CHIRSTIAN SALVATION

April 7, 2020 (1 Tim. 2:1-6)

Reading to the hearer: Galatians 2:1-21

 

Paul, Barnabas, and Titus in Jerusalem

“Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

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

3     But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

4     And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

Maintenance of Christian Liberty

        5     To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

6     But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

7     But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

8     (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

9     And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

10     Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

 

 

 

 

Peter’s Instability

      11     But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

12     For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

13     And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

14     But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

15     We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

Justification by Faith

      16     Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

17     But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

The Danger of Reversion to Judaism

18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

19     For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

20     I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

21     I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. “

  1. THE PURPOSE—vv. 1–10

Paul, Barnabas, and Titus in Jerusalem

  1. People—v. 1. Paul, Barnabas and Titus go to Jerusalem.
  2. Preaching—vv. 2–3. Paul wanted to see if the Gospel he was preaching was right.
  3. Problem—v. 4. Some Christians wanted to see if Paul was keeping the Jews’ laws and traditions.

Maintenance of Christian Liberty

  1. Promise—v. 5. Paul paid no attention to the Jews.
  2. Personality—v. 6. God looks on the heart.
  3. Proof—vv. 7–9. Peter, James and John encourage Paul to continue his preaching to the Gentiles.
  4. Poor—v. 10. Christians should help the poor.

 

 

 

  1. THE PROBLEM—vv. 11–14

Peter’s Instability

  1. Attitude—v. 11. Paul opposes Peter for things he thought were wrong.
  2. Attention—v. 12. Peter tries to please both the Jews and Gentiles. You cannot please all people.
  3. Effect—v. 13. Peter’s example had a poor effect upon other Christians.
  4. Actions—v. 14. Peter’s actions were hurting the spread of the Gospel.

III. THE PURGING—vv. 15–21

Justification by Faith

  1. Problem—vv. 15–16. Either Jew or Gentile, all men are sinners. We are not saved by tradition!
  2. Person—v. 17. Christ cleanses from all sin. He saves from sin, though He knew no sin!

The Danger of Reversion to Judaism

  1. Plight—vv. 18–19. We do not become Christians by keeping laws or traditions. We are saved by what Christ has done for us! Not what we may do.
  2. Purpose—v. 20. Self-crucifixion is needed daily. Through this we have new life in Christ!
  3. Purging—v. 21. If righteousness is by the law, then Christ’s death is in vain!

 

    IV.   Three Amen from Romans chapter 16:

                          

16:20 – Paul predicts victory for believers when the God of peace soon will crush Satan.

16:24 – Paul makes a prayerful pronouncement.  He summons “the grace of our Lord Jesus to be with you.

16:27 – Glory in God’s ability.