Why You Can’t Follow Jesus Alone | Pastor Josh Howerton

Hey guys, thanks for checking out this Hey guys, thanks for checking out this Bible [music] teaching. Um, every week Bible [music] teaching. Um, every week Bible [music] teaching. Um, every week we release a podcast that corresponds to we release a podcast that corresponds to we release a podcast that corresponds to the sermon. It's like a little bit of a the sermon. It's like a little bit of a the sermon. It's like a little bit of a deeper dive where we hit some things deeper dive where we hit some things deeper dive where we hit some things that didn't [music] make it into the that didn't [music] make it into the that didn't [music] make it into the sermon, some theological concepts. We sermon, some theological concepts. We sermon, some theological concepts. We talk about things that are going on in talk about things that are going on in talk about things that are going on in our culture and how to think about them our culture and how to think about them our culture and how to think about them from a biblical perspective. We call from a biblical perspective. We call from a biblical perspective. We call that podcast Live Free. An episode that podcast Live Free. An episode that podcast Live Free. An episode releases every Monday that corresponds releases every Monday that corresponds releases every Monday that corresponds to the sermon. If you would [music] like to the sermon. If you would [music] like to the sermon. If you would [music] like to check out Live Free, just go to the to check out Live Free, just go to the to check out Live Free, just go to the Lakeoint YouTube channel and look for Lakeoint YouTube channel and look for Lakeoint YouTube channel and look for the podcast tab there. We'll see you at the podcast tab there. We'll see you at the podcast tab there. We'll see you at Live Free. Now, enjoy this Bible Live Free. Now, enjoy this Bible Live Free. Now, enjoy this Bible teaching. Good to see y'all. Here we go. teaching. Good to see y'all. Here we go. teaching. Good to see y'all. Here we go. Let's go. Hey, if you guys got your Let's go. Hey, if you guys got your Let's go. Hey, if you guys got your Bibles, head over to uh Second Timothy. Bibles, head over to uh Second Timothy. Bibles, head over to uh Second Timothy. Head over to a tiny little book at the Head over to a tiny little book at the Head over to a tiny little book at the end of the New Testament, towards the end of the New Testament, towards the end of the New Testament, towards the end of the New Testament called Second end of the New Testament called Second end of the New Testament called Second Timothy. I'll give you 15 minutes to get Timothy. I'll give you 15 minutes to get Timothy. I'll give you 15 minutes to get there. It's going to be great. You're there. It's going to be great. You're there. It's going to be great. You're going to love it. Hey, let me do this uh going to love it. Hey, let me do this uh going to love it. Hey, let me do this uh real quick. I uh I want to We would be real quick. I uh I want to We would be real quick. I uh I want to We would be insane. You know, one of one of the insane. You know, one of one of the insane. You know, one of one of the little axioms I got from my life is we little axioms I got from my life is we little axioms I got from my life is we don't treat holy things if they're don't treat holy things if they're don't treat holy things if they're common. Because if you treat holy common. Because if you treat holy common. Because if you treat holy things, if they're common, they're things, if they're common, they're things, if they're common, they're eventually going to leave your life in eventually going to leave your life in eventually going to leave your life in ministry. So over the last four weeks, ministry. So over the last four weeks, ministry. So over the last four weeks, we saw something I've never seen in my we saw something I've never seen in my we saw something I've never seen in my entire life and I just want to give God entire life and I just want to give God entire life and I just want to give God glory for it. So last four weeks during glory for it. So last four weeks during glory for it. So last four weeks during at the movies, let me give you a heads at the movies, let me give you a heads at the movies, let me give you a heads up. We saw two things that were amazing.

up. We saw two things that were amazing. up. We saw two things that were amazing. The second one is the one that matters. The second one is the one that matters. The second one is the one that matters. The first one's cool. The second one The first one's cool. The second one The first one's cool. The second one actually matters. So number one, it was actually matters. So number one, it was actually matters. So number one, it was got caught in a hurricane of grace. got caught in a hurricane of grace. got caught in a hurricane of grace. Total attendance over the last four Total attendance over the last four Total attendance over the last four weeks at the movies in person was weeks at the movies in person was weeks at the movies in person was 148,137 148,137 148,137 people. That's awesome. That's awesome, people. That's awesome. That's awesome, people. That's awesome. That's awesome, man. If you're one of those people who man. If you're one of those people who man. If you're one of those people who came for the first time, amazing. We're came for the first time, amazing. We're came for the first time, amazing. We're so glad you're here. But the second so glad you're here. But the second so glad you're here. But the second number is the one that actually matters. number is the one that actually matters. number is the one that actually matters. And this is the one that at all of our And this is the one that at all of our And this is the one that at all of our campuses I want you to go nuts for campuses I want you to go nuts for campuses I want you to go nuts for because these people are sitting next to because these people are sitting next to because these people are sitting next to you. And this might be the first week in you. And this might be the first week in you. And this might be the first week in their entire life that they've cracked their entire life that they've cracked their entire life that they've cracked open a Bible and been at church and been open a Bible and been at church and been open a Bible and been at church and been like, "All right, man. Let me give team like, "All right, man. Let me give team like, "All right, man. Let me give team Jesus a try." So, the big number that Jesus a try." So, the big number that Jesus a try." So, the big number that actually mattered was the number of actually mattered was the number of actually mattered was the number of people over the last four weeks that people over the last four weeks that people over the last four weeks that indicated a first time decision to indicated a first time decision to indicated a first time decision to follow Jesus during the movies ended up follow Jesus during the movies ended up follow Jesus during the movies ended up being 4,318. being 4,318. being 4,318. Come on, man. Let's go. Give it to them. Come on, man. Let's go. Give it to them. Come on, man. Let's go. Give it to them. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Man, Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Man, Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Man, listen, man. If if that don't make your listen, man. If if that don't make your listen, man. If if that don't make your eyes sweat at least a little, you're eyes sweat at least a little, you're eyes sweat at least a little, you're probably not saved. So, you need to probably not saved. So, you need to probably not saved. So, you need to listen real close. So, that's amazing.

listen real close. So, that's amazing. listen real close. So, that's amazing. And if that was you, if you were one of And if that was you, if you were one of And if that was you, if you were one of those, I just want you to know if you those, I just want you to know if you those, I just want you to know if you raise your hand at some point during the raise your hand at some point during the raise your hand at some point during the last four weeks. What I need you to know last four weeks. What I need you to know last four weeks. What I need you to know is that that was the starting line. It is that that was the starting line. It is that that was the starting line. It was not the finish line. That you did was not the finish line. That you did was not the finish line. That you did not just receive Jesus Christ as a not just receive Jesus Christ as a not just receive Jesus Christ as a savior who paid the penalty of your savior who paid the penalty of your savior who paid the penalty of your sins, died in your place as a sins, died in your place as a sins, died in your place as a substitute. What you did is your you substitute. What you did is your you substitute. What you did is your you bent your knee to him as your Lord. And bent your knee to him as your Lord. And bent your knee to him as your Lord. And that all of his commands, they're not that all of his commands, they're not that all of his commands, they're not burdensome. And so what you're going to burdensome. And so what you're going to burdensome. And so what you're going to see is that he wants to lead you in see is that he wants to lead you in see is that he wants to lead you in paths of righteousness for his name's paths of righteousness for his name's paths of righteousness for his name's sake. So the first, if that's you, the sake. So the first, if that's you, the sake. So the first, if that's you, the first thing that he asks you to do as a first thing that he asks you to do as a first thing that he asks you to do as a disciple, that's going to be a big word disciple, that's going to be a big word disciple, that's going to be a big word for the next nine weeks. As an actual for the next nine weeks. As an actual for the next nine weeks. As an actual disciple of Jesus Christ, disciples disciple of Jesus Christ, disciples disciple of Jesus Christ, disciples follow somebody. And you can't follow follow somebody. And you can't follow follow somebody. And you can't follow somebody without taking steps. It is somebody without taking steps. It is somebody without taking steps. It is impossible to stand still and follow impossible to stand still and follow impossible to stand still and follow somebody at the same time. So the step somebody at the same time. So the step somebody at the same time. So the step that he asks you to take, the first one that he asks you to take, the first one that he asks you to take, the first one as a disciple of Jesus is to be baptized as a disciple of Jesus is to be baptized as a disciple of Jesus is to be baptized in water, to go public with your faith, in water, to go public with your faith, in water, to go public with your faith, and go, "Man, I'm on team Jesus now." and go, "Man, I'm on team Jesus now." and go, "Man, I'm on team Jesus now." So, if you could do this, if that was So, if you could do this, if that was So, if you could do this, if that was you, before you leave today, you need to you, before you leave today, you need to you, before you leave today, you need to text the word life. Text the word life text the word life. Text the word life text the word life. Text the word life to the number 20411.

to the number 20411. to the number 20411. We're going to have a big old baptism We're going to have a big old baptism We're going to have a big old baptism weekend here in 5, six, 7 weeks, weekend here in 5, six, 7 weeks, weekend here in 5, six, 7 weeks, something like that. It's going to be a something like that. It's going to be a something like that. It's going to be a in It's going to be a huge party. It's in It's going to be a huge party. It's in It's going to be a huge party. It's going to be nuts. You're going to love going to be nuts. You're going to love going to be nuts. You're going to love it. It's going to be amazing. You never it. It's going to be amazing. You never it. It's going to be amazing. You never seen one. It's going to be crazy. Bring seen one. It's going to be crazy. Bring seen one. It's going to be crazy. Bring your towels and your Kleenexes. And that your towels and your Kleenexes. And that your towels and your Kleenexes. And that guy likes it. That's my favorite church guy likes it. That's my favorite church guy likes it. That's my favorite church member. All the things. All the things. member. All the things. All the things. member. All the things. All the things. So, you sign up for that. It's going to So, you sign up for that. It's going to So, you sign up for that. It's going to be awesome. I'll talk more about that be awesome. I'll talk more about that be awesome. I'll talk more about that later. Last thing I need to celebrate later. Last thing I need to celebrate later. Last thing I need to celebrate and then we're going to get into the and then we're going to get into the and then we're going to get into the word of God. Last thing I need to word of God. Last thing I need to word of God. Last thing I need to celebrate. Let me get this camera right celebrate. Let me get this camera right celebrate. Let me get this camera right here. Ladies and gentlemen, would you here. Ladies and gentlemen, would you here. Ladies and gentlemen, would you please help me welcome for the quote please help me welcome for the quote please help me welcome for the quote unquote very first time the grand unquote very first time the grand unquote very first time the grand opening of our Roy City campus. Come on, opening of our Roy City campus. Come on, opening of our Roy City campus. Come on, man. What's up, Roy City? What's up, Roy man. What's up, Roy City? What's up, Roy man. What's up, Roy City? What's up, Roy City? And I'll just I'll I'll just say City? And I'll just I'll I'll just say City? And I'll just I'll I'll just say this that y'all Roy City, I'm talking to this that y'all Roy City, I'm talking to this that y'all Roy City, I'm talking to you, Roy City. Uh you're the first you, Roy City. Uh you're the first you, Roy City. Uh you're the first campus in the history of the world that campus in the history of the world that campus in the history of the world that grew to four services before your grand grew to four services before your grand grew to four services before your grand opening. Y'all are a problem over there. opening. Y'all are a problem over there. opening. Y'all are a problem over there. Y'all are a problem over there. So Y'all are a problem over there. So Y'all are a problem over there. So that's it. Okay, let's get right at it. that's it. Okay, let's get right at it. that's it. Okay, let's get right at it. Okay, what we have done, this is going Okay, what we have done, this is going Okay, what we have done, this is going to be, well, it's not going to be a to be, well, it's not going to be a to be, well, it's not going to be a little different. This is like our thing little different. This is like our thing little different. This is like our thing here. If you're new, what we've done for here. If you're new, what we've done for here. If you're new, what we've done for the last four weeks during the movies is the last four weeks during the movies is the last four weeks during the movies is we have reached wide. It's like, man, we have reached wide. It's like, man, we have reached wide. It's like, man, let's get the gospel out wide to let's get the gospel out wide to let's get the gospel out wide to everybody wide net. What we're going to everybody wide net. What we're going to everybody wide net. What we're going to do for the next nine weeks is we've been do for the next nine weeks is we've been do for the next nine weeks is we've been reaching wide. Now, we're going to go reaching wide. Now, we're going to go reaching wide. Now, we're going to go deep. You are about to open your Bible deep. You are about to open your Bible deep. You are about to open your Bible and we're going to begin a a study of and we're going to begin a a study of and we're going to begin a a study of the book of the Bible called Second the book of the Bible called Second the book of the Bible called Second Timothy. The reason we're doing this for Timothy. The reason we're doing this for Timothy. The reason we're doing this for the next nine weeks, we're going to go the next nine weeks, we're going to go the next nine weeks, we're going to go verse by verse the book of Timothy. The verse by verse the book of Timothy. The verse by verse the book of Timothy. The reason we're doing this is, listen to reason we're doing this is, listen to reason we're doing this is, listen to me, we are not in the crowd business. We me, we are not in the crowd business. We me, we are not in the crowd business. We are in the disciple business. Jesus did are in the disciple business. Jesus did are in the disciple business. Jesus did not say go into all the world and draw not say go into all the world and draw not say go into all the world and draw big crowds. Although crowds are fine.

big crowds. Although crowds are fine. big crowds. Although crowds are fine. Jesus had big crowds. There's nothing Jesus had big crowds. There's nothing Jesus had big crowds. There's nothing wrong big with big crowds. But crowds wrong big with big crowds. But crowds wrong big with big crowds. But crowds are not the goal. Crowds are a lead are not the goal. Crowds are a lead are not the goal. Crowds are a lead measure to his command to go into all measure to his command to go into all measure to his command to go into all the world and make disciples of all the world and make disciples of all the world and make disciples of all nations. And what disciples do is nations. And what disciples do is nations. And what disciples do is disciples of the person of God love the disciples of the person of God love the disciples of the person of God love the word of God. They're full of the spirit word of God. They're full of the spirit word of God. They're full of the spirit of God so they can walk in the purposes of God so they can walk in the purposes of God so they can walk in the purposes of God. And so what we're going to do is of God. And so what we're going to do is of God. And so what we're going to do is we're going to get into it and we're we're going to get into it and we're we're going to get into it and we're going to be looking at this this book of going to be looking at this this book of going to be looking at this this book of the Bible called Second Timothy. Second the Bible called Second Timothy. Second the Bible called Second Timothy. Second Timothy. Now, I'm going to give you a Timothy. Now, I'm going to give you a Timothy. Now, I'm going to give you a couple little housekeeping heads up. If couple little housekeeping heads up. If couple little housekeeping heads up. If you have never studied the Bible before you have never studied the Bible before you have never studied the Bible before in your entire life, now's your shot. in your entire life, now's your shot. in your entire life, now's your shot. This is what we're doing. Verse by verse This is what we're doing. Verse by verse This is what we're doing. Verse by verse through the whole thing. So, I'm going through the whole thing. So, I'm going through the whole thing. So, I'm going to ask you, grab your pen. I I'm going to ask you, grab your pen. I I'm going to ask you, grab your pen. I I'm going to ask you a few things. Bring a pen. to ask you a few things. Bring a pen. to ask you a few things. Bring a pen. Bring a physical Bible. Like back in the Bring a physical Bible. Like back in the Bring a physical Bible. Like back in the 90s, we had this these things, physical 90s, we had this these things, physical 90s, we had this these things, physical Bibles. Bring a physical Bible. I'm just Bibles. Bring a physical Bible. I'm just Bibles. Bring a physical Bible. I'm just going to tell you right now, like you going to tell you right now, like you going to tell you right now, like you there's no better sound as a preacher there's no better sound as a preacher there's no better sound as a preacher than little rustling pages. I love than little rustling pages. I love than little rustling pages. I love rustling pages. Bring some Bring a rustling pages. Bring some Bring a rustling pages. Bring some Bring a physical Bible so that you can go home. physical Bible so that you can go home. physical Bible so that you can go home. You can circle the stuff. You can write You can circle the stuff. You can write You can circle the stuff. You can write little notes. 20 years from now, you're little notes. 20 years from now, you're little notes. 20 years from now, you're going to be remembering notes you took going to be remembering notes you took going to be remembering notes you took this year in 2026 on Second Timothy.

this year in 2026 on Second Timothy. this year in 2026 on Second Timothy. Number two, at all of our campuses, and Number two, at all of our campuses, and Number two, at all of our campuses, and they're going to sell out before they're going to sell out before they're going to sell out before probably the first service is done probably the first service is done probably the first service is done leaving. At all of our campuses, we got leaving. At all of our campuses, we got leaving. At all of our campuses, we got this little thing. It is a It's a little this little thing. It is a It's a little this little thing. It is a It's a little crossway. It is a first and second crossway. It is a first and second crossway. It is a first and second Timothy and Titus journal. We got these. Timothy and Titus journal. We got these. Timothy and Titus journal. We got these. We're going to have more that we're We're going to have more that we're We're going to have more that we're going to sell out. I guarantee it. These going to sell out. I guarantee it. These going to sell out. I guarantee it. These are all the campuses. You can do two are all the campuses. You can do two are all the campuses. You can do two things. Seven bucks. And what you're things. Seven bucks. And what you're things. Seven bucks. And what you're going to see, all this is is is real going to see, all this is is is real going to see, all this is is is real simple. You got Bible over here. You got simple. You got Bible over here. You got simple. You got Bible over here. You got note note-taking page over here. You can note note-taking page over here. You can note note-taking page over here. You can grab one of these on your way out at any grab one of these on your way out at any grab one of these on your way out at any of our campuses today unless they sell of our campuses today unless they sell of our campuses today unless they sell out. If they sell out, you can text the out. If they sell out, you can text the out. If they sell out, you can text the word journal to the number 20411. word journal to the number 20411. word journal to the number 20411. They're seven bucks. Grab it. We're not They're seven bucks. Grab it. We're not They're seven bucks. Grab it. We're not making a dime on these things. Well, I making a dime on these things. Well, I making a dime on these things. Well, I just want to put this in your hand so just want to put this in your hand so just want to put this in your hand so that you can actually get into the word that you can actually get into the word that you can actually get into the word of God in the next few weeks. Now, while of God in the next few weeks. Now, while of God in the next few weeks. Now, while you're taking the notes, here's the last you're taking the notes, here's the last you're taking the notes, here's the last thing. Housekeeping. I want you to be thing. Housekeeping. I want you to be thing. Housekeeping. I want you to be asking during the series. Listen, ask asking during the series. Listen, ask asking during the series. Listen, ask during this series, what is the one step during this series, what is the one step during this series, what is the one step that Jesus is asking you to take to that Jesus is asking you to take to that Jesus is asking you to take to follow him as a disciple of Jesus follow him as a disciple of Jesus follow him as a disciple of Jesus Christ? Because again, you're asking Christ? Because again, you're asking Christ? Because again, you're asking what steps do you need to take? Listen, what steps do you need to take? Listen, what steps do you need to take? Listen, at Lake Point, we say we're a movement at Lake Point, we say we're a movement at Lake Point, we say we're a movement for all people to know Christ, live for all people to know Christ, live for all people to know Christ, live free, and change the world for God's free, and change the world for God's free, and change the world for God's glory. We say live free, not learn free.

glory. We say live free, not learn free. glory. We say live free, not learn free. The whole purpose is to follow Jesus The whole purpose is to follow Jesus The whole purpose is to follow Jesus Christ, to live our lives for him. And Christ, to live our lives for him. And Christ, to live our lives for him. And again, I'll say this. You're asking what again, I'll say this. You're asking what again, I'll say this. You're asking what Jesus what is the one step you're asking Jesus what is the one step you're asking Jesus what is the one step you're asking me and my family to take with our lives me and my family to take with our lives me and my family to take with our lives to follow you. Why are you asking about to follow you. Why are you asking about to follow you. Why are you asking about steps? Because disciples follow and you steps? Because disciples follow and you steps? Because disciples follow and you have to take steps to follow. Again, you have to take steps to follow. Again, you have to take steps to follow. Again, you cannot be following somebody and cannot be following somebody and cannot be following somebody and standing still at the same time. So just standing still at the same time. So just standing still at the same time. So just asking the question while you're taking asking the question while you're taking asking the question while you're taking notes, Bible in your lap. What is the notes, Bible in your lap. What is the notes, Bible in your lap. What is the one step Jesus you are asking me to take one step Jesus you are asking me to take one step Jesus you are asking me to take to follow you? Now here's what we're to follow you? Now here's what we're to follow you? Now here's what we're going to do during the series. I'm just going to do during the series. I'm just going to do during the series. I'm just going to like open it and here's how going to like open it and here's how going to like open it and here's how every [clears throat] sermon is going to every [clears throat] sermon is going to every [clears throat] sermon is going to go. I'm gonna read a little bit and then go. I'm gonna read a little bit and then go. I'm gonna read a little bit and then I'm gonna talk a little bit and I'm I'm gonna talk a little bit and I'm I'm gonna talk a little bit and I'm gonna read a little bit more and then gonna read a little bit more and then gonna read a little bit more and then I'm gonna talk a little bit more. Read I'm gonna talk a little bit more. Read I'm gonna talk a little bit more. Read talk. Read talk. Read talk and we're talk. Read talk. Read talk and we're talk. Read talk. Read talk and we're going to be done. It's gonna be awesome. going to be done. It's gonna be awesome. going to be done. It's gonna be awesome. Okay. So, today what we're doing is Okay. So, today what we're doing is Okay. So, today what we're doing is we're opening this book. We're going to we're opening this book. We're going to we're opening this book. We're going to do five verses. I'm going to do about an do five verses. I'm going to do about an do five verses. I'm going to do about an hour on each verse and we're going to be hour on each verse and we're going to be hour on each verse and we're going to be done. done. done. That's [clears throat] a joke. Three That's [clears throat] a joke. Three That's [clears throat] a joke. Three people clap. Everybody else is like, people clap. Everybody else is like, people clap. Everybody else is like, "God, please no." Okay, here we go. "God, please no." Okay, here we go. "God, please no." Okay, here we go. Start with me. Second Timothy 1:1. Here Start with me. Second Timothy 1:1. Here Start with me. Second Timothy 1:1. Here we go. Paul. All right. Now, I'm done. we go. Paul. All right. Now, I'm done. we go. Paul. All right. Now, I'm done. Now, stop. For real. Let me talk about Now, stop. For real. Let me talk about Now, stop. For real. Let me talk about this real quick.

this real quick. this real quick. >> [cough] >> [cough] >> [cough] >> I'm going to move [clears throat] a >> I'm going to move [clears throat] a >> I'm going to move [clears throat] a little faster, but I need to set this little faster, but I need to set this little faster, but I need to set this up. Here's what you got here. If you're up. Here's what you got here. If you're up. Here's what you got here. If you're brand new to the Bible, you like team brand new to the Bible, you like team brand new to the Bible, you like team Jesus, a new thing for you. Second Jesus, a new thing for you. Second Jesus, a new thing for you. Second Timothy is written by a guy named Paul. Timothy is written by a guy named Paul. Timothy is written by a guy named Paul. Now, here's what you got to know about Now, here's what you got to know about Now, here's what you got to know about Paul. When we first meet Paul, his Paul. When we first meet Paul, his Paul. When we first meet Paul, his name's not Paul. His name is Saul. He is name's not Paul. His name is Saul. He is name's not Paul. His name is Saul. He is a guy. He Watch this. He's uh he you a guy. He Watch this. He's uh he you a guy. He Watch this. He's uh he you meet him first in the Bible. He's meet him first in the Bible. He's meet him first in the Bible. He's literally a religious terrorist. He's literally a religious terrorist. He's literally a religious terrorist. He's going around from city to city finding going around from city to city finding going around from city to city finding Christians, men, women, and children. Christians, men, women, and children. Christians, men, women, and children. He's find where are the churches He's find where are the churches He's find where are the churches meeting? And he's persecuting them. The meeting? And he's persecuting them. The meeting? And he's persecuting them. The Bible literally says later he was quote Bible literally says later he was quote Bible literally says later he was quote putting some of them to death for their putting some of them to death for their putting some of them to death for their faith in Jesus Christ. So when you first faith in Jesus Christ. So when you first faith in Jesus Christ. So when you first see Paul, I want you to think this. see Paul, I want you to think this. see Paul, I want you to think this. Think al-Qaeda. Think ISIS. Paul was Think al-Qaeda. Think ISIS. Paul was Think al-Qaeda. Think ISIS. Paul was like the Osama bin Laden of his day. like the Osama bin Laden of his day. like the Osama bin Laden of his day. Like that's who Paul is. Watch this. He Like that's who Paul is. Watch this. He Like that's who Paul is. Watch this. He was bold. He was fearless. He was was bold. He was fearless. He was was bold. He was fearless. He was fierce. All those things. And watch fierce. All those things. And watch fierce. All those things. And watch this. None of that was bad. It was just this. None of that was bad. It was just this. None of that was bad. It was just m misdirected. Some of you, you're m misdirected. Some of you, you're m misdirected. Some of you, you're people who you are bold. You're people who you are bold. You're people who you are bold. You're fearless. You don't find you don't run fearless. You don't find you don't run fearless. You don't find you don't run away from a fight. There's nothing wrong away from a fight. There's nothing wrong away from a fight. There's nothing wrong with that. God doesn't want you to turn with that. God doesn't want you to turn with that. God doesn't want you to turn that off. He wants you to aim it his at that off. He wants you to aim it his at that off. He wants you to aim it his at his purposes for God's glory. That's his purposes for God's glory. That's his purposes for God's glory. That's what God does in Paul's life. He grabs what God does in Paul's life. He grabs what God does in Paul's life. He grabs Paul and watch this. The guy that's the Paul and watch this. The guy that's the Paul and watch this. The guy that's the quote worst of all sinners, killing quote worst of all sinners, killing quote worst of all sinners, killing Christians and sending them to killing Christians and sending them to killing Christians and sending them to killing Christians. That's the guy that God Christians. That's the guy that God Christians. That's the guy that God looks down and goes, you know what? I'm looks down and goes, you know what? I'm looks down and goes, you know what? I'm going to save that guy, redeem that guy, going to save that guy, redeem that guy, going to save that guy, redeem that guy, and turn him into the greatest disciple and turn him into the greatest disciple and turn him into the greatest disciple of the New Testament. Can I say of the New Testament. Can I say of the New Testament. Can I say something to you? You may have turned something to you? You may have turned something to you? You may have turned your back on Jesus. Jesus ain't never your back on Jesus. Jesus ain't never your back on Jesus. Jesus ain't never turned his back on you. God, listen. God

turned his back on you. God, listen. God turned his back on you. God, listen. God can use anybody. This is what happens to can use anybody. This is what happens to can use anybody. This is what happens to Paul. God Jesus appears to him like a Paul. God Jesus appears to him like a Paul. God Jesus appears to him like a like a like a a flash of light, knocks like a like a a flash of light, knocks like a like a a flash of light, knocks him off his horse, converts him, and him off his horse, converts him, and him off his horse, converts him, and then for the rest of Paul's life, what then for the rest of Paul's life, what then for the rest of Paul's life, what he does is he walks around, and he he does is he walks around, and he he does is he walks around, and he plants all these churches. The rest of plants all these churches. The rest of plants all these churches. The rest of New Testament largely is about the New Testament largely is about the New Testament largely is about the churches that Paul plants. Now, check churches that Paul plants. Now, check churches that Paul plants. Now, check this out. Now, we're talking about this out. Now, we're talking about this out. Now, we're talking about Timothy. Now, check this out. Timothy, Timothy. Now, check this out. Timothy, Timothy. Now, check this out. Timothy, I'm going to talk more about Timothy in I'm going to talk more about Timothy in I'm going to talk more about Timothy in a second. The first time Paul and this a second. The first time Paul and this a second. The first time Paul and this guy to whom this letter is written, guy to whom this letter is written, guy to whom this letter is written, Timothy ever meet, Paul on his, it's Timothy ever meet, Paul on his, it's Timothy ever meet, Paul on his, it's called his first missionary journey. So, called his first missionary journey. So, called his first missionary journey. So, here's what he does. Paul goes on these here's what he does. Paul goes on these here's what he does. Paul goes on these little mission trips all around. It's little mission trips all around. It's little mission trips all around. It's like uh parts of Africa and Asia and uh like uh parts of Africa and Asia and uh like uh parts of Africa and Asia and uh and southern Europe, all this stuff. and southern Europe, all this stuff. and southern Europe, all this stuff. Paul goes on these little mission trips. Paul goes on these little mission trips. Paul goes on these little mission trips. He's planting churches. The first time He's planting churches. The first time He's planting churches. The first time he goes into this place called he goes into this place called he goes into this place called Lististra, L Y S T R A. Listra. First Lististra, L Y S T R A. Listra. First Lististra, L Y S T R A. Listra. First time he goes in, first mission trip, he time he goes in, first mission trip, he time he goes in, first mission trip, he gets stoned. That's rocks, not leaves. gets stoned. That's rocks, not leaves. gets stoned. That's rocks, not leaves. for East Dallas campus. He gets stoned for East Dallas campus. He gets stoned for East Dallas campus. He gets stoned [clears throat] and uh and they they [clears throat] and uh and they they [clears throat] and uh and they they literally they leave him for dead. They literally they leave him for dead. They literally they leave him for dead. They leave the Apostle Paul. They think he's leave the Apostle Paul. They think he's leave the Apostle Paul. They think he's dead. Okay. Now, little did he know on dead. Okay. Now, little did he know on dead. Okay. Now, little did he know on his first missionary journey, this his first missionary journey, this his first missionary journey, this little dude named Timothy, guys, little dude named Timothy, guys, little dude named Timothy, guys, probably around like mo most Bible probably around like mo most Bible probably around like mo most Bible commentators think on his first commentators think on his first commentators think on his first missionary journey, Timothy might have missionary journey, Timothy might have missionary journey, Timothy might have been around like 15 years old. And he been around like 15 years old. And he been around like 15 years old. And he would have watch he would have seen the would have watch he would have seen the would have watch he would have seen the Apostle Paul get stoned and left for Apostle Paul get stoned and left for Apostle Paul get stoned and left for dead. But then Paul comes on his second dead. But then Paul comes on his second dead. But then Paul comes on his second little missionary trip and because Paul little missionary trip and because Paul little missionary trip and because Paul listen man Paul Paul's fearless he comes listen man Paul Paul's fearless he comes listen man Paul Paul's fearless he comes back in hands up chin down goes back

back in hands up chin down goes back back in hands up chin down goes back into Lististra and when he gets there on into Lististra and when he gets there on into Lististra and when he gets there on his second missionary trip Timothy goes his second missionary trip Timothy goes his second missionary trip Timothy goes I want to follow Paul and he joins Paul I want to follow Paul and he joins Paul I want to follow Paul and he joins Paul on on his little trips. Now I'm going to on on his little trips. Now I'm going to on on his little trips. Now I'm going to talk about that more here in a second. talk about that more here in a second. talk about that more here in a second. Now later it's about 15 years later. I'm Now later it's about 15 years later. I'm Now later it's about 15 years later. I'm going to talk about Paul about 15 years going to talk about Paul about 15 years going to talk about Paul about 15 years later. later. later. Paul's been discipling Timothy for a Paul's been discipling Timothy for a Paul's been discipling Timothy for a minute. And I'm going to talk about that minute. And I'm going to talk about that minute. And I'm going to talk about that here in a second. And eventually Paul here in a second. And eventually Paul here in a second. And eventually Paul gets called to go to another place and gets called to go to another place and gets called to go to another place and he leaves Timothy. Timothy becomes the he leaves Timothy. Timothy becomes the he leaves Timothy. Timothy becomes the pastor of a church called the church at pastor of a church called the church at pastor of a church called the church at Ephesus. If you've never read your Bible Ephesus. If you've never read your Bible Ephesus. If you've never read your Bible before, you're going to see a little before, you're going to see a little before, you're going to see a little book of the Bible called Ephesians. That book of the Bible called Ephesians. That book of the Bible called Ephesians. That book was written to the church at book was written to the church at book was written to the church at Ephesus. Now, here's what's awesome. Ephesus. Now, here's what's awesome. Ephesus. Now, here's what's awesome. This massive outpouring of God's spirit This massive outpouring of God's spirit This massive outpouring of God's spirit happens at Ephesus. Now, listen, Ephesus happens at Ephesus. Now, listen, Ephesus happens at Ephesus. Now, listen, Ephesus is grimy. Ephesus is real. Now, I've is grimy. Ephesus is real. Now, I've is grimy. Ephesus is real. Now, I've actually you can actually go to Ephesus. actually you can actually go to Ephesus. actually you can actually go to Ephesus. Back then, Ephesus was morally degraded. Back then, Ephesus was morally degraded. Back then, Ephesus was morally degraded. They had this uh this big old uh big old They had this uh this big old uh big old They had this uh this big old uh big old town uh uh big old um temple to a pagan town uh uh big old um temple to a pagan town uh uh big old um temple to a pagan goddess named Artemis. Thousands, watch goddess named Artemis. Thousands, watch goddess named Artemis. Thousands, watch this, of both male and female cult this, of both male and female cult this, of both male and female cult prostitutes. This demonic false religion prostitutes. This demonic false religion prostitutes. This demonic false religion that's like wound up in like sex and that's like wound up in like sex and that's like wound up in like sex and demonic false uh evil worship. It's like demonic false uh evil worship. It's like demonic false uh evil worship. It's like has this control on the city. This is has this control on the city. This is has this control on the city. This is where Paul leaves little Timothy to where Paul leaves little Timothy to where Paul leaves little Timothy to become the pastor. Now, check this out.

become the pastor. Now, check this out. become the pastor. Now, check this out. What happens? There's this massive What happens? There's this massive What happens? There's this massive outpouring of God's spirit because we outpouring of God's spirit because we outpouring of God's spirit because we know this because here's what happens. know this because here's what happens. know this because here's what happens. There were all these little, they were There were all these little, they were There were all these little, they were called silver smiths, all these people called silver smiths, all these people called silver smiths, all these people who worked with metal. And what they who worked with metal. And what they who worked with metal. And what they would do is they would make these little would do is they would make these little would do is they would make these little uh idols of Artemis, this demonic false uh idols of Artemis, this demonic false uh idols of Artemis, this demonic false god they were worshiping. And everybody god they were worshiping. And everybody god they were worshiping. And everybody would walk around with their little would walk around with their little would walk around with their little Artemis silver idol on worshiping these Artemis silver idol on worshiping these Artemis silver idol on worshiping these demonic false gods. All we know is so demonic false gods. All we know is so demonic false gods. All we know is so many people get saved in this little many people get saved in this little many people get saved in this little Ephesian mega church. So many people get Ephesian mega church. So many people get Ephesian mega church. So many people get saved that it literally disrupts the saved that it literally disrupts the saved that it literally disrupts the economy of Ephesus. They literally have economy of Ephesus. They literally have economy of Ephesus. They literally have to come like all these these guys that to come like all these these guys that to come like all these these guys that are making these idols, they come to are making these idols, they come to are making these idols, they come to Paul and they're like they actually try Paul and they're like they actually try Paul and they're like they actually try to kill him. They're like, "We got to to kill him. They're like, "We got to to kill him. They're like, "We got to kill this guy. You're ruining the kill this guy. You're ruining the kill this guy. You're ruining the economy of our city." Now, I'll be economy of our city." Now, I'll be economy of our city." Now, I'll be honest with you. You, you and me, we honest with you. You, you and me, we honest with you. You, you and me, we don't even got a category for what this don't even got a category for what this don't even got a category for what this outpouring of spirit looked like. We outpouring of spirit looked like. We outpouring of spirit looked like. We don't even got a category for it. The don't even got a category for it. The don't even got a category for it. The best analogy I can come up with is I best analogy I can come up with is I best analogy I can come up with is I want you to imagine if someday Jerry want you to imagine if someday Jerry want you to imagine if someday Jerry Jones called me. Jones called me. Jones called me. And he was like, "Hey, Pastor Josh. I And he was like, "Hey, Pastor Josh. I And he was like, "Hey, Pastor Josh. I got a problem." And I would say, "Yeah, got a problem." And I would say, "Yeah, got a problem." And I would say, "Yeah, you sure do, bud. You sure do. You sure you sure do, bud. You sure do. You sure you sure do, bud. You sure do. You sure do, bud. Your problem's not my problem."

do, bud. Your problem's not my problem." do, bud. Your problem's not my problem." I [laughter] say, "Oh, man. We got I [laughter] say, "Oh, man. We got I [laughter] say, "Oh, man. We got management issues, drafting issues, management issues, drafting issues, management issues, drafting issues, might be some play calling, but your might be some play calling, but your might be some play calling, but your problem's not my problem." Okay? And problem's not my problem." Okay? And problem's not my problem." Okay? And then he might say, "Hey, man. Actually, then he might say, "Hey, man. Actually, then he might say, "Hey, man. Actually, that's not what I want to call you that's not what I want to call you that's not what I want to call you about. Jerry, imagine this. Jerry Jones, about. Jerry, imagine this. Jerry Jones, about. Jerry, imagine this. Jerry Jones, for real, he calls me and he's like, for real, he calls me and he's like, for real, he calls me and he's like, "Hey, man. Actually, here's my problem. "Hey, man. Actually, here's my problem. "Hey, man. Actually, here's my problem. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> My problem is there's so many people, >> My problem is there's so many people, >> My problem is there's so many people, dads all throughout DFW. There's such an dads all throughout DFW. There's such an dads all throughout DFW. There's such an outpouring of the spirit through your outpouring of the spirit through your outpouring of the spirit through your church that all the dads of the city are church that all the dads of the city are church that all the dads of the city are caring more about faith and the purposes caring more about faith and the purposes caring more about faith and the purposes of God than they are to come coming to of God than they are to come coming to of God than they are to come coming to my games. So, we can't sell tickets to my games. So, we can't sell tickets to my games. So, we can't sell tickets to any noon games on Sunday anymore. And any noon games on Sunday anymore. And any noon games on Sunday anymore. And the ones we sell, they don't come till the ones we sell, they don't come till the ones we sell, they don't come till halftime because they want to lead their halftime because they want to lead their halftime because they want to lead their families to worship before they go to a families to worship before they go to a families to worship before they go to a football game. I want you to I want you football game. I want you to I want you football game. I want you to I want you to imagine that. and he was like, "Hey to imagine that. and he was like, "Hey to imagine that. and he was like, "Hey man, I'm going to need you to switch man, I'm going to need you to switch man, I'm going to need you to switch this up." And then he might say this up." And then he might say this up." And then he might say something like, "What if I started something like, "What if I started something like, "What if I started moving games to Saturday?" And he'd be moving games to Saturday?" And he'd be moving games to Saturday?" And he'd be like, "You got a big problem. You got a like, "You got a big problem. You got a like, "You got a big problem. You got a big problem in your head." Okay? And big problem in your head." Okay? And big problem in your head." Okay? And then he calls Roger Goodell and he's then he calls Roger Goodell and he's then he calls Roger Goodell and he's like, "Hey man, we're going to need like, "Hey man, we're going to need like, "Hey man, we're going to need Thursdays and we're going to need Sunday Thursdays and we're going to need Sunday Thursdays and we're going to need Sunday night games." He might do that. Okay? night games." He might do that. Okay? night games." He might do that. Okay? Now, this is the example. Imagine if Now, this is the example. Imagine if Now, this is the example. Imagine if every drug dealer in the entire city of every drug dealer in the entire city of every drug dealer in the entire city of Dallas had to leave because nobody will Dallas had to leave because nobody will Dallas had to leave because nobody will buy their stuff anymore. Imag for real.

buy their stuff anymore. Imag for real. buy their stuff anymore. Imag for real. I want you to imagine this. Imagine if I want you to imagine this. Imagine if I want you to imagine this. Imagine if every strip joint in the entire DFW area every strip joint in the entire DFW area every strip joint in the entire DFW area shut down because every man in DFW bent shut down because every man in DFW bent shut down because every man in DFW bent his knee to the lordship of Jesus stood his knee to the lordship of Jesus stood his knee to the lordship of Jesus stood up and acted like a man and treated up and acted like a man and treated up and acted like a man and treated every woman like they were a daughter of every woman like they were a daughter of every woman like they were a daughter of the living God. Imagine that. That's the living God. Imagine that. That's the living God. Imagine that. That's what happens. This is what happens in what happens. This is what happens in what happens. This is what happens in Ephesus. This is what happens. And the Ephesus. This is what happens. And the Ephesus. This is what happens. And the whole time this little dude that Paul whole time this little dude that Paul whole time this little dude that Paul disciples for probably like 14, 15 disciples for probably like 14, 15 disciples for probably like 14, 15 years, this little dude, we know he's years, this little dude, we know he's years, this little dude, we know he's young. We know he's young. This little young. We know he's young. This little young. We know he's young. This little dude named Timothy is the spiritfilled dude named Timothy is the spiritfilled dude named Timothy is the spiritfilled pastor of the church at Ephesus. Now, pastor of the church at Ephesus. Now, pastor of the church at Ephesus. Now, let me let me move keep moving forward. let me let me move keep moving forward. let me let me move keep moving forward. Paul ends up this dude named Paul. He Paul ends up this dude named Paul. He Paul ends up this dude named Paul. He ends up writing either 13 or 14 letters ends up writing either 13 or 14 letters ends up writing either 13 or 14 letters of the New Testament. That depends if of the New Testament. That depends if of the New Testament. That depends if you think Paul wrote Hebrews or if he you think Paul wrote Hebrews or if he you think Paul wrote Hebrews or if he didn't, I don't think he did. So, I didn't, I don't think he did. So, I didn't, I don't think he did. So, I think 13. Now, at the end of Paul's think 13. Now, at the end of Paul's think 13. Now, at the end of Paul's life, he ends up I'm going to show you life, he ends up I'm going to show you life, he ends up I'm going to show you this because I've actually been there. this because I've actually been there. this because I've actually been there. You You can go with me sometime on a You You can go with me sometime on a You You can go with me sometime on a journey of Paul trip. At the end of journey of Paul trip. At the end of journey of Paul trip. At the end of Paul's life, he ends up in this prison Paul's life, he ends up in this prison Paul's life, he ends up in this prison cell. I have taken pictures of this cell. I have taken pictures of this cell. I have taken pictures of this prison cell. This is the exact prison prison cell. This is the exact prison prison cell. This is the exact prison cell that the Apostle Paul ends his life cell that the Apostle Paul ends his life cell that the Apostle Paul ends his life in. It's called Mamortine prison. You in. It's called Mamortine prison. You in. It's called Mamortine prison. You can go there. It's in Rome. When Paul can go there. It's in Rome. When Paul can go there. It's in Rome. When Paul writes second Timothy, he's literally writes second Timothy, he's literally writes second Timothy, he's literally sitting in this prison cell on that sitting in this prison cell on that sitting in this prison cell on that seat. And he's saying things like this seat. And he's saying things like this seat. And he's saying things like this in 2 Timothy 2. He's saying things like, in 2 Timothy 2. He's saying things like, in 2 Timothy 2. He's saying things like, "Remember Jesus Christ." He's talking to "Remember Jesus Christ." He's talking to "Remember Jesus Christ." He's talking to this little kid named Timothy that he this little kid named Timothy that he this little kid named Timothy that he took under his wing. He's going, "Hey took under his wing. He's going, "Hey took under his wing. He's going, "Hey buddy, remember Jesus Christ as preached buddy, remember Jesus Christ as preached buddy, remember Jesus Christ as preached in my gospel for which I'm in chains.

in my gospel for which I'm in chains. in my gospel for which I'm in chains. Watch this." And when he was in chains, Watch this." And when he was in chains, Watch this." And when he was in chains, if you look real close, there's two if you look real close, there's two if you look real close, there's two holes in the wall right here. Literally, holes in the wall right here. Literally, holes in the wall right here. Literally, the holes from the chains that the the holes from the chains that the the holes from the chains that the Apostle Paul had on his wrists when he Apostle Paul had on his wrists when he Apostle Paul had on his wrists when he wrote this book, they're still right wrote this book, they're still right wrote this book, they're still right there today. He goes, "Hey, bud." For there today. He goes, "Hey, bud." For there today. He goes, "Hey, bud." For which I am in chains. And then he says which I am in chains. And then he says which I am in chains. And then he says this, "But the word of God is not this, "But the word of God is not this, "But the word of God is not bound." He's telling Timothy this. At bound." He's telling Timothy this. At bound." He's telling Timothy this. At the end of the book of Second Timothy, the end of the book of Second Timothy, the end of the book of Second Timothy, we'll get there in a few weeks. We know we'll get there in a few weeks. We know we'll get there in a few weeks. We know this is his deathbed letter because he this is his deathbed letter because he this is his deathbed letter because he says this. He tells his little, it's says this. He tells his little, it's says this. He tells his little, it's like his son. He treats him like his like his son. He treats him like his like his son. He treats him like his son. He tells his son Timothy, "The time son. He tells his son Timothy, "The time son. He tells his son Timothy, "The time for my departure is near." And this is for my departure is near." And this is for my departure is near." And this is where we get the title of this series. I where we get the title of this series. I where we get the title of this series. I have fought the good fight. I have have fought the good fight. I have have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the finished the race. I have kept the finished the race. I have kept the faith. And then he goes on to say, "And faith. And then he goes on to say, "And faith. And then he goes on to say, "And there is laid up for me a crown of there is laid up for me a crown of there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteousness, which the Lord, the righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will will give to me." righteous judge, will will give to me." righteous judge, will will give to me." Now, there's only two there's this one Now, there's only two there's this one Now, there's only two there's this one phrase that both First Timothy and phrase that both First Timothy and phrase that both First Timothy and second Timothy both say to Timothy. In second Timothy both say to Timothy. In second Timothy both say to Timothy. In First Timothy, he tells Timothy, "Hey, First Timothy, he tells Timothy, "Hey, First Timothy, he tells Timothy, "Hey, bud, fight the good fight." In second bud, fight the good fight." In second bud, fight the good fight." In second Timothy, this dying older man in his Timothy, this dying older man in his Timothy, this dying older man in his probably his 50s or 60s, the apostle probably his 50s or 60s, the apostle probably his 50s or 60s, the apostle said, Paul says, "I have fought the good said, Paul says, "I have fought the good said, Paul says, "I have fought the good fight." So, here's the point of first fight." So, here's the point of first fight." So, here's the point of first and second Timothy. Here's why I want to and second Timothy. Here's why I want to and second Timothy. Here's why I want to preach it to you for the next three preach it to you for the next three preach it to you for the next three weeks. The purpose of this book is Paul weeks. The purpose of this book is Paul weeks. The purpose of this book is Paul telling the kid that becomes like his telling the kid that becomes like his telling the kid that becomes like his son, I want you to become a man of God son, I want you to become a man of God son, I want you to become a man of God and to fight a good fight. And what I and to fight a good fight. And what I and to fight a good fight. And what I want to help you do, Lake Point Church, want to help you do, Lake Point Church, want to help you do, Lake Point Church, and I want to do as a man of God, and I want to do as a man of God, and I want to do as a man of God, hopefully under the grace of God, I want hopefully under the grace of God, I want hopefully under the grace of God, I want to help you become a man or a woman of to help you become a man or a woman of to help you become a man or a woman of God. I want I want want you to learn how God. I want I want want you to learn how God. I want I want want you to learn how to fight and I want you to pour yourself to fight and I want you to pour yourself to fight and I want you to pour yourself out fighting a good fight. Okay, I'm

out fighting a good fight. Okay, I'm out fighting a good fight. Okay, I'm gonna say that one more time. It's a gonna say that one more time. It's a gonna say that one more time. It's a whole purpose of this book. The whole whole purpose of this book. The whole whole purpose of this book. The whole purpose of this series, I want you to purpose of this series, I want you to purpose of this series, I want you to become a man or a woman of God. I want become a man or a woman of God. I want become a man or a woman of God. I want you to learn how to fight like the word you to learn how to fight like the word you to learn how to fight like the word tells you how to fight. And I want you tells you how to fight. And I want you tells you how to fight. And I want you to pour your life out. Not for fights to pour your life out. Not for fights to pour your life out. Not for fights that don't matter. Not for no fights, that don't matter. Not for no fights, that don't matter. Not for no fights, just lazy on a couch. I want you to pour just lazy on a couch. I want you to pour just lazy on a couch. I want you to pour your life out so that the end of your your life out so that the end of your your life out so that the end of your life you can look back on everything and life you can look back on everything and life you can look back on everything and you have people in your life that you you have people in your life that you you have people in your life that you can say, "I have fought the good fight. can say, "I have fought the good fight. can say, "I have fought the good fight. I finished the race and there is laid up I finished the race and there is laid up I finished the race and there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness. I want for me a crown of righteousness. I want for me a crown of righteousness. I want you to be able to say that. Okay, so how you to be able to say that. Okay, so how you to be able to say that. Okay, so how are we going to do that? All right, are we going to do that? All right, are we going to do that? All right, [cough] we're through [clears throat] [cough] we're through [clears throat] [cough] we're through [clears throat] one word of this book. Let's go. Okay, one word of this book. Let's go. Okay, one word of this book. Let's go. Okay, we're going to do it three ways. He's we're going to do it three ways. He's we're going to do it three ways. He's going to go quick. Three ways. I want going to go quick. Three ways. I want going to go quick. Three ways. I want you to see how Timothy becomes the man you to see how Timothy becomes the man you to see how Timothy becomes the man he becomes. Number one, it takes a he becomes. Number one, it takes a he becomes. Number one, it takes a spiritual father or a spiritual mother. spiritual father or a spiritual mother. spiritual father or a spiritual mother. Check this out. Let's go back to verse Check this out. Let's go back to verse Check this out. Let's go back to verse one. It says, Paul, an apostle of Christ one. It says, Paul, an apostle of Christ one. It says, Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God in keeping with Jesus by the will of God in keeping with Jesus by the will of God in keeping with the promise of life that it's in Christ the promise of life that it's in Christ the promise of life that it's in Christ Jesus. Listen, listen to this language Jesus. Listen, listen to this language Jesus. Listen, listen to this language to Timothy, my dear son. It's awesome. to Timothy, my dear son. It's awesome. to Timothy, my dear son. It's awesome. It's kind of in the Greek. He doesn't It's kind of in the Greek. He doesn't It's kind of in the Greek. He doesn't use this word that's like just generally use this word that's like just generally use this word that's like just generally for kids. He I think it's the word for kids. He I think it's the word for kids. He I think it's the word technon. It means like a little kid. He technon. It means like a little kid. He technon. It means like a little kid. He tells Timothy, this grown man that's in tells Timothy, this grown man that's in tells Timothy, this grown man that's in this hostile place. He's like, "Hey, this hostile place. He's like, "Hey, this hostile place. He's like, "Hey, buddy, you're like my little kid." Now, buddy, you're like my little kid." Now, buddy, you're like my little kid." Now, I want to point this out. So, he's Paul, I want to point this out. So, he's Paul, I want to point this out. So, he's Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, all these things. Let me ask you of God, all these things. Let me ask you of God, all these things. Let me ask you this question. Why the intro? Why the this question. Why the intro? Why the this question. Why the intro? Why the big If he's just talking to like one of big If he's just talking to like one of big If he's just talking to like one of his kids, why the intro? If I called one his kids, why the intro? If I called one his kids, why the intro? If I called one of my daughter, if I call Elelliana on of my daughter, if I call Elelliana on of my daughter, if I call Elelliana on the way home, and she picks up and I'm the way home, and she picks up and I'm the way home, and she picks up and I'm like, "Hey, Elelliana, [clears throat] like, "Hey, Elelliana, [clears throat] like, "Hey, Elelliana, [clears throat] this is uh this is Josh Howardan, senior this is uh this is Josh Howardan, senior this is uh this is Josh Howardan, senior pastor of Lake Church, graduate of Union pastor of Lake Church, graduate of Union pastor of Lake Church, graduate of Union University, attender of the Southern

University, attender of the Southern University, attender of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, inter Baptist Theological Seminary, inter Baptist Theological Seminary, inter mural champion of 2005." mural champion of 2005." mural champion of 2005." You know, once retweeted by Elon Musk, You know, once retweeted by Elon Musk, You know, once retweeted by Elon Musk, owner of a Larry Bird rookie card, you owner of a Larry Bird rookie card, you owner of a Larry Bird rookie card, you know, like Elelliana would be like, know, like Elelliana would be like, know, like Elelliana would be like, "Dad, that's weird." Okay, so why is "Dad, that's weird." Okay, so why is "Dad, that's weird." Okay, so why is Paul doing this? Listen, here's why I Paul doing this? Listen, here's why I Paul doing this? Listen, here's why I think he's doing it. I think Paul is think he's doing it. I think Paul is think he's doing it. I think Paul is establishing his authority so that the establishing his authority so that the establishing his authority so that the affirmation he's about to give his affirmation he's about to give his affirmation he's about to give his spiritual son carries weight. So there's spiritual son carries weight. So there's spiritual son carries weight. So there's some stuff I didn't tell you about some stuff I didn't tell you about some stuff I didn't tell you about Timothy. Here's Timothy's deal. So Timothy. Here's Timothy's deal. So Timothy. Here's Timothy's deal. So again, first missionary journey, little again, first missionary journey, little again, first missionary journey, little Timothy as a kid sees Paul almost get Timothy as a kid sees Paul almost get Timothy as a kid sees Paul almost get killed. Second missionary journey, he killed. Second missionary journey, he killed. Second missionary journey, he goes, I'm going to follow that guy. When goes, I'm going to follow that guy. When goes, I'm going to follow that guy. When Paul takes Timothy under his wing, Bible Paul takes Timothy under his wing, Bible Paul takes Timothy under his wing, Bible commentators guess Timothy's like 15 commentators guess Timothy's like 15 commentators guess Timothy's like 15 years old. Now, here's what's years old. Now, here's what's years old. Now, here's what's interesting. You're going to see it. I interesting. You're going to see it. I interesting. You're going to see it. I think it's in verse 5. You're going to think it's in verse 5. You're going to think it's in verse 5. You're going to see it in verse 5. Timothy was the son see it in verse 5. Timothy was the son see it in verse 5. Timothy was the son of a Jewish mom, but a Greek gentile of a Jewish mom, but a Greek gentile of a Jewish mom, but a Greek gentile dad. They were like nominally religious. dad. They were like nominally religious. dad. They were like nominally religious. So like think of like your Dallas sort So like think of like your Dallas sort So like think of like your Dallas sort of like kind of Christian family and of like kind of Christian family and of like kind of Christian family and they hit a service on Easter and they hit a service on Easter and they hit a service on Easter and Christmas and after grandma dies. That's Christmas and after grandma dies. That's Christmas and after grandma dies. That's what this family's like. Now here's all what this family's like. Now here's all what this family's like. Now here's all we know. Timothy Timothy, you're going we know. Timothy Timothy, you're going we know. Timothy Timothy, you're going to see it in a second. His mom and his to see it in a second. His mom and his to see it in a second. His mom and his grandma are mentioned for their faith.

grandma are mentioned for their faith. grandma are mentioned for their faith. His dad is never mentioned. His name is His dad is never mentioned. His name is His dad is never mentioned. His name is never mentioned, but only his ethnicity never mentioned, but only his ethnicity never mentioned, but only his ethnicity is mentioned. Timothy, everybody agrees, is mentioned. Timothy, everybody agrees, is mentioned. Timothy, everybody agrees, Timothy becomes a fatherless child. His Timothy becomes a fatherless child. His Timothy becomes a fatherless child. His dad probably abandons him. Now, what dad probably abandons him. Now, what dad probably abandons him. Now, what Paul does, Paul has tons of disciples in Paul does, Paul has tons of disciples in Paul does, Paul has tons of disciples in the New Testament. There's only three the New Testament. There's only three the New Testament. There's only three dudes in the entire New Testament. Paul dudes in the entire New Testament. Paul dudes in the entire New Testament. Paul doesn't just call them disciples. He he doesn't just call them disciples. He he doesn't just call them disciples. He he says these three younger guys, he's says these three younger guys, he's says these three younger guys, he's like, "You're my son. I'm going to treat like, "You're my son. I'm going to treat like, "You're my son. I'm going to treat you like a son." Timothy, Titus, and a you like a son." Timothy, Titus, and a you like a son." Timothy, Titus, and a guy named Onesimus. When you read those guy named Onesimus. When you read those guy named Onesimus. When you read those books, watch for that language. Timothy, books, watch for that language. Timothy, books, watch for that language. Timothy, Titus, and a guy named Onesimus. Paul Titus, and a guy named Onesimus. Paul Titus, and a guy named Onesimus. Paul takes Timothy under his wing and he takes Timothy under his wing and he takes Timothy under his wing and he goes, "Hey, bud. Your earthly dad goes, "Hey, bud. Your earthly dad goes, "Hey, bud. Your earthly dad abandoned you. I'm going to be your abandoned you. I'm going to be your abandoned you. I'm going to be your spiritual dad. Let me be that spot in spiritual dad. Let me be that spot in spiritual dad. Let me be that spot in your life." And listen, bro, they were your life." And listen, bro, they were your life." And listen, bro, they were tight. They're tight. Brings him on all tight. They're tight. Brings him on all tight. They're tight. Brings him on all his missionary journeys. Does all this his missionary journeys. Does all this his missionary journeys. Does all this stuff. I won't get into specifics. In stuff. I won't get into specifics. In stuff. I won't get into specifics. In Acts 16, Paul personally circumcises Acts 16, Paul personally circumcises Acts 16, Paul personally circumcises Timothy. They were tight. Listen, dude. Timothy. They were tight. Listen, dude. Timothy. They were tight. Listen, dude. I got it's a bunch of guys I know on I got it's a bunch of guys I know on I got it's a bunch of guys I know on staff. I got some good friends on staff.

staff. I got some good friends on staff. staff. I got some good friends on staff. I don't know anybody like that. I don't I don't know anybody like that. I don't I don't know anybody like that. I don't want to know anybody like that. Okay, want to know anybody like that. Okay, want to know anybody like that. Okay, they're tight. they're tight. they're tight. So Paul takes Timothy under his wing and So Paul takes Timothy under his wing and So Paul takes Timothy under his wing and and he goes, "Hey man, you're going to and he goes, "Hey man, you're going to and he goes, "Hey man, you're going to be my son. Listen, watch this. Listen to be my son. Listen, watch this. Listen to be my son. Listen, watch this. Listen to the affection, the fatherly affection the affection, the fatherly affection the affection, the fatherly affection Paul has for Timothy in the next verses Paul has for Timothy in the next verses Paul has for Timothy in the next verses starting at verse three. I thank God starting at verse three. I thank God starting at verse three. I thank God whom I serve as my ancestors did with a whom I serve as my ancestors did with a whom I serve as my ancestors did with a clear conscience as night and day I clear conscience as night and day I clear conscience as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers." constantly remember you in my prayers." constantly remember you in my prayers." He's going, "Hey bud, you're my boy now. He's going, "Hey bud, you're my boy now. He's going, "Hey bud, you're my boy now. I pray for you day and night. You're my I pray for you day and night. You're my I pray for you day and night. You're my boy. Recalling your tears. And I don't boy. Recalling your tears. And I don't boy. Recalling your tears. And I don't have time. I'll get into this later in have time. I'll get into this later in have time. I'll get into this later in the series. I think the tears he's the series. I think the tears he's the series. I think the tears he's mentioning here, this you for you Bible mentioning here, this you for you Bible mentioning here, this you for you Bible nerds, here's your homework. I think nerds, here's your homework. I think nerds, here's your homework. I think he's calling back to Acts 20 when Paul he's calling back to Acts 20 when Paul he's calling back to Acts 20 when Paul leaves the Ephesian elders. Paul knows leaves the Ephesian elders. Paul knows leaves the Ephesian elders. Paul knows he's going to die. I think that's the he's going to die. I think that's the he's going to die. I think that's the moment Paul lays his hands on a 15 or moment Paul lays his hands on a 15 or moment Paul lays his hands on a 15 or actually probably it's probably 14 years actually probably it's probably 14 years actually probably it's probably 14 years later. So, a little older 30-ish later. So, a little older 30-ish later. So, a little older 30-ish Timothy. I think he lays his hands on Timothy. I think he lays his hands on Timothy. I think he lays his hands on Timothy. And that's the moment where Timothy. And that's the moment where Timothy. And that's the moment where Paul gets his spiritual son. He's been Paul gets his spiritual son. He's been Paul gets his spiritual son. He's been with him for 15 years. I think that's with him for 15 years. I think that's with him for 15 years. I think that's the moment Paul goes, "Hey, bud. You got the moment Paul goes, "Hey, bud. You got the moment Paul goes, "Hey, bud. You got what it takes. The spirit of God is in what it takes. The spirit of God is in what it takes. The spirit of God is in you. You're going to go farther and do you. You're going to go farther and do you. You're going to go farther and do better than I did." He I think he's better than I did." He I think he's better than I did." He I think he's saying things like this. He's looking at saying things like this. He's looking at saying things like this. He's looking at Timothy who never had a dad. And I think Timothy who never had a dad. And I think Timothy who never had a dad. And I think he's saying, "Hey, bud. You have not he's saying, "Hey, bud. You have not he's saying, "Hey, bud. You have not been given a spirit of fear. You've been been given a spirit of fear. You've been been given a spirit of fear. You've been given a spirit of power and of love and given a spirit of power and of love and given a spirit of power and of love and of a right mind. You go get it, bud. And of a right mind. You go get it, bud. And of a right mind. You go get it, bud. And listen, I'm just going to tell you, when listen, I'm just going to tell you, when listen, I'm just going to tell you, when a when a man of God that loves you and a when a man of God that loves you and a when a man of God that loves you and that you love and that you respect lays that you love and that you respect lays that you love and that you respect lays his hands on you, I don't care how big his hands on you, I don't care how big his hands on you, I don't care how big of a tough grown man you are, when a man of a tough grown man you are, when a man of a tough grown man you are, when a man of God speaks a blessing into your life of God speaks a blessing into your life of God speaks a blessing into your life like that, you're going to be like that, you're going to be like that, you're going to be waterworks. I think that's what Paul's

waterworks. I think that's what Paul's waterworks. I think that's what Paul's doing when he says says, "I remember doing when he says says, "I remember doing when he says says, "I remember your tears." Now, let me just ask you your tears." Now, let me just ask you your tears." Now, let me just ask you this question, okay? Do you have a this question, okay? Do you have a this question, okay? Do you have a relationship with anybody in the church relationship with anybody in the church relationship with anybody in the church like that? like that? like that? It's a dude whose age starts with It's a dude whose age starts with It's a dude whose age starts with probably a five or a six laying his probably a five or a six laying his probably a five or a six laying his hands on a guy whose age starts with a hands on a guy whose age starts with a hands on a guy whose age starts with a two or a three and he's speaking two or a three and he's speaking two or a three and he's speaking blessing into his life. I have been very blessing into his life. I have been very blessing into his life. I have been very blessed. It is honestly probably the blessed. It is honestly probably the blessed. It is honestly probably the biggest earthly reason that I beca, you biggest earthly reason that I beca, you biggest earthly reason that I beca, you know, that I am who I am today. I've know, that I am who I am today. I've know, that I am who I am today. I've been blessed in my life to have been blessed in my life to have been blessed in my life to have spiritual fathers. I'm going to show you spiritual fathers. I'm going to show you spiritual fathers. I'm going to show you one of them. This guy right here uh one of them. This guy right here uh one of them. This guy right here uh besides my dad changed my life more than besides my dad changed my life more than besides my dad changed my life more than any other man in my life. This guy's any other man in my life. This guy's any other man in my life. This guy's name, by the way, that's me. I grew into name, by the way, that's me. I grew into name, by the way, that's me. I grew into my lips and my eyebrows in my 30s. Okay, my lips and my eyebrows in my 30s. Okay, my lips and my eyebrows in my 30s. Okay, [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] this guy right here, his name is Jeff this guy right here, his name is Jeff this guy right here, his name is Jeff Carilele. That guy's name is Jeff Carilele. That guy's name is Jeff Carilele. That guy's name is Jeff Carile, Carile, Carile, Jeff Carile uh got out of the military a Jeff Carile uh got out of the military a Jeff Carile uh got out of the military a few years before I turned 16. Military few years before I turned 16. Military few years before I turned 16. Military guy, love Jesus, love guns, love to guy, love Jesus, love guns, love to guy, love Jesus, love guns, love to fight, love the Bible. He was awesome. I fight, love the Bible. He was awesome. I fight, love the Bible. He was awesome. I love Jeff Carlile. And when I was 16 love Jeff Carlile. And when I was 16 love Jeff Carlile. And when I was 16 years old, he just that guy just walked years old, he just that guy just walked years old, he just that guy just walked up to me and he was like, "Hey, man. I up to me and he was like, "Hey, man. I up to me and he was like, "Hey, man. I see something in you." And he just said, see something in you." And he just said, see something in you." And he just said, "Hey, can I disciple you?" And I was "Hey, can I disciple you?" And I was "Hey, can I disciple you?" And I was like, "Man, so here's the deal. You like, "Man, so here's the deal. You like, "Man, so here's the deal. You know, I go to Greenwood High School. I know, I go to Greenwood High School. I know, I go to Greenwood High School. I get off. off there in a bus stop over by get off. off there in a bus stop over by get off. off there in a bus stop over by the church and he was like well you know the church and he was like well you know the church and he was like well you know so I said man the only way to do that so I said man the only way to do that so I said man the only way to do that like I would have to walk like two miles like I would have to walk like two miles like I would have to walk like two miles he was like great I'll see you then okay he was like great I'll see you then okay he was like great I'll see you then okay so that's for the next like two three so that's for the next like two three so that's for the next like two three years of my life I would get off a years of my life I would get off a years of my life I would get off a little bus stop until I got my little 96 little bus stop until I got my little 96 little bus stop until I got my little 96 Kia Sophia and I would walk like two Kia Sophia and I would walk like two Kia Sophia and I would walk like two miles over the church and Jeff Carlile miles over the church and Jeff Carlile miles over the church and Jeff Carlile for the next two three years of my life

for the next two three years of my life for the next two three years of my life he just discipled me man he just he just discipled me man he just he just discipled me man he just discipled me and here was most of his discipled me and here was most of his discipled me and here was most of his disciplehip strategy is he would here disciplehip strategy is he would here disciplehip strategy is he would here was his disciplehip strategy we would go was his disciplehip strategy we would go was his disciplehip strategy we would go through books of the Bible and He would through books of the Bible and He would through books of the Bible and He would explain it to me. I'd ask a bunch of explain it to me. I'd ask a bunch of explain it to me. I'd ask a bunch of questions. Most of his disciplehip tra questions. Most of his disciplehip tra questions. Most of his disciplehip tra str strategy was this. Hey bud, get in a str strategy was this. Hey bud, get in a str strategy was this. Hey bud, get in a car and he would just do stuff with me. car and he would just do stuff with me. car and he would just do stuff with me. So it' be like, hey Josh, I'm going on So it' be like, hey Josh, I'm going on So it' be like, hey Josh, I'm going on hospital visits. I want you to come with hospital visits. I want you to come with hospital visits. I want you to come with me. Hey, I'm mowing my lawn. Why don't me. Hey, I'm mowing my lawn. Why don't me. Hey, I'm mowing my lawn. Why don't you come over? Get out there, bud. Hey, you come over? Get out there, bud. Hey, you come over? Get out there, bud. Hey, he'd be, "Hey man, I'm do I'm supposed he'd be, "Hey man, I'm do I'm supposed he'd be, "Hey man, I'm do I'm supposed to do the see you at the pole dvo over to do the see you at the pole dvo over to do the see you at the pole dvo over at Greenwood High School or Bowling at Greenwood High School or Bowling at Greenwood High School or Bowling Green High School." And I'd come with Green High School." And I'd come with Green High School." And I'd come with him and 10 minutes before he'd be like, him and 10 minutes before he'd be like, him and 10 minutes before he'd be like, "You know what? I decided you're doing "You know what? I decided you're doing "You know what? I decided you're doing the DVO this morning." Yeah. that kind the DVO this morning." Yeah. that kind the DVO this morning." Yeah. that kind of stuff. Okay? He just did all that of stuff. Okay? He just did all that of stuff. Okay? He just did all that stuff. And and here's what happened is I stuff. And and here's what happened is I stuff. And and here's what happened is I want you to think about here's what want you to think about here's what want you to think about here's what happened because this one guy took me happened because this one guy took me happened because this one guy took me under his wing and started be started under his wing and started be started under his wing and started be started started treating me like a spiritual started treating me like a spiritual started treating me like a spiritual son. He discipled me for two years when son. He discipled me for two years when son. He discipled me for two years when I was uh 16 around then. I was saved I was uh 16 around then. I was saved I was uh 16 around then. I was saved under his ministry. That's the first guy under his ministry. That's the first guy under his ministry. That's the first guy that ever asked me to preach. He that ever asked me to preach. He that ever asked me to preach. He literally one day was like, "Hey bud, I literally one day was like, "Hey bud, I literally one day was like, "Hey bud, I need you to give a 10-minute debo in need you to give a 10-minute debo in need you to give a 10-minute debo in front of the entire youth group." And I front of the entire youth group." And I front of the entire youth group." And I was like, "I don't know what to do."

was like, "I don't know what to do." was like, "I don't know what to do." He's like, "You're going to be fine. He's like, "You're going to be fine. He's like, "You're going to be fine. It's going to be great." I just got up It's going to be great." I just got up It's going to be great." I just got up there and, you know, my palms are there and, you know, my palms are there and, you know, my palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy, sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy, sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy, vomit on, all the stuff, man. All the vomit on, all the stuff, man. All the vomit on, all the stuff, man. All the stuff. It's like, you're going to be stuff. It's like, you're going to be stuff. It's like, you're going to be great. And then then when I was done, he great. And then then when I was done, he great. And then then when I was done, he was the guy who was like, "Hey, man. was the guy who was like, "Hey, man. was the guy who was like, "Hey, man. When you did that, people listened. It When you did that, people listened. It When you did that, people listened. It mattered." mattered." mattered." Later, I was called to ministry under Later, I was called to ministry under Later, I was called to ministry under Jeff Carile's ministry. Later, I go to Jeff Carile's ministry. Later, I go to Jeff Carile's ministry. Later, I go to college. If you've ever heard me tell college. If you've ever heard me tell college. If you've ever heard me tell the story of me and Jana getting set up the story of me and Jana getting set up the story of me and Jana getting set up on a blind date, somebody going through on a blind date, somebody going through on a blind date, somebody going through a church directory going, "What about a church directory going, "What about a church directory going, "What about him? What about him? What about with him? What about him? What about with him? What about him? What about with Jana? What about him? What about him? Jana? What about him? What about him? Jana? What about him? What about him? What about him? What about him? That was What about him? What about him? That was What about him? What about him? That was Jeff and Mary Beth Carile. They're the Jeff and Mary Beth Carile. They're the Jeff and Mary Beth Carile. They're the ones who set us up on a blind date. So, ones who set us up on a blind date. So, ones who set us up on a blind date. So, I want you to think about this. I got I want you to think about this. I got I want you to think about this. I got saved, discipled, called to ministry, saved, discipled, called to ministry, saved, discipled, called to ministry, asked to preach, and I got a wife out of asked to preach, and I got a wife out of asked to preach, and I got a wife out of the deal. It's a good deal. It's a good the deal. It's a good deal. It's a good the deal. It's a good deal. It's a good deal, man. Good deal. Real good deal. deal, man. Good deal. Real good deal. deal, man. Good deal. Real good deal. Real real good deal for me. Real real good deal for me. Real real good deal for me. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Now >> Now >> Now you may be asking the question where do you may be asking the question where do you may be asking the question where do you find somebody like that? Listen I you find somebody like that? Listen I you find somebody like that? Listen I don't know how many times I can tell you don't know how many times I can tell you don't know how many times I can tell you this life groups is where you find this life groups is where you find this life groups is where you find somebody like that. Rooted is where you somebody like that. Rooted is where you somebody like that. Rooted is where you find somebody like that. That the entire find somebody like that. That the entire find somebody like that. That the entire the people who this is why listen to me the people who this is why listen to me the people who this is why listen to me this is why we don't stick a bunch of 20 this is why we don't stick a bunch of 20 this is why we don't stick a bunch of 20 year olds in a group and be like be dumb year olds in a group and be like be dumb year olds in a group and be like be dumb together. We don't do that. The reason together. We don't do that. The reason together. We don't do that. The reason we don't do that is because that we don't do that is because that we don't do that is because that concentration of ignorance altogether in concentration of ignorance altogether in concentration of ignorance altogether in one room is more dangerous than a one room is more dangerous than a one room is more dangerous than a nuclear bomb. It's more dangerous than nuclear bomb. It's more dangerous than nuclear bomb. It's more dangerous than because the two worst things about a because the two worst things about a because the two worst things about a 20-year-old is they don't know anything.

20-year-old is they don't know anything. 20-year-old is they don't know anything. And number two, they think they know And number two, they think they know And number two, they think they know everything. Okay? So, this is why we try everything. Okay? So, this is why we try everything. Okay? So, this is why we try to get those groups and who those groups to get those groups and who those groups to get those groups and who those groups are led by. Usually, we try to get them are led by. Usually, we try to get them are led by. Usually, we try to get them led by people whose ages start with led by people whose ages start with led by people whose ages start with things like four, five, six, and seven. things like four, five, six, and seven. things like four, five, six, and seven. Why? Because you don't need another cool Why? Because you don't need another cool Why? Because you don't need another cool 20-year-old investing in you. You need a 20-year-old investing in you. You need a 20-year-old investing in you. You need a spiritual father or a spiritual mother spiritual father or a spiritual mother spiritual father or a spiritual mother who can show you what it's like to who can show you what it's like to who can show you what it's like to follow Jesus for a few decades. This is follow Jesus for a few decades. This is follow Jesus for a few decades. This is what this thing is. So for some of you, what this thing is. So for some of you, what this thing is. So for some of you, if you do not have a relationship like if you do not have a relationship like if you do not have a relationship like that in your life, I can already tell that in your life, I can already tell that in your life, I can already tell you right now, this is the one step you right now, this is the one step you right now, this is the one step Jesus is asking you to take. Sometime in Jesus is asking you to take. Sometime in Jesus is asking you to take. Sometime in the next few weeks, I'm saying today you the next few weeks, I'm saying today you the next few weeks, I'm saying today you need to text the word rooted to the need to text the word rooted to the need to text the word rooted to the number 20411. number 20411. number 20411. Sign up for that 10-week disciplehip Sign up for that 10-week disciplehip Sign up for that 10-week disciplehip experience so you can get around people experience so you can get around people experience so you can get around people following Jesus. I got to keep going. We following Jesus. I got to keep going. We following Jesus. I got to keep going. We got to I got to I got to I got to move. got to I got to I got to I got to move. got to I got to I got to I got to move. Here we go. How do you do this? Number Here we go. How do you do this? Number Here we go. How do you do this? Number two. Watch what happens next. Paul says, two. Watch what happens next. Paul says, two. Watch what happens next. Paul says, "I am reminded, Timothy, of your sincere "I am reminded, Timothy, of your sincere "I am reminded, Timothy, of your sincere faith which first lived in your faith which first lived in your faith which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother." I grandmother Lois and your mother." I grandmother Lois and your mother." I love this so much, dude. [clears throat] love this so much, dude. [clears throat] love this so much, dude. [clears throat] I'm going to ask a vulnerable question.

I'm going to ask a vulnerable question. I'm going to ask a vulnerable question. Can you guys go and do this at all of Can you guys go and do this at all of Can you guys go and do this at all of our campuses? And listen, when I ask our campuses? And listen, when I ask our campuses? And listen, when I ask this question, this is not about shaming this question, this is not about shaming this question, this is not about shaming anybody. This is I want to bless and anybody. This is I want to bless and anybody. This is I want to bless and encourage you. If you are or have ever encourage you. If you are or have ever encourage you. If you are or have ever been a single mom, would you raise your been a single mom, would you raise your been a single mom, would you raise your hand real quick if you're comfortable? hand real quick if you're comfortable? hand real quick if you're comfortable? God bless you. God bless you. I want you God bless you. God bless you. I want you God bless you. God bless you. I want you to hear something for me. What you're to hear something for me. What you're to hear something for me. What you're about to read is the greatest disciple about to read is the greatest disciple about to read is the greatest disciple in the post New Testament era came from in the post New Testament era came from in the post New Testament era came from a single mom. a single mom. a single mom. And hey church, listen to me. All those And hey church, listen to me. All those And hey church, listen to me. All those people who just their hands had their people who just their hands had their people who just their hands had their hands up, they need help, blessing, and hands up, they need help, blessing, and hands up, they need help, blessing, and encouragement from all of us with our encouragement from all of us with our encouragement from all of us with our hands down. Okay, check this out. Check hands down. Okay, check this out. Check hands down. Okay, check this out. Check this out. this out. this out. Paul says this, "I'm reminded of your Paul says this, "I'm reminded of your Paul says this, "I'm reminded of your sincere faith which first lived in your sincere faith which first lived in your sincere faith which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Ununice grandmother Lois and your mother Ununice grandmother Lois and your mother Ununice and I am now persuaded uh lives in you." and I am now persuaded uh lives in you." and I am now persuaded uh lives in you." So again, I already said this. Here's So again, I already said this. Here's So again, I already said this. Here's what probably happens. Here's what what probably happens. Here's what what probably happens. Here's what people think happens on Paul's first people think happens on Paul's first people think happens on Paul's first missionary trip to Lististra. missionary trip to Lististra. missionary trip to Lististra. Uh Timothy's mom, Ununice, Grandma Lois, Uh Timothy's mom, Ununice, Grandma Lois, Uh Timothy's mom, Ununice, Grandma Lois, gets saved, but Timothy's dad doesn't. 1 gets saved, but Timothy's dad doesn't. 1 gets saved, but Timothy's dad doesn't. 1 Corinthians 7 says that abandonment by Corinthians 7 says that abandonment by Corinthians 7 says that abandonment by an unbelieving spouse is a biblically an unbelieving spouse is a biblically an unbelieving spouse is a biblically legitimate reason for a divorce. Most legitimate reason for a divorce. Most legitimate reason for a divorce. Most Bible scholars, I should say some Bible Bible scholars, I should say some Bible Bible scholars, I should say some Bible scholars think what happened is because scholars think what happened is because scholars think what happened is because Timothy's dad didn't get saved and mom Timothy's dad didn't get saved and mom Timothy's dad didn't get saved and mom did. Timothy's dad was like, "Man, I'm did. Timothy's dad was like, "Man, I'm did. Timothy's dad was like, "Man, I'm kind of like out on the team Jesus kind of like out on the team Jesus kind of like out on the team Jesus stuff. I'm kind of like not in. I really stuff. I'm kind of like not in. I really stuff. I'm kind of like not in. I really don't like the life you want to live."

don't like the life you want to live." don't like the life you want to live." And eventually he pieces out. So this And eventually he pieces out. So this And eventually he pieces out. So this leaves Timothy alone. But watch this. leaves Timothy alone. But watch this. leaves Timothy alone. But watch this. The story of Timothy's life is not The story of Timothy's life is not The story of Timothy's life is not determined by the faithlessness of his determined by the faithlessness of his determined by the faithlessness of his dad, but by the faith of his mom and his dad, but by the faith of his mom and his dad, but by the faith of his mom and his grandma. That's what determines grandma. That's what determines grandma. That's what determines Timothy's life. Okay, now let me just do Timothy's life. Okay, now let me just do Timothy's life. Okay, now let me just do this real quick and move on to the last this real quick and move on to the last this real quick and move on to the last thing. Single moms, people who come from thing. Single moms, people who come from thing. Single moms, people who come from broken families, that kind of thing. I broken families, that kind of thing. I broken families, that kind of thing. I need you to hear this. God obviously has need you to hear this. God obviously has need you to hear this. God obviously has an ideal. And this is why I preach like an ideal. And this is why I preach like an ideal. And this is why I preach like I preach so often. Some of you guys like I preach so often. Some of you guys like I preach so often. Some of you guys like you you do not love how frequently I you you do not love how frequently I you you do not love how frequently I especially get on to dudes and and talk especially get on to dudes and and talk especially get on to dudes and and talk about, you know, lean into the husband about, you know, lean into the husband about, you know, lean into the husband and and all the things. Some of you and and all the things. Some of you and and all the things. Some of you don't like that. But but but but listen, don't like that. But but but but listen, don't like that. But but but but listen, the ideal is clear, but where the ideal the ideal is clear, but where the ideal the ideal is clear, but where the ideal is absent, God's grace abounds. is absent, God's grace abounds. is absent, God's grace abounds. And this is what happens for Timothy. And this is what happens for Timothy. And this is what happens for Timothy. Okay? This is what happens for Timothy. Okay? This is what happens for Timothy. Okay? This is what happens for Timothy. Now, what you need to know, I'm gonna Now, what you need to know, I'm gonna Now, what you need to know, I'm gonna I'm gonna try to move this along. I'm gonna try to move this along. I'm gonna try to move this along. What you need to know is Timothy's mom.

What you need to know is Timothy's mom. What you need to know is Timothy's mom. So Lois and Ununice, they look at this So Lois and Ununice, they look at this So Lois and Ununice, they look at this little boy and they understand, hey man, little boy and they understand, hey man, little boy and they understand, hey man, this life for children is not a this life for children is not a this life for children is not a playground. It's a battleground. playground. It's a battleground. playground. It's a battleground. They understand this. This world is not They understand this. This world is not They understand this. This world is not a playground. It's a battleground. If a playground. It's a battleground. If a playground. It's a battleground. If you do some theology of the family, you do some theology of the family, you do some theology of the family, here's what you're going to notice. God here's what you're going to notice. God here's what you're going to notice. God establishes the first family in Genesis establishes the first family in Genesis establishes the first family in Genesis 2. Satan shows up in Genesis 3. Here's 2. Satan shows up in Genesis 3. Here's 2. Satan shows up in Genesis 3. Here's the big idea. When you start a family, the big idea. When you start a family, the big idea. When you start a family, Satan starts a fight. And I have this in Satan starts a fight. And I have this in Satan starts a fight. And I have this in my notes, but I don't got time to do it. my notes, but I don't got time to do it. my notes, but I don't got time to do it. If you for your homework, you Bible If you for your homework, you Bible If you for your homework, you Bible nerds, you need to go to Revelation 12. nerds, you need to go to Revelation 12. nerds, you need to go to Revelation 12. What Revelation 12 shows, you get into What Revelation 12 shows, you get into What Revelation 12 shows, you get into Revelation, you start reading about Revelation, you start reading about Revelation, you start reading about Jesus looking like metal and dragons Jesus looking like metal and dragons Jesus looking like metal and dragons eating babies that have three heads. eating babies that have three heads. eating babies that have three heads. You're like, I didn't know they dropped You're like, I didn't know they dropped You're like, I didn't know they dropped acid in ancient Rome. That's okay. acid in ancient Rome. That's okay. acid in ancient Rome. That's okay. What's happening in Revelation is it's What's happening in Revelation is it's What's happening in Revelation is it's not primarily revelation about the not primarily revelation about the not primarily revelation about the future. It's revelation about what's future. It's revelation about what's future. It's revelation about what's been going on behind the scenes in the been going on behind the scenes in the been going on behind the scenes in the spiritual throughout human history. And spiritual throughout human history. And spiritual throughout human history. And what it says is that Satan wages war. what it says is that Satan wages war. what it says is that Satan wages war. Throw it up there. I want them to see Throw it up there. I want them to see Throw it up there. I want them to see it. Revelation 12:17. It says that he it. Revelation 12:17. It says that he it. Revelation 12:17. It says that he wages war against the woman. Talking wages war against the woman. Talking wages war against the woman. Talking about the church and her children.

about the church and her children. about the church and her children. Here's the big idea. Satan throughout Here's the big idea. Satan throughout Here's the big idea. Satan throughout history specifically targets children. history specifically targets children. history specifically targets children. So you need to know this. This world is So you need to know this. This world is So you need to know this. This world is lorded over by Satan, the father of lorded over by Satan, the father of lorded over by Satan, the father of lies. And it says he's targeting your lies. And it says he's targeting your lies. And it says he's targeting your children. So hey mom, hey dad, you children. So hey mom, hey dad, you children. So hey mom, hey dad, you cannot just roll your kids out into this cannot just roll your kids out into this cannot just roll your kids out into this world like it's a playground and they world like it's a playground and they world like it's a playground and they can just do whatever they want. No. No. can just do whatever they want. No. No. can just do whatever they want. No. No. This is a battleground and they're going This is a battleground and they're going This is a battleground and they're going to need mom and dad. Here's one of the to need mom and dad. Here's one of the to need mom and dad. Here's one of the good fights you need to fight. You need good fights you need to fight. You need good fights you need to fight. You need to step in between the serpent and your to step in between the serpent and your to step in between the serpent and your children and say, "Not on my watch. I'm children and say, "Not on my watch. I'm children and say, "Not on my watch. I'm fighting for my family." That's a good fighting for my family." That's a good fighting for my family." That's a good fight. That's a good fight. Now, listen. fight. That's a good fight. Now, listen. fight. That's a good fight. Now, listen. We got a ton. And I'm in it with you, We got a ton. And I'm in it with you, We got a ton. And I'm in it with you, man. I got three little kids. I got 15, man. I got three little kids. I got 15, man. I got three little kids. I got 15, 11, seven. I just real quick, I'm going 11, seven. I just real quick, I'm going 11, seven. I just real quick, I'm going to bullet these real fast. We got a ton to bullet these real fast. We got a ton to bullet these real fast. We got a ton of young families. Here's what I'm going of young families. Here's what I'm going of young families. Here's what I'm going to need. And all the all the to need. And all the all the to need. And all the all the grandparents whose ages start with five, grandparents whose ages start with five, grandparents whose ages start with five, six, seven, eight, nine. What I need you six, seven, eight, nine. What I need you six, seven, eight, nine. What I need you to do right now is when I need you to to do right now is when I need you to to do right now is when I need you to affirm the things that you hear that affirm the things that you hear that affirm the things that you hear that you're like, "That's true." They may not you're like, "That's true." They may not you're like, "That's true." They may not want to hear it, but that's true. want to hear it, but that's true. want to hear it, but that's true. Because there's things that you may have Because there's things that you may have Because there's things that you may have needed to hear when your age started needed to hear when your age started needed to hear when your age started with two or three and somebody didn't with two or three and somebody didn't with two or three and somebody didn't say, and you know, when you're two or say, and you know, when you're two or say, and you know, when you're two or three, you know, the age two or three three, you know, the age two or three three, you know, the age two or three thing, you're like, I don't know how thing, you're like, I don't know how thing, you're like, I don't know how this going to land. They need to know this going to land. They need to know this going to land. They need to know it's true. So, let me just say a few it's true. So, let me just say a few it's true. So, let me just say a few things. If you're in this fight fighting things. If you're in this fight fighting things. If you're in this fight fighting for your children or your grandkids, for your children or your grandkids, for your children or your grandkids, here's what you need to do. A few here's what you need to do. A few here's what you need to do. A few things, practical things. Number one, things, practical things. Number one, things, practical things. Number one, you got to prioritize the right things.

you got to prioritize the right things. you got to prioritize the right things. Listen to me. The chance I'm gonna say Listen to me. The chance I'm gonna say Listen to me. The chance I'm gonna say something that's got a bit of an edge to something that's got a bit of an edge to something that's got a bit of an edge to it. I love you. Listen, my job is to it. I love you. Listen, my job is to it. I love you. Listen, my job is to open this, tell you what it says. The open this, tell you what it says. The open this, tell you what it says. The chances of your kid becoming a chances of your kid becoming a chances of your kid becoming a professional athlete are 0.02%. professional athlete are 0.02%. professional athlete are 0.02%. The chances of your child standing The chances of your child standing The chances of your child standing before the Lord Jesus Christ are 100%. before the Lord Jesus Christ are 100%. before the Lord Jesus Christ are 100%. Prioritize the right things. Prioritize Prioritize the right things. Prioritize Prioritize the right things. Prioritize the right things. Okay? That's what's the right things. Okay? That's what's the right things. Okay? That's what's going to matter in eternity. Number two, going to matter in eternity. Number two, going to matter in eternity. Number two, you got to get good at this parents. And you got to get good at this parents. And you got to get good at this parents. And listen again, this world is lorded over listen again, this world is lorded over listen again, this world is lorded over the father of lies. He's trying to get the father of lies. He's trying to get the father of lies. He's trying to get your kids with those lies. Number two, your kids with those lies. Number two, your kids with those lies. Number two, parents, you got to learn to steward parents, you got to learn to steward parents, you got to learn to steward your kids' influences and be very wise your kids' influences and be very wise your kids' influences and be very wise about what and who gets into your kids' about what and who gets into your kids' about what and who gets into your kids' heads, in front of your kids' eyes, and heads, in front of your kids' eyes, and heads, in front of your kids' eyes, and into your kids' ears. You got to steward into your kids' ears. You got to steward into your kids' ears. You got to steward your kids' influences. There's that old your kids' influences. There's that old your kids' influences. There's that old Hillary Clinton said it years ago, it Hillary Clinton said it years ago, it Hillary Clinton said it years ago, it takes a village. Ain't that ain't true. takes a village. Ain't that ain't true. takes a village. Ain't that ain't true. It takes a village. If the village It takes a village. If the village It takes a village. If the village raises your kid, you're going to end up raises your kid, you're going to end up raises your kid, you're going to end up with a village idiot or the village with a village idiot or the village with a village idiot or the village people, if you know what I mean. One of people, if you know what I mean. One of people, if you know what I mean. One of those things are going to happen. Yeah, those things are going to happen. Yeah, those things are going to happen. Yeah, that's not true. It doesn't. Listen, it that's not true. It doesn't. Listen, it that's not true. It doesn't. Listen, it does not take a village to raise a does not take a village to raise a does not take a village to raise a child. Listen to me. It takes a redeemed child. Listen to me. It takes a redeemed child. Listen to me. It takes a redeemed village. The Bible calls that a church.

village. The Bible calls that a church. village. The Bible calls that a church. You need a church to help raise your You need a church to help raise your You need a church to help raise your kids so that they're growing up with the kids so that they're growing up with the kids so that they're growing up with the right things in their hears. Listen, right things in their hears. Listen, right things in their hears. Listen, parents, we got to our job is to be parents, we got to our job is to be parents, we got to our job is to be gatekeepers. gatekeepers. gatekeepers. Gatekeepers that stand between our kids Gatekeepers that stand between our kids Gatekeepers that stand between our kids and Satan, keeping the serpent out. And and Satan, keeping the serpent out. And and Satan, keeping the serpent out. And some of us, what we're actually some of us, what we're actually some of us, what we're actually accidentally doing is we're accidentally accidentally doing is we're accidentally accidentally doing is we're accidentally being door holders, allowing the serpent being door holders, allowing the serpent being door holders, allowing the serpent to come right in when we hand our kids to come right in when we hand our kids to come right in when we hand our kids things like this unrestricted when things like this unrestricted when things like this unrestricted when they're 13 or 11 or nine. Let me just they're 13 or 11 or nine. Let me just they're 13 or 11 or nine. Let me just say something like again, bit of an edge say something like again, bit of an edge say something like again, bit of an edge to it. I just want want to say this. to it. I just want want to say this. to it. I just want want to say this. Listen, the 10, 13, 16year-old girl, you Listen, the 10, 13, 16year-old girl, you Listen, the 10, 13, 16year-old girl, you can do the same things for guys, but the can do the same things for guys, but the can do the same things for guys, but the 10, 13, 16y old girl who can pump a 10, 13, 16y old girl who can pump a 10, 13, 16y old girl who can pump a decade's worth of Taylor Swift, Tate decade's worth of Taylor Swift, Tate decade's worth of Taylor Swift, Tate McCrae, and Sabrina Carpenter into her McCrae, and Sabrina Carpenter into her McCrae, and Sabrina Carpenter into her ears and grow into godliness, that girl ears and grow into godliness, that girl ears and grow into godliness, that girl does not exist. does not exist. does not exist. That girl does not exist. Children That girl does not exist. Children That girl does not exist. Children cannot idolize worldliness and grow into cannot idolize worldliness and grow into cannot idolize worldliness and grow into godliness. godliness. godliness. What we have to do as parents is steward What we have to do as parents is steward What we have to do as parents is steward the influences of our kids AND MAKE SURE the influences of our kids AND MAKE SURE the influences of our kids AND MAKE SURE THIS IS getting into their head. THE THIS IS getting into their head. THE THIS IS getting into their head. THE PEOPLE OF GOD ARE GETTING INTO THEIR PEOPLE OF GOD ARE GETTING INTO THEIR PEOPLE OF GOD ARE GETTING INTO THEIR HEAD. This is what we're pumping into HEAD. This is what we're pumping into HEAD. This is what we're pumping into their hearts. We have to care about that their hearts. We have to care about that their hearts. We have to care about that stuff. And I Well, [clears throat] I stuff. And I Well, [clears throat] I stuff. And I Well, [clears throat] I know. Listen, man. You're going to have know. Listen, man. You're going to have know. Listen, man. You're going to have the same fights. It's just the same fights. It's just the same fights. It's just entertainment. It's just entertainment.

entertainment. It's just entertainment. entertainment. It's just entertainment. I'm not being influenced by it. It's I'm not being influenced by it. It's I'm not being influenced by it. It's just entertainment. They're literally just entertainment. They're literally just entertainment. They're literally called influencers. called influencers. called influencers. They know what they're doing. So, we got They know what they're doing. So, we got They know what they're doing. So, we got to steward our kids influences. Last to steward our kids influences. Last to steward our kids influences. Last one. Let me talk to dads. Let me land a one. Let me talk to dads. Let me land a one. Let me talk to dads. Let me land a sermon. Dads, let me talk to the dads sermon. Dads, let me talk to the dads sermon. Dads, let me talk to the dads real quick. I don't have time to do real quick. I don't have time to do real quick. I don't have time to do this. This is just I I don't have time this. This is just I I don't have time this. This is just I I don't have time to explain it. I'm just going to say it. to explain it. I'm just going to say it. to explain it. I'm just going to say it. Dads, you it the the the spiritual Dads, you it the the the spiritual Dads, you it the the the spiritual leadership and protection of your leadership and protection of your leadership and protection of your family. God has primarily placed that on family. God has primarily placed that on family. God has primarily placed that on you. That's your job. That's my job. And you. That's your job. That's my job. And you. That's your job. That's my job. And I'm in I'm in it with you. You are going I'm in I'm in it with you. You are going I'm in I'm in it with you. You are going to fail forward in the grace of God to fail forward in the grace of God to fail forward in the grace of God along those lines with me for the rest along those lines with me for the rest along those lines with me for the rest of your life. But what we cannot do is of your life. But what we cannot do is of your life. But what we cannot do is stand idly by and let the serpent devour stand idly by and let the serpent devour stand idly by and let the serpent devour our family just like Adam did in Genesis our family just like Adam did in Genesis our family just like Adam did in Genesis 2 and 3. No sir. Like what this book is 2 and 3. No sir. Like what this book is 2 and 3. No sir. Like what this book is calling us to do is stand up and fight calling us to do is stand up and fight calling us to do is stand up and fight the good fight for our family. Dads, the good fight for our family. Dads, the good fight for our family. Dads, there was a study that came out. I love there was a study that came out. I love there was a study that came out. I love it when sociology catches up with it when sociology catches up with it when sociology catches up with theology. There was a study that came theology. There was a study that came theology. There was a study that came out. It was two years ago. Studied out. It was two years ago. Studied out. It was two years ago. Studied Christian dads.

Christian dads. Christian dads. the number one determiner of whether a the number one determiner of whether a the number one determiner of whether a child embodied the faith of their child embodied the faith of their child embodied the faith of their parents when the child grew up. So the parents when the child grew up. So the parents when the child grew up. So the number one determiner if Christian number one determiner if Christian number one determiner if Christian parents have Christian kids that grow up parents have Christian kids that grow up parents have Christian kids that grow up to become Christian adults and they to become Christian adults and they to become Christian adults and they embody the faith of their parents. The embody the faith of their parents. The embody the faith of their parents. The number one determiner, watch this. It number one determiner, watch this. It number one determiner, watch this. It was all these things are important but was all these things are important but was all these things are important but they weren't number one. It wasn't they weren't number one. It wasn't they weren't number one. It wasn't church attendance. It wasn't whether church attendance. It wasn't whether church attendance. It wasn't whether they went to youth group. It wasn't what they went to youth group. It wasn't what they went to youth group. It wasn't what school they went to. Here's what the school they went to. Here's what the school they went to. Here's what the number one determiner was. The warmth of number one determiner was. The warmth of number one determiner was. The warmth of the dad. the dad. the dad. The warmth of the dad. In other words, The warmth of the dad. In other words, The warmth of the dad. In other words, when the child grows up and they think when the child grows up and they think when the child grows up and they think about their father is their thought, my about their father is their thought, my about their father is their thought, my dad had a warmth of affection and love dad had a warmth of affection and love dad had a warmth of affection and love towards me and he loved Jesus. So towards me and he loved Jesus. So towards me and he loved Jesus. So listen, let me just say it, man. I'm I'm listen, let me just say it, man. I'm I'm listen, let me just say it, man. I'm I'm going to keep urging your dad, dads, go going to keep urging your dad, dads, go going to keep urging your dad, dads, go after your kids. Fight for your kids. after your kids. Fight for your kids. after your kids. Fight for your kids. Win the hearts of your kids. Right now, Win the hearts of your kids. Right now, Win the hearts of your kids. Right now, we are living in the first generation in we are living in the first generation in we are living in the first generation in our nation's history where almost as our nation's history where almost as our nation's history where almost as many kids grow up in a home without a many kids grow up in a home without a many kids grow up in a home without a father as with a father. And we wonder father as with a father. And we wonder father as with a father. And we wonder why this place is so jacked up, man.

why this place is so jacked up, man. why this place is so jacked up, man. That's why. So listen, dads, what we got That's why. So listen, dads, what we got That's why. So listen, dads, what we got to do, listen, you want to change the to do, listen, you want to change the to do, listen, you want to change the world, here's what you got to do. Easy. world, here's what you got to do. Easy. world, here's what you got to do. Easy. Here's all you got to do to change the Here's all you got to do to change the Here's all you got to do to change the world. How about every man at Lake Point world. How about every man at Lake Point world. How about every man at Lake Point bend their knee to the lordship of bend their knee to the lordship of bend their knee to the lordship of Jesus? Stand up and act like a man and Jesus? Stand up and act like a man and Jesus? Stand up and act like a man and go fight for the hearts of their kids. go fight for the hearts of their kids. go fight for the hearts of their kids. That'll change everything. Change That'll change everything. Change That'll change everything. Change everything, man. So this is what it is. everything, man. So this is what it is. everything, man. So this is what it is. Now, last one. So Timothy has a Now, last one. So Timothy has a Now, last one. So Timothy has a spiritual father. He has a godly family. spiritual father. He has a godly family. spiritual father. He has a godly family. Number three, it takes faith in a Number three, it takes faith in a Number three, it takes faith in a heavenly father. I almost said it like heavenly father. I almost said it like heavenly father. I almost said it like this. It takes security this. It takes security this. It takes security in the affection of our heavenly father. in the affection of our heavenly father. in the affection of our heavenly father. Watch how Watch what Paul says to Watch how Watch what Paul says to Watch how Watch what Paul says to Timothy. I love it so much. Timothy. I love it so much. Timothy. I love it so much. Grace, actually, I got it up here Grace, actually, I got it up here Grace, actually, I got it up here because I want you to see it. because I want you to see it. because I want you to see it. Grace, Grace, Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and mercy, and peace from God the Father and mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Now, this is so Christ Jesus our Lord. Now, this is so Christ Jesus our Lord. Now, this is so interesting. Grace, mercy, and peace interesting. Grace, mercy, and peace interesting. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our from God the Father and Christ Jesus our from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Lord. Lord. So, three different words. Grace. I'm So, three different words. Grace. I'm So, three different words. Grace. I'm going to start here with mercy. Mercy is going to start here with mercy. Mercy is going to start here with mercy. Mercy is you not getting the bad things you you not getting the bad things you you not getting the bad things you deserve. That's what mercy means. When deserve. That's what mercy means. When deserve. That's what mercy means. When you get mercy, you didn't get the bad you get mercy, you didn't get the bad you get mercy, you didn't get the bad stuff you deserved. The wages of sin is stuff you deserved. The wages of sin is stuff you deserved. The wages of sin is death. Every now and then, somebody be death. Every now and then, somebody be death. Every now and then, somebody be like, "Ah, hell exists. That's not fair.

like, "Ah, hell exists. That's not fair. like, "Ah, hell exists. That's not fair. [laughter] That's so dumb. Bless your [laughter] That's so dumb. Bless your [laughter] That's so dumb. Bless your heart." [clears throat] heart." [clears throat] heart." [clears throat] No. No. Hell is the only place where No. No. Hell is the only place where No. No. Hell is the only place where everything is fair. Everybody gets everything is fair. Everybody gets everything is fair. Everybody gets exactly what they deserve. exactly what they deserve. exactly what they deserve. You don't want fair. Your only hope in You don't want fair. Your only hope in You don't want fair. Your only hope in life and death is mercy from the father. life and death is mercy from the father. life and death is mercy from the father. THAT YOU DON'T GET THE BAD things you THAT YOU DON'T GET THE BAD things you THAT YOU DON'T GET THE BAD things you deserve that are the wages of your sin. deserve that are the wages of your sin. deserve that are the wages of your sin. And what the Bible says is that our God And what the Bible says is that our God And what the Bible says is that our God is so loving that he is quote rich in is so loving that he is quote rich in is so loving that he is quote rich in mercy. Do you know what rich means in mercy. Do you know what rich means in mercy. Do you know what rich means in the New Testament? Here's what rich the New Testament? Here's what rich the New Testament? Here's what rich means. It means more than enough. So means. It means more than enough. So means. It means more than enough. So when it says that God has mercy, Paul's when it says that God has mercy, Paul's when it says that God has mercy, Paul's saying God has mercy for you, Timothy. saying God has mercy for you, Timothy. saying God has mercy for you, Timothy. He's saying he has more than enough for He's saying he has more than enough for He's saying he has more than enough for you. There is more mercy in God than sin you. There is more mercy in God than sin you. There is more mercy in God than sin in you. And the Bible says his mercies in you. And the Bible says his mercies in you. And the Bible says his mercies are new every morning. Listen, if you're are new every morning. Listen, if you're are new every morning. Listen, if you're a Christian, every day when you wake up a Christian, every day when you wake up a Christian, every day when you wake up and you see a sunrise, that's a new and you see a sunrise, that's a new and you see a sunrise, that's a new guarantee there's mercy for you that guarantee there's mercy for you that guarantee there's mercy for you that day. Mercy, he says, mercy. Two, he day. Mercy, he says, mercy. Two, he day. Mercy, he says, mercy. Two, he says, Timothy, God has grace for you. So says, Timothy, God has grace for you. So says, Timothy, God has grace for you. So mercy, he has grace for you. Mercy is mercy, he has grace for you. Mercy is mercy, he has grace for you. Mercy is not getting the bad things you do not getting the bad things you do not getting the bad things you do deserve. Grace is getting the good deserve. Grace is getting the good deserve. Grace is getting the good things you don't deserve. Listen, can I things you don't deserve. Listen, can I things you don't deserve. Listen, can I be honest, does anybody else do this? Do be honest, does anybody else do this? Do be honest, does anybody else do this? Do y'all ever do this thing where you feel y'all ever do this thing where you feel y'all ever do this thing where you feel like God's level of love for you is like God's level of love for you is like God's level of love for you is dependent upon your level of obedience dependent upon your level of obedience dependent upon your level of obedience to him? I'm the only one. You have a to him? I'm the only one. You have a to him? I'm the only one. You have a bunch of liars. You're a liar. Every one bunch of liars. You're a liar. Every one bunch of liars. You're a liar. Every one of you is a liar. You're lying. And of you is a liar. You're lying. And of you is a liar. You're lying. And that's a whole different sermon. Y'all that's a whole different sermon. Y'all that's a whole different sermon. Y'all need the ninth commandment. That's what need the ninth commandment. That's what need the ninth commandment. That's what you need.

you need. you need. Okay. When when Paul says, Timothy, God Okay. When when Paul says, Timothy, God Okay. When when Paul says, Timothy, God has grace for you. He's saying he is has grace for you. He's saying he is has grace for you. He's saying he is lavishing his love on you and it is not lavishing his love on you and it is not lavishing his love on you and it is not dependent upon your level of obedience dependent upon your level of obedience dependent upon your level of obedience to him. It's dependent upon Jesus to him. It's dependent upon Jesus to him. It's dependent upon Jesus sacrifice on the cross and his sacrifice sacrifice on the cross and his sacrifice sacrifice on the cross and his sacrifice was perfect. And so Timothy now there is was perfect. And so Timothy now there is was perfect. And so Timothy now there is therefore now no condemnation for you therefore now no condemnation for you therefore now no condemnation for you because you're in Christ Jesus. There's because you're in Christ Jesus. There's because you're in Christ Jesus. There's only love. In fact, what the father said only love. In fact, what the father said only love. In fact, what the father said to the son is he looked at his son and to the son is he looked at his son and to the son is he looked at his son and he said, "This is my beloved son. Watch he said, "This is my beloved son. Watch he said, "This is my beloved son. Watch this. With whom I am well pleased." He this. With whom I am well pleased." He this. With whom I am well pleased." He was pleased with the son and you have was pleased with the son and you have was pleased with the son and you have been put in the son and so your heavenly been put in the son and so your heavenly been put in the son and so your heavenly father cannot be displeased with you. father cannot be displeased with you. father cannot be displeased with you. grace and then peace. Man, don't we need grace and then peace. Man, don't we need grace and then peace. Man, don't we need peace? peace? peace? The only way to know prince, the only The only way to know prince, the only The only way to know prince, the only way to know peace is to know a person way to know peace is to know a person way to know peace is to know a person and know the prince of peace. And what and know the prince of peace. And what and know the prince of peace. And what most of us try to do is we try to get most of us try to do is we try to get most of us try to do is we try to get this little set of circumstances. If we this little set of circumstances. If we this little set of circumstances. If we get everything just like this, well, get everything just like this, well, get everything just like this, well, then I'll finally have peace. I'm going then I'll finally have peace. I'm going then I'll finally have peace. I'm going to tell you right now, never going to to tell you right now, never going to to tell you right now, never going to work. You're never going to get work. You're never going to get work. You're never going to get everything just like you want it. And if everything just like you want it. And if everything just like you want it. And if you do, take a picture, it's going to you do, take a picture, it's going to you do, take a picture, it's going to last two seconds. The only way that you last two seconds. The only way that you last two seconds. The only way that you can get peace is to know a person, the can get peace is to know a person, the can get peace is to know a person, the prince of peace, that will usher peace prince of peace, that will usher peace prince of peace, that will usher peace into your life. And what Paul's doing into your life. And what Paul's doing into your life. And what Paul's doing right here, I want you to understand right here, I want you to understand right here, I want you to understand this.

this. this. There is only one [laughter] There is only one [laughter] There is only one [laughter] only one New Testament book where Paul only one New Testament book where Paul only one New Testament book where Paul uses this phrase only one where he goes uses this phrase only one where he goes uses this phrase only one where he goes grace actually it's two but they're both grace actually it's two but they're both grace actually it's two but they're both of the same person only in Paul's of the same person only in Paul's of the same person only in Paul's letters to Timothy his quote beloved son letters to Timothy his quote beloved son letters to Timothy his quote beloved son remember this whose father abandoned him remember this whose father abandoned him remember this whose father abandoned him [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] only to that one guy Paul two times goes only to that one guy Paul two times goes only to that one guy Paul two times goes hey Timothy grace mercy and peace from hey Timothy grace mercy and peace from hey Timothy grace mercy and peace from who? Timothy, you've got a father in who? Timothy, you've got a father in who? Timothy, you've got a father in heaven. And I think what Paul's doing is heaven. And I think what Paul's doing is heaven. And I think what Paul's doing is he's going, "Hey, everything you didn't he's going, "Hey, everything you didn't he's going, "Hey, everything you didn't get from your earthly dad, your heavenly get from your earthly dad, your heavenly get from your earthly dad, your heavenly father has on store for you." And that father has on store for you." And that father has on store for you." And that is what solidifies Timothy's security to is what solidifies Timothy's security to is what solidifies Timothy's security to walk forward as a disciple. Now, listen. walk forward as a disciple. Now, listen. walk forward as a disciple. Now, listen. Here's what I know. Some of you, you've Here's what I know. Some of you, you've Here's what I know. Some of you, you've spent your entire life pretending and spent your entire life pretending and spent your entire life pretending and performing and thinking that the only performing and thinking that the only performing and thinking that the only way you can get your way into God's good way you can get your way into God's good way you can get your way into God's good graces is to work your way in. But what graces is to work your way in. But what graces is to work your way in. But what you got to understand is that there is you got to understand is that there is you got to understand is that there is therefore now no condemnation. We are therefore now no condemnation. We are therefore now no condemnation. We are saved by faith by grace through faith saved by faith by grace through faith saved by faith by grace through faith apart from our works. And you've never apart from our works. And you've never apart from our works. And you've never in your entire life instead of trusting in your entire life instead of trusting in your entire life instead of trusting in your imperfect real jacked up works, in your imperfect real jacked up works, in your imperfect real jacked up works, you have never trusted in the finished you have never trusted in the finished you have never trusted in the finished work of Jesus Christ and gone, man, he work of Jesus Christ and gone, man, he work of Jesus Christ and gone, man, he died for me somehow in some way the died for me somehow in some way the died for me somehow in some way the cross counted for me. That's all I need.

cross counted for me. That's all I need. cross counted for me. That's all I need. And if I put my faith in that, I have And if I put my faith in that, I have And if I put my faith in that, I have the eternally secure love of the father. the eternally secure love of the father. the eternally secure love of the father. You've never done that. If you don't You've never done that. If you don't You've never done that. If you don't have that, you can't be secure in him have that, you can't be secure in him have that, you can't be secure in him because you got to have the love of the because you got to have the love of the because you got to have the love of the father. So here's what I want to do at father. So here's what I want to do at father. So here's what I want to do at all of our campuses. all of our campuses. all of our campuses. I want you to bow your heads and close I want you to bow your heads and close I want you to bow your heads and close your eyes and I want to give you a your eyes and I want to give you a your eyes and I want to give you a chance to step into that love of the chance to step into that love of the chance to step into that love of the father maybe for the first time at the father maybe for the first time at the father maybe for the first time at the outset of this series. Okay? So if outset of this series. Okay? So if outset of this series. Okay? So if that's you and you're realizing like man that's you and you're realizing like man that's you and you're realizing like man I need to cross that line. All I want I need to cross that line. All I want I need to cross that line. All I want you to do is in your seat I want you to you to do is in your seat I want you to you to do is in your seat I want you to pray this prayer silently in your seat pray this prayer silently in your seat pray this prayer silently in your seat right now as an expression of your faith right now as an expression of your faith right now as an expression of your faith in the father receiving his love. in the father receiving his love. in the father receiving his love. So right now, if that's you, just pray So right now, if that's you, just pray So right now, if that's you, just pray this silently. Just pray. God, I know this silently. Just pray. God, I know this silently. Just pray. God, I know I'm a sinner. And I know I have lived for other things And I know I have lived for other things besides you first, but I believe you died for my sin.

but I believe you died for my sin. I believe that somehow in some way the I believe that somehow in some way the I believe that somehow in some way the cross counted for me. cross counted for me. cross counted for me. and I believe you rose from the dead and I believe you rose from the dead and I believe you rose from the dead and that you live to give life to and that you live to give life to and that you live to give life to anybody that would call on your name. anybody that would call on your name. anybody that would call on your name. Pray this from a sincere heart. From Pray this from a sincere heart. From Pray this from a sincere heart. From this day forward, as best as I know how, this day forward, as best as I know how, this day forward, as best as I know how, I will live for you first. Today Today I receive the free gift of adoption as a I receive the free gift of adoption as a I receive the free gift of adoption as a son or a daughter son or a daughter son or a daughter and the forgiveness of my sin and the forgiveness of my sin and the forgiveness of my sin apart from anything I've ever done apart from anything I've ever done apart from anything I've ever done [music] just as a gift. [music] just as a gift. [music] just as a gift. Thank you God for adopting me as a son Thank you God for adopting me as a son Thank you God for adopting me as a son or a daughter. or a daughter. or a daughter. Now at all of our campuses, keep your Now at all of our campuses, keep your Now at all of our campuses, keep your heads bowed and your eyes closed. heads bowed and your eyes closed. heads bowed and your eyes closed. Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] If that was you and maybe today you're If that was you and maybe today you're If that was you and maybe today you're crossing a line of faith for the first crossing a line of faith for the first crossing a line of faith for the first time to come to Jesus Christ, count of time to come to Jesus Christ, count of time to come to Jesus Christ, count of three. What I want you to do is just three. What I want you to do is just three. What I want you to do is just slip your hand in the air when I count slip your hand in the air when I count slip your hand in the air when I count to three. And the reason I'm doing this to three. And the reason I'm doing this to three. And the reason I'm doing this is I believe something solidifies in you is I believe something solidifies in you is I believe something solidifies in you spiritually when you respond physically.

spiritually when you respond physically. spiritually when you respond physically. So count of three, all of our campuses. So count of three, all of our campuses. So count of three, all of our campuses. No fear, no shame. Don't you ever let No fear, no shame. Don't you ever let No fear, no shame. Don't you ever let somebody make you ashamed of what God's somebody make you ashamed of what God's somebody make you ashamed of what God's doing in your life at church. doing in your life at church. doing in your life at church. If that's you, count of three, hand in If that's you, count of three, hand in If that's you, count of three, hand in the air. One, God loves you. the air. One, God loves you. the air. One, God loves you. Two, [music] you came here for a reason Two, [music] you came here for a reason Two, [music] you came here for a reason today. today. today. Three, put your hand in the air right Three, put your hand in the air right Three, put your hand in the air right now. Right now. Get them up like, "Hi, I now. Right now. Get them up like, "Hi, I now. Right now. Get them up like, "Hi, I want to see him, man." Amen. Keep them want to see him, man." Amen. Keep them want to see him, man." Amen. Keep them up. Wow. Keep them up. Coming home up. Wow. Keep them up. Coming home up. Wow. Keep them up. Coming home receiving the grace of the father, receiving the grace of the father, receiving the grace of the father, man. Amen. Amen. Amen.