1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:06,720 You’re listening to a sermon from Pastor Colin Smith of Open The Bible. 2 00:00:06,720 –> 00:00:16,480 To contact us call us at 1-877-OPEN365 Or visit our website opentheybible.org 3 00:00:16,480 –> 00:00:17,740 Let’s get to the message. 4 00:00:17,740 –> 00:00:19,020 Here is Pastor Colin. 5 00:00:19,020 –> 00:00:25,540 We’re continuing our series on the life of Peter that we began earlier this year. 6 00:00:25,540 –> 00:00:30,680 And so please have your Bible open with me at the passage that was read from John and 7 00:00:30,680 –> 00:00:33,500 chapter 13. 8 00:00:33,500 –> 00:00:41,779 Our series is called authentic discipleship, because in Simon Peter, we have a real life 9 00:00:41,779 –> 00:00:45,700 picture of what it looks like to follow Jesus, 10 00:00:45,700 –> 00:00:52,220 And what we’re learning here is that authentic discipleship has its failures, as well as 11 00:00:52,259 –> 00:00:54,480 its successes. 12 00:00:54,480 –> 00:01:01,880 And the story of Peter is really full of hope because it shows what Jesus can do with flawed 13 00:01:01,880 –> 00:01:04,760 disciples like us. 14 00:01:04,760 –> 00:01:11,800 What we have in the gospels very wonderfully is far from an airbrushed picture of an ideal 15 00:01:11,800 –> 00:01:13,080 believer. 16 00:01:13,080 –> 00:01:19,279 Peter is a massive contradictions just like us. 17 00:01:19,580 –> 00:01:27,699 He is a committed follower of Jesus but he keeps questioning what Jesus says. 18 00:01:27,720 –> 00:01:34,959 He launches out sometimes in faith and then other times he holds back in fear. 19 00:01:34,959 –> 00:01:39,519 Sometimes he speaks with a wisdom that only God himself could give and other times he 20 00:01:39,519 –> 00:01:45,080 speaks as if he were possessed by the devil. 21 00:01:45,180 –> 00:01:50,599 Despite all the setbacks that we saw earlier this year in Peter’s journey, his story 22 00:01:50,599 –> 00:01:54,500 so far has been largely one of progress. 23 00:01:54,500 –> 00:02:00,599 Peter follows Jesus, even though he feels unworthy. 24 00:02:00,599 –> 00:02:05,160 He trusts Jesus in the storm, even though at one point he looks at the wind and the 25 00:02:05,160 –> 00:02:07,379 waves and begins to sink. 26 00:02:07,379 –> 00:02:13,539 He confesses that Jesus is the Christ, even though he doesn’t understand that Jesus 27 00:02:13,759 –> 00:02:19,279 must go to the cross, and he sees the glory of Jesus in the transfiguration, even though 28 00:02:19,279 –> 00:02:26,380 he’s not ready to let Moses and Elijah go when he should. 29 00:02:26,380 –> 00:02:34,600 Where we take up the story today, Peter has been following Jesus for three full years. 30 00:02:34,600 –> 00:02:42,100 And during that time, as we saw in the earlier part of this series, he has made a great deal 31 00:02:42,100 –> 00:02:43,100 of progress. 32 00:02:43,100 –> 00:02:45,100 He really has grown. 33 00:02:45,100 –> 00:02:47,979 He’s the real deal. 34 00:02:47,979 –> 00:02:54,440 He is an authentic disciple of Jesus. 35 00:02:54,440 –> 00:02:59,419 But over these next weeks, we’re going to see something very striking. 36 00:02:59,419 –> 00:03:05,699 That Peter’s greatest failure did not come when he was a vulnerable new believer. 37 00:03:05,699 –> 00:03:10,639 It came when he was a mature disciple. 38 00:03:10,940 –> 00:03:15,020 That is striking, because of course it is counter-intuitive. 39 00:03:15,020 –> 00:03:21,619 You would think that the longer you are a believer, the stronger you will grow. 40 00:03:21,619 –> 00:03:24,940 And that’s not how it was with Peter. 41 00:03:24,940 –> 00:03:32,779 His greatest failure came not at the beginning, but after he had been following Jesus for 42 00:03:32,779 –> 00:03:36,979 a long time. 43 00:03:36,979 –> 00:03:37,979 Think about it. 44 00:03:37,979 –> 00:03:44,259 A man who enjoyed extraordinary privileges and experiences. 45 00:03:44,259 –> 00:03:51,220 This is a man who for years has taken in the teaching of Jesus, directly from the lips 46 00:03:51,220 –> 00:03:54,199 of the Savior himself. 47 00:03:54,199 –> 00:03:58,940 Not only has he taken in the teaching of Jesus over many years, he has experienced the power 48 00:03:58,940 –> 00:04:05,619 of Jesus multiple times. 49 00:04:05,779 –> 00:04:10,020 He has even seen the glory of Jesus. 50 00:04:10,020 –> 00:04:19,239 And yet, after all of this, this mature disciple, years down the line, fells into a dark place 51 00:04:19,239 –> 00:04:25,559 where he denies that he had ever known the Lord. 52 00:04:25,559 –> 00:04:33,839 Now friends, I think this is a warning to all of us who have followed the Lord Jesus 53 00:04:33,959 –> 00:04:40,679 for three years or 30 years or 50 years or 70 years. 54 00:04:40,679 –> 00:04:46,399 It’s natural for us to assume as we get older that our faith will simply continue to grow 55 00:04:46,399 –> 00:04:52,799 following Jesus, onward and upward, a path of continuing progress. 56 00:04:52,799 –> 00:04:58,279 But what we’re going to see here today in the Bible is that after years of believing 57 00:04:58,399 –> 00:05:05,399 in Jesus, it is possible to love Him less intensely, to follow Him less closely, and 58 00:05:10,799 –> 00:05:16,920 to obey Him less completely than you did before. 59 00:05:16,920 –> 00:05:23,019 Mature believers can get worse when they should be getting better. 60 00:05:23,279 –> 00:05:27,839 And we’re going to see how that can happen, and we’re going to see what we can do to 61 00:05:27,839 –> 00:05:32,779 avoid it so that we will pursue a better path. 62 00:05:32,779 –> 00:05:38,619 I want to make three observations from the scriptures that are before us today, and from 63 00:05:38,640 –> 00:05:44,920 the other gospels that fill out the picture of what was happening on this extraordinary 64 00:05:44,920 –> 00:05:46,779 night of the Last Supper. 65 00:05:46,779 –> 00:05:51,940 I want us to see first the devotion of a fully committed disciple. 66 00:05:52,220 –> 00:05:58,839 We’re then going to see the danger that is faced by a fully committed disciple, and then 67 00:05:58,839 –> 00:06:04,059 thirdly the dependence of a fully committed disciple of Jesus. 68 00:06:04,059 –> 00:06:07,459 First then, the devotion of a fully committed disciple. 69 00:06:07,459 –> 00:06:13,940 And we’re going to begin at verse 36 that was read for us earlier. 70 00:06:13,980 –> 00:06:22,220 Simon Peter said to Jesus, Lord, where are You going? 71 00:06:22,220 –> 00:06:32,739 And it’s quite clear that at this point Peter is thinking, wherever it is, I’m right 72 00:06:32,739 –> 00:06:34,940 with you. 73 00:06:34,940 –> 00:06:41,880 If Jesus had said in this moment, Peter, I’m going to the cross, Peter would I think 74 00:06:42,000 –> 00:06:50,920 have said in the words of Ruth from the Old Testament, where you go, I will go. 75 00:06:50,920 –> 00:07:00,440 But Jesus says where I am going you cannot follow me now. 76 00:07:00,440 –> 00:07:05,000 And Peter is really committed so he doesn’t like this. 77 00:07:05,000 –> 00:07:08,720 What do you mean I can’t follow you now? 78 00:07:08,720 –> 00:07:10,779 Why can’t I follow you now? 79 00:07:11,779 –> 00:07:17,920 Don’t you realize that I am ready to lay down my life for you? 80 00:07:17,920 –> 00:07:20,799 Now let’s take this in and not dismiss it. 81 00:07:20,799 –> 00:07:24,000 It’s a remarkable thing. 82 00:07:24,000 –> 00:07:33,339 Here is a man who says to Jesus, whatever you have for me, I am ready to do. 83 00:07:33,339 –> 00:07:37,540 Wherever you will lead me, I am ready to go. 84 00:07:37,540 –> 00:07:43,720 Whatever it takes for me to be your disciple, I am all in even if it means laying down my 85 00:07:43,720 –> 00:07:45,220 life. 86 00:07:45,220 –> 00:07:51,059 Now you can’t get more committed than that. 87 00:07:51,059 –> 00:07:55,540 Judas would never have said I will lay down my life for you. 88 00:07:55,540 –> 00:08:06,260 But Peter did say that to Jesus, and there is no reason at all for us to doubt his sincerity. 89 00:08:06,260 –> 00:08:12,700 Peter was, and I want us to take this in today, a fully committed believer. 90 00:08:12,700 –> 00:08:20,339 Jesus, I will stand with you to the last. 91 00:08:20,339 –> 00:08:23,359 No matter how hard it gets. 92 00:08:23,359 –> 00:08:25,299 No matter what it takes. 93 00:08:25,299 –> 00:08:33,260 I am committed to do your will. 94 00:08:33,260 –> 00:08:38,859 Some of you in this congregation are as committed as Peter was. 95 00:08:38,859 –> 00:08:41,859 You are all in. 96 00:08:41,859 –> 00:08:52,020 You are fully devoted to Jesus, and that is a beautiful thing. 97 00:08:52,900 –> 00:08:59,299 Peter, of course, had been there just a few days earlier when you remember Mary 98 00:09:00,820 –> 00:09:12,820 had taken a jar of expensive ointment, and she had poured this costly ointment in its 99 00:09:12,820 –> 00:09:15,539 entirety over the head of Jesus. 100 00:09:15,539 –> 00:09:19,619 It was poured out so abundantly that it ran down the side of His face, 101 00:09:20,419 –> 00:09:24,659 dripped over His collar, soaked into His robes, and dripped down onto His feet. 102 00:09:24,659 –> 00:09:25,859 Peter saw that. 103 00:09:27,940 –> 00:09:31,859 And you remember what Jesus said when Mary 104 00:09:33,140 –> 00:09:37,299 poured out that act of extravagant love and devotion? 105 00:09:37,299 –> 00:09:38,260 Jesus said, 106 00:09:39,219 –> 00:09:44,820 What she has done is a beautiful thing. 107 00:09:45,539 –> 00:09:46,580 A beautiful thing. 108 00:09:50,099 –> 00:09:57,500 Now, pouring out a pint of expensive ointment over the head of Jesus 109 00:09:57,500 –> 00:10:01,059 isn’t the sort of thing that Peter could do, right? 110 00:10:02,900 –> 00:10:05,780 So how could he show that he really loved Jesus too? 111 00:10:05,780 –> 00:10:12,340 There’s no doubt in my mind that Peter’s commitment expressed 112 00:10:12,340 –> 00:10:14,739 here on the night that Jesus was betrayed to 113 00:10:14,739 –> 00:10:17,700 follow Jesus at any cost, whatever it takes, 114 00:10:17,700 –> 00:10:21,380 this was his way of expressing to Jesus 115 00:10:21,380 –> 00:10:25,539 the same love that Mary had shown 116 00:10:25,539 –> 00:10:28,179 in pouring the ointment over Jesus’ head. 117 00:10:28,179 –> 00:10:30,739 It is a beautiful thing. 118 00:10:30,739 –> 00:10:33,940 A willing spirit, friends, is a beautiful thing. 119 00:10:35,780 –> 00:10:39,940 And so let me challenge you with this question. 120 00:10:39,940 –> 00:10:44,340 You have come here today to worship Jesus. 121 00:10:44,340 –> 00:10:48,179 Are you willing to say to him today, 122 00:10:48,179 –> 00:10:52,500 Lord I will follow you. 123 00:10:52,659 –> 00:10:58,260 Whatever it takes, whatever you have for me, 124 00:10:58,260 –> 00:11:03,619 whatever it costs, I am ready 125 00:11:03,619 –> 00:11:06,340 to follow you. 126 00:11:07,059 –> 00:11:13,780 I challenge you with this question. Are you ready to follow Jesus, 127 00:11:13,780 –> 00:11:19,619 whatever it takes, are you willing to give, 128 00:11:19,619 –> 00:11:24,020 to serve, to go? 129 00:11:24,500 –> 00:11:30,260 Are you willing to suffer, to sacrifice 130 00:11:30,260 –> 00:11:33,059 to endure? 131 00:11:33,299 –> 00:11:42,099 Are you willing to forgive, to obey, to bless 132 00:11:44,099 –> 00:11:47,700 because if you’re not willing to do these things please don’t criticize 133 00:11:47,700 –> 00:11:50,580 those who are. 134 00:11:50,900 –> 00:11:54,419 You see, it’s easy to scoren people who don’t live 135 00:11:54,419 –> 00:11:59,619 up to what they said they would do but at least they were willing. 136 00:11:59,940 –> 00:12:03,700 They may not have lived up to what they said but at least they had the desire to 137 00:12:03,700 –> 00:12:06,900 do it. Why would you criticize them if you don’t 138 00:12:06,900 –> 00:12:09,859 even have the desire? 139 00:12:09,859 –> 00:12:14,659 The first sign 140 00:12:14,659 –> 00:12:18,419 that a man or woman is truly a disciple of Jesus 141 00:12:18,419 –> 00:12:27,140 is that they have a willing spirit. God makes his people willing 142 00:12:27,140 –> 00:12:36,260 and to be willing is a beautiful thing. Lord, here am I 143 00:12:36,739 –> 00:12:44,580 send me. Lord, by your grace make us willing, 144 00:12:44,979 –> 00:12:49,859 lead us to where your servant Peter was, 145 00:12:50,020 –> 00:12:57,619 the devotion of a fully committed disciple 146 00:12:57,619 –> 00:13:00,260 of Jesus. 147 00:13:00,500 –> 00:13:03,380 That’s the first thing. 148 00:13:03,619 –> 00:13:06,099 The second is 149 00:13:06,299 –> 00:13:08,179 the danger 150 00:13:08,179 –> 00:13:13,859 for a fully committed disciple of Jesus. 151 00:13:14,099 –> 00:13:15,580 Look at verse 38, 152 00:13:15,780 –> 00:13:17,739 Jesus answered. 153 00:13:17,940 –> 00:13:21,460 Will you lay down your life for me? 154 00:13:21,659 –> 00:13:22,460 Truly, truly, 155 00:13:22,659 –> 00:13:26,260 I say to you, the rooster will not crow 156 00:13:26,460 –> 00:13:29,460 till you have denied me 157 00:13:29,580 –> 00:13:32,059 three times. 158 00:13:32,140 –> 00:13:34,179 Now we’re going to look today 159 00:13:34,380 –> 00:13:39,099 at the sin into which a mature and committed 160 00:13:39,299 –> 00:13:43,260 believer is most likely to fall. 161 00:13:43,780 –> 00:13:46,619 Let’s follow the story. 162 00:13:46,820 –> 00:13:49,260 Peter is a mature disciple. 163 00:13:49,460 –> 00:13:52,140 He’s fully committed to Jesus. 164 00:13:52,419 –> 00:13:54,979 And he’s sitting at the table where he 165 00:13:55,179 –> 00:13:58,780 will have the Last Supper with Jesus Himself. 166 00:13:58,900 –> 00:14:01,260 Jesus tells him that in just a few 167 00:14:01,460 –> 00:14:04,539 hours this mature, devoted, fully committed 168 00:14:04,739 –> 00:14:10,739 Believer will deny that he ever knew his Lord. 169 00:14:10,979 –> 00:14:13,380 How did that happen? 170 00:14:13,580 –> 00:14:19,940 What could possibly have led to such a spiritual disaster? 171 00:14:20,140 –> 00:14:23,500 Let’s follow the story together. 172 00:14:24,059 –> 00:14:25,700 The gospels tell us that later that 173 00:14:25,820 –> 00:14:28,979 evening, Jesus and the disciples 174 00:14:29,179 –> 00:14:31,820 walked from the upper room to the Garden 175 00:14:32,020 –> 00:14:34,900 of Gethsemane and then Jesus said 176 00:14:35,099 –> 00:14:37,219 to Peter, and notice the words, 177 00:14:37,419 –> 00:14:42,820 The spirit indeed is willing. 178 00:14:43,020 –> 00:14:47,299 But the flesh is weak. 179 00:14:47,500 –> 00:14:51,820 And I think that word indeed is really significant. 180 00:14:52,020 –> 00:14:54,219 It’s as if Jesus is saying Peter, 181 00:14:54,340 –> 00:14:57,059 I know that you 182 00:14:57,260 –> 00:15:00,099 meant what you said earlier this evening. 183 00:15:00,299 –> 00:15:03,059 When you said, I will lay down 184 00:15:03,260 –> 00:15:07,580 my life for you, I know that you meant it. 185 00:15:07,780 –> 00:15:11,299 Your spirit is indeed willing. 186 00:15:11,500 –> 00:15:15,460 It’s the mark that you really are my disciple. 187 00:15:15,659 –> 00:15:17,979 But Peter, there is another reality that you really 188 00:15:18,179 –> 00:15:20,780 need to factor in. 189 00:15:21,020 –> 00:15:26,059 Your flesh is weak.” 190 00:15:27,419 –> 00:15:28,979 Now think about this friends. 191 00:15:29,179 –> 00:15:33,059 A willing spirit is the sure sign 192 00:15:33,260 –> 00:15:35,859 of a true disciple. 193 00:15:36,059 –> 00:15:38,299 But if you are going to follow Jesus you need 194 00:15:38,500 –> 00:15:41,500 more than a willing spirit. 195 00:15:41,700 –> 00:15:44,179 Do you see Peter’s problem did not 196 00:15:44,380 –> 00:15:46,419 lie in his spirit. 197 00:15:46,700 –> 00:15:50,619 He was as willing as any person could ever be. 198 00:15:50,820 –> 00:15:53,380 The problem for Peter lay in the weakness 199 00:15:53,580 –> 00:15:54,460 of his flesh. 200 00:15:54,659 –> 00:15:56,859 And this clearly from the fact that Jesus says 201 00:15:57,059 –> 00:15:59,700 it to him, is what Peter had missed. 202 00:15:59,900 –> 00:16:02,419 He assumed that all he needed 203 00:16:02,619 –> 00:16:04,820 to live a successful life, Christian life, 204 00:16:05,020 –> 00:16:06,859 was a willing spirit. 205 00:16:07,059 –> 00:16:09,020 And since he had a willing spirit, well then, 206 00:16:09,219 –> 00:16:13,219 everything would be just fine. 207 00:16:13,219 –> 00:16:16,500 And there is still 208 00:16:16,700 –> 00:16:19,219 today a kind of 209 00:16:19,419 –> 00:16:22,539 teaching that focuses 210 00:16:22,739 –> 00:16:26,859 exclusively on the will. 211 00:16:27,059 –> 00:16:30,900 Are you willing? 212 00:16:31,099 –> 00:16:33,820 Are you ready to crown Jesus as the Lord 213 00:16:34,020 –> 00:16:35,140 of your life? 214 00:16:35,340 –> 00:16:37,140 Are you ready to yield to Him? 215 00:16:37,340 –> 00:16:42,219 Are you willing to put Him in control? 216 00:16:42,460 –> 00:16:44,539 And you come to a place where 217 00:16:44,739 –> 00:16:47,979 you say yes lord I 218 00:16:48,179 –> 00:16:50,700 am willing and now 219 00:16:50,900 –> 00:16:55,619 you think Well all will be well. 220 00:16:55,820 –> 00:16:57,859 But you see Jesus identifies the problem. 221 00:16:58,059 –> 00:17:02,140 Yes your spirit is willing and that’s a beautiful thing. 222 00:17:02,340 –> 00:17:04,900 But here’s the problem, your 223 00:17:05,099 –> 00:17:09,819 flesh is weak. 224 00:17:09,979 –> 00:17:11,780 So you see Peter over 225 00:17:11,979 –> 00:17:14,420 estimated the power of 226 00:17:14,619 –> 00:17:15,660 his willing spirit. 227 00:17:15,859 –> 00:17:18,540 He thought that was all that he needed. 228 00:17:18,739 –> 00:17:22,260 And he underestimated the power 229 00:17:22,459 –> 00:17:25,260 of his reluctant flesh. 230 00:17:25,459 –> 00:17:27,739 And because he underestimated 231 00:17:27,939 –> 00:17:30,699 the power of his reluctant flesh this mature 232 00:17:30,900 –> 00:17:33,300 believer, this fully committed disciple 233 00:17:33,500 –> 00:17:35,979 who was ready to do anything for his Lord 234 00:17:36,180 –> 00:17:38,339 he fell into the power 235 00:17:38,540 –> 00:17:39,619 of very great sin. 236 00:17:44,819 –> 00:17:48,020 Now I want us to see today 237 00:17:48,219 –> 00:17:50,300 that there are some temptations that 238 00:17:50,500 –> 00:17:52,619 only come to fully 239 00:17:52,819 –> 00:17:57,300 committed disciples of Jesus. 240 00:17:57,540 –> 00:18:00,699 We’re going to look today at a sin 241 00:18:00,900 –> 00:18:04,900 into which pastors 242 00:18:05,099 –> 00:18:08,459 may be most liable to fall 243 00:18:08,939 –> 00:18:11,619 and elders and cross 244 00:18:11,819 –> 00:18:15,060 cultural missionaries. 245 00:18:15,260 –> 00:18:17,339 We’re going to look at a temptation that 246 00:18:17,540 –> 00:18:20,219 is more likely to come 247 00:18:20,420 –> 00:18:22,739 to major donors and 248 00:18:22,939 –> 00:18:25,579 ministry leaders than 249 00:18:25,780 –> 00:18:29,180 to other believers. 250 00:18:29,380 –> 00:18:31,819 What is this sin to which the 251 00:18:32,020 –> 00:18:34,819 most committed 252 00:18:35,020 –> 00:18:38,060 are most likely to be tempted? 253 00:18:38,260 –> 00:18:40,619 What sin is most likely 254 00:18:40,819 –> 00:18:44,180 to arise from the flesh 255 00:18:44,380 –> 00:18:46,380 of a fully committed believer? 256 00:18:46,579 –> 00:18:49,099 You know the answer don’t you? 257 00:18:49,300 –> 00:18:53,300 It’s spiritual pride. 258 00:18:53,500 –> 00:18:55,660 And there can be no question that this indeed 259 00:18:55,859 –> 00:18:58,420 is the root sin into which Peter 260 00:18:58,619 –> 00:19:00,819 fell and it is the explanation 261 00:19:01,020 –> 00:19:03,339 indeed of why he further down 262 00:19:03,540 –> 00:19:06,300 the line as we’ll look God willing next week 263 00:19:06,500 –> 00:19:09,819 fell into a complete and utter spiritual 264 00:19:10,020 –> 00:19:11,739 disaster. 265 00:19:11,939 –> 00:19:14,300 And I want you to notice the significance of this that 266 00:19:14,500 –> 00:19:17,500 Peter fell into spiritual 267 00:19:17,699 –> 00:19:20,060 pride on the very night that he pledged 268 00:19:20,260 –> 00:19:21,380 his whole life to Jesus. 269 00:19:21,579 –> 00:19:24,300 You see the connection? 270 00:19:24,500 –> 00:19:26,780 It’s on the night that he says I’ll do anything, 271 00:19:26,979 –> 00:19:30,140 even if I lay down my life. 272 00:19:30,380 –> 00:19:33,260 And it’s on that night 273 00:19:33,459 –> 00:19:35,540 that the fully committed believer falls 274 00:19:35,739 –> 00:19:39,780 into the sin 275 00:19:39,979 –> 00:19:43,300 of spiritual pride. 276 00:19:43,500 –> 00:19:45,859 Now there are four signs of spiritual 277 00:19:46,060 –> 00:19:48,380 pride in this story. 278 00:19:48,579 –> 00:19:51,180 And as we look at them together, I want you honestly 279 00:19:51,380 –> 00:19:54,020 to ask this question as I’ve sought to ask 280 00:19:54,219 –> 00:19:55,939 it of myself this week. 281 00:19:56,140 –> 00:19:58,979 Are there any signs of these 282 00:19:59,780 –> 00:20:02,979 in me? 283 00:20:03,180 –> 00:20:06,500 First sign of spiritual pride 284 00:20:06,699 –> 00:20:09,739 is that you feel stronger 285 00:20:09,939 –> 00:20:12,900 than other believers. 286 00:20:13,099 –> 00:20:15,339 Matthew tells us that after the supper, Jesus 287 00:20:15,540 –> 00:20:17,979 went to the Mount of Olives and then to the garden of 288 00:20:18,180 –> 00:20:19,380 Gethsemane. 289 00:20:19,579 –> 00:20:22,699 And he quoted the words of the prophet Zechariah. 290 00:20:22,900 –> 00:20:25,300 I will strike the shepherd and 291 00:20:25,500 –> 00:20:28,219 the sheep of the flock will be scattered. 292 00:20:28,459 –> 00:20:30,819 And then Matthew tells us that 293 00:20:31,020 –> 00:20:34,020 Peter answered him though 294 00:20:34,219 –> 00:20:36,579 they all fall away. 295 00:20:36,780 –> 00:20:39,500 Because of you, I will 296 00:20:39,699 –> 00:20:42,380 never fall away. 297 00:20:42,579 –> 00:20:44,699 Now you see what’s happening there don’t you. 298 00:20:44,900 –> 00:20:47,579 Peter’s looking at the other believers and he’s saying 299 00:20:47,780 –> 00:20:50,500 I’m more committed than they are. 300 00:20:52,660 –> 00:20:55,140 They may indeed fall away. 301 00:20:55,339 –> 00:20:57,900 But then that’s because they’ve never quite made the commitment 302 00:20:57,900 –> 00:21:00,219 that I have. 303 00:21:01,660 –> 00:21:04,660 But not me. 304 00:21:05,060 –> 00:21:08,099 I will never follow me. 305 00:21:08,300 –> 00:21:10,540 I just want to ask you have you 306 00:21:10,739 –> 00:21:12,979 seen any trace of this first 307 00:21:13,180 –> 00:21:15,819 sign of spiritual pride 308 00:21:16,020 –> 00:21:19,339 in your own heart? 309 00:21:19,579 –> 00:21:22,060 Have you 310 00:21:22,260 –> 00:21:24,459 looked at other believers and said 311 00:21:24,780 –> 00:21:25,619 in your heart, you know what? 312 00:21:25,819 –> 00:21:28,699 The standard of commitment isn’t really very high. 313 00:21:28,900 –> 00:21:31,660 Have you ever said or thought something like that, 314 00:21:31,859 –> 00:21:34,979 as you’ve looked at others? 315 00:21:35,180 –> 00:21:38,939 I’m more committed than they are. 316 00:21:39,140 –> 00:21:41,540 I know more. 317 00:21:41,739 –> 00:21:43,979 I give more. 318 00:21:44,180 –> 00:21:46,859 I serve more. 319 00:21:47,060 –> 00:21:50,500 And I pray more. 320 00:21:50,699 –> 00:21:53,060 Have you ever looked at other believers and thought in your 321 00:21:53,300 –> 00:21:58,339 heart that you are more stable than they are? 322 00:21:58,540 –> 00:22:02,099 More loving than they are? 323 00:22:02,300 –> 00:22:06,900 More mature than they are? 324 00:22:07,099 –> 00:22:10,459 You see, that’s where Peter was. 325 00:22:10,660 –> 00:22:13,180 And feeling that you are stronger than 326 00:22:13,380 –> 00:22:17,459 other believers is the first sign 327 00:22:17,660 –> 00:22:20,339 of spiritual pride. 328 00:22:20,619 –> 00:22:22,979 Let him who thinks he stands 329 00:22:23,180 –> 00:22:28,420 take heed lest he fall. 330 00:22:28,619 –> 00:22:31,020 The second mark of spiritual pride 331 00:22:31,219 –> 00:22:33,660 that we see in the story is that you begin 332 00:22:33,859 –> 00:22:38,819 to hear the words of Jesus for others. 333 00:22:39,020 –> 00:22:41,660 But not for yourself. 334 00:22:41,859 –> 00:22:44,579 I want you to notice verse thirty 335 00:22:44,780 –> 00:22:47,579 one of Matthew 26 336 00:22:47,619 –> 00:22:51,739 where Jesus said to the disciples, 337 00:22:51,939 –> 00:22:56,060 you will all fall away 338 00:22:56,260 –> 00:22:59,900 because of me this night. 339 00:23:00,099 –> 00:23:05,859 You’re all going to fall away, everyone of you. 340 00:23:06,060 –> 00:23:09,540 And then verse thirty five, Peter said to him, 341 00:23:09,739 –> 00:23:13,380 even if I must die with you, I will not deny you. 342 00:23:13,579 –> 00:23:14,300 Now, do you see what he’s doing? 343 00:23:14,339 –> 00:23:19,060 He directly contradicts the word of Jesus. 344 00:23:19,260 –> 00:23:24,459 That word’s for others, not for me. 345 00:23:24,660 –> 00:23:29,140 Here we have a direct prophecy from the lips of Jesus. 346 00:23:29,459 –> 00:23:32,420 You’ll all fall away tonight, 347 00:23:32,619 –> 00:23:35,819 that’s what Jesus said to the disciples. 348 00:23:36,020 –> 00:23:39,819 But you see, Peter has constructed his own narrative about himself. 349 00:23:40,020 –> 00:23:41,300 He’s a fully committed believer. 350 00:23:41,579 –> 00:23:43,699 He’s quite sure, therefore, that the words 351 00:23:43,900 –> 00:23:48,380 of Jesus cannot possibly apply to him. 352 00:23:52,979 –> 00:23:56,260 I wonder if there’s anyone here actually who want to recognize 353 00:23:56,459 –> 00:24:01,339 a trace of this second sign of spiritual pride in your heart. 354 00:24:02,260 –> 00:24:04,260 You hear the word of God and you think 355 00:24:04,459 –> 00:24:09,020 this is a great message for and then you insert someone’s name in there and you say, 356 00:24:09,219 –> 00:24:11,020 I hope they’re listening to this. 357 00:24:11,579 –> 00:24:13,739 You know, he really needs to hear it. 358 00:24:13,939 –> 00:24:17,099 And if he’s not here, maybe I can get the recording. 359 00:24:17,260 –> 00:24:21,300 And you say all the time, you’re hearing 360 00:24:21,500 –> 00:24:25,780 the word of Christ and it’s applied to others. 361 00:24:25,979 –> 00:24:32,260 But you do not see the application of it to yourself. 362 00:24:33,180 –> 00:24:35,339 The third sign of spiritual pride is that 363 00:24:35,540 –> 00:24:38,260 you no longer feel the need to pray. 364 00:24:39,180 –> 00:24:42,219 After prophesying that Jesus would deny him, 365 00:24:42,420 –> 00:24:45,459 Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane, 366 00:24:45,660 –> 00:24:46,219 that Peter would deny him, 367 00:24:46,420 –> 00:24:48,739 Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane 368 00:24:48,939 –> 00:24:51,739 and he took Peter and James and John with him. 369 00:24:51,939 –> 00:24:54,420 And he said to them, watch and pray 370 00:24:54,619 –> 00:24:57,540 that you may not enter into temptation. 371 00:24:57,739 –> 00:25:02,780 The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 372 00:25:02,979 –> 00:25:03,780 And then you remember, 373 00:25:03,979 –> 00:25:06,500 Jesus went on his own to pray 374 00:25:06,699 –> 00:25:08,060 and when he came back there was 375 00:25:08,260 –> 00:25:10,540 he found them not praying 376 00:25:10,739 –> 00:25:13,339 but sleeping 377 00:25:13,540 –> 00:25:15,380 and Peter did not watch, 378 00:25:15,579 –> 00:25:16,859 Peter did not pray 379 00:25:17,060 –> 00:25:22,619 and Peter did fall into temptation. 380 00:25:22,819 –> 00:25:25,260 So let me frame the question for you this way. 381 00:25:25,459 –> 00:25:28,500 Are you wholly convinced 382 00:25:28,699 –> 00:25:32,979 that you need the help of God to do what he’s called you to do. 383 00:25:33,180 –> 00:25:35,020 Do you really believe that? 384 00:25:35,140 –> 00:25:39,660 Like you can’t do it without him. 385 00:25:40,180 –> 00:25:42,780 Do you really believe are you wholly convinced 386 00:25:42,979 –> 00:25:45,819 that you are utterly dependent upon the power 387 00:25:46,020 –> 00:25:48,500 and presence of the Holy Spirit in order 388 00:25:48,699 –> 00:25:50,859 to live the life that he has called you to live. 389 00:25:51,060 –> 00:25:58,260 If you are wholly convinced of these things you will pray. 390 00:25:58,459 –> 00:26:01,420 And if you don’t pray 391 00:26:01,619 –> 00:26:03,939 it is surely a sign that you no longer 392 00:26:04,099 –> 00:26:08,739 really feel that you need him. 393 00:26:08,939 –> 00:26:11,380 Somewhere deep in your heart you have 394 00:26:11,579 –> 00:26:14,060 come to feel that you can do what 395 00:26:14,260 –> 00:26:21,180 God has called you to do without him. 396 00:26:21,420 –> 00:26:24,500 Prayerlessness is a sure 397 00:26:24,699 –> 00:26:30,260 sign, of spiritual pride. 398 00:26:30,420 –> 00:26:33,300 Do you see evidence of this 399 00:26:33,500 –> 00:26:36,500 third sign of spiritual 400 00:26:36,699 –> 00:26:41,939 pride in your life? 401 00:26:42,140 –> 00:26:44,500 And then the fourth sign is that you 402 00:26:44,699 –> 00:26:47,540 feel that the work of Jesus 403 00:26:47,739 –> 00:26:50,420 depends on you. 404 00:26:50,619 –> 00:26:52,780 Immediately after they, while in the garden of 405 00:26:52,979 –> 00:26:55,300 Gethsemane, I should say you remember 406 00:26:55,500 –> 00:26:58,060 that as Peter was sleeping and Jesus 407 00:26:58,260 –> 00:26:59,979 came and then wakened him up and said you better 408 00:27:00,140 –> 00:27:02,859 take your sleep later because 409 00:27:03,060 –> 00:27:05,300 I’m about to be arrested and Judas arrives 410 00:27:05,500 –> 00:27:07,900 in the garden with the soldiers 411 00:27:08,099 –> 00:27:11,900 with the armed mob. 412 00:27:12,099 –> 00:27:15,660 And Judas steps forward to 413 00:27:15,859 –> 00:27:18,939 identify Jesus with a kiss 414 00:27:19,140 –> 00:27:21,859 and John records then Simon 415 00:27:22,060 –> 00:27:24,380 Peter having a sword drew 416 00:27:24,579 –> 00:27:27,099 it, and struck 417 00:27:27,300 –> 00:27:28,859 the high priest’s servant. 418 00:27:29,140 –> 00:27:31,219 You see what Peter’s thinking here 419 00:27:31,420 –> 00:27:33,540 as Judas steps forward Peter’s thinking 420 00:27:33,739 –> 00:27:37,219 I can’t let this happen to Jesus. 421 00:27:37,420 –> 00:27:40,300 I have to step in.” 422 00:27:40,500 –> 00:27:42,859 And so he draws his sword he is fully committed 423 00:27:43,060 –> 00:27:45,459 and he is ready to defend Jesus he is ready 424 00:27:45,660 –> 00:27:48,180 to give his life right there and then in the Garden 425 00:27:48,380 –> 00:27:49,540 of Gethsemane. 426 00:27:53,099 –> 00:27:55,459 And Jesus said to him 427 00:27:55,819 –> 00:27:58,900 put your sword back into its place. 428 00:28:00,099 –> 00:28:02,260 For all who take the sword will perish 429 00:28:02,459 –> 00:28:03,140 by the sword. 430 00:28:03,339 –> 00:28:05,780 Do you think that I cannot 431 00:28:05,979 –> 00:28:07,579 appeal to my father 432 00:28:07,780 –> 00:28:09,900 and he will at once send 433 00:28:10,099 –> 00:28:14,020 me more than twelve legions of angels. 434 00:28:17,099 –> 00:28:19,380 Peter do you really 435 00:28:19,579 –> 00:28:22,099 think that I need 436 00:28:22,180 –> 00:28:24,939 you and your little sword to defend me. 437 00:28:29,819 –> 00:28:31,380 Right now 438 00:28:32,300 –> 00:28:36,459 I could call twelve legions of angels. 439 00:28:40,260 –> 00:28:43,380 Have you ever seen 440 00:28:43,579 –> 00:28:46,099 this fourth sign of 441 00:28:46,300 –> 00:28:48,780 spiritual pride in your heart? 442 00:28:49,699 –> 00:28:55,500 If you think and speak and act 443 00:28:55,660 –> 00:28:58,099 as if the weight of the work of 444 00:28:58,300 –> 00:29:00,780 Jesus in its entirety rested on your 445 00:29:00,979 –> 00:29:03,300 shoulders that is spiritual pride. 446 00:29:05,819 –> 00:29:09,979 Jesus calls us to engage in his work 447 00:29:11,900 –> 00:29:13,780 but the work of Jesus doesn’t depend 448 00:29:13,979 –> 00:29:14,579 on any of us. 449 00:29:14,780 –> 00:29:15,300 Right. 450 00:29:16,540 –> 00:29:18,260 And if any of us is going 451 00:29:18,660 –> 00:29:21,219 on tomorrow Christ’s work will still be 452 00:29:21,420 –> 00:29:21,619 done. 453 00:29:23,099 –> 00:29:26,540 He has more resources at his disposal 454 00:29:27,180 –> 00:29:30,699 than any of us can even count 455 00:29:31,699 –> 00:29:32,459 or imagine. 456 00:29:34,979 –> 00:29:38,579 So we’ve looked at the devotion of a 457 00:29:38,780 –> 00:29:40,619 fully committed disciple. 458 00:29:40,819 –> 00:29:42,660 It’s a beautiful thing to be willing as 459 00:29:42,859 –> 00:29:43,660 Peter was willing. 460 00:29:44,420 –> 00:29:46,260 Let’s take the challenge into our 461 00:29:46,459 –> 00:29:47,020 hearts. 462 00:29:48,500 –> 00:29:50,219 Let’s not scorn those who are more 463 00:29:50,420 –> 00:29:51,300 committed than we are 464 00:29:52,579 –> 00:29:53,979 more willing than we are. 465 00:29:56,420 –> 00:29:58,819 We’ve looked then at the danger 466 00:29:59,060 –> 00:30:02,060 the snare that lies on the path 467 00:30:02,260 –> 00:30:02,979 of the most committed. 468 00:30:03,180 –> 00:30:03,660 What is it? 469 00:30:05,079 –> 00:30:06,180 Spiritual pride. 470 00:30:08,199 –> 00:30:10,699 And then lastly today I want us to look 471 00:30:10,900 –> 00:30:13,140 at the dependence therefore of 472 00:30:13,339 –> 00:30:15,699 a fully committed disciple. 473 00:30:15,900 –> 00:30:17,900 And here now we come back to the 474 00:30:17,900 –> 00:30:20,420 first passage that was read in 475 00:30:20,619 –> 00:30:22,160 John and Chapter 13 476 00:30:22,939 –> 00:30:25,140 that describes our Lord’s washing 477 00:30:25,500 –> 00:30:26,780 of the disciples feet. 478 00:30:26,979 –> 00:30:29,599 And this remarkable beautiful 479 00:30:29,800 –> 00:30:31,939 story speaks to us at 480 00:30:32,140 –> 00:30:33,760 multiple levels. 481 00:30:35,239 –> 00:30:37,660 Jesus quite clearly tells 482 00:30:37,859 –> 00:30:40,260 us that what he did was an example. 483 00:30:40,520 –> 00:30:42,900 It was an illustration teaching 484 00:30:43,099 –> 00:30:45,099 us of how we should serve one another 485 00:30:45,380 –> 00:30:46,859 in humble love. 486 00:30:48,099 –> 00:30:49,260 But there’s more here. 487 00:30:50,540 –> 00:30:52,060 It’s about washing 488 00:30:53,300 –> 00:30:55,560 and it is a beautiful picture 489 00:30:55,760 –> 00:30:57,699 surely of what our Lord Jesus 490 00:30:57,900 –> 00:30:59,479 himself came into the 491 00:30:59,680 –> 00:31:00,760 world to do. 492 00:31:00,959 –> 00:31:03,119 He came to wash us 493 00:31:04,719 –> 00:31:06,859 and he came to cleanse 494 00:31:07,060 –> 00:31:09,239 us from sin. 495 00:31:10,900 –> 00:31:12,859 And John pictures 496 00:31:13,560 –> 00:31:15,459 the occasion for 497 00:31:15,660 –> 00:31:17,280 us recalling how 498 00:31:17,359 –> 00:31:19,459 Jesus rose from the supper 499 00:31:20,260 –> 00:31:22,319 and laid aside his outer garments 500 00:31:22,520 –> 00:31:24,479 and taking a towel he tied 501 00:31:24,680 –> 00:31:26,520 it around his waist and then he 502 00:31:26,719 –> 00:31:28,640 poured water into a basin and began 503 00:31:28,839 –> 00:31:30,280 to wash the disciples feet. 504 00:31:30,479 –> 00:31:32,560 Can you picture Jesus moving 505 00:31:32,780 –> 00:31:34,000 around the disciples 506 00:31:34,199 –> 00:31:35,119 with this ball 507 00:31:35,319 –> 00:31:36,300 and with this towel 508 00:31:36,500 –> 00:31:37,160 and this water 509 00:31:37,359 –> 00:31:38,160 and these feet 510 00:31:38,359 –> 00:31:40,560 and his hands. 511 00:31:43,680 –> 00:31:45,719 And he washes the feet of James 512 00:31:46,719 –> 00:31:47,680 and of John 513 00:31:49,079 –> 00:31:49,939 and of Andrew 514 00:31:51,680 –> 00:31:52,660 and of Thomas. 515 00:31:54,500 –> 00:31:56,459 And then he comes to Simon Peter. 516 00:31:58,180 –> 00:32:00,319 And I want you to notice that 517 00:32:00,520 –> 00:32:02,359 when Jesus came to wash the 518 00:32:02,560 –> 00:32:03,719 feet of Peter 519 00:32:05,660 –> 00:32:07,780 Simon had two very 520 00:32:07,979 –> 00:32:09,959 different responses 521 00:32:10,160 –> 00:32:11,439 one immediately after the other. 522 00:32:13,520 –> 00:32:15,359 His first response is in verse 6 523 00:32:15,439 –> 00:32:16,140 to 8. 524 00:32:16,339 –> 00:32:18,119 Jesus came to Simon Peter who 525 00:32:18,319 –> 00:32:20,199 said to him Lord do you wash my feet. 526 00:32:22,599 –> 00:32:23,880 Jesus answered him 527 00:32:24,920 –> 00:32:26,800 what I am doing you do 528 00:32:27,000 –> 00:32:28,199 not understand now 529 00:32:28,400 –> 00:32:30,040 but afterward you will 530 00:32:30,239 –> 00:32:31,119 understand. 531 00:32:33,619 –> 00:32:35,680 Then Peter said to him you shall never 532 00:32:35,880 –> 00:32:37,239 wash my feet. 533 00:32:40,479 –> 00:32:41,500 That’s the first response. 534 00:32:43,859 –> 00:32:44,979 You shall never wash my feet. 535 00:32:45,420 –> 00:32:49,339 Then 536 00:32:49,540 –> 00:32:51,579 notice that having 537 00:32:51,780 –> 00:32:53,900 said that he swings 538 00:32:54,099 –> 00:32:55,400 to a completely different 539 00:32:55,599 –> 00:32:56,900 and opposite response. 540 00:32:58,500 –> 00:33:00,180 Jesus answered him verse 8 541 00:33:00,380 –> 00:33:01,939 if you if I do 542 00:33:02,140 –> 00:33:04,060 not wash you you have 543 00:33:04,260 –> 00:33:05,060 no share with me. 544 00:33:06,920 –> 00:33:08,660 Well now Peter has a different response. 545 00:33:08,859 –> 00:33:11,020 He says Peter said to him Lord 546 00:33:11,319 –> 00:33:12,520 not my feet only 547 00:33:13,359 –> 00:33:14,599 but also my hands 548 00:33:15,239 –> 00:33:16,000 and my head. 549 00:33:17,599 –> 00:33:19,180 Then Jesus said to him 550 00:33:19,479 –> 00:33:20,760 talk both times. 551 00:33:20,959 –> 00:33:22,839 Jesus corrects him in regards to both 552 00:33:23,040 –> 00:33:23,680 responses. 553 00:33:25,079 –> 00:33:26,359 And here’s how Jesus corrects in the second 554 00:33:26,839 –> 00:33:28,400 time the one who has 555 00:33:28,599 –> 00:33:30,540 bathed does not need to wash 556 00:33:30,739 –> 00:33:32,180 except for his feet 557 00:33:33,739 –> 00:33:35,280 but is completely clean. 558 00:33:37,619 –> 00:33:38,479 And you are clean. 559 00:33:41,680 –> 00:33:43,439 Now this is full of 560 00:33:43,640 –> 00:33:45,520 significance for us today 561 00:33:45,719 –> 00:33:47,500 and directly related to what 562 00:33:47,699 –> 00:33:49,400 we’ve been looking at in the 563 00:33:49,599 –> 00:33:50,599 scriptures this morning. 564 00:33:50,800 –> 00:33:52,939 What happens when a christian 565 00:33:53,140 -> 00:33:53,699 sins 566 00:33:56,000 –> 00:33:58,359 what happens when a mature believer 567 00:33:59,400 –> 00:34:00,839 with a willing spirit 568 00:34:02,520 –> 00:34:04,359 is years down the line as 569 00:34:04,560 –> 00:34:06,280 a disciple overcome by 570 00:34:06,479 –> 00:34:08,260 the power of temptation that arises 571 00:34:08,459 –> 00:34:10,040 from his or her own flesh. 572 00:34:12,020 –> 00:34:14,020 Here you are a fully committed 573 00:34:14,219 –> 00:34:15,300 disciple of Jesus you’ve been 574 00:34:15,500 –> 00:34:16,580 following the Lord Jesus for 575 00:34:16,780 –> 00:34:17,899 years you’ve been serving him 576 00:34:18,100 –> 00:34:20,199 and then you fall into 577 00:34:20,399 –> 00:34:22,060 some sin 578 00:34:23,179 –> 00:34:24,060 or temptation. 579 00:34:26,600 –> 00:34:28,100 When that happens 580 00:34:29,899 –> 00:34:31,840 you will be confronted by two 581 00:34:32,040 –> 00:34:32,780 dangers 582 00:34:35,580 –> 00:34:37,300 the first is to dismiss 583 00:34:37,500 –> 00:34:38,280 what happened 584 00:34:38,280 –> 00:34:40,739 to say 585 00:34:40,939 –> 00:34:43,820 it’s no big deal 586 00:34:44,020 –> 00:34:46,379 and 587 00:34:46,580 –> 00:34:47,300 simply move on. 588 00:34:48,340 –> 00:34:49,600 That will be your first danger 589 00:34:50,280 –> 00:34:51,080 to dismiss it. 590 00:34:54,060 –> 00:34:55,379 The second danger of course is 591 00:34:55,580 –> 00:34:57,439 the opposite that far from dismissing 592 00:34:57,639 –> 00:34:58,860 what has happened your sin will 593 00:34:59,060 –> 00:35:00,739 lead you to a sense of despair. 594 00:35:03,399 –> 00:35:05,020 You’ll begin to question 595 00:35:05,280 –> 00:35:07,439 whether you were ever really 596 00:35:07,560 –> 00:35:08,239 a Christian. 597 00:35:10,239 –> 00:35:12,159 Maybe I was never truly 598 00:35:12,360 –> 00:35:14,179 converted in the first place. 599 00:35:16,060 –> 00:35:18,280 And I think that these two 600 00:35:18,479 –> 00:35:19,800 dangers these twin 601 00:35:20,000 –> 00:35:21,520 and opposite dangers 602 00:35:22,100 –> 00:35:24,800 are perfectly illustrated 603 00:35:25,000 –> 00:35:26,879 in Peters twin 604 00:35:27,080 –> 00:35:28,320 reactions to Jesus 605 00:35:28,520 –> 00:35:29,879 or perhaps more particularly 606 00:35:30,080 –> 00:35:32,199 in Jesus to corrections 607 00:35:32,399 –> 00:35:34,320 to Peters response. 608 00:35:34,580 –> 00:35:36,439 Peters first responsive to dismiss 609 00:35:36,639 –> 00:35:38,719 I don’t need you to wash my feet, 610 00:35:40,020 –> 00:35:41,379 and Jesus says in effect. 611 00:35:41,580 –> 00:35:42,120 Oh yes you do. 612 00:35:43,360 –> 00:35:45,239 Oh yes you do. 613 00:35:46,139 –> 00:35:48,399 If I do not wash 614 00:35:48,600 –> 00:35:50,040 you you have no 615 00:35:50,239 –> 00:35:51,560 share in me. 616 00:35:54,280 –> 00:35:56,159 And then you see 617 00:35:56,360 –> 00:35:57,639 Peter plunges into despair. 618 00:35:59,459 –> 00:36:01,639 He feels as if now nothing in his life 619 00:36:01,840 –> 00:36:03,699 is right and he says well Lord 620 00:36:03,899 –> 00:36:04,719 not my feet only 621 00:36:04,760 –> 00:36:05,959 but also my hands 622 00:36:06,159 –> 00:36:07,919 and my head. 623 00:36:10,479 –> 00:36:12,340 Very wise writer by the name of 624 00:36:12,540 –> 00:36:12,820 F.W. 625 00:36:13,020 –> 00:36:14,419 Krumacher describes 626 00:36:14,860 –> 00:36:16,899 what often happens when a believer 627 00:36:17,100 –> 00:36:18,159 falls into sin. 628 00:36:18,360 –> 00:36:18,979 He says it so well. 629 00:36:19,179 –> 00:36:20,899 I’m just going to read this short paragraph to 630 00:36:21,100 –> 00:36:22,800 you. He says two by 631 00:36:23,000 –> 00:36:24,879 paths present themselves 632 00:36:25,159 –> 00:36:26,959 and not unfrequently 633 00:36:27,159 –> 00:36:28,280 one of them is taken. 634 00:36:29,040 –> 00:36:30,439 We have a believer falls into sin 635 00:36:30,639 –> 00:36:32,479 and he says what often happens 636 00:36:32,679 –> 00:36:34,620 is that that believer goes one of two ways. 637 00:36:35,699 –> 00:36:37,600 The individual either 638 00:36:38,419 –> 00:36:40,879 gives himself up to an excessive 639 00:36:41,080 –> 00:36:41,939 feeling of guilt 640 00:36:42,139 –> 00:36:43,520 and cries out with Peter 641 00:36:43,719 –> 00:36:45,159 Lord not my feet only 642 00:36:45,360 –> 00:36:46,219 but also my hands 643 00:36:46,419 –> 00:36:47,100 and my head 644 00:36:48,199 –> 00:36:49,080 or. 645 00:36:50,100 –> 00:36:51,959 The man takes his transgression too 646 00:36:52,159 –> 00:36:52,540 easily 647 00:36:53,840 –> 00:36:55,699 persuades himself that the faults 648 00:36:55,899 –> 00:36:57,840 he has committed are of no importance 649 00:36:58,520 –> 00:37:00,760 and thus unconcernedly 650 00:37:00,959 –> 00:37:02,699 proceeds on 651 00:37:02,899 –> 00:37:03,780 his way. 652 00:37:05,560 –> 00:37:07,379 So I want in this 653 00:37:07,560 –> 00:37:09,199 last moment then to press 654 00:37:09,659 –> 00:37:11,280 this home to you that 655 00:37:12,060 –> 00:37:14,139 every Christian lives 656 00:37:14,739 –> 00:37:16,100 with two realities 657 00:37:17,840 –> 00:37:19,340 I needs to be cleansed 658 00:37:20,560 –> 00:37:21,439 and I am clean. 659 00:37:22,860 –> 00:37:23,580 Both are true. 660 00:37:25,360 –> 00:37:27,780 I need to be cleansed 661 00:37:28,659 –> 00:37:29,699 Jesus answered to him. 662 00:37:29,899 –> 00:37:31,060 If you do not. 663 00:37:31,260 –> 00:37:32,939 If I do not wash you you 664 00:37:33,040 –> 00:37:34,439 have no share with me. 665 00:37:34,479 –> 00:37:36,060 That’s John 13 and verse 666 00:37:36,439 –> 00:37:37,500 8 Everyday. 667 00:37:39,020 –> 00:37:40,320 Some new sin attaches 668 00:37:40,959 –> 00:37:42,560 itself to our minds 669 00:37:43,260 –> 00:37:45,479 our hearts our wills 670 00:37:45,760 –> 00:37:46,719 our hands 671 00:37:47,060 –> 00:37:47,679 and our feet. 672 00:37:51,199 –> 00:37:52,840 So when for example as we thought about 673 00:37:53,080 –> 00:37:54,739 one particular sin today 674 00:37:55,800 –> 00:37:57,399 in which many of us surely will have seen some 675 00:37:57,620 –> 00:37:59,100 trace in our own hearts 676 00:38:00,820 –> 00:38:02,500 and you see the signs of spiritual pride 677 00:38:02,879 –> 00:38:04,080 or any other sin. 678 00:38:05,239 –> 00:38:06,340 Don’t dismiss it. 679 00:38:09,159 –> 00:38:10,699 Don’t say well that’s just how it is. 680 00:38:12,800 –> 00:38:14,199 Don’t simply move on. 681 00:38:16,760 –> 00:38:19,300 Bring it to Christ today 682 00:38:20,520 –> 00:38:21,360 and confess it. 683 00:38:23,739 –> 00:38:25,040 Ask Him to forgive you 684 00:38:27,360 –> 00:38:29,560 and thank Him for the cleansing 685 00:38:29,560 –> 00:38:31,139 power of His blood that covers 686 00:38:31,679 –> 00:38:32,000 you. 687 00:38:33,320 –> 00:38:35,340 And if you have not yet believed 688 00:38:35,340 –> 00:38:36,899 in the Lord Jesus Christ and 689 00:38:36,919 –> 00:38:38,659 trusted your soul to Him, I want 690 00:38:38,659 –> 00:38:40,780 you to hear this word of Jesus 691 00:38:40,820 –> 00:38:41,919 directly today. 692 00:38:42,040 –> 00:38:44,360 If I do not wash you 693 00:38:44,379 –> 00:38:45,939 you have no share with me. 694 00:38:49,959 –> 00:38:51,020 So come to Jesus. 695 00:38:53,139 –> 00:38:54,820 Come humbly come believingly 696 00:38:57,060 –> 00:38:59,139 and ask Him to cleanse you 697 00:38:59,179 –> 00:39:00,939 trust Him to do it 698 00:39:00,939 –> 00:39:03,679 and because He 699 00:39:03,679 –> 00:39:05,379 died on the cross for this very 700 00:39:05,379 –> 00:39:07,699 purpose, you can be 701 00:39:07,699 –> 00:39:10,100 sure that He will. 702 00:39:13,100 –> 00:39:14,899 I need to be cleansed and 703 00:39:15,020 –> 00:39:17,340 with that I need to hold 704 00:39:17,340 –> 00:39:18,879 in mind this other truth 705 00:39:19,419 –> 00:39:21,379 that Jesus so clearly states in 706 00:39:21,379 –> 00:39:23,860 V.10, that in Christ 707 00:39:23,860 –> 00:39:24,600 I am clean. 708 00:39:25,719 –> 00:39:27,280 Jesus said to Him, 709 00:39:28,179 –> 00:39:30,560 The one who has bathed does 710 00:39:30,560 –> 00:39:32,439 not need to wash except for 711 00:39:32,520 –> 00:39:34,600 his feet but is completely 712 00:39:34,600 –> 00:39:37,459 clean and you are 713 00:39:38,679 –> 00:39:39,179 clean. 714 00:39:41,080 –> 00:39:42,340 When you believed in the Lord 715 00:39:42,340 –> 00:39:44,120 Jesus Christ, He washed 716 00:39:44,120 –> 00:39:45,360 you clean. 717 00:39:46,780 –> 00:39:48,600 You were born again. 718 00:39:49,879 –> 00:39:51,600 You became a new creation in 719 00:39:51,600 –> 00:39:52,439 Christ. 720 00:39:53,840 –> 00:39:55,040 You were adopted into the 721 00:39:55,040 –> 00:39:56,159 family of God. 722 00:39:58,280 –> 00:39:59,479 The apostle Peter says in 723 00:39:59,479 –> 00:40:00,840 1 Corinthians chapter 6 and 724 00:40:00,840 –> 00:40:03,439 verse 11, you were washed, 725 00:40:04,659 –> 00:40:07,239 you were sanctified, you were 726 00:40:07,239 –> 00:40:08,840 justified in the name of the 727 00:40:08,840 –> 00:40:10,919 Lord Jesus Christ and by the 728 00:40:10,919 –> 00:40:12,560 Spirit of our God. 729 00:40:12,879 –> 00:40:15,800 And no subsequent sin can rob 730 00:40:15,800 –> 00:40:17,800 you of what is yours in the 731 00:40:17,800 –> 00:40:19,000 Lord Jesus Christ. 732 00:40:19,560 –> 00:40:20,520 That’s what will keep you from 733 00:40:20,520 –> 00:40:21,020 despair. 734 00:40:23,520 –> 00:40:24,959 I need to be cleansed 735 00:40:24,959 –> 00:40:28,040 and I am clean. 736 00:40:29,800 –> 00:40:31,800 These are both true of every 737 00:40:31,800 –> 00:40:33,739 believer at the same time. 738 00:40:35,600 –> 00:40:37,320 And if we lose sight of either 739 00:40:37,320 –> 00:40:38,600 of these realities, we will 740 00:40:38,600 –> 00:40:40,000 soon be in big trouble. 741 00:40:40,000 –> 00:40:41,959 We need both. 742 00:40:43,479 –> 00:40:45,919 Remember that you need to be 743 00:40:45,919 –> 00:40:48,060 cleansed and you will be saved 744 00:40:48,060 –> 00:40:50,080 from dismissing your sin and 745 00:40:50,080 –> 00:40:51,520 carrying on unchanged. 746 00:40:52,000 –> 00:40:54,020 Remember that you are clean 747 00:40:55,800 –> 00:40:57,919 and you will be saved from 748 00:40:57,919 –> 00:41:00,719 despairing over your sin. 749 00:41:02,080 –> 00:41:05,040 True disciples don’t dismiss 750 00:41:05,040 –> 00:41:08,139 sin, and they don’t despair over 751 00:41:08,139 –> 00:41:09,580 it either. 752 00:41:09,580 –> 00:41:11,239 Instead they depend. 753 00:41:13,239 –> 00:41:15,679 They depend on the Savior who 754 00:41:15,679 –> 00:41:19,399 never lets his flawed disciples 755 00:41:19,399 –> 00:41:21,120 escape. 756 00:41:21,120 –> 00:41:24,580 As true disciples go. 757 00:41:25,320 –> 00:41:26,479 Let’s pray together. 758 00:41:29,040 –> 00:41:31,939 Father, bring us to the place 759 00:41:31,939 –> 00:41:36,060 where we are fully committed 760 00:41:36,060 –> 00:41:40,280 disciples as your servant Peter 761 00:41:40,280 –> 00:41:46,340 was may our lives be a beautiful 762 00:41:47,340 –> 00:41:51,219 poured out in unrestrained 763 00:41:52,419 –> 00:41:53,699 and unconditional 764 00:41:54,659 –> 00:42:02,239 devotion and service to you and 765 00:42:02,239 –> 00:42:02,719 then. 766 00:42:06,000 –> 00:42:07,739 As you bring us their 767 00:42:10,179 –> 00:42:12,699 deliver us from the temptations 768 00:42:12,699 –> 00:42:15,139 that will immediately be set 769 00:42:15,139 –> 00:42:18,179 us. Save us 770 00:42:20,120 –> 00:42:21,379 from spiritual pride. 771 00:42:25,360 –> 00:42:27,340 Thank you for these twin truths 772 00:42:27,340 –> 00:42:31,300 that we have seen together 773 00:42:31,300 –> 00:42:32,919 today help us to hold them 774 00:42:32,939 –> 00:42:37,139 always in our minds and in our 775 00:42:37,139 –> 00:42:37,860 hearts. 776 00:42:40,139 –> 00:42:42,540 Let us never dismiss sin 777 00:42:42,540 –> 00:42:45,979 because we know and understand 778 00:42:45,979 –> 00:42:47,020 that we are people who need to 779 00:42:47,020 –> 00:42:47,820 be cleansed. 780 00:42:51,459 –> 00:42:53,580 And let us never despair over 781 00:42:53,580 –> 00:42:56,780 sin because we know in our 782 00:42:56,780 –> 00:43:00,379 hearts that in Christ you have 783 00:43:00,379 –> 00:43:01,020 washed us. 784 00:43:02,979 –> 00:43:03,719 And made us clean. 785 00:43:05,540 –> 00:43:07,939 Hear our prayers for these 786 00:43:07,939 –> 00:43:09,580 things we ask in Jesus name and 787 00:43:09,580 –> 00:43:10,820 all of God’s people together 788 00:43:10,820 –> 00:43:11,320 said. 789 00:43:13,280 –> 00:43:15,260 you’ve been listening to a 790 00:43:15,260 –> 00:43:16,820 sermon with Pastor Colin Smith 791 00:43:16,820 –> 00:43:19,060 of Open the Bible to contact us 792 00:43:19,060 –> 00:43:23,699 call us at 1 877 open 365 or 793 00:43:23,699 –> 00:43:24,860 visit our website 794 00:43:24,860 –> 00:43:26,739 opening the bible.org