Robert Jeffress - The Hidden Wisdom of God

April 29, 2025 | S25:E204

Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - The Hidden Wisdom of God | April 29, 2025
  • ♪ music ♪
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  • [announcer] from the pulpit
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  • Of the first baptist church of dallas, texas,
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  • This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
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  • Hi, i'm robert jeffress and welcome again
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  • To "pathway to victory."
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  • Atheists think that christians are foolish
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  • For believing in myths and fairytales.
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  • Christians think that atheists are blind
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  • For not seeing the scientific evidence for a divine creator.
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  • But in reality, both sides of this argument
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  • Are represented by highly intelligent people.
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  • So how is it that two people
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  • Presented with the same evidence
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  • Can reach polar opposite conclusions?
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  • Today, we're going to discover
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  • Why faith is more than just a matter of intellect.
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  • My message is titled the hidden wisdom of god
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  • On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
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  • [announcer] think about a child in your life,
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  • Who needs to put their faith in jesus.
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • How do you explain the gospel to them
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  • In a way they can understand?
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  • In "the gift: the gospel for children,"
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  • Dr. robert jeffress presents the gospel message
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  • In a way that's clear and engaging.
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  • The book also includes a salvation prayer
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  • For you to pray with your child or grandchild.
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  • Give your child
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  • The most important gift they'll ever receive,
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  • The opportunity to begin a relationship with jesus christ.
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  • Request your copy of "the gift" at ptv.org.
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • Have you ever wondered why it is
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  • That two children reared in the same christian home
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  • Can have such drastically different responses
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  • To the gospel of jesus christ?
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  • One child
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  • Enthusiastically embraces the message of salvation.
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  • The other rebels against it.
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  • Or have you ever wondered why it is
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  • That that friend of yours,
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  • Who is at the end of his or her emotional rope,
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  • When you are talking to them
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  • About the solution to their dilemma, jesus christ,
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  • They absolutely refuse
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  • To grab hold of the only lifeline that can save them?
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  • Or have you ever wondered why it is
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  • That that highly intelligent coworker
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  • That you share your faith with,
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  • Even though they have an iq of 160 it seems like,
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  • Why it is they cannot understand
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  • The simple truth of the gospel,
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  • A truth that even a 7-year-old can understand and accept.
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  • The answer to all of those questions is the same,
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  • And that is god's truth can only be understood
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  • Through the supernatural illumination
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  • Of the holy spirit of god.
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  • No matter how persuasive the speaker,
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  • No matter how intelligent the listener,
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  • The gospel, the wisdom of god, cannot be understood
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  • Apart from the supernatural working
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  • Of the holy spirit of god.
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  • And that's the truth we see illustrated
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  • In tonight's passage.
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  • If you have your bibles, turn to 1 corinthians 2
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  • As we look at the hidden wisdom of god.
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  • And so paul continues this theme
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  • That god's truth can only be understood and grasped
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  • Through the wisdom, through the power of the holy spirit
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  • With two arguments beginning in verse six.
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  • First of all, paul reminds us
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  • That god's wisdom is hidden from unbelievers.
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  • God's wisdom is hidden from unbelievers.
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  • Look at verse six.
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  • "yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature."
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  • In other words, this message of the cross
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  • That is foolishness to people,
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  • It really is wisdom.
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  • It's god's wisdom, but only to those who are mature.
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  • Now, i want you to underline that word mature.
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  • John macarthur notes that that word mature
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  • Really can be used in two very distinct ways in scripture.
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  • Sometimes the word refers to being fully developed,
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  • Like an animal, a plant,
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  • A human being who is fully developed.
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  • We say that person is mature.
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  • That can also refer to a person spiritually
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  • Being fully developed.
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  • We'll see that next time.
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  • Paul talks about the spiritual man, the mature man,
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  • The one who is complete in christ.
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  • But a second meaning of mature is fully initiated.
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  • That is, it refers to people
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  • Who have full membership in a group,
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  • And that's how paul is using it here.
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  • He is saying that the gospel is only wisdom
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  • To those who are mature.
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  • Now, notice two things paul says
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  • About this wisdom of god, the gospel.
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  • He says, "the gospel is a mystery to unbelievers."
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  • It is a mystery to unbelievers,
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  • And paul is going to use two phrases
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  • To describe the mystery of the gospel.
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  • He says, notice that the gospel is, "not of this age."
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  • Underline that in verse six.
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  • He said, "this wisdom of god, the gospel,
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  • Is not of this age."
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  • The word age, ionas, means a period of time.
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  • Literally, what paul is saying is this wisdom of god
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  • Is not a contemporary message.
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  • Think about it with me.
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  • Man's wisdom says man is basically good.
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  • God's wisdom says man is basically evil.
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  • A man's wisdom says everybody's going to heaven.
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  • God's wisdom says only a few are going to heaven.
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  • Man's wisdom says we are saved by self effort.
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  • God's wisdom says, no, we are only saved by grace.
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  • Man's wisdom says there are many pathways to heaven.
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  • God's wisdom says there is only one way to heaven.
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  • And that's why paul says it doesn't matter what you do,
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  • How you try to reshape it,
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  • The gospel message, if preached faithfully,
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  • Will always be out of step with contemporary thinking.
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  • Not only that, he says, "not only is it not of this age,"
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  • He says, "nor is it of the rulers of this age.
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  • Not of the rulers of this age."
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  • He expounds on that in verse eight.
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  • Look at it.
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  • "the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age
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  • Has understood,
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  • For if they have understood it,
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  • They would not have crucified the lord of glory."
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  • Who are the rulers of this age
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  • Who did not understand the gospel?
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  • Well, the most likely explanation is
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  • He's referring to the roman and the jewish leaders
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  • Who crucified christ.
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  • If they had understood what they were doing,
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  • They would not have crucified the lord of glory.
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  • Notice what else paul says about the gospel.
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  • "not only is it a mystery to unbelievers,
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  • But the gospel was predestined by god."
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  • It was predestined by god.
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  • Jesus' death was not some accident.
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  • It was not some tragedy.
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  • It was all a part of god's plan for redemption.
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  • Look at verse 28 of matthew 20.
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  • Jesus said, "for the son of man did not come to be served,
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  • But to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
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  • Or in 1 peter 1:18-20,
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  • Peter describes jesus,
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  • "the lamb of god chosen before the foundation of the world."
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  • It was all a part of god's plan.
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  • Or again, acts 2:23, "this man, jesus,
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  • Delivered up by the predetermined plan
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  • And foreknowledge of god,
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  • You nailed to the cross by the hands of godless men
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  • And you put him to death."
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  • That was the gospel message.
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  • It was hidden to unbelievers.
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  • The believer cannot understand the gospel.
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  • And to support that truth,
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  • Paul quotes in verse nine, a passage from isaiah 64 and 65,
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  • A passage that probably is one of the most
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  • Misapplied passages in all the new testament.
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  • And remember the theme here is the gospel,
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  • The wisdom of god cannot be understood by unbelievers.
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  • And so paul quotes from isaiah 64-65,
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  • "but just as it is written,
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  • 'things which the eye has not seen
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  • And the ear has not heard
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  • And which have not entered the heart of man,
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  • All that god has prepared for those who love him.'"
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  • How many times have you used that verse
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  • Or heard that verse used in relationship to heaven?
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  • It's a favorite funeral passage.
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  • "eye has not seen, ear has not heard,
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  • Nor has it entered into the heart of man
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  • What god is prepared for those who love him."
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  • Isn't that the way we use that verse?
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  • This verse has absolutely nothing to do with heaven, okay?
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  • That's not what he's talking about.
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  • What he's saying is the human eye, the human ear
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  • Cannot begin to comprehend
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  • What god has prepared for those who trust in christ,
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  • But even though the natural man can't understand it,
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  • Look at verse 10.
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  • Here's how i know this is the right interpretation.
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  • "for to us, god has revealed them through his spirit,
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  • For the spirit searches all things, even the depths of god."
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  • Now, do you see how that makes sense?
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  • The human eye, the human ear can't understand it.
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  • It's not entered into their hearts
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  • What god has prepared for those who love him,
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  • But god has already revealed those things to us
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  • Who are his people.
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  • We can know what god has planned for us,
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  • The mystery of redemption.
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  • Now, although god's wisdom is hidden from unbelievers,
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  • Notice the second truth in this passage.
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  • God's wisdom is supernaturally communicated to believers.
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  • How does god open our hearts and our eyes and our ears
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  • So that we can grasp the truth of the gospel?
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  • How does he communicate truth
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  • To those who are mature, initiated, a part of the group?
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  • The first word we need to understand is the word revelation.
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  • Revelation. god's wisdom was revealed to the apostles.
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  • Look at verse 10.
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  • "for to us, god revealed them."
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  • What is them? it's these hidden truths.
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  • "for to us, god revealed them through the spirit,
  • 00:10:20.710 --> 00:10:23.879
  • For the spirit searches all things, even the depths of god."
  • 00:10:23.879 --> 00:10:28.084
  • Revelation. what is revelation?
  • 00:10:28.084 --> 00:10:30.019
  • Here's a good definition of revelation.
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  • Write it down.
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  • Revelation is the communication of god's message
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  • To the biblical writers.
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  • Special revelation is unique information about god
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  • That has been revealed by god to the biblical writers
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  • And is contained in scripture.
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  • This is special revelation.
  • 00:10:50.506 --> 00:10:53.042
  • And that's what paul is talking about in verse 10
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  • When he says, "for to us,
  • 00:10:55.644 --> 00:10:57.880
  • God revealed this wisdom through the spirit."
  • 00:10:57.880 --> 00:11:00.750
  • Now, the word us there doesn't refer to every christian.
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  • He's talking us, meaning the apostles, the biblical writers,
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  • Paul and peter and john and the writers of hebrews,
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  • They were the recipients of god's special revelation.
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  • This book, the bible, is the depository
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  • Of all of god's special information about himself,
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  • And everything you need to know about god
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  • Is contained in this book.
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  • This book is god's final revelation.
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  • Now, other religions around the world do not believe this.
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  • They don't believe it at all.
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  • For example, muslims believe that the quran
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  • Is god's final revelation to man.
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  • They believe that between the years of 610 and 632 ad
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  • That the angel gabriel revealed to muhammad
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  • Over this 23 year period certain information about god,
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  • And they believe that the quran
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  • Is god's final revelation to man.
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  • The mormons, on the other hand,
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  • They believe the book of mormon
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  • That you see advertised on television,
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  • If you call the 800 number,
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  • They believe that book of mormon
  • 00:12:08.317 --> 00:12:10.019
  • Is god's final revelation to man.
  • 00:12:10.019 --> 00:12:12.655
  • They believe that revelation even supersedes scripture.
  • 00:12:12.655 --> 00:12:16.292
  • You know what the teaching of mormonism is?
  • 00:12:16.292 --> 00:12:18.661
  • Joseph smith claims that in 1827,
  • 00:12:18.661 --> 00:12:21.897
  • The angel moroni appeared to him
  • 00:12:21.897 --> 00:12:24.366
  • And led him to these golden tablets
  • 00:12:24.366 --> 00:12:26.535
  • That were buried by his home in new york,
  • 00:12:26.535 --> 00:12:28.971
  • And on these golden tablets were the revelation of god.
  • 00:12:28.971 --> 00:12:32.341
  • And three years later in 1830,
  • 00:12:32.341 --> 00:12:34.376
  • Joseph smith published the book of mormon,
  • 00:12:34.376 --> 00:12:37.012
  • And very conveniently,
  • 00:12:37.012 --> 00:12:38.948
  • The angel moroni took the gold plates back,
  • 00:12:38.948 --> 00:12:41.116
  • So we don't have those today.
  • 00:12:41.116 --> 00:12:43.252
  • But we have joseph smith's revelation, the book of mormon.
  • 00:12:43.252 --> 00:12:46.956
  • And mormons believe that that book is the final,
  • 00:12:46.956 --> 00:12:50.593
  • The most recent depository
  • 00:12:50.593 --> 00:12:52.862
  • Of god's revelation about himself.
  • 00:12:52.862 --> 00:12:55.865
  • What do we say about sacred books like the quran
  • 00:12:55.865 --> 00:12:59.802
  • Or like the book of mormon?
  • 00:12:59.802 --> 00:13:01.237
  • How do we know god has not given the so-called prophets
  • 00:13:01.237 --> 00:13:05.841
  • New information about himself?
  • 00:13:05.841 --> 00:13:08.310
  • The way we know that is from what scripture says.
  • 00:13:08.310 --> 00:13:11.647
  • Listen to the words or jot it down, jude 1:3.
  • 00:13:11.647 --> 00:13:16.252
  • The writer of the new testament said,
  • 00:13:16.252 --> 00:13:17.887
  • "beloved, while i was making every effort
  • 00:13:17.887 --> 00:13:20.522
  • To write you about our common salvation,
  • 00:13:20.522 --> 00:13:23.325
  • I felt the necessity to write to you
  • 00:13:23.325 --> 00:13:25.694
  • Appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith,"
  • 00:13:25.694 --> 00:13:30.966
  • Underline that,
  • 00:13:31.333 --> 00:13:32.635
  • "which was once for all," underline that,
  • 00:13:32.635 --> 00:13:35.838
  • "delivered, handed down to the saints."
  • 00:13:35.838 --> 00:13:39.341
  • Jude is saying there is a body of information
  • 00:13:39.341 --> 00:13:42.211
  • Called the faith that is the information of god,
  • 00:13:42.211 --> 00:13:46.315
  • And it has been once for all delivered to the saints.
  • 00:13:46.315 --> 00:13:51.654
  • That means this book is a closed book.
  • 00:13:52.488 --> 00:13:55.291
  • There is no more new revelation being given about god.
  • 00:13:55.291 --> 00:13:59.995
  • And because there is no more new revelation about god
  • 00:13:59.995 --> 00:14:03.465
  • Other than that which is found in this book,
  • 00:14:03.465 --> 00:14:05.768
  • We can say without hesitation that the quran is a fake,
  • 00:14:05.768 --> 00:14:10.572
  • And muhammad is a fraud.
  • 00:14:10.572 --> 00:14:12.574
  • We can say without hesitation
  • 00:14:12.574 --> 00:14:14.310
  • That the book of mormon is a fake.
  • 00:14:14.310 --> 00:14:17.112
  • Joseph smith is nothing but a fraud.
  • 00:14:17.112 --> 00:14:20.115
  • And we can also say, without any hesitation at all,
  • 00:14:20.115 --> 00:14:24.119
  • That any televangelist, any pastor,
  • 00:14:24.119 --> 00:14:27.489
  • Any friend who comes to you and says,
  • 00:14:27.489 --> 00:14:29.658
  • "oh, i have a brand new revelation about god.
  • 00:14:29.658 --> 00:14:33.228
  • God has given me some brand new information about himself,
  • 00:14:33.228 --> 00:14:37.333
  • Information that nobody has ever had before.
  • 00:14:37.333 --> 00:14:39.735
  • I've got some new information about god,
  • 00:14:39.735 --> 00:14:42.538
  • Some new doctrine to teach you."
  • 00:14:42.538 --> 00:14:44.506
  • You can know without a doubt
  • 00:14:44.506 --> 00:14:45.975
  • That person is either deceitful or delusional, okay?
  • 00:14:45.975 --> 00:14:49.478
  • The fact is there is no more new information
  • 00:14:49.478 --> 00:14:52.915
  • About god being given.
  • 00:14:52.915 --> 00:14:54.750
  • The faith has been once for all delivered to the saints.
  • 00:14:54.750 --> 00:14:58.153
  • I'm not saying the holy spirit doesn't lead people.
  • 00:14:58.153 --> 00:15:00.522
  • Of course he does.
  • 00:15:00.522 --> 00:15:01.724
  • God leads each of us.
  • 00:15:01.724 --> 00:15:02.992
  • He speaks to each of us.
  • 00:15:02.992 --> 00:15:04.126
  • That's how we know we're his child
  • 00:15:04.126 --> 00:15:05.561
  • That he speaks and leads to us,
  • 00:15:05.561 --> 00:15:06.929
  • But what he is not doing
  • 00:15:06.929 --> 00:15:08.530
  • Is revealing new truth to us about himself.
  • 00:15:08.530 --> 00:15:11.767
  • Everything we need to know about god
  • 00:15:11.767 --> 00:15:14.036
  • Is written in this book.
  • 00:15:14.036 --> 00:15:15.437
  • That's what revelation is.
  • 00:15:15.437 --> 00:15:16.972
  • God revealed this truth to his apostles.
  • 00:15:16.972 --> 00:15:20.209
  • The second word is inspiration. inspiration.
  • 00:15:20.209 --> 00:15:24.580
  • God's truth was inspired in the bible.
  • 00:15:24.580 --> 00:15:27.383
  • Write that down.
  • 00:15:27.383 --> 00:15:28.717
  • Now, here's a good definition of inspiration.
  • 00:15:28.717 --> 00:15:31.320
  • The process by which god oversaw
  • 00:15:31.320 --> 00:15:34.723
  • The composing and the recording of his message
  • 00:15:34.723 --> 00:15:38.627
  • Onto the pages of scripture.
  • 00:15:38.627 --> 00:15:40.496
  • Inspiration is the process by which god oversaw
  • 00:15:40.496 --> 00:15:43.565
  • Both the composing and the recording of his message
  • 00:15:43.565 --> 00:15:46.268
  • Onto the pages of scripture.
  • 00:15:46.268 --> 00:15:47.770
  • God revealed his truth of the apostles.
  • 00:15:47.770 --> 00:15:50.005
  • Now, how did they get it down on paper without error?
  • 00:15:50.005 --> 00:15:53.175
  • It was through the process of inspiration.
  • 00:15:53.175 --> 00:15:56.779
  • And notice the phrase composing and recording.
  • 00:15:56.779 --> 00:16:00.416
  • Some of god's revelation was dictation.
  • 00:16:00.416 --> 00:16:03.619
  • The 10 commandments, god told moses, "write this down.
  • 00:16:03.619 --> 00:16:07.322
  • Don't get a word wrong, okay?
  • 00:16:07.322 --> 00:16:09.191
  • Write it down verbatim.
  • 00:16:09.191 --> 00:16:10.959
  • Here are the commandments."
  • 00:16:10.959 --> 00:16:13.462
  • In revelation, as we saw,
  • 00:16:13.462 --> 00:16:15.697
  • Jesus came to john and told him, "write these things down."
  • 00:16:15.697 --> 00:16:19.668
  • And he gave him specific direction what to write down.
  • 00:16:19.668 --> 00:16:22.304
  • Some of god's message has been recorded
  • 00:16:22.304 --> 00:16:25.174
  • Verbatim in the scripture.
  • 00:16:25.174 --> 00:16:27.309
  • Other parts of the bible had been composed.
  • 00:16:27.309 --> 00:16:30.679
  • When david was writing the psalms,
  • 00:16:31.413 --> 00:16:35.784
  • Do you think god dictated those psalms word for word?
  • 00:16:35.784 --> 00:16:39.154
  • How? okay, how.
  • 00:16:39.154 --> 00:16:40.756
  • Blessed, blessed, is, is, the man, who walks in the council.
  • 00:16:40.756 --> 00:16:45.928
  • No, it doesn't work that way.
  • 00:16:46.562 --> 00:16:49.164
  • David was expressing himself.
  • 00:16:49.798 --> 00:16:51.967
  • He was expressing in some of the psalms,
  • 00:16:51.967 --> 00:16:53.836
  • The height of his joy in following god.
  • 00:16:53.836 --> 00:16:55.938
  • Some of the psalms recorded the depths of despair he faced.
  • 00:16:55.938 --> 00:16:58.807
  • It wasn't verbal dictation.
  • 00:16:58.807 --> 00:17:01.009
  • Nevertheless, every word in the psalms was inspired by god.
  • 00:17:01.009 --> 00:17:05.647
  • It was all part of god's message to us.
  • 00:17:05.647 --> 00:17:08.117
  • He oversaw both the recording and the composing of scripture
  • 00:17:08.117 --> 00:17:13.455
  • So that it was given to us without error.
  • 00:17:14.323 --> 00:17:15.991
  • Here are some key verses to understand.
  • 00:17:15.991 --> 00:17:18.093
  • Look at 1 corinthians 2:13,
  • 00:17:18.093 --> 00:17:19.394
  • "which things we also speak,
  • 00:17:19.394 --> 00:17:21.697
  • Not in words taught by human wisdom,
  • 00:17:21.697 --> 00:17:23.866
  • But in those taught by the spirit,
  • 00:17:23.866 --> 00:17:25.934
  • Combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words."
  • 00:17:25.934 --> 00:17:29.204
  • That is inspiration.
  • 00:17:29.204 --> 00:17:31.607
  • In 2 peter 1:20-21,
  • 00:17:31.607 --> 00:17:35.043
  • Peter said, "know this first of all,
  • 00:17:35.043 --> 00:17:36.778
  • That no prophecy of scripture came about
  • 00:17:36.778 --> 00:17:39.781
  • Is a matter of one's own interpretation,
  • 00:17:39.781 --> 00:17:43.152
  • For no prophecy was ever made by the act of the human will,
  • 00:17:43.152 --> 00:17:46.822
  • But men moved," literally carried along,
  • 00:17:46.822 --> 00:17:50.125
  • "by the holy spirit spoke from god."
  • 00:17:50.125 --> 00:17:53.228
  • God oversaw the inspiration of scriptures,
  • 00:17:53.228 --> 00:17:56.532
  • Making sure every word was recorded without error.
  • 00:17:56.532 --> 00:18:00.736
  • And of course, 2 timothy 3:16,
  • 00:18:00.736 --> 00:18:03.605
  • "all scripture is inspired by god."
  • 00:18:03.605 --> 00:18:07.609
  • All scripture, and you know that word,
  • 00:18:07.609 --> 00:18:09.978
  • Inspired, theop, god, neustos, breathed,
  • 00:18:09.978 --> 00:18:13.048
  • Every word of this book is god breathed.
  • 00:18:13.048 --> 00:18:17.152
  • As dr. crystal used to say,
  • 00:18:17.152 --> 00:18:18.453
  • "god doesn't have bad breath, okay?"
  • 00:18:18.453 --> 00:18:21.423
  • Every word of this book is god breathed,
  • 00:18:21.423 --> 00:18:24.459
  • And therefore it is true, and therefore it's profitable,
  • 00:18:24.459 --> 00:18:27.162
  • "for reproof, for correction,
  • 00:18:27.162 --> 00:18:29.064
  • For training in righteousness."
  • 00:18:29.064 --> 00:18:31.066
  • Now, there's a third word to understand
  • 00:18:31.066 --> 00:18:32.868
  • In how god communicates his message to us.
  • 00:18:32.868 --> 00:18:35.337
  • He revealed the truth to the apostles
  • 00:18:35.337 --> 00:18:38.207
  • Through the process of inspiration.
  • 00:18:38.207 --> 00:18:39.708
  • They recorded it in scripture.
  • 00:18:39.708 --> 00:18:41.777
  • The third word is illumination.
  • 00:18:41.777 --> 00:18:44.213
  • God's truth is illuminated by the holy spirit of god.
  • 00:18:44.213 --> 00:18:48.183
  • Here's the meaning of illumination,
  • 00:18:48.183 --> 00:18:50.419
  • The understanding that god gives us about his word.
  • 00:18:50.419 --> 00:18:55.357
  • That is when i open this book,
  • 00:18:55.357 --> 00:18:57.626
  • I still will not be able to understand it
  • 00:18:57.626 --> 00:18:59.828
  • Unless the holy spirit illuminates, opens my heart,
  • 00:18:59.828 --> 00:19:03.699
  • So that i can grasp its truth.
  • 00:19:03.699 --> 00:19:05.834
  • D.l. moody used to say,
  • 00:19:05.834 --> 00:19:07.202
  • "trying to read the bible without the holy spirit
  • 00:19:07.202 --> 00:19:09.605
  • Is like trying to read a sundial by moonlight.
  • 00:19:09.605 --> 00:19:12.174
  • You can't do it."
  • 00:19:12.174 --> 00:19:13.442
  • You have to have the holy spirit of god
  • 00:19:13.442 --> 00:19:15.877
  • To open his word to us.
  • 00:19:15.877 --> 00:19:17.746
  • And that's what he says in verse 14.
  • 00:19:17.746 --> 00:19:19.481
  • "for the natural man,"
  • 00:19:19.481 --> 00:19:21.450
  • That is the person who is not regenerate,
  • 00:19:21.450 --> 00:19:23.852
  • "the non-christian cannot
  • 00:19:23.852 --> 00:19:26.154
  • Accept the things of the spirit of god,
  • 00:19:26.154 --> 00:19:28.824
  • For they are foolishness to him,
  • 00:19:28.824 --> 00:19:30.993
  • And he cannot understand them
  • 00:19:30.993 --> 00:19:32.494
  • Because they are spiritually appraised."
  • 00:19:32.494 --> 00:19:35.364
  • But look at verse 15,
  • 00:19:35.364 --> 00:19:36.665
  • "but he who is spiritual appraises all things,
  • 00:19:36.665 --> 00:19:40.235
  • Yet he himself is appraised by no one."
  • 00:19:40.235 --> 00:19:43.939
  • What's the application of this message,
  • 00:19:43.939 --> 00:19:46.508
  • This truth about the wisdom of god
  • 00:19:46.508 --> 00:19:48.810
  • Being hidden from unbelievers,
  • 00:19:48.810 --> 00:19:50.612
  • But revealed by the holy spirit to believers?
  • 00:19:50.612 --> 00:19:54.082
  • Let me give you two quick applications to this message
  • 00:19:54.082 --> 00:19:56.718
  • For all of us tonight.
  • 00:19:56.718 --> 00:19:58.053
  • First of all, this message has an application
  • 00:19:58.053 --> 00:20:00.122
  • To non-christians who might be listening tonight.
  • 00:20:00.122 --> 00:20:03.458
  • If you have never accepted jesus christ as your savior,
  • 00:20:04.559 --> 00:20:08.030
  • If you really don't understand the cross,
  • 00:20:08.930 --> 00:20:12.200
  • Christ's death for you and why that was necessary,
  • 00:20:12.200 --> 00:20:16.171
  • Pray that god would open your eyes
  • 00:20:16.905 --> 00:20:18.974
  • So that you can understand and so that you can believe.
  • 00:20:18.974 --> 00:20:22.944
  • But if you're a christian tonight,
  • 00:20:23.679 --> 00:20:25.614
  • A non-christian tonight, who does understand that concept
  • 00:20:25.614 --> 00:20:31.086
  • That we've all failed god,
  • 00:20:31.653 --> 00:20:33.755
  • That we deserve to pay for our sins against god,
  • 00:20:33.755 --> 00:20:37.459
  • But that christ came to pay a debt we could never pay,
  • 00:20:37.459 --> 00:20:41.229
  • And by trusting in him,
  • 00:20:41.229 --> 00:20:42.631
  • We can have the forgiveness of our sins,
  • 00:20:42.631 --> 00:20:44.399
  • If you're not a christian tonight,
  • 00:20:44.399 --> 00:20:45.767
  • But you understand that truth,
  • 00:20:45.767 --> 00:20:48.470
  • Understand that you didn't come to that understanding
  • 00:20:48.470 --> 00:20:51.173
  • On your own.
  • 00:20:51.173 --> 00:20:52.708
  • The holy spirit has given you the ability to believe.
  • 00:20:52.708 --> 00:20:56.645
  • But because you have that ability to believe right now
  • 00:20:56.645 --> 00:20:59.114
  • Doesn't mean you'll always have it.
  • 00:20:59.114 --> 00:21:00.749
  • God said, "my spirit will not always strive with man."
  • 00:21:00.749 --> 00:21:04.486
  • But there's an application for christians tonight as well,
  • 00:21:04.486 --> 00:21:07.923
  • And that is we need to understand that there is truth
  • 00:21:07.923 --> 00:21:11.159
  • We need to ask god to reveal to us as well.
  • 00:21:11.159 --> 00:21:14.496
  • There are truths beyond the message of salvation
  • 00:21:14.496 --> 00:21:17.966
  • For every believer.
  • 00:21:17.966 --> 00:21:19.201
  • Look at verse 12, 1 corinthians 2:12.
  • 00:21:19.201 --> 00:21:21.803
  • "now we have received not the spirit of the world,
  • 00:21:21.803 --> 00:21:26.208
  • But the spirit who is from god,
  • 00:21:26.208 --> 00:21:28.343
  • So that we might know the things freely given to us by god."
  • 00:21:28.343 --> 00:21:33.849
  • You see, the holy spirit of god
  • 00:21:34.483 --> 00:21:35.851
  • Has some things he wants you to understand
  • 00:21:35.851 --> 00:21:38.053
  • Beyond the simple message of salvation.
  • 00:21:38.053 --> 00:21:41.256
  • There are great spiritual riches
  • 00:21:41.256 --> 00:21:42.824
  • He wants you to grab hold of in your life.
  • 00:21:42.824 --> 00:21:45.460
  • Do you understand, for example,
  • 00:21:45.460 --> 00:21:47.696
  • One thing that has been freely given to you
  • 00:21:47.696 --> 00:21:49.798
  • Is power over sin.
  • 00:21:49.798 --> 00:21:51.566
  • You don't have to say yes to sin.
  • 00:21:51.566 --> 00:21:53.668
  • You don't have to allow sin to destroy your life.
  • 00:21:53.668 --> 00:21:56.872
  • Do you realize another thing god has freely given to you
  • 00:21:56.872 --> 00:21:59.574
  • Is the ability to have peace
  • 00:21:59.574 --> 00:22:01.276
  • Even when your world is collapsing in on you?
  • 00:22:01.276 --> 00:22:03.712
  • Jesus said, "peace i give you, peace i leave with you."
  • 00:22:03.712 --> 00:22:07.849
  • Do you understand that you can have the assurance,
  • 00:22:07.849 --> 00:22:11.086
  • The mind to know that one day,
  • 00:22:11.086 --> 00:22:13.321
  • You're going to be raised from the dead,
  • 00:22:13.321 --> 00:22:14.956
  • Imperishable, incorruptible, immortal?
  • 00:22:14.956 --> 00:22:17.526
  • That assurance can be yours.
  • 00:22:17.526 --> 00:22:20.462
  • Where do i find these things
  • 00:22:20.462 --> 00:22:22.063
  • That have been freely given to me by god?
  • 00:22:22.063 --> 00:22:24.466
  • I find them in this book, the bible.
  • 00:22:24.466 --> 00:22:27.869
  • In this book is the hidden wisdom of god.
  • 00:22:27.869 --> 00:22:30.972
  • In this book is everything i need
  • 00:22:30.972 --> 00:22:35.177
  • For godliness, for life,
  • 00:22:35.177 --> 00:22:37.712
  • For an eternal relationship with god.
  • 00:22:38.513 --> 00:22:40.715
  • If there's one truth i want to leave with you tonight,
  • 00:22:41.817 --> 00:22:44.252
  • It's this truth.
  • 00:22:44.252 --> 00:22:46.054
  • This bible that you hold in your hand,
  • 00:22:46.054 --> 00:22:48.023
  • These are not just static words on a page.
  • 00:22:48.023 --> 00:22:52.661
  • Through this scripture, through this book,
  • 00:22:52.661 --> 00:22:54.663
  • God pours his very life into our life.
  • 00:22:54.663 --> 00:22:58.533
  • Remember what moses said to the children of israel
  • 00:22:59.568 --> 00:23:01.403
  • In deuteronomy 32.
  • 00:23:01.403 --> 00:23:02.737
  • He said, "take heart
  • 00:23:02.737 --> 00:23:05.574
  • The words with which i am warning you today,
  • 00:23:05.574 --> 00:23:08.510
  • For it is not an idle word that i speak to you,
  • 00:23:08.510 --> 00:23:11.813
  • But these words are your life."
  • 00:23:11.813 --> 00:23:15.317
  • In this book, i find the hidden wisdom of god,
  • 00:23:16.251 --> 00:23:20.922
  • Wisdom that is available to anyone and everyone
  • 00:23:20.922 --> 00:23:24.626
  • Who ask for the illumination by the holy spirit of god.
  • 00:23:24.626 --> 00:23:28.830
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:23:28.830 --> 00:23:33.635
  • This book, the bible,
  • 00:23:34.135 --> 00:23:35.971
  • Is the reason "pathway to victory" exists.
  • 00:23:35.971 --> 00:23:38.907
  • It is the centerpiece of our conversations every day.
  • 00:23:38.907 --> 00:23:42.844
  • Now, in closing today, i want to say how grateful i am
  • 00:23:42.844 --> 00:23:46.515
  • For everyone who faithfully supports "pathway to victory."
  • 00:23:46.515 --> 00:23:50.585
  • Your generosity is what fuels our mission
  • 00:23:50.585 --> 00:23:53.855
  • To share god's truth with viewers and listeners
  • 00:23:53.855 --> 00:23:56.658
  • Across america and around the world.
  • 00:23:56.658 --> 00:23:59.661
  • In recent months, we've seen remarkable growth
  • 00:23:59.661 --> 00:24:02.197
  • In our broadcast reach,
  • 00:24:02.197 --> 00:24:03.932
  • Opening new doors to touch even more lives
  • 00:24:03.932 --> 00:24:06.835
  • With the gospel message.
  • 00:24:06.835 --> 00:24:08.637
  • Whether you're a monthly pathway partner
  • 00:24:08.637 --> 00:24:11.206
  • Or someone who gives when you feel led,
  • 00:24:11.206 --> 00:24:13.775
  • Please know that your support is making
  • 00:24:13.775 --> 00:24:16.411
  • An eternal difference.
  • 00:24:16.411 --> 00:24:18.246
  • You're helping provide biblical teaching
  • 00:24:18.246 --> 00:24:20.515
  • To countless individuals searching for hope and truth.
  • 00:24:20.515 --> 00:24:25.120
  • Together, we are piercing the darkness
  • 00:24:25.120 --> 00:24:28.256
  • With the light of god's word.
  • 00:24:28.256 --> 00:24:30.425
  • Now, please stay right there.
  • 00:24:30.425 --> 00:24:31.726
  • I'll be back with more "pathway to victory"
  • 00:24:31.726 --> 00:24:34.262
  • In just a moment.
  • 00:24:34.262 --> 00:24:36.131
  • The most important task
  • 00:24:36.631 --> 00:24:38.233
  • A parent or grandparent has in life
  • 00:24:38.233 --> 00:24:40.635
  • Is to lead their child or grandchild
  • 00:24:40.635 --> 00:24:42.637
  • To faith in jesus christ,
  • 00:24:42.637 --> 00:24:44.606
  • Yet many don't know where to begin.
  • 00:24:44.606 --> 00:24:46.875
  • That's why i've written "the gift: the gospel for children,"
  • 00:24:46.875 --> 00:24:50.612
  • A beautifully illustrated book
  • 00:24:50.612 --> 00:24:52.714
  • Designed to help you share the gospel
  • 00:24:52.714 --> 00:24:54.749
  • With the children you love.
  • 00:24:54.749 --> 00:24:56.751
  • [announcer] "the gift" provides a clear presentation
  • 00:24:56.751 --> 00:24:59.187
  • Of the gospel for your child or grandchild,
  • 00:24:59.187 --> 00:25:01.523
  • And makes sharing the life-changing message of jesus simple.
  • 00:25:01.523 --> 00:25:05.093
  • Plus, you'll receive an instructional dvd message
  • 00:25:05.093 --> 00:25:07.896
  • From dr. jeffress
  • 00:25:07.896 --> 00:25:09.230
  • That you can watch together with your child.
  • 00:25:09.230 --> 00:25:11.466
  • You can give this book to your children or grandchildren
  • 00:25:11.466 --> 00:25:14.202
  • To read on their own,
  • 00:25:14.202 --> 00:25:15.537
  • Or better yet, read it together
  • 00:25:15.537 --> 00:25:17.739
  • To begin a rewarding spiritual journey
  • 00:25:17.739 --> 00:25:20.642
  • That will shape their eternity.
  • 00:25:20.642 --> 00:25:22.844
  • At the end of my book, i've included a prayer for salvation
  • 00:25:22.844 --> 00:25:26.348
  • They can pray to trust in christ as their savior.
  • 00:25:26.348 --> 00:25:30.418
  • [announcer] help your child or grandchild
  • 00:25:30.418 --> 00:25:31.920
  • Make the decision to follow jesus christ.
  • 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:34.656
  • Request the gift when you give a generous gift
  • 00:25:34.656 --> 00:25:37.459
  • To support the ministry of pathway to victory.
  • 00:25:37.459 --> 00:25:40.228
  • And when your ministry gift is $75 or more,
  • 00:25:40.228 --> 00:25:43.431
  • We'll also send you "straight answers to tough questions,"
  • 00:25:43.431 --> 00:25:46.468
  • Chapters one through nine on both dvd and audio disc.
  • 00:25:46.468 --> 00:25:50.372
  • Thank you for partnering with pathway to victory.
  • 00:25:50.372 --> 00:25:52.941
  • Together we're preaching the gospel
  • 00:25:52.941 --> 00:25:54.643
  • To as many people as possible
  • 00:25:54.643 --> 00:25:56.544
  • And equipping parents and grandparents
  • 00:25:56.544 --> 00:25:58.413
  • To lead the children they love to faith in jesus christ.
  • 00:25:58.413 --> 00:26:03.451
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:26:03.785 --> 00:26:05.153
  • Without the spirit of god,
  • 00:26:05.153 --> 00:26:06.688
  • Man can't possibly understand the mysteries of god.
  • 00:26:06.688 --> 00:26:10.692
  • That's the truth that emerges from this passage
  • 00:26:10.692 --> 00:26:13.294
  • In 1 corinthians 2.
  • 00:26:13.294 --> 00:26:15.897
  • Well, so far in his letter,
  • 00:26:15.897 --> 00:26:17.432
  • Paul has talked about the difference
  • 00:26:17.432 --> 00:26:18.800
  • Between the natural man, the unbeliever,
  • 00:26:18.800 --> 00:26:21.403
  • And the spiritual man, the christian,
  • 00:26:21.403 --> 00:26:23.838
  • And when we get to chapter three,
  • 00:26:23.838 --> 00:26:25.340
  • Paul is going to divide these people into two subsets,
  • 00:26:25.340 --> 00:26:29.344
  • The spiritually mature believer and the carnal christian.
  • 00:26:29.344 --> 00:26:33.715
  • What are the differences between the two,
  • 00:26:33.715 --> 00:26:36.117
  • And how can we know which category we fall into?
  • 00:26:36.117 --> 00:26:39.754
  • Stay tuned for a preview of the next message in our series,
  • 00:26:39.754 --> 00:26:43.258
  • "straight answers to tough questions."
  • 00:26:43.258 --> 00:26:47.062
  • Whenever you have people who should be grown spiritually,
  • 00:26:47.062 --> 00:26:52.600
  • And yet, they act like spiritual babies,
  • 00:26:52.600 --> 00:26:55.770
  • The result is tragic,
  • 00:26:55.770 --> 00:26:57.672
  • Not only for the individual christian,
  • 00:26:57.672 --> 00:27:00.208
  • But for the church as well.
  • 00:27:00.208 --> 00:27:01.876
  • Do you know christians like that?
  • 00:27:01.876 --> 00:27:04.279
  • When you look at them and the way they behave,
  • 00:27:04.279 --> 00:27:07.082
  • There's no difference between them and a nonbeliever.
  • 00:27:07.082 --> 00:27:10.585
  • [announcer] set your dvr and join us next time
  • 00:27:10.585 --> 00:27:12.654
  • For the message, baby talk, here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:27:12.654 --> 00:27:12.654