FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Galatians 5:22-26, 6:1-10
EQUIPING THE SAINTS
V.22. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith.”
A. The Holy Spirit produces fruit in the believer which is an important part of his union
with Christ.
1. The word "fruit" is singular.
2. We are given one fruit with nine elements.
3. This fruit once received is perfected as the believer matures through out his life
with Christ.
B. "But the fruit of the Spirit": One of the immediate benefits of being in Christ
is the inheritance of Spiritual fruit. The Spirit causes changes in the hearts of
believers.
1. This same Spirit causes the believer to respond to others in a Godly manner.
FRUIT RELATED TO GOD
1. Love= Agapee= An intense desire to please God and to do good to mankind.
a. This love is self denying, self sacrificing and is the foundation of all spiritual
graces.
2. Joy= Chara= The feeling in the heart that comes from a sense of God's mercy
communicated to the soul in the pardon of its iniquities.
a. God has freed us from the penalty of our sin so we can move forward with
confidence.
b. This joy of the Holy Spirit is an attitude that rejoices in Christ regardless of our
circumstances.
3. Peace= Eireenee = The calm, quiet, and order, which take place in the justified soul,
instead of the doubts, fears, alarms, and dreadful forebodings, which every true
penitent feels, and must feel until the assurance of pardon brings peace and
satisfaction to the mind.
a. The believer is at peace with himself. Therefore, he can deal with others in a peaceful
manner.
b. This peace is a sense of well being because of the Christ that is in us.
FRUIT RELATED TO MAN
4. Long-suffering= Makrothumia= Long-mindedness, bearing with the frailties and
provocations of others, from the consideration that God has borne long with ours; and
that, if he had not, we should have been speedily consumed.
a. The believer has the ability to be tolerant of what he sees as differences in others.
5.Gentleness= Chreestotees=A good education and polished manners, when brought
under the influence of the grace of God, will bring out this grace with great effect.
a. Sometimes it’s not what we do or how much we do that counts, but the manner that
we do it that people appreciate.
b. Sometimes a soft non forceful way is more effective.
6. Goodness=Agathoosunee=The perpetual desire and sincere study, not only to abstain
from every appearance of evil, but to do good to the bodies and souls of men to the
utmost of our ability.
a. This is a positive and open accepting attitude toward others.
FRUIT RELATED TO THE BELIEVER
7. Faith= Pistis= Punctuality in performing promises, conscientious carefulness in
preserving what is committed to our trust, in restoring it to its proper owner, in
transacting the business confided to us, neither betraying the secret of our friend, nor
disappointing the confidence of our employer.
a. Our word ought to always be a bond to us.
b. If we say we are going to do something, we ought to be committed enough to
do it in a timely manner.
V:23. "Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
8. Meekness= Prautees= Mildness, indulgence toward the weak and erring, patient
suffering of injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge, an even balance of all tempers
and passions, the entire opposite to anger.
a. Being meek is an attitude of humility in which we deny ourselves for the benefit of
others .
9. Temperance=Engkrateia=Continence, self-government, or moderation, principally
with regard to sensual or animal appetites. “Moderation in eating, drinking, sleeping,
etc”.
A. God gives 9 characteristics of a Christian that are the evidence of the Spirit working
in the lives of the believer.
1. The believer is governed by the Grace of God.
2. As the believer grows in the Spirit, these Spiritual attitudes will become more apart
of his attitude toward others.
V.24 "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."
A."Man, by faith, is dead to the former standing-point of sin, and rises to a new life of
communion with Christ (Colossians 3:3). The act by which they crucified the flesh with
its lust is already accomplished in principle; but the outward confirmation of the life
must harmonize with the tendency given to the inward life”. (Galatians 5:25)
1. As believers grows in the Spirit, they are no longer controlled by the desires of the
flesh, but directed by the guidance of the Spirit.
2. Positionally, the believer is dead to sin, but experientially he has to grow to that point.
B. We belong to Christ because He redeemed us from the power and penalty of sin with
His blood.
1. Having identified with Christ through faith, our lives ought to reflect the entire
influence of Christ.
`
V:25. "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
A. As we grow in the Spirit, our lives and conversations will reflect the Spirit
living in us.
1. The believer must allow the Spirit to direct and rule his life.
2. We are baptized into Christ, therefore, we must strive to live like Christ.
3. We must keep in step with the Holy Spirit.
4. The "if" in the sentence indicates that "Walking in the Spirit" is a choice we
are expected to make because of our faithfulness to Christ.
V:26. "Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."
A. "[Let us not be desirous of vain glory] Kenodoxoi. Let us not be vain glorious-
boasting of our attainments; Daunting ourselves to be superior to others or seeking
honour from those things which do not possess moral good; in birth, riches, eloquence,
etc., etc." Adam Clark
1. We should be careful not to present ourselves as more than we are; sinners before Christ, saved by Grace.
2. We have obtained what we have because of the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ and the love of the Father and many time not in fellowship with the Holy
Spirit.
2. We have no need to envy others or any undeserved praise that they may get because
only God deserves praise.
RESPONSIBILITY TO OTHERS
V.6:1. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a
one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
A. [Brethren, if a man be overtaken] Ean proleemphthee. If he be surprised, seized on
without warning, suddenly invaded, taken before he is aware.
B. " Ye which are spiritual."
1. Those believers who have not been overtaken, those who remain in fellowship with
Jesus, have a responsibility to those who have fallen into temptation.
2. Those who are walking and living by the Spirit have been given the ministry of
reconciliation. 2 Cor 5:18
C. " Considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted"
1.We must always be on our guard because sin is always present.
2. By counseling another to return to Christ, we remind ourselves of the dangers of
falling into temptation.
3. Our own faith is strengthened when we are involved in the reconciliation of others.
V.6:2. "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
A. Bear= bastazete= lift, carry, takeup
1. This verb is in the present active imperative which mean as a way of life the
stronger Christian is expected to be of assistance in carrying the weaker Christian's
burden.
B. " And so fulfill the law of Christ."
1. The law of Christ is to love your neighbor as yourself.
2. We show our love by what we are willing to sacrifice for our brothers.
RESPONSIBILITY TO ONE'S SELF
V.6:3. "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth
himself."
A. We must be mindful that before God we are nothing but sinners. It is only through
Christ that we are rendered innocent.
1. We cannot boast because the grace of God is a free gift to all who believe.
2. If we consider ourselves something more than sinners saved by grace, we have
deceived ourselves.
V.6:4. "But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself
alone, and not in another."
A. We are encouraged to judge our own works by the commands of God to see if we
can find approval.
1. We should judge our own attitude and actions by God's rule to see if we can
find approval.
B. "And then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another."
1. Christ is our only standard.
2. If we judge our works by that standard and find approval, then we can
rejoice.
3. We do not need the approval of others.
V.6:5. "For every man shall bear his own burden."
A. We all will answer to God for our actions.
1. We will be judged on what we did and not the works of others.
RESPONSIBILITY TO THE TEACHER
V.6:6. "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good
things."
A. We should contribute to the support of the man who has dedicated himself to the
work of the ministry, and who gives up his time and his life to preach the Gospel.
1. We are blessed by God when we bless the man of God with our offering.
2. Every workman is worth his wages.
3. In our giving, we show our gratitude to those who preach and teach the Word.
CONSEQUENCES OF OUR ACTIONS
V. 6:7. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he
also reap."
A. You can't fool God that you are serving Him when you are just pretending.
1. God knows your heart and the purpose of all your actions.
2. God keeps track of your work for Him so that you may be rewarded here on
earth and in heaven. 1Peter 5:4
B. Just as a farmer plants seeds and is rewarded according to what he plants, so
will we be rewarded.
V.6:8. "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that
soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."
A. Every man has a choice to make for how he lives his life.
1. We can choose to serve God or we can choose to serve ourselves.
2. If we serve God our reward is in heaven.
3. If we serve ourselves, our reward is here and our destination is hell.
B. If we reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we seal our fate in hell.
1. If we accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we seal our fate in heaven.
V.6:9. "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint
not."
A. Weary in this text means to retreat in battle or give up the fight.
1. The word is in the present imperative. The sentence should read, "Stop getting
discouraged or tired of well doing."
2. It is easy to get discouraged when others are doing all the wrong things and
creating trouble.
3. The Faithful servant has an advocate in heaven who is there to strengthen
him when he needs help.
B. " For in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
1. Those who endure in their labors for Christ are promised the crown of life.
2 Ti 4:8.
2. Those who labor for Christ are promised that their present needs will be met.
Luke 12:31
V.6:10. "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto
them who are of the household of faith."
A. Time is never on our side.
1. None of us know when our last day will be.
2. We can be here today and gone today.
B. The opportunity to serve is always present as long as we have health and strength.
1. What we know for sure is the promise of a reward in heaven for our labors for
Christ.
2. We store treasures in heaven with our labors for Christ. Matt 6:20
3. We fulfill the law of Christ, when we love others in our service and devotion.
Bear a burdens burdens] Have s are wur neighbor as yourself.
as a waation of others.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
This Week's Sunday Lesson, "Christ, The Promise Seed", 2/19/2012
CHRIST THE PROMISE SEED
Galatians 3:15-18, 4.1-7
V. 3:15. "Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto."
A. In a contract among men, both parties agree to the terms to be fulfilled. After the
contract is signed and witnessed it becomes a legal document cannot be altered
1. God made a covenant with Abraham, but no agreement was required of him.
2. God's promise to Abraham was unconditional.
3. Fulfillment of the promise had nothing to do Abraham's activities.
4. God promised a "SEED" starting with Abraham through generations that would
blessed the whole world.
V.3:16. "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to
seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ."
A. Abraham was the vessel that God used to bring salvation to the whole world and He
made His plan known to Abraham.
1. The promise "SEED" had nothing to do with Abraham and every thing to do with
sin of Adam and God's plan to reclaim perfection for His creation.
2. Sooner or later you will face the argument about man's free will to accept Christ
as His personal Savior.
3. It is God's permissive will to allow man the privilege to accept Christ which is
Grace in action.
4. It is God's permissive will to make all mankind savable through the promise "SEED".
5. Through one man's sin namely Adam, all mankind is condemned.
a. Through one man's death, namely Christ the promised "SEED" all men are made
savable.
b. All men are made savable, but not all are saved. Mat 22:15
c. Christ chose you, you did not choose Christ. John 6:70, John 15:16
b. Man by himself will not choose Christ. Rom 3:10-12
V.3:17. "And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ,
the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should
make the promise of none effect."
A. The covenant was a contract that God made with Himself to bring about the
righteousness of man through the promised "SEED, Christ.
1. The law was the house rules given to govern the nation of Israel through which
God would bring the promised "SEED" to flesh.
2. The law was the tutor until the righteousness of Jesus Christ was put into effect to
redeem mankind.
3. The law was not given to save, but to show the condemned state of man.
4. Faith came before the law, namely Abraham. Faith reign through the law. And
Faith reigns today, namely Christ.
V.3:18. "For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to
Abraham by promise."
A. God gave Abraham the promise by which all men would be made savable.
1. God did not give Abraham the law by which man if he lives by law is
condemned.
2. Why would God give a promise to save then a law to condemn?
3. The promise came first by faith, which is the foundation of salvation.
a. The law came second because it contains the rules by which we live. Gal 3:19, 23
b. The law is good because it leads us to Christ. 3:24.
V.4:1. "Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant,
though he be lord of all."
A. When we first came to Christ, we were young and immature, not much different than
the world.
1. God grows us up to be what He desires, so that we can serve Him and be effective
in the ministry.
2. God's elect were always heirs to the kingdom. Eph 1:4-5
a. At the appropriate time God call us out of the world to be His servants. Rom 8:28-
30
V.4:2. "But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father."
A. When we were children, we were under house rules.
1. We were governed by our parents and our school teachers.
a. Our parents taught us to respect others and the Lord Jesus Christ
([But is under tutors] Epitropous. Guardians and governors; oikonomous, those who
have the charge of the family. These words are nearly similar; but we may consider
the first as executor, the last as the person who superintends the concerns of the family
and estate until the heir become of age; such as we call trustee.) Adam Clark
2. When we became of age we were on our own, but also under the guidance of the
Holy Spirit.
a. Having a foundation laid by our parents, we could govern ourselves.
V.4:3. "Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the
world."
A. Before we came to Christ, the world ruled us.
1. We could do no better, because we did not have the power of the Holy Spirit to
resist sin and the temptations of the world.
2. Anyone that is not in Christ is in the world and bounded by the world's standards.
V.4:4. "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a
woman, made under the law."
A. At the time Adam sinned, God's plan of redemption went into effect. Gen 3:15
1. Christ was revealed as the victor over Satan and his demons. 1 Pet 1:19-21\
2. At the exact appointed time, according to the scriptures Christ was born
into this world by virgin birth. Daniel 9:24-27, Isa 7:14
V.4:5. "To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of
sons."
A.[To redeem them] Exagorasee. To pay down a price for them, and thus buy them off.
1. The redeeming price for our sins was Christ death on the cross. Heb 9:26-28
2. Christ died for all believers while we were enemies of the cross. Rom 5:10
3. Christ death brought peace between man and God.
B. Adoption= huiothesia= placing as a son (Christian sonship).
1. Christ died on the cross at hands of man to satisfy God's demand for justice so that
we (believers) could be placed as sons of God the father. Rom 8:15
2."Which adoption we could not obtain by the law; for it is the Gospel only that puts us
among the children, and gives us a place in the heavenly family. " Adam Clark
V.4:6. "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your
hearts, crying, Abba, Father."
A. The first benefit of being placed as a son of the Father is the placing of the Holy
Spirit in the hearts of the believer.
1. The Holy Spirit is believers teacher and guide opening up his understanding to the
wisdom of God.
2. This verse is presents the truth of the Holy Trinity; God the Father, God the Son
and God the Holy Spirit.
3. The Father sent the Son and the Holy Spirit to benefit all believers.
4. Both the Son and the Spirit are advocates to the Father for believers.
5. The Father sent the Son to redeem men to Himself and the Spirit to keep
believers mindful of the Father.
V. 4:7. "Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God
through Christ."
A. The position of man changes when he comes to Christ.
1. Before Christ, man was bound by his sins, guilty and deserving death.
2. Upon accepting Christ, man is freed from the penalty of sin, having been rendered
innocent by the blood of Christ and placed immediately in family of God.
B. Heir=kleronomos= getting by apportionment, a sharer by lot, a possessor
1. In Christ the blessings of God belong to the believers.
2. What we as believers inherit is Christ who made all things.
/
Bondage Inheritance Freedom from Tutor
Law Tutor Age of Responsibility Full rights of Son
__________________________________+_________________________________
Sons and Servants are the same
Bondage Son Inheritance
World The Cross Freedom
__________________________________+_________________________________
God's Elect God's Elect Redeemed
Adoption as Sons
Received the Spirit
Gen 12:3 Ex 12:40
Abraham Moses Christ, The Promise Seed
Promise Law Christ + Grace
Born under The Called Out
the Law
+______430yrs________+_________1481yrs________+_______________________
Seed Tutor Freedom from the law
Covenant Government Adoption as Sons
Justification by
Faith
All Nations Blessed
Working Example
Contracts and Agreement
Signed Sealed + Legally Binding + No Changes acceptable + Protected by Law
Witnessed
Galatians 3:15-18, 4.1-7
V. 3:15. "Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto."
A. In a contract among men, both parties agree to the terms to be fulfilled. After the
contract is signed and witnessed it becomes a legal document cannot be altered
1. God made a covenant with Abraham, but no agreement was required of him.
2. God's promise to Abraham was unconditional.
3. Fulfillment of the promise had nothing to do Abraham's activities.
4. God promised a "SEED" starting with Abraham through generations that would
blessed the whole world.
V.3:16. "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to
seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ."
A. Abraham was the vessel that God used to bring salvation to the whole world and He
made His plan known to Abraham.
1. The promise "SEED" had nothing to do with Abraham and every thing to do with
sin of Adam and God's plan to reclaim perfection for His creation.
2. Sooner or later you will face the argument about man's free will to accept Christ
as His personal Savior.
3. It is God's permissive will to allow man the privilege to accept Christ which is
Grace in action.
4. It is God's permissive will to make all mankind savable through the promise "SEED".
5. Through one man's sin namely Adam, all mankind is condemned.
a. Through one man's death, namely Christ the promised "SEED" all men are made
savable.
b. All men are made savable, but not all are saved. Mat 22:15
c. Christ chose you, you did not choose Christ. John 6:70, John 15:16
b. Man by himself will not choose Christ. Rom 3:10-12
V.3:17. "And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ,
the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should
make the promise of none effect."
A. The covenant was a contract that God made with Himself to bring about the
righteousness of man through the promised "SEED, Christ.
1. The law was the house rules given to govern the nation of Israel through which
God would bring the promised "SEED" to flesh.
2. The law was the tutor until the righteousness of Jesus Christ was put into effect to
redeem mankind.
3. The law was not given to save, but to show the condemned state of man.
4. Faith came before the law, namely Abraham. Faith reign through the law. And
Faith reigns today, namely Christ.
V.3:18. "For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to
Abraham by promise."
A. God gave Abraham the promise by which all men would be made savable.
1. God did not give Abraham the law by which man if he lives by law is
condemned.
2. Why would God give a promise to save then a law to condemn?
3. The promise came first by faith, which is the foundation of salvation.
a. The law came second because it contains the rules by which we live. Gal 3:19, 23
b. The law is good because it leads us to Christ. 3:24.
V.4:1. "Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant,
though he be lord of all."
A. When we first came to Christ, we were young and immature, not much different than
the world.
1. God grows us up to be what He desires, so that we can serve Him and be effective
in the ministry.
2. God's elect were always heirs to the kingdom. Eph 1:4-5
a. At the appropriate time God call us out of the world to be His servants. Rom 8:28-
30
V.4:2. "But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father."
A. When we were children, we were under house rules.
1. We were governed by our parents and our school teachers.
a. Our parents taught us to respect others and the Lord Jesus Christ
([But is under tutors] Epitropous. Guardians and governors; oikonomous, those who
have the charge of the family. These words are nearly similar; but we may consider
the first as executor, the last as the person who superintends the concerns of the family
and estate until the heir become of age; such as we call trustee.) Adam Clark
2. When we became of age we were on our own, but also under the guidance of the
Holy Spirit.
a. Having a foundation laid by our parents, we could govern ourselves.
V.4:3. "Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the
world."
A. Before we came to Christ, the world ruled us.
1. We could do no better, because we did not have the power of the Holy Spirit to
resist sin and the temptations of the world.
2. Anyone that is not in Christ is in the world and bounded by the world's standards.
V.4:4. "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a
woman, made under the law."
A. At the time Adam sinned, God's plan of redemption went into effect. Gen 3:15
1. Christ was revealed as the victor over Satan and his demons. 1 Pet 1:19-21\
2. At the exact appointed time, according to the scriptures Christ was born
into this world by virgin birth. Daniel 9:24-27, Isa 7:14
V.4:5. "To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of
sons."
A.[To redeem them] Exagorasee. To pay down a price for them, and thus buy them off.
1. The redeeming price for our sins was Christ death on the cross. Heb 9:26-28
2. Christ died for all believers while we were enemies of the cross. Rom 5:10
3. Christ death brought peace between man and God.
B. Adoption= huiothesia= placing as a son (Christian sonship).
1. Christ died on the cross at hands of man to satisfy God's demand for justice so that
we (believers) could be placed as sons of God the father. Rom 8:15
2."Which adoption we could not obtain by the law; for it is the Gospel only that puts us
among the children, and gives us a place in the heavenly family. " Adam Clark
V.4:6. "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your
hearts, crying, Abba, Father."
A. The first benefit of being placed as a son of the Father is the placing of the Holy
Spirit in the hearts of the believer.
1. The Holy Spirit is believers teacher and guide opening up his understanding to the
wisdom of God.
2. This verse is presents the truth of the Holy Trinity; God the Father, God the Son
and God the Holy Spirit.
3. The Father sent the Son and the Holy Spirit to benefit all believers.
4. Both the Son and the Spirit are advocates to the Father for believers.
5. The Father sent the Son to redeem men to Himself and the Spirit to keep
believers mindful of the Father.
V. 4:7. "Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God
through Christ."
A. The position of man changes when he comes to Christ.
1. Before Christ, man was bound by his sins, guilty and deserving death.
2. Upon accepting Christ, man is freed from the penalty of sin, having been rendered
innocent by the blood of Christ and placed immediately in family of God.
B. Heir=kleronomos= getting by apportionment, a sharer by lot, a possessor
1. In Christ the blessings of God belong to the believers.
2. What we as believers inherit is Christ who made all things.
/
Bondage Inheritance Freedom from Tutor
Law Tutor Age of Responsibility Full rights of Son
__________________________________+_________________________________
Sons and Servants are the same
Bondage Son Inheritance
World The Cross Freedom
__________________________________+_________________________________
God's Elect God's Elect Redeemed
Adoption as Sons
Received the Spirit
Gen 12:3 Ex 12:40
Abraham Moses Christ, The Promise Seed
Promise Law Christ + Grace
Born under The Called Out
the Law
+______430yrs________+_________1481yrs________+_______________________
Seed Tutor Freedom from the law
Covenant Government Adoption as Sons
Justification by
Faith
All Nations Blessed
Working Example
Contracts and Agreement
Signed Sealed + Legally Binding + No Changes acceptable + Protected by Law
Witnessed
Thursday, February 9, 2012
This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "A Defense For Justification By Faith", 2/12/2012
A DEFENSE OF JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH
Gal 3:1-14
THE EXPERIENCE OF THE GALATIANS
3:1” O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?”
A. It is foolish to know the truth and not use it to benefit yourself.
1. It is foolish to know the truth and not use it because others are persuaded to to believe a lie.
2. It is foolish to turn from the truth of Christ’s crucifixion because someone refuse to believe that His death on the Cross provides salvation.
When you have been taught the truth and have believed the truth, yet turn from the truth to follow false teaching, you are foolish.
1. Jesus remains the one crucified and when we see Him again, He will have the marks of His crucifixion.
2. The crucifixion of Christ is a constant reminder of God’s love and forgiveness.
3. The law brings bondage, but faith in Jesus brings freedom.
V:2. “ This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or
by the hearing of faith?”
Receiving the Holy Spirit is the first act of God’s grace upon out belief in Christ Jesus.
Did we receive the Spirit by the good we did or was it a gift given to us according to God’s divine favor?
a. We received the Spirit by Faith in Jesus.
1. The law points to the righteousness of God and the sinfulness of man.
2. The law cannot save, but it condemns.
3. The Spirit comes by Grace through Faith and not by any works of the law.
V.3:3. “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the
flesh?”
A. The law could not save us and the law cannot bring about perfection.
1. Our salvation and maturity is made effective by Grace through faith.
2. Works does not save, yet are the signs of maturity.
B. Salvation is a response to God’s grace in our lives.
1. The Christian life should reflect a choice to be Christ like.
2. The Christian life should reflect the Spirit’s guidance and repentance.
God takes a life that was broken in the world and makes it whole though faith in Jesus.
3. We come to Christ in our sins and are justified (rendered innocent) because of our sins.
4. We come to Christ imperfect and are made perfect in Christ Jesus.
C. Our focus of Jesus Christ dying on the Cross for our sins, ought to humble us to know that we can do nothing to effect our salvation.
V. 3:4. “Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.”
A. The Christian Church began with suffering of Christ on the Cross.
1. The early Church grew through constant persecutions at the hands of those who held to the law as a means of salvation.
2. The Christian Church today suffers because of the ignorance of those who add works of our human hands and minds with Christ as the means to salvation.
Christian do suffer in the transition from a worldly existence to a Spiritual life in Christ Jesus.
1. We do suffer in the flesh because, while we intend to be like Christ, sin and temptation are always present.
A. Our suffering is in vain if we impose works as a means to perfection in Christ.
B. Suffering is a natural part of our growth in Christ.
E. Salvation is an initial decision to trust God and a life time commitment to Discipleship.
1.Salvation is an election by means of Grace from a sovereign God.
a. Faith in this election moves us to a life of repentance.
2. Salvation once received cannot be lost.
a. However, we must be diligent in our effort to be Christ like.
We labor in our salvation because we are grateful for the Grace that God has given us.
C. It is through the works for the Lord that our faith in the Lord grows.
V.3:5. “He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”
A. Ministereth=epichooregon= this verb is in the present active form which means He constantly supplies the Spirit freely to believers.
1. Miracles= dumamis= supernatural powers
a. Miracles would include rebirth, regeneration, justification, sanctification and all Spiritual gifts.
B. Christ is constantly at work in us.
1. Every time we sin, the blood of Christ covers that sin.
2. We are constantly being perfected in Christ Jesus.
3. This continuous work is done because of our faith in Christ.
C. The law is dead to rebirth, regeneration, justification and sanctification.
1. The law which cannot save cannot work miracles in us.
THE EXAMPLE OF ABRAHAM
V.3:6. “Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
A. Faith was in place well before the Law was given. Gen 15:6
1. The law points to faith.
2. The law reveals the righteousness of God.
3. It is only by faith that we can understand the law.
It is only by the power ministered to us through faith that we can obey the law. ‘
God used Abraham to show us that the evidence of our faith is belief in God’s Word for the fulfillment of future events.
God used Abraham to show us that faith is belief in His Word for things We ourselves will not live to see.
4. There are two parts to Abraham’s faith.
a. Faith that he would have a son.
b. He would not live to see his descendants as numerous as the stars, yet he believed.
V.3:8. “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.”
A. The promise that God made to Abraham included blessings for all people of the earth, Jews and Gentiles alike.
B. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was included in the promise to Abraham.”
1. Justification of the Gentiles by faith was included in the promise to Abraham.
a. “ In thee all nations” includes all Gentiles
b. God did not chose the law to justify by faith.
c. Faith came before the law.
V.3:9. “So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.”
A. God’s promise to Abraham covers all times and blesses all people
1. God’s promise is full of comfort and refreshment for the guilty throughout all time for all people.
2. God’s promise to Abraham is flowing, first to Abraham then through all time.
3. God’s promise is expansive; it covers all nations.
4. God’s promise is a free gift to all who believe.
5. The blessings of God’s promise is inexhaustible; it’s source is Christ (BS)
THE EFFECT OF THE LAW
V.3:10. “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”
A. No one can keep the whole law.
If you fail to keep one of the commands under the law, you are guilty of the whole law.
1. The law condemns. Due 27:26
2. Those that hold to the law makes themselves guilty of the law.
3. Those who hold to justification by the law must continue to meet it demands faithfully.
V.3:11. “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.”
A. The law requires man to continuously work for his salvation.
1. God did not design the law to be the means of justification.
2. The law only works if one never commits a sin. Due 27:26
B. Grace only requires faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
1. Faith was designed for justification.
The righteous finds life in faith. Hab 2:4
V.3:12. “And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.”
A. The law promises no forgiveness.
1. The law does not rest on faith.
2. The law rests on works. Rom 4:4-5
3. He who does the law, lives by the law. Lev 18:5
4. He who lives by the law is cursed. James 2:10
THE WORK OF CHRIST
V.3:13. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:
for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree”:
A. Christ brought us with a price.
1. The price was his blood.
2. Christ gave His life for the believer.
3. Even though He knew no sin, He became the worst sin for us.
B. On the same day He was executed, His body was buried so the land was not polluted.
1. A criminal was hanged by the tree.
2. He was considered accursed by God. Due 21:22-23
3. The accursed thing was to be moved out of sight.
V.3:14. “That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
A. Two purposes are given for Christ redemptive work.
1. Gentiles might receive the blessing given to Abraham.
2. All who believe receive the promise of the Holy Spirit.
B. Salvation and sanctification comes by faith and not by works.
Gal 3:1-14
THE EXPERIENCE OF THE GALATIANS
3:1” O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?”
A. It is foolish to know the truth and not use it to benefit yourself.
1. It is foolish to know the truth and not use it because others are persuaded to to believe a lie.
2. It is foolish to turn from the truth of Christ’s crucifixion because someone refuse to believe that His death on the Cross provides salvation.
When you have been taught the truth and have believed the truth, yet turn from the truth to follow false teaching, you are foolish.
1. Jesus remains the one crucified and when we see Him again, He will have the marks of His crucifixion.
2. The crucifixion of Christ is a constant reminder of God’s love and forgiveness.
3. The law brings bondage, but faith in Jesus brings freedom.
V:2. “ This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or
by the hearing of faith?”
Receiving the Holy Spirit is the first act of God’s grace upon out belief in Christ Jesus.
Did we receive the Spirit by the good we did or was it a gift given to us according to God’s divine favor?
a. We received the Spirit by Faith in Jesus.
1. The law points to the righteousness of God and the sinfulness of man.
2. The law cannot save, but it condemns.
3. The Spirit comes by Grace through Faith and not by any works of the law.
V.3:3. “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the
flesh?”
A. The law could not save us and the law cannot bring about perfection.
1. Our salvation and maturity is made effective by Grace through faith.
2. Works does not save, yet are the signs of maturity.
B. Salvation is a response to God’s grace in our lives.
1. The Christian life should reflect a choice to be Christ like.
2. The Christian life should reflect the Spirit’s guidance and repentance.
God takes a life that was broken in the world and makes it whole though faith in Jesus.
3. We come to Christ in our sins and are justified (rendered innocent) because of our sins.
4. We come to Christ imperfect and are made perfect in Christ Jesus.
C. Our focus of Jesus Christ dying on the Cross for our sins, ought to humble us to know that we can do nothing to effect our salvation.
V. 3:4. “Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.”
A. The Christian Church began with suffering of Christ on the Cross.
1. The early Church grew through constant persecutions at the hands of those who held to the law as a means of salvation.
2. The Christian Church today suffers because of the ignorance of those who add works of our human hands and minds with Christ as the means to salvation.
Christian do suffer in the transition from a worldly existence to a Spiritual life in Christ Jesus.
1. We do suffer in the flesh because, while we intend to be like Christ, sin and temptation are always present.
A. Our suffering is in vain if we impose works as a means to perfection in Christ.
B. Suffering is a natural part of our growth in Christ.
E. Salvation is an initial decision to trust God and a life time commitment to Discipleship.
1.Salvation is an election by means of Grace from a sovereign God.
a. Faith in this election moves us to a life of repentance.
2. Salvation once received cannot be lost.
a. However, we must be diligent in our effort to be Christ like.
We labor in our salvation because we are grateful for the Grace that God has given us.
C. It is through the works for the Lord that our faith in the Lord grows.
V.3:5. “He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”
A. Ministereth=epichooregon= this verb is in the present active form which means He constantly supplies the Spirit freely to believers.
1. Miracles= dumamis= supernatural powers
a. Miracles would include rebirth, regeneration, justification, sanctification and all Spiritual gifts.
B. Christ is constantly at work in us.
1. Every time we sin, the blood of Christ covers that sin.
2. We are constantly being perfected in Christ Jesus.
3. This continuous work is done because of our faith in Christ.
C. The law is dead to rebirth, regeneration, justification and sanctification.
1. The law which cannot save cannot work miracles in us.
THE EXAMPLE OF ABRAHAM
V.3:6. “Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
A. Faith was in place well before the Law was given. Gen 15:6
1. The law points to faith.
2. The law reveals the righteousness of God.
3. It is only by faith that we can understand the law.
It is only by the power ministered to us through faith that we can obey the law. ‘
God used Abraham to show us that the evidence of our faith is belief in God’s Word for the fulfillment of future events.
God used Abraham to show us that faith is belief in His Word for things We ourselves will not live to see.
4. There are two parts to Abraham’s faith.
a. Faith that he would have a son.
b. He would not live to see his descendants as numerous as the stars, yet he believed.
V.3:8. “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.”
A. The promise that God made to Abraham included blessings for all people of the earth, Jews and Gentiles alike.
B. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was included in the promise to Abraham.”
1. Justification of the Gentiles by faith was included in the promise to Abraham.
a. “ In thee all nations” includes all Gentiles
b. God did not chose the law to justify by faith.
c. Faith came before the law.
V.3:9. “So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.”
A. God’s promise to Abraham covers all times and blesses all people
1. God’s promise is full of comfort and refreshment for the guilty throughout all time for all people.
2. God’s promise to Abraham is flowing, first to Abraham then through all time.
3. God’s promise is expansive; it covers all nations.
4. God’s promise is a free gift to all who believe.
5. The blessings of God’s promise is inexhaustible; it’s source is Christ (BS)
THE EFFECT OF THE LAW
V.3:10. “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”
A. No one can keep the whole law.
If you fail to keep one of the commands under the law, you are guilty of the whole law.
1. The law condemns. Due 27:26
2. Those that hold to the law makes themselves guilty of the law.
3. Those who hold to justification by the law must continue to meet it demands faithfully.
V.3:11. “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.”
A. The law requires man to continuously work for his salvation.
1. God did not design the law to be the means of justification.
2. The law only works if one never commits a sin. Due 27:26
B. Grace only requires faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
1. Faith was designed for justification.
The righteous finds life in faith. Hab 2:4
V.3:12. “And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.”
A. The law promises no forgiveness.
1. The law does not rest on faith.
2. The law rests on works. Rom 4:4-5
3. He who does the law, lives by the law. Lev 18:5
4. He who lives by the law is cursed. James 2:10
THE WORK OF CHRIST
V.3:13. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:
for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree”:
A. Christ brought us with a price.
1. The price was his blood.
2. Christ gave His life for the believer.
3. Even though He knew no sin, He became the worst sin for us.
B. On the same day He was executed, His body was buried so the land was not polluted.
1. A criminal was hanged by the tree.
2. He was considered accursed by God. Due 21:22-23
3. The accursed thing was to be moved out of sight.
V.3:14. “That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
A. Two purposes are given for Christ redemptive work.
1. Gentiles might receive the blessing given to Abraham.
2. All who believe receive the promise of the Holy Spirit.
B. Salvation and sanctification comes by faith and not by works.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
This Week's Sunday School Lesson, Obedience and Works Do Not Save, But Jesus", 1/8/2012
The Doctrine Of Salvation
Obedience And Works Do Not Save ; But Jesus
Galatians 2:15-21
V:15. "We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles."
A. Believers have never been under the law, therefore are not subjected to the penalty of
the law. Believers are under Grace.
1. The Jews were under the law. The issue was Jews socializing with Gentiles
who were uncircumcised.
2. Circumcision was a sign of a covenant between God and Israel. It was the promise
of a land given to Abraham and his descendants. (Gen 17:11). Gentiles were not
included in this covenant.
3. There were some Jews who imposed part of the law on the Gentile Christians.
a. They thought it unlawful to socialize with the uncircumcised Gentiles.
B. Paul was dealing with leaders who were having trouble making the transition from
the law to Grace.
1. Peter, the leader of the church socialized with the Gentiles in Antioch until the
other leaders came to the city. Peter then separated himself from the Gentiles.
2. Paul made it known to Peter in front of the other leaders that his attitude of
separation was not in keeping with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. The problem with Peter and the other Jewish leaders was their
training. They had been taught to follow the letter of the Law.
a. It is difficult to let go of your training.
b. It is difficult to be different from those around you.
C. Paul identifies two sets of Christians:
1. "We who are Jews by nature" are those who were born and raised in the promise
land with a true Jewish heritage.
2. The "Sinners of the Gentiles" are the none Jewish Christians.
3. God is no respecter of our heritage, but a respecter of our faith in Jesus Christ.
4. In God's eyes all Christians are the same. No separation is acceptable.
V:16. "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of
Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the
faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh
be justified."
A. Justified= dikaioutai=to render innocent
1. We cannot work our way into heaven.
2. To enter heaven, we must first be rendered innocent of our sins.
a. Our innocent comes only through our faith in Christ Jesus.
b. When we believe in Jesus Christ as our personal Savor, we are immediately
made innocent of our sins.
c. No amount of service will render us innocent.
B. The Law is presented in the first five books of the Old Testament.
1. The Jews were given commands concerning every area of life. Some theologians
claim that there are 613 commands.
2. If you break one of the commands, you are guilty of the whole law. James 2:10
3. The Jews could not keep the Law, yet they wanted non Jews to keep the law.
4. The Law condemns, but does not save. Rom 4:13-15
5. The Law was given to make us aware of our sins. Rom 3:20.
V:17 . "But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found
sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid."
A. If we seek to be justified by Christ, we cannot seek justification by obedience to the
Law.
1. Obedience to the Law for justification would nullify faith which is in Christ.
2. Obedience to the Law for justification would make us the author of our own
salvation.
3. The law was not made for the righteous, but for the sinners. Philippians 3:9
4. If we seek Christ and the Law for justification, we make Christ the minister of
sin.
V:18. "For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor."
Transgressor=papabateen= what I am showing myself to be.
A. If I preach salvation through the Law having confessed faith in Christ, then I become
one who is against Christ.
1. If I show myself to believe that obedience to the Law merits salvation, then I am
against faith in Christ as a means to salvation.
2.The problem here is that acceptance into this new Jewish Christian Church by some
of the leaders, was to be based partially on the law, namely circumcism and then
faith in Christ.
a. Because the Gentiles were of a different race, the Jewish Christians wanted to add
some additional qualifications for salvation.
b. God is no respecter of race.
a. Salvation is through faith in Christ and Christ only.
V:19. "For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God."
A. The law cannot save. The law was not given to save, but to show our sinfulness.
1. Man cannot keep the law.
2. Christ fulfilled all the requirements of the law with His death on the Cross.
Matt 5:17
B. Our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus, therefore we have to be dead to any
thoughts of justification through obedience to the law. John 6:54
C. Two doctrines are indicated here:
1. Relationship.
a. Relationship is based on our faith in Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
b. Belief in Christ is the only requirement for Eternal life. John 3:16
c. Eternal life is secure and can't be lost. Eph 4:30
d. Relationship secures our eternal life. 1Cor 15:22, 15:45
2. Fellowship.
a. "That I might live unto God"
b. Fellowship requires obedience to God's commands.
c. The Jewish system of sacrifices and purification ended when Christ offered
Himself as a perfect and final sacrifice for our sins. Heb 10:10-12
d. Fellowship establishes our quality of life.
e. We live for Christ because of our love for Christ.
f. The evidence of our love for Christ is our obedience to His commands.
John 14:15
G. The fruits of our salvation are obedience and works.
a. These cannot save, but they are the evidence of our love for Christ Jesus.
V:20. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved
me, and gave himself for me."
A. To live a life with Christ, we first must die to ourselves.
1. It is not about us and what we want, but the will of Christ who lives in us.
2. Christ redeemed us from a life of sin. We are therefore owned by Him.
3. We are new creations in Christ Jesus.
4. Christ lives in us through obedience to His Word. John 5:7
B. Two "truths" are indicated here;
1. Experiential Truth:
a. We are saved through Christ Jesus, yet we live in the flesh.
b. We are considered righteous before God because of our relationship with Jesus,
although sin is always present in our members.
c. Before God, any good that we do is not much more than filthy rags. Isa 64:6
2. Positional Truth
a. We are here in the flesh, but we are with Christ in the Throne room in heaven.
John 12:26, John 17:24
b. Before God our sins have been cast as far as the east is from the west. Ps 103:12
c. Before God in Christ Jesus we are cleansed from our sins and are as white as snow.
Isa 1:18.
C. As New Creations in Christ, we live by faith and not by sight. Rom 1:17, Gal 3:11
a. We do not have to know how things will turn out. We just need faith to know that
God will cause things to turn out for our good. Rom 8:28
V:21. "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then
Christ is dead in vain."
A. Frustrate=atheto= set aside, reject
1. Righteousness= dikaiosune= equity of character, justification
2. In vain= dorean=without cause
3. Grace= charis=favour
B. If we claim justification by our own works, we set aside the divine favor of God.
1. If we claim justification by works of law, we set aside the equity of character
God provides for us.
2. If we claim any part of the law, we set aside the Grace of God.
3. God has set us free from the law. What sense does it make to put ourselves back
under the law?
4. Because of the Grace of God, our salvation is secure.
5. Because of the Grace of God, we are not under the penalty of sin.
6. Because of the Grace of God, we are to extend Grace to others.
Obedience And Works Do Not Save ; But Jesus
Galatians 2:15-21
V:15. "We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles."
A. Believers have never been under the law, therefore are not subjected to the penalty of
the law. Believers are under Grace.
1. The Jews were under the law. The issue was Jews socializing with Gentiles
who were uncircumcised.
2. Circumcision was a sign of a covenant between God and Israel. It was the promise
of a land given to Abraham and his descendants. (Gen 17:11). Gentiles were not
included in this covenant.
3. There were some Jews who imposed part of the law on the Gentile Christians.
a. They thought it unlawful to socialize with the uncircumcised Gentiles.
B. Paul was dealing with leaders who were having trouble making the transition from
the law to Grace.
1. Peter, the leader of the church socialized with the Gentiles in Antioch until the
other leaders came to the city. Peter then separated himself from the Gentiles.
2. Paul made it known to Peter in front of the other leaders that his attitude of
separation was not in keeping with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. The problem with Peter and the other Jewish leaders was their
training. They had been taught to follow the letter of the Law.
a. It is difficult to let go of your training.
b. It is difficult to be different from those around you.
C. Paul identifies two sets of Christians:
1. "We who are Jews by nature" are those who were born and raised in the promise
land with a true Jewish heritage.
2. The "Sinners of the Gentiles" are the none Jewish Christians.
3. God is no respecter of our heritage, but a respecter of our faith in Jesus Christ.
4. In God's eyes all Christians are the same. No separation is acceptable.
V:16. "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of
Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the
faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh
be justified."
A. Justified= dikaioutai=to render innocent
1. We cannot work our way into heaven.
2. To enter heaven, we must first be rendered innocent of our sins.
a. Our innocent comes only through our faith in Christ Jesus.
b. When we believe in Jesus Christ as our personal Savor, we are immediately
made innocent of our sins.
c. No amount of service will render us innocent.
B. The Law is presented in the first five books of the Old Testament.
1. The Jews were given commands concerning every area of life. Some theologians
claim that there are 613 commands.
2. If you break one of the commands, you are guilty of the whole law. James 2:10
3. The Jews could not keep the Law, yet they wanted non Jews to keep the law.
4. The Law condemns, but does not save. Rom 4:13-15
5. The Law was given to make us aware of our sins. Rom 3:20.
V:17 . "But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found
sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid."
A. If we seek to be justified by Christ, we cannot seek justification by obedience to the
Law.
1. Obedience to the Law for justification would nullify faith which is in Christ.
2. Obedience to the Law for justification would make us the author of our own
salvation.
3. The law was not made for the righteous, but for the sinners. Philippians 3:9
4. If we seek Christ and the Law for justification, we make Christ the minister of
sin.
V:18. "For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor."
Transgressor=papabateen= what I am showing myself to be.
A. If I preach salvation through the Law having confessed faith in Christ, then I become
one who is against Christ.
1. If I show myself to believe that obedience to the Law merits salvation, then I am
against faith in Christ as a means to salvation.
2.The problem here is that acceptance into this new Jewish Christian Church by some
of the leaders, was to be based partially on the law, namely circumcism and then
faith in Christ.
a. Because the Gentiles were of a different race, the Jewish Christians wanted to add
some additional qualifications for salvation.
b. God is no respecter of race.
a. Salvation is through faith in Christ and Christ only.
V:19. "For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God."
A. The law cannot save. The law was not given to save, but to show our sinfulness.
1. Man cannot keep the law.
2. Christ fulfilled all the requirements of the law with His death on the Cross.
Matt 5:17
B. Our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus, therefore we have to be dead to any
thoughts of justification through obedience to the law. John 6:54
C. Two doctrines are indicated here:
1. Relationship.
a. Relationship is based on our faith in Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
b. Belief in Christ is the only requirement for Eternal life. John 3:16
c. Eternal life is secure and can't be lost. Eph 4:30
d. Relationship secures our eternal life. 1Cor 15:22, 15:45
2. Fellowship.
a. "That I might live unto God"
b. Fellowship requires obedience to God's commands.
c. The Jewish system of sacrifices and purification ended when Christ offered
Himself as a perfect and final sacrifice for our sins. Heb 10:10-12
d. Fellowship establishes our quality of life.
e. We live for Christ because of our love for Christ.
f. The evidence of our love for Christ is our obedience to His commands.
John 14:15
G. The fruits of our salvation are obedience and works.
a. These cannot save, but they are the evidence of our love for Christ Jesus.
V:20. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved
me, and gave himself for me."
A. To live a life with Christ, we first must die to ourselves.
1. It is not about us and what we want, but the will of Christ who lives in us.
2. Christ redeemed us from a life of sin. We are therefore owned by Him.
3. We are new creations in Christ Jesus.
4. Christ lives in us through obedience to His Word. John 5:7
B. Two "truths" are indicated here;
1. Experiential Truth:
a. We are saved through Christ Jesus, yet we live in the flesh.
b. We are considered righteous before God because of our relationship with Jesus,
although sin is always present in our members.
c. Before God, any good that we do is not much more than filthy rags. Isa 64:6
2. Positional Truth
a. We are here in the flesh, but we are with Christ in the Throne room in heaven.
John 12:26, John 17:24
b. Before God our sins have been cast as far as the east is from the west. Ps 103:12
c. Before God in Christ Jesus we are cleansed from our sins and are as white as snow.
Isa 1:18.
C. As New Creations in Christ, we live by faith and not by sight. Rom 1:17, Gal 3:11
a. We do not have to know how things will turn out. We just need faith to know that
God will cause things to turn out for our good. Rom 8:28
V:21. "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then
Christ is dead in vain."
A. Frustrate=atheto= set aside, reject
1. Righteousness= dikaiosune= equity of character, justification
2. In vain= dorean=without cause
3. Grace= charis=favour
B. If we claim justification by our own works, we set aside the divine favor of God.
1. If we claim justification by works of law, we set aside the equity of character
God provides for us.
2. If we claim any part of the law, we set aside the Grace of God.
3. God has set us free from the law. What sense does it make to put ourselves back
under the law?
4. Because of the Grace of God, our salvation is secure.
5. Because of the Grace of God, we are not under the penalty of sin.
6. Because of the Grace of God, we are to extend Grace to others.
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