From Gary.... Time: something we all should reflect upon

This cute picture reminded me of the old "Chicago" song....

Does anybody really know what time it is?

Click on the above link to view the video

We all have the same amount of time each day. However, we do different things with it; some good and perhaps others... well, not so much.  The thing is- we don't really understand time, as we all live in the eternal "now".  Even that ends with our death and transforms into eternity (remember the Bible phrase - unto the age) which some translations use instead of eternity.  I wonder what time it is for us- really??? !!! To me, this passage answers that question...

Ephesians, Chapter 5

 1 Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.  2 Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.  3 But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints;  4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks. 

  5  Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. 

  6  Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.  7 Therefore don’t be partakers with them.  8 For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,  9 for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth,  10 proving what is well pleasing to the Lord.  11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them.  12 For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of.  13 But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light.  14 Therefore he says, “Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 

  15  Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise;  16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  17 Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 

Answer, it is time to think about what we are doing with our life.  Are we, by our own actions, sowing the seeds of our eternal punishment, or are we "laying up treasures in heaven"???  If your answer was anything but a positive answer to verse 17 above, then its time to look at your watch and change your ways. Even a seahorse knows enough to do that!!!!  I wonder if he can read a divers watch....??????

From Jim McGuiggan... Matthew 15:22-23: He didn't answer a word

Matthew 15:22-23: He didn't answer a word

I believe Matthew wrote 15:21-28 to make the point that Israel’s Messiah was the saviour of all the nations and that his kingdom power extended beyond the borders of Israel to embrace all the nations. We add this story to numerous others and see Christ delivering a foreigner, in foreign territory and dealing with the satanic powers anywhere he decided to go. 

But within that grand purpose it isn’t difficult to see other related purposes. Or at least, if not “purposes” we can see truths embedded—as a part of life itself—in that particular story.  

I’m sure the Christ lengthens his exchange with the woman in whom he sees great possibilities and great faith so that his Jewish disciples, the elect children, will learn to see her as more than Matthew 15:22-23: He didn't answer a word

I believe Matthew wrote 15:21-28 to make the point that Israel’s Messiah was the saviour of all the nations and that his kingdom power extended beyond the borders of Israel to embrace all the nations. We add this story to numerous others and see Christ delivering a foreigner, in foreign territory and dealing with the satanic powers anywhere he decided to go. 

But within that grand purpose it isn’t difficult to see other related purposes. Or at least, if not “purposes” we can see truths embedded—as a part of life itself—in that particular story.  

I’m sure the Christ lengthens his exchange with the woman in whom he sees great possibilities and great faith so that his Jewish disciples, the elect children, will learn to see her as more than a nuisance that is to be sent on her way (15:23). Even if they were implying (as I think they were) that he should give her what she wanted, they still thought of her as someone to be got rid of. He wanted them to see her faith; wanted them to see that great faith existed outside the elect Israel. He had said something about that earlier.

I suspect that he helped her faith greatly by testing it and allowing her the opportunity to express it under provocation. The “food of the children” was what God was giving them through the Messiah and he, prodding her, wondered if she might not think God was stingy and callous. She wouldn’t go along with that and said so! She thought that a God who would be so faithful and kind to Israel and its mothers and families would know or care how all mothers and families feel. He gave her an opportunity to say that a God who was pouring out rich blessings could not be so miserly that he would keep the children’s scraps from the equally hungry though they were not part of the family. 

She was now arguing to support what she had come to believe due to the stories she must have heard. This was good for her, as well as for the disciples. To express faith, to argue in its favour, to hold on to it in the face of provocation gives it a new complexion and toughness. It withstands scrutiny! And she was defending this view of God even before her faith was rewarded. Given the time and the place and the woman it was perhaps inevitable that God would heal her child. 

I want to believe that when she went back home and her daughter met her at the door all well and happy that this nameless woman would smile at how Jesus had strung her along. I want to believe that she rejoiced that her faith had been so well grounded that she was more than a match for Christ as he made her stand up for God. 

“Jesus did not answer a word.” (15:22-23) Yeah right! But sometimes he means his silences to be every bit as rich as his speech. 

Strong and glorious Lord. Blessed little Canaanite woman with no name who teaches us not to misconstrue his silences. 

©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. nuisance that is to be sent on her way (15:23). Even if they were implying (as I think they were) that he should give her what she wanted, they still thought of her as someone to be got rid of. He wanted them to see her faith; wanted them to see that great faith existed outside the elect Israel. He had said something about that earlier.

I suspect that he helped her faith greatly by testing it and allowing her the opportunity to express it under provocation. The “food of the children” was what God was giving them through the Messiah and he, prodding her, wondered if she might not think God was stingy and callous. She wouldn’t go along with that and said so! She thought that a God who would be so faithful and kind to Israel and its mothers and families would know or care how all mothers and families feel. He gave her an opportunity to say that a God who was pouring out rich blessings could not be so miserly that he would keep the children’s scraps from the equally hungry though they were not part of the family. 

She was now arguing to support what she had come to believe due to the stories she must have heard. This was good for her, as well as for the disciples. To express faith, to argue in its favour, to hold on to it in the face of provocation gives it a new complexion and toughness. It withstands scrutiny! And she was defending this view of God even before her faith was rewarded. Given the time and the place and the woman it was perhaps inevitable that God would heal her child. 

I want to believe that when she went back home and her daughter met her at the door all well and happy that this nameless woman would smile at how Jesus had strung her along. I want to believe that she rejoiced that her faith had been so well grounded that she was more than a match for Christ as he made her stand up for God. 

“Jesus did not answer a word.” (15:22-23) Yeah right! But sometimes he means his silences to be every bit as rich as his speech. 

Strong and glorious Lord. Blessed little Canaanite woman with no name who teaches us not to misconstrue his silences. 

©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.

From Mark Copeland... Eagerly Awaiting Our Hope (Galatians 5:5)

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS"

                    Eagerly Awaiting Our Hope (5:5)

INTRODUCTION

1. A few questions to stimulate your thinking...
   a. What is your hope as a Christian?
   b. How strong is that hope?
   c. Can you say that you are eagerly awaiting your hope?

2. Much of the joy of being a Christian is related to our hope...
   a. How real that hope is to us
   b. How eager we are to one day realize that hope
   c. How it enables us to serve the Lord with joy and patience

3. In Ga 5:5, Paul writes concerning his hope...
   a. What he was waiting for
   b. How he was eagerly waiting for it (Grk., apekdechomai, to await
      eagerly)

[From his words in this verse and elsewhere we can glean truths that can
make a great difference in our attitude and service as Christians.
Consider first...]

I. WHAT WE ARE TO EAGERLY WAIT FOR

   A. THE HOPE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS...
      1. The hope of justification
         a. Paul had been writing about justification - Ga 5:4
         b. Justification and righteousness come from the same Greek
            word (dikaiosune)
         c. Thus Paul is talking about the hope of being made right, not
            guilty of sin
      2. They had no other hope of justification than by faith in the
         Redeemer - Barnes
         a. This was Paul's hope expressed to the Philippians - Php 3:9
         b. A hope that sustained him in his last days, his darkest
            hours - 2Ti 4:8
      -- We are to have a strong desire plus expectation (the meaning of
         hope) regarding our standing before the Lord guiltless of sin

   B. THE SAVIOR FROM HEAVEN...
      1. The Corinthians were eagerly waiting for the revelation of
         Jesus - 1Co 1:7
      2. Paul also was eagerly waiting for Jesus from heaven - Php 3:20
      3. For those who so eagerly await Him, Jesus will bring salvation
         - He 9:28
      -- We are to eagerly await the coming of the Lord, for He will
         bring the righteousness (justification) we hope for!

   C. THE REDEMPTION OF OUR BODY...
      1. Paul also wrote of eagerly awaiting the redemption of our
         bodies - Ro 8:23
      2. This pertains to the hope of the resurrection - Ac 23:6; 24:15
      3. In which our mortal bodies will be raised and put on
         immortality - 1Co 15:42-44,48-54
      4. Made possible by the coming and power of our Lord Jesus Christ!
         - Php 3:20-21
      -- We are to eagerly await that glorious transformation in which
         our bodies as well as our souls will be redeemed by the Lord!

[Such are the things we are to hope for and await eagerly:  Our
justification from sin, our Savior from heaven, our resurrection from
the dead!  Now let's consider...]

II. HOW WE CAN EAGERLY WAIT FOR IT

   A. BY FAITH...
      1. This is our part
         a. We are to have faith - cf. ESV ("For through the Spirit, by
            faith, we ourselves eagerly wait...")
         b. Faith in Christ and His sacrifice, faith in His coming
      2. A faith that is Bible-based
         a. A strong conviction in things unseen; in particular, Jesus
            - He 11:1; Jn 3:36
         b. Which comes through the Word of God - Ro 10:17; Jn 20:30-31
         c. Which gives us hope, like a light shining in darkness - 

            Ro 15:4; 2Pe 1:19
      -- The eagerness with which we wait is proportional to the degree
         of faith we have

   B. THROUGH THE SPIRIT...
      1. This is God's part
         a. "...strengthened by the Spirit we wait for the fulfillment
            of the hope which righteousness by faith instead of the law
            insures to us." - B.W. Johnson
         b. Paul wrote of God helping us to abound in hope via His
            Spirit - Ro 15:13
      2. We receive the Spirit's aid as we:
         a. Walk in the Spirit - Ga 5:16
         b. Set our minds on the things of the Spirit (i.e., the Word)
            - Ro 8:5-6; Ep 6:17
         c. Ask God for strength by His Spirit (via prayer) - Ep 3:16,21
      -- The eagerness with which we wait is proportional to the
         strength we receive from the Spirit

CONCLUSION

1. What is your hope (desire plus expectation) as a Christian?  It
   should include...
   a. The hope of righteousness (justification)
   b. The Savior's revelation from heaven
   c. The glorious resurrection from the dead

2. How strong is your hope?  It all depends...
   a. Are you growing in faith (through the Word)?
   b. Are you being strengthened by the Spirit (through prayer)?

If so, then we will eagerly await that for which we both desire and
expect to see...!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

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