Our Call: Holy Living – Timothy Keller [Sermon]

Therefore, with minds that are alert and Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace fully sober, set your hope on the grace fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ to be brought to you when Jesus Christ to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient is revealed at his coming. As obedient is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil children, do not conform to the evil children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in desires you had when you lived in desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you ignorance. But just as he who called you ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do. For is holy, so be holy in all you do. For is holy, so be holy in all you do. For it is written, "Be holy because I am it is written, "Be holy because I am it is written, "Be holy because I am holy." Since you call on a father who holy." Since you call on a father who holy." Since you call on a father who judges each person's work impartially, judges each person's work impartially, judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in live out your time as foreigners here in live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. The word of the Lord. reverent fear. The word of the Lord. reverent fear. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> The Bible tells us, the New Testament >> The Bible tells us, the New Testament >> The Bible tells us, the New Testament tells us that when you become a tells us that when you become a tells us that when you become a Christian, uh, you don't just turn over Christian, uh, you don't just turn over Christian, uh, you don't just turn over a new leaf. a new leaf. a new leaf. Ephesians 2, Philippians 3, other places Ephesians 2, Philippians 3, other places Ephesians 2, Philippians 3, other places say that you are spiritually raised, say that you are spiritually raised, say that you are spiritually raised, that you get the resurrection power of that you get the resurrection power of that you get the resurrection power of Jesus Christ in your life. Now, that's a Jesus Christ in your life. Now, that's a Jesus Christ in your life. Now, that's a tremendous statement and uh, it's tremendous statement and uh, it's tremendous statement and uh, it's talking about a very empowered life. But talking about a very empowered life. But talking about a very empowered life. But what does that mean? What does it look what does that mean? What does it look what does that mean? What does it look like? That's what we're doing in these like? That's what we're doing in these like? That's what we're doing in these weeks after Easter. We're looking at um weeks after Easter. We're looking at um weeks after Easter. We're looking at um each week at some themes out of first each week at some themes out of first each week at some themes out of first and second Peter, these two epistles of and second Peter, these two epistles of and second Peter, these two epistles of Peter in the New Testament and we're Peter in the New Testament and we're Peter in the New Testament and we're drawing out themes that help us drawing out themes that help us drawing out themes that help us understand what it means to live a understand what it means to live a understand what it means to live a resurrected life, what it means to live resurrected life, what it means to live resurrected life, what it means to live a Christian life. And we've looked at uh a Christian life. And we've looked at uh a Christian life. And we've looked at uh the idea of the new birth and we looked the idea of the new birth and we looked the idea of the new birth and we looked at the idea of being exiles, resident at the idea of being exiles, resident at the idea of being exiles, resident aliens. This week, a very uh you might aliens. This week, a very uh you might aliens. This week, a very uh you might say an obvious, a very key uh theme in

say an obvious, a very key uh theme in say an obvious, a very key uh theme in the Bible [clears throat] the Bible [clears throat] the Bible [clears throat] is that to be a Christian means to live is that to be a Christian means to live is that to be a Christian means to live a holy life. a holy life. a holy life. He who called you is holy and therefore He who called you is holy and therefore He who called you is holy and therefore you must be holy. To be a Christian you must be holy. To be a Christian you must be holy. To be a Christian means to live a holy life. Now, right means to live a holy life. Now, right means to live a holy life. Now, right off the bat, we've got a problem because off the bat, we've got a problem because off the bat, we've got a problem because of the word. Now, there's a couple of of the word. Now, there's a couple of of the word. Now, there's a couple of words. I would say the word sin and the words. I would say the word sin and the words. I would say the word sin and the word holiness have almost no currency in word holiness have almost no currency in word holiness have almost no currency in our modern culture. They're only used our modern culture. They're only used our modern culture. They're only used ironically. So we talk about sinful ironically. So we talk about sinful ironically. So we talk about sinful chocolate. chocolate. chocolate. But if you actually call people sinners But if you actually call people sinners But if you actually call people sinners and if you call people to be holy and if you call people to be holy and if you call people to be holy and you're not ironic, you're not you and you're not ironic, you're not you and you're not ironic, you're not you know you're doing it seriously. know you're doing it seriously. know you're doing it seriously. If people here use the word sin and If people here use the word sin and If people here use the word sin and holiness seriously, they get very quiet holiness seriously, they get very quiet holiness seriously, they get very quiet and they get very very angry. and they get very very angry. and they get very very angry. They don't like us talking about that. They don't like us talking about that. They don't like us talking about that. They don't like Christians talking about They don't like Christians talking about They don't like Christians talking about that. But actually, I don't think that. But actually, I don't think that. But actually, I don't think Christians I don't think we know Christians I don't think we know Christians I don't think we know ourselves what we mean by these terms. ourselves what we mean by these terms. ourselves what we mean by these terms. So tonight, let's take a look at this So tonight, let's take a look at this So tonight, let's take a look at this idea. We're called to be holy. What does idea. We're called to be holy. What does idea. We're called to be holy. What does that mean? So let's ask this question that mean? So let's ask this question that mean? So let's ask this question about holiness. What is it? And let's about holiness. What is it? And let's about holiness. What is it? And let's ask another question. How does it grow ask another question. How does it grow ask another question. How does it grow in us? And then thirdly, why it's why is in us? And then thirdly, why it's why is in us? And then thirdly, why it's why is it possible to be holy? what it is, how it possible to be holy? what it is, how it possible to be holy? what it is, how it grows, why it's possible.

it grows, why it's possible. it grows, why it's possible. First of all, what it is it verse 15 and First of all, what it is it verse 15 and First of all, what it is it verse 15 and 16, just as he who called you is holy, 16, just as he who called you is holy, 16, just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do. For it is so be holy in all you do. For it is so be holy in all you do. For it is written, be holy because I am holy. Now, written, be holy because I am holy. Now, written, be holy because I am holy. Now, um when you and I think of holiness, um when you and I think of holiness, um when you and I think of holiness, almost right away we think of being almost right away we think of being almost right away we think of being moral. moral. moral. And that's fine. The Bible gives us the And that's fine. The Bible gives us the And that's fine. The Bible gives us the ten commandments. Ten Commandments tell ten commandments. Ten Commandments tell ten commandments. Ten Commandments tell you how you should live. The ten you how you should live. The ten you how you should live. The ten commandments do reflect the character of commandments do reflect the character of commandments do reflect the character of God. God is faithful. Therefore, you God. God is faithful. Therefore, you God. God is faithful. Therefore, you mustn't tell lies. You must commit mustn't tell lies. You must commit mustn't tell lies. You must commit adultery. Must not commit adultery. adultery. Must not commit adultery. adultery. Must not commit adultery. Excuse me. Did you catch that? Excuse me. Did you catch that? Excuse me. Did you catch that? Tweet that. God is faithful. She You shouldn't break God is faithful. She You shouldn't break your promises. You shouldn't commit your promises. You shouldn't commit your promises. You shouldn't commit adultery. You should not lie. Okay? God adultery. You should not lie. Okay? God adultery. You should not lie. Okay? God is loving. So, you shouldn't kill. You is loving. So, you shouldn't kill. You is loving. So, you shouldn't kill. You shouldn't u uh steal. And and and so shouldn't u uh steal. And and and so shouldn't u uh steal. And and and so when we think of being holy, we think of when we think of being holy, we think of when we think of being holy, we think of right living, good living, moral living. right living, good living, moral living. right living, good living, moral living. And of course, being holy is not less And of course, being holy is not less And of course, being holy is not less than that, but it's so much more. And if than that, but it's so much more. And if than that, but it's so much more. And if you if and if you basically think and I you if and if you basically think and I you if and if you basically think and I think most of us do when we think of think most of us do when we think of think most of us do when we think of being holy is we're following all the being holy is we're following all the being holy is we're following all the rules. If you think that that's what rules. If you think that that's what rules. If you think that that's what it's holiness is about, you've missed it's holiness is about, you've missed it's holiness is about, you've missed it.

it. it. The way to understand holiness is to The way to understand holiness is to The way to understand holiness is to actually see where this quote comes actually see where this quote comes actually see where this quote comes from. You notice how Peter says,"For it from. You notice how Peter says,"For it from. You notice how Peter says,"For it is written,"Be holy, for I am holy." is written,"Be holy, for I am holy." is written,"Be holy, for I am holy." Where does he get that from? He gets it Where does he get that from? He gets it Where does he get that from? He gets it from the book of Leviticus. from the book of Leviticus. from the book of Leviticus. And if you know anything about Paul's And if you know anything about Paul's And if you know anything about Paul's career, I mean Peter's career in his career, I mean Peter's career in his career, I mean Peter's career in his life, life, life, you know that Peter being Jewish once he you know that Peter being Jewish once he you know that Peter being Jewish once he became a Christian was still holding on became a Christian was still holding on became a Christian was still holding on to the clean laws. All the laws in to the clean laws. All the laws in to the clean laws. All the laws in Leviticus that said, uh, you mustn't eat Leviticus that said, uh, you mustn't eat Leviticus that said, uh, you mustn't eat this, you mustn't eat this, you mustn't this, you mustn't eat this, you mustn't this, you mustn't eat this, you mustn't wear this. And he was telling other wear this. And he was telling other wear this. And he was telling other Christians, even the gentile ones, they Christians, even the gentile ones, they Christians, even the gentile ones, they had to to adopt it. And God had to had to to adopt it. And God had to had to to adopt it. And God had to practically hit him over the head with a practically hit him over the head with a practically hit him over the head with a vision. You you can see it in Acts vision. You you can see it in Acts vision. You you can see it in Acts chapter 10 and 11. God gave him a vision chapter 10 and 11. God gave him a vision chapter 10 and 11. God gave him a vision with a great big sheet or blanket or with a great big sheet or blanket or with a great big sheet or blanket or something uh lowered from heaven filled something uh lowered from heaven filled something uh lowered from heaven filled with all all kinds of animals that with all all kinds of animals that with all all kinds of animals that Leviticus says are unclean. And God Leviticus says are unclean. And God Leviticus says are unclean. And God says, "Don't call anything I've made says, "Don't call anything I've made says, "Don't call anything I've made unclean." And uh God God had to unclean." And uh God God had to unclean." And uh God God had to basically knock Peter over the head with basically knock Peter over the head with basically knock Peter over the head with this idea that now that Jesus Christ has this idea that now that Jesus Christ has this idea that now that Jesus Christ has come, when you believe in him, he is come, when you believe in him, he is come, when you believe in him, he is what makes you acceptable. He is what what makes you acceptable. He is what what makes you acceptable. He is what makes you ceremonially clean. He is what makes you ceremonially clean. He is what makes you ceremonially clean. He is what makes you acceptable in God's sight. So makes you acceptable in God's sight. So makes you acceptable in God's sight. So you don't all those laws are now you don't all those laws are now you don't all those laws are now fulfilled and they are no longer things fulfilled and they are no longer things fulfilled and they are no longer things that are binding on us. And yet here's that are binding on us. And yet here's that are binding on us. And yet here's Peter Peter Peter quoting Leviticus, the place where all quoting Leviticus, the place where all quoting Leviticus, the place where all those rules are saying, "Be holy, for I those rules are saying, "Be holy, for I those rules are saying, "Be holy, for I am holy." And here's what's so am holy." And here's what's so am holy." And here's what's so interesting about it. If you go back to

interesting about it. If you go back to interesting about it. If you go back to these places, there's actually four these places, there's actually four these places, there's actually four places in the book of Leviticus where places in the book of Leviticus where places in the book of Leviticus where God says, "Be holy, for I am holy." Uh God says, "Be holy, for I am holy." Uh God says, "Be holy, for I am holy." Uh this is probably from Leviticus 11. But this is probably from Leviticus 11. But this is probably from Leviticus 11. But if you go back and you see Leviticus is if you go back and you see Leviticus is if you go back and you see Leviticus is not usually as much. See, unlike Exodus not usually as much. See, unlike Exodus not usually as much. See, unlike Exodus and Deuteronomy, Leviticus isn't so much and Deuteronomy, Leviticus isn't so much and Deuteronomy, Leviticus isn't so much about holy people, rules and about holy people, rules and about holy people, rules and regulations. Don't commit adultery, regulations. Don't commit adultery, regulations. Don't commit adultery, don't lie, that it's more about holy don't lie, that it's more about holy don't lie, that it's more about holy things, things, things, not holy people. So, Leviticus is always not holy people. So, Leviticus is always not holy people. So, Leviticus is always talking about holy tables and holy talking about holy tables and holy talking about holy tables and holy furniture and holy utensils and holy furniture and holy utensils and holy furniture and holy utensils and holy pots. What? How could that be? All right, What? How could that be? All right, here's how it can be. The the Hebrew here's how it can be. The the Hebrew here's how it can be. The the Hebrew word holiness, holy originally means in word holiness, holy originally means in word holiness, holy originally means in its primal uh meaning means separate, its primal uh meaning means separate, its primal uh meaning means separate, set apart. set apart. set apart. It's separate. It's set apart from It's separate. It's set apart from It's separate. It's set apart from everything else, exclusive. everything else, exclusive. everything else, exclusive. And so when we say God is holy, And so when we say God is holy, And so when we say God is holy, you know, actually when when the when you know, actually when when the when you know, actually when when the when the seraraphim in when Isaiah hears this the seraraphim in when Isaiah hears this the seraraphim in when Isaiah hears this the the the angels saying holy holy holy the the the angels saying holy holy holy the the the angels saying holy holy holy about God, they weren't saying moral about God, they weren't saying moral about God, they weren't saying moral moral moral moral moral moral moral saying something more than that. They're saying something more than that. They're saying something more than that. They're saying he is utterly apart from all saying he is utterly apart from all saying he is utterly apart from all others. He there's none like him. He is others. He there's none like him. He is others. He there's none like him. He is unique in his superlativeness. So that's unique in his superlativeness. So that's unique in his superlativeness. So that's what it means when he says God is holy.

what it means when he says God is holy. what it means when he says God is holy. Well, then what does it mean for how Well, then what does it mean for how Well, then what does it mean for how could furniture be holy? Now you can could furniture be holy? Now you can could furniture be holy? Now you can see. How could pots and pans be holy? see. How could pots and pans be holy? see. How could pots and pans be holy? They're not moral. Have you ever seen a They're not moral. Have you ever seen a They're not moral. Have you ever seen a moral table? And even more frightening, moral table? And even more frightening, moral table? And even more frightening, could you ever have you ever seen an could you ever have you ever seen an could you ever have you ever seen an immoral table? That's really scary. immoral table? That's really scary. immoral table? That's really scary. No. A table. If you had a table and you No. A table. If you had a table and you No. A table. If you had a table and you were using it for yourself and you were were using it for yourself and you were were using it for yourself and you were eating your three meals a day on it, eating your three meals a day on it, eating your three meals a day on it, that's one thing. It's your table. But that's one thing. It's your table. But that's one thing. It's your table. But if you want your table to be holy, you if you want your table to be holy, you if you want your table to be holy, you give it to the priests. give it to the priests. give it to the priests. And it's only it's used in the And it's only it's used in the And it's only it's used in the tabernacle only for the worship of God, tabernacle only for the worship of God, tabernacle only for the worship of God, only for the fellowship offerings and so only for the fellowship offerings and so only for the fellowship offerings and so on. In other words, what made pots and on. In other words, what made pots and on. In other words, what made pots and pans and utensils and everything holy pans and utensils and everything holy pans and utensils and everything holy was that they were they belong to the was that they were they belong to the was that they were they belong to the Lord. Lord. Lord. They were no longer yours. They were no longer yours. They were no longer yours. They were exclusively used in the Lord's They were exclusively used in the Lord's They were exclusively used in the Lord's service. service. service. And now when you understand Peter And now when you understand Peter And now when you understand Peter quoting from Leviticus to tell people quoting from Leviticus to tell people quoting from Leviticus to tell people that they are to be holy. Now you see it that they are to be holy. Now you see it that they are to be holy. Now you see it means more than just following the means more than just following the means more than just following the rules. One commentator puts it like rules. One commentator puts it like rules. One commentator puts it like this. This is a person commenting on this. This is a person commenting on this. This is a person commenting on first Peter. This these verses in first first Peter. This these verses in first first Peter. This these verses in first Peter and on the fact that Peter is Peter and on the fact that Peter is Peter and on the fact that Peter is quoting Leviticus quoting Leviticus quoting Leviticus of all books. And this is what the of all books. And this is what the of all books. And this is what the commentator says. He says of course to commentator says. He says of course to commentator says. He says of course to be holy means moral behavior. But these be holy means moral behavior. But these be holy means moral behavior. But these words in Leviticus 11 words in Leviticus 11 words in Leviticus 11 are not given in the context of moral are not given in the context of moral are not given in the context of moral commands and prohibitions to people, but commands and prohibitions to people, but commands and prohibitions to people, but of ceremonial restrictions dealing with of ceremonial restrictions dealing with of ceremonial restrictions dealing with clean and unclean things, clean and unclean things, clean and unclean things, belonging to God,

belonging to God, belonging to God, living on his terms, reserving ourselves living on his terms, reserving ourselves living on his terms, reserving ourselves for him, delighting in him, obeying him, for him, delighting in him, obeying him, for him, delighting in him, obeying him, honoring him. These are more fundamental honoring him. These are more fundamental honoring him. These are more fundamental than the specifics of obedience we label than the specifics of obedience we label than the specifics of obedience we label morality. morality. morality. Did you hear that? See, it's possible to Did you hear that? See, it's possible to Did you hear that? See, it's possible to follow the rules and not belong to God. follow the rules and not belong to God. follow the rules and not belong to God. What's so helpful about when when for What's so helpful about when when for What's so helpful about when when for God to say, I want you to be holy like God to say, I want you to be holy like God to say, I want you to be holy like this table is holy. I want you to be this table is holy. I want you to be this table is holy. I want you to be holy like these pots are holy. You say, holy like these pots are holy. You say, holy like these pots are holy. You say, "What?" Yes. "What?" Yes. "What?" Yes. It means you belong completely to God. It means you belong completely to God. It means you belong completely to God. And the commentator is absolutely right And the commentator is absolutely right And the commentator is absolutely right when he says this is more fundamental when he says this is more fundamental when he says this is more fundamental than morality because why? It's possible than morality because why? It's possible than morality because why? It's possible to be moral out of a sense of duty. It's to be moral out of a sense of duty. It's to be moral out of a sense of duty. It's possible to be moral just to meet family possible to be moral just to meet family possible to be moral just to meet family and social expectations. It's possible and social expectations. It's possible and social expectations. It's possible to be moral so you'll feel good about to be moral so you'll feel good about to be moral so you'll feel good about yourself. It's possible to be moral yourself. It's possible to be moral yourself. It's possible to be moral because you just think you're practical. because you just think you're practical. because you just think you're practical. You say honesty is the best policy. You say honesty is the best policy. You say honesty is the best policy. Being moral, living moral, being honest, Being moral, living moral, being honest, Being moral, living moral, being honest, keeping your promises, this is just the keeping your promises, this is just the keeping your promises, this is just the right way to live because it it works.

right way to live because it it works. right way to live because it it works. In other words, it's possible to be In other words, it's possible to be In other words, it's possible to be moral and be completely selfish to moral and be completely selfish to moral and be completely selfish to belong to yourself. But to be holy belong to yourself. But to be holy belong to yourself. But to be holy means you belong to God. means you belong to God. means you belong to God. You see, the essence of holiness then is You see, the essence of holiness then is You see, the essence of holiness then is intensely personal. intensely personal. intensely personal. When you and I hear the word holiness, When you and I hear the word holiness, When you and I hear the word holiness, we think of, you know, following the we think of, you know, following the we think of, you know, following the rules. It's actually kind of a cold rules. It's actually kind of a cold rules. It's actually kind of a cold word, but oh, it's not. It shouldn't be. word, but oh, it's not. It shouldn't be. word, but oh, it's not. It shouldn't be. To be holy means you belong. To be holy means you belong. To be holy means you belong. You belong completely to him. There's You belong completely to him. There's You belong completely to him. There's only a few people in my life and only a few people in my life and only a few people in my life and probably in yours that you could probably in yours that you could probably in yours that you could actually say I belong to them. I mean, I actually say I belong to them. I mean, I actually say I belong to them. I mean, I could say this about my wife. I could could say this about my wife. I could could say this about my wife. I could say this about my sons. say this about my sons. say this about my sons. In other words, there's only a few In other words, there's only a few In other words, there's only a few people in your life that have such people in your life that have such people in your life that have such claims of love on you. That is to say, claims of love on you. That is to say, claims of love on you. That is to say, you love them so much that you really you love them so much that you really you love them so much that you really can't live the way you want. can't live the way you want. can't live the way you want. You love them so much you in a sense You love them so much you in a sense You love them so much you in a sense belong to them. belong to them. belong to them. And that's the essence of holiness. And that's the essence of holiness. And that's the essence of holiness. Yes, you should follow the laws. Of Yes, you should follow the laws. Of Yes, you should follow the laws. Of course, you shouldn't commit adultery. course, you shouldn't commit adultery. course, you shouldn't commit adultery. Of course, you shouldn't lie. Of course, Of course, you shouldn't lie. Of course, Of course, you shouldn't lie. Of course, you should do all these things. Why?

you should do all these things. Why? you should do all these things. Why? Because you're not your own anymore Because you're not your own anymore Because you're not your own anymore because you belong to him. You're just because you belong to him. You're just because you belong to him. You're just you've you and which means you see when you've you and which means you see when you've you and which means you see when it says you must be holy in all you do. it says you must be holy in all you do. it says you must be holy in all you do. Just as he who called you is holy, be Just as he who called you is holy, be Just as he who called you is holy, be holy in all you do. The rules never c holy in all you do. The rules never c holy in all you do. The rules never c never never ever if you're just going by never never ever if you're just going by never never ever if you're just going by the moral rules, they it never uh the moral rules, they it never uh the moral rules, they it never uh touches everything. touches everything. touches everything. But once you understand the core of But once you understand the core of But once you understand the core of holiness, which is to give yourself holiness, which is to give yourself holiness, which is to give yourself away, away, away, to no longer live for yourself, to to no longer live for yourself, to to no longer live for yourself, to belong to him, to love him so much that belong to him, to love him so much that belong to him, to love him so much that you don't live the way you want, but you you don't live the way you want, but you you don't live the way you want, but you belong to him. belong to him. belong to him. Now you have the you have a rule and it Now you have the you have a rule and it Now you have the you have a rule and it might say you have a principle for might say you have a principle for might say you have a principle for holiness that actually applies to holiness that actually applies to holiness that actually applies to everything in your life, even places everything in your life, even places everything in your life, even places where there's no moral rules. See, it where there's no moral rules. See, it where there's no moral rules. See, it says, for example, if you want a perfect says, for example, if you want a perfect says, for example, if you want a perfect expression of holiness, 1 Corinthians expression of holiness, 1 Corinthians expression of holiness, 1 Corinthians 6:19 and 20, you are not your own. 6:19 and 20, you are not your own. 6:19 and 20, you are not your own. You're bought with a price. You're bought with a price. You're bought with a price. You're not your own. You're bought with You're not your own. You're bought with You're not your own. You're bought with a price. There's the essence of a price. There's the essence of a price. There's the essence of holiness. You're bought with a price holiness. You're bought with a price holiness. You're bought with a price means that you've been saved by grace.

means that you've been saved by grace. means that you've been saved by grace. We'll get to that in a minute. But that We'll get to that in a minute. But that We'll get to that in a minute. But that means you're not your own. That means means you're not your own. That means means you're not your own. That means you what? It means you no longer live you what? It means you no longer live you what? It means you no longer live for yourself. That's the principle of for yourself. That's the principle of for yourself. That's the principle of holiness. Listen, let me say it again. holiness. Listen, let me say it again. holiness. Listen, let me say it again. If you belong to God, that means if that If you belong to God, that means if that If you belong to God, that means if that table has belongs to God, that means you table has belongs to God, that means you table has belongs to God, that means you live, but you don't live for yourself. live, but you don't live for yourself. live, but you don't live for yourself. You don't live for God and for other You don't live for God and for other You don't live for God and for other people. You never live for yourself. You people. You never live for yourself. You people. You never live for yourself. You never do things never do things never do things for any other reason than I'm pleasing for any other reason than I'm pleasing for any other reason than I'm pleasing God. I'm serving other people. You don't God. I'm serving other people. You don't God. I'm serving other people. You don't live for yourself. live for yourself. live for yourself. Now, what does that mean? Now, what does that mean? Now, what does that mean? You see, this is a principle you can You see, this is a principle you can You see, this is a principle you can apply to all you do. Example, Ephesians apply to all you do. Example, Ephesians apply to all you do. Example, Ephesians chapter 6, there's a place where Paul's chapter 6, there's a place where Paul's chapter 6, there's a place where Paul's talking about work. He's talking about talking about work. He's talking about talking about work. He's talking about doing your daily work. doing your daily work. doing your daily work. Daily work. And he says, if you're Daily work. And he says, if you're Daily work. And he says, if you're working for your boss, working for your boss, working for your boss, you'll only work hard when your boss is you'll only work hard when your boss is you'll only work hard when your boss is watching. You'll only do what you have watching. You'll only do what you have watching. You'll only do what you have to do to get a good reputation with your to do to get a good reputation with your to do to get a good reputation with your boss. Or if you're working for yourself, boss. Or if you're working for yourself, boss. Or if you're working for yourself, you'll only do what you have to do in you'll only do what you have to do in you'll only do what you have to do in order to make the money. or you only do order to make the money. or you only do order to make the money. or you only do what you have to do in order to get a what you have to do in order to get a what you have to do in order to get a promotion. But he says, don't work for promotion. But he says, don't work for promotion. But he says, don't work for your boss. Don't work for yourself. Work your boss. Don't work for yourself. Work your boss. Don't work for yourself. Work for God. Make the main reason you get up for God. Make the main reason you get up for God. Make the main reason you get up in the morning and you go to work to use in the morning and you go to work to use in the morning and you go to work to use your gifts to please God, to care for your gifts to please God, to care for your gifts to please God, to care for creation, to serve other people, you're creation, to serve other people, you're creation, to serve other people, you're doing it for God. Do you know what how doing it for God. Do you know what how doing it for God. Do you know what how that transforms work? Because God sees that transforms work? Because God sees that transforms work? Because God sees you all the time, even when no one else you all the time, even when no one else you all the time, even when no one else is looking. And God sees not only what is looking. And God sees not only what is looking. And God sees not only what you're doing on the outside, but your you're doing on the outside, but your you're doing on the outside, but your heart. It transforms work. the heart. It transforms work. the heart. It transforms work. the diligence, the conscientiousness. Not

diligence, the conscientiousness. Not diligence, the conscientiousness. Not only that, you're not worried or upset. only that, you're not worried or upset. only that, you're not worried or upset. If you're working for your boss and your If you're working for your boss and your If you're working for your boss and your boss isn't appreciating you, but if boss isn't appreciating you, but if boss isn't appreciating you, but if you're working for God, it totally you're working for God, it totally you're working for God, it totally transforms work. If you say, "I'm not transforms work. If you say, "I'm not transforms work. If you say, "I'm not working for the clock. I'm not working working for the clock. I'm not working working for the clock. I'm not working for money. I'm not working for the for money. I'm not working for the for money. I'm not working for the boss." Not I primarily, of course, boss." Not I primarily, of course, boss." Not I primarily, of course, you're working for your boss. Of course, you're working for your boss. Of course, you're working for your boss. Of course, you're working for money. But it's not you're working for money. But it's not you're working for money. But it's not the primary thing. You're working for the primary thing. You're working for the primary thing. You're working for God. That's the principle of holiness. God. That's the principle of holiness. God. That's the principle of holiness. And it transforms work. And it's that's And it transforms work. And it's that's And it transforms work. And it's that's the reason why it can say, "Be holy in the reason why it can say, "Be holy in the reason why it can say, "Be holy in all you do." Look at the ten all you do." Look at the ten all you do." Look at the ten commandments. Is there anything in there commandments. Is there anything in there commandments. Is there anything in there about work? No. Something about rest. about work? No. Something about rest. about work? No. Something about rest. There's nothing in there telling you how There's nothing in there telling you how There's nothing in there telling you how you have to work. But the principle of you have to work. But the principle of you have to work. But the principle of holiness, I belong to God, which means I holiness, I belong to God, which means I holiness, I belong to God, which means I don't live for myself. I live for God don't live for myself. I live for God don't live for myself. I live for God and for others. That is a principle of and for others. That is a principle of and for others. That is a principle of holiness that you can apply to holiness that you can apply to holiness that you can apply to absolutely every area of life. And this absolutely every area of life. And this absolutely every area of life. And this is the reason why Peter can still go is the reason why Peter can still go is the reason why Peter can still go back to Leviticus back to Leviticus back to Leviticus because see Leviticus even though now because see Leviticus even though now because see Leviticus even though now the rules have been fulfilled in Christ. the rules have been fulfilled in Christ. the rules have been fulfilled in Christ. Leviticus if you read it it it regulated Leviticus if you read it it it regulated Leviticus if you read it it it regulated everything you wore, everything you ate, everything you wore, everything you ate, everything you wore, everything you ate, everything you touched. It was God's way everything you touched. It was God's way everything you touched. It was God's way of saying holiness is something for of saying holiness is something for of saying holiness is something for every area of life. It's not like in, every area of life. It's not like in, every area of life. It's not like in, you know, it's not like on Sundays, you you know, it's not like on Sundays, you you know, it's not like on Sundays, you know, you go and you're you're holy and know, you go and you're you're holy and know, you go and you're you're holy and the rest of the week you're living in, the rest of the week you're living in, the rest of the week you're living in, you know, the secular world like you know, the secular world like you know, the secular world like everybody else. No, no. Holiness has got everybody else. No, no. Holiness has got everybody else. No, no. Holiness has got to affect absolutely every area of life.

to affect absolutely every area of life. to affect absolutely every area of life. You have to be holy in all you do. You have to be holy in all you do. You have to be holy in all you do. And Peter knew that even though we don't And Peter knew that even though we don't And Peter knew that even though we don't dress different, we don't eat different, dress different, we don't eat different, dress different, we don't eat different, we don't do all those things we don't do all those things we don't do all those things differently, differently, differently, at core, we are absolutely different. at core, we are absolutely different. at core, we are absolutely different. Our motives are different. We belong to Our motives are different. We belong to Our motives are different. We belong to the Lord. That's what holiness is. Now, the Lord. That's what holiness is. Now, the Lord. That's what holiness is. Now, how does it develop and how is it how does it develop and how is it how does it develop and how is it possible? A little less time than what I possible? A little less time than what I possible? A little less time than what I did. In other words, tonight what I've did. In other words, tonight what I've did. In other words, tonight what I've had to do is since we don't understand had to do is since we don't understand had to do is since we don't understand holiness, I just spent most of the time holiness, I just spent most of the time holiness, I just spent most of the time on the first point. But the second, on the first point. But the second, on the first point. But the second, third, here we go. Second point, how third, here we go. Second point, how third, here we go. Second point, how does it develop? It's comprehensive. It does it develop? It's comprehensive. It does it develop? It's comprehensive. It takes the mind, it takes the will, and takes the mind, it takes the will, and takes the mind, it takes the will, and it takes the heart. And you can see it. it takes the heart. And you can see it. it takes the heart. And you can see it. First of all, it says, "Therefore, with First of all, it says, "Therefore, with First of all, it says, "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, minds that are alert and fully sober, minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought set your hope on the grace to be brought set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. It to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. It to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. It is coming." With minds that are alert is coming." With minds that are alert is coming." With minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the and fully sober, set your hope on the and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus grace to be brought to you when Jesus grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. What's that mean? Christ is revealed. What's that mean? Christ is revealed. What's that mean? The word sober is a Greek word that The word sober is a Greek word that The word sober is a Greek word that means very judicious, very reflective, means very judicious, very reflective, means very judicious, very reflective, really thinking carefully. It's kind of really thinking carefully. It's kind of really thinking carefully. It's kind of like a scholarly. It's it's the demeanor like a scholarly. It's it's the demeanor like a scholarly. It's it's the demeanor of a scholar. Lots of footnotes, lots of of a scholar. Lots of footnotes, lots of of a scholar. Lots of footnotes, lots of careful definitions. But the other word, careful definitions. But the other word, careful definitions. But the other word, the word that is translated alert, the word that is translated alert, the word that is translated alert, literally says gird up your mind. It's a literally says gird up your mind. It's a literally says gird up your mind. It's a very vivid very vivid very vivid uh image. See, in those days, men and uh image. See, in those days, men and uh image. See, in those days, men and women wore very women wore very women wore very long flowing robes. And if you suddenly

long flowing robes. And if you suddenly long flowing robes. And if you suddenly had to run or do something was active, had to run or do something was active, had to run or do something was active, you had to pull the skirts up and stick you had to pull the skirts up and stick you had to pull the skirts up and stick them in your girdle, your belt. So to them in your girdle, your belt. So to them in your girdle, your belt. So to gird up your mind is like girding up gird up your mind is like girding up gird up your mind is like girding up your robes. And what that means is your robes. And what that means is your robes. And what that means is getting ready for action. And so Peter getting ready for action. And so Peter getting ready for action. And so Peter is bringing two things together. You is bringing two things together. You is bringing two things together. You should be thinking thinking intensely. should be thinking thinking intensely. should be thinking thinking intensely. To be holy is to completely engage the To be holy is to completely engage the To be holy is to completely engage the intellect. Completely engage it. intellect. Completely engage it. intellect. Completely engage it. So you'd be thinking intently. But in So you'd be thinking intently. But in So you'd be thinking intently. But in order to know how to act, order to know how to act, order to know how to act, I guess I already gave you an example. I guess I already gave you an example. I guess I already gave you an example. Paul takes this principle of holiness. Paul takes this principle of holiness. Paul takes this principle of holiness. You're not your own. You're bought with You're not your own. You're bought with You're not your own. You're bought with a price. You're living for him. You're a price. You're living for him. You're a price. You're living for him. You're not living for yourself anymore. You not living for yourself anymore. You not living for yourself anymore. You belong to him. How does that affect belong to him. How does that affect belong to him. How does that affect work? work? work? It changes the way you work. What does It changes the way you work. What does It changes the way you work. What does that take? That takes reflection. It that take? That takes reflection. It that take? That takes reflection. It takes thinking. I'm trying to think it takes thinking. I'm trying to think it takes thinking. I'm trying to think it out. And therefore, to be a holy out. And therefore, to be a holy out. And therefore, to be a holy Christian Christian Christian is not to check your brains at the door is not to check your brains at the door is not to check your brains at the door at all. It's to intensely engage the at all. It's to intensely engage the at all. It's to intensely engage the intellect.

intellect. intellect. you intensely get you think and you you intensely get you think and you you intensely get you think and you think out the implications of what you think out the implications of what you think out the implications of what you believe and it's actually thinking out believe and it's actually thinking out believe and it's actually thinking out the implications of what you believe the implications of what you believe the implications of what you believe thinking taking what you know and saying thinking taking what you know and saying thinking taking what you know and saying what are the implications of that what what are the implications of that what what are the implications of that what are the implications of that that make are the implications of that that make are the implications of that that make you a holy person not just in your you a holy person not just in your you a holy person not just in your behavior but through and through because behavior but through and through because behavior but through and through because notice it says with minds that are alert notice it says with minds that are alert notice it says with minds that are alert and fully sober what set your hope on and fully sober what set your hope on and fully sober what set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when the grace to be brought to you when the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed that it's Jesus Christ is revealed that it's Jesus Christ is revealed that it's coming now that's a doctrine At the end of time, Jesus Christ is At the end of time, Jesus Christ is going to come back and make everything going to come back and make everything going to come back and make everything right. What a wonderful grace. He says, right. What a wonderful grace. He says, right. What a wonderful grace. He says, "Think out the implications of that "Think out the implications of that "Think out the implications of that until you have the confidence and the until you have the confidence and the until you have the confidence and the hope and the peace. You should hope and the peace. You should hope and the peace. You should see um in Philippians chapter 4, there's see um in Philippians chapter 4, there's see um in Philippians chapter 4, there's a place that talks about the peace of a place that talks about the peace of a place that talks about the peace of God." And Paul, now in in Philippians 4, God." And Paul, now in in Philippians 4, God." And Paul, now in in Philippians 4, it's a a Pauline letter. Paul says when it's a a Pauline letter. Paul says when it's a a Pauline letter. Paul says when you um uh are having trouble, if you're you um uh are having trouble, if you're you um uh are having trouble, if you're anxious, you're worried, you're upset, anxious, you're worried, you're upset, anxious, you're worried, you're upset, he says, "Think on these things." And he says, "Think on these things." And he says, "Think on these things." And then he lists a whole lot of biblical then he lists a whole lot of biblical then he lists a whole lot of biblical truths. Think.

truths. Think. truths. Think. Now, both Paul and Peter are saying Now, both Paul and Peter are saying Now, both Paul and Peter are saying it is crucial to think out to think out it is crucial to think out to think out it is crucial to think out to think out the implications. So, for example, let the implications. So, for example, let the implications. So, for example, let me just give you think out the me just give you think out the me just give you think out the implications. implications. implications. This is reality. if you're a Christian This is reality. if you're a Christian This is reality. if you're a Christian that someday the one that loves you, the that someday the one that loves you, the that someday the one that loves you, the one that saved you, the one you believe one that saved you, the one you believe one that saved you, the one you believe in is coming back and he's going to make in is coming back and he's going to make in is coming back and he's going to make everything right. If you die before that everything right. If you die before that everything right. If you die before that time, which is fairly likely, you will time, which is fairly likely, you will time, which is fairly likely, you will immediately be in his arms. The worst immediately be in his arms. The worst immediately be in his arms. The worst thing that can happen to you is the best thing that can happen to you is the best thing that can happen to you is the best thing that can happen to you. In other thing that can happen to you. In other thing that can happen to you. In other words, everything's going to be all words, everything's going to be all words, everything's going to be all right. The world is going to be saved. right. The world is going to be saved. right. The world is going to be saved. The world is going to be put right. The world is going to be put right. The world is going to be put right. You're going to be in the arms of love You're going to be in the arms of love You're going to be in the arms of love forever. Even if you die young, it's the forever. Even if you die young, it's the forever. Even if you die young, it's the it it just you just become everything it it just you just become everything it it just you just become everything that you've always wanted to be in that you've always wanted to be in that you've always wanted to be in Jesus. In other words, if you're a Jesus. In other words, if you're a Jesus. In other words, if you're a Christian, this is reality right now. Do Christian, this is reality right now. Do Christian, this is reality right now. Do you have peace right now or are you you have peace right now or are you you have peace right now or are you anxious? Are you upset? Huh? You know anxious? Are you upset? Huh? You know anxious? Are you upset? Huh? You know why? It's because you're not thinking.

why? It's because you're not thinking. why? It's because you're not thinking. Do you have confidence right now? It's Do you have confidence right now? It's Do you have confidence right now? It's because you're not thinking. If you because you're not thinking. If you because you're not thinking. If you believe these biblical truths, then how believe these biblical truths, then how believe these biblical truths, then how do you let it shape your life? How do do you let it shape your life? How do do you let it shape your life? How do you let it shape the way in which you you let it shape the way in which you you let it shape the way in which you behave? How do you let it shape the way behave? How do you let it shape the way behave? How do you let it shape the way which you feel? You think. You gird up which you feel? You think. You gird up which you feel? You think. You gird up the loins of your mind. Therefore, with the loins of your mind. Therefore, with the loins of your mind. Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, minds that are alert and fully sober, minds that are alert and fully sober, think it out. That's what it's saying. think it out. That's what it's saying. think it out. That's what it's saying. Honestly, Honestly, Honestly, if you're anxious right now, if you if you're anxious right now, if you if you're anxious right now, if you don't have peace, if you don't have don't have peace, if you don't have don't have peace, if you don't have confidence and hope, confidence and hope, confidence and hope, you're not thinking. So first of all to you're not thinking. So first of all to you're not thinking. So first of all to be you see by the way I want you to know be you see by the way I want you to know be you see by the way I want you to know that uh the narrative of most people who that uh the narrative of most people who that uh the narrative of most people who don't believe Christianity is oh I went don't believe Christianity is oh I went don't believe Christianity is oh I went to church when I was young I grew up but to church when I was young I grew up but to church when I was young I grew up but then I started to think then I started to think then I started to think and the and the implication is yeah and the and the implication is yeah and the and the implication is yeah you're a Christian but I'm not because you're a Christian but I'm not because you're a Christian but I'm not because I'm a thinker. I'm a thinker. I'm a thinker. There is absolutely nothing in the Bible There is absolutely nothing in the Bible There is absolutely nothing in the Bible that indicates that faith is the that indicates that faith is the that indicates that faith is the opposite of thinking. opposite of thinking. opposite of thinking. rather faith is filled with thinking. It rather faith is filled with thinking. It rather faith is filled with thinking. It just says so right there. And actually just says so right there. And actually just says so right there. And actually one of the things that very often one of the things that very often one of the things that very often happens when I'm talking to people here happens when I'm talking to people here happens when I'm talking to people here in New York, I very often say, "So what in New York, I very often say, "So what in New York, I very often say, "So what do you believe?" And so well, you know, do you believe?" And so well, you know, do you believe?" And so well, you know, I don't know there's anything but this I don't know there's anything but this I don't know there's anything but this life and I don't think there's a God and life and I don't think there's a God and life and I don't think there's a God and I think when you die that's it. Oh, so I think when you die that's it. Oh, so I think when you die that's it. Oh, so you said, "Well, let's think about the you said, "Well, let's think about the you said, "Well, let's think about the implications of that." No, you realize implications of that." No, you realize implications of that." No, you realize that means that love is just a chemical that means that love is just a chemical that means that love is just a chemical in your mind that helped your ancestors in your mind that helped your ancestors in your mind that helped your ancestors uh you know survive and actually it's

uh you know survive and actually it's uh you know survive and actually it's kind of an illusion. It's really just a kind of an illusion. It's really just a kind of an illusion. It's really just a way of survival. Love isn't real. way of survival. Love isn't real. way of survival. Love isn't real. Meaning isn't real. There's really no Meaning isn't real. There's really no Meaning isn't real. There's really no basis for right and wrong. Uh when you basis for right and wrong. Uh when you basis for right and wrong. Uh when you die, of course, that's it. But then die, of course, that's it. But then die, of course, that's it. But then eventually the sun is going to die and eventually the sun is going to die and eventually the sun is going to die and there won't be anybody around to there won't be anybody around to there won't be anybody around to remember anything anyone has ever done. remember anything anyone has ever done. remember anything anyone has ever done. Which means in the end it makes no Which means in the end it makes no Which means in the end it makes no difference if you live a good life or a difference if you live a good life or a difference if you live a good life or a cruel life. And the person says, 'W wait cruel life. And the person says, 'W wait cruel life. And the person says, 'W wait a minute. Wait a minute. If you start a minute. Wait a minute. If you start a minute. Wait a minute. If you start thinking like that, you're going to go thinking like that, you're going to go thinking like that, you're going to go nuts. I can't think about that. I I nuts. I can't think about that. I I nuts. I can't think about that. I I mean, I just try to take one day at a mean, I just try to take one day at a mean, I just try to take one day at a time. I don't think about all that. time. I don't think about all that. time. I don't think about all that. Otherwise, I couldn't live. Oh, okay. Otherwise, I couldn't live. Oh, okay. Otherwise, I couldn't live. Oh, okay. Let's admit. Let's admit. Let's admit. You are getting peace by not thinking You are getting peace by not thinking You are getting peace by not thinking out the implications of what you believe out the implications of what you believe out the implications of what you believe about the world. But Christians get about the world. But Christians get about the world. But Christians get their peace from thinking it out. See, their peace from thinking it out. See, their peace from thinking it out. See, there's two kinds of peace. There's there's two kinds of peace. There's there's two kinds of peace. There's stupid peace and there's smart peace. stupid peace and there's smart peace. stupid peace and there's smart peace. There's peace that comes from not There's peace that comes from not There's peace that comes from not thinking and there's peace that comes thinking and there's peace that comes thinking and there's peace that comes from thinking. And you see the real from thinking. And you see the real from thinking. And you see the real thing about thinking is it can happen thing about thinking is it can happen thing about thinking is it can happen sometimes even when you're trying not to sometimes even when you're trying not to sometimes even when you're trying not to sometimes just you can't stop it. So sometimes just you can't stop it. So sometimes just you can't stop it. So wouldn't you like to be a Christian? wouldn't you like to be a Christian? wouldn't you like to be a Christian? Wouldn't you like to be in a position Wouldn't you like to be in a position Wouldn't you like to be in a position where what you believe about the world where what you believe about the world where what you believe about the world and about the nature of the universe, if and about the nature of the universe, if and about the nature of the universe, if you actually take the time to think it you actually take the time to think it you actually take the time to think it out, will fill you with hope. That's out, will fill you with hope. That's out, will fill you with hope. That's what it says. Secondly, if you want to what it says. Secondly, if you want to what it says. Secondly, if you want to be holy, it doesn't just engage the be holy, it doesn't just engage the be holy, it doesn't just engage the mind. It also engages the will. We have mind. It also engages the will. We have mind. It also engages the will. We have to get there. To be holy means, it says to get there. To be holy means, it says to get there. To be holy means, it says in verse 14, "As obedient children, do in verse 14, "As obedient children, do in verse 14, "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had not conform to the evil desires you had not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance." Now, that when you lived in ignorance." Now, that when you lived in ignorance." Now, that is a matter of the will. Huh? If you're

is a matter of the will. Huh? If you're is a matter of the will. Huh? If you're going to be holy, you obey. Even here, going to be holy, you obey. Even here, going to be holy, you obey. Even here, though, isn't it nice? He says, "We're though, isn't it nice? He says, "We're though, isn't it nice? He says, "We're obedient children. He God's our father." obedient children. He God's our father." obedient children. He God's our father." So even there it's bringing in something So even there it's bringing in something So even there it's bringing in something that though we have to obey, we are not that though we have to obey, we are not that though we have to obey, we are not to be conformed to the world, we're to be conformed to the world, we're to be conformed to the world, we're supposed to be conformed to what God supposed to be conformed to what God supposed to be conformed to what God says, the ten commandments, the golden says, the ten commandments, the golden says, the ten commandments, the golden rule. Even though it's a matter of the rule. Even though it's a matter of the rule. Even though it's a matter of the will, it's still by saying obedient will, it's still by saying obedient will, it's still by saying obedient children children children who trust and love their parents, their who trust and love their parents, their who trust and love their parents, their mommy, their daddy. You know, the mommy, their daddy. You know, the mommy, their daddy. You know, the obedience I mean the obedience that obedience I mean the obedience that obedience I mean the obedience that children give to their parents if they children give to their parents if they children give to their parents if they have good parents and there's a good have good parents and there's a good have good parents and there's a good relationship is it's still obedience. relationship is it's still obedience. relationship is it's still obedience. It's still a matter of the will, but It's still a matter of the will, but It's still a matter of the will, but it's not the same as the as the it's not the same as the as the it's not the same as the as the reluctant obedience of a magistrate. reluctant obedience of a magistrate. reluctant obedience of a magistrate. It's unconditional obedience. It's It's unconditional obedience. It's It's unconditional obedience. It's devoted obedience. Let me give you an devoted obedience. Let me give you an devoted obedience. Let me give you an example of what I mean. example of what I mean. example of what I mean. This is the kind of obedience This is the kind of obedience This is the kind of obedience that a holy person who belongs to God that a holy person who belongs to God that a holy person who belongs to God who's got the who loves God so much the who's got the who loves God so much the who's got the who loves God so much the claims of love upon you claims of love upon you claims of love upon you uh make you desire delight to please uh make you desire delight to please uh make you desire delight to please him. Uh here's the kind of obedience I'm him. Uh here's the kind of obedience I'm him. Uh here's the kind of obedience I'm talking about the devotion. There's a talking about the devotion. There's a talking about the devotion. There's a story in the Old Testament uh it's a story in the Old Testament uh it's a story in the Old Testament uh it's a strange little story. It's in 2 Samuel strange little story. It's in 2 Samuel strange little story. It's in 2 Samuel 23. Uh and it's about the fact that when 23. Uh and it's about the fact that when 23. Uh and it's about the fact that when David became king the Philistines David became king the Philistines David became king the Philistines invaded.

invaded. invaded. They wanted to destabilize Israel. They They wanted to destabilize Israel. They They wanted to destabilize Israel. They were afraid that under David, Israel were afraid that under David, Israel were afraid that under David, Israel would be become a more, you know, would be become a more, you know, would be become a more, you know, something of a a strong nation and they something of a a strong nation and they something of a a strong nation and they wouldn't be able to exploit them in the wouldn't be able to exploit them in the wouldn't be able to exploit them in the same way. So, they came in before David same way. So, they came in before David same way. So, they came in before David could consolidate his power. And they could consolidate his power. And they could consolidate his power. And they invaded hoping to destabilize the invaded hoping to destabilize the invaded hoping to destabilize the government, maybe kill David. David was government, maybe kill David. David was government, maybe kill David. David was forced to flee into the wilderness with forced to flee into the wilderness with forced to flee into the wilderness with his chosen mighty men, you know, his his chosen mighty men, you know, his his chosen mighty men, you know, his handpicked uh soldiers. uh and uh the handpicked uh soldiers. uh and uh the handpicked uh soldiers. uh and uh the Philistines occupied parts of the Philistines occupied parts of the Philistines occupied parts of the country. So, it's very discouraging time country. So, it's very discouraging time country. So, it's very discouraging time for David. He's out in the in the caves. for David. He's out in the in the caves. for David. He's out in the in the caves. He's out in the wilderness. And one day He's out in the wilderness. And one day He's out in the wilderness. And one day in discouragement, in discouragement, in discouragement, he looks up and he sigh and he says, he looks up and he sigh and he says, he looks up and he sigh and he says, "Oh, "Oh, "Oh, if only I could drink if only I could drink if only I could drink a cup of water from the well beside a cup of water from the well beside a cup of water from the well beside the gate of Bethlehem." the gate of Bethlehem." the gate of Bethlehem." You see, that was his hometown. and the You see, that was his hometown. and the You see, that was his hometown. and the Philistines had occupied it. And he was Philistines had occupied it. And he was Philistines had occupied it. And he was probably yearning for that water partly probably yearning for that water partly probably yearning for that water partly because as a as a boy growing up there, because as a as a boy growing up there, because as a as a boy growing up there, he knew how sweet that water was, but he knew how sweet that water was, but he knew how sweet that water was, but partly because as a king, he was partly because as a king, he was partly because as a king, he was yearning for the time in which the yearning for the time in which the yearning for the time in which the kingdom was his again and he could go kingdom was his again and he could go kingdom was his again and he could go get that water if he wanted to. So he get that water if he wanted to. So he get that water if he wanted to. So he just sigh. It wasn't a command. It just sigh. It wasn't a command. It just sigh. It wasn't a command. It wasn't a request. It was just a sigh.

wasn't a request. It was just a sigh. wasn't a request. It was just a sigh. Oh, if I could only have some water from Oh, if I could only have some water from Oh, if I could only have some water from the well at the gate of the Bethlehem. the well at the gate of the Bethlehem. the well at the gate of the Bethlehem. Three of his mighty men heard that and Three of his mighty men heard that and Three of his mighty men heard that and they looked at each other. they looked at each other. they looked at each other. Didn't say a word. They crept away, put Didn't say a word. They crept away, put Didn't say a word. They crept away, put on their belts, put on their armor, put on their belts, put on their armor, put on their belts, put on their armor, put on their swords, and they got a water on their swords, and they got a water on their swords, and they got a water jug. jug. jug. And they fought their way through enemy And they fought their way through enemy And they fought their way through enemy lines into occupied Bethlehem. Probably lines into occupied Bethlehem. Probably lines into occupied Bethlehem. Probably while two of them were fighting off while two of them were fighting off while two of them were fighting off other people. One of them filled up the other people. One of them filled up the other people. One of them filled up the jug. Then they fought their way out and jug. Then they fought their way out and jug. Then they fought their way out and they brought it to David and said, they brought it to David and said, they brought it to David and said, "Here's water from the well of Jerus of "Here's water from the well of Jerus of "Here's water from the well of Jerus of beside the gate of Bethlehem." And David beside the gate of Bethlehem." And David beside the gate of Bethlehem." And David was so stunned. These men had was so stunned. These men had was so stunned. These men had essentially risked their lives for him. essentially risked their lives for him. essentially risked their lives for him. And he was so stunned that he poured out And he was so stunned that he poured out And he was so stunned that he poured out the water, didn't drink it, before the the water, didn't drink it, before the the water, didn't drink it, before the Lord and said, "I am even though I'm the Lord and said, "I am even though I'm the Lord and said, "I am even though I'm the king, I'm not worthy of these men's king, I'm not worthy of these men's king, I'm not worthy of these men's devotion." Now, there's a whole lot you devotion." Now, there's a whole lot you devotion." Now, there's a whole lot you can say about that, but here's the thing can say about that, but here's the thing can say about that, but here's the thing I want you to see.

I want you to see. I want you to see. If you are completely devoted to If you are completely devoted to If you are completely devoted to somebody, somebody, somebody, there's no difference between a command, there's no difference between a command, there's no difference between a command, a request, a request, a request, and a sigh. and a sigh. and a sigh. Your wish is my command. Your sigh is my Your wish is my command. Your sigh is my Your wish is my command. Your sigh is my command. See, if you belong to someone, command. See, if you belong to someone, command. See, if you belong to someone, if they if if you love them so much that if they if if you love them so much that if they if if you love them so much that the claims of love on you are such that the claims of love on you are such that the claims of love on you are such that you don't live the way you would you don't live the way you would you don't live the way you would otherwise live, but you you want to otherwise live, but you you want to otherwise live, but you you want to please them, you want to love them, you please them, you want to love them, you please them, you want to love them, you you you want to delight them. Well, you you want to delight them. Well, you you want to delight them. Well, there's no difference between a command there's no difference between a command there's no difference between a command and a request and a sigh. And so when and a request and a sigh. And so when and a request and a sigh. And so when people come to me and they say, "Pastor, people come to me and they say, "Pastor, people come to me and they say, "Pastor, I want to obey the Bible." I want to obey the Bible." I want to obey the Bible." I say, "Great." Not that many people in I say, "Great." Not that many people in I say, "Great." Not that many people in New York do. New York do. New York do. And so I'm wrestling with this thing And so I'm wrestling with this thing And so I'm wrestling with this thing about tithing. The Bible says I should about tithing. The Bible says I should about tithing. The Bible says I should give 10% of my money away every year, give 10% of my money away every year, give 10% of my money away every year, 10% of my income away to the poor, to 10% of my income away to the poor, to 10% of my income away to the poor, to the church. Yes. What I'm really the church. Yes. What I'm really the church. Yes. What I'm really wrestling is, do I have to do that wrestling is, do I have to do that wrestling is, do I have to do that before taxes? 10% before taxes or after before taxes? 10% before taxes or after before taxes? 10% before taxes or after taxes. taxes. taxes. What kind of question is that? That is What kind of question is that? That is What kind of question is that? That is not the question of a devoted heart.

not the question of a devoted heart. not the question of a devoted heart. That's not the question of a holy heart. Why in the world wouldn't you be doing Why in the world wouldn't you be doing everything possible? If you think this everything possible? If you think this everything possible? If you think this might please God more than you do it. might please God more than you do it. might please God more than you do it. You don't say what's the minimum You don't say what's the minimum You don't say what's the minimum requirement. See that is morality requirement. See that is morality requirement. See that is morality without belonging to him without the without belonging to him without the without belonging to him without the personal. personal. personal. You're unconditionally obedient You're unconditionally obedient You're unconditionally obedient because you're that devoted to him. And because you're that devoted to him. And because you're that devoted to him. And lastly, if you want to be growing into lastly, if you want to be growing into lastly, if you want to be growing into holiness, it takes all the mind, takes holiness, it takes all the mind, takes holiness, it takes all the mind, takes all the will, but also all the will, but also all the will, but also takes a certain kind of heart. And takes a certain kind of heart. And takes a certain kind of heart. And that's our last h. How is it possible to that's our last h. How is it possible to that's our last h. How is it possible to have the inner motivation to be this have the inner motivation to be this have the inner motivation to be this holy? And it tells us here at the end, holy? And it tells us here at the end, holy? And it tells us here at the end, now I got a bit of a problem because it now I got a bit of a problem because it now I got a bit of a problem because it brings up another theme that deserves an brings up another theme that deserves an brings up another theme that deserves an entire sermon, and we will give you more entire sermon, and we will give you more entire sermon, and we will give you more in a couple weeks. But it says, "Since in a couple weeks. But it says, "Since in a couple weeks. But it says, "Since you call on a father who judges each you call on a father who judges each you call on a father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your person's work impartially, live out your person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent time as foreigners here in reverent time as foreigners here in reverent fear." fear." fear." Now, the idea Now, the idea Now, the idea that we are supposed to be characterized that we are supposed to be characterized that we are supposed to be characterized by the fear of God. See, that is another by the fear of God. See, that is another by the fear of God. See, that is another whole theme, a big theme in the Bible.

whole theme, a big theme in the Bible. whole theme, a big theme in the Bible. To understand what it means to live a To understand what it means to live a To understand what it means to live a Christian life, you have to understand Christian life, you have to understand Christian life, you have to understand what it means to live in the fear of what it means to live in the fear of what it means to live in the fear of God. God. God. But even here, so we're I'm not going to But even here, so we're I'm not going to But even here, so we're I'm not going to unpack all that, but I do have to show unpack all that, but I do have to show unpack all that, but I do have to show you basically what this means. It you basically what this means. It you basically what this means. It doesn't mean to be scared. God's going doesn't mean to be scared. God's going doesn't mean to be scared. God's going to destroy you. Notice how interesting to destroy you. Notice how interesting to destroy you. Notice how interesting it is that when verse 17 talks about it is that when verse 17 talks about it is that when verse 17 talks about judgment day, scary, huh? Judgment day. judgment day, scary, huh? Judgment day. judgment day, scary, huh? Judgment day. It points out that if you're a It points out that if you're a It points out that if you're a Christian, it's your father Christian, it's your father Christian, it's your father that will be judging you on judgment that will be judging you on judgment that will be judging you on judgment day. You know, fathers can be pretty day. You know, fathers can be pretty day. You know, fathers can be pretty strict, but they don't destroy their strict, but they don't destroy their strict, but they don't destroy their children. you know, don't throw them in children. you know, don't throw them in children. you know, don't throw them in jail. Fathers are jail. Fathers are jail. Fathers are strict. They got standards. But the main strict. They got standards. But the main strict. They got standards. But the main thing, of course, is that in the end, thing, of course, is that in the end, thing, of course, is that in the end, you know, they love you. No, no, no. you know, they love you. No, no, no. you know, they love you. No, no, no. Reverend fear does not mean you're Reverend fear does not mean you're Reverend fear does not mean you're scared that God is going to destroy you. scared that God is going to destroy you. scared that God is going to destroy you. The word fear means awe and wonder. The word fear means awe and wonder. The word fear means awe and wonder. Inner awe and wonder. It's not enough Inner awe and wonder. It's not enough Inner awe and wonder. It's not enough just to say, "Okay, I've got to be holy just to say, "Okay, I've got to be holy just to say, "Okay, I've got to be holy because I'm supposed to." There has to because I'm supposed to." There has to because I'm supposed to." There has to be an inner awe and wonder about what?

be an inner awe and wonder about what? be an inner awe and wonder about what? Well, it's the next two verses, which we Well, it's the next two verses, which we Well, it's the next two verses, which we didn't print, but I should have, but didn't print, but I should have, but didn't print, but I should have, but they're here. They are. It tells you they're here. They are. It tells you they're here. They are. It tells you right away what should fill your heart right away what should fill your heart right away what should fill your heart with this awe and wonder. Verse 18 and with this awe and wonder. Verse 18 and with this awe and wonder. Verse 18 and 19. For you know that it was not with 19. For you know that it was not with 19. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or perishable things such as silver or perishable things such as silver or gold, that you were redeemed from the gold, that you were redeemed from the gold, that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you empty way of life handed down to you empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors. You know, it was from your ancestors. You know, it was from your ancestors. You know, it was not with perishable things like silver not with perishable things like silver not with perishable things like silver and gold that redeemed you, but with the and gold that redeemed you, but with the and gold that redeemed you, but with the precious blood of Christ, precious blood of Christ, precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. a lamb without blemish or defect. a lamb without blemish or defect. Peter is saying, you have to have a Peter is saying, you have to have a Peter is saying, you have to have a heart filled with awe and wonder at the heart filled with awe and wonder at the heart filled with awe and wonder at the fact that you've been redeemed by fact that you've been redeemed by fact that you've been redeemed by something more precious and beautiful something more precious and beautiful something more precious and beautiful than silver and gold, the precious blood than silver and gold, the precious blood than silver and gold, the precious blood of Christ. of Christ. of Christ. Only if you see the ocean of love Only if you see the ocean of love Only if you see the ocean of love that has flowed out of his head, his that has flowed out of his head, his that has flowed out of his head, his hands, his feet, hands, his feet, hands, his feet, his blood, his sacrificial love. Only if his blood, his sacrificial love. Only if his blood, his sacrificial love. Only if you stand on the shores of that ocean of you stand on the shores of that ocean of you stand on the shores of that ocean of love and contemplate it and think about love and contemplate it and think about love and contemplate it and think about it it it will you will you will you be able to give yourself away, which is be able to give yourself away, which is be able to give yourself away, which is the essence of holiness. Or put one more the essence of holiness. Or put one more the essence of holiness. Or put one more way, here's another way to put it.

way, here's another way to put it. way, here's another way to put it. In John chapter 17 verse 19, the night In John chapter 17 verse 19, the night In John chapter 17 verse 19, the night before he's about to die, he looks at before he's about to die, he looks at before he's about to die, he looks at his disciples that he prays to his his disciples that he prays to his his disciples that he prays to his father and he says, "Father, for their father and he says, "Father, for their father and he says, "Father, for their sakes, I sanctify myself that they may sakes, I sanctify myself that they may sakes, I sanctify myself that they may be sanctified." be sanctified." be sanctified." For their sake, I sanctify myself that For their sake, I sanctify myself that For their sake, I sanctify myself that they may be sanctified. Now, that word they may be sanctified. Now, that word they may be sanctified. Now, that word sanctifi, what what's that? That's the sanctifi, what what's that? That's the sanctifi, what what's that? That's the word holy. word holy. word holy. Sanctity to sanctify to be holy. He Sanctity to sanctify to be holy. He Sanctity to sanctify to be holy. He Jesus Christ says, "I sanctify myself Jesus Christ says, "I sanctify myself Jesus Christ says, "I sanctify myself for their sake." Well, wait a minute. for their sake." Well, wait a minute. for their sake." Well, wait a minute. What does that mean? Does he What does that mean? Does he What does that mean? Does he [clears throat] could it mean I'm going [clears throat] could it mean I'm going [clears throat] could it mean I'm going to make myself moral? No. He's already to make myself moral? No. He's already to make myself moral? No. He's already perfect. Well, then what does it mean perfect. Well, then what does it mean perfect. Well, then what does it mean when it says he sanctifies himself? He's when it says he sanctifies himself? He's when it says he sanctifies himself? He's giving himself away. giving himself away. giving himself away. He's setting himself apart. He's not He's setting himself apart. He's not He's setting himself apart. He's not living for himself anymore. And he says, "For their sakes, And he says, "For their sakes, I'm going to come. I'm going to suffer. I'm going to come. I'm going to suffer. I'm going to come. I'm going to suffer. I'm going to be betrayed. I'm going to I'm going to be betrayed. I'm going to I'm going to be betrayed. I'm going to be tortured. I'm going to be lonely. And be tortured. I'm going to be lonely. And be tortured. I'm going to be lonely. And I'm going to die. I'm going to take I'm going to die. I'm going to take I'm going to die. I'm going to take their sins upon me. What does that mean?

their sins upon me. What does that mean? their sins upon me. What does that mean? I sanctify myself for their sakes. Oh my I sanctify myself for their sakes. Oh my I sanctify myself for their sakes. Oh my goodness. Look at his devotion to you goodness. Look at his devotion to you goodness. Look at his devotion to you and me. and me. and me. Those three men Those three men Those three men only risked their lives for the ones only risked their lives for the ones only risked their lives for the ones that they were devoted to. But Jesus that they were devoted to. But Jesus that they were devoted to. But Jesus Christ, it cost his life to get us what he we needed. to get us what he we needed. Jesus is that devoted to you. He Jesus is that devoted to you. He Jesus is that devoted to you. He sanctifies himself. He's not living for sanctifies himself. He's not living for sanctifies himself. He's not living for himself anymore. See, he gives himself himself anymore. See, he gives himself himself anymore. See, he gives himself away. And you see why? That we might be away. And you see why? That we might be away. And you see why? That we might be sanctified. sanctified. sanctified. He did all that so we could live holy He did all that so we could live holy He did all that so we could live holy lives. You know what? It's almost like lives. You know what? It's almost like lives. You know what? It's almost like he's looking at us and he's saying, "Do he's looking at us and he's saying, "Do he's looking at us and he's saying, "Do you have any idea how freeing it is? How you have any idea how freeing it is? How you have any idea how freeing it is? How free it feels to be sanctified, to not free it feels to be sanctified, to not free it feels to be sanctified, to not live for yourself anymore, to live for live for yourself anymore, to live for live for yourself anymore, to live for God and for others. Do you know how God and for others. Do you know how God and for others. Do you know how claustrophobic?" Of course you do. We claustrophobic?" Of course you do. We claustrophobic?" Of course you do. We all know how claustrophobic it is to all know how claustrophobic it is to all know how claustrophobic it is to live for ourselves. To always be saying, live for ourselves. To always be saying, live for ourselves. To always be saying, you know, "What about me? What about my you know, "What about me? What about my you know, "What about me? What about my needs? Why is she getting that? Why is needs? Why is she getting that? Why is needs? Why is she getting that? Why is he getting that? What about me? Constant he getting that? What about me? Constant he getting that? What about me? Constant self-pity. Constant thinking about self-pity. Constant thinking about self-pity. Constant thinking about yourself. Always unhappy.

yourself. Always unhappy. yourself. Always unhappy. Infinite regress is spiraling down on Infinite regress is spiraling down on Infinite regress is spiraling down on yourself. Why am I not doing this? And yourself. Why am I not doing this? And yourself. Why am I not doing this? And maybe I'm not living and why people maybe I'm not living and why people maybe I'm not living and why people aren't. Don't you want to be free? The aren't. Don't you want to be free? The aren't. Don't you want to be free? The freedom of self forgetfulness. Don't you freedom of self forgetfulness. Don't you freedom of self forgetfulness. Don't you want to be free to live for God and for want to be free to live for God and for want to be free to live for God and for others? Jesus says, I have given up others? Jesus says, I have given up others? Jesus says, I have given up everything everything everything so that you could have the freedom of so that you could have the freedom of so that you could have the freedom of holiness. And only if you see Jesus holiness. And only if you see Jesus holiness. And only if you see Jesus Christ sanctifying himself, Christ sanctifying himself, Christ sanctifying himself, giving himself away for you will you be giving himself away for you will you be giving himself away for you will you be able to sanctify yourself and give able to sanctify yourself and give able to sanctify yourself and give yourself away to him. To the degree you yourself away to him. To the degree you yourself away to him. To the degree you see what your sin cost him. To the see what your sin cost him. To the see what your sin cost him. To the degree you see the preciousness of his degree you see the preciousness of his degree you see the preciousness of his blood. To that degree you'll be able to blood. To that degree you'll be able to blood. To that degree you'll be able to give yourself to him, not live for give yourself to him, not live for give yourself to him, not live for yourself, belong to him and know the yourself, belong to him and know the yourself, belong to him and know the freedom. Listen, in the Old Testament, freedom. Listen, in the Old Testament, freedom. Listen, in the Old Testament, the holiness of God is awesome. But in the holiness of God is awesome. But in the holiness of God is awesome. But in the New Testament, the holiness of God the New Testament, the holiness of God the New Testament, the holiness of God in Jesus Christ giving himself away for in Jesus Christ giving himself away for in Jesus Christ giving himself away for you. In the New Testament, the holiness you. In the New Testament, the holiness you. In the New Testament, the holiness of God is gorgeous. Look at it until it makes you holy.

Look at it until it makes you holy. Let's pray. Thank you, Father, for Let's pray. Thank you, Father, for Let's pray. Thank you, Father, for giving us all we need to be holy. But it giving us all we need to be holy. But it giving us all we need to be holy. But it takes our mind, it takes our wills, and takes our mind, it takes our wills, and takes our mind, it takes our wills, and it takes a constant contemplation of the it takes a constant contemplation of the it takes a constant contemplation of the preciousness of your son's blood. preciousness of your son's blood. preciousness of your son's blood. Uh Lord, right now we're moving into a Uh Lord, right now we're moving into a Uh Lord, right now we're moving into a part of the service in which we are part of the service in which we are part of the service in which we are going to meditate and contemplate the going to meditate and contemplate the going to meditate and contemplate the beauty of that, the preciousness of it. beauty of that, the preciousness of it. beauty of that, the preciousness of it. Make us holy Make us holy Make us holy as we look at it. We pray this in Jesus as we look at it. We pray this in Jesus as we look at it. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen. name. Amen. name. Amen. >> Thank you for listening today. >> Thank you for listening today. >> 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. [music] Your gifts allow us to share the [music] Your gifts allow us to share the [music] Your gifts allow us to share the gospel message with millions of people gospel message with millions of people gospel message with millions of people through our podcast, radio, and other through our podcast, radio, and other through our podcast, radio, and other channels, including here on YouTube. channels, including here on YouTube. channels, including here on YouTube. We're seeing God change lives through We're seeing God change lives through We're seeing God change lives through the increasing reach of this ministry. the increasing reach of this ministry. the increasing reach of this ministry. So, thank you for your part in it. If So, thank you for your part in it. If So, thank you for your part in it. If you'd like to make a gift [music] today, you'd like to make a gift [music] today, you'd like to make a gift [music] today, go to gospelinlife.com/youtube go to gospelinlife.com/youtube go to 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 [music] support for your generous [music] support for your generous [music] support because the gospel really does change because the gospel really does change because the gospel really does change everything.