We Are All Born Physically Alive But Spiritually Dead.
We know that we are definitely living in some very excited times, -- and in these times we are able to totally relax instead of worrying or getting upset or living in fear.
– It’s almost like - we are on the outside where we can watch how God is actually using everything that is taking place -- to give Himself glory… -- and He wants us to be a part of that.
-- and we consider it a privilege and an honor that He is even inviting us to participate in the great victory that has already been won.
-- We are just realizing that it is actually coming to a conclusion -- and as it comes to a conclusion we can relax and realize -- that because of His grace and His mercy – He has everything under control.
--- So let’s enjoy our summer and be prepared for academic discipline like never before, so that we can represent our Lord in everything we do --– as we have the power to put off the old man and put on the new…
-- and we know that each and every day of our lives - is a blessing to do just that!
--- And when we do take the opportunity to put off the old and put on the new – it is more than just naming and citing our sin and agreeing God.
-- Some people say that you don’t have to confess your sins to God -- or you don’t have to ask God to do anything for you because God already knows the truth ….
---- Well- than- why do we pray?
---- If God already knows the answer to our prayers ---- and God already knows the desires of our hearts --- than why does He tell us to pray?
Why doesn’t He just say – Listen, sit back – don’t even pray – don’t worry about a thing -- I have everything under control -- and you don’t have to have a personal relationship with Me - where you actually enter into fellowship with Me – and ask Me for things that you desire ….
--- We believe that is because God actually desires to have communion with us -- rather than just watching a group of individuals - who are nothing but robots - who sit back and say – what will be will be –
---- rather than that – He wants to have fellowship with His children -- and that’s why we have contact with Him.
---And one of the reasons we have contact with Him -- is because He desires - for some very strange reason --- to have contact with us!
Always “for us” God does things…Do NOT become familiar with that principle – “for us”…
--- So even in prayer -- think about the fact – why do I have to pray ?
--– just like if our sins have been forgiven --why do we have to confess them?
If our prayers have already been answered -------says the book of Isaiah – than why do we have to pray?
The reason:
---Because God is developing a relationship with us ---or trying to develop a relationship with us ---- where we realize that He wants to have fellowship with us ---- and to do so there has to be a realm of communication --- and this goes way beyond what I’m saying this evening as an introduction ---- because we have some great principles coming up -- that you’re going to really enjoy - that make a lot of sense as to why we do certain things.
---- All of these principles come from our pastor-teacher Robert R. McLaughlin -- and we are to do our very best to communicate these principles to others --- as we have our favorite word here at gbible --- and that word is “opportunity”…
----While these opportunities come on knocking - we don’t want to miss out on any aspects of them that will bring Glory to God.
--- So when we pray it’s not just a time to enter into a mechanical robotic minion… ---------where we know our sins are forgiven and do our routine daily chores…
----- it’s not that at all--- it is an opportunity to recognize His mercy and His grace and have that personal relationship with our God and Father.
--- One way we have fellowship with God is through the intake of bible doctrine ----
---- and this is why - it is so important that we use our own volition - to put off the old - and put on the new --- anytime we desire to have that.
--- even when you find your mind running off in different directions while taking in BD – -- --you may become distracted… -- and that is up to you - to decide with your own free will --- whether you need to take a moment to get back into fellowship –
---- but you always want to have that open communication --- because that is how we get fed…
---- and when we eat His spiritual food, He is glorified…
---- just like when we -- as parents -- feed our children - it is a satisfying feeling - because we know that if our children eat good foods – they will grow up to be strong and healthy…
---- Our Father wants us to grow - to be strong mature Christian soldiers --- Casting all of our worries, fears, concerns,… -- whatever it is that we may be going through --- cast it onto Him --- and just concentrate completely on what we are being fed!
Let us take that moment now – to put off the old and put on the new …
You can open up your bibles to GEN 5.
We have begun to note our new study which we have titled “Christian Soldier Prep” study.
This is going to be a study to prepare us for the Christian Soldier book and we are going to be getting familiar or maybe reminded with some of the many important principles and terms that our pastor wants us to know and be confident with - as they apply the Christian Soldier.
We are now ready to look at our new subject concerning how our Lord used the sword of the Spirit (the Sword of the Spirit is a term used in the Christian soldier book for the Word of God --
-- So our new subject concerning how our Lord used the sword of the Spirit -- or the Word of God as manifested in one phrase that many of us don’t fully understand -- until after salvation and that is:
"The Doctrine of the Substitutionary Spiritual Death of Jesus Christ."
We are dealing with - why He had to be our substitute -- and one thing to keep in mind - while dealing with these studies that involve our Lord Jesus Christ - during His earthly ministry is that:
--Yes, - Jesus Christ came to be our substitute - but He also told us to imitate Him.
- So here we have a unique doctrine – here is a doctrine that we, -as church age believers, --will never ever have to imitate - because He did it for us -- and He did it fully and complete, tetelesti – it is finished – paid in full.
And – its also important to note that Our Lord did Not die for us as a sinner, He died for us as a sin offering.
-- Just like the animal was innocent - and the animal did nothing to have its throat cut - in the natural realm, --- the Lord Jesus Christ did nothing to have His throat cut - in the spiritual realm.
And so the substitutionary spiritual death is important for us to understand.
Point 1. Deals with the Categories of Spiritual Death.
There are basically two categories of spiritual death that do exist.
- Number 1: simply deals with a. Real spiritual death, which is separation from God in a state of sin which applies to (every member of the human race) all mankind with the exception of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We were all born physically alive - but spiritually dead.
All of us need to understand real spiritual death and how it applies to us… – how it applies to all mankind with the exception of the Lord Jesus Christ.
All of us must remember that - we were all born in sin, --we were not born perfect - and then we committed a sin -and became condemned a sinner.
We were all born in sin - without us doing anything to earn or deserve it.
All I can say -- is that according to the bible -- we were all born in sin without us doing anything to deserve it …
--- and we know that because of passages like PSA 55:1 -- which we will see soon - after I give you the 2nd category of spiritual death:
Which is what we call b. Substitutionary spiritual death, which is separation from God in a state of perfection and impeccability. This applies only to our Lord Jesus Christ.
So the first - spiritual death (real spiritual death - RSD ) refers to all of us, all mankind with the exception of the Lord Jesus Christ – when we are born - we enter into real spiritual death.
The 2nd category of spiritual death refers to Substitutionary spiritual death (SSD) – it is separation from God being in a state of perfection and impeccability and it applies to only One person- the Lord Jesus Christ.
These are two deaths in opposite states – RSD – is in a state of sin -- and SSD – is in a state of perfection … and what we are going to see is how these two relate to us.
So, first of all, -- we must remember that all of us need to understand Real Spiritual Death and how it applies to all mankind with the exception of the Lord Jesus Christ.
And according to the Bible -- all I can say is that we were all born in sin -- without us doing anything to deserve it.
I want to present you with two questions this evening and ask you to keep in mind these two principles during this study:
- Did Adam have an earthly father? - No
- Did Jesus have an earthly father? – No
The first Adam and the last Adam.
This is what they had in common --- Eve included -- and including Eve - proves more to our point - that we are going to see and many of us already know - which is the principle that: the male passes on the OSN:
They did not have an earthly father, Adam and Eve were created and Eve was created from the rib of Adam before he was spiritually dead -- but we are talking about the principle of the 1st and the last Adam…
So - Adam was not born at all – Adam was created in the image or the likeness of God and Jesus Christ was born of a virgin…
This is the importance of understanding the virgin birth – -- Why is it that the Lord Jesus Christ had to be born of a virgin? --- Because on a part of what God’s plan is all about --- It is the man - or the male species that pass down the OSN - old sin nature.
So how is God going to allow an individual to be born without a sin nature? …
--- Well – they have to be born without an earthly father --and so the Lord Jesus Christ was born without an earthly father.
-- If Joseph was Jesus’ father - than Joseph would have passed down the OSN through his sperm.
-- So – we have the virgin birth and Mary was impregnated by the Holy Spirit.
And Because of one man’s sin (Adam) - we were all born in sin without us doing anything to deserve it.
We know this because PSA 51:5 says Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, (notice he was brought forth from the womb) And in sin my mother conceived me.
--- Then after Adam sinned in the garden of Eden – notice what it says about Adam -- who btw remember Who’s image Adam was created in – and then we read in GEN 5:3 (it says) When Adam had lived one hundred and thirty years, (we know he lived longer than that – he was over 900 years old when he died – so this was 130 yrs after Adam was created not after he was born, so remember- Adam was created and not born ) he became the father of a son (and what’s the next four words?)in his own likeness, according to his image,
Notice in his own likeness, -- according to his image, and what’s so important about that - is that – “in his own likeness”
refers to being born physically alive (– again – physically alive) but this time - spiritually dead.
And there we have it: the lineage of being born spiritually dead through the first Adam…
--- But hang on – don’t go anywhere … it’s not over yet… don’t be like that serpent who thought it was over --- hang on for God’s genius plan!
When Adam was created – he was created both physically alive - and spiritually alive -- but after he sinned in the garden - he became spiritually dead – (sin caused him to be spiritually dead) and with this sin - what he did is - he brought in spiritual death to the entire human race.
And since we are in the book of Genesis let’s see this principle being brought out again in GEN 8:21, (and my dad loves how this is brought out for us- and I’m just going to quote one part of it where we read: ) "for the intent of man's heart is evil from his (what? From his youth) youth;"
Youth is the Hebrew noun na'uwr (no-uwr) meaning from his childhood or as a babe.
So we could say: -- From his childhood - or as a babe - he was brought in sin, --
--from his childhood - the intent of man’s heart was already evil.
-- Or - As a babe he was evil –
---- and I’m not calling your precious little baby boy or baby girl evil…. GOD IS…. that’s what the bible says…
Job put it like this in: Job 15:14 (we read ) "What is man, that he should be pure, (bc man cannot be pure)Or he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?"
Can mankind be pure? No…
Can mankind be born of a woman and be righteous? No – --- and that’s exactly what Job 15:14 is saying…
When you are born of a woman -- you are not born -righteous - when your father is a member of the human race.
My dad uses this one often - PSA 58:3, we read PSA 58:3 The wicked are estranged (which means they go astray – when? )from the womb; (The minute that child comes forth from the womb - they are said to be estranged and then it goes on to say this:) These who speak lies go astray from birth.
--- and that simply means they live in lies…
-- it does not mean a baby can speak lies at birth – or that a baby even understands - anything being spoken…
What the psalmist is trying to say is that from birth they entered sin.
What about ISA 48 - we have seen this many times before - ISA 48:8 is no stranger to us mathates: ISA 48:8 "You have not heard, you have not known. Even from long ago your ear has not been open, Because I knew that you would deal very treacherously; And you have been called a rebel from (from when? – from birth) birth. born in sin from birth…
Now, this is the truth.
The truth that many individuals don't like to hear - because - we look at the innocence of a baby.
But it is God's word and it is the TRUTH!
And the pastor's job is to teach us truth – that is - if the pastor truly loves the Lord Jesus Christ.
My job is simple… I’m just being used as a communicator for our pastor…
-- I communicate what he has taught to us and he continues to teach us -- through my voice.
- Our pastor is guiding us here with these lessons - just like when the Apostle Paul was in prison -- and he had to send letters to teach his congregation… he could not speak to them directly… and Paul even used women at times to deliver his messages to his congregation.
We are studying - our pastors very own principles - from his very own studies.
Actually – you can turn to John 21.
Allow me to illustrate - what a pastor who truly loves the Lord - with all of his heart, strength and mind does do-- with this passage in John 21.
A pastor who truly loves the Lord doesn’t play games with the truth --
That’s why we’ve studied many times - remember JOHN 21:15 where the Lord is talking to Peter and He says JOH 21:15 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, {son} of John, do you love Me more than these?" He *said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He *said to him, "Tend My lambs."
Tend My Lambs – feed my new believers lightly – in a nice child-like way -- and don’t force it on them – the baby believer that is…
And then He says this about the sophomore believers JOH 21:16 He *said to him again a second time, "Simon, {son} of John, do you love Me?" He *said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He *said to him, "Shepherd (or clobber)My sheep."
Here - His sheep - are referring to the sophomore believers, -- the wise fools – who think they know something when they really don’t…
And then referring to the mature believers in JOH 21:17 He *said to him the third time, "Simon, {son} of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus *said to him, "Tend My sheep.
In this verse - My sheep - refers to the mature believers. –
-- “tend My sheep” means to feed – just feed the word of God to My sheep--- the mature believers,
--- and mature believers don’t care about how its taught,
-- what the sound of the voice is –
--- mature believers just care about the content of the message.
The point being - again - if a pastor loves his church, -- and by that I mean his congregation -- those who are face-to-face and non-face to-face, --- he will be academically honest and truthful with his congregation.
Why?
-- It’s a very serious thing if you think about the fact that:
If he truly understand and believes that in 1PE 5:3, you (members of his congregation) have been allotted to his charge, and that in ACT 20:28, the Holy Spirit has made him an overseer, then he will shepherd the church of God which God purchased with His own blood.
So – a PT will not teach his congregation anything that is wrong if he truly loves the Lord Jesus Christ --- and he will not only teach them -- but he will also - be there for them.
He will also be willing to suffer for their sake,
--- even though he will lose his reputation by doing so.
Why do I say all that? -
-- The reason why I mention all of this is because when you get up here - and say that --- a little new born baby is guilty…
- that is something that is hard to understand, – is it not?
The bottom line is not what the pastor says - or what you and I say, -- the bottom line is what does the word of God say…
The apostle Paul put this in a very unique way in COL 1, beginning with verse 24.
And all of this is just an introduction to what we are going to study -- because what we are about to study is exactly what our pastor is instructing us to be studying
--and it is exactly appropriate for what he believes his church – his flock needs to hear.
Because if you communicate the word of God – especially the subject we are about to study – -- you’re going to be attacked - in ways like never before…
No one wants to believe that they were born in sin--- condemned by God --- before their own free will made a decision to sin…
Again - No one wants to say or believe - that they were condemned by God - before they ever made one decision to be condemned… it’s a hard thing to understand.
But if you continue to study the word of God – God the Holy Spirit – through the PT -- will explain it to you – as usual with ours - in his own unique style – and that is – if we have the humility to listen…
What we need to really grasp in this study -- is the fact that we go back to that very same principle - that we have heard so many times - and that is:
One man’s sin made us a sinner, so that One Man’s righteousness could make us righteous. that is if we accept our need for the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior.
It doesn’t get any greater than that friends!
That’s the plan of God – that’s not the thoughts of the world –
--the thoughts of the world are nothing like God’s thoughts…
--God says – My thoughts are not like your thoughts – My ways are not your ways--- My thoughts are higher than your thoughts – My ways are higher than your ways - says the Lord…
Don’t ever forget that, don’t ever become familiar with the ways of God.
– and when we get to heaven - we are going to be overwhelmed and shocked by the wisdom of God -- and how He had everything under control - when we thought He was being unfair and unjust.
Paul the apostle even talked about this - when he talked about - how the communicator - is to communicate the truth –
-- and this applies to the PT in context - but it also applies to every one of us -in a way - because everyone of us -- have the word of God -- and we are going to communicate things - to people - who don’t have the word of God -- and you’re going to be responsible too for what you say and so am I…
At this time - Paul was suffering – and he was in jail when he wrote this –
- and while he was in prison - people had been mocking him and rejecting him – including some of the apostles.
And he said in COL 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, (the PT doesn’t just suffer for his own sake but also for the sake of others- his flock included) and in my flesh(my human body) I do my share on behalf of His body (he goes from the human body to the spiritual body - which is the church – the body of Christ) in filling up that which is lacking in Christ's afflictions.
What does that mean filling up that which is lacking in Christ's afflictions? –
--It means that the body of Christ needs to understand that as He suffered - we too need to suffer - and the pastor has to be the forerunner - of that particular suffering -called undeserved.
Col 1:25 Of this church (that’s a ref to the church that he was a part of – the Colossian church was one of those that he pastored – he said: Of this church) I was made a minister according to the stewardship (the Greek says the dispensation that has come) from God bestowed on me (for who’s benefit?) for your benefit, that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God,
What kind of preaching Paul?
COL 1:26 that is the mystery (the mystery doctrine) which has been hidden from the past ages and generations; but has now been manifested to his saints,
We know it’s a mystery because it has been hidden… it’s a new doctrine – a new type of teaching.
If we don’t understand mystery doctrine – we don’t understand God’s plan for the church age.
Col 1:27 to whom God willed to make known what is the glorious riches of this mystery (not among the Jews but among the Gentiles) among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the confidence of the glory.
The indwelling of Christ is something new – it never happened to the OT saints...
Col 1:28 And we proclaim Him, inculcating every believer and teaching every believer with all wisdom in order that we may present every person complete or mature in Christ.
We know what that’s all about -one day every - PT is going to have to give an account for his congregation.
Col 1:29 And for this purpose also I labour to the point of exhaustion, (says the Greek) constantly striving according to his power which mightily works within me.
The PT will be willing to let others mock him and lie about him - even if it means he has to be ridiculed - and have his reputation attacked.
But you know what… he doesn’t care and neither should we … Why?
Because a winner pastor a winner believer - will truly believe JOH 3:30 "The Lord must increase, but he must decrease.
In your life - if you want to prosper – than you must decrease and the Lord must increase.
Unfortunately -- it seems to be the case with our nation --that most believers have been concentrating on increasing themselves - and decreasing the Lord…
-- little by little it has been happening – it starts off light – maybe you just take a few days off from BD and then days turn into weeks - and weeks to months - and then many times - it doesn’t hit you until years later
-- and maybe if you have humility - you will recognize as the bible states - that you have returned to your vomit… - you come to the conclusion that --- you are the dog who returned to its vomit.
-- And you may not even realize it - but bc we have an awesome God and bc of His grace – all you have to do is rebound and move forward -- and there you are - smack back in the PPOG for your life - on the road to victory.
-- and we are so blessed to have the freedom that we have in Christ -to so easily pick up the pieces, - pick up our cross and walk in His grace and mercy –
- bc we are going to fail - and that is what His mercy is for - and we’re going to be disciplined at times…
- and at times your going to go through undeserved suffering - as Job did –
- but if you are truly going through undeserved suffering -- than you will also recognize - that it is a blessing to be chosen by God - and it is an honor to fight the good fight of faith beside Him –
-- just knowing that He loves you - and He loves me - and whatever it is that we may be going through – He has allowed us to go through - and we are not alone, -- He is right there with us every step of the way –
-- and we could never fall so far away from Him -that it would separate us from Him, -- He is always there and He will always be there,
-- He is living inside of your body -- and where you go- He goes, --whatever you do -He is right there with you, –
-so remember that the next time you enter into a situation - where you can operate as a loser believer or a winner believer -- bc you are representing Him!
And you realize principles like 2Co 12:15, even though he loves much, he knows he is going to be loved less.
Are you willing to accept that responsibility?
Are you willing to say – you know what – the more I love - the less I am loved, - are you willing to accept it?
And you also recognize MAT 10:36 and a man's enemies will be the members of his household.
-- Don’t get shocked when they are members of your own family, - whether it is your own brother, sister, mother, father, children
-- and our own families can be the worst…
-- Can definitely hurt the most…
I know so many people today - who are dealing with this kind of hurt - and it usually stems from a bitter heart… bitterness can turn the sweetest person into the most hateful - vengeful - vindictive person… so don’t ever get shocked by that.
Btw - Remember what our Lords shock treatment is?
DON’T BE SHOCKED!
And don’t get upset or offended… DON’T GET BITTER --- PLEASE ---
We need to understand these principles - of how satan uses the cosmic system - to entrap us into feeling not worthy - and throw us off the PPOG.
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So, we were all born physically alive - but at the same time spiritually dead.
This is what JOH 3 teaches.
Remember - If we are ever going to understand why our Lord had to die a spiritual death upon the cross, which means separation from God, then we need to understand what spiritual death means to us.
This is the story behind that famous passage in JOH 3 - that teaches what it means that - we must be born again.
We need to understand that being born again - means that we have a problem.
And our problem is not sin.
Our problem is not sin at all, our problem is our birth.
The physical birth that we have - is what causes us to be sinners.
The only way to overcome that - is to have a new birth, – that’s what people don’t understand about John 3.
In JOH 3:1 we read JOH 3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;
Remember - Nicodemus was a very devout and religious man.
He was a typical Pharisee.
Fat-headed, religious, self-righteous, proud, and vain -- but I guarantee you – he was sweet -and he was nice.
In JOH 3:2 this man came to Him by night, and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."
Notice, Nicodemus is confused - and now because he was confused - notice our how our Lord – in His grace- interrupts him in verse 3.
-- Do you know how many times we are on the wrong track - and the Lord brings in situations to interrupt us - and put up walls - so we don’t continue to go in the wrong track – -- that is the grace of God.
What looks to be a curse – with human viewpoint - is actually a blessing - and we will recognize that - when we are using our spiritual eyes -divine viewpoint.
-- Just the fact that He wants to guide us -- and direct us should cause us to think – “we want to know what You want us to do Lord”
-- and that is what we are doing right now – discipline – being a disciple – esteeming the word of God more important than anything else in our life as PSA 138:2 says -- Job 23:12 says the same thing-
-- it should be more important than your food – the Lord said the same thing in MAT 4:4 and LUK 4:4 – Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God!
The word of God should be more important than anything else in life.
So Nicodemus came to Him by night and the Lord made this statement in verse 3:
JOH 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, (point of doctrine – listen up) I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
The interruption was well timed, - and the Lord Jesus Christ comes right to the point -and He pulled no punches.
He said "You will never see the kingdom of God unless you are born again." -- Unless you change your birth.
-- You won’t even see it never mind enter it..
Remember – our Lord is talking to a man - who is very proud of all his accomplishment and his merit badges and yet Jesus insults him by saying this.
This is quite a shock to the religious person who thinks they have been so good.
Btw- Remember what the apostle Paul said in Phi 3?
I’m going to give you my dad’s corrected translation here on the board - but you can follow along in your bibles if you want to turn to PHI 3.
Remember who was actually one of the best Pharisees at this time?
It was a man called “Saul”
This is our corrected translation from the original language – here is what he said about himself:
He said: PHI 3:4 even though I myself might be having confidence even in the flesh. If anyone of the same category [Judaizers] (the Jews)assumes to put confidence in the flesh, (Paul said -) I far more:
Why?
He saidPHI 3:5 circumcised the eighth day,(which was the elevation from the Jewish race) [born] out from the race of Israel, (not only that but)of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews [an outstanding Hebrew]; with reference to the Law, (I was) a Pharisee;
PHI 3:6 with reference to zeal, (about his pharisiasm) constantly persecuting the church; with reference to the self-righteousness which is in the Law, having become (what?)blameless.
PHI 3:7 But whatever quality of things were gains to me, those things [gains] I have concluded as an expert as loss for the sake of Christ.
Phi 3:8 Not only this but more than this, I conclude as an expert all things [Paul's pre-salvation human celebrity-ship and achievement] (where he was considered to be the ultimate in the Jewish race – he says I conclude all things - ) to be loss (to be dung btw) because of the surpassing greatness of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord,
Paul says here – I’ve thrown away all my human righteousness -- all my human achievements bc I rather know Him…
for whom (the Lord - that is) I have forfeited all things, also, I keep on concluding as an expert them to be piles of dung in order that I may win for Christ,
Phi 3:9 and that I may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness derived from the source of the Law,
but that [righteousness] which is acquired by means of faith in Christ, (all God’s work) the righteousness which comes from the source of the God at the point of faith,
Why? bc I have one desire Paul says -- and I hope this is yours as well:
Phi 3:10 that I may come to (what?)know Him, and the power of [or behind] His resurrection and the participation of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;
Paul said here’s what I desire – he doesn’t desire what Nicodemus desired – to be good and do good deeds all day… --- NO – Paul’s desire is to get to know Him and the Power behind Him.
Now, here was a man – Paul - who was greater than Nicodemus - as a religious Pharisee - and yet he said that he counted all his achievements - to be nothing more than human excrement. Human dung – Scubala.
Again - Why?
Phi 3:10 that I may come to know Him, and the power of [behind] His resurrection and the participation of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;
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Now, Nicodemus did not understand his real problem.
He thought that bc he was overcoming sin – he was pleasing God.
He had no idea that his real problem was that he needed to be born again.
The problem with Nicodemus was not his personal sin, but just like ours, his problem was not his sins but his birth.
And bc - like many who are deceived still today – Nicodemus didn’t understand this- bc he had been taught like many still are today - by false teachers and preachers - teaching that our problem is sin and you have to be good to get to heaven – that you have to be good to please God.
They don’t realize – that - just like Nicodemus - our problem was not our sin but our problem was our birth.
Remember as the apostle Paul stated in 1CO 15:22 For as in Adam all die, (spiritual death) so also in Christ all shall be made alive.
In Adam we are spiritually dead.
In Christ we will be made spiritually alive.
And this is what the majority of us fail to see because We get so sin conscious, (the problems with our sins), that we don't focus in on the Son consciousness, (our relationship with the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.)
We get so conscious about our failures – I failed as a parent – I failed as a spouse – I failed as a friend – I failed in this area –
--- we get so focused on the sin that we lose focus on the Son – on our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ - and we lose out.
Why? COL 3 tells us why – and you can turn there if you’d like.
-- It is bc we don’t think correctly –
We set our minds on things below, the things of this world, rather than the things above; Col 3:1-5.
And God sure has a way of waking us up –
I want to share with you in closing something my dad said in this message from 2014 -- bc I believe that it is so relevant - to what we are dealing with today - as a nation.
In 2014, our PT told us – his congregation – that he believes that - as a nation (this is referring back in 2014) we are entering into what he refers to as Crisis evangelism
--- meaning that God is about to bring in a crisis to this nation and all over the world,
-- He is going to bring in a crisis to wake people up --so that they better understand where they relate as far as their relationship with God is concerned.
And that it’s going to be a time - that they are going to come to God - and it’s going to be too late bc they are going to be living in fear -- and not have enough faith to live spiritual life -- and there is going to come a time --when it’s too late to live the spiritual life -- and they are going to take this number or they are going to have die – - and the majority of them will take the number and that is a very sad thing!
So we need to get ready now -- bc we never know when that time is coming – it could happen in a second according to the word of God.
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Paul put it like this in Col 3:1 If then you have been raised up with Christ, (and you have if you’ve been raised up with Christ in your position – God raised you up with Him as He raised Him from the dead) keep seeking the things above, where Christ is,(and where is Christ?) seated at the right hand of God.
And so what should you do bc Jesus is at the right hand of God? COL 3:2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
Forget about what’s on this temporary earth – set your mind to things above – doctrinal things – the reason why we are even here…
COL 3:3 For you have died (that’s your position with Christ – that’s your old birth) and your life (your new life)is hidden with Christ in God.
COL 3:4 When Christ, who is our(true) life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
That’s a reference to the rapture and the 2nd coming when He comes back:
COL 3:4 When Christ, who is our(true) life, is revealed, (that’s the rapture) then you also will be revealed (that’s the 2nd coming) with Him in glory.
The rapture He comes back to get us – His bride and deliver us from that terrible time we just mentioned when it is too late – the tribulational period -- and then the 2nd coming we come back with Him -- and the whole world will see it REV 1:7.
COL 3:5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body(your mind your heart your knees, hands, your back- every part of your human body -consider them:) as dead to immorality,(to) impurity, (to)passion, (to)evil desire, and(to) greed, which amounts to idolatry.
Idolatry just simply means that you are putting an idol or something ahead of God--- like your computer —like your relationships with others – your boat, - your house, sports - or like all the things the world promotes to try to distract you from moving forward in the PPOG.
Here is one of our problems: We forget that we are not to walk by sight or by what things appear to be as stated in 2CO 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
We forget that if we don't have that faith, we can never please our God in HEB 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
We must have the mindset of: God I trust you no matter what I see – no matter what the world says – no matter what CNN says or FOX says or any media outlet says.. I trust You – My God and Your Word!
And we also forget that in HEB 11:1 that "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence or conviction of things not seen."
The problem is that so many of us allow ourselves to be taken away from the simplicity or the simple things in life that God desires us to observe and appreciate.
There’s a lot of things that we don’t appreciate - or take for granted – like the simple things in life – going to the beach – or having a picnic - and just watching the birds in the air or the waves ride in at the beach – the sky - the moon- the sun – nature itself …
- we miss these precious things of God bc we become too occupied with the things of the world -- and these precious things will just pass us by - and we end up missing out on God’s highest and best.
And the problem is that so many of us allow ourselves – our old nature – our old birth -- to take us away from the simple things in life – like just spending time with our family that God has blessed us with.
In fact one of the best parts of this message - when my dad was teaching it back in 2014 -- and for the record- I don’t go searching for these studies – my dad points me toward them and the Holy Spirit has just been right there with us -- bc some of these messages have so much more meaning today than they did back then…
Again - one of the best parts of this message when my dad was teaching it back in 2014 – he talks about the Col in his last years and how he had Alzheimer’s disease -- and he sat on stage for a couple of years - and just listened to his son teach and you look at that and you may think – oh it’s so sad -- but you know what – God only knows how much fun he was having – here he was the best bible doctrine teacher alive in his day -- sitting on stage behind someone he loves – someone God loaned to him -- and whether or not he was able to show it – all of us here know - what a blessing it would be to die watching your child teach the TRUTH of life!
He knew what true life was all about!
We need to live in the NEW birth rather than the old.
And God desires for us to enjoy the simple things in life. Don’t miss out on the simple things in life -
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Another reason why the apostle Paul prayed and advised us - of what he was afraid of:
2CO 11:3 (when he said) "But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, (his subtlety) your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ."
Don’t let your minds be led away from the simplicity of life – enjoy it now - while it’s not too late.
When we live in God consciousness -- or we are occupied with Christ then we recognize 2CO 4:7 that we have this treasure in earthen vessels,(it’s in our human body – its right inside of us – its closer than what we can imagine) that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves;
We also are reminded of the fact that in 2CO 4:15 All things are for(what?) our sakes, (we don’t think that they are but they are)that the grace which is spreading to more and more people which causes us to give thanks and to abound more and more in the glory of God.
2CO 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart,(we don’t become discouraged ) but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man (our new nature – our new birth) is being renewed day by day.
2CO 4:17 For momentary, light affliction (whatever we are going through is nothing more than a light affliction) is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,
Notice – light compared to weight – light affliction – weight of glory far beyond all comparison.
2CO 4:18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, (there of this earth)but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Paul is reminding us to keep our focus on the glories of eternity by keeping our inner focus on what is eternal.
This is what allows us to endure suffering in this life that is "light" and "short" in comparison to the glories and pleasures of eternity to come.
We just saw that in Hebrews 11:14–16.
This is the same focus we just read in Colossians 3:1–4, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
And Father we do look forward to that day!
Amen!