Historical Posts

Daniel 09:01-19 Daniel’s Prayer

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Text: Daniel 9:1-19

Introduction

1. As we continue our survey of the book of Daniel, we come to a remarkable chapter…

a. In which we find a beautiful prayer expressed by Daniel – Daniel 9:1-19

b. In which we find an amazing revelation regarding “seventy sevens” – Daniel 9:20-27

2. Without question, the latter part of the chapter is difficult…

a. Edward J. Young describes it as “one of the most difficult in all the OT, and the interpretations which have been offered are almost legion.”

b. H.C. Leupold wrote “This is one of the grandest prophetic passages; and yet, if there was ever an exegetical crux, this is it.”

3. In light of its difficulty…

a. We should certainly approach this passage with humility, and not dogmatically

b. We should be careful not to draw conclusions that would contradict clear teachings of Scripture

4. But before we consider the actual vision of the seventy weeks, let’s take the time to consider the prayer offered by Daniel…

a. A beautiful example of confessing sin and seeking forgiveness

b. Akin to the prayer of David in Psalm 51

5. A wonderful blessing we enjoy as Christians is the cleansing blood of Jesus as we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). Daniel’s prayer in this chapter provides insight into the art of confessing sin.

Body

I. THE SETTING OF THE PRAYER

A. THE DATE OF THE PRAYER…

1. In the first year of Darius, son of Ahasuerus – Daniel 9:1

a. Of the lineage of the Medes

b. Made king over the Chaldeans (Babylonians) – Daniel 5:31; 6:1-28

2. The time is now about 538 B.C.

B. THE REASON FOR THE PRAYER…

1. Daniel knew the prophecy of Jeremiah, regarding 70 years of Babylonian captivity – Daniel 9:2; cf. Jeremiah 25:9-12; 29:10

2. The 70 years of Jerusalem began in 606 B.C., with the captivity of Daniel and the first devastation of Jerusalem – 2 Chronicles 36:5-7; Daniel 1:1-6

3. So with this first year of the Medo-Persian empire (With Darius the Mede over the Chaldeans, but with Cyrus the Persian over all), the prophecy of Jeremiah was about to be completed – 2 Chronicles 36:21-23; Ezra 1:1-4

C. THE PREPARATION FOR THE PRAYER…

1. Daniel set his face toward the Lord God – Daniel 9:3

a. To make request by prayer and supplications

b. This may have included facing toward Jerusalem – cf. Daniel 6:10-11

2. With fasting, sackcloth, and ashes

a. Physical preparations which illustrated his humility and contrition

b. Similar to the practice of others – e.g., Nehemiah 9:1-2; Jon 3:5-9

3. With the Word of God fresh on his mind, his heart humbled by his own sins and those of his people, even his physical body humbled into submission, Daniel begins his penitential prayer.

II. THE CONTENT OF THE PRAYER

A. DANIEL’S CONFESSION…

1. Addressing the Lord his God – Daniel 9:4

a. As great and awesome

b. Who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who:

1) Love Him

2) Keep His commandments – cf. Psalm 103:17-18; John 14:15

2. Confessing in behalf of his people – Daniel 9:5-6

a. Of sinning and committing iniquity

b. Of doing wickedly and rebelling

c. Of departing from His precepts and judgments

d. Of failing to heed His servants the prophets, who spoke to their kings, princes, fathers, and all the people – cf. 2 Chronicles 36:15-21

3. Contrasting their shame with God’s righteousness – Daniel 9:7-9

a. To Judah, Israel, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem belong shame of face

1) Those both near and far off in countries where God had driven them

2) To them, their kings, princes, and fathers

3) Because of their unfaithfulness against God, their sin and rebellion – Ezra 9:6-7

b. To God belongs righteousness

1) To Him belongs mercy and forgiveness

2) Even though they had rebelled against Him – Ezra 9:8-9

4. Reviewing their sin, and the fulfillment of God’s warnings – Daniel 9:10-14

a. The nature of their sin – cf. Nehemiah 9:13-30

1) They have not obeyed the voice of the Lord

2) They have not walked in His laws set before by His prophets

3) They transgressed His law, and departed so as not to obey His voice

4) They had not prayed that they might turn from their iniquities and understand His truth

b. The fulfillment of God’s warnings – cf. Leviticus 26:14-39; Deuteronomy 28:15-68

1) The curse and oath written in the Law of Moses has been poured out

2) He has confirmed His words spoken against them by bringing a great disaster upon them

3) Especially the disaster which has come upon Jerusalem

5. Summarizing their sin – Daniel 9:15

a. To Him who delivered them from Egyptian bondage with a mighty hand

B. DANIEL’S PETITION…

1. His passionate plea for God to:

a. Turn away His anger and fury – Daniel 9:16

1) From His city Jerusalem, His holy mountain

2) Because of their sins and iniquities

3) For which they have become a reproach

b. Hear his prayer and supplications – Daniel 9:17a

c. Cause His face to shine on His sanctuary, which is desolate – Daniel 9:17b

d. See their desolation, and the desolation of the city called by His name – Daniel 9:18

e. Hear, forgive, act and not delay! – Daniel 9:19

2. His passionate plea based, not because of their righteous deeds, but upon:

a. God’s righteousness, and for His sake – Daniel 9:16-17

b. God’s great mercies, and for His city and His people called by His name – Daniel 9:18-19

Conclusion

1. Like the penitential prayer of David in Psalm 51, this prayer of Daniel is a classic example of how to confess our sins and seek God’s forgiveness…

a. To seek forgiveness on the basis of God’s loving kindness and mercy, not one’s own righteousness – cf. Psalm 51:1-2

b. To acknowledge one’s sins before God – cf. Psalm 51:3-4

c. As we confess our sins (cf. 1 John 1:9), remember the example of godly men like David and Daniel!

2. Daniel’s noble character is seen in how he identified himself with his people in their sins…

a. Even though he had been faithful to God throughout his life – Daniel 6:10

b. For such reasons he was “greatly beloved” by God – Daniel 9:23; 10:11,19

3. May the example of Daniel’s life and fait h inspire us in our own walk with God, for we too have been blessed to be “greatly beloved”:

4. “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” – 1 John 3:1a

5. Are we trusting in the love and mercy of God for the forgiveness of sins, and not our own righteousness?

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Don Treadway

3 September, 2012

27-Daniel, OT, Sermons

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Daniel 09:20-27 The Vision of the Seventy Weeks – powerpoint

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Daniel-09-20-27-The-Vision-of-the-Seventy-Weeks.PDF

Daniel-09-20-27-The-Vision-of-the-Seventy-Weeks.PPTX

Text: Daniel 9:20-27

Introduction

1. We come now to one of the most difficult passages of the Old Testament…

2. With such a difficult passage before us, we should …

a. Approach it with humility, and not dogmatically

b. Not draw conclusions that would contradict clear teachings of Scripture

Body

I. THE ARRIVAL OF GABRIEL

A. AT THE TIME OF EVENING OFFERING…

1. Even as Daniel was confessing his sin and the sin of his people, and making supplication for the holy mountain of God (i.e., Jerusalem) – Daniel 9:20-21

2. This was the same person seen in the vision at the beginning – cf. Daniel 8:16

B. TO GIVE DANIEL SKILL TO UNDERSTAND…

1. Commanded to do so even at the beginning of Daniel’s prayer – Daniel 9:22-23

2. For Daniel was “greatly beloved” – cf. Daniel 10:11,19

II. THE VISION OF THE SEVENTY WEEKS

A. A GENERAL STATEMENT OF WHAT IS TO OCCUR…

1. 70 “weeks” are determined for Daniel’s people (Israel) and his holy city (Jerusalem) – Daniel 9:24

a. The word “weeks” in Hebrew is actually “sevens” (i.e., 70 “sevens”)

b. Most agree it likely refers to “weeks”, but weeks of what?

1) Weeks of days?

a) Then it would be 490 days

b) Few believe this to be the case, and so most all figuratize this passage to some extent

2) Weeks of years (i.e., each day representing a year)?

a) Then it would be 490 years

b) But the Jews used a lunar calendar (360 days/yr), so it would be 483 years according to our calendar)

c) Many suggest this to be the answer, but it is not without difficulty

3) Of some nonspecific period of time?

a) Then it may just refer to seventy complete periods of time

b) And each week may not be equivalent in time (i.e., one “week” may be longer than other “weeks”)

2. This period of time will be for the fulfillment of six things, each apparently related to the work of the coming Messiah (i.e., Jesus):

a. To finish the transgression

1) The marginal reading has “restrain” for “finish”

2) The idea is that Messiah would provide a restraining power and influence which would check the progress of sin – Acts 3:25-26

b. To make an end of sins

1) The marginal reading has “to seal up” for “make an end”

2) The idea is that sins will be sealed up, or closed, or hidden, so that they will not be seen, or will not develop themselves – Acts 3:19

c. To make reconciliation for iniquity

1) Literally, to cover iniquity

2) How this would be done is not stated here, but Isaiah 53:5-6,10-12

d. Note: The first three things relate to our Lord’s work of dealing with the problem of sin, how sin would restrained, sealed up, and covered over

e. To bring in everlasting righteousness

1) Literally, to cause to come

2) To provide a way by which a man could become righteous and holy – cf. Romans 3:21-26; 2 Corinthians 5:21

f. To seal up the vision and the prophecy

1) To complete, to finish, meaning the prophecies would be fulfilled (Barnes)

2) Others suggest that it is referring to OT prophecies, especially those related to the work of the Messiah making an end of sin – cf. Lk 24:44-47

g. To anoint the Most Holy

1) Barnes opines that the Most Holy refers to the temple in Jerusalem

2) And that the anointing of the temple refers to the presence of the Messiah in the temple – cf. Malachi 3:1-2; Matthew 12:6

3) Especially regarding the presence of the Lord in the temple during His final week – cf. Matthew 21:1-16

4) Some believe it may refer to the baptism of Jesus when the Spirit came upon Him in the form of a dove – Matthew 3:16-17

B. A SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF HOW THIS WOULD OCCUR…

1. There shall be 7 weeks and 62 weeks – Daniel 9:25

a. Beginning with the command to restore and build Jerusalem, until Messiah the prince (the street and the wall shall be built, even in troublesome times)

b. At least three possible decrees may serve as the “terminus pro quo” (starting point) of the 70 “weeks”

1) The decree of Cyrus (539-538 BC) – cf. Ezra 1:1-4

a) To rebuild the temple (and the city, cf. Isaiah 44:26-28; 45:13)

b) If one starts here, then the 70 weeks could not be 490 literal years, for that would place the end of the 70 weeks around 55 B.C. (much too early)

c) The appeal of using this decree as the starting point:

1] It is the most well-known decree regarding the restoration of Israel

2] It was given about the time Daniel received his vision of the 70 weeks

3] This decree is preferred by many who do not hold to a literal 490 years

2) The decree of Artaxerxes (457 BC) – cf. Ezra 7:13-14

a) For Ezra to restore the Law and its worship

b) Starting here, 490 Julian years would end the 70 weeks around 33 A.D.

c) But 490 lunar years end the 70 weeks around 26 A.D. (seven years too early)

d) This decree is preferred by some amillenialists who hold to a literal 490 years, but not lunar years (Haley’s Bible Handbook)

3) The second decree of Artaxerxes (445-444 BC) – cf. Nehemiah 2:1-8

a) For Nehemiah to build the city

b) Starting here, 490 lunar years end the 70 weeks around 38 A.D.

c) This would place the start of the 70th week near the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry (ca. about 30 A.D.)

d) There are problems with the first 7 weeks ending around 396 B.C., which some contend is too late for the restoration of the city

e) Premillenialists prefer to start with this decree, but so do some amillenialists such as Albert Barnes

c. Each starting date has its problems, but I lean towards Barnes’ choice of the decree of Artaxerxes in 445 B.C. as the terminus a quo for this prophecy

1) The 7 and 62 “weeks” is the period of time from the decree until “Messiah the Prince”

2) Barnes has this period ending with the baptism of Jesus and the beginning of His public ministry

2. After the 62 weeks, events will occur – Daniel 9:26-27

a. Messiah will be cut off, but not for Himself

1) This refers to the death of Christ

2) Whose death occurs midway during the 70th week (see below)

b. People of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary

1) The end of it shall be with a flood; until the end of the war, desolations are determined

a) The people are generally accepted to be the Romans, who destroyed Jerusalem in A.D. 70

b) The “prince” is thought to be either Titus, the Roman general, or perhaps referring to Jesus Himself (with the Roman army as the instrument of God’s judgment upon Jerusalem)

2) Many contend that the destruction must fall within the 70th week

a) However, Young and Barnes argue that such is not necessarily required

b) The desolation to befall Jerusalem may be the consequence of events during the 70th week, and not fall within the period of the 70th week

c. For 1 week, he shall confirm a covenant with many

1) “He” refers to Jesus (Barnes)

2) “Confirm a covenant” describes the work done by Jesus and His apostles in Israel, before and immediately after His death (Barnes)

a) His earthly ministry lasted about 3 and half years

b) The gospel was preached only to Jews for 3-4 years after Pentecost

d. In the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering

1) This refers to Jesus who was cut off, but not for Himself

2) Through His death, He brought the need for sacrifices to an end – Hebrews 10:12-18

e. The abomination and desolation to come – Daniel 9:27

1) Alluding to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70

2) Jesus referred to this in Matthew 24:15

3) Again, this desolation may be the consequence of what occurred in the 70th week, even though it occurred after the 70th week

4) But if required to occur during the 70th week, then the 70th week must extend beyond A.D. 70

Conclusion

1. Such a brief look at this difficult passage will naturally raise many questions, which is beyond the scope of our study

2. While the passage is admittedly difficult, let’s not lose sight of the wonderful promises concerning the Messiah’s work related to sin and righteousness, and that Jesus through His death has truly brought an end to the consequences of sin and thereby introduced everlasting righteousness!

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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3 September, 2012

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Daniel 08:01-27 The Vision of the Ram and the Goat

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Text: Daniel 8:1-27

Introduction

1. In previous chapters we have seen visions describing four kingdoms…

a. The vision of Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 2

b. The vision of Daniel – Daniel 7

c. These kingdoms were the Babylonian, the Medo-Persian, the Greek, the Roman

2. In Daniel 8, Daniel relates another vision…

a. Commonly called “The Vision of the Ram and the Goat”

b. In which two kingdoms are described

[The two kingdoms as the same as two of the four kingdoms in earlier visions. But just as the vision in Daniel 7 related more information about the fourth kingdom, so now the vision in Daniel 8 provides some information about the second and third kingdoms…]

Body

I. THE VISION DESCRIBED (Daniel 8:1-14)

A. DATE OF THE VISION…

1. Received by Daniel in the third year of Belshazzar king of Babylon – Daniel 8:1

2. This would be about 552 B.C., two years later than the vision in Daniel 7

B. DETAILS OF THE VISION…

1. In the vision, Daniel saw himself in Shushan (Susa) – Daniel 8:2

a. In the province of Elam (western Persia, modern day Iran)

b. The winter capital of the Persian kings

c. He was by the river Ulai

2. He saw a two-horned ram – Daniel 8:3-4

a. Standing beside the river

b. The horns were high, with one higher than the other which came up last

c. The ram was pushing westward, northward, and southward

1) No beast could withstand him

2) None could deliver from his hand

3) He did according to his will and became great

3. He saw a one-horned male goat – Daniel 8:5

a. Coming suddenly from the west

b. Across the surface of the whole earth, not touching the ground

c. With a notable horn between his eyes

4. He saw the goat defeat the ram – Daniel 8:6-7

a. With furious power the goat attacked the ram and broke his two horns

b. The ram was unable to withstand the goat, and was trampled

5. The goat become great, but when he became strong… – Daniel 8:8

a. The large horn was broken

b. In its place four notable ones came up toward the four winds of heaven

6. He saw a little horn come out of the four with great power – Daniel 8:9-12

a. Which grew exceedingly great

1) Toward the south and east

2) Toward the Glorious Land

b. Which grew up to the host of heaven

1) Casting down and trampling to the ground some of the host

2) Exalting himself as high as the Prince of host

c. By this powerful horn…

1) The daily sacrifices were taken away

2) The place of His (God’s) sanctuary was cast down

3) An army was given him to oppose the daily sacrifices (because of transgression)

d. He did all this and prospered

7. Daniel then heard a conversation between two holy ones – Daniel 8:13-14

a. One asking: “How long will the vision be, concerning…”

1) “the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation”

2) “the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled under foot?”

b. The reply given to Daniel:

1) “For two thousand three hundred days”

2) “Then the sanctuary shall be cleansed”

c. With the details before us, we are now ready to consider the explanation provided Daniel

II. THE VISION INTERPRETED

A. GABRIEL ASSIGNED TO EXPLAIN THE VISION…

1. Daniel was seeking to understand the meaning – Daniel 8:15-16

a. When there stood before him one having the appearance of a man

b. When a man’s voice from the banks of the Ulai charged Gabriel to make Daniel understand the vision

2. Gabriel speaks to Daniel – Daniel 8:17-19

a. He approaches Daniel

1) Prompting Daniel to fall on his face in fear

2) Telling him that “the vision refers to the time of the end”

b. He stands Daniel on his feet

1) For Daniel had fallen into a deep sleep with his face to the ground

2) To tell him “what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be”

B. GABRIEL EXPLAINS THE VISION…

1. The two-horned ram – Daniel 8:20

a. Depicts the kings of Media and Persia

b. The larger horn may represent Persia’s greater influence – cf. Daniel 8:3

c. The expansion of the Medo-Persian Empire illustrated by the ram pushing westward, northward, and southward – cf. Daniel 8:4

2. The one-horned male goat – Daniel 8:21

a. Depicts the kingdom of Greece; note that it came from the west – cf. Daniel 8:5

b. The large horn representing it’s first king (Alexander the Great)

c. The speed of the goat aptly reflects Alexander’s conquests – cf. Daniel 8:5

d. Alexander defeated the Persians in three decisive battles – cf. Daniel 8:6-7

1) At Granicus (334 B.C.)

2) At Issus (333 B.C.)

3) At Gaugamela (331 B.C.)

3. The broken horn and four horns that arose in its place – Daniel 8:22

a. Alexander died at 33 years of age

b. His empire was divided between his four generals – cf. Daniel 8:8

1) Ptolemy (Egypt)

2) Seleucus I (Syria)

3) Cassander (Macedonia and Greece)

4) Lysimachus (Thrace and Asia Minor)

4. The little horn that became exceedingly great – Daniel 8:23-25

a. Some time later a king shall arise

1) When transgressors have reached their fullness (when Israel has fallen back into sin)

2) With mighty power, but not by his own

3) Who shall destroy fearfully, prosper and thrive

4) Who shall destroy the mighty and also the holy people

5) Through cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper

6) He shall magnify himself, and destroy many in their prosperity

7) He shall even rise against the Prince of princes (God Himself)

8) But he shall be broken without human hand (God shall destroy him)

b. This is Antiochus Epiphanies, ruler of Syria (175-163 B.C. )

1) Who imposed Greek culture and deities upon his subjects

2) Who when he conquered Jerusalem:

a) Set up an image in the temple

b) Offered swine flesh upon the altar

c) Encouraged Greek soldiers to commit fornication in the temple

d) Forbade circumcision, keeping the Sabbath, possessing a copy of the Scriptures

5. The vision of the evenings and mornings – Daniel 8:26

a. The number of days the sacrifices will cease, and the temple desolated

b. Maybe a literal period (a little over six years) corresponding to the actual period of time the abomination by Antiochus Epiphanes occurred (171-165 B.C.)

c. Daniel instructed to seal up the vision

1) For it was to occur “many days in the future”

2) I.e., almost four hundred years later

C. EFFECT ON DANIEL…

1. He fainted and was sick for days – Daniel 8:27

2. Though he afterward arose and went about the king’s business, he was astonished by the vision (but no one understood it) – Daniel 8:27

Conclusion

1. This vision is probably the easiest to understand of the four visions that Daniel saw…

a. The identity of the ram and goat are clearly given

b. History confirms what is described in this vision

1) The conflict between Medo-Persia and Greece

2) The division of the Grecian empire following Alexander’s death

3) The rise of Antiochus Epiphanies and his desecration of the temple in Jerusalem

2. The purpose of the vision was to prepare the people of Daniel for what was to come…

a. In “the time of the end”

b. In “the latter time of the indignation”

3. The persecution that would come upon Israel toward the end of the OT period (Young)

4. The remarkable accuracy of this vision has led some to date the book of Daniel after the events of Antiochus Epiphanies. But its accuracy poses no problem for those who accept the inspiration of the Scriptures, and should remind us of God’s power to fulfill His Word:

“Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’ “Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.” – Isaiah 46:9-11

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Daniel 07:01-28 The Vision of the Four Beasts

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Text: Daniel 7:1-28

Introduction

1. The book of Daniel naturally divides itself into two parts…

a. In our introductory lesson, we described these parts as:

1) God’s providence in history – Daniel 1:1-6:28

2) God’s purpose in history – Daniel 7:1-12:13

b. Others describe these two parts as:

1) The personal history of Daniel – Daniel 1:1-6:28

2) The prophetical history of Daniel – Daniel 7:1-12:13

2. The second half of the book contains four visions seen by Daniel…

a. The vision of the four beasts – Daniel 7:1-28

b. The vision of the ram and the goat – Daniel 8:1-27

c. The vision of the seventy weeks – Daniel 9:1-27

d. The vision of the time of the end – Daniel 10:1-12:13

3. In which God reveals to Daniel many things about His purpose and plan in history, regarding the nation of Israel and the everlasting kingdom to come

Body

I. THE VISION DESCRIBED (Daniel 7:1-14)

A. DATE OF THE VISION…

1. Received by Daniel in the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon – Daniel 7:1

2. This would be about 550 B.C., when Belshazzar became co-regent with his father Nabonidus

B. DETAILS OF THE VISION…

1. Part One: The four beasts from the sea – Daniel 7:2-8

a. The four winds of heaven stirring up the Great Sea (Mediterranean)

1) The “sea” may symbolize the mass of humanity – cf. Isaiah 17:12; Revelation 17:15

2) The “four winds of heaven” may be forces God uses to control and even destroy – cf. Jeremiah 49:36; 51:1 (Harkrider)

b. Four great beasts coming up out of the sea

1) The lion with eagle’s wings

a) Whose wings were plucked off

b) Made to stand on two feet like a man

c) A man’s heart given to it

d) The lion represents Babylon; the wings possibly symbolizing the co-regency of Nabonidus and Belshazzar, a kingdom shown to be remarkably fragile – Daniel 5:1-31

2) The bear with ribs in its mouth

a) Raised up on one side

b) Three ribs in its mouth between its teeth

c) Told to “Arise, devour much flesh!”

d) The bear represents the Medo-Persian empire; that it raises on one side reflect the Persian dominance, the three ribs in its mouth may illustrate its victories over Egypt, Syria, and Babylon

3) The winged, multi-headed leopard

a) With four wings and four heads

b) To whom dominion was given

c) The leopard represents the Greek empire of Alexander the Great; the wings symbolize its rapid conquest, the four heads prophetic of its division by four generals after Alexander’s death

4) The dreadful and terrible beast

a) Exceedingly strong, with huge teeth

b) Devouring, breaking in pieces, trampling residue with its feet

c) Different from all the beasts before it

1/ Unlike the other three, it is not compared with any animal

2/ But if it is the beast of Revelation, note that it was a conglomeration of a lion, bear and leopard – Revelation 13:1-2

d) With ten horns; another little horn coming up among them…

1/ Before whom three of the first horns were plucked from their roots

2/ In which were the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompously

e) This beast represents the Roman empire; the ten horns and little horn represents emperors or kings who ruled during events involving the establishment of God’s kingdom (see below) – cf. Daniel 2:44

2. Part Two: An awesome judgment – Daniel 7:9-12

a. Thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated

1) His garment was white as snow, His hair like pure wool

2) His throne a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire, a fiery stream issued from before Him

3) A million ministered to Him, a hundred million stood before Him

4) The court (judgment) was seated, and books were opened

b. The judgment of the four beasts

1) The great and terrible beast

a) The one with the sound of pompous words from the little horn was slain, its body destroyed, and given to the burning flame

2) The rests of the beasts

a) They had their dominion taken away

b) Their lives were prolonged for a season and a time

3. Part Three: The coronation of the Son of Man – Daniel 7:13-14

a. Daniel sees one like the Son of Man

1) Coming with the clouds of heaven

2) Brought near to the Ancient of Days

b. To Him was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom

1) That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him

2) His dominion is an everlasting dominion

3) His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed – cf. Daniel 2:44

[The parallels between this vision and Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel2) should be carefully noted. Both involve the rise and fall of four kingdoms, and a kingdom which would never be destroyed. In Daniel’s three-part vision, the conflict to come between the fourth kingdom and the establishment of the everlasting kingdom is foretold as we see…]

II. THE VISION INTERPRETED

A. EFFECT ON DANIEL…

1. Grieved in his spirit – Daniel 7:15

2. Troubled by the visions he saw

B. EXPLANATION TO DANIEL…

1. An overall summary of the vision – Daniel 7:16-18

a. Provided by one of those who stood by (an angel?)

b. The four beasts represent four kings (kingdoms, cf. Daniel 7:23)

c. Yet the saints of the Most High shall receive and possess the everlasting kingdom

2. Daniel’s desire to know more – Daniel 7:19-20

a. About the fourth beast, exceedingly dreadful

b. About the ten horns on it head

c. About the little horn

1) Before which three horns fell

2) Which had eyes and a mouth speaking pompous words

3) Whose appearance was greater than his fellows

3. What Daniel then saw – Daniel 7:21-22

a. The little horn making war against the saints, prevailing against them

b. Until the Ancient of Days came

1) With judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High

2) And it was time for the saints to possess the kingdom

4. What Daniel then heard – Daniel 7:23-27

a. Concerning the fourth beast

1) It shall be a fourth kingdom on the earth

2) It shall devour the whole earth, trample it, and break it in pieces

3) The Roman empire, which came to rule the Mediterranean world

b. Concerning the ten horns

1) They are ten kings to arise from this fourth kingdom

2) After whom another shall arise

— These may be emperors who ruled during the first century A.D. when the everlasting kingdom (i.e., the church) was being established, or the ten kings alluded to in Revelation 17:12-13; then again, the number ten may only be symbolic, reflecting their complete or full number, and not ten specific kings

c. Concerning the little horn

1) He shall be different from the first kings

2) He shall subdue three kings

3) He shall speak pompous words against the Most High

4) He shall persecute the saints of the Most High

5) He shall intend to change times and law

6) Into whose hands the saints shall be given for a time, times and half a time

1/ Perhaps 3 1/2 years (1 year, 2 years, 1/2 year), 42 months – cf. Revelation 13:5; also 11:2,3

2/ A broken, short period of time involving persecution

— This is likely the persecuting emperor of Rome (e.g., Domitian), described as the beast from the sea in Revelation – cf. Revelation 13:1-2,5-7

d. Concerning the judgment

1) The dominion of the little horn shall be taken away, consumed and destroyed

2) Then the kingdom (of heaven?), and the dominion and greatness of the kingdoms under heaven shall be given to the saints of the Most High

3) This kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and dominions shall serve Him

— As depicted in Revelation, the conflict between the Roman empire and the church would end with the ultimate victory of the people of God (who even though martyred, would reign with Christ) – cf. Revelation 17:14; 19:19-20; 20:4

C. EPILOGUE BY DANIEL…

1. His thoughts greatly troubled him, and his countenance changed – Daniel 7:28

2. But he kept the matter in his heart – Daniel 7:28

a. A good course of action whenever we are unsure about the meaning of a particular Scripture, especially that which is prophetic

b. As we continue to read and study, what we learn later may help enlighten the unclear Scripture we have kept in our heart

Conclusion

1. “The Vision Of The Four Beasts” is certainly interesting and challenging…

a. It expands upon the vision seen by Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2

b. It introduces the conflict described in the vision seen by John in Re 13-20

2. I understand these visions to depict the establishment of “the everlasting kingdom”…

a. To occur during the days of the Roman empire – Daniel 2:44; Luke 1:30-33; Mark 1:14-15

b. Which began when Jesus ascended to heaven – Daniel 7:13-14; Acts 1:9; 2:36; Ephesians 1:20-23; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation 1:5,9

c. Which experienced great persecution at the outset – Daniel 7:25; Revelation 1:9; 2:10; 17:14

3. But the saints who persevered in those days, even to the point of death, continue to reign with Christ in heaven (i.e., they “possess the kingdom”) – Daniel 7:18; 2 Timothy 4:17-18; Revelation 20:4

4. The ultimate victory of the church over the Roman empire came to pass as foretold to both Daniel and John. May this fulfillment encourage us to remain faithful until the time when Jesus returns to “deliver the kingdom to God the Father”! – cf. 1 Corinthians 15:23-26

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Don Treadway

3 September, 2012

27-Daniel, OT, Sermons

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Daniel 06:01-28 Daniel in the Lions Den

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Text: Daniel 6:1-28

Introduction

1. The faith of Daniel has been an inspiration to many young people…

a. Due to his faith as a young man, when only 15-17 years old

b. In which he purposed in his heart not to defile himself – cf. Daniel 1:8

2. Daniel should also be an inspiration to elderly people…

a. As an example of service and commitment in our “golden years”

b. For we can also read of his faith as old man, perhaps in his mid-eighties

Body

I. THE TRAP IS SET (Daniel 6:1-9)

A. DANIEL IS SUCCESSFUL…

1. He is appointed one of three governors over the kingdom – Daniel 6:1-2

2. Daniel “distinguished” himself above the others – Daniel 6:3

a. His success was due to his “excellent spirit”, not cunning or political maneuvering

b. Proving one can be successful in business and politics without compromising character

c. Darius contemplates setting Daniel over the whole realm

B. DANIEL IS ENVIED…

1. His success leads to envy by others – Daniel 6:4

a. Even the most godly men can have their enemies (e.g., David, Christ)

b. Enemies by virtue of jealousy

2. His noble character is attested to by his enemies – Daniel 6:4

a. They could make no charge against him, finding no fault or error in him

b. Because he was “faithful” (i.e., trustworthy, dependable)

3. His enemies determine there is only one way to defeat him – Daniel 6:5

a. To find some conflict between the law of God and that of the land

b. Which they then set out to do

C. DANIEL IS TARGETED…

1. The king is approached by Daniel’s enemies – Daniel 6:6

2. They propose a royal statute, a firm decree – Daniel 6:7

a. That no petition can be made of any god or man for thirty days, except the king

b. Under punishment of being cast into the den of lions

3. The king is encouraged to establish the decree – Daniel 6:8-9

a. Which according to the law of the Medes and Persians, cannot be altered

b. King Darius signs the decree

II. THE TRAP IS SPRUNG (Daniel 6:10-17)

A. DANIEL CONTINUES TO PRAY…

1. Knowing full well that the decree had been signed – Daniel 6:10

2. Practicing a custom common among the Jews – Daniel 6:10

a. Praying three times a day – cf. Psalm 55:17

b. Praying toward Jerusalem – cf. 1 Kings 8:27-30

c. Praying on his knees (a common posture for prayer) – cf. 1 Kings 8:54

d. Praying with thankfulness to God, even in times of trouble – cf. Philippians 4:6

3. His own custom since “early days” – Daniel 6:10

a. Though great and powerful, fervent prayer was not beneath him

b. Though aged, he had not grown weary of prayer

B. DANIEL IS CAUGHT…

1. His enemies catch Daniel praying – Daniel 6:11

2. His enemies report Daniel to the king – Daniel 6:12-13

a. Reminding Darius of the unalterable decree

b. Accusing Daniel of disregarding the king and his decree

3. The king is forced to abide by his own decree – Daniel 6:14-15

a. Displeased with himself, the king tries to deliver Daniel

b. Daniel’s enemies pressure the king to abide by his decree

C. DANIEL IS THROWN INTO THE LIONS’ DEN…

1. Yet the king is hopeful – Daniel 6:16

a. That Daniel’s God will deliver him

b. Whom Daniel had served “continually”

2. The den is closed with a stone and sealed – Daniel 6:17

a. Sealed with the signet ring of the king and his lords

b. Ensuring that the purpose concerning Daniel would not be changed

3. It appears Daniel’s enemies have won. He is in the lions’ den and it is sealed. Yet could any “seal” by man ever keep God from accomplishing His plans (don’t forget the “sealed” tomb! – Matthew 27:62-66

III. THE TRAP IS SPOILED (Daniel 6:18-28)

A. DARIUS IS WORRIED…

1. His night is restless – Daniel 6:18

a. He spends the night fasting, and without musicians

b. He can’t sleep

2. His concern for Daniel is evident – Daniel 6:19-20

a. Rising early in the morning, going in haste to the den

b. Crying to Daniel with a lamenting voice

c. Wondering if God has delivered Daniel

1) A servant of the living God

2) Who serves God continually

B. DANIEL IS DELIVERED…

1. Daniel answers the king – Daniel 6:21-22

a. With respect to the king (“O king, live forever!”)

1) Despite what the king had done to him

2) An example of blessing those who persecute you

b. With word of God’s great deliverance

1) Saved by an angel of God – cf. Daniel 3:28

2) Who shut the lions’ mouths

c. With affirmation of his innocence

1) Innocent before God

2) Guilty of no wrong before the king

2. Darius removes Daniel from the den – Daniel 6:23

a. The king being exceedingly glad

b. Daniel with no injury found on him

3. Daniel is delivered from the lions, because he believed in His God (i.e., saved by faith!)

C. THE CONSPIRATORS ARE EXECUTED…

1. Cast into the same trap intended for Daniel, along with their families – Daniel 6:24

2. As often happens, those who set the trap get caught in it!

a. Cf. Haman, hung on the gallows he built for Mordecai – Esther 7:10

b. As contemplated by David, warned by Solomon – Psalm 7:14-16; Proverbs 1:10-19

D. GOD IS EXALTED…

1. Darius makes a decree that the God of Daniel be feared – Daniel 6:25-27

a. He is the living God, and steadfast forever

b. His kingdom is indestructible, and His dominion everlasting

2. Another pagan king comes to realize Who is really in control!

a. As did Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 4:34-35

b. As did Belshazzar, only too late – Daniel 5:26-28

E. DANIEL PROSPERS…

1. In the reign of Darius, who ruled Chaldea – Daniel 6:28

2. In the reign of Cyrus of Persia (who also ruled over Darius) – cf. Daniel 1:21

Conclusion

1. What were the noble qualities of this aged saint? He was a man…

a. With an excellent spirit – Daniel 6:3

b. Without fault in his business dealings – Daniel 6:4

c. Faithful to those over him – Daniel 6:4

d. Committed to prayer throughout his life – Daniel 6:10

e. Willing to obey God rather than man – Daniel 6:10

f. Putting it simply, he was a man who “believed in his God”! – Daniel 6:23

2. “Daniel in the Lions’ Den” is a story that has thrilled many children…

a. But its lessons are not just for children

b. Daniel is a role model for adults as well

1) For politicians

2) For everyone involved in administrative affairs

3) For all Christians, especially older ones

3. May we all learn from the example of Daniel, who exemplified what it means to seek first the will of God (cf. Matthew 6:33), and to obey God rather than man (cf. Acts 5:29)!

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Don Treadway

3 September, 2012

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Tags: God, lion, trap, trust

Daniel 05:01-31 The Hand Writing on the Wall

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Text: Daniel 5:1-31

Introduction

1. So far in our study of the book of Daniel, we have seen…

a. The faith of young Daniel, who made the commitment not to defile himself – Daniel 1

b. The first dream of Nebuchadnezzar, interpreted by Daniel – Daniel 2

1) Prophesying the rise and fall of four world empires

2) Foretelling the establishment of the kingdom of Christ

c. The faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the face of fire – Daniel 3

d. The second dream of Nebuchadnezzar and it is fulfillment, confirming that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men – Daniel 4

2. We now come to Daniel 5, where we find an incident familiar to many…

a. The event is often called: “The Hand Writing On The Wall”

b. As with any Old Testament account, it was written for our admonition – cf. 1 Corinthians 10:11

Body

I. BOOZE AND IDOLATRY IN A KING’S COURT (Daniel 5:1-4)

A. BELSHAZZAR, THE KING…

1. The time is now about 539 B.C.

a. Nebuchadnezzar had died in 562 B.C.

b. He was succeeded by his son, Evil-Merodach – cf. 2 Kings 25:27

1) After two years he was assassinated by Nergilissar, his brother- in- law

2) Who in turn died four years later (556 B.C. ), leaving the throne to his infant son, Labashi- Marduk, who was soon deposed by a priestly revolution

c. Nabonidus, a former priest under Nebuchadnezzar, was made king in 556 B.C.

1) Who was interested more in scholarly and religious pursuits

2) So he appointed his son Belshazzar as ruler of Babylon in his place

d. Belshazzar therefore became co-regent in 550 B.C.

1) He was “second” in command

2) Which is why he offered Daniel only the “third” position – cf. Daniel 5:16, 29

3) Nebuchadnezzar is called his “father” – Daniel 5:2, 11,13,18,22

a) Nabodonius (Belshazzar’s father) may have been Nebuchadnezzar’s son in-law, and it was common to refer to one’s ancestor as “father”

b) Or “father” may be used figuratively

2. Belshazzar throws a big feast – Daniel 5:1-3

a. Nebuchadnezzar had taken gold and silver vessels from the temple in Jerusalem – cf. 2 Chronicles 36:10

b. Belshazzar adds insult to injury by using them in this feast

B. THEY PRAISED THE GODS OF GOLD AND SILVER…

1. The king and guests foolishly praised the creation rather than the Creator

2. Would we ever stoop so low?

a. Worship the gods of silver and gold?

b. Become guilty of idolatry?

3. We do if we succumb to the sin of covetousness! – Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5

a. When we make mammon (material riches) our god – cf. Matthew 6:24

b. When we make created things the prime focus of our time and interest

II. PANIC AND HUMILIATION IN A KING’S COURT (Daniel 5:5-9)

A. THE HAND WRITING ON THE WALL…

1. The fingers of a man’s hands appear – Daniel 5:5a

2. They write on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace – Daniel 5:5b

3. Belshazzar sees the part of the hand that wrote – Daniel 5:5c

B. THE QUAKING KING…

1. In the case of King Belshazzar…

a. One moment his heart is puffed up with pride

b. The next moment, his knees are knocking together – Daniel 5:6

2. A vivid illustration of: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18

3. All he saw was a man’s hand…

a. What if he had seen the face of God?

b. If just a tiny manifestation of God’s power had that effect, then what would be the effect of coming face to face with God?

4. What about the coming Judgment? Will we be able to stand?

a. Not if we are wicked – cf. Psalm 1:5

b. But we can if we have pure hearts and holy hands – cf. Psalm 24:3-5

C. THE HELPLESS ADVISORS…

1. Once again, a king appeals first to those unable to help – Daniel 5:7-9

2. Just as Nebuchadnezzar did in Daniel 2

3. People often do the same thing today in times of crisis

a. They go to the wrong place for help

1) Looking to their own strength or wisdom

2) Or that of other people

b. When they need to trust in God first – Proverbs 3:5-10; Matthew 6:33

III. THE ARRIVAL OF GOD’S MAN (Daniel 5:10-16)

A. THE ADVICE OF THE QUEEN…

1. The queen was likely the “queen mother”, for the wives were already present – Daniel 5:10-12; cf. 5:2

2. Note that the queen was not present at the banquet…

B. DANIEL BEFORE THE OFFENDER…

1. Twice the king says “I have heard of you” – Daniel 5:13-16

a. It sounds as though the king knew him only by reputation

b. He evidently had not made much effort to know Daniel prior to this event

2. People in the world are not much different

a. They make little effort to get to know the people of God

b. But in times of sickness, trials, and death, where do they turn? To the church, of course

IV. THE INDICTMENT (Daniel 5:17-24)

A. DANIEL REJECTS THE KING’S REWARD…

1. At this point the character of Daniel really shines – Daniel 5:17

2. Unlike many, who teach only if given gifts (or “love offerings”)

3. Daniel gladly tells the true for free

B. DANIEL RECOUNTS A LESSON FROM HISTORY…

1. The lesson from Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream is recounted – Daniel 5:18-21

2. We would do well to learn from history

a. Those who ignore history, are doomed to repeat it

b. This is especially true with inspired history!

C. DANIEL REBUKES THE KING…

1. Belshazzar did not learn from his father’s experience – Daniel 5:22-24

a. He exalted himself, when he should have glorified God

b. This handwriting on the wall was sent

2. When will people learn from history?

a. Should we not learn from the pride of Pharaoh in the book of Exodus?

b. Should we not learn from the murmuring of the Israelites in the wilderness?

3. Indeed, inspired history was written for our learning! – Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11

V. THE SENTENCE AND EXECUTION (Daniel 5:25-31)

A. THE HAND WRITING ON THE WALL EXPLAINED…

1. What was meant by: “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin” – Daniel 5:25-28

a. Mene – God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it

b. Tekel – You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting

c. Peres (Upharsin) – Your kingdom has been divided, given to the Medes and Persians

d. The message of Daniel’s interpretation is that Belshazzar’s kingdom had been numbered for destruction. The king himself is weighed and found wanting. The kingdom was to be taken away and given to the Medes and the Persians.

B. A THIRD OF NOTHING…

1. Belshazzar is true to his promise – Daniel 5:29

2. But as we will soon see, what he gave Daniel was a “third of nothing”

C. “THIS NIGHT YOUR SOUL WILL BE REQUIRED OF YOU…”

1. How quickly the proud and boastful can fall, despite power and wealth – Daniel 5:30-31

a. Herodotus indicates that Babylon fell as a consequence of the diverting of the waters of the Euphrates, allowing the enemy to enter under the city walls

b. Other sources explain it as the result of treason and subterfuge from within, resulting in the opening of the gates to the conquering armies

2. This is reminiscent of Jesus’ story of the rich fool – Luke 12:15-21

a. Boasting one day

b. Dead the next

Conclusion

1. The announcement of doom in this story was provoked in part because…

a. The king misused and abused some pieces of metal

b. These pieces of metal were God’s pieces of metal

c. For such disregard of what belonged to God, a kingdom would be buried!

2. Remember that we are the temple of God today – 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

a. If God did not view lightly the misuse of His vessels then…

b. Will He be casual about the impenitent abuse of His church today?

3. Just as He destroyed the one who defiled His temple of old, so He will destroy those who defile His temple (i.e., the church) today!

Let’s not wait for “The Hand Writing On The Wall” to tell us it is too late, that judgment has been passed and the sentence is final.

Let’s instead heed “The Hand That Wrote On The Ground” (i.e., Jesus, John 8:6, 8), while there is still time for mercy and forgiveness!

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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3 September, 2012

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Tags: condemnation, idolatry, mercy

Daniel 04:01-37 The Most High Rules in the Kingdom of Men

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Text: Daniel 4:1-37

Introduction

1. In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had a dream…

a. Involving a large image with head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron with feet of iron mixed with clay – Daniel 2:36-43

1) Representing four world empires

2) Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome

b. In which the image was destroyed by a small stone made without hands – Daniel 2:44-45

1) Representing the establishment of a kingdom by the God of heaven

2) A kingdom that would never be destroyed, and would consume the other kingdoms

3) Prompting the king to praise the God of Daniel – Daniel 2:47

2. In Daniel 3, Nebuchadnezzar made a large image of gold…

a. He required all to worship it, under threat of death – Daniel 3:4-6

b. Three young men did not, yet survived the fiery furnace – Daniel 3:23-27

c. Prompting the king to bless the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego – Daniel 3:28-29

3. From Daniel 4, it appears that Nebuchadnezzar had more to learn about God…

a. He knew that God was Lord of kings and a revealer of secrets – Daniel 2:47

b. He knew that God can deliver His servants – Daniel 3:28-29

4. But now it was time for him to learn that God, the Most High and King of heaven, rules in the kingdom of men, including his own!

Body

I. THE DREAM, INTERPRETATION, AND FULFILLMENT

A. NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S FOREWORD…

1. Addressed to all who dwell on the earth – Daniel 4:1

2. To declare the signs and wonders of the Most High God – Daniel 4:2-3a

3. Proclaiming God’s kingdom to be everlasting, His dominion from generation to generation- Daniel 4:3b

B. NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DREAM…

1. A dream which troubled him and made him afraid – Daniel 4:4-5

2. His dissatisfaction with the wise men of Babylon – Daniel 4:6-7

3. The dream is told to Daniel…

a. The king’s confidence in Daniel – Daniel 4:8-9

b. Elements of the dream – Daniel 4:10-17

1) A tree in the middle of the earth, its height reaching to the heavens

2) The decree of a holy one, a “watcher”, concerning the tree

a) To be cut down, leaving only the stump and roots

b) Bound with a band of iron and bronze

c) Wet with the dew of heaven

d) To graze with the beasts of the earth

e) His heart changed from that of a man to an animal

f) And let seven times (years?) pass over him

3) The purpose of the decree is for the living to know:

a) The Most High rules in the kingdom of men

b) Who gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men

c. The king repeats his confidence in Daniel to interpret the dream – Daniel 4:18

C. DANIEL’S INTERPRETATION…

1. Daniel is astonished and troubled by the dream – Daniel 4:19

a. Yet the king reassures Daniel to tell the interpretation

b. Daniel wished the dream pertained to the king’s enemies

2. Elements of Daniel’s interpretation – Daniel 4:20-26

a. The tree which became strong and tall represents Nebuchadnezzar

b. The king shall be driven from men, dwell among beasts and eat grass like oxen

1) Seven times (years?) will pass over him

2) Till he knew that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, giving it to whomever He chooses

c. The kingdom shall be returned to Nebuchadnezzar

1) Indicated by the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree

2) Once he comes to know that Heaven rules

3. Daniel’s counsel for the king to be righteous and show mercy – Daniel 4:27

D. THE DREAM’S FULFILLMENT…

1. It came to pass at the end of twelve months – Daniel 4:28-29

2. As the king was boasting about his power and majesty – Daniel 4:30-32

3. That very hour he was driven from men – Daniel 4:33

a. He ate grass like oxen

b. His body was wet with the dew of heaven

c. His hair grew like eagle’s feathers, his nails like birds’ claws

4. And the end of the time, understanding returned to the king – Daniel 4:34-35

a. Prompting him to bless and praise the Most High, who lives forever

b. Acknowledging His everlasting dominion and kingdom

c. Who does according to His will in the army of heaven and among inhabitants of the earth, and none can restrain or say “What have You done?”

5. Nebuchadnezzar restored – Daniel 4:36-37

a. His reason, honor, and splendor returned, his counselor and nobles resorted to him

b. But now he praises and honors the King of heaven for His truth and justice, Who is able to humble those who walk in pride

E. THE MAIN POINT OF THE DREAM AND ITS FULFILLMENT…

1. Stated several times in this chapter

a. In the dream itself – Daniel 4:17

b. By Daniel, in providing the interpretation – Daniel 4:25-26

c. As spoken from Heaven when the dream came to pass – Daniel 4:32

d. By Nebuchadnezzar when he returned to his senses – Daniel 4:34-35

2. To learn that “The Most High Rules In The Kingdom Of Men”

a. Which Daniel acknowledged from Nebuchadnezzar’s first dream – Daniel 2:20-21

b. And now does the king, from his second dream!

[The main point is simple enough, but do we acknowledge that it is still true? Do we appreciate that the Most High still rules in the kingdom of men, only now through His Son? Lest we forget, let’s review what the New Testament teaches about…]

II. THE RULE OF GOD IN THE KINGDOMS OF MEN

A. CHRIST NOW REIGNS AS SOVEREIGN…

1. As claimed before His ascension to heaven – Matthew 28:18

2. As proclaimed after His ascension – Revelation 2:26-27; 3:21

3. As taught by His apostles – Ephesians 1:20-22; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; 1 Peter 3:22

[So He has the authority, but does He exercise it? Consider the next point…]

B. CHRIST NOW REIGNS IN THE KINGDOM OF MEN…

1. As foretold by the prophets

a. In Psalms 2, which speaks of:

1) The attempt of the nations to reject Christ – Psalm 2:1-3

2) The coronation of Christ despite their efforts – Psalm 2:4-6

3) The exercise of Christ’s rule over the nations – Psalm 2:7-9

4) The importance of kings and judges serving the Lord – Psalm 2:10-12

5) Acts 4:23-28 confirms that this passage refers to Jesus!

b. In Psalms 110, which tells of:

1) The rule of Christ in the midst of His enemies – Psalm 110:1-2

2) The voluntary service of His people (the church), and the priestly service of their King – Psalm 110:3-4

3) The exercise of judgment among the nations – Psalm 110:5-7

4) Acts 2:32-36 confirms that this passage refers to Jesus!

2. As taught by the apostles

a. Governing authorities exist as appointed by God, to serve as ministers of God – Romans 13:1-4

b. Why pray for kings and those in authority, that peace may prevail, unless God through Christ can do something about it? – cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

c. Jesus is the “ruler over the kings of the earth” – Revelation 1:5

1) He exercised that rule in the destruction of Jerusalem, foretold in Matthew 24

2) He exercised that rule in destroying the beast of Revelation (the Roman empire) and all his forces – cf. Revelation 17:14

d. Truly Jesus is “King of kings, and Lord of lords”- Revelation 19:16; 1 Timothy 6:15

3. We may not always be able to see how it is so

a. If Christ rules in the kingdom of men, why do evil men and evil empires exist?

b. It helps to understand the nature of Christ’s rule1) He rules “in the midst of His enemies” – Psalm 110:22) He must reign “till He has put all enemies under His feet” – 1 Corinthians 15:25-26

c. Until He comes again, Jesus exercises His authority over the nations in ways we may not always be able to comprehend

Conclusion

1. To know that “the Most High rules” must have been comforting to Daniel…

a. For at that time he and the nation of <a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.biblemap.org/#Israel”>Israel</a> were in captivity

b. Their temple was destroyed, the land plundered and filled with transplanted foreigners

c. Yet Daniel knew the prophecy of Jeremiah, that after seventy years they would return – cf. Daniel 9:1-2

d. Knowing that God rules, even when wicked men seem to prevail, gave him hope

2. We can take comfort in knowing that “the Most High rules” today…

a. That He who rules in the kingdom of men is Jesus!

b. Who is our Savior, Priest, and Friend!

c. Therefore we can look forward to the future with hope, not apprehension

3. But this is true only if we give Jesus sovereign rule in our personal lives…

a. He must be “our” Lord, the King of “our” lives!

b. We must be “volunteers” in the day of His power – cf. Psalm 110:3

4. Have we submitted in obedience to Him who is both Lord and Christ (cf. Acts 2:36-38)?

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Don Treadway

3 September, 2012

27-Daniel, OT, Sermons

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Tags: Christ, God, Jesus, kingdom

Daniel 02:01-49 The Kingdom that Shall Never be Destroyed

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Text: Daniel 2:1-49

Introduction

1. In Daniel chapter 2, we read about Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel’s interpretation…

a. Nebuchadnezzar challenges his magicians, sorcerers, et al, to tell him both the dream and its interpretation, and they are unable – Daniel 2:1-13

b. God reveals the secret of the dream to Daniel in a night vision – Daniel 2:14-23

c. Daniel approaches the king and explains that God has made known to him both the dream and its interpretation – Daniel 2:24-30

d. Daniel then tells the dream, and gives the interpretation of it, to the amazement of Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 2:31-49 (read)

1) The king had seen a great image

a) With head of gold

b) With chest and arms of silver

c) With belly and thighs of bronze

d) With legs of iron, and feet mixed with iron and clay

2) The great image was destroyed by a small stone made without hands

a) The image representing the rise and fall of four world empires

b) The stone representing a kingdom that God would set up

3) The king praises God, and exalts Daniel along with his three friends

2. There are certainly two key thoughts expressed in this chapter…

a. God is a revealer of secrets – Daniel 2:19, 22, 28-29, 47

b. God can make know the future and bring it pass – Daniel 2:28-29, 21

3. But of particular interest to us ought to be the “kingdom” in verse 44…

a. Which the God of heaven Himself shall set up

b. Which shall never be destroyed, but consume other kingdoms and stand forever

4. Several questions naturally come to mind concerning this “kingdom”…

a. When would God set it up?

b. Has it been set up as foretold?

c. If it has, and if it shall never be destroyed…

1) Where is it now?

2) What is the future of this kingdom?

3) Can we be a part of this indestructible kingdom?

Body

I. THE PREPARATION FOR THE INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM

A. “IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS…” (Daniel 2:44)

1. Daniel describes the image as depicting four kingdoms which shall rise and fall

2. The first one is definitely Babylon – Daniel 2:37-38

3. With Babylon as the starting point, world history confirms that the next three kingdoms would be:

a. The Medo-Persian empire, represented by the chest and arms of silver

b. The Grecian empire, represented by the belly and thighs of bronze

c. The Roman empire, represented by the legs of iron, with feet mixed with iron and clay

4. Thus one could look for the establishment of the “indestructible kingdom” in the days of the Roman empire

B. WHEN “THE TIME IS FULFILLED”…

1. Notice what John the Baptist began preaching during the days of the Roman Empire (“the kingdom of heaven is at hand”) – Matthew 3:1-2

2. Jesus proclaimed this also, adding “the time is fulfilled” – Mark 1:14-15

a. What “time” was fulfilled?

b. The time described by Daniel!

II. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM

A. DURING JESUS’ EARTHLY MINISTRY, IT WAS “AT HAND”…

1. This is what both John and Jesus proclaimed – Matthew 3:1-2; Mark 1:14-15

2. Yet after Jesus’ death, there were those who were still waiting for the kingdom – Joseph of Arimathea, Luke 23:50-51

B. BUT FOLLOWING THE ASCENSION OF JESUS…

1. He is far above all principality, power, might, dominion – Ephesians 1:20-21

2. All has been made subject to Him – 1 Peter 3:22

3. He is ruler over the kings of the earth – Revelation 1:5

4. He rules the nations with a rod of iron – Revelation 2:26-27

5. He truly has all authority in heaven and on earth! – cf. Matthew 28:18

C. THIS SUPPORTS WHAT IS REVEALED LATER IN DANIEL…

1. Consider Daniel 7:13-14

a. Where one like the Son of Man approaches the Ancient of Days (God)

b. And is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom which shall not be destroyed

2. Compare this with Acts 1:9

a. Daniel describes the ascension from a heavenly perspective

b. Whereas Luke describes it from an earthly perspective!

3. It is clear, then, that the King (Jesus) has received a kingdom, that the indestructible kingdom was set up when He returned to heaven! But one might naturally ask: Where is it now?

III. THE NATURE OF THE INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM

A. THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT THIS KINGDOM…

1. It was described by Daniel as a “stone cut…without hands which became a great mountain and filled the whole earth” – Daniel 2:34-35

a. “without hands” suggests it is not your ordinary kingdom

b. Also, it would start small and then grow larger

2. Compare this with what Jesus taught about the nature of His kingdom

a. His kingdom is not of this world – John 18:36; cf. Romans 14:17

b. It would start small, and grow to encompass the earth – Matthew 13:31-33

3. Thus this “indestructible kingdom” would start small, and would be spiritual in nature

B. THIS KINGDOM THEREFORE INVOLVES THOSE IN THE CHURCH…

1. The Christians at Colosse were in the kingdom – Colossians 1:12-13

2. Those at Thessalonica likewise – 1 Thessalonians 2:12

3. Along with the seven churches in Asia – Revelation 1:6,9

4. Indeed, all Christians receive their part in this “indestructible kingdom” – Hebrews 12:28

a. Including us gathered here this day!

b. Fulfilling the statement that this kingdom would fill the whole earth!

c. For here we are, on the other side of the planet from Jerusalem, yet citizens of this kingdom foretold in Daniel!

d. Whoever is willing to “repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15) can be a part of the kingdom Jesus established when He sat down at the right hand of God following His ascension to heaven.

IV. THE FUTURE OF THIS INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM

A. IT WILL LAST FOREVER…

1. As Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 2:44

a. “which shall never be destroyed”

b. “it shall stand forever”

2. As the writer to the Hebrews stated: “a kingdom which cannot be shaken” – He 12:28

3. As the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary: “of His kingdom there will be no end” – Lk 1:31-33

B. AT CHRIST’S COMING, IT WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE FATHER…

1. As taught by Paul to the Corinthians – 1 Corinthians 15:23-26

a. When Christ comes, He shall deliver the kingdom to God the Father, having put an end to all rule, authority and power

b. Until then, Christ shall reign until all enemies are placed under His feet, the last enemy being death

2. As Jesus taught in the parable of the tares – Matthew 13:40-43

a. At the end of the age, His angels will gather out of the kingdom those that offend and practice lawlessness

b. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father

Conclusion

1. And so this kingdom…

a. Foretold by Daniel, proclaimed by John the Baptist and Jesus Himself

b. Was begun in the days of the Roman empire, with Christ as its king and His disciples as its citizens

2. It is an indestructible kingdom…

a. That continues on, ever growing

b. With the hope of a glorious future in eternity

3. But let us not forget the last question raised in our introduction: Can we be a part of this indestructible kingdom?

a. Yes! For Jesus and His apostles tell us how

1) We must be born again of water and the Spirit – John 3:5; cf. Titus 3:5

2) An allusion to baptism, commanded of penitent believers – Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38

b. But beware, some in the kingdom may one day be cast out!

1) As Jesus warned in the parable of the tares – Matthew 13:41-43

2) Telling us later of the necessity of an enduring faith – Revelation 2:10

4.Therefore, once we have been obedient to the gospel (cf. Romans 6:17-18) we must remain diligent in our faith, if we wish to experience the futur e glories of…”The Kingdom Which Shall Never Be Destroyed!”

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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3 September, 2012

27-Daniel, OT, Sermons

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Tags: Church, faith, kingdom

Ephesians 05:01-21 Walking in Love, Light and Wisdom

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Text: Ephesians 5:1-21

Introduction

1. Though we now enter chapter five, we are still noticing how to “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” – Ephesians 4:1

a. We have been “called” to be

1) “holy and without blame before Him in love” – Ephesians 1:4

2) “sons by Jesus Christ to Himself” – Ephesians 1:5

3) “fellow citizens with the saints” – Ephesians 2:19

4) “members of the household of God” – Ephesians 2:19

5) “a holy temple in the Lord” – Ephesians 2:21

6) “fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ” – Ephesians 3:6

b. What sort of “walk” is worthy of such a calling? So far we have seen that it is one in which we are

1) “Walking Together in Unity” – Ephesians 4:1-16

2) “Walking In Truth and Holiness – Ephesians 4:17-32

2. As we come into the fifth chapter, we learn that our “walk” (or conduct) which is worthy of our calling is one in which we

a. Walk In Love – Ephesians 5:1-7

b. Walk As Light – Ephesians 5:8-14

c. Walk As Wise – Ephesians 5:15-21

Body

I. WALK IN LOVE (Ephesians 5:1-7)

A. FOLLOWING CHRIST AS OUR EXAMPLE (Ephesians 5:1-2)

1. Jesus certainly has loved us and given Himself for us

2. He offered Himself to God as an offering and sacrifice in our behalf

3. Let His example teach us how to “walk in love” – cf. John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16-17

B. WITH A LOVE THAT IS PURE (Ephesians 5:3-7)

1. Our love should be free from any hint of immorality or greed – Ephesians 5:3

2. Even words or jokes suggestive of immorality or greed are unbecoming those who are “saints” (holy, set apart for God’s purpose) – Ephesians 5:4

3. This is a serious concern, for immoral or greedy persons have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ, but instead will experience the full wrath of God! – Ephesians 5:5-7

II. WALK AS LIGHT (Ephesians 5:8-14)

A. WE ARE NOW “LIGHT IN THE LORD” (Ephesians 5:8-10)

1. Before coming to Christ, we were once “darkness” (remember Ephesians 2:1-3); but now we are “light in the Lord” and should walk as “children of light” – Ephesians 5:8

2. The fruit expected of those children of light is goodness, righteousness and truth – Ephesians 5:9

3. By bearing such fruit, we fulfill our role as “light” by “proving” (demonstrating) what is well-pleasing to the Lord – Ephesians 5:10; cf. Romans 12:1-2

B. AS “LIGHT” WE MUST NECESSARILY EXPOSE “DARKNESS” (Ephesians 5:11-14)

1. We are not to have fellowship with “unfruitful works of darkness” – Ephesians 5:11, 5:3-4

2. Instead, our task is to “expose” them – Ephesians 5:11b-13

a. Things that we must expose are often so disgraceful, it is shameful to speak of them

b. But by “walking in the light” ourselves, we can through example and word expose by contrast these “works of darkness”

3. Thus the need to be “light” ourselves, something that comes only from Christ – Ephesians 5:14

a. Christ gives “light” to those who were spiritually asleep and dead – cf. Ephesians 2:4-6

b. Some scholars think this verse (Ephesians 5:14) may have been an early “baptismal hymn”, sung at a person’s baptism

III. WALK AS WISE (Ephesians 5:15-21)

A. CHARACTERISTICS OF “WALKING AS WISE” (Ephesians 5:15-17)

1. Doing so with great care – Ephesians 5:15

a. The word translated “circumspectly” means “exactly, accurately, diligently”

b. Unlike fools, who care little about where they are going or what is happening

2. Taking advantage of the time available to one – Ephesians 5:16

3. Understanding the will of the Lord – Ephesians 5:17

a. Only by understanding the will of the Lord can we be a “wise people”

b. Just as Israel was to demonstrate their wisdom by doing the will of the Lord, so we can “walk as wise” only if we understand His will for us – Deuteronomy 4:5-6

B. TO WALK AS WISE REQUIRES BEING “FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT” (Ephesians 5:18-21)

1. While those who “walk as fools” delight in being filled with wine, those who walk as wise” will endeavor to be filled with the Spirit!

2. What evidence is there that one is “filled with the Spirit”? Paul describes three indications…

a. One indication is singing praises – Ephesians 5:19

b. Another indication is giving thanks – Ephesians 5:20

c. A third indication is submitting to one another in the fear of God – Ephesians 5:21

Conclusion

1. Children of God who delight in:

a. Singing praises and making melody in the heart

b. Giving thanks always for all things to God

c. Submitting to one another in the fear of God

d. Demonstrate that they are “filled with the Spirit”, and as such, truly are “followers of God as dear children” – Ephesians 5:1

2. As children of God, and “filled with the Spirit”, they are able to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, as they:

a. “Walk in love”

b. “Walk as light”

c. “Walk as wise”

3. Brothers and sisters in Christ, we live in a world:

a. That has perverted the meaning of “love”

b. That takes perverse pleasure in works of darkness

c. That stumbles around aimlessly, like drunken fools

d. Can we not see the need for the people of God today to live up to their “calling”, and to “prove what is acceptable in the Lord”?

4. May God fill His children with His Spirit:

a. So that we can truly “walk in love”, “walk as light”, and “walk as wise”

b. And thereby show to the world the fruit of the Spirit, goodness, righteousness, and truth

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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3 September, 2012

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Ephesians 02:04-10 Salvation by Grace Through Faith

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Text: Ephesians 2:4-10

Introduction

1. In the previous lesson we saw our true condition outside of Christ:

a. Dead in trespasses and sins – Ephesians 2:1

b. Walking with world and the devil – Ephesians 2:2

c. Fulfilling the desires of the flesh and mind – Ephesians 2:3

d. Truly we were “sons of disobedience” and “children of wrath”!

2. At the close of the previous lesson, I asked, “How can such ‘sons of disobedience’ and ‘children of wrath’ ever become…”

a. “Holy and without blame”?

b. “Receive the adoption as sons”?

c. “Accepted” by God?

3. In the text for this study (Ephesians 2:4-10) we find our answer, where we learn that salvation by grace through faith involves many elements besides just grace and faith to begin with, salvation by grace through faith:

Body

I. INVOLVES THE “GREAT LOVE” OF GOD (Ephesians 2:4)

A. THIS IS THE BEGINNING POINT OF SALVATION…

1. From this, all else flows

2. What mercy, grace, etc., that God shows mankind is founded upon the fact that God has a great love for us – cf. John 3:16

B. THIS LOVE IS NOT BECAUSE OF WHO WE ARE, BUT WHO GOD IS…

1. God did not love us because we were lovable, but because God is loving!

2. As John wrote in an effort to inspire his brethren to love one another, God is love, and that moved Him to offer His Son – 1 John 4:7-10

II. INVOLVES THE “RICH MERCY” OF GOD (Ephesians 2:4)

A. DEFINING MERCY…

1. The word “eleos” is defined by Vine’s Expository Dictionary as the outward manifestation of pity”

2. Mercy, then, is compassion that one has for those in trouble

B. GOD’S “GREAT LOVE” MAKES HIM “RICH IN MERCY”…

1. His great love for sinners enables God to be filled with compassion toward them

2. The riches of His mercy seek to reach out to all who will accept it – 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9

III. INVOLVES BEING “MADE ALIVE TOGETHER” WITH CHRIST (Ephesians 2:5)

A. HERE IS WHERE “GRACE” REALLY ENTERS IN…

1. For notice that Paul says “WHEN we were dead…(God) made us alive”

2. While STILL “dead in trespasses” God has somehow made us alive together with Christ!

3. Though not fully explained in this passage how (and when) this happened, it occurred because of God’s “unmerited favor” (the definition of “grace”)

B. HOW (AND WHEN) WE WERE “MADE ALIVE TOGETHER WITH CHRIST” IS EXPLAINED ELSEWHERE…

1. Especially in Colossians 2:11-13

2. Where we learn that it is in baptism…

a. We are buried with Christ and then raised with Him – Colossians 2:12; cf. Romans 6:3-6

b. We, who were “dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh”, were thus “made alive together with Him (Christ)” – Colossians 2:13

c. Our trespasses were all forgiven – Colossians 2:13; cf. Acts 2:38; 22:16

IV. INVOLVES BEING “RAISED UP TOGETHER” WITH CHRIST (Ephesians 2:6-7)

A. WE SAW IN Ephesians 1:20

1. Where Christ was raised from the dead

2. And then was seated at the right hand of God in the heavenly places

B. NOW WE LEARN FROM Ephesians 2:6-7

1. That we too are raised up and made to sit together with Christ in the heavenly places!

a. This speaks of our present condition in the “spiritual realm” (heavenly places)

b. Because of our union with Christ, we enjoy an exalted position together with Him

c. Which union serves as the basis for our wonderful spiritual blessings – cf. Ephesians 1:3

2. But our present condition, and the blessings it entails, are only the beginning!

a. There is more “in the ages to come”

b. There are “exceeding riches of His grace in kindness” yet to be shown in Christ Jesus!

V. INVOLVES “FAITH”, AND NOT MERITORIOUS WORKS (Ephesians 2:8-9)

A. SALVATION IS FIRST AND FOREMOST, BY “GRACE”…

1. Up to this point, Paul has said nothing about man’s part in the process of salvation

a. It was GOD’S mercy, love, and grace which made salvation possible

b. It was GOD’s working that made us alive, raised us up, made us sit together with Christ

2. Truly, salvation is…

a. “not of yourselves; it is the gift of God”

1) Some understand this phrase to refer to “faith”

2) But I understand Paul to be referring to salvation

b. “not of works, lest anyone should boast”

1) We are not saved by works of merit, whereby we earn salvation

2) But as Paul told Titus “according to His mercy He saved us…” – Titus 3:5

B. NEVERTHELESS, SALVATION IS BY GRACE “THROUGH FAITH”…

1. “Faith”, together with the “working of God”, is how we were “raised with Christ” in baptism – cf. Colossians 2:12

2. In other words, it is an obedient faith that receives the salvation in Christ – cf. Hebrews 5:9

3. So when a person in faith is being baptized…

a. They are not “earning” their salvation

b. Rather, they are “receiving” their salvation which is by God’s grace and God’s working, for in baptism they are receiving Jesus Christ and all He accomplished by His death and resurrection! – cf. Galatians 3:27

VI. INVOLVES BEING “CREATED…FOR GOOD WORKS” (Ephesians 2:10)

A. IN CHRIST, WE ARE “HIS WORKMANSHIP”…

1. As Paul intimated in his discussion of baptism in Co 2:12 (“the working of God”)

2. Through God’s “working” in which He…

a. “made us alive”

b. “raised us up”

c. “made us sit together in the heavenly places”

d. we have truly become “a new creation”! – cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17

B. THE GOAL OF THIS “WORKMANSHIP”: CREATED FOR GOOD WORKS…

1. Though not saved by good works, we are to do good works!

2. God “prepared beforehand that we should walk in them”

a. It is part of His predetermined plan

b. Not just to save, but to create a people diligent in good works! – cf. Titus 2:11-14

3. Therefore, the people of God should…

a. “be ready for every good work” – Titus 3:1

b. “be careful to maintain good works” – Titus 3:8

c. “learn to maintain good works” – Titus 3:14

Conclusion

1. So it is “by grace through faith” that…

a. “Children of wrath” can become “children of God”!

b. “Sons of disobedience” can “receive the adoption as sons” of God!

c. We can be “accepted” by God!

2. Because “Salvation By Grace Through Faith” involves:

a. God’s great love

b. God’s rich mercy

c. God making us alive together with Christ

d. God raising us up together with Christ to sit with Him in the heavenly places

e. An obedient faith that trusts in God’s workmanship, not one’s own works

f. A new creature that is diligent in doing good works to the glory of God

3. How can one receive this wonderful salvation? Let Jesus and His apostles show you the way, for it is when we in faith submit to the Lord’s command to be baptized that we enjoy the blessings of God’s love, mercy, and workmanship… – Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:12-13

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 05:05 Eagerly Awaiting Our Hope

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Text: Galatians 5:5

Introduction

1. A few questions to stimulate your thinking

a. What is your hope as a Christian?

b. How strong is that hope?

c. Can you say that you are eagerly awaiting your hope?

2. Much of the joy of being a Christian is related to our hope

a. How real that hope is to us

b. How eager we are to one day realize that hope

c. How it enables us to serve the Lord with joy and patience

3. Paul writes concerning his hope – Galatians 5:5

a. What he was waiting for

b. How he was eagerly waiting for it

4. From his words in this verse and elsewhere we can glean truths that can make a great difference in our attitude and service as Christians.

Body

I. WHAT WE ARE TO EAGERLY WAIT FOR

A. THE HOPE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

1. The hope of justification

a. Paul had been writing about justification – Galatians 5:4

b. Justification and righteousness come from the same Greek word

c. Thus Paul is talking about the hope of being made right, not guilty of sin

2. They had no other hope of justification than by faith in the Redeemer

a. This was Paul’s hope expressed to the Philippians – Philippians 3:9

b. A hope that sustained him in his last days, his darkest hours – 2 Timothy 4:8

3. We are to have a strong desire plus expectation (the meaning of hope) regarding our standing before the Lord guiltless of sin

B. THE SAVIOR FROM HEAVEN

1. The Corinthians were eagerly waiting for the revelation of Jesus – 1 Corinthians 1:7

2. Paul also was eagerly waiting for Jesus from heaven – Philippians 3:20

3. For those who so eagerly await Him, Jesus will bring salvation – Hebrews 9:28

4. We are to eagerly await the coming of the Lord, for He will bring the righteousness (justification) we hope for!

C. THE REDEMPTION OF OUR Body

1. Paul also wrote of eagerly awaiting the redemption of our bodies – Romans 8:23

2. This pertains to the hope of the resurrection – Acts 23:6; 24:15

3. In which our mortal bodies will be raised and put on immortality – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 48-54

4. Made possible by the coming and power of our Lord Jesus Christ! – Philippians 3:20-21

5. We are to eagerly await that glorious transformation in which our bodies as well as our souls will be redeemed by the Lord!

D. Such are the things we are to hope for and await eagerly: Our justification from sin, our Savior from heaven, our resurrection from the dead!

II. HOW WE CAN EAGERLY WAIT FOR IT

A. BY FAITH

1. This is our part

a. We are to have faith – ESV “For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait…” – Galatians 5:5 ESV

b. Faith in Christ and His sacrifice, faith in His coming

2. A faith that is Bible-based

a. A strong conviction in things unseen; in particular, Jesus – Hebrews 11:1; John 3:36

b. Which comes through the Word of God-Rom 10:17;John 20:30-31

c. Which gives us hope, like a light shining in darkness – Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19

3. The eagerness with which we wait is proportional to the degree of faith we have

B. THROUGH THE SPIRIT

1. This is God’s part

a. Strengthened by the Spirit we wait for the fulfillment of the hope which righteousness by faith instead of the law insures to us.

b. Paul wrote of God helping us to abound in hope via His Spirit – Romans 15:13

2. We receive the Spirit’s aid as we:

a. Walk in the Spirit – Galatians 5:16

b. Set our minds on the things of the Spirit (i.e., the Word) – Romans 8:5-6

c. Ask God for strength by His Spirit (via prayer) – Ephesians 3:16,21

3. The eagerness with which we wait is proportional to the strength we receive from the Spirit

Conclusion

1. What is your hope (desire plus expectation) as a Christian? It should include

a. The hope of righteousness (justification)

b. The Savior’s revelation from heaven

c. The glorious resurrection from the dead

2. How strong is your hope? It all depends

a. Are you growing in faith (through the Word)?

b. Are you being strengthened by the Spirit (through prayer)?

3. If so, then we will eagerly await that for which we both desire and expect to see…!

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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3 September, 2012

48-Galatians, NT, Sermons

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Tags: Christian, faith, hope, joy, redemption, righteous, spirit

Galatians 05:01 Standing Fast in the Liberty of Christ

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Text: Galatians 5:1

Introduction

1. Galatians has been called “The Magna Carta Of Christian Liberty”; ‘Magna Carta’ refers to the royal charter of political rights given to rebellious English barons by King John in 1215

2. The reason it has been so called is because of Paul’s discussion regarding ‘bondage’

a. In connection with the meeting in Jerusalem – Galatians 2:4-5

b. In arguing that we are justified by faith in Christ, not works of the Law – Galatians 4:3-5, 9, 24-25

c. With his climax found in the text for our study today – Galatians 5:1

3. The liberty we have in Christ is indeed precious, and it is imperative that we stand fast in it. Yet exactly what does that liberty entail…?

Body

I. THE LIBERTY WE HAVE IN CHRIST

A. FREEDOM FROM THE LAW OF MOSES

1. This is Paul’s primary concern in this epistle – Galatians 2:16

2. Upon which he expounded in the first four chapters – Galatians 3:23-25

3. Concerning which he wrote elsewhere – Romans 7:4-6

4. Christ has delivered the Jews from their obligation to keep the Law of Moses

B. FREEDOM FROM THE BONDAGE OF SIN

1. Writing of being “justified”, Paul refers to being “not guilty” of sin – Galatians 2:16-17

2. Concerning which he wrote elsewhere – Romans 8:1-2

3. Jesus also spoke of the deliverance from bondage of sin – John 8:31-34

4. Christ has delivered all men from the guilt and power of sin

C. FREEDOM FROM THE TRADITIONS OF MEN

1. Paul wrote of this in chapter four – Galatians 4:9-11

2. Also in his writing to the Colossians – Colossians 2:20-23

3. Jesus also spoke of the danger of human traditions – Matthew 15:3-9

4. Christ has delivered us from the need to keep human traditions

D. FREEDOM FROM WORKS OF THE FLESH

1. Paul will have much more to say about the works of the flesh – Galatians 5:13, 17, 19-21; 6:8

2. As he warned against in writing to the Corinthians – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

3. About which Jesus also warned – Mark 7:20-23

4. Christ offers deliverance from deeds of the flesh which endanger our salvation

E. Such are the things we experience through the liberty that we have in Christ. Of course, that presumes that we are indeed

II. STANDING FAST IN OUR LIBERTY

A. HANDLE THE LAW PROPERLY

1. The Law is good if used properly – 1 Timothy 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:15

2. It was written for our learning and admonition – Romans 15:4

3. It is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness – 2 Timothy 3:14-17

4. But it has its limitations

a. It has ceased as a system of justification – cf. Galatians 5:4

b. It has been replaced as a covenant – Hebrews 8:6-13

c. Its religious observances have been replaced – Hebrews 9:9-10

5. The Law must be properly handled if we are to preserve our liberty in Christ

B. APPLY OUR BLESSINGS IN CHRIST LIBERALLY

1. The blood of Christ frees us from the guilt of sin – Ephesians 1:4

a. The remission of sins is promised to those who repent and are baptized – Acts 2:38

b. The blood of Christ remains available for Christians who repent of sin – 1 John 1:7-10

c. Christians need to repent and pray when they sin – Acts 8:22

2. The Spirit of God can free us from the power of sin – Romans 8:12-13

a. God can strengthen us by His Spirit in the inner man – Ephesians 3:16

b. We can do all things through God and Christ – Philippians 4:13

3. We must not hesitate to access the blood of Christ and the Spirit of God to make use of our liberty in Christ

C. DEAL WITH TRADITIONS OF MEN CAUTIOUSLY

1. Traditions may have a place on an individual level – Romans 14:5-6

a. When not taught as a doctrine of God – Mark 7:7

b. When not done instead of keeping a command of God – Mark 7:8-9

2. But they must handled with the utmost of caution on a congregational level

a. Things done on a congregational level necessarily bind them upon all the members

b. That is why religious holidays are reasons for such grave concern – Galatians 4:10-11

3. We must be careful not to let human traditions destroy our liberty in Christ

D. FOLLOW THE SPIRIT DILIGENTLY

1. We must not use our liberty as an occasion for the flesh – Galatians 5:13

2. Our best weapon against the flesh is to follow the Spirit – Galatians 5:16-18

3. Those who are led by the Spirit will produce the fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23

4. Our new life in Christ makes it possible to walk in the Spirit – Galatians 5:25

5. We must be diligent to set our minds on the things of the Spirit if we want to enjoy life and peace – Romans 8:5-6

Conclusion

1. The liberty we enjoy in Christ is great

a. Freedom from the law of Moses

b. Freedom from the bondage of sin

c. Freedom from the traditions of men

d. Freedom from the works of the flesh

2. But it is not license to do whatever we want; we must

a. Handle the Law properly

b. Apply our blessings in Christ liberally

c. Deal with traditions of men cautiously

d. Follow the Spirit diligently

3. With the aid of Paul’s epistle to the Galatians, we will succeed in “Standing Fast In The Liberty Of Christ”. Have you begun to enjoy the liberty Christ offers through obedience to the gospel…?

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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3 September, 2012

48-Galatians, NT, Sermons

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Galatians 04:21-31 The Allegory of Hagar and Sarah

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Text: Galatians 4:21-31

Introduction

1. In the first four chapters of Galatians, Paul defends

a. His apostleship as being from God, not man – Galatians 1-2

b. His gospel of justification by faith in Christ, not by the Law of Moses – Galatians 3-4

2. In defending the gospel of justification by faith in Christ, Paul makes five arguments

a. Personal argument – the Galatians’ own experience – Galatians 3:1-5

b. Scriptural argument – the testimony of the Old Testament – Galatians 3: 6-25

c. Practical argument – how one becomes a son and heir of God – Galatians 3: 26-4:7

d. Sentimental argument – appealing to their relationship with Paul – Galatians 4:8-20

e. Allegorical argument – using Hagar and Sarah as an illustration – Galatians 4:21-31

3. In this study, we will consider Paul’s allegorical argument

a. “Allegory” comes from Greek allos (other) and agoreuein (to speak in public)

b. An allegory is “a figurative representation conveying a meaning other than and in addition to the literal”

4. It is important to note

a. Paul does not deny the actual historical narrative, but he simply uses it in an allegorical sense to illustrate his point for the benefit of his readers who are tempted to go under the burden of the law” – Robertson’s Word Pictures

b. The apostle gives an allegorical interpretation to the historical narrative of Hagar and Sarah, not treating that narrative as an allegory in itself

Body

I. THE HISTORICAL ACCOUNT

A. SARAH AND HAGAR

1. Sarah, who is barren, has a handmaiden named Hagar – Genesis 16:1

2. Sarah gives Hagar to Abraham to bear a child in her place – Genesis 16:2-3

3. Hagar conceives and despises her mistress Sarah – Genesis 16:4

4. Sarah deals harshly with Hagar – Genesis 16:5-6

5. Hagar returns to Sarah, and bears Ishmael – Genesis 16:7-16

B. ISHMAEL AND ISAAC

1. God promises that Sarah will have a son – Genesis 17:15-17

2. God confirms the covenant will be through Isaac, not Ishmael – Genesis 17:18-21

3. Sarah bears Isaac as God promised – Genesis 21:1-8

4. Sarah has Abraham send Hagar away – Genesis 21:9-14

II. PAUL’S APPLICATION

A. PAUL REVIEWS THE HISTORICAL ACCOUNT

1. Abraham had two sons – Galatians 4:21-22a

2. One (Ishmael) by a slave woman (Hagar) – Galatians 4:22b

3. One (Isaac) by a free woman (Sarah) – Galatians 4:22b

4. The son of the slave was born of the flesh – Galatians 4:23a

a. Ishmael’s conception was natural

b. When Abraham went into Hagar

5. The son of the free woman was born through promise – Galatians 4:23b

a. Isaac’s conception was by God’s power – Hebrews 11:11-12

b. As promised by God – Genesis 21:1-2

B. PAUL APPLIES THE ALLEGORICAL ELEMENTS

1. The two women are two covenants – Galatians 4:24-27

a. Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia, bearing children for slavery

1) She corresponds to present Jerusalem

2) She is in slavery with her children

b. Sarah represents Jerusalem above, those who are free

1) She corresponds to heaven (the New Jerusalem)

2) She is ‘our mother’ (those in Christ)

3) She who was barren is no longer desolate

2. Those in Christ are like Isaac – Galatians 4:28-31

a. They too are children of promise

b. They too have been persecuted

1) Ishmael (born of the flesh) persecuted Isaac (born according to promise)

2) Judaizing teachers (born of the flesh) persecuted Christians (born according to the Spirit)

c. The Scriptures tell what will be the end

1) The son of the slave woman (i.e., Judaizing teachers)

2) Will not inherit with the son of the free woman

d. Those in Christ

1) Are children of the free woman (heaven above)

2) Are not of the slave (present Jerusalem, with the Law of Moses)

Conclusion

1. Thus Paul illustrates why the Galatians should not heed the Judaizing teachers

a. It would be a return to slavery (to the Law of Moses)

b. It would be turning their back on the Spirit who conceived them – Titus 3:5-7

c. It would be turning away from the promises of heaven – Hebrews 12: 22-25

2. Our threat today might not be from Judaizing teachers

a. But there are those who would have us turn away from Christ

1) Voices in the world

2) False religions

3) False Brethren

b. The end result would be the same

1) A return to slavery – cf. John 8:31-34

2) Falling short of receiving the promises – Hebrews 4: 11

3. Only by remaining in Christ can we be the free children of promise, with Jerusalem above as our true mother…! – Revelation 2:10c

Hebrews 11:11 “By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.”

Hebrews 11:12 “Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.”

Hebrews 4:11 “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”

Revelation 2:10 “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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3 September, 2012

48-Galatians, NT, Sermons

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Tags: covenant, law, promise

Galatians 04:16-20 True Friends and False Friends

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Text: Galatians 4:16-20

Introduction

1. Friends can be a wonderful blessing

a. A source of comfort in times good and bad – Proverbs 17:17

b. A source of good counsel – Proverbs 27:9

2. It is not always easy to know who your true friends are

a. Sometimes a true friend tells you what you don’t want to hear

b. Sometimes a false friend tells you what you do want to hear

3. In writing to the Galatians, Paul found it necessary to remind them of that truth

a. As he defended the gospel of justification by faith in Christ

b. As he battled against the influence of those who sought to bind the Law of Moses

Body

I. TRUE FRIENDS SAY WHAT YOU NEED TO HEAR

A. THEY WILL TELL YOU THE TRUTH

1. Even if it makes them your enemy – Galatians 4:16

2. Even when the tone hurts – Galatians 4:20

3. Paul had been a true friend to his brethren

B. YOU NEED TRUE FRIENDS

1. When hearing the gospel of Christ

a. Who will tell you the full gospel as preached by Christ and His apostles – Mark 16:15-16

b. Not just what is popularly believed, or what may appeal to our sensitivities – Galatians 1:8-9

2. When growing in grace

a. Who will tell us of the need to grow, and the danger of apostasy – 2 Peter 3:17-18

b. Not just tickling our ears with things we enjoy hearing – 2 Timothy 4:3-4

3. When drifting from God

a. As Paul reached out to the Galatians in our text – Galatians 4:19-20

b. As Paul encouraged them to do the same to others – Galatians 6:1

4. Do we appreciate the value of such friends in our lives?

C. HEED THE WISDOM OF DAVID AND SOLOMON

1. “Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; it shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it.” – Psalm 141:5a

2. “Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored.” – Proverbs 13:18

3. “The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.” – Proverbs 15:31-32

4. “Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.” – Proverbs 25:12

5. May we always appreciate the value of true friends.

II. FALSE FRIENDS SAY WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO HEAR

A. THEY WILL TELL YOU WHAT THEY WANT

1. When it makes you on their side – Galatians 4:17

2. When you have something they want – cf. Galatians 6:12-13

3. The Judaizing teachers were not true friends of the Galatians

B. YOU NEED TO BEWARE OF FALSE FRIENDS

1. When you are being courted with zeal

a. Their motives may not be right – Galatians 4:17; cf. Romans 16:17-18

b. Their knowledge may be wrong – cf. Romans 10:1-2

2. When you are being manipulated

a. As the false teachers were trying to manipulate the Galatians – Galatians 4:17

b. A tactic first used by Satan, and since by many others – 2 Corinthians 11:3,13-15; 2 Peter 2:1-3

3. When you are pursued only in their presence

a. Paul sought their devotion even in his absence – Galatians 4:18; Philippians 1:27; 2:12

b. False friends often forget about you when they are no longer with you

4. Do we appreciate the danger of the wrong kind of friends?

C. HEED THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON

1. “Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross. He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.” – Proverbs 26:23-26

2. “Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” – Proverbs 27:5-6

Conclusion

1. Many people have been led astray by the wrong kind of friends

a. Good habits have been corrupted by bad company – 1 Corinthians 15:33

b. Immature Christians have been tossed around by cunning and deceitful teachers – Ephesians 4:14

2. May we learn from the interaction between Paul and the Galatians

a. True friends say what you need to hear

b. False friends say what they want you to hear

3. Speaking of true friends, the greatest friend we can have is Jesus – John 15:13-14

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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3 September, 2012

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Galatians 03:15-25 The Purpose of the Law

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Text: Galatians 3:15-25

Introduction

1. In teaching they were justified by faith in Christ, Paul reminded the Galatians that

a. They received the Spirit by the hearing of faith – Galatians 3:1-5

b. The heirs of Abraham were those “of faith” – Galatians 3:6-9

c. Those of the works of the Law were under a curse – Galatians 3:10-12

d. Christ has redeemed them from the curse of the Law, that even Gentiles could now receive the promise of the Spirit through faith – Galatians 3:13-14

2. With such comments regarding the Law, Paul anticipated a likely objection

a. What purpose did the Law then serve?

b. What was its relation to the promise given to Abraham?

3. We might also ask ourselves

a. What value does the Law (Old Testament) have for us today?

b. Do we even need to study it, since we are not under the Law?

4. Such questions are easily answered, first from our text (Galatians 3:15-25), and then from other statements of Paul regarding the value of the OT.

Body

I. FOR THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL

A. WHAT IT’S PURPOSE WAS NOT

1. Not to change the promises made to Abraham – Galatians 3:15-17

a. Even a man’s covenant cannot be annulled or added to once confirmed

b. The Law which came 430 years later, cannot annul the covenant confirmed by God

2. Not to provide the promise made regarding the Seed – Galatians 3:16-18

a. To Abraham and his Seed (Christ) were the promises made

b. The Law did not make the promise of no effect, nor did it provide the inheritance regarding the Seed

B. WHAT IT’S PURPOSE WAS

1. It was added because of transgression – Galatians 3:19-23

a. for the purpose of revealing and manifesting to man his sinfulness

b. Till the Seed (Christ) should come to whom the promise was made

c. Not against the promise, but it could not provide life

d. Confined all under sin, that the promise might be given to those who believe

e. Kept them under guard, kept for the faith (Christ) afterward revealed

2. It was a tutor to lead them to Christ – Galatians 3:24-25

a. To bring them to Christ

b. Now that faith (Christ) has come, they are no longer under it

1) It came to an end when nailed to the cross – Colossians 2:14-17; Ephesians 2:14-16

2) Jews converted to Christ have died to the law – Romans 7:1-6

3) Thus it was replaced with a new covenant – Hebrews 7:18; 8:13; 9:9-10; 10:9

3. The Law was “holy”, “just”, and “good” (Romans 7:12), but it was designed to be temporary. With the coming of Christ and His New Covenant, it came to end as a system of justification (Galatians 5:4).

4. What purpose, if any, does the Law (Old Testament) serve the people of Christ today…?

II. FOR THE PEOPLE OF CHRIST

A. FOR OUR LEARNING

1. Note carefully what Paul wrote in Romans 15:4

a. Things “written before” (i.e., the OT) were “written for our learning”

b. The OT was written and preserved especially for Christians’ benefit!

c. The OT provides “patience and comfort”, that we “might have hope”!

2. The OT provides a record of God’s faithfulness, how He kept His promises:

a. To Abraham and the nation of Israel

b. To judge the wicked and avenge the righteous

c. To forgive the penitent, and protect the humble

3. As we read this history of God’s dealings with Israel, it gives us hope that God will keep His promises to us!

B. FOR OUR ADMONITION

1. Paul had just reminded the Corinthians of Israel’s fall in the wilderness 1 Corinthians 10:1-10

2. Note carefully what he says in 1 Corinthians 10:11

a. The events described may have happened to Israel

b. “They were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come”

c. Again, the OT was written and preserved especially for the benefit of Christians!

3. We should not be surprised to see how often NT writers appealed to the OT in their efforts to admonish Christians

a. As the writer of Hebrews, in exhorting Christians to remain steadfast – Hebrews 3:12-19

b. As James, in encouraging Christians to be patient in their suffering James 5:7-11

c. As Peter, in warning of false teachers and scoffers – 2 Peter 2-3

4. We need to study the OT to be reminded of the very real danger of apostasy!

C. FOR OUR WISDOM

1. Paul noted that Timothy had known the “Holy Scriptures” since childhood 2 Timothy 3:14-15

a. When Timothy was a child, the only scriptures available was the OT

b. So Paul clearly had the OT in view

2. He said the OT is “able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ”

3. How is this possible? The OT provides:

a. The fall of man and the rise of sin

b. The background and development of God’s scheme of redemption

c. Hundreds of Messianic prophecies which describe what to expect when He comes

4. One cannot hope to fully understand such books of the New Testament like:

a. Hebrews, without an understanding of the Levitical priesthood

b. Revelation, without an understanding of OT prophecy and apocalyptic literature

5. If one wishes to be wise concerning their salvation in Christ, it is imperative to study the Old Testament!

D. FOR OUR PROFIT

1. “All Scripture” includes the OT scriptures, especially in this context – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2. Therefore the OT is profitable for:

a. Doctrine – such as the nature of God, man, and sin

b. Reproof and correction – the need for repentance

c. Instruction in righteousness – how to live godly lives

3. Thus the apostles frequently appealed to the OT when teaching Christians their conduct:

a. E.g., Romans 12:19-21; 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1; 9:7-10

b. E.g., James 2:20-26

c. E.g., 1 Peter 3:8-12

4. While certain aspects of justification and worship have changed, many principles of righteousness remain the same under the New Covenant

Conclusion

1. For the people of Israel, the Law served a valuable purpose

a. It helped them to understand the nature of sin, and the need for redemption

b. It guided them until the promised Seed (Christ), through Whom God blessed all nations

2. For the people of Christ, the Law continues to serve a valuable purpose

a. For our learning and admonition

b. For our wisdom and spiritual profit

While we rejoice in the salvation now offered through faith in Christ, let us never underestimate the value of studying the Old Testament. Its many examples of obedience through faith (cf. Hebrews 11:1-40) should inspire us to likewise walk in “the steps of faith”

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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3 September, 2012

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Galatians 03:06-14, 26-29 Who Are the Heirs of Abraham?

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Text: Galatians 3:6-14, 26-29

Introduction

1. Abraham is a key figure in three of the world’s great religions

a. He is the ancestor of the Jews (Hebrews) through his son Isaac

b. Muslims regard him as the ancestor of the Arabs through Ishmael

c. Christians regard him as their spiritual father through Christ – Galatians 3:29

d. Such is truly consistent with the meaning of his name, “father of many” – Genesis 17:5

2. Central to the importance of Abraham are the promises God made to him

a. The land promise – Genesis 12:1, 7; 13:15-17

b. The nation promise – Genesis 12:2; 13:16; 17:6; 18:18

c. The seed promise – Genesis 12:3; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14

d. The fulfillment of these promises to Abraham is the theme of the Bible

3. The Bible reveals that God fulfilled these promises

a. The nation promise – via the descendants of Israel – Genesis 46:3

b. The land promise – in the days of Joshua and in the days of Solomon – Joshua 21:43-45; 23:14-15; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Chronicles 9:26

c. The seed promise – with the coming of Christ – Acts 3:25-26

4. In the early church, there were evidently some who sought to limit the seed promise

a. To those who were physical descendants of Abraham

b. Or Gentile Christians who were circumcised and kept the Law – cf. Acts 15:1,5

Body

I. THOSE WHO ARE OF FAITH

A. THEY ARE THE SONS OF ABRAHAM.

1. Just as Abraham believed God – Galatians 3:6

a. Without faith, it is impossible to please God – Hebrews 11:6

b. Abraham’s faith was accounted to him for righteousness – Genesis 15:6

2. Indeed, only those of faith are sons of Abraham – Galatians 3:7

a. This is what the seed promise had reference to – Galatians 3:8

b. It is those of faith who are blessed with believing Abraham – Galatians 3:9

3. Those who have the same kind of faith as Abraham

a. To do the works of Abraham – cf. John 8:39

b. Willing to “walk in the steps of the faith” which Abraham had – Romans 4:11-12

c. I.e., to have an obedient faith like he did – Hebrews 11:8-10

B. NOT THOSE WHO ARE OF THE WORKS OF THE LAW

1. That is, those who seek to be justified by the Law of Moses

a. As many in Israel were seeking to do – cf. Romans 9:31-32

b. They sought to establish their own righteousness – Romans 10:1-13

2. For they are under the curse of the Law – Galatians 3:10

a. The Law cursed those who did not confirm (keep) it – Deuteronomy 27:26

b. The Law also proclaimed all men to be sinners – Romans 3:10-20

3. They are not justified by the works of the Law – Galatians 3:11-12

a. As the Law itself foretold – Habakkuk 2:4

b. The Law required perfect obedience, which none could offer – Leviticus 18:5

4. It is through faith like Abraham’s that one becomes an heir of Abraham. Those who seek salvation through the works of the Law are not his true descendants. But it is more than simply faith; it is faith in the right Person.

II. THOSE WHOM CHRIST HAS REDEEMED

A. THEY ARE REDEEMED FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW

1. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law

a. He became a curse for us by dying on the tree – Galatians 3:13

b. He bore our sins in His own body on the tree – 1 Peter 2:24

2. Thus He offers redemption

a. From every lawless deed – Titus 2:14

b. Through His blood, providing the forgiveness of sins – Ephesians 1:7

B. THEY ARE RECIPIENTS OF THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM

1. Even Gentiles, in Christ Jesus – Galatians 3:14

a. As indicated in the promise to Abraham (“all the families of the earth”) – Genesis 12:3

b. As indicated in the promise to Abraham (“in your seed”) – Genesis 22:16; Galatians 3:16

2. They have received the promise of the Spirit – Galatians 3:14

a. The Spirit Jesus promised to those who believe- cf. John 7:37-39

b. Which Paul reminded the Galatians they had received through faith – cf. Galatians 3:2

3. The heirs of Abraham are those who have been redeemed by Christ and made recipients of the blessing promised to Abraham (which included receiving the Spirit). Closely connected to this is Paul’s point at the end of the chapter (Galatians 3:26-29), that the true heirs of Abraham are:

III. THOSE WHO HAVE BECOME SONS OF GOD

A. THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS

1. We become sons of God through faith in Christ – Galatians 3:26

a. Faith in Jesus as the Messiah – John 8:24; 6:69

b. Believing that He died for our sins – 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

c. Faith in His resurrection from the dead – Romans 10:9

2. A privilege offered to those who believe in Jesus – cf. John 1:12

a. Those who believe are given the right to become children of God

b. How their faith leads them to become children of God is explained in Galatians 3:27

B. THROUGH BAPTISM INTO CHRIST

1. We become sons of God through faith, through our baptism into Christ Galatians 3:27

a. Note carefully the conjunction “for”

b. Paul explains how they became children of God by faith in Christ

c. It was when they put Christ on in baptism

2. For in baptism one is buried with Christ, crucified with Christ, and raised to live with Him – Romans 6:3-8

a. In baptism we are united with Christ

b. In baptism we are thus “clothed” with Christ (put Him on)

Conclusion

1. Who, then, are the heirs of Abraham, heirs of the promise made regarding his seed?

a. Those who are of faith, walking in the steps of faith like Abraham did

b. Those whom Christ has redeemed, recipients of the promise of the Spirit

c. Those who have become sons of God through faith in Christ, having clothed themselves with Christ in baptism

2. The heirs of Abraham regarding the seed promise are not those

a. Who claim to be so because of their lineage through Isaac or Ishmael

b. Who seek salvation through keeping the Law of Moses

3. Rather, as aptly summarized in the words of Paul himself:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.” – Galatians 3:28-29

4. Are you in Christ, having been baptized into Christ and in so doing “put on Christ”? If so, then you are blessed to be a true heir of Abraham according to the promise…!

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Don Treadway

3 September, 2012

48-Galatians, NT, Sermons

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Tags: Christ, heirs, law, redemption, salvation

Galatians 03:01-05 Bewitched and Fooled

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Text: Galatians 3:1-5

Introduction

1. When Paul wrote of his concern to the churches in Galatia

a. He described them as “foolish” – Galatians 3:1, 3

1) For seeking to be perfected by the flesh – via circumcision

2) For suffering many things in vain, as their salvation was endangered – Galatians 5:4-8

b. He wondered if they had been “bewitched” – Galatians 3:1

1) A word (baskaino) which means “to be fascinated” (Strong), “charmed”

2) Led astray by charming misrepresentations

c. He sought to reason with them – Galatians 3:1-5

1) Was not Christ clearly portrayed to them as crucified?

2) Had they not received the Spirit by the hearing of faith rather than by the works of the Law?

3) Had not the One who supplied the Spirit done so through the hearing of faith?

2. Could we face similar dangers today…?

a. Might someone bewitch and fool us through false representations?

b. Should we not be led by calm reasoning rather than fascinating claims?

Body

I. A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER

A. DANGER CLEARLY DECLARED

1. Jesus and John warned of false prophets – Matthew 7:15; 1 John 4:1

2. Paul warned of false apostles, ministers of Satan – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

3. He warned of being cheated through philosophy and principles of the world – Colossians 2:8

4. He warned of some departing from the faith- 1 Timothy 4:1-3

5. He warned of being turned aside to fables – 2 Timothy 4:3-4

6. Peter warned of false teachers with destructive heresies, by covetousness exploiting with deceptive words – 2 Peter 2:1-3

7. Such warnings clearly confirm the danger of being bewitched and fooled

B. DANGER CLEARLY PRESENT

1. We are beleaguered by traditions of men (e.g., Catholicism and denominationalism)

2. We are assaulted by philosophies of men (e.g., humanism, secularism, postmodernism)

3. We are allured by false teachers who appeal to greed (e.g., gospel of health and wealth)

4. We are challenged by false doctrines denying God and Jesus (e.g., evolution, the ‘Jesus Seminar’)

5. We are assailed by changing trends (easy divorce, same-sex marriage)

6. The world has clearly been bewitched and fooled”; what about us?

7. Yes, there is “a clear and present danger” that we face today. If we are to avoid being bewitched and fooled”, then consider our text.

II. THE SOLUTION

A. REMEMBER WHAT HAS BEEN CLEARLY PORTRAYED

1. Jesus and Him crucified – Galatians 3:1

a. Proclaimed by the apostles – 1 Corinthians 1:23-24; 2:2

b. Proclaimed in the Lord’s Supper – 1 Corinthians 11:26

2. Never forget that Jesus was crucified for our sins

a. Thus the Law of Moses with its works (e.g., circumcision) can’t save us

b. Nor can any doctrine which denies God and the need for Jesus’ death

3. There is no other gospel that can save us – Romans 1:16; Galatians 1:8-9

B. REMEMBER HOW ONE RECEIVES THE SPIRIT

1. It is by the hearing of faith – Galatians 3:2

a. Promised to those who believe, repent and are baptized – John 7:37-39; Acts 2:38

b. Given to those who are the children of God – Galatians 4:6

2. Never forget that our spiritual lives began in the Spirit – Galatians 3:3

a. We are born of the Spirit – John 3:5; Titus 3:5

b. We are strengthened by the Spirit in the inner man – Ephesians 3:16

3. There is no other means by which we can grow as Christians – Romans 8:9-14

C. REMEMBER WHO SUPPLIED THE SPIRIT AND WORKED MIRACLES

1. It was God – Galatians 3:5

a. Who poured out the Spirit abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior – Titus 3:6

b. Who bore witness by the signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit – Hebrews 2:4

2. Never forget that God bore witness to Christ and His apostles – Hebrews 2:3

a. Miracles confirmed those sent out by the Lord – cf. Mark 16:19-20

b. What miracles have been done by false teachers, foolish professors, pompous theologians who would mislead us today?

3. There is no other way to know the will and word of God other than through the apostles of Jesus Christ – 1 John 4:5-6

Conclusion

1. Many people today have been bewitched and fooled

a. Evidenced by the many different religions

b. Exhibited by the rapidly changing moral standards

c. Too many people are being misled so they do not obey the truth

2. If we desire not to be bewitched and fooled

a. Then follow Jesus who was crucified for our sins

b. Listen to Him and His apostles with “the hearing of faith”

3. Only then can we be sure to “know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:31-32

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Don Treadway

3 September, 2012

48-Galatians, NT, Sermons

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Tags: danger, doctrine, philosophies, spirit

Galatians 02:20-21 The Life Which I Now Live

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Text: Galatians 2:20-21

Introduction

1. Much that we know of the Christian life is dependent upon the apostle Paul

a. Who wrote half the books of the New Testament?

b. His conduct and attitudes are set before us as an example – 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17

c. But what principles governed Paul’s life as a Christian?

2. In our text we find Paul expressing some of the principles – Galatians 2:20-21

a. That guided his life as a disciple of Christ

b. As he speaks of “the life which I now live in the flesh”

3. What kind of life was that? Are we governed by the same principles?

4. Notice first of all that Paul says his life which he lived in the flesh was

Body

I. A LIFE CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST (Galatians 2:20a)

A. HOW IS “CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST” POSSIBLE…?

1. We can’t go back in time and join Christ on the cross!

2. But we can be united with Christ in His death when we are baptized! – Romans 6:3-8

3. Note that baptism into Christ is

a. A baptism into His death – Romans 6:3-4

b. Being united together in the likeness of His death – Romans 6:5

c. Crucifying our old man with Christ – Romans 6:6

d. Dying together with Christ – Romans 6:8

4. If we have been baptized into Christ, we can say together with Paul: “I have been crucified with Christ”

B. WHAT DOES “CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST” MEAN…?

1. For some it means a death “to the Law” – Galatians 2:19

a. Paul wrote of himself as a Jew who was at one time under the Law of Moses

b. Those who have been crucified with Christ have died to the Law – Romans 7:1-6

2. For all it means a death “to self” – Galatians 2:20

a. “It is no longer I who live”

b. As Jesus taught, we must be willing to deny self to follow Him – Luke 9:23-24

3. For all it means we have crucified “the flesh” – Galatians 5:24

a. Which occurred in principle at our baptism – Romans 6:6, 11-14

b. Which occurs in practice as we continue to “put to death” the deeds of the body – Romans 8:12-13; Colossians 3:5- 9

4. For all it means we have been crucified “to the world” – Galatians 6:14

a. Before our obedience to Christ, we were in bondage to the rudiments of the world – Galatians 4:3, 9

b. But now, Christ is our rule and authority in life – Colossians 2:8-10, 20-22; 3:17

5. Any external (Law, world) or internal (self, flesh) controls have now surrendered to the authority of Christ

6. One who has been baptized into Christ and is letting Jesus be his or her authority in all things is living a “life crucified with Christ”. But note that Paul also wrote “the life which I now live” is:

II. A LIFE IN WHICH CHRIST LIVES IN ME (Galatians 2:20b)

A. HOW DOES CHRIST LIVE IN ME…?

1. It is like electricity

a. I may not comprehend how it works

b. But I know how to get it working!

2. We are taught how to make sure that He will abide in us

a. By Jesus Himself – John 14:21-23; 15:9-10

b. By His beloved disciple John – 1 John 3:24

3. As we keep the commandments of Christ, we are assured that He lives in us!

B. WHAT BENEFITS COME FROM CHRIST LIVING IN US…?

1. The wonderful love of the Father and the Son – John 14:21

2. There is fullness of joy – John 15:11

3. There is peace, even in the midst of tribulation – John 16:33

4. There is the hope of being with Jesus and beholding His glory – John 17:24

5. These are just a few of the many blessings of a life in which Christ lives in us!

III. A LIFE LIVING BY FAITH IN CHRIST (Galatians 2:20c)

A. WHAT IS LIVING BY FAITH IN CHRIST…?

1. The word ‘faith’ implies trust

2. Living by faith in Christ means constantly trusting in Jesus

a. E.g., for the forgiveness of our sins

1) Trusting in His blood to cleanse us from our sins – 1 John 1:7, 9

2) Trusting in Him as our Advocate – 1 John 2:1

3) Trusting in Him as our Propitiation – 1 John 2:4

b. E.g., that His words will provide a solid foundation for our lives – Mathew 7:24-25

c. E.g., that He will never forsake us – Mathew 28:20

3. Trusting in Jesus, not in self, not in the Law, not in the world!

B. WHY SHOULD WE SO TRUST JESUS…?

1. Because He loves us! – cf. Galatians 2:20

2. Because He gave Himself for us! – Galatians 2:20

3. Shall He not do more if we continue to trust Him? – Romans 8:34-39

4. Such love naturally compels one to live a life of faith in Him – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

5. Does such love should compel us to trust in Jesus, living by faith in Him?

IV. A LIFE WHICH DOES NOT SET ASIDE GOD’S GRACE (Galatians 2:21)

A. WE MUST DILIGENTLY KEEP JESUS’ COMMANDMENTS

1. As a true indication of our love for Him – John 14:15

2. As a true indication that we really know Him – 1 John 2:3

3. One cannot ignore the commandments of the Lord

B. YET WITHOUT GOD’S GRACE, ALL IS VAIN

1. We cannot nor dare not try to earn or merit our salvation – Titus 3:4-5; Ephesians 2:8-9

2. After all is said and done, we are still unworthy servants – Luke 17:10

3. If not for the grace of God:

a. Our faith would be useless

b. Our repentance would meaningless

c. Our baptism would be fruitless

d. Our salvation would be impossible!

4. And so, from beginning to end

a. We must look to God and the Word of His grace

b. We must trust in His mercy offered through Jesus

c. We are totally dependent upon Jesus and His death on the cross for any degree of true righteousness

5. If we think we have earned or merited salvation on our own, Christ died in vain!

Conclusion

1. Such was the life Paul lived in the flesh

a. A life crucified with Christ

b. A life in which Christ lived in Him

c. A life living by faith in Christ

d. A life that did not set aside the grace of God

2. Can the same be said of us…?

a. Have we been crucified with Christ (in baptism)?

b. Is Christ living in us (manifested by keeping His commandments)?

c. Are you living by faith in Christ (trusting His blood, His Word)?

d. Are you always trusting in the grace of God (not your own goodness or obedience)?

3. May the words of Paul move us to live the kind of lives becoming of those who call themselves Christians!

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” – Galatians 2:20-21

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Don Treadway

3 September, 2012

48-Galatians, NT, Sermons

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Tags: Christ, Christian, faith, God, grace, Jesus, life, trust, walk

Galatians 02:06-19 Paul and Peter

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Text: Galatians 2:6-19

Introduction

1. Paul’s defends his apostleship in Galatians by recounting

a. His limited contact with the other apostles, in particular Peter – Galatians 1:11-24

b. Two episodes when he met with the apostles, especially Peter – Galatians 2:1-21

2. The relationship between Paul and Peter has often been misrepresented

a. That Peter had primacy over Paul (Catholicism)

b. That they had doctrinal differences (Criticism)

3. The Biblical evidence shows otherwise. Both in Galatians and elsewhere in the Scriptures, we note their equality and respect for one another.

Body

I. PAUL’S VISIT TO JERUSALEM

A. THE OCCASION

1. Paul, Barnabas and Titus had gone to Jerusalem by revelation – Galatians 2:1-2

a. Likely the visit to Jerusalem described in Acts 15:2-4

b. Though some think it may have occurred earlier – Acts 11:29-30; 12:25

2. Paul withstood pressure by false teachers – Galatians 2:2-5

a. In a private meeting, he spoke with those “of reputation” (Peter? James? John?)

b. False brethren sought to compel Titus to be circumcised

c. Paul refused to yield to their demands

3. Paul met with Peter, James, and John, who “seemed to be pillars” – Galatians 2:6, 9

B. THE OUTCOME

1. With those “who seemed to be something” (James, Cephas, John) – Galatians 2:6-10

a. They added nothing to Paul (made no demands, gave no instructions or authority)

b. They saw that Paul had been given the gospel to the uncirmcumcision

c. Paul recognized God’s effective work in Peter’s ministry and Peter’s apostleship to the circumcision

d. James, Cephas (Peter) and John perceived the grace given to Paul

e. They extended the right hand of fellowship to Paul

f. They asked only that Paul remember the poor, which he was eager to do

2. Of the meeting together with all the apostles and elders at Jerusalem – Acts 15:6-29

a. Peter related his preaching to the Gentiles, and their salvation without circumcision

b. Paul and Barnabas related their ministry and God’s working among the Gentiles

c. James offered scriptural support, and then a letter to which all agreed

d. The letter confirmed the ministry of “beloved Barnabas and Paul”

3. Paul’s visit to Jerusalem certainly illustrated that he and Peter were in doctrinal agreement regarding the gospel they preached.

II. PETER’S VISIT TO ANTIOCH

A. THE OCCASION

1. Peter played the hypocrite – Galatians 2:11-13

a. He had come to Antioch (some think this was during Acts 15:1; others think it was later)

b. At first he ate with the Gentiles

c. After certain men came from James, Peter withdrew and separated himself

d. He feared those of the circumcision

e. His actions encouraged other Jews to be hypocrites, even Barnabas

2. Paul confronted Peter – Galatians 2:11, 14-19

a. He withstood Peter to his face, because he was to be blamed

b. He rebuked Peter before them all, showing him to be inconsistent

c. Paul’s gospel (justification by faith in Christ, not by the works of the Law) vindicated by Peter, who normally lived like a Gentile himself – cf. Peter also, in Acts 15:7-11

B. THE OUTCOME

1. Paul’s equality with Peter demonstrated – Galatians 2:11,14

a. Paul had the authority to withstand him to his face

b. Paul had the authority to charge him with hypocrisy before all

2. Peter’s respect for Paul undiminished – 2 Peter 3:15-16

a. Peter later described Paul as “our beloved brother Paul”

b. Peter acknowledged the wisdom given to Paul

c. Peter recognized Paul’s epistles as “Scriptures”

3. Peter’s visit to Antioch was not a happy occasion, but it did provide an opportunity to illustrate the equality of Peter and Paul, and that despite Peter’s momentary lapse, his overall life demonstrated that his gospel was the same as Paul’s.

III. LESSONS FROM PAUL AND PETER

A. THE COURAGE OF PAUL

1. We note the courage manifested by Paul in Jerusalem and Antioch

a. Refusing to concede to pressure by false brethren

b. Standing alone with even your closest brethren are led astray

c. Having to rebuke a respected brother in Christ

2. Paul’s courage was motivated by faithfulness

a. Faithfulness to the Lord whom he served

b. Faithfulness to the gospel of which he was not ashamed – Romans 1:16

B. THE HUMILITY OF PETER

1. We note the humility manifested by Peter in his last epistle

a. Not holding a grudge against Paul for his public rebuke

b. Willing to publicly acknowledge Paul’s wisdom given by inspiration

2. Peter’s humility was motivated by love

a. Love for a brother in Christ

b. Love consistent with what he himself taught others – 1 Peter 3:8-9

Conclusion

1. The relationship between Paul and Peter illustrates the power of Christ

a. To turn persecutor and persecuted into coworkers for the gospel

b. To help brethren at odds work through their problems to become brethren beloved

2. While Paul and Peter had a different focus in their respective ministries

a. They served the same Lord, preached the same gospel

b. One was not superior to the other, they were fellow-apostles in the kingdom of God

3. Rather than trying to find some perceived ‘rift’ between two faithful apostles, may we use their examples to motivate us in our service to the Lord and to one another

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Don Treadway

3 September, 2012

48-Galatians, NT, Sermons

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Galatians 02:01-05 Circumcision and the Gospel

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Text: Galatians 2:1-5

Introduction

1. Paul’s primary purpose in writing to the Galatians was to defend

a. His apostleship – Galatians 1:1

b. His gospel – Galatians 1:11-12

2. In doing so, he recounts a meeting that took place in Jerusalem, in which

a. He, Barnabas, and Titus attended – Galatians 2:1

b. He had the opportunity to relate the gospel he preached – Galatians 2:2

c. Some tried to compel Titus (a Greek) to be circumcised – Galatians 2:3-5

3. The issue of circumcision and the gospel was a major concern in the first century

a. Did Gentiles who became Christians have to be circumcised as per the Law?

b. The question preoccupied many churches, and much of Paul’s ministry

4. While the issue was resolved sufficiently that it is rarely a problem today, there are important lessons to be learned from a study of “Circumcision and the Gospel”.

Body

I. THE PRACTICE OF CIRCUMCISION

A. IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

1. As a sign of a covenant, it began with Abraham – Genesis 17:9-14, 23-27; Romans 4:11

2. It continued with Isaac, Jacob and his sons – Genesis 21:4; 34:14-17

3. Moses circumcised his sons, and gave the ordinance to Israel – Exodus 4:26;

4. It was required to observe the Passover – Exodus 12:48

5. Male children were to be circumcised the eighth day – Leviticus 12:1-3

6. The Jews born in the wilderness had not been circumcised, but were after they crossed the Jordan River – Joshua 5:1-8

B. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

1. John the Baptist was circumcised as an infant – Luke 1:59

2. Jesus was likewise circumcised on the eighth day – Luke 2:21

3. It became an issue when the gospel was first preached to Gentiles – Acts 11:1-3

4. It was the focus of controversy in Antioch and Jerusalem – Acts 15:1-2, 4-6

5. Paul had Timothy circumcised – Acts 16:1-3

6. It was rumored that Paul taught Jews not to be circumcised – Acts 21:18-21

7. It was certainly a frequent subject in Paul’s epistles

a. To the Romans – Romans 2:25-29; 3:1,30; 4:9-12; 15:8

b. To the Corinthians – 1 Corinthians 7:18-19

c. Especially to the Galatians – Galatians 2:1-9, 12; 5:2-6,11; 6:12-15

d. Mentioned in Ephesians – Ephesians 2:11

e. Also to the Colossians – Colossians 2:11; 3:11; 4:11

8. Because of the role of circumcision in Israel’s history, and its significance in early history of the church, it is important that we properly understand it in relation to:

II. THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL

A. PHYSICAL CIRCUMCISION NOT REQUIRED

1. Evidenced by the conversion of Cornelius and his family – Acts 10:44-48; 11:17- 18

2. Confirmed at that conference in Jerusalem – Acts 15:7-21

3. Proclaimed by the letter sent by the apostles and elders – Acts 15:22-31

4. Expounded upon by Paul in his letters – Romans 4:8-12; 1 Corinthians 7:19; Galatians 5:1-6; 6:15

B. SPIRITUAL CIRCUMCISION NOW AVAILABLE

1. A circumcision made without hands, in which sins are cut away – Colossians 2:11

2. Which occurs when we buried with Christ in baptism, then raised with Him – Colossians 2:12

3. When God makes us alive with Christ, forgiving our sins – Colossians 2:13

4. The physical rite of circumcision has become a matter of indifference to God, though it can be used and misused. From both the practice of circumcision and the truth of the gospel as revealed in the Bible, let’s summarize.

III. THE LESSONS FROM CIRCUMCISION

A. RITUAL ALONE NOT ADEQUATE…

1. This was true even when circumcision was required of Israel

2. God desired circumcision of the heart as well as of the flesh – Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4

3. Paul explained that the true Jew was the one circumcised in heart – Romans 2:28-29

4. The same is true of baptism; it must be accompanied with faith and repentance – Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:36-37; Colossians 2:12

B. THE LAW HAS PASSED AWAY

1. Jesus said not one jot or tittle of the Law would pass until all was fulfilled – Matthew 5:17-18

2. Circumcision was required by the Law – Exodus 12:48; Leviticus 12:1-3

3. If circumcision is no longer binding, the change implies the passing away of the Law

4. A similar point is made with reference to the priesthood of Christ – Hebrews 7:12-19

C. ‘EVERLASTING’ MAY NOT MEAN ‘LASTING FOREVER’

1. Circumcision was described as the sign of an ‘everlasting covenant’ – Genesis 17:10-14

2. In the case of circumcision, ‘everlasting’ (Heb., olam) did not mean ‘lasting forever’

a. BDB defines olam as “long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, ever more, perpetual, old, ancient, world”

b. The Complete Word Study Dictionary defines olam as “meaning a very long time.”

c. “The term also applies to many things associated with God, such as His decrees, His covenants, and the Messiah (Genesis 9:16; Exodus 12:14; Micah 5:2).”

3. If ‘everlasting’ always meant ‘lasting forever’, then we should still be observing:

a. The Passover – Exodus 12:14

b. The Feast of Unleavened Bread – Exodus 12:17

c. The priesthood of Aaron – Exodus 29:9

d. The Sabbath – Exodus 31:16-17

e. The sacrifices, with their portions for the priests – Leviticus 6:18; 7:34-36; 10:15

f. Fasting and animal sacrifices on the Day of Atonement – Leviticus 16:29-34

g. The Feast of Tabernacles – Leviticus 23:39-42

h. …and many other elements of the Law described as ‘everlasting ordinances’

4. From the context of the Scriptures, one discerns when ‘everlasting’ means ‘lasting forever’

5. Since circumcision is no longer binding, we should not be surprised such is true with other elements of the Law – cf. Colossians 2:16-17; Hebrews 9:10

D. WHEN TRADITION BECOMES SINFUL

1. Paul did not hesitate to use the tradition of circumcision when expedient – Acts 16:3

a. The same with other Jewish traditions – Acts 18:18,21

b. Even some that involved animal sacrifices – Acts 21:18-26

2. Yet he opposed circumcision (and other elements of the Law) when people attempted to:

a. Bind it on Gentiles, as in the case of Titus – Galatians 2:3-5

b. Use it for the purpose of justification – Galatians 5:2-4

3. Thus Jesus also condemned traditions of men when they:

a. Are taught as commandments to be bound on others – Mark 7:6-7

b. By their observance prevent keeping the commandments of God – Mark 7:8-13

4. Under the right circumstances, traditions may be observed – cf. Romans 14:5-6

Conclusion

1. The issue of circumcision may seem antiquated and unimportant

a. It certainly is not one of the ‘hot issues’ of our day

b. Yet lessons learned from studying the issue can be very helpful

2. Understanding the issue of circumcision can help us preserve the truth of the gospel

a. We are saved by an obedient faith in Christ, not by keeping the Law of Moses

b. The Law as a system of justification came to an end at the cross of Christ

c. Elements of the Law, such as circumcision, the Passover, Sabbath, etc., are not binding today

d. Traditions of the Law might be observed on a personal level, but it is a sin to base one’s salvation on them, or to bind them on other people

3. While circumcision of the flesh is nonessential, the circumcision ‘without hands’ is certainly necessary if we are to have our sins ‘cut away’ Colossians 2:11-13

Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Don Treadway

2 September, 2012

48-Galatians, NT, Sermons

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Tags: circumcision, gospel, law, ritual, sin, tradition

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