50 AD
Crisis in the Jewish Churches of Palestine

• In Palestine, the dispersed Jewish believers are suffering persecution from unconverted Jews and Gentiles in their cities.
• They are particularly being oppressed by the affluent.
• The limited agricultural land cannot support a growing population. So those deprived of land are forced to become hired laborers.
• As a result, rich landowners are robbing some Christians of their land.
• Some are being hauled into court by wealthy men who scorn their faith.
• At the same time, the influx of Hellenistic goods is causing a class of wealthy merchants to emerge.
• Consequently, some of the Christians are seeking opportunity to become wealthy as traders.
• Those in the church who are wealthy are being shown undue favoritism because the poor are afraid of offending them.
• In addition, the Jewish Christians hear vague rumors about the council in Jerusalem.
• They hear that the Gentiles and the Jews have positioned themselves against the Law of Moses, under the influence of Paul of Tarsus.
• They hear a very corrupted version of Paul’s teaching.
• They are told that Paul is preaching that good works have nothing to do with salvation.
• Believing that this is now the position of the Twelve, some of the Jewish Christians begin to live loose and worldly lives.
• They are hurting one another with uncontrolled and critical speech, discriminating against the poor, and giving preferential treatment to the rich.
• Some of the worldly believers are ambitious to be teachers.
• There is also sickness in the churches.
• The crisis reaches the ears of James (the Lord’s half-brother), and he is burdened to address it.[1]

James 1
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ:
Which James is this?

• James, the son of Zebedee and brother of John. He was one of the most prominent to bear the name. He was a fisherman called by Christ to follow and become a disciple (Matt. 4:17–22). He and his brother John were nicknamed by Christ “sons of thunder” because of their impulsiveness (Mark 3:17; Luke 9:51–56). James was the first of the disciples to give his life for Christ. He was killed by Herod in 44AD (Acts 12:1–2).
• James, the son of Alphaeus. He was another of the disciples (Matt. 10:3; Acts 1:13), but very little is known about him. Matthew (Levi) is also identified as “the son of Alphaeus” (Mark 2:14), and some students conjecture that the two men might have been brothers. There is no indication that this James wrote the letter we are about to study.
• James, the father of Judas the disciple. He is an even more obscure man (Luke 6:16, where “brother” ought to be “father”). This Judas was called “the son of James” to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot.
• James, the brother of our Lord. He seems to be the most likely candidate for author of this letter. He does not identify himself in this way; humbly, he calls himself “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
• What qualified James to write such a letter was not his physical relationship to Jesus but his spiritual relationship.[2]
• That Jesus had brothers and sisters is stated in Matthew 13:55–56 and Mark 6:3, and one of His brothers was named James. (By “brother,” of course, I mean half-brother. Joseph was not our Lord’s father since He was conceived by the Holy Spirit of God.)[3]​
• James and the other brothers did not believe in Jesus during His earthly ministry (Mark 3:31–35; John 7:1–5).
• Yet we find our Lord’s brethren in the Upper Room praying with the disciples (Acts 1:14).
• What effected the change from unbelief to faith? First Corinthians 15:7 indicates that Jesus appeared to James after His resurrection!
• This convinced James that Jesus truly was the Savior, and he, in turn, shared this knowledge about Jesus to the other brothers.[4]

 

• This letter is attributed to James, the half-brother of Jesus –
• Mark 6:3 - Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t his sisters here with us?” So they were offended by him.[5]
• Galatians 1:19 - But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.[6]
• James had a different mission than Paul. Whereas Paul was considered to be a church planter in the Gentile regions, James was ministering to the Christian Jews that were scattered outside of Palestine.

 

• In Acts the brothers of Jesus were among the disciples awaiting the Spirit at Pentecost (1:14).
• When Peter was delivered from prison, he requested that this James be alerted (12:2–17).
• James became dominant in the Jerusalem church in Acts.
• He seems to be chief among the elders in Jerusalem at the first council of the church (Acts 15:12–21).
• At his initiative the letter to the Gentile Christians was drafted (Acts 15:23–29).
• By taking Paul’s side in the controversy, James thwarted the Judaizing opinions prevalent in the Jerusalem church.
• Indeed, James is shown as Paul’s ally here and was among the elders who affirmed the results of Paul’s last missionary journey (Acts 21:18–19).
• The problem of Paul’s apparent “law-breaking,” however, was broached by James, not as something James believed but what others believed who were zealous for the law. This conservative movement was threatening the unity of the church.
• The accounts in Acts show James’s prominence in the early church and his fascinating and positive relationship with Paul.
• The situation at Galatia was tense, but nothing in the story should be taken to imply a rift between Paul and James or the Jerusalem church.[7]
• There were many Christian Jews in Jerusalem who still held to the Old Testament Law (Acts 21:20).
• The temple and its services were still in operation, and the full light of the Gospel of God’s grace had not yet dawned.
• We who have read Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews might be prone to judge these early believers; but we must not.
• They were saved people, but they were still in the shadows of the Law, moving out into the bright light of God’s grace.
• While there may have been differences in degrees of spiritual knowledge and experience, there was no competition between Paul and those who directed the Jerusalem church (Gal. 2:1–10).
• We have no record in the Bible, but tradition tells us that James was martyred in 62AD.[8]
• The story is that the Pharisees in Jerusalem so hated James’ testimony for Christ that they had him cast down from the temple and then beaten to death with clubs.
• The story also relates that James died, as did his Savior, praying for his murderers, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”[9]
• All of these problems had a common cause: spiritual immaturity.[10]

Imperatives of James:

1. We must be born again
2. We must examine ourselves with God’s Word
3. We must choose to walk by the Spirit (obey)
4. We must be prepared for trials & suffering

We must measure our spiritual maturity through the Word of God.
 
James 1
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ:

• Since an attitude of service is what distinguishes biblical leadership, there is no contradiction between service and leadership.[11]

To the twelve tribes dispersed abroad.
Greetings.

• The Dispersion – “scattering of seeds”
• When the Jewish believers were scattered in that first wave of persecution (Acts 8:1, 4), it was really the sowing of seed in many places; and much of that seed bore fruit (Acts 11:19ff).
• Acts 8:1-3 1 Saul agreed with putting him to death. On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. 3 Saul, however, was ravaging the church. He would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison.[12]
• Christian Jews scattered throughout the Roman Empire would have needs and problems of their own.
• Being Jews, they would be rejected by the Gentiles; and being Christian Jews, they would be rejected by their own countrymen.[13]

 

• There are four essentials for victory in trials:
  1) A joyful attitude
  2) An understanding mind
  3) A surrendered will
  4) A heart that wants to believe.[14]

TRIALS AND MATURITY
2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials,

• Trials are coming…
• John 16:33 – 33 “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” [15]
• I’ve got news for you: Satan fights us, the world opposes us, and this makes for a life of battle.[16]
• James did not say that a believer should be joyous for the trials but in the trials.[17]
• If we value comfort more than character, then trials will upset us.
• If we value the material and physical more than the spiritual, we will not be able to “count it all joy.”
• If we live only for the present and forget the future, then trials will make us bitter, not better.[18]

 
3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

• Romans 5:3-5 - 3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. [19]

4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

• (A surrendered will)
• “Mature” (teleioi), often translated “perfect” or “finished,” is coupled with “complete” (holoklēroi, from holos, “whole,” and klēros, “part”) to give the idea of perfected all over or fully developed in every part.[20]
• God wants to make us patient because that is the key to every other blessing.
• The little child who does not learn patience will not learn much of anything else.
• When the believer learns to wait on the Lord, then God can do great things for him.
• Abraham ran ahead of the Lord, married Hagar, and brought great sorrow into his home (Gen. 16).
• Moses ran ahead of God, murdered a man, and had to spend forty years with the sheep to learn patience (Ex. 2:11ff).
• Peter almost killed a man in his impatience [21]
  
  
• In dealing with crisis… I have discovered that urgency is not always the answer.
• I am not the answer to your problem. We may help you with a solution, but I am never the answer to your problem.

Call me… but know that your faith is being tested and you grow in maturity and wisdom through your patience.

[1] Viola, Frank. (2004). The Untold Story of the New Testament Church. (p.87). Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image Publishers.
[2] Moo, D. J. (2000). The letter of James (p. 48). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 335). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 335). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 6:3). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ga 1:19). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Richardson, K. A. (1997). James (Vol. 36, p. 41). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[8] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 335). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[9] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 335). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[10] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 336). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[11] Richardson, K. A. (1997). James (Vol. 36, p. 53). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[12] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ac 8:1–3). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[13] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 335). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[14] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 337). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[15] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 16:33). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[16] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 338). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[17] Blue, J. R. (1985). James. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 820). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[18] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 338). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[19] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ro 5:3–5). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[20] Blue, J. R. (1985). James. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 821). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[21] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 339). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Power of Sin Thoughts for a Teacher:

1. Am I really prepared enough to teach this today?
2. Am I really connecting? 
3. How much pain is sitting in these pews?
4. Who’s living in secret sin?
5. Are they surfing the net rather than reading the Word on their phone?
6. Why is that person sleeping?
7. Will (name) finally turn to Jesus today? 
8. I don’t see (name). 
9. We need to fix that by next week. 
10. How much time do I have left to finish the sermon?
11. This microphone’s driving me crazy!
12. Do they know they are distracting everyone around them?
13. I’m not sure that point (or that illustration) worked.
14. Why’d that person leave the service? 
15. I’m hungry. 
16. I can’t believe I get to do this work!

​DISPUTE IN ANTIOCH
50 AD
Acts 15
1 Some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved.”

• Unauthorized according to verse 24.

2 After Paul and Barnabas had engaged them in serious argument and debate, Paul and Barnabas and some others were appointed to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about this issue. 3 When they had been sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria (map), describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy to all the brothers and sisters.
4 When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. 5 But some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”
 
THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL
6 The apostles and the elders gathered to consider this matter. 7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them: “Brothers and sisters, you are aware that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the gospel message and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he also did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciples’ necks that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? 11 On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way they are.”
12 The whole assembly became silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul describe all the signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they stopped speaking, James responded: “Brothers and sisters, listen to me. 14 Simeon has reported how God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. 15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:
16 After these things I will return
and rebuild David’s fallen tent.
I will rebuild its ruins
and set it up again,
17 so the rest of humanity
may seek the Lord--
even all the Gentiles
who are called by my name--
declares the Lord
who makes these things 18 known from long ago. (Amos 9:11-12)
19 Therefore, in my judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For since ancient times, Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city, and every Sabbath day he is read aloud in the synagogues.”

• It is beautiful to see that this letter expressed the loving unity of people who had once been debating with each other and defending opposing views.
• The legalistic Jews willingly gave up insisting that the Gentiles had to be circumcised to be saved, and the Gentiles willingly accepted a change in their eating habits.
• It was a loving compromise that did not in any way affect the truth of the Gospel.
• As every married person and parent knows, there are times in a home when compromise is wrong, but there are also times when compromise is right.[1]

 
THE LETTER TO THE GENTILE BELIEVERS
22 Then the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, decided to select men who were among them and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas, called Barsabbas, and Silas, both leading men among the brothers. 23 They wrote:
“From the apostles and the elders, your brothers,
To the brothers and sisters among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:
Greetings.
24 Since we have heard that some without our authorization went out from us and troubled you with their words and unsettled your heart, 25 we have unanimously decided to select men and send them to you along with our dearly loved Barnabas and Paul, 26 who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who will personally report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it was the Holy Spirit’s decision—and ours—not to place further burdens on you beyond these requirements: 29 that you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. You will do well if you keep yourselves from these things.
Farewell.”

THE OUTCOME OF THE JERUSALEM LETTER
30 So they were sent off and went down to Antioch, and after gathering the assembly, they delivered the letter. 31 When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 Both Judas and Silas, who were also prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers and sisters and strengthened them with a long message. 33 After spending some time there, they were sent back in peace by the brothers and sisters to those who had sent them. 35 But Paul and Barnabas, along with many others, remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord.
 
Crisis in the Jewish Churches in Palestine
        - Believers are being oppressed by the affluent
        - Confusion about Paul’s message (corrupted version)
        - They are being very critical of one another
        - There is a lot of sickness in the church
 
James pens a letter to the dispersed Jewish believers in Palestine.

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 464). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

CONCLUDING EXHORTATION
Galatians 6:11-18
11 Look at what large letters I use as I write to you in my own handwriting.

• Amanuensis – Paid scribe or secretary
• The large letters were either because
• 1) Paul had issue with his eyes and it was easier for him to see himself or
• 2) Paul was making an emphasis on his final statement.
• DON’T MISS THIS
• It’s not a matter of 2 different doctrines… It’s a matter of 2 different “ways of life.”
• Bondage or Liberty
• Legalism or Freedom
• Walking by the Flesh or Walking by the Spirit
• Living for self or Living for others
• Now Paul adds to this list:
• Receiving praise from men or giving glory to God
• He is dealing with motive, and there is no greater need in our churches today than for an examination of the motives for our ministries.
• We know what we are doing, but do we know why we are doing it?
• A good work is spoiled by a bad motive.[1]
• In this paragraph Paul presents three “marked men”
  1) The legalist (Gal. 6:12–13)
  2) The Lord Jesus Christ (Gal. 6:14–16), and
  3) The Apostle Paul himself (Gal. 6:17–18).[2]

12 Those who want to make a good impression in the flesh are the ones who would compel you to be circumcised—but only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.

• Salesman vs Ambassador
• Politicians vs Sincerity
• Campaign vs Missions
• What were the tactics of the salesmen (Judaizers)?
• Their argument might have run something like this: “Yes, of course, Jesus died on the cross, and that is a great example of God’s love.
• But if you want to be saved and really belong to the true Israel, then you must do something more than merely rely on that past event.
• Yes, Jesus was the Messiah, and he did a lot for us.
• But now it is up to you to complete what he began.”[3]

13 For even the circumcised don’t keep the law themselves, and yet they want you to be circumcised in order to boast about your flesh.

• He is condemning them for their dishonesty.
• They had no intention of keeping the Law, even if they could.
• Their reverence for the Law was only a mask to cover their real goal: winning more converts to their cause.
• They wanted to report more statistics and get more glory.[4]
• 1 Samuel – David wanted to marry Saul’s daughter Michael. The price was 100 Philistine (gentile) foreskins. (1 Samuel 18:27)
• David brought 200 foreskins to Saul.
• Paul’s opponents were doing the same thing David and his soldiers had done of old: presenting Gentile “foreskins” as a mark of their own success and ingenuity as representatives of the Jewish Christian establishment.[5]
• Paul describes the Judaizers as:
• 1) Braggarts
• 2) Compromisers
• 3) Persuaders
• 4) Hypocrites

14 But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has been crucified to me through the cross, and I to the world.

• I “hate” the question, “How many people attend your church?”
• Jesus mentioned 45 times in Galatians.
• That is 1/3 of the passages in Galatians contain a reference to Jesus.
• Wounds of circumcision vs wounds of the cross.
• Cross as a symbol of Paul’s faith.
• We wear crosses and collect crosses.
• It was a way of death.
• Actually the Latin word crux was regarded as an expression so crude no polite Roman would utter it in public.
• In order to get around this difficulty, the Romans devised another expression, “Hang him on the unlucky tree” (arbori infelici suspendito).[6]
• But what the world regards as too shameful to whisper in polite company, a detestable object used for the brutal execution of the bottom of society, Paul declared to be the proper basis for exultation.[7]
• Why would Paul put glory in the cross?
• Because the cross is empty…
• Christ defeated the cross.
• Not only was Jesus crucified… but the world was crucified…
• The earth groaned… the god of this cosmos is the evil one… notice had been served.
• We have been crucified… even we are aliens to this world system.
• It’s not supposed to make sense to us.
• Don’t get so worked up… stay focused on your calling.

15 For both circumcision and uncircumcision mean nothing; what matters instead is a new creation.

• If you are going to be a marked man… be marked as a new creation!
• “The new creation implies a new nature with a new system of desires, affections, and habits, all wrought through the supernatural ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.
• No spiritual gymnastics, no twelve-step program on the deeper life, no quick-fix “How-to-Be-a-Better-Christian” seminar can produce this kind of transformation.
• Paul’s emphasis was on the act of God in effecting a new thing.
• This is the result of faith working by love leading to holiness culminating in a life filled with the Spirit.”[8]
• You take circumcision… Paul took the cross.
• I prefer the empty tomb… Leavener Logo

16 May peace come to all those who follow this standard, and mercy even to the Israel of God!

• Paul: “I know I get a little worked up talking about this stuff… but really… I only am passionate about you and Christ in you. I want you to have peace.”
• Paul knew the Church stood in great conflict with society.
• Not much has changed today.
• We will always be in conflict.

17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, because I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

• Ricky Gervais – Golden Globes (1/5/20) – “So if you do win an award tonight, don't use it as a platform to make a political speech. You're in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world. Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg.

So if you win, come up, accept your little award, thank your agent, and your God and take (f*%#) off, OK? It's already three hours long. Right, let's do the first award.”

• “If your religious celebrities have any scars to show for the glory of Christ, then let them be shown. Otherwise—stop bothering me!”[9]

18 Brothers and sisters, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.[10]

• Band of Brothers
• GRACE! Not “the Law of Moses,” but THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST!

No more need be said, because that says it all.[11]

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 725). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 725). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[3] George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, pp. 436–437). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 726). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[5] George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 434). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[6] George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 436). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[7] George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 436). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[8] George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 438). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[9] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 727). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[10] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ga 6:11–18). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[11] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 728). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

​GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

 Definition of faithfulness
o Faithfulness. Maintaining faith or allegiance; showing a strong sense of duty or
conscientiousness. In biblical Hebrew, “faith” and “faithfulness” are
grammatically related. Although both concepts are important in the OT, there is
no English word exactly equivalent to the Hebrew terms. The most relevant
Hebrew verbal root (related to our word “amen”) carries such meanings as
“strengthen,” “support,” or “hold up.” 1
o Faith. In the OT and NT carries several meanings. It may mean simple trust in
God or in the Word of God, and at other times faith almost becomes equivalent
to active obedience. It may also find expression in the affirmation (support) of a
creedal (Christian) statement. Thus it also comes to mean the entire body of
received Christian teaching or truth. 2

 So faith is one of these core properties in Christianity. We see that Paul speaks of this in
Romans1:17
o 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is
written: The righteous will live by faith.
 The IT that Paul is speaking of is the spreading of the Gospel.
 Some of your translations may say God is revealed by faith to faith.
 So we clearly see that this is the first thing we must do-have faith.
o What is God’s response to faith?
o John 5:24 (NASB95)

24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes
Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed
out of death into life.
 Salvation.
 Forgiveness.
 Grace.
 These are all forms of His Faithfulness.

 Deuteronomy 7:9
o 9  Know that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps his gracious
covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love him and keep
his commands. 3
o What should our response be to His faithfulness?
 Faith.
 Seeking His heart (continued sanctification).
 Reading His word.

 These are all appropriate forms of our faithfulness as a response to His
faithfulness.

o Let me ask you guys another question:
 Do you think that God is faithful even when we are not faithful in our
response to Him?
 I am going to let you marinate on that for a minute while I tell you a little
bit of my backstory.

o Testimony
 I want to take you back to March 31 1981. – Nelson
 September 19 1981 – Brenda
 Shuffled to Aunt and Uncle.
 Recovered alcoholic.
 Lost parents to murder suicide.
 Moved out when I was 15.
 Walked away from God.
 Fast forward to 2008 married.
 2010 burn.
 Reassess life.
 Brought me back to Jesus.
 True blessing.
 Fast forward to 2015 Great banquet.
 Trying to do things in my own strength.
 Broken, addiction, lost.
 Holy Spirit I have always been here for you, I AM your Father!
 God is always faithful.
 Even when we are not faithful in our response God is faithful.
o 2 Timothy 2:13

13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. 4

 Do you ask what if someone doesn’t believe? Is God faithful then?
 Romans 3:3–4 (NASB95)
3 What then? If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of
God, will it?
4 May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it
is written,
“That You may be justified in Your words,
And prevail when You are judged.”
 KNOW WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST
 Identity
o Once we know our identity it makes all this so easy to see His faithfulness.
o He changes your heart.
 You want to be faithful to God because His Spirit is living inside you.

o There is no guilt or shame so you don’t want to hide and be unfaithful.
 Forgiven, Perfect, a Saint, Holy, and Redeemed.
o You allow the Spirit to live your life for you.
 Stories and parables throughout Bible to prove-
o Abraham and Sara
 Abraham and Isaac.
o The prodigal son.
 WE are His children, He always wants us to draw near to Him.
o To be in relation with Him.
o In doing so we are not so blinded to see His faithfulness.
o May not notice His faithfulness, but it is always there.
 Romans 8:18
o 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to
be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

 Closing
o Challenge and encourage.
o New Year’s Resolutions.
o This year’s Faithful resolution.
 Faithfulness.
 Reading His word.
 Prayer.
 Supplication to know His heart.

1 Sacks, S. D. (1988). Faithfulness. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 1, pp. 764–765). Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Book House.
2 Lyon, R. W. (1988). Faith. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 1, p. 761). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Book House.
3 Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Dt 7:9). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
4 New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (2 Ti 2:13). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

CARRY ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS
Galatians 6:1-10
1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted. 2 Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Let each person examine his own work, and then he can take pride in himself alone, and not compare himself with someone else. 5 For each person will have to carry his own load.
6 Let the one who is taught the word share all his good things with the teacher. 7 Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap, 8 because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith. [1]
 
Galatians 6:6-10
6 Let the one who is taught the word share all his good things with the teacher.
- Paul is talking about sharing material goods for those who are teaching the Gospel.
 - Not a tax like the Jews were required to pay to their rabbis.
 - Leavener is not interested in taxing you a percentage or pressuring you to buy a ticket to the show.
 - If the teacher is sharing “good news”, people will gladly share their good things.
7 Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap, 8 because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.
 - Goods… not just money… are given to “Leavener”.
 - Once they are given… there are no strings attached.
 - Even the government understands that principle. (designated gifts vs unrestricted gifts).
 - I have a pre-determined salary just like you do.
 - The goods that come into our ministry do not determine my take home pay.
 - The passage says to share goods with the teacher.
 - It doesn’t say the counselor, the crisis manager, the burden carrier.
 - My desire is to focus on the Word and teach the Word.
 
Galatians 6:1-5
1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted.
- “caught” – 2 points of view
 - Either caught by someone else doing something wrong.
 - Or caught by the sin itself… Like a cheetah on a gazelle.
 - Either way, the “brother” is surprised or overtaken.
 - “spiritual” – Those who are walking with and by the Spirit vs those who are acting “religious”.
 - James 3:13 - Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.[2]
 - “gentleness” – A product of the Holy Spirit. (5:23)
 - “tempted” – 2 points of views
 - Either that the person restoring falls into the same temptation.
 - Or that person becomes completely judgmental and places their self above the wrong doer.
 

• They have to have ears to hear.
• Like a teenager wearing headphones.
• Proverbs 25:11-12 - A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings.
• A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold. [3]

 
2 Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Let each person examine his own work, and then he can take pride in himself alone, and not compare himself with someone else. 5 For each person will have to carry his own load.

 - Not the Law given to Moses but Jesus’ interpretation of the Law of Moses.
 - “Love the Lord… Love your neighbor as yourself.”
 - “burden” – Heavy load

• The legalist adds to the burden by adding more rules and restrictions.
• Matthew 23:4 – “They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry and put them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves aren’t willing to lift a finger to move them.”[4]​
• It is all about perspective…
• Line up – From the most positive person in the room to the most negative person in the room.

 
When you are struggling and you are seeking advice, you will do 1 of 3 things:
1) You will find someone (it may take you a few 
people) to sympathize with you and They will say 
what you want to hear. Someone that agrees with 
you no matter if you are right or wrong.
2) You will go to someone for wisdom in a situation and you will receive good advice but you come up with every excuse not to pursue that advice. You 
continue down the same path of destruction. 
3) You will go to someone for wisdom, understanding and comfort and they will walk with you through the situation.

 - Wisdom – See life from God’s perspective.
 - Therefore it would make sense to know God.

 - Advice for a successful marriage…
 - Magic trick – Advice - “Walk by the Spirit”
 - You either walk by the flesh or walk by the Spirit.
 - Galatians 5

 - So when people contact me it usually because of unwise behavior… otherwise known as foolishness… otherwise known as chasing selfish desires.
 - So if they contact me, they are confessing their foolish pursuit.
 - And I am going to point out to you that you are acting foolish by it being about yourself.
 - I will encourage you to pursue God and walk by the Spirit in you.
 - I will do this for a season…

 - Some falsely believe freedom is for the flesh rather than the spirit

 - I expect to go through ups and downs with you… I get that we still have a flesh suit and bad habit patterns.
 - My prayer is that you will see others around you that can do the same.

“The First Time” - MercyMe

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ga 6:1–10). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jas 3:13). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Pr 25:11–12). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 23:4). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

How do you deal with people that hurt you?
-       I rarely give direct suggestions on what to do…

THE SPIRIT VERSUS THE FLESH
Galatians 5:16-26
16 I say then, walk (live) by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.
- Flesh vs Sinful Nature (* NIV 84 & New Living)
- NIV changed sinful nature to flesh in 2011 version
 - The Message - My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness.[1]
- “the flesh” does not mean “the body”

• It is a far more encompassing term involving the mind, will, and emotions as well as the physical body.
• According to R. Jewett, the flesh was Paul’s term for everything aside from God in which one placed his final trust.
• Everything outside of faith
• Only the Spirit of God who has made us free from sin and given us new life (regeneration) can keep us truly free as we walk in him through the power of sanctification.
• Sanctification – Knowing that you are vs trying to attain it.
• Here in Gal 5 Paul used four distinct verbs to designate the Spirit-controlled life of the believer, all of which are roughly equivalent in meaning:

1. to walk in the Spirit (v. 16)
2. to be led by the Spirit (v. 18)
3. to live by the Spirit (v. 25a)
4. to keep in step with the Spirit (v. 25b).

Each of these verbs suggests a relationship of dynamic interaction, direction, and purpose.

• In Paul’s vocabulary, to walk in the Spirit or be led by the Spirit means to go where the Spirit is going, to listen to his voice, to discern his will, to follow his guidance.[2]
• It is not only the Spirit’s direction… but His empowerment!
• So if that is the case it becomes:
• The Spirit’s direction vs our Selfish direction
• The Spirit’s empowerment or our own selfish power. (self-help)
• This is where you have to be careful.
• Society does a wonder in making things of the flesh seem like the “right thing”.
• Think about the acceptance of things today as compared to 10 years ago… 50 years ago.
• You can have a new heart and still live out of your flesh.
• Learn to live out of your new heart. Know God.

17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.
- The Spirit and the flesh are not in a stalemate.
 - The flesh does not frustrate the desires of the Spirit; rather, the Spirit frustrates the desires of the flesh.[3]
 - Here is the bad news/good news:
 - Bad news: So long as we remain in this present life, we never outgrow or transcend the spiritual conflict Paul was describing in this passage.
 - There is no spiritual technique or second blessing that can propel the believer onto a higher plane of Christian living where this battle must no longer be fought.[4]
- Good news: Knowing this is the case… allows you to walk on in victory.
- I will not become a judge of qualifying grace.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

• If you don’t completely grasp this battle, it is difficult to walk in victory… in fact, it could destroy you.
• Paul now states the obvious. Let me show you what it looks like as you walk on a daily basis.
• As we read through these lists, we not only filter our own sin issues, but we begin to attach names to the others.
• It is easy to become judgmental to others while at the same time justifying our own issues.
• I am sure Paul did not make a list (that is not exhaustive) for the purpose of analyzing each of your faults.
• This list indicates whether you are a believer or not.

 
19 Now the works (plural) of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before

• More than half of this list causes conflict with other people.
• Those putting selfish needs before others.

—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

• The Greek participle here, prassontes, is used in the present tense, referring to people who continually orient their lives toward deeds of the flesh[5]

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.

• It is not about having each item in this list...
• It is about grasping that we have the Spirit who produces these items in us.
• I am not responsible for producing the fruit.
• I am responsible for choosing to walk with the Spirit.

24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
- There is no stalemate in this battle between flesh and spirit.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.[6]
- We must encourage one another!

[1] Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: the Bible in contemporary language (Ga 5:16). Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
[2] George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 386). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Ga 5:17). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[4] George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, pp. 387–388). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[5] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Ga 5:21). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ga 5:16–26). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

To be posted...

Pizza dough

• 16 oz. / 3 ½ cups all purpose flour (King Arthur unbleached)
• 1 ½ teaspoons large grain salt (sea salt)
• 2 teaspoons dry yeast (Red Star – opaque sealed canister in fridge – keeps it dormant; yeast dies at 110 degrees) (do not use quick rise yeast, causes it to lose flavor/texture)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 oz. / 4 teaspoons of olive oil
• 10 oz. / 1 ¼ cups warm water (keep below 110 degrees, otherwise yeast is at risk)

 

• Stir the yeast, salt and sugar into the flour. (Pour salt on one side and yeast on the other before mixing. Salt retards yeast as well as sugar)
• Add the honey, water and olive oil to the flour mixture and knead the dough for 7-9 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
• After kneading the dough, place it in an oiled container. Cover the dough and allow it to rise for 30-45 minutes or until it is doubled in size. (Dough rising places: On top of refrigerator is 85 degrees causing it to rise faster, in the window seal it is cooler and causes it to rise slower. Create a hot box by boiling water in microwave and then immediately closing the dough in the oven. The humidity/heat combination will cause it to rise rapidly.)
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and allow the dough to rest, covered for about 5 minutes.
• After resting, roll the dough pieces out to about ½” thickness making sure to retain the circular shape of the dough.

FREEDOM OF THE CHRISTIAN
Galatians 5:1-15
1 For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.
- Summary of Chapter 3 & 4
 - Yoke – Oxen, slaves & interpretation of law.
 - Yoke – Control by someone or something over your behavior.
 - The unsaved person wears a yoke of sin (Lam. 1:14)
 - The religious legalist wears the yoke of bondage (Gal. 5:1)
 - The Christian who depends on God’s grace wears the liberating yoke of Christ.[1]
2 Take note! I, Paul, am telling you that if you get yourselves circumcised, Christ will not benefit you at all. 3 Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to do the entire law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law are alienated from Christ; you have fallen from grace.
- According to Acts 15:1–2 (1 Some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved!” 2 But after Paul and Barnabas had engaged them in serious argument and debate, the church arranged for Paul and Barnabas and some others of them to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem concerning this controversy.), the Judaizers believed that acceptance of this ancient Jewish ritual was absolutely necessary for salvation and incorporation into the people of God.[2]
 - Paul was strongly opposed to the Judaistic theology which insisted that circumcision was necessary for salvation.[3]
 - His point is that anyone who insists on living under the law fails to trust in Christ.[4]
 - Paul is saying that you cannot mix Law and grace.
 - If you choose to live by 1 law you choose to live by all the Law… rather than to live by only grace.
 - 99% grace and 1% law = bondage to all Law.
5 For we eagerly await through the Spirit, by faith, the hope of righteousness.
- “Hope of righteousness” – Glorification concerning our behavior.
 - Hope “of righteousness” – Glorification of those who are already in the state of righteousness.
 - It has to filter with all 66 books.
 - Abraham was credited righteousness.
 - The Church was made righteous.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision accomplishes anything; what matters is faith working through love.
- This enables us to contrast the two ways of life.
 - When you live by grace, you depend on the power of the Spirit; but under Law, you must depend on yourself and your own efforts.
 - The efforts of the flesh can never accomplish what faith can accomplish through the Spirit.
 - And faith works through love—love for God and love for others. Unfortunately, flesh does not manufacture love.
 - Too often it produces selfishness and rivalry (see Gal. 5:15).[5]
 - In 2 verses, Paul incorporated faith, hope & love.
 
7 You were running well. Who prevented you from being persuaded regarding the truth?
- Mike Rodgers was running well
 - But someone posted lane restrictions
 - They became disqualified.
 - Still Olympians… you just competed and came away disappointed.
8 This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough.
 - The process of leaven (yeast)
 - Matthew 13:33 –  He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into fifty pounds of flour until all of it was leavened.” [6]
10 I myself am persuaded in the Lord you will not accept any other view. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. 11 Now brothers and sisters, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 I wish those who are disturbing you might also let themselves be mutilated!
 - Paul actually wants them to cut themselves off from the religious community claiming to principles of Christianity.
 - Become impotent and unable to produce new converts.
 
13 For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.
- We are prone to go to extremes.
 - One believer interprets liberty as license and thinks he can do whatever he wants to do.
 - Another believer, seeing this error, goes to an opposite extreme and imposes Law on everybody.
 - Somewhere between license on the one hand and legalism on the other hand is true Christian liberty.[7]
 - Anytime you want negative things to occur to someone, we call that “walking according to your flesh.”
 - Paul, is saying, “It’s not about you… look around.”
14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.[8]
- Flesh refers to fallen human nature, the center of human pride and self-willing.
- Flesh is the arena of indulgence and self-assertion, the locale in which “the ultimate sin reveals itself to be the false assumption of receiving life not as the gift of the Creator but procuring it by one’s own power, of living from one’s self rather than from God.”[9]
 
- Wild animals in a deadly fight—to warn the Galatians that attacking one another ultimately will destroy their community.[10]

• How you “feel” vs what the Spirit leads you to do in love.
• The key word, of course, is love. The formula looks something like this:
• liberty + love = service to others
• liberty − love = license (slavery to sin)[11]

License – Cheap grace

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 713). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 356). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] Campbell, D. K. (1985). Galatians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 605). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Ga 5:2). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[5] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 715). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 13:33). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 717). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[8] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ga 5:1–15). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 377). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[10] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Ga 5:15). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[11] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 717). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.