1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,540 We've been in a series now for several weeks on the book of Romans chapter 8 2 00:00:05,540 --> 00:00:11,520 And so what I'm gonna invite you to do is if you can go with me now to Romans chapter 8 and verse 18 3 00:00:12,360 --> 00:00:13,400 I 4 00:00:13,400 --> 00:00:18,400 Have a message from the Lord today, and I'm gonna do my very best 5 00:00:19,360 --> 00:00:23,480 because as I came into the sanctuary I just I 6 00:00:23,480 --> 00:00:31,280 Had something just gripped my heart, you know, and I really believe that if you would capture the message this afternoon 7 00:00:31,280 --> 00:00:34,160 If you would open up your heart to the word of the Lord 8 00:00:34,880 --> 00:00:36,880 this message could have a 9 00:00:37,560 --> 00:00:44,480 great impact in your life, and I hope it will bring encouragement and perspective about 10 00:00:45,520 --> 00:00:49,880 Many things that God is doing it reads this way and I ask for your patience 11 00:00:49,880 --> 00:00:53,520 I'm going to read all the way from verse 18 to verse 12 00:00:54,640 --> 00:01:03,160 26 it says for I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory 13 00:01:03,720 --> 00:01:06,280 That shall be revealed in us 14 00:01:07,680 --> 00:01:14,640 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God 15 00:01:14,640 --> 00:01:20,480 For the creation was subjected to fertility not willingly because of him 16 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:23,120 Who subjected it in hope? 17 00:01:24,080 --> 00:01:26,080 because the creation itself also 18 00:01:26,960 --> 00:01:29,280 will be delivered from the bondage of 19 00:01:30,200 --> 00:01:35,440 Corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God for we know 20 00:01:36,120 --> 00:01:38,120 that the whole 21 00:01:38,120 --> 00:01:40,120 creation groans and 22 00:01:40,120 --> 00:01:44,840 Labors with birth pains together until now 23 00:01:45,680 --> 00:01:51,600 Not only that but we also have the first fruits of the spirit 24 00:01:52,320 --> 00:01:54,520 We ourselves grown 25 00:01:55,400 --> 00:01:58,440 Within us within ourselves eagerly 26 00:01:59,320 --> 00:02:05,040 Awaiting for the adoption the redemption of our body first 24 27 00:02:05,680 --> 00:02:07,680 We were saved in this hope 28 00:02:07,680 --> 00:02:11,800 But hope that is seen is not hope 29 00:02:12,600 --> 00:02:17,040 Why does one still hope for what he sees? 30 00:02:18,080 --> 00:02:24,640 But if we hope for what we do not see we eagerly wait for it with perseverance 31 00:02:25,640 --> 00:02:26,920 likewise 32 00:02:26,920 --> 00:02:28,920 the spirit 33 00:02:29,280 --> 00:02:32,040 also helps in our weaknesses 34 00:02:32,040 --> 00:02:38,720 But we do not know what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit himself 35 00:02:39,520 --> 00:02:41,520 makes 36 00:02:41,760 --> 00:02:43,760 intercession for us 37 00:02:43,760 --> 00:02:44,760 with 38 00:02:44,760 --> 00:02:45,760 groanings 39 00:02:45,760 --> 00:02:51,520 Which cannot be uttered with the help of the Holy Ghost. I want to speak for a few moments today 40 00:02:51,520 --> 00:02:54,800 I want to preach from groans to glory 41 00:02:55,520 --> 00:03:00,160 I'm invite you to pray with me right now father. I come before you humbly God 42 00:03:00,160 --> 00:03:05,040 at this hour and I ask that you would 43 00:03:05,600 --> 00:03:11,760 Continue to move among your people God. It is not me. It's not Jacob. It is not 44 00:03:12,880 --> 00:03:15,320 Myself God, but it is the Holy Ghost 45 00:03:16,040 --> 00:03:18,440 That we need to speak in this place 46 00:03:18,480 --> 00:03:26,320 but thus saith the Lord and I ask that you would anoint and soften the heart of every one of us in this place to 47 00:03:26,400 --> 00:03:28,400 receive this word and 48 00:03:28,400 --> 00:03:30,760 That it would be received with gladness 49 00:03:31,840 --> 00:03:39,960 anoint my lips of clay God put your word in my mouth and be glorified today God and I pray God that you would confirm 50 00:03:40,200 --> 00:03:42,200 your word today Lord 51 00:03:42,480 --> 00:03:43,840 with 52 00:03:43,840 --> 00:03:44,920 miracles 53 00:03:44,920 --> 00:03:50,400 signs and the wonders we ask this in Jesus mighty name a 54 00:03:51,720 --> 00:03:54,200 Man because someone say a man today 55 00:03:54,200 --> 00:03:57,720 Come on because someone say a man a man 56 00:03:59,920 --> 00:04:03,880 As I look at today's passage I am 57 00:04:04,840 --> 00:04:09,640 Touched in many ways over what Paul is writing 58 00:04:10,160 --> 00:04:15,200 to the church as we have been working through this powerful chapter 59 00:04:15,200 --> 00:04:20,800 Which I have already said many consider to be one of the greatest chapters in the Bible 60 00:04:20,800 --> 00:04:25,080 For the depth and for the way that it explains 61 00:04:25,560 --> 00:04:28,560 the purpose of God in the children of God 62 00:04:29,440 --> 00:04:37,200 But there comes a point in his writing where he begins to if you're not careful could miss it because there's a 63 00:04:37,200 --> 00:04:40,640 There is some complexity to it, but it begins to 64 00:04:41,200 --> 00:04:43,920 lift the veil on some spiritual 65 00:04:43,920 --> 00:04:50,200 realities on some things that are taking place and he starts talking about the 66 00:04:50,720 --> 00:04:54,320 sufferings and the heaviness of life and 67 00:04:55,720 --> 00:04:58,160 The the pressures that can 68 00:04:59,200 --> 00:05:06,760 Come down on us at times and as he begins to talk about this he he compares the present 69 00:05:07,200 --> 00:05:09,840 suffering to the future glory that 70 00:05:09,840 --> 00:05:16,160 That shall be revealed in us and ultimately what God wants to 71 00:05:16,720 --> 00:05:19,560 Accomplish in us, but but we are 72 00:05:20,240 --> 00:05:25,480 Caught in between really between two worlds between two destinations 73 00:05:26,520 --> 00:05:30,440 This world is not our home. Amen somebody and 74 00:05:30,960 --> 00:05:35,360 God has a future glory in place for us 75 00:05:35,360 --> 00:05:41,600 And he's so good that he will give us glimpses of that glory here on earth 76 00:05:41,600 --> 00:05:46,520 He's so good that we might taste just a little bit. We might 77 00:05:47,120 --> 00:05:54,880 Have an appetizer if you will of the marriage supper of the lamb that we're going to partake of one day 78 00:05:56,000 --> 00:05:59,440 Because God is good. Someone say he's good 79 00:06:00,640 --> 00:06:02,640 Yes, sir 80 00:06:02,640 --> 00:06:05,720 He's good. Yes, he is 81 00:06:06,800 --> 00:06:11,000 But in the meantime in the meantime between now and then 82 00:06:11,760 --> 00:06:16,120 We have to contend with this life. We have to contend and he 83 00:06:16,840 --> 00:06:18,720 begins to talk about 84 00:06:18,720 --> 00:06:20,360 that 85 00:06:20,360 --> 00:06:26,880 there are times in life where because of the pressure because of the stress because of the 86 00:06:26,880 --> 00:06:33,800 Circumstances that we find ourselves in whether we brought them upon ourselves or not 87 00:06:34,480 --> 00:06:38,360 That all we can do is is grown 88 00:06:38,640 --> 00:06:44,360 All we can do is grown and I want you to know that that God that God can hear 89 00:06:45,200 --> 00:06:47,520 the sound of a groan 90 00:06:48,680 --> 00:06:55,640 He could hear the sound of a groan and I want you to know that the same God who gave us 91 00:06:55,640 --> 00:06:57,640 the ability to speak 92 00:06:58,120 --> 00:07:02,400 Also gave us the gift of groaning 93 00:07:03,760 --> 00:07:05,760 You know that Jesus was a groaner 94 00:07:07,400 --> 00:07:09,400 Jesus groaned 95 00:07:10,280 --> 00:07:14,800 Twice he groaned over the passing of his friend 96 00:07:15,520 --> 00:07:18,120 Lazarus in John chapter 11 97 00:07:19,080 --> 00:07:20,600 Bible says 98 00:07:20,600 --> 00:07:23,560 That that Jesus groaned, you know 99 00:07:23,560 --> 00:07:31,160 He groaned, you know, we know that he also wept but in addition to weeping over the loss of his friend 100 00:07:31,160 --> 00:07:36,760 He also he groaned in his spirit also in Mark chapter 7 101 00:07:36,760 --> 00:07:44,440 he he groaned before he healed a a deaf and mute man and so 102 00:07:45,000 --> 00:07:49,680 What you can begin to gather as you look at the moments where Jesus groaned it 103 00:07:49,680 --> 00:07:53,680 He he groaned in in certain times where 104 00:07:54,040 --> 00:07:59,240 He was faced with the reality of human suffering and pain and loss 105 00:08:00,040 --> 00:08:02,040 Well at the same time 106 00:08:02,200 --> 00:08:06,440 understanding that he was God and that the answer was there and that 107 00:08:07,320 --> 00:08:09,320 He could fix it, but he was 108 00:08:10,640 --> 00:08:14,840 Man at the same time and anytime you see Jesus groaning 109 00:08:14,840 --> 00:08:23,880 It's because he's he's caught in the tension of this the the reality the facts of life that that that life is filled with 110 00:08:23,960 --> 00:08:25,280 with 111 00:08:25,280 --> 00:08:28,960 filled with with pain and and uncertainty and 112 00:08:30,120 --> 00:08:37,800 Disappointment. Well at the same time there is hope for for the future and and there is grace and 113 00:08:38,160 --> 00:08:41,600 and God is powerful and he can do anything but 114 00:08:41,600 --> 00:08:48,600 the times where Jesus groans it's because he is caught in between these these two places and 115 00:08:49,120 --> 00:08:52,320 There is something significant about a groan in 116 00:08:52,840 --> 00:08:58,400 Romans chapter 8 Paul describes a world that is filled with 117 00:08:59,200 --> 00:09:01,200 groaning 118 00:09:01,600 --> 00:09:03,600 Creation 119 00:09:03,600 --> 00:09:09,600 Believers and even the spirit are all groaning in concert together 120 00:09:09,600 --> 00:09:10,600 over 121 00:09:10,600 --> 00:09:12,600 something greater in 122 00:09:13,000 --> 00:09:21,000 anticipation of something more these groanings are not complaints, but they are expressions 123 00:09:22,120 --> 00:09:28,600 expressions of a deep longing for the fulfillment of God's promises a 124 00:09:29,320 --> 00:09:33,400 groaning that is happening on a level that 125 00:09:34,200 --> 00:09:37,720 Perhaps the human ear cannot hear it that 126 00:09:37,720 --> 00:09:43,200 Technology has not been invented to pick up the decimals and 127 00:09:43,960 --> 00:09:48,600 the the frequency of this this groan 128 00:09:48,600 --> 00:09:52,440 There is a there is a type of groaning that is taking place 129 00:09:53,160 --> 00:10:00,760 Even right now as I preach as I stand before you you may not hear it with your natural ear today 130 00:10:00,760 --> 00:10:05,360 But but there is there is a groaning that is taking place and 131 00:10:05,360 --> 00:10:11,760 I want to dial you into that this afternoon and perhaps at the same time help somebody 132 00:10:12,560 --> 00:10:17,560 Understand what possibly God is doing in your life this afternoon 133 00:10:18,080 --> 00:10:23,680 As believers we live in that tension. I spoke about we live in that tension 134 00:10:24,240 --> 00:10:30,000 Between our present struggles of life and the future glory that God has promised to us 135 00:10:30,000 --> 00:10:32,000 We we live in that space 136 00:10:32,000 --> 00:10:38,200 We live in that that that that continuum we live in that that in-between 137 00:10:38,760 --> 00:10:40,760 place of 138 00:10:40,760 --> 00:10:46,000 Being saved but not having the fulfillment yet of our salvation 139 00:10:46,000 --> 00:10:52,960 And we are we find ourselves in a groaning place and a groaning and and I want you to understand 140 00:10:52,960 --> 00:10:57,040 Today that groaning could be the key to you enduring 141 00:10:57,040 --> 00:11:01,760 The season that you're in enduring the times that we're living in 142 00:11:01,760 --> 00:11:06,480 I believe that every believer needs to learn how to groan 143 00:11:10,160 --> 00:11:12,160 Amen 144 00:11:12,160 --> 00:11:18,000 Let us first look at the universal groaning that is occurring all around us 145 00:11:18,720 --> 00:11:20,720 It is the groaning of creation 146 00:11:21,680 --> 00:11:23,040 Paul 147 00:11:23,040 --> 00:11:25,040 Be kind to your heart 148 00:11:25,040 --> 00:11:27,040 Paul begins 149 00:11:29,840 --> 00:11:31,840 His teaching on this by 150 00:11:32,440 --> 00:11:36,800 Observing how creation itself is groaning 151 00:11:37,440 --> 00:11:43,400 It's groaning in frustration because it was subjected to the curse of sin 152 00:11:44,520 --> 00:11:48,160 When Adam fell all of creation was affected 153 00:11:48,840 --> 00:11:51,640 the natural world which was 154 00:11:51,640 --> 00:11:57,960 Created in perfect harmony and in perfect order now suffers under the weight of sin 155 00:11:59,640 --> 00:12:03,200 Resulting in decay in death and disorder 156 00:12:04,280 --> 00:12:09,440 Without a doubt we're living in a fallen world in this fallen world 157 00:12:09,960 --> 00:12:15,400 It's constantly feeling the pressure of its fallenness and its brokenness 158 00:12:15,920 --> 00:12:18,280 from natural disasters in the earth 159 00:12:18,280 --> 00:12:21,320 earthquakes and tremors and 160 00:12:22,120 --> 00:12:24,120 hurricanes and all kinds of 161 00:12:24,440 --> 00:12:28,040 Changes that are happening in the in the natural world 162 00:12:28,600 --> 00:12:33,800 Down to the very aging of our bodies of our human bodies 163 00:12:34,120 --> 00:12:41,640 To the cycles of life and death. I want you to understand that all of these things are groaning 164 00:12:42,200 --> 00:12:45,240 They are groaning creation itself all 165 00:12:45,240 --> 00:12:51,400 Of creation including our own bodies all of creation all of the natural world 166 00:12:52,040 --> 00:12:57,560 Is is groaning under this weight that we are living in is groaning 167 00:12:58,680 --> 00:13:04,920 Together and what is this groaning? It is a groaning field with hope and anticipation 168 00:13:05,560 --> 00:13:07,560 of our future 169 00:13:07,560 --> 00:13:08,600 redemption 170 00:13:08,600 --> 00:13:13,880 It is groaning in in in anticipation of the glory of God 171 00:13:13,880 --> 00:13:19,320 Of the glory of God being revealed it is groaning all of creation 172 00:13:20,280 --> 00:13:28,200 The signs that we are seeing and and the shakings and the turbulence in the earth and in the world is all it's all groaning 173 00:13:28,980 --> 00:13:35,020 together in concert for the anticipation of its ultimate renewal 174 00:13:35,640 --> 00:13:37,480 Because one day 175 00:13:37,480 --> 00:13:44,600 Jesus is going to come back and he's going to restore order in this world 176 00:13:45,000 --> 00:13:49,880 He's how many of you believe that amen. He's going to restore order in this world 177 00:13:50,440 --> 00:13:54,460 And make everything new again. Hallelujah 178 00:13:55,240 --> 00:14:03,240 He's going to restore the beauty and the splendor and the and all of the things that he originally designed 179 00:14:03,240 --> 00:14:08,840 And back before man fell god is coming back one day real soon 180 00:14:09,400 --> 00:14:11,400 to bring everything back 181 00:14:11,720 --> 00:14:19,320 into the proper order and the proper beauty and the symmetry and the way that he designed it to be 182 00:14:19,880 --> 00:14:24,840 And so right now we are living in a time where creation is groaning 183 00:14:25,320 --> 00:14:30,920 And is yearning and is longing for the return of his creator 184 00:14:30,920 --> 00:14:34,680 I want you to have this perspective today church 185 00:14:35,240 --> 00:14:41,160 So that you not live in fear over what you see and feel happening in our world today 186 00:14:41,720 --> 00:14:44,520 Because all of the groaning that is taking place 187 00:14:45,000 --> 00:14:50,280 All of the uncertainty and the turbulence and the shakings in our natural world 188 00:14:50,680 --> 00:14:57,880 And the aging and the disease and and the viruses and all the stuff that is happening is simply creation 189 00:14:57,880 --> 00:15:01,400 And saying god we're ready for you to come 190 00:15:02,200 --> 00:15:04,200 Whenever you're ready to come 191 00:15:04,840 --> 00:15:11,480 God we're ready for you to redeem us and restore this world back to you 192 00:15:11,800 --> 00:15:14,360 Somebody clap your hands and give god 193 00:15:15,480 --> 00:15:17,480 Some praise 194 00:15:18,440 --> 00:15:21,240 Even the earth knows that something better 195 00:15:22,120 --> 00:15:24,120 Is coming 196 00:15:24,440 --> 00:15:26,440 It feels it 197 00:15:26,440 --> 00:15:28,440 It longs for it 198 00:15:29,320 --> 00:15:32,120 I feel like every volcano that erupts 199 00:15:33,000 --> 00:15:36,920 Is like the earth giving god a praise saying come 200 00:15:38,280 --> 00:15:40,280 We're ready for you lord 201 00:15:40,820 --> 00:15:42,820 Redeem us god 202 00:15:43,560 --> 00:15:49,080 And this ought to shape our perspective don't live in fear my brother or sister don't live in panic 203 00:15:49,720 --> 00:15:52,860 Don't go and crawl and hide under a rock somewhere. Hallelujah 204 00:15:52,860 --> 00:15:58,460 Hallelujah, and don't put your trust and your hopes in man or in this world 205 00:15:59,020 --> 00:16:03,580 Because this creation is all groaning for the coming of the lord 206 00:16:04,140 --> 00:16:07,580 And so along with the groaning of creation 207 00:16:08,540 --> 00:16:11,660 There is the groaning of the christian 208 00:16:12,300 --> 00:16:15,580 Of the believer and so paul says not only 209 00:16:16,220 --> 00:16:20,140 Is there a a universal groaning in in the world? 210 00:16:20,140 --> 00:16:23,340 But then there is also the groaning 211 00:16:23,980 --> 00:16:27,180 Of our personal lives the groaning of the the believer 212 00:16:27,820 --> 00:16:32,320 There is a groaning within believers who are awaiting the completion 213 00:16:33,260 --> 00:16:35,260 Hear me today the fulfillment 214 00:16:36,140 --> 00:16:38,140 of our salvation 215 00:16:38,780 --> 00:16:44,380 This is an inward groaning. It is a longing for the glory of god 216 00:16:44,940 --> 00:16:48,620 To be manifest fully in our lives 217 00:16:48,620 --> 00:16:55,020 Uh both in this present life and in the life to come. I don't know if you have the next slide. Hallelujah 218 00:16:55,740 --> 00:17:00,700 There we go. The next slide point number two point number two. There we go the groaning of the believer 219 00:17:01,020 --> 00:17:03,020 There is a groaning within us 220 00:17:03,260 --> 00:17:05,180 to to uh 221 00:17:05,180 --> 00:17:10,060 In anticipation for what god is going to it's an inward groaning. It's a longing 222 00:17:10,620 --> 00:17:13,420 It's a longing. It's a longing that's saying god 223 00:17:13,980 --> 00:17:15,980 Get me out of this place lord 224 00:17:15,980 --> 00:17:21,820 Lord, I I need you lord to rescue me. I need you lord to deliver me 225 00:17:22,140 --> 00:17:25,980 I need you god to save me from where I am 226 00:17:26,620 --> 00:17:30,060 And this is that tension. This is that place 227 00:17:30,620 --> 00:17:37,100 I need you to understand that a church that the process of salvation is not complete 228 00:17:37,740 --> 00:17:41,260 We are not only saved but we are being saved 229 00:17:41,260 --> 00:17:45,820 Why do you think the bible says to work out your own salvation? 230 00:17:46,060 --> 00:17:50,860 With fear and with trembling you can gain salvation and friend 231 00:17:50,860 --> 00:17:53,100 You can also lose your salvation 232 00:17:53,580 --> 00:17:58,140 If you're not living in a way that is groaning in anticipation 233 00:17:58,540 --> 00:18:05,100 For the coming of god in your life for his glory to be revealed in your life 234 00:18:05,100 --> 00:18:07,980 But in the meantime, what are we to do? 235 00:18:07,980 --> 00:18:13,420 What are we to do? What are we to do with the fact that we are kind of stuck here on this earth? 236 00:18:14,540 --> 00:18:19,740 What are we going to do? What can we do? Are we just going to curse the earth and run in the other direction? 237 00:18:19,740 --> 00:18:21,740 No, my friend you still live here 238 00:18:23,100 --> 00:18:24,700 You still live here 239 00:18:24,700 --> 00:18:29,740 What are we supposed to do torn between these two realities between the heaven and earth? 240 00:18:30,460 --> 00:18:33,900 The temporal and the eternal the broken and the whole 241 00:18:33,900 --> 00:18:41,180 When we are torn between these realities of justification and glorification between our current state 242 00:18:42,220 --> 00:18:44,220 And our future state 243 00:18:44,220 --> 00:18:46,220 What are we to do? 244 00:18:46,220 --> 00:18:52,460 What are how are we to how are we to manage in this life when we still must wrestle with this flesh? 245 00:18:52,460 --> 00:18:56,620 I don't know about you, but i'm still wrestling with my flesh 246 00:18:58,140 --> 00:19:01,100 I hear too many amens out there praise god 247 00:19:01,100 --> 00:19:03,660 Some people think they've already been glorified 248 00:19:05,660 --> 00:19:07,740 But we're still here someone say we're still here 249 00:19:09,180 --> 00:19:12,620 And as long as we're still here, we're still wrestling with this flesh 250 00:19:13,100 --> 00:19:17,980 Which is why every day of our life. What do we've got to do? We've got to crucify this flesh 251 00:19:18,700 --> 00:19:23,260 Amen somebody and we have to say like paul i die daily 252 00:19:26,220 --> 00:19:29,580 Because within our own flesh there is a war that is taking place 253 00:19:29,580 --> 00:19:37,100 We're still wrestling and enduring the struggles of life physical emotional mental 254 00:19:39,820 --> 00:19:45,100 Financial you name it we're still dealing with these things 255 00:19:49,020 --> 00:19:54,220 And I got a good I got bad news and good news the bad news is these things are not going away 256 00:19:54,220 --> 00:19:58,460 I got bad news and good news. The bad news is these things are not going away 257 00:20:00,780 --> 00:20:02,780 Jesus said in this world 258 00:20:03,500 --> 00:20:05,500 There will be trouble 259 00:20:05,740 --> 00:20:07,740 How many of you know that's true 260 00:20:07,740 --> 00:20:09,740 But he also said be of good cheer 261 00:20:10,700 --> 00:20:13,500 Because i've already overcome the world 262 00:20:14,220 --> 00:20:17,260 Hallelujah, come on clap your hands and give god some praise today 263 00:20:17,900 --> 00:20:19,820 hallelujah 264 00:20:19,820 --> 00:20:25,180 But the fact remains is that while we are here, we've got to deal with problems. Amen 265 00:20:25,800 --> 00:20:33,740 perilous times with people with issues with sickness with all of these things that just kind of remind us that we're still human 266 00:20:35,500 --> 00:20:42,060 And we're still living in a broken world and we're surrounded by broken people and imperfect people 267 00:20:42,300 --> 00:20:45,660 And they're on the outside of the church and they're on the inside of the church 268 00:20:45,660 --> 00:20:54,060 They're everywhere because that's the state that we are in at this time and yet at at the same time 269 00:20:54,460 --> 00:21:01,820 There is a groaning within us. There's a groaning. There's this groaning that that that it's going to get better. Oh 270 00:21:02,860 --> 00:21:05,500 I'm waiting for you to change this. Oh god 271 00:21:05,980 --> 00:21:09,260 I'm i'm groaning god within myself lord 272 00:21:09,900 --> 00:21:11,260 That is going to get better 273 00:21:11,260 --> 00:21:16,620 But I need to tell somebody this afternoon if you give me just a few moments more of your time 274 00:21:16,700 --> 00:21:19,260 Is that there is a difference between groaning? 275 00:21:19,900 --> 00:21:21,900 and grunting 276 00:21:23,580 --> 00:21:26,940 There's a difference between a groaner and a grunter 277 00:21:27,500 --> 00:21:33,580 Oh pastor, isn't it all the same? No, it's not groaning and grunting sound very similar to each other 278 00:21:33,580 --> 00:21:41,100 But you got to understand there's a big difference between the two and some may think they're groaning, but they're actually grunting 279 00:21:42,060 --> 00:21:46,620 And you have to examine your heart today and ask what of the two have you been doing 280 00:21:47,000 --> 00:21:52,300 Groaning is a spiritual response to the brokenness of of this world 281 00:21:52,780 --> 00:21:59,020 The brokenness of people the disappointments of life of daily life groaning is rooted in hope 282 00:21:59,020 --> 00:22:04,060 But it comes from a place of of surrender. It comes from a place of trust 283 00:22:04,460 --> 00:22:08,460 It comes from a place of ultimate submission to whatever god is doing 284 00:22:08,700 --> 00:22:13,100 It comes from a place of allowing god to have full control of our lives 285 00:22:13,480 --> 00:22:16,860 Groaning is that response in us that says god? 286 00:22:17,260 --> 00:22:23,580 I don't know what to do lord, but I submit it all to you and i'm gonna have a good attitude while it happens 287 00:22:23,580 --> 00:22:30,080 Uh groaning is saying lord, yo, you slay me yet. Will I trust you groaning? 288 00:22:30,320 --> 00:22:36,800 Is saying the lord gives and the lord takes away but blessed be the name of the lord groaning 289 00:22:37,280 --> 00:22:41,920 Is saying I don't understand at all. I don't get why people do things 290 00:22:42,320 --> 00:22:46,160 I don't get why the world is upside down. I don't get why 291 00:22:46,640 --> 00:22:52,480 Oh bad things happen to good people, but i'm groaning god because I know that one day 292 00:22:52,480 --> 00:22:55,520 My redemption draws nigh 293 00:22:56,240 --> 00:22:59,200 And everything will be set in order 294 00:22:59,680 --> 00:23:06,880 I'm groaning and groaning what it does. How do you know if you're groaning or grunting groaning softens your heart? 295 00:23:07,500 --> 00:23:09,500 grunting hardens your heart 296 00:23:09,840 --> 00:23:13,280 Because grunting on the other hand is a fleshy 297 00:23:14,300 --> 00:23:18,240 reactionary response to the challenges and concerns of life 298 00:23:18,240 --> 00:23:22,980 It is marked by frustration and complaining and self-pity 299 00:23:23,360 --> 00:23:25,360 It comes from a place of impatience 300 00:23:26,080 --> 00:23:30,720 It's the opposite of groaning it comes from a place of trying to seize control 301 00:23:31,160 --> 00:23:35,440 It comes from a place of trying to make things go according to your way 302 00:23:35,440 --> 00:23:40,160 It comes from a place of trying to take the place of god in your life 303 00:23:40,400 --> 00:23:43,680 And all that does is produce a hard heart 304 00:23:43,680 --> 00:23:48,400 Makes you hard to the things of god hard to the spirit of god 305 00:23:48,720 --> 00:23:54,640 Hard to the man of god hard to the word of god hard to the people of god 306 00:23:55,120 --> 00:23:58,960 And it hardens your heart and the thing about a hard heart 307 00:23:59,280 --> 00:24:05,600 Is that the person with the hard heart is usually the last one to find out that their heart has been hardened 308 00:24:08,480 --> 00:24:10,480 And I have come to ask you today 309 00:24:10,480 --> 00:24:14,000 And I have come to ask you today. What is your heart? 310 00:24:14,560 --> 00:24:17,120 Have you been groaning? Oh god? 311 00:24:17,760 --> 00:24:19,760 I give it all to you 312 00:24:19,760 --> 00:24:22,320 Lord, I surrender god 313 00:24:22,960 --> 00:24:26,560 With tears in my eyes lord. I'm trusting in you 314 00:24:27,200 --> 00:24:31,280 You're in control of my life. You're still on the throne god 315 00:24:32,080 --> 00:24:37,040 And i'm gonna just trust in you and let you sort it all out god 316 00:24:37,040 --> 00:24:40,240 Or have I been grunting? 317 00:24:42,880 --> 00:24:45,680 I'll say god i'm gonna do it but i'm gonna do it with a frown 318 00:24:47,520 --> 00:24:49,520 That's grunting 319 00:24:50,960 --> 00:24:52,240 God 320 00:24:52,240 --> 00:24:55,360 Is not looking for grunters. He's looking for groaners 321 00:24:56,160 --> 00:24:57,680 Oh god 322 00:24:57,680 --> 00:25:02,000 I feel the holy ghost today groaning produces first fruits 323 00:25:02,000 --> 00:25:09,120 It produces a true christian maturity godliness conduct and giving of ourselves 324 00:25:09,520 --> 00:25:12,160 He says there and paul talks about the first fruits 325 00:25:12,720 --> 00:25:19,360 Those groaners have first fruits in their life. They're giving the first fruits. They've got first fruits 326 00:25:19,840 --> 00:25:24,560 One day i'm going to preach real soon about the first fruits and what that represents 327 00:25:25,360 --> 00:25:29,840 People think it's just your tithe and your money. You know, that's only a part of it hallelujah 328 00:25:29,840 --> 00:25:35,120 But it's a very important part of it hallelujah to bring your first fruits because they belong to the lord 329 00:25:35,680 --> 00:25:39,680 But not just the first fruits of our monetary resources belong to god 330 00:25:40,000 --> 00:25:44,240 But also the first fruits of our spirit the first fruits of our hands 331 00:25:44,560 --> 00:25:50,800 The first fruits of our of our ministry the first fruits of our of our of our attitude the first fruits 332 00:25:51,200 --> 00:25:56,720 Of our praise the first fruits of our time. That's why we're here on sunday afternoon 333 00:25:56,720 --> 00:26:01,760 We're giving god the first day of the week because that's part of our first fruits. Amen 334 00:26:02,160 --> 00:26:07,440 Oh, there's a groan within our spirit, but grunting produces sour grapes 335 00:26:09,340 --> 00:26:11,340 Bitterness 336 00:26:12,560 --> 00:26:14,560 Anger 337 00:26:14,800 --> 00:26:16,800 Produces all that 338 00:26:17,040 --> 00:26:19,040 You know, i'm telling you today 339 00:26:19,600 --> 00:26:21,920 That that there is a groaning happening 340 00:26:21,920 --> 00:26:25,840 And I believe that the church needs its groan 341 00:26:26,720 --> 00:26:30,640 It needs its groan. I need to groan you need to groan 342 00:26:31,280 --> 00:26:38,160 And there is one third groaning that takes place because if you can understand the groaning of creation 343 00:26:38,480 --> 00:26:40,480 And the groaning of the believer 344 00:26:40,480 --> 00:26:46,880 Then it qualifies you for the third dimension of groaning. Not everyone gets to this third level 345 00:26:47,200 --> 00:26:48,640 Not everyone 346 00:26:48,640 --> 00:26:53,600 I can can can get to this this next place in the groaning process 347 00:26:54,160 --> 00:26:56,800 And that is the groaning of the spirit 348 00:26:57,440 --> 00:26:59,440 Someone say the spirit 349 00:26:59,680 --> 00:27:01,840 Come on, help me today say the spirit 350 00:27:02,640 --> 00:27:08,000 There is the groaning of the spirit paul says that the holy ghost 351 00:27:08,620 --> 00:27:10,240 groans 352 00:27:10,240 --> 00:27:13,540 Within us it groans in our weaknesses 353 00:27:13,540 --> 00:27:20,040 This is interceding with groanings that are that are too deep for words 354 00:27:20,720 --> 00:27:25,080 groanings that that that our language our vocabulary cannot 355 00:27:25,720 --> 00:27:29,880 Capture groanings that are so deep and so real 356 00:27:30,600 --> 00:27:35,160 And so spiritual that it's not even us that is groaning anymore 357 00:27:35,800 --> 00:27:40,920 Oh, hallelujah. Hallelujah. Jesus. He is talking about a holy groaning 358 00:27:40,920 --> 00:27:47,320 a groaning that flows out of our yashunda that flows out of the spirit a 359 00:27:48,040 --> 00:27:50,040 groaning when we don't even know 360 00:27:50,600 --> 00:27:53,080 How to pray or what to pray? 361 00:27:53,960 --> 00:27:57,560 And we just begin to pray and call on god 362 00:27:58,440 --> 00:28:03,480 And begin to groan. I don't know if there's like a witness in the house today 363 00:28:03,480 --> 00:28:10,680 Hey that understands this groaning that i'm talking about when you get into prayer and suddenly it's no longer you 364 00:28:11,240 --> 00:28:13,240 It's no longer your words 365 00:28:13,400 --> 00:28:16,280 But there is a groaning in the spirit 366 00:28:17,080 --> 00:28:22,920 That the spirit of god begins to intercede and pray through you 367 00:28:24,440 --> 00:28:25,560 Oh 368 00:28:25,560 --> 00:28:33,640 Isn't it a comforting truth to know then when you don't know what to pray that the holy ghost always knows what to pray 369 00:28:36,280 --> 00:28:38,600 I don't know what to say brother when I don't know 370 00:28:40,680 --> 00:28:42,440 What to say 371 00:28:42,440 --> 00:28:44,200 How to say it 372 00:28:44,200 --> 00:28:45,960 There is a groaning 373 00:28:45,960 --> 00:28:50,280 There is a groaning when i'm at a loss for words. Let me tell you 374 00:28:50,920 --> 00:28:52,920 When you're at a loss for words 375 00:28:52,920 --> 00:28:56,200 God is not silent 376 00:29:00,360 --> 00:29:02,840 The spirit is groaning within us 377 00:29:05,320 --> 00:29:08,680 Come on up brother the spirit is groaning within us 378 00:29:10,840 --> 00:29:14,440 Your weakness doesn't silence god my friend it 379 00:29:15,640 --> 00:29:17,320 Your weakness 380 00:29:17,320 --> 00:29:18,840 invites 381 00:29:18,840 --> 00:29:20,840 the spirit of god 382 00:29:20,840 --> 00:29:22,840 to speak for you 383 00:29:28,200 --> 00:29:30,200 The spirit's groaning 384 00:29:31,000 --> 00:29:37,320 The spirit's groaning is god's way of saying i got you 385 00:29:41,000 --> 00:29:43,080 Let me 386 00:29:43,080 --> 00:29:46,120 How many of you got some stuff in your right in your life right now? 387 00:29:46,120 --> 00:29:51,160 That you just need to let god handle come on. Amen 388 00:29:53,800 --> 00:29:57,960 But you know it's one thing to say it but it's another thing to actually do it 389 00:29:59,720 --> 00:30:04,920 And what god is saying is listen if you get to a place of groaning in the spirit 390 00:30:06,600 --> 00:30:08,600 And start 391 00:30:09,960 --> 00:30:11,960 Really let see here's the thing 392 00:30:11,960 --> 00:30:15,400 See here's the thing. Oh lord 393 00:30:17,080 --> 00:30:22,120 I'm getting a download right now and and and my bucket is full man. I'm trying to get this thing out to you. Phew jeez 394 00:30:22,760 --> 00:30:27,800 There is a difference between having the holy ghost and the holy ghost having you 395 00:30:29,640 --> 00:30:31,880 I don't just want to have the holy ghost 396 00:30:35,080 --> 00:30:38,440 Brother when you have the holy ghost anybody can pray in tongues 397 00:30:38,440 --> 00:30:40,440 You're praying in tongues 398 00:30:41,080 --> 00:30:43,880 Paul's not talking about praying in tongues 399 00:30:45,160 --> 00:30:50,360 He says there is a there is a language there is a groaning that happens 400 00:30:51,320 --> 00:30:58,200 That is beyond just speaking in tongues because like paul once wrote. He said, you know, you can speak in the tongues of angels 401 00:31:01,400 --> 00:31:03,400 You can have the gift of prophecy 402 00:31:03,400 --> 00:31:08,840 You can have the gift of prophecy understand all mysteries and all knowledge and all wisdom 403 00:31:08,920 --> 00:31:12,280 Didn't he say that in corinthians, right? But if you don't have love 404 00:31:13,240 --> 00:31:15,480 In other words if your heart isn't right 405 00:31:17,880 --> 00:31:21,000 You can speak in tongues 24 hours a day if you want to 406 00:31:22,440 --> 00:31:24,760 But there is a groaning at god 407 00:31:25,880 --> 00:31:30,520 Does that when we really say god, I don't just I don't just want you 408 00:31:30,520 --> 00:31:33,080 You I want you to have me 409 00:31:34,520 --> 00:31:36,520 Does god have you today? 410 00:31:38,280 --> 00:31:41,800 Jesus we get to a place like paul. I'm I'm 411 00:31:44,280 --> 00:31:46,280 I'm done here. Listen 412 00:31:46,280 --> 00:31:49,160 I'm gonna close my ipad so you know i'm done with my notes even 413 00:31:50,440 --> 00:31:54,060 We get to a place like paul where he said that which I have apprehended 414 00:31:55,720 --> 00:31:57,720 Has apprehended me 415 00:31:57,720 --> 00:32:00,280 Have we been apprehended by you? 416 00:32:02,040 --> 00:32:07,320 Because when you've been apprehended brother, you can't just turn the holy ghost on and off whenever you want 417 00:32:09,320 --> 00:32:11,320 Oh jesus 418 00:32:11,880 --> 00:32:14,040 When god's really got a hold of you 419 00:32:17,320 --> 00:32:20,280 Even if I don't want to my hand starts to go up 420 00:32:22,440 --> 00:32:24,440 Oh hallelujah jesus 421 00:32:24,440 --> 00:32:29,240 He says even if I even if i'm not in the mood, I say, you know what god i've got to praise you anyhow 422 00:32:30,680 --> 00:32:34,280 Even if I don't want to get up and pray tomorrow morning because i'm tired 423 00:32:35,080 --> 00:32:37,080 All right 424 00:32:37,160 --> 00:32:41,880 Something compels me. It says you've got to pray you've got to pray 425 00:32:43,000 --> 00:32:48,520 Oh my god. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Even when I don't want to submit 426 00:32:50,520 --> 00:32:52,520 It's not about what I want 427 00:32:52,520 --> 00:32:54,520 The holy ghost 428 00:32:57,160 --> 00:33:00,440 I'm no longer my own whoo. Shalom. Akanda. Yesi 429 00:33:01,800 --> 00:33:03,800 I'm a slave to him 430 00:33:05,240 --> 00:33:08,920 When you are in that posture hear me when you are in that posture 431 00:33:11,320 --> 00:33:13,320 And you start to pray 432 00:33:15,560 --> 00:33:19,880 It gets easier because you're saying god I don't have to have it all figured out 433 00:33:19,880 --> 00:33:23,400 I don't have to tell you how to be god 434 00:33:25,400 --> 00:33:27,400 I don't have to tell you how to do your job 435 00:33:28,600 --> 00:33:31,000 All I gotta do is let the spirit 436 00:33:34,440 --> 00:33:38,280 Let the spirit right now I feel the holy ghost in this place right now 437 00:33:38,440 --> 00:33:40,440 I'm gonna invite you right there where you are and 438 00:33:41,000 --> 00:33:43,720 Before we sing any song before we get to that next step 439 00:33:43,960 --> 00:33:47,480 I'm gonna invite you right there where you are just to let the holy ghost 440 00:33:47,480 --> 00:33:52,520 Have this work in you. I invite you to close your eyes and invite you to just tune out 441 00:33:53,000 --> 00:33:56,760 Everything else block everything else out. I just want you to let the holy ghost 442 00:33:57,560 --> 00:34:00,360 Who she alamaka the god dealt with me 443 00:34:01,880 --> 00:34:03,880 He said son 444 00:34:03,880 --> 00:34:06,680 The church can't lose its groan 445 00:34:09,240 --> 00:34:13,480 We can't let go of our groan because if we let go of our groan 446 00:34:13,480 --> 00:34:17,240 That means now it's the flesh that's in control of things 447 00:34:18,040 --> 00:34:21,800 Now it's it's it's the carnal man in control of things 448 00:34:22,440 --> 00:34:24,440 But if we get to a place 449 00:34:27,480 --> 00:34:32,520 Where we fully surrender to god in my life some of you need to do this for the sake of your family 450 00:34:33,480 --> 00:34:35,960 You need to do this for the sake of your children 451 00:34:36,600 --> 00:34:41,800 For the sake of your marriage alabaya for the sake of your own mind 452 00:34:41,800 --> 00:34:45,240 For the sake of your salvation brother or sister 453 00:34:46,280 --> 00:34:48,600 You need to do this for your own sake 454 00:34:49,480 --> 00:34:52,840 Let the spirit of god take over 455 00:34:52,840 --> 00:35:11,960 And let it I wonder right there if you could just begin to pray she alamaka