Robert Jeffress - Mirror, Mirror On The Wall (Part 1)

August 24, 2025 | S25 E405 | 29:0

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 - Mirror, Mirror On The Wall (Part 1) | August 24, 2025
  • ♪ music ♪
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  • 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,
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  • And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
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  • Have you ever met someone
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  • Who can quote scripture effortlessly
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  • And knows every bible story by heart,
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  • Yet their heart seems completely unchanged
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  • By all that head knowledge?
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  • We can spend years studying god's word
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  • Without ever allowing it to change how we actually live.
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  • Today, we'll examine the difference
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  • Between merely hearing god's word
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  • And putting it into practice.
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  • My message is titled "mirror mirror on the wall"
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  • On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • ♪ behold ♪
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  • ♪ hanging before you ♪
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  • ♪ is a sacrifice of god ♪
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  • ♪ the land ♪
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  • ♪ pure and holy ♪
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  • ♪ creation stands ♪
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  • ♪ in all ♪
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  • ♪ removing all the hinders ♪
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  • ♪ the words above our king ♪
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  • ♪ as he cries it is finished ♪
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  • ♪ heaven sings ♪
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  • ♪ let the veil down, let the praise go up ♪
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  • ♪ let the veil down ♪
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  • ♪ we're in the presence of the lord, yeah ♪
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  • ♪ let the veil down, let the praise go up ♪
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  • ♪ let the veil down ♪
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  • ♪ we're in the presence of the lord ♪
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  • ♪ holy god is he holy ♪
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  • ♪ all hope and sacrifice ♪
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  • ♪ oh we're the highest ♪
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  • ♪ we shout hosanna ♪
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  • ♪ oh hosanna ♪
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  • ♪ we give you the highest praise ♪
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  • ♪ the highest ♪
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  • ♪ we sing hosanna ♪
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  • ♪ hosanna ♪
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  • -♪ in the highest ♪ -♪ in the highest ♪
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  • ♪ oh so yeah we pray ♪
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  • ♪ let the veil down, let the praise go up ♪
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  • ♪ let the veil down ♪
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  • ♪ let the veil down, veil down ♪
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  • ♪ let the veil down, we are ♪
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  • ♪ the presence ♪
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  • ♪ of the lord ♪
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  • ♪ praise the lord ♪
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  • ♪ we're in the presence ♪
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  • ♪ of the lord ♪
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  • (audience applauding)
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  • Where there's genuine faith,
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  • There will always be visible fruit.
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  • In his brand new book,
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  • "how to know if you're really saved,"
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  • Dr. robert jeffress helps you take stock of the evidence
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  • Of your faith, the spiritual fruit in your daily life.
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  • This outstanding verse by verse walk
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  • Through the book of james will help you cultivate
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  • The spiritual fruit that reflects genuine faith.
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  • Request "how to know if you're really saved"
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  • When you give a generous gift to support the ministry
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  • Of pathway to victory.
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • I want you to imagine for a moment
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  • That the deacons of our church granted me
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  • A one year sabbatical in hawaii.
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  • Now, i know it's a fantasy for me.
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  • Maybe that's a fantasy for you as well
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  • To have me gone for a year, i don't know.
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  • But let's just say using our imagination, they said,
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  • "we're going to give you some time off."
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  • And so while amy and i are in hawaii,
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  • I send back regular emails to the church.
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  • I'm concerned about what's happening in the church.
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  • I send suggestions for maybe new programs
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  • We ought to implement,
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  • Things we need to watch out for and give attention to.
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  • And as the sabbatical draws to a close, i say to amy,
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  • "let's go back a week early and just surprise everybody."
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  • And so we come back and we're the ones who are surprised.
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  • We walk by the flower beds
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  • And notice that they're overgrown with weeds.
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  • We walk by our beautiful fountain
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  • And see it's just green, slimy water in there.
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  • We come into the facility
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  • And notice the carpets are dirty,
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  • The service has already started,
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  • We slip in at the back and we're shocked.
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  • There are just a handful of people here.
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  • The choir is off key.
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  • They haven't rehearsed in nine months.
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  • And the speaker for the day gives a 10 minute
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  • Nothing more than a motivational pep talk.
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  • We just can't believe it.
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  • And i run into our chairman of deacons and i say,
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  • "mike, what has happened around here?
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  • Didn't you receive my emails?"
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  • He said, "oh yes, pastor.
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  • In fact, every time you sent a new email,
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  • We read it to the congregation,
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  • And they loved everything you said.
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  • You just have a way with words, pastor, we listened to them.
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  • In fact, not only did we listen to them,
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  • Some of our members actually memorized portions
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  • Of your emails.
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  • They could quote them by heart.
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  • In fact, we had such interest in those emails,
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  • We started a discipleship university class
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  • Led by dr. wicker on the emails of pastor jeffress.
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  • And we studied the historic background of those emails.
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  • We parsed every verb in the emails.
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  • Yes, we've studied them very carefully."
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  • I said, "you tell me you've received the emails,
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  • You've studied them, you've memorized them,
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  • But did you do what i said in them?"
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  • "do? never even crossed our minds."
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  • Now, that analogy is not original with me,
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  • But it illustrates a very important truth.
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  • It's possible to love the word of god,
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  • To read the word of god, to defend the word of god
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  • Without ever doing the word of god.
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  • We have been called to be doers of the word of god
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  • And not hearers only,
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  • And that's the point of the passage
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  • We're going to look at today.
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  • If you have your bibles, turn to james 1.
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  • Now, in verses 17 and 18,
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  • He has a general word to say about the word of god.
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  • He says, "every good thing given
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  • And every perfect gift
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  • Is from above coming down from the father of lights
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  • With whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
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  • In the exercise of god's will,
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  • He brought us forth by the word of truth
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  • So that we would be a kind of first fruits
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  • Among his creatures.
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  • By god's word, he made us spiritually alive."
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  • That's what james is saying.
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  • God's word was central in your salvation.
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  • If you're really saved,
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  • God's word led you to a saving knowledge
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  • And belief in jesus christ.
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  • We're to first of all accept the word of god.
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  • Look at verse 19.
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  • "this you know, my beloved brethren,
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  • But everyone must be quick to hear,
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  • Slow to speak, and slow to anger."
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  • Notice the three commands there.
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  • First of all, we are to be quick to hear.
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  • You have two ears, james says, use them.
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  • Now what else would we do with our ears?
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  • Well, people have ears to hear, that's a given,
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  • But not everyone has a heart to heed.
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  • You know in the bible,
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  • To hear god's word and not to obey it is not to hear at all.
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  • That's why jesus said in matthew 11:15,
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  • "let everyone who has ears to hear let him hear."
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  • Secondly, to accept god's word means to be slow to speak.
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  • Accepting god's word means be slow to speak.
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  • Now he's not talking about controlling your speech.
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  • He's going to do that at length
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  • When we get to chapter three.
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  • Boy, talk about a convicting subject,
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  • Learning to control your words,
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  • But that's not what he has in mind here.
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  • When he says be slow to speak,
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  • He's talking about be slow to excuse your disobedience.
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  • Our natural response to hearing something from god is
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  • To argue with him about it.
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  • Give reasons why we can't obey his commands.
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  • He said be slow to speak,
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  • And then thirdly, be slow to anger.
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  • Again, this isn't just a general kind of the anger
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  • He's talking about, that would be out of place.
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  • The anger he's talking about is an anger
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  • That comes from the conviction of god's spirit
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  • When we read his word about sin that needs
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  • To be eradicated from our life.
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  • We need to accept the word of god.
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  • Secondly, we need to act on the word of god.
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  • Look at verse 22.
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  • Once we've accepted god's word,
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  • Once we've welcomed it into our hearts to do its work,
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  • We need to act on the word of god.
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  • Look at verse 22,
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  • "but prove yourselves doers of the word
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  • And not merely hearers who delude themselves."
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  • I want you to listen to this very carefully.
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  • It's worth the price of the sermon.
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  • Best quote i've come across in years comes
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  • From the late bible teacher warren wiersbe.
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  • He said, "many people have the mistaken idea
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  • That hearing a good sermon
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  • Or bible study is what makes them grow
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  • And gets god's blessings.
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  • It is not the hearing,
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  • But the doing that brings the blessing.
  • 00:11:27.810 --> 00:11:31.147
  • Too many christians mark their bibles,
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  • But their bibles never mark them.
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  • If you think you are spiritual
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  • Because you have heard the word of god,
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  • Then you are only kidding yourselves.
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  • Isn't that what james says?
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  • If you think hearing the word of god is enough,
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  • You are deluding yourself is what the scripture says.
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  • You are deceiving yourself.
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  • Don't be deceived.
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  • Do you know satan really doesn't care that much
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  • Whether you come to the worship services
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  • Of first baptist church dallas?
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  • He doesn't care that much if you come.
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  • What causes him
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  • To shake in his boots is the possibility
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  • That you might apply on monday
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  • Something you heard on sunday.
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  • That's what threatens the gates of hell.
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  • Thirdly, we abide in the word of god.
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  • Abide in the word of god.
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  • Look at verse 25,
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  • But one who looks intently at the perfect law,
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  • God's word is a mirror that reveals who we are.
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  • One who looks intently at the perfect law,
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  • The law of liberty abides by it,
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  • Not having become forgetful, but an effectual doer.
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  • This man will be blessed in what he does.
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  • You know, somebody training for a marathon
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  • Who only runs a couple of miles every fourth day
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  • Isn't going to be ready for the marathon.
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  • Somebody who wants to be proficient
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  • At playing a musical instrument who rehearses
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  • And practices 15 minutes every other wednesday
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  • Isn't going to master the instrument.
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  • It takes practice over and over again.
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  • To abide in the word of god doesn't mean to just accept
  • 00:13:19.255 --> 00:13:22.758
  • And act on god's word occasionally, when it's convenient,
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  • When you get under enough conviction,
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  • It means it's the rule of life to do the word of god.
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  • Psalm 1 says a person who does that
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  • Is like a tree planted by water that bears fruit
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  • Not just occasionally,
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  • But every season without fail.
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  • First of all, abiding begins with listening to god's word.
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  • Romans 10:17 says faith comes by hearing
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  • And hearing the word of god.
  • 00:13:54.990 --> 00:13:57.893
  • You know, our pathway to victory ministry
  • 00:13:57.893 --> 00:14:00.562
  • Is such a great important ministry,
  • 00:14:00.562 --> 00:14:02.631
  • Not only for winning people to christ,
  • 00:14:02.631 --> 00:14:04.566
  • But helping christians to live,
  • 00:14:04.566 --> 00:14:06.335
  • And we get letters like this every week.
  • 00:14:06.335 --> 00:14:08.404
  • I've got one this week. i read it on the air.
  • 00:14:08.404 --> 00:14:11.740
  • It said, "pastor, i've listened to your program
  • 00:14:11.740 --> 00:14:15.210
  • On my commute to work every morning."
  • 00:14:15.210 --> 00:14:18.013
  • He said, "it is uncanny how many times
  • 00:14:18.013 --> 00:14:21.650
  • What you preached about was preparing me for dealing
  • 00:14:21.650 --> 00:14:26.188
  • With the problems i was going to face that day.
  • 00:14:26.188 --> 00:14:29.325
  • I didn't know, you didn't know, but god knew,
  • 00:14:30.292 --> 00:14:32.594
  • And he had me listen for just this message."
  • 00:14:32.594 --> 00:14:36.198
  • We hear that over and over again,
  • 00:14:36.198 --> 00:14:38.834
  • There's a value in listening to god's word regularly.
  • 00:14:38.834 --> 00:14:42.271
  • Let me encourage you,
  • 00:14:42.271 --> 00:14:43.672
  • If you're spending time in the car
  • 00:14:43.672 --> 00:14:45.574
  • For any serious amount of time, don't listen to talk radio.
  • 00:14:45.574 --> 00:14:50.379
  • It's only going to make you angrier than you already are.
  • 00:14:50.379 --> 00:14:54.216
  • Don't listen to that, listen to the word of god.
  • 00:14:54.216 --> 00:14:57.419
  • Only the word of god is able to change your life.
  • 00:14:57.419 --> 00:15:00.589
  • Only the word of god can truly encourage you,
  • 00:15:00.589 --> 00:15:03.292
  • And we all need encouragement.
  • 00:15:03.292 --> 00:15:05.160
  • Have a regular program for listening to the word of god.
  • 00:15:05.160 --> 00:15:09.565
  • Secondly, to abide in god's word goes beyond listening.
  • 00:15:09.565 --> 00:15:13.736
  • It means to read the word of god.
  • 00:15:13.736 --> 00:15:16.138
  • Psalm 119:18, open my what?
  • 00:15:16.138 --> 00:15:19.475
  • My eyes that i might behold wonderful things
  • 00:15:19.475 --> 00:15:23.846
  • From your law.
  • 00:15:23.846 --> 00:15:25.314
  • Every christian needs three things
  • 00:15:26.048 --> 00:15:28.117
  • When it comes to reading the word of god.
  • 00:15:28.117 --> 00:15:30.953
  • We need a place that we do it, a regular place.
  • 00:15:30.953 --> 00:15:35.724
  • We need a period of time that we do it.
  • 00:15:35.724 --> 00:15:38.594
  • And by the way, if you're not a morning person, that's okay.
  • 00:15:38.594 --> 00:15:42.564
  • Don't read god's word when you're half asleep.
  • 00:15:42.564 --> 00:15:45.067
  • That doesn't do anything.
  • 00:15:45.067 --> 00:15:46.668
  • Find a time of day that works for you,
  • 00:15:46.668 --> 00:15:48.837
  • Maybe over lunch or before you go to bed at night,
  • 00:15:48.837 --> 00:15:51.840
  • A place, a period,
  • 00:15:51.840 --> 00:15:53.208
  • And then of course, a bible.
  • 00:15:53.208 --> 00:15:55.077
  • People ask me all the time,
  • 00:15:55.077 --> 00:15:56.311
  • What's the right translation to read?
  • 00:15:56.311 --> 00:15:59.481
  • Answer anyone that speaks to you.
  • 00:15:59.481 --> 00:16:03.052
  • There's really no major differences
  • 00:16:03.052 --> 00:16:05.287
  • Between the major translations,
  • 00:16:05.287 --> 00:16:07.256
  • Whether it's the new american standard,
  • 00:16:07.256 --> 00:16:09.124
  • The new international version, the king james version.
  • 00:16:09.124 --> 00:16:13.429
  • If you're new to reading god's word
  • 00:16:13.429 --> 00:16:15.664
  • And it doesn't quite communicate to you,
  • 00:16:15.664 --> 00:16:18.467
  • Get a paraphrase, like the living bible.
  • 00:16:18.467 --> 00:16:21.470
  • You know, billy graham used to say he read a chapter
  • 00:16:21.470 --> 00:16:24.039
  • Of the living bible every day of his life,
  • 00:16:24.039 --> 00:16:27.709
  • And i tell people, if it's good enough for billy graham,
  • 00:16:27.709 --> 00:16:30.279
  • It's good enough for us.
  • 00:16:30.279 --> 00:16:32.081
  • Just read some translation that speaks to you
  • 00:16:32.081 --> 00:16:36.051
  • And make it a regular part of your life.
  • 00:16:36.051 --> 00:16:39.088
  • Thirdly, we need to study god's word.
  • 00:16:39.088 --> 00:16:42.291
  • Sometimes as you're reading the bible
  • 00:16:42.291 --> 00:16:44.760
  • And don't feel like you have to rush through
  • 00:16:44.760 --> 00:16:46.829
  • To read the bible in a year,
  • 00:16:46.829 --> 00:16:48.831
  • I say "why read it in just one year
  • 00:16:48.831 --> 00:16:50.933
  • When it took 1,600 years to write?"
  • 00:16:50.933 --> 00:16:53.635
  • If it takes you two years,
  • 00:16:53.635 --> 00:16:55.237
  • Read two chapters a day or one chapter a day.
  • 00:16:55.237 --> 00:16:58.440
  • It's not a question of how many times
  • 00:16:58.440 --> 00:17:00.242
  • You've been through the bible.
  • 00:17:00.242 --> 00:17:01.677
  • The question is how many times has the bible
  • 00:17:01.677 --> 00:17:03.846
  • Been through you?
  • 00:17:03.846 --> 00:17:05.481
  • Study god's word.
  • 00:17:05.914 --> 00:17:07.549
  • When you're reading a passage,
  • 00:17:07.549 --> 00:17:09.318
  • If there's a word that you need to find out
  • 00:17:09.318 --> 00:17:12.321
  • What it means, write it down.
  • 00:17:12.321 --> 00:17:13.922
  • If there's a passage that raises questions,
  • 00:17:13.922 --> 00:17:16.425
  • Write it down and then go back and study it.
  • 00:17:16.425 --> 00:17:20.462
  • Let me tell you two ways
  • 00:17:20.462 --> 00:17:21.730
  • To get started in studying god's word
  • 00:17:21.730 --> 00:17:25.134
  • Beyond going to a sunday school class
  • 00:17:25.134 --> 00:17:27.069
  • That will help you understand god's word.
  • 00:17:27.069 --> 00:17:29.304
  • Man, we've got the most gifted teachers,
  • 00:17:29.304 --> 00:17:31.840
  • Seminary professors in our church,
  • 00:17:31.840 --> 00:17:34.743
  • And they can help you understand god's word.
  • 00:17:34.743 --> 00:17:37.479
  • But when you're reading the bible, use a study bible.
  • 00:17:37.479 --> 00:17:41.817
  • Study bibles have notes for many problematic passages
  • 00:17:41.817 --> 00:17:46.321
  • That you may have questions about.
  • 00:17:46.321 --> 00:17:48.257
  • I use the ryrie study bible that was written
  • 00:17:48.257 --> 00:17:52.060
  • By our former late member, dr. charles ryrie.
  • 00:17:52.060 --> 00:17:55.631
  • There are other great study bibles.
  • 00:17:55.631 --> 00:17:57.332
  • Use that and then have a commentary available.
  • 00:17:57.332 --> 00:18:00.669
  • If you're just getting started in bible study,
  • 00:18:00.669 --> 00:18:03.305
  • I'd suggest the bible knowledge commentary put out
  • 00:18:03.305 --> 00:18:08.577
  • By david c. cook publishers.
  • 00:18:09.178 --> 00:18:10.679
  • It's two volumes, the old testament and the new testament.
  • 00:18:10.679 --> 00:18:13.916
  • It was written by professors from dallas seminary,
  • 00:18:13.916 --> 00:18:17.052
  • And it's arranged by books of the bible.
  • 00:18:17.052 --> 00:18:19.688
  • It's a great tool to use
  • 00:18:19.688 --> 00:18:21.456
  • In looking up a passage you might not understand.
  • 00:18:21.456 --> 00:18:25.060
  • Studying god's word.
  • 00:18:25.060 --> 00:18:27.529
  • Fourthly, meditate on god's word.
  • 00:18:27.529 --> 00:18:30.399
  • Now here's where we're getting to the meat of the issue.
  • 00:18:30.399 --> 00:18:33.835
  • We are to meditate on god's word.
  • 00:18:33.835 --> 00:18:37.105
  • To meditate on scripture doesn't mean
  • 00:18:37.105 --> 00:18:39.141
  • To put yourself in a hypnotic trance.
  • 00:18:39.141 --> 00:18:43.078
  • ♪ god's word, god's word, speak to me ♪
  • 00:18:43.078 --> 00:18:47.749
  • That's not what meditate means.
  • 00:18:47.749 --> 00:18:49.751
  • The word meditate means to mutter to yourself,
  • 00:18:49.751 --> 00:18:54.089
  • To talk to yourself.
  • 00:18:54.089 --> 00:18:55.891
  • It's a picture of somebody who is so engrossed
  • 00:18:55.891 --> 00:18:58.594
  • In the word of god,
  • 00:18:58.594 --> 00:19:00.095
  • He keeps turning it over and over in his mind thinking,
  • 00:19:00.095 --> 00:19:04.333
  • "how does this apply to me?
  • 00:19:04.333 --> 00:19:07.069
  • What do i need to do differently in my life
  • 00:19:07.069 --> 00:19:10.205
  • As a result of this truth i've read?"
  • 00:19:10.205 --> 00:19:13.508
  • Ladies and gentlemen,
  • 00:19:13.508 --> 00:19:14.810
  • Your reading of the bible is not complete
  • 00:19:14.810 --> 00:19:18.046
  • Until you've asked yourself the question,
  • 00:19:18.046 --> 00:19:20.449
  • What am i going to do differently tomorrow
  • 00:19:20.449 --> 00:19:23.852
  • Because of the truth i've read today?
  • 00:19:23.852 --> 00:19:26.555
  • And then finally and ultimately,
  • 00:19:26.555 --> 00:19:29.191
  • To abide in god's word means to obey god's word.
  • 00:19:29.191 --> 00:19:33.895
  • 1 john 2:17 says, "the world is passing away
  • 00:19:33.895 --> 00:19:38.500
  • And also its lusts,
  • 00:19:38.500 --> 00:19:40.769
  • But the one who does the will of god lives forever."
  • 00:19:40.769 --> 00:19:46.108
  • The one who does the will of god lives forever.
  • 00:19:47.109 --> 00:19:51.380
  • Dr. george w. truit,
  • 00:19:51.847 --> 00:19:53.181
  • Who was pastor of our church for 50 years,
  • 00:19:53.181 --> 00:19:56.285
  • Defined success this way.
  • 00:19:56.285 --> 00:19:58.920
  • He said, "success is knowing god's word and doing it."
  • 00:19:58.920 --> 00:20:05.694
  • Is there a command you need to obey? do it.
  • 00:20:06.595 --> 00:20:11.233
  • Is there a gift you need to give? do it.
  • 00:20:12.100 --> 00:20:15.504
  • Is there someone you need to forgive? do it.
  • 00:20:16.405 --> 00:20:20.676
  • Is there a relationship that needs to be reconciled? do it.
  • 00:20:20.676 --> 00:20:25.580
  • Listen to me.
  • 00:20:25.580 --> 00:20:27.115
  • If you don't remember anything else i say, remember this.
  • 00:20:27.115 --> 00:20:29.885
  • No act of obedience, no matter how small it is,
  • 00:20:29.885 --> 00:20:35.223
  • No act of obedience is inconsequential to god.
  • 00:20:36.124 --> 00:20:40.429
  • Whether it's saying no to a temptation
  • 00:20:40.429 --> 00:20:43.165
  • Or saying yes
  • 00:20:43.165 --> 00:20:44.866
  • To some everyday mundane responsibility,
  • 00:20:44.866 --> 00:20:48.837
  • God sees and god rewards your obedience.
  • 00:20:48.837 --> 00:20:54.543
  • I came across something that really spoke to me.
  • 00:20:55.477 --> 00:20:59.881
  • Author philip yancy illustrates the importance
  • 00:20:59.881 --> 00:21:03.785
  • Of doing even the small things that are part of god's will
  • 00:21:03.785 --> 00:21:08.490
  • To have big results in your life.
  • 00:21:08.490 --> 00:21:10.859
  • He was talking about a documentary he saw on tv
  • 00:21:10.859 --> 00:21:14.396
  • About some of the survivors of world war ii.
  • 00:21:14.396 --> 00:21:18.233
  • He wrote, "the soldiers in that documentary recalled
  • 00:21:18.233 --> 00:21:22.371
  • How they spent a particular day.
  • 00:21:22.371 --> 00:21:24.873
  • One sat in a foxhole all day.
  • 00:21:24.873 --> 00:21:28.176
  • Once or twice, a german tank drove by and he shot at it.
  • 00:21:28.176 --> 00:21:32.581
  • Others played cards and frittered away the time.
  • 00:21:32.581 --> 00:21:36.351
  • A few got involved in furious firefights,
  • 00:21:36.351 --> 00:21:40.322
  • But mostly, the day passed like any other day
  • 00:21:40.322 --> 00:21:43.859
  • For an infantryman on the front lines.
  • 00:21:43.859 --> 00:21:47.462
  • Later, these soldiers learned they had just participated
  • 00:21:47.462 --> 00:21:51.967
  • In one of the largest,
  • 00:21:51.967 --> 00:21:53.368
  • Most decisive battles of world war ii,
  • 00:21:53.368 --> 00:21:57.172
  • The battle of the bulge.
  • 00:21:57.172 --> 00:21:59.441
  • It didn't feel decisive to any of them at the time
  • 00:21:59.441 --> 00:22:02.878
  • Because none had the big picture
  • 00:22:02.878 --> 00:22:05.480
  • Of what was happening elsewhere."
  • 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:07.949
  • Now get this, great victories are won
  • 00:22:07.949 --> 00:22:12.554
  • When ordinary people execute their assigned tasks,
  • 00:22:12.554 --> 00:22:17.125
  • And a faithful person does not debate each day
  • 00:22:17.125 --> 00:22:20.762
  • Whether he or she is in the mood to follow
  • 00:22:20.762 --> 00:22:23.999
  • The sergeant's orders or show up at a boring job.
  • 00:22:23.999 --> 00:22:28.503
  • We exercise faith by responding
  • 00:22:28.503 --> 00:22:31.673
  • To the task at hand,
  • 00:22:31.673 --> 00:22:34.109
  • For we have control only over our actions
  • 00:22:34.109 --> 00:22:38.413
  • In the present moment.
  • 00:22:38.413 --> 00:22:40.015
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:22:40.015 --> 00:22:41.349
  • That's what james has in mind when he says,
  • 00:22:41.349 --> 00:22:44.252
  • "be doers of the word and not hearers only."
  • 00:22:44.252 --> 00:22:54.229
  • Today's message from james is pretty convicting, isn't it?
  • 00:22:55.397 --> 00:22:59.067
  • Scripture says we're only deceiving ourselves
  • 00:22:59.067 --> 00:23:01.703
  • If we hear god's word, but don't obey it.
  • 00:23:01.703 --> 00:23:05.340
  • And that can be a hard truth to swallow.
  • 00:23:05.340 --> 00:23:07.843
  • At pathway to victory,
  • 00:23:07.843 --> 00:23:09.344
  • We don't shy away from the challenging parts of god's word.
  • 00:23:09.344 --> 00:23:12.914
  • We believe in proclaiming the whole counsel of scripture,
  • 00:23:12.914 --> 00:23:16.551
  • Even when it makes us uncomfortable,
  • 00:23:16.551 --> 00:23:18.820
  • And your faithful support enables us to deliver
  • 00:23:18.820 --> 00:23:21.690
  • This kind of uncompromising biblical teaching
  • 00:23:21.690 --> 00:23:25.327
  • Every single day.
  • 00:23:25.327 --> 00:23:27.062
  • Thank you for standing with us
  • 00:23:27.062 --> 00:23:28.530
  • As we boldly defend the unchanging truth of scripture
  • 00:23:28.530 --> 00:23:32.000
  • In an age of compromise.
  • 00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:34.069
  • Your generosity ensures that "pathway to victory"
  • 00:23:34.069 --> 00:23:37.739
  • Remains a trusted source of bold
  • 00:23:37.739 --> 00:23:40.609
  • Biblical teaching for you and your family.
  • 00:23:40.609 --> 00:23:43.311
  • Together, we are piercing the darkness
  • 00:23:43.311 --> 00:23:46.147
  • With the light of god's word.
  • 00:23:46.147 --> 00:23:48.483
  • Now please stay right there.
  • 00:23:48.483 --> 00:23:50.051
  • I'll be back with more "pathway to victory"
  • 00:23:50.051 --> 00:23:52.787
  • In just a moment.
  • 00:23:52.787 --> 00:23:54.289
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:23:54.289 --> 00:23:55.957
  • Every believer wants to see clear evidence
  • 00:23:55.957 --> 00:23:58.426
  • Of their spiritual growth
  • 00:23:58.426 --> 00:23:59.995
  • And discover the fruit that god is producing in their lives.
  • 00:23:59.995 --> 00:24:03.765
  • Dr. robert jeffress shows you exactly how to recognize
  • 00:24:03.765 --> 00:24:07.102
  • That fruit in his brand new book,
  • 00:24:07.102 --> 00:24:08.937
  • "how to know if you're really saved."
  • 00:24:08.937 --> 00:24:11.406
  • The book of james teaches us
  • 00:24:11.406 --> 00:24:13.041
  • That the christian life is about more
  • 00:24:13.041 --> 00:24:15.310
  • Than just knowing god's word.
  • 00:24:15.310 --> 00:24:17.445
  • It's about living it out.
  • 00:24:17.445 --> 00:24:19.114
  • In my new book, "how to know if you're really saved."
  • 00:24:19.114 --> 00:24:21.883
  • I'll walk you through what it truly means to be a doer
  • 00:24:21.883 --> 00:24:25.086
  • Of the word, showing you how to respond to trials,
  • 00:24:25.086 --> 00:24:28.456
  • Control your speech, endure hardships,
  • 00:24:28.456 --> 00:24:31.226
  • Resist temptation, and so much more.
  • 00:24:31.226 --> 00:24:34.296
  • This outstanding 232 page book
  • 00:24:34.930 --> 00:24:37.299
  • Will help you examine the evidence of your faith
  • 00:24:37.299 --> 00:24:40.035
  • And see the spiritual fruit
  • 00:24:40.035 --> 00:24:41.636
  • That should be growing in your daily life.
  • 00:24:41.636 --> 00:24:44.272
  • Request your copy of "how to know if you're really saved"
  • 00:24:44.272 --> 00:24:47.442
  • When you give a generous gift to support
  • 00:24:47.442 --> 00:24:49.377
  • The ministry of pathway to victory,
  • 00:24:49.377 --> 00:24:51.479
  • Or when you become a pathway partner.
  • 00:24:51.479 --> 00:24:53.782
  • With your ministry gift of $75 or more,
  • 00:24:53.782 --> 00:24:56.785
  • We'll send you not just the book,
  • 00:24:56.785 --> 00:24:58.553
  • But also the personal and group study guide
  • 00:24:58.553 --> 00:25:01.022
  • And the complete message series on both cd and dvd.
  • 00:25:01.022 --> 00:25:04.993
  • If you are truly saved,
  • 00:25:04.993 --> 00:25:07.095
  • There's going to be evidence of it.
  • 00:25:07.095 --> 00:25:08.863
  • There's some tests that you need to apply to your life.
  • 00:25:08.863 --> 00:25:12.934
  • Thank you for your generous support
  • 00:25:12.934 --> 00:25:14.669
  • Of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:25:14.669 --> 00:25:16.137
  • Your partnership helps us bring bold, biblical,
  • 00:25:16.137 --> 00:25:19.107
  • And practical teaching into homes
  • 00:25:19.107 --> 00:25:21.009
  • Across the nation and around the world.
  • 00:25:21.009 --> 00:25:24.079
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:25:24.412 --> 00:25:25.714
  • Real faith doesn't just listen to god's word,
  • 00:25:25.714 --> 00:25:28.750
  • It acts upon it.
  • 00:25:28.750 --> 00:25:30.585
  • We can't afford to be spiritual tourists
  • 00:25:30.585 --> 00:25:33.088
  • Who merely gaze at scripture
  • 00:25:33.088 --> 00:25:35.156
  • Without letting it transform our lives.
  • 00:25:35.156 --> 00:25:38.293
  • Well next time, we'll examine another test
  • 00:25:38.293 --> 00:25:40.662
  • Of authentic christianity.
  • 00:25:40.662 --> 00:25:42.664
  • How do we treat those who are less fortunate?
  • 00:25:42.664 --> 00:25:45.800
  • James warns us that playing favorites
  • 00:25:45.800 --> 00:25:48.236
  • In a church exposes a serious problem
  • 00:25:48.236 --> 00:25:51.473
  • With our faith.
  • 00:25:51.473 --> 00:25:52.707
  • Stay tuned for a preview
  • 00:25:52.707 --> 00:25:53.975
  • Of what's coming up next in our series,
  • 00:25:53.975 --> 00:25:56.244
  • "how to know if you're really saved."
  • 00:25:56.244 --> 00:25:59.914
  • What's not right is to honor somebody
  • 00:25:59.914 --> 00:26:03.818
  • And mistreat another person at the same time.
  • 00:26:03.818 --> 00:26:07.255
  • You should never favor anybody in the church when it results
  • 00:26:07.255 --> 00:26:11.593
  • In disfavoring somebody else.
  • 00:26:11.593 --> 00:26:14.329
  • That's what was going on in this service.
  • 00:26:14.329 --> 00:26:18.199
  • Set your dvr and join us next time for the message
  • 00:26:18.199 --> 00:26:21.336
  • "when mr. goldfinger comes to church"
  • 00:26:21.336 --> 00:26:23.905
  • Here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:26:23.905 --> 00:26:27.442
  • Experience the beauty of alaska
  • 00:26:28.076 --> 00:26:30.211
  • With the pathway to victory family
  • 00:26:30.211 --> 00:26:32.180
  • June 13th through 20, 2026.
  • 00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:35.250
  • Sail through the calm waters of the legendary inside passage
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  • With dr. robert jeffress aboard
  • 00:26:38.687 --> 00:26:40.422
  • Holland america's magnificent koningsdag.
  • 00:26:40.422 --> 00:26:43.425
  • Be inspired by award-winning musician
  • 00:26:43.425 --> 00:26:45.460
  • Michael o'brien's powerful worship.
  • 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:47.662
  • Share laughter with dennis swanberg,
  • 00:26:47.662 --> 00:26:49.664
  • America's minister of encouragement,
  • 00:26:49.664 --> 00:26:51.966
  • All while exploring frontier towns
  • 00:26:51.966 --> 00:26:54.235
  • Like juneau, skagway, and ketchikan.
  • 00:26:54.235 --> 00:26:56.905
  • There's something powerful about connecting with god
  • 00:26:56.905 --> 00:26:59.741
  • And fellow believers in the majesty
  • 00:26:59.741 --> 00:27:02.210
  • Of his untamed wilderness.
  • 00:27:02.210 --> 00:27:04.279
  • From the majestic glaciers to soaring eagles,
  • 00:27:04.279 --> 00:27:07.415
  • These moments in god's creation
  • 00:27:07.415 --> 00:27:09.317
  • Will deepen your faith in powerful ways.
  • 00:27:09.317 --> 00:27:12.187
  • Join us for a spiritual journey
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  • Through some of creation's most spectacular displays.
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  • Don't wait, our best cabins are going fast.
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  • Secure your alaska adventure now.
  • 00:27:20.061 --> 00:27:22.230
  • Call 888-280-6747,
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  • Or visit ptv.org.
  • 00:27:25.333 --> 00:27:25.333