Let’s pick up this week at Galatians 5:24 where it says, “And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” In other words, Christians shouldn’t be doing these things. Paul further elaborated on this in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 when he said, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
Let’s take a closer look at that verse. First it says that the unrighteous will not go to Heaven. The unrighteous are those who are not “right” with God. Some of the things that they do that expose their “unrighteous” standing with God include fornication. Fornication is sexual relations between two people who are not married. That’s quite a common thing in our day, but nonetheless sinful. Also they are idolaters. That means that they worship other gods which is in direct contradiction to the first of the Ten Commandments which says that we are to not have any god’s before the One True God. Also they are adulterers in that they do not honor their wedding vows. By the way, there are only three Biblical reasons for divorce: death, abandonment and adultery. Notice that money, the in-laws and someone cuter are not among them. Divorce is usually the result of selfishness.
Notice also that the “effeminate” and “abusers of themselves with mankind” will not go to Heaven either. The word “effeminate” means “to become womanly or have the qualities of the female sex or to be soft to the touch or delicate to an unmanly degree.” Yes, it is dealing with the sin of homosexuality. No, God does not approve of the lifestyle regardless of what Hollywood, our new President and those who voted for him says.
Notice also that “thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God” either. Now, this does not mean that those who have
struggled with, or even failed in these areas will not go to Heaven. Instead, it speaks of those who flagrantly and blatantly continue in them. Some would suggest that those who do these things have “lost their salvation.” Might I suggest that they were never truly born again in the first place?
Building Lives International
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Jude 1-7
I have attached a copy of the message that I taught at Calvary South Austin last weekend under "Most Recent Studies".
Spiritual Fruit
Let’s pick up our study in Galatians 5:18, “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” In other words, if you consent to the teachings of the Holy Spirit, it will free you from the constraints and the punishment of the Law.
Notice vv.19-21, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Here we see what someone looks like who is walking in the flesh. The first thing I noticed in these verses is that the first four all have to do with sexual sins. Is it any wonder why our society is so driven by sex?
Notice vv.22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Here we see what someone looks like who is walking in the Spirit. It’s been said that God wants spiritual fruit and not religious nuts. The question for us is, “I have all of the Holy Spirit, but does He have all of me?” The way to know is the spiritual fruit that results. The best way to see if some really is a Christian is to look at their fruit. Jesus said in Matthew 7:17-18 “Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.”
The bottom line is that good trees produce good fruit and bad trees produce bad fruit. It is not possible for the good to produce bad nor the bad to produce good. The writer James further addressed this issue when he said in James 3:11-12, “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.” No my friend, it is simply not possible to be both good and bad or salt water and fresh at the same time. You are simply one or the other. Which one are you?
Notice vv.19-21, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Here we see what someone looks like who is walking in the flesh. The first thing I noticed in these verses is that the first four all have to do with sexual sins. Is it any wonder why our society is so driven by sex?
Notice vv.22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Here we see what someone looks like who is walking in the Spirit. It’s been said that God wants spiritual fruit and not religious nuts. The question for us is, “I have all of the Holy Spirit, but does He have all of me?” The way to know is the spiritual fruit that results. The best way to see if some really is a Christian is to look at their fruit. Jesus said in Matthew 7:17-18 “Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.”
The bottom line is that good trees produce good fruit and bad trees produce bad fruit. It is not possible for the good to produce bad nor the bad to produce good. The writer James further addressed this issue when he said in James 3:11-12, “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.” No my friend, it is simply not possible to be both good and bad or salt water and fresh at the same time. You are simply one or the other. Which one are you?
Friday, April 17, 2009
Happy Passover, Part 2
Last week we began looking at the first Passover in Exodus 12. We noticed first that they were to select a Lamb on the 10th day of Nisan (v.3). Second, the Lamb was to be an unblemished male (v.5). Third, the Lamb was to be kept among them for what amounted to 3½ days (v.6a). Fourth, the Lamb was to be killed on the fourteenth of Nisan (v.6a). Fifth, the blood of the Lamb was to be applied to the top and sides of the door of their home (v.7). Sixth, once the Lamb was dead, it was to be roasted in fire (v.8). Seventh, they had to eat the Lamb (v.11a). Eighth, we also notice in v.46 that none of its bones were to be broken. Ninth, they had be girded (dressed) and ready to go (v.11b). Tenth, the blood on the household caused God's judgment to pass over it (v.13). Eleventh, once the Lamb was killed, no leaven was to be eaten or even found in the house (v.15).
Now let’s see how our Lord Jesus fulfilled all of these. First, Jesus entered the eastern gate on the 10th day of Nisan (April 6th), thus the lamb was selected. Second, Jesus was an unblemished male. There was no fault found in him (John 18:38). Third, Jesus walked the streets of Jerusalem for 3½ days after He had entered the city on the 10th day of Nisan. Fourth, Jesus was killed on the fourteenth day of Nisan which on our Julian calendar is April 10th. Fifth, Jesus has made his blood available and it is the only way that we are going to escape judgment and death. Sixth, Jesus endured the fire of God's judgment, by descending into Hell and taking our punishment upon Himself. Seventh, we too, must appropriate Jesus Christ by partaking symbolically in Communion and literally by accepting him into our lives as Lord and Savior. Eighth, none of Jesus’ bones were broken (John 19:31-36). Ninth, we too, should live in expectancy of the imminent return of Jesus Christ and should always be ready to go. Tenth, when we apply the blood of Jesus to our lives, God's judgment passes over us. Eleventh, once we have applied the blood of Jesus Christ to our lives, sin (leaven) should not be found in our homes. How about you? Is Jesus your Passover Lamb?
Now let’s see how our Lord Jesus fulfilled all of these. First, Jesus entered the eastern gate on the 10th day of Nisan (April 6th), thus the lamb was selected. Second, Jesus was an unblemished male. There was no fault found in him (John 18:38). Third, Jesus walked the streets of Jerusalem for 3½ days after He had entered the city on the 10th day of Nisan. Fourth, Jesus was killed on the fourteenth day of Nisan which on our Julian calendar is April 10th. Fifth, Jesus has made his blood available and it is the only way that we are going to escape judgment and death. Sixth, Jesus endured the fire of God's judgment, by descending into Hell and taking our punishment upon Himself. Seventh, we too, must appropriate Jesus Christ by partaking symbolically in Communion and literally by accepting him into our lives as Lord and Savior. Eighth, none of Jesus’ bones were broken (John 19:31-36). Ninth, we too, should live in expectancy of the imminent return of Jesus Christ and should always be ready to go. Tenth, when we apply the blood of Jesus to our lives, God's judgment passes over us. Eleventh, once we have applied the blood of Jesus Christ to our lives, sin (leaven) should not be found in our homes. How about you? Is Jesus your Passover Lamb?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Happy Passover, Part 1
Today, in lieu of the holiday, I want to take a little detour to celebrate the Passover. Unfortunately, we call it Easter today after the Babylonian goddess Astarte: the Queen of Heaven. That’s an entirely different sermon that would probably get me into trouble anyway. Be that as it may, we are celebrating the Passover, not Easter which was a pagan festival that was adapted into Christianity.
This study will be in two parts. Today I want us to see that Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover Celebration. Yes, He is our Passover Lamb! It says in 1 Corinthians 5:7, “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” Open your Bible and follow along as we go through Exodus 12. This is going to be quick, but worthwhile if you will take time to open your Bible and follow along.
The Passover was introduced by God to the Israelites in the book of Exodus right before He was about to bring the tenth plague on the Egyptians that would kill the firstborn male child in every home. However, he told the Israelites in Exodus 12 that if they wanted their firstborn males to live, they would have to go into their flocks and do the following eleven things.
First, they were to select a Lamb on the 10th day of Nisan (v.3). Second, the Lamb was to be an unblemished male (v.5). Third, the Lamb was to be kept among them for what amounted to 3½ days (v.6a). Fourth, the Lamb was to be killed on the fourteenth of Nisan (v.6a). Fifth, the blood of the Lamb was to be applied to the top and sides of the door of their home (v.7). Sixth, once the Lamb was dead, it was to be roasted in fire (v.8). Seventh, they had to eat the Lamb (v.11a). Eighth, we also notice in v.46 that none of its bones were to be broken. Ninth, they had be girded (dressed) and ready to go (v.11b). Tenth, the blood on the household caused God's judgment to pass over it (v.13). Eleventh, once the Lamb was killed, no leaven was to be eaten or even found in the house (v.15). Next week, we’ll see how all eleven of these things were fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
This study will be in two parts. Today I want us to see that Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover Celebration. Yes, He is our Passover Lamb! It says in 1 Corinthians 5:7, “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” Open your Bible and follow along as we go through Exodus 12. This is going to be quick, but worthwhile if you will take time to open your Bible and follow along.
The Passover was introduced by God to the Israelites in the book of Exodus right before He was about to bring the tenth plague on the Egyptians that would kill the firstborn male child in every home. However, he told the Israelites in Exodus 12 that if they wanted their firstborn males to live, they would have to go into their flocks and do the following eleven things.
First, they were to select a Lamb on the 10th day of Nisan (v.3). Second, the Lamb was to be an unblemished male (v.5). Third, the Lamb was to be kept among them for what amounted to 3½ days (v.6a). Fourth, the Lamb was to be killed on the fourteenth of Nisan (v.6a). Fifth, the blood of the Lamb was to be applied to the top and sides of the door of their home (v.7). Sixth, once the Lamb was dead, it was to be roasted in fire (v.8). Seventh, they had to eat the Lamb (v.11a). Eighth, we also notice in v.46 that none of its bones were to be broken. Ninth, they had be girded (dressed) and ready to go (v.11b). Tenth, the blood on the household caused God's judgment to pass over it (v.13). Eleventh, once the Lamb was killed, no leaven was to be eaten or even found in the house (v.15). Next week, we’ll see how all eleven of these things were fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Love Your Neighbor
Let’s pick up our study in Galatians 5:14, “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” This is a quote from Leviticus 19:18 and from the Lord Jesus himself. Jesus quoted it as part of the great commandment in Matthew 22:37-39.
Notice v.15, “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” This is what will happen if we don’t love each other. It is the comparison of two wild beasts that wound each other in a fight. How many times do we see this happening inside and outside of the church? It is sad that we can use that little member called the tongue to inflict so much damage on each other. When James spoke of the tongue in James 3:8-12 he said, “…the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
Notice vv.16-17, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Ah, here is the answer that we have been looking for. If we would just walk in the Spirit, we wouldn’t have so many problems with our flesh. You mark it down, when a brother is biting and devouring another, he is not walking in the Spirit, but the flesh. Sometimes they need a little reminding.
Listen, the Bible tells us that we have an obligation to correct fellow brothers when we see them “in the flesh.” The Apostle Paul admonished young Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:20, “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” Yes, we have an obligation to hold each other accountable even when it’s not very convenient. Sometimes the most loving thing one can do is bring a fault to his brother’s attention. This “live and let live” mentality in the church today did not come out of the Bible.
Notice v.15, “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” This is what will happen if we don’t love each other. It is the comparison of two wild beasts that wound each other in a fight. How many times do we see this happening inside and outside of the church? It is sad that we can use that little member called the tongue to inflict so much damage on each other. When James spoke of the tongue in James 3:8-12 he said, “…the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
Notice vv.16-17, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Ah, here is the answer that we have been looking for. If we would just walk in the Spirit, we wouldn’t have so many problems with our flesh. You mark it down, when a brother is biting and devouring another, he is not walking in the Spirit, but the flesh. Sometimes they need a little reminding.
Listen, the Bible tells us that we have an obligation to correct fellow brothers when we see them “in the flesh.” The Apostle Paul admonished young Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:20, “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” Yes, we have an obligation to hold each other accountable even when it’s not very convenient. Sometimes the most loving thing one can do is bring a fault to his brother’s attention. This “live and let live” mentality in the church today did not come out of the Bible.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Diaries
DOG DIARY:
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
CAT DIARY:
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.
Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.
In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Jerks!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
CAT DIARY:
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.
Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.
In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Jerks!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Faith Alone
We pick up our study in Galatians 5:13 where it says, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Paul’s point here is that liberty excludes the mandatory keeping of the Law as a means of salvation. Why does Paul continue to hammer this subject over and over? – Because they had problems with it then and we still have problems with it now. The Law never was a means of salvation. People in the Old Testament where saved through faith just like you and I today. The Bible says of Abraham in Galatians 3:6, “…Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
Think about it for a moment – if the Law could save, why did Jesus go to the cross? Do you remember what Jesus prayed in the garden right before his crucifixion? He said, “…O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). He was saying, “Father, if there is any other way for these people to be saved, please don’t make me go through with this.” The answer of his Father came through the kiss of Judas the Betrayer. There is no other way of salvation accept through faith and faith alone in Christ Jesus. I can assure you that if you are trying to “work for it”, you don’t have it. You’ve believed a lie somewhere.
However, Paul is also making the point that this liberty does not give us the freedom to do anything we want to either. He declared in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient…Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body…Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication…What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.”
Think about it for a moment – if the Law could save, why did Jesus go to the cross? Do you remember what Jesus prayed in the garden right before his crucifixion? He said, “…O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). He was saying, “Father, if there is any other way for these people to be saved, please don’t make me go through with this.” The answer of his Father came through the kiss of Judas the Betrayer. There is no other way of salvation accept through faith and faith alone in Christ Jesus. I can assure you that if you are trying to “work for it”, you don’t have it. You’ve believed a lie somewhere.
However, Paul is also making the point that this liberty does not give us the freedom to do anything we want to either. He declared in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient…Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body…Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication…What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.”
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The Narrow Way
Today, we pick up our study in Galatians 5:7-9 where it says, “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” In other words, they were doing so well, but now something has went amiss. Of course, that something is that they had allowed these legalizers to saturate them with “their version” of the gospel (Gal. 1:6-10).
Perversion is described in the Bible as leaven. It cannot be allowed to permeate the church. It only takes a pinch. Jesus refers to this in the parable of the leaven in Matthew 13:33 where it says, “Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.”
Notice v.10, “I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.” Paul here expresses his optimism that they will overcome this testing. There is nothing like a few words of affirmation! It’s been said that a pat on the back will take anyone another mile.
Notice also, “…he who troubles you shall bear his judgment…”. Mark 9:42 says, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.”
Notice v.11, “And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.” The cross is the offense. When Jesus gave Himself as the sacrifice for sinful man he became the only way to God! John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
Unfortunately, that’s not the story that you’ll get today. Actually, Christianity is offensive in our culture today. People are bothered by the narrowness of one way to heaven. They prefer to think that there are many ways to the same place. The writer of Proverbs says in Proverbs 16:25, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”
Perversion is described in the Bible as leaven. It cannot be allowed to permeate the church. It only takes a pinch. Jesus refers to this in the parable of the leaven in Matthew 13:33 where it says, “Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.”
Notice v.10, “I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.” Paul here expresses his optimism that they will overcome this testing. There is nothing like a few words of affirmation! It’s been said that a pat on the back will take anyone another mile.
Notice also, “…he who troubles you shall bear his judgment…”. Mark 9:42 says, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.”
Notice v.11, “And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.” The cross is the offense. When Jesus gave Himself as the sacrifice for sinful man he became the only way to God! John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
Unfortunately, that’s not the story that you’ll get today. Actually, Christianity is offensive in our culture today. People are bothered by the narrowness of one way to heaven. They prefer to think that there are many ways to the same place. The writer of Proverbs says in Proverbs 16:25, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Stand Fast
Let’s pick up our study today in Galatians 5:1 where it says, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” In other words, this is the culmination of everything that we have been talking about for the past several week, “Don’t be tempted to go back under the Law.” It will do you no good. Why does Paul spend so much time talking about this? - Because we have a tendency to do it!
Notice vv.2-6, “Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” In other words, if you are keeping the Law to find your justification (salvation), you’re trusting in the wrong thing. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Now, lest any of you should think to himself, “Oh, that’s not describing me.” Let’s think about that for a moment. I can’t judge you in this, but you can judge yourself. Paul encouraged us in 1 Corinthians 11:28 to examine ourselves. He also said in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…” With that in mind, “Why do you do what you do for God? Do you do it because you think that you will gain or keep your salvation? If so, Paul is talking to you! He is actually giving you a stern warning. Don’t you think for one minute that by keeping one aspect of the Law (I.e. circumcision, baptism, the Sabbath) that it will save you. The Law never could and never will be able to save you. If it could have, Jesus would not have had to come and die on the cross in your place because you could have saved yourself. I don’t think so.
Notice vv.2-6, “Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” In other words, if you are keeping the Law to find your justification (salvation), you’re trusting in the wrong thing. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Now, lest any of you should think to himself, “Oh, that’s not describing me.” Let’s think about that for a moment. I can’t judge you in this, but you can judge yourself. Paul encouraged us in 1 Corinthians 11:28 to examine ourselves. He also said in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…” With that in mind, “Why do you do what you do for God? Do you do it because you think that you will gain or keep your salvation? If so, Paul is talking to you! He is actually giving you a stern warning. Don’t you think for one minute that by keeping one aspect of the Law (I.e. circumcision, baptism, the Sabbath) that it will save you. The Law never could and never will be able to save you. If it could have, Jesus would not have had to come and die on the cross in your place because you could have saved yourself. I don’t think so.
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