From Jim McGuiggan... Matthew 16.28 and AD 70

Matthew 16.28 and AD 70

In numerous ways the cross of Jesus is the judgement of the world. It was the judgement of the world prior to the incarnation (compare Revelation 13.8), it is the judgement of the world during the personal ministry of Jesus (see John 12:31) and it stands today as the judgement of the world. Those who used the cross as a judgement against Jesus sided with the satanic agenda which is at the heart of "the world" but they did it without knowing that it was a judgement against themselves. Hester Cholmondeley got it right:

"Man as of old by himself is priced. 

For thirty pieces Judas sold himself, not Christ."

The cross was the instrument that the Romans reserved especially for rebels, for people who would not accept their authority and Jesus came to inaugurate the (Messianic) kingdom of God. Since that was true he came as one who was born to be king and that meant there had to be a clash of empires.

He would make no Herodian compromise with Rome, there'd be no asking Rome for a piece of the action or permission to exist—it was all out war; it was him or them.

Of course Jesus was opposed to Rome but he was opposed to something vaster, something of which Rome was the current expression—the world spirit; the anti-God, anti-holiness and anti-life driving force that constitutes "the world".

The humiliating and death-bringing cross was the expression of Rome's heart but it was also the final weapon of Rome—they had nothing else. If their coercive power, which was fully and definitively expressed in the cross couldn't gain for them what they sought they were beaten. Christ absorbed it, embraced death on a cross and conquered it by rising to glory and immortality. This was the method by which he defeated Rome and "the world" that corrupt and ruthless Rome made visible.

In Matthew 16:21-23 Jesus spoke of his death and Peter refused to accept "defeatist talk" even from Jesus but the Master rebuked him with unbridled severity because Peter would have used the instruments of Rome (and "the world") to bring about the Messianic kingdom, which in that case would not have been the kingdom of God (see John 18:36).

Christ's view of the cross was not Peter's even though the views intersected. Jesus knew what the cross stood for but he also knew that the only way to defeat what the cross stood for was to embrace it and defeat it. Peter saw the cross as defeat by Roman hands and thought the way to defeat it was to avoid it and the way to avoid it was to bring death to the enemies. He didn't know—despite his devotion to Jesus—what Paul later knew, that in the cross the wilder powers and authorities were disarmed (Colossians 2:15).

But not all Jews were devoted to the Messiah so when they perceived him to be a threat to their lives and status (be sure to see John 11:47-53), to save themselves they made an alliance with Rome and rejected Jesus as King (be sure to see John 19:12-15 along with Matthew 16:25). Thus Israel joined Rome in rejecting the kingdom of God in the person of Jesus Christ which is why Peter in Acts 2:23 says they (the Jews) had by "lawless" hands crucified and slain the Messiah. The disciples make the same point in Acts 4:24-27. Israel and the Romans both used the cross against Jesus for the same reason: self-preservation! In both cases the cross expressed the heart of people who would not have this man to be king over them and in both cases they became the vehicle of the world-spirit. In seeking to destroy him they destroyed themselves.

The judgement of God on Rome is developed in the book of Revelation and the judgement on Israel is alluded to in many texts and there's one right here in Matthew 16 where Peter had confessed Jesus as Messiah but rejected Jesus' agenda and method. Israel to save its life would lose it. Israel to save its life joined Rome in killing Jesus but he warned that this would bring judgement on a nation that rejected the kingdom of God in the hands of Jesus.

That judgement would be publicly exhibited before that generation passed away. Jesus said that some of the people he was speaking to would still be alive to see the visible demonstration of his kingly power (Matthew 16:24-28 and Luke 9:23-27). We have the same story in Mark 8:31—9:1 where we're told that he said these things in the presence of the multitude (8:34). To refuse to align themselves with him as the Messiah in order to save themselves (8:35-37) would result in judgement and the irony of it is that Jesus would come in judgement on them through the very people they made their unholy alliance with (Rome).

The coming of Jesus in these Matthew, Mark and Luke texts is not the final coming of Jesus. It is one of his comings (see Revelation 2—3 for numerous "comings," some that would or would not take place depending on the response of the people), and he said it would occur soon and that some of the people listening to him would be alive to see it happening. [Note again that the book of Revelation develops the judgement rendered on the Roman Empire as Matthew 16:27-28; 24:1-34, Mark 8:38—9:1 and Luke 9:23-27 speak of the judgement on Israel.]

The cross was the Lord's victory over all the powers (see again Colossians 2:15) and his resurrection and exaltation made him Lord of All, but who saw the resurrected Jesus? Who saw him ascend in glory to immortality and to his place as King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Only a handful of people biased in his favour so who's going to believe them?

Judgement and blessing were to follow the exaltation of Jesus (compare Matthew 3:11-12). In Acts 2: 1-36, especially 33-36, we have the blessings poured out via the coming of the Holy Spirit as the prophets and the Baptist said would happen. Peter uses Joel and David to conclude this: "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made him whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." There is nothing future about this! The miracles these people were seeing and hearing were the objective proof that Jesus had already been exalted to God's throne.

Here was blessing poured out on the new Israel (that is, on believing Jews who placed their faith in Jesus; unbelieving Jews would be cut off from among the people—Acts 3:21-26). When judgement comes on unbelieving Israel it would be the proof that Jesus had been made Lord despite what Israel and the Gentiles conspired to do. The One who would render judgement on a nation that sought to save its own life would be the One that Peter in Acts 2 and Paul in Acts 17:5-8 proclaimed as King. The judgement in AD 70, which in my view is what Matthew 16 speaks about, is the public manifestation of Jesus' royal power—not the beginning of it. [Note that in the judgement on Rome, dealt with in the book of Revelation, Jesus is already ruler of the kings of the earth and King of Kings and Lord of Lords before the "battle of Armageddon" (see 1:5; 17:14 and 19:16).

©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... That Which Has Power In Christ (Galatians 5:6)

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS"

                  That Which Has Power In Christ (5:6)

INTRODUCTION

1. The rite of circumcision was a major issue in the early church...
   a. Judaizing teachers taught it was necessary to be saved - Ac 15:1,5
   b. Paul argued that it had become irrelevant - Ga 5:6

2. Note that Paul wrote "neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails
   anything..."
   a. The Greek word translated 'avails' is transliterated ischuo
   b. As defined by Thayer, the word ischuo means:
      1) to be strong, such as to be strong in body, to be robust, to be
         in sound health
      2) to have power
         a) to have power as shown by extraordinary deeds; to exert,
            wield power, to have strength to overcome
         b) to be a force, avail

[If neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has power in Christ, what
does?  Paul reveals that there are three things working in conjunction
that have power.  The first is...]

I. FAITH

   A. THE DEFINITION OF FAITH...
      1. A Scriptural definition of faith is found in He 11:1
      2. The NIV is helpful:  "Now faith is being sure of what we hope
         for and certain of what we do not see."
      3. Vine describes faith as "a firm conviction"
      4. I like to think of faith as "a confident trust"

   B. THE IMPORTANCE OF "FAITH"...
      1. Faith in God is essential to pleasing Him - He 11:6
      2. Faith in Jesus is essential to finding forgiveness and eternal
         life - Jn 8:24; 20:30-31
      3. Without faith, the only alternative is doubt accompanied with
         fear - cf. Mt 14:30-31

   C. THE POWER OF FAITH...
      1. Faith in Christ has the power to produce:
         a. Hope - Ro 5:2
         b. Joy - 1Pe 1:8
         c. Peace - Ro 15:13
      2. Those with faith in Christ receive the power to:
         a. Live - Ga 2:20
         b. Overcome the world - 1Jn 5:4-5
         c. Overcome the devil - Ep 6:16

   D. THE DEVELOPMENT OF FAITH...
      1. Faith comes from the Word of God - Ro 10:17; Jn 20:30-31
      2. Faith involves a growth process - 2Th 1:3

[A thriving, growing faith in Christ has great power, to enable us to
live strong, vibrant spiritual lives.  Such a faith will naturally
involve the element of...]

II. WORKS

   A. THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF WORKS...
      1. Works of merit
         a. These are works done to 'earn' something
         b. Those who have done such works believe they 'deserve'
         c. No one can be saved by such works - cf. Tit 3:4-5; Ep 2:8-9
      2. Works of faith
         a. These are things done to 'receive' something
         b. Those who have done such works believe they deserve nothing!
            - cf. Lk 17:10
      3. Works of faith can also be called works of God
         a. Of which faith itself is called by Jesus - Jn 6:28-29
         b. Other works of faith commanded by God include repentance,
            confession, and baptism - cf. Ac 17:30; Ro 10:9-10; Col 2:12-13
         c. Such works are those prepared beforehand by God - Ep 2:10

   B. THERE ARE DIFFERENT KINDS OF FAITH...
      1. There is dead faith - Jm 2:14-17,20,26
         a. Faith without works
         b. Substituting words for deeds
      2. There is demonic faith - Jm 2:18,19
         a. Faith with the wrong kind of works
         b. Such as trembling instead of acting
      3. There is dynamic faith - Jm 2:20-26
         a. Faith that works the will of God
         b. An obedient faith, as required by the gospel - Ro 1:5; 6:17;
            16:25-26

   C. WITH THE RIGHT KIND OF FAITH AND WORKS...
      1. Salvation is possible - Ac 10:35
      2. We can bring glory to God - Mt 5:16; 1Pe 2:12
      3. We can receive glory, honor, and peace - Ro 2:10
      4. Our efforts to serve are strengthened by God! - cf. Php 2:12-13;
         4:13; Ep 3:16,20

[Faith without works is dead; faith with works has great power in
Christ!  Especially so, when faith and works are done in...]

III. LOVE

   A. LOVE TOWARD GOD...
      1. Love is what God desires from us more than anything - Mt 22:37
      2. Love is what inspires the noblest form of obedience - Jn 14:15,
         23a
         a. Some obey out of fear (of being punished)
         b. Others obey out of selfishness (for what they get out it)
         c. The highest form of obedience is out of love (glad to be of
            service)

   B. LOVE TOWARD ONE ANOTHER...
      1. The kind of love Jesus showed toward us - Jn 13:34-35
      2. Our liberty in Christ is for the very purpose of serving one
         another in love - Ga 5:13

CONCLUSION

1. When faith, works, and love are joined together, there is great
   synergy...
   a. There is salvation from sin
   b. There is power over the devil
   c. There is hope, joy, and peace for the children of God!

2. When faith, works, and love are not joined together, nothing works
   right...
   b. Faith without works is dead
   a. Works without faith cannot save
   c. Works without love produce a cold, heartless religion

Is our faith working through love?  May Paul's prayer for the
Thessalonians be our prayer for one another:

   Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count
   you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure
   of His goodness and THE WORK OF FAITH WITH POWER, that the name
   of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in
   Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus
   Christ. - 2Th 1:11-12

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

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