God’s Goodness in Suffering - Don Carson

I hope you will turn in your Bibles with I hope you will turn in your Bibles with me to James chapter 1. James chapter 1 me to James chapter 1. James chapter 1 me to James chapter 1. James chapter 1 and I'm going to begin reading at verse and I'm going to begin reading at verse and I'm going to begin reading at verse 12. 12. 12. James 1 12-2. James 1 beginning at verse 12. James 1 beginning at verse 12. This is what scripture says. Blessed is the man who perseveres under Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial. Because trial. Because trial. Because when he has stood the test, he will when he has stood the test, he will when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has receive the crown of life that God has receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. promised to those who love him. promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is When tempted, no one should say, "God is When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." tempting me." tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. But each one is does he tempt anyone. But each one is does he tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when by his own evil desire he tempted when by his own evil desire he tempted when by his own evil desire he is dragged away and enticed. is dragged away and enticed. is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived it gives Then after desire has conceived it gives Then after desire has conceived it gives birth to sin. And sin when it is birth to sin. And sin when it is birth to sin. And sin when it is fullgrown gives birth to death. Don't be fullgrown gives birth to death. Don't be fullgrown gives birth to death. Don't be deceived my dear brothers. Every good deceived my dear brothers. Every good deceived my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above coming and perfect gift is from above coming and perfect gift is from above coming down from the father of the heavenly down from the father of the heavenly down from the father of the heavenly lights who does not change like shifting lights who does not change like shifting lights who does not change like shifting shadows.

shadows. shadows. He chose to give us birth through the He chose to give us birth through the He chose to give us birth through the word of truth that we might be a kind of word of truth that we might be a kind of word of truth that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created. first fruits of all he created. first fruits of all he created. My dear brothers, take note of this. My dear brothers, take note of this. My dear brothers, take note of this. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow Everyone should be quick to listen, slow Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. For to speak, and slow to become angry. For to speak, and slow to become angry. For man's anger does not bring about the man's anger does not bring about the man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. righteous life that God desires. righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth Therefore, get rid of all moral filth Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and and the evil that is so prevalent and and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you humbly accept the word planted in you humbly accept the word planted in you which can save you. Do not merely listen which can save you. Do not merely listen which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves do to the word and so deceive yourselves do to the word and so deceive yourselves do what it says. Anyone who listens to the what it says. Anyone who listens to the what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is word but does not do what it says is word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a like a man who looks at his face in a like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself goes mirror and after looking at himself goes mirror and after looking at himself goes away and immediately forgets what he away and immediately forgets what he away and immediately forgets what he looks like. looks like. looks like. But the man who looks intently into the But the man who looks intently into the But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and perfect law that gives freedom and perfect law that gives freedom and continues to do this, not forgetting continues to do this, not forgetting continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it, he will what he has heard, but doing it, he will what he has heard, but doing it, he will be blessed in what he does.

be blessed in what he does. be blessed in what he does. This is the word of the Lord. I want to begin by telling you about a I want to begin by telling you about a man I knew some years ago. I first met man I knew some years ago. I first met man I knew some years ago. I first met him quite a few years ago, and the him quite a few years ago, and the him quite a few years ago, and the beginning of his story goes back even beginning of his story goes back even beginning of his story goes back even before I met him. He was an Englishman before I met him. He was an Englishman before I met him. He was an Englishman and in secondary school he was and in secondary school he was and in secondary school he was converted. converted. converted. He went off to theological training in He went off to theological training in He went off to theological training in due course feeling called of God to due course feeling called of God to due course feeling called of God to ministry ministry ministry and in due course he became pastor of a and in due course he became pastor of a and in due course he became pastor of a church in England. It turned out he was church in England. It turned out he was church in England. It turned out he was a pretty good communicator, pretty good a pretty good communicator, pretty good a pretty good communicator, pretty good preacher. He um worked hard at his preacher. He um worked hard at his preacher. He um worked hard at his ministry. The church began to grow and ministry. The church began to grow and ministry. The church began to grow and flourish. flourish. flourish. Sadly, after three or four years, he was Sadly, after three or four years, he was Sadly, after three or four years, he was caught out in adultery, caught out in adultery, caught out in adultery, resigned, of course, disappeared off the resigned, of course, disappeared off the resigned, of course, disappeared off the face of the map. face of the map. face of the map. In fact, what he did was immigrate to In fact, what he did was immigrate to In fact, what he did was immigrate to Canada, which is where I met him. We Canada, which is where I met him. We Canada, which is where I met him. We knew that he'd been in the ministry. We knew that he'd been in the ministry. We knew that he'd been in the ministry. We knew nothing of these background bits of knew nothing of these background bits of knew nothing of these background bits of information. when he showed up at the information. when he showed up at the information. when he showed up at the seminary in Toronto where I was then seminary in Toronto where I was then seminary in Toronto where I was then studying and we graduated from seminary studying and we graduated from seminary studying and we graduated from seminary a year or so apart. I moved out to the a year or so apart. I moved out to the a year or so apart. I moved out to the west coast. He disappeared off into the west coast. He disappeared off into the west coast. He disappeared off into the wilds of Ontario somewhere and became a wilds of Ontario somewhere and became a wilds of Ontario somewhere and became a pastor of a church there. Then some pastor of a church there. Then some pastor of a church there. Then some years later I moved to England and years later I moved to England and years later I moved to England and through the perennial ecclesiastical through the perennial ecclesiastical through the perennial ecclesiastical grapevine I I heard that um and his grapevine I I heard that um and his grapevine I I heard that um and his church was flourishing and things were church was flourishing and things were church was flourishing and things were going well. He was preaching and and

going well. He was preaching and and going well. He was preaching and and people were getting converted. And then people were getting converted. And then people were getting converted. And then sadly I heard that uh he had committed sadly I heard that uh he had committed sadly I heard that uh he had committed adultery. He resigned and he adultery. He resigned and he adultery. He resigned and he disappeared. disappeared. disappeared. More years went by. I moved back to More years went by. I moved back to More years went by. I moved back to Vancouver. Some years later then the Vancouver. Some years later then the Vancouver. Some years later then the Lord called my wife and me down to Lord called my wife and me down to Lord called my wife and me down to Chicago where I started teaching at Chicago where I started teaching at Chicago where I started teaching at Trinity. And I knew nobody in the Trinity. And I knew nobody in the Trinity. And I knew nobody in the Chicago area at the time save a few Chicago area at the time save a few Chicago area at the time save a few faculty people at Trinity. So, the faculty people at Trinity. So, the faculty people at Trinity. So, the administration of the Divinity School administration of the Divinity School administration of the Divinity School asked if I wouldn't mind filling in at a asked if I wouldn't mind filling in at a asked if I wouldn't mind filling in at a church nearby. They had been through church nearby. They had been through church nearby. They had been through some rocky times. They had had a pastor some rocky times. They had had a pastor some rocky times. They had had a pastor who was quite capable. Um, a good who was quite capable. Um, a good who was quite capable. Um, a good preacher, led quite a number of people preacher, led quite a number of people preacher, led quite a number of people to the Lord. And then, sadly, after a to the Lord. And then, sadly, after a to the Lord. And then, sadly, after a few years, he had got caught out in few years, he had got caught out in few years, he had got caught out in adultery. And so, the church was in a adultery. And so, the church was in a adultery. And so, the church was in a bit of a mess. bit of a mess. bit of a mess. Yes, your friend in mind, this same chap Yes, your friend in mind, this same chap Yes, your friend in mind, this same chap from England. Well, he disappeared again. this time to Well, he disappeared again. this time to Ohio to sell computer parts. Uh but this Ohio to sell computer parts. Uh but this Ohio to sell computer parts. Uh but this time we knew where he was and for some time we knew where he was and for some time we knew where he was and for some time after that if you asked him time after that if you asked him time after that if you asked him what went wrong. I mean what went wrong. I mean what went wrong. I mean three times once is awful. It's a three times once is awful. It's a three times once is awful. It's a terrible betrayal. But three times terrible betrayal. But three times terrible betrayal. But three times didn't you learn anything? I mean h how didn't you learn anything? I mean h how didn't you learn anything? I mean h how could you do it three times?

"God says, "God says, there is no temptation taken you but there is no temptation taken you but there is no temptation taken you but what is common to man, but God is what is common to man, but God is what is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be faithful, who will not allow you to be faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but tempted above what you are able, but tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation provide a way will with the temptation provide a way will with the temptation provide a way of escape that you may be able to bear of escape that you may be able to bear of escape that you may be able to bear it." Quoting 1 Corinthians 10, I wasn't it." Quoting 1 Corinthians 10, I wasn't it." Quoting 1 Corinthians 10, I wasn't able to bear it. He says, "So God is a able to bear it. He says, "So God is a able to bear it. He says, "So God is a liar." And that's all he would say. And yet, if we've been Christians even a And yet, if we've been Christians even a short while, we have met other people, short while, we have met other people, short while, we have met other people, haven't we? Who have faced astonishingly haven't we? Who have faced astonishingly haven't we? Who have faced astonishingly powerful trials and temptations and have powerful trials and temptations and have powerful trials and temptations and have come out stronger, more vibrant in their come out stronger, more vibrant in their come out stronger, more vibrant in their Christian faith, full of courage and Christian faith, full of courage and Christian faith, full of courage and integrity. You put them under pressure integrity. You put them under pressure integrity. You put them under pressure and they just become more robust. You and they just become more robust. You and they just become more robust. You put them through suffering and they they put them through suffering and they they put them through suffering and they they come out smelling like a rose or better come out smelling like a rose or better come out smelling like a rose or better with the very aroma of Christ in the with the very aroma of Christ in the with the very aroma of Christ in the gospel. gospel. gospel. What What's the difference between these What What's the difference between these What What's the difference between these two? Between someone who turns out like two? Between someone who turns out like two? Between someone who turns out like this chap and someone who this chap and someone who this chap and someone who who just grows in grace under trial and who just grows in grace under trial and who just grows in grace under trial and temptation?

temptation? temptation? Well, of course, at one level you could Well, of course, at one level you could Well, of course, at one level you could simply say generically, and it would be simply say generically, and it would be simply say generically, and it would be perfectly true, um it's the grace of perfectly true, um it's the grace of perfectly true, um it's the grace of God. And that's true. And yet this God. And that's true. And yet this God. And that's true. And yet this chapter that we've just read deals so chapter that we've just read deals so chapter that we've just read deals so fundamentally with some of the issues fundamentally with some of the issues fundamentally with some of the issues that are involved in trial and that are involved in trial and that are involved in trial and temptation that if these truths, if temptation that if these truths, if temptation that if these truths, if these principles, if these realities are these principles, if these realities are these principles, if these realities are not just understood but thoroughly not just understood but thoroughly not just understood but thoroughly absorbed into our lives, they will absorbed into our lives, they will absorbed into our lives, they will change everything. change everything. change everything. They will change how we respond to these They will change how we respond to these They will change how we respond to these matters. There are four of them. Here's matters. There are four of them. Here's matters. There are four of them. Here's the first. Number one, when you are struggling under trial, when you are struggling under trial, remember the Christian's goals. remember the Christian's goals. remember the Christian's goals. When you are struggling under trial, When you are struggling under trial, When you are struggling under trial, remember the Christian's goals. Verse remember the Christian's goals. Verse remember the Christian's goals. Verse 12, 12, 12, blessed is the man who perseveres under blessed is the man who perseveres under blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because trial because trial because when he has stood the test, he will when he has stood the test, he will when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has receive the crown of life that God has receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

promised to those who love him. promised to those who love him. So, in other words, he's blessed under So, in other words, he's blessed under So, in other words, he's blessed under trial because there is an ultimate goal, trial because there is an ultimate goal, trial because there is an ultimate goal, this crown of life, which God will this crown of life, which God will this crown of life, which God will ultimately give him. ultimately give him. ultimately give him. But before you get to verse 12, But before you get to verse 12, But before you get to verse 12, those who read James regularly will those who read James regularly will those who read James regularly will recall that James has already said recall that James has already said recall that James has already said something similar a few verses earlier, something similar a few verses earlier, something similar a few verses earlier, verses 2, 3, and 4. Verse two, consider verses 2, 3, and 4. Verse two, consider verses 2, 3, and 4. Verse two, consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because face trials of many kinds, because face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith you know that the testing of your faith you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must develops perseverance. Perseverance must develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be finish its work so that you may be finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking mature and complete, not lacking mature and complete, not lacking anything. And this is an astonishingly anything. And this is an astonishingly anything. And this is an astonishingly powerful statement. Consider it pure joy powerful statement. Consider it pure joy powerful statement. Consider it pure joy when you fall under trials of various when you fall under trials of various when you fall under trials of various kinds kinds kinds because you know that the testing of because you know that the testing of because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance and your faith develops perseverance and your faith develops perseverance and perseverance when it's done its work perseverance when it's done its work perseverance when it's done its work will make you mature. will make you mature. will make you mature. When I was an undergraduate at McGill When I was an undergraduate at McGill When I was an undergraduate at McGill University a long time ago studying University a long time ago studying University a long time ago studying chemistry and mathematics, we had chemistry and mathematics, we had chemistry and mathematics, we had someone come on the campus to give us an someone come on the campus to give us an someone come on the campus to give us an exposition of the book of James. And in exposition of the book of James. And in exposition of the book of James. And in the first exposition, and in those days, the first exposition, and in those days, the first exposition, and in those days, back in the ox cart days, everybody used back in the ox cart days, everybody used back in the ox cart days, everybody used the King James version, which read, "My the King James version, which read, "My the King James version, which read, "My account it all joy, my brethren, when ye account it all joy, my brethren, when ye account it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into diverse temptations."

fall into diverse temptations." fall into diverse temptations." And not diverse temptations as if it's a And not diverse temptations as if it's a And not diverse temptations as if it's a swim meetat, but diverse temptations, swim meetat, but diverse temptations, swim meetat, but diverse temptations, trials of various kinds. trials of various kinds. trials of various kinds. and and and it was explained to us in and and and it was explained to us in and and and it was explained to us in some detail how how we're to count a joy some detail how how we're to count a joy some detail how how we're to count a joy when we face these kinds of things when we face these kinds of things when we face these kinds of things because we recognize that it's these because we recognize that it's these because we recognize that it's these sorts of pressures, these sorts of sorts of pressures, these sorts of sorts of pressures, these sorts of trials that make us stronger. We know trials that make us stronger. We know trials that make us stronger. We know about this in every other domain of about this in every other domain of about this in every other domain of life, don't we? An athlete keeps pushing life, don't we? An athlete keeps pushing life, don't we? An athlete keeps pushing and pushing and pushing knowing that by and pushing and pushing knowing that by and pushing and pushing knowing that by the pushing you build up the stomach the pushing you build up the stomach the pushing you build up the stomach muscles, you build up the stamina, you muscles, you build up the stamina, you muscles, you build up the stamina, you you you you become stronger because of you you you become stronger because of you you you become stronger because of it. Chicago's just run. It's it's it's it. Chicago's just run. It's it's it's it. Chicago's just run. It's it's it's marathon and and we have three or four marathon and and we have three or four marathon and and we have three or four chaps on our faculty who train for it chaps on our faculty who train for it chaps on our faculty who train for it every year and pretty soon you know every year and pretty soon you know every year and pretty soon you know about two weeks before the end they hit about two weeks before the end they hit about two weeks before the end they hit that 20 mile mark and and and and that 20 mile mark and and and and that 20 mile mark and and and and they're training in fact our guys they're training in fact our guys they're training in fact our guys regularly go to 23 just as a matter of regularly go to 23 just as a matter of regularly go to 23 just as a matter of principle partly because they're all principle partly because they're all principle partly because they're all aging and they want to make sure they aging and they want to make sure they aging and they want to make sure they can still do it and and so and and so can still do it and and so and and so can still do it and and so and and so then they're they're they're strong then they're they're they're strong then they're they're they're strong enough they're they're they're healthy enough they're they're they're healthy enough they're they're they're healthy enough to go and run the marathon enough to go and run the marathon enough to go and run the marathon and the same is true in intellectual and the same is true in intellectual and the same is true in intellectual arenas and leadership in business and arenas and leadership in business and arenas and leadership in business and elsewhere you you you press and you elsewhere you you you press and you elsewhere you you you press and you learn some responsibilities under stress learn some responsibilities under stress learn some responsibilities under stress and and gradually you learn a little and and gradually you learn a little and and gradually you learn a little better how to handle them and how how to better how to handle them and how how to better how to handle them and how how to become a little more mature in your become a little more mature in your become a little more mature in your judgments and so forth. So also in the judgments and so forth. So also in the judgments and so forth. So also in the Christian faith, under trial, Christian faith, under trial, Christian faith, under trial, under pressure, you face these things under pressure, you face these things under pressure, you face these things and you see, however unpleasant they are and you see, however unpleasant they are and you see, however unpleasant they are that nevertheless,

that nevertheless, that nevertheless, they're teaching you something of they're teaching you something of they're teaching you something of perseverance. And if you keep perseverance. And if you keep perseverance. And if you keep persevering, ultimately you you're persevering, ultimately you you're persevering, ultimately you you're learning something of maturity. And you learning something of maturity. And you learning something of maturity. And you you can't really become mature in your you can't really become mature in your you can't really become mature in your faith unless you face some of those faith unless you face some of those faith unless you face some of those kinds of things. If if life is always kinds of things. If if life is always kinds of things. If if life is always easy, your faith is never scratched and easy, your faith is never scratched and easy, your faith is never scratched and tested so that you learn perseverance tested so that you learn perseverance tested so that you learn perseverance and ultimately maturity. So count it all and ultimately maturity. So count it all and ultimately maturity. So count it all joy when you fall into trials of various joy when you fall into trials of various joy when you fall into trials of various kinds because you have a different set kinds because you have a different set kinds because you have a different set of goals. Your goal is not simply to get of goals. Your goal is not simply to get of goals. Your goal is not simply to get through life with as few challenges as through life with as few challenges as through life with as few challenges as possible, happy as a lark. Your goal as possible, happy as a lark. Your goal as possible, happy as a lark. Your goal as a Christian is to be mature. a Christian is to be mature. a Christian is to be mature. So when you face trials of various So when you face trials of various So when you face trials of various kinds, remember the Christian's goals. So when we heard this chap explaining So when we heard this chap explaining this passage, some of us made a quiet this passage, some of us made a quiet this passage, some of us made a quiet resolution among ourselves that um resolution among ourselves that um resolution among ourselves that um we would covenant together and anytime we would covenant together and anytime we would covenant together and anytime we heard anyone else in this group we heard anyone else in this group we heard anyone else in this group winging, whining, complaining, we would winging, whining, complaining, we would winging, whining, complaining, we would quote this verse at them quote this verse at them quote this verse at them to remind them.

to remind them. to remind them. So you can guess what happened the next So you can guess what happened the next So you can guess what happened the next day. Somebody wandered onto the campus day. Somebody wandered onto the campus day. Somebody wandered onto the campus for a calculus exam at 10, complaining for a calculus exam at 10, complaining for a calculus exam at 10, complaining about the hardness of this course, and about the hardness of this course, and about the hardness of this course, and somebody smirked and said, "Count it all somebody smirked and said, "Count it all somebody smirked and said, "Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into joy, my brethren, when ye fall into joy, my brethren, when ye fall into diverse temptations." One up for me. One up for me. And then somebody came onto campus and And then somebody came onto campus and And then somebody came onto campus and complained about an impending breakup complained about an impending breakup complained about an impending breakup with a girlfriend or a boyfriend. Count with a girlfriend or a boyfriend. Count with a girlfriend or a boyfriend. Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into diverse temptations. into diverse temptations. into diverse temptations. Of course, it didn't help. It was like Of course, it didn't help. It was like Of course, it didn't help. It was like pouring salt into a raw wound. It didn't pouring salt into a raw wound. It didn't pouring salt into a raw wound. It didn't help at all. Was a bit of a game of help at all. Was a bit of a game of help at all. Was a bit of a game of oneupmanship, oneupmanship, oneupmanship, spiritual oneupmanship. spiritual oneupmanship. spiritual oneupmanship. But after a while, in the mercy of the But after a while, in the mercy of the But after a while, in the mercy of the Lord, it came also to be something more Lord, it came also to be something more Lord, it came also to be something more than that. It it came to be something than that. It it came to be something than that. It it came to be something important. It is what scripture says. important. It is what scripture says. important. It is what scripture says. We are actually to count it a joy when We are actually to count it a joy when We are actually to count it a joy when we face trials of various kinds because we face trials of various kinds because we face trials of various kinds because they will make us mature. And our our they will make us mature. And our our they will make us mature. And our our constant reminding of one another meant constant reminding of one another meant constant reminding of one another meant that in due course the whining and the that in due course the whining and the that in due course the whining and the complaining, the petty stuff had all complaining, the petty stuff had all complaining, the petty stuff had all ceased. It just dried up.

ceased. It just dried up. ceased. It just dried up. And that year at McGill of the four And that year at McGill of the four And that year at McGill of the four years that I was there, we saw more years that I was there, we saw more years that I was there, we saw more people converted that year than the people converted that year than the people converted that year than the other three put together. What what can other three put together. What what can other three put together. What what can I say? I don't know if there was cause I say? I don't know if there was cause I say? I don't know if there was cause and effect, but that's what happened. But there's not only this goal of But there's not only this goal of perseverance and therefore of maturity perseverance and therefore of maturity perseverance and therefore of maturity in verses 2 to 4, but now down in verse in verses 2 to 4, but now down in verse in verses 2 to 4, but now down in verse 12, something further, a further goal. 12, something further, a further goal. 12, something further, a further goal. Blessed is the man who perseveres under Blessed is the man who perseveres under Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial. Because when he has stood the trial. Because when he has stood the trial. Because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life test, he will receive the crown of life test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love that God has promised to those who love that God has promised to those who love him. him. him. Now, this expression, the crown of life, Now, this expression, the crown of life, Now, this expression, the crown of life, doesn't occur very often in the Bible, doesn't occur very often in the Bible, doesn't occur very often in the Bible, but where it does, it's pretty clear but where it does, it's pretty clear but where it does, it's pretty clear what it means. Be faithful. Revelation what it means. Be faithful. Revelation what it means. Be faithful. Revelation 2:10 says, "Be faithful even to the 2:10 says, "Be faithful even to the 2:10 says, "Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the point of death, and I will give you the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." What it means is crown of life." What it means is crown of life." What it means is crowning life. Life in all of its crowning life. Life in all of its crowning life. Life in all of its fullness, life in its perfection, life fullness, life in its perfection, life fullness, life in its perfection, life in its resurrection splendor, life as it in its resurrection splendor, life as it in its resurrection splendor, life as it must be in the presence of God forever. must be in the presence of God forever. must be in the presence of God forever. I will give you the crown of life. So I will give you the crown of life. So I will give you the crown of life. So persevered. This too is part of the persevered. This too is part of the persevered. This too is part of the Christian's goals. You're not just Christian's goals. You're not just Christian's goals. You're not just trying to get through life and make it.

trying to get through life and make it. trying to get through life and make it. You are trying to press on toward the You are trying to press on toward the You are trying to press on toward the ultimate goal of receiving this crown of ultimate goal of receiving this crown of ultimate goal of receiving this crown of life in the new heaven and the new life in the new heaven and the new life in the new heaven and the new earth. And and if these trials that come earth. And and if these trials that come earth. And and if these trials that come along the way press you and train you along the way press you and train you along the way press you and train you and prepare you for that, well, you're and prepare you for that, well, you're and prepare you for that, well, you're blessed indeed. What could be more blessed indeed. What could be more blessed indeed. What could be more wonderful than that? wonderful than that? wonderful than that? Now, of course, this language of rewards Now, of course, this language of rewards Now, of course, this language of rewards troubles Christians. You do this and troubles Christians. You do this and troubles Christians. You do this and then I will give you this crown of life. then I will give you this crown of life. then I will give you this crown of life. Almost makes us embarrassed after we've Almost makes us embarrassed after we've Almost makes us embarrassed after we've heard about the gospel of grace. Now, we heard about the gospel of grace. Now, we heard about the gospel of grace. Now, we receive this thing freely. And there receive this thing freely. And there receive this thing freely. And there quite a lot of passages in the Bible quite a lot of passages in the Bible quite a lot of passages in the Bible that do speak of rewards. How shall we that do speak of rewards. How shall we that do speak of rewards. How shall we think of them? think of them? think of them? The best illustration that I know was The best illustration that I know was The best illustration that I know was penned by CS Lewis some decades ago. penned by CS Lewis some decades ago. penned by CS Lewis some decades ago. Doesn't cover every text, but it covers Doesn't cover every text, but it covers Doesn't cover every text, but it covers quite a few of them. He pictures two men quite a few of them. He pictures two men quite a few of them. He pictures two men One of them goes to the red light One of them goes to the red light One of them goes to the red light district in town, district in town, district in town, pays his money, and has his woman. pays his money, and has his woman. pays his money, and has his woman. He has his reward.

The other The other courts a young woman, woos her, treats courts a young woman, woos her, treats courts a young woman, woos her, treats her with immaculate dignity and respect, her with immaculate dignity and respect, her with immaculate dignity and respect, wins her confidence and her love and wins her confidence and her love and wins her confidence and her love and that of her whole family. And in due that of her whole family. And in due that of her whole family. And in due course, there's a wonderful wedding. course, there's a wonderful wedding. course, there's a wonderful wedding. They're married They're married They're married and he has his reward. and he has his reward. and he has his reward. What's the difference? Lewis says that the difference is this. Lewis says that the difference is this. In the first case, the reward is so In the first case, the reward is so In the first case, the reward is so incrementate with the payment that the incrementate with the payment that the incrementate with the payment that the transaction is an obscenity. In the second case, the reward is In the second case, the reward is nothing other than the consummation of a nothing other than the consummation of a nothing other than the consummation of a relationship. And that's surely the way it is in the And that's surely the way it is in the Christian way. This crown of life that Christian way. This crown of life that Christian way. This crown of life that is our reward is the consummation of a is our reward is the consummation of a is our reward is the consummation of a relationship that is grounded in Christ relationship that is grounded in Christ relationship that is grounded in Christ and the gospel. It's it's grounded in and the gospel. It's it's grounded in and the gospel. It's it's grounded in grace. It bears fruit in grace and we grace. It bears fruit in grace and we grace. It bears fruit in grace and we receive our reward. The consummation of receive our reward. The consummation of receive our reward. The consummation of this relationship. And that's why this relationship. And that's why this relationship. And that's why pressing on and persevering under trial pressing on and persevering under trial pressing on and persevering under trial is so important. When you are suffering is so important. When you are suffering is so important. When you are suffering under pressure, under trial, remember under pressure, under trial, remember under pressure, under trial, remember the Christian's goals.

I have a a friend. He's retired now, but I have a a friend. He's retired now, but for many years he was a pastor, a very for many years he was a pastor, a very for many years he was a pastor, a very fruitful, fruitful, fruitful, shrewd pastor, shrewd pastor, shrewd pastor, who who was full of insight. He told me who who was full of insight. He told me who who was full of insight. He told me once a number of years ago that he took once a number of years ago that he took once a number of years ago that he took the funeral of an elderly woman, 84 or the funeral of an elderly woman, 84 or the funeral of an elderly woman, 84 or so. She and her husband had been married so. She and her husband had been married so. She and her husband had been married for 60 years. for 60 years. for 60 years. And at the graveside, the old man said And at the graveside, the old man said And at the graveside, the old man said to him, "I suppose God must have to him, "I suppose God must have to him, "I suppose God must have something more for me to do, else why something more for me to do, else why something more for me to do, else why has he left me here?" has he left me here?" has he left me here?" And my pastor friend said to him, "My And my pastor friend said to him, "My And my pastor friend said to him, "My dear brother, God doesn't have anything dear brother, God doesn't have anything dear brother, God doesn't have anything more for you to do Because you see, so often our identity Because you see, so often our identity is bound up with what we do. is bound up with what we do. is bound up with what we do. The man did not mean that God literally The man did not mean that God literally The man did not mean that God literally didn't have anything more for this chap didn't have anything more for this chap didn't have anything more for this chap to do. He might have had quite a lot for to do. He might have had quite a lot for to do. He might have had quite a lot for him to do, but but but should his him to do, but but but should his him to do, but but but should his identity be bound up just with doing?

identity be bound up just with doing? identity be bound up just with doing? What does this text say? Verse 12. What does this text say? Verse 12. What does this text say? Verse 12. Blessed is the man who perseveres under Blessed is the man who perseveres under Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he is stood the test, trial because when he is stood the test, trial because when he is stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that he will receive the crown of life that he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. God has promised to those who love him. God has promised to those who love him. God doesn't have anything more for you God doesn't have anything more for you God doesn't have anything more for you to do except to love him still to do except to love him still to do except to love him still because it's the grace of the gospel because it's the grace of the gospel because it's the grace of the gospel that restores us to to our heavenly that restores us to to our heavenly that restores us to to our heavenly father and teaches us what it means and father and teaches us what it means and father and teaches us what it means and empowers us to begin to love him with empowers us to begin to love him with empowers us to begin to love him with heart and soul and mind and strength. heart and soul and mind and strength. heart and soul and mind and strength. Listen, when you are struggling under Listen, when you are struggling under Listen, when you are struggling under trial, remember the Christian's goals. trial, remember the Christian's goals. trial, remember the Christian's goals. Number two, Number two, Number two, when you confess God's sovereignty, do when you confess God's sovereignty, do when you confess God's sovereignty, do not misunderstand God's motives. not misunderstand God's motives. not misunderstand God's motives. When you confess God's sovereignty, do When you confess God's sovereignty, do When you confess God's sovereignty, do not misunderstand God's motives. not misunderstand God's motives. not misunderstand God's motives. Verses 13 to 15. Verses 13 to 15. Verses 13 to 15. Now, verse 13 is easily misunderstood Now, verse 13 is easily misunderstood Now, verse 13 is easily misunderstood and our translations render it a number and our translations render it a number and our translations render it a number of different ways. Partly because in the of different ways. Partly because in the of different ways. Partly because in the original language, the word for trial is original language, the word for trial is original language, the word for trial is the same word as the word for the same word as the word for the same word as the word for temptation. It's the same word. In temptation. It's the same word. In temptation. It's the same word. In English, we make a distinction between English, we make a distinction between English, we make a distinction between them. In temptation, you are being them. In temptation, you are being them. In temptation, you are being tempted to do something bad. But a trial tempted to do something bad. But a trial tempted to do something bad. But a trial by itself is not a temptation to do by itself is not a temptation to do by itself is not a temptation to do something bad. It's some kind of something bad. It's some kind of something bad. It's some kind of pressure that's come upon you.

pressure that's come upon you. pressure that's come upon you. and which is meant by the word in the and which is meant by the word in the and which is meant by the word in the original depends entirely on the original depends entirely on the original depends entirely on the context. context. context. There's not a separate word for it. If I There's not a separate word for it. If I There's not a separate word for it. If I had to paraphrase the first part of had to paraphrase the first part of had to paraphrase the first part of verse 13, I would put it like this. verse 13, I would put it like this. verse 13, I would put it like this. If you are tempted by such trials, If you are tempted by such trials, If you are tempted by such trials, do not say, "God is tempting me." In do not say, "God is tempting me." In do not say, "God is tempting me." In other words, you will face some trials. other words, you will face some trials. other words, you will face some trials. But when you face these trials, if you But when you face these trials, if you But when you face these trials, if you are then tempted by the trial, don't are then tempted by the trial, don't are then tempted by the trial, don't say, "Hey, God himself is inducing me to say, "Hey, God himself is inducing me to say, "Hey, God himself is inducing me to sin." sin." sin." In other words, James plunges from one In other words, James plunges from one In other words, James plunges from one to the other, from trial to temptation, to the other, from trial to temptation, to the other, from trial to temptation, because he is writing it as we because he is writing it as we because he is writing it as we experience it. The same events that are experience it. The same events that are experience it. The same events that are opportunities to go forward are opportunities to go forward are opportunities to go forward are temptations to go backward. The same temptations to go backward. The same temptations to go backward. The same things that might become opportunities things that might become opportunities things that might become opportunities to persevere and press on and grow in to persevere and press on and grow in to persevere and press on and grow in maturity can also become occasions to maturity can also become occasions to maturity can also become occasions to nurture bitterness and resentment and nurture bitterness and resentment and nurture bitterness and resentment and self-pity and even blasphemy of God self-pity and even blasphemy of God self-pity and even blasphemy of God because we have to face these wretched because we have to face these wretched because we have to face these wretched things.

things. things. Trial becomes temptation because it Trial becomes temptation because it Trial becomes temptation because it finds an answering chord within us. finds an answering chord within us. finds an answering chord within us. Now then what this text says is when you Now then what this text says is when you Now then what this text says is when you face trials which are turning into face trials which are turning into face trials which are turning into temptations temptations temptations don't say God is tempting me. Of course don't say God is tempting me. Of course don't say God is tempting me. Of course God does test us. God is sovereign so God does test us. God is sovereign so God does test us. God is sovereign so sovereign over the trials. sovereign over the trials. sovereign over the trials. There are many passages that say that There are many passages that say that There are many passages that say that God does test his people God does test his people God does test his people bringing them into situations where bringing them into situations where bringing them into situations where their willingness to obey him is their willingness to obey him is their willingness to obey him is pressed. pressed. pressed. Genesis 22, the text says explicitly, Genesis 22, the text says explicitly, Genesis 22, the text says explicitly, God tested Abraham in the matter of God tested Abraham in the matter of God tested Abraham in the matter of Isaac. Or Judges 2:22, God tested Isaac. Or Judges 2:22, God tested Isaac. Or Judges 2:22, God tested Israel. Or 2 Chronicles 32:31, King Israel. Or 2 Chronicles 32:31, King Israel. Or 2 Chronicles 32:31, King Hezekiah is tested by God. But although Hezekiah is tested by God. But although Hezekiah is tested by God. But although may God te although God may test us to may God te although God may test us to may God te although God may test us to prove his servants faith prove his servants faith prove his servants faith or to lower their pride or to foster or to lower their pride or to foster or to lower their pride or to foster endurance endurance endurance or to press them toward an eternal or to press them toward an eternal or to press them toward an eternal hunger for our eternal home.

hunger for our eternal home. hunger for our eternal home. He never does so in order to induce sin. He never does so in order to induce sin. He never does so in order to induce sin. He never does so to destroy our faith. And so we read, And so we read, "When tempted, no one should say, God is "When tempted, no one should say, God is "When tempted, no one should say, God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted tempting me." For God cannot be tempted tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. How by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. How by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. How can you possibly imagine that God is can you possibly imagine that God is can you possibly imagine that God is interested in tempting us to sin? He interested in tempting us to sin? He interested in tempting us to sin? He himself isn't tempted by sin. He's got himself isn't tempted by sin. He's got himself isn't tempted by sin. He's got no interest in sin. Temptation, after no interest in sin. Temptation, after no interest in sin. Temptation, after all, is an impulse to sin. And since God all, is an impulse to sin. And since God all, is an impulse to sin. And since God is not susceptible to any such desire, is not susceptible to any such desire, is not susceptible to any such desire, why should we imagine even for a moment why should we imagine even for a moment why should we imagine even for a moment that he's interested in inducing us to that he's interested in inducing us to that he's interested in inducing us to sin? sin? sin? How can you possibly think that God has How can you possibly think that God has How can you possibly think that God has some interest in saying, "Go ahead, Don. some interest in saying, "Go ahead, Don. some interest in saying, "Go ahead, Don. Suck on this one. It'll be fun." It's Suck on this one. It'll be fun." It's Suck on this one. It'll be fun." It's bizarre. He is not interested in bizarre. He is not interested in bizarre. He is not interested in temptation or evil himself. So why temptation or evil himself. So why temptation or evil himself. So why should we think that in his sovereignty, should we think that in his sovereignty, should we think that in his sovereignty, he is actually trying to induce us to he is actually trying to induce us to he is actually trying to induce us to sin? sin? sin? No, no, no. A true account of temptation No, no, no. A true account of temptation No, no, no. A true account of temptation is found in verses 14 and 15.

Each one is tempted when by his own evil Each one is tempted when by his own evil desire he is dragged away and enticed. desire he is dragged away and enticed. desire he is dragged away and enticed. It's fishing language in part. There's a It's fishing language in part. There's a It's fishing language in part. There's a lure, but James breaks up the metaphor. lure, but James breaks up the metaphor. lure, but James breaks up the metaphor. It's really quite startling. It's really quite startling. It's really quite startling. You're dragged away and enticed by You're dragged away and enticed by You're dragged away and enticed by something that is within you. It's as if something that is within you. It's as if something that is within you. It's as if the something that is within you is the something that is within you is the something that is within you is actually the lure that attracts you to actually the lure that attracts you to actually the lure that attracts you to drag you away. drag you away. drag you away. Each one is tempted when by his own evil desire is tempted when by his own evil desire he is dragged away and enticed. Then he is dragged away and enticed. Then he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire is conceived, it gives after desire is conceived, it gives after desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin. And sin when it is birth to sin. And sin when it is birth to sin. And sin when it is fullgrown gives birth to death. The fullgrown gives birth to death. The fullgrown gives birth to death. The language is bizarre. It's meant to be language is bizarre. It's meant to be language is bizarre. It's meant to be bizarre. It's meant to be shocking. Here bizarre. It's meant to be shocking. Here bizarre. It's meant to be shocking. Here the mother is the desire who conceives the mother is the desire who conceives the mother is the desire who conceives and gives birth to the child which is and gives birth to the child which is and gives birth to the child which is sin. And when the sin is full grown, sin. And when the sin is full grown, sin. And when the sin is full grown, it's nothing but death. Here's a child it's nothing but death. Here's a child it's nothing but death. Here's a child fullgrown and still born as we're fullgrown and still born as we're fullgrown and still born as we're bringing nothing but death. It's it's bringing nothing but death. It's it's bringing nothing but death. It's it's bizarre imagery to show how vile it is.

bizarre imagery to show how vile it is. bizarre imagery to show how vile it is. And it all comes from within us. It's And it all comes from within us. It's And it all comes from within us. It's who we are. who we are. who we are. So we begin with a desire that takes us So we begin with a desire that takes us So we begin with a desire that takes us away from God or wants to cherish one away from God or wants to cherish one away from God or wants to cherish one upmanship, wants to dethrone God. upmanship, wants to dethrone God. upmanship, wants to dethrone God. The desire bleeds into an act. The act The desire bleeds into an act. The act The desire bleeds into an act. The act is repeated and becomes a habit. The is repeated and becomes a habit. The is repeated and becomes a habit. The habit stamps our character. habit stamps our character. habit stamps our character. And at some point, to use the language And at some point, to use the language And at some point, to use the language of Charles Spurgeon more than 100 years of Charles Spurgeon more than 100 years of Charles Spurgeon more than 100 years ago, we receive our masters in ago, we receive our masters in ago, we receive our masters in worthlessness and our doctrine in worthlessness and our doctrine in worthlessness and our doctrine in damnation. damnation. damnation. So what does James say? So what does James say? So what does James say? When you confess God's sovereignty, do When you confess God's sovereignty, do When you confess God's sovereignty, do not misunderstand God's motives. not misunderstand God's motives. not misunderstand God's motives. Which brings us to the third point that Which brings us to the third point that Which brings us to the third point that James makes. James makes. James makes. Number three, Number three, Number three, when you feel abandoned and crushed, do when you feel abandoned and crushed, do when you feel abandoned and crushed, do not forget God's goodness. not forget God's goodness. not forget God's goodness. When you feel abandoned and crushed, do When you feel abandoned and crushed, do When you feel abandoned and crushed, do not forget God's goodness. not forget God's goodness. not forget God's goodness. Verse 16 is transitional.

Verse 16 is transitional. Verse 16 is transitional. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Don't kid yourself. It's saying that Don't kid yourself. It's saying that Don't kid yourself. It's saying that works going backwards and forwards. works going backwards and forwards. works going backwards and forwards. Don't kid yourself about where the real Don't kid yourself about where the real Don't kid yourself about where the real sin comes from. It comes from our own sin comes from. It comes from our own sin comes from. It comes from our own inner desires. The temptation does not inner desires. The temptation does not inner desires. The temptation does not come from God. Don't kid yourself. But come from God. Don't kid yourself. But come from God. Don't kid yourself. But it also points forward. God is just it also points forward. God is just it also points forward. God is just immaculately good. Don't kid yourself. immaculately good. Don't kid yourself. immaculately good. Don't kid yourself. Don't imagine something different. Don't Don't imagine something different. Don't Don't imagine something different. Don't be deceived. He says, "For every good be deceived. He says, "For every good be deceived. He says, "For every good and perfect gift from above coming down and perfect gift from above coming down and perfect gift from above coming down from the father of heavenly lights, from the father of heavenly lights, from the father of heavenly lights, comes down from the father of the comes down from the father of the comes down from the father of the heavenly lights who does not change like heavenly lights who does not change like heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows. shifting shadows. shifting shadows. Now, Now, Now, this place is pretty well lit. There are this place is pretty well lit. There are this place is pretty well lit. There are spots there and there and there, and spots there and there and there, and spots there and there and there, and there fluorescents here and there, and there fluorescents here and there, and there fluorescents here and there, and there wall lights along the walls here there wall lights along the walls here there wall lights along the walls here at the lectern. There's pretty even at the lectern. There's pretty even at the lectern. There's pretty even light over my Bible and so forth. But light over my Bible and so forth. But light over my Bible and so forth. But even so, if I hold my hand here over even so, if I hold my hand here over even so, if I hold my hand here over these papers, I can see shadows of my these papers, I can see shadows of my these papers, I can see shadows of my fingers from the spot here. I can see fingers from the spot here. I can see fingers from the spot here. I can see shadows over here from my fingers from shadows over here from my fingers from shadows over here from my fingers from the spot over there. For you see, in a the spot over there. For you see, in a the spot over there. For you see, in a finite world, wherever you have bright finite world, wherever you have bright finite world, wherever you have bright light, if anything gets in the way, it light, if anything gets in the way, it light, if anything gets in the way, it casts a shadow. It it just can't be any casts a shadow. It it just can't be any casts a shadow. It it just can't be any other way.

other way. other way. And all the great lights of the And all the great lights of the And all the great lights of the universe, all those stars and all of universe, all those stars and all of universe, all those stars and all of that, God made them all. that, God made them all. that, God made them all. And they all induce shadows. Every good and perfect gift is from Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of above, coming down from the father of above, coming down from the father of the heavenly, the one who made them, who the heavenly, the one who made them, who the heavenly, the one who made them, who himself does not change like shifting himself does not change like shifting himself does not change like shifting shadows. In other words, God has no dark shadows. In other words, God has no dark shadows. In other words, God has no dark side. side. side. He's got no shadow. He's got no shadow. He's got no shadow. He doesn't shift. He doesn't shift. He doesn't shift. He may have made all those lights, but He may have made all those lights, but He may have made all those lights, but he himself is only light. he himself is only light. he himself is only light. As first John puts it, in him is light, As first John puts it, in him is light, As first John puts it, in him is light, and in him is no darkness at all. and in him is no darkness at all. and in him is no darkness at all. He is only good. He's not like the force He is only good. He's not like the force He is only good. He's not like the force in Star Wars, in Star Wars, in Star Wars, which is both good and bad. And then which is both good and bad. And then which is both good and bad. And then which one works depends on you. He is which one works depends on you. He is which one works depends on you. He is only good. He's sovereign over the only good. He's sovereign over the only good. He's sovereign over the whole, but he himself is only good. Now whole, but he himself is only good. Now whole, but he himself is only good. Now we wrestled with those things yesterday we wrestled with those things yesterday we wrestled with those things yesterday in a different sort of vein. Here it's in a different sort of vein. Here it's in a different sort of vein. Here it's the goodness of God that is being the goodness of God that is being the goodness of God that is being stressed. He is good. He is very good.

stressed. He is good. He is very good. stressed. He is good. He is very good. He is only good. He is good. Good. Good. He is only good. He is good. Good. Good. He is only good. He is good. Good. Good. Good. Good. He cannot be other than Good. Good. He cannot be other than Good. Good. He cannot be other than good. The same God who is never less good. The same God who is never less good. The same God who is never less than sovereign is never less than good. Now our danger you see is when we face Now our danger you see is when we face trials and temptations. trials and temptations. trials and temptations. Is to begin to have the kind of pity Is to begin to have the kind of pity Is to begin to have the kind of pity party that wants to lash out at God party that wants to lash out at God party that wants to lash out at God himself. himself. himself. And thus by lashing out at God, And thus by lashing out at God, And thus by lashing out at God, in effect, we're charging him with not in effect, we're charging him with not in effect, we're charging him with not being good. Boy, I could sure arrange being good. Boy, I could sure arrange being good. Boy, I could sure arrange the universe a lot better than this. the universe a lot better than this. the universe a lot better than this. What did I do to deserve this cancer? What did I do to deserve this cancer? What did I do to deserve this cancer? Why should I lose my job? Other people Why should I lose my job? Other people Why should I lose my job? Other people in the church haven't lost their job. in the church haven't lost their job. in the church haven't lost their job. What are you doing to me? Implication: What are you doing to me? Implication: What are you doing to me? Implication: God, you're not good. You're not fair. God, you're not good. You're not fair. God, you're not good. You're not fair. You're not just. Do you see? You're not just. Do you see? You're not just. Do you see? But the God of the Bible is But the God of the Bible is But the God of the Bible is good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good. He's only good. He's never less good. He's only good. He's never less good. He's only good. He's never less than good. He cannot be other than good. than good. He cannot be other than good. than good. He cannot be other than good. He's not only sovereign, but he's good. He's not only sovereign, but he's good. He's not only sovereign, but he's good. So, in other words, what James is is So, in other words, what James is is So, in other words, what James is is stressing is is this crucial point. When stressing is is this crucial point. When stressing is is this crucial point. When you feel abandoned and crushed, do not you feel abandoned and crushed, do not you feel abandoned and crushed, do not forget God's goodness. And then James forget God's goodness. And then James forget God's goodness. And then James gives the ultimate proof of God's gives the ultimate proof of God's gives the ultimate proof of God's goodness in verse 18.

goodness in verse 18. goodness in verse 18. He chose to give us birth through the He chose to give us birth through the He chose to give us birth through the word of truth that we might be a kind of word of truth that we might be a kind of word of truth that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created. first fruits of all he created. first fruits of all he created. Now there are some people who think that Now there are some people who think that Now there are some people who think that this um giving making us a kind of first this um giving making us a kind of first this um giving making us a kind of first fruits of all he created is is talking fruits of all he created is is talking fruits of all he created is is talking about God's initial creation of us. He about God's initial creation of us. He about God's initial creation of us. He created the human race and in his created the human race and in his created the human race and in his sovereignty he brings us to birth. So sovereignty he brings us to birth. So sovereignty he brings us to birth. So our life, our very breath comes from our life, our very breath comes from our life, our very breath comes from him. And the word that is in view is the him. And the word that is in view is the him. And the word that is in view is the creative word that brings things to creative word that brings things to creative word that brings things to pass. But that's not right. This pass. But that's not right. This pass. But that's not right. This expression, the word of truth that he expression, the word of truth that he expression, the word of truth that he uses is found only five times in the New uses is found only five times in the New uses is found only five times in the New Testament. And every time it refers to Testament. And every time it refers to Testament. And every time it refers to the gospel, for example, Ephesians 1:13, the gospel, for example, Ephesians 1:13, the gospel, for example, Ephesians 1:13, "And you also were included in Christ "And you also were included in Christ "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the when you heard the word of truth, the when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation." gospel of your salvation." gospel of your salvation." So this birth must be the new birth that So this birth must be the new birth that So this birth must be the new birth that is brought about by the gospel. Verse is brought about by the gospel. Verse is brought about by the gospel. Verse 18, he chose to give us birth, new 18, he chose to give us birth, new 18, he chose to give us birth, new birth, birth, birth, through the gospel, through the gospel, through the gospel, that we might be a kind of first fruits that we might be a kind of first fruits that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created. the first fruits of of all he created. the first fruits of of all he created. the first fruits of all he created for the coming new heaven all he created for the coming new heaven all he created for the coming new heaven and the new earth.

and the new earth. and the new earth. Do you want to see the ultimate Do you want to see the ultimate Do you want to see the ultimate demonstration then of God's goodness? demonstration then of God's goodness? demonstration then of God's goodness? You return to the gospel You return to the gospel You return to the gospel and that takes you back to the cross. It and that takes you back to the cross. It and that takes you back to the cross. It takes you back to all that he has done. takes you back to all that he has done. takes you back to all that he has done. Bearing our sin in his own body on the Bearing our sin in his own body on the Bearing our sin in his own body on the tree and all of its outworking tree and all of its outworking tree and all of its outworking in all of our lives as Christians, not in all of our lives as Christians, not in all of our lives as Christians, not only now but for all eternity. Already only now but for all eternity. Already only now but for all eternity. Already receiving the spirit as the the the down receiving the spirit as the the the down receiving the spirit as the the the down payment of the promised inheritance. payment of the promised inheritance. payment of the promised inheritance. Already finding brothers and sisters in Already finding brothers and sisters in Already finding brothers and sisters in Christ in the context of the church. Christ in the context of the church. Christ in the context of the church. already finding our sins forgiven, already finding our sins forgiven, already finding our sins forgiven, reconciled to this God against whom we reconciled to this God against whom we reconciled to this God against whom we have rebelled and from whom we have been have rebelled and from whom we have been have rebelled and from whom we have been alienated and looking forward ultimately alienated and looking forward ultimately alienated and looking forward ultimately to transformed living in the new heaven to transformed living in the new heaven to transformed living in the new heaven and the new earth with resurrection and the new earth with resurrection and the new earth with resurrection bodies. bodies. bodies. Go and reread Revelation 21 and 22. A Go and reread Revelation 21 and 22. A Go and reread Revelation 21 and 22. A new order, we're told, in which there new order, we're told, in which there new order, we're told, in which there will no longer be any sin or sorrow or will no longer be any sin or sorrow or will no longer be any sin or sorrow or death or decay or covetousness or death or decay or covetousness or death or decay or covetousness or idolatry or rebellion.

idolatry or rebellion. idolatry or rebellion. And that's just the negative side of And that's just the negative side of And that's just the negative side of things. But so transformed that we will things. But so transformed that we will things. But so transformed that we will love God perfectly with heart and soul love God perfectly with heart and soul love God perfectly with heart and soul and mind and strength. and mind and strength. and mind and strength. And this not for just for a weekend or And this not for just for a weekend or And this not for just for a weekend or two, a sort of holiday into holiness, two, a sort of holiday into holiness, two, a sort of holiday into holiness, but forever and ever, he chose to give but forever and ever, he chose to give but forever and ever, he chose to give us new birth through the gospel. There's us new birth through the gospel. There's us new birth through the gospel. There's the demonstration. So that the trials and pressures and So that the trials and pressures and even the temptations we face as as even the temptations we face as as even the temptations we face as as awkward as they are inevitably they will awkward as they are inevitably they will awkward as they are inevitably they will look different um 10 years after you're look different um 10 years after you're look different um 10 years after you're dead dead dead 50 years after you're dead 50 billion 50 years after you're dead 50 billion 50 years after you're dead 50 billion years after you're dead if we can think years after you're dead if we can think years after you're dead if we can think of eternity in the categories of time I of eternity in the categories of time I of eternity in the categories of time I don't know that that's the demonstration that's the demonstration and it's important and it's important and it's important to focus on that central demonstration to focus on that central demonstration to focus on that central demonstration of the goodness of God. There is a sense of the goodness of God. There is a sense of the goodness of God. There is a sense of course in which we want to give of course in which we want to give of course in which we want to give thanks to God appropriately for the thanks to God appropriately for the thanks to God appropriately for the other good things we enjoy. In this other good things we enjoy. In this other good things we enjoy. In this room, I'm quite sure that all of us here room, I'm quite sure that all of us here room, I'm quite sure that all of us here get enough to eat.

get enough to eat. get enough to eat. Mind you, there are parts of the world Mind you, there are parts of the world Mind you, there are parts of the world where people don't get enough to eat. As bad as the HIV AIDS ravage is in this As bad as the HIV AIDS ravage is in this country, it's nothing compared with country, it's nothing compared with country, it's nothing compared with Central Africa. Central Africa. Central Africa. Aren't you glad you're born here? Most of us have access to a reasonably Most of us have access to a reasonably decent education. decent education. decent education. Some of us are quite athletic. Some of us are very grateful to God for Some of us are very grateful to God for our children or our grandchildren. our children or our grandchildren. our children or our grandchildren. Some of us are grateful to God for the Some of us are grateful to God for the Some of us are grateful to God for the the privileges we've had at work. the privileges we've had at work. the privileges we've had at work. good job holding it down a steady good job holding it down a steady good job holding it down a steady income. income. income. Interesting work. And it's worth Interesting work. And it's worth Interesting work. And it's worth remembering all of those things. But you remembering all of those things. But you remembering all of those things. But you know, there's a problem with them know, there's a problem with them know, there's a problem with them because the more we focus on those because the more we focus on those because the more we focus on those things, we forget how many brothers and things, we forget how many brothers and things, we forget how many brothers and sisters we have in Christ, even a local sisters we have in Christ, even a local sisters we have in Christ, even a local church without all of those things. Some church without all of those things. Some church without all of those things. Some don't have good health don't have good health don't have good health and some don't have children and some don't have children and some don't have children and some are out of work and some are out of work and some are out of work and some are riddled with disease that and some are riddled with disease that and some are riddled with disease that is going to take them out in a few years is going to take them out in a few years is going to take them out in a few years or a few months.

or a few months. or a few months. So it is right to thank God for all of So it is right to thank God for all of So it is right to thank God for all of these temporal blessings that that these temporal blessings that that these temporal blessings that that that's right. But if you so stress the that's right. But if you so stress the that's right. But if you so stress the temporal blessings that you lose sight temporal blessings that you lose sight temporal blessings that you lose sight of the eternal ones, then you actually of the eternal ones, then you actually of the eternal ones, then you actually turn out to be just a wee bit divisive turn out to be just a wee bit divisive turn out to be just a wee bit divisive in the church in the church in the church because there are always some who don't because there are always some who don't because there are always some who don't have those kinds of things, have those kinds of things, have those kinds of things, who are just hurt quietly by the who are just hurt quietly by the who are just hurt quietly by the comparisons. But when you focus on the things that But when you focus on the things that are the commonalities that all are the commonalities that all are the commonalities that all Christians have, reconciliation with the Christians have, reconciliation with the Christians have, reconciliation with the living God, new birth, something of living God, new birth, something of living God, new birth, something of God's nature given to us already in God's nature given to us already in God's nature given to us already in anticipation of the perfection of God's anticipation of the perfection of God's anticipation of the perfection of God's nature given to us in resurrection nature given to us in resurrection nature given to us in resurrection existence in the new heaven and the new existence in the new heaven and the new existence in the new heaven and the new earth toward which all Christians press. earth toward which all Christians press. earth toward which all Christians press. All secured by the word of truth, the All secured by the word of truth, the All secured by the word of truth, the gospel of Jesus Christ.

gospel of Jesus Christ. gospel of Jesus Christ. Then we have a community of people who Then we have a community of people who Then we have a community of people who are abundantly thankful for God's are abundantly thankful for God's are abundantly thankful for God's immaculate unqualified goodness in which we all participate. in which we all participate. We all partake. So that when you confess God's So that when you confess God's sovereignty, And when you are abandoned and crushed, And when you are abandoned and crushed, do not forget God's goodness. And finally, And finally, when you hear gospel instruction, when you hear gospel instruction, when you hear gospel instruction, do not merely listen to it as something do not merely listen to it as something do not merely listen to it as something belonging to the past. When you hear belonging to the past. When you hear belonging to the past. When you hear gospel instruction, do not merely listen gospel instruction, do not merely listen gospel instruction, do not merely listen to it as something belonging to the to it as something belonging to the to it as something belonging to the past. past. past. Verses 19 to 25. I think these verses Verses 19 to 25. I think these verses Verses 19 to 25. I think these verses are sometimes a wee bit misunderstood.

are sometimes a wee bit misunderstood. are sometimes a wee bit misunderstood. Verse 19. My dear brothers, take note of Verse 19. My dear brothers, take note of Verse 19. My dear brothers, take note of this. Everyone should be quick to this. Everyone should be quick to this. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become listen, slow to speak, slow to become listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry. For man's anger does not bring angry. For man's anger does not bring angry. For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God about the righteous life that God about the righteous life that God desires. Now, if this is following on desires. Now, if this is following on desires. Now, if this is following on naturally from the preceding, then the naturally from the preceding, then the naturally from the preceding, then the anger, the the loose tongue may be in anger, the the loose tongue may be in anger, the the loose tongue may be in function of facing trials and function of facing trials and function of facing trials and temptations that are making us bitter temptations that are making us bitter temptations that are making us bitter and wanting us to lash out and and and and wanting us to lash out and and and and wanting us to lash out and and and slam God or slam other people. Do you slam God or slam other people. Do you slam God or slam other people. Do you know ugly things? There may be more know ugly things? There may be more know ugly things? There may be more coherence in this chapter than we coherence in this chapter than we coherence in this chapter than we sometimes realize. sometimes realize. sometimes realize. So my dear brothers, take note of this. So my dear brothers, take note of this. So my dear brothers, take note of this. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow Everyone should be quick to listen, slow Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. Man's anger to speak, slow to anger. Man's anger to speak, slow to anger. Man's anger does not bring about the righteous life does not bring about the righteous life does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of that God desires. Therefore, get rid of that God desires. Therefore, get rid of moral filth and the evil that is so moral filth and the evil that is so moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word prevalent and humbly accept the word prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you which can save you. Now planted in you which can save you. Now planted in you which can save you. Now what word is this? what word is this? what word is this? The only word in the context is the word The only word in the context is the word The only word in the context is the word of truth that has been mentioned in of truth that has been mentioned in of truth that has been mentioned in verse 18.

verse 18. verse 18. Continue on. There's no break in the Continue on. There's no break in the Continue on. There's no break in the original. In other words, this word is again In other words, this word is again referring to the gospel. The text is referring to the gospel. The text is referring to the gospel. The text is saying humbly accept the gospel planted saying humbly accept the gospel planted saying humbly accept the gospel planted in you in you in you which is able to save you. But don't which is able to save you. But don't which is able to save you. But don't forget this is written to Christians. forget this is written to Christians. forget this is written to Christians. How can this gospel planted in us save How can this gospel planted in us save How can this gospel planted in us save us when we're already saved? If we're us when we're already saved? If we're us when we're already saved? If we're Christians, we have been saved. Christians, we have been saved. Christians, we have been saved. But the point is, the Bible can speak of But the point is, the Bible can speak of But the point is, the Bible can speak of this gospel still doing its saving, this gospel still doing its saving, this gospel still doing its saving, transforming work within us. This text transforming work within us. This text transforming work within us. This text is saying the gospel must continue to do is saying the gospel must continue to do is saying the gospel must continue to do its saving, transforming work within us. its saving, transforming work within us. its saving, transforming work within us. You can't forget that. You can't forget that. You can't forget that. You you can't read these gospel texts You you can't read these gospel texts You you can't read these gospel texts and then pretend that they're only for and then pretend that they're only for and then pretend that they're only for the newcomers who come into the church the newcomers who come into the church the newcomers who come into the church who have never heard the gospel before. who have never heard the gospel before. who have never heard the gospel before. The gospel will save them. I'm already The gospel will save them. I'm already The gospel will save them. I'm already saved. I don't need saving. saved. I don't need saving. saved. I don't need saving. If we act like that, then verse 22, If we act like that, then verse 22, If we act like that, then verse 22, James says, "Do not merely listen to the James says, "Do not merely listen to the James says, "Do not merely listen to the word that is this gospel word, this word word that is this gospel word, this word word that is this gospel word, this word of truth, and so deceive yourselves. Do of truth, and so deceive yourselves. Do of truth, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." That is still live under what it says." That is still live under what it says." That is still live under its gospel ages. It's not simply saying its gospel ages. It's not simply saying its gospel ages. It's not simply saying make sure you are even ever more make sure you are even ever more make sure you are even ever more obedient and perform adequately well and obedient and perform adequately well and obedient and perform adequately well and then maybe God will bless you. No, you then maybe God will bless you. No, you then maybe God will bless you. No, you live out what it means to live under the live out what it means to live under the live out what it means to live under the gospel. You do what it says. You become gospel. You do what it says. You become gospel. You do what it says. You become a gospel person. Anyone who listens to a gospel person. Anyone who listens to a gospel person. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is the word but does not do what it says is the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in the like a man who looks at his face in the like a man who looks at his face in the mirror and after looking at himself goes

mirror and after looking at himself goes mirror and after looking at himself goes away and immediately forgets what he away and immediately forgets what he away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks looks like. But the man who looks looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law of intently into the perfect law of intently into the perfect law of freedom, freedom, freedom, it's the gospel that liberates us. this it's the gospel that liberates us. this it's the gospel that liberates us. this perfect principle of freedom, this perfect principle of freedom, this perfect principle of freedom, this gospel word, this word of truth, not gospel word, this word of truth, not gospel word, this word of truth, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing forgetting what he has heard, but doing forgetting what he has heard, but doing it, he will be blessed in what he does. I um I mentioned yesterday at the I um I mentioned yesterday at the conference that um Tim Keller and I and conference that um Tim Keller and I and conference that um Tim Keller and I and ultimately about 50 pastors have put ultimately about 50 pastors have put ultimately about 50 pastors have put together something that we call the together something that we call the together something that we call the Gospel Coalition. You can find out about Gospel Coalition. You can find out about Gospel Coalition. You can find out about it at the gospelcoalition.org. it at the gospelcoalition.org. it at the gospelcoalition.org. Don't forget the the gospel Don't forget the the gospel Don't forget the the gospel coalition.org. coalition.org. coalition.org. And one of the things that our site And one of the things that our site And one of the things that our site hosts is another organization, an hosts is another organization, an hosts is another organization, an overlapping organization that is called overlapping organization that is called overlapping organization that is called CCI, Christ on Campus Initiative. It's a CCI, Christ on Campus Initiative. It's a CCI, Christ on Campus Initiative. It's a group of us that are trying to produce group of us that are trying to produce group of us that are trying to produce uh four or five papers a year that are uh four or five papers a year that are uh four or five papers a year that are downloadable for free by undergraduates downloadable for free by undergraduates downloadable for free by undergraduates everywhere. We give them away to everywhere. We give them away to everywhere. We give them away to university or crusade, anybody who wants university or crusade, anybody who wants university or crusade, anybody who wants to have them for free. They're free.

to have them for free. They're free. to have them for free. They're free. And these papers are designed for And these papers are designed for And these papers are designed for undergraduates who are biblically undergraduates who are biblically undergraduates who are biblically illiterate. They don't know anything. illiterate. They don't know anything. illiterate. They don't know anything. They don't know how the Bible is put They don't know how the Bible is put They don't know how the Bible is put together, but they often bring their own together, but they often bring their own together, but they often bring their own baggage with them. So we have a paper, baggage with them. So we have a paper, baggage with them. So we have a paper, for example, on what a Christian for example, on what a Christian for example, on what a Christian worldview is, a paper on pluralism and worldview is, a paper on pluralism and worldview is, a paper on pluralism and the exclusive claims of Christ, paper on the exclusive claims of Christ, paper on the exclusive claims of Christ, paper on Islam, a paper on naturalism and so on. Islam, a paper on naturalism and so on. Islam, a paper on naturalism and so on. None of them too long, 13 14,000 words, None of them too long, 13 14,000 words, None of them too long, 13 14,000 words, just enough to be rigorous without being just enough to be rigorous without being just enough to be rigorous without being too technical or too lengthy and and so too technical or too lengthy and and so too technical or too lengthy and and so on. So these things are also hosted on on. So these things are also hosted on on. So these things are also hosted on that site Christ on campus initiative. that site Christ on campus initiative. that site Christ on campus initiative. The whole thing is funded by a small The whole thing is funded by a small The whole thing is funded by a small foundation. And before we started this foundation. And before we started this foundation. And before we started this series of papers um we invited to our series of papers um we invited to our series of papers um we invited to our campus paid for by the foundation six campus paid for by the foundation six campus paid for by the foundation six campus workers from different campus workers from different campus workers from different organizations, different ages, different organizations, different ages, different organizations, different ages, different parts of the country. The chap who came parts of the country. The chap who came parts of the country. The chap who came in from California, he arrived wearing in from California, he arrived wearing in from California, he arrived wearing Hawaiian shirt and shorts. The guy who Hawaiian shirt and shorts. The guy who Hawaiian shirt and shorts. The guy who came in from Harvard came in in a came in from Harvard came in in a came in from Harvard came in in a pinstriped suit. I kid you not. And they pinstriped suit. I kid you not. And they pinstriped suit. I kid you not. And they came in from different parts of the came in from different parts of the came in from different parts of the country and they they were different in country and they they were different in country and they they were different in their outlooks and so on. But we made their outlooks and so on. But we made their outlooks and so on. But we made sure that all of these campus workers sure that all of these campus workers sure that all of these campus workers were were theologically trained too.

were were theologically trained too. were were theologically trained too. They weren't just keen people, but they They weren't just keen people, but they They weren't just keen people, but they were theologically trained and they all were theologically trained and they all were theologically trained and they all had somewhere between five and 30 or 35 had somewhere between five and 30 or 35 had somewhere between five and 30 or 35 years experience on campuses. And what years experience on campuses. And what years experience on campuses. And what we did was brainstorm. We asked each of we did was brainstorm. We asked each of we did was brainstorm. We asked each of them to make a presentation to those of them to make a presentation to those of them to make a presentation to those of us who were involved. and then us who were involved. and then us who were involved. and then brainstorm together what are the trends brainstorm together what are the trends brainstorm together what are the trends on university campuses. What's going on? on university campuses. What's going on? on university campuses. What's going on? What do what what do students who are What do what what do students who are What do what what do students who are biblically illiterate undergraduates on biblically illiterate undergraduates on biblically illiterate undergraduates on our nation's campuses today? What do our nation's campuses today? What do our nation's campuses today? What do they need? What are they asking about? they need? What are they asking about? they need? What are they asking about? What are their biases? What what's going What are their biases? What what's going What are their biases? What what's going on? Now, I like to tell myself that I on? Now, I like to tell myself that I on? Now, I like to tell myself that I know what's going on campuses, but these know what's going on campuses, but these know what's going on campuses, but these people were so far ahead of me. I'm just people were so far ahead of me. I'm just people were so far ahead of me. I'm just an amateur compared with these people an amateur compared with these people an amateur compared with these people who spend all their lives working in who spend all their lives working in who spend all their lives working in this way on university campuses. this way on university campuses. this way on university campuses. One of the workers that we invited was a One of the workers that we invited was a One of the workers that we invited was a young woman called Danielle. She and her young woman called Danielle. She and her young woman called Danielle. She and her husband had both trained at Trinity. And husband had both trained at Trinity. And husband had both trained at Trinity. And in fact, she and her husband had both in fact, she and her husband had both in fact, she and her husband had both been students at Princeton before they been students at Princeton before they been students at Princeton before they came to Trinity. They studied at came to Trinity. They studied at came to Trinity. They studied at Princeton. They came to us and then they Princeton. They came to us and then they Princeton. They came to us and then they had gone back to Princeton to serve in had gone back to Princeton to serve in had gone back to Princeton to serve in something called the Princeton something called the Princeton something called the Princeton Evangelical Fellowship.

Evangelical Fellowship. Evangelical Fellowship. And this is one of the most remarkable And this is one of the most remarkable And this is one of the most remarkable campus groups I have ever seen. Um, but campus groups I have ever seen. Um, but campus groups I have ever seen. Um, but partly because of its philosophy of partly because of its philosophy of partly because of its philosophy of ministry. Um I if you join the Princeton ministry. Um I if you join the Princeton ministry. Um I if you join the Princeton Evangelical Fellowship as a student, you Evangelical Fellowship as a student, you Evangelical Fellowship as a student, you are committing yourself not only to the are committing yourself not only to the are committing yourself not only to the big meetings that they have, but also to big meetings that they have, but also to big meetings that they have, but also to one- on-one mentoring by one of the one- on-one mentoring by one of the one- on-one mentoring by one of the full-time staff people. In other words, full-time staff people. In other words, full-time staff people. In other words, their staff teacher, their staff to their staff teacher, their staff to their staff teacher, their staff to student ratio is really quite student ratio is really quite student ratio is really quite remarkable. And and as a result, each remarkable. And and as a result, each remarkable. And and as a result, each student gets one-on-one mentoring every student gets one-on-one mentoring every student gets one-on-one mentoring every week for at least an hour for the whole week for at least an hour for the whole week for at least an hour for the whole four years that they're there. Can you four years that they're there. Can you four years that they're there. Can you imagine what this gives them? and they imagine what this gives them? and they imagine what this gives them? and they have homework to do and things to read, have homework to do and things to read, have homework to do and things to read, things to work through. So that at the things to work through. So that at the things to work through. So that at the end of four years, they come up, they end of four years, they come up, they end of four years, they come up, they come out just so much stronger, so much come out just so much stronger, so much come out just so much stronger, so much better trained in the basics of the better trained in the basics of the better trained in the basics of the Christian faith and how the Bible is put Christian faith and how the Bible is put Christian faith and how the Bible is put together. And Chris and Danielle had together. And Chris and Danielle had together. And Chris and Danielle had been through this and then had come to been through this and then had come to been through this and then had come to Trinity, got some theological training, Trinity, got some theological training, Trinity, got some theological training, then gone back to work with the then gone back to work with the then gone back to work with the Princeton Evangelical Fellowship. And Princeton Evangelical Fellowship. And Princeton Evangelical Fellowship. And now Danielle was back um telling us her now Danielle was back um telling us her now Danielle was back um telling us her experiences of the previous five years experiences of the previous five years experiences of the previous five years when she had spent an average of 28 when she had spent an average of 28 when she had spent an average of 28 hours a week one-on-one um mentoring hours a week one-on-one um mentoring hours a week one-on-one um mentoring young women at Princeton.

young women at Princeton. young women at Princeton. She said, "I'm going to tell you what She said, "I'm going to tell you what She said, "I'm going to tell you what makes Princeton undergraduates tick." I know inevitably it's a it's a I know inevitably it's a it's a generalization obviously. Moreover, I'm generalization obviously. Moreover, I'm generalization obviously. Moreover, I'm picking on women here, but I could picking on women here, but I could picking on women here, but I could equally give you similar reports for equally give you similar reports for equally give you similar reports for young men. and they're a bit different. young men. and they're a bit different. young men. and they're a bit different. They work slightly differently, but They work slightly differently, but They work slightly differently, but there are very similar things that could there are very similar things that could there are very similar things that could be said. She said there are three things be said. She said there are three things be said. She said there are three things that make them tick. Number one, from that make them tick. Number one, from that make them tick. Number one, from their parents and from their own push to their parents and from their own push to their parents and from their own push to get into an Ivy League school never get get into an Ivy League school never get get into an Ivy League school never get less than an A. less than an A. less than an A. Now, you're not going to find that in Now, you're not going to find that in Now, you're not going to find that in every university, are you? I mean, some every university, are you? I mean, some every university, are you? I mean, some universities are known as party universities are known as party universities are known as party universities. the main aim is to date a universities. the main aim is to date a universities. the main aim is to date a football hunk or to be a football hunk football hunk or to be a football hunk football hunk or to be a football hunk or the main aim is to get through and or the main aim is to get through and or the main aim is to get through and enjoy as many parties as possible. I enjoy as many parties as possible. I enjoy as many parties as possible. I mean, there are all kind or maybe it's mean, there are all kind or maybe it's mean, there are all kind or maybe it's just to get through part-time while just to get through part-time while just to get through part-time while you're while you're paying your own shot you're while you're paying your own shot you're while you're paying your own shot and and washing dishes in a restaurant and and washing dishes in a restaurant and and washing dishes in a restaurant somewhere. There can be different somewhere. There can be different somewhere. There can be different philosophies, but in an Ivy League philosophies, but in an Ivy League philosophies, but in an Ivy League school, that's what she was finding.

school, that's what she was finding. school, that's what she was finding. Never get less than an A. You don't have Never get less than an A. You don't have Never get less than an A. You don't have that kind you don't get into Princeton that kind you don't get into Princeton that kind you don't get into Princeton unless you have that kind of mentality unless you have that kind of mentality unless you have that kind of mentality in the first place, the way it is. But in the first place, the way it is. But in the first place, the way it is. But of course, that's also a setup for of course, that's also a setup for of course, that's also a setup for failure, isn't it? failure, isn't it? failure, isn't it? Because I don't care how clever you are, Because I don't care how clever you are, Because I don't care how clever you are, there going to be lots and lots and lots there going to be lots and lots and lots there going to be lots and lots and lots of people at Princeton who don't get of people at Princeton who don't get of people at Princeton who don't get ace. ace. ace. So, the first one is already a setup for So, the first one is already a setup for So, the first one is already a setup for failure. The second one is, and this failure. The second one is, and this failure. The second one is, and this from the general media, from the culture from the general media, from the culture from the general media, from the culture all around, from friends, and from your all around, from friends, and from your all around, from friends, and from your own perception of what freedom is, be own perception of what freedom is, be own perception of what freedom is, be yourself. yourself. yourself. Be yourself. Now, we'll have a footnote Be yourself. Now, we'll have a footnote Be yourself. Now, we'll have a footnote under that one. Make sure you give a under that one. Make sure you give a under that one. Make sure you give a little bit of time to the victims of little bit of time to the victims of little bit of time to the victims of Katrina or go and work for a week in a Katrina or go and work for a week in a Katrina or go and work for a week in a clinic for HIV people somewhere. U make clinic for HIV people somewhere. U make clinic for HIV people somewhere. U make sure you have some sort of compassion sure you have some sort of compassion sure you have some sort of compassion somewhere about injustice. But basically somewhere about injustice. But basically somewhere about injustice. But basically be yourself. be yourself. be yourself. Don't let anybody squeeze you into a box Don't let anybody squeeze you into a box Don't let anybody squeeze you into a box and tell you anything. Now how you put and tell you anything. Now how you put and tell you anything. Now how you put together the idealism of the first point together the idealism of the first point together the idealism of the first point and the second point is already a and the second point is already a and the second point is already a challenge.

challenge. challenge. The third one she says is not everybody The third one she says is not everybody The third one she says is not everybody would admit, but she says in her view would admit, but she says in her view would admit, but she says in her view it's almost universal just the same. it's almost universal just the same. it's almost universal just the same. This from Madison Avenue and from peers This from Madison Avenue and from peers This from Madison Avenue and from peers be hot. And that affects how you dress, how you And that affects how you dress, how you present yourself, what you want people present yourself, what you want people present yourself, what you want people to think of you, how do you get noticed, to think of you, how do you get noticed, to think of you, how do you get noticed, how you find a mate or a boyfriend, h how you find a mate or a boyfriend, h how you find a mate or a boyfriend, h how you rank socially. it it's it's it's how you rank socially. it it's it's it's how you rank socially. it it's it's it's bound up there somewhere. Be hot. bound up there somewhere. Be hot. bound up there somewhere. Be hot. But of course, that's also going to set But of course, that's also going to set But of course, that's also going to set you up for failure, isn't it? Because you up for failure, isn't it? Because you up for failure, isn't it? Because even at our most charitable, we all even at our most charitable, we all even at our most charitable, we all recognize that we're not all hot. So now, one of these young women gets So now, one of these young women gets into one of these Bible studies and into one of these Bible studies and into one of these Bible studies and becomes a Christian. becomes a Christian. becomes a Christian. and she learned something about the and she learned something about the and she learned something about the wonderful gospel of grace that she's wonderful gospel of grace that she's wonderful gospel of grace that she's accepted before God not because she's a accepted before God not because she's a accepted before God not because she's a Princeton student. Maybe even despite Princeton student. Maybe even despite Princeton student. Maybe even despite the fact she's a Princeton student, the fact she's a Princeton student, the fact she's a Princeton student, she's accepted before God because she's accepted before God because she's accepted before God because because of what Christ has done on her because of what Christ has done on her because of what Christ has done on her behalf, bearing her sins in his own body behalf, bearing her sins in his own body behalf, bearing her sins in his own body on the tree, she becomes a Christian.

on the tree, she becomes a Christian. on the tree, she becomes a Christian. But with all of these pressures from the But with all of these pressures from the But with all of these pressures from the world around her, pretty soon she wants world around her, pretty soon she wants world around her, pretty soon she wants to become the best Christian. to become the best Christian. to become the best Christian. all the Bible studies, all the prayer all the Bible studies, all the prayer all the Bible studies, all the prayer meetings, lead the best Bible studies, meetings, lead the best Bible studies, meetings, lead the best Bible studies, make sure you do all your preparation in make sure you do all your preparation in make sure you do all your preparation in advance, read more than others, make advance, read more than others, make advance, read more than others, make sure you go on the next Christian sure you go on the next Christian sure you go on the next Christian mission trip down to Pango Pongo, mission trip down to Pango Pongo, mission trip down to Pango Pongo, wherever you're going, but you're going wherever you're going, but you're going wherever you're going, but you're going to be one of the best Christians. Do you to be one of the best Christians. Do you to be one of the best Christians. Do you see? And pretty soon now, you're into see? And pretty soon now, you're into see? And pretty soon now, you're into this mode once again where you can only this mode once again where you can only this mode once again where you can only fail fail fail because you're never ever good enough. because you're never ever good enough. because you're never ever good enough. And where's grace? And on top of that is a whole culture And on top of that is a whole culture yelling at young women, you're a woman, yelling at young women, you're a woman, yelling at young women, you're a woman, you can be anything, which they are you can be anything, which they are you can be anything, which they are hearing, you're a woman, you better be hearing, you're a woman, you better be hearing, you're a woman, you better be everything. everything. everything. And then there's only more room for And then there's only more room for And then there's only more room for failure. Do you realize that in our Ivy failure. Do you realize that in our Ivy failure. Do you realize that in our Ivy League schools, 80% of young women at League schools, 80% of young women at League schools, 80% of young women at some point will have an eating disorder some point will have an eating disorder some point will have an eating disorder and 80 to 85% will at some point be on and 80 to 85% will at some point be on and 80 to 85% will at some point be on Prozac or one of the others. But what Prozac or one of the others. But what Prozac or one of the others. But what James says is this.

James says is this. James says is this. This gospel word, this word of truth This gospel word, this word of truth This gospel word, this word of truth saved you. Now don't just be hearers of saved you. Now don't just be hearers of saved you. Now don't just be hearers of it. Live in it. Live under it. Do the it. Live in it. Live under it. Do the it. Live in it. Live under it. Do the gospel because this gospel written to gospel because this gospel written to gospel because this gospel written to Christians is still able to save you. Christians is still able to save you. Christians is still able to save you. It's this message of the gospel that It's this message of the gospel that It's this message of the gospel that comes to you and still transforms you comes to you and still transforms you comes to you and still transforms you and saves you and teaches you that you and saves you and teaches you that you and saves you and teaches you that you are accepted before God because of are accepted before God because of are accepted before God because of Jesus. Not because you've led a superb Jesus. Not because you've led a superb Jesus. Not because you've led a superb Bible study. Bible study. Bible study. You are accepted in the beloved because You are accepted in the beloved because You are accepted in the beloved because of what Christ has done. Not because you of what Christ has done. Not because you of what Christ has done. Not because you attended yet one more prayer meeting. attended yet one more prayer meeting. attended yet one more prayer meeting. It's not that there's no place for It's not that there's no place for It's not that there's no place for obedience. Of course there's a place for obedience. Of course there's a place for obedience. Of course there's a place for obedience. But if it's just more obedience. But if it's just more obedience. But if it's just more obedience and nothing else, then you obedience and nothing else, then you obedience and nothing else, then you just become one of the next door just become one of the next door just become one of the next door Pharisees. Pharisees. Pharisees. No, no, no. Christian life is lived out No, no, no. Christian life is lived out No, no, no. Christian life is lived out in gratitude to God for his grace. in gratitude to God for his grace. in gratitude to God for his grace. There's a freedom in the gospel. This is There's a freedom in the gospel. This is There's a freedom in the gospel. This is the perfect law of freedom. There's a the perfect law of freedom. There's a the perfect law of freedom. There's a freedom so that yes, yes, yes, we we freedom so that yes, yes, yes, we we freedom so that yes, yes, yes, we we learn to serve and we might pursue learn to serve and we might pursue learn to serve and we might pursue excellence, but it is in a matrix of excellence, but it is in a matrix of excellence, but it is in a matrix of gratitude to God for all that he has gratitude to God for all that he has gratitude to God for all that he has done. We are in one sense like poor done. We are in one sense like poor done. We are in one sense like poor beggars telling other poor beggars where beggars telling other poor beggars where beggars telling other poor beggars where there's bread. In one sense, we're never there's bread. In one sense, we're never there's bread. In one sense, we're never more than unprofitable servants. And we more than unprofitable servants. And we more than unprofitable servants. And we live our lives out of a thankful live our lives out of a thankful live our lives out of a thankful response to grace.

Let this word that is already implanted Let this word that is already implanted within you within you within you now so constrain all your mind and now so constrain all your mind and now so constrain all your mind and thought that you discover it is still thought that you discover it is still thought that you discover it is still able to save you. For anything else just able to save you. For anything else just able to save you. For anything else just becomes one more layer of legalism on becomes one more layer of legalism on becomes one more layer of legalism on top of the gospel top of the gospel top of the gospel instead of the glorious freedom of the instead of the glorious freedom of the instead of the glorious freedom of the sons and daughters of God. sons and daughters of God. sons and daughters of God. In other words, we come back to that In other words, we come back to that In other words, we come back to that which is absolutely central, which is absolutely central, which is absolutely central, the love and grace and goodness of God, the love and grace and goodness of God, the love and grace and goodness of God, and we live our lives in gratitude and and we live our lives in gratitude and and we live our lives in gratitude and adoration. There adoration. There adoration. There in the words we sing by Stuart Townend. in the words we sing by Stuart Townend. in the words we sing by Stuart Townend. How deep the father's love for us. How How deep the father's love for us. How How deep the father's love for us. How vast beyond all measure vast beyond all measure vast beyond all measure that he should give his only son to make that he should give his only son to make that he should give his only son to make a wretch his treasure. a wretch his treasure. a wretch his treasure. How great the pain of searing loss. How great the pain of searing loss. How great the pain of searing loss. The father turns his face away as wounds The father turns his face away as wounds The father turns his face away as wounds which mar the chosen one bring many sons which mar the chosen one bring many sons which mar the chosen one bring many sons to glory. to glory. to glory. Behold the man upon a cross.

Behold the man upon a cross. Behold the man upon a cross. My sin upon his shoulders. My sin upon his shoulders. My sin upon his shoulders. Ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out Ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out Ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers. It was my sin that among the scoffers. It was my sin that among the scoffers. It was my sin that held him then until it was accomplished. held him then until it was accomplished. held him then until it was accomplished. His dying breath has brought me life. I His dying breath has brought me life. I His dying breath has brought me life. I know that it is finished. know that it is finished. know that it is finished. And then this, And then this, And then this, I will not boast in anything. No gifts, No gifts, no power, no wisdom, no power, no wisdom, no power, no wisdom, but I will boast in Jesus Christ, but I will boast in Jesus Christ, but I will boast in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection. his death and resurrection. his death and resurrection. Why should I gain from his reward? Why should I gain from his reward? Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer. I cannot give an answer. I cannot give an answer. But this I know with all my heart. But this I know with all my heart. But this I know with all my heart. His wounds have paid my ransom.