[0.00 --> 5.02] James, I appreciated that comment about eating lamb. [5.46 --> 6.84] I grew up on a sheep farm, [7.52 --> 9.98] and so my parents, we want to thank you for eating lamb. [10.86 --> 12.14] Kept our family in business. [15.02 --> 18.92] We're in the third third of our series on Galatians. [19.32 --> 22.86] The first two chapters focused on what is the gospel and what it isn't. [23.32 --> 26.62] The second two chapters focused on what does it mean to be part of God's family. [26.62 --> 33.44] And the third section, chapter 5 and 6, is all about how we then live. [34.06 --> 35.88] And I'm pretty excited to preach on this passage [35.88 --> 38.06] because it is all about the power of the Spirit. [38.78 --> 41.90] And so if you have your Bible, turn with me to Galatians chapter 5, [41.98 --> 44.26] and we're going to read verse 13 to the end. [49.94 --> 54.08] You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. [54.08 --> 58.60] But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature. [59.26 --> 62.02] Rather, serve one another humbly in love. [62.52 --> 65.44] For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command. [66.34 --> 67.72] Love your neighbor as yourself. [68.42 --> 70.86] If you keep on biting and devouring each other, [70.98 --> 73.92] watch out, or you will be destroyed by each other. [74.82 --> 77.58] So I say, walk by the Spirit, [78.06 --> 81.24] and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. [81.24 --> 84.74] For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, [84.94 --> 87.18] and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. [87.68 --> 89.46] They are in conflict with each other, [89.60 --> 92.46] so that you are not to do whatever you want. [93.04 --> 94.44] But if you are led by the Spirit, [95.04 --> 96.16] you're not under the law. [97.00 --> 99.34] The acts of the sinful nature are obvious. [100.06 --> 102.90] Sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, [103.24 --> 104.66] idolatry and witchcraft, [105.20 --> 108.06] hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, [108.06 --> 112.02] selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy, [112.72 --> 114.68] drunkenness, orgies and the like. [115.26 --> 117.04] I warn you, as I did before, [117.34 --> 118.54] that those who live like this [118.54 --> 120.68] will not inherit the kingdom of God. [121.56 --> 124.56] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, [125.60 --> 131.24] joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, [132.00 --> 135.04] faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. [135.04 --> 138.50] Against such things there is no law. [139.24 --> 140.56] Those who belong to Christ Jesus [140.56 --> 142.34] have crucified the sinful nature [142.34 --> 144.08] with its passions and desires. [144.82 --> 146.36] And since we live by the Spirit, [147.28 --> 149.10] let us keep in step with the Spirit. [149.86 --> 151.28] Let us not become conceited, [151.42 --> 153.62] provoking, and envying each other. [158.28 --> 159.96] Well, a number of years ago now, [160.18 --> 163.86] I got to know a man who was involved in B.C. Corrections. [163.86 --> 166.68] His job, I did not envy his job one bit, [166.74 --> 169.12] his job was overseeing criminals [169.12 --> 171.18] who had finally finished serving their sentence [171.18 --> 173.76] now being reintegrated into society. [173.86 --> 175.12] It's a very important position. [175.76 --> 177.86] And he would meet with parole officers [177.86 --> 180.02] and halfway houses and community leaders [180.02 --> 182.52] to discern, okay, how does this person [182.52 --> 184.36] who's now served X amount of years [184.36 --> 185.66] at Kent Penitentiary, [185.96 --> 187.24] and where are we going to place them? [187.30 --> 188.18] How are they going to flourish? [188.32 --> 189.92] What are the parameters they need [189.92 --> 192.60] in order to live well back in society? [193.66 --> 195.58] The question he had to ask [195.58 --> 197.36] over and over again is, [198.18 --> 199.32] what's the risk? [199.86 --> 201.12] And perhaps even more deeply, [201.62 --> 204.20] will this person who spent this many years [204.20 --> 207.10] with prison guards and fences and bars, [207.30 --> 209.18] will they actually change [209.18 --> 210.54] and choose a life of freedom, [210.54 --> 213.56] or will they go back to the old habits, [214.16 --> 215.64] the old way of life, [215.64 --> 216.78] and re-offend? [216.90 --> 217.98] What will they do [217.98 --> 219.68] with this new found freedom? [221.88 --> 224.54] That's the question of Galatians 5. [225.40 --> 226.50] There are these new people [226.50 --> 227.46] who have come to the church, [227.66 --> 229.02] they've got a harsh background, [229.18 --> 229.62] many of them, [229.68 --> 231.52] a tough growing up. [231.74 --> 233.00] They've come to faith in Jesus, [233.12 --> 234.06] they've been set free, [234.32 --> 235.38] and now the question is, [235.46 --> 236.32] what are they going to do [236.32 --> 237.44] with this freedom? [238.18 --> 239.40] Are they going to go back [239.40 --> 240.84] to the old lifestyle they had, [240.88 --> 241.72] are they going to fall back [241.72 --> 242.58] into the old traps, [242.64 --> 244.64] or will they finally flourish? [244.64 --> 247.32] And if so, how? [249.58 --> 250.42] Important background [250.42 --> 251.68] to reading Galatians 5. [252.28 --> 253.44] Up until this point, [253.52 --> 254.50] as you've probably noticed, [254.64 --> 256.18] Paul has been sort of in a debate [256.18 --> 257.84] with these people called the Judaizers, [258.20 --> 259.14] who have been saying [259.14 --> 260.24] to the people in the churches, [260.76 --> 261.58] this Paul guy, [261.68 --> 263.40] he's not taking your faith serious enough, [263.46 --> 265.32] he doesn't take the law serious enough, [265.56 --> 267.12] you need to come under the law, [267.22 --> 268.72] you need to take the law more seriously, [268.84 --> 269.80] it needs to be at the center. [270.58 --> 271.92] And one of their concerns, [272.12 --> 273.96] I would say a legitimate concern, [273.96 --> 274.90] was this, [275.74 --> 277.06] you've got these new Christians [277.06 --> 278.44] coming into the church, [278.62 --> 280.40] they have a really rough background, [280.60 --> 281.10] some of them, [281.24 --> 282.36] as churches always do, [282.80 --> 285.30] and how will they know how to live [285.30 --> 287.20] if they don't have the law? [287.30 --> 288.32] What's going to curb [288.32 --> 289.76] the destructive desires, [290.10 --> 292.14] their old habits from reappearing, [292.24 --> 293.36] from them going back [293.36 --> 294.56] to what they were before? [295.56 --> 296.80] And you know what Paul's answer is? [297.02 --> 297.90] So powerful. [297.90 --> 298.54] Number one, [299.42 --> 300.28] the old nature [300.28 --> 301.86] has been crucified with Jesus. [302.32 --> 303.18] I mean, that's what we celebrated [303.18 --> 304.76] at Jebai's baptism last week. [305.06 --> 305.84] The old nature [305.84 --> 307.34] has been dealt with [307.34 --> 308.32] through the work of Jesus, [308.48 --> 309.18] but secondly, [309.92 --> 311.98] what's going to curb their desires, [312.28 --> 313.32] change their hearts, [313.82 --> 315.00] shift their ambitions, [315.00 --> 317.34] is the power of God [317.34 --> 318.88] through the Holy Spirit. [321.36 --> 322.82] I want us to notice, [323.18 --> 324.84] before we move anywhere else [324.84 --> 325.52] in this passage, [325.52 --> 326.84] how Paul starts. [326.96 --> 327.26] In fact, [327.60 --> 328.76] he makes a repeated point [328.76 --> 329.78] that I don't want us to miss, [329.86 --> 330.34] and that is, [330.94 --> 331.52] ultimately, [331.84 --> 334.78] Christianity will always be about freedom. [336.04 --> 338.00] Christianity is about freedom. [338.96 --> 339.94] It gets misconstrued [339.94 --> 340.72] in all sorts of ways. [340.78 --> 341.52] If you watch Netflix [341.52 --> 342.54] or whatever you watch, [342.72 --> 343.36] you'll know that, [343.48 --> 344.28] culturally speaking, [344.40 --> 345.44] Christianity gets stereotyped [345.44 --> 346.50] in many different ways. [346.74 --> 347.62] It gets mocked [347.62 --> 348.46] in many different ways, [348.56 --> 349.72] sort of the Ned Flanders, [349.98 --> 350.30] you know, [350.90 --> 351.78] if that's an old reference [351.78 --> 353.28] for some of us Simpsons watchers. [354.46 --> 355.50] But Christianity is about [355.50 --> 355.84] freedom. [356.04 --> 356.72] And I want to read [356.72 --> 358.24] verse 1 and verse 13 [358.24 --> 360.10] because Paul repeats this point. [360.68 --> 361.84] He says in verse 1, [363.18 --> 364.38] it is for freedom [364.38 --> 366.98] that Christ has set us free. [367.16 --> 367.90] Verse 13, [368.38 --> 369.60] you, my brothers and sisters, [369.72 --> 371.60] were called to be free. [372.94 --> 374.04] And here's my conviction. [375.00 --> 376.74] We're here because we believe that. [377.38 --> 378.32] Or we're here because [378.32 --> 379.62] we're trying to explore that. [379.80 --> 381.10] The reason we go to church, [381.20 --> 382.36] the reason we want to read the Bible [382.36 --> 383.64] is because we have some sense [383.64 --> 384.88] of a life we're living [384.88 --> 385.92] that is not free. [386.22 --> 387.28] And we have some sense [387.28 --> 388.70] of what Jesus has on offer [388.70 --> 389.52] for His world [389.52 --> 391.56] is going to bring life. [392.24 --> 393.22] It's going to bring freedom. [393.76 --> 394.68] That's why we're here. [397.48 --> 398.74] Now, there are two things [398.74 --> 399.54] that we're going to look at [399.54 --> 400.62] this morning in this passage. [400.74 --> 401.62] The first is this. [402.32 --> 403.58] Paul defines freedom [403.58 --> 405.08] in a very important way. [406.06 --> 406.88] Freedom is not to do [406.88 --> 407.44] what you want. [407.44 --> 408.74] Freedom is to serve [408.74 --> 410.72] and love and humility. [411.52 --> 412.06] But secondly, [412.24 --> 413.38] perhaps even more important, [413.64 --> 414.86] if we want to be free [414.86 --> 416.28] and if we want to live free, [416.36 --> 417.66] the only way we can do it [417.66 --> 418.24] is through the work [418.24 --> 418.98] of the Holy Spirit. [419.12 --> 420.34] This will not come from within us. [420.56 --> 421.96] It does not come natural to us. [422.16 --> 423.24] It is a work from without. [423.40 --> 424.82] It's a work from the power of God [424.82 --> 425.58] by His Spirit. [426.34 --> 427.50] So let me read for us again [427.50 --> 428.72] verse 13 and following, [429.26 --> 431.04] and we'll get into this logic [431.04 --> 431.62] of freedom [431.62 --> 432.84] and how we find it. [433.64 --> 434.22] He writes, [434.22 --> 436.02] You, my brothers and sisters, [436.02 --> 437.50] were called to be free, [438.20 --> 439.86] but do not use your freedom [439.86 --> 441.44] to indulge the flesh. [442.14 --> 443.74] Rather, serve one another [443.74 --> 445.92] humbly in love. [446.50 --> 447.12] For the whole, [447.34 --> 448.22] I'll just continue here, [448.26 --> 449.30] for the entire law [449.30 --> 450.42] is fulfilled [450.42 --> 451.68] in keeping this one command, [452.24 --> 454.12] love your neighbor as yourself. [455.14 --> 456.64] But you hear the exhortation, right? [457.14 --> 458.34] You're free now, church. [458.92 --> 460.30] Don't use your freedom [460.30 --> 462.92] to go back to the old sinful nature. [462.92 --> 464.52] Don't use it to indulge [464.52 --> 465.38] the old lifestyle [465.38 --> 467.66] that you got rescued from. [468.90 --> 469.74] And part of the challenge [469.74 --> 470.56] with this word freedom [470.56 --> 472.22] is how we understand it. [472.24 --> 472.98] And I would say then, [473.08 --> 474.08] both then and now, [474.50 --> 475.96] people confuse and misunderstand [475.96 --> 478.12] and misdefine [478.12 --> 479.02] what freedom is. [479.94 --> 480.70] You know, it's attached [480.70 --> 481.50] to many movements, [481.94 --> 482.74] many court cases, [482.92 --> 483.58] many protests. [483.74 --> 484.72] We all want freedom, [484.96 --> 486.06] but we don't know what it is. [486.50 --> 487.58] Let me ask you this question. [488.34 --> 489.70] If you had to define it, [490.18 --> 491.36] what would you say freedom is? [491.84 --> 492.90] Someone sort of elbowed you, [492.92 --> 493.46] at work, [493.54 --> 494.22] or in the neighborhood [494.22 --> 494.46] and said, [494.52 --> 494.86] hey, like, [494.90 --> 496.00] what do you think freedom is? [496.04 --> 497.28] What does it mean to be free? [497.84 --> 498.60] What would you say? [503.36 --> 504.16] I'm guessing, [504.54 --> 505.28] most Canadians, [505.36 --> 506.22] and maybe Christians too, [507.06 --> 508.26] their first default [508.26 --> 509.22] when we think of freedom [509.22 --> 511.08] is freedom from having to do [511.08 --> 512.94] what someone else tells us. [513.50 --> 514.50] Is that what's going through your mind? [515.72 --> 516.68] At least two of us, [516.72 --> 517.20] one of us. [518.56 --> 519.02] Those of us, [519.08 --> 520.00] I'm not saying it now. [520.40 --> 521.52] Or freedom to sort of [521.52 --> 522.84] do whatever we want to do, [522.90 --> 523.06] right? [523.10 --> 523.72] You have a feeling, [523.84 --> 524.36] you have a desire, [524.46 --> 524.90] you have an ambition, [525.02 --> 526.32] you get to do what you want to do. [526.38 --> 526.86] You're free. [527.34 --> 528.60] I think that's the shorthand [528.60 --> 529.54] Canadian definition [529.54 --> 530.52] of freedom. [531.42 --> 532.54] But now I want to ask, [533.02 --> 533.66] is that [533.66 --> 535.34] actually freedom? [536.82 --> 537.98] And it seems to me, [538.16 --> 539.22] you could disagree with me, [539.30 --> 540.36] but that definition of freedom [540.36 --> 541.96] leads to a whole mountain of pain [541.96 --> 543.20] because what we do with freedom [543.20 --> 545.32] is exactly what Paul's concerned about. [545.32 --> 547.72] you're free to go back [547.72 --> 550.50] to the old sinful nature, [550.88 --> 553.36] to gratify all the old desires [553.36 --> 554.30] of the sinful flesh. [554.66 --> 555.64] And I think many of us, [555.70 --> 556.22] if we're honest, [556.36 --> 557.90] we know what I'm about to say [557.90 --> 559.34] too well in our own experience. [560.80 --> 561.52] In Canada, [561.60 --> 562.66] you're free to watch [562.66 --> 563.38] whatever you want. [564.30 --> 565.42] You can eat whatever you want. [565.60 --> 566.66] You can drink whatever you want. [566.72 --> 568.20] You can sleep with whoever you want. [568.44 --> 569.74] You can do with your money [569.74 --> 571.12] and time whatever you want. [571.22 --> 572.08] Very few people [572.08 --> 573.92] are breathing down your neck [573.92 --> 575.10] telling you how you need to do [575.10 --> 576.68] all these different dimensions of life. [577.28 --> 578.34] And it just so happens [578.34 --> 579.60] that in Canada, [579.72 --> 582.28] we have incredible amounts of anxiety. [583.50 --> 584.82] Many of us have trails [584.82 --> 586.04] of broken relationships [586.04 --> 588.44] and broken trust in our lives. [589.14 --> 590.94] Many of us have unhealthy ways [590.94 --> 592.14] we've treated our body [592.14 --> 593.98] and we live with crushing levels of debt. [594.06 --> 595.42] I mean, I just read about this this week, [595.66 --> 596.74] how so many Canadians [596.74 --> 597.68] have deep anxiety [597.68 --> 599.12] just about money, [599.86 --> 601.56] even though we're free to do with it [601.56 --> 602.40] whatever we want. [602.40 --> 604.52] Canadian freedom [604.52 --> 606.94] looks a lot like what Paul is saying. [607.04 --> 608.02] Do not use your freedom [608.02 --> 610.90] to indulge in the old self, [611.72 --> 613.38] the desires of the flesh. [613.44 --> 614.54] And what he's saying to the church is, [614.88 --> 617.02] church, you've been freed from that. [617.46 --> 619.34] You don't have to go back to that anymore [619.34 --> 621.12] because of what Jesus has accomplished. [621.28 --> 622.22] This is a very powerful point. [622.46 --> 623.84] You've been rescued from [623.84 --> 625.38] the need to go back [625.38 --> 627.32] to that old way of life. [628.48 --> 629.70] And I want to read for you a quote. [629.70 --> 632.38] This comes from a fellow named William Barclay [632.38 --> 634.14] and he says it very well. [634.24 --> 634.44] He says, [634.52 --> 637.20] Christians are not men and women [637.20 --> 639.44] who have become free to sin, [640.18 --> 642.30] but people who, by the grace of God, [642.34 --> 645.32] have become free not to sin. [645.98 --> 646.82] You hear what he's saying there? [647.30 --> 648.76] You've been freed from the need [648.76 --> 651.82] to go back to old enslaving habits, [652.60 --> 654.40] to old enslaving things [654.40 --> 655.50] that are taking hold of you, [655.62 --> 656.42] giving you shame, [656.80 --> 658.16] making you feel stuck. [658.16 --> 660.98] He's like, you've been rescued from it [660.98 --> 662.54] through the work of Jesus. [663.32 --> 665.22] You're actually free. [666.80 --> 668.80] And now we get Paul's definition of freedom. [670.72 --> 671.90] Paul's definition of freedom [671.90 --> 673.14] is abundantly clear. [673.24 --> 673.78] He says, [674.24 --> 677.02] serve one another humbly in love. [677.54 --> 678.88] That's freedom for the Christian. [679.74 --> 683.08] Serve one another humbly in love. [684.12 --> 685.84] That sounds a lot like Jesus, doesn't it? [685.84 --> 687.42] And it's interesting to me, [687.56 --> 688.76] I also have a hunch [688.76 --> 691.08] that most of us have some sense [691.08 --> 692.22] of what that feels like. [693.46 --> 695.18] Perhaps if you think about your life [695.18 --> 697.10] or maybe I'll just throw some scenarios out there, [697.54 --> 699.84] you serve as part of our Wednesday night crew [699.84 --> 701.24] at the Cloverdale Community Kitchen [701.24 --> 702.92] and you get to make meals [702.92 --> 704.46] and sit down with and share meals [704.46 --> 705.50] with our vulnerable neighbors [705.50 --> 706.86] who are struggling to find a home [706.86 --> 709.18] and you feel free doing it. [709.70 --> 711.16] Or perhaps you've got a family member [711.16 --> 711.90] going through addiction [711.90 --> 713.16] and they're staying in your home [713.16 --> 714.02] and you're helping them out, [714.10 --> 715.14] you're doing what you need to do, [715.24 --> 716.06] opening up space, [716.26 --> 717.28] and you just know that [717.28 --> 718.64] in this act of caring for them, [718.98 --> 720.30] it's making you feel free. [720.94 --> 722.26] Or perhaps you're being generous [722.26 --> 722.76] with your money [722.76 --> 723.96] towards a cause that matters [723.96 --> 724.98] deeply to your family [724.98 --> 726.20] and you know that that money [726.20 --> 728.70] is best spent in that [728.70 --> 729.62] rather than whatever you want [729.62 --> 730.44] to buy for yourself. [730.78 --> 731.58] And somehow, [732.18 --> 733.08] does this resonate with you? [733.14 --> 734.60] Somehow as you give yourself away, [734.84 --> 736.18] as you serve in humility, [736.30 --> 737.60] as you try to love your neighbor, [737.92 --> 739.18] you become more human. [739.98 --> 741.94] You become more fully alive. [742.64 --> 745.46] You become what you were created for, [746.10 --> 748.72] to serve in humility with love. [749.92 --> 750.66] Walter Brueggemann, [751.42 --> 751.88] New Testament, [752.00 --> 753.20] actually Old Testament theologian, [753.24 --> 753.90] he puts it this way, [753.94 --> 754.06] he says, [754.12 --> 755.52] when you give your life away [755.52 --> 756.48] in humble service, [756.98 --> 758.50] you get it back enhanced. [759.20 --> 759.92] Have you felt that before? [760.22 --> 761.76] You give your life away [761.76 --> 762.46] to serve others [762.46 --> 763.54] and somehow you become [763.54 --> 765.78] more fully human in the process. [765.78 --> 768.24] You feel the life of Jesus [768.24 --> 769.34] in your own life. [770.88 --> 772.28] But here's the main point now. [772.40 --> 773.60] I want to underscore this one [773.60 --> 774.72] because this is what Paul says. [775.08 --> 776.90] It is not enough just to know [776.90 --> 778.40] Paul's definition of freedom. [779.06 --> 780.30] It's not enough to have in your head, [780.38 --> 781.04] hey Dave, okay, [781.30 --> 782.80] I now know that to be free [782.80 --> 783.90] is to serve with humility [783.90 --> 784.68] and to love others. [784.94 --> 785.36] There we go, [785.40 --> 785.96] I'm going to do it. [786.60 --> 788.08] It's very likely the case [788.08 --> 789.00] that you just like me [789.00 --> 790.02] will go home from church, [790.10 --> 790.96] will have this definition [790.96 --> 791.56] in our heads, [791.68 --> 793.02] and we'll probably still be [793.02 --> 794.48] very tempted to go back [794.48 --> 795.24] to the old habits [795.24 --> 796.44] of watching whatever we want, [796.68 --> 797.68] eating whatever we want, [797.92 --> 798.68] wasting time [798.68 --> 799.70] in very unproductive ways [799.70 --> 800.64] and not actually loving [800.64 --> 801.64] and serving our neighbors. [802.78 --> 803.66] What's needed, [804.32 --> 805.70] according to Galatians 5, [806.50 --> 807.96] is the power of the Holy Spirit. [809.14 --> 810.06] What is needed [810.06 --> 812.26] is something beyond ourselves [812.26 --> 814.66] to change our sinful nature, [815.22 --> 816.52] and that is the Holy Spirit. [817.70 --> 819.04] Now, if you've been reading [819.04 --> 819.92] Galatians carefully, [820.50 --> 821.74] you will probably have noticed [821.74 --> 822.34] that the Spirit [822.34 --> 823.70] has showed up a lot already, [823.70 --> 825.50] and we haven't focused on it yet [825.50 --> 826.40] because there's just so many [826.40 --> 827.28] other things that Paul [827.28 --> 828.58] is trying to say in Galatians. [828.82 --> 829.64] But let me give us [829.64 --> 831.12] just a really brief summary [831.12 --> 832.44] of what Paul has already said [832.44 --> 832.94] in Galatians [832.94 --> 834.32] about the Holy Spirit. [835.14 --> 835.76] Number one, [836.70 --> 838.54] Christians receive the Holy Spirit [838.54 --> 841.24] at the time of their conversion. [842.66 --> 844.46] The moment you came to faith, [845.32 --> 846.24] the Spirit of God [846.24 --> 847.26] was operative in your life. [847.28 --> 847.68] And I would say, [847.74 --> 848.70] even mysteriously, [849.16 --> 850.04] wonderfully, [850.24 --> 851.06] even before that, [851.06 --> 852.80] creating in you this desire, [852.94 --> 853.50] this ambition, [853.64 --> 854.36] this intent [854.36 --> 855.30] to sort of know [855.30 --> 855.88] what you believe [855.88 --> 856.84] and why you exist. [857.14 --> 857.98] And when you come to faith, [858.04 --> 858.36] you could say, [858.42 --> 858.92] praise the Lord, [858.98 --> 859.86] the Spirit of God [859.86 --> 861.18] is at work in me. [861.52 --> 862.48] You do not need to doubt it. [862.56 --> 863.00] Number two, [863.64 --> 864.94] the plan from the beginning, [865.12 --> 866.62] according to Galatians 3, 14, [866.68 --> 867.10] and following, [867.36 --> 868.32] was that the nations [868.32 --> 869.08] around the world [869.08 --> 870.78] would come to faith in Jesus [870.78 --> 872.16] and receive the power [872.16 --> 873.04] of the Holy Spirit, [873.26 --> 874.42] and communities [874.42 --> 875.98] would live and move [875.98 --> 877.06] and follow the leading [877.06 --> 878.24] of God's Spirit. [878.24 --> 880.32] Thirdly, [881.38 --> 882.46] as Jonathan preached [882.46 --> 883.26] on last week, [883.84 --> 885.02] the Holy Spirit [885.02 --> 888.12] enables us to call God Dad, [888.86 --> 889.10] right? [889.16 --> 889.98] In Galatians 4, [890.64 --> 891.38] 4 to 7, [891.82 --> 892.78] it's Abba, Father, [892.86 --> 893.32] that language [893.32 --> 894.14] that comes from us. [894.20 --> 894.68] That is because [894.68 --> 896.30] the Spirit enables us [896.30 --> 897.40] to have this intimate [897.40 --> 898.50] relationship with the Father. [898.60 --> 899.64] It's not natural to us [899.64 --> 900.18] in our rebellion. [900.46 --> 901.10] It's the Spirit [901.10 --> 902.54] who brings us back [902.54 --> 903.70] into a relationship [903.70 --> 904.30] with our Father [904.30 --> 905.14] who loves us. [905.60 --> 906.10] And finally, [906.18 --> 906.66] this is what we're [906.66 --> 907.56] going to focus on today. [907.56 --> 909.20] It is the Spirit [909.20 --> 911.04] that enables us [911.04 --> 912.68] to have victory [912.68 --> 914.80] over our sinful flesh, [915.32 --> 916.34] the old self, [916.74 --> 917.72] the old desires [917.72 --> 918.62] that enslave us, [918.72 --> 919.94] and then it is the Spirit [919.94 --> 921.20] that produces in us [921.20 --> 923.02] the fruit of love, [923.30 --> 924.32] joy, peace, [924.82 --> 925.70] patience, kindness, [925.92 --> 926.38] goodness, [927.06 --> 927.54] gentleness, [927.88 --> 928.76] and self-control. [932.06 --> 934.12] Jonathan mentioned last week [934.12 --> 935.58] I think something very profound [935.58 --> 936.40] that I want to repeat. [936.40 --> 937.74] He said it's important [937.74 --> 938.14] that we know [938.14 --> 939.00] that when Jesus came [939.00 --> 939.96] and defeated death [939.96 --> 941.02] and sin and Satan, [941.02 --> 942.12] he went through the grave [942.12 --> 943.22] into resurrection life. [943.42 --> 944.46] He didn't look at the church [944.46 --> 944.76] and say, [944.86 --> 945.44] all right people, [946.40 --> 947.04] go get them. [947.42 --> 948.72] I'm going off to the Father. [949.08 --> 950.02] You've got this. [950.84 --> 951.14] No, [951.24 --> 951.94] what he said is, [952.34 --> 953.42] you're going to need me. [954.28 --> 955.58] You're going to need my power. [955.84 --> 957.02] And I'm actually delighted [957.02 --> 958.10] to go back to the Father [958.10 --> 958.78] because I know [958.78 --> 959.82] you are receiving [959.82 --> 960.84] the Holy Spirit [960.84 --> 962.62] which is the very same power [962.62 --> 964.08] that rose him from the dead [964.08 --> 965.50] that is now poured out [965.50 --> 966.58] in the hearts of believers [966.58 --> 967.98] in the communities [967.98 --> 968.96] of faith in Jesus. [970.52 --> 971.68] And so I want to read for you [971.68 --> 973.22] my favorite verse [973.22 --> 973.94] in this passage [973.94 --> 975.04] and it was hard to pick, [975.14 --> 975.82] I will admit. [976.36 --> 977.26] Verse 16, [979.00 --> 979.70] Paul writes, [979.82 --> 980.60] so I say, [981.46 --> 982.52] walk by the Spirit [982.52 --> 986.08] and you will not gratify [986.60 --> 988.28] the desires of the flesh. [989.74 --> 990.98] Here's my question, church. [992.42 --> 993.76] Do you believe this? [995.54 --> 996.72] I was saying to the staff [996.72 --> 997.06] this week [997.06 --> 998.00] when I was working on my sermon, [998.06 --> 998.98] I think this is my sermon [998.98 --> 999.86] in a nutshell right here. [1000.16 --> 1000.94] This powerful, [1001.14 --> 1001.52] beautiful, [1001.76 --> 1002.42] amazing thing [1002.42 --> 1003.04] that Paul says [1003.04 --> 1003.54] that I'm going to ask, [1003.90 --> 1005.94] do we truly believe this? [1006.66 --> 1007.58] And I'm going to sharpen [1007.58 --> 1008.34] my point here. [1008.40 --> 1009.26] I'll put verse 19 [1009.26 --> 1010.34] on the screen [1010.34 --> 1011.96] and I want to just continue [1011.96 --> 1012.60] to contrast [1012.60 --> 1013.46] what Paul is saying [1013.46 --> 1014.86] because this is what he's saying. [1014.86 --> 1016.10] So I say, [1016.56 --> 1017.34] walk by the Spirit [1017.34 --> 1019.72] and you will not fall prey [1019.72 --> 1021.26] to sexual immorality [1021.26 --> 1022.02] and impurity. [1022.68 --> 1023.40] So I say, [1023.54 --> 1024.56] walk by the Spirit [1024.56 --> 1026.54] and you will not become people [1026.54 --> 1027.60] who are idolatrous, [1028.20 --> 1028.82] hateful, [1029.34 --> 1029.98] descending, [1030.80 --> 1031.82] causing division, [1032.36 --> 1032.88] and envious. [1033.70 --> 1034.32] So I say, [1034.42 --> 1035.32] walk by the Spirit [1035.32 --> 1036.28] and you will not be [1036.28 --> 1037.38] an angry person. [1039.14 --> 1039.82] I say, [1039.90 --> 1040.74] walk by the Spirit [1040.74 --> 1043.12] and you will not gratify [1043.12 --> 1044.36] the desires of the flesh. [1044.36 --> 1044.98] So church, [1045.44 --> 1046.72] do you believe this? [1047.72 --> 1047.96] I mean, [1048.00 --> 1049.04] this passage is so important. [1049.12 --> 1049.94] I hope it works its way [1049.94 --> 1050.62] into your minds, [1050.70 --> 1051.32] your imaginations, [1051.42 --> 1051.90] and your hearts, [1052.06 --> 1052.98] the way it's been working [1052.98 --> 1053.40] into mind [1053.40 --> 1054.54] because it is so powerful [1054.54 --> 1055.46] we have to ask ourselves, [1055.68 --> 1056.54] do we really believe [1056.54 --> 1057.26] that this is true? [1057.40 --> 1058.62] That when God's Spirit [1058.62 --> 1059.96] takes hold of our lives, [1060.06 --> 1061.76] it will actually change [1061.76 --> 1062.72] these old habits [1062.72 --> 1064.24] and create new desires [1064.24 --> 1066.50] as a result of God's power. [1068.84 --> 1069.24] Now, [1069.40 --> 1070.80] I'm just going to be forthright [1070.80 --> 1071.70] about my own upbringing. [1071.80 --> 1072.32] I grew up [1072.32 --> 1073.26] in the Reformed tradition. [1074.46 --> 1075.34] And we didn't talk [1075.34 --> 1076.16] a lot about the Spirit. [1076.84 --> 1077.06] In fact, [1077.10 --> 1077.70] there are several people [1077.70 --> 1078.98] even here today [1078.98 --> 1080.46] who have grown up [1080.46 --> 1081.50] in charismatic traditions [1081.50 --> 1082.28] who have said to me [1082.28 --> 1083.04] and other people [1083.04 --> 1083.68] who preach at Hope, [1083.74 --> 1083.94] they're like, [1083.98 --> 1084.72] you guys don't preach [1084.72 --> 1085.84] on the Spirit very much. [1086.36 --> 1087.22] And ouch, [1087.92 --> 1088.72] we're going to preach [1088.72 --> 1089.68] on that after Easter, [1090.02 --> 1090.82] message received. [1090.94 --> 1091.32] Don't worry, [1091.36 --> 1091.78] we're going to talk [1091.78 --> 1092.60] about spiritual gifts, [1093.02 --> 1093.80] spiritual power, [1093.90 --> 1094.60] a lot of different things [1094.60 --> 1095.22] around the Spirit. [1095.36 --> 1095.92] That's coming. [1096.34 --> 1096.80] But today, [1096.86 --> 1097.40] we get to talk [1097.40 --> 1098.46] about the Spirit as well. [1099.42 --> 1100.68] It's not common for me [1100.68 --> 1101.46] to use language [1101.46 --> 1102.64] of walking in the Spirit, [1103.34 --> 1104.20] keeping in step [1104.20 --> 1104.80] with the Spirit, [1105.02 --> 1105.54] and that's part [1105.54 --> 1106.02] of my upbringing, [1106.14 --> 1106.58] maybe it's part [1106.58 --> 1107.40] of yours as well. [1107.56 --> 1108.56] So we want to unpack [1108.56 --> 1109.76] what in the world [1109.76 --> 1110.54] it means [1110.54 --> 1112.50] to walk in step [1112.50 --> 1113.76] with the Spirit. [1115.22 --> 1115.48] Now, [1115.48 --> 1116.26] I first want to share [1116.26 --> 1116.72] a story. [1117.32 --> 1118.18] This comes from a book [1118.18 --> 1118.68] I was reading [1118.68 --> 1119.16] in preparation [1119.16 --> 1119.90] for this sermon. [1120.60 --> 1121.36] I think it'll be helpful [1121.36 --> 1122.42] to discern this together. [1123.32 --> 1124.56] The writer tells the story [1124.56 --> 1125.60] of going whale watching [1125.60 --> 1126.62] and then relates [1126.62 --> 1127.74] this story of whale watching [1127.74 --> 1128.72] to our relationship [1128.72 --> 1129.54] to the Holy Spirit. [1129.64 --> 1130.40] So let me explain. [1131.24 --> 1131.94] He tells the story [1131.94 --> 1133.16] of going off the coast [1133.16 --> 1133.88] of Newfoundland [1133.88 --> 1135.72] on this giant vessel [1135.72 --> 1136.56] and then they go out [1136.56 --> 1137.12] into the ocean [1137.12 --> 1137.74] to whale watch. [1137.80 --> 1138.04] I'm curious, [1138.10 --> 1138.58] how many of us [1138.58 --> 1139.44] have gone whale watching? [1140.08 --> 1140.54] Oh man, [1140.56 --> 1141.58] I'm so jealous. [1142.06 --> 1142.86] I'm hoping that day [1142.86 --> 1143.22] will come. [1143.30 --> 1144.06] I'm actually secretly [1144.06 --> 1144.84] waiting for my parents [1144.84 --> 1145.54] to come into town [1145.54 --> 1146.64] and offer to pay for it. [1146.82 --> 1147.70] That's a different story. [1149.70 --> 1151.02] So they get on this vessel [1151.02 --> 1152.32] and they're driving out [1152.32 --> 1152.76] to the ocean. [1152.86 --> 1153.76] It's a fairly large group [1153.76 --> 1154.26] and the guy's [1154.26 --> 1154.90] with his family. [1155.26 --> 1155.98] He's feeling like [1155.98 --> 1156.96] it's the trip of his lifetime [1156.96 --> 1158.56] and it takes a long time [1158.56 --> 1159.28] to get out there. [1159.52 --> 1160.46] There's a lot of waiting [1160.46 --> 1161.54] and looking in the ocean [1161.54 --> 1162.54] trying to find whales [1162.54 --> 1163.32] or if it's a wave [1163.32 --> 1163.94] and not a whale. [1164.36 --> 1165.44] And after a while, [1165.92 --> 1166.90] some people go down [1166.90 --> 1167.58] below deck, [1167.72 --> 1168.76] including his kids. [1168.98 --> 1169.58] And one of them, [1169.66 --> 1170.38] I won't say which, [1170.46 --> 1171.64] was on a screen [1171.64 --> 1173.12] scrolling through their phone. [1173.60 --> 1174.68] I'm not jealous, you know. [1175.26 --> 1176.16] And then, you know, [1176.22 --> 1177.14] more time passes, [1177.24 --> 1178.16] they go out into the ocean [1178.16 --> 1179.76] and then some other people [1179.76 --> 1180.46] who are by the deck [1180.46 --> 1181.44] move to the middle of the boat [1181.44 --> 1182.70] where there's this glass enclosure [1182.70 --> 1183.66] and they can just sit down [1183.66 --> 1184.36] because they've been standing [1184.36 --> 1184.88] for a while. [1185.34 --> 1186.20] And then there's another group [1186.20 --> 1187.56] of people who are holding [1187.56 --> 1188.48] on to that railing. [1188.54 --> 1188.82] They're like, [1188.86 --> 1189.58] we paid good money [1189.58 --> 1190.92] to be on this whale watching tour. [1191.16 --> 1192.66] We're not going to miss this whale. [1192.78 --> 1193.56] We're going to wait [1193.56 --> 1194.54] and see for this thing [1194.54 --> 1195.10] to show up. [1196.54 --> 1197.44] Well, their moment came. [1197.44 --> 1199.22] And they had their, [1199.32 --> 1200.00] what you might call [1200.00 --> 1201.42] national geographic moment [1201.42 --> 1202.12] because a whale, [1202.32 --> 1203.70] bigger than the boat itself, [1203.86 --> 1205.28] breached right beside the boat, [1205.64 --> 1207.34] launched itself up into the air [1207.34 --> 1208.52] right beside them. [1208.70 --> 1209.98] And as it was going down, [1210.04 --> 1210.94] it turned sideways, [1211.14 --> 1211.74] coming down, [1211.90 --> 1213.22] and then soaked [1213.22 --> 1214.60] all the people [1214.60 --> 1215.58] on the side of the boat, [1215.64 --> 1216.54] not just with water, [1216.94 --> 1217.70] but mucus. [1218.20 --> 1219.20] They were drenched. [1221.04 --> 1221.96] But here's the thing. [1222.22 --> 1223.40] Not everyone who was on that boat [1223.40 --> 1224.40] had the same experience. [1224.84 --> 1225.60] Those below deck [1225.60 --> 1226.46] felt the waves. [1226.54 --> 1227.66] They knew something was happening. [1228.08 --> 1228.90] Those in the middle [1228.90 --> 1229.80] were behind glass, [1229.88 --> 1230.64] maybe got a photo, [1230.76 --> 1231.20] and the people [1231.20 --> 1232.08] on the side of the boat, [1232.08 --> 1233.52] they got drenched. [1234.00 --> 1235.16] And we'll never forget it. [1236.78 --> 1237.86] Here's how he relates it [1237.86 --> 1238.40] to the Spirit. [1239.32 --> 1239.74] He says, [1239.88 --> 1241.30] many of us in the church [1241.30 --> 1243.48] have a differing relationship [1243.48 --> 1244.34] with the person [1244.34 --> 1245.14] of the Holy Spirit. [1245.36 --> 1246.58] Some of us are below deck. [1246.68 --> 1247.04] We're sort of [1247.04 --> 1248.04] at a comfortable distance, [1248.12 --> 1249.56] and we're not too upset [1249.56 --> 1250.06] about that. [1250.44 --> 1251.66] Some of us are above deck, [1251.70 --> 1252.28] but we're behind [1252.28 --> 1253.28] the glass enclosure, [1253.48 --> 1253.68] you know, [1253.68 --> 1254.66] open but cautious. [1255.50 --> 1256.62] And then there are those of us [1256.62 --> 1258.08] who have our arms and hands [1258.08 --> 1259.94] latched to the side railing, [1260.00 --> 1260.50] and we say, [1260.50 --> 1262.44] we want to be soaked [1262.44 --> 1264.22] in the power [1264.22 --> 1265.64] and the presence [1265.64 --> 1267.00] of the Holy Spirit. [1267.74 --> 1268.98] We're not going below deck. [1269.52 --> 1270.30] We're not going to go [1270.30 --> 1271.12] behind the glass. [1271.50 --> 1272.12] We are waiting [1272.12 --> 1273.62] until something happens [1273.62 --> 1275.36] because we are expectant [1275.36 --> 1276.36] that that whale [1276.36 --> 1277.24] is going to show up. [1278.38 --> 1279.12] And church, [1279.76 --> 1281.90] the whale will show up. [1282.44 --> 1283.86] The Spirit has been given [1283.86 --> 1284.64] to the church. [1285.14 --> 1286.02] And I want to ask you [1286.02 --> 1287.28] the hard question perhaps, [1287.58 --> 1288.08] and that is, [1288.14 --> 1289.00] if you were on the boat [1289.00 --> 1290.06] as you imagine yourself [1290.06 --> 1290.84] in this story, [1291.16 --> 1292.68] where are you on that boat? [1294.06 --> 1295.26] I will say honestly [1295.26 --> 1296.44] that for the vast majority [1296.44 --> 1297.12] of my life, [1297.40 --> 1298.78] I was very comfortable [1298.78 --> 1300.54] staying below deck. [1301.62 --> 1302.82] And I had people in my life [1302.82 --> 1303.78] who were very suspicious [1303.78 --> 1305.66] of charismatic traditions, [1305.84 --> 1306.64] suspicious of how people [1306.64 --> 1307.34] talked about the Spirit. [1307.44 --> 1308.12] I get that. [1308.46 --> 1309.50] But I had many, [1309.64 --> 1310.42] many years of saying, [1310.48 --> 1311.26] I don't know what's going on [1311.26 --> 1311.76] with that Spirit, [1311.82 --> 1313.14] but I'm comfortable below deck. [1313.50 --> 1314.08] And I have people [1314.08 --> 1314.96] in our church today [1314.96 --> 1315.66] who were saying to Dave, [1315.88 --> 1317.20] this is what it might look like [1317.20 --> 1317.86] to have your hands [1317.86 --> 1318.44] on the railing. [1318.58 --> 1319.64] And you're going to love it [1319.64 --> 1320.52] when you get soaked [1320.52 --> 1321.64] by the power of that whale. [1325.50 --> 1326.28] I'm convinced [1326.28 --> 1327.46] that when Paul says, [1327.86 --> 1328.62] walk by the Spirit, [1329.54 --> 1330.68] what he's saying [1330.68 --> 1331.98] to every single believer [1331.98 --> 1333.48] is surrender. [1335.44 --> 1336.28] I'm convinced [1336.28 --> 1337.12] that when he says, [1337.38 --> 1337.86] keep in step [1337.86 --> 1338.50] with the Spirit, [1338.96 --> 1340.34] he's inviting every believer [1340.34 --> 1341.72] to hold out their ambitions, [1342.10 --> 1342.68] their intentions, [1342.90 --> 1344.22] their desires for their life, [1344.36 --> 1344.86] and say, [1344.96 --> 1345.74] not my will, [1345.74 --> 1347.84] but your will be done, Lord. [1348.58 --> 1349.82] You get to lead. [1350.54 --> 1351.72] I get to follow. [1352.22 --> 1353.18] That's, by the way, [1353.46 --> 1354.62] exactly with the language [1354.62 --> 1355.94] of keeping in step. [1356.18 --> 1357.50] You are not setting the pace. [1357.80 --> 1358.46] You are not the one [1358.46 --> 1359.12] leading the way. [1359.38 --> 1360.56] You are following the way [1360.56 --> 1361.26] of our God [1361.26 --> 1363.02] who lives within us [1363.02 --> 1364.28] and leads the church [1364.28 --> 1365.66] by his Spirit. [1366.86 --> 1367.84] So walking in step [1367.84 --> 1368.42] with the Spirit [1368.42 --> 1369.82] is surrendering. [1370.28 --> 1372.28] And that is a lifetime project, [1372.38 --> 1372.80] by the way. [1373.16 --> 1373.88] At least it is [1373.88 --> 1374.94] in my own experience. [1374.94 --> 1376.42] It is a daily sense [1376.42 --> 1378.00] of loosening the grip [1378.00 --> 1379.06] we have on our lives, [1379.48 --> 1380.60] loosening our desire [1380.60 --> 1381.62] to be in control [1381.62 --> 1382.08] and saying, [1382.20 --> 1383.50] Lord, I trust you [1383.50 --> 1384.84] and I need your Spirit [1384.84 --> 1385.60] to lead me [1385.60 --> 1386.52] because on my own [1386.52 --> 1387.60] I will hold control [1387.60 --> 1388.76] and I'll probably run [1388.76 --> 1389.98] this ship into the ground [1389.98 --> 1391.32] to borrow another [1391.32 --> 1392.00] boating metaphor. [1394.98 --> 1396.94] The door that opens [1396.94 --> 1399.30] the work of the Spirit [1399.30 --> 1401.06] is prayer. [1402.28 --> 1403.16] And that's not just [1403.16 --> 1403.82] my opinion. [1404.46 --> 1405.48] This is the Scriptures. [1406.42 --> 1407.70] If I had more time, [1407.70 --> 1408.62] I would walk us [1408.62 --> 1409.50] through all the passages [1409.50 --> 1410.90] in the Gospel accounts [1410.90 --> 1413.08] that narrate Jesus' own life. [1413.54 --> 1414.48] Jesus in Matthew [1414.48 --> 1416.02] and especially in Luke. [1416.10 --> 1417.00] Luke is always [1417.00 --> 1417.70] pointing this out. [1418.02 --> 1418.94] He sees the crowds. [1419.12 --> 1419.94] He sees the demands [1419.94 --> 1420.52] of his disciples. [1420.64 --> 1421.46] He sees the needs [1421.46 --> 1421.96] of the city. [1422.22 --> 1422.96] And he's constantly [1422.96 --> 1424.04] retreating [1424.04 --> 1425.86] to the mountainside [1425.86 --> 1426.38] to what? [1427.56 --> 1428.14] To pray. [1428.98 --> 1430.54] Now, if Jesus needs prayer, [1430.54 --> 1431.66] perhaps we do too. [1432.12 --> 1432.62] In fact, one of my [1432.62 --> 1433.08] favorite stories, [1433.14 --> 1433.80] I didn't even check [1433.80 --> 1434.50] between services. [1434.66 --> 1435.46] I said this boldly [1435.46 --> 1435.92] in the 9 a.m. [1435.92 --> 1437.14] I think it's Matthew 14. [1437.54 --> 1438.60] It's the story of Jesus [1438.60 --> 1439.60] walking on the water. [1439.86 --> 1440.86] And we often miss [1440.86 --> 1442.08] the story right before that. [1442.14 --> 1442.56] You know what Jesus [1442.56 --> 1443.48] is doing right before [1443.48 --> 1444.26] he walks in the water? [1444.94 --> 1446.24] He's on the mountainside [1446.24 --> 1446.60] praying. [1447.24 --> 1448.62] And Jesus is so filled [1448.62 --> 1449.84] with the Spirit of God [1449.84 --> 1450.84] after he prays, [1450.92 --> 1452.24] he's walking on water [1452.24 --> 1453.06] and his disciples are like, [1453.12 --> 1454.04] how does he do this? [1454.20 --> 1455.26] And Matthew is very [1455.26 --> 1455.98] intentional to say [1455.98 --> 1456.94] it goes from the mountain [1456.94 --> 1457.46] of prayer [1457.46 --> 1459.08] to the walking on water. [1459.72 --> 1460.80] That comes from [1460.80 --> 1461.40] the empowerment [1461.40 --> 1462.12] of the Spirit. [1463.16 --> 1463.50] And church, [1463.58 --> 1464.02] let me say this [1464.02 --> 1464.74] even more clearly. [1464.86 --> 1466.08] What's available to Jesus [1466.08 --> 1468.00] is available to us. [1469.24 --> 1470.52] Jesus was not upset [1470.52 --> 1471.58] by him going to be [1471.58 --> 1472.02] with the Father [1472.02 --> 1472.54] because he knew [1472.54 --> 1473.22] the Spirit [1473.22 --> 1474.98] would lead the church. [1475.50 --> 1476.26] And the door [1476.26 --> 1477.38] to the life of the Spirit [1477.38 --> 1478.88] is prayer. [1480.74 --> 1481.60] This power [1481.60 --> 1482.90] is not separated [1482.90 --> 1483.66] and given [1483.66 --> 1484.32] just to people [1484.32 --> 1485.34] who work for the church, [1485.72 --> 1486.68] just missionaries, [1486.68 --> 1487.70] Bible translators [1487.70 --> 1488.34] and pastors. [1489.06 --> 1489.82] The gift of the Spirit [1489.82 --> 1490.88] is for all of us [1490.88 --> 1492.16] all the time [1492.16 --> 1493.40] in whatever mess [1493.40 --> 1494.10] you're going through [1494.10 --> 1495.16] in your life right now. [1495.40 --> 1496.18] Do you believe that? [1497.06 --> 1498.24] The Spirit of God [1498.24 --> 1499.00] is ours [1499.00 --> 1500.22] for the receiving. [1501.24 --> 1502.12] It's ours [1502.12 --> 1503.28] for the transforming. [1504.40 --> 1505.16] And the Spirit [1505.16 --> 1506.28] is after [1506.28 --> 1507.52] our freedom. [1509.00 --> 1509.76] I'm struck by how [1509.76 --> 1510.72] in Jesus' own ministry [1510.72 --> 1512.12] as he comes out [1512.12 --> 1513.02] of his time of prayer [1513.02 --> 1514.28] on the side of the mountain [1514.28 --> 1515.52] often with his disciples, [1515.52 --> 1517.16] he has the ability [1517.16 --> 1518.36] by the Spirit's leading [1518.36 --> 1519.76] to love [1519.76 --> 1520.76] and serve in humility, [1520.98 --> 1522.04] to resist the temptation [1522.04 --> 1522.60] of Satan, [1522.80 --> 1524.12] to know what's most important [1524.12 --> 1524.78] and what isn't, [1524.92 --> 1526.04] and to go into the cities [1526.04 --> 1527.24] proclaiming the kingdom of God [1527.24 --> 1528.08] in humility [1528.08 --> 1529.26] and love. [1529.38 --> 1530.20] And again, church, [1530.66 --> 1531.70] that same power [1531.70 --> 1532.44] is available [1532.44 --> 1533.76] to us. [1534.40 --> 1535.06] To resist [1535.06 --> 1536.10] the temptation of Satan [1536.10 --> 1537.14] however it shows up [1537.14 --> 1537.70] in our life, [1537.86 --> 1539.82] to resist the incredible pull [1539.82 --> 1541.12] of the old sinful nature [1541.12 --> 1542.44] which is still operative [1542.44 --> 1543.00] in our life, [1543.00 --> 1543.94] and say yes [1543.94 --> 1544.74] to the way of Christ [1544.74 --> 1545.52] which is obedience, [1546.64 --> 1547.46] self-denial, [1547.92 --> 1548.76] and humble service [1548.76 --> 1549.24] and love. [1549.86 --> 1550.60] That power [1550.60 --> 1551.94] is for all of us. [1556.00 --> 1557.32] I want to loop back [1557.32 --> 1559.40] to the big picture [1559.40 --> 1560.20] of Galatians 5 [1560.20 --> 1560.82] and just allow you [1560.82 --> 1561.58] to marvel with me [1561.58 --> 1562.50] at what Paul is saying. [1563.12 --> 1563.52] He's saying, [1563.76 --> 1564.28] the solution [1564.28 --> 1565.32] to the division [1565.32 --> 1566.10] in the church [1566.10 --> 1567.40] between Judaizers [1567.40 --> 1568.16] and new converts [1568.16 --> 1568.88] and others, [1569.36 --> 1570.40] and the solution [1570.40 --> 1571.58] to the temptation [1571.58 --> 1572.38] of going back [1572.38 --> 1573.48] to the old patterns [1573.48 --> 1573.92] of life [1573.92 --> 1574.94] before we were believers [1574.94 --> 1576.46] and the way [1576.46 --> 1577.16] we experience [1577.16 --> 1577.88] serving in love [1577.88 --> 1578.40] and humility [1578.40 --> 1580.04] is the Spirit. [1581.92 --> 1582.66] And the door [1582.66 --> 1583.72] to experiencing [1583.72 --> 1585.02] the power of the Spirit [1585.02 --> 1586.86] is prayer. [1588.38 --> 1589.22] Now I don't have this [1589.22 --> 1589.74] on the slides [1589.74 --> 1590.88] but I want to read for you. [1591.62 --> 1592.54] This comes from [1592.54 --> 1593.88] the Heidelberg Catechism. [1594.00 --> 1594.92] It's a teaching document [1594.92 --> 1595.66] in our church [1595.66 --> 1596.94] and there's a question [1596.94 --> 1597.20] in there. [1597.48 --> 1598.84] The whole Heidelberg Catechism [1598.84 --> 1599.90] is questions and answers. [1600.42 --> 1601.24] One of the questions is [1601.24 --> 1602.28] why do Christians [1602.28 --> 1602.98] need to pray? [1603.36 --> 1604.36] Such an important question [1604.36 --> 1604.92] that we should ask [1604.92 --> 1605.70] in every generation [1605.70 --> 1606.88] and here's the answer [1606.88 --> 1608.18] with like a ton of footnotes [1608.18 --> 1609.10] on scripture passages. [1609.82 --> 1610.48] The answer is [1610.48 --> 1611.84] prayer is the most [1611.84 --> 1612.84] important part [1612.84 --> 1614.76] of the thankfulness [1614.76 --> 1616.48] God requires of us. [1617.52 --> 1618.24] And also [1618.24 --> 1619.70] prayer is [1619.70 --> 1620.76] sorry I'll say that again [1620.76 --> 1621.44] and also because [1621.44 --> 1622.64] God gives His grace [1622.64 --> 1623.70] and Holy Spirit [1623.70 --> 1625.02] only [1625.02 --> 1626.74] to those who pray [1626.74 --> 1627.42] continually [1627.42 --> 1628.96] and groan inwardly [1628.96 --> 1630.30] asking God [1630.30 --> 1631.08] for these gifts [1631.08 --> 1632.76] and thanking Him [1632.76 --> 1633.96] for them. [1637.06 --> 1637.88] The door [1637.88 --> 1638.62] to the power [1638.62 --> 1639.32] of the Spirit [1639.32 --> 1640.80] is available [1640.80 --> 1641.88] to all of us [1641.88 --> 1642.98] through prayer. [1644.04 --> 1644.58] I want to [1644.58 --> 1645.34] just share a story [1645.34 --> 1646.00] about my own life. [1646.14 --> 1646.96] Before I was ordained [1646.96 --> 1647.54] as a pastor [1647.54 --> 1648.58] I jumped through [1648.58 --> 1649.52] all the same ordination [1649.52 --> 1650.68] hoops as Jonathan [1650.68 --> 1651.22] jumped through [1651.22 --> 1652.40] and before I was [1652.40 --> 1653.20] publicly examined [1653.20 --> 1653.58] I had to meet [1653.58 --> 1654.34] with three pastors [1654.34 --> 1655.52] pastors to sort of [1655.52 --> 1656.32] make sure I was [1656.32 --> 1657.44] eligible to be examined [1657.44 --> 1658.34] for being a pastor [1658.34 --> 1659.38] and we had this [1659.38 --> 1659.84] conversation [1659.84 --> 1660.38] two of them were [1660.38 --> 1660.92] asking a lot of [1660.92 --> 1661.30] the questions [1661.30 --> 1662.18] and in that room [1662.18 --> 1663.32] was a retired pastor [1663.32 --> 1664.04] he had just finished [1664.04 --> 1664.90] ministry a few years [1664.90 --> 1666.00] before this conversation. [1666.68 --> 1667.50] Didn't say much [1667.50 --> 1667.90] throughout the whole [1667.90 --> 1668.38] conversation [1668.38 --> 1669.30] and then at the end [1669.30 --> 1669.74] he was sitting [1669.74 --> 1670.32] right beside me [1670.32 --> 1671.32] he leaned right [1671.32 --> 1672.12] into my face [1672.12 --> 1672.80] and he asked me [1672.80 --> 1673.34] two questions [1673.34 --> 1673.84] that I will never [1673.84 --> 1674.14] forget. [1674.26 --> 1674.98] The first is this [1674.98 --> 1676.16] how are you going [1676.16 --> 1676.82] to protect your [1676.82 --> 1678.48] marriage in ministry [1678.48 --> 1679.72] and not sacrifice [1679.72 --> 1680.56] your family [1680.56 --> 1681.84] on the altar of ministry? [1682.26 --> 1683.10] Such a good question. [1683.10 --> 1684.10] The second question [1684.10 --> 1684.88] I mean picture him [1684.88 --> 1686.32] eyes wide open [1686.32 --> 1687.18] face to face [1687.18 --> 1687.98] he's like breathing [1687.98 --> 1688.42] on me [1688.42 --> 1688.86] he said [1688.86 --> 1689.94] are you praying [1689.94 --> 1690.66] every day [1690.66 --> 1692.08] for the infilling [1692.08 --> 1693.30] power of the Holy Spirit? [1694.06 --> 1694.90] I'm sitting to look [1694.90 --> 1695.10] at him [1695.10 --> 1695.36] I'm like [1695.36 --> 1696.22] nope [1696.22 --> 1697.76] but I want to now [1697.76 --> 1699.92] and from that point [1699.92 --> 1700.66] I've tried to make [1700.66 --> 1701.60] a practice of daily [1701.60 --> 1702.62] praying for the power [1702.62 --> 1703.10] of the Spirit [1703.10 --> 1703.68] because I look at [1703.68 --> 1704.56] this retired pastor [1704.56 --> 1705.04] and I say [1705.04 --> 1706.02] I want to finish [1706.02 --> 1706.52] like him [1706.52 --> 1707.70] I want to finish [1707.70 --> 1708.04] well [1708.04 --> 1708.86] not be tripped up [1708.86 --> 1709.32] by the old [1709.32 --> 1709.96] simple nature [1709.96 --> 1710.66] that's going to come [1710.66 --> 1711.46] in all sorts of ways [1711.46 --> 1712.32] for me as a pastor [1712.32 --> 1713.44] as it does for you [1713.44 --> 1714.12] in your life [1714.12 --> 1715.18] and so I pray [1715.18 --> 1716.34] seeking to do this [1716.34 --> 1716.90] every day [1716.90 --> 1718.40] asking for the Spirit [1718.40 --> 1719.32] of the living God [1719.32 --> 1720.42] to fill me [1720.42 --> 1721.30] and transform me [1721.30 --> 1721.76] so that I can [1721.76 --> 1722.66] serve him faithfully [1722.66 --> 1724.36] and the power [1724.36 --> 1724.94] of the Spirit [1724.94 --> 1726.32] is available [1726.32 --> 1728.86] for all of us [1728.86 --> 1731.54] and so what I want [1731.54 --> 1732.08] to do now [1732.08 --> 1732.76] is pray [1732.76 --> 1734.52] and I've written [1734.52 --> 1735.50] just a couple points [1735.50 --> 1736.18] of things I want [1736.18 --> 1736.76] to pray for [1736.76 --> 1738.02] and I'm going [1738.02 --> 1738.28] to leave [1738.28 --> 1739.36] an extended time [1739.36 --> 1739.86] for us [1739.86 --> 1740.66] to bring before [1740.66 --> 1741.08] the Lord [1741.08 --> 1742.24] whatever might be [1742.24 --> 1742.66] going through [1742.66 --> 1743.18] our hearts [1743.18 --> 1744.72] perhaps it's conviction [1744.72 --> 1746.78] about not feeling [1746.78 --> 1748.00] safe with the Spirit [1748.00 --> 1749.02] perhaps it's guilt [1749.02 --> 1749.84] around whatever [1749.84 --> 1750.78] we don't pray on [1750.78 --> 1751.76] perhaps it's just [1751.76 --> 1752.50] a hunger [1752.50 --> 1753.16] you're feeling [1753.16 --> 1754.84] pray into those things [1754.84 --> 1755.32] and then we're going [1755.32 --> 1756.08] to worship together [1756.08 --> 1757.24] before we break bread [1757.24 --> 1759.08] so would you join me [1759.08 --> 1760.16] and allow me to lead us [1760.16 --> 1761.10] in a time of extended [1761.10 --> 1761.46] prayer [1761.46 --> 1771.40] God we're not even sure [1771.40 --> 1774.02] what it would look like [1774.02 --> 1775.28] for your Spirit [1775.28 --> 1776.74] to breathe life [1776.74 --> 1777.56] in our church [1777.56 --> 1780.06] we're cautious [1780.06 --> 1782.30] we're fearful [1782.30 --> 1785.20] and we really want [1785.20 --> 1786.26] to stay in control [1786.26 --> 1789.30] and so I pray [1789.30 --> 1790.50] come Holy Spirit [1790.50 --> 1792.88] pour out your love [1792.88 --> 1793.72] upon us [1793.72 --> 1795.64] so that we [1795.64 --> 1796.82] can be free [1796.82 --> 1799.70] free to be the body [1799.70 --> 1800.30] of Christ [1800.30 --> 1803.18] free to love [1803.18 --> 1803.90] others [1803.90 --> 1805.10] as you love them [1805.10 --> 1807.74] free to serve [1807.74 --> 1808.86] in humility [1808.86 --> 1812.26] Father we're tired [1812.26 --> 1814.04] of living life [1814.04 --> 1815.22] in our own strength [1815.22 --> 1817.86] we're exhausted [1817.86 --> 1819.50] by the temptations [1819.50 --> 1820.94] that trip us up [1820.94 --> 1822.08] every single day [1822.08 --> 1824.40] we're tired [1824.40 --> 1825.92] by trying [1825.92 --> 1826.90] to be in control [1826.90 --> 1827.94] of our lives [1827.94 --> 1829.80] and Father [1829.80 --> 1830.62] I ask that you [1830.62 --> 1831.10] would give us [1831.10 --> 1832.84] a deep hunger [1832.84 --> 1833.82] for change [1833.82 --> 1835.76] we ask that your [1835.76 --> 1836.82] Spirit would give us [1836.82 --> 1838.34] a profound desire [1838.34 --> 1839.74] to let you [1839.74 --> 1841.06] lead the way [1841.06 --> 1843.06] and so I pray [1843.06 --> 1843.48] again [1843.48 --> 1844.84] come Holy Spirit [1844.84 --> 1846.52] have your way [1846.52 --> 1847.62] in our church [1847.62 --> 1849.48] have your way [1849.48 --> 1850.28] in our marriages [1850.28 --> 1851.64] and our families [1851.64 --> 1853.00] our shared [1853.00 --> 1854.64] and private lives [1854.64 --> 1856.82] hear our prayers [1856.82 --> 1858.06] as we lift them up [1858.06 --> 1858.62] to you now [1858.62 --> 1868.16] to look arrested [1868.16 --> 1869.04] a favor [1869.04 --> 1869.46] for a psychiatric [1869.46 --> 1869.86] sense [1869.86 --> 1870.60] as we bring this [1870.60 --> 1872.00] together [1872.00 --> 1872.84] to keep us [1872.84 --> 1874.84] inbuilt