Time to Grow Up: Maturing in Christ | Pastor Curtis Andrusko

Hey, Hey, hey, hey. Hey, good morning Summit online. Happy Hey, good morning Summit online. Happy Sunday. I'm so glad you guys are joining Sunday. I'm so glad you guys are joining Sunday. I'm so glad you guys are joining us this morning. I'm Lauren Thompson, us this morning. I'm Lauren Thompson, us this morning. I'm Lauren Thompson, our Summit online coordinator, and I'm our Summit online coordinator, and I'm our Summit online coordinator, and I'm so excited because I have Donna Mullins so excited because I have Donna Mullins so excited because I have Donna Mullins with me. Good morning, Donna.

with me. Good morning, Donna. with me. Good morning, Donna. >> Good morning, y'all. Happy Sunday. It's >> Good morning, y'all. Happy Sunday. It's >> Good morning, y'all. Happy Sunday. It's so nice to join y'all. Thank you so much so nice to join y'all. Thank you so much so nice to join y'all. Thank you so much for asking. for asking. for asking. >> I know. I'm so glad you're here, and >> I know. I'm so glad you're here, and >> I know. I'm so glad you're here, and happy Fourth of July weekend. We're so happy Fourth of July weekend. We're so happy Fourth of July weekend. We're so glad that you're joining us online for glad that you're joining us online for glad that you're joining us online for this Sunday morning. Uh, Donna, tell me, this Sunday morning. Uh, Donna, tell me, this Sunday morning. Uh, Donna, tell me, did you do anything special for the did you do anything special for the did you do anything special for the fourth? fourth? fourth? >> Actually, I did. It was really fun. and >> Actually, I did. It was really fun. and >> Actually, I did. It was really fun. and I spent time with a couple of families I spent time with a couple of families I spent time with a couple of families that are here and uh we uh I I watched a that are here and uh we uh I I watched a that are here and uh we uh I I watched a very entertaining uh dance off between very entertaining uh dance off between very entertaining uh dance off between the five and six-year-old. Uh so that the five and six-year-old. Uh so that the five and six-year-old. Uh so that was a lot of fun and then I went with my was a lot of fun and then I went with my was a lot of fun and then I went with my mom. We watched fireworks last night. mom. We watched fireworks last night. mom. We watched fireworks last night. >> Did you get to do anything? >> Did you get to do anything? >> Did you get to do anything? >> I went and hung out with some friends >> I went and hung out with some friends >> I went and hung out with some friends and stayed cool. Man, y'all, it is hot and stayed cool. Man, y'all, it is hot and stayed cool. Man, y'all, it is hot here. The triangle. My car at one point here. The triangle. My car at one point here. The triangle. My car at one point said 112 degrees. said 112 degrees. said 112 degrees. >> Yes. Yes. My mom's little temperature >> Yes. Yes. My mom's little temperature >> Yes. Yes. My mom's little temperature gauge said 100. We were like, "Woo!" gauge said 100. We were like, "Woo!" gauge said 100. We were like, "Woo!" >> Yeah. So definitely stayed in the AC, >> Yeah. So definitely stayed in the AC, >> Yeah. So definitely stayed in the AC, but yeah, it was a lot of fun with my but yeah, it was a lot of fun with my but yeah, it was a lot of fun with my friends. So, um, well, I'm so glad you friends. So, um, well, I'm so glad you friends. So, um, well, I'm so glad you guys are joining us this morning. I'm so guys are joining us this morning. I'm so guys are joining us this morning. I'm so glad Donna is here to share a little bit glad Donna is here to share a little bit glad Donna is here to share a little bit about what's coming up in NextGen this about what's coming up in NextGen this about what's coming up in NextGen this summer. summer. summer. >> Um, but first, tell us a little bit more >> Um, but first, tell us a little bit more >> Um, but first, tell us a little bit more about what you do here at Summit.

about what you do here at Summit. about what you do here at Summit. >> Yeah, so I am the NextG admin at the >> Yeah, so I am the NextG admin at the >> Yeah, so I am the NextG admin at the Capitol Hills campus. And so I get to Capitol Hills campus. And so I get to Capitol Hills campus. And so I get to work with both the kids and the work with both the kids and the work with both the kids and the students. Kids is like six weeks to uh students. Kids is like six weeks to uh students. Kids is like six weeks to uh students being like graduating senior. students being like graduating senior. students being like graduating senior. So I I get to split my time between So I I get to split my time between So I I get to split my time between both. So I'm really thankful. It's a lot both. So I'm really thankful. It's a lot both. So I'm really thankful. It's a lot of fun. of fun. of fun. >> Okay. And um I know we've talked a lot >> Okay. And um I know we've talked a lot >> Okay. And um I know we've talked a lot about the NextGen Ministries this about the NextGen Ministries this about the NextGen Ministries this summer, but just for those who may have summer, but just for those who may have summer, but just for those who may have just hopped on for the first time, uh just hopped on for the first time, uh just hopped on for the first time, uh tell us more about what does that look tell us more about what does that look tell us more about what does that look like throughout the year? Yeah. So, uh like throughout the year? Yeah. So, uh like throughout the year? Yeah. So, uh throughout the year we have got like throughout the year we have got like throughout the year we have got like during weekend services we have summit during weekend services we have summit during weekend services we have summit kids at all of them and then we also kids at all of them and then we also kids at all of them and then we also have on Sundays middle school small have on Sundays middle school small have on Sundays middle school small groups and then for our high schoolers groups and then for our high schoolers groups and then for our high schoolers we've got midweek which is on Wednesdays we've got midweek which is on Wednesdays we've got midweek which is on Wednesdays and uh that's just a great time of and uh that's just a great time of and uh that's just a great time of worship and community. Uh and then like worship and community. Uh and then like worship and community. Uh and then like also from the fall through the spring also from the fall through the spring also from the fall through the spring we'll add on like Aana uh MSM middle we'll add on like Aana uh MSM middle we'll add on like Aana uh MSM middle school ministry and then also weekly school ministry and then also weekly school ministry and then also weekly that would be our high school small that would be our high school small that would be our high school small group. So group. So group. So >> Okay. Yeah. So, you know, throughout the >> Okay. Yeah. So, you know, throughout the >> Okay. Yeah. So, you know, throughout the year we've got opportunities for uh year we've got opportunities for uh year we've got opportunities for uh kids, students, uh even like summer kids kids, students, uh even like summer kids kids, students, uh even like summer kids starts like basically birth through, you starts like basically birth through, you starts like basically birth through, you know, six weeks.

know, six weeks. know, six weeks. >> Yeah. I mean, so um if you come in >> Yeah. I mean, so um if you come in >> Yeah. I mean, so um if you come in person to one of our campuses and you person to one of our campuses and you person to one of our campuses and you want to engage uh and you've got kids or want to engage uh and you've got kids or want to engage uh and you've got kids or students, there are ways to get them students, there are ways to get them students, there are ways to get them plugged in as well. So, you can come and plugged in as well. So, you can come and plugged in as well. So, you can come and worship. And um I love it too cuz our worship. And um I love it too cuz our worship. And um I love it too cuz our our NextGen Ministries is so focused on our NextGen Ministries is so focused on our NextGen Ministries is so focused on sharing the gospel with these kids and sharing the gospel with these kids and sharing the gospel with these kids and students and encouraging them to grow as students and encouraging them to grow as students and encouraging them to grow as disciples and share their faith. disciples and share their faith. disciples and share their faith. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Um which is a big part of what I love >> Um which is a big part of what I love >> Um which is a big part of what I love about the summer camps and like BBS. We about the summer camps and like BBS. We about the summer camps and like BBS. We had BBS a couple weeks ago. Uh but this had BBS a couple weeks ago. Uh but this had BBS a couple weeks ago. Uh but this month is kicks off our camps. month is kicks off our camps. month is kicks off our camps. >> It does. It does. In one week we will be >> It does. It does. In one week we will be >> It does. It does. In one week we will be leaving literally at this moment we will leaving literally at this moment we will leaving literally at this moment we will be going down the road going to be going down the road going to be going down the road going to Tennessee for our high school camp. Tennessee for our high school camp. Tennessee for our high school camp. We've got two high school camps. Okay. We've got two high school camps. Okay. We've got two high school camps. Okay. Uh, and then we will have three kids Uh, and then we will have three kids Uh, and then we will have three kids camps and then we'll have one middle camps and then we'll have one middle camps and then we'll have one middle school camp. So, it's just uh back to school camp. So, it's just uh back to school camp. So, it's just uh back to back to back. I get to go to all three. back to back. I get to go to all three. back to back. I get to go to all three. >> So fun. Very excited. You >> So fun. Very excited. You >> So fun. Very excited. You >> D. >> D. >> D. Where else would I be, Lauren? Where else would I be, Lauren? Where else would I be, Lauren? >> That is going to be amazing. I hope you >> That is going to be amazing. I hope you >> That is going to be amazing. I hope you also get some time off after that cuz also get some time off after that cuz also get some time off after that cuz man, that three weeks of camp is a lot.

man, that three weeks of camp is a lot. man, that three weeks of camp is a lot. That's awesome. That's awesome. That's awesome. >> It'll be fun. >> It'll be fun. >> It'll be fun. >> Um, well, so we've got the camps coming >> Um, well, so we've got the camps coming >> Um, well, so we've got the camps coming up. What are some ways that we can be up. What are some ways that we can be up. What are some ways that we can be praying for those as they come up? praying for those as they come up? praying for those as they come up? >> Yeah, thank you. Um, we would definitely >> Yeah, thank you. Um, we would definitely >> Yeah, thank you. Um, we would definitely coveret your prayers. I mean, we have coveret your prayers. I mean, we have coveret your prayers. I mean, we have got, you know, literally just hundreds got, you know, literally just hundreds got, you know, literally just hundreds upon hundreds of kids and students upon hundreds of kids and students upon hundreds of kids and students coming. And so, just praying that coming. And so, just praying that coming. And so, just praying that literally 100% of them just come to know literally 100% of them just come to know literally 100% of them just come to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Uh, just Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Uh, just Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Uh, just also just some practical just safety, also just some practical just safety, also just some practical just safety, you know, and then just some wild fun you know, and then just some wild fun you know, and then just some wild fun honestly. I mean, making memories. It's honestly. I mean, making memories. It's honestly. I mean, making memories. It's summertime. It's going to be super summertime. It's going to be super summertime. It's going to be super sweet, you know. So, sweet, you know. So, sweet, you know. So, >> yeah. Um well, so I know that next >> yeah. Um well, so I know that next >> yeah. Um well, so I know that next weekend we actually will have a specific weekend we actually will have a specific weekend we actually will have a specific way that we can pray for students. Can way that we can pray for students. Can way that we can pray for students. Can you share a little bit more about that? you share a little bit more about that? you share a little bit more about that? >> Absolutely. It's on my arm, y'all. So, >> Absolutely. It's on my arm, y'all. So, >> Absolutely. It's on my arm, y'all. So, uh you can pick for a kid, for a middle uh you can pick for a kid, for a middle uh you can pick for a kid, for a middle schooler, for a high schooler. Uh you schooler, for a high schooler. Uh you schooler, for a high schooler. Uh you can pick up a band and you can be can pick up a band and you can be can pick up a band and you can be praying for the student or the kid, but praying for the student or the kid, but praying for the student or the kid, but please pick one up or you can reach out please pick one up or you can reach out please pick one up or you can reach out to Lauren online and get a name of a to Lauren online and get a name of a to Lauren online and get a name of a student or a kid. student or a kid. student or a kid. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, we want to intentionally >> Yeah. Yeah. So, we want to intentionally >> Yeah. Yeah. So, we want to intentionally pray for all of the kids and students pray for all of the kids and students pray for all of the kids and students that are going to camp over the next that are going to camp over the next that are going to camp over the next several weeks. And so, if you come in several weeks. And so, if you come in several weeks. And so, if you come in person to one of our campuses next person to one of our campuses next person to one of our campuses next weekend, you'll be able to pick up some weekend, you'll be able to pick up some weekend, you'll be able to pick up some bracelets to pray. They'll have uh the bracelets to pray. They'll have uh the bracelets to pray. They'll have uh the student's first name and um you know, if student's first name and um you know, if student's first name and um you know, if they're going to middle school or high they're going to middle school or high they're going to middle school or high school camp. And so, we would love for school camp. And so, we would love for school camp. And so, we would love for you to partner with us in prayer. But if you to partner with us in prayer. But if you to partner with us in prayer. But if you're not going to be here next weekend you're not going to be here next weekend you're not going to be here next weekend or maybe you're one of our regulars with or maybe you're one of our regulars with or maybe you're one of our regulars with online, we also want to give you the online, we also want to give you the online, we also want to give you the opportunity to pray with us. So you can opportunity to pray with us. So you can opportunity to pray with us. So you can email us to onlinesummitchurch.com

email us to onlinesummitchurch.com email us to onlinesummitchurch.com and our team. I would love to send uh and our team. I would love to send uh and our team. I would love to send uh you know some information about praying you know some information about praying you know some information about praying for some of the students and kids. So uh for some of the students and kids. So uh for some of the students and kids. So uh definitely partner with us in prayer. As definitely partner with us in prayer. As definitely partner with us in prayer. As she said, first camp kicks off next she said, first camp kicks off next she said, first camp kicks off next Sunday. They're making the drive. So be Sunday. They're making the drive. So be Sunday. They're making the drive. So be praying for safety. Uh that they would, praying for safety. Uh that they would, praying for safety. Uh that they would, you know, learn the love of Jesus and you know, learn the love of Jesus and you know, learn the love of Jesus and come to know Jesus if they don't and come to know Jesus if they don't and come to know Jesus if they don't and grow as disciples if they do. Um and grow as disciples if they do. Um and grow as disciples if they do. Um and just have some fun. So just have some fun. So just have some fun. So >> yeah, it's also really awesome. I mean, >> yeah, it's also really awesome. I mean, >> yeah, it's also really awesome. I mean, the worship there is so sweet. I mean, the worship there is so sweet. I mean, the worship there is so sweet. I mean, it really is another level. And so, just it really is another level. And so, just it really is another level. And so, just praying for that time, too. praying for that time, too. praying for that time, too. >> Yeah, definitely. Definitely. Well, uh, >> Yeah, definitely. Definitely. Well, uh, >> Yeah, definitely. Definitely. Well, uh, guys, we're getting close to our guys, we're getting close to our guys, we're getting close to our service. We are back in our Philippian service. We are back in our Philippian service. We are back in our Philippian series today. Real quick, would love to series today. Real quick, would love to series today. Real quick, would love to hear what has been a highlight for you hear what has been a highlight for you hear what has been a highlight for you so far from those series. so far from those series. so far from those series. >> That is such a tough one. I mean, >> That is such a tough one. I mean, >> That is such a tough one. I mean, Lauren, there's so many golden nuggets Lauren, there's so many golden nuggets Lauren, there's so many golden nuggets here. Um I really appreciated a couple here. Um I really appreciated a couple here. Um I really appreciated a couple weeks ago um Pastor Brian just talking weeks ago um Pastor Brian just talking weeks ago um Pastor Brian just talking about responsible sibling relationships. about responsible sibling relationships. about responsible sibling relationships. Um my brother is down the corner like Um my brother is down the corner like Um my brother is down the corner like around the hallway and just serving and around the hallway and just serving and around the hallway and just serving and I love that he's here but the reality is I love that he's here but the reality is I love that he's here but the reality is that everyone here is brothers and that everyone here is brothers and that everyone here is brothers and sisters and just you know the sisters and just you know the sisters and just you know the responsibility of that what that really responsibility of that what that really responsibility of that what that really looks like to like you know lock arms do looks like to like you know lock arms do looks like to like you know lock arms do life together. Um it was just it was life together. Um it was just it was life together. Um it was just it was powerful.

powerful. powerful. Yeah. Well, if you've missed some of the Yeah. Well, if you've missed some of the Yeah. Well, if you've missed some of the messages, you can catch up on our messages, you can catch up on our messages, you can catch up on our website or our YouTube page. But, um, we website or our YouTube page. But, um, we website or our YouTube page. But, um, we are close to our service time. Donna, are close to our service time. Donna, are close to our service time. Donna, thank you so much for being here. So thank you so much for being here. So thank you so much for being here. So much for letting me get to hear from much for letting me get to hear from much for letting me get to hear from Pastor Curtis today. But before that, Pastor Curtis today. But before that, Pastor Curtis today. But before that, we're going to watch a recap from last we're going to watch a recap from last we're going to watch a recap from last week. So, let's watch that now. >> 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. For some death cannot take away from me. For some death cannot take away from me. For some of you, Jesus is useful. of you, Jesus is useful. 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. 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 9, not having a righteousness 9, not having a righteousness that comes from the law, but instead that comes from the law, but instead that comes from the law, but instead having one that comes only through faith having one that comes only through faith having one that comes only through faith in Christ. The righteousness of God that in Christ. The righteousness of God that in Christ. The righteousness of God that depends only on faith. There is a depends only on faith. There is a depends only on faith. There is a righteousness that God offers to the righteousness that God offers to the righteousness that God offers to the gospel, Paul says, that comes not from gospel, Paul says, that comes not from gospel, Paul says, that comes not from obedience to the law and not from any obedience to the law and not from any obedience to the law and not from any kind of human accomplishment. It comes kind of human accomplishment. It comes kind of human accomplishment. It comes only through faith in Christ given as a only through faith in Christ given as a only through faith in Christ given as a gift to all who will receive it. And it

gift to all who will receive it. And it gift to all who will receive it. And it gives you a confidence with God. Paul gives you a confidence with God. Paul gives you a confidence with God. Paul says that nothing else can. It is what says that nothing else can. It is what says that nothing else can. It is what we call gift righteousness. we call gift righteousness. we call gift righteousness. 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. gift righteousness and gift power. gift righteousness and gift power. And by the way, And by the way, And 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. Good morning everyone. Happy Sunday to Good morning everyone. Happy Sunday to you. Would you please go ahead and stand you. Would you please go ahead and stand you. Would you please go ahead and stand with me? It is so good to be with y'all with me? It is so good to be with y'all with me? It is so good to be with y'all today. Happy July 4th weekend. I hope today. Happy July 4th weekend. I hope today. Happy July 4th weekend. I hope y'all have had an incredible time of y'all have had an incredible time of y'all have had an incredible time of food and some fireworks. Where I'm from, food and some fireworks. Where I'm from, food and some fireworks. Where I'm from, we have firework wars. And so I hope you we have firework wars. And so I hope you we have firework wars. And so I hope you did not get into any of that shooting did not get into any of that shooting did not get into any of that shooting Roman candles or bottle rockets at each Roman candles or bottle rockets at each Roman candles or bottle rockets at each other or anything. One time when I have other or anything. One time when I have other or anything. One time when I have time, I will share with you about the time, I will share with you about the time, I will share with you about the night I fireworked my college campus.

night I fireworked my college campus. night I fireworked my college campus. But today, it's not about that. I am But today, it's not about that. I am But today, it's not about that. I am thankful and excited that we got to thankful and excited that we got to thankful and excited that we got to celebrate the birthday of our country. celebrate the birthday of our country. celebrate the birthday of our country. Look, I love being an American. I love Look, I love being an American. I love Look, I love being an American. I love being um a part of this country and I being um a part of this country and I being um a part of this country and I love that we strive towards ideals that love that we strive towards ideals that love that we strive towards ideals that we find in the word of God. biblical we find in the word of God. biblical we find in the word of God. biblical ideals, biblical principles of freedom ideals, biblical principles of freedom ideals, biblical principles of freedom and justice and equality. And we as a and justice and equality. And we as a and justice and equality. And we as a country fall short just like me as a country fall short just like me as a country fall short just like me as a follower of Jesus Christ. I fall short. follower of Jesus Christ. I fall short. follower of Jesus Christ. I fall short. But we are called to pursue those But we are called to pursue those But we are called to pursue those because we are called forth by God from because we are called forth by God from because we are called forth by God from his words who bring forth the his words who bring forth the his words who bring forth the flourishing of all mankind. And I'm flourishing of all mankind. And I'm flourishing of all mankind. And I'm thankful for the freedoms that we get to thankful for the freedoms that we get to thankful for the freedoms that we get to experience and enjoy. I'm thankful for experience and enjoy. I'm thankful for experience and enjoy. I'm thankful for the service men and women that defend the service men and women that defend the service men and women that defend those freedoms on the front lines. And I those freedoms on the front lines. And I those freedoms on the front lines. And I am thankful that God has blessed us to am thankful that God has blessed us to am thankful that God has blessed us to be able to live in a country to where we be able to live in a country to where we be able to live in a country to where we can worship God freely and we can gather can worship God freely and we can gather can worship God freely and we can gather like this and freely declare that Jesus like this and freely declare that Jesus like this and freely declare that Jesus Christ is Lord and he is our Lord. And Christ is Lord and he is our Lord. And Christ is Lord and he is our Lord. And so look, if you were new here to the so look, if you were new here to the so look, if you were new here to the Summit Church, Jesus Christ being Lord Summit Church, Jesus Christ being Lord Summit Church, Jesus Christ being Lord is the only special thing about us.

is the only special thing about us. is the only special thing about us. Believe me, there's nothing special Believe me, there's nothing special Believe me, there's nothing special about me. Just ask my wife. There is about me. Just ask my wife. There is about me. Just ask my wife. There is nothing incredible about us. The only nothing incredible about us. The only nothing incredible about us. The only thing incredible about us is that we thing incredible about us is that we thing incredible about us is that we have been lavishly loved by the creator have been lavishly loved by the creator have been lavishly loved by the creator of this world, God, by him sending his of this world, God, by him sending his of this world, God, by him sending his son, Jesus Christ, to live for us and to son, Jesus Christ, to live for us and to son, Jesus Christ, to live for us and to die for us. And it's because of that die for us. And it's because of that die for us. And it's because of that truth that we gather here today. We truth that we gather here today. We truth that we gather here today. We bring in all of our sin and all of our bring in all of our sin and all of our bring in all of our sin and all of our baggage and all of our sufferings and baggage and all of our sufferings and baggage and all of our sufferings and all of our sorrows and all of our all of our sorrows and all of our all of our sorrows and all of our questions and we bring them to him questions and we bring them to him questions and we bring them to him because we trust him. Because we trust because we trust him. Because we trust because we trust him. Because we trust the God that saves us is the same God the God that saves us is the same God the God that saves us is the same God that will sustain us. And so if you were that will sustain us. And so if you were that will sustain us. And so if you were new and you would even say, "Look, I'm new and you would even say, "Look, I'm new and you would even say, "Look, I'm not a follower of Jesus Christ. I'm just not a follower of Jesus Christ. I'm just not a follower of Jesus Christ. I'm just here hanging out today wanting to know here hanging out today wanting to know here hanging out today wanting to know more. I'm so glad that you were here. more. I'm so glad that you were here. more. I'm so glad that you were here. One of the things we do is that we greet One of the things we do is that we greet One of the things we do is that we greet everyone here. We don't want this just everyone here. We don't want this just everyone here. We don't want this just to be an event you attend. We want it to to be an event you attend. We want it to to be an event you attend. We want it to be a family you belong to. And so I want be a family you belong to. And so I want be a family you belong to. And so I want you right now to turn and say good you right now to turn and say good you right now to turn and say good morning. Say hello to somebody around morning. Say hello to somebody around morning. Say hello to somebody around you. Ask them what they did yesterday. you. Ask them what they did yesterday. you. Ask them what they did yesterday. Ask them what they put on the grill. Ask them what they put on the grill. Ask them what they put on the grill. Ask them how they make their potato Ask them how they make their potato Ask them how they make their potato salad. salad. salad. Ask them did they shoot off any Ask them did they shoot off any Ask them did they shoot off any fireworks. Ask them how long they've fireworks. Ask them how long they've fireworks. Ask them how long they've been at the church. Enjoy each other.

been at the church. Enjoy each other. been at the church. Enjoy each other. And we're going to begin to worship God And we're going to begin to worship God And we're going to begin to worship God in a few minutes. Well, my family, I don't know about you Well, my family, I don't know about you this morning, but I'm ready to praise this morning, but I'm ready to praise this morning, but I'm ready to praise the Lord. If you're ready to praise the the Lord. If you're ready to praise the the Lord. If you're ready to praise the Lord, could you just lift your hands Lord, could you just lift your hands Lord, could you just lift your hands with me like this? God, we are here with me like this? God, we are here with me like this? God, we are here because you are worthy. And so we just because you are worthy. And so we just because you are worthy. And so we just ask that you would receive our worship, ask that you would receive our worship, ask that you would receive our worship, receive this praise. receive this praise. receive this praise. Family church, would you sing with me? Family church, would you sing with me? Family church, would you sing with me? See, you spoke those words, "Let there See, you spoke those words, "Let there See, you spoke those words, "Let there be light." And there was. be light." And there was. be light." And there was. And in that same breath, the stars fell And in that same breath, the stars fell And in that same breath, the stars fell in line. With one voice, creation rise. in line. With one voice, creation rise. in line. With one voice, creation rise. You do all things well. Yes, you do. You do all things well. Yes, you do. You do all things well. Yes, you do. Father, Father, Father, as you do all things well, as you do all things well, as you do all things well, so be praised.

so be praised. so be praised. Be praised forever forever and always. and always. and always. It's our prayer this morning, the cry of It's our prayer this morning, the cry of It's our prayer this morning, the cry of our hearts. Lord, we just want to praise our hearts. Lord, we just want to praise our hearts. Lord, we just want to praise you for your worth. I was lost in the dark up under the I was lost in the dark up under the dirt. I was buried left to die. But I dirt. I was buried left to die. But I dirt. I was buried left to die. But I heard your voice calling my name. From heard your voice calling my name. From heard your voice calling my name. From the tomb I came alive. You do all things the tomb I came alive. You do all things the tomb I came alive. You do all things well. From the tomb I came alive. You do well. From the tomb I came alive. You do well. From the tomb I came alive. You do all things well. praise praise He be be forever forever forever and all.

We praise him this morning for who he We praise him this morning for who he is. We can look back to the ways that is. We can look back to the ways that is. We can look back to the ways that he's been faithful in the past and let he's been faithful in the past and let he's been faithful in the past and let it fuel our worship for the future. Can it fuel our worship for the future. Can it fuel our worship for the future. Can we sing this to when I think of all we sing this to when I think of all we sing this to when I think of all you've done and all the battles you you've done and all the battles you you've done and all the battles you brought me over? Hallelujah. brought me over? Hallelujah. brought me over? Hallelujah. Does anyone in here have a hallelujah Does anyone in here have a hallelujah Does anyone in here have a hallelujah this morning to sing? this morning to sing? this morning to sing? When I think of all you've done and all When I think of all you've done and all When I think of all you've done and all the battles you brought is over. the battles you brought is over. the battles you brought is over. Hallelujah. How he never let me fall. Now unto him How he never let me fall. Now unto him is able. Hallelujah. is able. Hallelujah. is able. Hallelujah. We can't help but praise you. We can't help but praise you. We can't help but praise you. And let there be a day that I don't rise And let there be a day that I don't rise And let there be a day that I don't rise to bring you praise. Hallelujah.

And I think of all you've done and all And I think of all you've done and all the battles you brought me over. the battles you brought me over. the battles you brought me over. Hallelujah. Happy Happy fall to him who is able. Hallelujah. day that I don't bring you praise. day that I don't bring you praise. Hallelujah. Heat. Heat. Heat.

praise forever, praise forever, forever forever forever and all. Come on, can we give him a shout of Come on, can we give him a shout of praise this morning? He is worthy. The only one that's worthy. The only one that's worthy. This summer we've been in the book of This summer we've been in the book of This summer we've been in the book of Philippians Philippians Philippians and we've we've been through this and we've we've been through this and we've we've been through this passage a handful of times in our passage a handful of times in our passage a handful of times in our worship services, but we're going to worship services, but we're going to worship services, but we're going to read it one more time here together. And read it one more time here together. And read it one more time here together. And I just want to let the truth of this I just want to let the truth of this I just want to let the truth of this gospel fuel and center the rest of our gospel fuel and center the rest of our gospel fuel and center the rest of our worship time together. This is a little worship time together. This is a little worship time together. This is a little bit of a lengthy passage, but we're bit of a lengthy passage, but we're bit of a lengthy passage, but we're going to read it out loud together going to read it out loud together going to read it out loud together because there's something powerful that because there's something powerful that because there's something powerful that happens when we read the word of God happens when we read the word of God happens when we read the word of God together. together. together. says this, Philippians 2, would you read says this, Philippians 2, would you read says this, Philippians 2, would you read with me? Have this mind among with me? Have this mind among with me? Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ yourselves, which is yours in Christ yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of Jesus, who though he was in the form of Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a God, did not count equality with God a God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself thing to be grasped, but emptied himself thing to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant. Being by taking the form of a servant. Being by taking the form of a servant. Being born in the likeness of men and being born in the likeness of men and being born in the likeness of men and being found in human form, he humbled himself found in human form, he humbled himself found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of by becoming obedient to the point of by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

death, even death on a cross. death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him Therefore, God has highly exalted him Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is and bestowed on him the name that is and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of above every name, so that at the name of above every name, so that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and and on earth and under the earth, and and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ every tongue confess that Jesus Christ every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. is Lord to the glory of God the Father. is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Amen. church. Can we be a thankful Amen. church. Can we be a thankful Amen. church. Can we be a thankful people this morning? Grateful for who he people this morning? Grateful for who he people this morning? Grateful for who he is and for what he's done. Come on, is and for what he's done. Come on, is and for what he's done. Come on, let's sing this and celebrate. Father, I come to you. Father, I come to you. Grateful for all you do. Grateful for all you do. Grateful for all you do. Your mercies are always new. I will Your mercies are always new. I will Your mercies are always new. I will rejoice. I will rejoice rejoice. I will rejoice rejoice. I will rejoice for you saved my soul for you saved my soul for you saved my soul and given a brand new home. and given a brand new home. and given a brand new home. And now I found my home. All of my days And now I found my home. All of my days And now I found my home. All of my days I was in praise to you I was in praise to you I was in praise to you on me.

Every breath, every song, sing of Every breath, every song, sing of everything you've done. I just want to everything you've done. I just want to everything you've done. I just want to say thank you. Thank you, Jesus. say thank you. Thank you, Jesus. say thank you. Thank you, Jesus. Every battle will be won. Death and Every battle will be won. Death and Every battle will be won. Death and darkness overcome. darkness overcome. darkness overcome. I just want to say thank you. Thank you, I just want to say thank you. Thank you, I just want to say thank you. Thank you, Jesus. Living with open eyes, Living with open eyes, follow me in your life. follow me in your life. follow me in your life. Streams of life. All of my days I will Streams of life. All of my days I will Streams of life. All of my days I will sing to you. sing to you. sing to you. Only you. Only you. Only you. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Every breath, every song, sing of Every breath, every song, sing of Every breath, every song, sing of everything you've done. I just want to everything you've done. I just want to everything you've done. I just want to say thank you. Thank you, Jesus.

say thank you. Thank you, Jesus. say thank you. Thank you, Jesus. Every battle will be won. Death and Every battle will be won. Death and Every battle will be won. Death and darkness overcome. darkness overcome. darkness overcome. I just want to say thank you. Thank you, I just want to say thank you. Thank you, I just want to say thank you. Thank you, Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. You've done it all for us. You've done it all for us. You've done it all for us. Oh, we gave you all our worship. Oh, we gave you all our worship. Oh, we gave you all our worship. Oh, Oh, Oh, all of my heart, all of my heart, all of all of my heart, all of my heart, all of all of my heart, all of my heart, all of my soul, all of my mind. Let it be my soul, all of my mind. Let it be my soul, all of my mind. Let it be yours. All of my life, all of my love. yours. All of my life, all of my love. yours. All of my life, all of my love. You get up my worship, You get up my worship, You get up my worship, all of my heart, all of my soul, all of all of my heart, all of my soul, all of all of my heart, all of my soul, all of my mind be yours, all of my life, all my worship, worship, all of my heart, all my soul, all my all of my heart, all my soul, all my all of my heart, all my soul, all my mind, let it be yours, all my life, all mind, let it be yours, all my life, all mind, let it be yours, all my life, all my love, you Yeah. Heat.

every every song. Sing everything you song. Sing everything you song. Sing everything you want to say. Thank you. Thank you Jesus. is over. is over. I just want to say thank you. I just want to say thank you. I just want to say thank you. Thank you, Jesus. There is nothing stronger than the There is nothing stronger than the wondering wondering wondering power of love. it. All the stars and it. All the stars and we are we are we are falling through heat. There is nothing stronger than the heat. There is nothing stronger than the one one one power You brought me from the darkness

You brought me from the darkness into glorious into glorious into glorious light. light. light. Can we praise God for the glorious light Can we praise God for the glorious light Can we praise God for the glorious light that he has given to us, moving us from that he has given to us, moving us from that he has given to us, moving us from the darkness and dominion of sin into the darkness and dominion of sin into the darkness and dominion of sin into the glorious light of his love and his the glorious light of his love and his the glorious light of his love and his grace. Let me praise God for that now. grace. Let me praise God for that now. grace. Let me praise God for that now. Pray with me. God, we praise you Pray with me. God, we praise you Pray with me. God, we praise you for your forgiveness. We praise you for for your forgiveness. We praise you for for your forgiveness. We praise you for your steadfast love. We praise you for your steadfast love. We praise you for your steadfast love. We praise you for your provision, your protection, your your provision, your protection, your your provision, your protection, your peace, your compassion, your grace, your peace, your compassion, your grace, your peace, your compassion, your grace, your mercy. Lord, we praise you that you saw mercy. Lord, we praise you that you saw mercy. Lord, we praise you that you saw us in our sin and met us in our sin by us in our sin and met us in our sin by us in our sin and met us in our sin by sending your son Jesus Christ to us. sending your son Jesus Christ to us. sending your son Jesus Christ to us. God, we praise you, Lord, because you God, we praise you, Lord, because you God, we praise you, Lord, because you were good and Lord, we can trust you, were good and Lord, we can trust you, were good and Lord, we can trust you, Father. I don't know what each Father. I don't know what each Father. I don't know what each individual is coming in here with on the individual is coming in here with on the individual is coming in here with on the holiday week weekend or going through as holiday week weekend or going through as holiday week weekend or going through as they watch online today, Lord, but I they watch online today, Lord, but I they watch online today, Lord, but I ask, Holy Spirit, that you would speak ask, Holy Spirit, that you would speak ask, Holy Spirit, that you would speak to them, that you would draw their to them, that you would draw their to them, that you would draw their affections towards you, that you would affections towards you, that you would affections towards you, that you would remind them of the truths of the father, remind them of the truths of the father, remind them of the truths of the father, that you would remind them of the that you would remind them of the that you would remind them of the promises that we can depend on, that we promises that we can depend on, that we promises that we can depend on, that we can live in, that even though we walk can live in, that even though we walk can live in, that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of through the valley of the shadow of through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil and we will death, we will fear no evil and we will death, we will fear no evil and we will fear nothing because we have not been fear nothing because we have not been fear nothing because we have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power and given a spirit of fear, but of power and given a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. So father I of love and of a sound mind. So father I of love and of a sound mind. So father I pray your blessings over those that are pray your blessings over those that are pray your blessings over those that are walking through hard things right now walking through hard things right now walking through hard things right now and I ask Holy Spirit speak to them and I ask Holy Spirit speak to them and I ask Holy Spirit speak to them today and in Jesus name we pray. Amen.

today and in Jesus name we pray. Amen. today and in Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. Well y'all can go ahead and take a Amen. Well y'all can go ahead and take a Amen. Well y'all can go ahead and take a seat. It is so good to worship with seat. It is so good to worship with seat. It is so good to worship with y'all. You know we believe here at the y'all. You know we believe here at the y'all. You know we believe here at the Summit Church that when we say Jesus is Summit Church that when we say Jesus is Summit Church that when we say Jesus is our Lord, he is Lord of our whole lives. our Lord, he is Lord of our whole lives. our Lord, he is Lord of our whole lives. We display that lordship through We display that lordship through We display that lordship through trusting him with our whole lives. trusting him with our whole lives. trusting him with our whole lives. That's why we take time at all of our That's why we take time at all of our That's why we take time at all of our services to worship him through the services to worship him through the services to worship him through the giving of our tithes and offerings. And giving of our tithes and offerings. And giving of our tithes and offerings. And so, if you brought this with you today, so, if you brought this with you today, so, if you brought this with you today, you can give at the door on your way you can give at the door on your way you can give at the door on your way out. If you're a first-time guest, I out. If you're a first-time guest, I out. If you're a first-time guest, I don't want you to feel compelled to give don't want you to feel compelled to give don't want you to feel compelled to give by me. I'm just glad that you are here by me. I'm just glad that you are here by me. I'm just glad that you are here and you would come hang out with us. If and you would come hang out with us. If and you would come hang out with us. If you would like to give through text or you would like to give through text or you would like to give through text or to give online, there's instructions to to give online, there's instructions to to give online, there's instructions to do that on the screen behind me. Now, if do that on the screen behind me. Now, if do that on the screen behind me. Now, if you're new to the Summit Church, one of you're new to the Summit Church, one of you're new to the Summit Church, one of the things you need to know is that we the things you need to know is that we the things you need to know is that we want to follow the Holy Spirit in want to follow the Holy Spirit in want to follow the Holy Spirit in everything we do. In fact, our mission everything we do. In fact, our mission everything we do. In fact, our mission statement says, "Following the Holy statement says, "Following the Holy statement says, "Following the Holy Spirit, we exist to be a movement of Spirit, we exist to be a movement of Spirit, we exist to be a movement of disciplem disciples here in RDU and disciplem disciples here in RDU and disciplem disciples here in RDU and around the world." What that means is around the world." What that means is around the world." What that means is that when you receive Christ and grow in that when you receive Christ and grow in that when you receive Christ and grow in him, then we believe the Bible says that him, then we believe the Bible says that him, then we believe the Bible says that then you need to begin to lead others to then you need to begin to lead others to then you need to begin to lead others to Christ and help them grow in him. That's Christ and help them grow in him. That's Christ and help them grow in him. That's you multiplying your life, being a you multiplying your life, being a you multiplying your life, being a disciplem disciple. And we want to see disciplem disciple. And we want to see disciplem disciple. And we want to see that multiplication happen not only in that multiplication happen not only in that multiplication happen not only in RDU but around the world. That's why we RDU but around the world. That's why we RDU but around the world. That's why we plant churches here domestically. It's plant churches here domestically. It's plant churches here domestically. It's also why we do that internationally.

also why we do that internationally. also why we do that internationally. It's also why we send out long-term It's also why we send out long-term It's also why we send out long-term missionaries just like you to go and missionaries just like you to go and missionaries just like you to go and live overseas. You know, in fact, if you live overseas. You know, in fact, if you live overseas. You know, in fact, if you have been here for at least 2 or 3 have been here for at least 2 or 3 have been here for at least 2 or 3 years, my prayer for you is that you years, my prayer for you is that you years, my prayer for you is that you begin to pray, God, where do you want me begin to pray, God, where do you want me begin to pray, God, where do you want me to go live with my life? Where do you to go live with my life? Where do you to go live with my life? Where do you want me to go take the gospel? Is it my want me to go take the gospel? Is it my want me to go take the gospel? Is it my school? Is it my work? Or is it school? Is it my work? Or is it school? Is it my work? Or is it overseas? Our prayer is that half of you overseas? Our prayer is that half of you overseas? Our prayer is that half of you would not be here in the next three would not be here in the next three would not be here in the next three years because you are taking the gospel years because you are taking the gospel years because you are taking the gospel of G Jesus Christ somewhere else to make of G Jesus Christ somewhere else to make of G Jesus Christ somewhere else to make the name of Jesus Christ known. And you the name of Jesus Christ known. And you the name of Jesus Christ known. And you know whenever you do that we commit to know whenever you do that we commit to know whenever you do that we commit to praying for you. You know William Kerry praying for you. You know William Kerry praying for you. You know William Kerry the father of modern-day mission said to the father of modern-day mission said to the father of modern-day mission said to his church I will go overseas and I will his church I will go overseas and I will his church I will go overseas and I will dangle at that end of the rope if you dangle at that end of the rope if you dangle at that end of the rope if you will hold the end of the rope here in will hold the end of the rope here in will hold the end of the rope here in prayer. And so one of the things we do prayer. And so one of the things we do prayer. And so one of the things we do whenever we send people out from among whenever we send people out from among whenever we send people out from among us is we commit to them in prayer. And us is we commit to them in prayer. And us is we commit to them in prayer. And whenever they are home, we celebrate whenever they are home, we celebrate whenever they are home, we celebrate them and we pray over them. And so we them and we pray over them. And so we them and we pray over them. And so we have some of our long-term missionaries have some of our long-term missionaries have some of our long-term missionaries here with us this morning. I'm going to here with us this morning. I'm going to here with us this morning. I'm going to invite them with me on stage. Robert and invite them with me on stage. Robert and invite them with me on stage. Robert and Beck Beck and Colin are coming on stage Beck Beck and Colin are coming on stage Beck Beck and Colin are coming on stage now. Can we thank God for them?

Now, I have known them for over a decade Now, I have known them for over a decade because they have been serving overseas because they have been serving overseas because they have been serving overseas as one of your missionaries for over a as one of your missionaries for over a as one of your missionaries for over a decade. Colin, their son, just graduated decade. Colin, their son, just graduated decade. Colin, their son, just graduated high school. He's going to be going to high school. He's going to be going to high school. He's going to be going to college here in the States. Their college here in the States. Their college here in the States. Their daughter, Aba, is getting ma married in daughter, Aba, is getting ma married in daughter, Aba, is getting ma married in a few weeks. So, pray for them. And so, a few weeks. So, pray for them. And so, a few weeks. So, pray for them. And so, there's a lot happening in their life. there's a lot happening in their life. there's a lot happening in their life. They are home now on a stateide They are home now on a stateide They are home now on a stateide assignment. So, they're going to be here assignment. So, they're going to be here assignment. So, they're going to be here hanging out. I would love for you to get hanging out. I would love for you to get hanging out. I would love for you to get to know them. Have them into your home. to know them. Have them into your home. to know them. Have them into your home. feed them a good meal. If you are empty feed them a good meal. If you are empty feed them a good meal. If you are empty nesters, please come and minister to nesters, please come and minister to nesters, please come and minister to them. They need to know what it's like them. They need to know what it's like them. They need to know what it's like to walk through that. But what we want to walk through that. But what we want to walk through that. But what we want to do more than that, church, is we want to do more than that, church, is we want to do more than that, church, is we want to pray for them. We want to thank God to pray for them. We want to thank God to pray for them. We want to thank God for them because the work that he has for them because the work that he has for them because the work that he has begun in them overseas, he is continuing begun in them overseas, he is continuing begun in them overseas, he is continuing even while they are here discerning his even while they are here discerning his even while they are here discerning his will. And so, I would love for you will. And so, I would love for you will. And so, I would love for you church to stand with me. We are going to church to stand with me. We are going to church to stand with me. We are going to pray over them now. And look, if you pray over them now. And look, if you pray over them now. And look, if you were new to this and praying out loud is were new to this and praying out loud is were new to this and praying out loud is not your your thing, no worries. God not your your thing, no worries. God not your your thing, no worries. God hears the prayers of your heart. The way hears the prayers of your heart. The way hears the prayers of your heart. The way you can do that is just bow your head you can do that is just bow your head you can do that is just bow your head and pray to God the things on stage. But and pray to God the things on stage. But and pray to God the things on stage. But what I would love for us to do is group what I would love for us to do is group what I would love for us to do is group up into groups of two or three. And I up into groups of two or three. And I up into groups of two or three. And I want them to hear you praying for them.

want them to hear you praying for them. want them to hear you praying for them. I want you to hear their church family I want you to hear their church family I want you to hear their church family praying for them. I want Colin to praying for them. I want Colin to praying for them. I want Colin to remember this when he's in his freshman remember this when he's in his freshman remember this when he's in his freshman year of college next week going through year of college next week going through year of college next week going through some something hard. I want him to some something hard. I want him to some something hard. I want him to remember that his church is praying for remember that his church is praying for remember that his church is praying for him. I want Robert and Becca as they him. I want Robert and Becca as they him. I want Robert and Becca as they walk out God's will in their life to walk out God's will in their life to walk out God's will in their life to remember we are praying for them. them. remember we are praying for them. them. remember we are praying for them. them. And so church, there are some prayer And so church, there are some prayer And so church, there are some prayer points on the screen behind me. I want points on the screen behind me. I want points on the screen behind me. I want you to group up now in twos or threes. you to group up now in twos or threes. you to group up now in twos or threes. The way we say it here is we pray with The way we say it here is we pray with The way we say it here is we pray with our chest and on our toes. All right? So our chest and on our toes. All right? So our chest and on our toes. All right? So I want you to have an outside voice I want you to have an outside voice I want you to have an outside voice inside here. So pray loud. Fill this inside here. So pray loud. Fill this inside here. So pray loud. Fill this room with your prayers that they may room with your prayers that they may room with your prayers that they may hear it and be encouraged and Lord and hear it and be encouraged and Lord and hear it and be encouraged and Lord and God. So let's go to the Lord now in God. So let's go to the Lord now in God. So let's go to the Lord now in prayer. Pray. Pray now. Lord, we thank you for this family. We

Lord, we thank you for this family. We thank you for the work that you have thank you for the work that you have thank you for the work that you have begun in them. Lord, we pray for their begun in them. Lord, we pray for their begun in them. Lord, we pray for their family as they walk out these stages of family as they walk out these stages of family as they walk out these stages of life that they are moving into over the life that they are moving into over the life that they are moving into over the next few months. And Lord, we ask for next few months. And Lord, we ask for next few months. And Lord, we ask for the work that you have begun in them the work that you have begun in them the work that you have begun in them where they serve. Lord, we pray that you where they serve. Lord, we pray that you where they serve. Lord, we pray that you continue that work there, that your continue that work there, that your continue that work there, that your church may flourish, that people who do church may flourish, that people who do church may flourish, that people who do not know you can come to know you, that not know you can come to know you, that not know you can come to know you, that they would be moved from the kingdom of they would be moved from the kingdom of they would be moved from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. Lord, darkness to the kingdom of light. Lord, darkness to the kingdom of light. Lord, we ask for your blessings upon them. we ask for your blessings upon them. we ask for your blessings upon them. Holy Spirit, pour out in power and in Holy Spirit, pour out in power and in Holy Spirit, pour out in power and in presence upon them as they walk out all presence upon them as they walk out all presence upon them as they walk out all these changes they are going through in these changes they are going through in these changes they are going through in the next few months. Lord, help us know the next few months. Lord, help us know the next few months. Lord, help us know as a church how to love them and support as a church how to love them and support as a church how to love them and support them. We pray these things in Jesus them. We pray these things in Jesus them. We pray these things in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Can we praise God for name. Amen. Amen. Can we praise God for name. Amen. Amen. Can we praise God for the work that we know that he has done the work that we know that he has done the work that we know that he has done in them? They're going to be hanging out in them? They're going to be hanging out in them? They're going to be hanging out here after the service if you would love here after the service if you would love here after the service if you would love to talk to them. But church, let's to talk to them. But church, let's to talk to them. But church, let's continue to worship. Now, you know, as a church, when we baptize you know, as a church, when we baptize people, we ask them two questions. Are people, we ask them two questions. Are people, we ask them two questions. Are you willing to do whatever God tells you you willing to do whatever God tells you you willing to do whatever God tells you to do and go wherever tell he tells you to do and go wherever tell he tells you to do and go wherever tell he tells you to go?

to go? to go? And for a family like this who has said And for a family like this who has said And for a family like this who has said yes, who's put their yes on the table, yes, who's put their yes on the table, yes, who's put their yes on the table, it's because they believe that there is it's because they believe that there is it's because they believe that there is a hope that is worth the world knowing. a hope that is worth the world knowing. a hope that is worth the world knowing. And so this morning, we want to continue And so this morning, we want to continue And so this morning, we want to continue to sing of that hope. We want to remind to sing of that hope. We want to remind to sing of that hope. We want to remind ourselves the goodness of the gospel, ourselves the goodness of the gospel, ourselves the goodness of the gospel, the confidence that we have in Jesus. So the confidence that we have in Jesus. So the confidence that we have in Jesus. So this morning, would you sing this with this morning, would you sing this with this morning, would you sing this with me? In Christ alone my hope is found. In Christ alone In Christ alone my hope is found. my hope is found. my hope is found. He's my light, my strength, He's my light, my strength, He's my light, my strength, my song. my song. my song. This corner stone in this solid ground This corner stone in this solid ground This corner stone in this solid ground firm through the fiercest drought firm through the fiercest drought firm through the fiercest drought and storm. and storm. and storm. What heights of love and what depths of What heights of love and what depths of What heights of love and what depths of peace. When fears are stilled and when peace. When fears are stilled and when peace. When fears are stilled and when striving cease.

striving cease. striving cease. My comforter, My comforter, My comforter, my all and all. my all and all. my all and all. Here in the love of Christ Here in the love of Christ Here in the love of Christ I stand In Christ alone. In Christ alone. In Christ alone. In Christ alone. In Christ alone. You took on flesh You took on flesh You took on flesh the fullness of God in heaven. of his the fullness of God in heaven. of his the fullness of God in heaven. of his faith. faith. faith. These gifts of love and righteousness These gifts of love and righteousness These gifts of love and righteousness scorned by the ones he came scorned by the ones he came scorned by the ones he came to. It's you and me till on that cross to. It's you and me till on that cross to. It's you and me till on that cross as Jesus died. as Jesus died. as Jesus died. The wrath of God The wrath of God The wrath of God was satisfied was satisfied was satisfied for every sin. for every sin. for every sin. One was laid One was laid One was laid here in the death of Christ.

here in the death of Christ. here in the death of Christ. I live. There in the ground his body lay There in the ground his body lay the light of the world by dark the light of the world by dark the light of the world by dark is slain. And in thirsting for in is slain. And in thirsting for in is slain. And in thirsting for in glorious day glorious day glorious day up from the grave he rose up from the grave he rose up from the grave he rose again. again. again. And as he stands And as he stands And as he stands in victory in victory in victory since Christ has aris and he is mine and he is mine with the precious blood with the precious blood with the precious blood of Christ No, you No, you no fear.

from Christ from Christ to I don't to I don't to I don't Jesus commands my destiny. his hand his hand till he returns till he returns till he returns or calls me home. or calls me home. or calls me home. Here in the power of Christ Here in the power of Christ Here in the power of Christ our no power of hell and no sche no power of hell and no sche Just can't ever block Just can't ever block Just can't ever block me from me from me from here. Thank you for singing with us. You give Thank you for singing with us. You give me peace.

The fountain of youth, the lost city of The fountain of youth, the lost city of gold, the genie's lamp. Throughout gold, the genie's lamp. Throughout gold, the genie's lamp. Throughout history, people have searched for history, people have searched for history, people have searched for something to transform their everyday something to transform their everyday something to transform their everyday lives into something spectacular. lives into something spectacular. lives into something spectacular. Not many of us today are traveling the Not many of us today are traveling the Not many of us today are traveling the world looking for a literal fountain of world looking for a literal fountain of world looking for a literal fountain of youth. But we're still all searching. We youth. But we're still all searching. We youth. But we're still all searching. We sense deep down that there's got to be sense deep down that there's got to be sense deep down that there's got to be more to life than what we're living. We more to life than what we're living. We more to life than what we're living. We feel in our bones that even though it's feel in our bones that even though it's feel in our bones that even though it's elusive, the good life is out there. elusive, the good life is out there. elusive, the good life is out there. Centuries ago, an old man with scars on Centuries ago, an old man with scars on Centuries ago, an old man with scars on his back, sitting alone in a prison his back, sitting alone in a prison his back, sitting alone in a prison cell, claimed to have finally found it. cell, claimed to have finally found it. cell, claimed to have finally found it. The secret to the good life. And lucky The secret to the good life. And lucky The secret to the good life. And lucky for us, he wrote it down in a letter to for us, he wrote it down in a letter to for us, he wrote it down in a letter to his friends and to us. That letter is his friends and to us. That letter is his friends and to us. That letter is the book of Philippians. Well, good morning, Summit Church. Well, good morning, Summit Church. Philippians chapter 3. If you have your Philippians chapter 3. If you have your Philippians chapter 3. If you have your Bibles on this balmy July 4th weekend, Bibles on this balmy July 4th weekend, Bibles on this balmy July 4th weekend, um, hope you guys lived it up yesterday.

um, hope you guys lived it up yesterday. um, hope you guys lived it up yesterday. Let me put an exclamation point on what Let me put an exclamation point on what Let me put an exclamation point on what our campus pastors already said by our campus pastors already said by our campus pastors already said by saying, "Happy birthday, America. You do saying, "Happy birthday, America. You do saying, "Happy birthday, America. You do not look a day over 200. not look a day over 200. not look a day over 200. I hope you showed up this morning just I hope you showed up this morning just I hope you showed up this morning just still full from burgers and dogs and still full from burgers and dogs and still full from burgers and dogs and chicken wings and all the things. Let me chicken wings and all the things. Let me chicken wings and all the things. Let me tell you, um I played some pool tell you, um I played some pool tell you, um I played some pool basketball with some high school boys basketball with some high school boys basketball with some high school boys and I feel like I was in a UFC fight and I feel like I was in a UFC fight and I feel like I was in a UFC fight yesterday. Okay, that's what I woke up yesterday. Okay, that's what I woke up yesterday. Okay, that's what I woke up feeling like. Your boy ain't as young as feeling like. Your boy ain't as young as feeling like. Your boy ain't as young as spry as he used to be. And so, um I do spry as he used to be. And so, um I do spry as he used to be. And so, um I do love this country. And so, here's what I love this country. And so, here's what I love this country. And so, here's what I want us to do. Can we stand for the want us to do. Can we stand for the want us to do. Can we stand for the national anthem? I'm totally kidding. national anthem? I'm totally kidding. national anthem? I'm totally kidding. Can we stand? Hey, can we stand for the Can we stand? Hey, can we stand for the Can we stand? Hey, can we stand for the reading of God's word? reading of God's word? reading of God's word? Could y'all imagine Twitter if we did Could y'all imagine Twitter if we did Could y'all imagine Twitter if we did that, man? You think Pastor JD has it that, man? You think Pastor JD has it that, man? You think Pastor JD has it hard? hard? hard? Philippians chapter 3, we're going to Philippians chapter 3, we're going to Philippians chapter 3, we're going to begin in verse 12. begin in verse 12. begin in verse 12. Paul says, "Not that I have already Paul says, "Not that I have already Paul says, "Not that I have already obtained this or I'm already perfect, obtained this or I'm already perfect, obtained this or I'm already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because but I press on to make it my own because but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus had made has made me his Christ Jesus had made has made me his Christ Jesus had made has made me his own." Brothers, I do not consider that I own." Brothers, I do not consider that I own." Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do, have made it my own. But one thing I do, have made it my own. But one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and forgetting what lies behind and forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I straining forward to what lies ahead, I straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize press on toward the goal for the prize press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ of the upward call of God in Christ of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature Jesus. Let those of us who are mature Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think this way, and if in anything you think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that think otherwise, God will reveal that think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to also to you. Only let us hold true to also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Verse 17, what we have attained. Verse 17, what we have attained. Verse 17, brothers, join in imitating me. Keep brothers, join in imitating me. Keep brothers, join in imitating me. Keep your eyes on those who walk according to your eyes on those who walk according to your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many of

the example you have in us. For many of the example you have in us. For many of whom I have often told you and now tell whom I have often told you and now tell whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears walk as enemies of you even with tears walk as enemies of you even with tears walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is the cross of Christ. Their end is the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction. Their God is their belly. destruction. Their God is their belly. destruction. Their God is their belly. And they glory in their shame with minds And they glory in their shame with minds And they glory in their shame with minds set on earthly things. But our set on earthly things. But our set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And from it we citizenship is in heaven. And from it we citizenship is in heaven. And from it we await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be who will transform our lowly body to be who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body by the power that like his glorious body by the power that like his glorious body by the power that enables him even to subject all things enables him even to subject all things enables him even to subject all things to himself. And then chapter 4:1, to himself. And then chapter 4:1, to himself. And then chapter 4:1, therefore my brothers whom I love and therefore my brothers whom I love and therefore my brothers whom I love and long for my joy and crown stand firm long for my joy and crown stand firm long for my joy and crown stand firm thus in the Lord my beloved. Summit thus in the Lord my beloved. Summit thus in the Lord my beloved. Summit family, this is the word of God for the family, this is the word of God for the family, this is the word of God for the people of God. people of God. people of God. >> Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God. >> Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God. >> Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God. Y'all can have a seat. Um, I don't know about you guys, our Um, I don't know about you guys, our family is just in full summer swing. Um, family is just in full summer swing. Um, family is just in full summer swing. Um, we took our annual family beach trip a we took our annual family beach trip a we took our annual family beach trip a couple weeks ago and because as I've couple weeks ago and because as I've couple weeks ago and because as I've told you before, we have four kids 12 told you before, we have four kids 12 told you before, we have four kids 12 and under. Uh, I use the word trip very and under. Uh, I use the word trip very and under. Uh, I use the word trip very intentionally because it ain't a intentionally because it ain't a intentionally because it ain't a vacation when you got four kids 12 and vacation when you got four kids 12 and vacation when you got four kids 12 and under. Um, but they are, man, they're under. Um, but they are, man, they're under. Um, but they are, man, they're just at these awesome ages. is they're just at these awesome ages. is they're just at these awesome ages. is they're at kind of these golden years where at at kind of these golden years where at at kind of these golden years where at least at the beach, like they're at the least at the beach, like they're at the least at the beach, like they're at the point where we can just hand them a point where we can just hand them a point where we can just hand them a boogie board and they are content for boogie board and they are content for boogie board and they are content for like six straight hours. It's awesome.

like six straight hours. It's awesome. like six straight hours. It's awesome. Um my six-year-old, he's my only son. Uh Um my six-year-old, he's my only son. Uh Um my six-year-old, he's my only son. Uh he's just at this wonderful age where he he's just at this wonderful age where he he's just at this wonderful age where he is boasting in all the confidence in the is boasting in all the confidence in the is boasting in all the confidence in the world that a kid has. And so we go to world that a kid has. And so we go to world that a kid has. And so we go to the beach, right? And like he rides away the beach, right? And like he rides away the beach, right? And like he rides away from like here to here and he's like, from like here to here and he's like, from like here to here and he's like, "Dad, I rode that thing a mile." And "Dad, I rode that thing a mile." And "Dad, I rode that thing a mile." And you're like, "Yeah, you did, buddy. That you're like, "Yeah, you did, buddy. That you're like, "Yeah, you did, buddy. That was awesome." Um, or he sees like was awesome." Um, or he sees like was awesome." Um, or he sees like somebody jogging down the beach and he's somebody jogging down the beach and he's somebody jogging down the beach and he's like, "I could run faster than that like, "I could run faster than that like, "I could run faster than that guy." I'm like, "Could you?" And he's guy." I'm like, "Could you?" And he's guy." I'm like, "Could you?" And he's like, "I'm faster than Sonic." I'm like, like, "I'm faster than Sonic." I'm like, like, "I'm faster than Sonic." I'm like, "I bet you are." Or like he thinks he's "I bet you are." Or like he thinks he's "I bet you are." Or like he thinks he's trying to chase the birds and he's like, trying to chase the birds and he's like, trying to chase the birds and he's like, "I can jump higher than that bird or I "I can jump higher than that bird or I "I can jump higher than that bird or I could fly higher than that winder." I'm could fly higher than that winder." I'm could fly higher than that winder." I'm like, "I bet you can, buddy." Um, and like, "I bet you can, buddy." Um, and like, "I bet you can, buddy." Um, and man, I just love it. Like he is man, I just love it. Like he is man, I just love it. Like he is completely detached from reality, but I completely detached from reality, but I completely detached from reality, but I think it's pretty awesome. So, I'm going think it's pretty awesome. So, I'm going think it's pretty awesome. So, I'm going to cheer him on. And see, when he's 6 to cheer him on. And see, when he's 6 to cheer him on. And see, when he's 6 years old, that kind of confidence is years old, that kind of confidence is years old, that kind of confidence is really cute, isn't it? But if he was 26 really cute, isn't it? But if he was 26 really cute, isn't it? But if he was 26 years old, still making some of those years old, still making some of those years old, still making some of those claims, it's no longer cute, starts to claims, it's no longer cute, starts to claims, it's no longer cute, starts to be a little concerning, right? That's be a little concerning, right? That's be a little concerning, right? That's because at some point, we've all got to because at some point, we've all got to because at some point, we've all got to grow up. grow up. grow up. See, when you're a new follower of See, when you're a new follower of See, when you're a new follower of Jesus, there's a phrase we tend to use Jesus, there's a phrase we tend to use Jesus, there's a phrase we tend to use to describe you, and it's in no way a to describe you, and it's in no way a to describe you, and it's in no way a derogatory phrase, but if you're a new derogatory phrase, but if you're a new derogatory phrase, but if you're a new follower of Jesus, we tend to call you a follower of Jesus, we tend to call you a follower of Jesus, we tend to call you a baby Christian. Again, that's not baby Christian. Again, that's not baby Christian. Again, that's not derogatory at all. It's just recognizing derogatory at all. It's just recognizing derogatory at all. It's just recognizing that you are brand new to this whole that you are brand new to this whole that you are brand new to this whole Christian life thing. And with that Christian life thing. And with that Christian life thing. And with that newness, understandably, when you're a newness, understandably, when you're a newness, understandably, when you're a baby Christian, man, there's some baby Christian, man, there's some baby Christian, man, there's some struggles and there's some blind spots struggles and there's some blind spots struggles and there's some blind spots and there's some insecurities and and there's some insecurities and and there's some insecurities and ignorances that honestly make sense for ignorances that honestly make sense for ignorances that honestly make sense for somebody that has just entered into this somebody that has just entered into this somebody that has just entered into this new life with Jesus. And if that's you,

new life with Jesus. And if that's you, new life with Jesus. And if that's you, then man, I just want to tell you that's then man, I just want to tell you that's then man, I just want to tell you that's okay. Babies are supposed to act like okay. Babies are supposed to act like okay. Babies are supposed to act like babies. But at some point, babies are babies. But at some point, babies are babies. But at some point, babies are also supposed to grow up. And see, just also supposed to grow up. And see, just also supposed to grow up. And see, just like physical maturity has signs of like physical maturity has signs of like physical maturity has signs of growing up. You walk, you talk, you growing up. You walk, you talk, you growing up. You walk, you talk, you think differently, spiritual maturity think differently, spiritual maturity think differently, spiritual maturity has signs, too. So that's what Paul is has signs, too. So that's what Paul is has signs, too. So that's what Paul is concerned about with the back half of concerned about with the back half of concerned about with the back half of chapter 3. He he wants to know if your chapter 3. He he wants to know if your chapter 3. He he wants to know if your life is showing signs, showing marks of life is showing signs, showing marks of life is showing signs, showing marks of someone who is growing up in Christ. And someone who is growing up in Christ. And someone who is growing up in Christ. And the way that Paul frames spiritual the way that Paul frames spiritual the way that Paul frames spiritual maturity is not mainly about how much maturity is not mainly about how much maturity is not mainly about how much Bible knowledge you have accumulated. Bible knowledge you have accumulated. Bible knowledge you have accumulated. It's not about how long you've been in It's not about how long you've been in It's not about how long you've been in church. It's not about how polished you church. It's not about how polished you church. It's not about how polished you look on the outside. No. For the Apostle look on the outside. No. For the Apostle look on the outside. No. For the Apostle Paul, maturity shows up in a life that Paul, maturity shows up in a life that Paul, maturity shows up in a life that is being shaped to look more and more is being shaped to look more and more is being shaped to look more and more like Jesus Christ. Last weekend, Pastor like Jesus Christ. Last weekend, Pastor like Jesus Christ. Last weekend, Pastor JD opened up with the first 11 verses of JD opened up with the first 11 verses of JD opened up with the first 11 verses of chapter 3 where Paul kind of puts forth chapter 3 where Paul kind of puts forth chapter 3 where Paul kind of puts forth his religious resume. And I don't know his religious resume. And I don't know his religious resume. And I don't know about you, but as we've been going about you, but as we've been going about you, but as we've been going through the book of Philippians and through the book of Philippians and through the book of Philippians and anything else we've read by Paul, it's anything else we've read by Paul, it's anything else we've read by Paul, it's real easy to start looking at Paul like real easy to start looking at Paul like real easy to start looking at Paul like he's some type of superch Christian.

he's some type of superch Christian. he's some type of superch Christian. Like honestly, I I Paul just kind of Like honestly, I I Paul just kind of Like honestly, I I Paul just kind of sounds like the Michael Jordan of sounds like the Michael Jordan of sounds like the Michael Jordan of Christianity. again, his resume, which Christianity. again, his resume, which Christianity. again, his resume, which we saw last week, man, he's it's just we saw last week, man, he's it's just we saw last week, man, he's it's just unbelievable. Like, he counts everything unbelievable. Like, he counts everything unbelievable. Like, he counts everything as loss. He treasures Christ above all. as loss. He treasures Christ above all. as loss. He treasures Christ above all. He's willing to suffer for Jesus. He He's willing to suffer for Jesus. He He's willing to suffer for Jesus. He continues on mission. Like, he's just continues on mission. Like, he's just continues on mission. Like, he's just the whole package. And just when I'm the whole package. And just when I'm the whole package. And just when I'm ready to like retire his jersey and ready to like retire his jersey and ready to like retire his jersey and assume Paul is just in a different assume Paul is just in a different assume Paul is just in a different category than the rest of us, look what category than the rest of us, look what category than the rest of us, look what he says in verse 12. he says in verse 12. he says in verse 12. He says, "Not that I have already He says, "Not that I have already He says, "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect." obtained this or am already perfect." obtained this or am already perfect." Now, when Paul says, "Obtain this," he's Now, when Paul says, "Obtain this," he's Now, when Paul says, "Obtain this," he's talking about knowing and becoming fully talking about knowing and becoming fully talking about knowing and becoming fully like Jesus Christ. And I just need you like Jesus Christ. And I just need you like Jesus Christ. And I just need you to wrap your mind around this because to wrap your mind around this because to wrap your mind around this because this is the Apostle Paul saying, "Hey, this is the Apostle Paul saying, "Hey, this is the Apostle Paul saying, "Hey, lest you think too highly of me, what lest you think too highly of me, what lest you think too highly of me, what you need to know is that I'm still a you need to know is that I'm still a you need to know is that I'm still a work in progress. Man, I've still got a work in progress. Man, I've still got a work in progress. Man, I've still got a way to go. I have not arrived. I do not way to go. I have not arrived. I do not way to go. I have not arrived. I do not look like Jesus just yet." And that's look like Jesus just yet." And that's look like Jesus just yet." And that's the Apostle Paul Sanders. That that's the Apostle Paul Sanders. That that's the Apostle Paul Sanders. That that's church planner Paul. Missionary Paul church planner Paul. Missionary Paul church planner Paul. Missionary Paul wrote half twothirds of the New wrote half twothirds of the New wrote half twothirds of the New Testament. Paul, this is shipwrecked, Testament. Paul, this is shipwrecked, Testament. Paul, this is shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned, but kept going.

beaten, imprisoned, but kept going. beaten, imprisoned, but kept going. Anyways, Paul and he says, "Man, I ain't Anyways, Paul and he says, "Man, I ain't Anyways, Paul and he says, "Man, I ain't arrived." And y'all, I absolutely love arrived." And y'all, I absolutely love arrived." And y'all, I absolutely love this because listen, for 21 years, even this because listen, for 21 years, even this because listen, for 21 years, even though I was in the same seat you were though I was in the same seat you were though I was in the same seat you were sitting in for 21 years, even though I sitting in for 21 years, even though I sitting in for 21 years, even though I called myself a Christian, I was not a called myself a Christian, I was not a called myself a Christian, I was not a Christian. And for 21 years, I sat there Christian. And for 21 years, I sat there Christian. And for 21 years, I sat there every Sunday morning. And whenever the every Sunday morning. And whenever the every Sunday morning. And whenever the pastor would preach and open up the pastor would preach and open up the pastor would preach and open up the words of Jesus or the words of Paul or words of Jesus or the words of Paul or words of Jesus or the words of Paul or the words of the Bible, all I remember the words of the Bible, all I remember the words of the Bible, all I remember sitting there thinking is, "Pastor, sitting there thinking is, "Pastor, sitting there thinking is, "Pastor, thank you for this cute little message, thank you for this cute little message, thank you for this cute little message, but you have no idea what my life is but you have no idea what my life is but you have no idea what my life is like." Like, "Pastor Paul, Jesus, like." Like, "Pastor Paul, Jesus, like." Like, "Pastor Paul, Jesus, y'all's life is perfect. Your family's y'all's life is perfect. Your family's y'all's life is perfect. Your family's probably perfect. Your kids are probably probably perfect. Your kids are probably probably perfect. Your kids are probably perfect. Your finances are probably perfect. Your finances are probably perfect. Your finances are probably perfect. Like, you've got life figured perfect. Like, you've got life figured perfect. Like, you've got life figured out." That's what I remember sitting in out." That's what I remember sitting in out." That's what I remember sitting in your seat thinking. And see, I love that your seat thinking. And see, I love that your seat thinking. And see, I love that Paul says this because Paul in his Paul says this because Paul in his Paul says this because Paul in his wisdom anticipates that. And he's like, wisdom anticipates that. And he's like, wisdom anticipates that. And he's like, "No, bro. Like, if you only knew, if you "No, bro. Like, if you only knew, if you "No, bro. Like, if you only knew, if you only knew the things I still struggle only knew the things I still struggle only knew the things I still struggle with, if if you only knew that I still with, if if you only knew that I still with, if if you only knew that I still do things I don't want to do and I don't do things I don't want to do and I don't do things I don't want to do and I don't do things that I do want to do." He he do things that I do want to do." He he do things that I do want to do." He he says, "I'm not perfect, man. I've not says, "I'm not perfect, man. I've not says, "I'm not perfect, man. I've not obtained this. I haven't arrived yet."

obtained this. I haven't arrived yet." obtained this. I haven't arrived yet." And what he's trying to show us is that And what he's trying to show us is that And what he's trying to show us is that Paul and you and me are way more similar Paul and you and me are way more similar Paul and you and me are way more similar than we are different. He's saying this than we are different. He's saying this than we are different. He's saying this to try to be encouraging to us. His to try to be encouraging to us. His to try to be encouraging to us. His point is, hey, nobody's perfect yet. And point is, hey, nobody's perfect yet. And point is, hey, nobody's perfect yet. And even though we haven't arrived, what even though we haven't arrived, what even though we haven't arrived, what we've got to do is keep putting one we've got to do is keep putting one we've got to do is keep putting one spiritual foot in front of the other. spiritual foot in front of the other. spiritual foot in front of the other. And so to get that idea across, Paul And so to get that idea across, Paul And so to get that idea across, Paul actually uses the same Greek word three actually uses the same Greek word three actually uses the same Greek word three different times in verse 12. It's hard different times in verse 12. It's hard different times in verse 12. It's hard to see in our English translations, but to see in our English translations, but to see in our English translations, but look at it and I'll point it out to you. look at it and I'll point it out to you. look at it and I'll point it out to you. In verse 12, he says,"Not that I have In verse 12, he says,"Not that I have In verse 12, he says,"Not that I have already, here's the first use, obtained already, here's the first use, obtained already, here's the first use, obtained this, or I'm already perfect, but I this, or I'm already perfect, but I this, or I'm already perfect, but I press on to," here's the second use, press on to," here's the second use, press on to," here's the second use, "make it my own because Christ Jesus "make it my own because Christ Jesus "make it my own because Christ Jesus has, here's the third time, made me his has, here's the third time, made me his has, here's the third time, made me his own." In Greek, all three of those words own." In Greek, all three of those words own." In Greek, all three of those words come from the same root word meaning come from the same root word meaning come from the same root word meaning obtain, to to lay hold of, to seize. obtain, to to lay hold of, to seize. obtain, to to lay hold of, to seize. It's a hunting word. It's like when you It's a hunting word. It's like when you It's a hunting word. It's like when you catch something. What Paul is saying, he catch something. What Paul is saying, he catch something. What Paul is saying, he says, "Not that I've already obtained says, "Not that I've already obtained says, "Not that I've already obtained perfect maturity, but I press on to perfect maturity, but I press on to perfect maturity, but I press on to obtain it because Christ Jesus has obtain it because Christ Jesus has obtain it because Christ Jesus has obtained me." Now, notice what Paul obtained me." Now, notice what Paul obtained me." Now, notice what Paul doesn't say. He doesn't say, "I press on doesn't say. He doesn't say, "I press on doesn't say. He doesn't say, "I press on so Christ will make me his own." He so Christ will make me his own." He so Christ will make me his own." He says, "I press on because Christ, Jesus, says, "I press on because Christ, Jesus, says, "I press on because Christ, Jesus, has made me his own."

has made me his own." has made me his own." He's just chasing after the God who has He's just chasing after the God who has He's just chasing after the God who has already found him. He's trying to obtain already found him. He's trying to obtain already found him. He's trying to obtain that which who has already obtained him. that which who has already obtained him. that which who has already obtained him. Y'all, you got to realize our entire Y'all, you got to realize our entire Y'all, you got to realize our entire lives are just a response to Jesus's lives are just a response to Jesus's lives are just a response to Jesus's love toward us. You strip away all the love toward us. You strip away all the love toward us. You strip away all the rules and all the regulations and all rules and all the regulations and all rules and all the regulations and all the religiosity of this whole thing. And the religiosity of this whole thing. And the religiosity of this whole thing. And what it means to be a Christian at the what it means to be a Christian at the what it means to be a Christian at the end of the day is to be taken hold of end of the day is to be taken hold of end of the day is to be taken hold of and obtained by Christ in a way that and obtained by Christ in a way that and obtained by Christ in a way that permeates every single little area of permeates every single little area of permeates every single little area of our lives. If you're a follower of our lives. If you're a follower of our lives. If you're a follower of Jesus, it is because Christ first and Jesus, it is because Christ first and Jesus, it is because Christ first and foremost made you his own. And that's foremost made you his own. And that's foremost made you his own. And that's good news. But while salvation is good news. But while salvation is good news. But while salvation is finished, yes, our spiritual growth is finished, yes, our spiritual growth is finished, yes, our spiritual growth is not. Therefore, Paul says in verse 12, not. Therefore, Paul says in verse 12, not. Therefore, Paul says in verse 12, he says, "We press on." When when he he says, "We press on." When when he he says, "We press on." When when he uses that phrase press on, when the uses that phrase press on, when the uses that phrase press on, when the Philippians would have read this letter Philippians would have read this letter Philippians would have read this letter from Paul, that phrase press on would from Paul, that phrase press on would from Paul, that phrase press on would have made them immediately think of what have made them immediately think of what have made them immediately think of what uh they called the Ismian Games. It was uh they called the Ismian Games. It was uh they called the Ismian Games. It was basically their version of the Olympics.

basically their version of the Olympics. basically their version of the Olympics. It would have conjured up an image of an It would have conjured up an image of an It would have conjured up an image of an athlete straining to the finish line athlete straining to the finish line athlete straining to the finish line with vigorous and determined effort. And with vigorous and determined effort. And with vigorous and determined effort. And what Paul's telling us and telling them what Paul's telling us and telling them what Paul's telling us and telling them is that the Christian life is like that. is that the Christian life is like that. is that the Christian life is like that. that yes, Christ has made you his own. that yes, Christ has made you his own. that yes, Christ has made you his own. And so now your job is to press on to And so now your job is to press on to And so now your job is to press on to become fully what he's already declared become fully what he's already declared become fully what he's already declared you to be. That's the Christian life. you to be. That's the Christian life. you to be. That's the Christian life. The Christian life is a journey of The Christian life is a journey of The Christian life is a journey of becoming what Christ has already made becoming what Christ has already made becoming what Christ has already made us. And so that's why Paul says, look at us. And so that's why Paul says, look at us. And so that's why Paul says, look at verse 13, the end of it. He says, "But verse 13, the end of it. He says, "But verse 13, the end of it. He says, "But one thing I do as I press on, one thing I do as I press on, one thing I do as I press on, forgetting what lies behind and forgetting what lies behind and forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead." straining forward to what lies ahead." straining forward to what lies ahead." Verse 14, I press on toward the goal for Verse 14, I press on toward the goal for Verse 14, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in the prize of the upward call of God in the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Again, just kind of Christ Jesus. Again, just kind of Christ Jesus. Again, just kind of pinging off the Olympic runner pinging off the Olympic runner pinging off the Olympic runner illustration. When an Olympic runner is illustration. When an Olympic runner is illustration. When an Olympic runner is straining for the finish line and straining for the finish line and straining for the finish line and they're not looking side to side, are they're not looking side to side, are they're not looking side to side, are they? They're not seeing what everybody they? They're not seeing what everybody they? They're not seeing what everybody else is doing. They're not checking else is doing. They're not checking else is doing. They're not checking their Instagram to see where the other their Instagram to see where the other their Instagram to see where the other races are. Every muscle is aimed in one races are. Every muscle is aimed in one races are. Every muscle is aimed in one direction. And what Paul's saying is direction. And what Paul's saying is direction. And what Paul's saying is he's saying that's the picture of he's saying that's the picture of he's saying that's the picture of Christian maturity. It is a determined Christian maturity. It is a determined Christian maturity. It is a determined holy focus to reach the goal of becoming holy focus to reach the goal of becoming holy focus to reach the goal of becoming what Christ has made us. He says that's what Christ has made us. He says that's what Christ has made us. He says that's our finish line. And so he says, look at our finish line. And so he says, look at our finish line. And so he says, look at verse 15.

verse 15. verse 15. Let those of us who are mature think Let those of us who are mature think Let those of us who are mature think this way. I think it's funny. And if in this way. I think it's funny. And if in this way. I think it's funny. And if in anything you think otherwise, God will anything you think otherwise, God will anything you think otherwise, God will reveal it to you also. It's kind of his reveal it to you also. It's kind of his reveal it to you also. It's kind of his polite way of saying, hey, this is what polite way of saying, hey, this is what polite way of saying, hey, this is what grownup Christians think like. Okay. grownup Christians think like. Okay. grownup Christians think like. Okay. Like I love it. As for us, Paul says, Like I love it. As for us, Paul says, Like I love it. As for us, Paul says, verse 16, "Only let us hold true to what verse 16, "Only let us hold true to what verse 16, "Only let us hold true to what we have attained." So, brothers, join in we have attained." So, brothers, join in we have attained." So, brothers, join in imitating me. Keep your eyes on those imitating me. Keep your eyes on those imitating me. Keep your eyes on those who walk according to the examples you who walk according to the examples you who walk according to the examples you have in us. Now, when Paul says, "Hey, have in us. Now, when Paul says, "Hey, have in us. Now, when Paul says, "Hey, join in imitating me." That's not Paul join in imitating me." That's not Paul join in imitating me." That's not Paul being arrogant here. He's not saying, being arrogant here. He's not saying, being arrogant here. He's not saying, "I'm the standard." Only Jesus is the "I'm the standard." Only Jesus is the "I'm the standard." Only Jesus is the standard. He's not saying, "I'm the standard. He's not saying, "I'm the standard. He's not saying, "I'm the standard." What he's saying is, "You and standard." What he's saying is, "You and standard." What he's saying is, "You and I need examples." That we need more than I need examples." That we need more than I need examples." That we need more than sermons. We need more than books. We sermons. We need more than books. We sermons. We need more than books. We need more than podcasts. We need living need more than podcasts. We need living need more than podcasts. We need living examples of people that are up close examples of people that are up close examples of people that are up close that you are sitting across the table that you are sitting across the table that you are sitting across the table from that you can point to and say, from that you can point to and say, from that you can point to and say, "Man, I want a kind of faith like that. "Man, I want a kind of faith like that. "Man, I want a kind of faith like that. I want a marriage like that. I want I want a marriage like that. I want I want a marriage like that. I want transparency and generosity and humility transparency and generosity and humility transparency and generosity and humility and courage. I want the joy that that and courage. I want the joy that that and courage. I want the joy that that person has." What Paul's doing is he's person has." What Paul's doing is he's person has." What Paul's doing is he's emphasizing the importance of choosing emphasizing the importance of choosing emphasizing the importance of choosing what examples we follow. Because see, what examples we follow. Because see, what examples we follow. Because see, whether you realize it or not, you and I whether you realize it or not, you and I whether you realize it or not, you and I are always being discipled by somebody.

are always being discipled by somebody. are always being discipled by somebody. And so he says you got to choose good And so he says you got to choose good And so he says you got to choose good examples. Which is why he says in verse examples. Which is why he says in verse examples. Which is why he says in verse 18, he kind of gives us the flip of 18, he kind of gives us the flip of 18, he kind of gives us the flip of that. He says,"For many of whom I have that. He says,"For many of whom I have that. He says,"For many of whom I have often told you and now tell you even often told you and now tell you even often told you and now tell you even with tears with tears with tears walk as enemies of the cross of Christ." walk as enemies of the cross of Christ." walk as enemies of the cross of Christ." See, Paul says this with tears because See, Paul says this with tears because See, Paul says this with tears because these are not just bad influences. These these are not just bad influences. These these are not just bad influences. These are people who are actually fooling are people who are actually fooling are people who are actually fooling themselves and in doing so are confusing themselves and in doing so are confusing themselves and in doing so are confusing others. These are people who are close others. These are people who are close others. These are people who are close enough to Christianity to sound enough to Christianity to sound enough to Christianity to sound convincing, but their lives are actually convincing, but their lives are actually convincing, but their lives are actually moving in the opposite direction of the moving in the opposite direction of the moving in the opposite direction of the cross. They're enemies of the cross of cross. They're enemies of the cross of cross. They're enemies of the cross of Christ. And Paul says, "Man, you got to Christ. And Paul says, "Man, you got to Christ. And Paul says, "Man, you got to learn to spot these people. Don't be learn to spot these people. Don't be learn to spot these people. Don't be fooled by them. Learn to recognize fooled by them. Learn to recognize fooled by them. Learn to recognize actually not just what they're doing, actually not just what they're doing, actually not just what they're doing, but recognize where their life is but recognize where their life is but recognize where their life is headed." And so he tells us in verse 19, headed." And so he tells us in verse 19, headed." And so he tells us in verse 19, look, he says, "Where their life is look, he says, "Where their life is look, he says, "Where their life is headed, first and foremost, their end is headed, first and foremost, their end is headed, first and foremost, their end is destruction." And their lives might look destruction." And their lives might look destruction." And their lives might look freeing and fun right now, but the end freeing and fun right now, but the end freeing and fun right now, but the end of a life rejecting Jesus and rejecting of a life rejecting Jesus and rejecting of a life rejecting Jesus and rejecting the cross is not freedom. It is eternal the cross is not freedom. It is eternal the cross is not freedom. It is eternal and irreversible separation from God in and irreversible separation from God in and irreversible separation from God in a lake of fire that will lead to pure a lake of fire that will lead to pure a lake of fire that will lead to pure and full destruction.

and full destruction. and full destruction. And not just that, but he says their God And not just that, but he says their God And not just that, but he says their God here and now is their belly. What he's here and now is their belly. What he's here and now is their belly. What he's saying is these are people who are ruled saying is these are people who are ruled saying is these are people who are ruled by their appetites and their desires. by their appetites and their desires. by their appetites and their desires. Whether that is food or sex or comfort Whether that is food or sex or comfort Whether that is food or sex or comfort or attention or laziness or control, or attention or laziness or control, or attention or laziness or control, he's saying those desires are in charge. he's saying those desires are in charge. he's saying those desires are in charge. Whatever their flesh wants, they just Whatever their flesh wants, they just Whatever their flesh wants, they just give into it. And not only do they give give into it. And not only do they give give into it. And not only do they give into it, but he says they glory in their into it, but he says they glory in their into it, but he says they glory in their shame. Basically, these are people who shame. Basically, these are people who shame. Basically, these are people who have lost the ability to blush. Instead have lost the ability to blush. Instead have lost the ability to blush. Instead of repenting of sin, they're busy of repenting of sin, they're busy of repenting of sin, they're busy defending and applauding the sins that defending and applauding the sins that defending and applauding the sins that they're part of. And they do this, he they're part of. And they do this, he they're part of. And they do this, he says, because their minds are set on says, because their minds are set on says, because their minds are set on earthly things. Again, he's talking earthly things. Again, he's talking earthly things. Again, he's talking about people close to the church. And about people close to the church. And about people close to the church. And so, they might believe in eternity on so, they might believe in eternity on so, they might believe in eternity on paper, but their decisions are driven by paper, but their decisions are driven by paper, but their decisions are driven by whatever is going to make this life whatever is going to make this life whatever is going to make this life easier and this life richer and this easier and this life richer and this easier and this life richer and this life safer and this life more life safer and this life more life safer and this life more impressive. They live as if this world impressive. They live as if this world impressive. They live as if this world is all there is. And so success and is all there is. And so success and is all there is. And so success and things and pleasure always end up things and pleasure always end up things and pleasure always end up carrying more weight than eternity does.

carrying more weight than eternity does. carrying more weight than eternity does. See, these are folks you got to learn to See, these are folks you got to learn to See, these are folks you got to learn to recognize these. You got to see if you recognize these. You got to see if you recognize these. You got to see if you are one. You got to know these are folks are one. You got to know these are folks are one. You got to know these are folks who know the church language. They know who know the church language. They know who know the church language. They know the church songs. They know the verses. the church songs. They know the verses. the church songs. They know the verses. They have the Christian vocabulary, the They have the Christian vocabulary, the They have the Christian vocabulary, the Christian veneer. But when you actually Christian veneer. But when you actually Christian veneer. But when you actually look at the direction of their lives, look at the direction of their lives, look at the direction of their lives, they are not being satisfied in Christ. they are not being satisfied in Christ. they are not being satisfied in Christ. They are busy gratifying the flesh. They They are busy gratifying the flesh. They They are busy gratifying the flesh. They might say that Jesus is Lord, but their might say that Jesus is Lord, but their might say that Jesus is Lord, but their browser history actually says lust is browser history actually says lust is browser history actually says lust is Lord. Their spending says status is Lord. Their spending says status is Lord. Their spending says status is Lord. Their anger says control is Lord. Lord. Their anger says control is Lord. Lord. Their anger says control is Lord. And even though their mouths might say I And even though their mouths might say I And even though their mouths might say I belong to Jesus, their lifestyle says I belong to Jesus, their lifestyle says I belong to Jesus, their lifestyle says I belong to this earth. And so this is belong to this earth. And so this is belong to this earth. And so this is what Paul is warning us about. Not just what Paul is warning us about. Not just what Paul is warning us about. Not just people outside the church who reject the people outside the church who reject the people outside the church who reject the cross openly, but people who are around cross openly, but people who are around cross openly, but people who are around the church who use Christian language the church who use Christian language the church who use Christian language while simultaneously living while simultaneously living while simultaneously living cross-resistant lives. cross-resistant lives. cross-resistant lives. Then he says in verse 20, but by Then he says in verse 20, but by Then he says in verse 20, but by contrast contrast contrast our citizenship is in heaven, not earth, our citizenship is in heaven, not earth, our citizenship is in heaven, not earth, and from it we await a savior, the Lord and from it we await a savior, the Lord and from it we await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. See, Philippi, who he's Jesus Christ. See, Philippi, who he's Jesus Christ. See, Philippi, who he's writing this to, had become a Roman writing this to, had become a Roman writing this to, had become a Roman colony. And the citizens of Philippi colony. And the citizens of Philippi colony. And the citizens of Philippi were really proud of that. I mean, were really proud of that. I mean, were really proud of that. I mean, Rome's the great superpower of the day.

Rome's the great superpower of the day. Rome's the great superpower of the day. And so, all the Roman things start And so, all the Roman things start And so, all the Roman things start making their way into Philippi. Romans making their way into Philippi. Romans making their way into Philippi. Romans ends up shaping their laws and their ends up shaping their laws and their ends up shaping their laws and their values and their lifestyles and values and their lifestyles and values and their lifestyles and ultimately their identity. And so, when ultimately their identity. And so, when ultimately their identity. And so, when Paul writes to the church at Philippi Paul writes to the church at Philippi Paul writes to the church at Philippi and tells them, "Our citizenship is in and tells them, "Our citizenship is in and tells them, "Our citizenship is in heaven," he's actually making a really heaven," he's actually making a really heaven," he's actually making a really bold statement to the believers there. bold statement to the believers there. bold statement to the believers there. what he's saying, hey believers at what he's saying, hey believers at what he's saying, hey believers at Philippi, he's saying heaven is now Philippi, he's saying heaven is now Philippi, he's saying heaven is now where your deepest identity comes from. where your deepest identity comes from. where your deepest identity comes from. It's not Rome. It's not your resume. It's not Rome. It's not your resume. It's not Rome. It's not your resume. It's not your appetites. It's not this It's not your appetites. It's not this It's not your appetites. It's not this world. It's heaven. And as heavenly world. It's heaven. And as heavenly world. It's heaven. And as heavenly citizens, we await a savior. Verse 21, citizens, we await a savior. Verse 21, citizens, we await a savior. Verse 21, who will transform our lowly body to be who will transform our lowly body to be who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body by the power that like his glorious body by the power that like his glorious body by the power that enables him even to subject all things enables him even to subject all things enables him even to subject all things to himself. And then we're going to go to himself. And then we're going to go to himself. And then we're going to go into chapter 4 verse 1. He says, into chapter 4 verse 1. He says, into chapter 4 verse 1. He says, "Therefore, my brothers, that therefore "Therefore, my brothers, that therefore "Therefore, my brothers, that therefore pulls this whole thing together, whom I pulls this whole thing together, whom I pulls this whole thing together, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, love and long for, my joy and crown, love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. again that therefore pulls this whole again that therefore pulls this whole again that therefore pulls this whole thing together. Because what he's saying thing together. Because what he's saying thing together. Because what he's saying is, hey church, because your citizenship is, hey church, because your citizenship is, hey church, because your citizenship is in heaven, because your Jesus is is in heaven, because your Jesus is is in heaven, because your Jesus is coming back, because this world you live coming back, because this world you live coming back, because this world you live in is temporary, and because there are in is temporary, and because there are in is temporary, and because there are real dangers trying to pull your heart real dangers trying to pull your heart real dangers trying to pull your heart toward earthly things, what you got to toward earthly things, what you got to toward earthly things, what you got to do is you got to grow up. You got to do is you got to grow up. You got to do is you got to grow up. You got to mature in Christ, and you got to stand mature in Christ, and you got to stand mature in Christ, and you got to stand firm in the Lord. And so to help us firm in the Lord. And so to help us firm in the Lord. And so to help us mature, what Paul does is he gives us mature, what Paul does is he gives us mature, what Paul does is he gives us four ways that we've got to grow up four ways that we've got to grow up four ways that we've got to grow up spiritually. Four ways we grow up. spiritually. Four ways we grow up. spiritually. Four ways we grow up. That's what we're going to spend the That's what we're going to spend the That's what we're going to spend the rest of our time looking at. And the rest of our time looking at. And the rest of our time looking at. And the first way he tells us to grow up is that first way he tells us to grow up is that first way he tells us to grow up is that we got to tell the truth about where we we got to tell the truth about where we we got to tell the truth about where we are. are. are. First way we grow up is you got to learn First way we grow up is you got to learn First way we grow up is you got to learn to tell the truth about where you are. to tell the truth about where you are. to tell the truth about where you are. Essentially, what Paul's saying is that Essentially, what Paul's saying is that Essentially, what Paul's saying is that the first sign of spiritual maturity is the first sign of spiritual maturity is the first sign of spiritual maturity is actually admitting that you are not as actually admitting that you are not as actually admitting that you are not as mature as you think you are. Again, Paul mature as you think you are. Again, Paul mature as you think you are. Again, Paul verse 12, not that I have already verse 12, not that I have already verse 12, not that I have already obtained this or I'm already perfect. If obtained this or I'm already perfect. If obtained this or I'm already perfect. If anybody could say that they are mature anybody could say that they are mature anybody could say that they are mature in Christ, it feels like it would be the in Christ, it feels like it would be the in Christ, it feels like it would be the Apostle Paul. But what he wants us to Apostle Paul. But what he wants us to Apostle Paul. But what he wants us to understand is that maturity doesn't understand is that maturity doesn't understand is that maturity doesn't begin by finally getting all our entire begin by finally getting all our entire begin by finally getting all our entire life together. No, maturity begins when life together. No, maturity begins when life together. No, maturity begins when you stop lying about the fact that you you stop lying about the fact that you you stop lying about the fact that you don't have it all together. Like listen, don't have it all together. Like listen, don't have it all together. Like listen, some some of y'all are stuck in your some some of y'all are stuck in your some some of y'all are stuck in your spiritual growth. And it's not because spiritual growth. And it's not because spiritual growth. And it's not because Jesus doesn't want to help you grow.

Jesus doesn't want to help you grow. Jesus doesn't want to help you grow. It's because you won't be honest about It's because you won't be honest about It's because you won't be honest about the very places you need to grow. And so the very places you need to grow. And so the very places you need to grow. And so what happens is you keep excusing your what happens is you keep excusing your what happens is you keep excusing your own immaturity by calling it your own immaturity by calling it your own immaturity by calling it your personality. You keep excusing your lust personality. You keep excusing your lust personality. You keep excusing your lust problem by just calling it a struggle. problem by just calling it a struggle. problem by just calling it a struggle. You keep excusing your own selfishness You keep excusing your own selfishness You keep excusing your own selfishness in the name of setting up personal in the name of setting up personal in the name of setting up personal boundaries. Man, you're blaming your boundaries. Man, you're blaming your boundaries. Man, you're blaming your anger on your stress or your schedule or anger on your stress or your schedule or anger on your stress or your schedule or your kids. Basically anybody and your kids. Basically anybody and your kids. Basically anybody and anything except for your own heart. Like anything except for your own heart. Like anything except for your own heart. Like whatever diagnostic tool helps you sound whatever diagnostic tool helps you sound whatever diagnostic tool helps you sound self-aware without actually having to self-aware without actually having to self-aware without actually having to change yourself, that's what you run to change yourself, that's what you run to change yourself, that's what you run to first. I mean, these are copouts. And first. I mean, these are copouts. And first. I mean, these are copouts. And you and I know it. You got to start by you and I know it. You got to start by you and I know it. You got to start by being honest. One of the clearest signs being honest. One of the clearest signs being honest. One of the clearest signs of spiritual immaturity is not that you of spiritual immaturity is not that you of spiritual immaturity is not that you still struggle. Hear me clearly. It's still struggle. Hear me clearly. It's still struggle. Hear me clearly. It's that you've made peace with the struggle that you've made peace with the struggle that you've made peace with the struggle and you've actually become fine with it. and you've actually become fine with it. and you've actually become fine with it. And so, let me ask you this question. And so, let me ask you this question. And so, let me ask you this question. Where have you stopped praying and Where have you stopped praying and Where have you stopped praying and saying,"Lord, would you change me and saying,"Lord, would you change me and saying,"Lord, would you change me and started just saying,"Well, that's just started just saying,"Well, that's just started just saying,"Well, that's just me."

me." me." What have you learned to explain or What have you learned to explain or What have you learned to explain or excuse or rename or hide in your life? excuse or rename or hide in your life? excuse or rename or hide in your life? What sin have you gotten comfortable What sin have you gotten comfortable What sin have you gotten comfortable just managing instead of confessing and just managing instead of confessing and just managing instead of confessing and killing it? killing it? killing it? Because here's the reality. You and I, Because here's the reality. You and I, Because here's the reality. You and I, we will never mature beyond the truth we will never mature beyond the truth we will never mature beyond the truth you refuse to face or the secret you you refuse to face or the secret you you refuse to face or the secret you refuse to confess. refuse to confess. refuse to confess. Maturity begins when you tell the truth Maturity begins when you tell the truth Maturity begins when you tell the truth about where you are and stop defending about where you are and stop defending about where you are and stop defending the very sins that Jesus died to deliver the very sins that Jesus died to deliver the very sins that Jesus died to deliver you from. And so, very practically, you from. And so, very practically, you from. And so, very practically, here's what I want you to do this week. here's what I want you to do this week. here's what I want you to do this week. I want you to find somebody close to I want you to find somebody close to I want you to find somebody close to you, somebody that you trust, and I just you, somebody that you trust, and I just you, somebody that you trust, and I just want you to ask them the question. I I want you to ask them the question. I I want you to ask them the question. I I just want you to ask them, "Hey, where just want you to ask them, "Hey, where just want you to ask them, "Hey, where do you see immaturity in me? where where do you see immaturity in me? where where do you see immaturity in me? where where do I need to grow up spiritually? do I need to grow up spiritually? do I need to grow up spiritually? Like you can ask them, if I were to look Like you can ask them, if I were to look Like you can ask them, if I were to look more like Jesus a year from now than I more like Jesus a year from now than I more like Jesus a year from now than I do today, what's one area of my life do today, what's one area of my life do today, what's one area of my life that I need to look at? And listen, that I need to look at? And listen, that I need to look at? And listen, here's the here's the key. When they here's the here's the key. When they here's the here's the key. When they answer that, don't get mad. Don't answer that, don't get mad. Don't answer that, don't get mad. Don't defend. Don't justify. Don't ac like defend. Don't justify. Don't ac like defend. Don't justify. Don't ac like none of that. Just receive it. Submit it none of that. Just receive it. Submit it none of that. Just receive it. Submit it to the Holy Spirit and say, "God, what to the Holy Spirit and say, "God, what to the Holy Spirit and say, "God, what do you want me to do with this?" Okay?

do you want me to do with this?" Okay? do you want me to do with this?" Okay? Growing up starts when you stop Growing up starts when you stop Growing up starts when you stop pretending you've arrived and start pretending you've arrived and start pretending you've arrived and start being honest. But then after that, what being honest. But then after that, what being honest. But then after that, what we got to do is we got to focus. Okay? we got to do is we got to focus. Okay? we got to do is we got to focus. Okay? The second way we got to grow up is we The second way we got to grow up is we The second way we got to grow up is we got to set our eyes on where we are got to set our eyes on where we are got to set our eyes on where we are going. You got to set your eyes on where going. You got to set your eyes on where going. You got to set your eyes on where you're going. What Paul says, Paul's not you're going. What Paul says, Paul's not you're going. What Paul says, Paul's not he says, "Man, I'm not pretending. I'm he says, "Man, I'm not pretending. I'm he says, "Man, I'm not pretending. I'm already mature. If I'm being honest already mature. If I'm being honest already mature. If I'm being honest about where I am, verse 13, he says, about where I am, verse 13, he says, about where I am, verse 13, he says, brothers, I don't consider that I've brothers, I don't consider that I've brothers, I don't consider that I've made it my own." But then here's the key made it my own." But then here's the key made it my own." But then here's the key phrase, "But one thing I do." See, Paul phrase, "But one thing I do." See, Paul phrase, "But one thing I do." See, Paul doesn't just say, "I'm not where I doesn't just say, "I'm not where I doesn't just say, "I'm not where I should be." No. Because Paul understands should be." No. Because Paul understands should be." No. Because Paul understands that maturity doesn't simply stop at that maturity doesn't simply stop at that maturity doesn't simply stop at confession. Maturity actually moves in a confession. Maturity actually moves in a confession. Maturity actually moves in a particular direction. And here's why particular direction. And here's why particular direction. And here's why this is important. Listen to this. this is important. Listen to this. this is important. Listen to this. Because honesty without direction Because honesty without direction Because honesty without direction just becomes self-awareness without just becomes self-awareness without just becomes self-awareness without actual growth. It becomes another form actual growth. It becomes another form actual growth. It becomes another form of naval gazing. And man, is this of naval gazing. And man, is this of naval gazing. And man, is this absolutely rampant today? Like y'all, we absolutely rampant today? Like y'all, we absolutely rampant today? Like y'all, we we know our issues, right? We can name we know our issues, right? We can name we know our issues, right? We can name all of our dysfunctions and then some.

all of our dysfunctions and then some. all of our dysfunctions and then some. And I'm grateful for the conversation And I'm grateful for the conversation And I'm grateful for the conversation around all this stuff, but we've got around all this stuff, but we've got around all this stuff, but we've got language for trauma and triggers and language for trauma and triggers and language for trauma and triggers and generational diagnoses and personality generational diagnoses and personality generational diagnoses and personality types. We've got Inog numbers and love types. We've got Inog numbers and love types. We've got Inog numbers and love languages and MyersBriggs and Hogwarts languages and MyersBriggs and Hogwarts languages and MyersBriggs and Hogwarts houses. Like, we are not short on houses. Like, we are not short on houses. Like, we are not short on self-awareness. self-awareness. self-awareness. But self-awareness by itself does not But self-awareness by itself does not But self-awareness by itself does not make you mature. At some point, you got make you mature. At some point, you got make you mature. At some point, you got to take that selfawareness and aim it to take that selfawareness and aim it to take that selfawareness and aim it somewhere. You got to you you got to somewhere. You got to you you got to somewhere. You got to you you got to stop using self-awareness as just an stop using self-awareness as just an stop using self-awareness as just an insight, as a hiding place, and you got insight, as a hiding place, and you got insight, as a hiding place, and you got to start using that self-awareness as a to start using that self-awareness as a to start using that self-awareness as a doorway to spiritual growth and maturity doorway to spiritual growth and maturity doorway to spiritual growth and maturity in Christ. And Paul tells us how to do in Christ. And Paul tells us how to do in Christ. And Paul tells us how to do it. Look at the end of verse 13. He it. Look at the end of verse 13. He it. Look at the end of verse 13. He says, "But one thing I do," this is how says, "But one thing I do," this is how says, "But one thing I do," this is how you do it. You got to forget what lies you do it. You got to forget what lies you do it. You got to forget what lies behind, strain forward to what lies behind, strain forward to what lies behind, strain forward to what lies ahead. And then verse 14, in doing so, I ahead. And then verse 14, in doing so, I ahead. And then verse 14, in doing so, I press on toward the goal for the prize. press on toward the goal for the prize. press on toward the goal for the prize. Here it is. of the upward call of God in Here it is. of the upward call of God in Here it is. of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. Direction and focus means I leave what Direction and focus means I leave what Direction and focus means I leave what is behind. I lean forward to what is is behind. I lean forward to what is is behind. I lean forward to what is ahead and ultimately I live for what is ahead and ultimately I live for what is ahead and ultimately I live for what is eternal. And so let's kind of take those eternal. And so let's kind of take those eternal. And so let's kind of take those piece by piece. Number one, man, you you piece by piece. Number one, man, you you piece by piece. Number one, man, you you got to focus by leaving what is behind.

got to focus by leaving what is behind. got to focus by leaving what is behind. It's where you got to set your eyes. It's where you got to set your eyes. It's where you got to set your eyes. Now, forgetting what is behind is not Now, forgetting what is behind is not Now, forgetting what is behind is not about erasing your past. It's not about, about erasing your past. It's not about, about erasing your past. It's not about, you know, pretending bad things never you know, pretending bad things never you know, pretending bad things never happened. We're not people with happened. We're not people with happened. We're not people with spiritual amnesia. Nobody heals by just spiritual amnesia. Nobody heals by just spiritual amnesia. Nobody heals by just acting like nothing ever happened and acting like nothing ever happened and acting like nothing ever happened and lying to ourselves. No. Forgetting what lying to ourselves. No. Forgetting what lying to ourselves. No. Forgetting what lies behind means refusing to let your lies behind means refusing to let your lies behind means refusing to let your past control the only thing that Jesus past control the only thing that Jesus past control the only thing that Jesus gets to have, which is authority over gets to have, which is authority over gets to have, which is authority over your identity. For Paul, for Paul your identity. For Paul, for Paul your identity. For Paul, for Paul himself, he had to forget all of his himself, he had to forget all of his himself, he had to forget all of his successes. That's what we looked at last successes. That's what we looked at last successes. That's what we looked at last week. All his resume, all his religious week. All his resume, all his religious week. All his resume, all his religious achievements, all his accomplishments. achievements, all his accomplishments. achievements, all his accomplishments. But on the flip side, you got to realize But on the flip side, you got to realize But on the flip side, you got to realize what he was leaving behind. He also what he was leaving behind. He also what he was leaving behind. He also needed to leave behind and forget all of needed to leave behind and forget all of needed to leave behind and forget all of his failures. Man, before he was Paul, his failures. Man, before he was Paul, his failures. Man, before he was Paul, he was Saul. He was a persecutor of the he was Saul. He was a persecutor of the he was Saul. He was a persecutor of the church. And Paul had to leave behind all church. And Paul had to leave behind all church. And Paul had to leave behind all those shames, all that regret, all those those shames, all that regret, all those those shames, all that regret, all those sins that could have kept him stuck and sins that could have kept him stuck and sins that could have kept him stuck and not growing in Christ. Because what Paul not growing in Christ. Because what Paul not growing in Christ. Because what Paul knows is that you and I can never move knows is that you and I can never move knows is that you and I can never move forward if we're busy staring backwards. forward if we're busy staring backwards. forward if we're busy staring backwards. Y'all, there's a reason that your car's Y'all, there's a reason that your car's Y'all, there's a reason that your car's windshield is way bigger than your windshield is way bigger than your windshield is way bigger than your rearview mirror. Like, don't get me rearview mirror. Like, don't get me rearview mirror. Like, don't get me wrong, you need the rearview mirror. You wrong, you need the rearview mirror. You wrong, you need the rearview mirror. You need to learn from your past. You need need to learn from your past. You need need to learn from your past. You need to remember God's faithfulness in the to remember God's faithfulness in the to remember God's faithfulness in the past. You need to see where you've been past. You need to see where you've been past. You need to see where you've been so you can know where you're going. But so you can know where you're going. But so you can know where you're going. But while your past may help explain you, while your past may help explain you, while your past may help explain you, hear me, your past does not get to hear me, your past does not get to hear me, your past does not get to define you. Some of you are so busy define you. Some of you are so busy define you. Some of you are so busy trying to follow Jesus with your eyes trying to follow Jesus with your eyes trying to follow Jesus with your eyes fixed on the rear view mirror. You're so fixed on the rear view mirror. You're so fixed on the rear view mirror. You're so busy replaying old shames and old busy replaying old shames and old busy replaying old shames and old failures and old wounds and old failures and old wounds and old failures and old wounds and old relationships and old what-ifs. But the

relationships and old what-ifs. But the relationships and old what-ifs. But the good news of the gospel, listen, is that good news of the gospel, listen, is that good news of the gospel, listen, is that if you are in Christ, y'all, your sin if you are in Christ, y'all, your sin if you are in Christ, y'all, your sin ain't just behind you. Your sin is ain't just behind you. Your sin is ain't just behind you. Your sin is beneath the blood of Jesus. Your past is beneath the blood of Jesus. Your past is beneath the blood of Jesus. Your past is not sitting in heaven on a shelf waiting not sitting in heaven on a shelf waiting not sitting in heaven on a shelf waiting to be used against you when you arrive to be used against you when you arrive to be used against you when you arrive there one day. No. Colossians chapter there one day. No. Colossians chapter there one day. No. Colossians chapter 2:14 says, "The record of debt that 2:14 says, "The record of debt that 2:14 says, "The record of debt that stood against you was cancelled when it stood against you was cancelled when it stood against you was cancelled when it was nailed to the cross." And so, if was nailed to the cross." And so, if was nailed to the cross." And so, if Jesus buried that thing, you got to quit Jesus buried that thing, you got to quit Jesus buried that thing, you got to quit resurrecting it. You can't sing Jesus resurrecting it. You can't sing Jesus resurrecting it. You can't sing Jesus paid it all, but then keep punishing paid it all, but then keep punishing paid it all, but then keep punishing yourself for the very sin that you say yourself for the very sin that you say yourself for the very sin that you say he cleared. Y'all, your shame is not he cleared. Y'all, your shame is not he cleared. Y'all, your shame is not your name anymore. You got to leave it your name anymore. You got to leave it your name anymore. You got to leave it behind. Your failures are not your behind. Your failures are not your behind. Your failures are not your future anymore. So, you got to leave future anymore. So, you got to leave future anymore. So, you got to leave those things behind. Your worst day or those things behind. Your worst day or those things behind. Your worst day or your worst decision does not get to your worst decision does not get to your worst decision does not get to define you anymore because what my Bible define you anymore because what my Bible define you anymore because what my Bible says is whom the son sets free, he or says is whom the son sets free, he or says is whom the son sets free, he or she is free indeed. And if Jesus says she is free indeed. And if Jesus says she is free indeed. And if Jesus says you are free, then by the grace of God, you are free, then by the grace of God, you are free, then by the grace of God, you need to walk forward and live like you need to walk forward and live like you need to walk forward and live like you are free.

you are free. you are free. Which is why Paul says we strain forward Which is why Paul says we strain forward Which is why Paul says we strain forward to what lies ahead. So that's the second to what lies ahead. So that's the second to what lies ahead. So that's the second thing we do. We don't just focus by thing we do. We don't just focus by thing we do. We don't just focus by leaving what's behind. We focus by leaving what's behind. We focus by leaving what's behind. We focus by leaning forward to what is ahead. leaning forward to what is ahead. leaning forward to what is ahead. And y'all, what's ahead for the And y'all, what's ahead for the And y'all, what's ahead for the Christian? Christian? Christian? It's not just a slightly better, It's not just a slightly better, It's not just a slightly better, slightly upgraded version of this life slightly upgraded version of this life slightly upgraded version of this life with like, you know, a little less with like, you know, a little less with like, you know, a little less stress and a little more emotional stress and a little more emotional stress and a little more emotional balance and health. It's not just balance and health. It's not just balance and health. It's not just streets of gold and fluffy clouds and streets of gold and fluffy clouds and streets of gold and fluffy clouds and angels playing harps and unlimited free angels playing harps and unlimited free angels playing harps and unlimited free Chick-fil-A. That'd be awesome. And Chick-fil-A. That'd be awesome. And Chick-fil-A. That'd be awesome. And like, hopefully, it's not less than like, hopefully, it's not less than like, hopefully, it's not less than that, but it's so much more. that, but it's so much more. that, but it's so much more. No, what lies ahead for the believer is No, what lies ahead for the believer is No, what lies ahead for the believer is that we get to see Jesus face to face. that we get to see Jesus face to face. that we get to see Jesus face to face. It's the day our faith becomes sight. It's the day our faith becomes sight. It's the day our faith becomes sight. The day when that sin that you hate is The day when that sin that you hate is The day when that sin that you hate is finally gone. When that disease that finally gone. When that disease that finally gone. When that disease that holds sway over your body is no more. holds sway over your body is no more. holds sway over your body is no more. When that anxiety is no longer When that anxiety is no longer When that anxiety is no longer crippling. No more lust twisting your crippling. No more lust twisting your crippling. No more lust twisting your desires. No more bitterness replaying desires. No more bitterness replaying desires. No more bitterness replaying old wounds. No more fractured old wounds. No more fractured old wounds. No more fractured relationship. No more divided heart that relationship. No more divided heart that relationship. No more divided heart that wants Jesus but also desperately wants wants Jesus but also desperately wants wants Jesus but also desperately wants the things of this world.

the things of this world. the things of this world. What's ahead for us is that we get to What's ahead for us is that we get to What's ahead for us is that we get to see Christ and we get to become like see Christ and we get to become like see Christ and we get to become like him. That our lowly bodies, our sin him. That our lowly bodies, our sin him. That our lowly bodies, our sin infected bodies from the inside out will infected bodies from the inside out will infected bodies from the inside out will be transformed to be like his glorious be transformed to be like his glorious be transformed to be like his glorious body. Y'all, that's what's ahead for us. body. Y'all, that's what's ahead for us. body. Y'all, that's what's ahead for us. And so what Paul says is he says, "I'm And so what Paul says is he says, "I'm And so what Paul says is he says, "I'm leaning toward that day. I'm straining leaning toward that day. I'm straining leaning toward that day. I'm straining toward that future and I'm not there toward that future and I'm not there toward that future and I'm not there yet." He says, "But I can see the finish yet." He says, "But I can see the finish yet." He says, "But I can see the finish line." And so verse 14, he says, "So I line." And so verse 14, he says, "So I line." And so verse 14, he says, "So I press on toward the goal for the prize press on toward the goal for the prize press on toward the goal for the prize here it is of the upward call of God in here it is of the upward call of God in here it is of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Y'all, we don't just Christ Jesus." Y'all, we don't just Christ Jesus." Y'all, we don't just leave what's behind. We don't just lean leave what's behind. We don't just lean leave what's behind. We don't just lean toward what's ahead. No, we focus by toward what's ahead. No, we focus by toward what's ahead. No, we focus by living for what is eternal. living for what is eternal. living for what is eternal. The goal for the prize. Again, when Paul The goal for the prize. Again, when Paul The goal for the prize. Again, when Paul uses that phrase, the church at Philippi uses that phrase, the church at Philippi uses that phrase, the church at Philippi would have conjured up again the Olympic would have conjured up again the Olympic would have conjured up again the Olympic Games back to their mind. And in the Games back to their mind. And in the Games back to their mind. And in the games, whoever won would kind of ascend games, whoever won would kind of ascend games, whoever won would kind of ascend the steps. They'd stand before the the steps. They'd stand before the the steps. They'd stand before the judge, and the judge would pronounce judge, and the judge would pronounce judge, and the judge would pronounce that person's name, their father's name, that person's name, their father's name, that person's name, their father's name, their country, and then they would place their country, and then they would place their country, and then they would place a wreath on their head. And Paul says, a wreath on their head. And Paul says, a wreath on their head. And Paul says, "Man, that's how I want to live. I want "Man, that's how I want to live. I want "Man, that's how I want to live. I want to run toward the day. And I want to run to run toward the day. And I want to run to run toward the day. And I want to run in a way that the day I stand before the in a way that the day I stand before the in a way that the day I stand before the true judge, when I stand before the true judge, when I stand before the true judge, when I stand before the eternal king, I want to receive the eternal king, I want to receive the eternal king, I want to receive the prize." And the prize is not just prize." And the prize is not just prize." And the prize is not just heaven. Again, the prize is Christ.

heaven. Again, the prize is Christ. heaven. Again, the prize is Christ. It's seeing him and knowing him and It's seeing him and knowing him and It's seeing him and knowing him and becoming like him. Everything we just becoming like him. Everything we just becoming like him. Everything we just talked about and that's where Paul is talked about and that's where Paul is talked about and that's where Paul is headed. That's his finish line. And what headed. That's his finish line. And what headed. That's his finish line. And what he's telling us is that kind of future he's telling us is that kind of future he's telling us is that kind of future should give us focus and direction for should give us focus and direction for should give us focus and direction for how we participate today. how we participate today. how we participate today. And so, Ken, really practically tomorrow And so, Ken, really practically tomorrow And so, Ken, really practically tomorrow morning, here's what I want you to do. I morning, here's what I want you to do. I morning, here's what I want you to do. I want you to ask yourself three want you to ask yourself three want you to ask yourself three questions. Question number one, what do questions. Question number one, what do questions. Question number one, what do I need to leave behind that Jesus has I need to leave behind that Jesus has I need to leave behind that Jesus has already buried? already buried? already buried? And maybe for you it's some failure or a And maybe for you it's some failure or a And maybe for you it's some failure or a shame or a regret or a resentment or an shame or a regret or a resentment or an shame or a regret or a resentment or an old identity old identity old identity or maybe for you it's like the Apostle or maybe for you it's like the Apostle or maybe for you it's like the Apostle Paul. Maybe it's some sense of Paul. Maybe it's some sense of Paul. Maybe it's some sense of achievement or success. achievement or success. achievement or success. I mean, what do you need to leave I mean, what do you need to leave I mean, what do you need to leave behind? And then question number two, behind? And then question number two, behind? And then question number two, what do I need to lean toward that Jesus what do I need to lean toward that Jesus what do I need to lean toward that Jesus is calling me into? is calling me into? is calling me into? Is there something you need to confess Is there something you need to confess Is there something you need to confess or is there an area of obedience or or is there an area of obedience or or is there an area of obedience or forgiveness or reconciliation or forgiveness or reconciliation or forgiveness or reconciliation or repentance?

repentance? repentance? And then question number three, what's And then question number three, what's And then question number three, what's one thing I can do today that will still one thing I can do today that will still one thing I can do today that will still matter in eternity? One thing, not 12 matter in eternity? One thing, not 12 matter in eternity? One thing, not 12 things. Paul says, but one thing. things. Paul says, but one thing. things. Paul says, but one thing. Maybe it's just you spend time praying. Maybe it's just you spend time praying. Maybe it's just you spend time praying. Maybe it's open your Bible. Maybe it's Maybe it's open your Bible. Maybe it's Maybe it's open your Bible. Maybe it's you're choosing sexual purity for the you're choosing sexual purity for the you're choosing sexual purity for the next 24 hours. next 24 hours. next 24 hours. Maybe it's generosity. Maybe it's Maybe it's generosity. Maybe it's Maybe it's generosity. Maybe it's evangelism. You need to finally go share evangelism. You need to finally go share evangelism. You need to finally go share Jesus with that person that he's put on Jesus with that person that he's put on Jesus with that person that he's put on your heart. What's one thing you can do your heart. What's one thing you can do your heart. What's one thing you can do today that will still matter in today that will still matter in today that will still matter in eternity. That's the second way we grow eternity. That's the second way we grow eternity. That's the second way we grow up. Here's the third way we grow up. And up. Here's the third way we grow up. And up. Here's the third way we grow up. And we got to choose carefully who we we got to choose carefully who we we got to choose carefully who we follow. You want to grow up, you want to follow. You want to grow up, you want to follow. You want to grow up, you want to mature in Christ, you got to choose mature in Christ, you got to choose mature in Christ, you got to choose carefully who you follow. Verses 15 and carefully who you follow. Verses 15 and carefully who you follow. Verses 15 and 16, Paul says, "Let those of us who are 16, Paul says, "Let those of us who are 16, Paul says, "Let those of us who are mature think this way." Verse 16, join mature think this way." Verse 16, join mature think this way." Verse 16, join in imitating me and keep your eyes on in imitating me and keep your eyes on in imitating me and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example those who walk according to the example those who walk according to the example you have in us. Here's why he says this. you have in us. Here's why he says this. you have in us. Here's why he says this. You know, the Bible's timeless. He says You know, the Bible's timeless. He says You know, the Bible's timeless. He says this because one of the biggest lies of this because one of the biggest lies of this because one of the biggest lies of his age and of our age is that you and I his age and of our age is that you and I his age and of our age is that you and I can observe things without actually can observe things without actually can observe things without actually being affected by them. A few years ago, being affected by them. A few years ago, being affected by them. A few years ago, I read this article. It was right out of I read this article. It was right out of I read this article. It was right out of COVID. So, this article was in 2021 and COVID. So, this article was in 2021 and COVID. So, this article was in 2021 and it was fascinating because what was it was fascinating because what was it was fascinating because what was happening is a whole bunch of American happening is a whole bunch of American happening is a whole bunch of American parents started realizing that their parents started realizing that their parents started realizing that their kids were starting to speak with like kids were starting to speak with like kids were starting to speak with like English accents, like British accents.

English accents, like British accents. English accents, like British accents. And so, like they'd stop to get gas and And so, like they'd stop to get gas and And so, like they'd stop to get gas and they kids would be like, "Mommy, why are they kids would be like, "Mommy, why are they kids would be like, "Mommy, why are we getting petrol?" And they're like, "I we getting petrol?" And they're like, "I we getting petrol?" And they're like, "I don't like instead of tomato, they're don't like instead of tomato, they're don't like instead of tomato, they're like to like mommy, let's give it a go." like to like mommy, let's give it a go." like to like mommy, let's give it a go." And like it was so weird. Um, and these And like it was so weird. Um, and these And like it was so weird. Um, and these parents were just baffled. They they had parents were just baffled. They they had parents were just baffled. They they had no idea why this was happening. Well, no idea why this was happening. Well, no idea why this was happening. Well, what they realized out of COVID, right? what they realized out of COVID, right? what they realized out of COVID, right? So the TV became a lot of our So the TV became a lot of our So the TV became a lot of our babysitters. What they realized is that babysitters. What they realized is that babysitters. What they realized is that their kids had been watching too much their kids had been watching too much their kids had been watching too much Peppa the Pig. So these kids started Peppa the Pig. So these kids started Peppa the Pig. So these kids started talking like Peppa. You see, they were talking like Peppa. You see, they were talking like Peppa. You see, they were just exposed to it over and over until just exposed to it over and over until just exposed to it over and over until it actually began shaping how they it actually began shaping how they it actually began shaping how they talked to the point that they started talked to the point that they started talked to the point that they started calling it the Peppa effect. See, what calling it the Peppa effect. See, what calling it the Peppa effect. See, what Paul is showing us is that you and I Paul is showing us is that you and I Paul is showing us is that you and I don't have to choose something don't have to choose something don't have to choose something consciously in order for it to shape us consciously in order for it to shape us consciously in order for it to shape us deeply. We say this all the time. What deeply. We say this all the time. What deeply. We say this all the time. What you behold you eventually become. What you behold you eventually become. What you behold you eventually become. What you watch and who you follow and what you watch and who you follow and what you watch and who you follow and what you listen to, those things are not you listen to, those things are not you listen to, those things are not neutral. Those are all things that are neutral. Those are all things that are neutral. Those are all things that are windows into the type of person you are windows into the type of person you are windows into the type of person you are becoming. And so what we try to do, we becoming. And so what we try to do, we becoming. And so what we try to do, we try to fool ourselves by saying things try to fool ourselves by saying things try to fool ourselves by saying things like, "Well, no, no, no. I'm not like, "Well, no, no, no. I'm not like, "Well, no, no, no. I'm not becoming I don't actually do that. Like, becoming I don't actually do that. Like, becoming I don't actually do that. Like, I'm just listening or I'm just watching I'm just listening or I'm just watching I'm just listening or I'm just watching or I'm just hanging out. I'm just or I'm just hanging out. I'm just or I'm just hanging out. I'm just scrolling. I'm not actually scrolling. I'm not actually scrolling. I'm not actually participating in that." But the reality participating in that." But the reality participating in that." But the reality is as you are doing that you are being is as you are doing that you are being is as you are doing that you are being formed. You don't have to call someone formed. You don't have to call someone formed. You don't have to call someone or something your mentor in order for or something your mentor in order for or something your mentor in order for them to form you. You got to know your them to form you. You got to know your them to form you. You got to know your algorithm is forming you. The friends algorithm is forming you. The friends algorithm is forming you. The friends you choose are forming you. Your you choose are forming you. Your you choose are forming you. Your favorite podcast is forming you. Your favorite podcast is forming you. Your favorite podcast is forming you. Your appetites are forming you. The things

appetites are forming you. The things appetites are forming you. The things you spend money on are forming you. The you spend money on are forming you. The you spend money on are forming you. The question is not am I being formed. The question is not am I being formed. The question is not am I being formed. The question is who and what is forming me? question is who and what is forming me? question is who and what is forming me? because formation is happening all the because formation is happening all the because formation is happening all the time. time. time. So the question you should be asking So the question you should be asking So the question you should be asking yourself is who am I becoming without yourself is who am I becoming without yourself is who am I becoming without even realizing it. even realizing it. even realizing it. That's why Paul says that we got to That's why Paul says that we got to That's why Paul says that we got to choose our examples carefully. Again, choose our examples carefully. Again, choose our examples carefully. Again, you got to realize that nobody you you got to realize that nobody you you got to realize that nobody you follow is neutral. Man, every single follow is neutral. Man, every single follow is neutral. Man, every single person you follow is preaching a version person you follow is preaching a version person you follow is preaching a version of what to love and what to chase and of what to love and what to chase and of what to love and what to chase and what your heart should desire and what what your heart should desire and what what your heart should desire and what you should envy and what should be you should envy and what should be you should envy and what should be normal in your life. Every single person normal in your life. Every single person normal in your life. Every single person you follow is teaching you a version of you follow is teaching you a version of you follow is teaching you a version of what they consider to be the good life. what they consider to be the good life. what they consider to be the good life. And they're trying to say the good life And they're trying to say the good life And they're trying to say the good life can be found right here in this world. can be found right here in this world. can be found right here in this world. So these are the things you need to So these are the things you need to So these are the things you need to participated in. These are the things participated in. These are the things participated in. These are the things you need to accumulate. you need to accumulate. you need to accumulate. This is fascinating. I I listened to This is fascinating. I I listened to This is fascinating. I I listened to this interview recently. Um I become this interview recently. Um I become this interview recently. Um I become like obsessed with all things by Arthur like obsessed with all things by Arthur like obsessed with all things by Arthur Brooks, the sociologist. Just think he's Brooks, the sociologist. Just think he's Brooks, the sociologist. Just think he's brilliant. And it was fascinating brilliant. And it was fascinating brilliant. And it was fascinating because Arthur Brooks was essentially uh because Arthur Brooks was essentially uh because Arthur Brooks was essentially uh talking about why happiness levels in talking about why happiness levels in talking about why happiness levels in the United States have continued to just the United States have continued to just the United States have continued to just decrease year-over-year, decrease, decrease year-over-year, decrease, decrease year-over-year, decrease, decrease, decrease even though comfort decrease, decrease even though comfort decrease, decrease even though comfort and options and accessibility in and options and accessibility in and options and accessibility in entertainment continues to increase. So, entertainment continues to increase. So, entertainment continues to increase. So, so the things of this world would say so the things of this world would say so the things of this world would say get these things and they'll provide you get these things and they'll provide you get these things and they'll provide you happiness. He says the more we have of happiness. He says the more we have of happiness. He says the more we have of those available to us actually what the those available to us actually what the those available to us actually what the data shows is that happiness levels have data shows is that happiness levels have data shows is that happiness levels have decreased. And he summarized his

decreased. And he summarized his decreased. And he summarized his findings by saying that the reason he findings by saying that the reason he findings by saying that the reason he thinks people are not happy is because thinks people are not happy is because thinks people are not happy is because they are living according to these are they are living according to these are they are living according to these are his words a dark and worldly formula. He his words a dark and worldly formula. He his words a dark and worldly formula. He calls it the dark triad. He he said in calls it the dark triad. He he said in calls it the dark triad. He he said in the dark worldly formula, what we're the dark worldly formula, what we're the dark worldly formula, what we're told to do is to love things, told to do is to love things, told to do is to love things, use people, and worship ourselves. use people, and worship ourselves. use people, and worship ourselves. Y'all tell me that's not Philippians Y'all tell me that's not Philippians Y'all tell me that's not Philippians 3:19. God is their belly, glory is their 3:19. God is their belly, glory is their 3:19. God is their belly, glory is their shame, mindset on earthly things. The shame, mindset on earthly things. The shame, mindset on earthly things. The the dark triad is, man, you want to be the dark triad is, man, you want to be the dark triad is, man, you want to be happy, accumulate as many things as you happy, accumulate as many things as you happy, accumulate as many things as you can, man. Just love things. Use people can, man. Just love things. Use people can, man. Just love things. Use people so they can, you know, get you can get so they can, you know, get you can get so they can, you know, get you can get as far along in life as you can. just as far along in life as you can. just as far along in life as you can. just use people and then you just got to use people and then you just got to use people and then you just got to worship yourself. Be the true you. Like worship yourself. Be the true you. Like worship yourself. Be the true you. Like it's all about you. But man, it's not it's all about you. But man, it's not it's all about you. But man, it's not working. And so Brooks goes on to working. And so Brooks goes on to working. And so Brooks goes on to explain that he says we will only find explain that he says we will only find explain that he says we will only find joy actually when we reverse that joy actually when we reverse that joy actually when we reverse that formula into what he calls the light formula into what he calls the light formula into what he calls the light formula. And in the light formula, he formula. And in the light formula, he formula. And in the light formula, he said we are to use things, love people, said we are to use things, love people, said we are to use things, love people, and worship his words, the divine. Like and worship his words, the divine. Like and worship his words, the divine. Like man, we're we're to use things like man, we're we're to use things like man, we're we're to use things like enjoy things. God is the giver of all enjoy things. God is the giver of all enjoy things. God is the giver of all good gifts. Yesterday I hope you enjoyed good gifts. Yesterday I hope you enjoyed good gifts. Yesterday I hope you enjoyed a fat steak. I hope you enjoyed the a fat steak. I hope you enjoyed the a fat steak. I hope you enjoyed the pool. I hope you enjoyed like whatever pool. I hope you enjoyed like whatever pool. I hope you enjoyed like whatever your boat like whatever. Like use your boat like whatever. Like use your boat like whatever. Like use things. Things are awesome as long as things. Things are awesome as long as things. Things are awesome as long as they don't use us. But we use things. We they don't use us. But we use things. We they don't use us. But we use things. We love people. Love one another. Love one love people. Love one another. Love one love people. Love one another. Love one another. Love one another. And then we another. Love one another. And then we another. Love one another. And then we worship God. Y'all tell me that is not worship God. Y'all tell me that is not worship God. Y'all tell me that is not the way of Christ. Use things. Love the way of Christ. Use things. Love the way of Christ. Use things. Love people. Worship God. But the problem is

people. Worship God. But the problem is people. Worship God. But the problem is that way of life is not natural to us. that way of life is not natural to us. that way of life is not natural to us. And that's definitely the formula, not And that's definitely the formula, not And that's definitely the formula, not the formula that the world tries to tell the formula that the world tries to tell the formula that the world tries to tell us is going to bring us joy. No. So what us is going to bring us joy. No. So what us is going to bring us joy. No. So what Paul is saying is, hey, this Christlike Paul is saying is, hey, this Christlike Paul is saying is, hey, this Christlike model has to actually be modeled. You model has to actually be modeled. You model has to actually be modeled. You got to see somebody that's living it got to see somebody that's living it got to see somebody that's living it out. It has to be learned. And so he out. It has to be learned. And so he out. It has to be learned. And so he says, you got to keep your eyes on those says, you got to keep your eyes on those says, you got to keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you who walk according to the example you who walk according to the example you have in us. In other words, the question have in us. In other words, the question have in us. In other words, the question you should be asking is not simply, do I you should be asking is not simply, do I you should be asking is not simply, do I like this person, but do I want to like this person, but do I want to like this person, but do I want to become like this person? become like this person? become like this person? What am I intaking and what is it What am I intaking and what is it What am I intaking and what is it forming me into? And so again, this week forming me into? And so again, this week forming me into? And so again, this week I want you to audit kind of three I want you to audit kind of three I want you to audit kind of three things. Okay? Number one, I want you to things. Okay? Number one, I want you to things. Okay? Number one, I want you to audit who has my ear. audit who has my ear. audit who has my ear. Like who am I listening to that's Like who am I listening to that's Like who am I listening to that's influencing my thinking, my mind? influencing my thinking, my mind? influencing my thinking, my mind? Number two, who has my eyes? Number two, who has my eyes? Number two, who has my eyes? Who am I watching and admiring that is Who am I watching and admiring that is Who am I watching and admiring that is actually influencing my desires? actually influencing my desires? actually influencing my desires? Who am I looking at on Instagram and I'm Who am I looking at on Instagram and I'm Who am I looking at on Instagram and I'm saying, "Man, I I want that life." And saying, "Man, I I want that life." And saying, "Man, I I want that life." And then you're trying to attain it. And then you're trying to attain it. And then you're trying to attain it. And then lastly, who has my calendar?

then lastly, who has my calendar? then lastly, who has my calendar? Am I prioritizing godly examples or am I Am I prioritizing godly examples or am I Am I prioritizing godly examples or am I prioritizing worldly ones? prioritizing worldly ones? prioritizing worldly ones? Because see, whoever has your ear, Because see, whoever has your ear, Because see, whoever has your ear, whoever has your eyes, and whoever has whoever has your eyes, and whoever has whoever has your eyes, and whoever has your calendar probably has the future your calendar probably has the future your calendar probably has the future version of you. Growing up, maturing in version of you. Growing up, maturing in version of you. Growing up, maturing in Christ means choosing examples of things Christ means choosing examples of things Christ means choosing examples of things and people that are forming you into the and people that are forming you into the and people that are forming you into the type of person that you want to become type of person that you want to become type of person that you want to become in Christ. So, that's the third thing. in Christ. So, that's the third thing. in Christ. So, that's the third thing. And then here's our last way we grow up. And then here's our last way we grow up. And then here's our last way we grow up. Number four is you and I got to learn to Number four is you and I got to learn to Number four is you and I got to learn to wait for the right savior. wait for the right savior. wait for the right savior. And Paul ends this, I love it because he And Paul ends this, I love it because he And Paul ends this, I love it because he says, "You want to grow up, there's says, "You want to grow up, there's says, "You want to grow up, there's actually nothing you need to do except actually nothing you need to do except actually nothing you need to do except for wait for the right savior." And man, for wait for the right savior." And man, for wait for the right savior." And man, what I I love that he ends this because what I I love that he ends this because what I I love that he ends this because man, this weekend our country celebrated man, this weekend our country celebrated man, this weekend our country celebrated his 250th birthday. And listen, I hope his 250th birthday. And listen, I hope his 250th birthday. And listen, I hope you went all out, y'all. Like Like I got you went all out, y'all. Like Like I got you went all out, y'all. Like Like I got the bald eagle hat. I got the America the bald eagle hat. I got the America the bald eagle hat. I got the America shirt. I got these cut off jean shorts shirt. I got these cut off jean shorts shirt. I got these cut off jean shorts that my wife simultaneously hates and that my wife simultaneously hates and that my wife simultaneously hates and loves. Um and man, I go after those loves. Um and man, I go after those loves. Um and man, I go after those things and I'm pumping the music like things and I'm pumping the music like things and I'm pumping the music like God bless you. We are going crazy for God bless you. We are going crazy for God bless you. We are going crazy for this because man, there are a lot of this because man, there are a lot of this because man, there are a lot of things you and I have to be grateful things you and I have to be grateful things you and I have to be grateful for. We have freedoms and opportunities for. We have freedoms and opportunities for. We have freedoms and opportunities and protections and blessings that much and protections and blessings that much and protections and blessings that much of the modern world has never known. And of the modern world has never known. And of the modern world has never known. And we should be beyond thankful for that.

we should be beyond thankful for that. we should be beyond thankful for that. And we should celebrate it. Like we can And we should celebrate it. Like we can And we should celebrate it. Like we can build businesses and raise our kids and build businesses and raise our kids and build businesses and raise our kids and speak freely and vote according to our speak freely and vote according to our speak freely and vote according to our conscience. We can gather. I mean this conscience. We can gather. I mean this conscience. We can gather. I mean this morning like we can gather together. I morning like we can gather together. I morning like we can gather together. I can open this book. I can stand on top can open this book. I can stand on top can open this book. I can stand on top of this building and shout the name of of this building and shout the name of of this building and shout the name of Jesus without fear. And I hope you Jesus without fear. And I hope you Jesus without fear. And I hope you realize that those freedoms are rare and realize that those freedoms are rare and realize that those freedoms are rare and those freedoms have been purchased at a those freedoms have been purchased at a those freedoms have been purchased at a tremendous price. tremendous price. tremendous price. Yet, Yet, Yet, even with all that we have to be even with all that we have to be even with all that we have to be grateful for in this amazing country, grateful for in this amazing country, grateful for in this amazing country, and you should be grateful, Philippians and you should be grateful, Philippians and you should be grateful, Philippians chapter 3 reminds us that America is not chapter 3 reminds us that America is not chapter 3 reminds us that America is not our ultimate home. our ultimate home. our ultimate home. Our citizenship is in heaven. Our citizenship is in heaven. Our citizenship is in heaven. The Bible does not end with stars and The Bible does not end with stars and The Bible does not end with stars and stripes. It ends with every tribe and stripes. It ends with every tribe and stripes. It ends with every tribe and tongue and nation gathered around the tongue and nation gathered around the tongue and nation gathered around the throne of the lamb. And so Paul says in throne of the lamb. And so Paul says in throne of the lamb. And so Paul says in verse 20, man, our citizenship is in verse 20, man, our citizenship is in verse 20, man, our citizenship is in heaven and from it we await our savior, heaven and from it we await our savior, heaven and from it we await our savior, the lord Jesus Christ. And so you got to the lord Jesus Christ. And so you got to the lord Jesus Christ. And so you got to understand the context here because in understand the context here because in understand the context here because in Rome again who Philippi belonged to, Rome again who Philippi belonged to, Rome again who Philippi belonged to, Caesar was the one who everybody called Caesar was the one who everybody called Caesar was the one who everybody called savior. Caesar was the one who everybody savior. Caesar was the one who everybody savior. Caesar was the one who everybody called lord. Caesar was the one who they called lord. Caesar was the one who they called lord. Caesar was the one who they thought was going to bring them peace thought was going to bring them peace thought was going to bring them peace and protection and joy and identity and and protection and joy and identity and and protection and joy and identity and security. And what Paul is saying is, security. And what Paul is saying is, security. And what Paul is saying is, "No, no, no, no, no, no. Your savior is "No, no, no, no, no, no. Your savior is "No, no, no, no, no, no. Your savior is not Rome. Your savior is not Caesar.

not Rome. Your savior is not Caesar. not Rome. Your savior is not Caesar. Your savior does not come from any Your savior does not come from any Your savior does not come from any earthly empire or earthly thing because earthly empire or earthly thing because earthly empire or earthly thing because this world can only offer up saviors who this world can only offer up saviors who this world can only offer up saviors who in the end are going to end up needing in the end are going to end up needing in the end are going to end up needing saving. At best, this world cannot offer saving. At best, this world cannot offer saving. At best, this world cannot offer you any political savior or any career you any political savior or any career you any political savior or any career savior or any earthly relationship savior or any earthly relationship savior or any earthly relationship savior or any body image savior or any savior or any body image savior or any savior or any body image savior or any comfort savior. But every earthly savior comfort savior. But every earthly savior comfort savior. But every earthly savior eventually collapses under the weight of eventually collapses under the weight of eventually collapses under the weight of what only Jesus can carry. And so if what only Jesus can carry. And so if what only Jesus can carry. And so if your hope rises or falls with elections your hope rises or falls with elections your hope rises or falls with elections or markets or a scale or your kid's or markets or a scale or your kid's or markets or a scale or your kid's success or your reputation, then what success or your reputation, then what success or your reputation, then what Paul is saying is that functionally you Paul is saying is that functionally you Paul is saying is that functionally you are waiting on and worshiping the wrong are waiting on and worshiping the wrong are waiting on and worshiping the wrong savior and one day that savior will savior and one day that savior will savior and one day that savior will crumble. No, as Christians, he says, as crumble. No, as Christians, he says, as crumble. No, as Christians, he says, as those who are heavenly citizens, he says those who are heavenly citizens, he says those who are heavenly citizens, he says we await a savior and then he names him. we await a savior and then he names him. we await a savior and then he names him. I love it. The Lord Jesus Christ. And I love it. The Lord Jesus Christ. And I love it. The Lord Jesus Christ. And y'all, the Lord Jesus Christ is not y'all, the Lord Jesus Christ is not y'all, the Lord Jesus Christ is not fragile. He is not temporary. He is not fragile. He is not temporary. He is not fragile. He is not temporary. He is not corruptable. He is not limited. And corruptable. He is not limited. And corruptable. He is not limited. And y'all, he ain't up for reelection. No y'all, he ain't up for reelection. No y'all, he ain't up for reelection. No army can come against him. No election army can come against him. No election army can come against him. No election can dethrone him. No government can can dethrone him. No government can can dethrone him. No government can overrule him. No market can bankrupt overrule him. No market can bankrupt overrule him. No market can bankrupt him. No disease can outlast him. No him. No disease can outlast him. No him. No disease can outlast him. No demon can overpower him. And it just demon can overpower him. And it just demon can overpower him. And it just keeps getting better. No weakness can keeps getting better. No weakness can keeps getting better. No weakness can exhaust him. No sin can surprise him. No exhaust him. No sin can surprise him. No exhaust him. No sin can surprise him. No sorrow can intimidate him. And ain't no

sorrow can intimidate him. And ain't no sorrow can intimidate him. And ain't no enemy can stop him. Not even death. He enemy can stop him. Not even death. He enemy can stop him. Not even death. He is not pacing heaven worried about the is not pacing heaven worried about the is not pacing heaven worried about the future or his approval ratings or how future or his approval ratings or how future or his approval ratings or how the vote is going to turn out. No, right the vote is going to turn out. No, right the vote is going to turn out. No, right now he is the risen reigning ruling and now he is the risen reigning ruling and now he is the risen reigning ruling and one day to be returning king. And that one day to be returning king. And that one day to be returning king. And that is the king we wait on. See, Paul says this heavenly savior is See, Paul says this heavenly savior is coming. coming. coming. And when he does, verse 21, he's going And when he does, verse 21, he's going And when he does, verse 21, he's going to transform our lowly bodies to transform our lowly bodies to transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body. to be like his glorious body. to be like his glorious body. And he's going to do it by the power And he's going to do it by the power And he's going to do it by the power that enables him even to subject all that enables him even to subject all that enables him even to subject all things to himself. things to himself. things to himself. See what he's saying? See what he's saying? See what he's saying? He's saying the same power that brings He's saying the same power that brings He's saying the same power that brings en every enemy under the feet of Jesus en every enemy under the feet of Jesus en every enemy under the feet of Jesus is the same power that he's going to use is the same power that he's going to use is the same power that he's going to use to one day make you whole. to one day make you whole. to one day make you whole. That means you and I, as he writes, we That means you and I, as he writes, we That means you and I, as he writes, we can stand firm now knowing that no can stand firm now knowing that no can stand firm now knowing that no earthly weakness gets the final word in earthly weakness gets the final word in earthly weakness gets the final word in our lives.

our lives. our lives. Your aging body does not get the final Your aging body does not get the final Your aging body does not get the final word. word. word. Your cancer does not get the final word. Your cancer does not get the final word. Your cancer does not get the final word. Your grief does not get the final word. Your grief does not get the final word. Your grief does not get the final word. Your body is not always going to be this Your body is not always going to be this Your body is not always going to be this weak. Your temptations are not always weak. Your temptations are not always weak. Your temptations are not always going to be this strong. Your anxiety is going to be this strong. Your anxiety is going to be this strong. Your anxiety is not always going to be this viscerable. not always going to be this viscerable. not always going to be this viscerable. That heartbreak will not last forever That heartbreak will not last forever That heartbreak will not last forever because your savior is coming. And he's because your savior is coming. And he's because your savior is coming. And he's not just coming to kind of manage the not just coming to kind of manage the not just coming to kind of manage the decay of what is and smack some paint on decay of what is and smack some paint on decay of what is and smack some paint on the walls and make it look better. No, the walls and make it look better. No, the walls and make it look better. No, he's coming to transform it all and to he's coming to transform it all and to he's coming to transform it all and to make all things new. And the point Paul make all things new. And the point Paul make all things new. And the point Paul is making is that if he can hold the is making is that if he can hold the is making is that if he can hold the entire universe together, then surely he entire universe together, then surely he entire universe together, then surely he can hold you together until the day that can hold you together until the day that can hold you together until the day that he comes he comes he comes family. That's the good life. family. That's the good life. family. That's the good life. The good life is not pretending you're The good life is not pretending you're The good life is not pretending you're perfect, but it's not feeding the flesh, perfect, but it's not feeding the flesh, perfect, but it's not feeding the flesh, calling it some type of freedom. It's calling it some type of freedom. It's calling it some type of freedom. It's not steer staring in the rearview mirror not steer staring in the rearview mirror not steer staring in the rearview mirror just ruminating on all the things that just ruminating on all the things that just ruminating on all the things that have happened in your life. It's not have happened in your life. It's not have happened in your life. It's not being formed by in all the ways that the being formed by in all the ways that the being formed by in all the ways that the world tells you to find joy and peace.

world tells you to find joy and peace. world tells you to find joy and peace. It's not waiting for some earthly savior It's not waiting for some earthly savior It's not waiting for some earthly savior that's going to come make your life that's going to come make your life that's going to come make your life whole. whole. whole. It's living now like heaven is your It's living now like heaven is your It's living now like heaven is your home. home. home. Not earth, not even America. Not earth, not even America. Not earth, not even America. No, the good life is pursuing Jesus here No, the good life is pursuing Jesus here No, the good life is pursuing Jesus here until we get to see him and become like until we get to see him and become like until we get to see him and become like him there. him there. him there. But for now, we got to start growing up. But for now, we got to start growing up. But for now, we got to start growing up. That happens as we tell the truth about That happens as we tell the truth about That happens as we tell the truth about where we are. As we set our eyes on where we are. As we set our eyes on where we are. As we set our eyes on where we're going, as we choose where we're going, as we choose where we're going, as we choose carefully who we follow, and as we stand carefully who we follow, and as we stand carefully who we follow, and as we stand firm, as we await on our savior, and firm, as we await on our savior, and firm, as we await on our savior, and until that day, church, by grace, we until that day, church, by grace, we until that day, church, by grace, we press on. press on. press on. And so, Father God, I thank you for the And so, Father God, I thank you for the And so, Father God, I thank you for the blood of Jesus. blood of Jesus. blood of Jesus. I thank you that because of it, we are I thank you that because of it, we are I thank you that because of it, we are no longer strangers of God, but we are no longer strangers of God, but we are no longer strangers of God, but we are citizens of heaven. citizens of heaven. citizens of heaven. Father, I pray that you would remind all Father, I pray that you would remind all Father, I pray that you would remind all of us that this world is not our of us that this world is not our of us that this world is not our permanent home. Would you give us the permanent home. Would you give us the permanent home. Would you give us the faith to look forward to our heavenly faith to look forward to our heavenly faith to look forward to our heavenly home that is to come and live according home that is to come and live according home that is to come and live according to those values? But for now, we press to those values? But for now, we press to those values? But for now, we press on. We await our savior. And it's in his on. We await our savior. And it's in his on. We await our savior. And it's in his precious and holy name we pray. Amen.

precious and holy name we pray. Amen. precious and holy name we pray. Amen. And amen. church. Let's stand together and let's church. Let's stand together and let's fix our eyes on Jesus. As we continue fix our eyes on Jesus. As we continue fix our eyes on Jesus. As we continue singing this morning, One gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer. One gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer. There is no more for heaven now to give. There is no more for heaven now to give. There is no more for heaven now to give. He is my joy, my righteousness and free. He is my joy, my righteousness and free. He is my joy, my righteousness and free. My steadfast love, my deep and boundless My steadfast love, my deep and boundless My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace.

peace. peace. To this I hope, my hope is only Jesus. To this I hope, my hope is only Jesus. To this I hope, my hope is only Jesus. For my life is holy, bound to his. For my life is holy, bound to his. For my life is holy, bound to his. Oh, how strange and divine. I can see Oh, how strange and divine. I can see Oh, how strange and divine. I can see holy fire and not I but through Christ. The night is dark, but I not The night is dark, but I not for my side the savior he will say. for my side the savior he will say. for my side the savior he will say. I labor on and we stand and rejoice. I labor on and we stand and rejoice. I labor on and we stand and rejoice. For in my name, his power is this.

For in my name, his power is this. For in my name, his power is this. To this I hold. My sheer will defend me To this I hold. My sheer will defend me To this I hold. My sheer will defend me through the demon. through the demon. through the demon. He will be He will be He will be for the night. for the night. for the night. And I shall overcome And I shall overcome And I shall overcome my eyes through Christ. I dread. I know I am. I dread. I know I am. The future sure the price has been paid The future sure the price has been paid The future sure the price has been paid for Jesus for Jesus for Jesus and s for my heart. and s for my heart. and s for my heart. And he was raised to over to this I hope my sin has been defeated.

to this I hope my sin has been defeated. Jesus now Jesus now Jesus now is my chain. chain. I can see I am free and I will rise to every breath I long to follow Jesus every breath I long to follow Jesus for he has said that he will bring me for he has said that he will bring me for he has said that he will bring me home. home. home. And day by day I know he will renew And day by day I know he will renew And day by day I know he will renew until I stand with joy before the Lord. until I stand with joy before the Lord. until I stand with joy before the Lord. To my hope, my hope is only Jesus.

To my hope, my hope is only Jesus. To my hope, my hope is only Jesus. All the glory All the glory All the glory ever to him. ever to him. ever to him. When the race is coming to my sh is my home. My hope is only Jesus. is my home. My hope is only Jesus. All the glory When the race is complete, still my lips When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat. Yet not I, but through shall repeat. Yet not I, but through shall repeat. Yet not I, but through Christ in me. Christ in me. Christ in me. Yet not I, but through Christ in me.

Yet not I, but through Christ in me. Yet not I, but through Christ in me. Yet not I, but through Christ in me. Summit family. I love that after the Summit family. I love that after the word Pastor Curtis brought to us this word Pastor Curtis brought to us this word Pastor Curtis brought to us this morning about maturing and growing in morning about maturing and growing in morning about maturing and growing in Christ and being fully formed in him Christ and being fully formed in him Christ and being fully formed in him that we sang the song yet not I but that we sang the song yet not I but that we sang the song yet not I but Christ in me because it's not the work Christ in me because it's not the work Christ in me because it's not the work that we do for him it's the work he does that we do for him it's the work he does that we do for him it's the work he does in us changing us and transforming us in us changing us and transforming us in us changing us and transforming us more into his image and look the hope more into his image and look the hope more into his image and look the hope that you heard today of the gospel of G that you heard today of the gospel of G that you heard today of the gospel of G Jesus Christ the world around you Jesus Christ the world around you Jesus Christ the world around you doesn't have that hope so they're living doesn't have that hope so they're living doesn't have that hope so they're living their lives without the knowledge of their lives without the knowledge of their lives without the knowledge of Jesus Christ that there's a God that Jesus Christ that there's a God that Jesus Christ that there's a God that loves them so much that he would send loves them so much that he would send loves them so much that he would send his son for them. And look, I want you his son for them. And look, I want you his son for them. And look, I want you along with the questions Pastor Curtis along with the questions Pastor Curtis along with the questions Pastor Curtis gave us today to go and tell people gave us today to go and tell people gave us today to go and tell people about the love of God this week. Our about the love of God this week. Our about the love of God this week. Our prayer teams are going to be on the prayer teams are going to be on the prayer teams are going to be on the side. We want to be able to pray with side. We want to be able to pray with side. We want to be able to pray with you about anything today. Especially if you about anything today. Especially if you about anything today. Especially if you heard some something today and you you heard some something today and you you heard some something today and you want to surrender your life to Jesus want to surrender your life to Jesus want to surrender your life to Jesus Christ and be saved today. Come and talk Christ and be saved today. Come and talk Christ and be saved today. Come and talk to one of us. Maybe you want to be bapt to one of us. Maybe you want to be bapt to one of us. Maybe you want to be bapt baptized. That's your next step in baptized. That's your next step in baptized. That's your next step in maturing and growing in your maturing and growing in your maturing and growing in your relationship with Jesus Christ. We want relationship with Jesus Christ. We want relationship with Jesus Christ. We want to take that step with you before all of to take that step with you before all of to take that step with you before all of us uh send you out today that you would us uh send you out today that you would us uh send you out today that you would go and take the hope that you heard of go and take the hope that you heard of go and take the hope that you heard of of Jesus Christ today. The hope that is of Jesus Christ today. The hope that is of Jesus Christ today. The hope that is in your heart and that you believe. Go in your heart and that you believe. Go in your heart and that you believe. Go and take that hope into a lost world and take that hope into a lost world and take that hope into a lost world this week. Share the love of Jesus this week. Share the love of Jesus this week. Share the love of Jesus Christ with them. Invite them back with Christ with them. Invite them back with Christ with them. Invite them back with you next Sunday. Summit. You were loved you next Sunday. Summit. You were loved you next Sunday. Summit. You were loved and you were sent.

hey, hey, hey. are.

are. Yeah,