From Gary... Having a "pack" mentality

Yesterday was a long day.  I awoke at 3:30 AM and had to do many things before I took my daughter on the long trip to the airport.  When I finally went to bed at 10:30 or so PM, I was tired.  So, today, I slept late- 8AM or so (and that is late for me anymore).  But, as I awoke, Pal was licking my right hand and for some reason, kept on doing it for the longest time.  When he stopped, he just changed his position and snuggled- just to be closer to me.  You know, there are times when I just love having dogs.  They are easy to love!!!  But, the though occurred to me- do I really love those who do not seem to worth it?  This was one of the things discussed in a recent Sunday Evening Adult Bible Study Class and for whatever reason, I have been thinking about it for several days.  Jesus is very plain in his teaching and his words should make us all think...

Matthew, Chapter 5

  43  “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor,  and hate your enemy.’  44  But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,   45  that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.   46  For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?   47  If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?   48  Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. 

Honestly, sometimes I practice what Jesus teaches and other times, no.  I am imperfect, but I don't want to stay that way.  It is not that I am awful, I just need refinement.  Sunday, our Bible instructor, Larry Shatzer, said that fulfilling verse 44 was probably one of the hardest things to accomplish as a Christian and I agree with him.  Perhaps a good place to start is just to be there for someone- even an enemy!!!  

From Mark Copeland... Standing Fast In The Liberty Of Christ (Galatians 5:1)

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS"

              Standing Fast In The Liberty Of Christ (5:1)

INTRODUCTION

1. Galatians has been called "The Magna Carta Of Christian Liberty";
   'Magna Carta' refers to...
   a. The royal charter of political rights given to rebellious English
      barons by King John in 1215 - WordWeb
   b. A document or piece of legislation that serves as a guarantee of
      basic rights. - Dictionary.com

2. The reason it has been so called is because of Paul's discussion
   regarding 'bondage'...
   a. In connection with the meeting in Jerusalem - Ga 2:4-5
   b. In arguing that we are justified by faith in Christ, not works of
      the Law - Ga 4:3-5,9,24-25
   c. With his climax found in the text for our study today - Ga 5:1

[The liberty we have in Christ is indeed precious, and it is imperative
that we stand fast in it.  Yet exactly what does that liberty
entail...?]

I. THE LIBERTY WE HAVE IN CHRIST

   A. FREEDOM FROM THE LAW OF MOSES...
      1. This is Paul's primary concern in this epistle - cf. Ga 2:16
      2. Upon which he expounded in the first four chapters - e.g., Ga 3:23-25
      3. Concerning which he wrote elsewhere - Ro 7:4-6
      -- Christ has delivered the Jews from their obligation to keep the
         Law of Moses

   B. FREEDOM FROM THE BONDAGE OF SIN...
      1. Writing of being "justified", Paul refers to being "not guilty"
         of sin - cf. Ga 2:16-17
      2. Concerning which he wrote elsewhere - Ro 8:1-2
      3. Jesus also spoke of the deliverance from bondage of sin - Jn 8:
         31-34
      -- Christ has delivered all men from the guilt and power of sin

   C. FREEDOM FROM THE TRADITIONS OF MEN...
      1. Paul wrote of this in chapter four - Ga 4:9-11
      2. Also in his writing to the Colossians - Col 2:20-23
      3. Jesus also spoke of the danger of human traditions - Mt 15:3-9
      -- Christ has delivered us from the need to keep human traditions

   D. FREEDOM FROM WORKS OF THE FLESH...
      1. Paul will have much more to say about the works of the flesh
         - Ga 5:13,17,19-21; 6:8
      2. As he warned against in writing to the Corinthians - 1Co 6:
         9-11
      3. About which Jesus also warned - Mk 7:20-23
      -- Christ offers deliverance from deeds of the flesh which
         endanger our salvation

[Such are the things we experience through the liberty that we have in
Christ.  Of course, that presumes that we are indeed...]

II. STANDING FAST IN OUR LIBERTY

   A. HANDLE THE LAW PROPERLY...
      1. The Law is good if used properly - 1Ti 1:8; 2Ti 2:15
      2. It was written for our learning and admonition - Ro 15:4; 1Co 10:11
      3. It is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction
         in righteousness - 2Ti 3:14-17
      4. But it has its limitations
         a. It has ceased as a system of justification - cf. Ga 5:4
         b. It has been replaced as a covenant - cf. He 8:6-13
         c. Its religious observances have been replaced - cf. He 9:
            9-10; Jn 4:20-24
      -- The Law must be properly handled if we are to preserve our
         liberty in Christ

   B. APPLY OUR BLESSINGS IN CHRIST LIBERALLY...
      1. The blood of Christ frees us from the guilt of sin - Ep 1:4
         a. The remission of sins is promised to those who repent and
            are baptized - Ac 2:38
         b. The blood of Christ remains available for Christians who
            repent of sin - 1Jn 1:7-10
         c. Christians need to repent and pray when they sin - Ac 8:22
      2. The Spirit of God can free us from the power of sin - Ro 8:
         12-13
         a. God can strengthen us by His Spirit in the inner man - Ep 3:
            16
         b. We can do all things through God and Christ - Php 2:12-13;
            4:13
      -- We must not hesitate to access the blood of Christ and the
         Spirit of God to make use of our liberty in Christ

   C. DEAL WITH TRADITIONS OF MEN CAUTIOUSLY...
      1. Traditions may have a place on an individual level - cf. Ro 14:
         5-6
         a. When not taught as a doctrine of God - Mk 7:7
         b. When not done instead of keeping a command of God - Mk 7:8-9
      2. But they must handled with the utmost of caution on a
         congregational level
         a. Things done on a congregational level necessarily bind them
            upon all the members
         b. That is why religious holidays are reasons for such grave
            concern - Ga 4:10-11
      -- We must be careful not to let human traditions destroy our
         liberty in Christ

   D. FOLLOW THE SPIRIT DILIGENTLY...
      1. We must not use our liberty as an occasion for the flesh - Ga 5:13
      2. Our best weapon against the flesh is to follow the Spirit - Ga  5:16-18
      3. Those who are led by the Spirit will produce the fruit of the
         Spirit - Ga 5:22-23
      4. Our new life in Christ makes it possible to walk in the Spirit
         - Ga 5:25
      -- We must be diligent to set our minds on the things of the
         Spirit if we want to enjoy life and peace - Ro 8:5-6

CONCLUSION

1. The liberty we enjoy in Christ is great...
   a. Freedom from the law of Moses
   b. Freedom from the bondage of sin
   c. Freedom from the traditions of men
   d. Freedom from the works of the flesh

2. But it is not license to do whatever we want; we must...
   a. Handle the Law properly
   b. Apply our blessings in Christ liberally
   c. Deal with traditions of men cautiously
   d. Follow the Spirit diligently

With the aid of Paul's epistle to the Galatians, we will succeed in
"Standing Fast In The Liberty Of Christ".  Have you begun to enjoy the
liberty Christ offers through obedience to the gospel...?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Jim McGuiggan... Matthew 15:21-28: Those that help us to speak

Matthew 15:21-28: Those that help us to speak

Imagine this foreigner daring to approach this Jewish Messiah (Matthew 15:21-28). How do we explain the broad spectrum of people that dared—facing one obstacle or another—to approach and speak to Jesus? A commander in the conqueror’s army. A woman in public, part of a hostile people and religion a member of the Jewish Supreme Court or this Sidonian woman with a severely troubled child. All of them experiencing great turmoil and trouble and yet all believing they could speak to him. There was some rivalry between the disciples of John and Jesus and yet when John is killed his disciples “go and tell Jesus.” What was it about him that led the high and low to feel they could speak to him? 

It’s said of Albert Dürer that he sharpened the wit and talent of all he met. He brought the best out in them. You’ve met people I hope who made you feel you had something worth saying, an opinion worthy of a hearing or an insight that added something to the matter under consideration. Don’t you love such people? The way they carry themselves, the way they treat people; the very way they look at people as they listen to them—all of that makes us dare to speak to them. They bring it out of us in part because they build no walls of self-importance around themselves. They bring it out of us because they seem to make themselves available to us, as though they leaned over to us in a crowd and asked us, "And what do you think about all that?" And then they listened with sincere interest. 

Though I never had the privilege of being around him much I always experienced that sense of things in the company of Everett Ferguson, a noted Church Historian. Though he is truly light years ahead of the rest of us, being a profoundly learned scholar, I always believed he listened to us as though he believed our opinions were worth expressing and worth hearing. There was no pretense on his part, no feigned humility; just a gracious openness to others. There’s something immensely liberating in that and we thank God for such people. 

This Sidonian-Greek woman had heard of Israel’s Messiah, the son of David, and the stories she heard about him were such that she followed him and his group calling out to him for pity and help. Do you suppose that would have happened to Hitler or Stalin? 

“And what made you so daring that you just kept following and calling over and over again? Why would you not be intimidated into desperate silence?” Someone that didn’t really know Jesus might have asked her that. She probably would have said. “It was the stories I heard about him. They all had a number of things in common and one of them was that he really liked people like me and wanted to help them.” 

God’s blessing on those that help to free us from crushing shyness or a crippling sense of unworthiness. God bless all those that make us believe our concerns matter to them or that our words are welcome even if we know we aren’t in their league or that we don’t have a lot to offer. 

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

Matthew 15:21-28 (WEB)

21  Jesus went out from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon.  22 Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My daughter is severely possessed by a demon!” 

  23  But he answered her not a word. 

His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.” 

  24  But he answered, “I wasn’t sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 

  25  But she came and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 

  26  But he answered, “It is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 

  27  But she said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” 

  28  Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire.”And her daughter was healed from that hour. 

From Mark Copeland... Consequences Of Trusting In The Law (Galatians 5:2-4)

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS"

              Consequences Of Trusting In The Law (5:2-4)

INTRODUCTION

1. The churches of Galatia were troubled by those who taught...
   a. Christians needed to keep the Law of Moses
   b. Men needed to be circumcised as commanded by the Law
   -- A problem that plagued many churches in the beginning - cf. Ac 15:
      1-5

2. Paul presented powerful arguments in defense of the gospel of
   Christ...
   a. Personal argument - the Galatians' own experience - Ga 3:1-5
   b. Scriptural argument - the testimony of the Old Testament - Ga 3:
      6-25
   c. Practical argument - how one becomes a son and heir of God - Ga 3:26-4:7
   d. Sentimental argument - appealing to their relationship with Paul
      - Ga 4:8-20
   e. Allegorical argument - using Hagar and Sarah as an illustration
      - Ga 4:21-31
   -- Thus Paul sought to reason with his brethren in the churches of
      Galatia

[Then, with apostolic authority (cf. Ga 5:2-4), Paul testifies to the
"Consequences Of Trusting In The Law".  The consequences are grave, and
should be considered seriously by every Christian...]

I. YOU WILL NOT PROFIT FROM CHRIST

   A. "IF YOU BECOME CIRCUMCISED..."
      1. This should be understood in its context
      2. Paul did not condemn circumcision in every case - cf. Ac 16:3
      3. He opposed it when done with the idea it was necessary for
         justification - cf. Ga 2:3-5
      -- Paul is dealing with those teaching that circumcision was
         necessary for salvation

   B. "CHRIST WILL PROFIT YOU NOTHING..."
      1. What a terrifying thought!
      2. The blessings that Christ provides will not be theirs; for
         example:
         a. The forgiveness of sins through His blood - cf. Ep 1:7
         b. The gift of the Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance
            - cf. Ep 1:13-14
         c. The greatness of God's power toward those who believe - cf.
            Ep 1:19
         d. The privilege of being fellow-citizens and members of God's
            family - cf. Ep 2:19-22
      -- Indeed, all the blessings that Jesus offers will not benefit
         them!

[Not only will Christ not profit any who are circumcised in order to be
saved...]

II. YOU WILL BE INDEBTED TO THE WHOLE LAW

   A. "EVERY MAN WHO BECOMES CIRCUMCISED..."
      1. Again, this should be understood in its context
      2. Paul makes it clear that the consequences affect everyone
         a. Not just to "you" (if you become circumcised)
         b. But to "every man" (to every man who becomes circumcised)
      3. Paul makes it clear that he writes with great solemnity
         a. He already wrote "Indeed I, Paul..." - Ga 5:2
         b. Now he adds "And I testify again..." - Ga 5:3
      -- Paul's statements are to be taken seriously, for they are in
         the form of an oath

   B. "HE IS A DEBTOR TO KEEP THE WHOLE LAW..."
      1. "He binds himself to obey all the Law of Moses" - Barnes
      2. Which placed one under an insupportable yoke - cf. Ac 15:10
         a. The Law put those who did not obey it under a curse - cf. Ga 3:10
         b. Those who stumbled in just one point were guilty of all
            - cf. Jm 2:10-11
         c. And the blood of bulls and goats was inadequate - cf. He 10:
            1-4
      -- Such a person has truly become entangled with a yoke of bondage
         (Ga 5:1)

[The apostle continues to describe the consequences of trusting in the
Law for their salvation...]

III. YOU WILL BE ESTRANGED FROM CHRIST

   A. "YOU WHO ATTEMPT TO BE JUSTIFIED BY LAW..."
      1. Those seeking salvation on the basis of keeping the Law of
         Moses
      2. An effort on the part of many in Israel
         a. Not just those who were Jewish Christians - cf. Ac 15:1,5
         b. But also Israelites who did not believe in Christ - cf. 

            Ro 9:31-32; 10:1-4
      -- This would apply to anyone who seeks to be saved through the
         Law of Moses

   B. "YOU HAVE BECOME ESTRANGED FROM CHRIST..."
      1. As expressed by various translations:
         a. "severed from Christ" (ESV, NASB)
         b. "alienated from Christ" (NIV)
         c. "have cut yourselves off from Christ" (NRSV)
         d. "Christ is become of no effect" (KJV)
      2. Similar to warnings given by Jesus Himself to His disciples
         a. To those who do not bear fruit - Jn 15:1-6
         b. To those had lost their first love - Re 2:4-5
         c. To those who were lukewarm - Re 3:15-16
      -- Note carefully:  both Jesus and Paul were addressing Christians!

[The consequences for Christians who trust in the Law of Moses for
salvation is then stated most ominously...]

IV. YOU WILL FALL FROM GRACE

   A. "YOU WHO ATTEMPT TO BE JUSTIFIED BY LAW..."
      1. Again, Paul is addressing Christians who felt that circumcision
         and the Law were necessary
      2. But by the Law no one can actually be justified - cf. Ro 3:20
      -- Thus their efforts are destined for failure

   B. "YOU HAVE FALLEN FROM GRACE..."
      1. This is one of the clearest statement of the possibility of
         apostasy
         a. Paul is warning Christians
         b. One cannot fall from something if they were never there
         c. Those in a state of grace were in danger of falling from it
         d. If there is no danger of apostasy, Paul's statement is
            meaningless
      2. This is just one of many passages that warn of the danger of
         apostasy
         a. Jesus warned His disciples of being cut off - Jn 15:1-6
         b. Paul warned the Gentile Christians in Rome - Ro 11:19-22
         c. The epistle to the Hebrews is filled with many warnings - 

            He 2:1; 3:12-15; 4:1,11; 6:4-6; 10:26-31; 12:15
         d. Peter also left many warnings - 2Pe 2:1-3,20-22; 3:17
      -- The security of the believer (Jn 10:28-29) is for those who
         remain faithful to Christ; otherwise, they will not receive
         their inheritance - cf. Re 2:10c

CONCLUSION

1. How terrible are the consequences of trusting in the Law of Moses for
   salvation...!
   a. Christ will be of no profit
   b. Indebted to a Law that cannot save
   c. Severed from Christ
   d. Fallen from grace

2. Christians may not be tempted to trust in the Law of Moses today; but
   we still must take care...
   a. Not to trust in ourselves, nor in any law or religion of man
   b. Otherwise the consequences will be the same!

3. How much better, to remain faithful to Jesus Christ, and enjoy...
   a. The blessings of salvation and sanctification that Jesus offers
      - cf. Ep 1:3
   b. A law whose commandments are not burdensome - cf. 1Co 9:21; 1Jn 5:3
   c. Union with Christ, with the life and strength such communion
      offers - cf. Jn 15:4-5
   d. Standing in the grace of God - cf. Ro 5:1-2

Are you placing your trust in Jesus Christ by heeding His gospel and the
words of His apostles...?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011