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TRUE FREEDOM - THE GOSPELFreedom, in America we truly are the freest of all peoples on the earth. We are free because brave men stood up for freedom and set in place a constitution that guaranteed our freedoms. We are free to meet here and worship God. We are free to travel without seeking government approval. We are free from tyranny and innocent until proved guilty. But other nations, even westernized nations do not enjoy many of the freedoms we enjoy in the United States. Yet there are people here in the USA that are not truly free. Oh, sure they enjoy freedom of speech and all that, but yet they find themselves, enslaved. Slaves to something more powerful then any government of men. Not salves in the physical since, but slaves to - sin. But being a slave to sin does not mean that someone is just awful- in all their behaviors. No, it means that they are not free to worship God - because they are ruled not by the Lord of Glory, but the the god of this world. That lord of this world is sin, the devil, and our own fleshly nature that is opposed to all that is God. John 8:36 (Jesus said)...If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. There is a freedom that is beyond the freedoms we enjoy in our nation. A freedom of the soul, yet many people, even religious people- who do not have this freedom. Today as we being a new series of studies in the Epistle to the Galatians we find a book all about freedom. Freedom from things that keep women and men bond. Freedom not just from sin, but from the three “R” of religion... rules, regulations and rituals. The book of Galatians is easy to find, right after 2 Corinthians, we find four smaller epistles - Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. G.E.P.C. There are different acronyms to remember the order. Someone came up with G.E.P.C. General Electric Power Company. Or Go Eat Pop-Corn. Or my favorite, G.E.P.C. “Gentiles Eat Pork Chops.” The book of Galatians was written about 49 AD by the Apostle Paul, who have visited the region several times. Galatia is not a town but an area in modern day Turkey with several towns where Paul had established churches. These churches were comprised mostly of non-Jewish believers, men and women who came from pagan backgrounds and found freedom in Jesus Christ. But there were also Jewish believers in the region, women and men who were once bond by religious “rules, regulations and rituals” and they too found freedom. No matter their background, like us today, when we come to faith in Jesus Christ, we are free not to sin, free not to perform, free from traditions, and free to worship the Lord directly.
With this freedom, came people who didn't like it, the Jewdizers, were people who advocated keeping the Jewish law, and worship of Christ. These guys came and tried to convince the Galatians that you can only worship God if you conform to the rules they emphasized. One rule was Circumcision, the cutting away of flesh, to show you belong. But the Gospel is not about what we do, the Gospel is about what God has done. Rom 2:29 ...Circumcision is circumcision of the heart , by the Spirit, not by the written code. Circumcision, Sabbath days, and festivals, were all pictures of God's plan in Jesus Christ. Circumcision is the cutting away of the flesh as a sign of being set apart for God. For the Christian that work was done on the cross, when Jesus was crucified for sin. All who come to God by Jesus Christ, their hearts are circumcised, through faith. The Sabbath day rest, was made for man, not for man to be ruled by it, so Jesus said “Come to me and I will give you rest.” All who come to Jesus find rest for their souls, that's our Gospel.
Dr. D. J. Kennedy said. "The Gospel is the greatest story ever told, about the greatest offer ever made, by the greatest person who ever lived." So we find the book of Galatians is God's strongest word against legalism. Legalism is religious sounding rules that are imposed to make people right with God. People love to do things religious – to celebrate holy days, to practice rituals, to deny the body, all in an attempt to earn favor with God. Many religious systems mix law and grace and present a garbled, confused way of salvation that actually leads to -- bondage. “Oh its great to receive Jesus but you must keep the Sabbath, or we observe holy days of obligation. Some say, “we are the true church because we have an earthly priesthood.” Or, we have our own bible translation, or wear holy garments, or whatever.” Rules that may appear religious, is what began to catch away the Galatians - and even many people today. So over the next few months we will be considering this wonder book thats about freedom in Christ, its about Grace, and its about living by faith. Col 2:16-18 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ... Paul goes on to say such regulations have an appearance of “wisdom”, but they lack any power in restraining evil thoughts and desires. From that background lets consider part of chapter one. READ THE TEXT GALATIANS 1:1-11 ---TRUE FREEDOM -- THE GOSPEL Three important things I would like you to see today as we consider our freedom that comes from the true Gospel.
Paul had his authority questioned, just like many of us have. See, religious people always question freedom and want to know about authority. They questioned John the Baptist, “By what authority do you baptize people?” They questioned Jesus, “Tell us where do you get your authority?” So the Judizers questioned Paul and what right he had to preach the good news. So Paul begins with this letter with his authority. “Not from any man, not by any man, but by Jesus, and the Father, and recognized by the brothers in Christ.” The call of the Gospel is a private call, sure churches ordain pastors, groups send out missionaries but ordination and licensing are at best men recognizing what God is doing through a person. Ordination is from God, the call to serve is from God, and even today, men and women are called by God into ministry, its not a job one has, but a calling from the Holy Spirit. So Paul establishes the call of the Gospel as he lays out the basics of the Gospel. Four things he brings to heart that keep us focused on what the Gospel is and what it is not. 1. GRACE AND PEACE. Its been said: “That when you understand Grace, you will live in peace.” Rules, Regulations, and Rituals lead to frustration, a system of religion that not only can not save - but can not be lived out completely. Eph 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Grace is God's free gift, it is not something you can earn by cutting away flesh, it is not something you can do by keeping rules. Grace is “unearned, unmerited favor with God.” Or like the old Acronym points out G. R. A. C. E. “God's Riches At Christ's Expense.” The Gospel is about Grace, how God accepts you when you accept his gift. A gift can not be earned, or worked for, a gift can only be received. 2. ATONEMENT. V4. “Who gave himself up for our sins.” Atonement or “propitiation” is the heart of the Gospel. The substitution of Jesus Christ for the wages of sin – death. The Gospel of Grace is about the sacrifice of Jesus in our place. That is what we offer. To those caught up in addictions, we do not offer a 12 step program first. Rather we offer the blood of Christ, then whatever help they need. To those possessed by the love of this world, we offer Jesus, the one who will capture our hearts and affections. To those who are lawbreakers, we do not condemn them with legalism, but offer the grace of the atonement. What about you? Are you bond by habits that you know are sinful? Are you enamored by the world and all that glitters? Are you under the control of you own weaknesses? First recognize that those behaviors are only symptoms of the real issue, sin. Sin separates you from God. So we offer Jesus, by faith in Jesus Christ all who come repentant and receiving God's grace are forgiven. That is the only way to overcome the world, your own flesh or the devil. John Wesley was a powerful evangelist in early America who often rode horseback from one church to another to preach. Once he was stopped by a highwayman who shouted, "Your money or your life." Wesley got down from his horse, emptied his pockets to reveal only a handful of coins. He even invited the robber to search his saddlebags - which only carried his books. In disgust, the thief was turning away when John Wesley cried "Stop, I have something more to give you." Puzzled, the robber turned back. Wesley then leaned towards him and said "My friend, you may live to regret this sort of life in which you are engaged. If you ever do, I beseech you to remember this: ’The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s son, cleanses us from all sin.’" The robber hurried away, but Wesley got back on his horse and prayed that the word might be fixed in that robber’s heart. Years later, at the close of a Sunday evening service, a stranger stepped forward and asked to speak with John Wesley. Wesley recognized him as the robber who had stolen from him years before, but now he was a respected businessman and, a child of God. Raising Wesley’s hand to his lips he affectionately kissed it and said: "To you, dear sir, I owe it all." Wesley replied softly, "Nay, nay, my friend, not to me, but to the precious blood of Christ which cleanses us from all sin." What do you offer? Atonement. 3. (Call of the Gospel) Redemption. “To rescue us from the present evil age.” The principle is that without God, man is evil. Men and women are not naturally good, in the since that we are right with God, but we are naturally far from God, sinners by nature, and sinners by deed. The bible teaches that: “We are not sinners because we sin, rather we sin, because we are sinners.” So all men/ all women need to be redeemed or purchased- from our sinful state. The Gospel is about Jesus Christ who paid the price for sin on the cross, so all who have faith in him, might have eternal life.
4. (Call of the Gospel) The will of God. Some might read the Gospel narratives Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and conclude that the Pharisees and other religious leaders had their way with Jesus. Some might think how awful those Roman's were to crucify the Lord. But the bible says. Isa 53:10 KJV ...”It pleased the LORD to bruise him;” It was the will of God, and the plan of God for Jesus to die on the cross. But it was also the will of God and the plan of God that he might raise to life on the third day. That will of God is also for men and women throughout the ages to turn to God and be saved. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord... is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance . First we see the call of the Gospel. That is what was preached in Galatia, and that is what we preach today in the Carson Valley.
There were those in the first century who abandoned the Gospel and turned rules, to regulations, and rituals. But the Jewish traditions were only a shadow of the reality that is found in Jesus Christ. Look at V7 the results of a perverted Gospel is.
1 Cor 14:33 NKJV For God is not the author of confusion but of peace... Is there confusion in your life? Is there confusion over the will of God? One of the first places to look is to your freedom in Christ. Are you living under religious rules ether self imposed or man made? Or-- do you live at the other end of the spectrum, are you using freedom as an excuse or license to sin? Freedom in Christ, does not lead to legalism nor does it lead to ungodly behavior. Both legalism and indulgences will lead to confusion. 1 John 4:1-3 NLT Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. This is the way to find out if they have the Spirit of God: If a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ became a human being, that person has the Spirit of God. If a prophet does not acknowledge Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist. You have heard that he is going to come into the world, and he is already here. Is Jesus enough? Did he complete his work or do we need like the churches in Galatia to abandon the Gospel of Grace, and embrace rules and rituals? So Paul reminds them, that no matter where they got those false teachings it is not the Gospel. Look at his language, “if we or even an angel give you another gospel, let them be accursed.” In 1 Kings 13 the evil king Jeroboam is about to worship idols, when a a young unnamed prophet came to him with a message from God. He tells him that God s going split the idol's alter and the false prophets bones will be burned on it. But Jeroboam reaches out to grab the prophet and have him arrested, but when he does his arm becomes paralyzed. At that instant the altar splits in two. Well, Jeroboam repents, and asks the prophet to pray for him, when he does the kings hand is restored. Then the king invites this young prophet back to the palace to have a meal and receive a reward. But he looks at the king and say, “no way, God told me to give you the message and return home.” So off he goes but on the way, he runs into an older prophet who asks him to come to his house and enjoy a meal. Once again this young man says, “no, God told me to give the message and split.” But this older prophet say to him, “well, I'm older and God told me to have you come to my house.” But he was lying. Finally, the younger prophet gives in and accompanies the older prophet to his home, when right in the middle of the meal, the old man begins to cry. “What's wrong?” ask the younger prophet. “Your going to die”, said the old man. “Why?” “You shouldn't have listened to me, you should have obeyed the word of the Lord.” “Now when you leave a lion will devour you.” Well sure enough when the young prophet left, a lion came, attacked and killed him.” “Ok, Pastor Rich that's a strange story.” “Why is it in the bible?” “Glad you asked!” Like Paul dealing with people who are abandoning the true Gospel, when you know the word of God, and you listen to other people – even if they seem wise, even if they appear spiritual, even if they are older, or sound intellectual. They may have a title, Apostle, Prophet, or even Angel. If what they tell you is contrary to the reveled Word of God/ and opposed to God's Grace -- do not listen to them. Because if you do, you too will be devoured by a lion. 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith. Be ready, be alert, because the devil has perverted the gospel. Resist him by standing firm in the faith and stand firm on the word of God. First we have seen the call of the Gospel, second the desertion of the Gospel.
When Paul went to Corinth he knew there was only one thing that would bring those people freedom. 1 Cor 2:2-5 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. Today like to the Galatians we have that same focus, Jesus Christ and what he has done. When our focus is on him, we will never focus on man made religion. False teachings will not confuse us, for our faith is not based on anything we do, but on what God has done. Only the Gospel, can make us right with God - and transform us here on earth. In our day and our culture there are several false Gospel's that have permeated our society. There are obviously the cults. A good definition of a cult is: “A group that controls people, that has at its core the teaching of one powerful leader, dead or alive, and an unorthodox - exclusive interpretation of the bible. Here in our town we have our share of these groups. But there is also the false gospel of good deeds. That you can earn your way to God by being a nice person, and doing nice things. Isa 64:6 ... All our righteous acts are like filthy rags... Our good deeds do not bring us to God, rather good deed follow as the fruit of salvation for those who trust in Jesus Christ. Then there is the false gospel of church attendance. My friends this is a destructive heresy that is giving thousands false hope. They believe that their church attendance or affiliation, makes them right with God. Your hope / my hope needs to be in Jesus Christ. I am reminded of the hymn. My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly trust in Jesus' Name. On Christ the solid Rock I stand , All other ground is sinking sand; All other ground is sinking sand. People may come down on you and call you “narrow minded”, or say that your “gospel is too simple.” “Just repent and believe.” But this is our Gospel. When Martin Luther was a Roman Catholic monk, he began reading and studying the bible for himself. As he looked at the indulgences of the middle age Catholic church he saw how the scriptures totally refuted the practices and rituals that the church demanded. It was said that while he was studying this book of Galatians in 1517, suddenly the light went on. When he read chapter 3, and where Paul quotes from Habakkuk, suddenly Luther understood salvation by Grace alone. Gal 3:11 Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous (just) will live by faith." Long ago, God declared that the keeping of rules, was not going to make anyone just, or right before him. But the “Just, the Righteous”, will live by faith. Its not a command, or something you do, rather it is a statement of fact - what you are in Christ. Just / Righteous. The Justified man is a man of faith who denies the cultural pressures to conform and lives for God. A righteous woman is a woman of faith who trusts God over her emotions. A young person who lives the Gospel honors their parents when everyone else is living in rebellion. That is what the Gospel of Grace does. The story is told of a husband who was very demanding toward his wife. He prepared a list of rules and regulations for his wife to follow. He insisted that she read them over every day and obey them to the letter. Among other things, his "do's and don'ts" indicated such details as what time she had to get up in the morning, when his breakfast should be served, and how the housework should be done. After several long years, the husband died. As time passed, the woman fell in love with another man, one who dearly loved her and soon they were married. This man did everything he could to make his new wife happy, continually showering her with tokens of his appreciation. One day as she was cleaning house, she found tucked away in a drawer the list of commands her first husband had given her. As she looked it over, it dawned on her that even though her present husband hadn't given her any kind of list, she was doing most everything her first husband's list required anyway. She realized she was so devoted to this man that her deepest desire was to please him out of love, not obligation. That's the heart of the Gospel. Rom 8:1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. PRAY, INVITE, BENEDICTION, SING. |
(C) High Sierra Fellowship 2008 |
