can't be healed. There is no that it can't be healed. There is no brokenness so great that you can't be brokenness so great that you can't be brokenness so great that you can't be repaired. repaired. repaired. There's no habit There's no habit There's no habit so binding that you can't be freed from so binding that you can't be freed from so binding that you can't be freed from it.

it. it. So first of all, spiritual growth is So first of all, spiritual growth is So first of all, spiritual growth is possible. possible. possible. Secondly, however, and this takes a Secondly, however, and this takes a Secondly, however, and this takes a little bit of pressure off of us, little bit of pressure off of us, little bit of pressure off of us, spiritual growth is gradual. See, when spiritual growth is gradual. See, when spiritual growth is gradual. See, when you hear you've got everything you need you hear you've got everything you need you hear you've got everything you need to live as you ought, that doesn't mean to live as you ought, that doesn't mean to live as you ought, that doesn't mean right away. And we all go, "Tell me more right away. And we all go, "Tell me more right away. And we all go, "Tell me more about this point." This is a good point. about this point." This is a good point. about this point." This is a good point. I want to know more about this. Okay, I want to know more about this. Okay, I want to know more about this. Okay, let me let me bring that out. Look, let me let me bring that out. Look, let me let me bring that out. Look, verse eight, after verse five and six verse eight, after verse five and six verse eight, after verse five and six and seven, which we'll look at here in a and seven, which we'll look at here in a and seven, which we'll look at here in a second, it says, "It's not enough just second, it says, "It's not enough just second, it says, "It's not enough just to believe. You have to add to your to believe. You have to add to your to believe. You have to add to your faith goodness and knowledge and faith goodness and knowledge and faith goodness and knowledge and self-control and perseverance and self-control and perseverance and self-control and perseverance and godliness and and brotherly love, as godliness and and brotherly love, as godliness and and brotherly love, as we're going to see in a second, and we're going to see in a second, and we're going to see in a second, and love." And then it says if you possess love." And then it says if you possess love." And then it says if you possess these qualities, they will keep you from these qualities, they will keep you from these qualities, they will keep you from being ineffective. That's not what it being ineffective. That's not what it being ineffective. That's not what it says. It says if you possess these says. It says if you possess these says. It says if you possess these qualities in increasing measure. It qualities in increasing measure. It qualities in increasing measure. It doesn't say doesn't say doesn't say that all these things come at once. You that all these things come at once. You that all these things come at once. You grow. They're gradual. grow. They're gradual. grow. They're gradual. See, the Bible uses lots and lots of See, the Bible uses lots and lots of See, the Bible uses lots and lots of metaphors for what it means to live the metaphors for what it means to live the metaphors for what it means to live the Christian life. And they are all Christian life. And they are all Christian life. And they are all gradual.

gradual. gradual. Now, the reason we have to press this is Now, the reason we have to press this is Now, the reason we have to press this is because the United States is the most because the United States is the most because the United States is the most impatient culture in the world today and impatient culture in the world today and impatient culture in the world today and in the history of mankind. Honestly, in the history of mankind. Honestly, in the history of mankind. Honestly, here's why. I mean, you if I I've been here's why. I mean, you if I I've been here's why. I mean, you if I I've been getting around a little bit more this getting around a little bit more this getting around a little bit more this year and you realize that even Europe, I year and you realize that even Europe, I year and you realize that even Europe, I mean, even by European standards, mean, even by European standards, mean, even by European standards, Americans are so impatient. We want it Americans are so impatient. We want it Americans are so impatient. We want it done and we want it done now. This is done and we want it done now. This is done and we want it done now. This is the reason why there's wonderful cell the reason why there's wonderful cell the reason why there's wonderful cell phone companies that have gone into the phone companies that have gone into the phone companies that have gone into the toilet, lost billions of dollars because toilet, lost billions of dollars because toilet, lost billions of dollars because some other cell phone came along and did some other cell phone came along and did some other cell phone came along and did what the first cell phone did 3 seconds what the first cell phone did 3 seconds what the first cell phone did 3 seconds faster. And we say, "Well, who needs faster. And we say, "Well, who needs faster. And we say, "Well, who needs that? I want the other cell phone 3 that? I want the other cell phone 3 that? I want the other cell phone 3 seconds. I need that 3 seconds." And so seconds. I need that 3 seconds." And so seconds. I need that 3 seconds." And so we are really impatient. So when we are really impatient. So when we are really impatient. So when Americans or people that have been Americans or people that have been Americans or people that have been acclimated to American culture hear the acclimated to American culture hear the acclimated to American culture hear the promise promise promise Christianity can really change your Christianity can really change your Christianity can really change your life, the Holy Spirit can really change life, the Holy Spirit can really change life, the Holy Spirit can really change your life, you have everything you need your life, you have everything you need your life, you have everything you need to live life you ought to. We go, yeah, to live life you ought to. We go, yeah, to live life you ought to. We go, yeah, that's for me. And we hear that promise that's for me. And we hear that promise that's for me. And we hear that promise through a grid, our American grid, which through a grid, our American grid, which through a grid, our American grid, which is utterly out of whack.

is utterly out of whack. is utterly out of whack. Because all growth is gradual. Look, Because all growth is gradual. Look, Because all growth is gradual. Look, let's look at every single metaphor the let's look at every single metaphor the let's look at every single metaphor the Bible uses. For example, uh here's 1 Bible uses. For example, uh here's 1 Bible uses. For example, uh here's 1 Peter 2 verse two. Peter 2 verse two. Peter 2 verse two. Peter says, ' Like newborn babes, drink Peter says, ' Like newborn babes, drink Peter says, ' Like newborn babes, drink in the spiritual milk of God so that you in the spiritual milk of God so that you in the spiritual milk of God so that you grow up into your salvation. Now it's a grow up into your salvation. Now it's a grow up into your salvation. Now it's a very very typical image. When you become very very typical image. When you become very very typical image. When you become a Christian, though you may be a Christian, though you may be a Christian, though you may be physically uh uh an adult, you are a physically uh uh an adult, you are a physically uh uh an adult, you are a baby. You become a Christian and you're baby. You become a Christian and you're baby. You become a Christian and you're a baby. And it says spiritually like a baby. And it says spiritually like a baby. And it says spiritually like newborn babes, drink in the spiritual newborn babes, drink in the spiritual newborn babes, drink in the spiritual milk so that you can spiritually grow up milk so that you can spiritually grow up milk so that you can spiritually grow up into your salvation. into your salvation. into your salvation. Okay, but now let's think about that. Okay, but now let's think about that. Okay, but now let's think about that. How fast does a baby grow? Now you know How fast does a baby grow? Now you know How fast does a baby grow? Now you know no matter how much and these American no matter how much and these American no matter how much and these American parents are always very much uh you know parents are always very much uh you know parents are always very much uh you know impatient uh you know you you can just impatient uh you know you you can just impatient uh you know you you can just you can just throw all the milk you want you can just throw all the milk you want you can just throw all the milk you want down the poor baby's throat. Obviously down the poor baby's throat. Obviously down the poor baby's throat. Obviously if the baby does not have if the baby does not have if the baby does not have uh good nutrition nutrition the baby uh good nutrition nutrition the baby uh good nutrition nutrition the baby will fail to thrive and that's bad. will fail to thrive and that's bad. will fail to thrive and that's bad. Okay. But no matter how much you feed Okay. But no matter how much you feed Okay. But no matter how much you feed them, no matter how much you put stuff them, no matter how much you put stuff them, no matter how much you put stuff in there, they're only going to grow up in there, they're only going to grow up in there, they're only going to grow up so fast. No matter how much you do, so fast. No matter how much you do, so fast. No matter how much you do, five-year-olds will never be six feet five-year-olds will never be six feet five-year-olds will never be six feet tall and they won't play for the NFL and tall and they won't play for the NFL and tall and they won't play for the NFL and they won't be able to do calculus. No they won't be able to do calculus. No they won't be able to do calculus. No matter what, I don't care how many great matter what, I don't care how many great matter what, I don't care how many great Manhattan preschools you put them Manhattan preschools you put them Manhattan preschools you put them through. They they're not going to do through. They they're not going to do through. They they're not going to do calculus when they're five. They're not calculus when they're five. They're not calculus when they're five. They're not going to be six feet tall. They they going to be six feet tall. They they going to be six feet tall. They they they can only grow so fast and it's very they can only grow so fast and it's very they can only grow so fast and it's very gradual.

gradual. gradual. Oh, so you say, "Should you lower my Oh, so you say, "Should you lower my Oh, so you say, "Should you lower my expectations?" expectations?" expectations?" No. No. No. No. Do you understand what growth can No. Do you understand what growth can No. Do you understand what growth can do? Americans do? Americans do? Americans all underest they overestimate what they all underest they overestimate what they all underest they overestimate what they can get done in a year and underestimate can get done in a year and underestimate can get done in a year and underestimate what they can get done in five years. what they can get done in five years. what they can get done in five years. And let me show you what I mean. If And let me show you what I mean. If And let me show you what I mean. If imagine you had an acorn imagine you had an acorn imagine you had an acorn and what if you went to took that acorn and what if you went to took that acorn and what if you went to took that acorn went outside, you know, on 83rd Street went outside, you know, on 83rd Street went outside, you know, on 83rd Street and you chose one big slab of concrete and you chose one big slab of concrete and you chose one big slab of concrete in the sidewalk and you said, "I'm going in the sidewalk and you said, "I'm going in the sidewalk and you said, "I'm going to destroy I'm going to break this to destroy I'm going to break this to destroy I'm going to break this concrete apart with this acorn." So you concrete apart with this acorn." So you concrete apart with this acorn." So you get down on your knees and you take the get down on your knees and you take the get down on your knees and you take the acorn and you go ah ah ah. Now a couple acorn and you go ah ah ah. Now a couple acorn and you go ah ah ah. Now a couple things will happen. The second thing things will happen. The second thing things will happen. The second thing will happen is some official from the will happen is some official from the will happen is some official from the New York City will come and take you New York City will come and take you New York City will come and take you away probably for but the first thing away probably for but the first thing away probably for but the first thing will happen is your acorn will will happen is your acorn will will happen is your acorn will completely be they'll just be completely be they'll just be completely be they'll just be demolished. It won't, you know, it'll demolished. It won't, you know, it'll demolished. It won't, you know, it'll just be completely destroyed just be completely destroyed just be completely destroyed because there's no there's no fast way because there's no there's no fast way because there's no there's no fast way for an acorn to destroy a piece of for an acorn to destroy a piece of for an acorn to destroy a piece of concrete. But there is a way for an concrete. But there is a way for an concrete. But there is a way for an acorn to destroy a piece of concrete.

acorn to destroy a piece of concrete. acorn to destroy a piece of concrete. Plant it. Plant it. Plant it. Plant it under a sidewalk. Plant it under a sidewalk. Plant it under a sidewalk. Haven't you ever seen? Very often Haven't you ever seen? Very often Haven't you ever seen? Very often there's there's places there's there's there's places there's there's there's places there's cemeteries, for example, or there's cemeteries, for example, or there's cemeteries, for example, or there's other places. Have you ever seen these other places. Have you ever seen these other places. Have you ever seen these big oak trees that come up? It takes big oak trees that come up? It takes big oak trees that come up? It takes decades and decades, but when they come decades and decades, but when they come decades and decades, but when they come up, they just roll anything over that's up, they just roll anything over that's up, they just roll anything over that's on top of them, even pieces of sidewalk. on top of them, even pieces of sidewalk. on top of them, even pieces of sidewalk. Have you ever seen sidewalks sort of Have you ever seen sidewalks sort of Have you ever seen sidewalks sort of being pushed up? See, it's not the acorn being pushed up? See, it's not the acorn being pushed up? See, it's not the acorn so much as the power of growth in the so much as the power of growth in the so much as the power of growth in the acorn that can actually destroy that. acorn that can actually destroy that. acorn that can actually destroy that. you know that piece of concrete and you know that piece of concrete and you know that piece of concrete and that's the reason why Jesus can use that's the reason why Jesus can use that's the reason why Jesus can use illustrations like if you have faith the illustrations like if you have faith the illustrations like if you have faith the grain of a mustard seed you can move grain of a mustard seed you can move grain of a mustard seed you can move mountains mountains mountains the reason we do not see more radical the reason we do not see more radical the reason we do not see more radical change in Christians lives especially change in Christians lives especially change in Christians lives especially American Christians lives is nobody American Christians lives is nobody American Christians lives is nobody gives it the time nobody keeps at it gives it the time nobody keeps at it gives it the time nobody keeps at it nobody does a long obedience in the same nobody does a long obedience in the same nobody does a long obedience in the same direction nobody sees the astounding direction nobody sees the astounding direction nobody sees the astounding possibilities of change over a long possibilities of change over a long possibilities of change over a long period of time. We want it now. We want period of time. We want it now. We want period of time. We want it now. We want it dramatically. We want deliverance.

it dramatically. We want deliverance. it dramatically. We want deliverance. But spiritual growth is gradual. So, But spiritual growth is gradual. So, But spiritual growth is gradual. So, it's possible. It's gradual. Thirdly, it's possible. It's gradual. Thirdly, it's possible. It's gradual. Thirdly, and this is fast. I have to do this very and this is fast. I have to do this very and this is fast. I have to do this very quickly. But the very end of this quickly. But the very end of this quickly. But the very end of this passage, we also learn that spiritual passage, we also learn that spiritual passage, we also learn that spiritual growth is essential. growth is essential. growth is essential. This is what I love about this passage This is what I love about this passage This is what I love about this passage is that there's this side and there's is that there's this side and there's is that there's this side and there's that side. There's on this hand and that side. There's on this hand and that side. There's on this hand and there's that hand. It's incredibly there's that hand. It's incredibly there's that hand. It's incredibly balanced. Look at verse 10 and 11. I'll balanced. Look at verse 10 and 11. I'll balanced. Look at verse 10 and 11. I'll read it to you and you'll probably if I read it to you and you'll probably if I read it to you and you'll probably if I read it to you quickly, which I will, read it to you quickly, which I will, read it to you quickly, which I will, you're likely to get the wrong you're likely to get the wrong you're likely to get the wrong impression from it. But we'll look at it impression from it. But we'll look at it impression from it. But we'll look at it a little more carefully. Therefore, my a little more carefully. Therefore, my a little more carefully. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort brothers and sisters, make every effort brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. to confirm your calling and election. to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will For if you do these things, you will For if you do these things, you will never stumble and you will receive a never stumble and you will receive a never stumble and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Now, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Now, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Now, what that looks like, does it not? It what that looks like, does it not? It what that looks like, does it not? It says, it says if you do these things, says, it says if you do these things, says, it says if you do these things, and that's talking about verses 5 to8, and that's talking about verses 5 to8, and that's talking about verses 5 to8, if you grow, if you develop these if you grow, if you develop these if you grow, if you develop these virtues, if you develop these character virtues, if you develop these character virtues, if you develop these character uh changes, it says it looks like it's uh changes, it says it looks like it's uh changes, it says it looks like it's saying that God looks at you and sees saying that God looks at you and sees saying that God looks at you and sees that you are uh worthy of heaven and that you are uh worthy of heaven and that you are uh worthy of heaven and because of all these growth and change because of all these growth and change because of all these growth and change in your life, God receives you into the in your life, God receives you into the in your life, God receives you into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Except look at verse 10.

Jesus Christ. Except look at verse 10. Jesus Christ. Except look at verse 10. A very important word. It says, A very important word. It says, A very important word. It says, "Therefore, brothers and sisters, make "Therefore, brothers and sisters, make "Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm every effort to confirm every effort to confirm you're calling an election. What's you're calling an election. What's you're calling an election. What's election?" Well, we've talked about this election?" Well, we've talked about this election?" Well, we've talked about this other times, but see, Christians are not other times, but see, Christians are not other times, but see, Christians are not choice people. Choice people are the choice people. Choice people are the choice people. Choice people are the best. You know, the people who merit best. You know, the people who merit best. You know, the people who merit God's favor, but chosen people are not God's favor, but chosen people are not God's favor, but chosen people are not choice people. Chosen people are just choice people. Chosen people are just choice people. Chosen people are just chosen people to just receive God's chosen people to just receive God's chosen people to just receive God's grace. And when Peter says, "I want you grace. And when Peter says, "I want you grace. And when Peter says, "I want you to grow to confirm that you're saved by to grow to confirm that you're saved by to grow to confirm that you're saved by grace." That's the key. But you'll see, grace." That's the key. But you'll see, grace." That's the key. But you'll see, look, here's what this means. The look, here's what this means. The look, here's what this means. The reformers, Luther, Calvin, Zwingley, the reformers, Luther, Calvin, Zwingley, the reformers, Luther, Calvin, Zwingley, the other Protestant reformers, all stressed other Protestant reformers, all stressed other Protestant reformers, all stressed a very important doctrine. They said, a very important doctrine. They said, a very important doctrine. They said, "The Bible teaches you're you're "The Bible teaches you're you're "The Bible teaches you're you're justified by faith alone. You're saved justified by faith alone. You're saved justified by faith alone. You're saved and pardoned and accepted by God by and pardoned and accepted by God by and pardoned and accepted by God by faith alone, not by your good works. You faith alone, not by your good works. You faith alone, not by your good works. You are saved because you have faith in what are saved because you have faith in what are saved because you have faith in what Jesus has done, not in what you have Jesus has done, not in what you have Jesus has done, not in what you have done. So, we're saved by faith, not not done. So, we're saved by faith, not not done. So, we're saved by faith, not not a bit of faith and a bit of works, good a bit of faith and a bit of works, good a bit of faith and a bit of works, good works, and good deeds. No, you're saved works, and good deeds. No, you're saved works, and good deeds. No, you're saved by faith alone. But they always put it by faith alone. But they always put it by faith alone. But they always put it like this. While you're saved by faith like this. While you're saved by faith like this. While you're saved by faith alone, you're not saved by a faith that alone, you're not saved by a faith that alone, you're not saved by a faith that stays alone or that remains alone.

stays alone or that remains alone. stays alone or that remains alone. You're saved by faith alone that works, You're saved by faith alone that works, You're saved by faith alone that works, but you're not saved by faith that but you're not saved by faith that but you're not saved by faith that remains alone. It will issue it will remains alone. It will issue it will remains alone. It will issue it will result in a changed life. And here's result in a changed life. And here's result in a changed life. And here's why. How could you possibly why. How could you possibly why. How could you possibly truly believe and come to grips with truly believe and come to grips with truly believe and come to grips with someone? How can you come to grips with someone How can you come to grips with someone who gave himself utterly for you without who gave himself utterly for you without who gave himself utterly for you without you giving yourself utterly to him? you giving yourself utterly to him? you giving yourself utterly to him? it. I if you are really c if you really it. I if you are really c if you really it. I if you are really c if you really believe that you are saved strictly by believe that you are saved strictly by believe that you are saved strictly by the costly grace of of God, the grace the costly grace of of God, the grace the costly grace of of God, the grace that cost Jesus Christ's life, what's that cost Jesus Christ's life, what's that cost Jesus Christ's life, what's that going to do? You've got lots of that going to do? You've got lots of that going to do? You've got lots of desires in you. I've got lots of desires desires in you. I've got lots of desires desires in you. I've got lots of desires in me. I've got selfishness. I got in me. I've got selfishness. I got in me. I've got selfishness. I got pride. So do you. There's hardness of pride. So do you. There's hardness of pride. So do you. There's hardness of heart. But in the end, there will be a heart. But in the end, there will be a heart. But in the end, there will be a desire to delight the one who did that desire to delight the one who did that desire to delight the one who did that that all [clears throat] those other that all [clears throat] those other that all [clears throat] those other desires cannot overwhelm. desires cannot overwhelm. desires cannot overwhelm. In the end, you will want to change. You In the end, you will want to change. You In the end, you will want to change. You will desire to change. And you will and will desire to change. And you will and will desire to change. And you will and see what Peter's doing. You see what I see what Peter's doing. You see what I see what Peter's doing. You see what I mean by the balance? On the one hand, mean by the balance? On the one hand, mean by the balance? On the one hand, Peter is saying, "You're saved by grace.

Peter is saying, "You're saved by grace. Peter is saying, "You're saved by grace. You're called. You're you're you're You're called. You're you're you're You're called. You're you're you're chosen. It's all by grace." But how do chosen. It's all by grace." But how do chosen. It's all by grace." But how do you know you really believed? you know you really believed? you know you really believed? If you go year after year after year If you go year after year after year If you go year after year after year after year, don't assure yourself that after year, don't assure yourself that after year, don't assure yourself that you've believed and you're saved by you've believed and you're saved by you've believed and you're saved by faith alone. If year after year after faith alone. If year after year after faith alone. If year after year after year after year, you never change. year after year, you never change. year after year, you never change. Don't assure yourself of that. Don't assure yourself of that. Don't assure yourself of that. Because anyone who really grasps the Because anyone who really grasps the Because anyone who really grasps the grace of God will have a desire to grace of God will have a desire to grace of God will have a desire to please the one who did that that all the please the one who did that that all the please the one who did that that all the other problems and desires in our hearts other problems and desires in our hearts other problems and desires in our hearts will not be able to extinguish or will not be able to extinguish or will not be able to extinguish or overwhelm. It will out it will it will overwhelm. It will out it will it will overwhelm. It will out it will it will surface. It will have its way. surface. It will have its way. surface. It will have its way. So that's the reason I say growth and So that's the reason I say growth and So that's the reason I say growth and grace is not only possible and it's grace is not only possible and it's grace is not only possible and it's gradual but it's essential. It's got to gradual but it's essential. It's got to gradual but it's essential. It's got to be there. I'm not trying to put extra be there. I'm not trying to put extra be there. I'm not trying to put extra doubts in your mind, but on the other doubts in your mind, but on the other doubts in your mind, but on the other hand, you don't want presumption and hand, you don't want presumption and hand, you don't want presumption and easy belieism either. So that's the easy belieism either. So that's the easy belieism either. So that's the third. Spiritual growth is possible. It third. Spiritual growth is possible. It third. Spiritual growth is possible. It is gradual. It is essential. Now, this is gradual. It is essential. Now, this is gradual. It is essential. Now, this is what most of you have been looking is what most of you have been looking is what most of you have been looking for. It's practical.

for. It's practical. for. It's practical. That is to say, there are things that That is to say, there are things that That is to say, there are things that you can do. I've already used the you can do. I've already used the you can do. I've already used the metaphor of an acorn. An acorn has this metaphor of an acorn. An acorn has this metaphor of an acorn. An acorn has this enormous power. You know, it's not just enormous power. You know, it's not just enormous power. You know, it's not just you you realize that out of one acorn you you realize that out of one acorn you you realize that out of one acorn not only can come an enormous oak tree, not only can come an enormous oak tree, not only can come an enormous oak tree, but then other acorns. You realize out but then other acorns. You realize out but then other acorns. You realize out of one, somebody once said one acorn of one, somebody once said one acorn of one, somebody once said one acorn could cover the world with wood. could cover the world with wood. could cover the world with wood. It's got that kind of power in that It's got that kind of power in that It's got that kind of power in that acorn, but it's got to be fertilized. acorn, but it's got to be fertilized. acorn, but it's got to be fertilized. It's got to find the right spot to It's got to find the right spot to It's got to find the right spot to release the power. See? So, what does release the power. See? So, what does release the power. See? So, what does that mean? What sort of things? Well, that mean? What sort of things? Well, that mean? What sort of things? Well, look at verse. What do we have to do look at verse. What do we have to do look at verse. What do we have to do practically in order to grow in grace? practically in order to grow in grace? practically in order to grow in grace? But then look at verses five and six and But then look at verses five and six and But then look at verses five and six and seven. seven. seven. Let's There's way more in here than I Let's There's way more in here than I Let's There's way more in here than I can take out. But here's what I'd like can take out. But here's what I'd like can take out. But here's what I'd like you to see. First of all, it does take you to see. First of all, it does take you to see. First of all, it does take our intentional deliberate effort. It our intentional deliberate effort. It our intentional deliberate effort. It won't happen automatically. It says for won't happen automatically. It says for won't happen automatically. It says for this very reason, make every effort this very reason, make every effort this very reason, make every effort to add this and this and grow. to add this and this and grow. to add this and this and grow. Basically, make every effort to grow.

Basically, make every effort to grow. Basically, make every effort to grow. That's not let go and let God. That's not let go and let God. That's not let go and let God. that is make every effort. It's that is make every effort. It's that is make every effort. It's diligence. It's saying it will not diligence. It's saying it will not diligence. It's saying it will not happen automatically. It takes happen automatically. It takes happen automatically. It takes intentionality first. Secondly though, intentionality first. Secondly though, intentionality first. Secondly though, this word add, this word add, make every this word add, this word add, make every this word add, this word add, make every effort to add effort to add effort to add this to this to this. In other words, this to this to this. In other words, this to this to this. In other words, the word add is he Peter has the word add is he Peter has the word add is he Peter has deliberately chosen a Greek word that deliberately chosen a Greek word that deliberately chosen a Greek word that means to invest. means to invest. means to invest. In fact, this is a word that was used uh In fact, this is a word that was used uh In fact, this is a word that was used uh in ancient Greek language to describe in ancient Greek language to describe in ancient Greek language to describe people that um backed artistic and people that um backed artistic and people that um backed artistic and especially theater productions. In those especially theater productions. In those especially theater productions. In those days and in our day, if you wanted to days and in our day, if you wanted to days and in our day, if you wanted to write a play and you wanted to put on a write a play and you wanted to put on a write a play and you wanted to put on a theatrical production, you need patrons. theatrical production, you need patrons. theatrical production, you need patrons. You need people who will invest, who You need people who will invest, who You need people who will invest, who will who will financially back the uh will who will financially back the uh will who will financially back the uh the production. And in those days, it the production. And in those days, it the production. And in those days, it was the same as it is today. And that's was the same as it is today. And that's was the same as it is today. And that's the word that Peter deliberately uses the word that Peter deliberately uses the word that Peter deliberately uses which is really interesting which is really interesting which is really interesting because that tells you a lot. First of because that tells you a lot. First of because that tells you a lot. First of all, an investor is not just a all, an investor is not just a all, an investor is not just a contributor, not just somebody who gives contributor, not just somebody who gives contributor, not just somebody who gives at the office, you know, a little bit at the office, you know, a little bit at the office, you know, a little bit here and a little bit there. Investor here and a little bit there. Investor here and a little bit there. Investor risks, an investor puts up a lot of risks, an investor puts up a lot of risks, an investor puts up a lot of capital. And therefore, one of the capital. And therefore, one of the capital. And therefore, one of the things we're being told here is you need things we're being told here is you need things we're being told here is you need to make your your own personal growth to make your your own personal growth to make your your own personal growth and grace a major priority. A major and grace a major priority. A major and grace a major priority. A major priority.

priority. priority. But it also means there's a price. But it also means there's a price. But it also means there's a price. Investors pay a price. They take a risk. Investors pay a price. They take a risk. Investors pay a price. They take a risk. They think the return is worth it, and They think the return is worth it, and They think the return is worth it, and it certainly is, but they pay a price. it certainly is, but they pay a price. it certainly is, but they pay a price. In fact, I'd like you to see that In fact, I'd like you to see that In fact, I'd like you to see that there's at least three prices. Now, there's at least three prices. Now, there's at least three prices. Now, there's more things I could show you there's more things I could show you there's more things I could show you than this. Years ago, when I was than this. Years ago, when I was than this. Years ago, when I was probably 23 years old, I went to an an probably 23 years old, I went to an an probably 23 years old, I went to an an Episcopal church, South Hamilton, Episcopal church, South Hamilton, Episcopal church, South Hamilton, Massachusetts, where Jipacker was Massachusetts, where Jipacker was Massachusetts, where Jipacker was speaking on growth and grace. And I speaking on growth and grace. And I speaking on growth and grace. And I remember very clearly, I still have the remember very clearly, I still have the remember very clearly, I still have the notes from it. I just took, you know, notes from it. I just took, you know, notes from it. I just took, you know, took the notes on the back. How do you took the notes on the back. How do you took the notes on the back. How do you grow in grace? And the three things he grow in grace? And the three things he grow in grace? And the three things he said are in here. There's more than said are in here. There's more than said are in here. There's more than these three, but let me just show you. these three, but let me just show you. these three, but let me just show you. There's three prices you have to pay. There's three prices you have to pay. There's three prices you have to pay. There are three practical disciplines There are three practical disciplines There are three practical disciplines that you have to engage in. that you have to engage in. that you have to engage in. First, I may just mention them and then First, I may just mention them and then First, I may just mention them and then go through them. There's you have to pay go through them. There's you have to pay go through them. There's you have to pay the price of time with God, the price of time with God, the price of time with God, the way of conversing. the way of conversing. the way of conversing. Secondly, you have to pay the price of Secondly, you have to pay the price of Secondly, you have to pay the price of vulnerability to other people, the way vulnerability to other people, the way vulnerability to other people, the way of exchange.

of exchange. of exchange. And thirdly, you have to pay the price And thirdly, you have to pay the price And thirdly, you have to pay the price of submission to God's will, of submission to God's will, of submission to God's will, the way of acceptance in suffering. the way of acceptance in suffering. the way of acceptance in suffering. Those are all in here. There's actually Those are all in here. There's actually Those are all in here. There's actually others in here, but they're the only others in here, but they're the only others in here, but they're the only ones I got time for, and I've never ones I got time for, and I've never ones I got time for, and I've never forgotten them. And over the years, I forgotten them. And over the years, I forgotten them. And over the years, I think that these are the three things think that these are the three things think that these are the three things that you have to do to release the power that you have to do to release the power that you have to do to release the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not a magic bullet. It's a magic acorn. not a magic bullet. It's a magic acorn. not a magic bullet. It's a magic acorn. It's not a quick fix. It's a deep fix. It's not a quick fix. It's a deep fix. It's not a quick fix. It's a deep fix. But if you do these three things, it can But if you do these three things, it can But if you do these three things, it can cover it. It can change anything. So cover it. It can change anything. So cover it. It can change anything. So here's what those three things are. here's what those three things are. here's what those three things are. First of all, as an investor, you have First of all, as an investor, you have First of all, as an investor, you have to pay the price of time with God to pay the price of time with God to pay the price of time with God conversing. Verse three, his divine conversing. Verse three, his divine conversing. Verse three, his divine power has been given has given us power has been given has given us power has been given has given us everything we need for a godly life everything we need for a godly life everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him. Verse through our knowledge of him. Verse through our knowledge of him. Verse three says, our knowledge of him down in three says, our knowledge of him down in three says, our knowledge of him down in verse eight, it talks about not being verse eight, it talks about not being verse eight, it talks about not being ineffective in our knowledge of our Lord ineffective in our knowledge of our Lord ineffective in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. You've heard me say this Jesus Christ. You've heard me say this Jesus Christ. You've heard me say this before probably, but when the Bible before probably, but when the Bible before probably, but when the Bible talks about knowing God or knowing talks about knowing God or knowing talks about knowing God or knowing Christ, it's not talking about just Christ, it's not talking about just Christ, it's not talking about just information dump. It's not just talking information dump. It's not just talking information dump. It's not just talking about cognition.

about cognition. about cognition. It's not simply saying you're going to It's not simply saying you're going to It's not simply saying you're going to know about God or you're going to know know about God or you're going to know know about God or you're going to know about Jesus. You're going to get more about Jesus. You're going to get more about Jesus. You're going to get more Bible knowledge or something like that. Bible knowledge or something like that. Bible knowledge or something like that. No, no. What it's talking about is No, no. What it's talking about is No, no. What it's talking about is knowing. That's relational. knowing. That's relational. knowing. That's relational. And this is a simple fact. And this is a simple fact. And this is a simple fact. You have no relationship with someone You have no relationship with someone You have no relationship with someone unless you're spending time with them unless you're spending time with them unless you're spending time with them and actually usually time alone with and actually usually time alone with and actually usually time alone with them. them. them. You have no real relationship with You have no real relationship with You have no real relationship with people unless you're spending time with people unless you're spending time with people unless you're spending time with them. And therefore, the first price them. And therefore, the first price them. And therefore, the first price you've got to pay and it is really you've got to pay and it is really you've got to pay and it is really expensive is you have to win the daily expensive is you have to win the daily expensive is you have to win the daily battle to spend time alone with God battle to spend time alone with God battle to spend time alone with God every day or you don't have a every day or you don't have a every day or you don't have a relationship. You don't know him. You relationship. You don't know him. You relationship. You don't know him. You can say you know him. You say you can say you know him. You say you can say you know him. You say you believe in him. I mean I have people in believe in him. I mean I have people in believe in him. I mean I have people in my life that I really used to know. If my life that I really used to know. If my life that I really used to know. If you ask me do you know that person? I you ask me do you know that person? I you ask me do you know that person? I say, "Yeah, I know that personally, but say, "Yeah, I know that personally, but say, "Yeah, I know that personally, but if I haven't talked to them face to face if I haven't talked to them face to face if I haven't talked to them face to face or even communicated with them in 20 or even communicated with them in 20 or even communicated with them in 20 years, and when you get to be my age, years, and when you get to be my age, years, and when you get to be my age, there's a lot of people that I used to there's a lot of people that I used to there's a lot of people that I used to know that I haven't talked to in 20 know that I haven't talked to in 20 know that I haven't talked to in 20 years. I don't really know them years. I don't really know them years. I don't really know them anymore." Not really. And you don't know anymore." Not really. And you don't know anymore." Not really. And you don't know God God God unless you're paying the price for time unless you're paying the price for time unless you're paying the price for time alone with him alone with him alone with him to interact. When you read the Bible, to interact. When you read the Bible, to interact. When you read the Bible, you're hearing from him. When you adore you're hearing from him. When you adore you're hearing from him. When you adore and you confess and you examine yourself and you confess and you examine yourself and you confess and you examine yourself and you thank God and you petition and and you thank God and you petition and and you thank God and you petition and you lay your needs in front of him, you lay your needs in front of him, you lay your needs in front of him, that's prayer. You're speaking to him.

that's prayer. You're speaking to him. that's prayer. You're speaking to him. When you're hearing him in his word, When you're hearing him in his word, When you're hearing him in his word, he's speaking to you. When you're he's speaking to you. When you're he's speaking to you. When you're praying, you're speaking to him. That's praying, you're speaking to him. That's praying, you're speaking to him. That's the way of conversing. And you have to the way of conversing. And you have to the way of conversing. And you have to pay the price. pay the price. pay the price. You have to win the battle of time every You have to win the battle of time every You have to win the battle of time every day. Or else, sorry, your acorn's just day. Or else, sorry, your acorn's just day. Or else, sorry, your acorn's just going to stay an acorn. Secondly, going to stay an acorn. Secondly, going to stay an acorn. Secondly, you not only have to do that, but you not only have to do that, but you not only have to do that, but there's also the price of being there's also the price of being there's also the price of being vulnerable to people, vulnerable to people, vulnerable to people, the way of exchange. This word mutual the way of exchange. This word mutual the way of exchange. This word mutual affection that comes up twice here is affection that comes up twice here is affection that comes up twice here is actually the Greek word Philadelphia, actually the Greek word Philadelphia, actually the Greek word Philadelphia, which means brotherly love. You know, which means brotherly love. You know, which means brotherly love. You know, you've heard the city of brotherly love. you've heard the city of brotherly love. you've heard the city of brotherly love. But actually, I don't think we stop and But actually, I don't think we stop and But actually, I don't think we stop and understand the power of this. A big part understand the power of this. A big part understand the power of this. A big part of growth and grace is of growth and grace is of growth and grace is sibling friendship. sibling friendship. sibling friendship. Philadelphia means sibling friendship. Philadelphia means sibling friendship. Philadelphia means sibling friendship. If you have a sibling, a brother or If you have a sibling, a brother or If you have a sibling, a brother or sister, that person is someone you know sister, that person is someone you know sister, that person is someone you know extraordinarily well. You know, you've extraordinarily well. You know, you've extraordinarily well. You know, you've got enormous amount of common history got enormous amount of common history got enormous amount of common history and enormous amount of common and enormous amount of common and enormous amount of common experience. And then there's your experience. And then there's your experience. And then there's your friends. Felos is the is the Greek word friends. Felos is the is the Greek word friends. Felos is the is the Greek word for friendship. It's not erotic love, for friendship. It's not erotic love, for friendship. It's not erotic love, which is romance. It's not agape love, which is romance. It's not agape love, which is romance. It's not agape love, which is serving other people. Felos which is serving other people. Felos which is serving other people. Felos means friendship. And it means having a means friendship. And it means having a means friendship. And it means having a lot of things in common. And you know, lot of things in common. And you know, lot of things in common. And you know, we we've talked about friendship in the we we've talked about friendship in the we we've talked about friendship in the past, but here's what happens. What if past, but here's what happens. What if past, but here's what happens. What if you have a sibling who's your best you have a sibling who's your best you have a sibling who's your best friend?

friend? friend? What if you have a sibling who is your What if you have a sibling who is your What if you have a sibling who is your best friend in the world, too? Do you best friend in the world, too? Do you best friend in the world, too? Do you realize how powerful that is? That is realize how powerful that is? That is realize how powerful that is? That is what we're being told should be your what we're being told should be your what we're being told should be your relationship with your spiritual relationship with your spiritual relationship with your spiritual friends, your brothers and sisters in friends, your brothers and sisters in friends, your brothers and sisters in Christ. Christ. Christ. You've got to have some people in your You've got to have some people in your You've got to have some people in your life that Hebrews 3:13, life that Hebrews 3:13, life that Hebrews 3:13, one of the most astounding verses in the one of the most astounding verses in the one of the most astounding verses in the Bible. Hebrews 3:13, "Exhort one another Bible. Hebrews 3:13, "Exhort one another Bible. Hebrews 3:13, "Exhort one another daily or you'll be hardened by the daily or you'll be hardened by the daily or you'll be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Every one of us, deceitfulness of sin. Every one of us, deceitfulness of sin. Every one of us, our biggest sins, hide themselves from our biggest sins, hide themselves from our biggest sins, hide themselves from us. We're deceived by our own sin." Do us. We're deceived by our own sin." Do us. We're deceived by our own sin." Do you have people in your life who have you have people in your life who have you have people in your life who have the right to daily, regularly come the right to daily, regularly come the right to daily, regularly come because you've given them a hunting because you've given them a hunting because you've given them a hunting license? because you've given them a license? because you've given them a license? because you've given them a warrant and they've given you a warrant warrant and they've given you a warrant warrant and they've given you a warrant to come and tell you what's wrong with to come and tell you what's wrong with to come and tell you what's wrong with you. Have you got people like that? Have you. Have you got people like that? Have you. Have you got people like that? Have you got people deputized? Or are you you got people deputized? Or are you you got people deputized? Or are you really people are you the kind of person really people are you the kind of person really people are you the kind of person that nobody would dare do that to? Then that nobody would dare do that to? Then that nobody would dare do that to? Then your acorn's going to stay in acorn. You your acorn's going to stay in acorn. You your acorn's going to stay in acorn. You can just kiss spiritual growth goodbye.

can just kiss spiritual growth goodbye. can just kiss spiritual growth goodbye. See, that's not that's not sibling See, that's not that's not sibling See, that's not that's not sibling friendship. friendship. friendship. That's not the way of exchange. speaking That's not the way of exchange. speaking That's not the way of exchange. speaking the truth in love, bearing one another's the truth in love, bearing one another's the truth in love, bearing one another's burdens, counseling one another, burdens, counseling one another, burdens, counseling one another, confessing sins to one another, building confessing sins to one another, building confessing sins to one another, building each other up, all those one another each other up, all those one another each other up, all those one another passages. passages. passages. Now, the reason I said you have to pay Now, the reason I said you have to pay Now, the reason I said you have to pay the price of being vulnerable is that if the price of being vulnerable is that if the price of being vulnerable is that if you enter into these relationships, the you enter into these relationships, the you enter into these relationships, the kind of relationships you've got to have kind of relationships you've got to have kind of relationships you've got to have if you're going to grow in grace, at if you're going to grow in grace, at if you're going to grow in grace, at certain points, you are going to get certain points, you are going to get certain points, you are going to get hurt. You will get hurt. People will hurt. You will get hurt. People will hurt. You will get hurt. People will abuse the right you gave them. It will abuse the right you gave them. It will abuse the right you gave them. It will be harmful. It'll be hurtful and you'll be harmful. It'll be hurtful and you'll be harmful. It'll be hurtful and you'll weep. weep. weep. But that's just the price you pay. If But that's just the price you pay. If But that's just the price you pay. If you pull yourself in and make yourself you pull yourself in and make yourself you pull yourself in and make yourself so private that your heart can't be so private that your heart can't be so private that your heart can't be broken in these relationships, then your broken in these relationships, then your broken in these relationships, then your heart becomes unbreakable and hard. heart becomes unbreakable and hard. heart becomes unbreakable and hard. You need to pay the price You need to pay the price You need to pay the price of what? First of all, time with God, of what? First of all, time with God, of what? First of all, time with God, the way of conversing, time alone. the way of conversing, time alone. the way of conversing, time alone. Secondly, Secondly, Secondly, the price of being vulnerable to other the price of being vulnerable to other the price of being vulnerable to other people. That's that's the way of people. That's that's the way of people. That's that's the way of exchanging.

exchanging. exchanging. If you're not willing to be vulnerable If you're not willing to be vulnerable If you're not willing to be vulnerable and unless you have got relationships and unless you have got relationships and unless you have got relationships like that, you just you can just kiss like that, you just you can just kiss like that, you just you can just kiss spiritual growth goodbye. And then spiritual growth goodbye. And then spiritual growth goodbye. And then thirdly, and this is one we actually thirdly, and this is one we actually thirdly, and this is one we actually spent uh at all the services last week, spent uh at all the services last week, spent uh at all the services last week, we we spent an entire week on it. So we we we spent an entire week on it. So we we we spent an entire week on it. So we did the whole sermon on it, so I can did the whole sermon on it, so I can did the whole sermon on it, so I can only briefly talk about it, but it's only briefly talk about it, but it's only briefly talk about it, but it's crucial. And that is the third crucial. And that is the third crucial. And that is the third discipline for spiritual growth is what discipline for spiritual growth is what discipline for spiritual growth is what I just called the way of acceptance. You I just called the way of acceptance. You I just called the way of acceptance. You have to pay the price of submission to have to pay the price of submission to have to pay the price of submission to God's will. that under duress, under God's will. that under duress, under God's will. that under duress, under suffering, suffering, suffering, you accept God's will and you say, "Thy you accept God's will and you say, "Thy you accept God's will and you say, "Thy will be done." See the word will be done." See the word will be done." See the word perseverance. Perseverance is a huge part of growth Perseverance is a huge part of growth and grace. Why? Here, let me give you a and grace. Why? Here, let me give you a and grace. Why? Here, let me give you a definition of perseverance. It means definition of perseverance. It means definition of perseverance. It means that when you suffer, you stay put. that when you suffer, you stay put. that when you suffer, you stay put. What do I mean by that? That's What do I mean by that? That's What do I mean by that? That's everything. When you suffer, if you stay everything. When you suffer, if you stay everything. When you suffer, if you stay put, if you bear up, if you stand your put, if you bear up, if you stand your put, if you bear up, if you stand your ground, if you do all the things that ground, if you do all the things that ground, if you do all the things that God was requiring of you and that you God was requiring of you and that you God was requiring of you and that you were doing before you started suffering, were doing before you started suffering, were doing before you started suffering, if you stay put in suffering, it's going if you stay put in suffering, it's going if you stay put in suffering, it's going to turn you into something great.

to turn you into something great. to turn you into something great. So, for example, Job So, for example, Job So, for example, Job uh before all Job suffering, he was a uh before all Job suffering, he was a uh before all Job suffering, he was a praying man. You know, he regularly praying man. You know, he regularly praying man. You know, he regularly sacrificed and he prayed. He he was a sacrificed and he prayed. He he was a sacrificed and he prayed. He he was a man who prayed. Then in came all the man who prayed. Then in came all the man who prayed. Then in came all the suffering. What kind of suffering? Well, suffering. What kind of suffering? Well, suffering. What kind of suffering? Well, he lost all of all of his children died. he lost all of all of his children died. he lost all of all of his children died. All of his money was wiped away and All of his money was wiped away and All of his money was wiped away and terrible diseases uh came upon him. terrible diseases uh came upon him. terrible diseases uh came upon him. And you think you got trouble. So And you think you got trouble. So And you think you got trouble. So there's Job. And as soon as all this there's Job. And as soon as all this there's Job. And as soon as all this happens, you we we spend chapter after happens, you we we spend chapter after happens, you we we spend chapter after chapter uh listening to Job do many chapter uh listening to Job do many chapter uh listening to Job do many things. First of all, he screams and he things. First of all, he screams and he things. First of all, he screams and he yells and he tears his clo clothes and yells and he tears his clo clothes and yells and he tears his clo clothes and he falls on the ground and he curses the he falls on the ground and he curses the he falls on the ground and he curses the day he was born and he's complaining and day he was born and he's complaining and day he was born and he's complaining and he's griping and he's questioning God. he's griping and he's questioning God. he's griping and he's questioning God. And at one point he says, "I wish you And at one point he says, "I wish you And at one point he says, "I wish you could appear in front of me because I could appear in front of me because I could appear in front of me because I got some questions for you." And he's got some questions for you." And he's got some questions for you." And he's he's after God and and you know and you he's after God and and you know and you he's after God and and you know and you wow, you know, you're you're reading all wow, you know, you're you're reading all wow, you know, you're you're reading all this stuff. Amazing stuff that he says this stuff. Amazing stuff that he says this stuff. Amazing stuff that he says to God really angry, really upset, to God really angry, really upset, to God really angry, really upset, coming really close. Well, not just coming really close. Well, not just coming really close. Well, not just coming close, going over and charging coming close, going over and charging coming close, going over and charging God with being unfair. turns. Then you God with being unfair. turns. Then you God with being unfair. turns. Then you get to the end of the book get to the end of the book get to the end of the book and God vindicates Job and he says, "You and God vindicates Job and he says, "You and God vindicates Job and he says, "You were faithful to me, Job." And you re were faithful to me, Job." And you re were faithful to me, Job." And you re then you say, "Did I miss something?"

then you say, "Did I miss something?" then you say, "Did I miss something?" No, you didn't. Or maybe you did. No, you didn't. Or maybe you did. No, you didn't. Or maybe you did. Because here's the point. Before Job's Because here's the point. Before Job's Because here's the point. Before Job's suffering, he was praying. And after suffering, he was praying. And after suffering, he was praying. And after Job's suffering, he was praying. All Job's suffering, he was praying. All Job's suffering, he was praying. All that all that biting the rug and that all that biting the rug and that all that biting the rug and screaming and charging God with with uh screaming and charging God with with uh screaming and charging God with with uh uh you know, incompetence and cursing uh you know, incompetence and cursing uh you know, incompetence and cursing the day he was born, that was in prayer. the day he was born, that was in prayer. the day he was born, that was in prayer. He didn't stop praying. He didn't stop praying. He didn't stop praying. He processed all that in prayer. Here's He processed all that in prayer. Here's He processed all that in prayer. Here's the point. the point. the point. Before you're suffering, are you Before you're suffering, are you Before you're suffering, are you studying the Bible every day? Are you studying the Bible every day? Are you studying the Bible every day? Are you going to church? Are you obeying the Ten going to church? Are you obeying the Ten going to church? Are you obeying the Ten Commandments? Okay. After you're Commandments? Okay. After you're Commandments? Okay. After you're suffering, keep that up. And you will be suffering, keep that up. And you will be suffering, keep that up. And you will be amazed. See what we here's what we do amazed. See what we here's what we do amazed. See what we here's what we do when suffering comes, we get into when suffering comes, we get into when suffering comes, we get into self-pity. self-pity. self-pity. We get into tremendous self-pity. Bad We get into tremendous self-pity. Bad We get into tremendous self-pity. Bad things are happening. So, we don't feel things are happening. So, we don't feel things are happening. So, we don't feel like going to church. We don't feel like like going to church. We don't feel like like going to church. We don't feel like obeying. I knew a guy some years ago. I obeying. I knew a guy some years ago. I obeying. I knew a guy some years ago. I remember he he would was had tremendous remember he he would was had tremendous remember he he would was had tremendous financial problems. And in the midst of financial problems. And in the midst of financial problems. And in the midst of his financial troubles, he had an his financial troubles, he had an his financial troubles, he had an affair. affair. affair. And I remember he told me, he says, "I And I remember he told me, he says, "I And I remember he told me, he says, "I felt like considering all the other felt like considering all the other felt like considering all the other things that were going wrong with me and things that were going wrong with me and things that were going wrong with me and everything I was suffering, I deserve everything I was suffering, I deserve everything I was suffering, I deserve this."

this." this." See, that's fatal self-pity. I deserve See, that's fatal self-pity. I deserve See, that's fatal self-pity. I deserve this. So, what did he do? He didn't this. So, what did he do? He didn't this. So, what did he do? He didn't stand his ground. He did not stay put. stand his ground. He did not stay put. stand his ground. He did not stay put. He started doing something under He started doing something under He started doing something under ordinary circumstance he wouldn't have ordinary circumstance he wouldn't have ordinary circumstance he wouldn't have done. Then of course he blew up his done. Then of course he blew up his done. Then of course he blew up his marriage on top of the fact blowing up marriage on top of the fact blowing up marriage on top of the fact blowing up his career. It didn't make things his career. It didn't make things his career. It didn't make things better. No. Did it? better. No. Did it? better. No. Did it? I'm not talking about having affairs I'm not talking about having affairs I'm not talking about having affairs though. Don't have an affair. What I'm though. Don't have an affair. What I'm though. Don't have an affair. What I'm talking about is is if you are talking about is is if you are talking about is is if you are suffering, suffering, suffering, persevere. What does that mean? Just do persevere. What does that mean? Just do persevere. What does that mean? Just do what you were doing before. If you're what you were doing before. If you're what you were doing before. If you're reading the Bible, read the Bible. If reading the Bible, read the Bible. If reading the Bible, read the Bible. If you're praying, pray. If you're going to you're praying, pray. If you're going to you're praying, pray. If you're going to the church, go to church. Obey the ten the church, go to church. Obey the ten the church, go to church. Obey the ten commandments. Obey. commandments. Obey. commandments. Obey. And if you stay put, that pressure will And if you stay put, that pressure will And if you stay put, that pressure will turn your little coal heart into a turn your little coal heart into a turn your little coal heart into a diamond. You know, coal turns into a diamond. You know, coal turns into a diamond. You know, coal turns into a diamond under pressure. In that fire, diamond under pressure. In that fire, diamond under pressure. In that fire, your ore will become beautiful gold. your ore will become beautiful gold. your ore will become beautiful gold. Almost never do we really grow in grace Almost never do we really grow in grace Almost never do we really grow in grace unless these three things are happening. unless these three things are happening. unless these three things are happening. Pay the price. Pay the price. Pay the price. Invest. It's worth it. Invest. It's worth it. Invest. It's worth it. Pay the price of what? Conversing with Pay the price of what? Conversing with Pay the price of what? Conversing with God. time alone with God pay the price God. time alone with God pay the price God. time alone with God pay the price of vulnerability and intimate of vulnerability and intimate of vulnerability and intimate fellowship, sibling friendship, fellowship, sibling friendship, fellowship, sibling friendship, spiritual friendship with other brothers spiritual friendship with other brothers spiritual friendship with other brothers and sisters in Christ. And lastly, pay and sisters in Christ. And lastly, pay and sisters in Christ. And lastly, pay the price of saying under tremendous the price of saying under tremendous the price of saying under tremendous stress and suffering, thy will be done stress and suffering, thy will be done stress and suffering, thy will be done and just standing pat, staying put, not and just standing pat, staying put, not and just standing pat, staying put, not retreating, retreating, retreating, holding your ground. And you'll become a holding your ground. And you'll become a holding your ground. And you'll become a person. You know what the capstone of

person. You know what the capstone of person. You know what the capstone of all this is? all this is? all this is? Add to faith goodness to goodness, Add to faith goodness to goodness, Add to faith goodness to goodness, knowledge of knowledge, self-control. We knowledge of knowledge, self-control. We knowledge of knowledge, self-control. We could go through and every one of those could go through and every one of those could go through and every one of those is interesting. But where is it? It is interesting. But where is it? It is interesting. But where is it? It climaxes in love. Why does it climax in climaxes in love. Why does it climax in climaxes in love. Why does it climax in love? love? love? Because that's freedom. Because that's freedom. Because that's freedom. Love is the ability to put your own Love is the ability to put your own Love is the ability to put your own happiness in someone else's happiness. happiness in someone else's happiness. happiness in someone else's happiness. See, before you become a person of love, See, before you become a person of love, See, before you become a person of love, you all that matters is everyone serves you all that matters is everyone serves you all that matters is everyone serves your happiness. You've got your goals. your happiness. You've got your goals. your happiness. You've got your goals. You've got things that you want. Other You've got things that you want. Other You've got things that you want. Other people need to serve your happiness. And people need to serve your happiness. And people need to serve your happiness. And guess what? They never will. They never guess what? They never will. They never guess what? They never will. They never will. You spend all of your time being will. You spend all of your time being will. You spend all of your time being sorry for yourself, being unhappy, sorry for yourself, being unhappy, sorry for yourself, being unhappy, self-absorbed, looking at yourself, self-absorbed, looking at yourself, self-absorbed, looking at yourself, feeling like things aren't fair. A feeling like things aren't fair. A feeling like things aren't fair. A person of love is someone who puts your person of love is someone who puts your person of love is someone who puts your happiness in other people's happiness. happiness in other people's happiness. happiness in other people's happiness. Meaning, you're only happy if they're Meaning, you're only happy if they're Meaning, you're only happy if they're happy. You're only you're only happy happy. You're only you're only happy happy. You're only you're only happy when they're delighted, when they're when they're delighted, when they're when they're delighted, when they're thriving, when they're flourishing. And thriving, when they're flourishing. And thriving, when they're flourishing. And honestly, that is freedom. honestly, that is freedom. honestly, that is freedom. And that only comes And that only comes And that only comes if you grow if you grow in grace through if you grow if you grow in grace through if you grow if you grow in grace through these practices. Now lastly, I said the these practices. Now lastly, I said the these practices. Now lastly, I said the word wonderful. Why did I use that word?

word wonderful. Why did I use that word? word wonderful. Why did I use that word? I'll tell you why. At the I think I'll tell you why. At the I think I'll tell you why. At the I think ultimately ultimately ultimately everything I've said everything I've said everything I've said uh you could get kind of lost. uh you could get kind of lost. uh you could get kind of lost. You you could miss you might say you You you could miss you might say you You you could miss you might say you could miss the forest for the trees could miss the forest for the trees could miss the forest for the trees because yes, okay, I got to spend time because yes, okay, I got to spend time because yes, okay, I got to spend time conversing with God, but what are you conversing with God, but what are you conversing with God, but what are you going to converse with God about? Yes, I going to converse with God about? Yes, I going to converse with God about? Yes, I need to be ministering to my uh brothers need to be ministering to my uh brothers need to be ministering to my uh brothers and sisters in Christ, but what are you and sisters in Christ, but what are you and sisters in Christ, but what are you going to be exchanging? What are you going to be exchanging? What are you going to be exchanging? What are you going to actually be talking about? It going to actually be talking about? It going to actually be talking about? It tells us here the key to it all is to be tells us here the key to it all is to be tells us here the key to it all is to be filled with awe and wonder and to have filled with awe and wonder and to have filled with awe and wonder and to have your heart melted because you're your heart melted because you're your heart melted because you're remembering something that you're always remembering something that you're always remembering something that you're always remembering and not forgetting remembering and not forgetting remembering and not forgetting something. What is it? something. What is it? something. What is it? Whoever, this is verse nine, whoever Whoever, this is verse nine, whoever Whoever, this is verse nine, whoever does not have these things, in other does not have these things, in other does not have these things, in other words, if you're not growing, here's words, if you're not growing, here's words, if you're not growing, here's why. You've forgotten why. You've forgotten why. You've forgotten how you were cleansed from your past how you were cleansed from your past how you were cleansed from your past sins. How are you cleansed from your sins. How are you cleansed from your sins. How are you cleansed from your past sins? The blood of Jesus. And what past sins? The blood of Jesus. And what past sins? The blood of Jesus. And what this means is it's simple. I only have a this means is it's simple. I only have a this means is it's simple. I only have a second to so I'll I'll slow down. I'll second to so I'll I'll slow down. I'll second to so I'll I'll slow down. I'll be quiet. I'll speak slowly so it sinks be quiet. I'll speak slowly so it sinks be quiet. I'll speak slowly so it sinks in.

in. in. Uh Uh Uh you have to constantly remember the fact you have to constantly remember the fact you have to constantly remember the fact that you have been saved by grace that you have been saved by grace that you have been saved by grace through the costly blood of Jesus through the costly blood of Jesus through the costly blood of Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. And that ultimately is is the is the And that ultimately is is the is the And that ultimately is is the is the content, the substance, the heart of content, the substance, the heart of content, the substance, the heart of what you're talking to God about, what what you're talking to God about, what what you're talking to God about, what you're talking to other people about, you're talking to other people about, you're talking to other people about, and how you're able to stay put under and how you're able to stay put under and how you're able to stay put under suffering. Why would you stay put under suffering. Why would you stay put under suffering. Why would you stay put under suffering? Why would you trust God under suffering? Why would you trust God under suffering? Why would you trust God under suffering? Just you're just going to suffering? Just you're just going to suffering? Just you're just going to say, "Well, I need to stand put. I need say, "Well, I need to stand put. I need say, "Well, I need to stand put. I need to trust God under suffering." Why? to trust God under suffering." Why? to trust God under suffering." Why? Because then I'll grow in grace. That's Because then I'll grow in grace. That's Because then I'll grow in grace. That's all abstraction. Well, because God is all abstraction. Well, because God is all abstraction. Well, because God is holy. I need to trust him. Yeah, that's holy. I need to trust him. Yeah, that's holy. I need to trust him. Yeah, that's true. But that's an abstraction, too. true. But that's an abstraction, too. true. But that's an abstraction, too. Look at Jesus Christ cleansing you from Look at Jesus Christ cleansing you from Look at Jesus Christ cleansing you from your sins by dying on the cross. Look your sins by dying on the cross. Look your sins by dying on the cross. Look what he's bearing for you. Remember what he's bearing for you. Remember what he's bearing for you. Remember that. Don't forget it. If you remember that. Don't forget it. If you remember that. Don't forget it. If you remember that, that, that, you'll be able to bear up on for him. you'll be able to bear up on for him. you'll be able to bear up on for him. You say, "If he's bearing all that You say, "If he's bearing all that You say, "If he's bearing all that suffering for me, infinitely more I can suffering for me, infinitely more I can suffering for me, infinitely more I can bear this suffering for him." See, bear this suffering for him." See, bear this suffering for him." See, that's the key. Years ago, I was in the that's the key. Years ago, I was in the that's the key. Years ago, I was in the morning, I read um a u a Bible passage. morning, I read um a u a Bible passage. morning, I read um a u a Bible passage. It was in the Old Testament where God is It was in the Old Testament where God is It was in the Old Testament where God is telling the children of Israel, "Be good telling the children of Israel, "Be good telling the children of Israel, "Be good to the aliens and the immigrants among to the aliens and the immigrants among to the aliens and the immigrants among you." See, in Israel, there were people you." See, in Israel, there were people you." See, in Israel, there were people from who were non-Jews. They're either from who were non-Jews. They're either from who were non-Jews. They're either refugees or immigrants. They were aliens refugees or immigrants. They were aliens refugees or immigrants. They were aliens in a in a foreign country. And and God in a in a foreign country. And and God in a in a foreign country. And and God says, "Even though they're not Jews, you says, "Even though they're not Jews, you says, "Even though they're not Jews, you be good to them." Why? Because you were be good to them." Why? Because you were be good to them." Why? Because you were aliens and strangers in Egypt and aliens and strangers in Egypt and aliens and strangers in Egypt and immigrants in Egypt, and I brought you immigrants in Egypt, and I brought you immigrants in Egypt, and I brought you out.

out. out. A little later, a few a few hours later, A little later, a few a few hours later, A little later, a few a few hours later, I was in a a line at a grocery store and I was in a a line at a grocery store and I was in a a line at a grocery store and the line was going so slowly and because the line was going so slowly and because the line was going so slowly and because if if you think Americans are impatient, if if you think Americans are impatient, if if you think Americans are impatient, New Yorkers are the most impatient of New Yorkers are the most impatient of New Yorkers are the most impatient of all Americans. And it was going so slow, all Americans. And it was going so slow, all Americans. And it was going so slow, we were all grumbling to each other in we were all grumbling to each other in we were all grumbling to each other in line. We're saying, "What is the matter line. We're saying, "What is the matter line. We're saying, "What is the matter with her?" They were looking at the with her?" They were looking at the with her?" They were looking at the cashier. She didn't seem to know what cashier. She didn't seem to know what cashier. She didn't seem to know what she was doing. And as I was grumbling, she was doing. And as I was grumbling, she was doing. And as I was grumbling, what's going on? And as I got a little what's going on? And as I got a little what's going on? And as I got a little closer, I came to see that she was closer, I came to see that she was closer, I came to see that she was someone whose English was so bad that someone whose English was so bad that someone whose English was so bad that she was just making a lot of mistakes. she was just making a lot of mistakes. she was just making a lot of mistakes. And I started to say, "Why did they even And I started to say, "Why did they even And I started to say, "Why did they even give her that job? if she doesn't if she give her that job? if she doesn't if she give her that job? if she doesn't if she doesn't have the language skills to do doesn't have the language skills to do doesn't have the language skills to do the job, then she shouldn't even be the job, then she shouldn't even be the job, then she shouldn't even be there. This is what's taking all my there. This is what's taking all my there. This is what's taking all my time. And then I suddenly remembered, h be kind to the aliens, the immigrants h be kind to the aliens, the immigrants among you. Why? Because what do you among you. Why? Because what do you among you. Why? Because what do you think you were? You were alienated. think you were? You were alienated. think you were? You were alienated. But I saved you. I brought you out. And But I saved you. I brought you out. And But I saved you. I brought you out. And as soon as I remembered that, it just as soon as I remembered that, it just as soon as I remembered that, it just melted me. Why? Because I was thinking, melted me. Why? Because I was thinking, melted me. Why? Because I was thinking, "What? What? Wait a minute. I've been "What? What? Wait a minute. I've been "What? What? Wait a minute. I've been saved. I was an alien. God brought me saved. I was an alien. God brought me saved. I was an alien. God brought me out. God was kind to me. See, the reason out. God was kind to me. See, the reason out. God was kind to me. See, the reason I was grumpy was I'd forgotten.

I was grumpy was I'd forgotten. I was grumpy was I'd forgotten. And what helped me grow at that moment And what helped me grow at that moment And what helped me grow at that moment was I remembered. was I remembered. was I remembered. Whoever does not grow in these ways is Whoever does not grow in these ways is Whoever does not grow in these ways is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that nearsighted and blind, forgetting that nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past they have been cleansed from their past they have been cleansed from their past sins. Or look, and here's here's here's sins. Or look, and here's here's here's sins. Or look, and here's here's here's the ultimate way you'll be able to the ultimate way you'll be able to the ultimate way you'll be able to remember and not forget that Jesus died remember and not forget that Jesus died remember and not forget that Jesus died for you. When Jesus was up on the cross for you. When Jesus was up on the cross for you. When Jesus was up on the cross and he says, "My God, my God, why hast and he says, "My God, my God, why hast and he says, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" You know what he's thou forsaken me?" You know what he's thou forsaken me?" You know what he's actually saying? He's actually saying, actually saying? He's actually saying, actually saying? He's actually saying, "My God, my God, why have you forgotten "My God, my God, why have you forgotten "My God, my God, why have you forgotten me?" When I was a teenager, the thing I me?" When I was a teenager, the thing I me?" When I was a teenager, the thing I most dreaded, because I wasn't a very most dreaded, because I wasn't a very most dreaded, because I wasn't a very outgoing kid, was that when I missed a outgoing kid, was that when I missed a outgoing kid, was that when I missed a group or I missed a class or I miss, you group or I missed a class or I miss, you group or I missed a class or I miss, you know, in other words, if something was know, in other words, if something was know, in other words, if something was happening every week and I would miss a happening every week and I would miss a happening every week and I would miss a week or two, I'd come back and I could week or two, I'd come back and I could week or two, I'd come back and I could tell nobody knew I'd been gone. I'd been tell nobody knew I'd been gone. I'd been tell nobody knew I'd been gone. I'd been forgotten. It was clearly I it's it's forgotten. It was clearly I it's it's forgotten. It was clearly I it's it's just you feel so like so dehumanized just you feel so like so dehumanized just you feel so like so dehumanized when you realize that nobody cared that when you realize that nobody cared that when you realize that nobody cared that you were gone. You know, they're nice to you were gone. You know, they're nice to you were gone. You know, they're nice to you when you're there, but when you're you when you're there, but when you're you when you're there, but when you're not there, they don't even remember that not there, they don't even remember that not there, they don't even remember that you're not there. They completely forgot you're not there. They completely forgot you're not there. They completely forgot you because you and you know, it's very you because you and you know, it's very you because you and you know, it's very dehumanizing. Well, think of what Jesus dehumanizing. Well, think of what Jesus dehumanizing. Well, think of what Jesus went through.

went through. went through. Why is it that on the cross Why is it that on the cross Why is it that on the cross God as it were forgot Jesus? Oh, not not God as it were forgot Jesus? Oh, not not God as it were forgot Jesus? Oh, not not doesn't mean that God can forget doesn't mean that God can forget doesn't mean that God can forget anything, but he turned away from Jesus anything, but he turned away from Jesus anything, but he turned away from Jesus Christ. Jesus was forgotten. Why? Christ. Jesus was forgotten. Why? Christ. Jesus was forgotten. Why? Because Jesus gets what we deserved. We Because Jesus gets what we deserved. We Because Jesus gets what we deserved. We spend all of our time forgetting God. spend all of our time forgetting God. spend all of our time forgetting God. Forgetting that he we owe him Forgetting that he we owe him Forgetting that he we owe him everything. everything. everything. He He created us. We he redeemed us. We He He created us. We he redeemed us. We He He created us. We he redeemed us. We should be thinking about him all the should be thinking about him all the should be thinking about him all the time. We should never forget him. But we time. We should never forget him. But we time. We should never forget him. But we do forget him. And what's what's what do forget him. And what's what's what do forget him. And what's what's what would be the just desserts for people would be the just desserts for people would be the just desserts for people who've forgotten God? We should be who've forgotten God? We should be who've forgotten God? We should be forgotten. forgotten. forgotten. But instead, Jesus Christ gets what we But instead, Jesus Christ gets what we But instead, Jesus Christ gets what we deserved. He was forgotten so that God deserved. He was forgotten so that God deserved. He was forgotten so that God can say I will never forget you. Isaiah can say I will never forget you. Isaiah can say I will never forget you. Isaiah 49. 49. 49. Verses 14 to 16. You have said, "Why has Verses 14 to 16. You have said, "Why has Verses 14 to 16. You have said, "Why has the Lord forsaken me?" But can a mother the Lord forsaken me?" But can a mother the Lord forsaken me?" But can a mother forget the baby who nurses at her forget the baby who nurses at her forget the baby who nurses at her breast? Yay, she may forget, but I will breast? Yay, she may forget, but I will breast? Yay, she may forget, but I will never forget you. See, I have engraved never forget you. See, I have engraved never forget you. See, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands.

you on the palm of my hands. you on the palm of my hands. Look at the palms of Jesus hands. Look at the palms of Jesus hands. Look at the palms of Jesus hands. Nailprints. Because Jesus Christ was forgotten, God Because Jesus Christ was forgotten, God will never forget you. And that if you will never forget you. And that if you will never forget you. And that if you remember that, it'll turn you into remember that, it'll turn you into remember that, it'll turn you into something great. Let's pray. Our father, something great. Let's pray. Our father, something great. Let's pray. Our father, we ask that you would help us through we ask that you would help us through we ask that you would help us through all the disciplines of spiritual all the disciplines of spiritual all the disciplines of spiritual disciplines that will enable us to grow. disciplines that will enable us to grow. disciplines that will enable us to grow. That we will see that at the heart of it That we will see that at the heart of it That we will see that at the heart of it all is to remember what your son Jesus all is to remember what your son Jesus all is to remember what your son Jesus Christ did to cleanse us from our sins. Christ did to cleanse us from our sins. Christ did to cleanse us from our sins. And we ask that you would, oh, grow us And we ask that you would, oh, grow us And we ask that you would, oh, grow us in grace. It's what we most need. in grace. It's what we most need. in grace. It's what we most need. It's what we most need and we'll glorify It's what we most need and we'll glorify It's what we most need and we'll glorify you. Help us to take all these great you. Help us to take all these great you. Help us to take all these great promises that we've talked about tonight promises that we've talked about tonight promises that we've talked about tonight and apply them to our lives through your and apply them to our lives through your and apply them to our lives through your Holy Spirit. We pray in Jesus' name. Holy Spirit. We pray in Jesus' name. Holy Spirit. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you for listening today. Amen. Thank you for listening today. Amen. Thank you for listening today. Gospel and Life's Ministry is supported Gospel and Life's Ministry is supported Gospel and Life's Ministry is supported by generous partners all over the world. by generous partners all over the world. by generous partners all over the world. Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel message with millions of people through message with millions of people through message with millions of people through our podcast, radio, and other channels, our podcast, radio, and other channels, our podcast, radio, and other channels, including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing reach of this ministry. So, thank you reach of this ministry. So, thank you reach of this ministry. So, thank you for your part in it. [music] If you'd for your part in it. [music] If you'd for your part in it. [music] If you'd like to make a gift today, go to like to make a gift today, go to like to make a gift today, go to gospelinlife.com/youtube gospelinlife.com/youtube gospelinlife.com/youtube and we'll send you one of my books as and we'll send you one of my books as and we'll send you one of my books as thanks for your gift. Thank you again thanks for your gift. Thank you again thanks for your gift. Thank you again for your generous support because the for your generous support because the for your generous support because the gospel really does change everything.