And it came to pass, that as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. MODELING THE PRAYER LIFE OF JESUS AS FOUND IN THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE Luke here in this passage captures for us this marvelous moment. As the disciples were coveting the best that Jesus had to offer, besides himself – prayer. As they heard him pray, it made them desire, long, yearn, crave, and hunger for, a more profound prayer life like his. Notice that one of his disciples addressed Jesus “when he finished.” The disciple did not address him before he prayed nor while he was praying the text says, “when he finished, one of his disciples said to him.” The disciple did not attempt to interrupt the master while he was praying, he waited until he was finished, and asked that he teach them to pray. In the New Testament, the common word for prayer is referenced 84 times, and in Luke, the word occurs 34 times. Thus, the other 50 times when the word is mentioned, it’s shared among the other authors of the New Testament. Luke is one of the few New Testament authors who have paid strict attention to prayer, besides Paul. He, a Gentile from birth, and a Roman citizen who understood how important it was to pray to the gods. Hence, after becoming a part of the Jewish sect (the band of followers who believed in Jesus of Nazareth), Luke saw prayer as more important now, than ever before. Luke is the only one, out of all the other gospel writers to focus on the prayer life of Jesus. They all recorded Jesus’ principles on prayer, however only Luke gives us a glimpse into his posture in prayer. He recorded Jesus as praying more than any other gospel writer, more than Matthew, Mark, or John, all of whom have only mentioned Jesus’ prayer life in passing. However, Luke records Jesus as always engaging in prayer. He paints Jesus as a Son in constant communion with his Father and as a man in constant communication with God. Luke in particular draws attention to the gaps in our theology, the holes in our prayer life, and shows us how our prayer life pales in comparison to our Lord. He gives prayer its theological foundation and place in the divine son of God. Many scholars have noted the uniqueness of Luke's account of the prayer life of Jesus. Luke has recorded 13 instances where Jesus engaged in prayer, seven of which are mentioned directly and three that are inferred. These 10 are exclusive to Luke’s narrative only and not found in the other gospel writers. 1. Luke alone mentions that as Jesus “was praying that heaven was opened” at his baptism (Luke 3:21). 2. Luke alone tells us that Jesus was praying alone in Caesarea Philippi, when he asked his disciples, "Who do the people say that I am?" (Luke 9:18). 3. Luke alone conveys to us that Jesus “took Peter, John, and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray” when he was transfigured (Luke 9:28,29). 4. Luke alone records the request of Jesus' disciples, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples" (Luke 11:1). 5. Luke alone points out two prayer parables, one of the boldness of a friend at midnight asking for bread (Luke 11:5-8), and the other a shameless widow begging the judge for justice (Luke 18:1-8). 6. Luke alone notes Jesus’ prayer for Peter that Satan would not "sift" him (Luke 22:31-32), 7. Luke alone talked about Jesus “being in anguish, prayed more earnestly” in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44) 8. Luke alone tells of Jesus' activity “each day…teaching in the temple and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the mount of Olives” (Luke 21:37). 9. Luke alone pens Jesus as saying “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). 10. Luke alone pictures Jesus as crying “Out with a loud voice, Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (23:46). But although scholars often point out the attention Luke gives to Jesus' prayers, only a few have attempted to dive into the reasons for this emphasis. This evening I will attempt to draw some practical principles to help us with/in our own prayer time, as we consider Jesus’ moments in prayer. 1. Luke records Jesus praying during his baptism (3:21-22) When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli, 2. Luke records Jesus praying after teaching the crowds (5:15-16) Yet the news about him spread all the more so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. 3. Luke records Jesus praying before choosing his disciples (6:12-16) One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. 4. Luke records Jesus praying before inquiring about the reports concerning himself (9:18) Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.” 5. Luke records Jesus praying before receiving instructions from his Father (9:28, 29) About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John, and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses, and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 6. Luke records Jesus praying in the company of his friends, before teaching them how to pray themselves (11:1-4). One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. 7. Luke records Jesus as having prayed for Peter’s faith that it failed not (22:31-32) “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 8. Luke records Jesus praying before facing the cruel Cross of Calvary (22:39-46) Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” 9. Luke records Jesus praying for his enemies as they crucified, sneered, and mocked him (23:33-36) 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar. 10. Luke records Jesus praying before breathing his last, committing his life in the hands of God (23:44-46). It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he said this, he breathed his last. In summary Pray to God before and after major milestones. Pray to God before and after our interactions with people. Pray to God before and after major decisions and/or choosing lifelong friends. Pray to God before and after encountering the opinions of others. Praying to God will radically transform our lives. Praying to God along with others is a divine mandate for getting things done. Praying to God fortifies our faith relationship with Him. Praying to God gets us through the toughest and most trying times in our lives. Prayers to God are to be offered on behalf of everyone. Praying to God is the ultimate comfort to commit to when death looms on the horizon.
“THE POWER OF PATIENCE” “I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry.” — Psalm 40:1, NKJV I believe I’m on safe ground tonight when I say, in today’s society, a quality that many people are struggling with is patience. Some people say, “patience is a virtue.” While this saying is true, the phrase itself does not come from the Bible. It comes from a poem called “PIERS PLOWMAN,” written by the poet WILLIAM LANGLAND in the fifth century AD. However, the colloquialism is in line with what the Word of God does say about it. The Apostle Paul wrote, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, PATIENCE, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) ▪ Patience Comes Packaged In The Fruit Of The Spirit 🡺 Other words used in various translations that also mean patience include FORBEARANCE and LONGSUFFERING. The Fruit of the Spirit are virtues, behaviors, and characteristics that GROW in believers and serve as EVIDENCE of the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. ■ Speaking in the heavenly language of “tongues” is not the only evidence of the Holy Spirit. Patience is not only one of the first listed fruit of the Spirit, but it also facilitates some of the others. It is easier to be gentle with others when one is full of patience. Self-control can also be related to patience, as an abundance of patience can help someone not overreact to others or to annoying situations. In my conjecture, what makes the virtue of patience so difficult to acquire and maintain is the “right now” accessibility of our culture. ♦ WE LIVE IN AN ON-DEMAND CULTURE. Unfortunately, when we have everything “now” and “on demand,” we quickly start to believe that everything must be that way. BUT LIFE ISN’T LIKE THAT! It is one of the reasons why we see so much disharmony on social media. It is why we see so many incidences of road rage and anger between people for the smallest slight. And, it is why you can see people “going off” on other people at the slightest hint of a delay—about anything! That said, the power of patience is essential. In a 2007 study, two professors found that people who valued patience experienced less DEPRESSION and had more socially positive emotions. For instance, qualities such as compassion, kindness, and consideration are all hallmarks of patience. Also, researchers have found that the power of patience also affords those who practice it more happiness. In short, patience makes us better people. IS PATIENCE THE SAME AS PASSIVITY? ⇒ “Patience is not passive waiting. Patience is active acceptance of the process required to attain your goals and dreams” ~ Ray A. Davis PASSIVE VERSUS PATIENT Waiting is something that we’ve all had to do; however, there’s an important difference between passively waiting and patiently waiting. ♦ Being passive means being inactive, and being inactive means that you’ve given up control. ♦ Being patient means waiting with calmness, which can be inactive, but it doesn’t have to be. Control hasn’t been ceded; patience allows for productive activity while waiting. To illustrate my point, think of a passive farmer and a patient farmer. BEING PASSIVE The passive farmer would plant his seed and then do nothing. If it rains enough and if the ground has enough nutrients, then he will have a successful crop, and his passivity will have paid off. If it doesn’t rain enough or the ground doesn’t have the right nutrients, then he will have a poor crop. Either way, it’s not up to him. BEING PATIENT The patient farmer would plant his seeds and then calmly wait. He will, however, remain active. He will monitor rainfall and the nutrients in the ground, and if needed, he will irrigate and fertilize. 🡺 There is, of course, a limit to how much a farmer can do to assist his crops, but the patient farmer’s chances of success are greater than those of the passive farmer. He has more control. If you are passive, then you must deal with what is dealt to you. If you’re patient, then you will have some control over the outcome. In Psalm 40, David is not passively waiting; he is patiently waiting. What did he do? I. HE RESOLVED TO PRAY “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry” v.1 ⇒ CEV – “I patiently waited, Lord for you to hear my prayer…” PRAYER HAS THE POWER TO TRANSFORM OUR LIVES ⇒ In 1 John 5:14, the scriptures tell us: “And this is the boldness we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us.” There is immense power in daily prayer. Jesus tells us that with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do great things as He did. II. HE RELEASED A PRAISE “He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our god; many will see it and fear and will trust in the Lord.” Faith moves God, and praising Him is an expression of our faith in Him. Praise releases His power to work on our behalf. We must remember that God is not moved when we cry to Him in unbelief! He knows exactly where we are and what He has promised us. Therefore, when we release our praise, we steer our attention away from our problems and back onto His greatness. ▪ As you praise the Lord, things begin to happen in the unseen (spiritual) realm. In the Old Testament, the people of God didn’t have the name of Jesus as a weapon…they had praise. [2 Chron.20:22-26] III. HE REFLECTED ON THE PAST “Many, O Lord my God are your wonderful works which you have done; and your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to you in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” ⇒ The secret of a better and more successful life is to cast out those old, dead, unhealthy thoughts. Substitute for them new vital, dynamic faith thoughts. You can depend upon it—an inflow of new thought will remake you and your life.” NORMAN V. PEALE ▪ Cr. Ph.4:8 What Controls Your Thoughts Controls You The brain controls what you think and feel, how you learn and remember, and the way you move and talk. But it also controls things you’re less aware of like the beating of your heart and the digestion of your food. Think of the brain as the control computer that controls all of the body’s function.
The New Birth John 3:1-18 The new birth is one of the most exciting teachings of the scriptures. It is called in other places the new man, a new creature, a new creation, and being born again. These and other phrases are commonly seen throughout the scriptures. But perhaps the most heard phrase is born again. Maybe you or someone you know have been asked “are you a born-again Christian?” But exactly is the new birth, what does it mean to be born again, how does a person experience it, and what happens after they receive it? This expression “born again” is only used four times in the New Testament twice here in John (3:3; 3:7) and twice in 1 Peter (1:3; 23). However, the idea of being “born” of God is used many times. The authors of the New Testament use vivid language to describe this spiritual experience: Jesus describes it as being… · born of water and the Spirit – John 3:5 Peter describes it as given by God… · Into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead – 1 Peter 1:3 through the living and enduring word of God – 1 Peter 1:23 Paul describes it as in light of God’s mercy… · As a spiritual act of worship, where we are no longer confirmed to the pattern of this world, but…transformed by the renewing of the mind. · Through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit – Titus 3:5 · To be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness – Ephesians 4:23 · Being untied with Christ in both his death and resurrection – Romans 6:5 · A new creation – 1 Corinthians 5:17 · Christ living in me – Galatians 2:20 James describes it as given by God… · through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created – James 1:18 John describes it as… · not continuing to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God – 1 John 3:9 · believing that Jesus is the son of God – 1 John 5:4 In His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus gives us insights into this new birth experience. So, I would like to use his discussion with Nicodemus as the basis of the study tonight, so let's examine what Jesus teaches us here about the new birth. First, he mentions…. THE _____________________ OF THE NEW BIRTH (1-3) Why is the new birth necessary? It is necessary for two reasons: 1. It is necessary TO SEE the Kingdom of God a. Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom – John 3:3 2. It is necessary TO ENTER the Kingdom of God a. Unless one is born again, he cannot enter the kingdom – John 3:5 b. What is the kingdom of God? In brief... It is the rule and reign of God in the person of Messiah: that is a kingdom or system of government that is ruled by God. The terms are used interchangeably in many instances, but they have nuanced differences. So as far as Jesus is concerned one could not perceive the kingdom of God by observation, it has to be by regeneration. being born again therefore is to experience God’s miraculous manifestation of transforming power. Now Nicodemus is somewhat puzzled and raises a question to clear up his confused mind. “How can a man be born when he is old?... Surely, he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born?” So, Jesus explains... Secondly, THE ________________ OF THE NEW BIRTH (4-5) What is the _____________ of the new birth? The _______________ of the new birth involves several things… Here in John’s gospel, John records Jesus as saying “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” But what did Jesus mean? Here are some interpretations. Some have concluded that water in this passage is literal and is intended to mean baptism for salvation. Many see water as referring to the Holy Spirit, as in John 7:38,39 where Jesus spoke of “streams of living water will flow from within him” and where John clearly says, “by this he meant the Spirit.” Still others suggest that water in this verse refers to the word of God. As in Ephesians 5:25, 26 where Paul speaks of Christ's love for his church as “cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.” So that, here water is closely associated with the word of God. Both Peter and James as I mentioned earlier said that the new birth is said to take place through the word of God. However, what struck me as interesting is that the word translated “and” could just as correctly have been translated “even”, thus, the verse would read “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water even the Spirit.” Thus, physical birth is not enough, one must be born of the Spirit. So, the Spirit is responsible for the new birth. Jesus makes this clear “flesh gives birth to flesh, but the spirit gives birth to spirit.” The new birth occurs whenever and wherever God decides… Thirdly, THE _______________ OF THE NEW BIRTH (6-8) What is the ____________ of the new birth? The _______________ of the new birth is that God is working within and without. It is God doing whatever he pleases him. There are only two things that please God. Faith – Hebrews 11:6 Fruit – John 15:8 Could it be that where there is neither faith nor fruit there is no rebirth? As the conversation continues (John 3:9-13), it soon turns into a discourse (John 3:14-21), the latter in which Jesus describes... Lastly, THE _____________ AND _______________ OF THE NEW BIRTH (14-18) What are the _____________ and _____________ of the new birth? The ___________and ____________ of the new birth hinge on the: The Sacrifice of Christ The Love of God The Faith of Man in God In His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus reveals much about being born again... The necessity of the new birth (one cannot see or enter the kingdom unless he or she is "born again") The nature of the new birth (is totally the work of the Spirit of God) The nuance of the new birth (is God working within and without, as he is glorified by faith and fruit). The nuts and bolts of the new birth (Christ's sacrifice, God's love, man's faith in God) The practical life of the new way of living is seen in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 4:17-6:1-20).
The Doctrine of Repentance The last time we were here we discovered and discussed the Hebrew word for repentance – teshuva. And the word teshuva means “turn”, but more accurately understood as turning back to God. In spiritual terms, “teshuva” may be regarded as a practical turning away from evil and a turning toward the good. In Jewish thought it’s returning to God as the means by which we turn away from evil. There is another related word in Hebrew which is “nacham”, which is often associated with the emotion of regret, comfort, and consolation (mostly in the KJV “nacham” is sometimes obscurely translated as “repent”) for example Genesis 6:5,6. 5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. Perhaps a more favorable rendering of the verse is found in both the RSV and the ESV. "And the LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart" (6:6). "And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart" (6:6). The idea in Hebrew is not that God repented, but that his sorry or regret was more of a deep breath or sigh as a way of expressing his pity, and/or compassion in response to the offense by others. Therefore, we read, “And the LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth and his heart was filled with pain” (6:6 NIV) Since it is absurd to say that God needs to repent from sin or that He morally regrets His actions, the meaning of nacham must be qualified when it is applied to God. Here the word does not mean that God acknowledged the creation of man as a mistake, but that God grieved over how sinful man had become (6:5), thus grieving for God was the appropriate response to the condition of man. Now as far as we go, regret over sin, feeling sorry for our actions, and doing harm to others intentionally are unique to us human beings, and belong exclusively to us as free moral agents. This very word nacham is translated using the Greek word metanoia. Metanoia is a compound word that comes from “meta” (after, with) and “noia” (to think), which means "changing your thinking". In other words, the word implies that how we think will affect how we make decisions or how we live our lives, and therefore to repent means that we acknowledge that we are cognitively mistaken about the nature of our existence or how we live. So, the question before us tonight is: Why is repentance necessary? Repentance is necessary because we have all violated God’s law through our disobedience. Our first parents disobeyed God and fell. Romans 5:12 “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, death through sin, and in this way, death came to all men, because all sinned” and because we all have sinned, we have all violated God’s law. And according to 1 John 3:4 sin is defined as a violation of God’s law. lawlessness can be perceived in several ways but here are three: · Sin · Transgression · Iniquity Basically, the three words communicate the same idea: evil and lawlessness, However, upon closer examination, each word can also carry a slightly different meaning. · Sin means “to miss the mark.” It refers to doing something against God, against a person, or against self. · Transgression refers to presumptuous sin. To transgress is to choose to intentionally disobey; transgression is willful trespassing. · Iniquity refers to premeditated choices; to commit iniquity is to continue without repentance. A genuine change of mind towards sin will produce a genuine change in behavior towards God (Romans 12:1-2). How are People Brought to Repentance? You and I brought to repentance by: 1. God’s kindness (Romans 2:4; 12:1,2). 2. God’s patience (Peter 3:9). 3. God’s instructions (2 Timothy 2:25). 4. God’s Son being raised from the dead (Acts 5:31). 5. God’s Gospel (Acts 11:18; 20:21). 6. Godly sorrow for sin (2 Corinthians 7:10) Here are some practical steps of repentance… 1. Forsake the sin. 2. Regret the breach sin has caused in your relationship with God and others. 3. Confess the sins, live the truth, and make amends with those we have harmed. 4. Accept God's forgiveness and move forward with the LORD Jesus through faith.
TRUE REPENTANCE When we think of repentance, we tend to think that repentance is to feel bad about our sins. It is a guilt-laden word that brings a load of guilt, regret, and shame. May you have seen street preachers with cardboard signs on the street telling you to repent! Or perhaps you have friends who dictate to you that you need to repent! But have you ever stopped to think about what repentance really is? And why is this subject of repentance important? I will come back to what it is but let me first tell you why it is important! Repentance is important because it is: · Commanded by God (Acts 17:30). · Central to the Gospel (Matthew 3:2 – John; 4:17 – Jesus); (Acts 2:38 – Peter); (Acts 26:20 – Paul). all preached repentance as central to the gospel · To be Carried out by all people (Acts 17:30). Now with this in mind, the teaching of repentance is a necessity. So, for our consideration tonight I would like to raise three important questions. 1. What is Repentance? 2. Why is repentance necessary? 3. How are People Brought to Repentance? What is Repentance? “Repentance” in the OT” The Hebrew word translated as ‘repentance’ is teshuva (pronounced “teh-shoo-vah”). Teshuva means a lot more than a feeling of guilt or regret. In fact, it derives from the verb “Shuwb” which means “to turn back” or ‘to return’! The various English translation of Scripture often interprets repentance as being sorry. And therefore, it appears to be more of a feeling rather than acting or taking action. But repentance in Hebrew takes a slightly different slant. It is not simply a state of mind, as it is a decision to act, that is, to return. It is deciding to turn away from the path we are on and return to the path towards God. The prophets said this way… · “Return, faithless Israel declares the LORD, I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful declares the LORD, I will not be angry forever” (Jeremiah 3:12). · I will give them a heart to know me that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart (Jeremiah 24:7). · Return, O Israel to the LORD Your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the LORD say to him forgive all our sins and receive us graciously” (Hosea 14:1,2). · “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart …” (Joel 2:12). · “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). It is a continuous decision to return to God and to receive a new start in every area of our lives from Him. A return to His ideals for us, His precepts for us, His laws for us, His ways for us, His desires for us. It is a return to God’s ideal plan. The purpose of repentance is to go through a transformational process. It is not just an apology it is a path back to God. In the story of Joseph, we see this amazing truth come to pass in Genesis chapters 42-45). Repentance is returning to what is right and pure. It is returning to God’s ideal. Aside from showing regret and remorse, it is returning to the original plan of God. To live with Him, consult with Him, fellowship with Him, and obey Him. So, essentially, to repent means to recognize our own wrongdoing and – humbly denying ourselves – to turn around and face the One we have wronged – God. Yes, it is regretting our sins and showing remorse, but it is also committing to a new path. Because this return path of correction and truth will always lead to true freedom.
FALLING AWAY FROM GRACE Galatians 5:1-4 (NKJV) Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; YOU HAVE FALLEN FROM GRACE. I’m sure many of you listening to me tonight have heard the expression, “falling from grace.” Well, typically, when that expression is uttered, it’s done so to convey “a reduction in status or prestige” or “a failure to be held in a high or favorable position.” ➔ Eg., Former President RICHARD NIXON FELL FROM GRACE when he was forced to resign the Presidency amid the scandal surrounding the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate Complex in Washington D.C. He was reduced in status and prestige. He no longer maintained his favorable position. In GALATIANS 5:4, Paul alluded to the fact the Galatian believers had “fallen from grace.” The question tonight is… Can believers, in the sense of former President Nixon, fall away from God’s grace? If not, what is meant by Paul’s statement, “you have fallen away from Grace?” To answer these questions, let me first provide some background as to what’s going on in the narrative with these Galatian believers. I begin by stating that the letter to the Galatians has always been, among the Pauline epistles, one that was least challenged on the issue of authorship. Paul wrote to the churches in southern Galatia after having a hand in starting them on his very first missionary journey to Asia Minor. The fact that Paul had such a close relationship with these churches explains the reason why he took such a strong tone when addressing them. IN THIS LETTER TO THE GALATIANS, WE SEE PAUL AT HIS ANGRIEST. In fact, to emphasize the seriousness of his purpose, Paul, who was believed to have had eye issues and use of a scribe when addressing churches, actually took the pen himself and wrote the ending of this letter in large letters. Cr. GAL.6:11 Paul wrote, – “See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!” The issue that Paul was having was based on a report that the churches in Galatia, which he had established, had now fallen into error. A group of “JUDAIZERS” had crept into the church and began teaching a doctrine contrary to the spiritual foundation Paul had laid. ▪ “JUDAIZERS” – The Judaizers were a faction of the Jewish Christians, both of Jewish and non-Jewish origins, who regarded the Mosaic Law [Levitical laws of the Old Testament] as still binding on all Christians.” When the Galatians fell away so quickly from the gospel of grace that Paul had preached to them, they also made clear their disloyalty to Paul’s authority as an apostle (there were three requirements for apostleship). Therefore, Paul began the letter to the Galatians by spending TWO CHAPTERS defending that very issue (Cr. Gal.1:1-2,9,10,13-15). Only in chapter three did he begin to get to the heart of their error; namely, that these Galatians sought to be justified by the Mosaic Law. In contrast, Paul presented his argument that justification comes to people by faith in Jesus Christ, not by their works under the Law. Part of the problem that confronted the Galatians came in one of the arguments made by the Judaizers. They suggested that to live by GRACE and in FREEDOM from the Mosaic law meant to live a lawless and therefore degenerate life. In the final chapters of the letter, Paul made it clear that justification (the act by which God moves a willing person from the state of sin to the state of grace) which is an act of grace through faith, need NOT result in a sinful lifestyle. Because Christians have been FREED from bondage to the sinful nature, we now have the path of holiness open to us. CR. GAL. 6:12-15 In the text, Paul admonishes them to do three things: PAUL ADMONISHES THEM TO RETAIN THEIR BELIEFS Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free...” The word “STAND FAST” [Grk. Stay’ko]– means, “to be stationary, to hold your position” Paul is saying that since we have been saved by grace, there is no need for us to change our position. We are to continue living in the path of grace. Why? Because grace supplies the indwelling and filling of the Holy Spirit that enables us to live on a higher plane than law demanded. ◼ BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT KEEPS US IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW GALATIANS 5:16-18 (NKJV) I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. ▪ Stand fast in that “LIBERTY” – The Christian’s liberty is NOT a disregard of the law, rather it is a high regard for Lordship. Submission to the lordship of the Holy Spirit enables us to fulfill the requirements of the law. PAUL ADMONISHES THEM TO REFUSE TO BE BOUND Galatians 5:1b (NKJV) “…and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. A yoke is a curved bar made from wood or metal that harnesses together two or more draft animals so they can more effectively work as a team. Yokes were also placed around the necks of people like shackles to secure prisoners in place. Thus, wearing a yoke often speaks of slavery and hardship in the Bible (Deuteronomy 28:48; 1 Kings 12:4; Jeremiah 27:8; 1 Timothy 6:1). Removing or breaking a yoke represents freedom (Leviticus 26:13; Isaiah 58:6). The references to being “entangled again” (NKJV) or “burdened again” (NIV) suggest being weighed down again under a heavy load. When Paul said, “Do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (NKJV) or “Do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (NIV), he was rebuking Christians for their tendency to turn back to legalism (The Law) which is the opposite of Christian freedom. Why was the law so binding? ◼ THE MOSAIC LAW – When referring to “The Law,” it is generally understood that the reference is to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible (Gen., Ex., Lev., Nu., Duet.). Immediately after the Ten Commandments, the Lord required a whole series of laws and commandments which are now referred to as the “Mosaic Laws.” The Westminster Confession of Faith divides the Mosaic laws into three categories: Moral, Civil and Ceremonial Laws. The sum total of laws within these three categories is 613. THAT’S RIGHT! THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 613 LAWS THE PEOPLE WERE OBLIGATED TO REMEMBER AND KEEP. That’s what I call A Yoke! PAUL ADMONISHES THEM REMEMBER THEY WERE BETTER Galatians 5:2-4 (MSG) I am emphatic about this! The moment any one of us submits to circumcision or any other rule-keeping system, at that same moment, Christ's hard-won gift of freedom is squandered. I repeat my warning: the person who accepts the ways of circumcision trades ALL the advantages of the free life in Christ for the obligations of the slave life of the law. I suspect you would never intend this, but this is what happens. When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ; you fall out of grace. The last admonition Paul gives these believers is a reminder. He reminds them that they are better NOW in their state of Grace, as opposed to before when they were obligated to adhere to the letter of the law. 1. MEN WERE UNABLE TO MEET THE STANDARD OF THE LAW Romans 3:23-24 (NLT) For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 2. THE INABILITY TO MEET THE STANDARD QUALIFIED US FOR CHRIST Romans 8:3-4 (NLT) The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies of us sinners. And in that body, God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. 3. SUBMITTING TO THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST LEADS TO HOLY LIVING Romans 6:12-18 (NLT) Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.
THE DOCTRINE OF GRACE Tonight, as we study the doctrine of GRACE, I would like to begin by applying the “PRINCIPLE OF FIRST MENTION” meaning looking at the first time the word “GRACE” is mentioned in the Old and New Testaments. The Law of First Mention is "the principle that requires one to go to that portion of the Scriptures where a doctrine is mentioned for the first time, and to study the first occurrence of the same in order to get the fundamental, inherent meaning of that doctrine." By applying this principle, it is my hope that we will not only discover the true meaning and application of the word “GRACE” but will also take note of how the connotation of the word “GRACE” differs in the Old and New testaments. The prominent Old Testament word for “GRACE” [He. Hen] speaks primarily of DELIVERANCE. The majority of the times it is used in the Old Testament, it spoke of deliverance from enemies, affliction, and/or adversity. In various places in the Old Testament, the word also was expressed to denote enablement, daily guidance, forgiveness, and preservation. The first mention was… ◼ GENESIS 6:5-8 (NKJV) 5 The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 So the LORD said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them." 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Note – The “GRACE” Noah received was deliverance from the flood. In contrast, the prominent New Testament word for “GRACE” [Grk. Charis] speaks primarily to the provision of SALVATION. Grace in the New Testament is redemptive in the sense that God makes available His favor on behalf of sinners. The first mention… ◼ Luke 2:40 (NKJV) 40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. ❖ PLEASE NOTE: NOWHERE IN EITHER THE OLD OR NEW TESTAMENT DOES THE ROOT MEANING OF GRACE SPEAK TO MATERIAL GAIN! ❖ SOMEHOW, WE’VE REDUCED THE MASTER’S GRACE TO MATERIAL GAIN! THREE TRUISMS ABOUT GRACE GOD’S GRACE IS UNDESERVED. We Did Not Warrant God’s Grace GRACE is the opposite of KARMA! Karma is a belief in the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism that the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, are the deciding factors of their fate in future existences. IN OTHER WORDS, KARMA IS ALL ABOUT GETTING WHAT YOU DESERVE. Grace is the opposite. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve, and not getting what you do deserve! READ EPH.2:1-7 LOOK AT HOW WE WERE WITHOUT – “…we were ‘dead’ in trespasses and sins” LOOK AT HOW WE WERE WALKING – “…according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air” LOOK AT HOW WE WERE WORKING – “…we all conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath just as the others.” LOOK AT HOW WE WERE WANTED – “But God who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, EVEN WHEN…” WE DON’T DESERVE HIS GRACE! Because we are so undeserving of His GRACE EVERYDAY, we must constantly remind ourselves that humanity is not deserving of salvation. Our giving should reflect our gratitude for His Grace. Our living should reflect our gratitude for His Grace. GOD’S GRACE IS UNMERITED. We Did Not Win God’s Grace Grace Is About MERCY Not MERIT! No one can “earn” pardon by works of human merit. If such were the case, we could boast regarding our redemption; however, that is impossible (Eph. 2:8-9). ◼ EPHESIANS 2:8-9 (NKJV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. Even if one were able to perform everything God commands, he still must regard himself as an “unprofitable servant” (LK. 17:7-10). ◼ Luke 17:7-10 (MSG) 7 "Suppose one of you has a servant who comes in from plowing the field or tending the sheep. Would you take his coat, set the table, and say, 'Sit down and eat'? 8 Wouldn't you be more likely to say, 'Prepare dinner; change your clothes and wait table for me until I've finished my coffee; then go to the kitchen and have your supper'? 9 Does the servant get special thanks for doing what's expected of him? 10 It's the same with you. When you've done everything expected of you, be matter-of-fact and say, 'The work is done. What we were told to do, we did.' " Jesus taught that our sins have put us head-over-heels in debt, and no person has the innate ability to liquidate that obligation (cf. MT. 18:24-27). When this concept is truly grasped, service to Almighty God will flow with a freshness and zeal that invigorates the soul. Without doubt, a failure to fathom the true significance of GRACE is the reason many church members are spiritually lethargic. GOD’S GRACE IS UNCONDITIONAL. We Cannot Withhold God’s Grace We Cannot Dictate Upon Whom God Will Extend His Grace! Ex. Jonah ◼ ROMANS 9:15 (NKJV) 15 For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion." ◼ ROMANS 9:15 (MSG) 15 God told Moses, "I'm in charge of mercy. I'm in charge of compassion." GOD’S GRACE HAS BEEN OFFERED TO THE ENTIRE HUMAN FAMILY. ➢ “For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (TIT. 2:11) This verse certainly cannot mean that every soul will be saved! Such a conclusion would contradict numerous other passages. This DOES suggest that HEAVEN’S GRACE IS POTENTIALLY AVAILABLE TO ALL who care to access it by means of the divine plan of redemption (cf. ROM. 5:1; 6:3-4, 17).
