1 00:00:00,399 --> 00:00:03,040 Please remain standing now for the reading of 2 00:00:03,040 --> 00:00:03,859 God's word. 3 00:00:04,799 --> 00:00:07,139 We're This is Romans chapter 8 4 00:00:07,519 --> 00:00:08,019 verses 5 00:00:08,400 --> 00:00:11,039 5 to 8. Again, Romans chapter 8 verses 6 00:00:11,039 --> 00:00:12,019 5 to 8. 7 00:00:12,320 --> 00:00:14,339 Please listen to the reading of God's word. 8 00:00:15,044 --> 00:00:17,225 For those who live according to the flesh, 9 00:00:17,925 --> 00:00:19,765 set their minds on the things of the 10 00:00:19,765 --> 00:00:20,265 flesh. 11 00:00:20,725 --> 00:00:22,664 But those who live according to the spirit, 12 00:00:23,204 --> 00:00:25,364 set their minds on the things of the 13 00:00:25,364 --> 00:00:25,864 spirit. 14 00:00:26,404 --> 00:00:28,005 For to set the mind on the flesh 15 00:00:28,005 --> 00:00:28,744 is death, 16 00:00:29,230 --> 00:00:31,070 but to set the mind on the spirit 17 00:00:31,070 --> 00:00:31,890 is life 18 00:00:32,270 --> 00:00:33,009 and peace. 19 00:00:33,789 --> 00:00:34,989 For the mind that is set on the 20 00:00:34,989 --> 00:00:37,309 flesh is hostile to God for it does 21 00:00:37,309 --> 00:00:40,369 not submit to God's law. Indeed, it cannot. 22 00:00:41,244 --> 00:00:42,625 Those who are in the flesh 23 00:00:43,164 --> 00:00:43,664 cannot 24 00:00:44,045 --> 00:00:46,125 please God. This is the word of the 25 00:00:46,125 --> 00:00:46,625 Lord. 26 00:00:47,085 --> 00:00:49,104 Thanks to God. Please be seated. 27 00:00:52,445 --> 00:00:55,439 One of the most beautiful sights in the 28 00:00:55,439 --> 00:00:55,939 Galilee 29 00:00:56,560 --> 00:00:59,219 in Northern Israel is known as Mount Beatitudes. 30 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:02,479 It's called Mount Beatitudes because it is believed 31 00:01:02,479 --> 00:01:04,400 that that was the side where Jesus delivered 32 00:01:04,400 --> 00:01:05,379 his most famous 33 00:01:05,775 --> 00:01:07,795 sermon, the Sermon on the Mount. 34 00:01:08,495 --> 00:01:08,734 And, 35 00:01:09,375 --> 00:01:11,135 that Sermon on the Mount, you may recall 36 00:01:11,135 --> 00:01:11,635 begins 37 00:01:11,935 --> 00:01:12,915 with blessings, 38 00:01:13,454 --> 00:01:15,075 which are the beatitudes, 39 00:01:16,094 --> 00:01:18,174 that that they're known as beatitudes because that's 40 00:01:18,174 --> 00:01:20,034 the the Latin term for blessing, 41 00:01:20,799 --> 00:01:22,420 is is based on that. 42 00:01:22,880 --> 00:01:25,140 That's where it gets the name Mount Beatitudes. 43 00:01:25,359 --> 00:01:26,340 The Mount itself 44 00:01:26,959 --> 00:01:28,180 provides a breathtaking 45 00:01:28,959 --> 00:01:30,180 panoramic view 46 00:01:30,480 --> 00:01:31,939 of the Sea of Galilee 47 00:01:32,400 --> 00:01:33,939 adorned with its lush 48 00:01:34,355 --> 00:01:36,215 vegetation and rich biodiversity 49 00:01:36,835 --> 00:01:39,015 that the Sea of Galilee's fresh water, 50 00:01:40,034 --> 00:01:41,495 sustains and nurtures. 51 00:01:42,275 --> 00:01:42,775 Today, 52 00:01:43,155 --> 00:01:46,695 a lovely Roman Catholic church sits amidst beautifully, 53 00:01:47,395 --> 00:01:47,895 manicured 54 00:01:48,195 --> 00:01:48,695 lawns 55 00:01:49,200 --> 00:01:51,140 and offers a serene atmosphere 56 00:01:51,599 --> 00:01:53,140 that are conducive to reflection, 57 00:01:53,680 --> 00:01:54,420 to prayer, 58 00:01:54,719 --> 00:01:56,420 and to a sense of peace. 59 00:01:57,519 --> 00:02:00,900 Now even though the setting is absolutely marvelous, 60 00:02:01,840 --> 00:02:02,659 it's picturesque 61 00:02:02,959 --> 00:02:04,579 landscape is not the reason 62 00:02:04,935 --> 00:02:06,775 why Mount Beatitudes is one of the most 63 00:02:06,775 --> 00:02:08,155 visited sites in Israel. 64 00:02:08,694 --> 00:02:10,074 What makes Mount Beatitudes 65 00:02:10,375 --> 00:02:10,875 attractive, 66 00:02:11,495 --> 00:02:14,395 it's that it's biblical and historical significance. 67 00:02:14,775 --> 00:02:16,854 After all, the Sermon on the Mount is 68 00:02:16,854 --> 00:02:19,275 one of the most well known and influential 69 00:02:19,574 --> 00:02:20,074 passages 70 00:02:20,590 --> 00:02:21,650 in the whole bible. 71 00:02:22,269 --> 00:02:24,590 It's found in chapters 5 to 7 of 72 00:02:24,590 --> 00:02:26,449 the gospel according to Matthew 73 00:02:27,150 --> 00:02:28,849 and it contains things like 74 00:02:29,150 --> 00:02:32,030 the beatitudes, such as blessed are the poor 75 00:02:32,030 --> 00:02:33,949 in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of 76 00:02:33,949 --> 00:02:34,449 heaven. 77 00:02:35,444 --> 00:02:37,525 It contains Jesus teaching on the ethics of 78 00:02:37,525 --> 00:02:38,664 the kingdom of God, 79 00:02:38,965 --> 00:02:40,264 where Jesus for example, 80 00:02:40,724 --> 00:02:43,525 calls Christians to love our enemies and to 81 00:02:43,525 --> 00:02:45,384 pray for those who persecute us. 82 00:02:45,925 --> 00:02:48,680 It contains the Lord's prayer, perhaps the best 83 00:02:48,680 --> 00:02:51,080 known prayer world worldwide. I remember the first 84 00:02:51,080 --> 00:02:52,300 time that I went to Israel, 85 00:02:52,840 --> 00:02:55,879 we were in the northern most part of 86 00:02:55,879 --> 00:02:56,539 of Israel, 87 00:02:57,240 --> 00:02:57,639 and, 88 00:02:58,520 --> 00:03:00,459 we visited a a Christian church. 89 00:03:00,794 --> 00:03:01,534 And the 90 00:03:02,394 --> 00:03:03,534 the pastor there, 91 00:03:04,074 --> 00:03:06,174 he he said who was, 92 00:03:06,715 --> 00:03:09,935 an Israeli citizen, but in but, from, 93 00:03:11,114 --> 00:03:13,709 he's a Syrian. He he said, pastor, would 94 00:03:13,709 --> 00:03:14,769 you come up here 95 00:03:15,069 --> 00:03:18,209 and lead everyone here in the Lord's prayer? 96 00:03:18,590 --> 00:03:21,150 Right? And and so the assumption was made, 97 00:03:21,150 --> 00:03:23,389 of course, that surely I know the Lord's 98 00:03:23,389 --> 00:03:25,549 prayer, and surely the people will be able 99 00:03:25,549 --> 00:03:26,909 to follow, and then he was gonna say 100 00:03:26,909 --> 00:03:27,409 it 101 00:03:27,754 --> 00:03:29,614 in in, in Aramaic. 102 00:03:30,474 --> 00:03:32,155 So it is just such a well known 103 00:03:32,155 --> 00:03:34,235 prayer that you just can just assume. If 104 00:03:34,235 --> 00:03:35,914 you're a Christian, you're gonna know the Lord's 105 00:03:35,914 --> 00:03:37,675 prayer. Well, that happens in the Sermon on 106 00:03:37,675 --> 00:03:39,194 the Mount and is given to us. It 107 00:03:39,194 --> 00:03:41,770 also contains the golden rule, Do unto others 108 00:03:41,770 --> 00:03:43,710 as you would have them do unto you, 109 00:03:44,090 --> 00:03:45,469 underscoring the importance 110 00:03:46,009 --> 00:03:47,469 of valuing and respecting 111 00:03:48,490 --> 00:03:48,990 others. 112 00:03:49,930 --> 00:03:51,469 But for all of the wisdom, 113 00:03:52,490 --> 00:03:53,789 of the sermons teaching 114 00:03:54,305 --> 00:03:56,784 and for all the beauty and tranquility of 115 00:03:56,784 --> 00:03:57,444 the landscape 116 00:03:58,145 --> 00:04:00,245 where it was the sermon was delivered, 117 00:04:00,625 --> 00:04:03,365 it is the terror of the sermons conclusion 118 00:04:03,905 --> 00:04:05,925 that I want to bring to your attention 119 00:04:05,985 --> 00:04:06,724 right now. 120 00:04:07,489 --> 00:04:10,629 Consider what Jesus says in Matthew 7 verses 121 00:04:10,689 --> 00:04:11,989 21 to 23. 122 00:04:13,329 --> 00:04:14,150 He says, 123 00:04:14,930 --> 00:04:17,750 not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord 124 00:04:18,129 --> 00:04:19,829 will enter the kingdom of heaven, 125 00:04:20,535 --> 00:04:21,894 But the one who does the will of 126 00:04:21,894 --> 00:04:23,595 my father who is in heaven. 127 00:04:24,615 --> 00:04:26,795 On that day, many will say to me, 128 00:04:27,254 --> 00:04:28,154 Lord Lord, 129 00:04:28,535 --> 00:04:30,955 did we not prophesy in your name 130 00:04:31,735 --> 00:04:33,995 and cast out demons in your name 131 00:04:34,819 --> 00:04:36,680 and do many right works 132 00:04:36,980 --> 00:04:37,879 in your name. 133 00:04:38,579 --> 00:04:40,519 And then I will declare to them, 134 00:04:41,379 --> 00:04:42,600 I never knew you. 135 00:04:43,699 --> 00:04:45,720 Depart from me you workers 136 00:04:46,339 --> 00:04:47,160 of lawlessness. 137 00:04:48,875 --> 00:04:51,915 Jesus then concludes the sermon by imploring people 138 00:04:51,915 --> 00:04:53,375 to obey his teachings, 139 00:04:54,074 --> 00:04:56,395 building their house on the rock of God's 140 00:04:56,395 --> 00:04:56,895 word, 141 00:04:57,275 --> 00:05:00,175 which will withstand the storm whenever it comes. 142 00:05:00,509 --> 00:05:02,269 Unlike the house that is built on the 143 00:05:02,269 --> 00:05:03,889 sand of man's own ideas, 144 00:05:04,430 --> 00:05:05,810 which is doomed to collapse, 145 00:05:06,189 --> 00:05:07,889 and with it, everyone 146 00:05:08,349 --> 00:05:09,329 dwelling therein. 147 00:05:10,909 --> 00:05:11,970 On what foundation 148 00:05:12,990 --> 00:05:13,889 are you building 149 00:05:14,669 --> 00:05:15,569 your house? 150 00:05:16,535 --> 00:05:18,634 That's the question before us this morning. 151 00:05:19,014 --> 00:05:20,955 What are the things that you value? 152 00:05:22,455 --> 00:05:24,154 What are the things that you aspire 153 00:05:24,455 --> 00:05:25,194 to attain? 154 00:05:26,774 --> 00:05:27,595 Most importantly, 155 00:05:28,709 --> 00:05:29,930 what are the things 156 00:05:30,389 --> 00:05:31,129 you love? 157 00:05:32,629 --> 00:05:34,310 Because the main point that I want you 158 00:05:34,310 --> 00:05:35,290 to remember today, 159 00:05:35,750 --> 00:05:37,850 is that you are what you love. 160 00:05:39,509 --> 00:05:41,670 And our text will guide our thinking this 161 00:05:41,670 --> 00:05:44,095 morning, as we consider 3 headings. 162 00:05:44,714 --> 00:05:45,855 1st, our worldview. 163 00:05:47,194 --> 00:05:48,654 Secondly, our will. 164 00:05:49,834 --> 00:05:50,495 And finally, 165 00:05:51,035 --> 00:05:51,774 our worship. 166 00:05:52,394 --> 00:05:53,134 Our worldview, 167 00:05:53,675 --> 00:05:56,235 our will and our worship. So let's consider 168 00:05:56,235 --> 00:05:56,735 first 169 00:05:57,449 --> 00:05:58,189 our worldview. 170 00:05:58,649 --> 00:06:00,430 Look at verse 5 again with me. 171 00:06:01,769 --> 00:06:03,949 For those who live according to the flesh 172 00:06:04,250 --> 00:06:06,649 set their minds on the things of the 173 00:06:06,649 --> 00:06:07,149 flesh. 174 00:06:08,009 --> 00:06:10,189 But those who live according to the spirit 175 00:06:10,745 --> 00:06:12,685 set their minds on the things 176 00:06:13,225 --> 00:06:14,125 of the spirit. 177 00:06:15,225 --> 00:06:17,865 Notice that Paul divides humanity here into 2 178 00:06:17,865 --> 00:06:18,365 camps. 179 00:06:19,384 --> 00:06:21,785 Those who set their minds on the things 180 00:06:21,785 --> 00:06:22,605 of the flesh 181 00:06:23,060 --> 00:06:24,900 and those who set their minds on the 182 00:06:24,900 --> 00:06:28,020 things of the spirit. These two groups have 183 00:06:28,020 --> 00:06:29,000 different mindsets, 184 00:06:30,180 --> 00:06:32,500 which are shaped and guided by the way 185 00:06:32,500 --> 00:06:33,480 that they live. 186 00:06:34,660 --> 00:06:36,680 1 group lives according to the flesh. 187 00:06:37,845 --> 00:06:40,345 The other group lives according to the spirit. 188 00:06:41,365 --> 00:06:44,004 We'll consider how their wills are governed by 189 00:06:44,004 --> 00:06:45,925 different rulers when we look at our second 190 00:06:45,925 --> 00:06:47,925 heading. But for now, I want us to 191 00:06:47,925 --> 00:06:48,425 consider 192 00:06:48,964 --> 00:06:51,305 the different mindsets of these 2 193 00:06:51,685 --> 00:06:52,824 different groups. 194 00:06:53,579 --> 00:06:55,819 When Paul writes that they set their minds 195 00:06:55,819 --> 00:06:56,560 on something, 196 00:06:57,019 --> 00:06:58,399 he's not merely describing 197 00:06:59,019 --> 00:07:01,919 the content or the focus of their thoughts. 198 00:07:03,019 --> 00:07:03,919 It is that, 199 00:07:04,220 --> 00:07:05,759 but it is more than that. 200 00:07:06,335 --> 00:07:08,335 Paul has in view not only what one 201 00:07:08,335 --> 00:07:09,235 thinks about, 202 00:07:09,775 --> 00:07:10,514 but rather 203 00:07:10,975 --> 00:07:12,115 how one understands 204 00:07:12,574 --> 00:07:14,194 or evaluates reality. 205 00:07:15,295 --> 00:07:16,194 In other words, 206 00:07:16,655 --> 00:07:19,055 a mind that is set on the flesh 207 00:07:19,055 --> 00:07:19,715 for example, 208 00:07:20,335 --> 00:07:21,715 a fleshly mind 209 00:07:22,169 --> 00:07:24,110 is a mind that interprets reality 210 00:07:24,970 --> 00:07:27,229 according to the fleshly principles 211 00:07:27,850 --> 00:07:29,709 or values of this world. 212 00:07:30,970 --> 00:07:33,629 It's a mind that undergirds a worldview 213 00:07:34,685 --> 00:07:36,545 that is shaped and governed 214 00:07:37,085 --> 00:07:38,064 by the flesh. 215 00:07:39,564 --> 00:07:42,045 Remember as we discussed in Romans 7, the 216 00:07:42,045 --> 00:07:44,444 flesh is not a reference to the human 217 00:07:44,444 --> 00:07:47,004 body. It's not talking Paul's not talking literally 218 00:07:47,004 --> 00:07:49,230 about our flesh. It's not that the body 219 00:07:49,230 --> 00:07:51,550 is a bad thing and the spirit is 220 00:07:51,550 --> 00:07:53,089 a good thing. That's not the dichotomy 221 00:07:53,629 --> 00:07:55,310 that he is doing here. That's a Greek 222 00:07:55,310 --> 00:07:57,170 idea. That's not the biblical 223 00:07:57,629 --> 00:07:58,129 idea. 224 00:07:59,629 --> 00:08:00,129 Rather, 225 00:08:00,675 --> 00:08:02,534 the flesh refers to 226 00:08:03,154 --> 00:08:05,495 a to the fallen state of existence 227 00:08:06,514 --> 00:08:07,334 where individuals 228 00:08:07,794 --> 00:08:09,414 operate according to 229 00:08:09,954 --> 00:08:12,375 their sinful nature, in total bondage 230 00:08:12,754 --> 00:08:13,654 to the tyranny 231 00:08:14,034 --> 00:08:14,774 of sin. 232 00:08:16,199 --> 00:08:17,979 That's what the flesh refers to. 233 00:08:19,319 --> 00:08:20,379 How that person 234 00:08:21,000 --> 00:08:22,060 perceives life, 235 00:08:23,319 --> 00:08:24,379 what that person 236 00:08:25,079 --> 00:08:25,579 appreciates, 237 00:08:27,160 --> 00:08:29,419 why that person gets up in the morning. 238 00:08:30,285 --> 00:08:33,424 All of these are governed by fleshly, 239 00:08:34,284 --> 00:08:34,784 worldly 240 00:08:35,245 --> 00:08:35,745 principles. 241 00:08:37,004 --> 00:08:39,565 It's a whole mindset. It's a posture toward 242 00:08:39,565 --> 00:08:41,024 life. It's a worldview. 243 00:08:42,399 --> 00:08:44,480 Now if someone is involved in a life 244 00:08:44,480 --> 00:08:45,139 of debauchery 245 00:08:46,639 --> 00:08:47,779 or of crime 246 00:08:48,960 --> 00:08:51,360 or someone has given his life very clearly 247 00:08:51,360 --> 00:08:52,259 just to pursue 248 00:08:52,879 --> 00:08:54,340 his own selfish ambition, 249 00:08:55,205 --> 00:08:57,605 It is easy to recognize that such a 250 00:08:57,605 --> 00:08:58,105 person 251 00:08:58,644 --> 00:09:01,465 has set his mind on fleshly things. 252 00:09:03,605 --> 00:09:05,225 Since we are what we love, 253 00:09:05,845 --> 00:09:07,764 we can safely assume that that person is 254 00:09:07,764 --> 00:09:08,504 not a Christian. 255 00:09:09,049 --> 00:09:11,929 Since that person loves the world as it 256 00:09:11,929 --> 00:09:14,809 were more than he loves Jesus. Whatever Jesus 257 00:09:14,809 --> 00:09:16,970 calls us to do, that's not interesting for 258 00:09:16,970 --> 00:09:18,909 that person. He has other loves. 259 00:09:20,329 --> 00:09:22,009 So if that's not you this morning, you 260 00:09:22,009 --> 00:09:24,589 might say, okay. Well, that doesn't describe me. 261 00:09:25,125 --> 00:09:26,804 I don't have to worry about Jesus telling 262 00:09:26,804 --> 00:09:28,904 me someday, I never knew you. 263 00:09:30,004 --> 00:09:31,225 But you can be sure 264 00:09:32,245 --> 00:09:34,184 that hell's membership roles 265 00:09:34,965 --> 00:09:36,504 will include people who 266 00:09:37,279 --> 00:09:38,580 are just nice people. 267 00:09:39,120 --> 00:09:41,519 People who don't drink, people who don't smoke, 268 00:09:41,519 --> 00:09:43,200 that not that you're not a nice person 269 00:09:43,200 --> 00:09:45,040 if you drink or smoke, but you know 270 00:09:45,040 --> 00:09:46,980 what I mean. People who don't curse, 271 00:09:47,360 --> 00:09:49,139 people who attend church faithfully, 272 00:09:50,904 --> 00:09:52,445 people who receive the 273 00:09:53,065 --> 00:09:53,565 sacraments, 274 00:09:55,144 --> 00:09:57,065 people who affirm the creeds of the church 275 00:09:57,065 --> 00:09:58,205 like we just did, 276 00:09:59,225 --> 00:10:01,245 and even those who are given the responsibility 277 00:10:01,705 --> 00:10:03,004 of of preaching, 278 00:10:04,024 --> 00:10:04,845 of shepherding, 279 00:10:05,800 --> 00:10:07,100 and of ruling the church. 280 00:10:07,639 --> 00:10:10,300 There will be people that are described 281 00:10:10,759 --> 00:10:11,820 by like that 282 00:10:12,840 --> 00:10:13,660 on hell's 283 00:10:14,360 --> 00:10:15,580 membership roles. 284 00:10:16,120 --> 00:10:17,879 You see a Christian is not defined by 285 00:10:17,879 --> 00:10:18,379 directives, 286 00:10:19,125 --> 00:10:20,264 but by devotion. 287 00:10:21,845 --> 00:10:23,865 A Christian is not defined by commands, 288 00:10:25,044 --> 00:10:26,024 but by conviction. 289 00:10:27,285 --> 00:10:29,705 A Christian is not defined by laws, 290 00:10:31,205 --> 00:10:32,184 but by love. 291 00:10:33,149 --> 00:10:33,649 Christianity 292 00:10:34,269 --> 00:10:35,870 is a matter of the heart. Paul has 293 00:10:35,870 --> 00:10:37,649 told us that already in this letter. 294 00:10:38,429 --> 00:10:40,850 And this means that mere religiosity 295 00:10:42,269 --> 00:10:43,329 won't save you. 296 00:10:45,375 --> 00:10:46,754 Man looks at the outside, 297 00:10:47,855 --> 00:10:50,735 but God looks at the heart. So we 298 00:10:50,735 --> 00:10:52,434 might be able to fool one another, 299 00:10:54,254 --> 00:10:55,774 but we will not be able to fool 300 00:10:55,774 --> 00:10:56,274 God. 301 00:10:57,855 --> 00:10:58,995 But here's the question, 302 00:10:59,740 --> 00:11:01,040 are you fooling yourself? 303 00:11:03,660 --> 00:11:04,879 Are you fooling yourself? 304 00:11:05,500 --> 00:11:07,899 Under the cover of regular church attendance for 305 00:11:07,899 --> 00:11:08,399 example, 306 00:11:09,179 --> 00:11:11,660 might you be hiding a heart that is 307 00:11:11,660 --> 00:11:12,644 hostile to God? 308 00:11:14,004 --> 00:11:16,105 That's a scary question, isn't it? 309 00:11:18,325 --> 00:11:20,565 The way to get at this question is 310 00:11:20,565 --> 00:11:21,225 to consider 311 00:11:21,684 --> 00:11:22,985 the things that you love. 312 00:11:24,165 --> 00:11:26,504 What is your mind set upon? 313 00:11:27,920 --> 00:11:29,059 What are the affections 314 00:11:29,840 --> 00:11:30,740 of your heart? 315 00:11:32,480 --> 00:11:35,540 What kinds of things captivate your attention? 316 00:11:37,360 --> 00:11:39,059 What do you desire so much 317 00:11:39,840 --> 00:11:41,759 that you believe that you cannot live without 318 00:11:41,759 --> 00:11:42,259 it? 319 00:11:44,664 --> 00:11:46,204 What do you want so much 320 00:11:46,904 --> 00:11:48,204 that you are angry 321 00:11:49,225 --> 00:11:49,964 and bitter 322 00:11:50,584 --> 00:11:52,605 because such a thing isn't yours? 323 00:11:54,105 --> 00:11:56,204 How you answer these questions determines 324 00:11:56,745 --> 00:11:57,964 your walk in life. 325 00:11:58,460 --> 00:12:00,399 It sets your daily pursuits. 326 00:12:01,019 --> 00:12:02,620 It shapes the way that you look at 327 00:12:02,620 --> 00:12:03,120 reality. 328 00:12:03,580 --> 00:12:05,840 It defines what matters most to you. 329 00:12:06,860 --> 00:12:09,340 According to the worldview of our fallen fleshly 330 00:12:09,340 --> 00:12:11,259 society, you should devote yourself to the pursuit 331 00:12:11,259 --> 00:12:12,320 of wealth for example. 332 00:12:13,325 --> 00:12:14,785 You should purchase the latest 333 00:12:15,165 --> 00:12:18,305 technological gadget so you can truly find happiness. 334 00:12:19,404 --> 00:12:21,725 You should dress in the most expensive clothing 335 00:12:21,725 --> 00:12:22,225 brands 336 00:12:22,684 --> 00:12:24,285 so you can show people that you're worth 337 00:12:24,285 --> 00:12:24,785 something. 338 00:12:25,960 --> 00:12:27,019 You should obsess 339 00:12:27,480 --> 00:12:30,840 about your physical appearance because beauty is everything, 340 00:12:30,840 --> 00:12:31,580 isn't it? 341 00:12:32,600 --> 00:12:35,160 And you should order your life around your 342 00:12:35,160 --> 00:12:36,379 own happiness. 343 00:12:36,759 --> 00:12:38,759 And never mind the fact that at the 344 00:12:38,759 --> 00:12:39,820 end of their pursuit, 345 00:12:40,125 --> 00:12:42,524 the people who actually attain many of these 346 00:12:42,524 --> 00:12:43,024 things, 347 00:12:43,644 --> 00:12:46,304 tend to remain just as devoid of happiness 348 00:12:46,365 --> 00:12:48,705 and peace as when they first began. 349 00:12:50,205 --> 00:12:51,345 Now if you're a Christian, 350 00:12:51,884 --> 00:12:54,205 you must no longer see the world according 351 00:12:54,205 --> 00:12:55,345 to fleshly principles. 352 00:12:56,819 --> 00:12:59,539 Instead, you must heed the words the words 353 00:12:59,539 --> 00:13:01,159 Paul writes in Romans 12:2, 354 00:13:02,179 --> 00:13:04,740 where he says, do not be conformed to 355 00:13:04,740 --> 00:13:05,480 this world, 356 00:13:06,579 --> 00:13:08,980 but be transformed by the renewing of your 357 00:13:08,980 --> 00:13:10,679 mind that by testing, 358 00:13:11,334 --> 00:13:13,095 you may discern what is the will of 359 00:13:13,095 --> 00:13:13,595 God. 360 00:13:14,214 --> 00:13:15,914 What is good and acceptable 361 00:13:16,534 --> 00:13:17,355 and perfect. 362 00:13:18,695 --> 00:13:20,554 When the spirit changes our hearts 363 00:13:21,014 --> 00:13:23,414 in from from being hearts of stone into 364 00:13:23,414 --> 00:13:24,475 hearts of flesh, 365 00:13:25,179 --> 00:13:27,440 He transforms us by renewing our minds. 366 00:13:28,940 --> 00:13:30,720 So that we can for the first time, 367 00:13:31,100 --> 00:13:32,399 discern God's will. 368 00:13:33,019 --> 00:13:35,500 Enabling us to pursue what is good and 369 00:13:35,500 --> 00:13:36,000 acceptable 370 00:13:36,300 --> 00:13:37,120 and perfect. 371 00:13:38,514 --> 00:13:41,334 When we become Christians, our priorities and perspectives 372 00:13:41,875 --> 00:13:42,615 and pursuits 373 00:13:43,235 --> 00:13:43,735 change. 374 00:13:45,154 --> 00:13:47,174 Our minds are renewed and set 375 00:13:47,634 --> 00:13:49,875 on the things of the spirit and no 376 00:13:49,875 --> 00:13:51,575 longer on the things of the flesh. 377 00:13:52,779 --> 00:13:54,240 With this new world view, 378 00:13:54,940 --> 00:13:56,480 our thoughts are transformed 379 00:13:57,259 --> 00:13:59,519 and our values are redefined. 380 00:14:00,940 --> 00:14:02,800 You look at life in an entirely 381 00:14:03,340 --> 00:14:04,399 new light. 382 00:14:05,975 --> 00:14:08,554 When Samara was pregnant with Santiago, 383 00:14:09,414 --> 00:14:10,075 our oldest, 384 00:14:10,695 --> 00:14:12,534 I remember that a month before he was 385 00:14:12,534 --> 00:14:14,934 born, I went to the Walmart where we 386 00:14:14,934 --> 00:14:15,434 usually 387 00:14:15,894 --> 00:14:17,115 shop for groceries, 388 00:14:17,495 --> 00:14:19,334 except that this time we weren't I wasn't 389 00:14:19,334 --> 00:14:21,730 shopping for groceries. I went to buy diapers 390 00:14:22,110 --> 00:14:24,190 and baby bottles and other things so that 391 00:14:24,190 --> 00:14:26,690 we could be ready for Santiago's arrival. 392 00:14:27,549 --> 00:14:28,769 To my great joy, 393 00:14:29,149 --> 00:14:31,889 I discovered that there were several aisles dedicated 394 00:14:31,950 --> 00:14:32,929 to baby stuff. 395 00:14:33,875 --> 00:14:36,274 I bought everything that we needed and when 396 00:14:36,274 --> 00:14:37,955 I got home, I told Samara, you're not 397 00:14:37,955 --> 00:14:40,134 gonna believe this, but Walmart 398 00:14:40,595 --> 00:14:42,695 added a whole section in their store 399 00:14:43,075 --> 00:14:44,054 just for babies. 400 00:14:45,339 --> 00:14:47,039 Somebody gave me a puzzled look 401 00:14:47,580 --> 00:14:49,899 after a few seconds asked me, are you 402 00:14:49,899 --> 00:14:50,399 joking? 403 00:14:51,740 --> 00:14:53,120 I told her, no. 404 00:14:53,659 --> 00:14:55,740 I'm serious. Look look at I bought all 405 00:14:55,740 --> 00:14:56,399 these things. 406 00:14:57,339 --> 00:14:59,815 She just kept looking at me And finally 407 00:15:00,274 --> 00:15:02,534 said, one card of those Walmart has always 408 00:15:02,995 --> 00:15:05,414 had aisles dedicated to babies. 409 00:15:06,514 --> 00:15:07,975 And of course, she was right. 410 00:15:09,075 --> 00:15:11,174 The reason I had never seen this section, 411 00:15:11,470 --> 00:15:14,669 a conspicuously large section in that Walmart I 412 00:15:14,669 --> 00:15:16,830 may add, is that my mind had never 413 00:15:16,830 --> 00:15:18,450 been set on baby stuff. 414 00:15:19,309 --> 00:15:20,049 But now, 415 00:15:20,590 --> 00:15:21,970 I had a new love 416 00:15:23,404 --> 00:15:25,884 and my mind was set on caring for 417 00:15:25,884 --> 00:15:26,544 my son. 418 00:15:27,404 --> 00:15:29,105 So things that were hidden before 419 00:15:29,644 --> 00:15:30,945 were now visible 420 00:15:31,644 --> 00:15:34,764 and things that were insignificant to me were 421 00:15:34,764 --> 00:15:35,904 now valuable. 422 00:15:37,160 --> 00:15:38,840 And this new way of looking at the 423 00:15:38,840 --> 00:15:39,340 world, 424 00:15:39,960 --> 00:15:41,580 determine how and where 425 00:15:41,960 --> 00:15:42,700 I walked. 426 00:15:44,279 --> 00:15:46,700 Do you have a new way of looking 427 00:15:47,160 --> 00:15:47,980 at the world? 428 00:15:48,840 --> 00:15:50,840 Does this new way of looking at the 429 00:15:50,840 --> 00:15:52,139 world, this new worldview 430 00:15:53,184 --> 00:15:55,845 determine how and where you are walking? 431 00:15:57,345 --> 00:15:59,284 The things that captivate your mind, 432 00:16:00,304 --> 00:16:02,245 that intensify your passions, 433 00:16:03,264 --> 00:16:04,804 that drive your pursuits. 434 00:16:05,184 --> 00:16:06,964 In short, the things you love 435 00:16:07,700 --> 00:16:10,200 are the things that determine your character, 436 00:16:10,580 --> 00:16:11,879 the things that evidence 437 00:16:12,500 --> 00:16:13,480 who you are. 438 00:16:14,660 --> 00:16:16,600 The Christian must have his affections 439 00:16:16,899 --> 00:16:18,919 more and more calibrated to 440 00:16:19,379 --> 00:16:20,679 and directed toward 441 00:16:21,139 --> 00:16:22,519 the things of the spirit. 442 00:16:23,674 --> 00:16:24,815 It won't be immediate 443 00:16:25,995 --> 00:16:27,695 and it won't come without a struggle, 444 00:16:28,634 --> 00:16:30,414 but as you mature in your faith, 445 00:16:30,875 --> 00:16:34,154 you will find yourself strangely at odds with 446 00:16:34,154 --> 00:16:35,615 the values of this world. 447 00:16:36,490 --> 00:16:39,070 And increasingly at peace and at home, 448 00:16:39,450 --> 00:16:41,870 when your mind is set on things above. 449 00:16:42,490 --> 00:16:43,870 You should expect that. 450 00:16:45,450 --> 00:16:47,149 So having considered our worldview, 451 00:16:48,090 --> 00:16:49,929 the second heading I want us to consider 452 00:16:49,929 --> 00:16:51,470 this morning is our will. 453 00:16:51,934 --> 00:16:53,394 Look at verse 6 with me. 454 00:16:55,214 --> 00:16:57,054 For to set the mind on the flesh 455 00:16:57,054 --> 00:16:57,794 is death, 456 00:16:58,495 --> 00:17:00,434 but to set the mind on the spirit 457 00:17:00,495 --> 00:17:01,235 is life 458 00:17:02,014 --> 00:17:02,834 and peace. 459 00:17:04,039 --> 00:17:07,000 The original Greek is more direct. Paul literally 460 00:17:07,000 --> 00:17:07,500 writes, 461 00:17:07,799 --> 00:17:10,220 for the mind of the flesh is death, 462 00:17:10,920 --> 00:17:13,240 but the mind of the spirit is life 463 00:17:13,240 --> 00:17:13,980 and peace. 464 00:17:14,920 --> 00:17:17,559 Notice that every human being either has the 465 00:17:17,559 --> 00:17:18,619 mind of the flesh 466 00:17:19,384 --> 00:17:21,004 or the mind of the spirit. 467 00:17:21,784 --> 00:17:23,724 The mind is either of the flesh 468 00:17:24,424 --> 00:17:26,664 or is of the spirit because it is 469 00:17:26,664 --> 00:17:28,904 ruled by the flesh or ruled by the 470 00:17:28,904 --> 00:17:29,404 spirit. 471 00:17:30,504 --> 00:17:31,565 That is to say, 472 00:17:32,184 --> 00:17:34,524 either the flesh or the spirit 473 00:17:35,570 --> 00:17:36,070 exercise 474 00:17:36,849 --> 00:17:37,349 authority 475 00:17:38,210 --> 00:17:39,349 over our mind 476 00:17:39,890 --> 00:17:41,269 and they govern 477 00:17:41,809 --> 00:17:42,549 our will. 478 00:17:44,369 --> 00:17:45,970 When the flesh is in control of our 479 00:17:45,970 --> 00:17:46,470 will, 480 00:17:46,769 --> 00:17:48,390 our actions will be characterized 481 00:17:48,690 --> 00:17:49,430 by death. 482 00:17:51,154 --> 00:17:52,674 When the spirit is in control of our 483 00:17:52,674 --> 00:17:53,174 will, 484 00:17:53,554 --> 00:17:56,134 our actions will be characterized by life 485 00:17:56,674 --> 00:17:57,414 and peace. 486 00:17:58,755 --> 00:17:59,494 The contrast, 487 00:17:59,875 --> 00:18:00,375 thankfully, 488 00:18:00,914 --> 00:18:01,414 helpfully 489 00:18:01,875 --> 00:18:03,174 cannot be more stark. 490 00:18:04,079 --> 00:18:07,200 That's because the 2 masters governing the wills 491 00:18:07,200 --> 00:18:08,019 are antithetical, 492 00:18:08,960 --> 00:18:10,019 each to the other. 493 00:18:11,119 --> 00:18:12,980 Precisely in the Sermon on the Mount, 494 00:18:13,440 --> 00:18:15,619 in chapter 6 of Matthew, 495 00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:18,000 Jesus says that no one can serve 2 496 00:18:18,000 --> 00:18:18,500 masters 497 00:18:19,214 --> 00:18:22,115 because one will hate and despise the one 498 00:18:22,974 --> 00:18:24,595 and love and be devoted 499 00:18:25,134 --> 00:18:26,035 to the other. 500 00:18:26,974 --> 00:18:28,835 So which master are you serving? 501 00:18:29,934 --> 00:18:31,394 Which one do you love 502 00:18:31,775 --> 00:18:33,394 and which one do you hate? 503 00:18:35,200 --> 00:18:37,059 Which one are you devoted to and 504 00:18:37,920 --> 00:18:39,220 which one do you despise? 505 00:18:41,519 --> 00:18:43,619 1 of these masters, the flesh 506 00:18:44,080 --> 00:18:45,140 leads to death. 507 00:18:46,320 --> 00:18:49,279 The other master, the spirit leads to life 508 00:18:49,279 --> 00:18:50,019 and peace. 509 00:18:51,305 --> 00:18:53,224 Also, the sermon on the man is helpful 510 00:18:53,224 --> 00:18:56,105 here in chapter 7, where Jesus says that 511 00:18:56,105 --> 00:18:58,125 one can recognize false teachers 512 00:18:58,744 --> 00:18:59,805 by their fruit. 513 00:19:01,144 --> 00:19:02,444 So what fruit 514 00:19:02,744 --> 00:19:04,365 is the garden of your will 515 00:19:04,664 --> 00:19:05,164 yielding? 516 00:19:06,740 --> 00:19:07,799 Is it fleshly 517 00:19:09,140 --> 00:19:10,279 or is it spiritual? 518 00:19:11,539 --> 00:19:14,420 In Galatians 5 verses 17 to 21, Paul 519 00:19:14,420 --> 00:19:15,720 describes the fruit 520 00:19:16,180 --> 00:19:18,420 of those whose will is led by the 521 00:19:18,420 --> 00:19:18,920 flesh. 522 00:19:20,025 --> 00:19:21,705 Look at what Paul writes there in Galatians 523 00:19:21,705 --> 00:19:22,205 5. 524 00:19:24,585 --> 00:19:26,605 I'll read beginning in verse 19. 525 00:19:27,705 --> 00:19:29,965 Now the works of the flesh are evident. 526 00:19:30,984 --> 00:19:31,965 Sexual immorality, 527 00:19:33,470 --> 00:19:33,970 impurity, 528 00:19:35,230 --> 00:19:35,730 sensuality, 529 00:19:37,549 --> 00:19:38,049 idolatry, 530 00:19:39,549 --> 00:19:40,049 sorcery, 531 00:19:41,390 --> 00:19:41,890 enmity, 532 00:19:43,150 --> 00:19:43,650 strife, 533 00:19:45,230 --> 00:19:45,730 jealousy, 534 00:19:47,325 --> 00:19:48,224 fits of anger, 535 00:19:49,804 --> 00:19:50,304 rivalries, 536 00:19:51,884 --> 00:19:52,384 dissensions, 537 00:19:53,964 --> 00:19:54,464 divisions, 538 00:19:56,125 --> 00:19:56,625 envy, 539 00:19:57,884 --> 00:19:58,384 drunkenness, 540 00:19:59,899 --> 00:20:00,399 orgies 541 00:20:01,419 --> 00:20:04,460 and things like these. I warn you, writes 542 00:20:04,460 --> 00:20:07,179 Paul, as I warned you before, that those 543 00:20:07,179 --> 00:20:08,640 who do such things 544 00:20:09,099 --> 00:20:11,119 will not inherit the kingdom 545 00:20:11,579 --> 00:20:12,240 of God. 546 00:20:14,375 --> 00:20:15,434 If this list 547 00:20:15,974 --> 00:20:17,914 or even a subset of this list 548 00:20:18,454 --> 00:20:18,954 characterizes 549 00:20:20,134 --> 00:20:21,515 the fruit of your life, 550 00:20:23,174 --> 00:20:24,075 your will 551 00:20:24,454 --> 00:20:26,394 might be governed by the flesh. 552 00:20:28,700 --> 00:20:31,180 Jesus might yet say to you, depart from 553 00:20:31,180 --> 00:20:31,680 me. 554 00:20:32,460 --> 00:20:33,599 I never knew you. 555 00:20:34,619 --> 00:20:36,880 In other words, the things on the list 556 00:20:38,140 --> 00:20:39,519 are not to be taken lightly. 557 00:20:42,434 --> 00:20:43,575 Is sexual immorality 558 00:20:45,075 --> 00:20:45,894 and impurity 559 00:20:46,914 --> 00:20:47,734 and sensuality, 560 00:20:50,195 --> 00:20:51,734 your raging passion, 561 00:20:52,434 --> 00:20:53,894 your relentless pursuit 562 00:20:55,160 --> 00:20:56,380 and even your regular 563 00:20:56,920 --> 00:20:57,420 practice? 564 00:20:59,720 --> 00:21:00,619 Have pornography 565 00:21:01,799 --> 00:21:02,539 and promiscuity 566 00:21:03,480 --> 00:21:04,859 enslave your mind 567 00:21:05,240 --> 00:21:06,220 and your body? 568 00:21:08,355 --> 00:21:09,974 Do you seek pleasure in 569 00:21:10,755 --> 00:21:11,255 overeating 570 00:21:12,275 --> 00:21:13,575 or in over drinking, 571 00:21:13,955 --> 00:21:15,894 in doing these things without any control? 572 00:21:18,115 --> 00:21:19,734 Are you consumed by envy 573 00:21:21,650 --> 00:21:24,369 and by jealousy? Always thinking about what someone 574 00:21:24,369 --> 00:21:25,190 else has 575 00:21:26,450 --> 00:21:28,230 or what someone else is doing. 576 00:21:30,210 --> 00:21:31,809 Are you the kind of person who is 577 00:21:31,809 --> 00:21:32,309 constantly 578 00:21:33,329 --> 00:21:33,829 sowing 579 00:21:34,210 --> 00:21:34,710 strife 580 00:21:36,494 --> 00:21:37,795 and dissension and 581 00:21:39,055 --> 00:21:39,555 division. 582 00:21:40,575 --> 00:21:42,674 Treating others as rivals to dominate 583 00:21:43,134 --> 00:21:43,875 and defeat 584 00:21:44,174 --> 00:21:44,914 and destroy. 585 00:21:46,734 --> 00:21:48,835 The question is not whether you are ever 586 00:21:49,375 --> 00:21:49,875 guilty 587 00:21:50,400 --> 00:21:51,940 of any one of these things. 588 00:21:52,400 --> 00:21:54,099 The question is whether these things 589 00:21:54,400 --> 00:21:55,380 on this list 590 00:21:55,839 --> 00:21:56,339 characterize 591 00:21:56,880 --> 00:21:58,339 the pattern of your life. 592 00:22:00,000 --> 00:22:01,680 Because you see the things on this list 593 00:22:01,680 --> 00:22:03,299 don't merely lead to death, 594 00:22:04,144 --> 00:22:06,724 rather they are indicative of death, 595 00:22:07,744 --> 00:22:08,404 a spiritual 596 00:22:08,944 --> 00:22:09,444 death. 597 00:22:11,505 --> 00:22:12,644 If this is you, 598 00:22:13,825 --> 00:22:15,184 then you could not be in a better 599 00:22:15,184 --> 00:22:15,684 place. 600 00:22:17,839 --> 00:22:18,500 Right now, 601 00:22:19,200 --> 00:22:19,940 this morning. 602 00:22:21,119 --> 00:22:23,759 Because you see, that used to be each 603 00:22:23,759 --> 00:22:26,500 and every one of us in this room. 604 00:22:29,295 --> 00:22:30,674 We were all helpless 605 00:22:31,455 --> 00:22:34,015 and hopeless sinners in bondage to the domain 606 00:22:34,015 --> 00:22:34,674 of death. 607 00:22:35,775 --> 00:22:36,994 And I'm telling you, 608 00:22:37,535 --> 00:22:40,894 there is no enduring joy and fulfillment in 609 00:22:40,894 --> 00:22:42,275 the realm of the flesh. 610 00:22:42,660 --> 00:22:43,799 There's only misery, 611 00:22:44,340 --> 00:22:45,720 regret, and death. 612 00:22:47,700 --> 00:22:49,539 But by grace and because of the great 613 00:22:49,539 --> 00:22:50,840 love of Jesus Christ, 614 00:22:51,619 --> 00:22:52,840 he made us alive, 615 00:22:53,299 --> 00:22:55,859 transforming our hearts and renewing our minds through 616 00:22:55,859 --> 00:22:56,599 his spirit. 617 00:22:56,900 --> 00:22:57,960 Praise the Lord. 618 00:22:58,465 --> 00:23:00,565 And because Christ gives us his spirit, 619 00:23:01,105 --> 00:23:04,065 the Holy Spirit governs our will and enables 620 00:23:04,065 --> 00:23:06,805 us to bear spiritual fruit. 621 00:23:08,545 --> 00:23:09,924 Even though we still sin, 622 00:23:10,465 --> 00:23:12,005 even though we're still in battle, 623 00:23:12,919 --> 00:23:16,039 But these things no longer dominate us because 624 00:23:16,039 --> 00:23:17,179 we have a new master. 625 00:23:18,599 --> 00:23:20,279 Look at what Paul writes in Galatians 5 626 00:23:20,279 --> 00:23:21,900 verses 22 to 24. 627 00:23:23,799 --> 00:23:26,140 But the fruit of the spirit is love, 628 00:23:27,000 --> 00:23:27,500 joy, 629 00:23:28,884 --> 00:23:29,384 peace, 630 00:23:30,884 --> 00:23:31,384 patience, 631 00:23:33,845 --> 00:23:34,825 kindness, goodness, 632 00:23:35,924 --> 00:23:36,424 faithfulness, 633 00:23:37,525 --> 00:23:38,025 gentleness, 634 00:23:39,204 --> 00:23:40,025 self control. 635 00:23:40,805 --> 00:23:42,904 Against such things, there is no law. 636 00:23:43,490 --> 00:23:45,830 And those who belong to Christ Jesus 637 00:23:46,369 --> 00:23:49,350 have crucified the flesh with its passions 638 00:23:49,809 --> 00:23:50,630 and desires. 639 00:23:51,970 --> 00:23:54,230 The flesh was used to govern our wills 640 00:23:54,930 --> 00:23:55,830 has been crucified. 641 00:23:57,085 --> 00:23:58,945 Its dominion over us has ended. 642 00:23:59,884 --> 00:24:02,125 We do battle against it and are able 643 00:24:02,125 --> 00:24:04,065 to bear good spiritual fruit. 644 00:24:05,245 --> 00:24:07,025 To enjoy assurance of salvation, 645 00:24:07,725 --> 00:24:09,265 it is not enough to say 646 00:24:09,710 --> 00:24:10,849 that one is a Christian. 647 00:24:12,190 --> 00:24:14,029 It doesn't matter if someone has been coming 648 00:24:14,029 --> 00:24:16,109 to church for 6 weeks or for 6 649 00:24:16,109 --> 00:24:16,609 decades, 650 00:24:18,109 --> 00:24:20,289 nor if he has yet to be baptized 651 00:24:20,829 --> 00:24:22,750 or has pastored a large church for many 652 00:24:22,750 --> 00:24:23,250 years. 653 00:24:24,485 --> 00:24:26,345 If that person is not characterized 654 00:24:27,525 --> 00:24:28,265 by love, 655 00:24:28,805 --> 00:24:29,305 joy, 656 00:24:29,765 --> 00:24:30,265 peace, 657 00:24:31,285 --> 00:24:31,785 patience, 658 00:24:32,404 --> 00:24:32,904 kindness, 659 00:24:33,365 --> 00:24:33,865 goodness, 660 00:24:34,725 --> 00:24:37,065 faithfulness, gentleness and self control, 661 00:24:37,470 --> 00:24:38,690 then he or she 662 00:24:39,069 --> 00:24:40,929 might just hear Jesus say, 663 00:24:41,549 --> 00:24:42,609 depart from me. 664 00:24:43,150 --> 00:24:44,369 I never knew you. 665 00:24:45,789 --> 00:24:48,049 In his heart of hearts, that person cannot 666 00:24:48,990 --> 00:24:49,490 have 667 00:24:49,904 --> 00:24:51,744 peace because it is the mind of the 668 00:24:51,744 --> 00:24:52,244 spirit 669 00:24:52,865 --> 00:24:53,605 that is 670 00:24:53,984 --> 00:24:55,045 life and peace. 671 00:24:56,305 --> 00:24:57,445 Do you have peace? 672 00:24:59,105 --> 00:25:00,164 Do you have peace? 673 00:25:01,424 --> 00:25:03,505 The confessions of Saint Augustine began with the 674 00:25:03,505 --> 00:25:04,484 famous prayer 675 00:25:05,190 --> 00:25:07,429 that states, God, you have made us for 676 00:25:07,429 --> 00:25:07,929 yourself 677 00:25:08,630 --> 00:25:10,169 and our hearts are restless 678 00:25:10,630 --> 00:25:13,369 until they find their rest in you. 679 00:25:14,869 --> 00:25:16,009 Are you still restless? 680 00:25:17,109 --> 00:25:19,450 Won't you find your rest in Christ today? 681 00:25:20,355 --> 00:25:22,454 Let the Holy Spirit take over your will 682 00:25:23,394 --> 00:25:25,015 and rearrange your affections 683 00:25:25,714 --> 00:25:26,454 and redefine 684 00:25:26,994 --> 00:25:27,815 your love. 685 00:25:29,315 --> 00:25:30,934 So having considered our worldview 686 00:25:31,474 --> 00:25:32,375 and our will, 687 00:25:32,755 --> 00:25:34,515 the final header I want us to consider 688 00:25:34,515 --> 00:25:35,974 this morning is our worship. 689 00:25:36,569 --> 00:25:38,669 Look at verses 7 and 8 with me. 690 00:25:40,169 --> 00:25:41,369 For the mind that is set on the 691 00:25:41,369 --> 00:25:43,929 flesh is hostile to God for it does 692 00:25:43,929 --> 00:25:46,589 not submit to God's law. Indeed, it cannot. 693 00:25:47,529 --> 00:25:49,069 Those who are in the flesh 694 00:25:49,609 --> 00:25:50,109 cannot 695 00:25:51,125 --> 00:25:52,345 please God. 696 00:25:53,684 --> 00:25:56,345 The first question in the Westminster Shorter Catechism 697 00:25:56,565 --> 00:25:58,644 asked, what is the chief end of man? 698 00:25:58,644 --> 00:26:00,085 That is to say, what is the purpose 699 00:26:00,085 --> 00:26:00,664 of man? 700 00:26:01,045 --> 00:26:03,525 Why did God create man? What is the 701 00:26:03,525 --> 00:26:05,384 purpose? What is the chief end? 702 00:26:05,759 --> 00:26:08,240 And the answer of course is, man's chief 703 00:26:08,240 --> 00:26:08,740 end 704 00:26:09,119 --> 00:26:10,900 is to glorify God 705 00:26:11,200 --> 00:26:13,519 and to enjoy him forever. That's why we 706 00:26:13,519 --> 00:26:14,019 exist. 707 00:26:14,720 --> 00:26:17,440 Man's chief end is to glorify God and 708 00:26:17,440 --> 00:26:18,740 to enjoy him forever. 709 00:26:19,684 --> 00:26:22,404 And the best way to glorify and enjoy 710 00:26:22,404 --> 00:26:24,025 God is to worship him. 711 00:26:24,884 --> 00:26:26,424 And it is to worship him 712 00:26:27,125 --> 00:26:28,964 in the presence of God's people as we 713 00:26:28,964 --> 00:26:30,984 are doing right now. That's the best way 714 00:26:31,220 --> 00:26:33,799 that we glorify God. God delights 715 00:26:34,259 --> 00:26:37,140 in receiving the worship of his people. That's 716 00:26:37,140 --> 00:26:38,279 what we're doing today. 717 00:26:38,740 --> 00:26:41,140 On the Lord's day, the first day of 718 00:26:41,140 --> 00:26:41,799 the week. 719 00:26:42,579 --> 00:26:44,180 The problem of course is that the mind 720 00:26:44,180 --> 00:26:45,779 that is set on the flesh is hostile 721 00:26:45,779 --> 00:26:46,440 to God. 722 00:26:48,724 --> 00:26:49,544 In other words, 723 00:26:49,845 --> 00:26:50,664 the fleshly 724 00:26:51,525 --> 00:26:53,944 fallen mind still in bondage 725 00:26:54,804 --> 00:26:56,184 to the sinful nature 726 00:26:56,724 --> 00:26:58,724 is hostile to God which is another way 727 00:26:58,724 --> 00:27:01,384 of saying, it hates God. 728 00:27:03,980 --> 00:27:05,519 Paul writes that this hostility 729 00:27:06,380 --> 00:27:09,279 is a consequence of not submitting to God's 730 00:27:10,539 --> 00:27:13,099 law. The word translated as submit is a 731 00:27:13,099 --> 00:27:17,045 military term, meaning that the hostility against God 732 00:27:17,045 --> 00:27:18,825 is characterized by a persisting 733 00:27:19,605 --> 00:27:20,105 insubordination 734 00:27:21,605 --> 00:27:22,825 against God's orders. 735 00:27:24,565 --> 00:27:25,384 We're in rebellion. 736 00:27:28,679 --> 00:27:30,759 One commentator notes that it is as if 737 00:27:30,759 --> 00:27:34,119 man's mind is marshaled against God under a 738 00:27:34,119 --> 00:27:35,179 hostile banner. 739 00:27:37,079 --> 00:27:38,700 What this means for our purposes, 740 00:27:39,480 --> 00:27:41,419 is that the mind and will 741 00:27:41,960 --> 00:27:43,659 that are governed by the flesh 742 00:27:44,144 --> 00:27:45,845 are in rebellion against God 743 00:27:46,945 --> 00:27:49,605 and do not recognize God's authority 744 00:27:50,305 --> 00:27:51,845 and even hate God. 745 00:27:52,305 --> 00:27:55,765 That's what this means. Therefore, an unregenerate person, 746 00:27:56,259 --> 00:27:57,799 someone who is still in that bondage 747 00:27:58,419 --> 00:27:59,799 cannot worship God. 748 00:28:01,140 --> 00:28:02,740 It's not that that person cannot attend a 749 00:28:02,740 --> 00:28:05,559 worship service, that person cannot worship God. 750 00:28:08,595 --> 00:28:11,154 That person cannot render God the glory and 751 00:28:11,154 --> 00:28:12,934 honor that he is rightly do. 752 00:28:14,595 --> 00:28:15,815 That person, therefore, 753 00:28:16,595 --> 00:28:18,535 as Paul writes in verse 8, 754 00:28:19,315 --> 00:28:19,815 cannot 755 00:28:20,914 --> 00:28:21,894 please God. 756 00:28:22,789 --> 00:28:24,569 It's not that he won't please God. 757 00:28:25,109 --> 00:28:27,109 It's not that he's not inclined to please 758 00:28:27,109 --> 00:28:27,609 God. 759 00:28:28,069 --> 00:28:29,829 It's not that he wouldn't like to please 760 00:28:29,829 --> 00:28:31,849 God. It's that he cannot please God. 761 00:28:32,789 --> 00:28:33,529 It's impossible. 762 00:28:35,065 --> 00:28:36,924 That person in that state cannot 763 00:28:37,785 --> 00:28:38,684 please God. 764 00:28:39,625 --> 00:28:41,945 Now for your sake, I will resist the 765 00:28:41,945 --> 00:28:44,184 temptation to embark at this point in the 766 00:28:44,184 --> 00:28:44,684 sermon 767 00:28:45,144 --> 00:28:47,144 on a defense of the biblical doctrine of 768 00:28:47,144 --> 00:28:47,965 total depravity. 769 00:28:48,839 --> 00:28:50,940 The doctrine that teaches that human beings 770 00:28:51,720 --> 00:28:54,220 are so impacted in our entire constitution 771 00:28:54,920 --> 00:28:58,200 that we are utterly incapable of enjoying communion 772 00:28:58,200 --> 00:28:58,859 with God. 773 00:28:59,400 --> 00:29:02,355 Because even our mind is hostile toward God 774 00:29:02,434 --> 00:29:04,755 and therefore, we want nothing to do with 775 00:29:04,755 --> 00:29:05,255 him. 776 00:29:08,035 --> 00:29:09,734 But that is precisely the implication 777 00:29:10,515 --> 00:29:12,054 of verses 7 and 8. 778 00:29:13,394 --> 00:29:16,535 Fallen human beings cannot glorify God, 779 00:29:17,109 --> 00:29:18,649 cannot enjoy God, 780 00:29:18,950 --> 00:29:19,450 cannot 781 00:29:19,909 --> 00:29:20,409 worship 782 00:29:20,710 --> 00:29:22,809 God, and therefore, cannot 783 00:29:23,269 --> 00:29:24,250 please God. 784 00:29:25,589 --> 00:29:27,210 And since our repentance 785 00:29:27,509 --> 00:29:28,250 of sin 786 00:29:29,015 --> 00:29:31,575 and are turning in faith toward Christ for 787 00:29:31,575 --> 00:29:32,075 salvation, 788 00:29:32,855 --> 00:29:33,355 glorifies 789 00:29:33,815 --> 00:29:35,115 and pleases God, 790 00:29:36,535 --> 00:29:37,995 we are in and of ourselves, 791 00:29:38,695 --> 00:29:40,475 incapable of choosing salvation 792 00:29:41,750 --> 00:29:42,970 as fallen human beings. 793 00:29:43,429 --> 00:29:44,329 In and of ourselves. 794 00:29:46,309 --> 00:29:48,490 Every single fallen human being, 795 00:29:49,509 --> 00:29:50,730 which is the status 796 00:29:51,429 --> 00:29:53,130 that we all share at birth, 797 00:29:53,829 --> 00:29:54,569 is therefore 798 00:29:55,144 --> 00:29:56,044 of the flesh 799 00:29:56,424 --> 00:29:58,125 in hostility against God 800 00:29:58,504 --> 00:30:01,565 neither wanting nor being able to please God. 801 00:30:02,585 --> 00:30:04,504 At least not with the factory settings that 802 00:30:04,504 --> 00:30:05,325 we arrive. 803 00:30:07,710 --> 00:30:09,329 The realm of the flesh 804 00:30:10,109 --> 00:30:12,049 is a realm of spiritual 805 00:30:12,589 --> 00:30:13,089 death. 806 00:30:15,230 --> 00:30:16,750 That is the realm that we are born 807 00:30:16,750 --> 00:30:17,250 into 808 00:30:17,710 --> 00:30:19,169 and cannot get out. 809 00:30:20,684 --> 00:30:23,345 That is the devastating death that permeates 810 00:30:23,964 --> 00:30:25,265 our fleshly existence. 811 00:30:26,684 --> 00:30:29,265 How then can anyone be saved? 812 00:30:31,660 --> 00:30:33,980 Well, the only way to escape the death 813 00:30:33,980 --> 00:30:34,720 of the flesh 814 00:30:35,180 --> 00:30:36,559 is to put the flesh 815 00:30:37,019 --> 00:30:37,680 to death. 816 00:30:38,619 --> 00:30:40,940 And although we cannot do it ourselves, that 817 00:30:40,940 --> 00:30:43,359 is exactly what Christ has done for us. 818 00:30:44,664 --> 00:30:46,285 Remember that in Galatians 524, 819 00:30:46,984 --> 00:30:49,945 Paul writes that through Christ, those who belong 820 00:30:49,945 --> 00:30:53,065 to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with 821 00:30:53,065 --> 00:30:54,765 its passions and desires. 822 00:30:56,600 --> 00:30:58,860 And because Christ gives us the Holy Spirit 823 00:30:59,160 --> 00:31:01,960 by his power, we are able to continue 824 00:31:01,960 --> 00:31:03,820 to the battle against the flesh 825 00:31:04,200 --> 00:31:06,220 knowing that our king has already conquered. 826 00:31:07,640 --> 00:31:09,740 Thus, we can heed the words of Paul 827 00:31:09,825 --> 00:31:12,704 who in Colossians 35 writes, put to death 828 00:31:12,704 --> 00:31:13,204 therefore 829 00:31:13,744 --> 00:31:16,164 what is earthly in you. It's a command. 830 00:31:16,304 --> 00:31:18,404 Put to death what is earthly in you. 831 00:31:19,984 --> 00:31:21,744 The death of the flesh was accomplished on 832 00:31:21,744 --> 00:31:22,484 the cross. 833 00:31:23,184 --> 00:31:25,044 Christ's love did it. 834 00:31:26,250 --> 00:31:28,990 Remember Julio's excellent illustration last week 835 00:31:29,289 --> 00:31:31,390 about the person who wants to determine if 836 00:31:31,450 --> 00:31:33,309 their love interest loves them back. 837 00:31:34,170 --> 00:31:36,190 So they pluck the flower 838 00:31:36,730 --> 00:31:39,289 from the garden and they remove each petal 839 00:31:39,289 --> 00:31:40,190 one at a time, 840 00:31:40,855 --> 00:31:42,714 alternately saying, he loves me 841 00:31:43,095 --> 00:31:44,394 or she loves me. 842 00:31:45,494 --> 00:31:46,875 I'll say, they love me. 843 00:31:47,335 --> 00:31:48,474 They love me not. 844 00:31:49,335 --> 00:31:50,315 They love me. 845 00:31:51,255 --> 00:31:53,095 They love me not. Right? And so on 846 00:31:53,095 --> 00:31:55,515 and so forth. And then whatever last petal 847 00:31:55,980 --> 00:31:57,660 remains, when you plug that one, if that 848 00:31:57,660 --> 00:31:58,160 one 849 00:31:58,779 --> 00:32:00,720 says, they love me and they love you. 850 00:32:01,259 --> 00:32:02,880 But if it says they love you not, 851 00:32:03,660 --> 00:32:05,679 you better start looking elsewhere. Right? 852 00:32:07,179 --> 00:32:08,799 Well, let me remind you 853 00:32:09,725 --> 00:32:11,404 that you don't have to guess about Christ's 854 00:32:11,404 --> 00:32:11,904 love. 855 00:32:13,005 --> 00:32:14,144 Christ is the bridegroom 856 00:32:15,005 --> 00:32:16,545 who has come to take his bride, 857 00:32:17,644 --> 00:32:20,205 and he himself is the rose plucked from 858 00:32:20,205 --> 00:32:21,265 the father's garden. 859 00:32:22,619 --> 00:32:24,059 And he gives that rose, that is he 860 00:32:24,059 --> 00:32:24,799 gives himself 861 00:32:25,660 --> 00:32:26,319 to you. 862 00:32:27,740 --> 00:32:29,359 But he doesn't give you the thorns. 863 00:32:30,700 --> 00:32:32,400 The thorns he keeps for himself. 864 00:32:33,579 --> 00:32:36,059 So that every petal on this rose always 865 00:32:36,059 --> 00:32:37,359 says, I love you. 866 00:32:39,025 --> 00:32:40,725 Even when you love him not. 867 00:32:42,225 --> 00:32:44,785 Let therefore his holy spirit indwell you with 868 00:32:44,785 --> 00:32:45,684 Christ's love. 869 00:32:46,545 --> 00:32:48,164 And let him shape your worldview 870 00:32:49,025 --> 00:32:50,565 so you can perceive the truth. 871 00:32:51,230 --> 00:32:52,750 And let him govern your will so you 872 00:32:52,750 --> 00:32:53,890 can walk in righteousness 873 00:32:54,750 --> 00:32:56,450 and let him lead you in worship 874 00:32:57,070 --> 00:32:59,009 so you can offer God your love. 875 00:32:59,630 --> 00:33:00,450 He is worthy. 876 00:33:01,390 --> 00:33:02,450 He loves you 877 00:33:02,910 --> 00:33:03,410 even 878 00:33:03,869 --> 00:33:06,210 when you love him not. Let's pray.