Contentment and a Life That Matters | Bryan Loritts

The fountain of youth, the lost city of The fountain of youth, the lost city of gold, the genie's lamp. gold, the genie's lamp. gold, the genie's lamp. Throughout history, people have searched Throughout history, people have searched Throughout history, people have searched for something to transform their for something to transform their for something to transform their everyday [music] lives into something everyday [music] lives into something everyday [music] lives into something spectacular. spectacular. spectacular. Not many of us today are traveling the Not many of us today are traveling the Not many of us today are traveling the world looking for a literal fountain of world looking for a literal fountain of world looking for a literal fountain of youth, youth, youth, but we're still all [music] searching. but we're still all [music] searching. but we're still all [music] searching. We sense, deep down, that there's got to We sense, deep down, that there's got to We sense, deep down, that there's got to be more to life than what we're living. be more to life than what we're living. be more to life than what we're living. We feel in our bones that even though We feel in our bones that even though We feel in our bones that even though it's elusive, the good life is out it's elusive, the good life is out it's elusive, the good life is out there. there. there. Centuries ago, an old man with scars on Centuries ago, an old man with scars on Centuries ago, an old man with scars on his back, sitting alone in a prison his back, sitting alone in a prison his back, sitting alone in a prison cell, claimed to have finally found it, cell, claimed to have finally found it, cell, claimed to have finally found it, the secret to the good [music] life. And the secret to the good [music] life. And the secret to the good [music] life. And lucky for us, he wrote it down in a lucky for us, he wrote it down in a lucky for us, he wrote it down in a letter to his friends and to us. letter to his friends and to us. letter to his friends and to us. That letter is the book of Philippians. That letter is the book of Philippians. That letter is the book of Philippians. >> [music] >> Well, good morning, Summit family. Two >> Well, good morning, Summit family. Two weeks in a row, mama, I made it. weeks in a row, mama, I made it. weeks in a row, mama, I made it. Unbelievable. Unbelievable. If you have Unbelievable. Unbelievable. If you have Unbelievable. Unbelievable. If you have your Bibles, please meet me in your Bibles, please meet me in your Bibles, please meet me in Philippians chapter 4, fourth chapter of Philippians chapter 4, fourth chapter of Philippians chapter 4, fourth chapter of the book of Philippians. If you're new the book of Philippians. If you're new the book of Philippians. If you're new with us, we've been making our way with us, we've been making our way with us, we've been making our way through the book of Philippians, and through the book of Philippians, and through the book of Philippians, and this is our last week in the book. We're this is our last week in the book. We're this is our last week in the book. We're going to look at verses 14 through 23, going to look at verses 14 through 23, going to look at verses 14 through 23, the closing verses of the book of the closing verses of the book of the closing verses of the book of Philippians. The guy who wrote this, his Philippians. The guy who wrote this, his Philippians. The guy who wrote this, his name is Paul, and Paul says these words.

name is Paul, and Paul says these words. name is Paul, and Paul says these words. Pick me up in verse 14. "Yet it was kind Pick me up in verse 14. "Yet it was kind Pick me up in verse 14. "Yet it was kind of you to share with me in my trouble. of you to share with me in my trouble. of you to share with me in my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that And you Philippians yourselves know that And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I in the beginning of the gospel, when I in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into left Macedonia, no church entered into left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and partnership with me in giving and partnership with me in giving and receiving except you only. Even Even in receiving except you only. Even Even in receiving except you only. Even Even in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my Thessalonica, you sent me help for my Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek needs once and again. Not that I seek needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, the gift, the gift, but I seek the fruit that make note of but I seek the fruit that make note of but I seek the fruit that make note of this phrase this phrase this phrase >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> increases to your credit. >> increases to your credit. >> increases to your credit. I've received full payment and more. I I've received full payment and more. I I've received full payment and more. I am well-supplied am well-supplied am well-supplied having received from Epaphroditus the having received from Epaphroditus the having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. God. God. And my God, hear this promise, And my God, hear this promise, And my God, hear this promise, will supply every need of yours will supply every need of yours will supply every need of yours according to his riches and glory in according to his riches and glory in according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus.

Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever To our God and Father be glory forever To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. and ever. Amen. and ever. Amen. Don't read over this too fast. Don't read over this too fast. Don't read over this too fast. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers The brothers The brothers who are with me who are with me who are with me greet you. greet you. greet you. All All All the saints the saints the saints >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> greet you. >> greet you. >> greet you. Especially those of Caesar's Especially those of Caesar's Especially those of Caesar's household. household. household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with be with be with >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> your spirit. >> your spirit. >> your spirit. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. God, we rejoice in what you are doing in God, we rejoice in what you are doing in God, we rejoice in what you are doing in and through our church. Thank you for and through our church. Thank you for and through our church. Thank you for the stories of transformation that are the stories of transformation that are the stories of transformation that are coming out of camp. We thank you for the coming out of camp. We thank you for the coming out of camp. We thank you for the baptisms. baptisms. baptisms. Uh we thank you, Lord God, for Uh we thank you, Lord God, for Uh we thank you, Lord God, for just all of those who are saying yes to just all of those who are saying yes to just all of those who are saying yes to Jesus, those who have said yes to Jesus, Jesus, those who have said yes to Jesus, Jesus, those who have said yes to Jesus, who are being discipled in their faith, who are being discipled in their faith, who are being discipled in their faith, equipped and unleashed, being sent out equipped and unleashed, being sent out equipped and unleashed, being sent out to our world and all the spheres of to our world and all the spheres of to our world and all the spheres of influence. Now, Lord God, would you influence. Now, Lord God, would you influence. Now, Lord God, would you speak to us as we speak to us as we speak to us as we conclude this series, Lord God? Uh would conclude this series, Lord God? Uh would conclude this series, Lord God? Uh would you encourage our hearts?

you encourage our hearts? you encourage our hearts? Would you challenge us in areas we need Would you challenge us in areas we need Would you challenge us in areas we need to be challenged, push against those to be challenged, push against those to be challenged, push against those things that need to be pushed against, things that need to be pushed against, things that need to be pushed against, Lord God? May our hearts receive the Lord God? May our hearts receive the Lord God? May our hearts receive the word that is going to be preached. I I word that is going to be preached. I I word that is going to be preached. I I pray, Father God that you would draw pray, Father God that you would draw pray, Father God that you would draw people to yourself, that people would people to yourself, that people would people to yourself, that people would say yes to you for the first time say yes to you for the first time say yes to you for the first time right now Lord God at this service. I do right now Lord God at this service. I do right now Lord God at this service. I do pray also pray also pray also that there would be people Father who that there would be people Father who that there would be people Father who who would come forward and who would who would come forward and who would who would come forward and who would just say yeah, I'm a follower of Jesus, just say yeah, I'm a follower of Jesus, just say yeah, I'm a follower of Jesus, but here are some specific areas of my but here are some specific areas of my but here are some specific areas of my life that maybe I'm wrestling with life that maybe I'm wrestling with life that maybe I'm wrestling with because of what's been preached and I because of what's been preached and I because of what's been preached and I just need prayer and I want to I want to just need prayer and I want to I want to just need prayer and I want to I want to offer them up to God as a matter of offer them up to God as a matter of offer them up to God as a matter of repentance. repentance. repentance. God, would you do all of those things? God, would you do all of those things? God, would you do all of those things? Use me. It's in Jesus' name I pray. Use me. It's in Jesus' name I pray. Use me. It's in Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Without a doubt, Alphonse aka Scarfoot Without a doubt, Alphonse aka Scarfoot Without a doubt, Alphonse aka Scarfoot Scarface Capone Scarface Capone Scarface Capone is the most notorious gangster in is the most notorious gangster in is the most notorious gangster in American history. American history. American history. There's a reverential awe There's a reverential awe There's a reverential awe even to this day even to this day even to this day that that some have towards him. You that that some have towards him. You that that some have towards him. You listen to some of the hip-hop songs and listen to some of the hip-hop songs and listen to some of the hip-hop songs and there's bound to be a reference in some there's bound to be a reference in some there's bound to be a reference in some of them of them of them um of adoration towards Al Capone.

um of adoration towards Al Capone. um of adoration towards Al Capone. Al Capone came of age during the period Al Capone came of age during the period Al Capone came of age during the period of American history known as of American history known as of American history known as prohibition. prohibition. prohibition. Wherein defiance of the government, he Wherein defiance of the government, he Wherein defiance of the government, he thumbed his nose thumbed his nose thumbed his nose and decided that he was going to push and decided that he was going to push and decided that he was going to push away and not conform to their commands away and not conform to their commands away and not conform to their commands and he decided to build an empire off of and he decided to build an empire off of and he decided to build an empire off of peddling and selling alcohol. He was a peddling and selling alcohol. He was a peddling and selling alcohol. He was a brutal man. brutal man. brutal man. Uh you did not um cross him. If you did, Uh you did not um cross him. If you did, Uh you did not um cross him. If you did, there were dire consequences to pay. So there were dire consequences to pay. So there were dire consequences to pay. So many so many got murdered. And yet and many so many got murdered. And yet and many so many got murdered. And yet and yet for all of that there were so many yet for all of that there were so many yet for all of that there were so many who looked to Al Capone as a model of who looked to Al Capone as a model of who looked to Al Capone as a model of the kind of life they wanted to live. the kind of life they wanted to live. the kind of life they wanted to live. As they saw Al Capone parade around town As they saw Al Capone parade around town As they saw Al Capone parade around town with the most beautiful of women, wear with the most beautiful of women, wear with the most beautiful of women, wear custom-made suits, have the biggest custom-made suits, have the biggest custom-made suits, have the biggest homes, mansions in various cities, homes, mansions in various cities, homes, mansions in various cities, smoked smoked smoked fine cigars. Here was this individual fine cigars. Here was this individual fine cigars. Here was this individual that they looked at as a paradigm for that they looked at as a paradigm for that they looked at as a paradigm for the life the life the life that they wanted.

that they wanted. that they wanted. It might surprise you It might surprise you It might surprise you to know to know to know that later on in life and to this day that later on in life and to this day that later on in life and to this day Al Capone screams, Al Capone screams, Al Capone screams, "Don't live the way that I lived." "Don't live the way that I lived." "Don't live the way that I lived." That's a pretty profound statement, That's a pretty profound statement, That's a pretty profound statement, Brian. How can you back that up? Just Brian. How can you back that up? Just Brian. How can you back that up? Just just fly into Chicago, hop into your just fly into Chicago, hop into your just fly into Chicago, hop into your rental car, rental car, rental car, drive about 15 mi west of the city, drive about 15 mi west of the city, drive about 15 mi west of the city, and go to his grave site. and go to his grave site. and go to his grave site. Right before he died, he commanded Right before he died, he commanded Right before he died, he commanded that these three words be etched on his that these three words be etched on his that these three words be etched on his tomb. My My Jesus Jesus Jesus mercy. mercy. mercy. Those three words say a lot. Those three words say a lot. Those three words say a lot. I believe it is I believe it is I believe it is Al Capone's admission and confession Al Capone's admission and confession Al Capone's admission and confession that I've wasted it.

that I've wasted it. that I've wasted it. "Don't be like me. "Don't be like me. "Don't be like me. I spent my life. I spent my life. I spent my life. Better yet, I wasted my life Better yet, I wasted my life Better yet, I wasted my life chasing after, chasing after, chasing after, pursuing pursuing pursuing those things that in the scheme of those things that in the scheme of those things that in the scheme of eternity eternity eternity don't matter." don't matter." don't matter." Now, before we shake our head in pity at Now, before we shake our head in pity at Now, before we shake our head in pity at Al Capone, I I want you to understand Al Capone, I I want you to understand Al Capone, I I want you to understand that that that that today there there will be that today there there will be that today there there will be billions of people at some point who are billions of people at some point who are billions of people at some point who are living today who, when they die, will living today who, when they die, will living today who, when they die, will have to say the same thing. My My Jesus have to say the same thing. My My Jesus have to say the same thing. My My Jesus mercy. No, it may not be etched on their mercy. No, it may not be etched on their mercy. No, it may not be etched on their tombstone, but they will look through tombstone, but they will look through tombstone, but they will look through the rearview mirror of their of their the rearview mirror of their of their the rearview mirror of their of their brief stay on earth and realize man I brief stay on earth and realize man I brief stay on earth and realize man I wasted no they may not have been like Al wasted no they may not have been like Al wasted no they may not have been like Al Capone and killed people or built an Capone and killed people or built an Capone and killed people or built an empire and criminal activity but but empire and criminal activity but but empire and criminal activity but but they would have to admit that in the they would have to admit that in the they would have to admit that in the scheme of eternity I gave my life scheme of eternity I gave my life scheme of eternity I gave my life pursuing things that just didn't matter pursuing things that just didn't matter pursuing things that just didn't matter my my Jesus my my Jesus my my Jesus mercy mercy mercy and maybe that's some of you maybe maybe and maybe that's some of you maybe maybe and maybe that's some of you maybe maybe some of you you are you are here today some of you you are you are here today some of you you are you are here today maybe you wouldn't call yourself a maybe you wouldn't call yourself a maybe you wouldn't call yourself a Christian and and maybe you're here Christian and and maybe you're here Christian and and maybe you're here because you're just going man the stuff because you're just going man the stuff because you're just going man the stuff I've pursuing it's just hasn't given me I've pursuing it's just hasn't given me I've pursuing it's just hasn't given me the fulfillment I was looking for all of the fulfillment I was looking for all of the fulfillment I was looking for all of us I think even Christians know what us I think even Christians know what us I think even Christians know what it's like to have stretches where we're

it's like to have stretches where we're it's like to have stretches where we're we're really not getting after Jesus and we're really not getting after Jesus and we're really not getting after Jesus and what matters we're getting after the what matters we're getting after the what matters we're getting after the stuff of this life and this looks a stuff of this life and this looks a stuff of this life and this looks a million different ways for some of us million different ways for some of us million different ways for some of us we're just pursuing success that's our we're just pursuing success that's our we're just pursuing success that's our bottom line I have to be successful I bottom line I have to be successful I bottom line I have to be successful I love what one individual said one love what one individual said one love what one individual said one individual said I climbed all the way up individual said I climbed all the way up individual said I climbed all the way up to the top of the ladder of success only to the top of the ladder of success only to the top of the ladder of success only to realize my ladder was leaning against to realize my ladder was leaning against to realize my ladder was leaning against the wrong wall other people their bottom line is money other people their bottom line is money status and significance other other status and significance other other status and significance other other people what they're really after is that people what they're really after is that people what they're really after is that kind of relationship I just kind of find kind of relationship I just kind of find kind of relationship I just kind of find the love of my life other people maybe the love of my life other people maybe the love of my life other people maybe it's uh you know I'm trying to find it it's uh you know I'm trying to find it it's uh you know I'm trying to find it social media and the clicks and the social media and the clicks and the social media and the clicks and the likes and the followers and the views it likes and the followers and the views it likes and the followers and the views it it just works in a million different it just works in a million different it just works in a million different ways and I love what the Christian ways and I love what the Christian ways and I love what the Christian philosopher Dallas Willard says Dallas philosopher Dallas Willard says Dallas philosopher Dallas Willard says Dallas Willard once said we are spiritual Willard once said we are spiritual Willard once said we are spiritual beings having a physical experience and beings having a physical experience and beings having a physical experience and what that means is when I put all of my what that means is when I put all of my what that means is when I put all of my chips in the physical box when the chips in the physical box when the chips in the physical box when the physical stuff becomes my bottom line physical stuff becomes my bottom line physical stuff becomes my bottom line it's a exercise in futility. I I'm not it's a exercise in futility. I I'm not it's a exercise in futility. I I'm not really getting after what matters.

So, I want you now to imagine So, I want you now to imagine you're in a little home you're in a little home you're in a little home there in Philippi. there in Philippi. there in Philippi. It's a church community of about 30, 40 It's a church community of about 30, 40 It's a church community of about 30, 40 people. The founder of your church is a guy by The founder of your church is a guy by the name of Paul. the name of Paul. the name of Paul. You love Paul. You love Paul. You love Paul. This This isn't how the Corinthians were This This isn't how the Corinthians were This This isn't how the Corinthians were with Paul. There was this friction with Paul. There was this friction with Paul. There was this friction between them. between them. between them. There's none of that. The Philippians, There's none of that. The Philippians, There's none of that. The Philippians, there's no friction. There's only a deep there's no friction. There's only a deep there's no friction. There's only a deep love and affinity. You've You've heard love and affinity. You've You've heard love and affinity. You've You've heard sometime ago that your founder, Paul, sometime ago that your founder, Paul, sometime ago that your founder, Paul, he's in prison and and man, you are you he's in prison and and man, you are you he's in prison and and man, you are you are you're crestfallen. You're You're are you're crestfallen. You're You're are you're crestfallen. You're You're heartbroken. And so, you decide as a heartbroken. And so, you decide as a heartbroken. And so, you decide as a means of encouragement to to raise an means of encouragement to to raise an means of encouragement to to raise an offering. You You've You You You You offering. You You've You You You You offering. You You've You You You You give sacrificially. You You You You get give sacrificially. You You You You get give sacrificially. You You You You get one of his colleagues, a guy by the name one of his colleagues, a guy by the name one of his colleagues, a guy by the name of Epaphroditus, and you say, "Here, of Epaphroditus, and you say, "Here, of Epaphroditus, and you say, "Here, just take this to Paul. Let him know we just take this to Paul. Let him know we just take this to Paul. Let him know we love him and we we want him to be love him and we we want him to be love him and we we want him to be encouraged." And so, they take the gift encouraged." And so, they take the gift encouraged." And so, they take the gift to Paul who's in prison. Many think he's to Paul who's in prison. Many think he's to Paul who's in prison. Many think he's in prison in Rome. And Paul gets the in prison in Rome. And Paul gets the in prison in Rome. And Paul gets the gift and he's touched.

So, Paul decides, "I got to give my So, Paul decides, "I got to give my update." So, he picks up a pen and he update." So, he picks up a pen and he update." So, he picks up a pen and he writes a letter writes a letter writes a letter saying, "This is This is what I'm up saying, "This is This is what I'm up saying, "This is This is what I'm up to." to." to." And this letter is now ferried back to And this letter is now ferried back to And this letter is now ferried back to the Philippians. They're gathered the Philippians. They're gathered the Philippians. They're gathered together again and someone's reading together again and someone's reading together again and someone's reading Paul's letter and and and because of the Paul's letter and and and because of the Paul's letter and and and because of the affection and the affinity, they're affection and the affinity, they're affection and the affinity, they're leaning in. leaning in. leaning in. They They They can't wait to hear. They They They can't wait to hear. They They They can't wait to hear. And And one of the things they hear And And one of the things they hear And And one of the things they hear is Philippians 1:12 where Paul says, "I is Philippians 1:12 where Paul says, "I is Philippians 1:12 where Paul says, "I want you to know, brothers, that what want you to know, brothers, that what want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to has happened to me has really served to has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel as it has become advance the gospel as it has become advance the gospel as it has become known throughout the whole Imperial known throughout the whole Imperial known throughout the whole Imperial Guard and to all the rest. My Guard and to all the rest. My Guard and to all the rest. My imprisonment is for Christ." imprisonment is for Christ." imprisonment is for Christ." I WANT YOU TO KNOW. THANKS Thanks for I WANT YOU TO KNOW. THANKS Thanks for I WANT YOU TO KNOW. THANKS Thanks for being concerned ABOUT ME. I MIGHT BE being concerned ABOUT ME. I MIGHT BE being concerned ABOUT ME. I MIGHT BE STUCK in prison, BUT THE GOSPEL hasn't STUCK in prison, BUT THE GOSPEL hasn't STUCK in prison, BUT THE GOSPEL hasn't stopped. stopped. stopped. I'm I'm getting after it, and your gifts I'm I'm getting after it, and your gifts I'm I'm getting after it, and your gifts are are enabling me to help continue to are are enabling me to help continue to are are enabling me to help continue to pursue and to get after what matters.

pursue and to get after what matters. pursue and to get after what matters. And then we come to chapter 4, verses 14 And then we come to chapter 4, verses 14 And then we come to chapter 4, verses 14 to 23. As this word was read, you should to 23. As this word was read, you should to 23. As this word was read, you should have noticed words like partnership, have noticed words like partnership, have noticed words like partnership, share. share. share. Paul is saying, "Man, we're we're in Paul is saying, "Man, we're we're in Paul is saying, "Man, we're we're in this together. You've given me the gift. this together. You've given me the gift. this together. You've given me the gift. I'm advancing the gospel, which means if I'm advancing the gospel, which means if I'm advancing the gospel, which means if I'm getting after what matters, you're I'm getting after what matters, you're I'm getting after what matters, you're getting after getting after getting after what matters." what matters." what matters." He He ends by saying, He He ends by saying, He He ends by saying, "Oh, Philippians, be encouraged. There's no my Jesus mercy for you. There's no my Jesus mercy for you. You're not wasting your life. One of my favorite figures in church One of my favorite figures in church history is a guy by the name of C.T.

history is a guy by the name of C.T. history is a guy by the name of C.T. Studd. I don't know if you know that Studd. I don't know if you know that Studd. I don't know if you know that name. If you don't know that name, you name. If you don't know that name, you name. If you don't know that name, you should. C.T. Studd has been called the should. C.T. Studd has been called the should. C.T. Studd has been called the greatest cricket player of the 19th greatest cricket player of the 19th greatest cricket player of the 19th century. He was a century. He was a century. He was a beast of an athlete who dominated on the beast of an athlete who dominated on the beast of an athlete who dominated on the cricket team at Cambridge University. He cricket team at Cambridge University. He cricket team at Cambridge University. He would later on be selected on the would later on be selected on the would later on be selected on the English national team where he would English national team where he would English national team where he would continue to dominate and yet as he was continue to dominate and yet as he was continue to dominate and yet as he was just kind of as his star was rising just kind of as his star was rising just kind of as his star was rising there was this knowing hole in his soul there was this knowing hole in his soul there was this knowing hole in his soul that something was missing. It's at this that something was missing. It's at this that something was missing. It's at this point that C.T. Studd this world famous point that C.T. Studd this world famous point that C.T. Studd this world famous athlete had what he called a spiritual athlete had what he called a spiritual athlete had what he called a spiritual awakening the great Hound of Heaven awakening the great Hound of Heaven awakening the great Hound of Heaven Jesus Christ tracked him down got a hold Jesus Christ tracked him down got a hold Jesus Christ tracked him down got a hold of his heart and for C.T. Studd what of his heart and for C.T. Studd what of his heart and for C.T. Studd what that meant was at the height at the that meant was at the height at the that meant was at the height at the height of his athletic career he quit. height of his athletic career he quit. height of his athletic career he quit. He He retired. He threw up the deuces. He He retired. He threw up the deuces. He He retired. He threw up the deuces. He He decided to go to China to become a He He decided to go to China to become a He He decided to go to China to become a full-time vocational missionary. Later full-time vocational missionary. Later full-time vocational missionary. Later on in life he wrote a poem and I'm sure on in life he wrote a poem and I'm sure on in life he wrote a poem and I'm sure you've heard of it. Here's the poem. you've heard of it. Here's the poem. you've heard of it. Here's the poem. It's It's It's It's this poem called It's It's It's It's this poem called It's It's It's It's this poem called Only One Life where he said only one Only One Life where he said only one Only One Life where he said only one life will soon be passed only what's life will soon be passed only what's life will soon be passed only what's done for Christ will last and then later done for Christ will last and then later done for Christ will last and then later on in life man he he was about to die on in life man he he was about to die on in life man he he was about to die and and he's got this quote. This is and and he's got this quote. This is and and he's got this quote. This is like top three favorite quotes. It's a a like top three favorite quotes. It's a a like top three favorite quotes. It's a a gangster quote. C.T. Studd said I pray gangster quote. C.T. Studd said I pray gangster quote. C.T. Studd said I pray that when I die all of hell will rejoice that when I die all of hell will rejoice that when I die all of hell will rejoice that I am no longer in the fight.

that I am no longer in the fight. that I am no longer in the fight. That's a beast of a quote. That's a beast of a quote. That's a beast of a quote. I mean don't YOU WANT THAT SAID OF YOU I mean don't YOU WANT THAT SAID OF YOU I mean don't YOU WANT THAT SAID OF YOU THAT AS YOU'RE FLATLINING AND Satan's THAT AS YOU'RE FLATLINING AND Satan's THAT AS YOU'RE FLATLINING AND Satan's like oh gosh praise the Lord get him out like oh gosh praise the Lord get him out like oh gosh praise the Lord get him out of there. He gave us fits. That's only said of people who get after That's only said of people who get after what matters. It ain't said of people whose bottom It ain't said of people whose bottom line is letters behind their name living line is letters behind their name living line is letters behind their name living in a certain community sending my kid to in a certain community sending my kid to in a certain community sending my kid to a certain private school so I can put a certain private school so I can put a certain private school so I can put the bumper sticker on the back of my car the bumper sticker on the back of my car the bumper sticker on the back of my car bragging to the No that's not said of bragging to the No that's not said of bragging to the No that's not said of them. We're in the South. We're in the South. We're the Bible Belt. We're We're just We're the Bible Belt. We're We're just We're the Bible Belt. We're We're just so nice. I grew up in Atlanta. I grew up in Atlanta. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> So, it takes one to know one. Here's my >> So, it takes one to know one. Here's my >> So, it takes one to know one. Here's my concern. My concern, cultural concern. My concern, cultural concern. My concern, cultural Christianity.

Christianity. Christianity. We're going to have just enough Jesus to We're going to have just enough Jesus to We're going to have just enough Jesus to be acceptable, but not too much to freak be acceptable, but not too much to freak be acceptable, but not too much to freak you out. That Jesus becomes my administrative That Jesus becomes my administrative assistant who helps me pursue what I assistant who helps me pursue what I assistant who helps me pursue what I want to do instead of my CEO. And we just kind of settle in. And we just kind of settle in. YEAH, YOU KNOW, I'M GOING to come to YEAH, YOU KNOW, I'M GOING to come to YEAH, YOU KNOW, I'M GOING to come to Summit second service. It's kind of what Summit second service. It's kind of what Summit second service. It's kind of what I do. I'm going to go to lunch and you I do. I'm going to go to lunch and you I do. I'm going to go to lunch and you know, I'll have a little I'll have a know, I'll have a little I'll have a know, I'll have a little I'll have a little daily devotions and and maybe little daily devotions and and maybe little daily devotions and and maybe Jesus will come in and help to rearrange Jesus will come in and help to rearrange Jesus will come in and help to rearrange the furniture in my life. Where Jesus, the furniture in my life. Where Jesus, the furniture in my life. Where Jesus, I'm not coming in to rearrange the I'm not coming in to rearrange the I'm not coming in to rearrange the furniture. I want to BLOW YOUR LIFE UP. AT THE END OF THE DAY, MAN, I DON'T I AT THE END OF THE DAY, MAN, I DON'T I don't care about any of this stuff. At don't care about any of this stuff. At don't care about any of this stuff. At the end of the day, what matters to me the end of the day, what matters to me the end of the day, what matters to me is Jesus and making him known and making is Jesus and making him known and making is Jesus and making him known and making him famous.

him famous. him famous. I want to be careful with the C.T. Studd I want to be careful with the C.T. Studd I want to be careful with the C.T. Studd illustration because I don't want anyone illustration because I don't want anyone illustration because I don't want anyone to think in order to really live for to think in order to really live for to think in order to really live for what matters, you got to quit your job what matters, you got to quit your job what matters, you got to quit your job in the marketplace and become a in the marketplace and become a in the marketplace and become a full-time vocational uh minister. full-time vocational uh minister. full-time vocational uh minister. Although, I don't want to let you off Although, I don't want to let you off Although, I don't want to let you off the hook. I do believe for some of you the hook. I do believe for some of you the hook. I do believe for some of you that will be the call. that will be the call. that will be the call. Some of you, God is going to say, "I Some of you, God is going to say, "I Some of you, God is going to say, "I want you to have a real awkward want you to have a real awkward want you to have a real awkward conversation with your parents who paid conversation with your parents who paid conversation with your parents who paid all that money for your college and tell all that money for your college and tell all that money for your college and tell them you're leaving that." I know they them you're leaving that." I know they them you're leaving that." I know they took loans out in their name, but you're took loans out in their name, but you're took loans out in their name, but you're leaving that because you're following me leaving that because you're following me leaving that because you're following me and I'm taking you somewhere else. For and I'm taking you somewhere else. For and I'm taking you somewhere else. For some of you, that could be the call. but some of you, that could be the call. but some of you, that could be the call. but for most of us, the call will be stay for most of us, the call will be stay for most of us, the call will be stay exactly where you are and live for what exactly where you are and live for what exactly where you are and live for what matters in the marketplace, in your matters in the marketplace, in your matters in the marketplace, in your neighborhood, whether you eat or drink neighborhood, whether you eat or drink neighborhood, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all for the glory or whatever you do, do all for the glory or whatever you do, do all for the glory of Christ. of Christ. of Christ. That's the call. That's the call. That's the call. I just even this week, man, I was I just even this week, man, I was I just even this week, man, I was sitting down lunch with three of the sitting down lunch with three of the sitting down lunch with three of the members of our church. None of them are members of our church. None of them are members of our church. None of them are in full-time vocational ministry. in full-time vocational ministry. in full-time vocational ministry. They're all in the marketplace. Man, I They're all in the marketplace. Man, I They're all in the marketplace. Man, I was so encouraged by the lunch. We were was so encouraged by the lunch. We were was so encouraged by the lunch. We were sitting there talking and they're all sitting there talking and they're all sitting there talking and they're all talking about short-term missions trips talking about short-term missions trips talking about short-term missions trips they've gone on, missionaries they're they've gone on, missionaries they're they've gone on, missionaries they're supporting. They're giving each other supporting. They're giving each other supporting. They're giving each other advice on on how to vet people who come advice on on how to vet people who come advice on on how to vet people who come and ask to ask them to help partner with and ask to ask them to help partner with and ask to ask them to help partner with them financially. One of them's even them financially. One of them's even them financially. One of them's even saying, "Man, would you just pray for saying, "Man, would you just pray for saying, "Man, would you just pray for me, man? I just need more boldness in me, man? I just need more boldness in me, man? I just need more boldness in sharing my faith in my neighborhood."

sharing my faith in my neighborhood." sharing my faith in my neighborhood." I'm like, you get it. You're in the I'm like, you get it. You're in the I'm like, you get it. You're in the marketplace, but you're living for what marketplace, but you're living for what marketplace, but you're living for what matters. There's no aha moments here. If If you There's no aha moments here. If If you call yourself a Christian, you've been call yourself a Christian, you've been call yourself a Christian, you've been around church, this is a reminder. Then why is it that there are so many Then why is it that there are so many Christians who aren't really living for what for who aren't really living for what for what matters? what matters? what matters? Why is that? Because so many Christians, Paul's going Because so many Christians, Paul's going to tell us, are living discontented lives, are living discontented lives, distracted distracted distracted by the amenities of this life. How do I know that? How do I know that? Verses 14 to 23, he's encouraging them, Verses 14 to 23, he's encouraging them, Verses 14 to 23, he's encouraging them, you're living for what matters, you're living for what matters, you're living for what matters, but let's go back and talk about what he but let's go back and talk about what he but let's go back and talk about what he just just just talked about before.

talked about before. talked about before. Verse 10. I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now length you revived your concern for me. length you revived your concern for me. length you revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, You were indeed concerned for me, You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I'm but you had no opportunity. Not that I'm but you had no opportunity. Not that I'm speaking of being in need, speaking of being in need, speaking of being in need, for I've learned in whatever situation I for I've learned in whatever situation I for I've learned in whatever situation I am to be content. am to be content. am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know I know how to be brought low, and I know I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every how to abound. In any and every how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I've learned the secret of circumstance, I've learned the secret of circumstance, I've learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and facing plenty and hunger, abundance and facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ need. I can do all things through Christ need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. who strengthens me. who strengthens me. Notice, Notice, Notice, he connects a contented life he connects a contented life he connects a contented life >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> with a life >> with a life >> with a life that gets after what matters. Or, here's that gets after what matters. Or, here's that gets after what matters. Or, here's my first point of application. Paul is my first point of application. Paul is my first point of application. Paul is going to show us that contentment going to show us that contentment going to show us that contentment frees us to live for what matters. unless there is this contentment, so let unless there is this contentment, so let me just go back to what we just talked me just go back to what we just talked me just go back to what we just talked about last week, this idea of about last week, this idea of about last week, this idea of contentment, see the idea of contentment, see the idea of contentment, see the idea of sufficiency. That's what it means in the sufficiency. That's what it means in the sufficiency. That's what it means in the Greek, that Greek word, but you also got Greek, that Greek word, but you also got Greek, that Greek word, but you also got to understand words only have meaning in to understand words only have meaning in to understand words only have meaning in relationship with other words. We relationship with other words. We relationship with other words. We learned last week that this sense of learned last week that this sense of learned last week that this sense of sufficiency isn't self-sufficiency, but sufficiency isn't self-sufficiency, but sufficiency isn't self-sufficiency, but it is a sufficiency that's linked to it is a sufficiency that's linked to it is a sufficiency that's linked to Christ. How do I know that? Verse 13. I Christ. How do I know that? Verse 13. I Christ. How do I know that? Verse 13. I can do all things, all things, all can do all things, all things, all can do all things, all things, all things through Christ who strengthens things through Christ who strengthens things through Christ who strengthens me.

me. me. The things there is contentment in its The things there is contentment in its The things there is contentment in its context. context. context. In other words, Paul isn't telling them In other words, Paul isn't telling them In other words, Paul isn't telling them to go the way of the Stoics. We learned to go the way of the Stoics. We learned to go the way of the Stoics. We learned last week that the Stoics taught that last week that the Stoics taught that last week that the Stoics taught that contentment was the highest Greek ethic, contentment was the highest Greek ethic, contentment was the highest Greek ethic, and that the way that you did that is and that the way that you did that is and that the way that you did that is you just willed yourself, and you just you just willed yourself, and you just you just willed yourself, and you just tried harder, and I'm not going to tried harder, and I'm not going to tried harder, and I'm not going to purchase, and I'm not going to spend, purchase, and I'm not going to spend, purchase, and I'm not going to spend, and I'm not going to do that, and I'm and I'm not going to do that, and I'm and I'm not going to do that, and I'm not going to do that. Paul now hits them not going to do that. Paul now hits them not going to do that. Paul now hits them with the left hook by telling them, with the left hook by telling them, with the left hook by telling them, "Yes, I want you to be content, but your "Yes, I want you to be content, but your "Yes, I want you to be content, but your contentment is not found in you trying contentment is not found in you trying contentment is not found in you trying harder. Your contentment is found in you harder. Your contentment is found in you harder. Your contentment is found in you leaning into the only real source of leaning into the only real source of leaning into the only real source of contentment, which is Jesus Christ. He contentment, which is Jesus Christ. He contentment, which is Jesus Christ. He enables me and empowers me to live a enables me and empowers me to live a enables me and empowers me to live a contented life. And yet, PAUL IS CLEAR. contented life. And yet, PAUL IS CLEAR. contented life. And yet, PAUL IS CLEAR. YOU HAVE TO LEARN. He says, "I have YOU HAVE TO LEARN. He says, "I have YOU HAVE TO LEARN. He says, "I have learned contentment." learned contentment." learned contentment." Which means contentment isn't natural. What's natural is discontentment.

What's natural is discontentment. Augustine said our hearts are restless Augustine said our hearts are restless Augustine said our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you. until they find their rest in you. until they find their rest in you. So, one of the things we learned last So, one of the things we learned last So, one of the things we learned last week is if I'm going to learn week is if I'm going to learn week is if I'm going to learn contentment, we've got to be curious contentment, we've got to be curious contentment, we've got to be curious about our contentment. The word we about our contentment. The word we about our contentment. The word we actually used last week is we have to actually used last week is we have to actually used last week is we have to interrogate interrogate interrogate our contentment. our contentment. our contentment. Why am I always buying stuff? Why am I always buying stuff? Why am I always buying stuff? Why is Amazon living at my house? Why do I have to end every day, Why do I have to end every day, especially a hard parenting day, with a especially a hard parenting day, with a especially a hard parenting day, with a glass of wine? glass of wine? glass of wine? Why am I always on social media? What What What's at the bottom of my FOMO? What's at the bottom of my FOMO? What's at the bottom of my FOMO? My fear of missing out. Don't let a day GO BY WHERE YOU DON'T Don't let a day GO BY WHERE YOU DON'T STOP AND interrogate yourself. STOP AND interrogate yourself. STOP AND interrogate yourself. Why am I so Why am I so Why am I so discontent?

Now, right on the heels of that, Paul is Now, right on the heels of that, Paul is going to connect the contented life going to connect the contented life going to connect the contented life >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> with the financially generous life. >> with the financially generous life. >> with the financially generous life. He's going to pair contentment He's going to pair contentment He's going to pair contentment and gospel generosity. and gospel generosity. and gospel generosity. This isn't the only time Paul connects This isn't the only time Paul connects This isn't the only time Paul connects contentment with money. contentment with money. contentment with money. Writing to Timothy, who's the pastor of Writing to Timothy, who's the pastor of Writing to Timothy, who's the pastor of church of Ephesus, Paul gives these church of Ephesus, Paul gives these church of Ephesus, Paul gives these instructions in 1 Timothy 6. Will you instructions in 1 Timothy 6. Will you instructions in 1 Timothy 6. Will you look at it with me? look at it with me? look at it with me? But godliness with contentment is great But godliness with contentment is great But godliness with contentment is great gain. gain. gain. For we brought nothing into the world, For we brought nothing into the world, For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the and we cannot take anything out of the and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, world. But if we have food and clothing, world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those with these we will be content. But those with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into who desire to be rich fall into who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many temptation, into a snare, into many temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that senseless and harmful desires that senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. plunge people into ruin and destruction. plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money For the love of money For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is is a root of all kinds of evils. It is is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have through this craving that some have through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced wandered away from the faith and pierced wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. I want you themselves with many pains. I want you themselves with many pains. I want you to highlight the word snare.

to highlight the word snare. to highlight the word snare. Snare. Snare. Snare. Snare. Snare. Snare. Discontentment is a snare. That is, it Discontentment is a snare. That is, it Discontentment is a snare. That is, it entraps us. It binds us. It keeps us entraps us. It binds us. It keeps us entraps us. It binds us. It keeps us from something. It keeps us from getting from something. It keeps us from getting from something. It keeps us from getting after God's agenda, God's purposes for after God's agenda, God's purposes for after God's agenda, God's purposes for our life. In essence, here's what Paul our life. In essence, here's what Paul our life. In essence, here's what Paul is telling Timothy. Write this down. is telling Timothy. Write this down. is telling Timothy. Write this down. Paul is saying, "Hey Timothy, do not Paul is saying, "Hey Timothy, do not Paul is saying, "Hey Timothy, do not take orders from money." Live content. Live content. TEACH YOUR PEOPLE TO live content. WHY? TEACH YOUR PEOPLE TO live content. WHY? TEACH YOUR PEOPLE TO live content. WHY? BECAUSE IT'S WHEN I'M CONTENT THAT I'M BECAUSE IT'S WHEN I'M CONTENT THAT I'M BECAUSE IT'S WHEN I'M CONTENT THAT I'M FREE to get after what matters. to get after what matters. I'm so blessed, man. My My My parents, I'm so blessed, man. My My My parents, I'm so blessed, man. My My My parents, I'm just so blessed. I'm just so blessed. I'm just so blessed. My parents modeled a simple, contented My parents modeled a simple, contented My parents modeled a simple, contented life. Um I didn't grow up poor. I didn't life. Um I didn't grow up poor. I didn't life. Um I didn't grow up poor. I didn't grow up poor at all.

grow up poor at all. grow up poor at all. Um Um Um Um but you would think that we did just Um but you would think that we did just Um but you would think that we did just because of the simplicity. My parents because of the simplicity. My parents because of the simplicity. My parents made some very made some very made some very very clear choices. My dad very clear choices. My dad very clear choices. My dad has got a bit of a national platform and has got a bit of a national platform and has got a bit of a national platform and is kind of well-known and is kind of well-known and is kind of well-known and so, when I'd bring friends over who had so, when I'd bring friends over who had so, when I'd bring friends over who had just they were, you know, just they were, you know, just they were, you know, they were in awe of my dad. When I would they were in awe of my dad. When I would they were in awe of my dad. When I would bring over to to the house for the first bring over to to the house for the first bring over to to the house for the first time, they would time, they would time, they would like [laughter] the house didn't match like [laughter] the house didn't match like [laughter] the house didn't match what they thought it would be. It's what they thought it would be. It's what they thought it would be. It's really simple. really simple. really simple. The cars were simple. No, they were The cars were simple. No, they were The cars were simple. No, they were embarrassing. I took I took a Ford Aerostar, burgundy I took I took a Ford Aerostar, burgundy Ford Aerostar to my junior prom. I still Ford Aerostar to my junior prom. I still Ford Aerostar to my junior prom. I still have scars over that. have scars over that. have scars over that. Um Um Um but just simple, simple, simple. but just simple, simple, simple. but just simple, simple, simple. And I remember when my dad was teaching And I remember when my dad was teaching And I remember when my dad was teaching me about finances, me about finances, me about finances, my dad just had this one line that's my dad just had this one line that's my dad just had this one line that's always stayed with me. always stayed with me. always stayed with me. Um when I was in middle school or high Um when I was in middle school or high Um when I was in middle school or high school, they would they would give me an school, they would they would give me an school, they would they would give me an allowance just to teach me allowance just to teach me allowance just to teach me um just kind of financial principles and um just kind of financial principles and um just kind of financial principles and uh uh uh there would be times in which dad would there would be times in which dad would there would be times in which dad would watch me uh about to make a purchase and watch me uh about to make a purchase and watch me uh about to make a purchase and he would always say this to me.

he would always say this to me. he would always say this to me. He'd say, "Son, no is the most freeing He'd say, "Son, no is the most freeing He'd say, "Son, no is the most freeing word in the English language." word in the English language." word in the English language." A no to lesser things is a yes to A no to lesser things is a yes to A no to lesser things is a yes to greater things. is a yes is a yes to greater things. That's the idea here. That's the idea here. I I I want to say this to us in a very I I I want to say this to us in a very I I I want to say this to us in a very non-legalistic way. non-legalistic way. non-legalistic way. I I really believe that there's plenty I I really believe that there's plenty I I really believe that there's plenty of you that that you want to put your of you that that you want to put your of you that that you want to put your yes on the table, but you can't because yes on the table, but you can't because yes on the table, but you can't because you're still taking orders from money. You've gotten into debt. You've gotten into debt. And I want to say, of course there's And I want to say, of course there's And I want to say, of course there's grace AND I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU, BE grace AND I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU, BE grace AND I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU, BE aggressive in paying it off. And I know aggressive in paying it off. And I know aggressive in paying it off. And I know this opens the door to all kinds of this opens the door to all kinds of this opens the door to all kinds of legalistic foolishness and then should legalistic foolishness and then should legalistic foolishness and then should you drive this kind of car and and you drive this kind of car and and you drive this kind of car and and should you you know live in this should you you know live in this should you you know live in this neighborhood have that kind of house. neighborhood have that kind of house. neighborhood have that kind of house. Notice Paul doesn't get into any of that Notice Paul doesn't get into any of that Notice Paul doesn't get into any of that and I'm not getting into any of that.

and I'm not getting into any of that. and I'm not getting into any of that. You have the Holy Spirit in you. I love You have the Holy Spirit in you. I love You have the Holy Spirit in you. I love what one pastor says. He says Christians what one pastor says. He says Christians what one pastor says. He says Christians would rather have a rule than to think. would rather have a rule than to think. would rather have a rule than to think. You have the spirit. You've got other You have the spirit. You've got other You have the spirit. You've got other you know lean into wonderful Christian you know lean into wonderful Christian you know lean into wonderful Christian community bounce these things off of community bounce these things off of community bounce these things off of them make decisions. them make decisions. them make decisions. Don't go down legalism road here. But I Don't go down legalism road here. But I Don't go down legalism road here. But I want to [laughter] encourage you live a want to [laughter] encourage you live a want to [laughter] encourage you live a contented life. I'm free to get after God's agenda. I'm free to get after God's agenda. Cuz I'm not taking orders from money. Paul says that we should actively Paul says that we should actively participate in the advancement of the gospel. of the gospel. Again, verse 14. Again, verse 14. Again, verse 14. Paul says yet it was kind of you to Paul says yet it was kind of you to Paul says yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

share my trouble. share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that And you Philippians yourselves know that And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel in the beginning of the gospel in the beginning of the gospel when I left Macedonia no church entered when I left Macedonia no church entered when I left Macedonia no church entered into partnership with me in giving and into partnership with me in giving and into partnership with me in giving and receiving except you only. receiving except you only. receiving except you only. Even in Thessalonica, Even in Thessalonica, Even in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs once and you sent me help for my needs once and you sent me help for my needs once and again. Again, the idea of partnership, again. Again, the idea of partnership, again. Again, the idea of partnership, participate, share, there's a participate, share, there's a participate, share, there's a connection. What does that look like? connection. What does that look like? connection. What does that look like? It's actually financial giving and It's actually financial giving and It's actually financial giving and receiving. Help for my need once and receiving. Help for my need once and receiving. Help for my need once and again. We've already said that the gift again. We've already said that the gift again. We've already said that the gift that he received was a financial that he received was a financial that he received was a financial contribution. And then Paul is very contribution. And then Paul is very contribution. And then Paul is very vulnerable. He says I want you to know vulnerable. He says I want you to know vulnerable. He says I want you to know when I left Macedonia, which is where when I left Macedonia, which is where when I left Macedonia, which is where Philippi is located, no church entered Philippi is located, no church entered Philippi is located, no church entered into giving and receiving with me except into giving and receiving with me except into giving and receiving with me except you only. In other words, everyone else you only. In other words, everyone else you only. In other words, everyone else dropped out. dropped out. dropped out. You are the only ones You are the only ones You are the only ones because of your financial partnership because of your financial partnership because of your financial partnership that really supported me. I I I love it. that really supported me. I I I love it. that really supported me. I I I love it. We might say in marketing terms, Paul is We might say in marketing terms, Paul is We might say in marketing terms, Paul is saying, I became the entrepreneur taking saying, I became the entrepreneur taking saying, I became the entrepreneur taking risks for the kingdom of God, planting risks for the kingdom of God, planting risks for the kingdom of God, planting churches, but I couldn't have done this churches, but I couldn't have done this churches, but I couldn't have done this without you, the venture capitalist.

without you, the venture capitalist. without you, the venture capitalist. You funded the mission. You funded the mission. You funded the mission. Wow. Wow. Wow. I pastored in the Bay Area for 40 40 I pastored in the Bay Area for 40 40 I pastored in the Bay Area for 40 40 years and there were years and there were years and there were there were all kinds of people who were there were all kinds of people who were there were all kinds of people who were entrepreneurs who would come to our entrepreneurs who would come to our entrepreneurs who would come to our church, man, and they had this church, man, and they had this church, man, and they had this incredible vision. They had all these incredible vision. They had all these incredible vision. They had all these dreams, man. They want to see the dreams, man. They want to see the dreams, man. They want to see the startup kind of take off and they had startup kind of take off and they had startup kind of take off and they had these great ideas. The problem is, of these great ideas. The problem is, of these great ideas. The problem is, of course, with entrepreneurs in the course, with entrepreneurs in the course, with entrepreneurs in the infancy, they they didn't have any infancy, they they didn't have any infancy, they they didn't have any resources. So, what they were always resources. So, what they were always resources. So, what they were always seeking was to get an audience with a seeking was to get an audience with a seeking was to get an audience with a venture capitalist. venture capitalist. venture capitalist. The idea here is, if I could just pitch The idea here is, if I could just pitch The idea here is, if I could just pitch them, and what venture capitalists were them, and what venture capitalists were them, and what venture capitalists were looking for is, are you offering a looking for is, are you offering a looking for is, are you offering a unique product that will meet a broad unique product that will meet a broad unique product that will meet a broad need? A unique product that will meet a need? A unique product that will meet a need? A unique product that will meet a broad need. Oh, I want that want you to broad need. Oh, I want that want you to broad need. Oh, I want that want you to understand in marketing terms, the understand in marketing terms, the understand in marketing terms, the gospel is a unique product. gospel is a unique product. gospel is a unique product. Every other religion says there's a gap Every other religion says there's a gap Every other religion says there's a gap between us and God. They say their between us and God. They say their between us and God. They say their version of we we now have to do good version of we we now have to do good version of we we now have to do good things. We got to work our way up to things. We got to work our way up to things. We got to work our way up to God. Here's the uniqueness of God. Here's the uniqueness of God. Here's the uniqueness of Christianity. Christianity says, yes, Christianity. Christianity says, yes, Christianity. Christianity says, yes, there is a gap between us and God, but there is a gap between us and God, but there is a gap between us and God, but we can't do enough good works. You ain't we can't do enough good works. You ain't we can't do enough good works. You ain't got that much money. You ain't got that got that much money. You ain't got that got that much money. You ain't got that much time. You can't go to church enough much time. You can't go to church enough much time. You can't go to church enough to work yourself up to God. But, thank to work yourself up to God. But, thank to work yourself up to God. But, thank God that in Christ, God worked himself God that in Christ, God worked himself God that in Christ, God worked himself down to us in the person of Jesus Christ down to us in the person of Jesus Christ down to us in the person of Jesus Christ who lived the life we could never have who lived the life we could never have who lived the life we could never have lived and died the death we should have lived and died the death we should have lived and died the death we should have died. That is a unique product, and you died. That is a unique product, and you died. That is a unique product, and you talk about a broad need.

talk about a broad need. talk about a broad need. All of us need it. All of us need it. All of us need it. >> [applause] You funded it." You funded it." Oh, what does this look like here at the Oh, what does this look like here at the Oh, what does this look like here at the Summit Church? Summit Church? Summit Church? Oh, Oh, Oh, I haven't quite seen a church like the I haven't quite seen a church like the I haven't quite seen a church like the Summit. Summit. Summit. We've planted about 80 churches in the We've planted about 80 churches in the We've planted about 80 churches in the United States. United States. United States. We have sent out full-time missionaries, We have sent out full-time missionaries, We have sent out full-time missionaries, 264 264 264 of them globally. of them globally. of them globally. We have played a part in establishing We have played a part in establishing We have played a part in establishing 679 679 679 churches around the world. churches around the world. churches around the world. I'm here to tell you this is a sending I'm here to tell you this is a sending I'm here to tell you this is a sending church with frontline entrepreneurs all church with frontline entrepreneurs all church with frontline entrepreneurs all over the world. And you need to know, I over the world. And you need to know, I over the world. And you need to know, I don't say this to flatter you. I've don't say this to flatter you. I've don't say this to flatter you. I've pastored in New York City. I've pastored pastored in New York City. I've pastored pastored in New York City. I've pastored in Memphis. I've pastored in the Bay in Memphis. I've pastored in the Bay in Memphis. I've pastored in the Bay Area. I've never seen a church like the Area. I've never seen a church like the Area. I've never seen a church like the Summit, where 35 cents of every dollar Summit, where 35 cents of every dollar Summit, where 35 cents of every dollar you give helps to send and fund these you give helps to send and fund these you give helps to send and fund these frontline entrepreneurs for the kingdom frontline entrepreneurs for the kingdom frontline entrepreneurs for the kingdom of God.

of God. of God. >> [applause] We're believing God for more. We're believing God for more. Now, if you want to up your venture Now, if you want to up your venture Now, if you want to up your venture capitalist game, capitalist game, capitalist game, you can go to our website you can go to our website you can go to our website summitchurch.com and we have these summitchurch.com and we have these summitchurch.com and we have these things called Legacy Lanes, where you things called Legacy Lanes, where you things called Legacy Lanes, where you can give directly to fund global can give directly to fund global can give directly to fund global missions. You can give directly to fund missions. You can give directly to fund missions. You can give directly to fund our next wave of leaders through the our next wave of leaders through the our next wave of leaders through the Summit Institute, where they're having Summit Institute, where they're having Summit Institute, where they're having to raise support. My wife and I just sat to raise support. My wife and I just sat to raise support. My wife and I just sat down with a couple Summit Institute down with a couple Summit Institute down with a couple Summit Institute residents looking to raise support, man. residents looking to raise support, man. residents looking to raise support, man. We're happy to get on their team, man. We're happy to get on their team, man. We're happy to get on their team, man. but but but but I want you this is a but but but but I want you this is a but but but but I want you this is a wonderful opportunity to get after what matters. to get after what matters. Because I promise Because I promise Because I promise as you're flatlining about to die, as you're flatlining about to die, as you're flatlining about to die, you ain't going to say, you ain't going to say, you ain't going to say, "Ah, should have bought that car and "Ah, should have bought that car and "Ah, should have bought that car and gotten the 26-in rims." gotten the 26-in rims." gotten the 26-in rims." Nothing wrong with rims. Nothing wrong Nothing wrong with rims. Nothing wrong Nothing wrong with rims. Nothing wrong with rims.

But if we have any regrets, it'll But if we have any regrets, it'll probably be I should have funded more frontline I should have funded more frontline entrepreneurs. that there's a blessing that there's a blessing when we get after what matters. when we get after what matters. when we get after what matters. Paul says in verse 17, "Not that I seek Paul says in verse 17, "Not that I seek Paul says in verse 17, "Not that I seek the gift, the gift, the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to but I seek the fruit that increases to but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit." your credit." your credit." What is the What is the fruit? Look at What is the What is the fruit? Look at What is the What is the fruit? Look at verse 21. Here's the fruit. Paul says, verse 21. Here's the fruit. Paul says, verse 21. Here's the fruit. Paul says, "Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The "Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The "Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you." brothers who are with me greet you." brothers who are with me greet you." Don't miss this. "All the saints greet Don't miss this. "All the saints greet Don't miss this. "All the saints greet you." Don't miss it. "Especially those you." Don't miss it. "Especially those you." Don't miss it. "Especially those of Caesar's household." You missed it. What are saints? You don't spend a lot What are saints? You don't spend a lot of time trying to figure this out. of time trying to figure this out. of time trying to figure this out. Saints are people who are followers of Saints are people who are followers of Saints are people who are followers of Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. So, here's Paul. So, here's Paul. So, here's Paul. All the followers of Jesus greet you, All the followers of Jesus greet you, All the followers of Jesus greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. especially those of Caesar's household. especially those of Caesar's household. Man, if I'm sitting in the room as this Man, if I'm sitting in the room as this Man, if I'm sitting in the room as this letter is being read, my my my mouth IS letter is being read, my my my mouth IS letter is being read, my my my mouth IS ON THE FLOOR. ON THE FLOOR. ON THE FLOOR. WILL YOU SAY THAT AGAIN? Wait a minute. WILL YOU SAY THAT AGAIN? Wait a minute. WILL YOU SAY THAT AGAIN? Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. There's members of Caesar's household There's members of Caesar's household There's members of Caesar's household who have become followers of Jesus? Yes. And your financial gifts help to enable And your financial gifts help to enable that. that. that. Scholars tell us that Caesar's household Scholars tell us that Caesar's household Scholars tell us that Caesar's household it doesn't have to do with people who he it doesn't have to do with people who he it doesn't have to do with people who he shares DNA with. In other words, he's shares DNA with. In other words, he's shares DNA with. In other words, he's not talking about his children. He's not not talking about his children. He's not not talking about his children. He's not talking about his spouse or or his talking about his spouse or or his talking about his spouse or or his extended family. Scholars say that extended family. Scholars say that extended family. Scholars say that Caesar's household is the administrative Caesar's household is the administrative Caesar's household is the administrative body scattered all throughout the Roman body scattered all throughout the Roman body scattered all throughout the Roman Empire who helped to give leadership to Empire who helped to give leadership to Empire who helped to give leadership to the most powerful empire the world had the most powerful empire the world had the most powerful empire the world had ever seen. These would include palace ever seen. These would include palace ever seen. These would include palace officials, secretaries, administrators, officials, secretaries, administrators, officials, secretaries, administrators, and those whose job it was to collect and those whose job it was to collect and those whose job it was to collect the imperial revenue. Yes, it is those the imperial revenue. Yes, it is those the imperial revenue. Yes, it is those individuals, some of those had come to individuals, some of those had come to individuals, some of those had come to faith in Jesus Christ. And Paul is faith in Jesus Christ. And Paul is faith in Jesus Christ. And Paul is saying, "Your gifts help to make that saying, "Your gifts help to make that saying, "Your gifts help to make that happen."

happen." happen." Wow. But notice he says But notice he says the fruit the fruit the fruit that increases. He's writing in Greek, and the Greek He's writing in Greek, and the Greek word for increases is a marketplace business term. is a marketplace business term. The equivalent in today's culture would The equivalent in today's culture would The equivalent in today's culture would be this. be this. be this. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Increases means >> Increases means >> Increases means compound compound compound interest. Man, you sowed Man, you sowed into the immaterial. You invested into into the immaterial. You invested into into the immaterial. You invested into the eternal. the eternal. the eternal. And man, this thing just keeps And man, this thing just keeps And man, this thing just keeps compounding and compounding compounding and compounding compounding and compounding and compounding. and compounding. and compounding. Compounding. In a couple weeks, I'm going to do one In a couple weeks, I'm going to do one of my favorite things. I'm going to get on an airplane I'm going to get on an airplane and I'm going to go visit one of my sons and I'm going to go visit one of my sons and I'm going to go visit one of my sons in the ministry. Guy by the name of in the ministry. Guy by the name of in the ministry. Guy by the name of Derek Puckett. Him and his wife, Kaylee, Derek Puckett. Him and his wife, Kaylee, Derek Puckett. Him and his wife, Kaylee, have asked me to preach the 10-year have asked me to preach the 10-year have asked me to preach the 10-year anniversary of their church, Renewal anniversary of their church, Renewal anniversary of their church, Renewal Church, that they planted in downtown Church, that they planted in downtown Church, that they planted in downtown Chicago.

Chicago. Chicago. My wife and I love Derek and Kaylee. My wife and I love Derek and Kaylee. My wife and I love Derek and Kaylee. They used to live with us. They used to live with us. They used to live with us. Um when they um when he interned with us Um when they um when he interned with us Um when they um when he interned with us when I pastored in Memphis. when I pastored in Memphis. when I pastored in Memphis. In fact, doing the math, I believe one In fact, doing the math, I believe one In fact, doing the math, I believe one of their kids was conceived in our of their kids was conceived in our of their kids was conceived in our house. So, they lived with us So, they lived with us and um and our church, my wife and I, and our church, my wife and I, we were their venture capitalists. We partnered with them in the planting We partnered with them in the planting of that church. I'm going to get there and I'm going to I'm going to get there and I'm going to do whatever what what I always do when I do whatever what what I always do when I do whatever what what I always do when I visit one of my sons in the ministry's visit one of my sons in the ministry's visit one of my sons in the ministry's churches. I'm going to stand in the churches. I'm going to stand in the churches. I'm going to stand in the back. There's about 500 of them gathered back. There's about 500 of them gathered back. There's about 500 of them gathered and I'm going to look around and I'm and I'm going to look around and I'm and I'm going to look around and I'm going to think, going to think, going to think, "Compound interest." Some of you know the name Ricky Harris. Some of you know the name Ricky Harris. Ricky used to be on staff here Ricky used to be on staff here Ricky used to be on staff here at our church. I just did dinner with at our church. I just did dinner with at our church. I just did dinner with Ricky the other night. He's been in Ricky the other night. He's been in Ricky the other night. He's been in town. He He planted a church, I think, town. He He planted a church, I think, town. He He planted a church, I think, back in March or April of this year in back in March or April of this year in back in March or April of this year in Las Vegas. And over dinner the other Las Vegas. And over dinner the other Las Vegas. And over dinner the other night, Ricky said, "Just this past night, Ricky said, "Just this past night, Ricky said, "Just this past Sunday, Brian, over 915 Sunday, Brian, over 915 Sunday, Brian, over 915 people were in church."

>> They're going to a third service in a >> They're going to a third service in a couple weeks and he's invited me to come couple weeks and he's invited me to come couple weeks and he's invited me to come preach later on this fall and I'm going preach later on this fall and I'm going preach later on this fall and I'm going to stand in the back. Ricky was my to stand in the back. Ricky was my to stand in the back. Ricky was my intern uh at a church at our church in intern uh at a church at our church in intern uh at a church at our church in Memphis and uh he's like a son to me in Memphis and uh he's like a son to me in Memphis and uh he's like a son to me in the ministry. And I'm going to stand in the ministry. And I'm going to stand in the ministry. And I'm going to stand in the back of his church in Vegas and I'm the back of his church in Vegas and I'm the back of his church in Vegas and I'm going to look around. I'm going to going to look around. I'm going to going to look around. I'm going to think, think, think, "Compound interest." I want to encourage you. I want to encourage you. When you go out of town and you you're When you go out of town and you you're When you go out of town and you you're going to be at whatever that location is going to be at whatever that location is going to be at whatever that location is on a Sunday, I want to encourage you, on a Sunday, I want to encourage you, on a Sunday, I want to encourage you, hop on Summit's website and just look at hop on Summit's website and just look at hop on Summit's website and just look at our Summit collab, all the all the our Summit collab, all the all the our Summit collab, all the all the churches we planted. If there's one in churches we planted. If there's one in churches we planted. If there's one in the city where you're going, just go. the city where you're going, just go. the city where you're going, just go. So, if you're in Denver, go to The So, if you're in Denver, go to The So, if you're in Denver, go to The Heights Church. If you're in Brooklyn, Heights Church. If you're in Brooklyn, Heights Church. If you're in Brooklyn, go to Crossroads Church. If If you're in go to Crossroads Church. If If you're in go to Crossroads Church. If If you're in Charlotte, go to Oasis Church. And just, Charlotte, go to Oasis Church. And just, Charlotte, go to Oasis Church. And just, you know, when you get there, just walk you know, when you get there, just walk you know, when you get there, just walk in, stand in the back, and just start in, stand in the back, and just start in, stand in the back, and just start looking. I I know some people might look looking. I I know some people might look looking. I I know some people might look at you like you're crazy. And if a usher at you like you're crazy. And if a usher at you like you're crazy. And if a usher just comes to you and says, "Man, what just comes to you and says, "Man, what just comes to you and says, "Man, what Can I help you with something? What's Can I help you with something? What's Can I help you with something? What's going on?" I don't know. "I'm good. I'm going on?" I don't know. "I'm good. I'm going on?" I don't know. "I'm good. I'm just counting compound interest."

That could contribute or that could That could contribute or that could compare Compound interest. Compound interest. Churches being planted, people coming to Churches being planted, people coming to Churches being planted, people coming to faith. Secondly, Paul wants us to understand, Secondly, Paul wants us to understand, he pivots in verse 18 from business he pivots in verse 18 from business he pivots in verse 18 from business language to worship language. He says, language to worship language. He says, language to worship language. He says, "When you "When you "When you When you partner in what really matters, When you partner in what really matters, When you partner in what really matters, he calls it a fragrant offering. In the he calls it a fragrant offering. In the he calls it a fragrant offering. In the Greek, that means it smells good to God. Greek, that means it smells good to God. Greek, that means it smells good to God. It's the picture of a person who comes It's the picture of a person who comes It's the picture of a person who comes home home home maybe from a busy day, and they walk in maybe from a busy day, and they walk in maybe from a busy day, and they walk in the house, and the house, and the house, and and their mother or their loved one is and their mother or their loved one is and their mother or their loved one is in the kitchen cooking their favorite in the kitchen cooking their favorite in the kitchen cooking their favorite meal, and the aroma just grabs them, and meal, and the aroma just grabs them, and meal, and the aroma just grabs them, and smile is just stretched across their smile is just stretched across their smile is just stretched across their faith face. He says, "That's what what faith face. He says, "That's what what faith face. He says, "That's what what happens with God." happens with God." happens with God." Paul said, "You're You're not ultimately Paul said, "You're You're not ultimately Paul said, "You're You're not ultimately giving to me. You're This IS GOING TO giving to me. You're This IS GOING TO giving to me. You're This IS GOING TO GOD. IT'S A FRAGRANT OFFERING." God GOD. IT'S A FRAGRANT OFFERING." God GOD. IT'S A FRAGRANT OFFERING." God goes, goes, goes, that smells good."

And then the promise. And then the promise. Verse 19. all of your needs all of your needs according to his riches and glory in according to his riches and glory in according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. Paul is taking a page from Jesus. Paul is taking a page from Jesus. Paul is taking a page from Jesus. I want you to understand I want you to understand I want you to understand this is Jesus talking, not some name it, this is Jesus talking, not some name it, this is Jesus talking, not some name it, claim it, prosperity theologian. claim it, prosperity theologian. claim it, prosperity theologian. Give and it will be given to you, good Give and it will be given to you, good Give and it will be given to you, good measure, measure, measure, pressed down, shaken together, running pressed down, shaken together, running pressed down, shaken together, running over will be put into your lap. over will be put into your lap. over will be put into your lap. For the measure you use, it will be For the measure you use, it will be For the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. measured back to you. measured back to you. What Paul and Jesus are saying is, when What Paul and Jesus are saying is, when What Paul and Jesus are saying is, when you take care of God's business, God you take care of God's business, God you take care of God's business, God will take care of your business. will take care of your business. will take care of your business. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> But notice, >> But notice, >> But notice, he'll supply all of your needs, he'll supply all of your needs, he'll supply all of your needs, not greeds.

not greeds. not greeds. I want to be careful here though, I want to be careful here though, I want to be careful here though, because somebody might get the idea, because somebody might get the idea, because somebody might get the idea, "Okay, I'm going to give "Okay, I'm going to give "Okay, I'm going to give and I'm going to give to get back." and I'm going to give to get back." and I'm going to give to get back." >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Paul says [music] that's partially true, >> Paul says [music] that's partially true, >> Paul says [music] that's partially true, that's not all the way true. that's not all the way true. that's not all the way true. To the Corinthians, Paul says, "You will To the Corinthians, Paul says, "You will To the Corinthians, Paul says, "You will be enriched in every way to be generous be enriched in every way to be generous be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will in every way, which through us will in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God." Listen, produce thanksgiving to God." Listen, produce thanksgiving to God." Listen, listen, I'm in this journey with you. listen, I'm in this journey with you. listen, I'm in this journey with you. And I just got to tell you, when my wife And I just got to tell you, when my wife And I just got to tell you, when my wife and I, I don't know, 20 years or so ago, and I, I don't know, 20 years or so ago, and I, I don't know, 20 years or so ago, when when when when we out of obedience says, "Okay, we when we out of obedience says, "Okay, we when we out of obedience says, "Okay, we want our at the time checkbooks, want our at the time checkbooks, want our at the time checkbooks, bank statements bank statements bank statements to tell the truth of what we really to tell the truth of what we really to tell the truth of what we really believe matters." believe matters." believe matters." When we When we say we want to go on When we When we say we want to go on When we When we say we want to go on this journey of going to war with this journey of going to war with this journey of going to war with discontentment, going to war with death, discontentment, going to war with death, discontentment, going to war with death, we want to get free. I'm telling you, it's almost laughable I'm telling you, it's almost laughable how God has fulfilled these promises in how God has fulfilled these promises in how God has fulfilled these promises in our lives.

I I I I One of my favorite things I love to do One of my favorite things I love to do One of my favorite things I love to do when my kids were in middle school or when my kids were in middle school or when my kids were in middle school or whatever, you know, whatever, you know, whatever, you know, tax season [snorts] comes, we do the tax tax season [snorts] comes, we do the tax tax season [snorts] comes, we do the tax thing, and we show them the tax form, thing, and we show them the tax form, thing, and we show them the tax form, the line on there that says this is how the line on there that says this is how the line on there that says this is how much we gave last year, and you'd watch much we gave last year, and you'd watch much we gave last year, and you'd watch their eyes get big, and then I'd just their eyes get big, and then I'd just their eyes get big, and then I'd just love to say to them, "Now, what'd you love to say to them, "Now, what'd you love to say to them, "Now, what'd you miss?" You got all the activities. We did the You got all the activities. We did the vac- What What did you miss? And this word haunts me even to this And this word haunts me even to this day, you will be day, you will be day, you will be enriched in every way to be generous in enriched in every way to be generous in enriched in every way to be generous in every way. We used to sing a song in my little We used to sing a song in my little chocolate church growing up on the south chocolate church growing up on the south chocolate church growing up on the south side of Atlanta. side of Atlanta. side of Atlanta. Written by the king of gospel. Song says, Song says, "You can't beat God giving, "You can't beat God giving, "You can't beat God giving, >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> no matter how hard >> no matter how hard >> no matter how hard you try."

great man of God, missionary, started great man of God, missionary, started the China Inland Mission. the China Inland Mission. the China Inland Mission. As they were putting their paperwork As they were putting their paperwork As they were putting their paperwork together together together for what would form their mission, for what would form their mission, for what would form their mission, he had this as the first article. He said there would be no pleas for He said there would be no pleas for money except to God. money except to God. money except to God. All of their needs would be met by him All of their needs would be met by him All of their needs would be met by him as they walked in faith. as they walked in faith. as they walked in faith. I love this. Depend upon it. Depend upon it. God's work God's work God's work done God's way done God's way done God's way will never lack God's supply. I was meeting with a young man. He's I was meeting with a young man. He's raising support and raising support and raising support and you know, a lot of times we don't feel you know, a lot of times we don't feel you know, a lot of times we don't feel led and plenty times we say no, but led and plenty times we say no, but led and plenty times we say no, but there have been times when the Holy there have been times when the Holy there have been times when the Holy Spirit says yes and then he'll give me a Spirit says yes and then he'll give me a Spirit says yes and then he'll give me a number and I'm like, I need number and I'm like, I need number and I'm like, I need clarification on that number.

And he'll say his version of just trust And he'll say his version of just trust me. me. me. I'm going to put it in your hand to put I'm going to put it in your hand to put I'm going to put it in your hand to put it in his hand. it in his hand. it in his hand. And I've never seen him not come And I've never seen him not come And I've never seen him not come through. All of us, all of us, all of us, not all All of us, all of us, all of us, not all of you. of you. of you. All of us struggle daily with All of us struggle daily with All of us struggle daily with discontentment. discontentment. discontentment. It's a daily battle. It's a daily battle. It's a daily battle. I'm in it with you. I'm in it with you. I'm in it with you. It's frustrating. [music] It's frustrating. [music] It's frustrating. [music] I hate the fact that when my mind slips I hate the fact that when my mind slips I hate the fact that when my mind slips into neutral, often times that means into neutral, often times that means into neutral, often times that means discontent [music] and I'm always discontent [music] and I'm always discontent [music] and I'm always reaching for things. reaching for things. reaching for things. I want to invite our prayer team I want to invite our prayer team I want to invite our prayer team people to come now. people to come now. people to come now. They'll be to the side. Prayer team They'll be to the side. Prayer team They'll be to the side. Prayer team comes, they'll be to the side. comes, they'll be to the side. comes, they'll be to the side. For some of you, For some of you, For some of you, here's the call. here's the call. here's the call. You would say, I'm a follower of Jesus You would say, I'm a follower of Jesus You would say, I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, Christ, Christ, but over the last couple of weeks, but over the last couple of weeks, but over the last couple of weeks, God's just been speaking to me about God's just been speaking to me about God's just been speaking to me about areas of discontent in my life or maybe areas of discontent in my life or maybe areas of discontent in my life or maybe even today, God's just been speaking to even today, God's just been speaking to even today, God's just been speaking to me.

me. me. And and I just want to come forward and And and I just want to come forward and And and I just want to come forward and I just want to name that area and I just I just want to name that area and I just I just want to name that area and I just want to want to want to I just want to get prayer. I just want to get prayer. I just want to get prayer. I want you to receive the promise of I want you to receive the promise of I want you to receive the promise of James chapter 5, confess your faults to James chapter 5, confess your faults to James chapter 5, confess your faults to one another and one another and one another and pray for one another that you may be pray for one another that you may be pray for one another that you may be healed. So, if you're a follower of Jesus, I I So, if you're a follower of Jesus, I I want to encourage you in just a few want to encourage you in just a few want to encourage you in just a few moments moments moments as the spirit leads you to just just as the spirit leads you to just just as the spirit leads you to just just come and to just say, "Here's an area of come and to just say, "Here's an area of come and to just say, "Here's an area of discontent. [music] discontent. [music] discontent. [music] Would you just pray for me? I I want to Would you just pray for me? I I want to Would you just pray for me? I I want to get free so I can live for what really get free so I can live for what really get free so I can live for what really matters." matters." matters." >> [snorts] >> Others of you, you're here and you don't >> Others of you, you're here and you don't know Christ as Lord and Savior. know Christ as Lord and Savior. know Christ as Lord and Savior. And Paul says, "I can do all things And Paul says, "I can do all things And Paul says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." What through Christ who strengthens me." What through Christ who strengthens me." What he is saying is that Christ, the most he is saying is that Christ, the most he is saying is that Christ, the most contented person to have ever lived, contented person to have ever lived, contented person to have ever lived, empowers us to live the contented life. Jesus Christ loves you so much.

Jesus Christ loves you so much. You matter so much to Christ You matter so much to Christ You matter so much to Christ that he gave his life for you. And our response And our response >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> is to give our life >> is to give our life >> is to give our life to what really matters, to what really matters, to what really matters, which is Christ and Christ alone. which is Christ and Christ alone. which is Christ and Christ alone. So, today So, today So, today Hebrews says, [music] "The day you hear Hebrews says, [music] "The day you hear Hebrews says, [music] "The day you hear his voice, harden not your heart." his voice, harden not your heart." his voice, harden not your heart." Today, the call for some of you is to Today, the call for some of you is to Today, the call for some of you is to step out of your seat and to begin your step out of your seat and to begin your step out of your seat and to begin your journey with Jesus. journey with Jesus. journey with Jesus. To come to one of our leaders and to To come to one of our leaders and to To come to one of our leaders and to just say, "I want to relinquish control just say, "I want to relinquish control just say, "I want to relinquish control of my life. of my life. of my life. I want to surrender. I want to surrender. I want to surrender. And I want to follow the contented one, And I want to follow the contented one, And I want to follow the contented one, Jesus Christ." Jesus Christ." Jesus Christ." So, Father, So, Father, So, Father, would you continue to do your work of would you continue to do your work of would you continue to do your work of stirring in this place today? For those of us who are followers of For those of us who are followers of you, you, you, maybe today is the day you're saying, maybe today is the day you're saying, maybe today is the day you're saying, "Why don't you name that area of "Why don't you name that area of "Why don't you name that area of discontent and have someone pray over discontent and have someone pray over discontent and have someone pray over you?"

you?" you?" Today is the day of freedom. Today is the day of freedom. Today is the day of freedom. And maybe for others who don't know you And maybe for others who don't know you And maybe for others who don't know you as Lord and Savior, Jesus, would you as Lord and Savior, Jesus, would you as Lord and Savior, Jesus, would you draw draw draw that they may say yes to you. that they may say yes to you. that they may say yes to you. It's in Christ's name I pray. It's in Christ's name I pray. It's in Christ's name I pray. Amen.