Devotion: "Life is a VAPOR"

Life is a lot of things, but today,  I would like to briefly share that life is a vapor.  This truth is found in the Bible: "You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14).

Sadly, I lost a cycling friend Sunday.  While we never met in person, he wrote me after every ride (3 times a week for over 2 years) with words of encouragement. I was devastated to find out Monday that he had been hit by a car and died at the scene. This isn't the first time someone I knew online died while cycling.  Yet, I will continue to cycle my average 65-70 miles a week (thankfully I'm not on roads most of my rides as I live near the Silver Comet Trail with no cars), knowing that this activity, or any for that matter, could be my last.

Over the years I have known many who like a vapor appeared for a little time. Yet, not one of them knew that that day would be their last and their life would vanish away.  Even a "long life" is little time in light of eternity.

I cried and have had much grief over my cycling friend's death this past Sunday. One because I never thought this would not happen to him as he was a very experienced cyclist (I felt like I knew him personally), but mostly my grief is that I am not sure of his spiritual state and it just hurts so much.  I have all kinds of questions running through my head.  Did I show him Jesus? And even more, did I not seize opportunities to share Jesus with him?  This isn't the first time I have battled these questions as people around me or cyber friends pass away suddenly.  While we don't want to live in guilt (that doesn't accomplish anything), I do think a good question to ask ourselves is, "Am I sharing Jesus as often and unashamedly as He would have me do? Or do I keep my mouth shut because I don't want to offend anyone even when God has placed an opportunity to share Jesus with someone?

Now, onto my next thought, are YOU absolutely sure that you are ready to meet Jesus?  Through

a myriad of circumstances (and the fact our days are numbered) your life could end soon, maybe even today!   ARE YOU READY?  You just never know and you don't get a second chance after death to make things right - what a sobering thought!  As Hebrews 9:27 states: "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment."

Closing words from Psalm 39:4-7 "Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my day are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. 5 My life is no longer the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you human existence i but a breath. 6 We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth for someone else to spend. 7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.  

I have no desire to scare you into becoming a Christian.  The Lord has to touch your heart, and you then need to repent of your sin and guilt before an almighty God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

As a believer in Christ, you no longer fear death, but you live for Him knowing your days are numbered and you have a God given purpose on this earth in your allotted days on earth. My prayer for you and me is that we will "finish this race" (II Tim 4:7) and hear the words of our Lord say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant" (Matt. 25:21).

Is there some one you have delayed talking to about Jesus? 
Please don't delay any longer! 

Maybe you don't personally know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and the Lord is speaking to you today, don't resist His love drawing you to Himself (Almighty God and Savior Jesus Christ).

Please feel free to forward this to others. 
Actually, please do forward it. 

Thank you.

Jim Mazzulla

biblefood@gmail.com
www.biblefood.org

"The Sad Truth of Biblical Illiteracy Among Us"

These [Berean's] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind [all eagerness], and searched [examining] the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.  - Acts 17:11

Daniel Wallace states: "…The intentional dumbing down of the church for the sake of filling more pews will ultimately lead to defection from Christ (2006:337).

Allistair Begg states: "People do not know their Bibles. In an earlier generation the average 13-year-old or 14-year-old certainly in Scotland would have a far greater grasp of biblical parameters of truth than the average graduate from an American seminary today".

Al Mohler:  The many fronts of Christian compromise in this generation can be directly traced to biblical illiteracy in the pews and the absence of biblical preaching and teaching in our homes and churches.

C.H. Spurgeon: If you wish to know God you must know his word; if you wish to perceive his power you must see how he worketh by his word; if you wish to know his purpose before it is actually brought to pass you can only discover it by his word. 1607.377

Have you ever said or heard people say the Bible says, “God helps those who help themselves,”. Really give me chapter and verse, it's not in the Bible!  When asked 82 percent of Americans, said it was a Bible verse. Sadly, those who those identified themselves as born-again Christians did better–by one percent.  [83% - Sad]

That was my introduction. 

Today I was inspired and felt grieved enough to write on the subject of "Biblical Illiteracy." The final straw, so to speak, was reading some responses to someone's Bible questions to a Christian group on Facebook.  In many ways this group thinks they are so "on the mark" of Christianity.  I was saddened as most of their answers to the Bible questions were general, philosophical, and relational, but not Biblical.  

 Spurgeon said it so well: "Men talk about building upon Christ, and not upon the Scriptures; but they know not what they say; for our Lord continually established his own claims by appealing to Moses and the prophets. They would be Christo-centric, they say: I only wish they would. But if they take Christ for a centre, they will inevitably have the Scriptures for a centre too; and these men neither want the one nor the other. 2212.364

As I talk about "Biblical illiteracy," I am not talking about having to memorize the entire Bible, though memorizing is a very good and profitable.  I am also not talking about us all being Biblical scholars, although the Bible does say, "…be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:– I Peter 3:15.

I'm a pastor-teacher with a humble intelligence, so everything doesn't come easy for me, I have to study a lot, and I still forget things; but I don't use that as an excuse for being Biblically ignorant (illiterate).  You or I may not be able to rattle off scriptures on every subject, but how about an overall understanding of the Bible and the doctrines (what the Bible teaches). 

I really cringe at the answers you get in the "church" and "born-again" crowd when you ask, "how do you know you are saved or are a child of God?"  Especially, of the younger generations, usually they hem and haw and give some really weak answer.  I don't want to give them the nth degree (well I sort of do), but most don't have a clue what "salvation" is!!!  If they are saved, and some may be, it is in spite of their ignorance.  It is still scary, sad, and sickening how few really understand God, salvation, and THE BIBLE! 

I personally say I was saved June 21, 1975, because that was when I gave my life to the Lord, though I didn't really "understand" Biblically what was happening to me. I simply (and amazingly) believed in Jesus as my Savior and Lord.  Immediately following I was so hungry to learn more about Jesus, so I turned to the Bible and read, and read, and read. Also, the Lord provided a very knowledgeable Christian brother (at a distance, and this was before e-mails existed).  I would write questions and wait for his answers, which were always full of scriptures.  I still have many of those letters 35 years later, and I thank God for putting this Christian Bible literate man in my path.  Then, in more recent years in the 1990's I met a very Bible literate brother/minister that I can always throw questions to, on top of my own studying for answers, and not as a replacement for my own studying, "…to see if these things be so"  Acts 17:11 

While there is a famine of God's Word out there, there is hope for anyone to grow in the Lord.  If you really want to learn the things of God, in addition to your own study time in the Bible, there are spiritual Bible literate people to help (you may have to search and pray to find them).     

This is a little bit of my heart on a big and serious problem in the church of the 21^st Century.

Below are some passages for you and me to ponder, meditate, study, memorize, think on, and let God use to change our lives and help us to value God's Word to the utmost!

Study [be diligent] to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing [handling accurately] the word of truth.  - 2 Timothy 2:15

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.   - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Thanks for listening, and may you grow in the Lord as you build on the solid foundation of God's Word (the Bible).

If you want to know more or join us, please call me at 704-456-8771 or email me at: jim@goproclaim.com or biblefood@gmail.com

Lord bless you all as you seek to serve God for His glory alone :-)

Jim

Spiritual leprosy of all sinners!

My apologies for not keeping current on these devotions, 

I have other blogs, and also tweet some inspirational and life stuff.

My other blog you may be interested in is:  http://blessedtobeachristian.wordpress.com

and my BibleFood tweets are found at:

https://twitter.com/jimmazzulla

 

This blog will continue too - :-)

 

Today's devotion is written by Charles H. Spurgeon in the 1800's.
It is taken from "The Morning and Evening Devotional"  http://www.ccel.org/ccel/spurgeon/morneve.toc.html 

(Entire year of devotions is online for morning and evening of every day - FREE)

 

Spiritual Leprosy of All Sinners! 

 

“Behold, if the leprosy have covered all his flesh, 

he shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague". Leviticus 13:13

Strange enough this regulation appears, yet there was wisdom in it, for the throwing out of the disease proved that the constitution was sound. This morning [today] it may be well for us to see the typical teaching of so singular a rule. We, too, are lepers, and may read the law of the leper as applicable to ourselves. When a man sees himself to be altogether lost and ruined, covered all over with the defilement of sin, and no part free from pollution; when he disclaims all righteousness of his own, and pleads guilty before the Lord, then is he clean through the blood of Jesus, and the grace of God. Hidden, unfelt, unconfessed iniquity is the true leprosy, but when sin is seen and felt it has received its death blow, and the Lord looks with eyes of mercy upon the soul afflicted with it. Nothing is more deadly than self-righteousness, or more hopeful than contrition. We must confess that we are “nothing else but sin,” for no confession short of this will be the whole truth, and if the Holy Spirit be at work with us, convincing us of sin, there will be no difficulty about making such an acknowledgment—it will spring spontaneously from our lips. What comfort does the text afford to those under a deep sense of sin! Sin mourned and confessed, however black and foul, shall never shut a man out from the Lord Jesus. Whosoever cometh unto him, he will in no wise cast out. Though dishonest as the thief, though unchaste as the woman who was a sinner, though fierce as Saul of Tarsus, though cruel as Manasseh, though rebellious as the prodigal, the great heart of love will look upon the man who feels himself to have no soundness in him, and will pronounce him clean, when he trusts in Jesus crucified. Come to him, then, poor heavy-laden sinner,

Come needy, come guilty, come loathsome and bare; You can't come too filthy—come just as you are. My email: Jim (biblefood@gmail.com)  Website: http://www.biblefood.org/

“ONCE SLAVES, BUT NOW SONS” Freedom Series - Galatians 4:1-7

We made it! We are in chapter 4 (part 20) and I plan to do a study every two weeks during the summer, then in the fall we will go back to a weekly study and do so until we finish Galatians. - Jim

1 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements (basic principles- comparable to learning your ABC’s) of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Verses 1-3 cover man’s condition under the law (SLAVES)

1 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child (Gk. Nepios – child, infant or immature one), does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all.

It is important to learn our ABC’s (by the Law), but the man who sits in the library and cites the ABC’s instead of reading the great literature that surrounds him, is showing how immature and ignorant he is – this is NOT a God thing!

2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.

Even though promised one day to be sons, as long as we were under the LAW BEFORE CHRIST came we were under guardians, tutors of the law and were in BONDAGE, but when Christ came we are free from bondage of the law and now are heirs (sons – by Adoption)

3 Even so we (or “so also in our case”), when we were children, were in bondage under the elements (basic principles- comparable to learning your ABC’s) of the world.

This was like going from childhood (under the Law) to adulthood (growing in Christ) THEN BACK to childhood /immaturity – legalistic bondage.

It is never God’s will that we go backward!

Verses 4-7 cover man’s condition in Christ (SONS - which is far better)

4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son (shows preexistence of Christ), born of a woman (Jesus in his humanity), born under the law (a Jew),

(vs 4) "fullness of time came" – This refers to that time when the world was providentially ready for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ (approx. 2000 years ago). The entrance of Jesus into the physical realm was not a random thing occurring at a haphazard time.

5 to redeem (to set free by paying a price) those who were under the law that we might receive the adoption as sons (Gk. Huios).

Note: The Greek word for a child or infant (Gk. Nepios v. 1) is different than son or adult son (Gk. Huios).

Jesus redeemed us (PAID THE PRICE TO SET US FREE), not to makes us slaves but SONS!

6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, Abba, Father!”

ABBA (in an Aramaic word) was equivalent to our calling our father “Daddy” or “PAPA” – this is when the relationship is special.

(Example: When my grandchildren (regardless of age) call me PAPA, those are the most beautiful words they can say).

So, as SONS, God looks for the day when we can call him Dad, Daddy, Papa. For one to address their father with the word “ABBA” is not so much associated with infancy (baby talk) as it is with INTIMACY.

It was used by Jesus – Mark 14:36 and as a proof of God’s Spirit in our life (also see Romans 8:14-16). These words “Abba” (daddy, papa) are the instinctive cries of a heart that has been touched by the Holy Spirit. It is the unique cry of a heart of a son of God (believers).

7 Therefore you are no longer a slave (under the Law) but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (See Romans 8:17)

You are given the right to your inheritance once you go from child to adult.

When you think of it, what a tragedy to be bound by the law AND sin (again AFTER being saved). To be set free in Christ (Salvation/Grace), and thus, to move onto to maturity, only to have the Judaizers lead you back to under Law/legalism instead of growing in the GRACE and in the KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST.

Legalism is NEVER a step toward MATURITY but backwards.

In Closing:
Praise be to God; no longer is your relationship to God determined by your race, rank, or role. No longer are you shut up in the prison house of sin. No longer are you under the curse of the law. We are sons of God by faith in Jesus Christ.

AMEN!

You Are All One In Christ Jesus - Gal. 3:26-29

REVIEW:
We can't preach the message of grace until we've preached the standards of God because grace means nothing until people understand that they've broken the law, and have NO hope of keeping it (100 % guilty before God).

The day that you fell on your knees before Jesus Christ and received Him as Savior, the law had done its work. You saw your sin, you came to Christ.

In a nutshell, these verses plainly explain:
1. The purpose of the Law (convict us).
2. The ONLY way to Christ (faith).

Today’s lesson:
Galatians 3:26-29
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor
female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

26 For you are all sons (Gk. Huios – Someone of full age) of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Sadly, some translate this “children” instead of “sons.” The better translation is definitely “sons.” We are now sons (maturing, full-aged sons) and no longer needing a “tutor” (the law), but able to come to Jesus. We have gone from child/infant to a full-aged son.

Note: The Greek word for a child or infant (Gk. Nepios) is different than son (Gk. Huios). Who is he addressing here? Then he qualifies who it is (those sons of God)“…through faith in Christ Jesus.” This verse, these words are only meant for the believer (one who puts faith in Christ). This verse is NOT to be taken out of its context (as some have done) and teach Universal Sonship. Those ONLY are “…sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”

ALL that are sons, are sons THROUGH FAITH (not works, laws, etc.) in Christ Jesus. Shortly, in v. 28, we will see that there are no distinctions.

27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

There are many ways baptism might and has been interpreted. But to stay in the flow of what the Holy Spirit is saying through Paul, I believe this is talking about our receiving salvation at the new birth (baptized into the body of Christ (i.e, placed). Greek Scholar Kenneth Wuest states: “The reference cannot be to water baptism, for that never put a believing sinner in Christ.” Also, it says in I Cor. 11:12 - For by one Spirit (Holy Spirit) we (believers) were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

We are baptized (immersed) into the Body of Christ. This happens at salvation (before we have even had a chance to be water baptized (which we are commanded to do AFTER salvation). We don’t come out covered in water, but covered and washed by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ).



We have “PUT ON” Christ. We have changed from spiritually filthy garments (Isa. 64:6) and put on new garments (we’re clean). We HAVE “put on Christ” and are new creations (II Cor. 5:17, 21 also see Eph. 4:24 & Eph. 6:14).

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Part of a good prayer for a Religious Jew went like this:
“I thank thee, God, that I am a Jew, not a Gentile, a man, not a woman; and a freeman, and not a slave.”

All three of those things are addressed in this passage.
1. RACIAL PREJUDICE
2. SOCIAL STANDING
3. SEXUAL DISTINCTION

Verse 28 spells out the implications of being in Christ.

As far as our standing before God is concerned, all human distinctions are done away with in Christ. This frees the Christian from seeking a superior spiritual status by striving to change his social, economic, ethnic, or sexual status. In Christ, human distinctions of man’s worth are abolished, thus, giving all Christians equality before God.

“…FOR YOU ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS.” Amen!!!

NOTE:
While looking down upon a woman is wrong, Woman’s lib is wrong, too. Most women at some point in their life were treated disrespectfully by a man (anywhere from infancy to death). Yes, there are a lot of men who are jerks, BUT that does not eradicate God’s roles for a man or a woman. Male and female, husband and wife and their distinct roles are not bad. God made them (male and female, husband and wife) so BEFORE sin entered the world. So don’t say you have been cursed with being a certain sex, or in being married. Those distinctions are of God and good. Sin is the thing that has messed up our roles as male/female and husband/wife.

This is also true in your ethnic background accept it – don’t fight it. This is also true in social realm, too; you need to accept where you are and that you may never be up there with the “Jones” socially. Who cares, accept where you are and let God bless you there.

29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

IF one belongs to Christ I (that comes first) THEN one is Abraham’s seed.

If we’re all ONE IN CHRIST, then we, regardless of race, social standing, or sexuality are Abraham’s Seed. What did v. 16 say, but that Christ is Abraham’s seed, now that we are IN CHRIST, we too are by Christ, Abraham’s seed, and thus “…heirs according to the promise.” PTL!

As we are in Christ, the promise is ours. We become heirs of all the promises of God when we are in Christ. This, friends, is according to faith, not law or works.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father lead us into all truth, thy Word is truth. If in any area of our lives and beliefs (and traditions) we have been lead astray from your Holy Word (Bible), we ask that you would open our hearts and eyes to see the glorious Good News of Jesus Christ and to obey those wonderful truths. We pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen!

That brings this week’s teaching to a close. During the summer we will do a lesson every other week.

I look forward to taking you further on this Journey of Faith. I hope you have allowed the law to serve its purpose of showing you your guilt, and driving you to faith in Jesus Christ.

"Purpose of the Law" Freedom Series Galatians 3:19-21

19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.

We have learned in the past lesson that our spiritual inheritance is not based on our performance. Our spiritual inheritance is based on God’s promise.

This week’s question:
What purpose does the Law serve, if Christianity is all by promise and faith!!!

I would have to say I went many, many years NOT understanding what the answer to that question was. Here in today's passage we have the answer to that question :-)

Let's take a look at today's passage:

19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed (Christ) should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator (Moses).

What purpose then does the law serve? In this passage that is THE BIG QUESTION!
"...It was added because of transgressions..." The Law is to make transgression known.

Why the law?
1. It was added because of transgressions. See Romans 5:20 which says, “the law was added so that the trespass might increase.” The law brings sin to light in our lives with an overwhelming sense of damnation and wrath. You see the law was not designed to lead us in another way, but to point us back to Christ as the only way.

The problem is not the law, but our sinful disobedience that the law brings to light and further exasperates in order to show us how hopeless we are apart from the interposition of divine grace. God always intended to save by grace apart from law. God gave the law in order that it would condemn all, and thus, prepare negatively for redemption on the basis of faith. The law was not given to make alive – Galatians 3:21. The law entered, then, that it might fail. It has by the great mercy of God directed us back toward salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone.

2. The law was added until the seed had come. The law had temporary parameters and limited duration. "...until the Seed (Christ) should come TO WHOM the PROMISE was made..."

The law was only meant to last “until the Seed” (Jesus) had come.

It was not forever to rule us, as the promise was to forever to bless us."

3. The law was not on the same par as the covenant of promise because it was handed down by angels (Acts 7:38, 53 and Hebrews 2:2) with a man (Moses) acting as a go between.

“it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator (Moses).”

John 1:17 “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

The purpose of the Law of Moses was not to justify humankind in God's eyes (2:16). Rather, the law was added after God's promise to Abraham (v. 16, 17) to clarify the issue of sin until Christ the Seed (v. 16) came.

The law was NEVER intended to stop sin in the world or to save you.

But what the law did do was show man his desperate need for God’s grace and a Savior.

It is not enough that something is free—it must also be NECESSARY.

When I see a sale in a store or an ad, it may be a real bargain, but I pass up the purchase because it serves no real usefulness and I don’t see the NEED! The fact that the gift of salvation in Christ is free is not enough to compel men to accept it. Men must first be convinced/convicted by the Holy Spirit of their need of salvation before grace is recognized as a desirable solution.

The Law was given to bring men to the point of recognizing their NEED for grace.

20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.
He (God) alone can apply that plan in accordance with the terms He established – promise, faith, and grace rather than law, works, and ceremonies.

21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! (Gk - me genoito) For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. (See Galatians 2:21)

You can almost hear the Judaizers shouting at Paul, "Is the law then against the promise of God?"

Is the law therefore against the promises of God? Paul’s answer is absolutely not. “Absolutely not” in the Greek is me genoito – it conveys horror and shock at the very concept under consideration. The thought that God’s law and promises are contrary to one another is UNTHINKABLE to Paul. The REAL ISSUE is that the law by nature was NEVER to save.

Example: The law is like a mirror that helps us see our "dirty faces." James 1:21-25. But you do not wash your face with the mirror. The mirror (the law) doesn’t take the dirt away, it just lets you see you are dirty!

The Law’s purpose was to demonstrate that man is unable to please God by his own works. The Law showed us how imperfect we really are.
The Law leads us to the conclusion that we can never make it on our own.

We eventually see that we need Jesus more than anything.

The law was not designed by God to give eternal life and righteousness. Rather, the law showed humanity's need for the promise of life through faith in Jesus Christ (v. 9; 2:16), having confined all people under their sin (see Rom. 3:23; 6:23).

Closing thoughts:
If a law could have been given that “could impart life,” then Jesus need not have gone to the cross. If law could impart life, then righteousness would have come through law. But, no law could impart life. No law could pay the price of our sin. All the law could do was EXPOSE our sin.

When we finally see ourselves trapped in sin, it is then we can put our trust in God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ ALONE!

CONCLUSION:

1. You can never fully appreciate the blessings of God’s grace and mercy until you see yourself against the backdrop of the law.

2. When we see how much the law had enslaved us; we appreciate how fully God’s grace has delivered us.

3. When we see how completely the law had condemned us, we appreciate how freely we’ve been forgiven (through Jesus ONLY).

4. When we see how trapped we were under the law, we appreciate how free we are under God’s grace.

Praise God on June 21, 1975 – I saw my desperate state and need for a Savior – And His name is Jesus Christ.

The law is to reveal sin and cause men to see their need of a savior. Its purpose is not to try to achieve salvation by keeping the law "all under sin." Galatians 3:22.

The law imposes a curse on everyone who does not obey it perfectly, which is to say, everyone. Everyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who has been declared righteous before God (Jew or Gentile) has come into this relationship through faith in Jesus Christ and not by observing the law.

Question: Have you believed (complete trust and abandonment) on the Lord Jesus Christ?

I also pray that if you have lived a legalistic, works kind of contact with God,
that the Lord will set you free to live a faith-filled, loving relationship with God through our living Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!!!

THIS CONCLUDES THIS WEEK’S TEACHING.

I look forward to questions, comments, and testimonies from you.

“Who are the SONS OF ABRAHAM?”

Galatians 3:6-9
6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

In our last teaching covering Galatians 3:1-5 we saw that Paul made it very, very clear to the Galatian believers that they were saved not by the “works of the law, or by the hearing of faith.” Now, he takes it a step further and shows that the way of faith has always been God’s way, EVEN in the Old Testament. To prove this is so, he uses the most respected Jew in the Old Testament – Abraham.

Abraham believed in the Christ who was to come, just as we trust in the One who has already come.

Note: Paul references Abraham 8 times in chapter 3 and once in chapter 4. Understanding of Abraham is key to understanding righteousness by FAITH alone (not of works). The spiritually blind Jews of that day had never expected “Father Abraham” would be used as an example of salvation by Faith alone (not of works). Surprise, Surprise!!!

Verse 6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted (credited, or declared) to him for righteousness."

Believing in God resulted in Abraham being credited righteous.

Paul uses the truth that Abraham was declared righteous by “faith alone” in contrast to the Jewish (Rabbinic) belief that God blessed Abraham because of his meritorious deeds (a tradition of man).

In verse 6 Paul is quoting from Gen. 15:6 – “ And he [Abraham] believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” *before being circumcised*

Abraham “believed GOD” and it (his believing) was counted righteous, JUST LIKE the Galatians (gentiles), who through faith, not by doing deeds/works, were also made righteous.

Isn’t it amazing how clear things are in the Bible when our eyes are opened!

Note: There may be some repetition here, but I believe this is a truth we can’t spiritually afford to miss. I hope you’re getting it! Sadly, most “Christians” today have a works based relationship with God.

Verse 7 Therefore (consequently) know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.

Only by FAITH is it possible to be “sons of Abraham.” The Jews didn’t like that!!! Paul’s words were a stinging rebuke to the false teaching of these Judaizers. Decent by bloodline does NOT create sons of Abraham in the sight of God. The thought that you could be of the flesh, from the lineage of Abraham (Jewish) and NOT be true “sons of Abraham,” and thus, have salvation from the Lord, was not what they wanted to hear or had been taught.

Even Jesus told the Jewish leaders who were against Him, “…You are of your father the devil…” (John 8:44)

What a shocker! You have to understand the Jewish people were very proud of their relationship with Abraham. The trouble is they thought their blood relationship to Abraham guaranteed them salvation.

NOTE: Do we not see this same problem today? People think if they are brought up in a Christian home that they are automatically Christian. In the Northeastern United States where I grew up, if you asked someone if they are a Christian, they usually say “I’m Catholic” and that comes to most by being born into it; or here in the south where I live now, the most common thing you will hear is “I’m Baptist” or some other denomination. *This is not a bash against Catholics, Baptist, etc. – My closest friends come from a variety of churches. But that wasn’t the question!!! I asked if they are Christian!!! Christians are not born that way and you aren’t Christian just because you go to a church. ALL Christians at some point yielded their lives to Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. It has well been said, “God has NO grandchildren.”

Then verse 8:
Verse 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed."

God did and continues to justify all who come to Him by FAITH ALONE.
You could be a “Gentile” (non-Jewish) and by FAITH be “sons of Abraham.” Thus, the Lord said to Abraham, "In you all the nations shall be blessed."
(See Genesis 12:3)

Verse 9 So then, those who are of faith [including Gentiles]are blessed with believing Abraham.

The believing (of faith) Gentile is as equally blessed as the (of faith) believing Jew.

By “Belief in God” – Meaning those who have entered into a real relationship with God as master of their lives, not just head knowledge (mental-assent) that we see so common today.

For more on this topic (Abraham and faith) in the holy scriptures, please read all of Romans 4. As some have put it, Romans 4 is the best commentary on Galatians 3.

Question: Are you among the true “Sons of Abraham”?

You are if you have believed (complete trust and abandonment) on the Lord Jesus Christ.

I also pray that if you have lived a legalistic, works kind of contact with God,
that the Lord will set you free to live a faith-filled, loving relationship with God through our living Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!!!

THIS CONCLUDES THIS WEEK’S TEACHING.

I look forward to questions, comments, and testimonies from you.

Galatians - Freedom series – “Freedom Fighter" Gal. 2:1-10

Breakdown of materials in Galatians:
Chapters 1 & 2: Paul tells of his own experience.
Chapters 3 & 4: Doctrinal position of the Gospel of Grace.
Chapters 5 & 6: Application of the Gospel of Grace.

As we go into Galatians 2:1-10 I encourage you to read Acts 15:1-35, as they are sharing the same time period and should add to your understanding of this Galatians study.

We can call Paul a “Freedom Fighter” as he was not going to allow false teaching (Judaizers – A mixture of law and grace for salvation) to come into Galatia. Paul would fight to keep this gospel from being corrupted by legalism.

Defending the Gospel
Verse 1 - Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me.

Jerusalem was “like” the headquarters (Bible Belt) of Christianity. Paul was led to speak to the Christian leadership there, but needed to be careful not to say too little and seem to be abandoning his principle beliefs, and not to say too much and seem to be at variance with the leadership there.

God's timing is best – How would you handle it if God kept you some place (or from some place) for 14 years while you’re wanting to go – All in His timing!

Barnabas [name means “son of encouragement] was one of Paul’s closest friends (see Acts 9:26-28).

In Acts 13:1-Acts 14:28, after his return from Arabia to public preaching, who did he look for but his friend Barnabas! We see Barnabas accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey – they were a team!

THOUGHT: Don’t we all need “Barnabas – Encouragers” in our life!
Maybe you also need to be a Barnabas/Encourager to someone else!

Brief thought on Titus: Titus was a Gentile believer. Apparently, he came to Christ through Paul’s ministry. (See Titus 1:4)

Verse 2 - And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.

Paul went by the Spirit's leading to Jerusalem and got together with the Christian spiritual leaders there to clarify the issue of, whether Jew or Gentile, salvation is by Christ alone and that salvation does not require a Gentile believer to be circumcised. Now all believers are on the same page – Salvation comes through the grace of God!

Verse 3 - Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.

It’s quite possible Paul took Titus to Jerusalem to show the fruit of an uncircumcised Gentile believer. Since salvation was not by any works, he did NOT need to be circumcised.

Verse 4 - And this occurred because of false brethren [fakes - in this case Judaizers, not Christian at all] secretly brought in [crept in, a gradual infilteration] to spy out [with a critical and hostile intent] our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage,

This is the typical pattern of false brothers.
False Brethren --> Secret Spy --> Take away liberty --> Result: Bondage

We have these in almost all churches today. They may act like a Christian, but inwardly their motive is to infilterate and destroy our gospel-given FREEDOM! Be on the alert for them!

Those who try to add any works (circumcision/law) to salvation are ultimately taking away our liberty/freedom we have in Christ and bringing us into bondage!

THOUGHT: Has the peace and joy in your Christian walk disappeared and been replaced by a peaceless/joyless “have to do” works orientated salvation? Check to make sure you didn’t allow some false teaching into your life. This may be the first time you have recognized it!

Verse 5 - to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Any wavering here and the gospel of grace would have been hurt or gone.
Basically, he didn’t allow false teaching for even an hour [not for anytime].

THOUGHT: Do we see a works salvation being preached around us? If we do, we shouldn’t put up with it for a second!

Note: We are NOT talking about FRUIT that will follow a true conversion

Verse 6 - But from those who seemed to be something [James, Peter and John] - whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man - for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me.

The wording here seems strong, but Paul was not meaning disrespect for Jerusalem church leaders, but taking them off their “superstar”status [still a problem today], clearly stating God doesn’t have any favorites. Paul had the truth (just like them). They were leaders in the Church [Jerusalem] but they didn’t change Paul or his message. The gospel of truth is the same everywhere!

THOUGHT: I see this “superstar” image among many ministers. We need to get past that and respect their gifting from God, but still see them as people just like you and me.

Verse 7 - But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised [Gentiles] had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised [Jews] was to Peter.

All this is indicating a calling to a certain group of people. Peter, by God’s direction, was primarily called to preach Jesus Christ to the Jews; whereas, Paul was called primarily to the Gentiles.

Verse 8 - (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles),

THOUGHT: All people need to hear the same gospel message, but we may feel led/inclined to reach out specifically to a certain group with that message.

Examples: Inner city, drug addicts, bikers, or any other people group you can think of.

Verse 9 - and when James, Cephas, and John [all ministering to the Jews],who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship (Gk. Koinonias – carries with it the idea of partnership, being in this together), that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

If you get the “left hand of fellowship” that’s not good. The “right hand of fellowship” is good. That meant they were working together (partnering) for the goal of the evangelizing of all people. Thus, the Christian leadership in Jerusalem gave their approval to Paul’s ministering Jesus Christ to the Gentiles without the requirement of circumcision or keeping the Jewish law.

NOTE: I’m sure the enemies' dream was to divide the church, but praise be to God they all agreed on the One Gospel message for all people!

Verse 10 - They desired only that we should remember the poor [specifically in Jerusalem], the very thing which I also was eager to do.

They did ask that Paul remember the poor, meaning more specifically the poor in Jerusalem, which was obviously no problem since that was already in the heart of Paul.
(See Romans 15:25-33; I Cor. 16:1-4 and II Cor. 8:9)

THOUGHT: Are you remembering the poor?

Concluding thought:
Please let this letter speak to you and free you from any man-made bondages!

Next week we’ll continue with verse 11.

Please pass this on to others – Thank you!

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Galatians - Freedom series – “Paul comes out of hiding - briefly” Gal. 1:18-24

Introduction to today’s teaching:
Paul is laying down a lot of foundation before he blasts them with the message of GRACE.
Remember that a good foundation is ALWAYS a necessity to build upon.


Verse 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see [Gk. Historesai - to get aquainted, visit with - This is the ONLY time it is used in the New Testament] Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.

Verse 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother.

“Then after three years…”
span >– Paul was prepared by the Lord for what was ahead of him, and it wasn’t an easy road! Finally, three years after his conversion, Paul goes to Jerusalem for the first time since his conversion and met with only one of the original Apostles (Peter) for 15 days (that was a short visit after 3 years in the desert). Somewhere along the way he met James (not one of the original 12 Apostles), the actual flesh and blood brother of Jesus . In the gospel, we see that Jesus’ family thought he was crazy and did NOT believe in him (Mark 3:19-21, 31 and John 7:5). This James is not one of the original Apostles, but the actual brother of Jesus named James the Just (as he was called). He also became a leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15) AND also the writer of James.

Again, Paul is showing he was not influenced by anyone in the Christian circles – three years in the desert, then just 15 days with Peter and a brief encounter with James the Just. Otherwise, he met with none of the “big names” of the early church. As Kenneth Wuest says of this passage, “The strength of Paul’s language is explained by the insidious falsehoods of the Judaizers regarding his supposed dependence upon the twelve. .. He denies this charge most vehemently.”

It comes down to this ---> Paul + God (as his teacher) = Gospel of Grace!!!

Verse 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)

As he has already stated, so he states again “…BEFORE GOD, I do not LIE.”
In this case, I like how the Amplified Bible reads: 20 Now [note carefully what I am telling you, for it is the truth], I write this as if I were standing before the bar of God; I do not lie.

In this case, I like how the Kenneth Wuest translates this verse as: “But the things which I am writing to you, behold, before the face of God, I am not lying.” We can deem that being called a liar (by the Judaizers) was not something Paul wanted the Galatians falling for.

Note: It is quite an interesting experience to be trying to tell people the true gospel when they are being swayed to believe a lie by deceivers who are saying you are lying!

APPLICATION FOR YOU: How important is our integrity in what we say?

Verse 21 Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.

From Jerusalem, you would go through Syria first to get to Cilicia.

Interesting facts about Cilicia:
Paul, known as Saul prior to conversion, was from Cilicia.

"But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia (modern day Turkey) …" - Acts 21:39 (Also see Acts 22:3)

Among the men of Cilicia who martyred Stephen was Saul (later called Paul), a man with a murderous hatred toward Christians (Acts 7:58) and yet a man who, after his conversion, became one of the greatest Christians that the world will ever know.

Verse 22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ.

Still at this point Paul was “unknown by face” to the Christians in Judea.

Verse 23 But they were hearing only, "He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith [refers to the Message of Christ] which he once tried to destroy."

Can you even imagine them getting this report! People coming to Judea and saying, “Hey, guys, you’re not going to believe this, but Saul who we all know was adamant about destroying Christians, who then just disappeared for a few years, well he’s back and he’s now preaching Christ!!!” Can you imagine getting that report!

APPLICATION FOR YOU: Picture the biggest Christ hater you know, and then you don’t hear anything of him, and all the sudden he resurfaces and he’s a preacher now. Do have an acquaintance like that? Don’t give up on that person - he is still reachable!!!

Verse 24 And they glorified God in [because of] me.

Our lives can so reflect Christ that people will not see the bigness of YOU or me, but the truth that your salvation and mine is a miracle that rightfully GLORIFIES GOD! AMEN!

This is a good stopping point. We’ll pick up with Chapter 2 next week as we continue our series on FREEDOM.

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