1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:07,000 You’re listening to a sermon from Pastor Colin Smith of Open The Bible. 2 00:00:07,000 –> 00:00:16,600 To contact us, call us at 1 877 Open 365 or visit our website OpenTheBible.org. 3 00:00:16,600 –> 00:00:20,719 Let’s get to the message, here is Pastor Colin. 4 00:00:20,719 –> 00:00:24,680 Please open your Bibles at Colossians chapter 3. 5 00:00:24,680 –> 00:00:29,100 We’ve been learning that Christian life is lived in the body, 6 00:00:29,100 –> 00:00:32,619 and it is also lived by faith in the Son of God, 7 00:00:32,619 –> 00:00:36,820 and since Christians are in Christ, and we’re in the body at the same time, 8 00:00:36,820 –> 00:00:42,500 it follows that we have a new life, and we experience new battles at the same time. 9 00:00:42,500 –> 00:00:48,340 As long as we are in the body, last time we saw that there is a landing ground for sin in our lives. 10 00:00:48,340 –> 00:00:52,959 Sin will attach itself to your flesh rather like velcro as it were, 11 00:00:52,959 –> 00:00:57,020 so the Christian is in a constant battle always having to peel off 12 00:00:57,240 –> 00:01:02,439 that which attaches itself to our flesh as we go through life in this world. 13 00:01:02,439 –> 00:01:07,199 I hope that what we’re learning here is encouraging to you. 14 00:01:07,199 –> 00:01:10,239 Here’s how it should encourage you. 15 00:01:10,239 –> 00:01:18,080 There are many Christians who, when you become sensitive to the ongoing battle with sin in your life, 16 00:01:18,080 –> 00:01:22,919 you may begin to say, oh I wonder if I am a Christian at all. 17 00:01:22,919 –> 00:01:27,839 Surely, if I really am a Christian, I shouldn’t be struggling like this. 18 00:01:27,839 –> 00:01:31,379 Thoughts come into your mind and you say can I really belong to Christ 19 00:01:31,379 –> 00:01:35,739 when that thought has gone through my mind and it has arisen from within me. 20 00:01:35,739 –> 00:01:40,959 What we are learning today should come as a huge relief to you. 21 00:01:40,959 –> 00:01:47,019 The experience of the battle of the Christian life is not a sign of your failure, 22 00:01:47,019 –> 00:01:49,800 It is the normal experience of the Christian life. 23 00:01:49,800 –> 00:01:51,820 Let that encourage you. 24 00:01:51,820 –> 00:01:54,059 The new life does not mean that the battle is ended. 25 00:01:54,059 –> 00:01:57,720 The new life means that the battle has begun. 26 00:01:57,720 –> 00:02:00,599 This is evidence that you really are a Christian. 27 00:02:00,599 –> 00:02:05,019 You are not simply like a dead fish floating down with the stream of the river. 28 00:02:05,019 –> 00:02:08,039 You have life in you and you are going in a different direction. 29 00:02:08,039 –> 00:02:09,699 You are engaged in this battle. 30 00:02:09,699 –> 00:02:11,100 You are alive as a Christian. 31 00:02:11,100 –> 00:02:14,360 The evidence of it is not only that you have peace with God, 32 00:02:14,360 –> 00:02:18,559 but that you have this experience of war, of sin. 33 00:02:18,559 –> 00:02:22,100 As we turn to another passage on this subject in Colossians 3, 34 00:02:22,100 –> 00:02:28,199 notice here that Paul lists some of the sins to which Christians can be tempted. 35 00:02:28,199 –> 00:02:29,440 Look at them, verse five. 36 00:02:29,440 –> 00:02:36,240 He talks about sexual sins like sexual immorality and impurity and lust. 37 00:02:36,240 –> 00:02:43,179 Are there sexual sins to which you are being tempted at this point in your life? 38 00:02:43,179 –> 00:02:44,399 But that’s not the only kind. 39 00:02:44,399 –> 00:02:46,800 He talks about financial sins – money. 40 00:02:47,039 –> 00:02:51,720 Greed, he says, verse five, which is idolatry. 41 00:02:51,720 –> 00:02:53,119 Have you ever noticed that before? 42 00:02:54,380 –> 00:02:58,199 That greed is idolatry, he says, because what it means is it, 43 00:02:58,199 –> 00:03:02,139 you’re taking money, and you’re putting it in the place that should belong to God 44 00:03:02,139 –> 00:03:02,639 alone. 45 00:03:03,919 –> 00:03:05,279 You’re going after this thing. 46 00:03:06,360 –> 00:03:08,779 You’re putting your confidence in the future in this thing. 47 00:03:10,039 –> 00:03:13,479 And that is the very essence of idolatry, he says. 48 00:03:13,479 –> 00:03:15,080 There are relational sins. 49 00:03:15,080 –> 00:03:16,320 Look at them there. 50 00:03:16,320 –> 00:03:21,779 Anger, rage, malice, which is wishing harm on another person. 51 00:03:21,779 –> 00:03:25,000 A Christian can be tempted to these things also. 52 00:03:25,000 –> 00:03:27,139 Then there are sins of the tongue. 53 00:03:27,139 –> 00:03:32,639 Slander, verse eight, speaking in a way that would make another person think less 54 00:03:32,639 –> 00:03:33,600 of someone else. 55 00:03:34,699 –> 00:03:37,639 Filthy language from your lips, are you tempted to that? 56 00:03:39,440 –> 00:03:41,440 Then he says, do not lie to each other. 57 00:03:41,440 –> 00:03:43,520 The misrepresentation of yourself. 58 00:03:43,600 –> 00:03:46,639 The misrepresentation of what is happening in a reality. 59 00:03:46,639 –> 00:03:49,320 Do not lie to each other. 60 00:03:50,559 –> 00:03:53,039 Now these are just a few examples to add to the list that we 61 00:03:53,039 –> 00:03:55,699 looked at a little bit last time. 62 00:03:55,699 –> 00:04:01,960 The point is that the impulse to sin keeps rising up from within your flesh. 63 00:04:01,960 –> 00:04:04,279 It comes in some way, shape or form. 64 00:04:04,279 –> 00:04:07,399 And at a time where you begin to gain ascendancy over one 65 00:04:07,399 –> 00:04:10,699 brand of sin, all that happens is that the flesh 66 00:04:10,779 –> 00:04:14,839 simply changes track and starts producing a different kind, 67 00:04:14,839 –> 00:04:16,980 and sometimes you think you’re doing really well when actually 68 00:04:16,980 –> 00:04:22,299 you’re missing precisely where the battle is now being waged. 69 00:04:22,299 –> 00:04:24,100 So what we’re learning here is that Christians then 70 00:04:24,100 –> 00:04:29,899 are called to this relentless warfare against sin in our own lives. 71 00:04:29,899 –> 00:04:32,500 And the word that is used to describe this, 72 00:04:32,500 –> 00:04:36,260 a word that’s worth learning, is mortification. 73 00:04:36,260 –> 00:04:40,220 Say that with me, it’s got a good r in it. 74 00:04:41,140 –> 00:04:42,679 Mortification. 75 00:04:42,679 –> 00:04:45,179 Now it’s the same word from which we get mortal, 76 00:04:45,179 –> 00:04:49,660 which means subject to death, or mortuary, 77 00:04:49,660 –> 00:04:52,579 which is a place where dead people are taken, 78 00:04:52,579 –> 00:04:56,420 mortify therefore means put to death. 79 00:04:56,420 –> 00:05:00,380 It’s the word that’s used in Colossians 3 and verse 5, 80 00:05:00,380 –> 00:05:03,679 and also in Romans 8 and verse 13. 81 00:05:03,679 –> 00:05:06,239 These are the two specific references 82 00:05:06,239 –> 00:05:09,779 to mortification, putting sin to death in the New Testament. 83 00:05:09,820 –> 00:05:11,399 And although there are only two, 84 00:05:11,399 –> 00:05:14,459 they really get to the heart of what this battle 85 00:05:14,459 –> 00:05:17,980 against sin is really all about for a Christian. 86 00:05:17,980 –> 00:05:19,920 So Romans 8, 13 puts it this way, 87 00:05:19,920 –> 00:05:22,179 “‘If you live according to the sinful nature, 88 00:05:22,179 –> 00:05:27,179 “‘you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death, 89 00:05:27,359 –> 00:05:31,000 “‘mortify, you put to death, the misdeeds of the body, 90 00:05:31,000 –> 00:05:34,940 “‘you will live,’ and Colossians 3, 5, where we are today. 91 00:05:35,160 –> 00:05:39,380 “‘Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs 92 00:05:39,380 –> 00:05:42,700 “‘to your earthly nature, mortify whatever 93 00:05:42,700 –> 00:05:47,420 “‘belongs to your flesh.’” 94 00:05:47,420 –> 00:05:49,160 So we’re building a picture here. 95 00:05:49,160 –> 00:05:53,859 The impulse to sin keeps landing in new ways in your life, 96 00:05:53,859 –> 00:05:55,720 and it always has to be dealt with. 97 00:05:56,820 –> 00:05:59,260 Every day, something will happen 98 00:05:59,260 –> 00:06:01,260 that could provoke pride in you, 99 00:06:02,339 –> 00:06:03,299 or it could provoke envy in you, 100 00:06:03,899 –> 00:06:05,619 or it could provoke self-pity in you. 101 00:06:05,619 –> 00:06:07,619 Have you not found that even this week? 102 00:06:07,619 –> 00:06:09,459 And you will find it next week, too. 103 00:06:10,519 –> 00:06:12,500 Every day, there will be another situation 104 00:06:12,500 –> 00:06:15,179 that might lead you into impatience 105 00:06:15,179 –> 00:06:18,839 or into ingratitude, or into some outburst 106 00:06:18,839 –> 00:06:20,619 of a sin of the tongue, and you’re gonna have 107 00:06:20,619 –> 00:06:23,420 to deal with what’s arising from your flesh. 108 00:06:23,420 –> 00:06:26,920 You’re gonna have to mortify that as it comes. 109 00:06:28,140 –> 00:06:30,100 So this putting the flesh to death 110 00:06:30,100 –> 00:06:33,179 is never a one-time deal, 111 00:06:33,179 –> 00:06:36,700 but always in this business of mortifying the flesh, 112 00:06:36,700 –> 00:06:38,660 John Owen puts it this way so helpfully. 113 00:06:38,660 –> 00:06:41,140 He says, always be killing sin, 114 00:06:41,140 –> 00:06:43,820 or sin will be killing you. 115 00:06:43,820 –> 00:06:45,619 That really gets to it, doesn’t it? 116 00:06:45,619 –> 00:06:49,600 Always be killing sin, or sin will be killing you. 117 00:06:49,600 –> 00:06:51,119 It’s like a battlefield. 118 00:06:51,119 –> 00:06:53,420 The enemy is always coming against you, 119 00:06:53,420 –> 00:06:56,980 always arising from within your flesh. 120 00:06:57,980 –> 00:06:59,119 Now, that’s the battle. 121 00:07:00,299 –> 00:07:02,079 What I want to do today 122 00:07:03,079 –> 00:07:06,700 is to speak as plainly 123 00:07:06,700 –> 00:07:10,260 and as practically as I possibly can 124 00:07:10,260 –> 00:07:13,299 about how to engage in this battle. 125 00:07:14,220 –> 00:07:16,320 Anyone who has been a Christian for any length of time 126 00:07:16,320 –> 00:07:17,760 knows that the battle is very real. 127 00:07:17,760 –> 00:07:20,679 You know that from your experience, as I know it from mine. 128 00:07:21,519 –> 00:07:22,720 But here’s the question, 129 00:07:23,720 –> 00:07:25,559 knowing that the battle is real, 130 00:07:25,559 –> 00:07:28,880 how are you to engage in this battle? 131 00:07:29,200 –> 00:07:32,299 Now when you ask that, how are you to mortify the flesh? 132 00:07:33,239 –> 00:07:35,040 To do what it says in Colossians 3.5, 133 00:07:35,040 –> 00:07:40,040 to put to death what belongs to your earthly nature. 134 00:07:42,160 –> 00:07:44,739 I want to offer to you, from this passage of Scripture, 135 00:07:44,739 –> 00:07:47,579 five strategies for killing sin, 136 00:07:47,579 –> 00:07:51,440 five strategies for killing sin. 137 00:07:51,440 –> 00:07:52,519 Here’s the first. 138 00:07:53,679 –> 00:07:58,679 Make sure that you are in Christ. 139 00:07:59,059 –> 00:08:01,720 It’s the first and the most important. 140 00:08:01,720 –> 00:08:06,600 Make sure that you are in Christ. 141 00:08:06,600 –> 00:08:08,940 Now notice what the Apostle says in verse five here. 142 00:08:08,940 –> 00:08:13,059 He says, put to death, therefore, 143 00:08:13,059 –> 00:08:15,480 and years ago, back in Scotland, 144 00:08:15,480 –> 00:08:17,859 I learned from my own pastor, 145 00:08:17,859 –> 00:08:21,000 whenever you see in the Bible, the word therefore, 146 00:08:21,000 –> 00:08:25,100 always ask the question, what’s it there for? 147 00:08:25,100 –> 00:08:28,040 Because therefore always refers backwards, 148 00:08:28,679 –> 00:08:30,079 and so there’s always a connection being made 149 00:08:30,079 –> 00:08:31,920 with what is said before. 150 00:08:31,920 –> 00:08:34,299 And quite clearly, in verse five, 151 00:08:34,299 –> 00:08:36,859 the therefore is there for this purpose 152 00:08:36,859 –> 00:08:39,960 to help us to remember that what is commanded 153 00:08:39,960 –> 00:08:42,280 in verse five is only possible in the light 154 00:08:42,280 –> 00:08:44,679 of what is taught in verses one to four. 155 00:08:44,679 –> 00:08:48,119 What is in the first four verses is essential, 156 00:08:48,119 –> 00:08:52,039 essential, to what we are being called to in verse five. 157 00:08:52,039 –> 00:08:53,679 So what’s in verses one to four? 158 00:08:53,679 –> 00:08:55,840 Well, it tells us you’ve been raised with Christ. 159 00:08:55,840 –> 00:08:57,140 Verse one. 160 00:08:57,179 –> 00:08:58,859 That you’ve died and that your life 161 00:08:58,859 –> 00:09:01,539 is now hidden with Christ in God, verse three. 162 00:09:01,539 –> 00:09:05,119 And that when Jesus Christ, who is your life appears, 163 00:09:05,119 –> 00:09:08,619 you also will appear with him in glory. 164 00:09:09,559 –> 00:09:12,700 So the first question is, is that true of you? 165 00:09:12,700 –> 00:09:15,239 This is a description of a real Christian. 166 00:09:16,840 –> 00:09:18,059 Are you that person? 167 00:09:18,059 –> 00:09:20,179 That’s the first question. 168 00:09:20,179 –> 00:09:21,599 Because you can’t go on to talk 169 00:09:21,599 –> 00:09:25,780 about mortifying the flesh unless the foundation is laid 170 00:09:25,820 –> 00:09:27,500 that these things are true in your life, 171 00:09:27,500 –> 00:09:28,820 otherwise you’re trying to build a house 172 00:09:28,820 –> 00:09:31,500 without any foundation, it will simply collapse. 173 00:09:33,140 –> 00:09:37,359 A Christian is a person who has new life in Jesus Christ. 174 00:09:38,820 –> 00:09:41,719 Before, as we saw, you were sin’s prisoner. 175 00:09:42,619 –> 00:09:45,640 But when a person comes to living faith in Jesus Christ 176 00:09:45,640 –> 00:09:48,500 you are set free, you are put in a position to fight. 177 00:09:48,500 –> 00:09:50,700 You are given the gift of the Holy Spirit. 178 00:09:50,700 –> 00:09:53,539 And for that reason, you are able to engage 179 00:09:53,539 –> 00:09:55,979 in what we’re being called to now in verse five. 180 00:09:57,419 –> 00:10:01,739 Understand this, mortification is only possible 181 00:10:01,739 –> 00:10:04,619 when you are in Jesus Christ. 182 00:10:05,840 –> 00:10:08,460 And that is why in Romans and chapter eight in verse 13, 183 00:10:08,460 –> 00:10:12,200 the apostle Paul says, by the Spirit, 184 00:10:13,059 –> 00:10:15,919 put to death the misdeeds of the body. 185 00:10:16,820 –> 00:10:20,239 Because this is something that is only possible 186 00:10:20,239 –> 00:10:22,760 when Christ’s Spirit lives in you 187 00:10:22,799 –> 00:10:25,299 and therefore the first and most important thing 188 00:10:25,299 –> 00:10:28,299 to say about this subject is you must make sure 189 00:10:28,299 –> 00:10:30,020 that you are in Jesus Christ 190 00:10:30,020 –> 00:10:31,900 and if you’re not, come to Him today. 191 00:10:35,400 –> 00:10:37,400 Now, please understand this distinction, 192 00:10:39,580 –> 00:10:42,539 a person who is not in Christ, 193 00:10:44,000 –> 00:10:46,219 a person who is not a Christian, 194 00:10:47,380 –> 00:10:51,659 can change his or her behavior. 195 00:10:53,559 –> 00:10:56,580 People who are not Christians can stop drinking, 196 00:10:57,559 –> 00:10:59,919 they can stop swearing. 197 00:10:59,919 –> 00:11:02,179 You don’t need to become a Christian 198 00:11:02,179 –> 00:11:04,539 in order to gain control of your temper. 199 00:11:04,539 –> 00:11:06,140 You can do this through willpower, 200 00:11:06,140 –> 00:11:08,059 you can do it through accountability, 201 00:11:08,059 –> 00:11:10,039 you can do it with some kind of support 202 00:11:10,039 –> 00:11:12,599 but there is evidence surely all over the world, 203 00:11:12,599 –> 00:11:15,140 people change without becoming Christians. 204 00:11:16,299 –> 00:11:19,099 Habits that once gripped people compulsively 205 00:11:19,099 –> 00:11:22,500 can be overcome without you being a Christian. 206 00:11:22,500 –> 00:11:24,179 Everyone knows this to be true. 207 00:11:25,559 –> 00:11:27,260 But what we’re learning from the Bible 208 00:11:27,260 –> 00:11:30,799 is that only a Christian can mortify sin. 209 00:11:30,799 –> 00:11:31,820 You say, well now wait a minute, 210 00:11:31,820 –> 00:11:32,960 what’s the difference then? 211 00:11:32,960 –> 00:11:34,539 You must be telling me there’s a difference 212 00:11:34,539 –> 00:11:37,799 between mortifying sin and simply ending a bad behavior. 213 00:11:37,799 –> 00:11:41,039 You bet there’s a difference, huge difference. 214 00:11:43,400 –> 00:11:45,640 See when you are in Christ, 215 00:11:46,679 –> 00:11:49,380 you confront sin out of a knowledge 216 00:11:49,380 –> 00:11:51,080 of the love of the Father. 217 00:11:52,039 –> 00:11:54,919 Out of joy that you have found in the Son 218 00:11:56,140 –> 00:11:58,320 and out of the strength that you are given 219 00:11:58,320 –> 00:12:00,020 by the Holy Spirit. 220 00:12:01,719 –> 00:12:04,719 Therefore mortification in a believer 221 00:12:04,719 –> 00:12:08,320 leads to growing in faith, 222 00:12:08,320 –> 00:12:11,719 growing in hope, growing in love, 223 00:12:11,719 –> 00:12:14,719 growing in prayer, growing in worship 224 00:12:14,719 –> 00:12:16,520 and growing in godliness. 225 00:12:16,520 –> 00:12:19,460 None of these things will come from a self-help program. 226 00:12:21,580 –> 00:12:24,039 All of them will come from mortification 227 00:12:24,039 –> 00:12:26,320 that is done within the power of the Holy Spirit. 228 00:12:26,320 –> 00:12:29,599 So can you see that these are two different things here? 229 00:12:29,599 –> 00:12:30,640 I mean outwardly you might say, 230 00:12:30,640 –> 00:12:33,500 well, this person has changed and this person has changed 231 00:12:33,500 –> 00:12:36,099 and therefore it seems to me to be exactly the same. 232 00:12:36,099 –> 00:12:37,840 But if a person who is not a Christian 233 00:12:37,840 –> 00:12:41,159 has simply ceased from some compulsive behavior 234 00:12:41,159 –> 00:12:44,200 that is totally different from a person who is in Christ 235 00:12:44,200 –> 00:12:46,559 who has come to grow in faith and hope and love 236 00:12:46,559 –> 00:12:50,200 and joy in Christ and progress in the Christian life 237 00:12:50,219 –> 00:12:52,619 and to love Christ more because that person 238 00:12:52,619 –> 00:12:54,340 has experienced something 239 00:12:54,340 –> 00:12:56,640 that has arisen out of encounter with Jesus 240 00:12:56,640 –> 00:12:59,359 we’re talking about two different things. 241 00:13:00,460 –> 00:13:03,159 It’s of huge importance to understand the difference. 242 00:13:04,960 –> 00:13:07,080 Picture with me a person who struggles 243 00:13:07,080 –> 00:13:08,580 with a compulsive addiction, 244 00:13:10,159 –> 00:13:13,580 say it’s gambling or it’s pornography 245 00:13:13,580 –> 00:13:16,179 or it’s alcohol or it’s drugs or whatever it is. 246 00:13:16,900 –> 00:13:20,380 And this person knows that he or she needs help 247 00:13:20,380 –> 00:13:22,159 and so this person comes to the church 248 00:13:22,159 –> 00:13:24,140 you may be saying, well, I’m that person. 249 00:13:24,960 –> 00:13:27,320 Well, let me speak to you directly. 250 00:13:27,320 –> 00:13:28,320 Let me tell you this, 251 00:13:29,419 –> 00:13:32,580 the greatest need in your life today 252 00:13:33,780 –> 00:13:35,700 is not that you stop drinking, 253 00:13:35,700 –> 00:13:37,400 it is not that you stop gambling, 254 00:13:37,400 –> 00:13:39,400 it is not that you stop watching pornography, 255 00:13:39,400 –> 00:13:41,099 it is not that you stop taking drugs. 256 00:13:41,099 –> 00:13:43,179 The greatest need in your life today 257 00:13:43,739 –> 00:13:49,119 is that you come to Jesus Christ 258 00:13:49,119 –> 00:13:52,340 in faith and in repentance 259 00:13:52,340 –> 00:13:54,739 and receive the new life 260 00:13:54,739 –> 00:13:57,419 that you are able to receive from him 261 00:13:57,419 –> 00:13:59,039 then you will be in a position 262 00:13:59,039 –> 00:14:00,919 not only to end your bad behavior 263 00:14:00,919 –> 00:14:02,880 that is destroying your life 264 00:14:02,880 –> 00:14:06,299 but to actually mortify your sin 265 00:14:06,299 –> 00:14:08,960 which is an entirely different thing. 266 00:14:09,400 –> 00:14:13,599 Tell Christ you are a compulsive sinner. 267 00:14:13,599 –> 00:14:17,520 Tell him that you have no hope whatsoever 268 00:14:17,520 –> 00:14:20,780 apart from his shed blood 269 00:14:20,780 –> 00:14:24,299 by which you can be reconciled to God. 270 00:14:24,299 –> 00:14:28,299 Tell him you can never live a Christian life 271 00:14:28,299 –> 00:14:31,859 unless the power of his risen life 272 00:14:31,859 –> 00:14:34,200 comes into you by the Holy Spirit 273 00:14:34,200 –> 00:14:36,479 and then ask him for these things. 274 00:14:37,479 –> 00:14:39,479 Say, Lord Jesus, reconcile me to God! 275 00:14:39,479 –> 00:14:42,479 I want something more than changing behavior 276 00:14:42,479 –> 00:14:45,179 I want peace with God 277 00:14:45,179 –> 00:14:47,219 I want the power of a new life that can be godly 278 00:14:47,219 –> 00:14:48,979 I don’t just want something to end 279 00:14:48,979 –> 00:14:52,479 I want something new to begin 280 00:14:52,479 –> 00:14:54,039 And as you confess 281 00:14:54,039 –> 00:14:56,460 and as you come trusting in the son of God 282 00:14:56,460 –> 00:14:58,380 who loved you and gave himself for you 283 00:14:58,380 –> 00:15:02,940 I tell you he will forgive you, he will cleanse you 284 00:15:02,979 –> 00:15:06,979 He invites you, he will receive you, he will give you a new life 285 00:15:08,440 –> 00:15:10,440 And then 286 00:15:10,440 –> 00:15:14,820 Then you will be in a position not simply to end some behaviors 287 00:15:14,820 –> 00:15:16,900 but to mortify your sins 288 00:15:19,239 –> 00:15:25,059 Here’s what happens when a person who is struggling with compulsive behaviors 289 00:15:25,059 –> 00:15:29,020 manages to change them without coming to Christ 290 00:15:29,020 –> 00:15:31,400 And that happens very often 291 00:15:31,400 –> 00:15:33,440 Here’s what happens 292 00:15:33,440 –> 00:15:36,859 A man sees that a compulsive behavior is destroying his life 293 00:15:36,859 –> 00:15:40,640 so he gets in the group and makes some progress 294 00:15:40,640 –> 00:15:47,940 But when he makes some progress he feels his need of Jesus Christ less 295 00:15:47,940 –> 00:15:55,520 And so he ends up further from Christ than where he was when he was in the middle of his addiction 296 00:15:55,520 –> 00:15:58,659 Further 297 00:15:58,700 –> 00:16:04,799 So don’t confuse the simple ending of compulsive behaviors with the mortification of sin 298 00:16:04,799 –> 00:16:07,760 These are two entirely different things 299 00:16:07,760 –> 00:16:10,719 And you have to understand the distinction 300 00:16:10,719 –> 00:16:15,219 John Owen says that to fight a sin without coming to Christ 301 00:16:15,219 –> 00:16:16,599 he says it’s like this 302 00:16:16,599 –> 00:16:20,900 It’s like confronting an enemy in an open field, where you can get at him 303 00:16:20,900 –> 00:16:25,299 but all you do is drive him back into an impregnable castle 304 00:16:25,299 –> 00:16:28,260 where you can no longer take a shot at him in the future 305 00:16:28,380 –> 00:16:31,080 You just hide him 306 00:16:31,080 –> 00:16:42,099 So I am saying to you that the first strategy for killing sin in your life 307 00:16:42,099 –> 00:16:47,940 is that you must be sure that you are in Jesus Christ 308 00:16:47,940 –> 00:16:51,859 because we are talking more than changes of behavior here 309 00:16:51,859 –> 00:16:53,460 Don’t brush over that 310 00:16:53,460 –> 00:16:55,859 It’s of huge importance 311 00:16:55,859 –> 00:17:03,440 Second, take responsibility for the task to which God has called you 312 00:17:03,440 –> 00:17:05,640 Look at verse 5 313 00:17:05,640 –> 00:17:12,380 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to the sinful nature 314 00:17:12,380 –> 00:17:13,939 Now who is to do that? 315 00:17:13,939 –> 00:17:16,619 The answer is we are 316 00:17:16,619 –> 00:17:19,859 Paul is writing to these believers 317 00:17:19,859 –> 00:17:24,319 Every Christian is called to mortify sin 318 00:17:24,319 –> 00:17:27,579 God gives us the Holy Spirit for this purpose 319 00:17:27,579 –> 00:17:31,260 but this work He has called us to do 320 00:17:31,260 –> 00:17:32,520 You are to do it 321 00:17:32,520 –> 00:17:36,400 You’re given the power of the Holy Spirit to enable you to do it 322 00:17:36,400 –> 00:17:39,959 but the Holy Spirit is not given to do this for you 323 00:17:39,959 –> 00:17:45,760 The Holy Spirit is given to you to enable you to do this 324 00:17:45,760 –> 00:17:47,579 Now I want you to see, this is very important because there are so many Christians 325 00:17:47,579 –> 00:17:52,579 who’ve got into a completely passive kind of an approach to the battle with sin 326 00:17:52,880 –> 00:17:55,979 You can’t fight a battle passively 327 00:17:55,979 –> 00:17:59,579 You can’t fight a battle by saying, Oh lord, you do it 328 00:17:59,579 –> 00:18:02,020 And the language of the New Testament when you see it clearly 329 00:18:02,020 –> 00:18:06,619 is that the Spirit is given to you so that you are able to engage in this fight 330 00:18:06,619 –> 00:18:09,400 That’s what mortification is all about 331 00:18:09,400 –> 00:18:10,880 So I want to show you this pattern 332 00:18:10,880 –> 00:18:13,060 Let me give you seven scriptures very, very quickly 333 00:18:13,060 –> 00:18:15,819 And I’m going to ask for your help in terms of responding to this 334 00:18:15,819 –> 00:18:17,900 because I want you to get the idea 335 00:18:17,900 –> 00:18:20,780 and going to ask you after each statement, the question 336 00:18:20,780 –> 00:18:21,979 who’s to do that? 337 00:18:22,060 –> 00:18:23,079 And here’s the hint 338 00:18:23,079 –> 00:18:25,599 The answer is we are 339 00:18:25,599 –> 00:18:27,619 Okay, will you help me with that? 340 00:18:27,619 –> 00:18:28,739 We are 341 00:18:28,739 –> 00:18:30,479 Okay, here’s the first one 342 00:18:30,479 –> 00:18:31,800 Colossians 3, 5 343 00:18:31,800 –> 00:18:32,859 Right in front of us 344 00:18:32,859 –> 00:18:36,699 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature 345 00:18:36,699 –> 00:18:37,780 Who is to do that? 346 00:18:38,619 –> 00:18:39,319 We are 347 00:18:39,319 –> 00:18:40,920 Colossians 3, 9 348 00:18:40,920 –> 00:18:45,099 You must rid yourselves of all such things as these 349 00:18:45,099 –> 00:18:46,619 Anger, rage, malice, and justice 350 00:18:46,619 –> 00:18:47,900 Who’s to do that? 351 00:18:47,900 –> 00:18:49,099 We are 352 00:18:49,099 –> 00:18:51,400 1 Peter chapter 2 in verse 11 353 00:18:51,619 –> 00:18:54,920 Abstain from sinful desires, which ward against your soul 354 00:18:54,920 –> 00:18:56,119 Who is to do that? 355 00:18:56,119 –> 00:18:57,239 We are 356 00:18:57,660 –> 00:18:59,780 Ephesians chapter 6 in verse 11 357 00:18:59,780 –> 00:19:02,800 Put on the whole armor of God 358 00:19:02,800 –> 00:19:06,079 so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes 359 00:19:06,079 –> 00:19:07,260 Who’s to do that? 360 00:19:07,260 –> 00:19:08,099 We are 361 00:19:08,099 –> 00:19:10,699 Ephesians chapter 4 in verse 25 362 00:19:10,699 –> 00:19:15,660 Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor 363 00:19:15,660 –> 00:19:17,319 For we are all members of one body 364 00:19:17,319 –> 00:19:18,280 Who’s to do that? 365 00:19:18,280 –> 00:19:18,780 Answer 366 00:19:18,780 –> 00:19:19,780 We are 367 00:19:20,020 –> 00:19:22,560 1 Timothy chapter 6 in verse 12 368 00:19:22,560 –> 00:19:24,859 Fight the good fight of faith 369 00:19:24,859 –> 00:19:27,260 Take hold of eternal life to which you were called 370 00:19:27,260 –> 00:19:28,739 Who’s to do that? 371 00:19:28,739 –> 00:19:29,239 We are 372 00:19:29,239 –> 00:19:29,880 One more 373 00:19:29,880 –> 00:19:32,780 2 Timothy chapter 2 in verse 22 374 00:19:32,780 –> 00:19:35,380 Flee the evil desires of youth 375 00:19:35,380 –> 00:19:38,760 And pursue righteousness and faith and hope and peace 376 00:19:38,760 –> 00:19:40,239 Who’s to do that? 377 00:19:40,239 –> 00:19:40,900 We are 378 00:19:40,900 –> 00:19:42,459 Now folks please see this 379 00:19:42,459 –> 00:19:45,780 and as you read the Bible even over the coming weeks and months 380 00:19:45,780 –> 00:19:47,800 keep your eyes open to this 381 00:19:47,839 –> 00:19:50,900 The language of the New Testament is always active 382 00:19:50,900 –> 00:19:54,479 when it comes to the believers’ warfare with sin 383 00:19:54,479 –> 00:19:55,920 God has given you power 384 00:19:55,920 –> 00:19:57,540 His spirit lives within you 385 00:19:57,540 –> 00:19:59,880 and God has put you in a position 386 00:19:59,880 –> 00:20:01,219 where you can act 387 00:20:01,219 –> 00:20:02,579 and that is what you must do 388 00:20:02,579 –> 00:20:04,739 That’s the whole point of mortification 389 00:20:04,739 –> 00:20:06,719 Put to death 390 00:20:06,719 –> 00:20:09,560 The misdeeds of the body 391 00:20:09,560 –> 00:20:12,719 Take responsibility 392 00:20:12,939 –> 00:20:17,599 For the battle to which Christ has called you 393 00:20:17,599 –> 00:20:19,099 As we were saying last week 394 00:20:19,099 –> 00:20:21,140 that’s going to mean being really 395 00:20:21,140 –> 00:20:25,280 honest about where that battle is for you right now 396 00:20:25,280 –> 00:20:27,160 and saying I’m going to come against 397 00:20:27,160 –> 00:20:31,339 that particular sin with every evidence of its 398 00:20:31,339 –> 00:20:33,520 like little shoots coming out into my life 399 00:20:33,520 –> 00:20:36,199 I’m not going to let it grow all over the garden 400 00:20:36,199 –> 00:20:37,939 I’m going to cut that off 401 00:20:37,939 –> 00:20:40,219 I’m going to say no to that glance and that thought 402 00:20:40,219 –> 00:20:42,000 and I’m going to do this 403 00:20:42,060 –> 00:20:43,959 because the Holy Spirit lives within me 404 00:20:43,959 –> 00:20:46,760 and because this is what Christ has called me to do 405 00:20:46,760 –> 00:20:50,859 not to be passive but to put up a fight 406 00:20:50,859 –> 00:20:53,800 against sin arising from the flesh 407 00:20:53,800 –> 00:20:55,900 third strategy 408 00:20:55,900 –> 00:20:58,819 first was make sure that you’re in Christ 409 00:20:58,819 –> 00:20:59,660 that’s what it began 410 00:20:59,660 –> 00:21:02,000 second take responsibility for the tasks 411 00:21:02,000 –> 00:21:03,300 to which God has called you 412 00:21:03,300 –> 00:21:07,859 third win some battles 413 00:21:07,859 –> 00:21:11,859 in your war against the flesh 414 00:21:12,000 –> 00:21:17,160 now the key phrase here is some battles 415 00:21:17,160 –> 00:21:19,160 I’m not saying the battle 416 00:21:19,160 –> 00:21:21,219 because by definition we’ve said that this battle 417 00:21:21,219 –> 00:21:22,800 goes on throughout the lifetime 418 00:21:22,800 –> 00:21:23,900 it’s not a battle that you fight 419 00:21:23,900 –> 00:21:25,819 once and then it’s done 420 00:21:25,819 –> 00:21:28,500 it’s a long warfare 421 00:21:28,500 –> 00:21:31,500 but what I’m saying to you here is 422 00:21:31,500 –> 00:21:35,319 win some battles 423 00:21:35,319 –> 00:21:39,319 in your war against the flesh 424 00:21:39,319 –> 00:21:41,880 here is how it works 425 00:21:41,880 –> 00:21:46,420 every time you say yes to a sin 426 00:21:46,420 –> 00:21:48,719 you increase its power in your life 427 00:21:48,719 –> 00:21:50,079 it takes a stronger position 428 00:21:50,079 –> 00:21:52,319 like the weeds that we thought about last time 429 00:21:52,319 –> 00:21:54,660 and they are becoming more pervasive 430 00:21:54,660 –> 00:21:55,959 and they are beginning to take over 431 00:21:55,959 –> 00:22:00,119 every time you say yes to a sin 432 00:22:00,119 –> 00:22:01,579 and you allow it a place in your life 433 00:22:01,579 –> 00:22:04,540 and you indulge it you cherish it 434 00:22:04,540 –> 00:22:08,579 you increase its influence in your life 435 00:22:08,640 –> 00:22:10,839 and every time you say no to a sin 436 00:22:10,839 –> 00:22:13,040 you weaken its power in your life 437 00:22:13,040 –> 00:22:14,040 you cut it back 438 00:22:14,040 –> 00:22:16,339 you take something of the life out of it 439 00:22:16,339 –> 00:22:19,400 every time you have said yes 440 00:22:19,400 –> 00:22:21,040 you made the next battle harder 441 00:22:21,040 –> 00:22:22,979 every time you have said no 442 00:22:22,979 –> 00:22:24,959 you’ve put yourself in a stronger position 443 00:22:24,959 –> 00:22:29,060 next time the temptation comes 444 00:22:29,060 –> 00:22:30,900 and that is why Owen said so helpfully 445 00:22:30,900 –> 00:22:34,579 that the power of sin is weakened and abolished 446 00:22:34,579 –> 00:22:37,900 little by little 447 00:22:37,900 –> 00:22:39,800 so keep winning a victory 448 00:22:39,800 –> 00:22:43,500 against that temptation that is so pervasive 449 00:22:43,500 –> 00:22:45,140 every time you have said no 450 00:22:45,140 –> 00:22:46,920 to a temptation that comes to you 451 00:22:46,920 –> 00:22:51,180 you have strengthened your own position 452 00:22:51,180 –> 00:22:52,900 now folks I’ve been trying really hard 453 00:22:52,900 –> 00:22:54,579 to think of an illustration 454 00:22:54,579 –> 00:22:55,579 that will be helpful 455 00:22:55,579 –> 00:22:56,839 and that might stick with us 456 00:22:56,839 –> 00:22:58,300 and help us to see this 457 00:22:58,300 –> 00:22:59,619 because it’s so important 458 00:22:59,619 –> 00:23:01,739 and I’ve finally discovered 459 00:23:01,739 –> 00:23:03,199 that it’s right in front of me 460 00:23:03,199 –> 00:23:06,219 it’s the NFL 461 00:23:06,579 –> 00:23:09,020 football to the rescue 462 00:23:09,020 –> 00:23:10,560 and if I can get some of you guys 463 00:23:10,560 –> 00:23:13,260 to see what is going on here 464 00:23:13,260 –> 00:23:15,199 in terms of the analogy 465 00:23:15,199 –> 00:23:18,060 of our cherished sport 466 00:23:18,060 –> 00:23:20,380 then that may be very, very helpful to you 467 00:23:20,380 –> 00:23:22,839 think about football 468 00:23:22,859 –> 00:23:27,439 the game is all about moving the ball forward 469 00:23:27,439 –> 00:23:31,000 the game hinges really on position 470 00:23:31,000 –> 00:23:33,199 that’s what it’s all about 471 00:23:33,199 –> 00:23:34,199 and in every game 472 00:23:34,199 –> 00:23:35,199 there will be times 473 00:23:35,380 –> 00:23:36,459 you are moving the ball forward 474 00:23:36,459 –> 00:23:37,459 and in every game 475 00:23:37,459 –> 00:23:38,459 there will be times 476 00:23:38,459 –> 00:23:39,459 when you are defending 477 00:23:39,459 –> 00:23:40,459 your own goal line 478 00:23:40,459 –> 00:23:41,459 and your own territory 479 00:23:41,459 –> 00:23:42,459 the game is won 480 00:23:42,459 –> 00:23:45,640 and lost at both ends 481 00:23:45,640 –> 00:23:46,640 think of it this way 482 00:23:46,640 –> 00:23:48,420 every time you say no 483 00:23:48,420 –> 00:23:50,260 to a sin that comes against you 484 00:23:50,260 –> 00:23:51,459 no to a temptation 485 00:23:51,459 –> 00:23:52,619 that comes against you 486 00:23:52,619 –> 00:23:54,420 you’re moving the ball forward 487 00:23:54,420 –> 00:23:57,219 and every time you say yes 488 00:23:57,219 –> 00:24:00,560 sin is moving the ball forward against you 489 00:24:00,560 –> 00:24:01,560 and you’re going back 490 00:24:01,560 –> 00:24:04,959 towards your own goal line 491 00:24:05,219 –> 00:24:06,219 the heart of the game 492 00:24:06,219 –> 00:24:07,699 is to keep moving the ball forward 493 00:24:07,699 –> 00:24:12,260 so you need to think about position 494 00:24:12,260 –> 00:24:15,479 and gaining a better position 495 00:24:15,479 –> 00:24:16,479 every time there’s a 496 00:24:16,479 –> 00:24:19,079 little victory over temptation 497 00:24:19,079 –> 00:24:20,079 in your life 498 00:24:20,079 –> 00:24:22,540 now you might like to talk about 499 00:24:22,540 –> 00:24:23,540 this in the life groups 500 00:24:23,540 –> 00:24:25,959 and just think about the analogy 501 00:24:25,959 –> 00:24:28,199 but I’ve found it helpful 502 00:24:28,199 –> 00:24:29,300 see even when you’re 503 00:24:29,300 –> 00:24:32,180 gaining yards in a drive 504 00:24:32,180 –> 00:24:33,300 you can never rest 505 00:24:33,920 –> 00:24:34,979 we’re nearly at the goal line 506 00:24:34,979 –> 00:24:35,979 because as soon as you take 507 00:24:35,979 –> 00:24:36,979 your eye off the ball 508 00:24:36,979 –> 00:24:38,719 what happens? 509 00:24:38,719 –> 00:24:39,859 the other side intercept 510 00:24:39,859 –> 00:24:41,579 and you’re back at your own end zone 511 00:24:41,579 –> 00:24:44,579 before you know what’s happened 512 00:24:44,579 –> 00:24:45,579 think about the times 513 00:24:45,579 –> 00:24:46,859 when you put the points on the board 514 00:24:46,859 –> 00:24:48,739 hey, we’ve won a victory 515 00:24:48,739 –> 00:24:49,739 we triumphed 516 00:24:49,739 –> 00:24:53,339 we said no against sin 517 00:24:53,339 –> 00:24:54,339 and guess what 518 00:24:54,339 –> 00:24:55,339 that is precisely the moment 519 00:24:55,339 –> 00:24:56,339 at which sin is going to 520 00:24:56,339 –> 00:24:58,400 come right back at you 521 00:24:58,400 –> 00:24:59,400 and you’re going to need to be 522 00:24:59,400 –> 00:25:02,380 on your best defence 523 00:25:02,380 –> 00:25:03,380 never more so than when you 524 00:25:03,380 –> 00:25:05,239 come back from serving Christ 525 00:25:05,239 –> 00:25:07,400 I’ve lead someone to the Lord 526 00:25:07,400 –> 00:25:09,420 I’ve extended myself in ministry 527 00:25:09,420 –> 00:25:10,420 watch out 528 00:25:10,420 –> 00:25:13,459 the ball’s coming your way 529 00:25:13,459 –> 00:25:14,459 what about the times 530 00:25:14,459 –> 00:25:15,459 when sin gains 531 00:25:15,459 –> 00:25:16,640 the upper hand in our lives 532 00:25:16,640 –> 00:25:19,900 and with tears we see 533 00:25:19,900 –> 00:25:21,239 it has worked its way in 534 00:25:21,239 –> 00:25:23,319 and it’s scored a touchdown against me 535 00:25:23,319 –> 00:25:25,439 well you know what 536 00:25:25,439 –> 00:25:26,439 that is not the time 537 00:25:26,439 –> 00:25:27,439 to leave the field of play 538 00:25:27,439 –> 00:25:29,780 what do you do? 539 00:25:29,780 –> 00:25:30,780 that’s precisely the time 540 00:25:30,780 –> 00:25:31,780 when you need to put on 541 00:25:31,819 –> 00:25:34,900 the new drive against it 542 00:25:34,900 –> 00:25:37,859 move the ball forward 543 00:25:37,859 –> 00:25:40,060 every time you say yes 544 00:25:40,060 –> 00:25:41,060 to sin 545 00:25:41,060 –> 00:25:42,979 sin gains yardage against you 546 00:25:42,979 –> 00:25:44,400 every time you say 547 00:25:44,400 –> 00:25:46,579 noto sin 548 00:25:46,579 –> 00:25:49,939 you gain yardage against it 549 00:25:49,939 –> 00:25:52,459 move the ball forward 550 00:25:52,459 –> 00:25:54,459 Owen says sin shall not die 551 00:25:54,459 –> 00:25:56,260 except by being gradually 552 00:25:56,260 –> 00:25:58,260 and constantly weakened 553 00:25:58,260 –> 00:25:59,920 spirit and it will heal 554 00:25:59,920 –> 00:26:01,040 its wounds 555 00:26:01,199 –> 00:26:02,979 and it will recover its strength 556 00:26:02,979 –> 00:26:07,079 so win some battles 557 00:26:07,079 –> 00:26:09,579 in the war against the flesh 558 00:26:09,579 –> 00:26:12,260 and thank God for it 559 00:26:12,260 –> 00:26:15,060 and keep moving the ball forward 560 00:26:15,060 –> 00:26:18,060 keep moving the ball forward 561 00:26:18,060 –> 00:26:21,359 keep moving the ball forward 562 00:26:21,359 –> 00:26:23,219 fourth 563 00:26:23,219 –> 00:26:25,260 cultivate virtues 564 00:26:25,260 –> 00:26:27,319 that expel the sin 565 00:26:27,319 –> 00:26:29,859 that you are seeking to mortify 566 00:26:29,859 –> 00:26:31,959 cultivate virtues 567 00:26:31,959 –> 00:26:34,560 that expel the sin 568 00:26:34,560 –> 00:26:36,859 that you are seeking 569 00:26:36,859 –> 00:26:38,459 to mortify 570 00:26:38,459 –> 00:26:41,839 now this is very important because, remember that unlike behavior 571 00:26:41,839 –> 00:26:44,680 modification in the secular world 572 00:26:44,680 –> 00:26:48,920 progress in the christian life is not simply about sinning less 573 00:26:48,920 –> 00:26:52,239 it is about the fruit of the holy spirit growing more 574 00:26:52,239 –> 00:26:54,219 in our lives 575 00:26:54,219 –> 00:26:57,839 and that’s why it’s very significant that after listing examples of sins 576 00:26:57,839 –> 00:26:59,760 that we are to mortify 577 00:26:59,760 –> 00:27:03,560 Paul goes onto list some virtues that we are to pursue 578 00:27:03,560 –> 00:27:04,680 verse 12 579 00:27:04,680 –> 00:27:08,239 clothe yourselves with compassion and kindness 580 00:27:08,239 –> 00:27:09,439 and humility 581 00:27:09,439 –> 00:27:10,719 and gentleness 582 00:27:10,719 –> 00:27:13,020 and patience 583 00:27:13,020 –> 00:27:16,920 bear with each other forgive whatever grievances you have against each other 584 00:27:16,920 –> 00:27:20,400 forgive as the lord has forgiven you 585 00:27:20,400 –> 00:27:23,680 and over all these virtues, notice the word 586 00:27:23,680 –> 00:27:26,000 put on love 587 00:27:26,000 –> 00:27:31,040 which binds them all together in a perfect unity 588 00:27:31,040 –> 00:27:33,619 there’s a principle very simply 589 00:27:33,619 –> 00:27:39,040 the more you cultivate the fruits of the spirit 590 00:27:39,040 –> 00:27:42,780 the less you will be hampered by the works 591 00:27:42,780 –> 00:27:44,900 of the flesh 592 00:27:44,900 –> 00:27:49,579 so here’s the strategy that comes directly out of that principle 593 00:27:49,579 –> 00:27:51,560 identify 594 00:27:51,560 –> 00:27:54,199 and vigorously pursue 595 00:27:54,199 –> 00:27:55,479 the qualities that are 596 00:27:55,479 –> 00:27:57,579 most contrary 597 00:27:57,579 –> 00:27:59,500 to the sin that you are seeking 598 00:27:59,500 –> 00:28:01,780 to mortify 599 00:28:01,780 –> 00:28:05,239 so last week for example I mentioned 600 00:28:05,239 –> 00:28:07,060 self-pity 601 00:28:07,060 –> 00:28:09,119 here is that thing 602 00:28:09,119 –> 00:28:12,280 that creeps its way into the heart 603 00:28:12,280 –> 00:28:15,540 how am i going to deal with that? answer? 604 00:28:15,540 –> 00:28:19,719 what is the virtue that is most contrary to self-pity? 605 00:28:19,719 –> 00:28:22,979 the answer is Thanksgiving 606 00:28:22,979 –> 00:28:26,660 So here is what I must seek to do 607 00:28:26,660 –> 00:28:29,219 cultivate the spirit of thanksgiving 608 00:28:29,219 –> 00:28:30,900 at every opportunity 609 00:28:30,900 –> 00:28:32,640 be intentional about 610 00:28:32,640 –> 00:28:35,380 heightening thanksgiving in my life 611 00:28:35,380 –> 00:28:38,459 every day so that I see with clarity 612 00:28:38,459 –> 00:28:40,780 that God has blessed me more than I can say 613 00:28:40,780 –> 00:28:43,979 that’s going to evict self-pity 614 00:28:43,979 –> 00:28:47,719 It will be a huge help in moving forward 615 00:28:47,719 –> 00:28:50,060 what about greed 616 00:28:50,060 –> 00:28:51,380 that 617 00:28:51,400 –> 00:28:54,060 Paul talks about here 618 00:28:54,060 –> 00:28:57,640 It’s the best way to launch an assault on greed 619 00:28:57,640 –> 00:28:59,420 when the things of this world are becoming 620 00:28:59,420 –> 00:29:01,060 too important and 621 00:29:01,060 –> 00:29:04,380 the position that I’m gaining as a result of this career is becoming 622 00:29:04,380 –> 00:29:06,339 too important for me 623 00:29:06,339 –> 00:29:09,560 well, you best launch an assault on greed by 624 00:29:11,280 –> 00:29:13,239 giving 625 00:29:13,239 –> 00:29:16,520 you break the power of money in your life 626 00:29:16,520 –> 00:29:18,280 by giving to God 627 00:29:18,939 –> 00:29:21,260 because 628 00:29:21,260 –> 00:29:24,040 when you do that and you keep doing that 629 00:29:24,079 –> 00:29:29,239 you are demonstrating that God is more to you than money 630 00:29:29,239 –> 00:29:33,579 You are His servant 631 00:29:33,640 –> 00:29:37,060 and you use money for Him 632 00:29:37,060 –> 00:29:38,719 you see this is huge when Jesus said 633 00:29:38,719 –> 00:29:40,520 you can not serve God and mammon 634 00:29:40,520 –> 00:29:41,880 so to break the power of mammon 635 00:29:41,880 –> 00:29:43,939 what do you do, you give it to God 636 00:29:43,939 –> 00:29:46,260 You give it to God 637 00:29:47,020 –> 00:29:51,180 This is a great issue for us to talk about in life groups this week 638 00:29:51,180 –> 00:29:54,979 last week some of the groups talked about particular sins 639 00:29:54,979 –> 00:29:57,619 that need to be mortified and you made a list 640 00:29:57,619 –> 00:30:00,380 here’s a question for us to talk about this week 641 00:30:00,380 –> 00:30:06,280 What virtues are contrary to each of these sins? 642 00:30:06,859 –> 00:30:09,180 So here’s what we’re up against 643 00:30:09,180 –> 00:30:12,839 here’s what we are to pursue that will be the antidote to it 644 00:30:12,839 –> 00:30:15,579 that will help to evict this from our lives 645 00:30:16,219 –> 00:30:17,339 Think about it 646 00:30:17,339 –> 00:30:19,079 pride is weakened by 647 00:30:19,079 –> 00:30:20,380 the growth of humility 648 00:30:20,380 –> 00:30:24,160 so how can I cultivate the intentional humbling of myself? 649 00:30:25,479 –> 00:30:28,160 I need to see that when God humbles me he 650 00:30:28,579 –> 00:30:32,300 is doing that in order to move me forward in the battle 651 00:30:33,280 –> 00:30:36,800 Passion is weakened by growth in patience 652 00:30:37,699 –> 00:30:40,859 you may find that you need more patience in your marriage 653 00:30:40,859 –> 00:30:44,420 and that God actually teaches what you what you need in one sphere 654 00:30:44,500 –> 00:30:46,579 by introducing it in another 655 00:30:47,359 –> 00:30:49,880 You find in your work that contract hasn’t come 656 00:30:50,400 –> 00:30:52,180 that position hasn’t opened 657 00:30:53,459 –> 00:30:55,660 and God is teaching you patience over here 658 00:30:55,660 –> 00:30:57,979 Why? Because you need to learn it over there 659 00:30:59,119 –> 00:31:00,699 Is it working your life? 660 00:31:01,420 –> 00:31:03,640 The hand of God is in all these things and it is 661 00:31:03,640 –> 00:31:06,640 wonderful learn to see it 662 00:31:07,160 –> 00:31:08,920 and to rejoice in it 663 00:31:10,339 –> 00:31:14,160 And as you target the mortification of particular sins 664 00:31:14,160 –> 00:31:20,079 Let’s cultivate the pursuit of particular virtues 665 00:31:21,180 –> 00:31:25,660 Cultivate virtues that expel the sins you are seeking 666 00:31:25,959 –> 00:31:27,099 to mortify 667 00:31:28,439 –> 00:31:31,040 It is amazing to me how many Christians have 668 00:31:31,040 –> 00:31:34,119 really never thought about how to live the Christian life 669 00:31:34,119 –> 00:31:36,459 This is at the heart of it folks 670 00:31:36,619 –> 00:31:38,339 This is how you live the Christian life 671 00:31:39,339 –> 00:31:40,979 This is what it means to live 672 00:31:40,979 –> 00:31:43,040 in the power of the Spirit who is given to you 673 00:31:43,160 –> 00:31:45,319 and to wage war against sin, and to grow in Christ 674 00:31:45,420 –> 00:31:47,680 Have you been thinking about these things 675 00:31:47,900 –> 00:31:49,699 If this is entirely new to you 676 00:31:50,560 –> 00:31:54,199 Then you’re just at the beginning of progress 677 00:31:55,540 –> 00:31:58,319 In becoming more like the Lord Jesus Christ 678 00:31:58,540 –> 00:31:59,939 This is not a passive thing 679 00:32:00,079 –> 00:32:01,099 This is active 680 00:32:01,199 –> 00:32:02,020 It’s a pursuit 681 00:32:03,359 –> 00:32:04,500 Here’s the last thing 682 00:32:05,560 –> 00:32:06,380 Number five 683 00:32:06,560 –> 00:32:12,739 Pursue obedience to Christ in all areas of your life 684 00:32:13,520 –> 00:32:14,760 Strategy number five 685 00:32:16,079 –> 00:32:24,319 Pursue obedience to Jesus Christ in all areas of your life 686 00:32:26,280 –> 00:32:28,180 Now as some of you know a few years ago 687 00:32:28,239 –> 00:32:29,880 I went through the difficulty 688 00:32:29,939 –> 00:32:32,339 of a ruptured disc in my back 689 00:32:32,500 –> 00:32:36,979 and I am so grateful for the kind physiotherapists 690 00:32:37,079 –> 00:32:38,979 who persevered and worked with me 691 00:32:39,140 –> 00:32:41,219 with great patience indeed 692 00:32:41,479 –> 00:32:43,660 they had me and I know a number of you 693 00:32:43,660 –> 00:32:46,000 have an experience like this or similar 694 00:32:46,420 –> 00:32:50,300 they had me doing all kinds of exercises 695 00:32:50,319 –> 00:32:53,180 moving just about every part of the body 696 00:32:53,479 –> 00:32:57,180 and when it was all done, after some months 697 00:32:57,500 –> 00:33:00,239 the physiotherapist said to me on the last occasion 698 00:33:00,300 –> 00:33:06,239 She said now Colin you need to keep doing these exercises 699 00:33:06,939 –> 00:33:08,199 You know this deal don’t you 700 00:33:08,880 –> 00:33:09,680 So I said 701 00:33:11,459 –> 00:33:16,640 Which are the ones that are especially for the back 702 00:33:17,800 –> 00:33:19,520 And she rolled her eyes 703 00:33:20,699 –> 00:33:23,099 She had heard this many times before 704 00:33:24,060 –> 00:33:25,579 She said you don’t get it do you 705 00:33:26,619 –> 00:33:29,160 She said everything in your body is connected 706 00:33:30,119 –> 00:33:34,260 And you can’t help your back in isolation 707 00:33:35,959 –> 00:33:37,939 You can’t help your back in isolation 708 00:33:39,040 –> 00:33:43,380 Now that is of huge importance in regards to what we are saying here 709 00:33:43,380 –> 00:33:47,280 We must target particular sins for mortification 710 00:33:47,280 –> 00:33:50,319 If you are not doing that, you are unlikely to make any progress 711 00:33:51,739 –> 00:33:55,040 But we will only succeed in the business of mortification 712 00:33:55,040 –> 00:33:59,819 As we pursue lives of full devoted and obedience to Jesus Christ 713 00:33:59,819 –> 00:34:02,239 You cannot mortify a sin in isolation 714 00:34:02,239 –> 00:34:04,959 You can’t, in other words, 715 00:34:04,959 –> 00:34:08,020 overcome lust while at the same time you are indulging laziness 716 00:34:08,020 –> 00:34:13,479 You cannot overcome greed while at the same time you are indulging pride 717 00:34:13,479 –> 00:34:19,040 Half-hearted Christians are never successful in mortifying sin 718 00:34:20,060 –> 00:34:24,879 And folks who want to come to God just to make just one change in their life 719 00:34:24,879 –> 00:34:26,459 are rarely successful 720 00:34:27,300 –> 00:34:30,360 O God heal my marriage! O God heal my marriage! 721 00:34:30,360 –> 00:34:33,399 O God help me overcome this affliction! 722 00:34:33,399 –> 00:34:36,659 O God do this one thing for me! 723 00:34:36,659 –> 00:34:40,360 John Owen has a fascinating comment on this 724 00:34:40,360 –> 00:34:45,260 He says this person that comes to God not with a full devotion of life 725 00:34:45,260 –> 00:34:47,560 but just saying one thing I need your help with! 726 00:34:47,560 –> 00:34:49,919 One thing, do this for me! 727 00:34:49,919 –> 00:34:52,919 He says do you not think that God would say 728 00:34:52,919 –> 00:34:55,860 well if I give this person what they ask 729 00:34:55,860 –> 00:34:58,520 I’ll never hear from them again! 730 00:34:58,520 –> 00:35:01,919 And then they’ll be completely lost! 731 00:35:01,919 –> 00:35:05,620 So why would God give you what you ask for? 732 00:35:05,620 –> 00:35:07,719 Why? 733 00:35:07,719 –> 00:35:10,300 There’s more hope for you as your wrestling with this 734 00:35:10,300 –> 00:35:15,300 at least you have some feeling of your need for Him! 735 00:35:15,300 –> 00:35:21,419 Mortification will be successful when you target particular sins 736 00:35:21,419 –> 00:35:25,360 when you cultivate the opposite virtue 737 00:35:25,419 –> 00:35:32,419 and when you pursue a life of devotion and obedience to Jesus Christ! 738 00:35:32,419 –> 00:35:34,600 Jim Packer says so very helpfully he says, 739 00:35:34,600 –> 00:35:40,699 We must forestall sins attempts to regain control in our hearts 740 00:35:40,699 –> 00:35:46,600 by preoccupying ourselves with the active service of God. 741 00:35:46,600 –> 00:35:48,739 You see we’re back to where we started 742 00:35:48,739 –> 00:35:52,479 you place your life into the hands of Jesus Christ 743 00:35:52,800 –> 00:35:55,879 With all my struggles with all my difficulties 744 00:35:55,879 –> 00:35:58,040 with all that I’m asking you to do for me 745 00:35:58,040 –> 00:35:58,919 Here’s what I’m doing 746 00:35:58,919 –> 00:36:04,439 I’m offering myself to you 747 00:36:04,439 –> 00:36:08,780 I’m going to give myself to doing your will as best I possibly can 748 00:36:08,780 –> 00:36:10,580 In every way that I possibly can 749 00:36:10,580 –> 00:36:13,419 And that’s why Paul ends up by saying 750 00:36:13,419 –> 00:36:16,100 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts 751 00:36:16,100 –> 00:36:18,139 He’s talking about fellowship 752 00:36:18,239 –> 00:36:23,560 Use the opportunities of fellowship as you wage this war 753 00:36:23,560 –> 00:36:27,100 Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you 754 00:36:27,100 –> 00:36:29,959 He says, verse 16 755 00:36:29,959 –> 00:36:33,760 Be in the word as you wage this war 756 00:36:33,760 –> 00:36:36,419 Let Christ be speaking to you 757 00:36:36,419 –> 00:36:43,479 And hear what is in the scriptures as his very word to you 758 00:36:43,560 –> 00:36:48,120 And use the opportunity that we have right now in worship 759 00:36:48,120 –> 00:36:52,600 and as we come in this moment around the Lord’s Table 760 00:36:52,600 –> 00:36:55,679 He talks about psalms and hymns and spiritual songs 761 00:36:55,679 –> 00:37:04,500 Friend, worship plays a huge role in overcoming compulsive behaviours 762 00:37:04,500 –> 00:37:08,439 One quotation and then we’re done 763 00:37:08,439 –> 00:37:13,080 A friend of mine was helping a colleague 764 00:37:13,080 –> 00:37:20,320 who had been beset by a compulsive sin of gambling 765 00:37:20,320 –> 00:37:23,219 And greed had got to him 766 00:37:23,219 –> 00:37:27,820 and as we read greed is idolatry 767 00:37:27,820 –> 00:37:31,479 My friend said this 768 00:37:31,479 –> 00:37:36,540 you worshipped your way into this 769 00:37:36,540 –> 00:37:40,699 you will worship your way out of it 770 00:37:40,840 –> 00:37:42,439 You worshipped your way in 771 00:37:42,439 –> 00:37:44,239 You see you made this an idol 772 00:37:44,239 –> 00:37:48,500 You went after the wrong god 773 00:37:48,500 –> 00:37:50,540 You worshipped your way in 774 00:37:50,540 –> 00:37:54,419 Now worship your way out 775 00:37:54,419 –> 00:38:00,399 Victory is going to be gained in the context of a total devotion to Jesus Christ 776 00:38:00,399 –> 00:38:04,120 Word, worship, fellowship, service 777 00:38:04,120 –> 00:38:08,639 all these are the gifts of God to help you in this battle 778 00:38:38,639 –> 00:38:42,120 Been listening to a sermon with Pastor Collin Smith of Open The Bible 779 00:38:42,120 –> 00:38:47,540 to contact us, call us at 1-877-OPEN365 780 00:38:47,540 –> 00:38:50,560 or visit our website OpenTheBible.org