Our Walk: The Freedom of Submission – Timothy Keller [Sermon]

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority, whether to the every human authority, whether to the every human authority, whether to the emperor as the supreme authority or to emperor as the supreme authority or to emperor as the supreme authority or to governors who are sent by him to punish governors who are sent by him to punish governors who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those those who do wrong and to commend those those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that who do right. For it is God's will that who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the by doing good you should silence the by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. ignorant talk of foolish people. ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your Live as free people, but do not use your Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil. Live as freedom as a cover-up for evil. Live as freedom as a cover-up for evil. Live as God's slaves. Show proper respect to God's slaves. Show proper respect to God's slaves. Show proper respect to everyone. Love the family of believers. everyone. Love the family of believers. everyone. Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Therefore, since Christ suffered in his Therefore, since Christ suffered in his Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same body, arm yourselves also with the same body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude because whoever suffers in the attitude because whoever suffers in the attitude because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. body is done with sin. body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest As a result, they do not live the rest As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human of their earthly lives for evil human of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. desires, but rather for the will of God. desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the For you have spent enough time in the For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do, past doing what pagans choose to do, past doing what pagans choose to do, living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable orgies, carousing, and detestable orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. idolatry. idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join They are surprised that you do not join They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living and them in their reckless, wild living and them in their reckless, wild living and they heap abuse on you.

they heap abuse on you. they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to But they will have to give account to But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and him who is ready to judge the living and him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. the dead. the dead. In the same way, you who are younger In the same way, you who are younger In the same way, you who are younger submit yourselves to your elders. All of submit yourselves to your elders. All of submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility you, clothe yourselves with humility you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because toward one another because toward one another because God opposes the proud but shows favor to God opposes the proud but shows favor to God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. the humble. the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under God's Humble yourselves therefore under God's Humble yourselves therefore under God's mighty hand that he may lift you up in mighty hand that he may lift you up in mighty hand that he may lift you up in due time. due time. due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he Cast all your anxiety on him because he Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. cares for you. cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring the devil prowls around like a roaring the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. lion looking for someone to devour. lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith Resist him, standing firm in the faith Resist him, standing firm in the faith because you know that the The of because you know that the The of because you know that the The of believers throughout the world is believers throughout the world is believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. undergoing the same kind of sufferings. undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you And the God of all grace, who called you And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after to his eternal glory in Christ, after to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will you have suffered a little while, will you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, himself restore you and make you strong, himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. firm, and steadfast. firm, and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever.

To him be the power forever and ever. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen. Amen. Amen. The word of the Lord. >> So these weeks after Easter, we've been >> So these weeks after Easter, we've been looking at the Epistles of 1st and 2nd looking at the Epistles of 1st and 2nd looking at the Epistles of 1st and 2nd Peter to learn something about Peter to learn something about Peter to learn something about what it means to live the Christian what it means to live the Christian what it means to live the Christian life. And there's a lot of very life. And there's a lot of very life. And there's a lot of very important themes that we've been able to important themes that we've been able to important themes that we've been able to get out of 1st and 2nd Peter. The theme get out of 1st and 2nd Peter. The theme get out of 1st and 2nd Peter. The theme of the new birth, of the new birth, of the new birth, of living as exiles, of living as exiles, of living as exiles, uh the concept of holiness, uh the concept of holiness, uh the concept of holiness, the concept of spiritual growth. the concept of spiritual growth. the concept of spiritual growth. Now, tonight Now, tonight Now, tonight >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> uh >> uh >> uh we put together several passages from we put together several passages from we put together several passages from different parts of 1st Peter to try to different parts of 1st Peter to try to different parts of 1st Peter to try to show a thread. There's way too much in show a thread. There's way too much in show a thread. There's way too much in here for us to here for us to here for us to to cover, but I'd like to pull a thread, to cover, but I'd like to pull a thread, to cover, but I'd like to pull a thread, a particular concept out that it's real a particular concept out that it's real a particular concept out that it's real that is very important for us to that is very important for us to that is very important for us to understand if we're going to live the understand if we're going to live the understand if we're going to live the Christian life. And that is the concept Christian life. And that is the concept Christian life. And that is the concept of freedom. of freedom. of freedom. Live as free people. Uh Uh the Reformation was started by Martin the Reformation was started by Martin the Reformation was started by Martin Luther. The Protestant Reformation Luther. The Protestant Reformation Luther. The Protestant Reformation changed the world, it changed history.

changed the world, it changed history. changed the world, it changed history. And one of the two or three And one of the two or three And one of the two or three uh uh uh main short tracks or essays that Martin main short tracks or essays that Martin main short tracks or essays that Martin Luther wrote in order to launch the Luther wrote in order to launch the Luther wrote in order to launch the Protestant Reformation, one of them was Protestant Reformation, one of them was Protestant Reformation, one of them was called called called The Freedom of a Christian. The Freedom of a Christian. The Freedom of a Christian. The Freedom of a Christian. You can get The Freedom of a Christian. You can get The Freedom of a Christian. You can get it online. It's really rather short. it online. It's really rather short. it online. It's really rather short. And it starts like this. And it starts like this. And it starts like this. Luther says, Luther says, Luther says, A Christian is a perfectly free lord of A Christian is a perfectly free lord of A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. all, subject to none. all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful A Christian is a perfectly dutiful A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all servant of all servant of all subject to everyone. subject to everyone. subject to everyone. These two theses seem to contradict each These two theses seem to contradict each These two theses seem to contradict each other. Both are Paul's own statements other. Both are Paul's own statements other. Both are Paul's own statements who says in 1 Corinthians 9:9, "For who says in 1 Corinthians 9:9, "For who says in 1 Corinthians 9:9, "For though I am free from all men, I have though I am free from all men, I have though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all." made myself a slave to all." made myself a slave to all." Now, Luther was writing about a theme Now, Luther was writing about a theme Now, Luther was writing about a theme that we find in the Bible. It's It that that we find in the Bible. It's It that that we find in the Bible. It's It that seems very paradoxical to the modern seems very paradoxical to the modern seems very paradoxical to the modern mind. You see it right there in verse mind. You see it right there in verse mind. You see it right there in verse 16. "Live as free people." And then it 16. "Live as free people." And then it 16. "Live as free people." And then it also says, "Live as God's slaves." Same also says, "Live as God's slaves." Same also says, "Live as God's slaves." Same Same verse.

Same verse. Same verse. And at this this spot, this Christian And at this this spot, this Christian And at this this spot, this Christian concept of the freedom concept of the freedom concept of the freedom of of freedom, the biblical concept of of of freedom, the biblical concept of of of freedom, the biblical concept of the freedom of a Christian, we are at the freedom of a Christian, we are at the freedom of a Christian, we are at loggerheads with our culture. And so, loggerheads with our culture. And so, loggerheads with our culture. And so, we're going to have to spend some time we're going to have to spend some time we're going to have to spend some time tonight trying to find out what the tonight trying to find out what the tonight trying to find out what the Bible means when it talks about Bible means when it talks about Bible means when it talks about Christians being free. Christians being free. Christians being free. Let's take a look at this idea of true Let's take a look at this idea of true Let's take a look at this idea of true spiritual Christian freedom. Let's look spiritual Christian freedom. Let's look spiritual Christian freedom. Let's look and see what it is, and see what it is, and see what it is, what it brings, and how it can grow in what it brings, and how it can grow in what it brings, and how it can grow in us. us. us. What it is, What it is, What it is, what it brings, what it brings, what it brings, and how it grows. and how it grows. and how it grows. First of all, what it is. Uh yeah, let's First of all, what it is. Uh yeah, let's First of all, what it is. Uh yeah, let's go back to that verse that I already go back to that verse that I already go back to that verse that I already mentioned. It's in chapter 2, mentioned. It's in chapter 2, mentioned. It's in chapter 2, verse 16. verse 16. verse 16. "Live as free people." "Live as free people." "Live as free people." But that doesn't mean you should use But that doesn't mean you should use But that doesn't mean you should use your freedom as a cover-up for your freedom as a cover-up for your freedom as a cover-up for uh evil. You must live as God's slaves. uh evil. You must live as God's slaves. uh evil. You must live as God's slaves. Now, when Now, when Now, when Peter says, Peter says, Peter says, "Live as free people," "Live as free people," "Live as free people," which essentially is to live as God's which essentially is to live as God's which essentially is to live as God's slaves, right here we're up against slaves, right here we're up against slaves, right here we're up against uh a conundrum for us because as modern uh a conundrum for us because as modern uh a conundrum for us because as modern people, we live in our modern society.

people, we live in our modern society. people, we live in our modern society. And modern society defines freedom as And modern society defines freedom as And modern society defines freedom as freedom from. freedom from. freedom from. Uh no constraints, no restrictions. Uh no constraints, no restrictions. Uh no constraints, no restrictions. [clears throat] The modern mind, modern society The modern mind, modern society understands understands understands uh freedom as something that is mutually uh freedom as something that is mutually uh freedom as something that is mutually exclusive from obedience and service. If exclusive from obedience and service. If exclusive from obedience and service. If I'm obeying you, or if I'm serving you, I'm obeying you, or if I'm serving you, I'm obeying you, or if I'm serving you, to the degree I'm obeying and serving, to the degree I'm obeying and serving, to the degree I'm obeying and serving, I'm not free. I'm not free. I'm not free. Why? Why? Why? Because freedom is perceived in modern Because freedom is perceived in modern Because freedom is perceived in modern culture as having as many options as culture as having as many options as culture as having as many options as possible. If I have If I If I have the possible. If I have If I If I have the possible. If I have If I If I have the freedom to choose anything I want, then freedom to choose anything I want, then freedom to choose anything I want, then I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. But if I'm under contract, or if I've But if I'm under contract, or if I've But if I'm under contract, or if I've made a promise, or if I'm serving made a promise, or if I'm serving made a promise, or if I'm serving someone, or if I'm someone, or if I'm someone, or if I'm you know, if I'm obeying someone, then you know, if I'm obeying someone, then you know, if I'm obeying someone, then to the degree that I can't to the degree that I can't to the degree that I can't If I'm doing that, that I can't do If I'm doing that, that I can't do If I'm doing that, that I can't do anything I want. And that means anything I want. And that means anything I want. And that means uh uh uh the idea of service and obedience is the idea of service and obedience is the idea of service and obedience is mutually exclusive from mutually exclusive from mutually exclusive from freedom. freedom. freedom. I'm free, or I can obey, I'm free, or I can obey, I'm free, or I can obey, but I can't be both.

but I can't be both. but I can't be both. The Bible says that's not true at all. The Bible says that's not true at all. The Bible says that's not true at all. The Bible conceives freedom not as The Bible conceives freedom not as The Bible conceives freedom not as freedom from, or an absence of freedom from, or an absence of freedom from, or an absence of restrictions and constraints. restrictions and constraints. restrictions and constraints. What does it conceive it of? Well, it What does it conceive it of? Well, it What does it conceive it of? Well, it actually says actually says actually says right there. right there. right there. It says, "You're only free if you are a It says, "You're only free if you are a It says, "You're only free if you are a slave of God." Now, how can it say that? slave of God." Now, how can it say that? slave of God." Now, how can it say that? It really says, "Christians are free It really says, "Christians are free It really says, "Christians are free because they're slaves of God. Unless because they're slaves of God. Unless because they're slaves of God. Unless you're a slave of God, you're not free." you're a slave of God, you're not free." you're a slave of God, you're not free." What? What? What? What How could it say that? Ah. To say What How could it say that? Ah. To say What How could it say that? Ah. To say you're only free if you're a slave of you're only free if you're a slave of you're only free if you're a slave of God God God uh uh uh contains two assumptions. There's two contains two assumptions. There's two contains two assumptions. There's two assumptions assumptions assumptions that without which that makes no sense that without which that makes no sense that without which that makes no sense at all. Here's the two assumptions. at all. Here's the two assumptions. at all. Here's the two assumptions. First of all, the Bible assumes there's First of all, the Bible assumes there's First of all, the Bible assumes there's no such thing no such thing no such thing really really really as freedom from all res- constraints and as freedom from all res- constraints and as freedom from all res- constraints and all restrictions. The Bible assumes that all restrictions. The Bible assumes that all restrictions. The Bible assumes that everybody is a slave to something. You see, if if you hear the Bible say You see, if if you hear the Bible say "Unless you're a slave to God, you're "Unless you're a slave to God, you're "Unless you're a slave to God, you're not free." You say, "That's crazy."

not free." You say, "That's crazy." not free." You say, "That's crazy." Well, it's not crazy if you agree, and Well, it's not crazy if you agree, and Well, it's not crazy if you agree, and I'm going to try to convince you right I'm going to try to convince you right I'm going to try to convince you right here, here, here, that everybody is a slave to something. that everybody is a slave to something. that everybody is a slave to something. Everybody is a slave of something. Everybody is a slave of something. Everybody is a slave of something. Romans 6, go read that chapter sometime, Romans 6, go read that chapter sometime, Romans 6, go read that chapter sometime, and you'll see the main burden of that and you'll see the main burden of that and you'll see the main burden of that chapter is to say that you're either a chapter is to say that you're either a chapter is to say that you're either a slave to your ego, to yourself, to sin, slave to your ego, to yourself, to sin, slave to your ego, to yourself, to sin, or to God. There's no third alternative. or to God. There's no third alternative. or to God. There's no third alternative. Go to the first commandment. Go to the first commandment. Go to the first commandment. I'm the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no I'm the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no I'm the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no other god before me. other god before me. other god before me. And again you see And again you see And again you see you either are worshipping God, the true you either are worshipping God, the true you either are worshipping God, the true God, or else you're putting something God, or else you're putting something God, or else you're putting something else and making it God. else and making it God. else and making it God. But there's no third alternative. But there's no third alternative. But there's no third alternative. You're either worshipping God or You're either worshipping God or You're either worshipping God or something else. You're either a slave to something else. You're either a slave to something else. You're either a slave to your own ego or to something else. your own ego or to something else. your own ego or to something else. You know, or to God, but but there's no You know, or to God, but but there's no You know, or to God, but but there's no but there's no there's no third but there's no there's no third but there's no there's no third alternative. Euripides, this isn't from alternative. Euripides, this isn't from alternative. Euripides, this isn't from the Bible by the way, Euripides is one the Bible by the way, Euripides is one the Bible by the way, Euripides is one of the of the of the ancient Greek authors and he said this, ancient Greek authors and he said this, ancient Greek authors and he said this, it's just a pretty almost a common sense it's just a pretty almost a common sense it's just a pretty almost a common sense thing. He says, "No one is wholly free. thing. He says, "No one is wholly free. thing. He says, "No one is wholly free. You are a slave to wealth or to the law You are a slave to wealth or to the law You are a slave to wealth or to the law or to the people you're seeking to or to the people you're seeking to or to the people you're seeking to please."

please." please." Nobody's free. You're a slave to Nobody's free. You're a slave to Nobody's free. You're a slave to something. Now, how can he say that? something. Now, how can he say that? something. Now, how can he say that? Well, here's you you can see what's Well, here's you you can see what's Well, here's you you can see what's implied in the statement. You live for implied in the statement. You live for implied in the statement. You live for something. Everybody's living for something. Everybody's living for something. Everybody's living for something, right? Whatever you're living something, right? Whatever you're living something, right? Whatever you're living for, that is the spiritual authority in for, that is the spiritual authority in for, that is the spiritual authority in your life. your life. your life. You're a slave to it. You're a slave to it. You're a slave to it. See, is there anything in your life that See, is there anything in your life that See, is there anything in your life that if you lost it if you lost it if you lost it or if something jeopardized it, you or if something jeopardized it, you or if something jeopardized it, you wouldn't even know what why to go on? wouldn't even know what why to go on? wouldn't even know what why to go on? You would you would lose your meaning in You would you would lose your meaning in You would you would lose your meaning in life. Is there anything? Of course there life. Is there anything? Of course there life. Is there anything? Of course there has to be something or you wouldn't has to be something or you wouldn't has to be something or you wouldn't Everybody's got to live for something or Everybody's got to live for something or Everybody's got to live for something or some things that give your life meaning some things that give your life meaning some things that give your life meaning and purpose. Whatever those things are, and purpose. Whatever those things are, and purpose. Whatever those things are, you've got to have them and because you've got to have them and because you've got to have them and because you've got to have them you're slave to them. you're slave to them. You have to do what it takes to get You have to do what it takes to get You have to do what it takes to get them. them. them. You've got to do anything and you will You've got to do anything and you will You've got to do anything and you will do anything to get them. do anything to get them. do anything to get them. There was a you know, the great novel by There was a you know, the great novel by There was a you know, the great novel by Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist. Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist. Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist. Was Was Was it got it got in that book it's got a it got it got in that book it's got a it got it got in that book it's got a character Nancy who is a prostitute with character Nancy who is a prostitute with character Nancy who is a prostitute with a heart of gold.

a heart of gold. a heart of gold. Nancy is with Bill Sikes, Nancy is with Bill Sikes, Nancy is with Bill Sikes, a very violent man who beats her. He a very violent man who beats her. He a very violent man who beats her. He abuses her, and yet she stays with him. abuses her, and yet she stays with him. abuses her, and yet she stays with him. Why? Because Why? Because Why? Because he is the main source of her meaning in he is the main source of her meaning in he is the main source of her meaning in life. He is her significance, he is her life. He is her significance, he is her life. He is her significance, he is her security, he needs she needs his love security, he needs she needs his love security, he needs she needs his love so much that even when he beats her, she so much that even when he beats her, she so much that even when he beats her, she stays with him. And in the Broadway stays with him. And in the Broadway stays with him. And in the Broadway musical version of Oliver Twist, which musical version of Oliver Twist, which musical version of Oliver Twist, which is Oliver, you may have seen it, it was is Oliver, you may have seen it, it was is Oliver, you may have seen it, it was also made into a movie, uh one of the also made into a movie, uh one of the also made into a movie, uh one of the most most most wrenching and excruciating wrenching and excruciating wrenching and excruciating uh songs in all of musical theater is uh songs in all of musical theater is uh songs in all of musical theater is when Nancy in the musical sings when Nancy in the musical sings when Nancy in the musical sings about why she stays with Bill even about why she stays with Bill even about why she stays with Bill even though he beats her. though he beats her. though he beats her. She says, uh She says, uh She says, uh "I know as long as he needs me, that's "I know as long as he needs me, that's "I know as long as he needs me, that's right where I'll be. I'll cling on right where I'll be. I'll cling on right where I'll be. I'll cling on steadfastly as long as he needs me." And steadfastly as long as he needs me." And steadfastly as long as he needs me." And you And you listen to that and you say, you And you listen to that and you say, you And you listen to that and you say, "Oh my word. "Oh my word. "Oh my word. Why would you give that man such power Why would you give that man such power Why would you give that man such power over you, woman?" is what you're saying over you, woman?" is what you're saying over you, woman?" is what you're saying as you're listening to her sing as you're listening to her sing as you're listening to her sing beautifully. Usually, it's It's a great beautifully. Usually, it's It's a great beautifully. Usually, it's It's a great It's a It's a great number. But as It's a It's a great number. But as It's a It's a great number. But as you're sitting there thinking, you're sitting there thinking, you're sitting there thinking, "Why would you give that man that kind "Why would you give that man that kind "Why would you give that man that kind of power over you so that you would you of power over you so that you would you of power over you so that you would you would stay with him even if he abuses would stay with him even if he abuses would stay with him even if he abuses you?" Why? Because you?" Why? Because you?" Why? Because if this is the main source of my love if this is the main source of my love if this is the main source of my love and and and security, I'll do anything to keep it.

security, I'll do anything to keep it. security, I'll do anything to keep it. All right. We say, "That's just All right. We say, "That's just All right. We say, "That's just terrible. It's awful." All right. Well, terrible. It's awful." All right. Well, terrible. It's awful." All right. Well, in 25 years as a pastor in New York in 25 years as a pastor in New York in 25 years as a pastor in New York City, City, City, I have seen the average New Yorker I have seen the average New Yorker I have seen the average New Yorker attitude toward his or her career attitude toward his or her career attitude toward his or her career is almost exactly the same relationship is almost exactly the same relationship is almost exactly the same relationship that Nancy had to Bill Sikes. that Nancy had to Bill Sikes. that Nancy had to Bill Sikes. You've got to be successful, you've got You've got to be successful, you've got You've got to be successful, you've got to be good at this, you This is what you to be good at this, you This is what you to be good at this, you This is what you give yourself to, and the career abuses give yourself to, and the career abuses give yourself to, and the career abuses you. It Why? Because you've got to have you. It Why? Because you've got to have you. It Why? Because you've got to have it. it. it. Everybody's in some kind of Everybody's in some kind of Everybody's in some kind of codependent addictive relationship with codependent addictive relationship with codependent addictive relationship with something. It's called your meaning in something. It's called your meaning in something. It's called your meaning in life. Whatever you're living for, Whatever you're living for, you're a slave to it. you're a slave to it. you're a slave to it. And therefore, don't say, "Well, you can And therefore, don't say, "Well, you can And therefore, don't say, "Well, you can eat, you know, you're a Christian. You eat, you know, you're a Christian. You eat, you know, you're a Christian. You You obey God. I'm free." No. You obey God. I'm free." No. You obey God. I'm free." No. Nobody's free. Everybody's a slave to Nobody's free. Everybody's a slave to Nobody's free. Everybody's a slave to something. That's the first assumption something. That's the first assumption something. That's the first assumption behind this statement in verse 16. The behind this statement in verse 16. The behind this statement in verse 16. The second assumption second assumption second assumption is since everyone is living for is since everyone is living for is since everyone is living for something and therefore everyone is something and therefore everyone is something and therefore everyone is driven by something, everyone is a slave driven by something, everyone is a slave driven by something, everyone is a slave to something, therefore, freedom is not to something, therefore, freedom is not to something, therefore, freedom is not an absence of restrictions. It's not an an absence of restrictions. It's not an an absence of restrictions. It's not an absence of restrictions. It's finding absence of restrictions. It's finding absence of restrictions. It's finding the right restrictions.

So, for example, So, for example, uh uh uh let's just say that you uh let's just say that you uh let's just say that you uh you're my age. And you go to a doctor you're my age. And you go to a doctor you're my age. And you go to a doctor and the doctor says, "You know, unless and the doctor says, "You know, unless and the doctor says, "You know, unless you follow a very, very strict diet, you follow a very, very strict diet, you follow a very, very strict diet, you're going to die of a heart attack." you're going to die of a heart attack." you're going to die of a heart attack." And I say, "Oh, all right. Well, tell me And I say, "Oh, all right. Well, tell me And I say, "Oh, all right. Well, tell me show me the diet." Well, here's the five show me the diet." Well, here's the five show me the diet." Well, here's the five things you can eat and here's the 30,000 things you can eat and here's the 30,000 things you can eat and here's the 30,000 or 40,000 things that you can't. So, you or 40,000 things that you can't. So, you or 40,000 things that you can't. So, you know, this is a very long list on this know, this is a very long list on this know, this is a very long list on this side. Here's 30 or 40,000 things. Here's side. Here's 30 or 40,000 things. Here's side. Here's 30 or 40,000 things. Here's five or six things you can eat and you five or six things you can eat and you five or six things you can eat and you go, "Oh, no, this is terrible." Well, if go, "Oh, no, this is terrible." Well, if go, "Oh, no, this is terrible." Well, if the doctor is wise and by the way, if the doctor is wise and by the way, if the doctor is wise and by the way, if any of you are doctors, you can use this any of you are doctors, you can use this any of you are doctors, you can use this tonight for free. It's uh you know, in tonight for free. It's uh you know, in tonight for free. It's uh you know, in your patient education. I'm sure this your patient education. I'm sure this your patient education. I'm sure this will come in useful. What you can say will come in useful. What you can say will come in useful. What you can say is, "Well, is, "Well, is, "Well, there's going to be restrictions one way there's going to be restrictions one way there's going to be restrictions one way or the other." or the other." or the other." You see, on the one hand, you could just You see, on the one hand, you could just You see, on the one hand, you could just have unlimited eats. Just eat whatever have unlimited eats. Just eat whatever have unlimited eats. Just eat whatever you want. you want. you want. Uh but later on, there will be the Uh but later on, there will be the Uh but later on, there will be the restrictions of being in a hospital, restrictions of being in a hospital, restrictions of being in a hospital, you know, you know, you know, um um um being hooked up to a lot of tubes and being hooked up to a lot of tubes and being hooked up to a lot of tubes and maybe death.

maybe death. maybe death. So, you could have unlimited eating now So, you could have unlimited eating now So, you could have unlimited eating now and you can have the restriction of an and you can have the restriction of an and you can have the restriction of an early and horrible death. early and horrible death. early and horrible death. Or Or Or you could restrict your diet now you could restrict your diet now you could restrict your diet now and have a long and healthy life. and have a long and healthy life. and have a long and healthy life. There's going to be restrictions either There's going to be restrictions either There's going to be restrictions either way. When you say, "Well, there's going way. When you say, "Well, there's going way. When you say, "Well, there's going to be restrictions either way." Well, to be restrictions either way." Well, to be restrictions either way." Well, then what you want is you want the then what you want is you want the then what you want is you want the liberating liberating liberating restrictions. You want the restrictions restrictions. You want the restrictions restrictions. You want the restrictions that liberate. that liberate. that liberate. That bring the health, that bring the That bring the health, that bring the That bring the health, that bring the life, that bring the other good things. life, that bring the other good things. life, that bring the other good things. See, since everyone is living for See, since everyone is living for See, since everyone is living for something, if you're living for your something, if you're living for your something, if you're living for your career, you're under restrictions. You career, you're under restrictions. You career, you're under restrictions. You busted a gut to get into the grad school busted a gut to get into the grad school busted a gut to get into the grad school you got into and then to get the job you you got into and then to get the job you you got into and then to get the job you got into. You you're under all kinds of got into. You you're under all kinds of got into. You you're under all kinds of restrictions. But what restrictions are restrictions. But what restrictions are restrictions. But what restrictions are liberating restrictions? liberating restrictions? liberating restrictions? And the answer is the restrictions that And the answer is the restrictions that And the answer is the restrictions that fit with your design. fit with your design. fit with your design. If you buy a car that only takes diesel If you buy a car that only takes diesel If you buy a car that only takes diesel fuel, fuel, fuel, then you must restrict yourself to then you must restrict yourself to then you must restrict yourself to diesel fuel. diesel fuel. diesel fuel. You walk go into a into a gas station You walk go into a into a gas station You walk go into a into a gas station and you see the diesel fuel is and you see the diesel fuel is and you see the diesel fuel is more expensive than the gasoline. You more expensive than the gasoline. You more expensive than the gasoline. You say, "Ah, I don't want to restrict my I say, "Ah, I don't want to restrict my I say, "Ah, I don't want to restrict my I don't want to, you know, confine myself don't want to, you know, confine myself don't want to, you know, confine myself to diesel fuel. I want the I want the to diesel fuel. I want the I want the to diesel fuel. I want the I want the cheaper gasoline." You put it into your cheaper gasoline." You put it into your cheaper gasoline." You put it into your automobile and you're going to ruin the automobile and you're going to ruin the automobile and you're going to ruin the emission system and you're going to ruin emission system and you're going to ruin emission system and you're going to ruin it in all sorts of ways. If you restrict it in all sorts of ways. If you restrict it in all sorts of ways. If you restrict yourself to diesel fuel, then the car yourself to diesel fuel, then the car yourself to diesel fuel, then the car will whisk you around, give you a good will whisk you around, give you a good will whisk you around, give you a good fuel mileage. Why? Because you have fuel mileage. Why? Because you have fuel mileage. Why? Because you have chosen the restrictions that fit the chosen the restrictions that fit the chosen the restrictions that fit the design of the car.

design of the car. design of the car. Now, what does this mean spiritually? Now, what does this mean spiritually? Now, what does this mean spiritually? Here's what it simply means. Here's what it simply means. Here's what it simply means. If there's a God, If there's a God, If there's a God, and there is, he created you he created you and he built you to serve him. and he built you to serve him. and he built you to serve him. In that case, In that case, In that case, the only thing that will really make you the only thing that will really make you the only thing that will really make you all that you should be all that you should be all that you should be is full complete obedience to God. When is full complete obedience to God. When is full complete obedience to God. When I was a a a young Christian, I wrote it I was a a a young Christian, I wrote it I was a a a young Christian, I wrote it read a little booklet which is not in read a little booklet which is not in read a little booklet which is not in print hasn't been in print for years print hasn't been in print for years print hasn't been in print for years that you can still probably get it used. that you can still probably get it used. that you can still probably get it used. A little booklet called Becoming Free A little booklet called Becoming Free A little booklet called Becoming Free by Charles Hummel. by Charles Hummel. by Charles Hummel. And it was a marvelous book. I've never And it was a marvelous book. I've never And it was a marvelous book. I've never forgotten it. Actually, you know, it has forgotten it. Actually, you know, it has forgotten it. Actually, you know, it has not only not only not only been the basis for an awful lot of my my been the basis for an awful lot of my my been the basis for an awful lot of my my my understanding of my Christian life, my understanding of my Christian life, my understanding of my Christian life, but as some of you know, if you've been but as some of you know, if you've been but as some of you know, if you've been around, it's been the basis of a lot of around, it's been the basis of a lot of around, it's been the basis of a lot of my preaching. my preaching. my preaching. And in it he uses an illustration. It's And in it he uses an illustration. It's And in it he uses an illustration. It's a classic illustration. a classic illustration. a classic illustration. He thinks about a fish. Now he says, He thinks about a fish. Now he says, He thinks about a fish. Now he says, "Imagine this fish is in the water, but "Imagine this fish is in the water, but "Imagine this fish is in the water, but this fish has gone to a typical American this fish has gone to a typical American this fish has gone to a typical American school where he was told he was given school where he was told he was given school where he was told he was given the this fish was given the modern the this fish was given the modern the this fish was given the modern modern society's understanding of modern society's understanding of modern society's understanding of freedom."

freedom." freedom." And he says, "You know, I am not free if And he says, "You know, I am not free if And he says, "You know, I am not free if I'm confined to the water. I'm confined to the water. I'm confined to the water. I see all these people walking around I see all these people walking around I see all these people walking around there out on the land. I always look and there out on the land. I always look and there out on the land. I always look and I say, I want to be able to be free I say, I want to be able to be free I say, I want to be able to be free enough to go out in the water. So, one enough to go out in the water. So, one enough to go out in the water. So, one day the fish jumps out of the water onto day the fish jumps out of the water onto day the fish jumps out of the water onto the land. the land. the land. Will he enjoy himself? Will he enjoy himself? Will he enjoy himself? >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> No. He will flop. >> No. He will flop. >> No. He will flop. He will gasp. He will gasp. He will gasp. And he will be dying. And he will be dying. And he will be dying. Why? Because the fish is not built for Why? Because the fish is not built for Why? Because the fish is not built for the water. The fish isn't designed for the water. The fish isn't designed for the water. The fish isn't designed for the water. But if you the water. But if you the water. But if you if you take this gasping dying fish and if you take this gasping dying fish and if you take this gasping dying fish and you throw it back into the water, you throw it back into the water, you throw it back into the water, immediately, immediately, immediately, with a flick of his tail, he's zooming with a flick of his tail, he's zooming with a flick of his tail, he's zooming like lightning through the water. Why? like lightning through the water. Why? like lightning through the water. Why? Because the water is what he was built Because the water is what he was built Because the water is what he was built for. He was not built to be breathing on for. He was not built to be breathing on for. He was not built to be breathing on land. He has gills. He was not built to land. He has gills. He was not built to land. He has gills. He was not built to be moving around on land. He doesn't be moving around on land. He doesn't be moving around on land. He doesn't have any legs. He was built for the have any legs. He was built for the have any legs. He was built for the water. And when he is in the medium or water. And when he is in the medium or water. And when he is in the medium or the the environment that that he was the the environment that that he was the the environment that that he was built for, then he experiences all the built for, then he experiences all the built for, then he experiences all the fullness of his potential. Upon upon the fullness of his potential. Upon upon the fullness of his potential. Upon upon the the land he can't. So, Charles Hummel in the land he can't. So, Charles Hummel in the land he can't. So, Charles Hummel in the book says simply said this, the book says simply said this, the book says simply said this, "If there's a God who created you for "If there's a God who created you for "If there's a God who created you for himself, himself, himself, then do you realize that if you're then do you realize that if you're then do you realize that if you're living for your career more than for living for your career more than for living for your career more than for God, God, God, if you're living for your family more if you're living for your family more if you're living for your family more than for God or for some particular than for God or for some particular than for God or for some particular loved person more than God, if God is not your highest allegiance, if God is not your highest allegiance, you're like a fish flopping around on you're like a fish flopping around on you're like a fish flopping around on the land. It's you weren't built for the land. It's you weren't built for the land. It's you weren't built for that.

But to fully obey God, make him your But to fully obey God, make him your highest allegiance, your highest trust. highest allegiance, your highest trust. highest allegiance, your highest trust. That's like That's like That's like being thrown into the water. That's the being thrown into the water. That's the being thrown into the water. That's the water of your soul that your soul is water of your soul that your soul is water of your soul that your soul is looking for. looking for. looking for. That will That will That will enable you to realize your fullest enable you to realize your fullest enable you to realize your fullest potential. potential. potential. And for well and for all of us for every And for well and for all of us for every And for well and for all of us for every single person in this room, there's not single person in this room, there's not single person in this room, there's not a single person whether you've tried or a single person whether you've tried or a single person whether you've tried or haven't tried who's realized that full haven't tried who's realized that full haven't tried who's realized that full allegiance and obedience to God and we allegiance and obedience to God and we allegiance and obedience to God and we won't realize that until Jesus Christ won't realize that until Jesus Christ won't realize that until Jesus Christ returns and we stand before him. And returns and we stand before him. And returns and we stand before him. And then you know, there's you know that then you know, there's you know that then you know, there's you know that place in Psalm 96 where it says, where it says, "When God returns to Earth, the trees of "When God returns to Earth, the trees of "When God returns to Earth, the trees of the wood will sing for joy and the hills the wood will sing for joy and the hills the wood will sing for joy and the hills and the mountains will clap their and the mountains will clap their and the mountains will clap their hands." You know what that means? It hands." You know what that means? It hands." You know what that means? It means that when God comes back, means that when God comes back, means that when God comes back, everything under his rule will blossom everything under his rule will blossom everything under his rule will blossom into the fullness of what it is. It's into the fullness of what it is. It's into the fullness of what it is. It's every things are nothing like I mean every things are nothing like I mean every things are nothing like I mean believe it or not it's saying that the believe it or not it's saying that the believe it or not it's saying that the trees and the mountains are nothing trees and the mountains are nothing trees and the mountains are nothing compared to what they will be under the compared to what they will be under the compared to what they will be under the rule of God. rule of God. rule of God. Under the rule of God, Under the rule of God, Under the rule of God, the complete and perfect and full the complete and perfect and full the complete and perfect and full obedience and rule of God, everything obedience and rule of God, everything obedience and rule of God, everything blossoms.

blossoms. blossoms. Who knows what you're going to be like? Who knows what you're going to be like? Who knows what you're going to be like? Who knows what we will be like? Who knows what we will be like? Who knows what we will be like? A Christian is somebody who understands A Christian is somebody who understands A Christian is somebody who understands that. that. that. Live as free people Live as free people Live as free people because because because you're God's slaves. you're God's slaves. you're God's slaves. To the degree you're God's slaves, to To the degree you're God's slaves, to To the degree you're God's slaves, to that degree you will be God's you will that degree you will be God's you will that degree you will be God's you will be free people. be free people. be free people. That's what freedom is. Secondly, That's what freedom is. Secondly, That's what freedom is. Secondly, what does this freedom really look like? what does this freedom really look like? what does this freedom really look like? I said, "What does it bring?" Now I said, "What does it bring?" Now I said, "What does it bring?" Now there's there's three things in here there's there's three things in here there's there's three things in here that we can briefly look at as aspects. that we can briefly look at as aspects. that we can briefly look at as aspects. I mean when I say you're free I mean when I say you're free I mean when I say you're free you're free only if you give God your you're free only if you give God your you're free only if you give God your highest allegiance. You say, "Well, what highest allegiance. You say, "Well, what highest allegiance. You say, "Well, what does that mean? Free how?" does that mean? Free how?" does that mean? Free how?" You know, you've used illustrations like You know, you've used illustrations like You know, you've used illustrations like the fish in the water, but what does the fish in the water, but what does the fish in the water, but what does that mean or what does that feel like? that mean or what does that feel like? that mean or what does that feel like? Well, this is where by pulling together Well, this is where by pulling together Well, this is where by pulling together these various verses from chapters 2, 4, these various verses from chapters 2, 4, these various verses from chapters 2, 4, and 5 of the book of and 5 of the book of and 5 of the book of of of Peter, I've I'm just showing you of of Peter, I've I'm just showing you of of Peter, I've I'm just showing you some other implications and some other some other implications and some other some other implications and some other ways in which Christian freedom works ways in which Christian freedom works ways in which Christian freedom works itself out. Here's what they are. Number itself out. Here's what they are. Number itself out. Here's what they are. Number one, one, one, Christian freedom, making God your Christian freedom, making God your Christian freedom, making God your highest allegiance, brings a freedom highest allegiance, brings a freedom highest allegiance, brings a freedom from uncontrollable, enslaving emotions from uncontrollable, enslaving emotions from uncontrollable, enslaving emotions and desires.

and desires. and desires. Freedom from uncontrollable Freedom from uncontrollable Freedom from uncontrollable and and and enslaving emotions and desires. enslaving emotions and desires. enslaving emotions and desires. Look at verse two of chapter four. Look at verse two of chapter four. Look at verse two of chapter four. It's talking about Christians. It says, It's talking about Christians. It says, It's talking about Christians. It says, "As a result, because they're looking to "As a result, because they're looking to "As a result, because they're looking to the to Jesus Christ who suffered, the to Jesus Christ who suffered, the to Jesus Christ who suffered, because they're they they've they've because they're they they've they've because they're they they've they've turned away from sin, as a result, turned away from sin, as a result, turned away from sin, as a result, Christians do not live the rest of their Christians do not live the rest of their Christians do not live the rest of their earthly lives earthly lives earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for for evil human desires, but rather for for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God." What does that mean? the will of God." What does that mean? the will of God." What does that mean? Evil human desires. That is the Greek Evil human desires. That is the Greek Evil human desires. That is the Greek word that I'm constantly talking to you word that I'm constantly talking to you word that I'm constantly talking to you about because it's so it's so uh about because it's so it's so uh about because it's so it's so uh it's everywhere in the New Testament. it's everywhere in the New Testament. it's everywhere in the New Testament. It's so important. It's the word epide- It's so important. It's the word epide- It's so important. It's the word epide- epi- epithumia, which means an epi- epithumia, which means an epi- epithumia, which means an epi-desire or an over-desire, an epi-desire or an over-desire, an epi-desire or an over-desire, an inordinate desire. inordinate desire. inordinate desire. An excessive desire. An excessive desire. An excessive desire. And what what And what what And what what Christian freedom brings is Christian freedom brings is Christian freedom brings is a freedom from taking good things and a freedom from taking good things and a freedom from taking good things and turning them into such important things turning them into such important things turning them into such important things that we're driven by over-desires. You that we're driven by over-desires. You that we're driven by over-desires. You say, "What's an over-desire?" Okay, say, "What's an over-desire?" Okay, say, "What's an over-desire?" Okay, think of this. We should all desire good think of this. We should all desire good think of this. We should all desire good health, right? We should all desire good health, right? We should all desire good health, right? We should all desire good health, but health, but health, but a hypochondriac a hypochondriac a hypochondriac is a person so obsessed, so is a person so obsessed, so is a person so obsessed, so over-desiring and a hypochondriac is over-desiring and a hypochondriac is over-desiring and a hypochondriac is with an epi-desire for with an epi-desire for with an epi-desire for for a good health. And you know, a for a good health. And you know, a for a good health. And you know, a hypochondriac makes hypochondriac makes hypochondriac makes everyone miserable and the hypochondriac everyone miserable and the hypochondriac everyone miserable and the hypochondriac miserable, too, because always seeing miserable, too, because always seeing miserable, too, because always seeing imaginary problems and all.

imaginary problems and all. imaginary problems and all. There's nothing wrong with wanting good There's nothing wrong with wanting good There's nothing wrong with wanting good health. That's fine. But an over-desire? health. That's fine. But an over-desire? health. That's fine. But an over-desire? So, as we've already said, there's So, as we've already said, there's So, as we've already said, there's nothing wrong with loving nothing wrong with loving nothing wrong with loving another human being in friendship or another human being in friendship or another human being in friendship or romance. There's nothing wrong with romance. There's nothing wrong with romance. There's nothing wrong with wanting to have a good career, but it's wanting to have a good career, but it's wanting to have a good career, but it's the over desires the over desires the over desires that are created when they become more that are created when they become more that are created when they become more important than God, then what that does important than God, then what that does important than God, then what that does is it gives you enslaving enslaving is it gives you enslaving enslaving is it gives you enslaving enslaving desires. So, for example, just two. desires. So, for example, just two. desires. So, for example, just two. Um Um Um Uh some years ago I saw a movie called Uh some years ago I saw a movie called Uh some years ago I saw a movie called Dad and it had Jack Lemmon, Ted Danson, Dad and it had Jack Lemmon, Ted Danson, Dad and it had Jack Lemmon, Ted Danson, and Ethan Hawke in it. Jack Lemmon uh and Ethan Hawke in it. Jack Lemmon uh and Ethan Hawke in it. Jack Lemmon uh played the grandfather, Ted Danson played the grandfather, Ted Danson played the grandfather, Ted Danson played the father, and Ethan Hawke played the father, and Ethan Hawke played the father, and Ethan Hawke played the son. played the son. played the son. And because the grandfather Jack was And because the grandfather Jack was And because the grandfather Jack was sick, uh it brings Ted Danson back sick, uh it brings Ted Danson back sick, uh it brings Ted Danson back together with his younger son Ethan together with his younger son Ethan together with his younger son Ethan Hawke because years ago Ted had left the Hawke because years ago Ted had left the Hawke because years ago Ted had left the family and so he didn't have a good family and so he didn't have a good family and so he didn't have a good relationship with his son. So, at one relationship with his son. So, at one relationship with his son. So, at one point uh Ted Danson and Ethan Hawke are point uh Ted Danson and Ethan Hawke are point uh Ted Danson and Ethan Hawke are talking and Ethan Hawke uh the the son talking and Ethan Hawke uh the the son talking and Ethan Hawke uh the the son has the gets up the courage to say, has the gets up the courage to say, has the gets up the courage to say, "Dad, why did you leave us?

"Dad, why did you leave us? "Dad, why did you leave us? Why did you leave us?" Why did you leave us?" Why did you leave us?" And Ted Danson starts to makes, you And Ted Danson starts to makes, you And Ted Danson starts to makes, you know, uh the Ted Danson plays a know, uh the Ted Danson plays a know, uh the Ted Danson plays a character who makes a lot of excuses and character who makes a lot of excuses and character who makes a lot of excuses and says, "Well, you know, your mother was says, "Well, you know, your mother was says, "Well, you know, your mother was jealous of my career and then she got in jealous of my career and then she got in jealous of my career and then she got in the way." Finally, at a certain point he the way." Finally, at a certain point he the way." Finally, at a certain point he kind of looks at the ground and he says, kind of looks at the ground and he says, kind of looks at the ground and he says, "Making money made me feel like a man." Now, there's nothing wrong with making Now, there's nothing wrong with making money and there's nothing wrong with money and there's nothing wrong with money and there's nothing wrong with wanting to make money and there's wanting to make money and there's wanting to make money and there's nothing wrong with wanting to have a nothing wrong with wanting to have a nothing wrong with wanting to have a career, but when you get to the place career, but when you get to the place career, but when you get to the place where I need to have that so much that where I need to have that so much that where I need to have that so much that even if it gets in the way of my my even if it gets in the way of my my even if it gets in the way of my my relationship with my wife, even if it relationship with my wife, even if it relationship with my wife, even if it gets in the way with my family, I've got gets in the way with my family, I've got gets in the way with my family, I've got to still make that money. What is that? to still make that money. What is that? to still make that money. What is that? That's an over desire. That's an epi That's an over desire. That's an epi That's an over desire. That's an epi desire. That means you're in the grip. desire. That means you're in the grip. desire. That means you're in the grip. You're an addict. And see, everybody's You're an addict. And see, everybody's You're an addict. And see, everybody's addicted to something. Look, if Nancy addicted to something. Look, if Nancy addicted to something. Look, if Nancy and Bill Sikes, let's go back to Nancy and Bill Sikes, let's go back to Nancy and Bill Sikes, let's go back to Nancy and Bill Sikes for one more time. and Bill Sikes for one more time. and Bill Sikes for one more time. If Nancy was a slave of God, put it if If Nancy was a slave of God, put it if If Nancy was a slave of God, put it if her highest allegiance was to God, if her highest allegiance was to God, if her highest allegiance was to God, if her greatest hope was to God, her greatest hope was to God, her greatest hope was to God, if her greatest happiness was in God, if if her greatest happiness was in God, if if her greatest happiness was in God, if her significance and security was in her significance and security was in her significance and security was in God, then Bill Hitser and what she could God, then Bill Hitser and what she could God, then Bill Hitser and what she could do is say this, Bill, I'd love to have a do is say this, Bill, I'd love to have a do is say this, Bill, I'd love to have a love relationship with you, but I'm love relationship with you, but I'm love relationship with you, but I'm calling the police. You can't do that.

calling the police. You can't do that. calling the police. You can't do that. However, if Bill Sykes is her However, if Bill Sykes is her However, if Bill Sykes is her significance and security, if if if she significance and security, if if if she significance and security, if if if she if he and his love is the only thing if he and his love is the only thing if he and his love is the only thing that makes her feel that makes her feel that makes her feel worthwhile, then Bill Hitze and what's worthwhile, then Bill Hitze and what's worthwhile, then Bill Hitze and what's he going to say? She's going to say, I he going to say? She's going to say, I he going to say? She's going to say, I must have done something to deserve must have done something to deserve must have done something to deserve that. Cuz she can't she can't do anything that Cuz she can't she can't do anything that would disrupt the relationship. Why? would disrupt the relationship. Why? would disrupt the relationship. Why? She's got to have it. She's got to have it. She's got to have it. Making money made me feel like a man. Making money made me feel like a man. Making money made me feel like a man. Having his love made me feel like a Having his love made me feel like a Having his love made me feel like a woman. woman. woman. You know, these are the things that make You know, these are the things that make You know, these are the things that make me feel like a human being. Oh. me feel like a human being. Oh. me feel like a human being. Oh. If you give anything If you give anything If you give anything greater allegiance than God, greater allegiance than God, greater allegiance than God, you will be enslaved to these kinds of you will be enslaved to these kinds of you will be enslaved to these kinds of emotions, emotions you can't stop, emotions, emotions you can't stop, emotions, emotions you can't stop, feelings you can't stop. So, that's the first thing. So, that's the first thing. Christian freedom brings Christian freedom brings Christian freedom brings s- freedom from s- freedom from s- freedom from uncontrollable and uh uncontrollable and uh uncontrollable and uh overpowering overpowering overpowering emotions, enslaving emotions and emotions, enslaving emotions and emotions, enslaving emotions and desires. Secondly, it also gives us a desires. Secondly, it also gives us a desires. Secondly, it also gives us a freedom from the anxiety freedom from the anxiety freedom from the anxiety and paralyzing fear and paralyzing fear and paralyzing fear of circumstances.

of circumstances. of circumstances. Another very famous passage here, which Another very famous passage here, which Another very famous passage here, which by the way by the way by the way you could preach a whole sermon on, I you could preach a whole sermon on, I you could preach a whole sermon on, I have preached whole sermons on, it is have preached whole sermons on, it is have preached whole sermons on, it is down in verse five chapter five where down in verse five chapter five where down in verse five chapter five where verse six and seven where it says, verse six and seven where it says, verse six and seven where it says, humble yourselves under God's almighty humble yourselves under God's almighty humble yourselves under God's almighty hand that he may lift you up in due hand that he may lift you up in due hand that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him time. Cast all your anxiety on him time. Cast all your anxiety on him cuz he cares for you. cuz he cares for you. cuz he cares for you. But that could be a whole sermon right But that could be a whole sermon right But that could be a whole sermon right there. What does it mean to cast? What there. What does it mean to cast? What there. What does it mean to cast? What is anxiety? is anxiety? is anxiety? You know, cares for you, how does he You know, cares for you, how does he You know, cares for you, how does he care for you? Well, I can't do that, but care for you? Well, I can't do that, but care for you? Well, I can't do that, but here's what I can show you. here's what I can show you. here's what I can show you. A Christian is free, not from worry, not A Christian is free, not from worry, not A Christian is free, not from worry, not from concern. You're going to worry, from concern. You're going to worry, from concern. You're going to worry, you're going to have concerns, but you're going to have concerns, but you're going to have concerns, but there's a kind of paralyzing there's a kind of paralyzing there's a kind of paralyzing uh uh uh a paralyzing fear a paralyzing fear a paralyzing fear that happens. What if this happens? What that happens. What if this happens? What that happens. What if this happens? What if that happens? if that happens? if that happens? That we're being told here, Christians That we're being told here, Christians That we're being told here, Christians can get rid of. They can cast it on God. can get rid of. They can cast it on God. can get rid of. They can cast it on God. They get rid of it. They get rid of it. They get rid of it. See, if these things See, if these things See, if these things are more important to you than God, are more important to you than God, are more important to you than God, something threatens them, you go nuts. something threatens them, you go nuts. something threatens them, you go nuts. Well, I'm afraid. I'm afraid. I'm Well, I'm afraid. I'm afraid. I'm Well, I'm afraid. I'm afraid. I'm afraid.

afraid. afraid. But we're being told here that if God is But we're being told here that if God is But we're being told here that if God is your highest allegiance, your highest allegiance, your highest allegiance, if you're a slave of God and not of if you're a slave of God and not of if you're a slave of God and not of anything else, anything else, anything else, then even though of course you're going then even though of course you're going then even though of course you're going to have the same normal worries, but to have the same normal worries, but to have the same normal worries, but you're not going to have this you're not going to have this you're not going to have this paralyzing, petrifying fear. paralyzing, petrifying fear. paralyzing, petrifying fear. You're not going to be that afraid. You're not going to be that afraid. You're not going to be that afraid. There's a place in the book of Psalms There's a place in the book of Psalms There's a place in the book of Psalms where it says the godly man doesn't fear where it says the godly man doesn't fear where it says the godly man doesn't fear bad news. bad news. bad news. What do I mean? What do I mean? What do I mean? Last week, I don't usually do Last week, I don't usually do Last week, I don't usually do illustrations like this, but this was illustrations like this, but this was illustrations like this, but this was too poignant for me to not use. Last too poignant for me to not use. Last too poignant for me to not use. Last week, I was in England. week, I was in England. week, I was in England. Cathy and I were in England, and I Cathy and I were in England, and I Cathy and I were in England, and I preached at a small village church in a preached at a small village church in a preached at a small village church in a small village in England. small village in England. small village in England. 70 people, 70 people, 70 people, uh um mostly old people. 70 older uh um mostly old people. 70 older uh um mostly old people. 70 older British people. Just like New York City. British people. Just like New York City. British people. Just like New York City. 70 older Brit- 70 older Brit- 70 older Brit- No, real- not really. Okay. So, No, real- not really. Okay. So, No, real- not really. Okay. So, uh uh uh and it was uh and it was uh and it was uh it was great. it was great. it was great. But as I was preaching, I used an But as I was preaching, I used an But as I was preaching, I used an illustration, and as I was using it, I illustration, and as I was using it, I illustration, and as I was using it, I wondered, I said, "Boy, I hope this wondered, I said, "Boy, I hope this wondered, I said, "Boy, I hope this isn't too harsh an illustration." Years isn't too harsh an illustration." Years isn't too harsh an illustration." Years ago, I heard a recorded sermon by David ago, I heard a recorded sermon by David ago, I heard a recorded sermon by David Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was an old British preacher, and he was was an old British preacher, and he was was an old British preacher, and he was preaching on Jeremiah chapter 2, preaching on Jeremiah chapter 2, preaching on Jeremiah chapter 2, and the name of the sermon was Broken and the name of the sermon was Broken and the name of the sermon was Broken Cisterns. Do you know what a cistern is?

Cisterns. Do you know what a cistern is? Cisterns. Do you know what a cistern is? In Jeremiah 2, God is telling the In Jeremiah 2, God is telling the In Jeremiah 2, God is telling the children of Israel, "Don't trust in your children of Israel, "Don't trust in your children of Israel, "Don't trust in your military prowess. Don't trust in your military prowess. Don't trust in your military prowess. Don't trust in your military alliances with Egypt. Don't military alliances with Egypt. Don't military alliances with Egypt. Don't trust in your economic prosperity. Trust trust in your economic prosperity. Trust trust in your economic prosperity. Trust in me." Anything, God says, that you in me." Anything, God says, that you in me." Anything, God says, that you trust in besides me is like a broken trust in besides me is like a broken trust in besides me is like a broken cistern. cistern. cistern. Now, those of you who are raised in a Now, those of you who are raised in a Now, those of you who are raised in a farm probably know what a a cistern is. farm probably know what a a cistern is. farm probably know what a a cistern is. A cistern is not a well. A cistern A cistern is not a well. A cistern A cistern is not a well. A cistern cistern is a basin, a big basin that cistern is a basin, a big basin that cistern is a basin, a big basin that catches rainwater. catches rainwater. catches rainwater. And uh it's uh that's where you get your And uh it's uh that's where you get your And uh it's uh that's where you get your your water for for drinking, your water your water for for drinking, your water your water for for drinking, your water for uh cooking, your water for bathing, for uh cooking, your water for bathing, for uh cooking, your water for bathing, and that sort of thing. If there's a and that sort of thing. If there's a and that sort of thing. If there's a crack, however, even a tiny stress crack, however, even a tiny stress crack, however, even a tiny stress fracture of a crack in the bottom of the fracture of a crack in the bottom of the fracture of a crack in the bottom of the cistern, cistern, cistern, you can go out there one morning and you can go out there one morning and you can go out there one morning and find it's all gone. It just sunk down. find it's all gone. It just sunk down. find it's all gone. It just sunk down. God says, "Don't you know God says, "Don't you know God says, "Don't you know that I am the only cistern, as it were, that I am the only cistern, as it were, that I am the only cistern, as it were, that's not cracked? that's not cracked? that's not cracked? Everything else that you build your life Everything else that you build your life Everything else that you build your life on, everything else in this life that on, everything else in this life that on, everything else in this life that you that you hope in, that you rely on, you that you hope in, that you rely on, you that you hope in, that you rely on, is is going to disappoint you. It has to is is going to disappoint you. It has to is is going to disappoint you. It has to disappoint you." And then Dr.

disappoint you." And then Dr. disappoint you." And then Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Lloyd-Jones, Lloyd-Jones, who could be a pretty tough guy on who could be a pretty tough guy on who could be a pretty tough guy on preaching, he looks at them and he says, preaching, he looks at them and he says, preaching, he looks at them and he says, "Some of you think you're Some of you "Some of you think you're Some of you "Some of you think you're Some of you think that since you live for your loved think that since you live for your loved think that since you live for your loved beloved spouse, beloved spouse, beloved spouse, you live for your wife or you live for you live for your wife or you live for you live for your wife or you live for your husband, that's the person who your husband, that's the person who your husband, that's the person who gives you the most love and significance gives you the most love and significance gives you the most love and significance in the world. That's the person you live in the world. That's the person you live in the world. That's the person you live for. You go to church, God's important, for. You go to church, God's important, for. You go to church, God's important, but it's really your spouse, and you but it's really your spouse, and you but it's really your spouse, and you feel pretty noble about that. There's feel pretty noble about that. There's feel pretty noble about that. There's It's great to be a good spouse." But he It's great to be a good spouse." But he It's great to be a good spouse." But he says, "Someday you're going to be says, "Someday you're going to be says, "Someday you're going to be looking at that person in the coffin. And how will your god help you when he And how will your god help you when he or she is lying in the coffin? How will or she is lying in the coffin? How will or she is lying in the coffin? How will he or she be able to help you when your he or she be able to help you when your he or she be able to help you when your heart is breaking? heart is breaking? heart is breaking? Only the real god at a time like that Only the real god at a time like that Only the real god at a time like that can help you when your heart is can help you when your heart is can help you when your heart is breaking. breaking. breaking. Everything else is a broken cistern. Everything else is a broken cistern. Everything else is a broken cistern. So, I told that story in the sermon So, I told that story in the sermon So, I told that story in the sermon thinking, gosh, that's a little bit thinking, gosh, that's a little bit thinking, gosh, that's a little bit hard. Everybody got quiet. Afterwards, hard. Everybody got quiet. Afterwards, hard. Everybody got quiet. Afterwards, an older British lady comes up to me an older British lady comes up to me an older British lady comes up to me and starts like this. She says, and starts like this. She says, and starts like this. She says, "Pastor, I uh "Pastor, I uh "Pastor, I uh my husband died, you know, last year."

my husband died, you know, last year." my husband died, you know, last year." And I go, "Oh my gosh, I don't believe I And I go, "Oh my gosh, I don't believe I And I go, "Oh my gosh, I don't believe I did this to her." did this to her." did this to her." I don't believe I did this to her. I don't believe I did this to her. I don't believe I did this to her. She says, "I realized during the sermon She says, "I realized during the sermon She says, "I realized during the sermon that I'd lost all hope that I'd lost all hope that I'd lost all hope and my life felt over, but I'm a and my life felt over, but I'm a and my life felt over, but I'm a Christian and that shouldn't be and I Christian and that shouldn't be and I Christian and that shouldn't be and I shouldn't There shouldn't be anything shouldn't There shouldn't be anything shouldn't There shouldn't be anything even that that that would destroy my even that that that would destroy my even that that that would destroy my hope and my happiness. There shouldn't hope and my happiness. There shouldn't hope and my happiness. There shouldn't be anything I'm that afraid of." Okay. Sermons. Sometimes sermons are Okay. Sermons. Sometimes sermons are helpful. helpful. helpful. So, occasionally. Do you see what she's saying? Do you see what she's saying? She says, "I've got a freedom I need to She says, "I've got a freedom I need to She says, "I've got a freedom I need to access. access. access. I got a freedom from fear I need to I got a freedom from fear I need to I got a freedom from fear I need to access. I was afraid of that day and it access. I was afraid of that day and it access. I was afraid of that day and it happened to me and I've just lost all happened to me and I've just lost all happened to me and I've just lost all hope, but I don't have to because I'm a hope, but I don't have to because I'm a hope, but I don't have to because I'm a Christian. Christian. Christian. My husband isn't my hope. My husband My husband isn't my hope. My husband My husband isn't my hope. My husband isn't my security. isn't my security. isn't my security. And therefore, And therefore, And therefore, I can't let this destroy me." I can't let this destroy me." I can't let this destroy me." That's what he's saying. It doesn't mean That's what he's saying. It doesn't mean That's what he's saying. It doesn't mean you're not anxious. Of course, you're you're not anxious. Of course, you're you're not anxious. Of course, you're going to be afraid of all kinds of going to be afraid of all kinds of going to be afraid of all kinds of things.

things. things. But cast that anxiety. See, it's not But cast that anxiety. See, it's not But cast that anxiety. See, it's not crushing you. It's not on you. Doesn't crushing you. It's not on you. Doesn't crushing you. It's not on you. Doesn't mean it's still you're not still mean it's still you're not still mean it's still you're not still anxious. anxious. anxious. But it's not on you. But it's not on you. But it's not on you. So, Christian freedom gives you um So, Christian freedom gives you um So, Christian freedom gives you um freedom from what? From the enslaving freedom from what? From the enslaving freedom from what? From the enslaving emotions. Secondly, freedom from a fear emotions. Secondly, freedom from a fear emotions. Secondly, freedom from a fear of circumstances and that paralyzing of circumstances and that paralyzing of circumstances and that paralyzing fear and worry. But thirdly, it gives fear and worry. But thirdly, it gives fear and worry. But thirdly, it gives you the freedom to serve others. All of you the freedom to serve others. All of you the freedom to serve others. All of of At the very top, of At the very top, of At the very top, the very first paragraph, chapter two, the very first paragraph, chapter two, the very first paragraph, chapter two, "Submit to the emperor. "Submit to the emperor. "Submit to the emperor. Show proper respect to everyone. Love Show proper respect to everyone. Love Show proper respect to everyone. Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor." Isn't that interesting? the emperor." Isn't that interesting? the emperor." Isn't that interesting? Serve God. Serve God. Serve God. Serve Serve Serve your government. your government. your government. Uh serve Uh serve Uh serve in the church, in the church, in the church, serve everyone, respect everyone. serve everyone, respect everyone. serve everyone, respect everyone. Why? Cuz you're a slave of God. Why? Cuz you're a slave of God. Why? Cuz you're a slave of God. The teaching of the Bible is that the The teaching of the Bible is that the The teaching of the Bible is that the more you are a slave of God, more you are a slave of God, more you are a slave of God, the more you have given him final the more you have given him final the more you have given him final allegiance, allegiance, allegiance, the more free you are to serve and love the more free you are to serve and love the more free you are to serve and love other people. You say, "How does that other people. You say, "How does that other people. You say, "How does that work?" Well, listen. Some years ago, I work?" Well, listen. Some years ago, I work?" Well, listen. Some years ago, I read this uh um read this uh um read this uh um interview with Françoise Sagan interview with Françoise Sagan interview with Françoise Sagan in Le Monde magazine. I didn't I don't in Le Monde magazine. I didn't I don't in Le Monde magazine. I didn't I don't know French, so I read a know French, so I read a know French, so I read a a a a a translation of it. Uh she was a uh a translation of it. Uh she was a uh a translation of it. Uh she was a uh uh you know, a woman of letters and a uh you know, a woman of letters and a uh you know, a woman of letters and a you know, a public intellectual and a you know, a public intellectual and a you know, a public intellectual and a writer uh writer uh writer uh in France. And at one point, she was

in France. And at one point, she was in France. And at one point, she was asked, "Have you had the life you've asked, "Have you had the life you've asked, "Have you had the life you've wanted to have?" wanted to have?" wanted to have?" And she says, "I've been well satisfied And she says, "I've been well satisfied And she says, "I've been well satisfied with my life." with my life." with my life." Then the interviewer came back and said, Then the interviewer came back and said, Then the interviewer came back and said, "Well, have you had the freedom you "Well, have you had the freedom you "Well, have you had the freedom you wanted? You know, you Freedom has always wanted? You know, you Freedom has always wanted? You know, you Freedom has always been important to you. Do you Have you been important to you. Do you Have you been important to you. Do you Have you had the freedom you wanted?" had the freedom you wanted?" had the freedom you wanted?" And she answers, listen what she says. And she answers, listen what she says. And she answers, listen what she says. "Well," she says, "I was obviously less "Well," she says, "I was obviously less "Well," she says, "I was obviously less free when I was in love with someone, free when I was in love with someone, free when I was in love with someone, but fortunately, one's not in love all but fortunately, one's not in love all but fortunately, one's not in love all the time. the time. the time. Apart from that, I've been free." Did you hear that? Did you hear that? Now, here is a perfect Here is a Now, here is a perfect Here is a Now, here is a perfect Here is a completely modern woman. completely modern woman. completely modern woman. Here is a woman who has completely uh Here is a woman who has completely uh Here is a woman who has completely uh internalized internalized internalized what the society says about freedom. what the society says about freedom. what the society says about freedom. You're only free if you are absolutely You're only free if you are absolutely You're only free if you are absolutely free to choose whatever. free to choose whatever. free to choose whatever. If there's any restrictions on you, If there's any restrictions on you, If there's any restrictions on you, if any of your options are closed off, if any of your options are closed off, if any of your options are closed off, if there's any constraints, you're not if there's any constraints, you're not if there's any constraints, you're not free. free. free. Okay. Okay. Okay. Then she says, "Well, have you been Then she says, "Well, have you been Then she says, "Well, have you been Have you been free?" She says, "Yeah, Have you been free?" She says, "Yeah, Have you been free?" She says, "Yeah, except when I was in love, but except when I was in love, but except when I was in love, but fortunately, you're not in love all the fortunately, you're not in love all the fortunately, you're not in love all the time."

time." time." See, See, See, here's what she sees, rightly. here's what she sees, rightly. here's what she sees, rightly. The more in a love relationship you are, The more in a love relationship you are, The more in a love relationship you are, the less independent you can be. the less independent you can be. the less independent you can be. The deeper the friendship, the deeper The deeper the friendship, the deeper The deeper the friendship, the deeper the romantic relationship. the romantic relationship. the romantic relationship. Getting married? Getting married? Getting married? Love relationships always constrain your Love relationships always constrain your Love relationships always constrain your independence, right? You can't just live independence, right? You can't just live independence, right? You can't just live any old way you want. You've got to any old way you want. You've got to any old way you want. You've got to check with the other person. You can't check with the other person. You can't check with the other person. You can't just make decisions. You've got to just make decisions. You've got to just make decisions. You've got to consult with the other person, and as consult with the other person, and as consult with the other person, and as time goes on So, she was right in saying time goes on So, she was right in saying time goes on So, she was right in saying you can either be free in the modern you can either be free in the modern you can either be free in the modern sense of comp no constraints at all, sense of comp no constraints at all, sense of comp no constraints at all, absolutely able to go where you want to absolutely able to go where you want to absolutely able to go where you want to go and do what you want to do and live go and do what you want to do and live go and do what you want to do and live where you want to live and act as you where you want to live and act as you where you want to live and act as you want to act. You can either be free like want to act. You can either be free like want to act. You can either be free like that or you can be in a love that or you can be in a love that or you can be in a love relationship, but you can't be both. The relationship, but you can't be both. The relationship, but you can't be both. The more in a love relationship you are, the more in a love relationship you are, the more in a love relationship you are, the less free you're going to be. less free you're going to be. less free you're going to be. But, wait a minute. But, wait a minute. But, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Isn't it Isn't it Isn't it when we're When do you feel most alive? When do you feel most like a fish that's When do you feel most like a fish that's just been thrown back into the water?

When you have love. When you're being When you have love. When you're being loved. loved. loved. So, wait a minute. So, wait a minute. So, wait a minute. How can she say, "Well, yeah, I'm free, How can she say, "Well, yeah, I'm free, How can she say, "Well, yeah, I'm free, except when I'm in love?" So, what is she saying? So, what is she saying? If you want to be free the way modern If you want to be free the way modern If you want to be free the way modern society tells you to be free, which society tells you to be free, which society tells you to be free, which means don't let anything get in the way means don't let anything get in the way means don't let anything get in the way of your choices, don't let anything get of your choices, don't let anything get of your choices, don't let anything get in the way of you doing what you want to in the way of you doing what you want to in the way of you doing what you want to do, do, do, you are going to be as lonely as can you are going to be as lonely as can you are going to be as lonely as can possibly be. possibly be. possibly be. And here's the reason why. And here's the reason why. And here's the reason why. The freedom as modern society defines it The freedom as modern society defines it The freedom as modern society defines it is actually selfishness. is actually selfishness. is actually selfishness. And selfishness will And selfishness will And selfishness will destroy love. destroy love. destroy love. But, if But, if But, if the Bible is right, and it is, the Bible is right, and it is, the Bible is right, and it is, that real freedom is not the absence of that real freedom is not the absence of that real freedom is not the absence of restrictions, cuz everybody's got restrictions, cuz everybody's got restrictions, cuz everybody's got restrictions, but real freedom is restrictions, but real freedom is restrictions, but real freedom is finding liberating restrictions, then finding liberating restrictions, then finding liberating restrictions, then the most liberating restrictions are the the most liberating restrictions are the the most liberating restrictions are the restrictions of love. When I restrict myself to serve somebody When I restrict myself to serve somebody else. else. else. When I restrict myself to to to When I restrict myself to to to When I restrict myself to to to serve another person's interest over my serve another person's interest over my serve another person's interest over my own.

own. own. That's getting me closer and closer to That's getting me closer and closer to That's getting me closer and closer to God. And what will enable you to love God. And what will enable you to love God. And what will enable you to love other people and serve other people? other people and serve other people? other people and serve other people? You've got to have allegiance to God. You've got to have allegiance to God. You've got to have allegiance to God. There is nothing more destructive of the There is nothing more destructive of the There is nothing more destructive of the selfishness that destroys love. Did you selfishness that destroys love. Did you selfishness that destroys love. Did you hear me? There's nothing more hear me? There's nothing more hear me? There's nothing more destructive of the selfishness destructive of the selfishness destructive of the selfishness that destroys love than to say to God, that destroys love than to say to God, that destroys love than to say to God, "Thy will be done." "Thy will be done." "Thy will be done." "You're my master. I'm the servant." "You're my master. I'm the servant." "You're my master. I'm the servant." Unconditionally, I belong to you. Unconditionally, I belong to you. Unconditionally, I belong to you. When you say that, there there is no When you say that, there there is no When you say that, there there is no greater dagger in the heart greater dagger in the heart greater dagger in the heart of your selfishness than that. of your selfishness than that. of your selfishness than that. And when that selfishness begins to die, And when that selfishness begins to die, And when that selfishness begins to die, you become more free to love. you become more free to love. you become more free to love. Okay, look. Let Let me just finish this Okay, look. Let Let me just finish this Okay, look. Let Let me just finish this way. way. way. How can you get that highest allegiance? How can you get that highest allegiance? How can you get that highest allegiance? How can you really The fact of the How can you really The fact of the How can you really The fact of the matter is, let's look Let's face it, matter is, let's look Let's face it, matter is, let's look Let's face it, everybody. I'd be very happy to confess everybody. I'd be very happy to confess everybody. I'd be very happy to confess your sins for you. Can I do that? your sins for you. Can I do that? your sins for you. Can I do that? You know, this will save us a lot of You know, this will save us a lot of You know, this will save us a lot of time. I'll confess your sins for you. time. I'll confess your sins for you. time. I'll confess your sins for you. We Christians are not free We Christians are not free We Christians are not free from enslaving [clears throat] from enslaving [clears throat] from enslaving [clears throat] uncontrollable emotions, are we? And uncontrollable emotions, are we? And uncontrollable emotions, are we? And we're not free from worry and anxiety, we're not free from worry and anxiety, we're not free from worry and anxiety, are we? And we're actually not free from are we? And we're actually not free from are we? And we're actually not free from selfishness that eats up love selfishness that eats up love selfishness that eats up love relationships, are we? We're not free relationships, are we? We're not free relationships, are we? We're not free from those things. And yet, we're from those things. And yet, we're from those things. And yet, we're Christians.

Christians. Christians. And we've tried to give God our highest And we've tried to give God our highest And we've tried to give God our highest allegiance. So, how can we grow in that allegiance. So, how can we grow in that allegiance. So, how can we grow in that freedom? freedom? freedom? And I think the answer is you Basically, And I think the answer is you Basically, And I think the answer is you Basically, it's an existential thing. You've got to it's an existential thing. You've got to it's an existential thing. You've got to look at Jesus. look at Jesus. look at Jesus. It says verse chap chapter 4 verse 1, It says verse chap chapter 4 verse 1, It says verse chap chapter 4 verse 1, "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same body, arm yourselves also with the same body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever Okay. attitude, because whoever Okay. attitude, because whoever Okay. Now, what this means is look at Jesus Now, what this means is look at Jesus Now, what this means is look at Jesus suffering. What happened? suffering. What happened? suffering. What happened? Jesus was perfectly free. Jesus was perfectly free. Jesus was perfectly free. Absolutely free. Absolutely free. Absolutely free. He was the second person the Trinity, He was the second person the Trinity, He was the second person the Trinity, but first he came to earth and he was but first he came to earth and he was but first he came to earth and he was constrained into a mortal body. constrained into a mortal body. constrained into a mortal body. That was an enormous loss of freedom. That was an enormous loss of freedom. That was an enormous loss of freedom. And then he goes to the cross. And then he goes to the cross. And then he goes to the cross. He's chained, he's bound. He's speared. He's chained, he's bound. He's speared. He's chained, he's bound. He's speared. He's tortured and he's killed. He's He's tortured and he's killed. He's He's tortured and he's killed. He's nailed. nailed. nailed. He He can't even move. He's nailed. He He can't even move. He's nailed. He He can't even move. He's nailed. What's going on there? He lost all of What's going on there? He lost all of What's going on there? He lost all of his freedom. his freedom. his freedom. All of his freedom. All of his freedom. All of his freedom. So that our sins could be forgiven, so So that our sins could be forgiven, so So that our sins could be forgiven, so that God could come into our life, so that God could come into our life, so that God could come into our life, so that God could accept us, so we could be that God could accept us, so we could be that God could accept us, so we could be free. He lost freedom so we could be free. He lost freedom so we could be free. He lost freedom so we could be free. Lucy Shaw, years ago, wrote a free. Lucy Shaw, years ago, wrote a free. Lucy Shaw, years ago, wrote a little poem. She was a Christian poet, little poem. She was a Christian poet, little poem. She was a Christian poet, wrote a poem called Mary's song.

wrote a poem called Mary's song. wrote a poem called Mary's song. And if she imagines Mary And if she imagines Mary And if she imagines Mary meditating on the the the son of God who meditating on the the the son of God who meditating on the the the son of God who is growing in her womb. is growing in her womb. is growing in her womb. And in the poem she says this, And in the poem she says this, And in the poem she says this, Older than eternity, Older than eternity, Older than eternity, now he is new. now he is new. now he is new. Native to earth as I am, Native to earth as I am, Native to earth as I am, nailed to my poor planet, caught that I nailed to my poor planet, caught that I nailed to my poor planet, caught that I might be free. might be free. might be free. Blind in my womb to know my darkness Blind in my womb to know my darkness Blind in my womb to know my darkness ended, brought to this birth for me to ended, brought to this birth for me to ended, brought to this birth for me to be newborn, and for him to see me be newborn, and for him to see me be newborn, and for him to see me mended, I must see him torn. See, now native to earth as I am, nailed See, now native to earth as I am, nailed to my poor planet, caught that I might to my poor planet, caught that I might to my poor planet, caught that I might be free. The only way you're ever going to give The only way you're ever going to give God your full allegiance is if you can God your full allegiance is if you can God your full allegiance is if you can trust him. How do you trust him? Look at trust him. How do you trust him? Look at trust him. How do you trust him? Look at what he did for you. what he did for you. what he did for you. Do you want to be more and more Do you want to be more and more Do you want to be more and more submitted to God and more and more his submitted to God and more and more his submitted to God and more and more his servant so that you can become more and servant so that you can become more and servant so that you can become more and more free and have these various more free and have these various more free and have these various freedoms we've been talking about? freedoms we've been talking about? freedoms we've been talking about? You have to trust him. Well, how can you You have to trust him. Well, how can you You have to trust him. Well, how can you trust him?

trust him? trust him? Look at what he did. He lost all of his Look at what he did. He lost all of his Look at what he did. He lost all of his freedom so that you could have perfect freedom so that you could have perfect freedom so that you could have perfect freedom. Freedom from guilt and freedom. Freedom from guilt and freedom. Freedom from guilt and condemnation, condemnation, condemnation, freedom from fear of death, freedom from freedom from fear of death, freedom from freedom from fear of death, freedom from caring what the world thinks. Freedom. caring what the world thinks. Freedom. caring what the world thinks. Freedom. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. Thank you, Father, for uh Thank you, Father, for uh Thank you, Father, for uh this this this >> [panting] >> [panting] >> [panting] >> charter of liberation, this charter of >> charter of liberation, this charter of >> charter of liberation, this charter of liberation. liberation. liberation. Thank you for showing us that the gospel Thank you for showing us that the gospel Thank you for showing us that the gospel is the truth and the truth will set us is the truth and the truth will set us is the truth and the truth will set us free. free. free. Help us to realize that freedom, please, Help us to realize that freedom, please, Help us to realize that freedom, please, in our own lives by giving ourselves in our own lives by giving ourselves in our own lives by giving ourselves more and more to you more and more to you more and more to you because of the costly grace of your son, because of the costly grace of your son, because of the costly grace of your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Thank you for listening today. Thank you for listening today. Thank you for listening today. Gospel in Life Ministry is supported by Gospel in Life Ministry is supported by Gospel in Life Ministry is supported by generous partners all over the world. generous partners all over the world. generous partners all over the world. Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel message with millions of people through message with millions of people through message with millions of people through our podcast, radio, and other channels, our podcast, radio, and other channels, our podcast, radio, and other channels, including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing reach of this ministry, so thank you for reach of this ministry, so thank you for reach of this ministry, so thank you for your part in it. [music] If you'd like your part in it. [music] If you'd like your part in it. [music] If you'd like to make a gift today, go to to make a gift today, go to to make a gift today, 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 thanks for your gift.

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