Résumé for the Good Life | J.D. Greear

All right. Well, now if you got your All right. Well, now if you got your Bibles, I want you to open them to Bibles, I want you to open them to Bibles, I want you to open them to Philippians 3. Philippians chapter 3. Philippians 3. Philippians chapter 3. Philippians 3. Philippians chapter 3. And if you will, could we all stand And if you will, could we all stand And if you will, could we all stand together for the reading of God's word together for the reading of God's word together for the reading of God's word together? I will be reading the first 11 together? I will be reading the first 11 together? I will be reading the first 11 verses of Philippians 3 this morning. verses of Philippians 3 this morning. verses of Philippians 3 this morning. You listen as I read. Finally, my You listen as I read. Finally, my You listen as I read. Finally, my brothers, brothers, brothers, rejoice in the Lord. By the way, Paul rejoice in the Lord. By the way, Paul rejoice in the Lord. By the way, Paul says finally, but he is nowhere near the says finally, but he is nowhere near the says finally, but he is nowhere near the end of this letter. Like any good end of this letter. Like any good end of this letter. Like any good Baptist preacher, he ends a sermon Baptist preacher, he ends a sermon Baptist preacher, he ends a sermon multiple times. He says, "In multiple times. He says, "In multiple times. He says, "In conclusion," and he's got two more full conclusion," and he's got two more full conclusion," and he's got two more full chapters of stuff to say. So, it's not chapters of stuff to say. So, it's not chapters of stuff to say. So, it's not just me, y'all. Okay? To write the same just me, y'all. Okay? To write the same just me, y'all. Okay? To write the same things to you is no trouble at all for things to you is no trouble at all for things to you is no trouble at all for me. It's safe for you. In fact, I don't me. It's safe for you. In fact, I don't me. It's safe for you. In fact, I don't mind being repetitive. Look out for the mind being repetitive. Look out for the mind being repetitive. Look out for the dogs. Look out for the evildoers. Look dogs. Look out for the evildoers. Look dogs. Look out for the evildoers. Look out for those who mutilate the flesh. out for those who mutilate the flesh. out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision who worship For we are the circumcision who worship For we are the circumcision who worship by the spirit of God and we glory in by the spirit of God and we glory in by the spirit of God and we glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh. How much confidence church?

the flesh. How much confidence church? the flesh. How much confidence church? Say it with me. No confidence in the Say it with me. No confidence in the Say it with me. No confidence in the flesh. Do I myself have reason for flesh. Do I myself have reason for flesh. Do I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also? If anyone confidence in the flesh also? If anyone confidence in the flesh also? If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence else thinks he has reason for confidence else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more. circumcised in the flesh, I have more. circumcised in the flesh, I have more. circumcised on the eighth day of the people of on the eighth day of the people of on the eighth day of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, as to the law, a Hebrew of Hebrews, as to the law, a Hebrew of Hebrews, as to the law, a Pharisee, as to zeal, a persecutor of Pharisee, as to zeal, a persecutor of Pharisee, as to zeal, a persecutor of the church, as to righteousness under the church, as to righteousness under the church, as to righteousness under the law, blameless. the law, blameless. the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as But whatever gain I had, I counted as But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the count everything as loss because of the count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things. and I count them the loss of all things. and I count them the loss of all things. and I count them as rubbish in order that I might gain as rubbish in order that I might gain as rubbish in order that I might gain Christ and be found in him, not having a Christ and be found in him, not having a Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from righteousness of my own that comes from righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through the law, but that which comes through the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from faith in Christ, the righteousness from faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith, that I might God that depends on faith, that I might God that depends on faith, that I might know him and the power of his know him and the power of his know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share in his resurrection, and may share in his resurrection, and may share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his sufferings, becoming like him in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may death, that by any means possible I may death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the said, attain the resurrection from the said, attain the resurrection from the said, "This is the word of God for the people "This is the word of God for the people "This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God."

of God. Thanks be to God." of God. Thanks be to God." >> Thanks be to God. You may be seated. In the book of Philippians, Paul has In the book of Philippians, Paul has been sharing with us his secret to the been sharing with us his secret to the been sharing with us his secret to the good life, demonstrating to us both what good life, demonstrating to us both what good life, demonstrating to us both what it is and how we can obtain it. And in it is and how we can obtain it. And in it is and how we can obtain it. And in chapter 3, Paul lays out an important chapter 3, Paul lays out an important chapter 3, Paul lays out an important component in our quest for the good component in our quest for the good component in our quest for the good life. And that is helping us identify life. And that is helping us identify life. And that is helping us identify what we think qualifies us for the good what we think qualifies us for the good what we think qualifies us for the good life. You see, Philippians 3 is Paul's life. You see, Philippians 3 is Paul's life. You see, Philippians 3 is Paul's resume, so to speak, of what Paul resume, so to speak, of what Paul resume, so to speak, of what Paul believed preesus believed preesus believed preesus qualified him for the good life, and qualified him for the good life, and qualified him for the good life, and then how he sees things now after having then how he sees things now after having then how he sees things now after having met Jesus. A resumeé when you think met Jesus. A resumeé when you think met Jesus. A resumeé when you think about it is essentially an argument. about it is essentially an argument. about it is essentially an argument. It's an argument for why you deserve It's an argument for why you deserve It's an argument for why you deserve something. So if you are applying for a something. So if you are applying for a something. So if you are applying for a job, your resume is your argument for job, your resume is your argument for job, your resume is your argument for why you belong in that job instead of why you belong in that job instead of why you belong in that job instead of other candidates. If you are applying to other candidates. If you are applying to other candidates. If you are applying to a school, your application for a school, your application for a school, your application for admission, which is a kind of resume, is admission, which is a kind of resume, is admission, which is a kind of resume, is your argument for why you should be your argument for why you should be your argument for why you should be admitted to that school instead of other admitted to that school instead of other admitted to that school instead of other people. I've heard it said that for most people. I've heard it said that for most people. I've heard it said that for most of us, the closest we will ever come to of us, the closest we will ever come to of us, the closest we will ever come to perfection in this life is our resume.

perfection in this life is our resume. perfection in this life is our resume. You may not overtly lie on your resume, You may not overtly lie on your resume, You may not overtly lie on your resume, but you probably stretch the truth to but you probably stretch the truth to but you probably stretch the truth to its limits. One of my jobs in high its limits. One of my jobs in high its limits. One of my jobs in high school was mowing lawns. So, somebody school was mowing lawns. So, somebody school was mowing lawns. So, somebody encouraged me to write that down on my encouraged me to write that down on my encouraged me to write that down on my college application as architectural college application as architectural college application as architectural landscaping engineer. landscaping engineer. landscaping engineer. If you babysat in high school, you might If you babysat in high school, you might If you babysat in high school, you might write down early childhood development write down early childhood development write down early childhood development supervisor. No, that wasn't just a supervisor. No, that wasn't just a supervisor. No, that wasn't just a couple of random things you sold on couple of random things you sold on couple of random things you sold on eBay. No, you were an entrepreneur and eBay. No, you were an entrepreneur and eBay. No, you were an entrepreneur and small business owner. You didn't just small business owner. You didn't just small business owner. You didn't just help grandma figure out her iPhone. You help grandma figure out her iPhone. You help grandma figure out her iPhone. You provided senior adult technology provided senior adult technology provided senior adult technology consulting. consulting. consulting. Oh no, you didn't waste three hours Oh no, you didn't waste three hours Oh no, you didn't waste three hours every night playing Xbox online with every night playing Xbox online with every night playing Xbox online with your friends. No, you were founder and your friends. No, you were founder and your friends. No, you were founder and president of a strategic decision-making president of a strategic decision-making president of a strategic decision-making consortium. consortium. consortium. Now, hopefully none of you stretch the Now, hopefully none of you stretch the Now, hopefully none of you stretch the truth that much, but if you've ever been truth that much, but if you've ever been truth that much, but if you've ever been in a position to review resumeumés, you in a position to review resumeumés, you in a position to review resumeumés, you know that what I just shared is not that know that what I just shared is not that know that what I just shared is not that much of an exaggeration. time, bro. You much of an exaggeration. time, bro. You much of an exaggeration. time, bro. You said you handled financial transactions said you handled financial transactions said you handled financial transactions for a multi-billion dollar corporation.

for a multi-billion dollar corporation. for a multi-billion dollar corporation. If that's what you want to call being a If that's what you want to call being a If that's what you want to call being a cashier at McDonald's, okay, cashier at McDonald's, okay, cashier at McDonald's, okay, people polish that resume and they make people polish that resume and they make people polish that resume and they make it look as good as possible. And that's it look as good as possible. And that's it look as good as possible. And that's because a resume is an argument for because a resume is an argument for because a resume is an argument for acceptance. Again, Philippians 3 is acceptance. Again, Philippians 3 is acceptance. Again, Philippians 3 is Paul's resume preJesus of what he Paul's resume preJesus of what he Paul's resume preJesus of what he believed qualified him for the good believed qualified him for the good believed qualified him for the good life. Now, I'm going to warn you, what life. Now, I'm going to warn you, what life. Now, I'm going to warn you, what Paul puts forward on his resume would be Paul puts forward on his resume would be Paul puts forward on his resume would be different from what you put forward on different from what you put forward on different from what you put forward on yours. Paul lived in a different era yours. Paul lived in a different era yours. Paul lived in a different era that value different things. But the that value different things. But the that value different things. But the point is that all of us carry around a point is that all of us carry around a point is that all of us carry around a little internal resume. That comprises little internal resume. That comprises little internal resume. That comprises our argument for why we believe we our argument for why we believe we our argument for why we believe we deserve a good life. And we are always deserve a good life. And we are always deserve a good life. And we are always subtly presenting that resume to other subtly presenting that resume to other subtly presenting that resume to other people. We're always reviewing that people. We're always reviewing that people. We're always reviewing that resume in our heads. This internal resume in our heads. This internal resume in our heads. This internal resume is our source of personal resume is our source of personal resume is our source of personal confidence. By the way, notice that confidence. By the way, notice that confidence. By the way, notice that three times in verses three and four, three times in verses three and four, three times in verses three and four, Paul calls this resume our confidence. Paul calls this resume our confidence. Paul calls this resume our confidence. Paul is asking you in this passage, he's Paul is asking you in this passage, he's Paul is asking you in this passage, he's asking you to consider, hey, where do asking you to consider, hey, where do asking you to consider, hey, where do you find your personal confidence?

you find your personal confidence? you find your personal confidence? Where's your self-esteem? Where's your Where's your self-esteem? Where's your Where's your self-esteem? Where's your confidence that you deserve the good confidence that you deserve the good confidence that you deserve the good life? Where's your confidence that you life? Where's your confidence that you life? Where's your confidence that you will experience good things in the days will experience good things in the days will experience good things in the days to come? to come? to come? Now, one quick word of context before I Now, one quick word of context before I Now, one quick word of context before I walk you through Paul's preJesus resume. walk you through Paul's preJesus resume. walk you through Paul's preJesus resume. Otherwise, some of what Paul says, his Otherwise, some of what Paul says, his Otherwise, some of what Paul says, his imagery is not going to make sense. imagery is not going to make sense. imagery is not going to make sense. Paul's specific target in this passage, Paul's specific target in this passage, Paul's specific target in this passage, the ones against whom Paul is arguing is the ones against whom Paul is arguing is the ones against whom Paul is arguing is a group in the early church known as the a group in the early church known as the a group in the early church known as the Judaizers. Everybody say Judaizers. Judaizers. Everybody say Judaizers. Judaizers. Everybody say Judaizers. >> The Judaizers were a sect of Jewish >> The Judaizers were a sect of Jewish >> The Judaizers were a sect of Jewish Christians that professed faith in Christians that professed faith in Christians that professed faith in Christ. Christ. Christ. But they also had a long list of things But they also had a long list of things But they also had a long list of things that they believed made them more that they believed made them more that they believed made them more acceptable in God's eyes. Regulations on acceptable in God's eyes. Regulations on acceptable in God's eyes. Regulations on dress and diet and lifestyle. And the dress and diet and lifestyle. And the dress and diet and lifestyle. And the very first thing on their list was very first thing on their list was very first thing on their list was circumcision. You should of course circumcision. You should of course circumcision. You should of course believe in Jesus, they said, but you believe in Jesus, they said, but you believe in Jesus, they said, but you must also be circumcised. That is the must also be circumcised. That is the must also be circumcised. That is the first thing after faith in Christ that first thing after faith in Christ that first thing after faith in Christ that will boost your status in God's eyes.

will boost your status in God's eyes. will boost your status in God's eyes. And then they followed up that And then they followed up that And then they followed up that circumcision with a whole list of other circumcision with a whole list of other circumcision with a whole list of other Jewish laws and customs that they Jewish laws and customs that they Jewish laws and customs that they believed made you even more pleasing to believed made you even more pleasing to believed made you even more pleasing to God. Paul is thinking about them, the God. Paul is thinking about them, the God. Paul is thinking about them, the Judaizers, in verse two when he says, Judaizers, in verse two when he says, Judaizers, in verse two when he says, "Look out for the dogs. Look out for the "Look out for the dogs. Look out for the "Look out for the dogs. Look out for the evildoers. Look out for those who evildoers. Look out for those who evildoers. Look out for those who mutilate the flesh." Paul does not mince mutilate the flesh." Paul does not mince mutilate the flesh." Paul does not mince words. People who teach that words. People who teach that words. People who teach that circumcision boost your status with God circumcision boost your status with God circumcision boost your status with God are theological dogs. He says, "Body are theological dogs. He says, "Body are theological dogs. He says, "Body mutilators." By the way, whenever I mutilators." By the way, whenever I mutilators." By the way, whenever I mention circumcision, anything about mention circumcision, anything about mention circumcision, anything about circumcision, I get so many questions circumcision, I get so many questions circumcision, I get so many questions that frankly I got tired of answering. that frankly I got tired of answering. that frankly I got tired of answering. So, I appointed one of our pastors on So, I appointed one of our pastors on So, I appointed one of our pastors on staff to become our resident expert on staff to become our resident expert on staff to become our resident expert on circumcision. It's John Mueller, okay? circumcision. It's John Mueller, okay? circumcision. It's John Mueller, okay? And he has studied really diligently to And he has studied really diligently to And he has studied really diligently to answer all of your questions. He got a answer all of your questions. He got a answer all of your questions. He got a certificate in circumcision expertise. certificate in circumcision expertise. certificate in circumcision expertise. So, there's his email. He would love for So, there's his email. He would love for So, there's his email. He would love for you to ask him your most thoughtful, you to ask him your most thoughtful, you to ask him your most thoughtful, detailed questions about circumcision.

detailed questions about circumcision. detailed questions about circumcision. He will answer all them to your He will answer all them to your He will answer all them to your satisfaction. But here's the thing, satisfaction. But here's the thing, satisfaction. But here's the thing, okay? Here's the thing about okay? Here's the thing about okay? Here's the thing about circumcision. I would guess that none of circumcision. I would guess that none of circumcision. I would guess that none of you have ever thought about circumcision you have ever thought about circumcision you have ever thought about circumcision as an important element in pleasing God. as an important element in pleasing God. as an important element in pleasing God. None of you have ever been talking to a None of you have ever been talking to a None of you have ever been talking to a friend here at the Summit Church who friend here at the Summit Church who friend here at the Summit Church who said, you know, I just feel really said, you know, I just feel really said, you know, I just feel really disconnected from God right now. And you disconnected from God right now. And you disconnected from God right now. And you were like, well, are you circumcised? were like, well, are you circumcised? were like, well, are you circumcised? Right? I'm confident that conversation Right? I'm confident that conversation Right? I'm confident that conversation has never happened here at the Summit has never happened here at the Summit has never happened here at the Summit Church. And so, see, you get to a Church. And so, see, you get to a Church. And so, see, you get to a passage like this one and you think, passage like this one and you think, passage like this one and you think, well, this just isn't that relevant for well, this just isn't that relevant for well, this just isn't that relevant for me because I'm not asking that question. me because I'm not asking that question. me because I'm not asking that question. But y'all get this. Listen, Paul uses But y'all get this. Listen, Paul uses But y'all get this. Listen, Paul uses circumcision simply as an example of circumcision simply as an example of circumcision simply as an example of anything that we look to in our flesh or anything that we look to in our flesh or anything that we look to in our flesh or about our person or anything we might about our person or anything we might about our person or anything we might put on our resume that we think elevates put on our resume that we think elevates put on our resume that we think elevates our position above others or makes us our position above others or makes us our position above others or makes us more acceptable to God. and you you have more acceptable to God. and you you have more acceptable to God. and you you have your own list full of those kinds of your own list full of those kinds of your own list full of those kinds of things. So that's the relevance to you. things. So that's the relevance to you. things. So that's the relevance to you. So as I review Paul's very Jewish So as I review Paul's very Jewish So as I review Paul's very Jewish resume, I want you to start thinking resume, I want you to start thinking resume, I want you to start thinking about what's on your very American about what's on your very American about what's on your very American resume. You ready? Here we go. Verse 5, resume. You ready? Here we go. Verse 5, resume. You ready? Here we go. Verse 5, Paul starts his resume with Paul starts his resume with Paul starts his resume with circumcision.

circumcision. circumcision. He says, "I was circumcised on the He says, "I was circumcised on the He says, "I was circumcised on the eighth day, which was exactly the way eighth day, which was exactly the way eighth day, which was exactly the way the Mosaic law prescribed it. All the Mosaic law prescribed it. All the Mosaic law prescribed it. All Israelite boys were to be circumcised 8 Israelite boys were to be circumcised 8 Israelite boys were to be circumcised 8 days after their birth. I was, Paul days after their birth. I was, Paul days after their birth. I was, Paul continues, I was also of the people of continues, I was also of the people of continues, I was also of the people of Israel. And the word he uses there for Israel. And the word he uses there for Israel. And the word he uses there for people is the word go, which means people is the word go, which means people is the word go, which means ethnicity, which meant that Paul was ethnicity, which meant that Paul was ethnicity, which meant that Paul was true Jew. He was not a procelite or a true Jew. He was not a procelite or a true Jew. He was not a procelite or a convert to Judaism. No, Paul was convert to Judaism. No, Paul was convert to Judaism. No, Paul was homegrown. In fact, he says, "I was of homegrown. In fact, he says, "I was of homegrown. In fact, he says, "I was of the tribe of Benjamin." That may not the tribe of Benjamin." That may not the tribe of Benjamin." That may not mean a lot to you, but the tribe of mean a lot to you, but the tribe of mean a lot to you, but the tribe of Benjamin had a very special status in Benjamin had a very special status in Benjamin had a very special status in those days because Benjamin was one of those days because Benjamin was one of those days because Benjamin was one of only two tribes in Israel that was still only two tribes in Israel that was still only two tribes in Israel that was still fully intact. Benjamin and Judah. Judah fully intact. Benjamin and Judah. Judah fully intact. Benjamin and Judah. Judah was the other one. The rest of the 12 was the other one. The rest of the 12 was the other one. The rest of the 12 tribes had been forced to intermar with tribes had been forced to intermar with tribes had been forced to intermar with Gentiles, which meant that most Jews in Gentiles, which meant that most Jews in Gentiles, which meant that most Jews in Paul's day were some mixture of Gentile Paul's day were some mixture of Gentile Paul's day were some mixture of Gentile and Jew. They were muggles, to use the and Jew. They were muggles, to use the and Jew. They were muggles, to use the common term. But Paul says, "I was pure common term. But Paul says, "I was pure common term. But Paul says, "I was pure blood." Furthermore, Paul's original blood." Furthermore, Paul's original blood." Furthermore, Paul's original name had been Saul, which means that he name had been Saul, which means that he name had been Saul, which means that he was named for the first king of Israel, was named for the first king of Israel, was named for the first king of Israel, who had also been from the tribe of who had also been from the tribe of who had also been from the tribe of Benjamin, suggesting that Paul may have Benjamin, suggesting that Paul may have Benjamin, suggesting that Paul may have been a direct descendant of King Saul.

been a direct descendant of King Saul. been a direct descendant of King Saul. So Paul was saying, "I'm not just pure So Paul was saying, "I'm not just pure So Paul was saying, "I'm not just pure blood. I'm blueblood descended from blood. I'm blueblood descended from blood. I'm blueblood descended from royalty. I was a Hebrew of Hebrews." royalty. I was a Hebrew of Hebrews." royalty. I was a Hebrew of Hebrews." which meant that Paul had grown up in a which meant that Paul had grown up in a which meant that Paul had grown up in a Hebrew culture, Hebrewspeaking Hebrew culture, Hebrewspeaking Hebrew culture, Hebrewspeaking household, Hebrew speaking it as his household, Hebrew speaking it as his household, Hebrew speaking it as his first language. See, by this point in first language. See, by this point in first language. See, by this point in history, the vast majority of Jews were history, the vast majority of Jews were history, the vast majority of Jews were what we call helanized, which meant they what we call helanized, which meant they what we call helanized, which meant they grew up speaking Greek because that was grew up speaking Greek because that was grew up speaking Greek because that was the majority language around them. Paul the majority language around them. Paul the majority language around them. Paul said, "Not me. Our family was committed said, "Not me. Our family was committed said, "Not me. Our family was committed to the old ways. I was uncut, unfiltered to the old ways. I was uncut, unfiltered to the old ways. I was uncut, unfiltered Jew, 200proof Jew, USDA prime Jew. As to Jew, 200proof Jew, USDA prime Jew. As to Jew, 200proof Jew, USDA prime Jew. As to the law, I was a Pharisee. Now, Pharisee the law, I was a Pharisee. Now, Pharisee the law, I was a Pharisee. Now, Pharisee in our day usually carries the in our day usually carries the in our day usually carries the connotation of somebody who's connotation of somebody who's connotation of somebody who's self-righteous and hypocritical. But in self-righteous and hypocritical. But in self-righteous and hypocritical. But in those days, Pharisee was a badge of those days, Pharisee was a badge of those days, Pharisee was a badge of honor. The Pharisees were the moral and honor. The Pharisees were the moral and honor. The Pharisees were the moral and religious heroes of Israel. In fact, religious heroes of Israel. In fact, religious heroes of Israel. In fact, there was a common saying among Jews in there was a common saying among Jews in there was a common saying among Jews in Paul's day that if all Israelites would Paul's day that if all Israelites would Paul's day that if all Israelites would live like the Pharisees for even a live like the Pharisees for even a live like the Pharisees for even a single week, the Messiah would return single week, the Messiah would return single week, the Messiah would return immediately and set up his kingdom. Paul immediately and set up his kingdom. Paul immediately and set up his kingdom. Paul says verse six, "As to zeal, I was a says verse six, "As to zeal, I was a says verse six, "As to zeal, I was a persecutor of the church." And you might persecutor of the church." And you might persecutor of the church." And you might be tempted to think of this one as Paul be tempted to think of this one as Paul be tempted to think of this one as Paul slipping in a negative. You know, kind slipping in a negative. You know, kind slipping in a negative. You know, kind of shamefully acknowledging that he'd of shamefully acknowledging that he'd of shamefully acknowledging that he'd gotten carried away and killed some gotten carried away and killed some gotten carried away and killed some people. But in this context, Paul is people. But in this context, Paul is people. But in this context, Paul is presenting this as a positive. You see, presenting this as a positive. You see, presenting this as a positive. You see, there was a famous story from the Old there was a famous story from the Old there was a famous story from the Old Testament commonly told by the Pharisees Testament commonly told by the Pharisees Testament commonly told by the Pharisees during that time period. In fact, we during that time period. In fact, we during that time period. In fact, we find this story referenced all over find this story referenced all over find this story referenced all over rebbitical literature from the first

rebbitical literature from the first rebbitical literature from the first century. It's a story from Numbers 25 in century. It's a story from Numbers 25 in century. It's a story from Numbers 25 in your Old Testament about a man named your Old Testament about a man named your Old Testament about a man named Phineas who lived during an era in Phineas who lived during an era in Phineas who lived during an era in Numbers 25 when all the men in Israel Numbers 25 when all the men in Israel Numbers 25 when all the men in Israel were corrupting themselves by taking were corrupting themselves by taking were corrupting themselves by taking pagan wives. And because of that, God pagan wives. And because of that, God pagan wives. And because of that, God had told them specifically not to do had told them specifically not to do had told them specifically not to do that. Because of that, God sent a curse that. Because of that, God sent a curse that. Because of that, God sent a curse on the people. Well, this guy Phineas on the people. Well, this guy Phineas on the people. Well, this guy Phineas got so angry about one of his neighbors got so angry about one of his neighbors got so angry about one of his neighbors sleeping with a pagan woman that he took sleeping with a pagan woman that he took sleeping with a pagan woman that he took a javelin into their tent and pinned a javelin into their tent and pinned a javelin into their tent and pinned both of them to the bed while they were both of them to the bed while they were both of them to the bed while they were sleeping together. And for that act of sleeping together. And for that act of sleeping together. And for that act of zeal, God stopped the curse. That story zeal, God stopped the curse. That story zeal, God stopped the curse. That story is told in Numbers 25. And the Pharisees is told in Numbers 25. And the Pharisees is told in Numbers 25. And the Pharisees in Paul's day used that story as an in Paul's day used that story as an in Paul's day used that story as an example of the kind of zeal that they example of the kind of zeal that they example of the kind of zeal that they believed would bring God's blessing back believed would bring God's blessing back believed would bring God's blessing back into Israel. And so Paul is like, I was into Israel. And so Paul is like, I was into Israel. And so Paul is like, I was Phineas persecuting to the point of Phineas persecuting to the point of Phineas persecuting to the point of bloodshed any that I saw bringing bloodshed any that I saw bringing bloodshed any that I saw bringing compromise to is to Israel. It was a compromise to is to Israel. It was a compromise to is to Israel. It was a messy job, but I was so committed to the messy job, but I was so committed to the messy job, but I was so committed to the law that I was willing to kill for it.

law that I was willing to kill for it. law that I was willing to kill for it. Paul's point is nobody cared more about Paul's point is nobody cared more about Paul's point is nobody cared more about Jewish customs and laws more than he Jewish customs and laws more than he Jewish customs and laws more than he did. As to righteousness, he says, "I did. As to righteousness, he says, "I did. As to righteousness, he says, "I was under the law blameless." Blame. I was under the law blameless." Blame. I was under the law blameless." Blame. I kept all the laws. I was in church every kept all the laws. I was in church every kept all the laws. I was in church every week. I had all the books of the Bible week. I had all the books of the Bible week. I had all the books of the Bible memorized. I tithed. I double tithed. I memorized. I tithed. I double tithed. I memorized. I tithed. I double tithed. I fasted twice a week. I only ever fasted twice a week. I only ever fasted twice a week. I only ever listened to Christian music. I never listened to Christian music. I never listened to Christian music. I never missed prayer meeting. I used my summers missed prayer meeting. I used my summers missed prayer meeting. I used my summers to go on mission trips. I saved sex for to go on mission trips. I saved sex for to go on mission trips. I saved sex for marriage. I knew all the motions of the marriage. I knew all the motions of the marriage. I knew all the motions of the Father Abraham song. I carried a Bible Father Abraham song. I carried a Bible Father Abraham song. I carried a Bible so big it needed its own shoulder strap. so big it needed its own shoulder strap. so big it needed its own shoulder strap. I ate clean. I recycled. You what? Put I ate clean. I recycled. You what? Put I ate clean. I recycled. You what? Put whatever in that list you want to put in whatever in that list you want to put in whatever in that list you want to put in there. I did it. there. I did it. there. I did it. Y'all, people in Israel would have Y'all, people in Israel would have Y'all, people in Israel would have killed for a resume like this. Paul was killed for a resume like this. Paul was killed for a resume like this. Paul was the best of the best. And so what Paul the best of the best. And so what Paul the best of the best. And so what Paul says next is absolutely shocking. says next is absolutely shocking. says next is absolutely shocking. But whatever gain I had in those things, But whatever gain I had in those things, But whatever gain I had in those things, eventually I counted them as loss for eventually I counted them as loss for eventually I counted them as loss for the sake of Christ. Not only were these the sake of Christ. Not only were these the sake of Christ. Not only were these things ultimately unhelpful, things ultimately unhelpful, things ultimately unhelpful, these things were actually harmful in my these things were actually harmful in my these things were actually harmful in my quest to obtain the true good life.

quest to obtain the true good life. quest to obtain the true good life. Indeed, I count everything as loss Indeed, I count everything as loss Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of because of the surpassing worth of because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. Paul then knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. Paul then knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. Paul then uses the next few verses to give us, uses the next few verses to give us, uses the next few verses to give us, here's your outline. Number one, a new here's your outline. Number one, a new here's your outline. Number one, a new definition of what the good life definition of what the good life definition of what the good life actually is. Then number two, he's going actually is. Then number two, he's going actually is. Then number two, he's going to help us establish a new resume, a new to help us establish a new resume, a new to help us establish a new resume, a new set of criteria for obtaining that good set of criteria for obtaining that good set of criteria for obtaining that good life. Then number three, he's going to life. Then number three, he's going to life. Then number three, he's going to give us a warning about success. And give us a warning about success. And give us a warning about success. And then number four, he's going to give us then number four, he's going to give us then number four, he's going to give us a promise about suffering. a promise about suffering. a promise about suffering. Here we go. Number one, a new Here we go. Number one, a new Here we go. Number one, a new definition. Let me make a really obvious definition. Let me make a really obvious definition. Let me make a really obvious statement. statement. statement. The most important question The most important question The most important question in pursuing the good life is determining in pursuing the good life is determining in pursuing the good life is determining what it is. what it is. what it is. Paul says, "My definition of the good Paul says, "My definition of the good Paul says, "My definition of the good life now, life now, life now, what I'm striving for what I'm striving for what I'm striving for is knowing Christ, is knowing Christ, is knowing Christ, that I may know him and the power of his that I may know him and the power of his that I may know him and the power of his resurrection." That has verse 9, verse resurrection." That has verse 9, verse resurrection." That has verse 9, verse eight, excuse me, surpassing worth to eight, excuse me, surpassing worth to eight, excuse me, surpassing worth to me. In fact, Paul says verse 8, that me. In fact, Paul says verse 8, that me. In fact, Paul says verse 8, that compared to knowing Christ, everything compared to knowing Christ, everything compared to knowing Christ, everything else in my life now seems like rubbish.

else in my life now seems like rubbish. else in my life now seems like rubbish. By the way, our ESV translation By the way, our ESV translation By the way, our ESV translation says rubbish here, but honestly that says rubbish here, but honestly that says rubbish here, but honestly that word rubbish does not do justice to the word rubbish does not do justice to the word rubbish does not do justice to the Greek word. You see the Greek word there Greek word. You see the Greek word there Greek word. You see the Greek word there is scuba. Everybody say scuba. is scuba. Everybody say scuba. is scuba. Everybody say scuba. >> Now everybody look at your neighbor and >> Now everybody look at your neighbor and >> Now everybody look at your neighbor and say, "Oh, you just said a bad word. You say, "Oh, you just said a bad word. You say, "Oh, you just said a bad word. You just said a wordy dirt." Okay, scuba. just said a wordy dirt." Okay, scuba. just said a wordy dirt." Okay, scuba. Scuba is the closest thing we have to an Scuba is the closest thing we have to an Scuba is the closest thing we have to an expletive in the New Testament. In fact, expletive in the New Testament. In fact, expletive in the New Testament. In fact, I can't even give you its closest I can't even give you its closest I can't even give you its closest English equivalent because then I would English equivalent because then I would English equivalent because then I would be in some deep scuba with our elders. be in some deep scuba with our elders. be in some deep scuba with our elders. Okay? Okay? Okay? Paul said, "Compared to knowing Christ, Paul said, "Compared to knowing Christ, Paul said, "Compared to knowing Christ, everything else in my life seems like everything else in my life seems like everything else in my life seems like scuba." scuba." scuba." And that's because for Paul, knowing And that's because for Paul, knowing And that's because for Paul, knowing Jesus was the essence of life. Get this. Jesus was the essence of life. Get this. Jesus was the essence of life. Get this. It's not that Jesus connected him to the It's not that Jesus connected him to the It's not that Jesus connected him to the good life or that Jesus could provide good life or that Jesus could provide good life or that Jesus could provide him with the good life, but knowing him with the good life, but knowing him with the good life, but knowing Jesus was itself the good life. Remember Jesus was itself the good life. Remember Jesus was itself the good life. Remember that from chapter one, Paul said, "For that from chapter one, Paul said, "For that from chapter one, Paul said, "For me to live is Christ."

me to live is Christ." me to live is Christ." Knowing Jesus is life itself. Knowing Jesus is life itself. Knowing Jesus is life itself. Everybody's into soccer right now Everybody's into soccer right now Everybody's into soccer right now because of the World Cup. There's a because of the World Cup. There's a because of the World Cup. There's a really popular comedy that came out a really popular comedy that came out a really popular comedy that came out a few years ago about a redneck American few years ago about a redneck American few years ago about a redneck American football coach who went to coach a football coach who went to coach a football coach who went to coach a soccer team in England and he just can't soccer team in England and he just can't soccer team in England and he just can't understand the European fascination with understand the European fascination with understand the European fascination with soccer or football as they call it and a soccer or football as they call it and a soccer or football as they call it and a lot of the customs around the game and lot of the customs around the game and lot of the customs around the game and it's got a lot of hilarious moments in it's got a lot of hilarious moments in it's got a lot of hilarious moments in it. I'm talking of course about Ted it. I'm talking of course about Ted it. I'm talking of course about Ted Lasso. It's on Apple TV, but especially Lasso. It's on Apple TV, but especially Lasso. It's on Apple TV, but especially for you parents, I would suggest you for you parents, I would suggest you for you parents, I would suggest you watch it on Vid Angel to cut out some of watch it on Vid Angel to cut out some of watch it on Vid Angel to cut out some of the vulgarity. But there's this one the vulgarity. But there's this one the vulgarity. But there's this one player who joins the team named Denny player who joins the team named Denny player who joins the team named Denny Roas who always has this huge smile on Roas who always has this huge smile on Roas who always has this huge smile on his face whenever he's playing soccer. his face whenever he's playing soccer. his face whenever he's playing soccer. And the only line he really says And the only line he really says And the only line he really says throughout the entire show is football throughout the entire show is football throughout the entire show is football is life. He just loves the game of is life. He just loves the game of is life. He just loves the game of football. Danny Roas is not into soccer football. Danny Roas is not into soccer football. Danny Roas is not into soccer for the money or the fame. He just loves for the money or the fame. He just loves for the money or the fame. He just loves playing. for Paul. Knowing Jesus, being playing. for Paul. Knowing Jesus, being playing. for Paul. Knowing Jesus, being assured of his love, trusting in his assured of his love, trusting in his assured of his love, trusting in his promises, that was life. Knowing Jesus promises, that was life. Knowing Jesus promises, that was life. Knowing Jesus was a source of joy for Paul that could was a source of joy for Paul that could was a source of joy for Paul that could lift him above any pain or lift him above any pain or lift him above any pain or disappointment he went through. So that disappointment he went through. So that disappointment he went through. So that even when he found himself prisoned even when he found himself prisoned even when he found himself prisoned unjustly in between two smelly guards, unjustly in between two smelly guards, unjustly in between two smelly guards, he could say, "Yeah, I've learned in he could say, "Yeah, I've learned in he could say, "Yeah, I've learned in whatever state I am, even this one, to whatever state I am, even this one, to whatever state I am, even this one, to be content because I've got life be content because I've got life be content because I've got life already. It's just knowing Jesus.

already. It's just knowing Jesus. already. It's just knowing Jesus. You see, one of the questions that you You see, one of the questions that you You see, one of the questions that you need to consider need to consider need to consider and your pursuit of the good life is how and your pursuit of the good life is how and your pursuit of the good life is how easily whatever you've established as easily whatever you've established as easily whatever you've established as your source of the good life could be your source of the good life could be your source of the good life could be taken away. taken away. taken away. In fact, that's a point even made in Ted In fact, that's a point even made in Ted In fact, that's a point even made in Ted Lasso. There's this point in the show Lasso. There's this point in the show Lasso. There's this point in the show where the team starts doing really where the team starts doing really where the team starts doing really terribly and then Danny Danny Roas terribly and then Danny Danny Roas terribly and then Danny Danny Roas misfires a penalty kick and misfires a penalty kick and misfires a penalty kick and inadvertently kills the team dog Earl. inadvertently kills the team dog Earl. inadvertently kills the team dog Earl. And so Danny starts saying football is And so Danny starts saying football is And so Danny starts saying football is death. death. death. And it's kind of sad, funny, but here's And it's kind of sad, funny, but here's And it's kind of sad, funny, but here's the thing. Most of the things we the thing. Most of the things we the thing. Most of the things we establish as life can turn into death. establish as life can turn into death. establish as life can turn into death. Money is life. Yeah. Until you lose it, Money is life. Yeah. Until you lose it, Money is life. Yeah. Until you lose it, or until it turns you into a shallow or until it turns you into a shallow or until it turns you into a shallow materialistic person who alienates your materialistic person who alienates your materialistic person who alienates your family or until you discover that you family or until you discover that you family or until you discover that you can't take it with you past the grave can't take it with you past the grave can't take it with you past the grave and that it's kept you from focusing on and that it's kept you from focusing on and that it's kept you from focusing on the things that really matter. Yeah. the things that really matter. Yeah. the things that really matter. Yeah. Then it's death or other people's Then it's death or other people's Then it's death or other people's opinions or life. I live for likes on on opinions or life. I live for likes on on opinions or life. I live for likes on on on on Instagram and and follows. Yeah. on on Instagram and and follows. Yeah. on on Instagram and and follows. Yeah. Until those friends let you down or one Until those friends let you down or one Until those friends let you down or one of them betrays you or the group falls of them betrays you or the group falls of them betrays you or the group falls apart, then other people's opinions are apart, then other people's opinions are apart, then other people's opinions are death.

death. death. Last week I listened to a podcast with Last week I listened to a podcast with Last week I listened to a podcast with this really popular German biotech this really popular German biotech this really popular German biotech engineer named Christian Angermier who engineer named Christian Angermier who engineer named Christian Angermier who explained that that that that real life explained that that that that real life explained that that that that real life is found in the promises of what they is found in the promises of what they is found in the promises of what they call human maxing transhumanism using call human maxing transhumanism using call human maxing transhumanism using supplements and injections and human supplements and injections and human supplements and injections and human enhancement drugs and even the enhancement drugs and even the enhancement drugs and even the occasional psychedelic mushroom and one occasional psychedelic mushroom and one occasional psychedelic mushroom and one day you know fusing AI into us and all day you know fusing AI into us and all day you know fusing AI into us and all this will elevate our lived experience. this will elevate our lived experience. this will elevate our lived experience. He said, 'Listen, we are now able to He said, 'Listen, we are now able to He said, 'Listen, we are now able to prescribe things that tangibly increase prescribe things that tangibly increase prescribe things that tangibly increase people's quality of life by 10 full people's quality of life by 10 full people's quality of life by 10 full years. People can feel younger and look years. People can feel younger and look years. People can feel younger and look younger and live 10 full years longer. younger and live 10 full years longer. younger and live 10 full years longer. And I kept thinking, that's awesome, but And I kept thinking, that's awesome, but And I kept thinking, that's awesome, but is 10 years really that long? I mean, is 10 years really that long? I mean, is 10 years really that long? I mean, what about after that? what about after that? what about after that? But what happens in your awesome Max But what happens in your awesome Max But what happens in your awesome Max life when your wife or one of your kids life when your wife or one of your kids life when your wife or one of your kids dies or your marriage falls apart? Can dies or your marriage falls apart? Can dies or your marriage falls apart? Can human maxing save you then? human maxing save you then? human maxing save you then? In fact, in this podcast, he talked In fact, in this podcast, he talked In fact, in this podcast, he talked about dealing with suicidal thoughts, about dealing with suicidal thoughts, about dealing with suicidal thoughts, and my heart went out to him. But I I and my heart went out to him. But I I and my heart went out to him. But I I thought, if your maxed up life still thought, if your maxed up life still thought, if your maxed up life still leaves you with suicidal thoughts, can leaves you with suicidal thoughts, can leaves you with suicidal thoughts, can you really say it's been that you really say it's been that you really say it's been that successful?

successful? successful? Paul says, "Knowing Jesus gives me a joy Paul says, "Knowing Jesus gives me a joy Paul says, "Knowing Jesus gives me a joy and a fulfillment that nothing else and a fulfillment that nothing else and a fulfillment that nothing else rivals, and that disappointment and rivals, and that disappointment and rivals, and that disappointment and death cannot take away from me." You all death cannot take away from me." You all death cannot take away from me." You all saw an incredible illustration. saw an incredible illustration. saw an incredible illustration. testimony of this up close and personal testimony of this up close and personal testimony of this up close and personal right here at our church about a week right here at our church about a week right here at our church about a week and a half ago. Some of you know that and a half ago. Some of you know that and a half ago. Some of you know that that Jacob Slavven, who's the defender that Jacob Slavven, who's the defender that Jacob Slavven, who's the defender for the Carolina Hurricanes, is a member for the Carolina Hurricanes, is a member for the Carolina Hurricanes, is a member here at the Summit Church. In fact, he here at the Summit Church. In fact, he here at the Summit Church. In fact, he and his wife Kylie usually come to our and his wife Kylie usually come to our and his wife Kylie usually come to our Thursday night service at the Capitol Thursday night service at the Capitol Thursday night service at the Capitol Hills campus. By the way, fun fact, Hills campus. By the way, fun fact, Hills campus. By the way, fun fact, Kylie is actually the fiercer competitor Kylie is actually the fiercer competitor Kylie is actually the fiercer competitor of the two. If you are ever playing of the two. If you are ever playing of the two. If you are ever playing board games with them and you have to board games with them and you have to board games with them and you have to choose a player to be on your team, choose a player to be on your team, choose a player to be on your team, always choose Kylie. Okay? Take that always choose Kylie. Okay? Take that always choose Kylie. Okay? Take that from personal experience. Well, last from personal experience. Well, last from personal experience. Well, last week, Jacob became or a week and a half week, Jacob became or a week and a half week, Jacob became or a week and a half ago became one of only two people in ago became one of only two people in ago became one of only two people in history to ever win a gold medal and the history to ever win a gold medal and the history to ever win a gold medal and the Stanley Cup in the same year. I was over Stanley Cup in the same year. I was over Stanley Cup in the same year. I was over in Europe during the final round of in Europe during the final round of in Europe during the final round of playoffs. So, I had to get up at 2 a.m. playoffs. So, I had to get up at 2 a.m. playoffs. So, I had to get up at 2 a.m. several nights to watch it, right? And several nights to watch it, right? And several nights to watch it, right? And set up a VPN, get up, it was a whole set up a VPN, get up, it was a whole set up a VPN, get up, it was a whole thing. I feel like I worked as hard thing. I feel like I worked as hard thing. I feel like I worked as hard watching the games as they did playing watching the games as they did playing watching the games as they did playing the game. But when they won that final the game. But when they won that final the game. But when they won that final game, when they won the final game, I game, when they won the final game, I game, when they won the final game, I texted Jacob and I said, "Hey, man.

texted Jacob and I said, "Hey, man. texted Jacob and I said, "Hey, man. Congratulations. This is a huge deal. Congratulations. This is a huge deal. Congratulations. This is a huge deal. I'm just want you to know, don't I say, I'm just want you to know, don't I say, I'm just want you to know, don't I say, don't worry about responding. I'm just don't worry about responding. I'm just don't worry about responding. I'm just want you to know how grateful I am that want you to know how grateful I am that want you to know how grateful I am that you were stewarding this moment for you were stewarding this moment for you were stewarding this moment for Jesus. I did not expect to hear back Jesus. I did not expect to hear back Jesus. I did not expect to hear back from him since I was sure they were up from him since I was sure they were up from him since I was sure they were up to their eyeballs and champagne. to their eyeballs and champagne. to their eyeballs and champagne. But he shortly texted back and and But he shortly texted back and and But he shortly texted back and and here's what he we sent back. He's like, here's what he we sent back. He's like, here's what he we sent back. He's like, "Thanks, JD. What a ride." Really makes "Thanks, JD. What a ride." Really makes "Thanks, JD. What a ride." Really makes you understand when the Bible says the you understand when the Bible says the you understand when the Bible says the things of the world are fleeting, things of the world are fleeting, things of the world are fleeting, though. Lay them at the feet of Jesus. A though. Lay them at the feet of Jesus. A though. Lay them at the feet of Jesus. A GTG. You know what that is? Oh, glory to GTG. You know what that is? Oh, glory to GTG. You know what that is? Oh, glory to God. By the way, I want you to notice God. By the way, I want you to notice God. By the way, I want you to notice the time stamp on this. 10:04 a.m., but the time stamp on this. 10:04 a.m., but the time stamp on this. 10:04 a.m., but that was my time in Spain, which is that was my time in Spain, which is that was my time in Spain, which is several hours ahead. This was 4:00 a.m. several hours ahead. This was 4:00 a.m. several hours ahead. This was 4:00 a.m. Jacob's time, so late Sunday night, just Jacob's time, so late Sunday night, just Jacob's time, so late Sunday night, just a few hours after they'd won the Stanley a few hours after they'd won the Stanley a few hours after they'd won the Stanley Cup. He hadn't even gone to bed yet. And Cup. He hadn't even gone to bed yet. And Cup. He hadn't even gone to bed yet. And yet already he's saying even this, the yet already he's saying even this, the yet already he's saying even this, the Stanley Cup, it's not life. Stanley Cup, it's not life. Stanley Cup, it's not life. Let me tell you what I love most about Let me tell you what I love most about Let me tell you what I love most about Jacob. By the way, I have a nearly Jacob. By the way, I have a nearly Jacob. By the way, I have a nearly identical text from him a couple of identical text from him a couple of identical text from him a couple of years ago after they lost in the years ago after they lost in the years ago after they lost in the semi-finals and got knocked out of the semi-finals and got knocked out of the semi-finals and got knocked out of the playoffs. I was like, "Hey man, you playoffs. I was like, "Hey man, you playoffs. I was like, "Hey man, you played a great game. I felt like you played a great game. I felt like you played a great game. I felt like you guys really deserve that win." He said guys really deserve that win." He said guys really deserve that win." He said something back like, "Man, I was something back like, "Man, I was something back like, "Man, I was disappointed to lose, but no big deal disappointed to lose, but no big deal disappointed to lose, but no big deal winning or losing a GTG. All glory to winning or losing a GTG. All glory to winning or losing a GTG. All glory to God." So, take it from those who've God." So, take it from those who've God." So, take it from those who've gotten the gold medals and gotten the gotten the gold medals and gotten the gotten the gold medals and gotten the trophies. Even the Stanley Cup is scuba trophies. Even the Stanley Cup is scuba trophies. Even the Stanley Cup is scuba compared to the joy of knowing Jesus.

compared to the joy of knowing Jesus. compared to the joy of knowing Jesus. Some of you have been in church a long Some of you have been in church a long Some of you have been in church a long time. Listen, you've never thought about time. Listen, you've never thought about time. Listen, you've never thought about Jesus this way. You've thought about Jesus this way. You've thought about Jesus this way. You've thought about Jesus primarily as somebody useful in Jesus primarily as somebody useful in Jesus primarily as somebody useful in your life. I mean, you can't get into your life. I mean, you can't get into your life. I mean, you can't get into heaven without him, heaven without him, heaven without him, right? You don't want to go through life right? You don't want to go through life right? You don't want to go through life without him. You know, you need him. without him. You know, you need him. without him. You know, you need him. He's somebody you want on your team He's somebody you want on your team He's somebody you want on your team helping you with your family, your helping you with your family, your helping you with your family, your career. But listen to me. There is a career. But listen to me. There is a career. But listen to me. There is a difference. between something being difference. between something being difference. between something being useful to you and something being useful to you and something being useful to you and something being beautiful to you. Something that is beautiful to you. Something that is beautiful to you. Something that is useful is helpful in obtaining something useful is helpful in obtaining something useful is helpful in obtaining something else you really want. For example, I else you really want. For example, I else you really want. For example, I have a tire iron in my car. I'm really have a tire iron in my car. I'm really have a tire iron in my car. I'm really glad I have it. I I I I'm glad it's in glad I have it. I I I I'm glad it's in glad I have it. I I I I'm glad it's in there. I wouldn't want to be without it. there. I wouldn't want to be without it. there. I wouldn't want to be without it. It's helped me out in some really bad It's helped me out in some really bad It's helped me out in some really bad situations when I had a flat tire. If situations when I had a flat tire. If situations when I had a flat tire. If somebody were chasing me through a dark somebody were chasing me through a dark somebody were chasing me through a dark alley, I would want to have it nearby, alley, I would want to have it nearby, alley, I would want to have it nearby, right? But that tire iron, while very right? But that tire iron, while very right? But that tire iron, while very useful, is not beautiful to me. I don't useful, is not beautiful to me. I don't useful, is not beautiful to me. I don't take it out and look at it. I don't take it out and look at it. I don't take it out and look at it. I don't carry around a picture of it. I don't carry around a picture of it. I don't carry around a picture of it. I don't show it off to my friends. If that tire show it off to my friends. If that tire show it off to my friends. If that tire iron breaks, I without any thought throw iron breaks, I without any thought throw iron breaks, I without any thought throw it away and buy a new one. That is it away and buy a new one. That is it away and buy a new one. That is different from how I feel about, say, my different from how I feel about, say, my different from how I feel about, say, my wife and my kids. They're not so much wife and my kids. They're not so much wife and my kids. They're not so much useful to me as much as they are useful to me as much as they are useful to me as much as they are beautiful to me. I don't love them beautiful to me. I don't love them beautiful to me. I don't love them because of all the other great things because of all the other great things because of all the other great things they bring into my life, like millions they bring into my life, like millions they bring into my life, like millions of dollars. In fact, they cost me of dollars. In fact, they cost me of dollars. In fact, they cost me millions of dollars.

millions of dollars. millions of dollars. But I don't love them for what they But I don't love them for what they But I don't love them for what they bring into my life. I love them for them bring into my life. I love them for them bring into my life. I love them for them because they are beautiful to me. For because they are beautiful to me. For because they are beautiful to me. For some of you, Jesus is useful. some of you, Jesus is useful. some of you, Jesus is useful. You think he will help you obtain heaven You think he will help you obtain heaven You think he will help you obtain heaven and avoid hell. You're looking for him and avoid hell. You're looking for him and avoid hell. You're looking for him to provide you with a good marriage or to provide you with a good marriage or to provide you with a good marriage or give you help with your kids. You think give you help with your kids. You think give you help with your kids. You think Jesus is the gateway to the good life. Jesus is the gateway to the good life. Jesus is the gateway to the good life. But for Paul, Jesus was the good life. But for Paul, Jesus was the good life. But for Paul, Jesus was the good life. Jesus was beautiful even when everything Jesus was beautiful even when everything Jesus was beautiful even when everything else in his life was falling apart. else in his life was falling apart. else in his life was falling apart. So, which is it for you? Do you think So, which is it for you? Do you think So, which is it for you? Do you think Jesus can help you obtain the good life Jesus can help you obtain the good life Jesus can help you obtain the good life or do you think knowing him is the good or do you think knowing him is the good or do you think knowing him is the good life? Which brings me to number two, the life? Which brings me to number two, the life? Which brings me to number two, the qualifications for obtaining this kind qualifications for obtaining this kind qualifications for obtaining this kind of relationship with Jesus. And this is of relationship with Jesus. And this is of relationship with Jesus. And this is where it gets really good. A new resume. where it gets really good. A new resume. where it gets really good. A new resume. I want you to notice that Paul in this I want you to notice that Paul in this I want you to notice that Paul in this passage talks about his relationship passage talks about his relationship passage talks about his relationship with Christ with Christ with Christ with confidence. He uses phrases verse with confidence. He uses phrases verse with confidence. He uses phrases verse eight like I have gained Christ and I eight like I have gained Christ and I eight like I have gained Christ and I know him. Verse 9, I have been found in know him. Verse 9, I have been found in know him. Verse 9, I have been found in him. What gives Paul that confidence? I him. What gives Paul that confidence? I him. What gives Paul that confidence? I mean, you know, when you think about it, mean, you know, when you think about it, mean, you know, when you think about it, that's a pretty big boast, is it? I know that's a pretty big boast, is it? I know that's a pretty big boast, is it? I know Christ is mine. I know I'm his. I know Christ is mine. I know I'm his. I know Christ is mine. I know I'm his. I know he is in me. I know I am in him. I know he is in me. I know I am in him. I know he is in me. I know I am in him. I know I will go to heaven when I die. I know I will go to heaven when I die. I know I will go to heaven when I die. I know he's on my team. I know he's on my side he's on my team. I know he's on my side he's on my team. I know he's on my side in every situation. He is always working in every situation. He is always working in every situation. He is always working for my good. That is a huge boast.

for my good. That is a huge boast. for my good. That is a huge boast. What qualifies Paul to say that? Is it What qualifies Paul to say that? Is it What qualifies Paul to say that? Is it his impressive resume? Is it all the his impressive resume? Is it all the his impressive resume? Is it all the things he's accomplished as an apostle? things he's accomplished as an apostle? things he's accomplished as an apostle? No. Things like that used to be his No. Things like that used to be his No. Things like that used to be his source of confidence, but they are not source of confidence, but they are not source of confidence, but they are not any longer. Notice what he says. Verse any longer. Notice what he says. Verse any longer. Notice what he says. Verse 9. Not having a righteousness that comes 9. Not having a righteousness that comes 9. Not having a righteousness that comes from the law, but instead having one from the law, but instead having one from the law, but instead having one that comes only through faith in Christ. that comes only through faith in Christ. that comes only through faith in Christ. the righteousness of God that depends the righteousness of God that depends the righteousness of God that depends only on faith. There is a righteousness only on faith. There is a righteousness only on faith. There is a righteousness that God offers to the gospel. Paul says that God offers to the gospel. Paul says that God offers to the gospel. Paul says that comes not from obedience to the law that comes not from obedience to the law that comes not from obedience to the law and not from any kind of human and not from any kind of human and not from any kind of human accomplishment. It comes only through accomplishment. It comes only through accomplishment. It comes only through faith in Christ given as a gift to all faith in Christ given as a gift to all faith in Christ given as a gift to all who will receive it and it gives you a who will receive it and it gives you a who will receive it and it gives you a confidence with God. Paul says that confidence with God. Paul says that confidence with God. Paul says that nothing else can. It is what we call nothing else can. It is what we call nothing else can. It is what we call gift righteousness. In fact, let me gift righteousness. In fact, let me gift righteousness. In fact, let me encourage you to write that down. gift encourage you to write that down. gift encourage you to write that down. gift righteousness righteousness righteousness because this is the heart and center of because this is the heart and center of because this is the heart and center of the Christian message and what the Christian message and what the Christian message and what distinguishes the Christian message from distinguishes the Christian message from distinguishes the Christian message from every other religious message on earth.

every other religious message on earth. every other religious message on earth. Christ's righteousness given to us as a Christ's righteousness given to us as a Christ's righteousness given to us as a gift. It is when Christ's record, his gift. It is when Christ's record, his gift. It is when Christ's record, his resume gets credited to your account. It resume gets credited to your account. It resume gets credited to your account. It is what the apostle Paul calls in his is what the apostle Paul calls in his is what the apostle Paul calls in his letter to the Romans imputed letter to the Romans imputed letter to the Romans imputed righteousness. Imputed is a legal term that means something is a legal term that means something gets credited to you. A status gets gets credited to you. A status gets gets credited to you. A status gets conferred upon you. It is different conferred upon you. It is different conferred upon you. It is different follow it is different than you slowly follow it is different than you slowly follow it is different than you slowly becoming more and more righteous in your becoming more and more righteous in your becoming more and more righteous in your thoughts and behavior over a lifetime. thoughts and behavior over a lifetime. thoughts and behavior over a lifetime. That is called infused righteousness. That is called infused righteousness. That is called infused righteousness. And it is different from imputed And it is different from imputed And it is different from imputed righteousness. Imputed righteousness is righteousness. Imputed righteousness is righteousness. Imputed righteousness is when you are positionally put into when you are positionally put into when you are positionally put into Christ so that when God sees you, he Christ so that when God sees you, he Christ so that when God sees you, he counts Christ's righteousness as yours. counts Christ's righteousness as yours. counts Christ's righteousness as yours. Infused righteousness is the process of Infused righteousness is the process of Infused righteousness is the process of Christ's righteousness and his spirit Christ's righteousness and his spirit Christ's righteousness and his spirit slowly infiltrating you over a lifetime slowly infiltrating you over a lifetime slowly infiltrating you over a lifetime until it completely takes you over.

until it completely takes you over. until it completely takes you over. Imputed righteousness happens to you all Imputed righteousness happens to you all Imputed righteousness happens to you all at once. Infused righteousness happens at once. Infused righteousness happens at once. Infused righteousness happens over a lifetime. In fact, here's a way over a lifetime. In fact, here's a way over a lifetime. In fact, here's a way to see it because I thought this might to see it because I thought this might to see it because I thought this might be confusing. Let me uh let this jar of be confusing. Let me uh let this jar of be confusing. Let me uh let this jar of water here represent Jesus, the water here represent Jesus, the water here represent Jesus, the righteousness of Christ. And let's let righteousness of Christ. And let's let righteousness of Christ. And let's let this represent you. You are baby Yoda. this represent you. You are baby Yoda. this represent you. You are baby Yoda. Okay? When you put faith in Christ, when Okay? When you put faith in Christ, when Okay? When you put faith in Christ, when you put faith in Christ, that is when you put faith in Christ, that is when you put faith in Christ, that is when you accept him as your savior, you get you accept him as your savior, you get you accept him as your savior, you get put into Christ. That is the language put into Christ. That is the language put into Christ. That is the language Paul uses in Philippians 3. I've been Paul uses in Philippians 3. I've been Paul uses in Philippians 3. I've been found in him. So now when God sees you, found in him. So now when God sees you, found in him. So now when God sees you, he actually sees Christ first. he actually sees Christ first. he actually sees Christ first. He literally cannot see you without He literally cannot see you without He literally cannot see you without first seeing Christ. That is imputed first seeing Christ. That is imputed first seeing Christ. That is imputed righteousness. righteousness. righteousness. Oh, but something else is happening to Oh, but something else is happening to Oh, but something else is happening to baby Yoda when he's in the water, right? baby Yoda when he's in the water, right? baby Yoda when he's in the water, right? Slowly, the water of Christ's Slowly, the water of Christ's Slowly, the water of Christ's righteousness is seeping into him. This righteousness is seeping into him. This righteousness is seeping into him. This is infused righteousness. The process of is infused righteousness. The process of is infused righteousness. The process of Christ's righteousness slowly seeping Christ's righteousness slowly seeping Christ's righteousness slowly seeping into you. That is called sanctification.

into you. That is called sanctification. into you. That is called sanctification. And it is an important part of your And it is an important part of your And it is an important part of your spiritual growth too. But it is not the spiritual growth too. But it is not the spiritual growth too. But it is not the same as imputed righteousness. Imputed same as imputed righteousness. Imputed same as imputed righteousness. Imputed righteousness is a legal declaration righteousness is a legal declaration righteousness is a legal declaration that happens all at once the moment you that happens all at once the moment you that happens all at once the moment you put faith into Christ and you get put put faith into Christ and you get put put faith into Christ and you get put into Christ. I take pains to explain into Christ. I take pains to explain into Christ. I take pains to explain this because our Catholic friends often this because our Catholic friends often this because our Catholic friends often confuse the two which is why so many of confuse the two which is why so many of confuse the two which is why so many of them frankly lack an assurance of them frankly lack an assurance of them frankly lack an assurance of salvation. They teach that righteousness salvation. They teach that righteousness salvation. They teach that righteousness gets put into us little by little by gets put into us little by little by gets put into us little by little by means of the sacraments. It's infused means of the sacraments. It's infused means of the sacraments. It's infused into us over our lifetime. That into us over our lifetime. That into us over our lifetime. That literally is the language they use. literally is the language they use. literally is the language they use. confused. God's righteousness, they confused. God's righteousness, they confused. God's righteousness, they believe, is like a medicine. The more believe, is like a medicine. The more believe, is like a medicine. The more you go to church, the more you go to you go to church, the more you go to you go to church, the more you go to confession, the more you take the confession, the more you take the confession, the more you take the Eucharist, the more righteousness comes Eucharist, the more righteousness comes Eucharist, the more righteousness comes into you. So, they're always going to into you. So, they're always going to into you. So, they're always going to mass or confession. But the problem is mass or confession. But the problem is mass or confession. But the problem is they never know if they have enough they never know if they have enough they never know if they have enough righteousness inside of them to really righteousness inside of them to really righteousness inside of them to really say they fully belong to Jesus and that say they fully belong to Jesus and that say they fully belong to Jesus and that they're assured of heaven. Which is why they're assured of heaven. Which is why they're assured of heaven. Which is why when you ask many of them if they're when you ask many of them if they're when you ask many of them if they're sure they're going to go to heaven, then sure they're going to go to heaven, then sure they're going to go to heaven, then they'll tell you they don't know and they'll tell you they don't know and they'll tell you they don't know and they assume they'll probably have to they assume they'll probably have to they assume they'll probably have to finish the righteousness saturation finish the righteousness saturation finish the righteousness saturation project in purgatory. And that is project in purgatory. And that is project in purgatory. And that is because they confuse infused because they confuse infused because they confuse infused righteousness with imputed righteousness with imputed righteousness with imputed righteousness. In this passage, Paul is righteousness. In this passage, Paul is righteousness. In this passage, Paul is talking about that moment where talking about that moment where talking about that moment where positionally we are put into Christ all positionally we are put into Christ all positionally we are put into Christ all at once. Where Christ's resume literally at once. Where Christ's resume literally at once. Where Christ's resume literally becomes mine. Martin Luther had a great becomes mine. Martin Luther had a great becomes mine. Martin Luther had a great way of expressing this. Says, "When you way of expressing this. Says, "When you way of expressing this. Says, "When you get put into Christ," he said, "you are get put into Christ," he said, "you are get put into Christ," he said, "you are simultaneously righteous and a sinner."

simultaneously righteous and a sinner." simultaneously righteous and a sinner." That is simultaneously, I'm fully That is simultaneously, I'm fully That is simultaneously, I'm fully righteous in God's eyes, even while I'm righteous in God's eyes, even while I'm righteous in God's eyes, even while I'm still sinful and dry on the inside. still sinful and dry on the inside. still sinful and dry on the inside. Right now, even before I'm soaked all Right now, even before I'm soaked all Right now, even before I'm soaked all the way through with Christ the way through with Christ the way through with Christ righteousness, when God sees me, he sees righteousness, when God sees me, he sees righteousness, when God sees me, he sees Christ first and he sees Christ's full Christ first and he sees Christ's full Christ first and he sees Christ's full record as belonging to me. And like I record as belonging to me. And like I record as belonging to me. And like I said, the all that gives me a confidence said, the all that gives me a confidence said, the all that gives me a confidence in him that nothing else can. in him that nothing else can. in him that nothing else can. Imagine you were applying for entrance Imagine you were applying for entrance Imagine you were applying for entrance into Duke University. into Duke University. into Duke University. Now, the average SAT score for incoming Now, the average SAT score for incoming Now, the average SAT score for incoming freshmen at Duke last year was something freshmen at Duke last year was something freshmen at Duke last year was something like 1550. like 1550. like 1550. Duke has got a 5% acceptance rate, which Duke has got a 5% acceptance rate, which Duke has got a 5% acceptance rate, which means 19 out of 20 applicants get a no means 19 out of 20 applicants get a no means 19 out of 20 applicants get a no response. response. response. But you, for whatever reason, you really But you, for whatever reason, you really But you, for whatever reason, you really want to become a blue devil. The problem want to become a blue devil. The problem want to become a blue devil. The problem is you got straight D's in high school is you got straight D's in high school is you got straight D's in high school and your SAT your SAT score was so low and your SAT your SAT score was so low and your SAT your SAT score was so low that when you tell people what it is, that when you tell people what it is, that when you tell people what it is, they think you're telling them your ACT they think you're telling them your ACT they think you're telling them your ACT score. score. score. By the way, if you don't get that joke, By the way, if you don't get that joke, By the way, if you don't get that joke, I'm not going to explain it to you. I'm not going to explain it to you. I'm not going to explain it to you. Okay?

Okay? Okay? So, you turn in your application. You're So, you turn in your application. You're So, you turn in your application. You're pretty nervous about your chances of pretty nervous about your chances of pretty nervous about your chances of acceptance, but you find out at the last acceptance, but you find out at the last acceptance, but you find out at the last minute that the admissions committee has minute that the admissions committee has minute that the admissions committee has decided that as the basis of your decided that as the basis of your decided that as the basis of your admission, they're going to consider admission, they're going to consider admission, they're going to consider Albert Einstein's resume instead of Albert Einstein's resume instead of Albert Einstein's resume instead of yours. They're literally going to take yours. They're literally going to take yours. They're literally going to take Einstein's resume and credit it to you Einstein's resume and credit it to you Einstein's resume and credit it to you as the basis of your application. So now as the basis of your application. So now as the basis of your application. So now you're feeling pretty good. You're not you're feeling pretty good. You're not you're feeling pretty good. You're not really that nervous. Other applicants really that nervous. Other applicants really that nervous. Other applicants are like, "Well, I got a 1570 in the are like, "Well, I got a 1570 in the are like, "Well, I got a 1570 in the SAT." And you're like, "Yeah, but I came SAT." And you're like, "Yeah, but I came SAT." And you're like, "Yeah, but I came up with E= MC^²." up with E= MC^²." up with E= MC^²." They're like, "Well, I wrote a killer They're like, "Well, I wrote a killer They're like, "Well, I wrote a killer common app essay about my grandmother's common app essay about my grandmother's common app essay about my grandmother's impact on my life." And you're like, impact on my life." And you're like, impact on my life." And you're like, "Yeah, but I developed a theory of "Yeah, but I developed a theory of "Yeah, but I developed a theory of relativity." relativity." relativity." Albert Einstein's resume makes Albert Einstein's resume makes Albert Einstein's resume makes everything else on your resume seem like everything else on your resume seem like everything else on your resume seem like scuba. scuba. scuba. This is what God invites us to do with This is what God invites us to do with This is what God invites us to do with the resume of Christ. Christ's resume the resume of Christ. Christ's resume the resume of Christ. Christ's resume counts as mine. Gift, righteousness, counts as mine. Gift, righteousness, counts as mine. Gift, righteousness, Jesus in my place. Friend, I often tell Jesus in my place. Friend, I often tell Jesus in my place. Friend, I often tell you that I am sure of my salvation. I am you that I am sure of my salvation. I am you that I am sure of my salvation. I am sure that I will go to heaven. And it is sure that I will go to heaven. And it is sure that I will go to heaven. And it is not because I have an impressive resume.

not because I have an impressive resume. not because I have an impressive resume. In fact, that's the point. It's not In fact, that's the point. It's not In fact, that's the point. It's not about my resume at all anymore. Christ's about my resume at all anymore. Christ's about my resume at all anymore. Christ's resume is now counted in my place. And resume is now counted in my place. And resume is now counted in my place. And that brings me to number three. How Paul that brings me to number three. How Paul that brings me to number three. How Paul uses this insight to give us a warning uses this insight to give us a warning uses this insight to give us a warning about our successes. A warning about about our successes. A warning about about our successes. A warning about success. I pointed out that when when we success. I pointed out that when when we success. I pointed out that when when we were walking through this passage, were walking through this passage, were walking through this passage, pointed out that Paul said in verse 7 pointed out that Paul said in verse 7 pointed out that Paul said in verse 7 that his accomplishments were not just that his accomplishments were not just that his accomplishments were not just neutral to him anymore. they actually neutral to him anymore. they actually neutral to him anymore. they actually became a loss for him. became a loss for him. became a loss for him. Listen, that's because one of the most Listen, that's because one of the most Listen, that's because one of the most listened listened listened things about our sinful hearts is how we things about our sinful hearts is how we things about our sinful hearts is how we use our accomplishments use our accomplishments use our accomplishments to elevate ourselves in the eyes of God to elevate ourselves in the eyes of God to elevate ourselves in the eyes of God and others and how our pride in those and others and how our pride in those and others and how our pride in those accomplishments, listen, keeps us from accomplishments, listen, keeps us from accomplishments, listen, keeps us from receiving the grace which is offered receiving the grace which is offered receiving the grace which is offered only as a gift to those who know they only as a gift to those who know they only as a gift to those who know they can't earn it. can't earn it. can't earn it. That's why Billy Graham always said That's why Billy Graham always said That's why Billy Graham always said it's not people's sin that usually keeps it's not people's sin that usually keeps it's not people's sin that usually keeps them out of heaven. them out of heaven. them out of heaven. It's usually their good works. It's usually their good works. It's usually their good works. In a few weeks, we're all exciting In a few weeks, we're all exciting In a few weeks, we're all exciting America's 250th birthday, which is going America's 250th birthday, which is going America's 250th birthday, which is going to be awesome. I got my American flag to be awesome. I got my American flag to be awesome. I got my American flag cruc and my Toby Keith and Lee Greenwood cruc and my Toby Keith and Lee Greenwood cruc and my Toby Keith and Lee Greenwood playlist, and I'm ready to go. Okay. And playlist, and I'm ready to go. Okay. And playlist, and I'm ready to go. Okay. And we're going to hear a lot about the we're going to hear a lot about the we're going to hear a lot about the founding fathers and the Declaration of founding fathers and the Declaration of founding fathers and the Declaration of Independence, and it's all going to be Independence, and it's all going to be Independence, and it's all going to be awesome.

awesome. awesome. But maybe more significant to me is that But maybe more significant to me is that But maybe more significant to me is that all of this happened 250 years ago in all of this happened 250 years ago in all of this happened 250 years ago in the wake of what historians call the the wake of what historians call the the wake of what historians call the great awakening. The greatest spiritual great awakening. The greatest spiritual great awakening. The greatest spiritual revival in western history. Christian revival in western history. Christian revival in western history. Christian scholars say the great awakening scholars say the great awakening scholars say the great awakening preaching basically only had two points. preaching basically only had two points. preaching basically only had two points. Every sermon you heard had two points. Every sermon you heard had two points. Every sermon you heard had two points. First, great awakening preachers told First, great awakening preachers told First, great awakening preachers told people across the American countryside people across the American countryside people across the American countryside that they needed to repent of their that they needed to repent of their that they needed to repent of their sins. That made sense. Of course, you sins. That made sense. Of course, you sins. That made sense. Of course, you got to stop your sinful rebellion. got to stop your sinful rebellion. got to stop your sinful rebellion. Second, they said, and this is where it Second, they said, and this is where it Second, they said, and this is where it got surprising, got surprising, got surprising, they said, "You also got to repent of they said, "You also got to repent of they said, "You also got to repent of your religious deeds because your self-righteousness in those because your self-righteousness in those deeds deludes you with false confidence deeds deludes you with false confidence deeds deludes you with false confidence and keeps you from gift righteousness, and keeps you from gift righteousness, and keeps you from gift righteousness, from grace." In fact, there was a man from grace." In fact, there was a man from grace." In fact, there was a man who was saved during the Great Awakening who was saved during the Great Awakening who was saved during the Great Awakening named Nathan Cole. He was a poor farmer, named Nathan Cole. He was a poor farmer, named Nathan Cole. He was a poor farmer, but he kept a journal, which you can but he kept a journal, which you can but he kept a journal, which you can still see in a museum up in Connecticut. still see in a museum up in Connecticut. still see in a museum up in Connecticut. And in his journal, And in his journal, And in his journal, Nathan Cole recounts hearing one of the Nathan Cole recounts hearing one of the Nathan Cole recounts hearing one of the famous Great Awakening Evangelists.

famous Great Awakening Evangelists. famous Great Awakening Evangelists. Here's what he wrote in his journal that Here's what he wrote in his journal that Here's what he wrote in his journal that day. And I love this as I heard him day. And I love this as I heard him day. And I love this as I heard him preach. preach. preach. Gave me a heart wound. Gave me a heart wound. Gave me a heart wound. By God's blessing, my old foundation was By God's blessing, my old foundation was By God's blessing, my old foundation was broken up. And I saw that my broken up. And I saw that my broken up. And I saw that my righteousness would not save me. Notice righteousness would not save me. Notice righteousness would not save me. Notice Nathan Cole did not say as I heard him Nathan Cole did not say as I heard him Nathan Cole did not say as I heard him preach, I got motivated to be a better preach, I got motivated to be a better preach, I got motivated to be a better man. man. man. I decided to be a better dad and a I decided to be a better dad and a I decided to be a better dad and a better husband. I decided to stop my better husband. I decided to stop my better husband. I decided to stop my sinful habit. I decided to become more sinful habit. I decided to become more sinful habit. I decided to become more moral. No. What he said is when I heard moral. No. What he said is when I heard moral. No. What he said is when I heard him preach, my foundation was broken up. him preach, my foundation was broken up. him preach, my foundation was broken up. True gospel preaching wounds the very True gospel preaching wounds the very True gospel preaching wounds the very thing that we're trusting in to make us thing that we're trusting in to make us thing that we're trusting in to make us good enough for God. True gospel good enough for God. True gospel good enough for God. True gospel preaching shreds your resume. My old preaching shreds your resume. My old preaching shreds your resume. My old foundation was broken up and I saw that foundation was broken up and I saw that foundation was broken up and I saw that my righteousness would not save me. By my righteousness would not save me. By my righteousness would not save me. By the way, that breaking up of our the way, that breaking up of our the way, that breaking up of our foundation, that's not something that foundation, that's not something that foundation, that's not something that happens only one time at salvation. This happens only one time at salvation. This happens only one time at salvation. This is the ongoing secret of the Christian is the ongoing secret of the Christian is the ongoing secret of the Christian life. Just as you look to Christ's life. Just as you look to Christ's life. Just as you look to Christ's righteousness to save you, you start to righteousness to save you, you start to righteousness to save you, you start to learn to look to Christ's power to learn to look to Christ's power to learn to look to Christ's power to sustain you. Hear me. You don't have sustain you. Hear me. You don't have sustain you. Hear me. You don't have what it takes to live the Christian what it takes to live the Christian what it takes to live the Christian life. You don't have what it takes to life. You don't have what it takes to life. You don't have what it takes to overcome temptation. You don't have what overcome temptation. You don't have what overcome temptation. You don't have what it takes to accomplish the will of God.

it takes to accomplish the will of God. it takes to accomplish the will of God. And the sooner you learn that, the And the sooner you learn that, the And the sooner you learn that, the better. The more you know of Christ, the better. The more you know of Christ, the better. The more you know of Christ, the more you're going to say with Nathan more you're going to say with Nathan more you're going to say with Nathan Cole, "My old foundation is broken up." Cole, "My old foundation is broken up." Cole, "My old foundation is broken up." And I see that just like my And I see that just like my And I see that just like my righteousness could never save me. My righteousness could never save me. My righteousness could never save me. My own power could never keep me. It's his own power could never keep me. It's his own power could never keep me. It's his righteousness, not mine, that saves me. righteousness, not mine, that saves me. righteousness, not mine, that saves me. It's his resurrection power, not mine, It's his resurrection power, not mine, It's his resurrection power, not mine, that sustains me. Jesus, in my place. that sustains me. Jesus, in my place. that sustains me. Jesus, in my place. Learn this, Christian. Learn this. All Learn this, Christian. Learn this. All Learn this, Christian. Learn this. All the gospel's blessings come not through the gospel's blessings come not through the gospel's blessings come not through accomplishing. They come through accomplishing. They come through accomplishing. They come through receiving. not through our impressive receiving. not through our impressive receiving. not through our impressive resume, but through humbly receiving resume, but through humbly receiving resume, but through humbly receiving gift righteousness and gift power. And gift righteousness and gift power. And gift righteousness and gift power. And by the way, by the way, by the way, that means there's hope for you. that means there's hope for you. that means there's hope for you. Cuz that means that no matter how messed Cuz that means that no matter how messed Cuz that means that no matter how messed up you feel, up you feel, up you feel, it is not about your power for God. It's it is not about your power for God. It's it is not about your power for God. It's about his power in you. So to the about his power in you. So to the about his power in you. So to the husband who feels like he's made a mess husband who feels like he's made a mess husband who feels like he's made a mess out of his family, I'm not telling you out of his family, I'm not telling you out of his family, I'm not telling you be a better man. My message to the drug be a better man. My message to the drug be a better man. My message to the drug addict is not, "Hey, look at what a mess addict is not, "Hey, look at what a mess addict is not, "Hey, look at what a mess you've made. Try harder. I'm telling you've made. Try harder. I'm telling you've made. Try harder. I'm telling you, there's an empty tomb in Jerusalem you, there's an empty tomb in Jerusalem you, there's an empty tomb in Jerusalem that's been open for you that's been open for you that's been open for you from which the power of new life flows from which the power of new life flows from which the power of new life flows to all who will receive it as a gift."

to all who will receive it as a gift." to all who will receive it as a gift." That brings us lastly to number four, a That brings us lastly to number four, a That brings us lastly to number four, a promise about suffering. Maybe the most surprising thing for the Maybe the most surprising thing for the Philippians is what Paul says there Philippians is what Paul says there Philippians is what Paul says there right at the end. Paul says verse 10, right at the end. Paul says verse 10, right at the end. Paul says verse 10, "Because my goal is to know him and the "Because my goal is to know him and the "Because my goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection. Therefore, power of his resurrection. Therefore, power of his resurrection. Therefore, I'm happy to share in his sufferings and I'm happy to share in his sufferings and I'm happy to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death because become like him in his death because become like him in his death because that's the means by which I attain the that's the means by which I attain the that's the means by which I attain the resurrection, the power of resurrection, resurrection, the power of resurrection, resurrection, the power of resurrection, the gateway to resurrection power, s the gateway to resurrection power, s the gateway to resurrection power, s Paul says, is through weakness and Paul says, is through weakness and Paul says, is through weakness and suffering." suffering." suffering." And so my own failure, Paul says, it And so my own failure, Paul says, it And so my own failure, Paul says, it helps me. It helps me trust in Jesus helps me. It helps me trust in Jesus helps me. It helps me trust in Jesus instead of me. And when something blows instead of me. And when something blows instead of me. And when something blows up on me, when something falls apart, up on me, when something falls apart, up on me, when something falls apart, when something really disappoints me, when something really disappoints me, when something really disappoints me, it gives me a chance to tell myself and it gives me a chance to tell myself and it gives me a chance to tell myself and others, my hope is not in that thing. My others, my hope is not in that thing. My others, my hope is not in that thing. My hope is in Jesus. That Stanley couple hope is in Jesus. That Stanley couple hope is in Jesus. That Stanley couple rush, but Jesus is eternal. rush, but Jesus is eternal. rush, but Jesus is eternal. Here's what's more. When I suffer Here's what's more. When I suffer Here's what's more. When I suffer unjustly, unjustly, unjustly, when I'm persecuted, that becomes a gateway to spiritual that becomes a gateway to spiritual power. Think about it. Paul says, "God power. Think about it. Paul says, "God power. Think about it. Paul says, "God brought salvation into the world through brought salvation into the world through brought salvation into the world through Jesus dying unfairly in weakness and in Jesus dying unfairly in weakness and in Jesus dying unfairly in weakness and in shame." God did not bring the power of shame." God did not bring the power of shame." God did not bring the power of resurrection into the world through resurrection into the world through resurrection into the world through Christ's perfect resume.

Christ's perfect resume. Christ's perfect resume. No, God brought resurrection power No, God brought resurrection power No, God brought resurrection power through Christ's unjust suffering. And through Christ's unjust suffering. And through Christ's unjust suffering. And so that means when I suffer unjustly, so that means when I suffer unjustly, so that means when I suffer unjustly, when I feel like I'm bearing a cross, when I feel like I'm bearing a cross, when I feel like I'm bearing a cross, when I feel weak, when I feel weak, when I feel weak, I got access to that same power. I got access to that same power. I got access to that same power. That doesn't mean I seek out crosses. It That doesn't mean I seek out crosses. It That doesn't mean I seek out crosses. It doesn't mean I don't try to avoid them. doesn't mean I don't try to avoid them. doesn't mean I don't try to avoid them. Just that I recognize that when I can't Just that I recognize that when I can't Just that I recognize that when I can't avoid them, that they're giving me avoid them, that they're giving me avoid them, that they're giving me access to God's resurrection power. I access to God's resurrection power. I access to God's resurrection power. I was talking with a really good friend of was talking with a really good friend of was talking with a really good friend of mine, really godly friend of mine about mine, really godly friend of mine about mine, really godly friend of mine about a month or so ago. a month or so ago. a month or so ago. Both of us have gone through something Both of us have gone through something Both of us have gone through something similar that felt unfair similar that felt unfair similar that felt unfair and it's been really painful and I will and it's been really painful and I will and it's been really painful and I will not go into all the details, but it had not go into all the details, but it had not go into all the details, but it had to do with lies and false accusations to do with lies and false accusations to do with lies and false accusations spread about us lies that we just can't spread about us lies that we just can't spread about us lies that we just can't fully clear up. Not because the truth fully clear up. Not because the truth fully clear up. Not because the truth isn't clear, but because the lies are isn't clear, but because the lies are isn't clear, but because the lies are too widespread. too widespread. too widespread. And so I asked my friend how he cope And so I asked my friend how he cope And so I asked my friend how he cope with those people who continue to with those people who continue to with those people who continue to believe false things about him. And he believe false things about him. And he believe false things about him. And he paused for a minute and then he just paused for a minute and then he just paused for a minute and then he just said, you know, JD, he said, 'This is said, you know, JD, he said, 'This is said, you know, JD, he said, 'This is one of those places where the Lord has one of those places where the Lord has one of those places where the Lord has said to me, in this one, you get to said to me, in this one, you get to said to me, in this one, you get to experience what Jesus experienced. You experience what Jesus experienced. You experience what Jesus experienced. You get to bear his shame and that's the get to bear his shame and that's the get to bear his shame and that's the portal through which I'm going to pour portal through which I'm going to pour portal through which I'm going to pour resurrection power. Listen to me. Nobody resurrection power. Listen to me. Nobody resurrection power. Listen to me. Nobody likes suffering.

likes suffering. likes suffering. And God wants you to do all you can to And God wants you to do all you can to And God wants you to do all you can to avoid it. And I want to make this avoid it. And I want to make this avoid it. And I want to make this abundantly clear. If you were in an abundantly clear. If you were in an abundantly clear. If you were in an abusive situation, I'm not saying you abusive situation, I'm not saying you abusive situation, I'm not saying you should stay there. No. Contact us today. should stay there. No. Contact us today. should stay there. No. Contact us today. Contact somebody. We want to help you. Contact somebody. We want to help you. Contact somebody. We want to help you. I'm just saying that when you've done I'm just saying that when you've done I'm just saying that when you've done all you can do to avoid suffering and all you can do to avoid suffering and all you can do to avoid suffering and all you can do to clear your name and all you can do to clear your name and all you can do to clear your name and stop the lies and you can't just know stop the lies and you can't just know stop the lies and you can't just know that Jesus says, "Blessed are you when that Jesus says, "Blessed are you when that Jesus says, "Blessed are you when you suffer wrongly, even unfairly you suffer wrongly, even unfairly you suffer wrongly, even unfairly because then yours is the kingdom and because then yours is the kingdom and because then yours is the kingdom and the power of heaven. If you share in my the power of heaven. If you share in my the power of heaven. If you share in my sufferings, you're going to share in my sufferings, you're going to share in my sufferings, you're going to share in my resurrection power." When they put upon resurrection power." When they put upon resurrection power." When they put upon you the cross of false accusations, you the cross of false accusations, you the cross of false accusations, you're going to become like him in his you're going to become like him in his you're going to become like him in his death. then that means his resurrection death. then that means his resurrection death. then that means his resurrection power is going to start flowing through power is going to start flowing through power is going to start flowing through you. And while I hate suffering, y'all, you. And while I hate suffering, y'all, you. And while I hate suffering, y'all, that's a pretty good trait. that's a pretty good trait. that's a pretty good trait. Cuz here's what I've learned after 25 Cuz here's what I've learned after 25 Cuz here's what I've learned after 25 years in ministry. years in ministry. years in ministry. It is not J. Dre's impressive resume It is not J. Dre's impressive resume It is not J. Dre's impressive resume that you need. It's resurrection power. that you need. It's resurrection power. that you need. It's resurrection power. You don't need a man up here standing up You don't need a man up here standing up You don't need a man up here standing up showing off. showing off. showing off. You need a man up here who's knows what You need a man up here who's knows what You need a man up here who's knows what it's like to be broken and weak and it's like to be broken and weak and it's like to be broken and weak and suffer and fail because I can point you suffer and fail because I can point you suffer and fail because I can point you to the power of an empty tomb. And to the power of an empty tomb. And to the power of an empty tomb. And that's a power that can help you just that's a power that can help you just that's a power that can help you just like it can help me. And that comes like it can help me. And that comes like it can help me. And that comes through my failures. Realizing I'm not through my failures. Realizing I'm not through my failures. Realizing I'm not that impressive. It comes through my that impressive. It comes through my that impressive. It comes through my suffering which allows me to partake of suffering which allows me to partake of suffering which allows me to partake of the suffering of Christ so that I can the suffering of Christ so that I can the suffering of Christ so that I can experience the power of resurrection.

experience the power of resurrection. experience the power of resurrection. Some of you are suffering right now. I Some of you are suffering right now. I Some of you are suffering right now. I know it. You're suffering in a marriage. know it. You're suffering in a marriage. know it. You're suffering in a marriage. You're suffering at your workplace. You're suffering at your workplace. You're suffering at your workplace. friends are unkind to you. Hear me. You friends are unkind to you. Hear me. You friends are unkind to you. Hear me. You need to do everything you can to clear need to do everything you can to clear need to do everything you can to clear it up. But I'm just telling you through it up. But I'm just telling you through it up. But I'm just telling you through that suffering, if you go through it that suffering, if you go through it that suffering, if you go through it with faith, God is pouring resurrection with faith, God is pouring resurrection with faith, God is pouring resurrection power into you. He's pouring it through power into you. He's pouring it through power into you. He's pouring it through you into those people around you. A you into those people around you. A you into those people around you. A sharing in his suffering as you partake sharing in his suffering as you partake sharing in his suffering as you partake of his power. of his power. of his power. The Apostle Paul in one of the greatest The Apostle Paul in one of the greatest The Apostle Paul in one of the greatest passages he ever pinned, passages he ever pinned, passages he ever pinned, he asks you to consider three very he asks you to consider three very he asks you to consider three very fundamental questions in your whole fundamental questions in your whole fundamental questions in your whole life. And this is what I want to leave life. And this is what I want to leave life. And this is what I want to leave you with. you with. you with. He says, "What's your ultimate goal?" He says, "What's your ultimate goal?" He says, "What's your ultimate goal?" How do you define the good life? Do you How do you define the good life? Do you How do you define the good life? Do you see Jesus as useful for getting you to see Jesus as useful for getting you to see Jesus as useful for getting you to the good life? the good life? the good life? Or do you see knowing him as the good Or do you see knowing him as the good Or do you see knowing him as the good life? life? life? Friend, listen to me. If the good life Friend, listen to me. If the good life Friend, listen to me. If the good life for you is anything except knowing for you is anything except knowing for you is anything except knowing Christ, it's going to leave you empty Christ, it's going to leave you empty Christ, it's going to leave you empty and broken. and broken. and broken. Here's the second question. What Here's the second question. What Here's the second question. What qualifications entitle you to the good qualifications entitle you to the good qualifications entitle you to the good life? old resume you carrying around in life? old resume you carrying around in life? old resume you carrying around in your heart, you still trying to prove your heart, you still trying to prove your heart, you still trying to prove yourself to God and others yourself to God and others yourself to God and others or have you accepted the gift or have you accepted the gift or have you accepted the gift righteousness of Christ given to all who righteousness of Christ given to all who righteousness of Christ given to all who simply receive it by faith because they simply receive it by faith because they simply receive it by faith because they know they can't earn it.

know they can't earn it. know they can't earn it. Third, Third, Third, is there a failure or frustration you is there a failure or frustration you is there a failure or frustration you might see as an invitation to experience might see as an invitation to experience might see as an invitation to experience the power of resurrection? Maybe something you brought into here Maybe something you brought into here this morning. this morning. this morning. And so right now the Holy Spirit is just And so right now the Holy Spirit is just And so right now the Holy Spirit is just saying, saying, saying, "I'm doing this. "I'm doing this. "I'm doing this. I'm doing this because the world needs I'm doing this because the world needs I'm doing this because the world needs less of you and they need more of me. less of you and they need more of me. less of you and they need more of me. And I just want you to invite you to And I just want you to invite you to And I just want you to invite you to submit to it this morning. submit to it this morning. submit to it this morning. I'm gonna put these questions on the I'm gonna put these questions on the I'm gonna put these questions on the screen at all of our campuses. And I'm screen at all of our campuses. And I'm screen at all of our campuses. And I'm going to give you just 60 seconds, 90 going to give you just 60 seconds, 90 going to give you just 60 seconds, 90 seconds. seconds. seconds. I want you to just let the Holy Spirit I want you to just let the Holy Spirit I want you to just let the Holy Spirit use these. Pick out one that the Holy use these. Pick out one that the Holy use these. Pick out one that the Holy Spirit draws your attention to and just Spirit draws your attention to and just Spirit draws your attention to and just [music] press into it. Let him work in [music] press into it. Let him work in [music] press into it. Let him work in your heart and then I'll come back up your heart and then I'll come back up your heart and then I'll come back up and I'll I'll lead us in a time just to and I'll I'll lead us in a time just to and I'll I'll lead us in a time just to invitation and worship. You do that for invitation and worship. You do that for invitation and worship. You do that for the next minute and then I'll come back.

May I ask you at all of our campuses, I May I ask you at all of our campuses, I want you to stand to your feet with me want you to stand to your feet with me want you to stand to your feet with me if you will. Our worship teams are if you will. Our worship teams are if you will. Our worship teams are here. They're going to lead us in a time here. They're going to lead us in a time here. They're going to lead us in a time where we declare the name of Jesus. where we declare the name of Jesus. where we declare the name of Jesus. Had a really strong sense this morning Had a really strong sense this morning Had a really strong sense this morning that there were that there were that there were going to be two or three groups in this going to be two or three groups in this going to be two or three groups in this room when I got done. room when I got done. room when I got done. And I'm going to call [music] you out And I'm going to call [music] you out And I'm going to call [music] you out specifically. specifically. specifically. I'm going invite you to come and pray I'm going invite you to come and pray I'm going invite you to come and pray around these altars. That's what we just around these altars. That's what we just around these altars. That's what we just call the area at the front of our call the area at the front of our call the area at the front of our [music] our auditoriums. You can always [music] our auditoriums. You can always [music] our auditoriums. You can always pray in your seat. Of course, I'm pray in your seat. Of course, I'm pray in your seat. Of course, I'm telling you, there's something telling you, there's something telling you, there's something significant, something defining about significant, something defining about significant, something defining about this moment. this moment. this moment. There are those of you There are those of you There are those of you who have never received the gift [music] who have never received the gift [music] who have never received the gift [music] righteousness of Christ. Your whole righteousness of Christ. Your whole righteousness of Christ. Your whole life's been trying to be good enough, go life's been trying to be good enough, go life's been trying to be good enough, go to church enough, moral enough. to church enough, moral enough. to church enough, moral enough. I'm going invite you to come down here I'm going invite you to come down here I'm going invite you to come down here and switch Christ righteousness for and switch Christ righteousness for and switch Christ righteousness for yours. yours. yours. It's just a gift. You receive it. You It's just a gift. You receive it. You It's just a gift. You receive it. You surrender your life to him and say, surrender your life to him and say, surrender your life to him and say, "Jesus, I can't save myself. Jesus, in "Jesus, I can't save myself. Jesus, in "Jesus, I can't save myself. Jesus, in my place, I receive gift righteousness."

my place, I receive gift righteousness." my place, I receive gift righteousness." Second group is there's some of you that Second group is there's some of you that Second group is there's some of you that are dealing with a situation right now are dealing with a situation right now are dealing with a situation right now and it's been all about your [music] and it's been all about your [music] and it's been all about your [music] power to resolve the situation and you power to resolve the situation and you power to resolve the situation and you are exhausted. and Christ this morning is inviting you and Christ this morning is inviting you to say, "Hey, come and lay that down. to say, "Hey, come and lay that down. to say, "Hey, come and lay that down. Put that burden in my feet and let me Put that burden in my feet and let me Put that burden in my feet and let me pick that up." And I want to invite you pick that up." And I want to invite you pick that up." And I want to invite you to come down and lay that down for him to come down and lay that down for him to come down and lay that down for him and say, "Jesus, I can't. I need you to and say, "Jesus, I can't. I need you to and say, "Jesus, I can't. I need you to do this through me. Maybe you're a do this through me. Maybe you're a do this through me. Maybe you're a parent. [music] Maybe there's some parent. [music] Maybe there's some parent. [music] Maybe there's some struggle. I don't know what it is, but I struggle. I don't know what it is, but I struggle. I don't know what it is, but I just sense there's some of you in here just sense there's some of you in here just sense there's some of you in here that need to come down and make that that need to come down and make that that need to come down and make that switch. Christ's power [music] for mine. switch. Christ's power [music] for mine. switch. Christ's power [music] for mine. Lastly, I I believe there are some of Lastly, I I believe there are some of Lastly, I I believe there are some of you in here that you're going through you in here that you're going through you in here that you're going through some kind of [music] suffering. some kind of [music] suffering. some kind of [music] suffering. I'm not telling you to stop resisting. I'm not telling you to stop resisting. I'm not telling you to stop resisting. I'm keep trying to get out of it. Okay? I'm keep trying to get out of it. Okay? I'm keep trying to get out of it. Okay? But I'm saying Christ is telling you But I'm saying Christ is telling you But I'm saying Christ is telling you right now, I need you to submit to right now, I need you to submit to right now, I need you to submit to [music] me in this. I need you to stop [music] me in this. I need you to stop [music] me in this. I need you to stop raging against me and realize that I'm raging against me and realize that I'm raging against me and realize that I'm doing something good in this. And yeah, doing something good in this. And yeah, doing something good in this. And yeah, you can pray right there at your seat, you can pray right there at your seat, you can pray right there at your seat, but I'm telling you, come up here and but I'm telling you, come up here and but I'm telling you, come up here and you get down on your knees and you say, you get down on your knees and you say, you get down on your knees and you say, "Jesus, have your way." It'll be "Jesus, have your way." It'll be "Jesus, have your way." It'll be something really powerful. As always, something really powerful. As always, something really powerful. As always, I'm going to put our prayer teams and I'm going to put our prayer teams and I'm going to put our prayer teams and our elders on the sides at every campus.

our elders on the sides at every campus. our elders on the sides at every campus. They're there to pray with you. If you They're there to pray with you. If you They're there to pray with you. If you [music] would like somebody to pray with [music] would like somebody to pray with [music] would like somebody to pray with you, if not, you can just fill down this you, if not, you can just fill down this you, if not, you can just fill down this little front section at every front of little front section at every front of little front section at every front of every campus and just receive. every campus and just receive. every campus and just receive. You come right now at all of our You come right now at all of our You come right now at all of our campuses. Go to the sides if you want campuses. Go to the sides if you want campuses. Go to the sides if you want prayer. Come down here if you want to prayer. Come down here if you want to prayer. Come down here if you want to pray. Bring a [music] friend down here pray. Bring a [music] friend down here pray. Bring a [music] friend down here if you want and pray there on your own. if you want and pray there on your own. if you want and pray there on your own. And we're going to sing about the power And we're going to sing about the power And we're going to sing about the power in the name of Jesus and celebrate his in the name of Jesus and celebrate his in the name of Jesus and celebrate his [music] surpassing worth. Surpassing [music] surpassing worth. Surpassing [music] surpassing worth. Surpassing worth. Let's enter into this time. Let's worth. Let's enter into this time. Let's worth. Let's enter into this time. Let's welcome in the spirit of God.