1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. Dr. Robert Jeffress
  4. Episodes
  5. Robert Jeffress - Good Grace Decision-Making (Part 2)
Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Good Grace Decision-Making (Part 2)

April 15, 2026 | 27:29

Robert Jeffress - Good Grace Decision-Making (Part 2)
Pathway to Victory provides practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through clear, Biblical teaching.
#WordofGod #Morals #TrustGod #Ministry #Emotion #Rejection #Temptation #Grace #BodyofChrist #Desire #RobertJeffress

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Good Grace Decision-Making (Part 2) | April 15, 2026
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:00:00.156 --> 00:00:06.162
  • From the pulpit
  • 00:00:06.529 --> 00:00:07.797
  • Of the first baptist church of dallas, texas,
  • 00:00:07.797 --> 00:00:09.699
  • This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:00:09.699 --> 00:00:14.437
  • [robert] hi, i'm robert jeffress,
  • 00:00:14.437 --> 00:00:15.738
  • And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:15.738 --> 00:00:17.707
  • We've all had questions
  • 00:00:17.707 --> 00:00:19.209
  • About so-called gray areas of life.
  • 00:00:19.209 --> 00:00:22.445
  • By gray areas, i'm referring to moral issues
  • 00:00:22.445 --> 00:00:25.048
  • That are neither black nor white.
  • 00:00:25.048 --> 00:00:27.617
  • For example, are christians allowed
  • 00:00:27.617 --> 00:00:29.085
  • To watch r-rated movies, or smoke, or drink alcohol?
  • 00:00:29.085 --> 00:00:33.857
  • The answer to those questions has to do with grace.
  • 00:00:33.857 --> 00:00:37.560
  • Today, i'm going to give you three practical tips
  • 00:00:37.560 --> 00:00:39.929
  • For godly decision-making
  • 00:00:39.929 --> 00:00:42.332
  • When facing difficult moral choices.
  • 00:00:42.332 --> 00:00:45.168
  • My message is titled, "good grace decision-making,"
  • 00:00:45.168 --> 00:00:48.738
  • On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:48.738 --> 00:00:52.609
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:00:52.609 --> 00:01:00.650
  • ♪ waiting patiently ♪
  • 00:01:01.184 --> 00:01:03.153
  • ♪ waiting upon the lord ♪
  • 00:01:03.153 --> 00:01:05.121
  • ♪ then he turned to me for he heard every cry ♪
  • 00:01:05.121 --> 00:01:09.292
  • ♪ my god lifted me out of the darkest pit ♪
  • 00:01:09.292 --> 00:01:13.563
  • ♪ set me on a throne where i have built my life ♪
  • 00:01:13.563 --> 00:01:17.734
  • ♪ for the ones who trust, who trust upon the lord ♪
  • 00:01:17.734 --> 00:01:22.005
  • ♪ never turn away to any other god ♪
  • 00:01:22.005 --> 00:01:33.716
  • ♪ for the faithfulness i'll share with every breath ♪
  • 00:01:34.817 --> 00:01:38.955
  • ♪ i will not hide his name or righteousness of him ♪
  • 00:01:38.955 --> 00:01:50.500
  • ♪ he put a new song of grace in my mouth ♪
  • 00:01:51.434 --> 00:01:56.906
  • ♪ so i lift my hands and i am shouting it out ♪
  • 00:01:57.907 --> 00:02:05.181
  • ♪ you are my help and my defender ♪
  • 00:02:05.982 --> 00:02:09.852
  • ♪ you are my god and you are my praise ♪
  • 00:02:09.852 --> 00:02:13.957
  • ♪ i will be glad the lord of salvation, worthy is your name ♪
  • 00:02:13.957 --> 00:02:30.573
  • ♪ may all who see you, rejoice and be glad ♪
  • 00:02:31.541 --> 00:02:38.348
  • ♪ may those who long for you, rejoice and be glad ♪
  • 00:02:39.415 --> 00:02:45.421
  • ♪ for the lord is great ♪
  • 00:02:46.022 --> 00:02:51.427
  • ♪ rejoice and be glad for the lord is great ♪
  • 00:02:52.362 --> 00:02:59.435
  • ♪ rejoice and be glad for the lord is great ♪
  • 00:03:00.370 --> 00:03:07.543
  • ♪ you are my help and my defender ♪
  • 00:03:08.344 --> 00:03:12.415
  • ♪ you are my god and you are great ♪
  • 00:03:12.415 --> 00:03:16.653
  • ♪ i will declare the lord of salvation, worthy is your name ♪
  • 00:03:16.653 --> 00:03:24.460
  • ♪ you are my help and my defender ♪
  • 00:03:25.261 --> 00:03:29.132
  • ♪ you are my god and you are great ♪
  • 00:03:29.132 --> 00:03:33.503
  • ♪ i will declare the lord of salvation, worthy is your name ♪
  • 00:03:33.503 --> 00:03:37.774
  • ♪ worthy is your name ♪
  • 00:03:37.774 --> 00:03:46.015
  • ♪ worthy, worthy, worthy, worthy ♪
  • 00:03:41.844 --> 00:03:53.990
  • ♪ worthy, worthy, you are worthy, ♪
  • 00:03:54.791 --> 00:03:59.329
  • ♪ worthy is your name, your name ♪
  • 00:03:59.329 --> 00:04:13.676
  • (congregation cheering and applauding)
  • 00:04:14.477 --> 00:04:18.247
  • Some christians use grace as
  • 00:04:18.247 --> 00:04:19.849
  • A spiritual get out of jail free card.
  • 00:04:19.849 --> 00:04:22.719
  • Others pile on so many rules,
  • 00:04:22.719 --> 00:04:24.854
  • They have no grace for themselves or others.
  • 00:04:24.854 --> 00:04:27.590
  • In "grace gone wild" dr. robert jeffress shows you
  • 00:04:27.590 --> 00:04:30.960
  • What biblical grace actually looks like
  • 00:04:30.960 --> 00:04:33.629
  • And how practicing it leads to true freedom and lasting joy.
  • 00:04:33.629 --> 00:04:37.300
  • Discover how grace can transform your marriage,
  • 00:04:37.300 --> 00:04:39.736
  • Your relationships, and your walk with god.
  • 00:04:39.736 --> 00:04:42.271
  • Request "grace gone wild "when you give
  • 00:04:42.271 --> 00:04:44.707
  • A generous ministry gift to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:04:44.707 --> 00:04:49.445
  • Stay tuned for a very special
  • 00:04:49.445 --> 00:04:50.847
  • "ask dr. jeffress" segment after today's message.
  • 00:04:50.847 --> 00:04:55.618
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:04:55.952 --> 00:05:01.257
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:05:01.591 --> 00:05:03.292
  • Listen to me, when you first become a christian,
  • 00:05:03.292 --> 00:05:05.795
  • God sets that internal warning system
  • 00:05:05.795 --> 00:05:08.698
  • With an unusually high level of sensitivity.
  • 00:05:08.698 --> 00:05:12.034
  • If you get close to anything that could lead you astray,
  • 00:05:12.034 --> 00:05:16.172
  • (imitating beeping)
  • 00:05:16.172 --> 00:05:18.908
  • That warning system goes off the closer you get.
  • 00:05:18.908 --> 00:05:21.144
  • (rapidly imitating beeping)
  • 00:05:21.144 --> 00:05:24.514
  • Says, don't do it, don't do it.
  • 00:05:24.514 --> 00:05:27.717
  • And yet, that new christian having
  • 00:05:27.717 --> 00:05:30.987
  • That sensitive warning system,
  • 00:05:31.621 --> 00:05:33.656
  • If he sees you doing something that he thinks is wrong,
  • 00:05:33.656 --> 00:05:38.561
  • He may ignore that internal warning system
  • 00:05:39.429 --> 00:05:41.831
  • And follow your behavior instead.
  • 00:05:41.831 --> 00:05:44.667
  • And what happens, it ends up defiling his conscience.
  • 00:05:44.667 --> 00:05:49.172
  • It does damage to that internal warning system.
  • 00:05:49.172 --> 00:05:52.542
  • And if you ignore your conscience frequently enough,
  • 00:05:52.542 --> 00:05:56.412
  • You do permanent damage to it, where it no longer works,
  • 00:05:56.412 --> 00:05:59.315
  • You can no longer hear that beep, beep beep.
  • 00:05:59.315 --> 00:06:01.484
  • That's why in 1 timothy 1 paul said to timothy,
  • 00:06:01.484 --> 00:06:04.387
  • "above all, keep faith and a clear conscience,"
  • 00:06:04.387 --> 00:06:08.891
  • Which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck
  • 00:06:08.891 --> 00:06:11.494
  • In regard to their faith.
  • 00:06:11.494 --> 00:06:13.463
  • If you ignore your conscience too many times,
  • 00:06:13.463 --> 00:06:15.765
  • You won't be able to feel it any longer.
  • 00:06:15.765 --> 00:06:17.867
  • And that's why we need to be very careful
  • 00:06:17.867 --> 00:06:20.203
  • About doing anything that hurts another christian.
  • 00:06:20.203 --> 00:06:24.507
  • You say, "what does all of this have to do
  • 00:06:24.507 --> 00:06:25.975
  • "with eating meat offered to idols?"
  • 00:06:25.975 --> 00:06:28.344
  • When these new christian converts in corinth
  • 00:06:28.344 --> 00:06:31.714
  • We're tempted to eat a meal, they were warned
  • 00:06:31.714 --> 00:06:34.684
  • By their internal system, don't do that.
  • 00:06:34.684 --> 00:06:37.987
  • But then, some of them were falling into sin
  • 00:06:37.987 --> 00:06:40.756
  • Because of the example of the so-called mature christians.
  • 00:06:40.756 --> 00:06:44.494
  • I need to stop here and point out a misunderstanding
  • 00:06:44.494 --> 00:06:47.396
  • That many people have about this passage.
  • 00:06:47.396 --> 00:06:50.533
  • In every church there are legalists
  • 00:06:50.533 --> 00:06:52.902
  • Who misused this passage.
  • 00:06:52.902 --> 00:06:55.037
  • They don't like something you do, and so they say,
  • 00:06:55.037 --> 00:06:57.507
  • "you can't do that because that offends me
  • 00:06:57.507 --> 00:07:01.277
  • "and i'm the weaker brother and the bible says,
  • 00:07:02.278 --> 00:07:04.180
  • "you can't do something i object to."
  • 00:07:04.180 --> 00:07:06.649
  • That's not what this passage is talking about.
  • 00:07:06.649 --> 00:07:08.885
  • I remember my old professor, howard hendricks said,
  • 00:07:08.885 --> 00:07:11.120
  • "in every church there's a whole group
  • 00:07:11.120 --> 00:07:12.822
  • "of professional weaker brothers."
  • 00:07:12.822 --> 00:07:15.992
  • They love to try to impose their opinions
  • 00:07:16.893 --> 00:07:19.996
  • On you by saying, "if i object
  • 00:07:19.996 --> 00:07:22.832
  • "to what you're doing, you can't do it."
  • 00:07:23.699 --> 00:07:24.967
  • No, that's not what this passage about.
  • 00:07:24.967 --> 00:07:27.537
  • The weaker brother is not somebody
  • 00:07:27.537 --> 00:07:29.438
  • Who objects to your behavior.
  • 00:07:29.438 --> 00:07:32.241
  • The weaker brother is somebody who follows your behavior,
  • 00:07:32.241 --> 00:07:36.913
  • Who is led to do what you're doing,
  • 00:07:36.913 --> 00:07:38.981
  • And ends up defiling his own conscience.
  • 00:07:38.981 --> 00:07:42.652
  • The bible says, "good grace elevates love over knowledge."
  • 00:07:43.819 --> 00:07:49.125
  • And not only that, "it also elevates
  • 00:07:49.926 --> 00:07:52.995
  • "the wellbeing of others over personal opinion."
  • 00:07:52.995 --> 00:07:57.199
  • And that leads to a third characteristic of good grace
  • 00:07:57.199 --> 00:08:01.037
  • When it comes to deciding on the gray areas of life.
  • 00:08:01.037 --> 00:08:04.473
  • Good grace elevates god's interests above my desires.
  • 00:08:04.473 --> 00:08:09.812
  • It elevates god's interest above my desires.
  • 00:08:10.746 --> 00:08:12.915
  • Bad grace always exalts personal freedom
  • 00:08:12.915 --> 00:08:16.285
  • Over every other consideration,
  • 00:08:16.285 --> 00:08:19.488
  • But good grace elevates god's interest among my desires.
  • 00:08:19.488 --> 00:08:23.259
  • Do you remember the poet john dunn who said,
  • 00:08:23.259 --> 00:08:25.895
  • "every man is an island unto himself"?
  • 00:08:25.895 --> 00:08:30.166
  • Nothing could be further from the truth,
  • 00:08:31.000 --> 00:08:34.003
  • Especially for christians.
  • 00:08:34.003 --> 00:08:35.338
  • We are not individual islands unto ourselves.
  • 00:08:35.338 --> 00:08:38.874
  • We belong to one another.
  • 00:08:38.874 --> 00:08:40.776
  • Remember, the most common image in the new testament
  • 00:08:40.776 --> 00:08:43.112
  • Of the church is the what of christ?
  • 00:08:43.112 --> 00:08:46.582
  • The body of christ.
  • 00:08:47.049 --> 00:08:48.951
  • When you trust in christ for your salvation,
  • 00:08:49.852 --> 00:08:52.021
  • You are not just joined to the head of the body,
  • 00:08:52.021 --> 00:08:54.724
  • Jesus christ, you are joined together
  • 00:08:54.724 --> 00:08:56.826
  • With other christians in a mystical,
  • 00:08:56.826 --> 00:08:58.894
  • Spiritual, but very real sense.
  • 00:08:58.894 --> 00:09:00.796
  • That's why 1 corinthians 12:27 says,
  • 00:09:00.796 --> 00:09:03.866
  • "for you are christ's body and individually members of it."
  • 00:09:03.866 --> 00:09:09.205
  • What you do affects other christians.
  • 00:09:10.039 --> 00:09:13.209
  • Just like what one body part does
  • 00:09:13.209 --> 00:09:15.311
  • Affects other parts of your body as well.
  • 00:09:15.311 --> 00:09:17.613
  • Now, let me ask you a question,
  • 00:09:17.613 --> 00:09:18.748
  • Can you ever imagine in any situation
  • 00:09:18.748 --> 00:09:22.018
  • In which you would take a hammer
  • 00:09:22.018 --> 00:09:24.854
  • And smash your left thumb as hard as you possibly could?
  • 00:09:24.854 --> 00:09:30.192
  • Is there anything that would ever lead you
  • 00:09:31.093 --> 00:09:32.395
  • To do such a thing, why would you do that?
  • 00:09:32.395 --> 00:09:34.764
  • Why would one hand do something
  • 00:09:34.764 --> 00:09:36.732
  • That brings such pain to another part of your body?
  • 00:09:36.732 --> 00:09:40.636
  • And the only thing more ridiculous than that would be
  • 00:09:40.636 --> 00:09:42.672
  • To take the hammer and hit yourself in the head with it.
  • 00:09:42.672 --> 00:09:47.176
  • Would you do that, of course not.
  • 00:09:47.176 --> 00:09:49.645
  • And yet, when you sin against another christian,
  • 00:09:49.645 --> 00:09:53.683
  • You cause him harm, you're not only hurting yourself,
  • 00:09:53.683 --> 00:09:57.920
  • You're hurting the head, jesus christ.
  • 00:09:57.920 --> 00:10:00.389
  • 1 corinthians 8:12, "and so by sinning against the brethren
  • 00:10:00.389 --> 00:10:04.894
  • "and wounding their conscience when it is weak,
  • 00:10:04.894 --> 00:10:08.664
  • "you're not only sending against them,
  • 00:10:08.664 --> 00:10:10.499
  • "you sin against christ."
  • 00:10:10.499 --> 00:10:13.703
  • And that's why good grace understands
  • 00:10:14.537 --> 00:10:16.305
  • That god's interests are more important than my desires.
  • 00:10:16.305 --> 00:10:22.945
  • Now, i want to touch on a very sensitive topic
  • 00:10:23.846 --> 00:10:26.649
  • And make a very sensitive application here.
  • 00:10:26.649 --> 00:10:32.755
  • It's about these things, masks.
  • 00:10:33.389 --> 00:10:37.693
  • We've got a debate raging in our country
  • 00:10:38.561 --> 00:10:40.996
  • Right now about masks.
  • 00:10:40.996 --> 00:10:43.299
  • Wear a mask or don't wear a mask,
  • 00:10:44.033 --> 00:10:46.068
  • Wear a mask or don't wear a mask?
  • 00:10:46.068 --> 00:10:48.904
  • There's not any real medical debate at all about it.
  • 00:10:48.904 --> 00:10:52.641
  • But let's pretend that there is,
  • 00:10:52.641 --> 00:10:54.744
  • Wear a mask or don't wear a mask?
  • 00:10:54.744 --> 00:10:57.947
  • You know what disturbs me about all of this?
  • 00:10:57.947 --> 00:11:01.584
  • Is what i'm hearing from some christians.
  • 00:11:01.584 --> 00:11:05.087
  • Some christians who are saying,
  • 00:11:05.087 --> 00:11:06.555
  • "you can't make me do something.
  • 00:11:06.555 --> 00:11:08.257
  • "you can't tell me what to do.
  • 00:11:08.257 --> 00:11:11.060
  • "it's my body, i'm free to do whatever i want to do."
  • 00:11:11.060 --> 00:11:15.264
  • Do you know that's exactly what the pro-abortion people say.
  • 00:11:15.264 --> 00:11:18.667
  • "it's all about me, it's my body.
  • 00:11:18.667 --> 00:11:20.136
  • "i'm free to do whatever i want to do."
  • 00:11:20.136 --> 00:11:22.238
  • No, you're not, if you're a christian.
  • 00:11:22.238 --> 00:11:25.574
  • If you're a christian, the only question is
  • 00:11:25.574 --> 00:11:27.543
  • Not what do i want to do, how does it affect me?
  • 00:11:27.543 --> 00:11:31.113
  • The question is how does my behavior affect other people?
  • 00:11:31.113 --> 00:11:35.384
  • And the bible is very clear, my freedom ends
  • 00:11:35.384 --> 00:11:40.089
  • When it negatively impacts somebody else.
  • 00:11:40.956 --> 00:11:44.894
  • Don't fall into the trap of saying,
  • 00:11:45.661 --> 00:11:47.763
  • "it's all about me, it's about my freedom."
  • 00:11:47.763 --> 00:11:51.066
  • God is interested in something more than your freedom.
  • 00:11:51.066 --> 00:11:55.437
  • He has interests that supersede your freedom
  • 00:11:55.437 --> 00:11:58.941
  • And his interest is the wellbeing of other people.
  • 00:11:58.941 --> 00:12:02.912
  • Good grace understands that.
  • 00:12:02.912 --> 00:12:05.581
  • So how do i go about then making decisions
  • 00:12:06.482 --> 00:12:09.852
  • About these gray areas of the christian life?
  • 00:12:09.852 --> 00:12:13.889
  • Paul said in 1 corinthians 8:13,
  • 00:12:13.889 --> 00:12:15.691
  • "therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble,
  • 00:12:15.691 --> 00:12:20.095
  • "if alcohol causes my brother to stumble,
  • 00:12:20.996 --> 00:12:25.534
  • "whatever causes my brother to stumble,
  • 00:12:26.402 --> 00:12:28.470
  • "i will never eat meat again
  • 00:12:28.470 --> 00:12:30.706
  • "so that i will not cause my brother to stumble."
  • 00:12:30.706 --> 00:12:35.110
  • Paul gives us three final questions to ask
  • 00:12:35.110 --> 00:12:38.214
  • Whenever we're trying to make a decision
  • 00:12:38.214 --> 00:12:40.416
  • About these gray areas.
  • 00:12:40.416 --> 00:12:42.051
  • They're actually found in 1 corinthians 10:23 and 24.
  • 00:12:42.051 --> 00:12:45.788
  • "all things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.
  • 00:12:45.788 --> 00:12:49.758
  • "all things are lawful, but not all things edify.
  • 00:12:49.758 --> 00:12:53.462
  • "let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor."
  • 00:12:53.462 --> 00:12:58.934
  • First question you ought to ask yourself
  • 00:12:59.802 --> 00:13:01.370
  • About an activity is first of all, is it actually lawful?
  • 00:13:01.370 --> 00:13:05.841
  • That is, does the scripture give you the freedom to do this?
  • 00:13:05.841 --> 00:13:09.912
  • I mean, not everything, obviously, is lawful.
  • 00:13:09.912 --> 00:13:14.450
  • Committing adultery is not lawful,
  • 00:13:14.450 --> 00:13:16.218
  • Unbiblical divorce is not lawful,
  • 00:13:16.218 --> 00:13:18.320
  • Stealing from your neighbors, not lawful.
  • 00:13:18.320 --> 00:13:21.123
  • Paul is talking about behavior
  • 00:13:21.123 --> 00:13:24.059
  • That is not prohibited in scriptures.
  • 00:13:24.059 --> 00:13:27.062
  • What he's saying is you have to ask yourself the question,
  • 00:13:27.062 --> 00:13:29.899
  • Are you talking actually about something that is lawful?
  • 00:13:29.899 --> 00:13:33.035
  • Now remember in the old testament,
  • 00:13:33.035 --> 00:13:35.237
  • There is a command about just about every area of life.
  • 00:13:35.237 --> 00:13:38.107
  • It was very strict what you could do, what you couldn't do.
  • 00:13:38.107 --> 00:13:41.510
  • In the new testament, there are some laws,
  • 00:13:41.510 --> 00:13:45.080
  • But there are more principles that god gives you.
  • 00:13:45.080 --> 00:13:48.584
  • For example, you can look all through the new testament
  • 00:13:48.584 --> 00:13:51.353
  • From matthew to revelation, you won't find
  • 00:13:51.353 --> 00:13:53.756
  • Any word about r-rated movies,
  • 00:13:53.756 --> 00:13:55.824
  • Whether you ought to go to r-rated movies.
  • 00:13:55.824 --> 00:13:58.494
  • So does that mean you're free to?
  • 00:13:58.494 --> 00:14:00.896
  • There is a principle in 2 timothy 2:22,
  • 00:14:00.896 --> 00:14:03.966
  • "now flee from youthful lust and pursue righteousness,
  • 00:14:03.966 --> 00:14:07.636
  • "faith, love, and peace with those
  • 00:14:07.636 --> 00:14:09.371
  • "who call on the lord from a pure heart."
  • 00:14:09.371 --> 00:14:12.608
  • God is concerned with what you put
  • 00:14:12.608 --> 00:14:14.143
  • Into your mind, that's the principle.
  • 00:14:14.143 --> 00:14:17.513
  • You have to allow the holy spirit to lead you
  • 00:14:17.513 --> 00:14:20.249
  • In how to apply that principle.
  • 00:14:20.249 --> 00:14:23.519
  • By the way, i get asked about this all the time,
  • 00:14:23.519 --> 00:14:26.622
  • But there are situations in which you are required
  • 00:14:26.622 --> 00:14:29.858
  • To obey regulations that aren't in the bible.
  • 00:14:29.858 --> 00:14:34.496
  • You know, teenagers, your parents may say
  • 00:14:35.364 --> 00:14:37.366
  • You've got a 10:00 pm curfew on school nights.
  • 00:14:37.366 --> 00:14:40.769
  • You can argue that's legalism, that's legalism.
  • 00:14:40.769 --> 00:14:44.373
  • There's nothing in the bible that says
  • 00:14:44.373 --> 00:14:45.874
  • I have to be in at 10:00 pm.
  • 00:14:45.874 --> 00:14:48.978
  • You're right, there's not.
  • 00:14:48.978 --> 00:14:50.779
  • But there is something in the bible
  • 00:14:50.779 --> 00:14:52.014
  • That says you're to obey your parents.
  • 00:14:52.014 --> 00:14:54.883
  • Maybe you're in a workplace where there is
  • 00:14:54.883 --> 00:14:57.119
  • A prohibition, men, against wearing a mustache or a beard.
  • 00:14:57.119 --> 00:15:01.790
  • And you go into your employer and you say,
  • 00:15:01.790 --> 00:15:04.560
  • "that's legalism, that is legalism.
  • 00:15:04.560 --> 00:15:07.029
  • "god has given me the freedom
  • 00:15:07.029 --> 00:15:08.364
  • "to wear a mustache or a beard if i want to."
  • 00:15:08.364 --> 00:15:11.567
  • Your employer may say, "that's fine,
  • 00:15:11.567 --> 00:15:13.402
  • "but god doesn't sign your paycheck, i do.
  • 00:15:13.402 --> 00:15:15.604
  • "and i'm telling you, you can't do it."
  • 00:15:15.604 --> 00:15:18.340
  • Even here in the church, i mean,
  • 00:15:18.340 --> 00:15:20.275
  • We have established a leadership standard
  • 00:15:20.275 --> 00:15:23.679
  • For our deacons and staff that says
  • 00:15:23.679 --> 00:15:26.382
  • We should abstain from alcoholic beverages.
  • 00:15:26.382 --> 00:15:29.952
  • Is that in the bible?
  • 00:15:29.952 --> 00:15:31.920
  • There's nothing in the bible that says
  • 00:15:31.920 --> 00:15:33.288
  • You're going to hell if you have a drink.
  • 00:15:33.288 --> 00:15:35.691
  • There's nothing in the bible that says
  • 00:15:35.691 --> 00:15:37.192
  • You're never going to allow alcohol to pass your lips,
  • 00:15:37.192 --> 00:15:41.663
  • But we realize, as leaders,
  • 00:15:41.663 --> 00:15:44.299
  • That could be a stumbling block for others.
  • 00:15:45.234 --> 00:15:48.003
  • There are many new converts in our church
  • 00:15:48.003 --> 00:15:49.605
  • Who have come out of a lifestyle
  • 00:15:49.605 --> 00:15:51.240
  • That had drinking associated with it.
  • 00:15:51.240 --> 00:15:54.443
  • And if they fall back into that,
  • 00:15:54.443 --> 00:15:55.844
  • It's like falling back into their old lifestyle.
  • 00:15:55.844 --> 00:15:59.114
  • One out of seven people are alcoholics,
  • 00:15:59.114 --> 00:16:00.983
  • We know that for certain, and our exercising
  • 00:16:00.983 --> 00:16:04.953
  • Of freedom over something we could handle
  • 00:16:05.821 --> 00:16:07.890
  • Might hurt somebody else who can't handle it.
  • 00:16:07.890 --> 00:16:10.259
  • And for that reason, we've set that standard.
  • 00:16:10.259 --> 00:16:12.628
  • Now, again, is it an absolute biblical standard?
  • 00:16:12.628 --> 00:16:15.464
  • No, you can't point to a verse that says that,
  • 00:16:15.464 --> 00:16:17.900
  • But there's a principle there that we think
  • 00:16:17.900 --> 00:16:20.836
  • We have the right to formulate for our church,
  • 00:16:20.836 --> 00:16:23.972
  • And you're free to be a member
  • 00:16:23.972 --> 00:16:25.374
  • Of the church without adhering to that standard.
  • 00:16:25.374 --> 00:16:27.142
  • But if you want to be a leader,
  • 00:16:27.142 --> 00:16:28.343
  • That's a standard that we have set.
  • 00:16:28.343 --> 00:16:30.779
  • So the question is, is it lawful?
  • 00:16:30.779 --> 00:16:33.382
  • Secondly, question, is it profitable?
  • 00:16:33.382 --> 00:16:36.819
  • Some behavior may be allowed in god's word,
  • 00:16:36.819 --> 00:16:40.689
  • But that's not the only question, is it profitable?
  • 00:16:41.723 --> 00:16:44.226
  • Does it help move you towards
  • 00:16:44.226 --> 00:16:45.694
  • Your god-given goal and passion in life?
  • 00:16:45.694 --> 00:16:48.297
  • For example, if i wanted to, i could spend three hours
  • 00:16:48.297 --> 00:16:53.635
  • A day in my office playing video games on my computer
  • 00:16:54.703 --> 00:16:57.773
  • And nobody would be the wiser for it.
  • 00:16:57.773 --> 00:17:00.776
  • I could do it, but do i want to do that?
  • 00:17:00.776 --> 00:17:04.513
  • No, because that doesn't help me accomplish my goal in life,
  • 00:17:04.513 --> 00:17:09.151
  • To share christ with as many people as possible,
  • 00:17:09.151 --> 00:17:12.554
  • To be an effective pastor of this church.
  • 00:17:12.554 --> 00:17:16.024
  • It's not just pastors who have that goal.
  • 00:17:16.024 --> 00:17:17.993
  • God has given us a limited amount of time
  • 00:17:17.993 --> 00:17:19.795
  • And energy to spend in transforming
  • 00:17:19.795 --> 00:17:23.265
  • The world with god's word,
  • 00:17:23.265 --> 00:17:24.766
  • To share the good news of christ
  • 00:17:24.766 --> 00:17:26.702
  • With as many people as possible.
  • 00:17:26.702 --> 00:17:29.238
  • And a legitimate question is, does this activity help me
  • 00:17:29.238 --> 00:17:32.774
  • Or hurt me in pursuing that goal in my life?
  • 00:17:32.774 --> 00:17:35.844
  • Paul said, "all things are lawful,
  • 00:17:35.844 --> 00:17:37.279
  • "but all things may not be profitable."
  • 00:17:37.279 --> 00:17:40.883
  • The third question to ask yourself,
  • 00:17:40.883 --> 00:17:43.218
  • And this is all important is, is it helpful?
  • 00:17:43.218 --> 00:17:47.689
  • Is this behavior helpful?
  • 00:17:47.689 --> 00:17:49.091
  • And paul uses the word in 1 corinthians 10, edify,
  • 00:17:49.091 --> 00:17:53.495
  • "all things are lawful, but not all things edify."
  • 00:17:53.495 --> 00:17:57.966
  • You know what the word edify means?
  • 00:17:57.966 --> 00:17:59.535
  • Means to build up another person.
  • 00:17:59.535 --> 00:18:02.571
  • This is the question about others.
  • 00:18:02.571 --> 00:18:05.574
  • How does this decision, even if it's lawful,
  • 00:18:05.574 --> 00:18:08.443
  • Even if you can come up with a way
  • 00:18:08.443 --> 00:18:09.845
  • That it's profitable, does it edify?
  • 00:18:09.845 --> 00:18:12.915
  • Does it build up or tear down other people?
  • 00:18:12.915 --> 00:18:16.885
  • Specifically does my behavior make
  • 00:18:16.885 --> 00:18:19.421
  • A person want to follow god more closely,
  • 00:18:19.421 --> 00:18:23.158
  • Or does it motivate them to fall away from god?
  • 00:18:23.158 --> 00:18:31.400
  • A couple of weeks ago we had the memorial service
  • 00:18:32.334 --> 00:18:35.671
  • For kay brady, who's a wonderful bible teacher
  • 00:18:35.671 --> 00:18:39.875
  • In our church, mother of doug brady,
  • 00:18:40.642 --> 00:18:42.978
  • One of our sunday school teachers.
  • 00:18:42.978 --> 00:18:45.747
  • And as i was preparing for that service,
  • 00:18:45.747 --> 00:18:47.583
  • I was reminded of an incident i had,
  • 00:18:47.583 --> 00:18:51.019
  • An encounter i had with kay
  • 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:52.621
  • When i was a high school student.
  • 00:18:52.621 --> 00:18:54.990
  • She taught in our youth area,
  • 00:18:54.990 --> 00:18:56.391
  • A great bible teacher in our youth area.
  • 00:18:56.391 --> 00:18:58.827
  • And i remember when i was a high school senior,
  • 00:18:58.827 --> 00:19:01.730
  • One night after the sunday evening service,
  • 00:19:01.730 --> 00:19:03.765
  • We were in the old historic sanctuary.
  • 00:19:03.765 --> 00:19:06.501
  • And after the service she said,
  • 00:19:06.501 --> 00:19:08.103
  • "robert, can i talk to you for a moment?"
  • 00:19:08.103 --> 00:19:10.872
  • And i said, "well, sure, ms. brady."
  • 00:19:10.872 --> 00:19:12.441
  • And she pulled me off to the side to one of the vacant pews
  • 00:19:12.441 --> 00:19:14.943
  • And she said, "robert, the other night, our daughter went
  • 00:19:14.943 --> 00:19:19.281
  • "to a movie and she was just shocked
  • 00:19:19.281 --> 00:19:21.850
  • "by the horrible language in that movie.
  • 00:19:21.850 --> 00:19:24.419
  • "she just couldn't believe it."
  • 00:19:24.419 --> 00:19:26.822
  • And i sat there, and listened,
  • 00:19:26.822 --> 00:19:28.090
  • And smiled thinking to myself,
  • 00:19:28.090 --> 00:19:29.391
  • "why is ms. brady telling me about that?
  • 00:19:29.391 --> 00:19:32.394
  • "maybe it's because i'm such a spiritual giant
  • 00:19:32.394 --> 00:19:34.529
  • "in our youth area, she just felt the need to confess
  • 00:19:34.529 --> 00:19:37.232
  • "that her daughter had gone to this movie."
  • 00:19:37.232 --> 00:19:39.968
  • So after she told me about it, i took the bait
  • 00:19:39.968 --> 00:19:43.805
  • And i asked the question, "well, ms. brady,
  • 00:19:43.805 --> 00:19:45.607
  • "why did your daughter go to the movie if it was so awful?"
  • 00:19:45.607 --> 00:19:49.678
  • And with that twinkle in her eye, doug,
  • 00:19:49.678 --> 00:19:52.547
  • You're very familiar with, she said,
  • 00:19:52.547 --> 00:19:54.483
  • "well, a couple of nights before that she was driving by
  • 00:19:54.483 --> 00:19:58.186
  • "the theater and she saw you standing in line
  • 00:19:58.186 --> 00:20:02.324
  • "with your date to go see that movie."
  • 00:20:03.158 --> 00:20:05.661
  • And she thought to herself, "well, if robert jeffress thinks
  • 00:20:05.661 --> 00:20:08.230
  • "this movie is okay, it must be okay for me to go too."
  • 00:20:08.230 --> 00:20:13.101
  • I looked for the nearest pew to crawl under
  • 00:20:13.969 --> 00:20:16.405
  • As quickly as i could, what a wake up call.
  • 00:20:16.405 --> 00:20:20.375
  • The fact is, what we do impacts other people,
  • 00:20:21.310 --> 00:20:25.681
  • People we don't even know
  • 00:20:26.248 --> 00:20:27.349
  • Who are watching what we are doing.
  • 00:20:27.349 --> 00:20:30.719
  • We are not an island unto ourselves.
  • 00:20:30.719 --> 00:20:34.189
  • And that's why the bible says a proper understanding
  • 00:20:34.189 --> 00:20:37.459
  • Of grace will always lead you to ask the question,
  • 00:20:37.459 --> 00:20:42.564
  • Not only how does this affect me,
  • 00:20:43.298 --> 00:20:46.234
  • But how does this behavior affect us?
  • 00:20:46.234 --> 00:20:50.272
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:20:50.605 --> 00:20:55.210
  • I hope these biblical principles
  • 00:20:55.844 --> 00:20:57.412
  • Help guide your decision-making.
  • 00:20:57.412 --> 00:20:59.948
  • Good grace informs all our choices,
  • 00:20:59.948 --> 00:21:02.517
  • Especially when others are taking note of our behavior.
  • 00:21:02.517 --> 00:21:06.855
  • Now, as we close out this half hour of bible teaching,
  • 00:21:06.855 --> 00:21:09.791
  • Let me say thank you on behalf of the countless people
  • 00:21:09.791 --> 00:21:13.295
  • Who benefit from your support of "pathway to victory,"
  • 00:21:13.295 --> 00:21:16.932
  • Because of partners like you this bible teaching program
  • 00:21:16.932 --> 00:21:20.369
  • Can be seen from the state of washington to florida,
  • 00:21:20.369 --> 00:21:23.638
  • From california to maine, and everywhere in between.
  • 00:21:23.638 --> 00:21:27.509
  • We've even expanded our global outreach as well
  • 00:21:27.509 --> 00:21:30.712
  • To places like india, israel, ukraine, and russia.
  • 00:21:30.712 --> 00:21:34.916
  • And we couldn't do this without you,
  • 00:21:34.916 --> 00:21:37.419
  • So thank you for partnering with us as, together,
  • 00:21:37.419 --> 00:21:40.555
  • We pierce the darkness with the light of god's word.
  • 00:21:40.555 --> 00:21:44.126
  • Now please stay right there, i'll be back
  • 00:21:44.126 --> 00:21:45.560
  • With more "pathway to victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:21:45.560 --> 00:21:49.598
  • We get this question often and usually,
  • 00:21:49.598 --> 00:21:51.666
  • People are not talking about a theoretical situation.
  • 00:21:51.666 --> 00:21:55.570
  • They're talking about somebody they knew.
  • 00:21:55.570 --> 00:21:57.372
  • We all know people who grew up in the church,
  • 00:21:57.372 --> 00:21:59.875
  • Made a profession of faith in christ,
  • 00:21:59.875 --> 00:22:02.110
  • But somewhere along the way they turned away from god,
  • 00:22:02.110 --> 00:22:05.614
  • And they no longer profess to be a believer in christ.
  • 00:22:05.614 --> 00:22:09.251
  • Can a christian lose his salvation?
  • 00:22:09.251 --> 00:22:11.787
  • The short answer is no.
  • 00:22:11.787 --> 00:22:13.755
  • Jesus said, "i give eternal life to them
  • 00:22:13.755 --> 00:22:16.892
  • "and they shall never perish.
  • 00:22:16.892 --> 00:22:18.927
  • "no man shall snatch out of my hands,
  • 00:22:18.927 --> 00:22:21.463
  • "those whom the father has given me."
  • 00:22:21.463 --> 00:22:23.765
  • Paul said in romans 11:29, "the gifts
  • 00:22:23.765 --> 00:22:26.435
  • "and the calling of god are irrevocable."
  • 00:22:26.435 --> 00:22:30.472
  • So how do we explain these people
  • 00:22:30.472 --> 00:22:32.507
  • Who once professed to be believers,
  • 00:22:32.507 --> 00:22:35.243
  • But now dismiss the christian faith?
  • 00:22:35.243 --> 00:22:38.213
  • Well, john had an answer in 1 john 2.
  • 00:22:38.213 --> 00:22:40.449
  • He said, "they went out from us because they were not of us.
  • 00:22:40.449 --> 00:22:45.287
  • "had they been of us, they would not have gone out from us."
  • 00:22:45.287 --> 00:22:49.291
  • Simply put, christians don't lose their salvation,
  • 00:22:49.291 --> 00:22:53.829
  • But if they renounced jesus christ,
  • 00:22:53.829 --> 00:22:57.432
  • They turned their back on the gospel,
  • 00:22:57.432 --> 00:22:59.201
  • And they die in that state it's not that
  • 00:22:59.201 --> 00:23:01.236
  • They've lost their salvation,
  • 00:23:01.236 --> 00:23:03.672
  • It's that they were never saved to begin with.
  • 00:23:03.672 --> 00:23:06.775
  • Now, we need to be careful here.
  • 00:23:06.775 --> 00:23:08.877
  • Christians have ups and downs
  • 00:23:08.877 --> 00:23:10.245
  • In their spiritual walk with god.
  • 00:23:10.245 --> 00:23:12.781
  • And there can be a period of time, maybe weeks, months,
  • 00:23:12.781 --> 00:23:16.017
  • Perhaps even years, that christians don't walk with god,
  • 00:23:16.017 --> 00:23:19.754
  • But they come back to god.
  • 00:23:19.754 --> 00:23:21.890
  • But the bible offers no hope for those who die
  • 00:23:21.890 --> 00:23:26.094
  • Denying jesus christ as their lord and savior.
  • 00:23:26.094 --> 00:23:30.265
  • The bible tells us we're saved by grace,
  • 00:23:31.132 --> 00:23:34.436
  • But do you allow yourself to receive grace?
  • 00:23:34.436 --> 00:23:37.405
  • Do you practice grace?
  • 00:23:37.405 --> 00:23:39.007
  • Do you abuse god's grace?
  • 00:23:39.007 --> 00:23:41.142
  • In "grace gone wild" dr. robert jeffress clears up
  • 00:23:41.142 --> 00:23:44.045
  • The confusion and shows you how grace leads
  • 00:23:44.045 --> 00:23:46.815
  • To joy, not guilt.
  • 00:23:46.815 --> 00:23:48.884
  • Christians fall into one of two traps
  • 00:23:48.884 --> 00:23:50.886
  • When it comes to grace: some believe grace means
  • 00:23:50.886 --> 00:23:53.989
  • There are no boundaries in living.
  • 00:23:53.989 --> 00:23:56.625
  • Others pile on so many rules that christianity feels like
  • 00:23:56.625 --> 00:24:00.028
  • A burden instead of a blessing.
  • 00:24:00.028 --> 00:24:02.797
  • In my book, "grace gone wild," i'll show you
  • 00:24:02.797 --> 00:24:04.900
  • That true grace leads to a deeper,
  • 00:24:04.900 --> 00:24:07.669
  • More joy filled relationship with god.
  • 00:24:07.669 --> 00:24:11.373
  • Discover how understanding grace can transform
  • 00:24:11.373 --> 00:24:14.075
  • Your marriage, your relationships,
  • 00:24:14.075 --> 00:24:16.244
  • And every decision you make.
  • 00:24:16.244 --> 00:24:18.313
  • Request your copy of "grace gone wild"
  • 00:24:18.313 --> 00:24:20.682
  • When you give a generous gift to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:24:20.682 --> 00:24:24.052
  • And when your ministry gift is $75 or more,
  • 00:24:24.052 --> 00:24:27.556
  • We'll also send you the "grace gone wild" teaching series
  • 00:24:27.556 --> 00:24:30.959
  • On both cd and dvd, along with the application guide.
  • 00:24:30.959 --> 00:24:35.530
  • There are too many christians today who have taken
  • 00:24:35.530 --> 00:24:37.732
  • This marvelous gift of grace and perverted it.
  • 00:24:37.732 --> 00:24:41.970
  • They are robbing themselves of the joy
  • 00:24:42.804 --> 00:24:44.773
  • That comes from obedience to god.
  • 00:24:44.773 --> 00:24:48.310
  • Thank you for your generous support
  • 00:24:48.310 --> 00:24:50.111
  • Of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:24:50.111 --> 00:24:51.680
  • Your gift helps us bring bold biblical teaching
  • 00:24:51.680 --> 00:24:54.215
  • Around the world.
  • 00:24:54.215 --> 00:24:55.383
  • Together, we are piercing the darkness
  • 00:24:55.383 --> 00:24:57.686
  • With the light of god's word.
  • 00:24:57.686 --> 00:25:01.356
  • Making decisions about the gray areas
  • 00:25:02.123 --> 00:25:04.559
  • Of life becomes a lot easier
  • 00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:06.795
  • When we properly understand god's grace.
  • 00:25:06.795 --> 00:25:10.098
  • And i hope these three questions drawn from the principles
  • 00:25:10.098 --> 00:25:13.068
  • Of 1 corinthians have given you
  • 00:25:13.068 --> 00:25:15.437
  • The direction needed to make wise choices.
  • 00:25:15.437 --> 00:25:19.341
  • Well, as foundational as grace is to our daily decisions,
  • 00:25:19.341 --> 00:25:22.777
  • It's equally important in how we relate to people around us.
  • 00:25:22.777 --> 00:25:27.515
  • And next time, we're going to see
  • 00:25:27.515 --> 00:25:29.217
  • How the subject of grace should impact
  • 00:25:29.217 --> 00:25:31.152
  • Our relationships with those who wrong us.
  • 00:25:31.152 --> 00:25:34.356
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
  • 00:25:34.356 --> 00:25:36.458
  • In our series, "grace gone wild."
  • 00:25:36.458 --> 00:25:39.995
  • How does a proper understanding of grace impact
  • 00:25:40.996 --> 00:25:46.501
  • Our relationship with those who have wronged us?
  • 00:25:47.502 --> 00:25:51.806
  • Does grace require that we unconditionally forgive people
  • 00:25:51.806 --> 00:25:55.777
  • Who show no remorse for their actions?
  • 00:25:55.777 --> 00:25:59.247
  • If i do forgive somebody, does it mean
  • 00:25:59.247 --> 00:26:01.383
  • That i continue to suffer abuse from them
  • 00:26:01.383 --> 00:26:05.020
  • With no repentance on their behalf?
  • 00:26:05.020 --> 00:26:08.056
  • Set your dvr and join us next time for the message,
  • 00:26:08.056 --> 00:26:11.192
  • "good grace relationships" here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:26:11.192 --> 00:26:16.197
  • Join us on the "pathway to victory" cruise to alaska,
  • 00:26:17.265 --> 00:26:20.468
  • June 13th through 20, 2026.
  • 00:26:20.468 --> 00:26:23.371
  • Let me paint a picture for you.
  • 00:26:23.371 --> 00:26:25.240
  • You're standing on the deck of a beautiful cruise ship,
  • 00:26:25.240 --> 00:26:28.510
  • Coffee in hand, watching a glacier cab
  • 00:26:28.510 --> 00:26:31.346
  • Into the pristine waters while bald eagles circle overhead.
  • 00:26:31.346 --> 00:26:36.284
  • That's going to be us this coming june.
  • 00:26:36.284 --> 00:26:38.953
  • You've got to see alaska with your own eyes to believe it.
  • 00:26:38.953 --> 00:26:42.557
  • Seven days of pure luxury,
  • 00:26:42.557 --> 00:26:44.492
  • Where every meal is prepared for you.
  • 00:26:44.492 --> 00:26:46.828
  • The world class service means
  • 00:26:46.828 --> 00:26:48.263
  • You never have to think about the details.
  • 00:26:48.263 --> 00:26:50.665
  • Instead, you can focus on casual conversations
  • 00:26:50.665 --> 00:26:53.768
  • With like-minded christians, laughing, telling stories
  • 00:26:53.768 --> 00:26:57.372
  • While surrounded by god's breathtaking creation.
  • 00:26:57.372 --> 00:27:00.475
  • This is purposeful travel at its finest,
  • 00:27:00.475 --> 00:27:03.545
  • Refreshing your soul in god's stunning
  • 00:27:03.545 --> 00:27:06.548
  • Cathedral of natural wonders.
  • 00:27:06.548 --> 00:27:09.451
  • Call 888-280-6747 or visit ptv.org.
  • 00:27:09.451 --> 00:27:09.451