Grow & Gather – Sermon – Mason King – 7/26/26

Hey guys, Pastor Matt here. Um, one of Hey guys, Pastor Matt here. Um, one of our visions at The Village Church is we our visions at The Village Church is we our visions at The Village Church is we want to be a place that resources want to be a place that resources want to be a place that resources liberally the big C Church of Jesus liberally the big C Church of Jesus liberally the big C Church of Jesus Christ. And if by His grace we might Christ. And if by His grace we might Christ. And if by His grace we might leave a kingdom legacy with those leave a kingdom legacy with those leave a kingdom legacy with those resources, we want to be all about that. resources, we want to be all about that. resources, we want to be all about that. And so thanks for watching this sermon And so thanks for watching this sermon And so thanks for watching this sermon or preparing to watch this sermon. I'm or preparing to watch this sermon. I'm or preparing to watch this sermon. I'm praying that you're watching this in praying that you're watching this in praying that you're watching this in community in conjunction with your community in conjunction with your community in conjunction with your ongoing discipleship at a local church. ongoing discipleship at a local church. ongoing discipleship at a local church. And and if by the grace of God this And and if by the grace of God this And and if by the grace of God this becomes one of those things that becomes one of those things that becomes one of those things that continues to build up your faith, continues to build up your faith, continues to build up your faith, encourage your walk, fuel your love for encourage your walk, fuel your love for encourage your walk, fuel your love for Jesus, would you consider giving to the Jesus, would you consider giving to the Jesus, would you consider giving to the ministries of the Village Church? It's ministries of the Village Church? It's ministries of the Village Church? It's actually really simple. You can either actually really simple. You can either actually really simple. You can either do it in the app or you can go to the do it in the app or you can go to the do it in the app or you can go to the villagechurch.net/give villagechurch.net/give villagechurch.net/give and and do it there. I hope that the and and do it there. I hope that the and and do it there. I hope that the next chunk of time as you watch this next chunk of time as you watch this next chunk of time as you watch this sermon, you find your affections for sermon, you find your affections for sermon, you find your affections for Jesus soaring, you find courage flood Jesus soaring, you find courage flood Jesus soaring, you find courage flood back into your bones, and you fall more back into your bones, and you fall more back into your bones, and you fall more deeply in love with Jesus than you are deeply in love with Jesus than you are deeply in love with Jesus than you are this moment. God bless you.

For years I've been circling around the For years I've been circling around the same question in the Christian life. same question in the Christian life. same question in the Christian life. This is the question. This is the question. This is the question. How do we become who God wants us to be? How do we become who God wants us to be? How do we become who God wants us to be? How do we become who God wants us to be? How do we become who God wants us to be? How do we become who God wants us to be? And our passage in 2 Peter is one that I And our passage in 2 Peter is one that I And our passage in 2 Peter is one that I keep circling back to because it keep circling back to because it keep circling back to because it provides a line of thought in the provides a line of thought in the provides a line of thought in the Christian life that helps me when I Christian life that helps me when I Christian life that helps me when I wonder, what's the next right thing to wonder, what's the next right thing to wonder, what's the next right thing to do? do? do? Like who am I supposed to become? Like who am I supposed to become? Like who am I supposed to become? And we've said for years here that God And we've said for years here that God And we've said for years here that God is not looking for a future version of is not looking for a future version of is not looking for a future version of you to love. you to love. you to love. He's not looking for a future version of He's not looking for a future version of He's not looking for a future version of you to love. He loves you now. you to love. He loves you now. you to love. He loves you now. He loved you while you were his enemy. He loved you while you were his enemy. He loved you while you were his enemy. He loves you in your rebellion, in your He loves you in your rebellion, in your He loves you in your rebellion, in your self-centeredness, your half-hearted self-centeredness, your half-hearted self-centeredness, your half-hearted obedience, and he loves you out of it obedience, and he loves you out of it obedience, and he loves you out of it by the grace of Jesus. by the grace of Jesus. by the grace of Jesus. And cuz he shows you Jesus. And you see And cuz he shows you Jesus. And you see And cuz he shows you Jesus. And you see Jesus rightly, you respond. Like this is Jesus rightly, you respond. Like this is Jesus rightly, you respond. Like this is this is what happens when the Spirit this is what happens when the Spirit this is what happens when the Spirit shows you the beauty of Christ, you shows you the beauty of Christ, you shows you the beauty of Christ, you can't help but want to come to him. can't help but want to come to him. can't help but want to come to him. That's the effectual call of grace. Like That's the effectual call of grace. Like That's the effectual call of grace. Like you see Christ in his glory and beauty you see Christ in his glory and beauty you see Christ in his glory and beauty and you think, "I don't want anyone and you think, "I don't want anyone and you think, "I don't want anyone else. else. else. I don't want anything else."

I don't want anything else." I don't want anything else." And you respond to him. And you respond to him. And you respond to him. And God's not looking for a future And God's not looking for a future And God's not looking for a future version of you to love, and like any version of you to love, and like any version of you to love, and like any good parent, he has a future version of good parent, he has a future version of good parent, he has a future version of you in mind. you in mind. you in mind. He knows who he wants you to become in He knows who he wants you to become in He knows who he wants you to become in grace. grace. grace. He wants you and me to mature in Christ, He wants you and me to mature in Christ, He wants you and me to mature in Christ, to grow into his good design, to bear to grow into his good design, to bear to grow into his good design, to bear fruit from the overflow of a life fruit from the overflow of a life fruit from the overflow of a life maturing by grace. maturing by grace. maturing by grace. God designed life, and he knows how we God designed life, and he knows how we God designed life, and he knows how we will best experience it. And he's will best experience it. And he's will best experience it. And he's provided everything we need. provided everything we need. provided everything we need. Everything. Everything. Everything. That's 2 Peter 1:3-4. Peter tells us That's 2 Peter 1:3-4. Peter tells us That's 2 Peter 1:3-4. Peter tells us this. He says, this. He says, this. He says, "His divine power has given us "His divine power has given us "His divine power has given us everything required for life and everything required for life and everything required for life and godliness." godliness." godliness." What's he given us? What's he given us? What's he given us? "Everything required for life and "Everything required for life and "Everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him godliness, through the knowledge of him godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and who called us by his own glory and who called us by his own glory and goodness. goodness. goodness. And by these he has given us very great And by these he has given us very great And by these he has given us very great and precious promises that he would and precious promises that he would and precious promises that he would never leave you nor forsake you. never leave you nor forsake you. never leave you nor forsake you. That he would care for you and keep you. That he would care for you and keep you. That he would care for you and keep you. That he would put his Spirit inside of That he would put his Spirit inside of That he would put his Spirit inside of you.

you. you. And that you might grow in the likeness And that you might grow in the likeness And that you might grow in the likeness of your savior. of your savior. of your savior. So that you through them, these So that you through them, these So that you through them, these promises, you may share in the divine promises, you may share in the divine promises, you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is nature, escaping the corruption that is nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire." in the world because of evil desire." in the world because of evil desire." Now, I like to read different Now, I like to read different Now, I like to read different translations of the Bible. Just helps me translations of the Bible. Just helps me translations of the Bible. Just helps me kind of get around the text. And one kind of get around the text. And one kind of get around the text. And one that I've come to be really fond of is a that I've come to be really fond of is a that I've come to be really fond of is a translation from the 1950s by a guy translation from the 1950s by a guy translation from the 1950s by a guy named J.B. Phillips. named J.B. Phillips. named J.B. Phillips. And C.S. Lewis helped this get published And C.S. Lewis helped this get published And C.S. Lewis helped this get published in the 1950s, and he said, "When I read in the 1950s, and he said, "When I read in the 1950s, and he said, "When I read Phillips' translation, it felt like Phillips' translation, it felt like Phillips' translation, it felt like reading an old friend again for the reading an old friend again for the reading an old friend again for the first time." first time." first time." Do you need a stronger endorsement? Do you need a stronger endorsement? Do you need a stronger endorsement? should talk about it, but it's pretty should talk about it, but it's pretty should talk about it, but it's pretty good. Uh good. Uh good. Uh here's two verses for you from Phillips' here's two verses for you from Phillips' here's two verses for you from Phillips' translation. He says this, translation. He says this, translation. He says this, "He has by his own action given us "He has by his own action given us "He has by his own action given us everything that is necessary for living everything that is necessary for living everything that is necessary for living the truly good life the truly good life the truly good life in allowing us to know the one who has in allowing us to know the one who has in allowing us to know the one who has called us to him through his own called us to him through his own called us to him through his own glorious goodness. glorious goodness. glorious goodness. It is through him that God's greatest It is through him that God's greatest It is through him that God's greatest and most precious promises have become and most precious promises have become and most precious promises have become available to us, making it possible for available to us, making it possible for available to us, making it possible for you to escape the inevitable you to escape the inevitable you to escape the inevitable disintegration that lust produces in the disintegration that lust produces in the disintegration that lust produces in the world world world and to share in God's essential nature."

and to share in God's essential nature." and to share in God's essential nature." I was studying, reading, got to that I was studying, reading, got to that I was studying, reading, got to that phrase, "inevitable disintegration phrase, "inevitable disintegration phrase, "inevitable disintegration of the world." And I thought, "That's of the world." And I thought, "That's of the world." And I thought, "That's what the world does." what the world does." what the world does." That's what sin, Satan, and the flesh That's what sin, Satan, and the flesh That's what sin, Satan, and the flesh are after. It's not that you would be are after. It's not that you would be are after. It's not that you would be made more whole, is that you would be made more whole, is that you would be made more whole, is that you would be continually disintegrated and taken continually disintegrated and taken continually disintegrated and taken apart. apart. apart. That you couldn't become who God wants That you couldn't become who God wants That you couldn't become who God wants you to be. you to be. you to be. And God, I And God, I And God, I my prayer this morning since I got up, I my prayer this morning since I got up, I my prayer this morning since I got up, I mean, all week and then this morning mean, all week and then this morning mean, all week and then this morning specifically, I was praying saying, specifically, I was praying saying, specifically, I was praying saying, "Lord, would you help your children know "Lord, would you help your children know "Lord, would you help your children know your love for them? your love for them? your love for them? Your love for them that has a vision for Your love for them that has a vision for Your love for them that has a vision for their life and has provided everything their life and has provided everything their life and has provided everything they need. they need. they need. That we would not doubt his goodness That we would not doubt his goodness That we would not doubt his goodness toward us, but we would actually see his toward us, but we would actually see his toward us, but we would actually see his love in such a way that the tightness of love in such a way that the tightness of love in such a way that the tightness of our hearts where we fight to provide for our hearts where we fight to provide for our hearts where we fight to provide for ourselves, the doubt that we have that ourselves, the doubt that we have that ourselves, the doubt that we have that he actually sees us would diminish. he actually sees us would diminish. he actually sees us would diminish. Because we realize that everything Because we realize that everything Because we realize that everything required for life and godliness he's required for life and godliness he's required for life and godliness he's given to us already in Jesus. given to us already in Jesus. given to us already in Jesus. You have to try harder. You have to earn You have to try harder. You have to earn You have to try harder. You have to earn things with God.

things with God. things with God. He's given it to you in Christ. So that He's given it to you in Christ. So that He's given it to you in Christ. So that you might escape the disintegration that you might escape the disintegration that you might escape the disintegration that the world produces. the world produces. the world produces. And when you escape that disintegration, And when you escape that disintegration, And when you escape that disintegration, what you find in life in Christ is what you find in life in Christ is what you find in life in Christ is actually integration, actually integration, actually integration, wholeness, wholeness, wholeness, an eternal quality of life by sharing in an eternal quality of life by sharing in an eternal quality of life by sharing in God's essential nature that you are God's essential nature that you are God's essential nature that you are united to Christ by faith. You are united to Christ by faith. You are united to Christ by faith. You are transformed into his likeness, not to transformed into his likeness, not to transformed into his likeness, not to become a little God, but become more become a little God, but become more become a little God, but become more human. human. human. To become Christ-like. To become Christ-like. To become Christ-like. Because his spirit lives in us. And how Because his spirit lives in us. And how Because his spirit lives in us. And how does this happen? does this happen? does this happen? Well, it happens by seeing God's beauty. Well, it happens by seeing God's beauty. Well, it happens by seeing God's beauty. By seeing his glory and goodness in the By seeing his glory and goodness in the By seeing his glory and goodness in the face of Jesus Christ and me responding face of Jesus Christ and me responding face of Jesus Christ and me responding in faith and trusting in what he's in faith and trusting in what he's in faith and trusting in what he's provided for you. provided for you. provided for you. And again, I've already asked you, what And again, I've already asked you, what And again, I've already asked you, what has he provided for you? has he provided for you? has he provided for you? Everything required for life and Everything required for life and Everything required for life and godliness. godliness. godliness. Everything required. Forgiveness, Everything required. Forgiveness, Everything required. Forgiveness, reconciliation, his spirit in you to reconciliation, his spirit in you to reconciliation, his spirit in you to never leave you nor forsake you, and a never leave you nor forsake you, and a never leave you nor forsake you, and a love that is beyond your definition and love that is beyond your definition and love that is beyond your definition and conception, which means it's deeper, conception, which means it's deeper, conception, which means it's deeper, stronger, infinitely more patient and stronger, infinitely more patient and stronger, infinitely more patient and providing than any love you have ever providing than any love you have ever providing than any love you have ever known from a human being.

known from a human being. known from a human being. God's love is altogether better. God's love is altogether better. God's love is altogether better. And he has provided for you. And it's And he has provided for you. And it's And he has provided for you. And it's not just for us. not just for us. not just for us. It's for all of his children. It's for all of his children. It's for all of his children. Including those who don't know him yet Including those who don't know him yet Including those who don't know him yet and who need to be gathered to hear the and who need to be gathered to hear the and who need to be gathered to hear the good news. good news. good news. His provision, his vision and provision His provision, his vision and provision His provision, his vision and provision for us is also our assurance. When we for us is also our assurance. When we for us is also our assurance. When we think it's on us to perform, think it's on us to perform, think it's on us to perform, it's on us to prove our worthy, on us to it's on us to prove our worthy, on us to it's on us to prove our worthy, on us to white-knuckle our way into holiness. I white-knuckle our way into holiness. I white-knuckle our way into holiness. I need to tell you, friend, the very need to tell you, friend, the very need to tell you, friend, the very things he asks of us, he equips us to things he asks of us, he equips us to things he asks of us, he equips us to do. do. do. He asks nothing of you that he has not He asks nothing of you that he has not He asks nothing of you that he has not provided for you. provided for you. provided for you. That he might equip you to walk in That he might equip you to walk in That he might equip you to walk in godliness. godliness. godliness. I told you before, we're all born I told you before, we're all born I told you before, we're all born looking for someone looking for us. looking for someone looking for us. looking for someone looking for us. Like we come into this world just Like we come into this world just Like we come into this world just looking around hoping that someone is looking around hoping that someone is looking around hoping that someone is looking towards us. I need to tell you, looking towards us. I need to tell you, looking towards us. I need to tell you, before you knew you needed God, God saw before you knew you needed God, God saw before you knew you needed God, God saw you. you. you. Turned his face towards you Turned his face towards you Turned his face towards you and provided everything required. and provided everything required. and provided everything required. He takes care of his children.

He takes care of his children. He takes care of his children. And so in this our hearts can rest that And so in this our hearts can rest that And so in this our hearts can rest that God has seen us first. God has seen us first. God has seen us first. He's seen us first and we can look at He's seen us first and we can look at He's seen us first and we can look at him and our hearts can rest in him him and our hearts can rest in him him and our hearts can rest in him because he's come for us. because he's come for us. because he's come for us. He's provided what we need through He's provided what we need through He's provided what we need through grace. And I got to tell you I was 19 grace. And I got to tell you I was 19 grace. And I got to tell you I was 19 when grace hit me firmly between the when grace hit me firmly between the when grace hit me firmly between the eyes. eyes. eyes. I grew up in church. I was there when I grew up in church. I was there when I grew up in church. I was there when church was open, I was there. church was open, I was there. church was open, I was there. Brought by my parents. Brought by my parents. Brought by my parents. And I'll tell you that And I'll tell you that And I'll tell you that it was 19 it was 19 it was 19 when I realized it wasn't every aisle I when I realized it wasn't every aisle I when I realized it wasn't every aisle I walked, every re-dedication I had. I walked, every re-dedication I had. I walked, every re-dedication I had. I prayed the sinner's prayer for a year prayed the sinner's prayer for a year prayed the sinner's prayer for a year when I was 13. Every night just to make when I was 13. Every night just to make when I was 13. Every night just to make sure it stuck. sure it stuck. sure it stuck. Just wanted God to make sure that he Just wanted God to make sure that he Just wanted God to make sure that he knew that I meant it. knew that I meant it. knew that I meant it. And I was 19 when it hit me in a way And I was 19 when it hit me in a way And I was 19 when it hit me in a way where it was like it wasn't for all my where it was like it wasn't for all my where it was like it wasn't for all my effort that he saved me. effort that he saved me. effort that he saved me. It wasn't for all my repentance that he It wasn't for all my repentance that he It wasn't for all my repentance that he kept me. It wasn't for all my like hard kept me. It wasn't for all my like hard kept me. It wasn't for all my like hard discipline of 17 years old that he loved discipline of 17 years old that he loved discipline of 17 years old that he loved me. me. me. He provided for me before all that. He provided for me before all that. He provided for me before all that. Before all that. Before all that. Before all that. Gave me everything I needed and he's Gave me everything I needed and he's Gave me everything I needed and he's growing me into someone altogether growing me into someone altogether growing me into someone altogether different than who I would be if it was different than who I would be if it was different than who I would be if it was left up to me to answer the question left up to me to answer the question left up to me to answer the question who should I become?

who should I become? who should I become? He's got a vision and provision for your He's got a vision and provision for your He's got a vision and provision for your life and he has a answer to that life and he has a answer to that life and he has a answer to that question like question like question like who should you become? who should you become? who should you become? Cuz Jesus shows us the character of life Cuz Jesus shows us the character of life Cuz Jesus shows us the character of life that God wants for us and he invites us that God wants for us and he invites us that God wants for us and he invites us to experience it with him as we grow to experience it with him as we grow to experience it with him as we grow into who he designed us to be. into who he designed us to be. into who he designed us to be. Which is not a cookie-cutter, Which is not a cookie-cutter, Which is not a cookie-cutter, smoothed-over, boring but holy version smoothed-over, boring but holy version smoothed-over, boring but holy version of you. of you. of you. That's not who God wants you to be. If That's not who God wants you to be. If That's not who God wants you to be. If you think coming to Jesus means you have you think coming to Jesus means you have you think coming to Jesus means you have to be like super boring and put all the to be like super boring and put all the to be like super boring and put all the fun stuff in a drawer and put it away, fun stuff in a drawer and put it away, fun stuff in a drawer and put it away, someone told you wrongly. someone told you wrongly. someone told you wrongly. Like everything about your personality, Like everything about your personality, Like everything about your personality, like the God-given wiring and talent like the God-given wiring and talent like the God-given wiring and talent hidden in you that God put in you is hidden in you that God put in you is hidden in you that God put in you is meant to be redeemed and to flourish and meant to be redeemed and to flourish and meant to be redeemed and to flourish and to be used in God's kingdom. to be used in God's kingdom. to be used in God's kingdom. You are meant to flourish as his You are meant to flourish as his You are meant to flourish as his creation. creation. creation. Beautifully and wonderfully made. And so Beautifully and wonderfully made. And so Beautifully and wonderfully made. And so many of us think, well, if I come to many of us think, well, if I come to many of us think, well, if I come to Jesus, I just got to like throw all the Jesus, I just got to like throw all the Jesus, I just got to like throw all the fun stuff up. fun stuff up. fun stuff up. No, holiness is much more fun than you No, holiness is much more fun than you No, holiness is much more fun than you realize. realize. realize. An eternal quality of joy and life, An eternal quality of joy and life, An eternal quality of joy and life, getting to walk in your gifts and use getting to walk in your gifts and use getting to walk in your gifts and use them for the Lord's kingdom. Oh my gosh.

them for the Lord's kingdom. Oh my gosh. them for the Lord's kingdom. Oh my gosh. That is fun. That is fun. That is fun. And he's calling you into this. And he's calling you into this. And he's calling you into this. And so my point today, my main point is And so my point today, my main point is And so my point today, my main point is this, that the work of our life, the this, that the work of our life, the this, that the work of our life, the work of my life and yours, is to grow in work of my life and yours, is to grow in work of my life and yours, is to grow in Christ. Christ. Christ. And to gather those who need him. And to gather those who need him. And to gather those who need him. To grow in Christ and to gather those To grow in Christ and to gather those To grow in Christ and to gather those who need them. I've been circling around who need them. I've been circling around who need them. I've been circling around those words all week as I've been those words all week as I've been those words all week as I've been prepping the sermon. Just grow and prepping the sermon. Just grow and prepping the sermon. Just grow and gather. gather. gather. Because the work for us is to become Because the work for us is to become Because the work for us is to become more fully human. more fully human. more fully human. And I say that you might think, Mason, And I say that you might think, Mason, And I say that you might think, Mason, that sounds weird. that sounds weird. that sounds weird. Here's what I mean. Here's what I mean. Here's what I mean. Genesis 1, God creates, calls it good. Genesis 1, God creates, calls it good. Genesis 1, God creates, calls it good. You and I exist on the other side of You and I exist on the other side of You and I exist on the other side of Genesis 3. Fallen humanity. Fallen humanity. And so our experience of being a human And so our experience of being a human And so our experience of being a human is full of duplicity. is full of duplicity. is full of duplicity. It's full of darkness, it's full of sin, It's full of darkness, it's full of sin, It's full of darkness, it's full of sin, it's full of temptation. it's full of temptation. it's full of temptation. And so what Christ is doing is giving us And so what Christ is doing is giving us And so what Christ is doing is giving us the ability to actually become the ability to actually become the ability to actually become more human, not less. more human, not less. more human, not less. Sin disintegrates, makes you less human.

Sin disintegrates, makes you less human. Sin disintegrates, makes you less human. The grace of Christ allows you to walk The grace of Christ allows you to walk The grace of Christ allows you to walk in more full righteous like design in more full righteous like design in more full righteous like design that God has for you. that God has for you. that God has for you. To escape the disintegration and To escape the disintegration and To escape the disintegration and fracturing pain of sin in the world and fracturing pain of sin in the world and fracturing pain of sin in the world and to find real life, to become who we were to find real life, to become who we were to find real life, to become who we were designed to be through grace and to then designed to be through grace and to then designed to be through grace and to then invite others into this life that we invite others into this life that we invite others into this life that we found. found. found. That we would grow and gather. And God's That we would grow and gather. And God's That we would grow and gather. And God's provided for us if we'll show up for provided for us if we'll show up for provided for us if we'll show up for this work. this work. this work. I want to talk to you about what it I want to talk to you about what it I want to talk to you about what it means to show up for the work. Are you means to show up for the work. Are you means to show up for the work. Are you ready? ready? ready? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay, five of you are ready. >> Okay, five of you are ready. >> Okay, five of you are ready. I need you I need you to lock in, as the I need you I need you to lock in, as the I need you I need you to lock in, as the kids say. So, kids say. So, kids say. So, verse five, for this very reason, make verse five, for this very reason, make verse five, for this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith every effort to supplement your faith every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, with goodness, goodness with knowledge, with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, knowledge with self-control, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance self-control with endurance, endurance self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, with godliness, with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and godliness with brotherly affection, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. brotherly affection with love. brotherly affection with love. Make every effort. Make every effort. Make every effort. Because God has provided everything Because God has provided everything Because God has provided everything required for life and godliness, because required for life and godliness, because required for life and godliness, because he's answered the question of your heart he's answered the question of your heart he's answered the question of your heart with vision and provision, we are to with vision and provision, we are to with vision and provision, we are to make every effort to supplement our make every effort to supplement our make every effort to supplement our faith with the growth of Christ-like faith with the growth of Christ-like faith with the growth of Christ-like character.

character. character. Phillips translates that phrase, "Make Phillips translates that phrase, "Make Phillips translates that phrase, "Make every effort. Do the utmost from your every effort. Do the utmost from your every effort. Do the utmost from your side." side." side." Just do the utmost from your side. And Just do the utmost from your side. And Just do the utmost from your side. And the New Testament reiterates this charge the New Testament reiterates this charge the New Testament reiterates this charge at every turn, because there are loads at every turn, because there are loads at every turn, because there are loads of directions or imperatives for what we of directions or imperatives for what we of directions or imperatives for what we are to do once we have faith in Christ, are to do once we have faith in Christ, are to do once we have faith in Christ, and every single one is dependent on the and every single one is dependent on the and every single one is dependent on the promise from Philippians 2, promise from Philippians 2, promise from Philippians 2, that as you work out your own salvation that as you work out your own salvation that as you work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, with fear and trembling, with fear and trembling, it is God who is working in you, both to it is God who is working in you, both to it is God who is working in you, both to will and to work according to his good will and to work according to his good will and to work according to his good purpose. purpose. purpose. And the church in Ephesus is later told And the church in Ephesus is later told And the church in Ephesus is later told to take off your former way of life, the to take off your former way of life, the to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful old self that is corrupted by deceitful old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, desires, desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your to be renewed in the spirit of your to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, minds, and to put on the new self, minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God's the one created according to God's the one created according to God's likeness and purity likeness and purity likeness and purity of the truth. of the truth. of the truth. And all that work of putting off and And all that work of putting off and And all that work of putting off and putting on, all of it, requires putting on, all of it, requires putting on, all of it, requires grace-driven effort on our part grace-driven effort on our part grace-driven effort on our part to grow up into him who is our head.

to grow up into him who is our head. to grow up into him who is our head. Now, Peter gives eight virtues, which Now, Peter gives eight virtues, which Now, Peter gives eight virtues, which begin with faith and end in love. begin with faith and end in love. begin with faith and end in love. And along the way, they describe a And along the way, they describe a And along the way, they describe a person who's growing in three realms of person who's growing in three realms of person who's growing in three realms of life. life. life. So, my outline for this is it's mine, So, my outline for this is it's mine, So, my outline for this is it's mine, not Peter's. When I think about these not Peter's. When I think about these not Peter's. When I think about these three realms of life, I think about three realms of life, I think about three realms of life, I think about doctrine, doctrine, doctrine, discipline, discipline, discipline, and Christ-like character. and Christ-like character. and Christ-like character. Doctrine, discipline, Christ-like Doctrine, discipline, Christ-like Doctrine, discipline, Christ-like character. character. character. Because to grow into maturity as a Because to grow into maturity as a Because to grow into maturity as a Christian, these three these three Christian, these three these three Christian, these three these three realms of life are continually realms of life are continually realms of life are continually surrendered to God. Just again and again surrendered to God. Just again and again surrendered to God. Just again and again so that you might grow in the knowledge so that you might grow in the knowledge so that you might grow in the knowledge of Christ. of Christ. of Christ. The fruit of the Spirit and the good The fruit of the Spirit and the good The fruit of the Spirit and the good works which God has prepared for you to works which God has prepared for you to works which God has prepared for you to walk in. walk in. walk in. You realize like every day he's he's You realize like every day he's he's You realize like every day he's he's prepared things for you by the power of prepared things for you by the power of prepared things for you by the power of the Spirit to walk in, to do work in his the Spirit to walk in, to do work in his the Spirit to walk in, to do work in his kingdom. kingdom. kingdom. And if you were paying attention and you And if you were paying attention and you And if you were paying attention and you were available, you get to step into were available, you get to step into were available, you get to step into those and partner with him. those and partner with him. those and partner with him. And it takes learning doctrine to test, And it takes learning doctrine to test, And it takes learning doctrine to test, reject, and fight the false teaching of reject, and fight the false teaching of reject, and fight the false teaching of this world.

this world. this world. You have to learn doctrine You have to learn doctrine You have to learn doctrine to fight, test, and reject the false to fight, test, and reject the false to fight, test, and reject the false teaching of this world. You know you teaching of this world. You know you teaching of this world. You know you spot a lie? spot a lie? spot a lie? You learn truth. You learn truth. You learn truth. You learn truth and then the lie sticks You learn truth and then the lie sticks You learn truth and then the lie sticks out. But here's the thing, so many of us out. But here's the thing, so many of us out. But here's the thing, so many of us don't know our faith and our doctrine don't know our faith and our doctrine don't know our faith and our doctrine well enough that things that sound half well enough that things that sound half well enough that things that sound half true seem right. true seem right. true seem right. And the thing is that now you can just And the thing is that now you can just And the thing is that now you can just open your phone and you step into a open your phone and you step into a open your phone and you step into a buffet of false doctrine. buffet of false doctrine. buffet of false doctrine. And many of you don't make it through And many of you don't make it through And many of you don't make it through the 3-minute reel, you just get the 15 the 3-minute reel, you just get the 15 the 3-minute reel, you just get the 15 seconds of false teaching and you move seconds of false teaching and you move seconds of false teaching and you move on to the next thing. on to the next thing. on to the next thing. And you do that enough times that you go And you do that enough times that you go And you do that enough times that you go to sleep with all these little bites of to sleep with all these little bites of to sleep with all these little bites of unrejected doctrine bouncing around in unrejected doctrine bouncing around in unrejected doctrine bouncing around in your head and your heart. your head and your heart. your head and your heart. And you go to sleep and you wake up and And you go to sleep and you wake up and And you go to sleep and you wake up and all of a sudden you think, "Well, I mean all of a sudden you think, "Well, I mean all of a sudden you think, "Well, I mean it sounds kind of true. I guess that's it sounds kind of true. I guess that's it sounds kind of true. I guess that's right." And you just get this weird mix right." And you just get this weird mix right." And you just get this weird mix of of of untrue belief in your heart. untrue belief in your heart. untrue belief in your heart. And you have to guard against that by And you have to guard against that by And you have to guard against that by devoting yourself to learning what is devoting yourself to learning what is devoting yourself to learning what is true and right. true and right. true and right. Because a doctrine of sound faith Because a doctrine of sound faith Because a doctrine of sound faith transforms your mind and gives wisdom transforms your mind and gives wisdom transforms your mind and gives wisdom for from above for how to live. And it for from above for how to live. And it for from above for how to live. And it takes effort to get.

takes effort to get. takes effort to get. Because you have to study and learn. Because you have to study and learn. Because you have to study and learn. And Paul tells Timothy to guard his and And Paul tells Timothy to guard his and And Paul tells Timothy to guard his and doctrine that it would guard him and his doctrine that it would guard him and his doctrine that it would guard him and his hearers. In first 1 Corinthians 15, hearers. In first 1 Corinthians 15, hearers. In first 1 Corinthians 15, we're told that clear doctrine is the we're told that clear doctrine is the we're told that clear doctrine is the grounds of knowledge of salvation. And grounds of knowledge of salvation. And grounds of knowledge of salvation. And every epistle in the New Testament, every epistle in the New Testament, every epistle in the New Testament, every single one, every single one, every single one, warns you about the impact of false warns you about the impact of false warns you about the impact of false doctrine doctrine doctrine and the importance of guarding your and the importance of guarding your and the importance of guarding your doctrine. doctrine. doctrine. 2 Timothy says this. It says, "For the 2 Timothy says this. It says, "For the 2 Timothy says this. It says, "For the time will come when people will not time will come when people will not time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine." It's today. tolerate sound doctrine." It's today. tolerate sound doctrine." It's today. "But according to their own desires, "But according to their own desires, "But according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves will multiply teachers for themselves will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what because they have an itch to hear what because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. they want to hear. they want to hear. They will turn away from hearing the They will turn away from hearing the They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths." truth and will turn aside to myths." truth and will turn aside to myths." I got to tell you, I I got to tell you, I I got to tell you, I I know that every day you have a choice I know that every day you have a choice I know that every day you have a choice of who you're going to listen to. of who you're going to listen to. of who you're going to listen to. And you can go, "I don't like that guy. And you can go, "I don't like that guy. And you can go, "I don't like that guy. I'm going to listen to this guy." I'm going to listen to this guy." I'm going to listen to this guy." And you can pick anybody you want to And you can pick anybody you want to And you can pick anybody you want to listen to. In our day and age, you can listen to. In our day and age, you can listen to. In our day and age, you can podcast, you can subscribe to, you can podcast, you can subscribe to, you can podcast, you can subscribe to, you can read, you can watch reels of any teacher read, you can watch reels of any teacher read, you can watch reels of any teacher you want that affirms what you believe.

you want that affirms what you believe. you want that affirms what you believe. And what you need is to be challenged And what you need is to be challenged And what you need is to be challenged with the truth and conform your beliefs with the truth and conform your beliefs with the truth and conform your beliefs to the truth. to the truth. to the truth. Not to let Not to let Not to let not to let yourself go and go, "What do not to let yourself go and go, "What do not to let yourself go and go, "What do I want to hear today? I want to hear today? I want to hear today? Oh, that makes me feel good about Oh, that makes me feel good about Oh, that makes me feel good about myself. myself. myself. All right, I'll listen to that." All right, I'll listen to that." All right, I'll listen to that." You have to learn the teaching of Christ You have to learn the teaching of Christ You have to learn the teaching of Christ and the apostles and the apostles and the apostles and surrender your life to that. and surrender your life to that. and surrender your life to that. That is ultimate reality. That is ultimate reality. That is ultimate reality. But you have the option. You don't have But you have the option. You don't have But you have the option. You don't have to. to. to. You just literally can pull out your You just literally can pull out your You just literally can pull out your phone, take a digital smoke break, and phone, take a digital smoke break, and phone, take a digital smoke break, and be encouraged by any any teacher you be encouraged by any any teacher you be encouraged by any any teacher you want who will tell you whatever you want want who will tell you whatever you want want who will tell you whatever you want to hear. to hear. to hear. And it's so easy cuz it feels right most And it's so easy cuz it feels right most And it's so easy cuz it feels right most of the time. of the time. of the time. It takes takes effort to guard against It takes takes effort to guard against It takes takes effort to guard against that. Now, for the last decade, I've that. Now, for the last decade, I've that. Now, for the last decade, I've read the state of theology. Uh it's a read the state of theology. Uh it's a read the state of theology. Uh it's a survey, comes out every other year. I've survey, comes out every other year. I've survey, comes out every other year. I've read it. And what it does is it it polls read it. And what it does is it it polls read it. And what it does is it it polls Americans on their grasp of Orthodox Americans on their grasp of Orthodox Americans on their grasp of Orthodox Christian doctrine. Christian doctrine. Christian doctrine. And the trend over the last decade has And the trend over the last decade has And the trend over the last decade has not been great. It's been not been great. It's been not been great. It's been showing that we're not growing more showing that we're not growing more showing that we're not growing more aware of doctrine, we're growing less.

aware of doctrine, we're growing less. aware of doctrine, we're growing less. We're not We're not actually growing We're not We're not actually growing We're not We're not actually growing more biblically literate, we're growing more biblically literate, we're growing more biblically literate, we're growing more biblically confused. more biblically confused. more biblically confused. And I have to tell you that Peter says And I have to tell you that Peter says And I have to tell you that Peter says supplement your faith with goodness and supplement your faith with goodness and supplement your faith with goodness and goodness with knowledge, and that goodness with knowledge, and that goodness with knowledge, and that doesn't come through reels or sound doesn't come through reels or sound doesn't come through reels or sound bites. bites. bites. It doesn't come by listening to a bunch It doesn't come by listening to a bunch It doesn't come by listening to a bunch of sermons, it comes by digging a well of sermons, it comes by digging a well of sermons, it comes by digging a well yourself. yourself. yourself. It comes by learning your Bible first It comes by learning your Bible first It comes by learning your Bible first hand. So, let's talk about digging a hand. So, let's talk about digging a hand. So, let's talk about digging a well. I got another picture for you. I well. I got another picture for you. I well. I got another picture for you. I think about if I got to learn this think about if I got to learn this think about if I got to learn this topic, I want to understand the topic, I want to understand the topic, I want to understand the character of God in this way. I'm going character of God in this way. I'm going character of God in this way. I'm going to get out my shovel and I'm going to to get out my shovel and I'm going to to get out my shovel and I'm going to dig. dig. dig. And that digging is me working to And that digging is me working to And that digging is me working to understand understand understand that God might fill it that God might fill it that God might fill it with his word and his character, his with his word and his character, his with his word and his character, his understanding and wisdom. Do you need understanding and wisdom. Do you need understanding and wisdom. Do you need another analogy? It's like you got a big another analogy? It's like you got a big another analogy? It's like you got a big filing cabinet, and I'm just going to filing cabinet, and I'm just going to filing cabinet, and I'm just going to like pull out the drawer and spend my like pull out the drawer and spend my like pull out the drawer and spend my time to fill the drawer with time to fill the drawer with time to fill the drawer with understanding from God's word. understanding from God's word. understanding from God's word. So that when the day of suffering comes, So that when the day of suffering comes, So that when the day of suffering comes, I can go take a drink from the well or I can go take a drink from the well or I can go take a drink from the well or resource from my drawer resource from my drawer resource from my drawer and depend upon who God is.

and depend upon who God is. and depend upon who God is. I'm not left in that moment wondering if I'm not left in that moment wondering if I'm not left in that moment wondering if God loves me because I know he does. God loves me because I know he does. God loves me because I know he does. And I do that to make sure that I am And I do that to make sure that I am And I do that to make sure that I am guarding my life in doctrine by digging guarding my life in doctrine by digging guarding my life in doctrine by digging wells and filling drawers. wells and filling drawers. wells and filling drawers. And it takes time and effort to do that. And it takes time and effort to do that. And it takes time and effort to do that. You have to It comes through the hard You have to It comes through the hard You have to It comes through the hard work of devoted study. And I say devoted work of devoted study. And I say devoted work of devoted study. And I say devoted because because because we all have the same amount of time. we all have the same amount of time. we all have the same amount of time. Nobody has more hours in the day. Nobody has more hours in the day. Nobody has more hours in the day. And your time goes towards your loves. And your time goes towards your loves. And your time goes towards your loves. Your time goes towards your loves. Your time goes towards your loves. Your time goes towards your loves. Or your comfort. Or your comfort. Or your comfort. Let's be real. Let's be real. Let's be real. For some of you it just goes to your For some of you it just goes to your For some of you it just goes to your love of comfort. love of comfort. love of comfort. And I checked a few different nationwide And I checked a few different nationwide And I checked a few different nationwide surveys and I found this. surveys and I found this. surveys and I found this. Last year, Last year, Last year, two in five American adults finished two in five American adults finished two in five American adults finished zero books. zero books. zero books. Two in five finished zero books. Two in five finished zero books. Two in five finished zero books. So, three in five read a book. And of So, three in five read a book. And of So, three in five read a book. And of the three in five who read a book and the three in five who read a book and the three in five who read a book and finished one, they actually only finished one, they actually only finished one, they actually only finished two. finished two. finished two. So, the average is not awesome. So, the average is not awesome. So, the average is not awesome. And if you think, you're like, "Well, I And if you think, you're like, "Well, I And if you think, you're like, "Well, I read nine books last year."

read nine books last year." read nine books last year." Well, you are an outlier and Well, you are an outlier and Well, you are an outlier and congratulations on your book of the congratulations on your book of the congratulations on your book of the month club. month club. month club. Like, I'm I'm really happy for you. Like, I'm I'm really happy for you. Like, I'm I'm really happy for you. But, there's a difference in what you But, there's a difference in what you But, there's a difference in what you read and in how you read. read and in how you read. read and in how you read. There's just a difference. There's just a difference. There's just a difference. And gosh, we are a people of the book. And gosh, we are a people of the book. And gosh, we are a people of the book. We are a people of a book, a sacred book We are a people of a book, a sacred book We are a people of a book, a sacred book given to us. given to us. given to us. That 500 years ago, people didn't have That 500 years ago, people didn't have That 500 years ago, people didn't have copies of in their home. copies of in their home. copies of in their home. And you have now on your phone what And you have now on your phone what And you have now on your phone what people bled for to have. people bled for to have. people bled for to have. And we take it for granted and we don't And we take it for granted and we don't And we take it for granted and we don't learn it. We just let other people tell learn it. We just let other people tell learn it. We just let other people tell us about it. us about it. us about it. But, it holds in it everything you need But, it holds in it everything you need But, it holds in it everything you need for life and godliness. for life and godliness. for life and godliness. It will guard you and keep you from It will guard you and keep you from It will guard you and keep you from stumbling if you will give yourself to stumbling if you will give yourself to stumbling if you will give yourself to the wisdom of God in the word of God. There's so much available if you will There's so much available if you will give our time to it. Let's talk about give our time to it. Let's talk about give our time to it. Let's talk about social media. Want to do that one? social media. Want to do that one? social media. Want to do that one? Average American last year spent 2 hours Average American last year spent 2 hours Average American last year spent 2 hours and 9 minutes on social media.

and 9 minutes on social media. and 9 minutes on social media. Daily. Daily. Daily. 2 hours and 9 minutes a day. That's on 2 hours and 9 minutes a day. That's on 2 hours and 9 minutes a day. That's on the low end, 780 hours a year. the low end, 780 hours a year. the low end, 780 hours a year. 780 hours a year. And you're like, 780 hours a year. And you're like, 780 hours a year. And you're like, "Mason, I don't do that. I don't get on "Mason, I don't do that. I don't get on "Mason, I don't do that. I don't get on TikTok or Facebook or Instagram and sit TikTok or Facebook or Instagram and sit TikTok or Facebook or Instagram and sit there for 3 hours at a time and just go there for 3 hours at a time and just go there for 3 hours at a time and just go like this." I'm like, I know you don't. like this." I'm like, I know you don't. like this." I'm like, I know you don't. It's because every 4 minutes you fritter It's because every 4 minutes you fritter It's because every 4 minutes you fritter away 45 seconds of your life. away 45 seconds of your life. away 45 seconds of your life. Just by checking the same little routine Just by checking the same little routine Just by checking the same little routine of apps to see if anything new is there. of apps to see if anything new is there. of apps to see if anything new is there. And you do it at every stoplight. And you do it at every stoplight. And you do it at every stoplight. When you need a break from reality. When you need a break from reality. When you need a break from reality. You do it in the elevator. You do it You do it in the elevator. You do it You do it in the elevator. You do it because you don't want to be alone because you don't want to be alone because you don't want to be alone because then you're with yourself. because then you're with yourself. because then you're with yourself. 2 hours and 9 minutes adds up because 2 hours and 9 minutes adds up because 2 hours and 9 minutes adds up because you're doing it in little micro moments you're doing it in little micro moments you're doing it in little micro moments all throughout your day and your week all throughout your day and your week all throughout your day and your week and you're just welcoming in and you're just welcoming in and you're just welcoming in content. content. content. Let's go for TV. I'm just going to round Let's go for TV. I'm just going to round Let's go for TV. I'm just going to round all the bases here. You all got real all the bases here. You all got real all the bases here. You all got real quiet. You were quiet anyway. This is quiet. You were quiet anyway. This is quiet. You were quiet anyway. This is like a different kind of quiet right like a different kind of quiet right like a different kind of quiet right now. We'll go for TV. now. We'll go for TV. now. We'll go for TV. The average American last year watched The average American last year watched The average American last year watched 3.7 hours of TV a day.

3.7 hours of TV a day. 3.7 hours of TV a day. 3.7 hours. That's 26 hours a week which 3.7 hours. That's 26 hours a week which 3.7 hours. That's 26 hours a week which I have to tell you is a part-time job. If you wonder where your time goes, you If you wonder where your time goes, you actually welcomed in a part-time job of actually welcomed in a part-time job of actually welcomed in a part-time job of just watching TV. just watching TV. just watching TV. And that's more than 1350 hours a year. And that's more than 1350 hours a year. And that's more than 1350 hours a year. So, I'm not great at math, but all that So, I'm not great at math, but all that So, I'm not great at math, but all that adds up to about 2,000 hours a year that adds up to about 2,000 hours a year that adds up to about 2,000 hours a year that you spend in front of a screen that you spend in front of a screen that you spend in front of a screen that you're not paid to sit in front of. you're not paid to sit in front of. you're not paid to sit in front of. 2,000 hours a year. 2,000 hours a year. 2,000 hours a year. And you want to tell me that's not And you want to tell me that's not And you want to tell me that's not shaping you into somebody? shaping you into somebody? shaping you into somebody? Like you want to tell me that every ad, Like you want to tell me that every ad, Like you want to tell me that every ad, every algorithm, every show, every every algorithm, every show, every every algorithm, every show, every explicit or implicit message that you're explicit or implicit message that you're explicit or implicit message that you're getting, everything that defiles the getting, everything that defiles the getting, everything that defiles the name of God that you watch, name of God that you watch, name of God that you watch, that we watch, that we watch, that we watch, you want to tell me that's not shaping you want to tell me that's not shaping you want to tell me that's not shaping what you love what you love what you love and how you think reality is and and how you think reality is and and how you think reality is and how you use your time? how you use your time? how you use your time? Like we are fooling ourselves and being Like we are fooling ourselves and being Like we are fooling ourselves and being deceived if we think that that is not deceived if we think that that is not deceived if we think that that is not impacting who we become as children of impacting who we become as children of impacting who we become as children of God. God. God. And I say this because the glowing And I say this because the glowing And I say this because the glowing rectangle is catechizing you into a rectangle is catechizing you into a rectangle is catechizing you into a post-Christian culture.

post-Christian culture. post-Christian culture. It is not looking out for your doctrinal It is not looking out for your doctrinal It is not looking out for your doctrinal integrity. It is actually looking to integrity. It is actually looking to integrity. It is actually looking to disintegrate your doctrinal integrity by disintegrate your doctrinal integrity by disintegrate your doctrinal integrity by shaping your loves towards the world and shaping your loves towards the world and shaping your loves towards the world and by sheer volume of time, it's going to by sheer volume of time, it's going to by sheer volume of time, it's going to win. win. win. Just sheer volume of time and influence Just sheer volume of time and influence Just sheer volume of time and influence unless you start to fight back, unless you start to fight back, unless you start to fight back, it's going to win. it's going to win. it's going to win. Peter says, "Supplement your faith with Peter says, "Supplement your faith with Peter says, "Supplement your faith with goodness and goodness with knowledge. goodness and goodness with knowledge. goodness and goodness with knowledge. So fight for doctrine to be increasingly So fight for doctrine to be increasingly So fight for doctrine to be increasingly in your heart and on your mind. in your heart and on your mind. in your heart and on your mind. Proactively guard it because by doing so Proactively guard it because by doing so Proactively guard it because by doing so you will find real life. you will find real life. you will find real life. Just find real life. Just find real life. Just find real life. So I want you to learn your Bible first So I want you to learn your Bible first So I want you to learn your Bible first hand. hand. hand. You can listen to people like me talk. You can listen to people like me talk. You can listen to people like me talk. That's fine. I want you to learn your That's fine. I want you to learn your That's fine. I want you to learn your Bible first hand. Bible first hand. Bible first hand. I want you to learn the history of your I want you to learn the history of your I want you to learn the history of your faith. Like so many times we find faith. Like so many times we find faith. Like so many times we find problems where it's like, "Oh, I can't problems where it's like, "Oh, I can't problems where it's like, "Oh, I can't believe this thing is here. What do I do believe this thing is here. What do I do believe this thing is here. What do I do about this problem?" And I would tell about this problem?" And I would tell about this problem?" And I would tell you as a church historian that problem you as a church historian that problem you as a church historian that problem is that was settled a thousand years ago is that was settled a thousand years ago is that was settled a thousand years ago by the church. by the church. by the church. That was settled 1,500 years ago by the That was settled 1,500 years ago by the That was settled 1,500 years ago by the church. It's just an old problem in new church. It's just an old problem in new church. It's just an old problem in new clothes. clothes. clothes. But you don't have the perspective of But you don't have the perspective of But you don't have the perspective of going, "We've already talked about it."

going, "We've already talked about it." going, "We've already talked about it." So if you would learn your Bible first So if you would learn your Bible first So if you would learn your Bible first hand, hand, hand, learn the history of your faith, live by learn the history of your faith, live by learn the history of your faith, live by what you've been given, which is the what you've been given, which is the what you've been given, which is the teaching of Christ and the apostles. teaching of Christ and the apostles. teaching of Christ and the apostles. So many times people will show me will So many times people will show me will So many times people will show me will send me a reel and be like, "What do you send me a reel and be like, "What do you send me a reel and be like, "What do you think about this?" think about this?" think about this?" I'll say, "Oh, okay. Well, there's I'll say, "Oh, okay. Well, there's I'll say, "Oh, okay. Well, there's that's an interesting interpretation of that's an interesting interpretation of that's an interesting interpretation of the text." My first question always, if the text." My first question always, if the text." My first question always, if you send it to me, is how old is it? you send it to me, is how old is it? you send it to me, is how old is it? Not the reel. It's how old is the Not the reel. It's how old is the Not the reel. It's how old is the thought behind it? thought behind it? thought behind it? It's like, "Oh, I think that's from like It's like, "Oh, I think that's from like It's like, "Oh, I think that's from like the 1960s." I'm like, "Cool." the 1960s." I'm like, "Cool." the 1960s." I'm like, "Cool." That's not old. I don't I don't know if That's not old. I don't I don't know if That's not old. I don't I don't know if we we we Like I Like I Like I Let me take you to the fourth century Let me take you to the fourth century Let me take you to the fourth century where the creeds of the church were put where the creeds of the church were put where the creeds of the church were put together. together. together. Let me take you to the first century Let me take you to the first century Let me take you to the first century where the early church was writing the where the early church was writing the where the early church was writing the letters you're reading now. letters you're reading now. letters you're reading now. I don't know. We can talk about I don't know. We can talk about I don't know. We can talk about development of doctrine. But let me let development of doctrine. But let me let development of doctrine. But let me let me take you to the teaching of Christ me take you to the teaching of Christ me take you to the teaching of Christ and the apostles. You want to base your and the apostles. You want to base your and the apostles. You want to base your life on something? I don't want the life on something? I don't want the life on something? I don't want the latest guy. latest guy. latest guy. Novelty in theology is bad. Novelty in theology is bad. Novelty in theology is bad. I want what Christ has said. I want what Christ has said. I want what Christ has said. So you want to give your time to So you want to give your time to So you want to give your time to learning that.

learning that. learning that. So, So, So, doctrine, second one, discipline. doctrine, second one, discipline. doctrine, second one, discipline. The Proverbs say that a person who The Proverbs say that a person who The Proverbs say that a person who doesn't control their temper is like a doesn't control their temper is like a doesn't control their temper is like a city whose wall is broken down. city whose wall is broken down. city whose wall is broken down. Peter sets this up where your doctrine Peter sets this up where your doctrine Peter sets this up where your doctrine equips you with not just right equips you with not just right equips you with not just right knowledge, but insight into right knowledge, but insight into right knowledge, but insight into right practice. practice. practice. Because virtues build off each other. Because virtues build off each other. Because virtues build off each other. Faith, goodness, and knowledge support Faith, goodness, and knowledge support Faith, goodness, and knowledge support self-control, endurance, godliness. self-control, endurance, godliness. self-control, endurance, godliness. Godliness supports brotherly affection Godliness supports brotherly affection Godliness supports brotherly affection and love. But you cannot get to and love. But you cannot get to and love. But you cannot get to godliness, brotherly affection, and love godliness, brotherly affection, and love godliness, brotherly affection, and love without self-control. without self-control. without self-control. You can't get there. It's like a rung on You can't get there. It's like a rung on You can't get there. It's like a rung on the ladder is missing. the ladder is missing. the ladder is missing. Because the fruit of the spirit, Because the fruit of the spirit, Because the fruit of the spirit, self-control, is a means to take all of self-control, is a means to take all of self-control, is a means to take all of the freedom you have and to constrain the freedom you have and to constrain the freedom you have and to constrain it. it. it. And then to point it in the direction of And then to point it in the direction of And then to point it in the direction of what's most important. what's most important. what's most important. You with me? You with me? You with me? This is like self-control is to take This is like self-control is to take This is like self-control is to take every option and yes you could give and every option and yes you could give and every option and yes you could give and to constrain it and then point it where to constrain it and then point it where to constrain it and then point it where you're going, "This is right." I fight to tell myself no a thousand I fight to tell myself no a thousand times a day times a day times a day so that I can protect the precious few so that I can protect the precious few so that I can protect the precious few yeses that I cannot lose.

yeses that I cannot lose. yeses that I cannot lose. Like I tell myself and my kids that Like I tell myself and my kids that Like I tell myself and my kids that everything we want is on the other side everything we want is on the other side everything we want is on the other side of hard. of hard. of hard. Everything we want is on the other side Everything we want is on the other side Everything we want is on the other side of the hard. of the hard. of the hard. And the hardest thing many of us will do And the hardest thing many of us will do And the hardest thing many of us will do each day is to tell ourselves no for the each day is to tell ourselves no for the each day is to tell ourselves no for the sake of godliness. sake of godliness. sake of godliness. To deny our flesh, To deny our flesh, To deny our flesh, our impulses, our urges, our our impulses, our urges, our our impulses, our urges, our consumerism, our hunger for comfort, our consumerism, our hunger for comfort, our consumerism, our hunger for comfort, our desire to be accepted, our fear being desire to be accepted, our fear being desire to be accepted, our fear being rejected, to tell ourselves no for the rejected, to tell ourselves no for the rejected, to tell ourselves no for the sake of godliness that our inner sake of godliness that our inner sake of godliness that our inner character might be tested and tried. character might be tested and tried. character might be tested and tried. That we might mature and know that we That we might mature and know that we That we might mature and know that we can withstand the winds of culture and can withstand the winds of culture and can withstand the winds of culture and the storm of our hearts. This discipline is not an iron will. I'm This discipline is not an iron will. I'm not telling you like, "Hey, really like not telling you like, "Hey, really like not telling you like, "Hey, really like try harder." try harder." try harder." This discipline comes from a right love. This discipline comes from a right love. This discipline comes from a right love. Cuz we're right love. Cuz we're right love. Cuz we're right love. We like discipline because our loves are We like discipline because our loves are We like discipline because our loves are disordered. disordered. disordered. We say yes to too much because we're We say yes to too much because we're We say yes to too much because we're distracted, we're unsure, we're distracted, we're unsure, we're distracted, we're unsure, we're codependent, we're insecure, we're codependent, we're insecure, we're codependent, we're insecure, we're needy.

needy. needy. We're looking for somebody looking for We're looking for somebody looking for We're looking for somebody looking for us. us. us. But we're looking horizontally looking But we're looking horizontally looking But we're looking horizontally looking for somebody looking for us. for somebody looking for us. for somebody looking for us. And we can be very disciplined on the And we can be very disciplined on the And we can be very disciplined on the things that we tie our loves and our things that we tie our loves and our things that we tie our loves and our identity to. identity to. identity to. Cuz I know some of you Cuz I know some of you Cuz I know some of you some of you are cold plunging, sauna some of you are cold plunging, sauna some of you are cold plunging, sauna sweating, 68° sleeping, life optimizing, sweating, 68° sleeping, life optimizing, sweating, 68° sleeping, life optimizing, supplement taking people. supplement taking people. supplement taking people. I know because I'm among you. I know because I'm among you. I know because I'm among you. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And you will lift until you injure >> And you will lift until you injure >> And you will lift until you injure yourself and then once you're ready, yourself and then once you're ready, yourself and then once you're ready, you're back for more. you're back for more. you're back for more. It just happens. It just happens. It just happens. Our age is obsessed with the longevity Our age is obsessed with the longevity Our age is obsessed with the longevity and we are life hacking away aging one and we are life hacking away aging one and we are life hacking away aging one purchase at a time. And we will do all purchase at a time. And we will do all purchase at a time. And we will do all this to live longer, but we ignore the this to live longer, but we ignore the this to live longer, but we ignore the quality of person we will be in our old quality of person we will be in our old quality of person we will be in our old age. age. age. We are building our bodies and starving We are building our bodies and starving We are building our bodies and starving our character. our character. our character. And Paul says, "Have nothing to do with And Paul says, "Have nothing to do with And Paul says, "Have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. pointless and silly myths. pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself for godliness. Rather, train yourself for godliness. Rather, train yourself for godliness. For the training of the body has limited For the training of the body has limited For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in benefit, but godliness is beneficial in benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way since it holds promise for the every way since it holds promise for the every way since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to present life and also for the life to present life and also for the life to come."

come." come." We discipline ourselves to run the race We discipline ourselves to run the race We discipline ourselves to run the race that God has given us. Like I want to be that God has given us. Like I want to be that God has given us. Like I want to be a vessel fit for service. a vessel fit for service. a vessel fit for service. To abide in Christ. And Romans 5 says To abide in Christ. And Romans 5 says To abide in Christ. And Romans 5 says it's the spirit's work in us helping us it's the spirit's work in us helping us it's the spirit's work in us helping us love rightly even in trial. love rightly even in trial. love rightly even in trial. Because our discipline produces Because our discipline produces Because our discipline produces endurance, which produces proven endurance, which produces proven endurance, which produces proven character, which produces character, which produces character, which produces hope. hope. hope. And that hope is the love of God in our And that hope is the love of God in our And that hope is the love of God in our hearts and it won't disappoint us. hearts and it won't disappoint us. hearts and it won't disappoint us. So my encouragement to you is to fight So my encouragement to you is to fight So my encouragement to you is to fight for discipline and godliness in every for discipline and godliness in every for discipline and godliness in every area of your life. Just every area. It area of your life. Just every area. It area of your life. Just every area. It helps set the guardrails for your helps set the guardrails for your helps set the guardrails for your reactions when life comes at you. reactions when life comes at you. reactions when life comes at you. And because God has provided everything And because God has provided everything And because God has provided everything we need, we need, we need, our response is to work out what he's our response is to work out what he's our response is to work out what he's worked into us to grow by giving worked into us to grow by giving worked into us to grow by giving ourselves to doctrine, discipline, and ourselves to doctrine, discipline, and ourselves to doctrine, discipline, and Christ-like character. Christ-like character. Christ-like character. That's the third one. That's the third one. That's the third one. Because becoming like Jesus is the Because becoming like Jesus is the Because becoming like Jesus is the lifelong work of growing in Christ-like lifelong work of growing in Christ-like lifelong work of growing in Christ-like character. character. character. It's to pay attention to who you're It's to pay attention to who you're It's to pay attention to who you're becoming and enter into deep work over becoming and enter into deep work over becoming and enter into deep work over time in community. It's to mature as a time in community. It's to mature as a time in community. It's to mature as a person, not becoming more serious, but person, not becoming more serious, but person, not becoming more serious, but more godly.

more godly. more godly. To become more Christ-like, more full of To become more Christ-like, more full of To become more Christ-like, more full of assurance of brotherly affection and assurance of brotherly affection and assurance of brotherly affection and love, to be increasingly healed from the love, to be increasingly healed from the love, to be increasingly healed from the disintegration of the world, to learn to disintegration of the world, to learn to disintegration of the world, to learn to live with your whole heart. To come out live with your whole heart. To come out live with your whole heart. To come out of hiding. of hiding. of hiding. And to trust that what God says And to trust that what God says And to trust that what God says is true. is true. is true. And what he says he he says that he is And what he says he he says that he is And what he says he he says that he is is true and what he says about you is is true and what he says about you is is true and what he says about you is true. true. true. To be transformed by the renewing of To be transformed by the renewing of To be transformed by the renewing of your mind and have your heart reoriented your mind and have your heart reoriented your mind and have your heart reoriented towards God's good design for life. towards God's good design for life. towards God's good design for life. And this, like we talked about a month And this, like we talked about a month And this, like we talked about a month ago in Psalm 92, this is where the tree ago in Psalm 92, this is where the tree ago in Psalm 92, this is where the tree of your life of your life of your life grows into an oak or a cedar or a palm. grows into an oak or a cedar or a palm. grows into an oak or a cedar or a palm. Just strong, Just strong, Just strong, mighty, planted in the house of the Lord mighty, planted in the house of the Lord mighty, planted in the house of the Lord by grace. by grace. by grace. And we learn not just to guard our And we learn not just to guard our And we learn not just to guard our hearts, but to see them grow. To see hearts, but to see them grow. To see hearts, but to see them grow. To see them grow through grace-filled them grow through grace-filled them grow through grace-filled relationships in the body of Christ. relationships in the body of Christ. relationships in the body of Christ. Because we have this learned, Because we have this learned, Because we have this learned, fear-based, self-protective reaction fear-based, self-protective reaction fear-based, self-protective reaction that has to give way to living rooted that has to give way to living rooted that has to give way to living rooted and grounded interdependently in the and grounded interdependently in the and grounded interdependently in the body.

body. body. That we would know the height, the That we would know the height, the That we would know the height, the depth, the breadth, and the width of the depth, the breadth, and the width of the depth, the breadth, and the width of the love of God for you in Christ Jesus. love of God for you in Christ Jesus. love of God for you in Christ Jesus. And that you would be healed in And that you would be healed in And that you would be healed in community. community. community. And all that spirit-given, grace-driven And all that spirit-given, grace-driven And all that spirit-given, grace-driven work forms a heart that moves from its work forms a heart that moves from its work forms a heart that moves from its inward bent inward bent inward bent to an outward love of God and those whom to an outward love of God and those whom to an outward love of God and those whom he loves. he loves. he loves. Takes our eyes off of ourselves, Takes our eyes off of ourselves, Takes our eyes off of ourselves, our inward curve, curves us outward and our inward curve, curves us outward and our inward curve, curves us outward and up to God and those whom he loves. And up to God and those whom he loves. And up to God and those whom he loves. And that's brotherly affection and love. that's brotherly affection and love. that's brotherly affection and love. That's where that comes from. That's where that comes from. That's where that comes from. That you realize all you have and all That you realize all you have and all That you realize all you have and all you need has been given to you before you need has been given to you before you need has been given to you before you've done a thing, and you can't help you've done a thing, and you can't help you've done a thing, and you can't help but want others to get the same great but want others to get the same great but want others to get the same great deal that you got. deal that you got. deal that you got. You want them to know who he is. You want them to know who he is. You want them to know who he is. So, doctrine, discipline, Christ-like So, doctrine, discipline, Christ-like So, doctrine, discipline, Christ-like character. character. character. All of these take grace-driven effort to All of these take grace-driven effort to All of these take grace-driven effort to grow. You have to invest in yourself grow. You have to invest in yourself grow. You have to invest in yourself here. here. here. And Peter is calling you to grow your And Peter is calling you to grow your And Peter is calling you to grow your inner character, to discipline yourself inner character, to discipline yourself inner character, to discipline yourself across your life for the sake of across your life for the sake of across your life for the sake of godliness instructed by right doctrine.

godliness instructed by right doctrine. godliness instructed by right doctrine. Peter tells us to make every effort. He Peter tells us to make every effort. He Peter tells us to make every effort. He said in In fact, he actually says it said in In fact, he actually says it said in In fact, he actually says it twice. twice. twice. And so many of us make every effort in And so many of us make every effort in And so many of us make every effort in our chosen area of life, but we give our chosen area of life, but we give our chosen area of life, but we give Christ a half-hearted effort. Christ a half-hearted effort. Christ a half-hearted effort. We make every effort towards what we We make every effort towards what we We make every effort towards what we really are focused on and are tied to, really are focused on and are tied to, really are focused on and are tied to, but then we will bring a partial effort but then we will bring a partial effort but then we will bring a partial effort to Jesus. to Jesus. to Jesus. And one of my favorite theologians asked And one of my favorite theologians asked And one of my favorite theologians asked us, he says, us, he says, us, he says, "How much are you willing to invest in "How much are you willing to invest in "How much are you willing to invest in yourself?" yourself?" yourself?" People think they can look like giant People think they can look like giant People think they can look like giant oaks without putting down deep roots. When they realize how much effort it When they realize how much effort it takes to put down deep roots, they takes to put down deep roots, they takes to put down deep roots, they settle for being bramble bushes. settle for being bramble bushes. settle for being bramble bushes. People often complain they are not who People often complain they are not who People often complain they are not who they should be, but they take no action they should be, but they take no action they should be, but they take no action to change. to change. to change. Like, will you be yourself? Like, will you be yourself? Like, will you be yourself? Not just any self, but the self you Not just any self, but the self you Not just any self, but the self you should be, the one you were created to should be, the one you were created to should be, the one you were created to be. be. be. Will you give attention to yourself? Will you give attention to yourself? Will you give attention to yourself? Think about yourself, be honest with Think about yourself, be honest with Think about yourself, be honest with yourself, and take action with God's yourself, and take action with God's yourself, and take action with God's help and in dialogue with others help and in dialogue with others help and in dialogue with others to change. to change. to change. Now, in a few weeks all of our fall Now, in a few weeks all of our fall Now, in a few weeks all of our fall environments are going to open up. environments are going to open up. environments are going to open up. And we have set the table for you to And we have set the table for you to And we have set the table for you to grow in doctrine, discipline, and grow in doctrine, discipline, and grow in doctrine, discipline, and Christ-like character.

Christ-like character. Christ-like character. We've set the table with spaces like men We've set the table with spaces like men We've set the table with spaces like men and women's Bible study, and women's Bible study, and women's Bible study, the training program, the training program, the training program, outreach training, outreach training, outreach training, the art of care, the art of care, the art of care, women's discipleship groups, recovery, women's discipleship groups, recovery, women's discipleship groups, recovery, and then care groups, a few of which are and then care groups, a few of which are and then care groups, a few of which are marriage reconciliation, divorce care, marriage reconciliation, divorce care, marriage reconciliation, divorce care, men's sexual integrity, grief support, men's sexual integrity, grief support, men's sexual integrity, grief support, and men of peace. and men of peace. and men of peace. And these places all take effort. And these places all take effort. And these places all take effort. You know why? You know why? You know why? Cuz you have to show up. Cuz you have to show up. Cuz you have to show up. But you don't just have to show up. But you don't just have to show up. But you don't just have to show up. You have to show up. You have to show up. You have to show up. You know what I mean? You know what I mean? You know what I mean? Like you can Like you can Like you can you can be there physically you can be there physically you can be there physically and then not let a single person into and then not let a single person into and then not let a single person into what's going on in your world. what's going on in your world. what's going on in your world. But to show up and then to be vulnerable But to show up and then to be vulnerable But to show up and then to be vulnerable and let the spirit work, and let the spirit work, and let the spirit work, that's what you need. that's what you need. that's what you need. Now, Scott asked us this question. Now, Scott asked us this question. Now, Scott asked us this question. Will you give attention Will you give attention Will you give attention to yourself, think about yourself, be to yourself, think about yourself, be to yourself, think about yourself, be honest with yourself, and take action honest with yourself, and take action honest with yourself, and take action with God's help and in dialogue with with God's help and in dialogue with with God's help and in dialogue with others to change? Will you pursue growth others to change? Will you pursue growth others to change? Will you pursue growth in Christ?

in Christ? in Christ? So often I meet with people and they'll So often I meet with people and they'll So often I meet with people and they'll share and I just listen. They share share and I just listen. They share share and I just listen. They share about an issue in their life or a need about an issue in their life or a need about an issue in their life or a need that they have and they're like, "Yeah, that they have and they're like, "Yeah, that they have and they're like, "Yeah, I really should get into Bible study. I I really should get into Bible study. I I really should get into Bible study. I just want to learn the Bible." I'm like, just want to learn the Bible." I'm like, just want to learn the Bible." I'm like, "Okay, great. Registration's open." "Okay, great. Registration's open." "Okay, great. Registration's open." They don't show up. They don't show up. They don't show up. They're like, "Oh, I really I'm They're like, "Oh, I really I'm They're like, "Oh, I really I'm interested in this year-long thing where interested in this year-long thing where interested in this year-long thing where you teach the story of the Bible and you you teach the story of the Bible and you you teach the story of the Bible and you teach me doctrine and work through it. teach me doctrine and work through it. teach me doctrine and work through it. I've heard it's great." And yeah, it's a I've heard it's great." And yeah, it's a I've heard it's great." And yeah, it's a training program. When's it start? training program. When's it start? training program. When's it start? August. Okay. All right, great. Never August. Okay. All right, great. Never August. Okay. All right, great. Never show up. show up. show up. Or someone says, "Hey, I Or someone says, "Hey, I Or someone says, "Hey, I I think I need to go to counseling." I think I need to go to counseling." I think I need to go to counseling." Like I think it's I need some help Like I think it's I need some help Like I think it's I need some help working through this hard thing. I can't working through this hard thing. I can't working through this hard thing. I can't get this hang up I can't get past or get this hang up I can't get past or get this hang up I can't get past or this thing that happened to me or this this thing that happened to me or this this thing that happened to me or this thing I did. I'm like, "Oh, yeah, I I thing I did. I'm like, "Oh, yeah, I I thing I did. I'm like, "Oh, yeah, I I think a counselor might really help you think a counselor might really help you think a counselor might really help you with that. Do you want a name?" And with that. Do you want a name?" And with that. Do you want a name?" And they're like, "Yeah, that's great." And they're like, "Yeah, that's great." And they're like, "Yeah, that's great." And I'll ask them later, "Did you make an I'll ask them later, "Did you make an I'll ask them later, "Did you make an appointment?" appointment?" appointment?" Like, "Oh, no, it wasn't right. Like, "Oh, no, it wasn't right. Like, "Oh, no, it wasn't right. Timing was off. I wasn't sure." And I've Timing was off. I wasn't sure." And I've Timing was off. I wasn't sure." And I've just learned you can only help people as just learned you can only help people as just learned you can only help people as much as they want to be helped. much as they want to be helped. much as they want to be helped. And so I am trying to help you this And so I am trying to help you this And so I am trying to help you this morning by asking you the question, morning by asking you the question, morning by asking you the question, are you willing to invest in yourself? Are you willing to invest in yourself to Are you willing to invest in yourself to become who God wants you to be?

become who God wants you to be? become who God wants you to be? Let me Let me tell you what happens when Let me Let me tell you what happens when Let me Let me tell you what happens when you do. For if you possess this verse eight, for For if you possess this verse eight, for if you these qualities in increasing if you these qualities in increasing if you these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being measure, they will keep you from being measure, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge useless or unfruitful in the knowledge useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. of our Lord Jesus Christ. of our Lord Jesus Christ. Like you live out of overflow. Like you live out of overflow. Like you live out of overflow. You live out of overflow, you gather out You live out of overflow, you gather out You live out of overflow, you gather out of overflow. When you grow a Christ-like of overflow. When you grow a Christ-like of overflow. When you grow a Christ-like character, you are useful and fruitful character, you are useful and fruitful character, you are useful and fruitful in the work of the kingdom. And if you in the work of the kingdom. And if you in the work of the kingdom. And if you don't, you are barren and fruitless. Like you can't give what you don't have. Like you can't give what you don't have. You cannot give what you don't have, and You cannot give what you don't have, and You cannot give what you don't have, and no amount of good intention and wishing no amount of good intention and wishing no amount of good intention and wishing for growth is going to get you there. for growth is going to get you there. for growth is going to get you there. Grace-driven effort through God-given Grace-driven effort through God-given Grace-driven effort through God-given means helps you sow toward a life where means helps you sow toward a life where means helps you sow toward a life where you reap out of the overflow of your you reap out of the overflow of your you reap out of the overflow of your heart. heart. heart. And the fruit of the spirit just pours And the fruit of the spirit just pours And the fruit of the spirit just pours out of you. out of you. out of you. But if you don't, But if you don't, But if you don't, if you say yes to your impulses, you if you say yes to your impulses, you if you say yes to your impulses, you live like a city without walls, you live like a city without walls, you live like a city without walls, you build your outer life instead of your build your outer life instead of your build your outer life instead of your inner one, you may look fruitful. inner one, you may look fruitful. inner one, you may look fruitful. But again, with Psalm 92, you won't be a But again, with Psalm 92, you won't be a But again, with Psalm 92, you won't be a cedar or a palm or an oak planted by cedar or a palm or an oak planted by cedar or a palm or an oak planted by grace in the house of God.

grace in the house of God. grace in the house of God. So many of us have everything on the So many of us have everything on the So many of us have everything on the outside looking right. outside looking right. outside looking right. We've worked hard, we've bought the We've worked hard, we've bought the We've worked hard, we've bought the right things, we wear the right things, right things, we wear the right things, right things, we wear the right things, we know the code words, and we're just we know the code words, and we're just we know the code words, and we're just kind of skimming through with a good kind of skimming through with a good kind of skimming through with a good facade while the inside has been left facade while the inside has been left facade while the inside has been left unattended to and underdeveloped. unattended to and underdeveloped. unattended to and underdeveloped. And we are actually immature in grace And we are actually immature in grace And we are actually immature in grace when everything we need to become mature when everything we need to become mature when everything we need to become mature has been provided for us in Jesus. If this happens to you, you're going to If this happens to you, you're going to lack the inner strength of character lack the inner strength of character lack the inner strength of character that can be grown by the spirit. And the that can be grown by the spirit. And the that can be grown by the spirit. And the cost is what Peter says next. cost is what Peter says next. cost is what Peter says next. The person who lacks these things is The person who lacks these things is The person who lacks these things is blind and short-sighted and has blind and short-sighted and has blind and short-sighted and has forgotten the cleansing from his past forgotten the cleansing from his past forgotten the cleansing from his past sins. sins. sins. If you're not actively putting off the If you're not actively putting off the If you're not actively putting off the old man and putting on the new, being old man and putting on the new, being old man and putting on the new, being transformed to the renewing of your transformed to the renewing of your transformed to the renewing of your mind, walking in love and being renewed mind, walking in love and being renewed mind, walking in love and being renewed in the image of your maker, you are in the image of your maker, you are in the image of your maker, you are being disintegrated by the world. There's no neutrality. If you are not There's no neutrality. If you are not moving towards Christ, you are being moving towards Christ, you are being moving towards Christ, you are being pulled away from him by the world. And pulled away from him by the world. And pulled away from him by the world. And the scriptures would call you blind, the scriptures would call you blind, the scriptures would call you blind, unfruitful, useless, and short-sighted.

unfruitful, useless, and short-sighted. unfruitful, useless, and short-sighted. Like you're near-sighted. Like you're near-sighted. Like you're near-sighted. You're worried about what you're going You're worried about what you're going You're worried about what you're going to eat, drink, and wear. You're to eat, drink, and wear. You're to eat, drink, and wear. You're forgetting God's vision and provision forgetting God's vision and provision forgetting God's vision and provision for life. You are turned inward, not for life. You are turned inward, not for life. You are turned inward, not outward, which is ironic at this point outward, which is ironic at this point outward, which is ironic at this point because the inner self is the one who because the inner self is the one who because the inner self is the one who has to mature for your outer life to has to mature for your outer life to has to mature for your outer life to flourish flourish flourish in God's economy. in God's economy. in God's economy. Which is why verses 3 and 4 are so key Which is why verses 3 and 4 are so key Which is why verses 3 and 4 are so key for this conversation because for this conversation because for this conversation because everything we need and everything we everything we need and everything we everything we need and everything we really want out of life has been given really want out of life has been given really want out of life has been given to us, provided for us in Jesus. to us, provided for us in Jesus. to us, provided for us in Jesus. Now, the depths of the riches of God's Now, the depths of the riches of God's Now, the depths of the riches of God's grace, but if we won't discipline grace, but if we won't discipline grace, but if we won't discipline ourselves to grow in godliness, we will ourselves to grow in godliness, we will ourselves to grow in godliness, we will grow in worldliness. grow in worldliness. grow in worldliness. And the glory of Christ will not be as And the glory of Christ will not be as And the glory of Christ will not be as bright to us. bright to us. bright to us. We will lose our hold on the beauty of We will lose our hold on the beauty of We will lose our hold on the beauty of Jesus. And the only thing at that point Jesus. And the only thing at that point Jesus. And the only thing at that point that we will gather people to is that we will gather people to is that we will gather people to is ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. It's just as insufficient. It's just as insufficient. It's just as insufficient. And nobody wants to be useless and And nobody wants to be useless and And nobody wants to be useless and unfruitful in the Christian life. unfruitful in the Christian life. unfruitful in the Christian life. Like I think about Thomas the Train.

Like I think about Thomas the Train. Like I think about Thomas the Train. Thomas just wants to be a useful engine. Thomas just wants to be a useful engine. Thomas just wants to be a useful engine. That's what he wants. That's what he wants. That's what he wants. That's what I want. That's what I want. That's what I want. I want to be useful to Jesus. I want to be useful to Jesus. I want to be useful to Jesus. I want to be a vessel fit for service by I want to be a vessel fit for service by I want to be a vessel fit for service by the power of grace. the power of grace. the power of grace. This isn't a works-based thing, like if This isn't a works-based thing, like if This isn't a works-based thing, like if you discipline yourself hard enough that you discipline yourself hard enough that you discipline yourself hard enough that God's going to love you and save you. God's going to love you and save you. God's going to love you and save you. You actually discipline yourself because You actually discipline yourself because You actually discipline yourself because God has loved you and has saved you. God has loved you and has saved you. God has loved you and has saved you. Your response is say, Your response is say, Your response is say, "Yes, Lord, then who do you want me to "Yes, Lord, then who do you want me to "Yes, Lord, then who do you want me to be?" be?" be?" Cuz he's shown you life. Cuz he's shown you life. Cuz he's shown you life. He wants you to become more human, not He wants you to become more human, not He wants you to become more human, not less. less. less. And this is really good news, especially And this is really good news, especially And this is really good news, especially for those who are consistently for those who are consistently for those who are consistently inconsistent. inconsistent. inconsistent. Like me. Like me. Like me. Just consistently inconsistent. And I Just consistently inconsistent. And I Just consistently inconsistent. And I need to be reminded, encouraged, and need to be reminded, encouraged, and need to be reminded, encouraged, and giving grace daily. giving grace daily. giving grace daily. When we are useful and fruitful, when we When we are useful and fruitful, when we When we are useful and fruitful, when we live by what Christ did in cleansing us, live by what Christ did in cleansing us, live by what Christ did in cleansing us, we grow and we gather. we grow and we gather. we grow and we gather. That's the call. We turn outward with That's the call. We turn outward with That's the call. We turn outward with the hope and share the good news of the hope and share the good news of the hope and share the good news of verses 3 and 4 because grace has changed verses 3 and 4 because grace has changed verses 3 and 4 because grace has changed our lives. We can't forget Jesus. We our lives. We can't forget Jesus. We our lives. We can't forget Jesus. We can't get over him. We want the world to can't get over him. We want the world to can't get over him. We want the world to know, so we share the overflow of our know, so we share the overflow of our know, so we share the overflow of our hearts.

hearts. hearts. We gather those who need the hope we We gather those who need the hope we We gather those who need the hope we have in Christ. have in Christ. have in Christ. Which is why we have been encouraging Which is why we have been encouraging Which is why we have been encouraging over the last year of just who is the over the last year of just who is the over the last year of just who is the person in your sphere of influence that person in your sphere of influence that person in your sphere of influence that you want to prayerfully engage and you want to prayerfully engage and you want to prayerfully engage and boldly proclaim the gospel to. boldly proclaim the gospel to. boldly proclaim the gospel to. Who's your one? Who's your one? Who's your one? And then they're talking about next And then they're talking about next And then they're talking about next weekend that you might gather that those weekend that you might gather that those weekend that you might gather that those individuals who need the joy of Christ, individuals who need the joy of Christ, individuals who need the joy of Christ, the life of Christ, and bring them here the life of Christ, and bring them here the life of Christ, and bring them here that they might hear just a very that they might hear just a very that they might hear just a very concerted message like a considered concerted message like a considered concerted message like a considered message of the gospel. Because Christ is the answer to our Because Christ is the answer to our hearts' cries. He is all that we need. hearts' cries. He is all that we need. hearts' cries. He is all that we need. And our work is to grow and gather. It's And our work is to grow and gather. It's And our work is to grow and gather. It's the spirit who works in all, enabling the spirit who works in all, enabling the spirit who works in all, enabling new life through Christ. It's the spirit new life through Christ. It's the spirit new life through Christ. It's the spirit who gives grace. So, we talked about who gives grace. So, we talked about who gives grace. So, we talked about this weekend and I know some of you kind this weekend and I know some of you kind this weekend and I know some of you kind of like get like a little flutter in of like get like a little flutter in of like get like a little flutter in your heart. You're like, "I I don't have your heart. You're like, "I I don't have your heart. You're like, "I I don't have the gift of evangelism." the gift of evangelism." the gift of evangelism." Like I work with some of these people Like I work with some of these people Like I work with some of these people and they are incredibly frustrating. and they are incredibly frustrating. and they are incredibly frustrating. It's a joke. It's a joke. It's a joke. Ah, thank you. Uh they're frustrating Ah, thank you. Uh they're frustrating Ah, thank you. Uh they're frustrating because they just go and they share the because they just go and they share the because they just go and they share the gospel and all of a sudden it's like gospel and all of a sudden it's like gospel and all of a sudden it's like everybody falls out. They're like, "Yes, everybody falls out. They're like, "Yes, everybody falls out. They're like, "Yes, teacher, tell us how to come to Jesus."

teacher, tell us how to come to Jesus." teacher, tell us how to come to Jesus." You're like, "That never happens for You're like, "That never happens for You're like, "That never happens for me." me." me." I share the gospel and I'm like and I share the gospel and I'm like and I share the gospel and I'm like and they're like, "Cool, thank you." they're like, "Cool, thank you." they're like, "Cool, thank you." It's like, "Okay, all right, cool. All It's like, "Okay, all right, cool. All It's like, "Okay, all right, cool. All right, okay. Hope that was okay." And right, okay. Hope that was okay." And right, okay. Hope that was okay." And but there are some people who just they but there are some people who just they but there are some people who just they have the gift have the gift have the gift where they can share openly and people where they can share openly and people where they can share openly and people respond in a way that's like, respond in a way that's like, respond in a way that's like, "Yes, I want to know him." "Yes, I want to know him." "Yes, I want to know him." Some of you have that. Some of you have that. Some of you have that. That's a gift given by the spirit. For That's a gift given by the spirit. For That's a gift given by the spirit. For those of you who don't have the gift, it those of you who don't have the gift, it those of you who don't have the gift, it then becomes a discipline. then becomes a discipline. then becomes a discipline. It becomes a discipline that we It becomes a discipline that we It becomes a discipline that we practice. practice. practice. And we practice it because what it does And we practice it because what it does And we practice it because what it does is when we speak about the good news of is when we speak about the good news of is when we speak about the good news of Jesus, it overcomes the fears and the Jesus, it overcomes the fears and the Jesus, it overcomes the fears and the whispers in our hearts. whispers in our hearts. whispers in our hearts. Of being rejected, or maybe we're an Of being rejected, or maybe we're an Of being rejected, or maybe we're an idiot, or maybe it's not true, or what idiot, or maybe it's not true, or what idiot, or maybe it's not true, or what are they going to think of us, or it's are they going to think of us, or it's are they going to think of us, or it's going to be awkward. And you you get going to be awkward. And you you get going to be awkward. And you you get past those things, you turn the volume past those things, you turn the volume past those things, you turn the volume down on those. down on those. down on those. And then you're reminded that the effect And then you're reminded that the effect And then you're reminded that the effect of of of coming to Jesus, like that's not on you coming to Jesus, like that's not on you coming to Jesus, like that's not on you anyway. anyway. anyway. You're just called to gather. The spirit You're just called to gather. The spirit You're just called to gather. The spirit saves. saves. saves. You're just called to share. You're just called to share. You're just called to share. Let the spirit do the work.

Let the spirit do the work. Let the spirit do the work. And that's a discipline for us who don't And that's a discipline for us who don't And that's a discipline for us who don't who are like, I'm I am not a gifted who are like, I'm I am not a gifted who are like, I'm I am not a gifted evangelist. Like, yeah, me neither. evangelist. Like, yeah, me neither. evangelist. Like, yeah, me neither. But we're going to practice the But we're going to practice the But we're going to practice the discipline of sharing the good news. discipline of sharing the good news. discipline of sharing the good news. Of inviting people towards joy. Of inviting people towards joy. Of inviting people towards joy. And that's why we prayerfully engage and And that's why we prayerfully engage and And that's why we prayerfully engage and boldly proclaim, because we're sharing boldly proclaim, because we're sharing boldly proclaim, because we're sharing who we love and what he's done for us. who we love and what he's done for us. who we love and what he's done for us. Last two verses. Last two verses. Last two verses. Peter says, "Therefore, brothers and Peter says, "Therefore, brothers and Peter says, "Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm sisters, make every effort to confirm sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if your calling and election, because if your calling and election, because if you do these things, you will never you do these things, you will never you do these things, you will never stumble. stumble. stumble. For in this way, entry into the eternal For in this way, entry into the eternal For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord Jesus Lord and kingdom of our Lord Jesus Lord and kingdom of our Lord Jesus Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly Savior Jesus Christ will be richly Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you." provided for you." provided for you." He says, "Make every effort, do He says, "Make every effort, do He says, "Make every effort, do everything you can to confirm your hope everything you can to confirm your hope everything you can to confirm your hope in Christ, because if you do, it will in Christ, because if you do, it will in Christ, because if you do, it will keep your feet out of the trap." You'll confirm grace has taken root in You'll confirm grace has taken root in your heart and that you belong to God. your heart and that you belong to God. your heart and that you belong to God. And Peter's not promising sinful or And Peter's not promising sinful or And Peter's not promising sinful or sinless perfection. He's not saying, "If sinless perfection. He's not saying, "If sinless perfection. He's not saying, "If you practice these things, you'll never you practice these things, you'll never you practice these things, you'll never sin again." He's saying, "You'll be on sin again." He's saying, "You'll be on sin again." He's saying, "You'll be on the right trajectory." the right trajectory." the right trajectory." You'll be on the right trajectory You'll be on the right trajectory You'll be on the right trajectory because doctrine, discipline, and because doctrine, discipline, and because doctrine, discipline, and Christ-like character will keep you from Christ-like character will keep you from Christ-like character will keep you from a whole lot of foolishness.

a whole lot of foolishness. a whole lot of foolishness. They just keep you out of doing dumb They just keep you out of doing dumb They just keep you out of doing dumb stuff. stuff. stuff. But when you do slip, when sin gets the But when you do slip, when sin gets the But when you do slip, when sin gets the better of you, better of you, better of you, if you have filled the drawers and dug if you have filled the drawers and dug if you have filled the drawers and dug the wells, the wells, the wells, then you know who you are and you know then you know who you are and you know then you know who you are and you know whose you are. whose you are. whose you are. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Like in those moments we are I've been >> Like in those moments we are I've been >> Like in those moments we are I've been telling you in those moments when we telling you in those moments when we telling you in those moments when we sin, we experience our sin in real time sin, we experience our sin in real time sin, we experience our sin in real time and it is such a shock to us. and it is such a shock to us. and it is such a shock to us. You're like, "Oh, I can't believe I'm You're like, "Oh, I can't believe I'm You're like, "Oh, I can't believe I'm still a sinner." It's like, "Yes." still a sinner." It's like, "Yes." still a sinner." It's like, "Yes." You're just realizing it in new in real You're just realizing it in new in real You're just realizing it in new in real time again. time again. time again. And Jesus is going, "Yeah, it's just And Jesus is going, "Yeah, it's just And Jesus is going, "Yeah, it's just Tuesday." Tuesday." Tuesday." It's just Tuesday. I knew that was going It's just Tuesday. I knew that was going It's just Tuesday. I knew that was going to happen and I paid for it. to happen and I paid for it. to happen and I paid for it. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I covered it. It's a surprise to you, >> I covered it. It's a surprise to you, >> I covered it. It's a surprise to you, it's no shock to him. it's no shock to him. it's no shock to him. Cuz he's given you grace for all of your Cuz he's given you grace for all of your Cuz he's given you grace for all of your life. life. life. And he's calling you forward to grow. And he's calling you forward to grow. And he's calling you forward to grow. And so we're allowed to be in process. And so we're allowed to be in process. And so we're allowed to be in process. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And we're allowed to say, "Thank you for >> And we're allowed to say, "Thank you for >> And we're allowed to say, "Thank you for your grace." your grace." your grace." And when we live this way, the eternal And when we live this way, the eternal And when we live this way, the eternal quality of life that Christ came to give quality of life that Christ came to give quality of life that Christ came to give us, us, us, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> how he wants you to live with a >> how he wants you to live with a >> how he wants you to live with a wholehearted joy, it is yours in wholehearted joy, it is yours in wholehearted joy, it is yours in increasing degrees until he comes increasing degrees until he comes increasing degrees until he comes and we're with him.

and we're with him. and we're with him. He lets us live with freedom and joy He lets us live with freedom and joy He lets us live with freedom and joy unlike anything the world can give you. unlike anything the world can give you. unlike anything the world can give you. So we grow and we gather So we grow and we gather So we grow and we gather >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> out of joy. >> out of joy. >> out of joy. Now, to close, I got three questions for Now, to close, I got three questions for Now, to close, I got three questions for you. You're like, "Oh, I thought I made you. You're like, "Oh, I thought I made you. You're like, "Oh, I thought I made it out. There were none in the sermon." it out. There were none in the sermon." it out. There were none in the sermon." >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Got you. They're here. >> Got you. They're here. >> Got you. They're here. So, first one, So, first one, So, first one, who can you gather to hear the good news who can you gather to hear the good news who can you gather to hear the good news of Christ? of Christ? of Christ? Who's coming with you next week, Evan? Who's coming with you next week, Evan? Who's coming with you next week, Evan? >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Who's your one? >> Who's your one? >> Who's your one? Who can you gather? Who can you gather? Who can you gather? The second one, what dimension of life The second one, what dimension of life The second one, what dimension of life landed most heavily with you? Doctrine, landed most heavily with you? Doctrine, landed most heavily with you? Doctrine, discipline, or Christ-like character? discipline, or Christ-like character? discipline, or Christ-like character? And the the real sleeper question is, And the the real sleeper question is, And the the real sleeper question is, why? why? why? Don't just name it. Why? Don't just name it. Why? Don't just name it. Why? And then third, what's the next right And then third, what's the next right And then third, what's the next right step for you to invest in your growth as step for you to invest in your growth as step for you to invest in your growth as a Christian? a Christian? a Christian? Maybe what space do you need to commit Maybe what space do you need to commit Maybe what space do you need to commit to this fall? Training program, Bible to this fall? Training program, Bible to this fall? Training program, Bible study, outreach training, recovery study, outreach training, recovery study, outreach training, recovery group. group. group. Women's discipleship group. Women's discipleship group. Women's discipleship group. What space do you use to invest in What space do you use to invest in What space do you use to invest in yourself to become who God wants you to yourself to become who God wants you to yourself to become who God wants you to be? be? be? Now, a couple things before I close. I Now, a couple things before I close. I Now, a couple things before I close. I know I'm over and you're being you've know I'm over and you're being you've know I'm over and you're being you've been very patient.

been very patient. been very patient. If you heard me If you heard me If you heard me and And "Man, I and And "Man, I and And "Man, I I am trying all the things and I keep I am trying all the things and I keep I am trying all the things and I keep failing and I'm really discouraged." failing and I'm really discouraged." failing and I'm really discouraged." Let me encourage you Let me encourage you Let me encourage you that Jesus will never leave you nor that Jesus will never leave you nor that Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. He gives you what you need forsake you. He gives you what you need forsake you. He gives you what you need and he's for you. and he's for you. and he's for you. He does not shame you, so stop shaming He does not shame you, so stop shaming He does not shame you, so stop shaming yourself. That's not the voice of the yourself. That's not the voice of the yourself. That's not the voice of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. What you can do is you can keep going. What you can do is you can keep going. What you can do is you can keep going. You can keep going. You can keep going. You can keep going. He's for you. He's for you. He's for you. If you're like, "Man, you're talking If you're like, "Man, you're talking If you're like, "Man, you're talking about living out of overflow. My heart about living out of overflow. My heart about living out of overflow. My heart feels dry and shriveled and I'm not feels dry and shriveled and I'm not feels dry and shriveled and I'm not happy about it." happy about it." happy about it." I want to know the joy of the Lord. I I want to know the joy of the Lord. I I want to know the joy of the Lord. I used to know it. I don't know it now. used to know it. I don't know it now. used to know it. I don't know it now. What do I do?" And I would say, What do I do?" And I would say, What do I do?" And I would say, "Keep going. "Keep going. "Keep going. Keep sowing towards righteousness. Keep sowing towards righteousness. Keep sowing towards righteousness. Keep pleading and praying and opening Keep pleading and praying and opening Keep pleading and praying and opening your heart to the Lord and those around your heart to the Lord and those around your heart to the Lord and those around you and just [music] pleading with him you and just [music] pleading with him you and just [music] pleading with him because the day will come. He has not because the day will come. He has not because the day will come. He has not turned from you. The day will come when turned from you. The day will come when turned from you. The day will come when the spirit just the spirit just the spirit just >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> opens it up >> opens it up >> opens it up and you see Christ and your heart is and you see Christ and your heart is and you see Christ and your heart is filled. Do not give up."

filled. Do not give up." filled. Do not give up." If you're listening to me talk and If you're listening to me talk and If you're listening to me talk and you're not a Christian, you're like, you're not a Christian, you're like, you're not a Christian, you're like, "That's weird. That whole thing. "That's weird. That whole thing. "That's weird. That whole thing. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You're talking about Jesus and he's >> You're talking about Jesus and he's >> You're talking about Jesus and he's provided things for me." But there's provided things for me." But there's provided things for me." But there's something inside of you that's like something inside of you that's like something inside of you that's like you're curious. That's the Holy Spirit That's the Holy Spirit telling you that there's something for telling you that there's something for telling you that there's something for you here. you here. you here. And I would tell you And I would tell you And I would tell you it's more fun and more joyful and more it's more fun and more joyful and more it's more fun and more joyful and more true life than you've ever known true life than you've ever known true life than you've ever known because Christ is for you and you can because Christ is for you and you can because Christ is for you and you can come to him today. So, in a second I'm come to him today. So, in a second I'm come to him today. So, in a second I'm going to pray. Men and women will be up going to pray. Men and women will be up going to pray. Men and women will be up here and if you're like, "Man, I am here and if you're like, "Man, I am here and if you're like, "Man, I am struggling. struggling. struggling. I feel in a drought or I want to know I feel in a drought or I want to know I feel in a drought or I want to know who Jesus is." Or any other reason, come who Jesus is." Or any other reason, come who Jesus is." Or any other reason, come up here and pray. Be prayed for. up here and pray. Be prayed for. up here and pray. Be prayed for. If you want to get baptized, we'll get If you want to get baptized, we'll get If you want to get baptized, we'll get you in the water and baptize you in just you in the water and baptize you in just you in the water and baptize you in just a second. a second. a second. Now, Now, Now, let's pray. let's pray. let's pray. Heavenly Father, we love you. We thank Heavenly Father, we love you. We thank Heavenly Father, we love you. We thank you that you've given us everything you that you've given us everything you that you've given us everything required for life and godliness. We required for life and godliness. We required for life and godliness. We thank you for your kindness, for your thank you for your kindness, for your thank you for your kindness, for your mercy, for your love. mercy, for your love. mercy, for your love. Would you Would you Would you gosh, would you lead us and help us to gosh, would you lead us and help us to gosh, would you lead us and help us to invest in ourselves to grow in doctrine, invest in ourselves to grow in doctrine, invest in ourselves to grow in doctrine, discipline, and Christ-like character discipline, and Christ-like character discipline, and Christ-like character that we might grow and gather.

that we might grow and gather. that we might grow and gather. For your name and your renown, we pray For your name and your renown, we pray For your name and your renown, we pray in Christ's name. Amen.