Historical Posts
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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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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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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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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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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Galatians 01:06-10 Perversions of the Gospel
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Text: Galatians 1:6-10
Introduction
1. As soon as Paul began his epistle to the Galatians, he expressed concern
a. Marveling they were turning so soon to a different gospel – Galatians 1:6
b. Letting themselves be troubled by some perverting the gospel of Christ – Galatians 1:7
2. It is important to know the difference between the pure gospel and perverted gospels
a. To accept a different gospel is to be accursed – Galatians 1:8-9
b. To not obey the true gospel is to face condemnation – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8
3. Today we need to be just as concerned about “Perversions of the Gospel”. Are we aware of how some have perverted the gospel of Christ?
Body
I. THE GOSPEL OF FAITH PLUS THE LAW
A. THIS PERVERSION EXPLAINED
1. This ‘gospel’ was the problem Paul faced in his day
2. Some Jewish Christians demanded that Gentiles had to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses as well as obey the gospel of Christ – Acts 15:1-5; Galatians 2:1-5
B. THIS PERVERSION REFUTED
1. At the council in Jerusalem – Acts 15:22-31
2. In the epistle to the Galatians – Galatians 5:1-6
3. In other epistles of Paul (e.g., Romans, Colossians)
4. Note carefully that those who seek to be justified by the Law fall from grace (Galatians 5:4). This illustrates the danger of accepting a perverted gospel.
II. THE GOSPEL OF WORKS WITHOUT FAITH
A. THIS PERVERSION EXPLAINED
1. This ‘gospel’ developed later in the course of church history
2. It exalted the efficacy of certain ordinances to the exclusion of faith
3. Thus some believed you could baptize others without the need of faith
a. Such as infant baptism
b. Such as infidel baptism (e.g., at the point of a sword)
B. THIS PERVERSION REFUTED
1. Faith is essential to pleasing God and our salvation – Hebrews 11:6
2. Repentance of sins and faith in Christ are prerequisites to baptism – Acts 2:38; 8:35-37
3. It is faith in the working of God that results in rising to a new life – Colossians 2:12-13
III. THE GOSPEL OF GOOD WORKS ONLY
A. THIS PERVERSION EXPLAINED
1. Many have the idea that as long as you are a basically ‘good person’, you will be saved
2. Especially if your ‘good deeds’ outnumber or outweigh your ‘bad deeds’
3. Thus a good moral person, especially if religious, is assumed to be saved
B. THIS PERVERSION REFUTED
1. Good moral people, even devout, are in need of salvation
a. Cornelius was a good, moral, devout man – Acts 10:1-6
b. Yet he needed to be saved – Acts 11:14
2. Many examples of conversion in Acts involved religiously devout people
a. The 3000 on the day of Pentecost – Acts 2:5
b. The Ethiopian eunuch – Acts 8:27
c. Lydia of Thyatira – Acts 16:14
d. Paul – Acts 22:3
3. We cannot be saved by our good works – Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7
IV. THE GOSPEL OF FAITH ONLY
A. THIS PERVERSION EXPLAINED
1. This ‘gospel’ proclaims that one is saved by “faith only”
2. I.e., no obedience is required, especially not baptism
3. An overreaction to salvation by works without faith, or to the gospel of good works
B. THIS PERVERSION REFUTED
1. The gospel of Christ requires obedience
a. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him – Hebrews 5:9
b. Paul proclaimed what he called “the obedience of faith” – Romans 1:5; 16:25-26
c. Paul and Peter warned of those who obeyed not the gospel – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 1 Peter 4:17
d. We are not saved by “faith only” – cf. James 2:17,20,24,26
2. Many fail to distinguish between different kinds of works
a. Works of the Law (of Moses), by which one is not justified – Galatians 2:16
b. Meritorious works, done to earn salvation, which is impossible – Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7
c. Works of God, commanded of us to please Him – John 6:28-29
3. Works of God are done, not to earn salvation
a. Faith in Jesus is a work of God – John 6:29
b. Repentance of sins is a work of God – Acts 17:30
c. Confessing Jesus is a a work of God – Romans 10:9-10
d. Such works in of themselves do not save us – Luke 17:10
4. So baptism is a work of God, not a work of man
a. Commanded by Jesus and His apostles – Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16
b. In which God does the work of saving – Colossians 2:11-12; Titus 3:5
c. In which we put on Christ – Galatians 3:26-27
d. Which, when obeyed, causes others to thank God – Romans 6:17-18; 6:3-7
Conclusion
1. There have been other perverted gospels
a. Such as Gnosticism, which denied Jesus coming in the flesh
b. Such as Mormonism, which proclaims a different gospel based upon ‘angelic revelation’
2. We need to be careful to receive the gospel preached by the apostles
a. Even angelic revelations are to be rejected if different from what the apostles’ preached
b. Otherwise we will be accursed
3. The pure gospel of Christ may not be popular, but who are we trying to please?
a. If it is men, then we are not true servants of Christ – Galatians 1:10
b. If it is the majority, we are on the wrong path – Matthew 7:13-14
4. Is the gospel you heard, received, and obeyed, the same gospel proclaimed by the apostles of Jesus Christ? – Acts 2:36-41; 8:35-38
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Acts 08:14-25 God’s Second Law of Pardon
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Text: Acts 8:14-25
Introduction
1. The Scriptures reveal different instructions on how to obtain forgiveness
a. To alien sinners outside of Christ
1) Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
2) And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ (Acts 22:16)
b. To erring Christians guilty of sin
1) Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. (Acts 8:22)
2) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
2. The difference has been described by some as God’s Two Laws Of Pardon
a. For the alien sinner, there is God’s first law of pardon
1) Hear the gospel
2) Believe that Jesus is the Christ, who died for our sins
3) Repent of sins
4) Confess faith in Christ
5) Be baptized for the remission of sins
b. For the erring Christian, there is God’s second law of pardon
1) Repent of sins
2) Pray to God
3) Confess sins to God
3. As we evangelize, we often spend much time explaining the first law. As Christians seeking to maintain our relationship with God, we should be equally concerned with the second law. So let’s take a closer look at God’s second law of pardon
Body
I. WHAT CHRISTIANS MUST DO
A. WE MUST REPENT OF SINS
1. Note that repentance is required in both laws of pardon
2. What does it mean to repent? Literally, it means “a change of mind”
a. “signifies to change one’s mind or purpose” – Vine
b. a change of mind involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God
3. Thus it involves making a decision to stop sinning
a. Just as the alien sinner is called to do so in becoming a Christian
b. So the erring Christian must do to return to the Lord
4. Repentance is produced by “godly sorrow”
Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)
a. A sorrow for having sinned against God
Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. (Psalms 51:4)
b. As opposed to worldly sorrow for getting caught or being exposed
5. Repentance is also prompted by God’s goodness
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:4)
a. Awareness of God’s grace and kindness should lead us to repent
b. Frequent meditation on the Word of God will help in this regard
6. Repentance will be manifested by a remarkable change
For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. (2 Corinthians 7:11)
a. Such as diligence and zeal to do right
b. Such as indignation for our sins and a desire to make right
7. So the first step for erring Christians is to repent of their sins!
B. WE MUST PRAY
1. So Peter told Simon when he sinned after having believed and was baptized
Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. (Acts 8:22)
2. Compare this to God’s first law of pardon
a. Baptism is an act of faith, in which we make an appeal
There is also an antitype which now saves us baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:21)
b. Prayer is also an act of faith, as we appeal for forgiveness
c. Yet alien sinners are commanded to repent and be baptized
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
d. While erring Christians are commanded to repent and pray
3. The difference is understandable
a. Before baptism, one is not a child of God
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27)
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:3-5)
b. After baptism, prayer is a privilege for those who are God’s children
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:6-7)
4. Praying is effective for the Christian because of our two intercessors
a. Jesus, who understands our feelings
Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. (Hebrews 2:17-18)
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:24-25)
b. The Holy Spirit, who communicates our feelings
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)
5. As we pray, we must do so with humility
a. Compare the difference between the Pharisee and the publican
Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other menextortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)
b. God favors the humble and contrite in spirit
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. (Psalms 34:18)
Thus says the LORD: “Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the LORD. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word. (Isaiah 66:1-2)
6. Having repented, the erring Christian humbly needs to pray!
C. WE MUST CONFESS
1. So John wrote to Christians, to experience God’s forgiveness
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
2. Compare this to God’s first law of pardon
a. Where confession is commanded, but not confession of sins
b. Instead, confession is made concerning Jesus Christ
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)
Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:37)
3. Understanding the word “confess”
a. Comes from the Greek word homologeo
b. “lit., to speak the same thing; to agree with, admit” – Vine
c. In regards to sin, it means to openly and honestly admit sin without hiding it or offering excuses for it
And I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, “O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. Neither have we heeded Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings and our princes, to our fathers and all the people of the land. (Daniel 9:4-6)
4. Confession of sins should be made
a. Continuously – for John literally wrote “If we keep confessing our sins…”
b. For both known and unknown sins
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. (Psalms 19:12)
c. Always to God, sometimes to each other
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:16)
5. So as the erring Christian prays, confession of sins should be made!
[Simple is God’s second law of pardon: to repent and pray, confessing our sins! To encourage us to be diligent in taking advantage of this wonderful grace, consider now…]
II. WHAT GOD WILL DO
A. GOD WILL BE FAITHFUL
1. As John promised in encouraging us to confess our sins
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
2. This means He will be true to His promise
3. What promise? The promise found in the prophecy of the New Covenant!
a. Found in Jeremiah, repeated in Hebrews
“Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says: “BEHOLD, THE DAYS ARE COMING, SAYS THE LORD, WHEN I WILL MAKE A NEW COVENANT WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND WITH THE HOUSE OF JUDAH NOT ACCORDING TO THE COVENANT THAT I MADE WITH THEIR FATHERS IN THE DAY WHEN I TOOK THEM BY THE HAND TO LEAD THEM OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT; BECAUSE THEY DID NOT CONTINUE IN MY COVENANT, AND I DISREGARDED THEM, SAYS THE LORD. FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS IN THEIR MIND AND WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. NONE OF THEM SHALL TEACH HIS NEIGHBOR, AND NONE HIS BROTHER, SAYING, ‘KNOW THE LORD,’ FOR ALL SHALL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST OF THEM TO THE GREATEST OF THEM. FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.” In that He says, “A NEW COVENANT,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. (Hebrews 8:7-13)
b. Thus we have the assurance of God’s response!
B. GOD WILL BE JUST
1. As John promised in encouraging us to confess our sins
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
2. This means He will be righteous in forgiving our sins
3. How can this be? By virtue of the cleansing blood of Jesus!
a. A cleansing alluded to earlier
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
b. So God can be both just and justifier of those who have faith in Christ
being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:24-26)
c. Thus we have the basis for God’s response!
C. GOD WILL FORGIVE AND CLEANSE
1. He will “forgive us our sins”
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
a. The word ‘forgive’ describes the act of canceling a debt and the restoration of the debtor
b. No longer will the guilt of our sins be held against us!
2. He will “cleanse us from all unrighteousness” – 1 John 1:9
a. “The word ‘cleanse’ refers to making the forgiven sinner holy so that he is able to have fellowship with God”
b. The word “all” is reassuring; no sin is beyond God’s ability to forgive the penitent Christian who confesses their sin!
3. Thus we have blessedness of God’s response!
Conclusion
1. With God’s second law of pardon, the Christian who repents, prays, and confesses will
a. Experience the continual cleansing of the blood of Christ!
b. Enjoy the blessedness of knowing your sins are forgiven!
2. Why would any Christian hesitate to obey God’s second law of pardon…?
a. You can have the same joy of salvation as when you were baptized into Christ!
b. For you rise from prayer as cleansed from sin as when you arose from the watery grave!
If you want to have the same joy, the same assurance of salvation, as that new babe in Christ who comes forth to a new life, then take advantage of “God’s Second Law Of Pardon”…!
Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:6-7)
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 07:11-19 The Significance of Christ’s Priesthood – audio
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Text: Hebrews 7:11-19
Introduction
1. A major theme in the epistle to the Hebrews is the priesthood of Jesus Christ
a. His humanity prepared Him to be a merciful and faithful High Priest – Hebrews 2:17
b. He is the High Priest of our confession – Hebrews 3:1
c. He is a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens – Hebrews 4:14
d. He is a sympathetic High Priest, for He was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin – Hebrews 4:15
e. His calling as High Priest came from God Himself – Hebrews 5:5-6
2. His is a unique priesthood, however:
a. It is NOT according to the Levitical priesthood
1) He is a not priest in the order of Aaron
2) A priesthood that began with the giving of the Law through Moses at Matthew Sinai
b. His priesthood is according to the order of Melchizedek – Hebrews 5:9-10
1) Melchizedek was a priest of God Most High who met Abram – Genesis 14:14-20
2) And God swore that the Messiah would be a priest like Melchizedek – Psalm 110:4
3. In our previous study, we saw Melchizedek was superior in that:
a. He received tithes from Abraham – Hebrews 7:4-6a
b. He blessed Abraham – Hebrews 7:6b-7
c. Even Levi, in the loins of his ancestor Abraham, paid tithes to Melchizedek – Hebrews 7:9-10
d. All of this proving that the priesthood of Christ, which is after the order of Melchizedek, is superior to the Levitical priesthood
4. That Jesus would come to serve as a priest after the order the Melchizedek is not without significance and major implications:
a. Regarding the efficacy of the Levitical priesthood
b. Regarding the law of Moses itself!
Body
I. THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD WAS LACKING (Hebrews 7:11)
A. IT DID NOT BRING PERFECTION
1. Otherwise there would not have been another priest to arise like Melchizedek
2. That one was foretold (Psalms 110:4) and has come proves the order of Aaron was lacking
B. THE MEANING OF PERFECTION
1. Perfection means completeness and in this context it speaks of making men acceptable to God
2. The Old Law with its priesthood could never fully reconcile man back to God
a. Animal sacrifices could not make one perfect – Hebrews 10:1
b. They could not cleanse the sinner’s conscience – Hebrews 10:2-3; 9:9
c. They could not take away sin – Hebrews 10:4; 10:11
II. THE LAW HAS BEEN ANNULLED (Hebrews 7:12-18)
A. A CHANGE IN THE PRIESTHOOD SIGNIFIES A CHANGE IN THE LAW
1. Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, not Levi – Hebrews 7:13-14; Matthew 1:1-2
2. Moses had not authorized anyone from Judah to serve as priest; indeed, God specifically forbid anyone other than a descendant of Aaron – Numbers 16:40
3. For Christ to serve as priest, then, a change must have occurred – Hebrews 7:14
4. Especially for one who serves according to the power of an endless life – Hebrews 7:15-17
a. The Levitical priests were mortal men, whose service ended at death
b. But Jesus is a priest forever, His priesthood is therefore unchangeable – Hebrews 7:24
B. WITH THE CHANGE IN PRIESTHOOD, THE LAW IS NOW ANNULLED
1. Annulled means to declare as void, to invalidate
2. The former commandment has therefore been set aside – Hebrews 7:18-19a
a. Because it was weak and unprofitable
b. In the sense of making us perfect – Hebrews 10:1
3. That the Law has been done away should not surprise us
a. God foretold this would happen – Jere 31:31
b. Jesus implied that the Law would be done away once it was fulfilled – Matthew 5:17-18
1) One jot or tittle would not pass from the law until it was fulfilled
2) If the priesthood has changed, then it must have been fulfilled and done away!
c. Paul described how Jesus abolished it in His death on the cross
1) To the Ephesians – Ephesians 2:14-16
2) To the Colossians – Colossians 2:14-16
C. THIS SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRIST’S PRIESTHOOD HAS POWERFUL IMPLICATIONS
a. With the Law annulled, it is folly to seek justification by the Law – Galatians 5:4
b. It also explains why we should not go to the Old Law to find our authority for the work, worship, and organization of the church!
III. THERE IS NOW A BETTER HOPE (Hebrews 7:19)
A. THROUGH WHICH WE CAN DRAW NEAR TO GOD
1. As seen earlier, the Levitical priesthood did not offer perfection
a. Its sacrifices could not make one perfect regarding:
1) Consciousness of sins, for sacrifices were year by year – Hebrews 10:1-3
2) Actual forgiveness of sins, for it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins – Hebrews 10:4
b. Thus the Law, because of its weakness and unprofitableness, made nothing perfect – Hebrews 7:18-19
2. But now we have in Christ a better hope
a. Here we find the keyword of this epistle: better
1) First used in comparing Jesus to angels – Hebrews 1:4
2) Used later in contrasting the new covenant and its promises with the old covenant – Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 8:6
b. Our hope in drawing near to God is now better than before!
B. CHRIST’S SUPERIOR PRIESTHOOD IS THE BASIS OF THAT HOPE
1. Because Jesus is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek, our hope for drawing near to God is much better:
a. As we’ve seen, Melchizedek is superior to Abraham and Levi
b. Therefore his priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood
c. Making Jesus’ own priesthood superior
2. More evidence of superiority will be considered shortly (Hebrews 7:20-28), but for now note again how the greatness of Jesus’ priesthood should strengthen our hope in drawing near to God:
a. Our High Priest has passed through the heavens – Hebrews 4:14
b. Our High Priest can sympathize with our weaknesses – Hebrews 4:15
c. Our High Priest makes it possible to come boldly to the throne of grace and obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16
3. Can we see how His service as our High Priest provides a better hope, through which we draw near to God?
Conclusion
1. More is yet to come regarding Christ’s Priesthood, but perhaps we can appreciate how
a. The Levitical priesthood does not provide what man really needs (access to God)
b. There has been a change in the Law; indeed, it has been replaced with a new covenant
c. In Jesus, our hope in drawing near to God is much better than ever before!
2. In view of such things
a. Why would the Hebrew Christians ever want to leave Jesus and return to the Law?
b. Why would people today seek to use the Law to justify religious practices, as many do when they turn to the Old Testament to establish authority for such things as a separate priesthood (clergy), burning of incense, or even instrumental music?
3. Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6). Are you willing to come to the Father through Him? Let us be sure to serve God through Him only!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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