The Truth Of The Gospel: Justified Only By Faith In Christ
Galatians 2:11–21 Lesson 3
Key Verse: 2:16 Shp Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 7-31-11
(We) “know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.“ Paul uses the word "justified." In origin, it was a legal term that means "not guilty."
In this part of Galatians chapter two, Paul continued to help the Galatians stand on gospel truth by telling how he courageously rebuked Peter. Paul knew the implication of Peter's action was that the Gentiles were not accepted fully as Christian brothers. More importantly, his actions called the absolute sufficiency of the gospel into question. This problem became an opportunity for all the apostles, including both Peter and Paul, to affirm the fact that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Paul shared his own personal testimony that reveals his secret to living by the truth of the gospel. That truth declares that we are not made righteous by zealously keeping the law, nor by practicing religious ritual. We are made Christian because we have accepted Jesus' death for our sins and Jesus’ resurrection our hope. Through a study of this passage may we challenge cultural patterns that run counter to the Gospel, in our own hearts. May we decide firmly to follow the Gospel, and not just social or religious habit or culture.
Part l: Paul Stood Up For The Truth (11-14)
In this part we find something that is very shocking to our senses, Paul rebuked Peter publicly. Look at verses 11, “When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong.” Peter and Paul were both leaders in the early church. Both of them received God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ. They were men of God who had received the Holy Spirit. They received Jesus' calling as apostles and they influenced the early churches more than anyone else. The first half of the book of Acts records mainly what Peter did, and the second half what Paul did. However, when Paul was in Antioch he was a Bible teacher, a short term missionary, whereas Peter was a pillar of the church, a direct successor of Jesus. He was like the bishop of the church. Yet Paul rebuked Peter in public. We may be a little taken back by this….but then again maybe not. In America we seem to have no problem opposing anyone. Even a school boy can stand up and rebuke the President of the USA. The issue that Paul brought up seemed to be regarding some eating fellowship among them…a small matter is seems. But it really was not a small matter for it was regarding a fundamental issue of the Christian faith. Let's see how things went.
One day they were eating together as a church. Look at verses 12-13, “Before certain men came from James, he (Peter) used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.” Peter went to Antioch, where Paul was preaching the gospel and raising disciples among the Gentiles. Maybe he was repeating the favor of Paul’s earlier visit to Jerusalem. At first, Peter ate freely and openly with Paul and the Greek Gentile believers. It must have been a happy time, eating and praising God. Maybe there was some music and testimonials.
Eating fellowship is important to Jesus' people everywhere. It is during this time that we demonstrate acceptance and love. The Lord's Supper did not begin as a formalistic ceremony but as a fellowship meal to remember Jesus' death and confirm gospel faith together. Early Christians ate together with holy joy after worship service. It was a time when all people, both Jew and Gentile converts and seekers would gather together. DuPage UBF does this. They have a fellowship lunch after every Sunday service cooked by either Joy Kim or Sarah Bahn. (We serve fruit and cookies and soda pop.) Prior to eating, DuPage UBF, share one point that they learned from the Sunday service message. They are obviously keeping this early church tradition alive. I am looking forward to the upcoming Bible school at the end of August (25th to 28th). There will, not only be lots of Bible study, prayer and music, but lots of eating fellowship and even a Barbeque one day. Please make plans to come.
Peter knew that he should accept the Gentiles for God had showed him. In Acts 10, we find that the Lord had trained Peter through a vision of all kinds of clean and unclean animals to embrace the Gentiles, preach to them, and eat with them. Acts 10:9-16 reads, “About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. 13Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat." 14"Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." 15The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." 16This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.”
This dream was not easy for Peter to accept…nor was eating with the Gentiles. Peter was raised as a pious Jewish person. Eating with Gentiles went against the very fiber of his being. He had to overcome deeply held prejudices and accept them as his own brothers and sisters. He had to learn to like Gentile food, which he had never eaten before. (He had always tried to eat kosher food. Some of the ancient Gentile food may have revolted even us today.)
By the Lord's help, Peter overcame his legalistic prejudice and accepted Gentiles from his heart. Before the Judaizers appeared in Antioch, he could obey the truth of God and eat together with the Gentile believers with love and joy. This expressed his acceptance of them in a way that went beyond mere words. Here I remembered Dr. Samuel Lee (the co-founder of our UBF ministry) and the Korean missionaries. When he first came to America, he ate Korean food, every day in his home with gusto. One time he invited a young American man to his home to eat with him. The young man complained about something. Do you know what? He complained that the Korean food was smelly and tasteless. In regards to the smell, he probably was referring to kimchi. Dr. Lee did not get upset with the young man for not liking his food, but he prayed about this. He realized that to eat with American young people, in a joyful, meaningful way, he should learn to eat American food. He decided to like the most typical American food at that time, the McDonald’s Big Mac. He ate one Big Mac and drank one Coke for lunch every day for eight years. In this way he tried, in a very practical way, to demonstrate God’s acceptance of others in his eating habits. American young people loved it. How can you practice acceptance of others believers in regards to your eating habits? Would you eat unknown food in foreign lands, even insects, if Christians in that nation served it to you after church?
Peter was doing well in eating together with the Gentiles in Antioch. However, when men from Jerusalem arrived, representing James, Peter's attitude changed. Look at verses 12-13 again, “Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.” Peter drew back from the Gentiles and began to eat only with Jewish Christians. Paul says it was because Peter was afraid of the circumcision group. When Peter did this, even Barnabas was led astray to do the same thing. Though he didn't intend to, Peter's actions made Gentiles feel that they were not worthy to eat with the Jews--as though they were second-class members of the Christian fellowship. Our influence that we have on others is very important. We do not live in a vacuum. The life choices and the decisions we make concerning life and ministry affects others around us, especially other believers. Peter’s influence and his reaction to the Gentiles were very important. What did Paul do to counteract the influence of Peter’s choice?
Paul publically declared the truth. Look at verse 14. “When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, ‘You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?’” To some, it may have seemed like this whole “eating issue” was not an important matter. But to Paul it was very serious. If Paul ignored this matter, young Gentile coverts would be discouraged, feeling like they could never become full fledged members of the Christian church. The church could have departed from the true gospel. The extensive influence of Antioch would spread to the smaller, scattered house churches and lead them into confusion in how to express their faith. So Paul rebuked Peter in public. It was not easy for Paul to do this. However, it was an unavoidable action to protect gospel faith for the sake of future generations.
Part ll: Paul's Personal Testimony Of Gospel Faith (15-21).
Paul was not emotional in his rebuke of Peter, but truthful, respectful and gospel-centered. He supported his words with his personal testimony. Look at verse 15. “ We who are Jews by birth and not ‘Gentile sinners’ “ He reminded Peter of an inherent prejudice in the hearts of Jews toward Gentiles. The Jews considered the Gentiles "sinners." It was because they did not have the law and they did not care about the law. The Jews thought the Gentiles were like animals and would go out of their way to avoid them. However, Paul says, (we) "know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. …” (16a) He was speaking from experience. He knew that neither he, nor any other Jewish person, could keep the law. Their prejudice was actually groundless for all people are law breakers, even those who set out to keep the law meticulously. Therefore the Jews were sinners just as much as the Gentiles. Both were destined to die, face God's judgment, and be thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur if they died without knowing the Christ. The only way for both Jews and Gentiles to come to God was through the cross of Jesus.
Paul goes on to explain the “inner mechanics” of liberating Gospel faith. Look at verse 16, (we) “know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.“ Paul uses the word "justified." In origin, it was a legal term that means "not guilty." Paul uses the word "justified" in reference to God. God is the ultimate judge. He has the authority to justify a person. When God justifies a person, they are free from condemnation. In Hawthorne's classic, "The Scarlet Letter," a woman accused of adultery was condemned. She was cast out of church and her community. She was forbidden from talking with others and had to wear the letter "A" on her clothing when she went out in public. Like her, we were all condemned because of our sins. We were cut off from God, and suffered from guilt and shame. We were destined to die, face judgment, and go to eternal condemnation. Those under condemnation have no hope. Whether rich or poor, beautiful or plain, educated or not educated, elite or outcast, they have the same destination unless they receive God’s justification. To be justified by God is no small matter. It is a matter of eternal life rather than eternal death.
How can we be justified by God? Is it possible by observing the law? Is it possible by human effort? No! Absolutely not! Trying to become righteous through observing the law is like someone stuck in quicksand. Those who fall into quicksand sink more quickly as they struggle to escape. The only way to get out is to receive help from someone else. And that is what God did. While we were helpless, our merciful God provided a way out through Jesus Christ. Those who accept Christ are saved. God not only saves us from our desperate situation, he makes us his precious children. We can now call God "Father!" Our Father protects us, provides for us, disciplines us in love, and raises us in his image. Finally we will inherit God's kingdom. God gives this grace to anyone who trusts in Christ. God justifies sinners freely by his grace through faith in Christ alone. We can only thank God for his grace.
Here we can see the difference between how God sees people and how people tend to see themselves. People classify themselves according to human criteria, such as wealth, gender, social status, ethnicity, education, genealogy, nationality, and so on. They segregate themselves into classes. They are proud of their own class and despise others. However, God sees people differently. To God, all people are sinners who need the grace of forgiveness. There are rich sinners, smart sinners, hardworking sinners, talkative sinners, athletic sinners, educated sinners, handsome or beautiful sinners, and so on. Commonly, all are destined to die for their sins and face eternal condemnation. God shows no favoritism based on human distinctions.
The fact that we are all sinners complicates the matters. Let’s see why. God is holy. In order to be justified by the holy God, without God’s help, we need to meet all the requirements of the law. It is impossible for us to do this by ourselves. Only Jesus could do so. Jesus offered himself as the perfect sacrifice on our behalf. Jesus paid it all through his death on the cross. God provided the way to be justified only through faith in Jesus Christ. So that is why God recognizes only faith in Christ. God sees only two kinds of people: those who have faith in Christ and those who don't. Those who have faith in Christ are God's children and precious brothers and sisters. On this basis, they should love one another and have fellowship together. (especially eating fellowship served up by the church ladies..Hmmm.)
In verses 17-21, Paul shares a personal testimony to explain how he could live by the truth of the gospel. Verses 17-18 are not easy to grasp. Let’s read verse 17 together, “ 17 “If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! “ Simply speaking, Paul is refuting the criticism of the Judaizers towards true believers. They claimed that believing Christ alone for salvation was dangerous, for it fatally weakened a person's sense of moral responsibility. They assumed that people who believed in Jesus would use their freedom as a license to sin. In the book of Romans Paul recognizes and presents their argument by saying, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?" Because, ‘where sin increased, grace increased all the more’" (Ro 5:20). As we listen to other people's life testimonies, we find that those who sinned greatly in the past tend to share the most gracious testimonies. So people think, "Oh! I need to sin a lot in order to receive lots of grace from God." But shall we commit sin in order to increase grace? Some people may say "Yes." But Paul says, "Absolutely not!" In verse 18, Paul explains that if we do this we become transgressors. “If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker.”
In verses 19-20, Paul explained why we cannot go on sinning after believing in Jesus. “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” We can not go on sinning because Jesus changes us on the inside. We become a new creation. We die to the law, and the law cannot rule over us any longer. Instead we live for God. This is God’s grace to us.
We can learn the secret of Paul's success in living by the truth of the gospel. Look at verse 20 again. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." His success was not because of him and his own human willpower. It was not him, but Christ living in him. The same grace is available to us as well. When we accept Christ in faith, he comes into our hearts and unites himself with us. In a miracle of God's grace that is truly real though invisible, Christ's death becomes our death. Christ's burial becomes our burial. Christ's resurrection becomes our resurrection. Since we are united with Christ in this way, we no longer live, but Christ lives in us. Our old selves, that claimed the throne of our lives, have died. Christ now lives in us and has given us a new life. Christ is now the owner of our lives. He is the power source and the captain of our lives. While in the body, we live by faith in Christ, the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. Romans 14:7-8 explains this well. It says, "For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."
Verse 21 is the conclusion of Paul's testimony. It reads, “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” If someone thinks that they can gain their salvation by their own effort, or through some manmade religion or moral code or philosophy, they will nullify Christ's death and set aside the grace of God. If that is the case Jesus suffered and died for nothing and all of God’s redemptive work throughout the millennia was for nothing. But this is not the case. Christ’s death set us free! It is very effective!
Through a study of this passage we deeply understood that we are not made righteous by keeping the law, nor by practicing religious rituals. We are made Christian because we have accepted Jesus' death for our sins and Jesus’ resurrection as our only hope. We died with Christ when we repented of our sins, and we choose to die daily to ourselves and to this world. Jesus loves us so much, regardless if we are Jew or Gentile or a person from any other cultural background. When we know Jesus’ grace our desires are changed. We want to live by faith in Jesus and love and accept all those whom Jesus loves. Let us challenge cultural patterns that run counter to the gospel starting in our own hearts. Let us follow the gospel, and not just social or religious habit or culture May the power of the Gospel enable us to live by faith daily.
Part l: Paul Stood Up For The Truth (11-14)
1. A. How did the circumcision group influence Peter to change his behavior, and what impact did this have? (12–13) B. How and why did Paul rebuke him publicly? (14) C. In this case, what does it mean to “act in line with the truth of the gospel”? D. Why was it so important for Jewish Christians to have fellowship with Gentile Christians? (3:26–29)
2. A. Read verses 15–16. How does the gospel apply to both Jews and Gentiles, and what contrast does Paul make here? B. How do people generally understand the term “justified,” and how do they pursue it? C. What does it mean to be justified only by faith in Christ? (Acts 13:38–39; Rom 1:17; 3:24–25)
3. A. How did Paul dispel misunderstandings about those who trust only in the gospel? (17–18) B. Read verse 19. What did he mean when Paul said he died to the law? (Rom 7:4) C. For what purpose? (19b)
4. A. Read verse 20. What does it mean to be “crucified with Christ”? (Rom 6:3–4) B. How was Paul changed from a self-centered to a Christ-centered person? (1Tim 1:13–14; 2 Cor 5:17; Rom 4:7–8) C. How did Christ’s love enable him to live by faith? (20b) D. In light of this, why is it so important to know Jesus personally, not just theoretically?
5. A. Read verse 21. What two ways of living after receiving Christ does Paul contrast here? B. What consequence does Paul mention? C. Why is it important to continue to live by the grace of God?
6. A. How can we live only by faith in the grace of Jesus in our personal lives? B. How can we apply this to the way we relate to others in our field of ministry?
Monday, August 15, 2011
To Preserve the Truth of the Gospel
TO PRESERVE THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL
Galatians 2:1–10 Lesson 2
Key Verse: 2:5 Shp Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 7-2011
“5 We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.”
In lesson 1 we learned the core of the gospel and the uniqueness of the gospel. There is no other gospel except the gospel of Christ. From the first, the ministry to non-Jews was controversial. Rigid Jewish Christians tried to make Paul push his Gentile converts to become Jews: (i.e., to be circumcised and accept Jewish laws and rituals, in order to be full-fledged Christians.) Paul went to Jerusalem and laid the gospel he preached before those who had been closest to Jesus. He wanted to hold on to the truth of the gospel and protect the freedom believers have in Christ. The apostles in Jerusalem did not add or subtract from Paul's message. They recognized that God was working through Paul to bring Gentiles to God, just as God worked through Peter to bring the gospel to the Jews. They did not like some of the ways of life of the gentiles, but they realized that God loved them, just as they are, and had sent Jesus to die for the sins of all people. In this lesson we will learn how to preserve the Gospel truth and not give in to the trends today that seem to force us to compromise the truth of God. We will learn Paul's uncompromising attitude and the nature of the gospel.
Part I: We Did Not Give In For A Moment (1-5)
As we studied last time, after his conversion, Paul went to Arabia for three years, most likely to study the Bible personally and deeply. Then he went to Jerusalem and met Peter and James briefly. Afterward he spent time in Syria--where Antioch was, and Cilicia--where his hometown Tarsus was. In 2:1-10 Paul tells of a second visit to Jerusalem fourteen years after his conversion. Scholars disagree about the nature of this visit. Some say it was to attend the Jerusalem Council (Ac 15). But the word "privately" (2) seems to preclude this. Moreover, the words "in response to a revelation" tell us that he was not summoned, but inspired by the Holy Spirit. Most likely this visit is the one mentioned in Acts 11:30 (12:25). While delivering a relief offering, Paul had a private audience with Jewish Christian leaders. We can learn several things about Paul’s faith and attitude. Let’s see.
First, Paul did not give in for a moment. Look at verses 1-2. “Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain.” In these verses Paul tells the Galatians how God helped him resolve a similar and previous crisis in the Antioch church. The gospel had worked mightily in Antioch in the hearts of Greek Gentiles. They became genuine Christians. Then some fake Christians invaded the fellowship. Paul exposed their motive. Look at verse 4, “. 4 This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.” These fake Christians wanted to make Gentile Christians "slaves" of Jewish legalism, robbing their God-given freedom in Christ. They claimed the support of the Jerusalem church. So, young Gentile believers in Antioch were confused. They were wavering inwardly. Paul needed wisdom to help them. He must have prayed earnestly. Then he was inspired to visit Jerusalem. He brought Barnabas and Titus. He presented the gospel he preached to the Gentiles and put forth Titus as a fruit of his ministry. Look at Titus 1:4-5, “To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” Titus was a genuine Greek…a Gentile. Yet he was a very sincere Christian and a leader of the Church. God was working powerfully through Titus. His changed life testified that the Gentile believers were being transformed into Christ's disciples apart from the help of Jewish legalism. Titus was the clear evidence. The Jerusalem leaders realized that Paul's message and ministry were the work of God and accepted Titus without compelling him to be circumcised. This set a precedent. In this way Paul defended the gospel and protected God's flock in Antioch.
However, it was not easy for Paul to stand on the Gospel truth. Look at verse 5. "We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you." There was severe pressure on Paul to not speak up and just give into the status quo. There were sharp disputes between Paul and the circumcision group. Paul was misunderstood. He must have been branded as rebellious and unorthodox. However, he did not give in for a moment.
Paul was not a stubborn and unyielding person. He was always ready to concede in cultural matters to win others over to Christ. We can see this in his dealing with Timothy. Timothy's mother was a Jewess, and his father a Greek. To Jewish thought, Timothy was a Jew. So Paul had him get circumcised. It was not for salvation, but to honor his true Jewish identity. Paul did not try to make Gentiles into Jews however, nor did he try to make Jews into Gentiles. Paul confessed in 1 Corinthians 9 that he became like the Jews to win the Jews, and like those not having the law to win them. Paul became all things to all people so that by all possible means he might save some (1 Cor 9:20-23). In regards to preserving gospel faith, Paul was uncompromising--a courageous fighter.
Here we can learn something here from Paul. Generally, we should concede in cultural matters. But in order to preserve the gospel and defend the faith of young Christians, we must not give into enemies of the gospel even for a moment. We must fight for the gospel truth as a matter of life and death. Last year Franklin Graham said, in regards to Muslims, "God loves them. I want them to know that they don't have to die in a car bomb, they don't have to die in some kind of holy war to be accepted by God. But it's through faith in Jesus Christ and Christ alone." As a result, the U.S. Army rescinded his invitation to speak at the national day of prayer. It was a painful rejection. But Mr. Graham did not waver in his stand for the gospel truth. He stood his ground. He was rejected by people, but accepted by God. Likewise, we must clearly and courageously stand on the gospel amidst spiritual forces that oppose the Gospel truth.
There are many “false gospels” that threaten to enslave our lives if we let them. All other religions, other than Biblical Christianity, threaten to impose on us, some set of rigid standards and laws that they claim as necessary to receive salvation and enter into some sort of relationship with God. There are philosophies of life that set out to capture our hearts and enslave us by its tenants and in doing so make us “slaves” of our sinful nature and drag us through life as if there were a ring in our nose. There are false Gospels, such as the “health and wealth” gospel, that says that people will be blessed by God even if they don’t pick up their own crosses and follow Jesus in their practical, daily lives. But we all know that with grace comes apostleship. With grace comes truth. With any love there is sacrifice.
Other “false” gospels burden us and hinder us from loving God and loving others. These false gospels may seem appealing at first. Why? They gratify our sense of self righteousness. They offer a way feel right before God using our human efforts. They offer a way for us to receive some sort of human glory and recognition. We feel that we are “growing” and getting somewhere with these false teachings. People who share any false Gospel experience some happiness in bring others over to their cause. They may even feel that they are doing a service to God and to humanity. But we must not let these false gospels infiltrate our hearts and our families and churches. Can you think of any other false gospels that are trying to enslave us today?
We must know that is only Jesus and what he accomplished on the mount of Calvary that gets us saved. This is the only good news of salvation! 1 Corinthians 15:4-5 reads, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” Repenting of our sins and believing the Gospel is totally enough to free our hearts from the power of sin and help to set us free to live by the truth and to live a life of love and service to God, loving God and loving others. The Gospel frees our hearts from condemnation and sets our hearts free with the love and the grace of Jesus.
We must never confuse spiritual and church discipline with a legalism. Sure we study the Bible a lot and promote daily prayer and other Christian activities. But participating in these has nothing to do with being saved and becoming a child of God. It all has to do with loving Jesus and getting to know Jesus better. It has to do with becoming a stronger Christian. We do not do it to be save or get more saved. We do it because we love Jesus and want to know him more.
Let’s face it. If we are going to stand our ground, in regards to the Gospel, we need to know what the Gospel has to say. According to a 2009 Barna study on religion,
“Bible reading has become the religious equivalent of sound-bite journalism. When people read from the Bible they typically open it, read a brief passage without much regard for the context, and consider the primary thought or feeling that the passage provided. If they are comfortable with it, they accept it; otherwise, they deem it interesting but irrelevant to their life, and move on. There is shockingly little growth evident in people’s understanding of the fundamental themes of the scriptures and amazingly little interest in deepening their knowledge and application of biblical principles.” We need to engage in regular spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study, not to get saved by legalistic activities, but to know what the Gospel actually is and what is says and then, by faith, stand our ground on the precious truth of God.
The kids must stand their ground in the Gospel. They are in an atmosphere were everything is expected to receive absolute acceptance. They are being taught that we should never discriminate, and we should not, but this attitude spills over into the spiritual realm in the hearts of Christian youth. For example people think that God has no requirements when it comes to entering heaven and dwelling eternity with Jesus. There is trend to think that as long as you are a sincere person and don’t hurt anyone, then that is enough. There is extreme pressure not to open our mouths and declare with boldness, that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and that no one can come to the Father except through Jesus. (Jn 14:6) To do so means that you might loose some friends. But remember Galatians 1:10, “ Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” In standing your ground, and not giving in for a moment, you will become closer friends to God.
Part ll: Paul’s Call And Mission From God Confirmed (6-10)
Second, there is one gospel but different preachers and mission fields. Look at verses 6-10. The Jerusalem leaders added nothing to Paul's message. (6) They did not say, "Your message was okay, but you are missing this main point." Or, "This part is irrelevant and unnecessary." Instead, they said, "Amen! What a beautiful, truthful gospel message." They confirmed that the gospel Paul preached was the same gospel they preached. Paul's gospel message must have revealed his deep understanding of the Gentiles and how the gospel was given to them. The Jerusalem leaders concluded that it was precisely God's work in him. That is not all. Look at verse 7, “On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews.” They realized that God called Paul to preach to the Gentiles, just as he had called Peter to preach to the Jews. The same God was working in and through both of them. So they recognized Paul as being on par with Peter. They gave Paul the right hand of fellowship, publicly acknowledging him as God's servant with the true gospel message. They agreed to serve God in their respective mission fields as coworkers in the gospel. They made only one request of Paul--that he continue to remember the poor--the very thing he was eager to do. (10)
Here we see that there is one gospel, but different preachers and mission fields. While the gospel that Paul preached was essentially the same as that of Peter, John and James, each one's way of expressing the Gospel and their emphasis was different. We see this clearly, as we compare their written works in the Bible. Their conversions, mission callings, educational backgrounds, life experiences, and personalities were all different. These distinctive factors affected how they presented the gospel. But it was the same gospel.
The gospel can be expressed in different ways, while retaining its essential truth. The gospel may be compared to water in a jar. The jar can be small or large; it can be round, square or triangular. However the water inside the jar is still water. In the same way, the gospel is still the gospel, though it is preached by different people in different languages and nations.
When we hear mission reports from different nations, we find that the people of each nation are different. However, we also realize that the same God is working through the same gospel message in people of each nation. It is God who appoints and uses gospel workers in each mission field. So we are to regard as partners all whom God is using to preach the true gospel. We should accept them as brothers and sisters in Christ, embracing our diversity.
God has given us a unique mission field. Some of us have been called to serve campus students through one to one Bible study and discipleship. Most of us have come from student backgrounds. We have felt the suffering of typical students. We know from personal experience that they suffer, not from hunger and lack of shelter, but from meaninglessness of life, boredom, loneliness, issues of acceptance and lack of hope. These are the issues that drove me deeper and deeper into sin and father and farther away from Jesus. These are the issues that Jesus and his Gospel solved in my life. Through the Gospel, Jesus filled my heart with his love, grace and forgiveness. He healed me and showed me the way to eternal life and how to have a personal relationship with him. He showed me that he wants to love all students. He led me to this mission field, so that my changed life can be a source of hope and inspiration to other college students. I thank God for our mission field. We are surrounded by beautiful campuses, intellectuals and our nation’s future leaders. It is a challenging mission field. We must recognize and pray for other mission fields of servants of God, and devote ourselves to whom God has called us to serve.
They all co-worked together. Look at verses 9-10, “James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. 10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” James, Peter and John were a team and Barnabas and Titus were a team. There were no lone wolves among them. They were unified. They were not just interested in their own business. They were interested in God’s work being done among them in their own respective mission fields. They were willing to be inconvenienced in order to travel together on a mission, a mission to preserve the Gospel among the churches. The work of God goes on though much faithful and committed co-working. We co-work together, not to be saved, but to become more effective Gospel workers, instruments through which Jesus can spread his life giving Gospel to a world in need.
In today’s lesson we learned that we must take a clear and absolute stand on the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must never waver in our faith, but stand firm and share the only Gospel that brings, life, forgiveness and the peace of God and eternal life. Thank Jesus for keeping us from becoming enslaved by false religions and false philosophies of life. Let us decided to stand firm and share the true Gospel with others. Let us dig deep into the Bible so that we know what the true Gospel is. You can not take a stand on something that you do not know it. Let us co-work with others as we take our stand with others believers around us. May the liberating and life giving true Gospel go forth across the NIU and Kish College and the people of DeKalb.
Part l: We Did Not Give In (1-5)
1. A. To what does “fourteen years later” refer? B. What motivated Paul to visit Jerusalem? (1–2,4) [Based on his use of the words “privately” and “in response to a revelation,” Paul’s trip to Jerusalem seems to be prior to his going to the Jerusalem Council, which was a public event and instigated by a sharp dispute and debate at Antioch with the circumcision group (Ac15:1–2).] C. Who was with him? D. In Paul’s mind, why was this matter so serious? (2b)
2. A. Who was Titus? (3b; Tit1:4–5) B. How did his presence with Paul in Jerusalem further validate the Gentile gospel ministry and set a precedent for all Gentile believers? C. Who were the “false brothers,” and what was their real motive in forcing Gentiles to be circumcised? (4)
Part ll: Paul’s Call And Mission From God Confirmed (5-10)
3. A. Read verse 5. How did Paul express his uncompromising spirit with the false brothers? (5a) B. Why did he oppose them so strongly? (5b) C. What is “the truth of the gospel”? (1Co15:3–4; Gal2:16)
4. A. What can we learn from Paul’s shepherd’s concern for Gentile believers? B. Why was preserving the truth of the gospel so crucial for the Galatians, and, for the history of Christian missions? C. How is the gospel truth being challenged in our time, and what can we do to preserve it? (5a)
5. A. How did the leaders in Jerusalem respond to Paul and his message? (6–9) B. How could they agree to part ways amicably and work for the gospel respectively? (8–10) C. How would the Jerusalem leaders’ acceptance help Paul in his Gentile ministry?
Galatians 2:1–10 Lesson 2
Key Verse: 2:5 Shp Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 7-2011
“5 We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.”
In lesson 1 we learned the core of the gospel and the uniqueness of the gospel. There is no other gospel except the gospel of Christ. From the first, the ministry to non-Jews was controversial. Rigid Jewish Christians tried to make Paul push his Gentile converts to become Jews: (i.e., to be circumcised and accept Jewish laws and rituals, in order to be full-fledged Christians.) Paul went to Jerusalem and laid the gospel he preached before those who had been closest to Jesus. He wanted to hold on to the truth of the gospel and protect the freedom believers have in Christ. The apostles in Jerusalem did not add or subtract from Paul's message. They recognized that God was working through Paul to bring Gentiles to God, just as God worked through Peter to bring the gospel to the Jews. They did not like some of the ways of life of the gentiles, but they realized that God loved them, just as they are, and had sent Jesus to die for the sins of all people. In this lesson we will learn how to preserve the Gospel truth and not give in to the trends today that seem to force us to compromise the truth of God. We will learn Paul's uncompromising attitude and the nature of the gospel.
Part I: We Did Not Give In For A Moment (1-5)
As we studied last time, after his conversion, Paul went to Arabia for three years, most likely to study the Bible personally and deeply. Then he went to Jerusalem and met Peter and James briefly. Afterward he spent time in Syria--where Antioch was, and Cilicia--where his hometown Tarsus was. In 2:1-10 Paul tells of a second visit to Jerusalem fourteen years after his conversion. Scholars disagree about the nature of this visit. Some say it was to attend the Jerusalem Council (Ac 15). But the word "privately" (2) seems to preclude this. Moreover, the words "in response to a revelation" tell us that he was not summoned, but inspired by the Holy Spirit. Most likely this visit is the one mentioned in Acts 11:30 (12:25). While delivering a relief offering, Paul had a private audience with Jewish Christian leaders. We can learn several things about Paul’s faith and attitude. Let’s see.
First, Paul did not give in for a moment. Look at verses 1-2. “Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain.” In these verses Paul tells the Galatians how God helped him resolve a similar and previous crisis in the Antioch church. The gospel had worked mightily in Antioch in the hearts of Greek Gentiles. They became genuine Christians. Then some fake Christians invaded the fellowship. Paul exposed their motive. Look at verse 4, “. 4 This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.” These fake Christians wanted to make Gentile Christians "slaves" of Jewish legalism, robbing their God-given freedom in Christ. They claimed the support of the Jerusalem church. So, young Gentile believers in Antioch were confused. They were wavering inwardly. Paul needed wisdom to help them. He must have prayed earnestly. Then he was inspired to visit Jerusalem. He brought Barnabas and Titus. He presented the gospel he preached to the Gentiles and put forth Titus as a fruit of his ministry. Look at Titus 1:4-5, “To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” Titus was a genuine Greek…a Gentile. Yet he was a very sincere Christian and a leader of the Church. God was working powerfully through Titus. His changed life testified that the Gentile believers were being transformed into Christ's disciples apart from the help of Jewish legalism. Titus was the clear evidence. The Jerusalem leaders realized that Paul's message and ministry were the work of God and accepted Titus without compelling him to be circumcised. This set a precedent. In this way Paul defended the gospel and protected God's flock in Antioch.
However, it was not easy for Paul to stand on the Gospel truth. Look at verse 5. "We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you." There was severe pressure on Paul to not speak up and just give into the status quo. There were sharp disputes between Paul and the circumcision group. Paul was misunderstood. He must have been branded as rebellious and unorthodox. However, he did not give in for a moment.
Paul was not a stubborn and unyielding person. He was always ready to concede in cultural matters to win others over to Christ. We can see this in his dealing with Timothy. Timothy's mother was a Jewess, and his father a Greek. To Jewish thought, Timothy was a Jew. So Paul had him get circumcised. It was not for salvation, but to honor his true Jewish identity. Paul did not try to make Gentiles into Jews however, nor did he try to make Jews into Gentiles. Paul confessed in 1 Corinthians 9 that he became like the Jews to win the Jews, and like those not having the law to win them. Paul became all things to all people so that by all possible means he might save some (1 Cor 9:20-23). In regards to preserving gospel faith, Paul was uncompromising--a courageous fighter.
Here we can learn something here from Paul. Generally, we should concede in cultural matters. But in order to preserve the gospel and defend the faith of young Christians, we must not give into enemies of the gospel even for a moment. We must fight for the gospel truth as a matter of life and death. Last year Franklin Graham said, in regards to Muslims, "God loves them. I want them to know that they don't have to die in a car bomb, they don't have to die in some kind of holy war to be accepted by God. But it's through faith in Jesus Christ and Christ alone." As a result, the U.S. Army rescinded his invitation to speak at the national day of prayer. It was a painful rejection. But Mr. Graham did not waver in his stand for the gospel truth. He stood his ground. He was rejected by people, but accepted by God. Likewise, we must clearly and courageously stand on the gospel amidst spiritual forces that oppose the Gospel truth.
There are many “false gospels” that threaten to enslave our lives if we let them. All other religions, other than Biblical Christianity, threaten to impose on us, some set of rigid standards and laws that they claim as necessary to receive salvation and enter into some sort of relationship with God. There are philosophies of life that set out to capture our hearts and enslave us by its tenants and in doing so make us “slaves” of our sinful nature and drag us through life as if there were a ring in our nose. There are false Gospels, such as the “health and wealth” gospel, that says that people will be blessed by God even if they don’t pick up their own crosses and follow Jesus in their practical, daily lives. But we all know that with grace comes apostleship. With grace comes truth. With any love there is sacrifice.
Other “false” gospels burden us and hinder us from loving God and loving others. These false gospels may seem appealing at first. Why? They gratify our sense of self righteousness. They offer a way feel right before God using our human efforts. They offer a way for us to receive some sort of human glory and recognition. We feel that we are “growing” and getting somewhere with these false teachings. People who share any false Gospel experience some happiness in bring others over to their cause. They may even feel that they are doing a service to God and to humanity. But we must not let these false gospels infiltrate our hearts and our families and churches. Can you think of any other false gospels that are trying to enslave us today?
We must know that is only Jesus and what he accomplished on the mount of Calvary that gets us saved. This is the only good news of salvation! 1 Corinthians 15:4-5 reads, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” Repenting of our sins and believing the Gospel is totally enough to free our hearts from the power of sin and help to set us free to live by the truth and to live a life of love and service to God, loving God and loving others. The Gospel frees our hearts from condemnation and sets our hearts free with the love and the grace of Jesus.
We must never confuse spiritual and church discipline with a legalism. Sure we study the Bible a lot and promote daily prayer and other Christian activities. But participating in these has nothing to do with being saved and becoming a child of God. It all has to do with loving Jesus and getting to know Jesus better. It has to do with becoming a stronger Christian. We do not do it to be save or get more saved. We do it because we love Jesus and want to know him more.
Let’s face it. If we are going to stand our ground, in regards to the Gospel, we need to know what the Gospel has to say. According to a 2009 Barna study on religion,
“Bible reading has become the religious equivalent of sound-bite journalism. When people read from the Bible they typically open it, read a brief passage without much regard for the context, and consider the primary thought or feeling that the passage provided. If they are comfortable with it, they accept it; otherwise, they deem it interesting but irrelevant to their life, and move on. There is shockingly little growth evident in people’s understanding of the fundamental themes of the scriptures and amazingly little interest in deepening their knowledge and application of biblical principles.” We need to engage in regular spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study, not to get saved by legalistic activities, but to know what the Gospel actually is and what is says and then, by faith, stand our ground on the precious truth of God.
The kids must stand their ground in the Gospel. They are in an atmosphere were everything is expected to receive absolute acceptance. They are being taught that we should never discriminate, and we should not, but this attitude spills over into the spiritual realm in the hearts of Christian youth. For example people think that God has no requirements when it comes to entering heaven and dwelling eternity with Jesus. There is trend to think that as long as you are a sincere person and don’t hurt anyone, then that is enough. There is extreme pressure not to open our mouths and declare with boldness, that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and that no one can come to the Father except through Jesus. (Jn 14:6) To do so means that you might loose some friends. But remember Galatians 1:10, “ Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” In standing your ground, and not giving in for a moment, you will become closer friends to God.
Part ll: Paul’s Call And Mission From God Confirmed (6-10)
Second, there is one gospel but different preachers and mission fields. Look at verses 6-10. The Jerusalem leaders added nothing to Paul's message. (6) They did not say, "Your message was okay, but you are missing this main point." Or, "This part is irrelevant and unnecessary." Instead, they said, "Amen! What a beautiful, truthful gospel message." They confirmed that the gospel Paul preached was the same gospel they preached. Paul's gospel message must have revealed his deep understanding of the Gentiles and how the gospel was given to them. The Jerusalem leaders concluded that it was precisely God's work in him. That is not all. Look at verse 7, “On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews.” They realized that God called Paul to preach to the Gentiles, just as he had called Peter to preach to the Jews. The same God was working in and through both of them. So they recognized Paul as being on par with Peter. They gave Paul the right hand of fellowship, publicly acknowledging him as God's servant with the true gospel message. They agreed to serve God in their respective mission fields as coworkers in the gospel. They made only one request of Paul--that he continue to remember the poor--the very thing he was eager to do. (10)
Here we see that there is one gospel, but different preachers and mission fields. While the gospel that Paul preached was essentially the same as that of Peter, John and James, each one's way of expressing the Gospel and their emphasis was different. We see this clearly, as we compare their written works in the Bible. Their conversions, mission callings, educational backgrounds, life experiences, and personalities were all different. These distinctive factors affected how they presented the gospel. But it was the same gospel.
The gospel can be expressed in different ways, while retaining its essential truth. The gospel may be compared to water in a jar. The jar can be small or large; it can be round, square or triangular. However the water inside the jar is still water. In the same way, the gospel is still the gospel, though it is preached by different people in different languages and nations.
When we hear mission reports from different nations, we find that the people of each nation are different. However, we also realize that the same God is working through the same gospel message in people of each nation. It is God who appoints and uses gospel workers in each mission field. So we are to regard as partners all whom God is using to preach the true gospel. We should accept them as brothers and sisters in Christ, embracing our diversity.
God has given us a unique mission field. Some of us have been called to serve campus students through one to one Bible study and discipleship. Most of us have come from student backgrounds. We have felt the suffering of typical students. We know from personal experience that they suffer, not from hunger and lack of shelter, but from meaninglessness of life, boredom, loneliness, issues of acceptance and lack of hope. These are the issues that drove me deeper and deeper into sin and father and farther away from Jesus. These are the issues that Jesus and his Gospel solved in my life. Through the Gospel, Jesus filled my heart with his love, grace and forgiveness. He healed me and showed me the way to eternal life and how to have a personal relationship with him. He showed me that he wants to love all students. He led me to this mission field, so that my changed life can be a source of hope and inspiration to other college students. I thank God for our mission field. We are surrounded by beautiful campuses, intellectuals and our nation’s future leaders. It is a challenging mission field. We must recognize and pray for other mission fields of servants of God, and devote ourselves to whom God has called us to serve.
They all co-worked together. Look at verses 9-10, “James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. 10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” James, Peter and John were a team and Barnabas and Titus were a team. There were no lone wolves among them. They were unified. They were not just interested in their own business. They were interested in God’s work being done among them in their own respective mission fields. They were willing to be inconvenienced in order to travel together on a mission, a mission to preserve the Gospel among the churches. The work of God goes on though much faithful and committed co-working. We co-work together, not to be saved, but to become more effective Gospel workers, instruments through which Jesus can spread his life giving Gospel to a world in need.
In today’s lesson we learned that we must take a clear and absolute stand on the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must never waver in our faith, but stand firm and share the only Gospel that brings, life, forgiveness and the peace of God and eternal life. Thank Jesus for keeping us from becoming enslaved by false religions and false philosophies of life. Let us decided to stand firm and share the true Gospel with others. Let us dig deep into the Bible so that we know what the true Gospel is. You can not take a stand on something that you do not know it. Let us co-work with others as we take our stand with others believers around us. May the liberating and life giving true Gospel go forth across the NIU and Kish College and the people of DeKalb.
Part l: We Did Not Give In (1-5)
1. A. To what does “fourteen years later” refer? B. What motivated Paul to visit Jerusalem? (1–2,4) [Based on his use of the words “privately” and “in response to a revelation,” Paul’s trip to Jerusalem seems to be prior to his going to the Jerusalem Council, which was a public event and instigated by a sharp dispute and debate at Antioch with the circumcision group (Ac15:1–2).] C. Who was with him? D. In Paul’s mind, why was this matter so serious? (2b)
2. A. Who was Titus? (3b; Tit1:4–5) B. How did his presence with Paul in Jerusalem further validate the Gentile gospel ministry and set a precedent for all Gentile believers? C. Who were the “false brothers,” and what was their real motive in forcing Gentiles to be circumcised? (4)
Part ll: Paul’s Call And Mission From God Confirmed (5-10)
3. A. Read verse 5. How did Paul express his uncompromising spirit with the false brothers? (5a) B. Why did he oppose them so strongly? (5b) C. What is “the truth of the gospel”? (1Co15:3–4; Gal2:16)
4. A. What can we learn from Paul’s shepherd’s concern for Gentile believers? B. Why was preserving the truth of the gospel so crucial for the Galatians, and, for the history of Christian missions? C. How is the gospel truth being challenged in our time, and what can we do to preserve it? (5a)
5. A. How did the leaders in Jerusalem respond to Paul and his message? (6–9) B. How could they agree to part ways amicably and work for the gospel respectively? (8–10) C. How would the Jerusalem leaders’ acceptance help Paul in his Gentile ministry?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Galatians 1:1-24
No Other Gospel But The Gospel Of Christ
Galatians 1:1–24 Lesson 1
Key Verses: 1:6–7 Delv’d by Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 7-10-11 (Adapted from Chicago UBF)
“ I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.”
Galatians is a very liberating book. It has been called "the Magna Carte of Christian freedom." It first set the early Christians free from the legalism of Jewish religion. During the Reformation, Martin Luther's study of Galatians, together with Romans, brought a birth of freedom to the Christian church. Luther said, "Galatians is my letter. I married Galatians. It is my Catherine"(wife). Paul wrote Galatians to churches he had pioneered in person. He addresses a specific problem of legalism, perpetrated by a certain type of Jewish convert to the Christian faith, called "Judaizers." We will find out who they are later. The key word of Galatians is "freedom." Paul proclaims that the gospel gives freedom from both sin and legalism. Paul explains the nature of this freedom and how we are to use it. In our times, many people assume that freedom means doing whatever they want without any responsibility or consequence. This is not true freedom. In fact this leads to slavery of the soul. In Galatians we discover true freedom and how to truly enjoy it.
Paul will also emphasize the uniqueness of the gospel. We live in a multicultural society with people of many beliefs. We practice mutual respect as we try to coexist. It is important to respect others, for God made us all in his image. However, in the course of doing this, we must not fall into the error that all truth claims are equally valid. (For example all religions point to Jesus in one way or the other. But Jesus only points to himself. Not every one is correct.) The gospel is the unique truth of salvation from God. In our time, there is also a strong influence from "universalism." This is the error that all people will be saved, no matter what they believe, as long as they live with integrity and sincerity and don’t hurt anyone. However, Paul urges that what we believe really matters. Today Paul challenges us with a clear teaching on the uniqueness of the gospel. There is only one gospel, the gospel of Christ.
We will study this chapter in three parts: the core of the gospel (1-5), the uniqueness of the gospel (6-10), and the revelation of the gospel (11-24).
Part I: The Core Of The Gospel (1-5)
In verses 1-5, Paul introduces himself and greets the churches in Galatia. In doing so, he reminds them of the core of the gospel. Look at verse 1. "Paul, an apostle--sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead...." Paul identified himself as an apostle. It was a special claim to represent Jesus Christ and God the Father. This gave credibility and authority to his teaching. Paul emphasized that his apostleship came not from man, but from Jesus Christ. This was an unusual element of Paul's introduction which is not repeated in his other letters. Paul wrote this way in Galatians to counter the "Judaizers," who said that he was not an apostle, since he was not one of Jesus' original Twelve. They wanted to undermine Paul's authority and discredit his message so that Galatian Christians would abandon Paul and follow them.
However, Paul held firm to his identity as an apostle. It was no because he was one of the original 12 but on the basis of his own personal encounter with the Risen Christ. In the Book of Acts, while Paul traveled from Jerusalem to Damascus to persecute Christians, suddenly, a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Ac 9:4) It was the Risen Christ. The Risen Christ overpowered Paul with love, conquering his soul, changing him from an enemy to a follower. The Risen Christ called him to be an apostle and blessed his ministry to the Gentiles in every way. It was nothing but the work of God by the almighty power that raised Jesus from the dead. Paul may not have known the historical Jesus who lived in Galilee, but he knew the Risen Christ intimately and received his commission from Christ. On this basis, Paul claimed to be an apostle on par with the other apostles.
There is a special quality to Paul's apostleship. He had spiritual authority from the Risen Christ to preach and explain the gospel in a way that no one else could. Paul's special perspective greatly enriches our understanding of the gospel and its application to daily life. Paul's letters in the New Testament carry the weight of Scripture. Peter even attests to this in 2 Pe 3:15-16. No one can claim to share Paul's apostleship in regards to writing Scripture. No one can add their personal letter to the Bible claiming that it has the same authority as Scripture. However, in another respect, as believers, we can share Paul's claim to apostleship. In Romans 1:5, Paul said, "Through him and for his name's sake we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith." Anyone who receives Jesus as Savior has the same privilege and calling that Paul had, to preach the gospel to the people of their times. We don't need a seminary degree, only Christ's grace of salvation and his personal calling. With this conviction and faith we can preach the gospel boldly to any person.
In verse 3, Paul blesses the Galatian churches with grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The blessing of grace and peace from Jesus, is the gospel. When we examine verses 1-5 carefully, we find that Paul was eager to share the core of the gospel with the Galatians very eagerly, right from the very beginning of his letter. Let’s think a little more deeply what the Gospel is.
Jesus died to rescue us from our sins. Look at verses 4-5. "...who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." The Bible tells us that our real problem is a sin problem. Sin is like an invisible cancer of the soul that affects every human being. It cuts people off from God, the source of life, and eats away at the goodness of God in us. Though one sin may seem like an insignificant act, it enslaves a soul permanently. For example, to look at pornography just one time, to take dangerous drugs just one time, to betray a trust just one time, to steal one small thing, and the like can lead to a lifetime bondage that brings utter ruin. Unforgiven sin finally brings death and eternal punishment in hell. This is the destiny of all people without Jesus, for the Bible says, "...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." (Ro 3:23). Though people suffer greatly from sin, there is no way to solve the sin problem outside of Jesus. Psychology cannot solve it; neither can money, technology, reason, education, willpower, or medication. We are totally helpless to solve our sin problem.
Yet, while we were helpless, Jesus Christ came to rescue us. Jesus came down from heaven and lived among us as a man. By experience, he came to understand us fully and deeply. Then Jesus went to the cross and died, shedding his blood. Christ's death paid the full price of the sins of all mankind. Then God raised him from the dead. In this way, Christ purchased our forgiveness of sins and reconciled us with God. Now we can call God "Father," as Paul repeats in verses 1,3,4. Jesus did this to obey God's will. God willingly sacrificed his One and Only Son, Jesus because he loves sinners. Thank you, Father God for sending Jesus to save us! Thank you, Jesus Christ, for forgiving all our sins through your death on the cross!
The gospel is not a man-made story. It has been accomplished according to the will of God. It is God's story. So we find the core of the gospel flowing through the Bible from the beginning to the end. Right after Adam's fall, God promised to send an offspring of woman who would crush the head of Satan (Gen 3:15). God promised Abraham that through his offspring all nations on earth would be blessed (Gen 12:3). God promised David to raise up from his offspring an eternal king who would reign on the throne of an eternal kingdom (2 Sam 7:13-16). Christ fulfilled all of these promises (Gal 3:8; Lk 1:32). Isaiah foretold that Christ would be pierced for our transgressions and wounded for our healing (Isa 53:5). John the Baptist said of Jesus, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (Jn 1:29). Jesus repeatedly foretold his suffering, death and resurrection (Mk 8:31; 9:12; 9:31; 10:33-34) for the salvation of mankind. Peter and John proclaimed the forgiveness of sins through the death of Christ and eternal life through his resurrection (Ac 2:38; Jn 3:16 et al.). The gospel may have been stated most clearly by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3b,4. It says, "...that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures...." This is the core of the gospel. By this gospel we are saved, when we hold firmly to its truth.
Part II: The Uniqueness Of The Gospel (6-10)
In most of his letters, Paul thanks God for working in his audience and offers words of appreciation for them. Even in writing to the problem-filled Corinthian church he thanks God for working among them and admits that they are a very gifted community (1 Cor 1:4-7). But he does not do this with the Galatians. Instead, right after greeting them he begins to rebuke them. Let's read verses 6-7. "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ." Paul uses strong language to awaken a sense of problem in the Galatians. He says they have deserted God; they have turned to a different gospel; they allowed themselves to be confused by those who have perverted the gospel. To understand the seriousness of their condition, we need to compare "the gospel of Christ" that Paul preached with "a different gospel" that the Judaizers preached.
Paul had preached the gospel of Christ to the Galatian believers on his first mission journey. The Book of Acts tells us how the Holy Spirit led Paul and Barnabas to Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe (Ac 13-14). While the context of his message differed from place to place, the essence of Paul's message was that Christ died for our sins and God raised him from the dead. Whoever believes in Christ receives forgiveness of sins and is justified by God (Ac 13:26-41). Many Gentiles accepted this message and received eternal life through Christ. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in each church, committed them to the Lord, and returned to Syrian Antioch.
In Paul's absence, some people, called "Judaizers," came into the churches in Galatia. The Judaizers did not deny Christ; they claimed to believe in Christ. But they added something to the gospel. They taught new Gentile believers that faith in Christ was not enough. They said that unless the Gentiles were circumcised, and obeyed Moses' law, they would not be saved (Ac 15:1). This is what Paul calls "another gospel." The Judaizers added an element of human work to the work of Christ as a matter of salvation. At first glance this may not seem to be a serious matter. To Paul, it was so serious that he called it "perverting the gospel." We must learn from their mistake.
Here we must realize that salvation comes totally from what Christ has done for us, not from anything we have done. All we do is believe in Christ. There is nothing we can add to the work of Christ. So we cannot claim any credit for our salvation. In doing so, all glory belongs to Christ, and to God the Father who sent him. However, in our times, there are people who claim we must add something to the gospel. Some say that unless one is baptized in their church, that person is not saved. Others claim that some kind of specific spiritual experiences must accompany salvation or you are not truly a child of God. They are all adding to the gospel. We can also add to the gospel by taking pride in ourselves or our works. Some think they will be accepted by God and go to heaven because they donate money to charity, volunteer at homeless shelters, pray at set times of the day, skip meals, make pilgrimages to holy sites, or spare the lives of insects. Some think they will merit heaven by being tolerant and supportive of others without discernment of good and evil. A popular music video called "Firework," (by Katy Perry) proposes the image that anyone can be a spark that inspires others by just being themselves, overcoming inhibitions. This is a kind of “other gospel” that emphasizes the authenticity of being as the way of salvation. The problem is that this message ignores the problem of sin and the need to be cleansed by Jesus.
We should remember that we are forgiven sinners, nothing but forgiven sinners, helpless to save ourselves. Yet God, in his great mercy, saved us through Christ by his grace. We are not saved because of anything we do. We are not saved because we write weekly Bible testimonies, meditate on Daily Bread everyday, deliver Gospel messages, teach the Bible frequently and well, evangelize others, go out as missionaries, or endure discipleship training for 30 years. These can be very helpful to our spiritual lives, but they do not merit our salvation. We are not saved because we have a title or position in the church, such as pastor, elder, missionary, fellowship leader, or prayer servant. We are saved by Christ alone, through faith alone, by grace alone, for the glory of God alone. When we receive the gospel of God's grace it makes us thankful; it makes us humble; it fills us with love and inspires us to love God because he first loved us. But when we add any human effort to the gospel of Christ it makes us proud, self-righteous and ungrateful.
The temptation to magnify human merit along with Christ is very strong. It is also very deceptive. While sounding good, it leads people away from the gospel of Christ. When sinners glorify their polluted works God is greatly offended, (perhaps more than he is by drug addiction or sexual immorality. Why? Because our polluted works muddy the waters so that people can not see Jesus.) We need to clearly discern this tendency and to regard it for the wickedness that it is. In verses 8-9 Paul gives a strong warning. He says that no one can change the gospel of Christ, not Paul, not an angel from heaven, not anyone. Anyone who tries to change the gospel of Christ will be cursed by God--- which means, eternally condemned.
In verse 10, Paul revealed his motive in preaching the gospel so clearly. It was to please God. Paul rebuked sin in people, magnified the grace of Christ and the mercy and love of God, and challenged people to repent and believe. This did not please people. In fact, it sometimes made people angry. However, this gave glory to God. When God was glorified, Paul was satisfied. Paul knew that salvation comes only from God, only through the gospel of Christ. So he preached it clearly, regardless of then human response. In this part we mainly learn that the gospel is God's unique message of salvation for sinful men. It is the only way God has provided for people to be saved. We must hold on to the gospel of Christ alone, regardless of other ideas that are circulating and regardless of people's response to the gospel. We must also teach and influence others to do the same.
Part III: The Revelation Of The Gospel (11-24)
In this part, Paul tells us why the gospel he preached is true and how he received it. He stated to help the Galatians come back to the true gospel. Look at verses 11-12. "I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ." Here Paul clearly explains why the gospel of Christ is unique. It is because it came from God, not people. Paul received the gospel which came from God by the direct revelation of Christ. Paul did not formulate a theory from his Jewish education. He was not taught it by some guru. It was revealed to him directly by Jesus Christ. Christ revealed what Paul could never have figured out by himself. Paul simply received the revelation and passed it on. Since the gospel Paul preached was nothing but Christ's revelation, it was the true gospel. Who is God who give such a revelation to anyone? God is the Creator and we are his creatures. God is holy and we are fallen sinners. God is perfect and we are full of mistakes. God is eternal and the source of all wisdom and we are but a mist that appears for a while then vanishes. So we must respect God's words more than our human ideas.
In verses 13-17, Paul shares his personal testimony. He was once a zealous Pharisee who was crazy for Moses' law. He was just like the Judaizers. He wanted to destroy the church of God, thinking it was a dangerous cult. It was beyond imagination that he would be a gospel preacher. However, God called him by grace and revealed his Son in Paul. Paul became the most prominent gospel preacher. Only God could do this. After meeting Christ, Paul did not seek human confirmation of the gospel or of his calling. Rather, he went to Arabia and stayed there for three years. He must have spent time in prayer and deep Bible study to harmonize his overwhelming experience of Christ with the Scriptures. He came to know the gospel by Christ's revelation, without help from the other apostles. He stood purely on faith in Christ's revelation to him. This emphasizes that his authority to preach came directly from Christ, not through the other apostles or the Jerusalem Church.
In verses 18-24 Paul clarifies his relationship with the other apostles and the Judean believers. Paul had visited Jerusalem. He met Peter and stayed with him for fifteen days. He also met James, the Lord's brother. Paul had fellowship with them, but he was not taught by them. Paul met them as a coworker in the gospel, not as their student. Later Paul went to Syria and Cilicia. The churches of Judea remembered Paul as an enemy of the gospel before he met Christ. But they heard that the man who formerly persecuted them was now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy. They realized that only Christ could bring about such a change. So they praised God for his work in Paul. This was further evidence that Paul had been changed by Christ and called by Christ. Paul wanted the Galatians to recognize Christ's work in him and to come back to the gospel.
In this study we have mainly learned the core of the gospel and the uniqueness of the gospel. Christ died for our sins and rose again from the dead. When we believe this we are saved, solely by what Christ has done for us. We can add nothing to Christ's work. We must not add anything to Christ’s work. We only humbly accept what he has done for us by faith. This gospel came from God and is the only way of salvation that God has provided. There is no other gospel. We must hold to the gospel of Christ alone and help others to do the same. Let's pray to do so for the remainder of the summer and into the fall semester.
Galatians 1:1–24 Lesson 1
Key Verses: 1:6–7 Delv’d by Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 7-10-11 (Adapted from Chicago UBF)
“ I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.”
Galatians is a very liberating book. It has been called "the Magna Carte of Christian freedom." It first set the early Christians free from the legalism of Jewish religion. During the Reformation, Martin Luther's study of Galatians, together with Romans, brought a birth of freedom to the Christian church. Luther said, "Galatians is my letter. I married Galatians. It is my Catherine"(wife). Paul wrote Galatians to churches he had pioneered in person. He addresses a specific problem of legalism, perpetrated by a certain type of Jewish convert to the Christian faith, called "Judaizers." We will find out who they are later. The key word of Galatians is "freedom." Paul proclaims that the gospel gives freedom from both sin and legalism. Paul explains the nature of this freedom and how we are to use it. In our times, many people assume that freedom means doing whatever they want without any responsibility or consequence. This is not true freedom. In fact this leads to slavery of the soul. In Galatians we discover true freedom and how to truly enjoy it.
Paul will also emphasize the uniqueness of the gospel. We live in a multicultural society with people of many beliefs. We practice mutual respect as we try to coexist. It is important to respect others, for God made us all in his image. However, in the course of doing this, we must not fall into the error that all truth claims are equally valid. (For example all religions point to Jesus in one way or the other. But Jesus only points to himself. Not every one is correct.) The gospel is the unique truth of salvation from God. In our time, there is also a strong influence from "universalism." This is the error that all people will be saved, no matter what they believe, as long as they live with integrity and sincerity and don’t hurt anyone. However, Paul urges that what we believe really matters. Today Paul challenges us with a clear teaching on the uniqueness of the gospel. There is only one gospel, the gospel of Christ.
We will study this chapter in three parts: the core of the gospel (1-5), the uniqueness of the gospel (6-10), and the revelation of the gospel (11-24).
Part I: The Core Of The Gospel (1-5)
In verses 1-5, Paul introduces himself and greets the churches in Galatia. In doing so, he reminds them of the core of the gospel. Look at verse 1. "Paul, an apostle--sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead...." Paul identified himself as an apostle. It was a special claim to represent Jesus Christ and God the Father. This gave credibility and authority to his teaching. Paul emphasized that his apostleship came not from man, but from Jesus Christ. This was an unusual element of Paul's introduction which is not repeated in his other letters. Paul wrote this way in Galatians to counter the "Judaizers," who said that he was not an apostle, since he was not one of Jesus' original Twelve. They wanted to undermine Paul's authority and discredit his message so that Galatian Christians would abandon Paul and follow them.
However, Paul held firm to his identity as an apostle. It was no because he was one of the original 12 but on the basis of his own personal encounter with the Risen Christ. In the Book of Acts, while Paul traveled from Jerusalem to Damascus to persecute Christians, suddenly, a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Ac 9:4) It was the Risen Christ. The Risen Christ overpowered Paul with love, conquering his soul, changing him from an enemy to a follower. The Risen Christ called him to be an apostle and blessed his ministry to the Gentiles in every way. It was nothing but the work of God by the almighty power that raised Jesus from the dead. Paul may not have known the historical Jesus who lived in Galilee, but he knew the Risen Christ intimately and received his commission from Christ. On this basis, Paul claimed to be an apostle on par with the other apostles.
There is a special quality to Paul's apostleship. He had spiritual authority from the Risen Christ to preach and explain the gospel in a way that no one else could. Paul's special perspective greatly enriches our understanding of the gospel and its application to daily life. Paul's letters in the New Testament carry the weight of Scripture. Peter even attests to this in 2 Pe 3:15-16. No one can claim to share Paul's apostleship in regards to writing Scripture. No one can add their personal letter to the Bible claiming that it has the same authority as Scripture. However, in another respect, as believers, we can share Paul's claim to apostleship. In Romans 1:5, Paul said, "Through him and for his name's sake we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith." Anyone who receives Jesus as Savior has the same privilege and calling that Paul had, to preach the gospel to the people of their times. We don't need a seminary degree, only Christ's grace of salvation and his personal calling. With this conviction and faith we can preach the gospel boldly to any person.
In verse 3, Paul blesses the Galatian churches with grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The blessing of grace and peace from Jesus, is the gospel. When we examine verses 1-5 carefully, we find that Paul was eager to share the core of the gospel with the Galatians very eagerly, right from the very beginning of his letter. Let’s think a little more deeply what the Gospel is.
Jesus died to rescue us from our sins. Look at verses 4-5. "...who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." The Bible tells us that our real problem is a sin problem. Sin is like an invisible cancer of the soul that affects every human being. It cuts people off from God, the source of life, and eats away at the goodness of God in us. Though one sin may seem like an insignificant act, it enslaves a soul permanently. For example, to look at pornography just one time, to take dangerous drugs just one time, to betray a trust just one time, to steal one small thing, and the like can lead to a lifetime bondage that brings utter ruin. Unforgiven sin finally brings death and eternal punishment in hell. This is the destiny of all people without Jesus, for the Bible says, "...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." (Ro 3:23). Though people suffer greatly from sin, there is no way to solve the sin problem outside of Jesus. Psychology cannot solve it; neither can money, technology, reason, education, willpower, or medication. We are totally helpless to solve our sin problem.
Yet, while we were helpless, Jesus Christ came to rescue us. Jesus came down from heaven and lived among us as a man. By experience, he came to understand us fully and deeply. Then Jesus went to the cross and died, shedding his blood. Christ's death paid the full price of the sins of all mankind. Then God raised him from the dead. In this way, Christ purchased our forgiveness of sins and reconciled us with God. Now we can call God "Father," as Paul repeats in verses 1,3,4. Jesus did this to obey God's will. God willingly sacrificed his One and Only Son, Jesus because he loves sinners. Thank you, Father God for sending Jesus to save us! Thank you, Jesus Christ, for forgiving all our sins through your death on the cross!
The gospel is not a man-made story. It has been accomplished according to the will of God. It is God's story. So we find the core of the gospel flowing through the Bible from the beginning to the end. Right after Adam's fall, God promised to send an offspring of woman who would crush the head of Satan (Gen 3:15). God promised Abraham that through his offspring all nations on earth would be blessed (Gen 12:3). God promised David to raise up from his offspring an eternal king who would reign on the throne of an eternal kingdom (2 Sam 7:13-16). Christ fulfilled all of these promises (Gal 3:8; Lk 1:32). Isaiah foretold that Christ would be pierced for our transgressions and wounded for our healing (Isa 53:5). John the Baptist said of Jesus, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (Jn 1:29). Jesus repeatedly foretold his suffering, death and resurrection (Mk 8:31; 9:12; 9:31; 10:33-34) for the salvation of mankind. Peter and John proclaimed the forgiveness of sins through the death of Christ and eternal life through his resurrection (Ac 2:38; Jn 3:16 et al.). The gospel may have been stated most clearly by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3b,4. It says, "...that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures...." This is the core of the gospel. By this gospel we are saved, when we hold firmly to its truth.
Part II: The Uniqueness Of The Gospel (6-10)
In most of his letters, Paul thanks God for working in his audience and offers words of appreciation for them. Even in writing to the problem-filled Corinthian church he thanks God for working among them and admits that they are a very gifted community (1 Cor 1:4-7). But he does not do this with the Galatians. Instead, right after greeting them he begins to rebuke them. Let's read verses 6-7. "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ." Paul uses strong language to awaken a sense of problem in the Galatians. He says they have deserted God; they have turned to a different gospel; they allowed themselves to be confused by those who have perverted the gospel. To understand the seriousness of their condition, we need to compare "the gospel of Christ" that Paul preached with "a different gospel" that the Judaizers preached.
Paul had preached the gospel of Christ to the Galatian believers on his first mission journey. The Book of Acts tells us how the Holy Spirit led Paul and Barnabas to Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe (Ac 13-14). While the context of his message differed from place to place, the essence of Paul's message was that Christ died for our sins and God raised him from the dead. Whoever believes in Christ receives forgiveness of sins and is justified by God (Ac 13:26-41). Many Gentiles accepted this message and received eternal life through Christ. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in each church, committed them to the Lord, and returned to Syrian Antioch.
In Paul's absence, some people, called "Judaizers," came into the churches in Galatia. The Judaizers did not deny Christ; they claimed to believe in Christ. But they added something to the gospel. They taught new Gentile believers that faith in Christ was not enough. They said that unless the Gentiles were circumcised, and obeyed Moses' law, they would not be saved (Ac 15:1). This is what Paul calls "another gospel." The Judaizers added an element of human work to the work of Christ as a matter of salvation. At first glance this may not seem to be a serious matter. To Paul, it was so serious that he called it "perverting the gospel." We must learn from their mistake.
Here we must realize that salvation comes totally from what Christ has done for us, not from anything we have done. All we do is believe in Christ. There is nothing we can add to the work of Christ. So we cannot claim any credit for our salvation. In doing so, all glory belongs to Christ, and to God the Father who sent him. However, in our times, there are people who claim we must add something to the gospel. Some say that unless one is baptized in their church, that person is not saved. Others claim that some kind of specific spiritual experiences must accompany salvation or you are not truly a child of God. They are all adding to the gospel. We can also add to the gospel by taking pride in ourselves or our works. Some think they will be accepted by God and go to heaven because they donate money to charity, volunteer at homeless shelters, pray at set times of the day, skip meals, make pilgrimages to holy sites, or spare the lives of insects. Some think they will merit heaven by being tolerant and supportive of others without discernment of good and evil. A popular music video called "Firework," (by Katy Perry) proposes the image that anyone can be a spark that inspires others by just being themselves, overcoming inhibitions. This is a kind of “other gospel” that emphasizes the authenticity of being as the way of salvation. The problem is that this message ignores the problem of sin and the need to be cleansed by Jesus.
We should remember that we are forgiven sinners, nothing but forgiven sinners, helpless to save ourselves. Yet God, in his great mercy, saved us through Christ by his grace. We are not saved because of anything we do. We are not saved because we write weekly Bible testimonies, meditate on Daily Bread everyday, deliver Gospel messages, teach the Bible frequently and well, evangelize others, go out as missionaries, or endure discipleship training for 30 years. These can be very helpful to our spiritual lives, but they do not merit our salvation. We are not saved because we have a title or position in the church, such as pastor, elder, missionary, fellowship leader, or prayer servant. We are saved by Christ alone, through faith alone, by grace alone, for the glory of God alone. When we receive the gospel of God's grace it makes us thankful; it makes us humble; it fills us with love and inspires us to love God because he first loved us. But when we add any human effort to the gospel of Christ it makes us proud, self-righteous and ungrateful.
The temptation to magnify human merit along with Christ is very strong. It is also very deceptive. While sounding good, it leads people away from the gospel of Christ. When sinners glorify their polluted works God is greatly offended, (perhaps more than he is by drug addiction or sexual immorality. Why? Because our polluted works muddy the waters so that people can not see Jesus.) We need to clearly discern this tendency and to regard it for the wickedness that it is. In verses 8-9 Paul gives a strong warning. He says that no one can change the gospel of Christ, not Paul, not an angel from heaven, not anyone. Anyone who tries to change the gospel of Christ will be cursed by God--- which means, eternally condemned.
In verse 10, Paul revealed his motive in preaching the gospel so clearly. It was to please God. Paul rebuked sin in people, magnified the grace of Christ and the mercy and love of God, and challenged people to repent and believe. This did not please people. In fact, it sometimes made people angry. However, this gave glory to God. When God was glorified, Paul was satisfied. Paul knew that salvation comes only from God, only through the gospel of Christ. So he preached it clearly, regardless of then human response. In this part we mainly learn that the gospel is God's unique message of salvation for sinful men. It is the only way God has provided for people to be saved. We must hold on to the gospel of Christ alone, regardless of other ideas that are circulating and regardless of people's response to the gospel. We must also teach and influence others to do the same.
Part III: The Revelation Of The Gospel (11-24)
In this part, Paul tells us why the gospel he preached is true and how he received it. He stated to help the Galatians come back to the true gospel. Look at verses 11-12. "I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ." Here Paul clearly explains why the gospel of Christ is unique. It is because it came from God, not people. Paul received the gospel which came from God by the direct revelation of Christ. Paul did not formulate a theory from his Jewish education. He was not taught it by some guru. It was revealed to him directly by Jesus Christ. Christ revealed what Paul could never have figured out by himself. Paul simply received the revelation and passed it on. Since the gospel Paul preached was nothing but Christ's revelation, it was the true gospel. Who is God who give such a revelation to anyone? God is the Creator and we are his creatures. God is holy and we are fallen sinners. God is perfect and we are full of mistakes. God is eternal and the source of all wisdom and we are but a mist that appears for a while then vanishes. So we must respect God's words more than our human ideas.
In verses 13-17, Paul shares his personal testimony. He was once a zealous Pharisee who was crazy for Moses' law. He was just like the Judaizers. He wanted to destroy the church of God, thinking it was a dangerous cult. It was beyond imagination that he would be a gospel preacher. However, God called him by grace and revealed his Son in Paul. Paul became the most prominent gospel preacher. Only God could do this. After meeting Christ, Paul did not seek human confirmation of the gospel or of his calling. Rather, he went to Arabia and stayed there for three years. He must have spent time in prayer and deep Bible study to harmonize his overwhelming experience of Christ with the Scriptures. He came to know the gospel by Christ's revelation, without help from the other apostles. He stood purely on faith in Christ's revelation to him. This emphasizes that his authority to preach came directly from Christ, not through the other apostles or the Jerusalem Church.
In verses 18-24 Paul clarifies his relationship with the other apostles and the Judean believers. Paul had visited Jerusalem. He met Peter and stayed with him for fifteen days. He also met James, the Lord's brother. Paul had fellowship with them, but he was not taught by them. Paul met them as a coworker in the gospel, not as their student. Later Paul went to Syria and Cilicia. The churches of Judea remembered Paul as an enemy of the gospel before he met Christ. But they heard that the man who formerly persecuted them was now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy. They realized that only Christ could bring about such a change. So they praised God for his work in Paul. This was further evidence that Paul had been changed by Christ and called by Christ. Paul wanted the Galatians to recognize Christ's work in him and to come back to the gospel.
In this study we have mainly learned the core of the gospel and the uniqueness of the gospel. Christ died for our sins and rose again from the dead. When we believe this we are saved, solely by what Christ has done for us. We can add nothing to Christ's work. We must not add anything to Christ’s work. We only humbly accept what he has done for us by faith. This gospel came from God and is the only way of salvation that God has provided. There is no other gospel. We must hold to the gospel of Christ alone and help others to do the same. Let's pray to do so for the remainder of the summer and into the fall semester.
2 Timothy 3:1-16
Terrible Times and the Scripture
2 Timothy 3:1-16 An Adaption of a message delivered by David Kim of Yonsie UBF
Key verse: 16-17, Adaption done by Kevin Jesmer of NIU UBF 6-26-11
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
The following is an adaption of a message delivered by David Kim, the pastor of Yonsie University in Seoul Korea. He delivered his message at the closing of the UBF 50th Anniversary celebration. This is not exactly the message. There have been some changes, but it is essentially his message. I pray that you may leave here today with the same spirit and vision that our shepherds and missionaries in Korea carried away when they attended the 50th anniversary celebration live in Seoul Korea. And so here it is….
I give thanks and glory to God who called us out of darkness, appointed all Christians as a royal priesthood in our generation. I thank God for using us greatly for campus evangelism and the campus discipleship ministry. I thank God for helping us to participate in world mission through sending out self-supporting, lay missionaries for the last 50 years. I thank and praise God who helps us to look back on the spirit and the ministry of God among us for the last 50 years and who gives us clear spiritual direction and vision for the future. I earnestly pray that we may hold firmly to the spiritual direction and vision that is given to us by the Holy Spirit and carry out our mission faithfully as a kingdom of priests, until we can send out 100,000 missionaries to 233 countries in the whole world including 140 countries that UBF has not yet sent out missionaries to.
The book of 2 Timothy is a letter that Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy who was in charge of the church in Ephesus when Paul was in the prison right before being martyred. At that time there were conflicts and arguments inside the church because of the teachings of false teachers. Moreover, worldly corruption began to sweep into the church. The foundation of the truth began to be swayed and some people began to lose their faith (2 Tim 2:18). Paul prayed and wrote this letter for Timothy who served the Ephesus church in this terrible time. Let’s learn some of the things that Paul set out to encourage young Timothy with.
Part l: There Will Be Terrible Times In The Last Days (1-13)
Paul did not look at the world with rose colored glasses. He saw it the way is. Look at verse 1. "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days." Paul tells Timothy to mark this. This means to take special note of and don’t forget it. In other words, “Remind yourself of it.” He also said, “…there will be terrible times in the last days”. Apostle Paul was very cognizant of the spiritual reality. He looked ahead into the future and reminded Timothy of the danger that the churches were submerged in and the hard times ahead. He had in mind the church in his age as well as the church in the future. Timothy had to be alert and constantly pay attention, because when spiritual leaders are negligent or ignorant of the present and future dangers that churches are falling into, churches will be in great danger. So let’s open our own spiritual eyes, in this, our own generation, and see what is happening to the church and respond accordingly.
Paul includes a description of the times that he is referring to. Look at verse 2-5a , "People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying its power…” Some may say that every generation is marked with these characteristics. Indeed there are terrible times in every generation. But there is a root cause of every terrible time. They stem from loving ourselves too much. Lovers of themselves cannot love God and their neighbors. Fights and arguments inside churches and in communities start from loving ourselves. Terrible symptom will occur among those who love themselves. Personal pleasure becomes the prime focus of people. Look at verse 5a, “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying its power…” Loving pleasure rather than God means indulging in forbidden pleasure. People who love pleasure more than God are hedonistic. Indulging in pleasure without control darkens people’s souls, ruins their moral and spiritual consciences and brings destruction upon their lives and the societies in which they live. A pleasure seeking society is one of the factors that brought down the Roman Empire. It may be one of the factors that his contributing to the decline of the American empire. A pleasure seeking hearts become corrupt and are against the truth. They don’t like the good. Even though they are alive biologically, they are actually dead, spiritually. When it comes to the last days, there will be more people like them and they will make their generation terrible.
But these kinds of people are not only in the world. Look at verse 5a again, “…having a form of godliness but denying its power” This means that these kinds of people are also inside the church. The fact that they have a form of godliness means they may look like people of faith and spiritual leaders outwardly. But the fact that they deny the power of godliness means that they have no spiritual power and no inward strength to follow and obey the truth and the faith that they confess with their mouth.
Paul strongly urges Timothy deal with such people decisively. Look at verse 5a again. “…have nothing to do with them”. He means not to emulate them or have a relation with them. (Of course they should pray for them and study the Bible with them, if they will allow you to do that.) Some of these people, who deny the power of the gospel, gain control over weak-willed women who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires and teach them in their own way…their own false gospel, like the Judiazers or Gnostics etc. But these women are always learning something, but never acknowledge the truth. (There are people like this.) Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. They are not the ones who serve God with sincere gospel faith, but they are those who live hypocritical and superficial lives before people, drawing people to themselves with their false teaching. Their folly will be clear to everyone, especially to God. Paul clearly warns Timothy to turn away from them, that is don’t learn from them or include them in the leadership of your church.
Part II: Continue In What You Have Learned And Have Become Convinced Of (10-17)
Paul presents the example of himself that Timothy should imitate and follow. Look at verse 10-11. “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings-what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” To have a good example, in terrible times, is very important. Timothy needed a good example to follow since he was living in the godless world full of false teachers. Once Paul said, “Follow me as I follow the example of Christ.” ( 1 Cor 11:1) In reviewing Paul’s life, it is important to see why he was such a good example. Paul preached only the gospel while the false teachers testified falsely against Jesus. Paul lived a godly life as he preached. His life purpose was to glorify God. He had faith that Jesus’ death for our sins and his resurrection was enough. He loved weak people with patience and was willing to be persecuted and suffer for Jesus’ name’s sake. Once he was persecuted, almost to death, in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra. But God rescued him from all of them.
Through his own personal experience, Paul was certain about a particular fact. Look at verse 12. “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Those who live for themselves and love pleasure more than God have only a form of godliness. They are undifferentiated from the world and thus they don’t receive persecutions. However those who want to live a godly life in Christ are different. They don’t compromise with the world. They are growing to be like Jesus. They are not surprised when persecutions come their way. In fact they are ready for them. What if we only hold onto a powerless form of godliness, avoiding sufferings and persecutions for Jesus’ name’s sake? Look at verse 13 “While evil men and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” If we live like a hypocrite, we will not be able to flee from hypocrisy and corruption. We will go from bad to worse..
Paul gives Timothy some clear direction in regards to these matters. Look at verse 14 “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.” Timothy was convinced of what he learned from Paul and he led the church and the flock of God standing firmly on this truth. It was not easy for Timothy to be a leader of the church. The world was full of sins, so much so, that the sins attacked God’s churches. Those who were infected with the sins were losing the power of godliness even though they had a form of godliness. Some of them wandered away from the truth. (2 Tim 2:18) The churches began to follow the trends of the world. People loved physical pleasures and sought new things that led them away from the truth. It got more difficult to lead God’s churches and ministry. Timothy didn’t know how to deal with these new situations and how to serve the new generation who were different from people in the past. Should he join the popular trends of the day or stick with what he learned and was convinced of? Should he understand the new generation and their circumstances looking for the new ways to serve it? His heart must have been troubled.
What did Paul say to Timothy to bring clarity? Look at verse 14a, “continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of”. Why did Paul say this? Look at verse 14b “…because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures”. What Paul learned and became convinced of is not human thoughts or ideas. It was the truth of God. Because Timothy followed Christ, he too learned many things from God himself. That is why Paul says, “Continue what you have learned and have become convinced of”. This is the best word and the best spiritual direction for young Timothy who was in trouble when serving the new generation.
God has a similar message to us. We are living in a world that is changing rapidly. The circumstances where we live are totally different from those in 1960’s when UBF was founded and in 1970’s and 80’s when campus ministry flourished. We encounter difficulties and limits in serving this new generation, who tend to follow the popular trends of life, even if they are infected with sins and follow the mainstream of secular society. For this reason many began to wonder if we should look for alternatives and changes, different from what we had in the past. If there are better ways and alternatives to serve this generation, we should try to find them. From 1990’s we have made every effort to find better ways and alternatives to serve the rapidly changing generation. New programs were sought out. Some UBF chapters gave up raising disciples through one-to-one bible study and shepherding because it was so difficult. Other chapters tried to live a religious life without implementing the spiritual discipline of sharing daily bread and writing Bible testimonies. There were also some chapters that tried to attract the attention of the young through praise and worship rather than focusing on profound Bible studying and deep testimony writing training. However, they have not shown their methods to be able to bear good fruit. In the last 50 years of ministry, we have not found other ways or alternatives better than one-to-one bible study, daily bread devotionals, writing testimonies, fostering a life giving spirit that offers God our five loaves and two fishes, having a pioneering spirit, a community spirit, and a self-supporting spirit. These are the characteristics that we have had from the beginning of UBF history. These have shown to bear fruit that lasts.
We learned and have became convinced of the fact that the spirit and ministry that worked among us for the past 50 years was not a typical UBF spirit or UBF ideas, but it was from the eternal truth of God’s words. Therefore we should continue in the truth that we learned and stand firmly on it. We should repent of becoming spiritually weakened by the world. And we should stand firm on the truth that God has revealed to us all the more. When we continue to stand firm on the truth of the Bible, without being swayed by this changing generation, what great hope and blessing will be given to us through the Gospel! Let’s think a little about the blessings that will be poured out on us when we hold onto the Bible’s teachings.
First, the Holy Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation. Look at verse 15 “and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Wow! Wisdom for salvation! All people want to be wise for salvation. Even though a person gains the whole world, he would still be the poorest and the most pitiful person if he is not saved from his sins. Although we are lacking in possessions our missionaries and shepherds, are the happiest and most blessed because we are saved through faith in Christ Jesus. Where did we get the wisdom leading us to salvation? Did we get it from a lot of books or human knowledge? Or from enjoying romantic love or marriage? Or from money and success? None of these things could save our souls from spiritual poverty, fatalism, a sense of inferiority, meaninglessness and emptiness of life. But when we studied the Bible and believed the word of God in the Bible with humble minds, we received wisdom for salvation. I thank and praise God who has done great work of salvation among us only through the Holy Scriptures for the last 50 years.
Second, the Scriptures educate a servant of God so that they can be fully mature. Look at verses 16, 17. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” All Scripture is God-breathed. 2 Peter 1:21 says, “men spoke (prophecy) from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”. How great is the word of God in the Bible. These words are “God-breathed”! Because all Scripture is God-breathed, it is good for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. Theodore Roosevelt once said, "A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education."
There are so many educational institutions and teachers and books in this world. But what is truly useful for teaching us? Look at verse 16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” Teaching without the “heart-moving” spirit of God but only makes our mind complicated and our heads big. That kind of teaching is not good for changing our inner hearts and lives, nor for making us mature. In fact it can be harmful for our souls rather than useful. The problem that we confront is that there is a flood of knowledge so that our heads become bigger and bigger until they are about to burst but our hearts become smaller and smaller and our love and passion for God becomes cold. But because all Scriptures are God-breathed, His breath opens our narrow minds, fills our hearts with love and passion for God and enables us to love our brothers and neighbors. This is the whole point of Bible study.
All Scripture makes the inner heart and character of a Christian mature and enables them to do every good work. It means that it changes one person completely into one who is fully prepared to do every good work. What a great encouraging word this is to us! When we truly love the Scriptures and devote ourselves to being educated by the Scriptures, we will be mature and thoroughly equipped for every good work, and that includes all good works, not just preaching and teaching.
The Scripture moves hearts with the Spirit of God because it is God-breathed. Look at verses 16 and 17. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” When God moves one person’s heart, even an ordinary person begins to become fully equipped and great. When God works by moving people’s hearts, people who could not do even one good thing well begin to be thoroughly equipped for every great and good work. When God worked by moving the hearts of our missionaries, they left their homes, extended family, good jobs and future security on this earth and went to Africa, CIS, middle east, India, China, South America, Australia, Europe and North America. And they have been dedicating themselves to serving campus discipleship and world mission sacrificially so far while supporting themselves. When God worked by moving people’s hearts, so many native Bible students repented and were raised up as shepherds and Bible teachers for their own people. When God moved their hearts, great works of God began. These native Bible students went to others countries as self-supporting missionaries and now serve the campus discipleship ministry and world mission.
The Scripture brings the breath of God because it is written by the breath of God. People’s hearts become hardened because of sins and because they love themselves and pleasures more than God. We cannot minister to such people in this generation by depending on our own strength, wisdom and power. But when God works, by moving their hearts, their hearts will be melted and changed and they will be raised up as a holy nation and a royal priesthood.
When we look back on U.B.F. history for the last 50 years, the amazing and great work of pioneering all the campuses in Korea and the sending out of self-supporting missionaries to over 87 countries has been done only by God who moved people’s hearts. Could we send even one person to Africa, CIS and India as a missionary? Could we enable missionary Peter Kim and Sarah Kim to decide not to leave Kiev but to stay there as martyrs when the fear of Chernobyl’s radioactivity spread through all of Europe? This happened only when God moved their hearts. When God works, a great work happens beyond human imagination. We confront many obstacles and difficulties in our ministries in this terrible time. Sometimes a sense of despair and frustration creeps into our hearts. But when we look back on the U.B.F. history for the last 50 years, we learn that the great and amazing work of God was done not because the spiritual environment and condition was good or by depending on our own strength or power. It was done only when the Almighty God, the sovereign Lord who has all power and authority in heaven and on earth, worked by moving sinners’ heart through the word of God.
When Late Dr. Samuel Lee started pioneering Seoul National University, he studied the Bible and meditated on the word of God and wrote Daily Bread wholeheartedly every morning until noon for 6 years. Then God anointed him with the Holy Spirit that enabled to bring the fire of God and the breath of God to SNU students. Then, messages and announcements of Dr. Samuel Lee moved SNU students` hearts. Great works of God were ignited. Young students in SNU, moved by God, dedicated their time, money and youth to God. They regarded being called to be shepherds and missionaries as the greatest honor. They became full time shepherds by leaving everything behind and were willing to establish a missionary family with anyone and were ready to go at anytime as missionaries. God did truly great and unsearchable works, beyond our human ideas and reasonings. He did it by moving their hearts.
The hope of this generation of Christians is not in having a better spiritual environment on the campus. It is not found when each one of us has all kinds of knowledge and information. The hope of this generation is found when each one of us becomes moved by God and become servants of God who can bring the word of God to the young people of their generation. When each one of us is full of the word of God and becomes a servant of God who can bring the word of God to others, God will use us greatly whatever our situation. God will use us as great pioneers, great disciple-makers and great servants of God who can send in turn can raise disciples and send out great missionaries.
In order to do this we need to go back to the Bible, which is God-breathed. We have to love the Bible wholeheartedly. We need to give our whole hearts to study the Bible and meditate on the word of God. We need to do our best to be professionals in the Bible. The word of God says, “ But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Psalms 1:2,3 When we delight the law of the LORD and meditate on it day and night, we will not be withered. We will be like a tree planted and flourishing by streams of water even in the dry and terrible times of last days. We will bear much fruit in season. I earnestly pray that we may give our whole hearts to love the word of God so that we can be filled with the word of God, as our lungs are filled with breath. May we become servants of God who can share the word of God that moves hearts. May we be able to serve the great and heart-moving work of God in our own mission fields. May God move students’ hearts so that they can go out bringing the gospel to the 140 countries that do not yet have a UBF ministry. I pray that God may send out 100,000 missionaries to 233 countries by the year 2041 because of the heart-moving work of God.
Let’s read our key verse together, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
2 Timothy 3:1-16 An Adaption of a message delivered by David Kim of Yonsie UBF
Key verse: 16-17, Adaption done by Kevin Jesmer of NIU UBF 6-26-11
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
The following is an adaption of a message delivered by David Kim, the pastor of Yonsie University in Seoul Korea. He delivered his message at the closing of the UBF 50th Anniversary celebration. This is not exactly the message. There have been some changes, but it is essentially his message. I pray that you may leave here today with the same spirit and vision that our shepherds and missionaries in Korea carried away when they attended the 50th anniversary celebration live in Seoul Korea. And so here it is….
I give thanks and glory to God who called us out of darkness, appointed all Christians as a royal priesthood in our generation. I thank God for using us greatly for campus evangelism and the campus discipleship ministry. I thank God for helping us to participate in world mission through sending out self-supporting, lay missionaries for the last 50 years. I thank and praise God who helps us to look back on the spirit and the ministry of God among us for the last 50 years and who gives us clear spiritual direction and vision for the future. I earnestly pray that we may hold firmly to the spiritual direction and vision that is given to us by the Holy Spirit and carry out our mission faithfully as a kingdom of priests, until we can send out 100,000 missionaries to 233 countries in the whole world including 140 countries that UBF has not yet sent out missionaries to.
The book of 2 Timothy is a letter that Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy who was in charge of the church in Ephesus when Paul was in the prison right before being martyred. At that time there were conflicts and arguments inside the church because of the teachings of false teachers. Moreover, worldly corruption began to sweep into the church. The foundation of the truth began to be swayed and some people began to lose their faith (2 Tim 2:18). Paul prayed and wrote this letter for Timothy who served the Ephesus church in this terrible time. Let’s learn some of the things that Paul set out to encourage young Timothy with.
Part l: There Will Be Terrible Times In The Last Days (1-13)
Paul did not look at the world with rose colored glasses. He saw it the way is. Look at verse 1. "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days." Paul tells Timothy to mark this. This means to take special note of and don’t forget it. In other words, “Remind yourself of it.” He also said, “…there will be terrible times in the last days”. Apostle Paul was very cognizant of the spiritual reality. He looked ahead into the future and reminded Timothy of the danger that the churches were submerged in and the hard times ahead. He had in mind the church in his age as well as the church in the future. Timothy had to be alert and constantly pay attention, because when spiritual leaders are negligent or ignorant of the present and future dangers that churches are falling into, churches will be in great danger. So let’s open our own spiritual eyes, in this, our own generation, and see what is happening to the church and respond accordingly.
Paul includes a description of the times that he is referring to. Look at verse 2-5a , "People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying its power…” Some may say that every generation is marked with these characteristics. Indeed there are terrible times in every generation. But there is a root cause of every terrible time. They stem from loving ourselves too much. Lovers of themselves cannot love God and their neighbors. Fights and arguments inside churches and in communities start from loving ourselves. Terrible symptom will occur among those who love themselves. Personal pleasure becomes the prime focus of people. Look at verse 5a, “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying its power…” Loving pleasure rather than God means indulging in forbidden pleasure. People who love pleasure more than God are hedonistic. Indulging in pleasure without control darkens people’s souls, ruins their moral and spiritual consciences and brings destruction upon their lives and the societies in which they live. A pleasure seeking society is one of the factors that brought down the Roman Empire. It may be one of the factors that his contributing to the decline of the American empire. A pleasure seeking hearts become corrupt and are against the truth. They don’t like the good. Even though they are alive biologically, they are actually dead, spiritually. When it comes to the last days, there will be more people like them and they will make their generation terrible.
But these kinds of people are not only in the world. Look at verse 5a again, “…having a form of godliness but denying its power” This means that these kinds of people are also inside the church. The fact that they have a form of godliness means they may look like people of faith and spiritual leaders outwardly. But the fact that they deny the power of godliness means that they have no spiritual power and no inward strength to follow and obey the truth and the faith that they confess with their mouth.
Paul strongly urges Timothy deal with such people decisively. Look at verse 5a again. “…have nothing to do with them”. He means not to emulate them or have a relation with them. (Of course they should pray for them and study the Bible with them, if they will allow you to do that.) Some of these people, who deny the power of the gospel, gain control over weak-willed women who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires and teach them in their own way…their own false gospel, like the Judiazers or Gnostics etc. But these women are always learning something, but never acknowledge the truth. (There are people like this.) Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. They are not the ones who serve God with sincere gospel faith, but they are those who live hypocritical and superficial lives before people, drawing people to themselves with their false teaching. Their folly will be clear to everyone, especially to God. Paul clearly warns Timothy to turn away from them, that is don’t learn from them or include them in the leadership of your church.
Part II: Continue In What You Have Learned And Have Become Convinced Of (10-17)
Paul presents the example of himself that Timothy should imitate and follow. Look at verse 10-11. “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings-what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” To have a good example, in terrible times, is very important. Timothy needed a good example to follow since he was living in the godless world full of false teachers. Once Paul said, “Follow me as I follow the example of Christ.” ( 1 Cor 11:1) In reviewing Paul’s life, it is important to see why he was such a good example. Paul preached only the gospel while the false teachers testified falsely against Jesus. Paul lived a godly life as he preached. His life purpose was to glorify God. He had faith that Jesus’ death for our sins and his resurrection was enough. He loved weak people with patience and was willing to be persecuted and suffer for Jesus’ name’s sake. Once he was persecuted, almost to death, in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra. But God rescued him from all of them.
Through his own personal experience, Paul was certain about a particular fact. Look at verse 12. “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Those who live for themselves and love pleasure more than God have only a form of godliness. They are undifferentiated from the world and thus they don’t receive persecutions. However those who want to live a godly life in Christ are different. They don’t compromise with the world. They are growing to be like Jesus. They are not surprised when persecutions come their way. In fact they are ready for them. What if we only hold onto a powerless form of godliness, avoiding sufferings and persecutions for Jesus’ name’s sake? Look at verse 13 “While evil men and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” If we live like a hypocrite, we will not be able to flee from hypocrisy and corruption. We will go from bad to worse..
Paul gives Timothy some clear direction in regards to these matters. Look at verse 14 “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.” Timothy was convinced of what he learned from Paul and he led the church and the flock of God standing firmly on this truth. It was not easy for Timothy to be a leader of the church. The world was full of sins, so much so, that the sins attacked God’s churches. Those who were infected with the sins were losing the power of godliness even though they had a form of godliness. Some of them wandered away from the truth. (2 Tim 2:18) The churches began to follow the trends of the world. People loved physical pleasures and sought new things that led them away from the truth. It got more difficult to lead God’s churches and ministry. Timothy didn’t know how to deal with these new situations and how to serve the new generation who were different from people in the past. Should he join the popular trends of the day or stick with what he learned and was convinced of? Should he understand the new generation and their circumstances looking for the new ways to serve it? His heart must have been troubled.
What did Paul say to Timothy to bring clarity? Look at verse 14a, “continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of”. Why did Paul say this? Look at verse 14b “…because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures”. What Paul learned and became convinced of is not human thoughts or ideas. It was the truth of God. Because Timothy followed Christ, he too learned many things from God himself. That is why Paul says, “Continue what you have learned and have become convinced of”. This is the best word and the best spiritual direction for young Timothy who was in trouble when serving the new generation.
God has a similar message to us. We are living in a world that is changing rapidly. The circumstances where we live are totally different from those in 1960’s when UBF was founded and in 1970’s and 80’s when campus ministry flourished. We encounter difficulties and limits in serving this new generation, who tend to follow the popular trends of life, even if they are infected with sins and follow the mainstream of secular society. For this reason many began to wonder if we should look for alternatives and changes, different from what we had in the past. If there are better ways and alternatives to serve this generation, we should try to find them. From 1990’s we have made every effort to find better ways and alternatives to serve the rapidly changing generation. New programs were sought out. Some UBF chapters gave up raising disciples through one-to-one bible study and shepherding because it was so difficult. Other chapters tried to live a religious life without implementing the spiritual discipline of sharing daily bread and writing Bible testimonies. There were also some chapters that tried to attract the attention of the young through praise and worship rather than focusing on profound Bible studying and deep testimony writing training. However, they have not shown their methods to be able to bear good fruit. In the last 50 years of ministry, we have not found other ways or alternatives better than one-to-one bible study, daily bread devotionals, writing testimonies, fostering a life giving spirit that offers God our five loaves and two fishes, having a pioneering spirit, a community spirit, and a self-supporting spirit. These are the characteristics that we have had from the beginning of UBF history. These have shown to bear fruit that lasts.
We learned and have became convinced of the fact that the spirit and ministry that worked among us for the past 50 years was not a typical UBF spirit or UBF ideas, but it was from the eternal truth of God’s words. Therefore we should continue in the truth that we learned and stand firmly on it. We should repent of becoming spiritually weakened by the world. And we should stand firm on the truth that God has revealed to us all the more. When we continue to stand firm on the truth of the Bible, without being swayed by this changing generation, what great hope and blessing will be given to us through the Gospel! Let’s think a little about the blessings that will be poured out on us when we hold onto the Bible’s teachings.
First, the Holy Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation. Look at verse 15 “and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Wow! Wisdom for salvation! All people want to be wise for salvation. Even though a person gains the whole world, he would still be the poorest and the most pitiful person if he is not saved from his sins. Although we are lacking in possessions our missionaries and shepherds, are the happiest and most blessed because we are saved through faith in Christ Jesus. Where did we get the wisdom leading us to salvation? Did we get it from a lot of books or human knowledge? Or from enjoying romantic love or marriage? Or from money and success? None of these things could save our souls from spiritual poverty, fatalism, a sense of inferiority, meaninglessness and emptiness of life. But when we studied the Bible and believed the word of God in the Bible with humble minds, we received wisdom for salvation. I thank and praise God who has done great work of salvation among us only through the Holy Scriptures for the last 50 years.
Second, the Scriptures educate a servant of God so that they can be fully mature. Look at verses 16, 17. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” All Scripture is God-breathed. 2 Peter 1:21 says, “men spoke (prophecy) from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”. How great is the word of God in the Bible. These words are “God-breathed”! Because all Scripture is God-breathed, it is good for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. Theodore Roosevelt once said, "A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education."
There are so many educational institutions and teachers and books in this world. But what is truly useful for teaching us? Look at verse 16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” Teaching without the “heart-moving” spirit of God but only makes our mind complicated and our heads big. That kind of teaching is not good for changing our inner hearts and lives, nor for making us mature. In fact it can be harmful for our souls rather than useful. The problem that we confront is that there is a flood of knowledge so that our heads become bigger and bigger until they are about to burst but our hearts become smaller and smaller and our love and passion for God becomes cold. But because all Scriptures are God-breathed, His breath opens our narrow minds, fills our hearts with love and passion for God and enables us to love our brothers and neighbors. This is the whole point of Bible study.
All Scripture makes the inner heart and character of a Christian mature and enables them to do every good work. It means that it changes one person completely into one who is fully prepared to do every good work. What a great encouraging word this is to us! When we truly love the Scriptures and devote ourselves to being educated by the Scriptures, we will be mature and thoroughly equipped for every good work, and that includes all good works, not just preaching and teaching.
The Scripture moves hearts with the Spirit of God because it is God-breathed. Look at verses 16 and 17. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” When God moves one person’s heart, even an ordinary person begins to become fully equipped and great. When God works by moving people’s hearts, people who could not do even one good thing well begin to be thoroughly equipped for every great and good work. When God worked by moving the hearts of our missionaries, they left their homes, extended family, good jobs and future security on this earth and went to Africa, CIS, middle east, India, China, South America, Australia, Europe and North America. And they have been dedicating themselves to serving campus discipleship and world mission sacrificially so far while supporting themselves. When God worked by moving people’s hearts, so many native Bible students repented and were raised up as shepherds and Bible teachers for their own people. When God moved their hearts, great works of God began. These native Bible students went to others countries as self-supporting missionaries and now serve the campus discipleship ministry and world mission.
The Scripture brings the breath of God because it is written by the breath of God. People’s hearts become hardened because of sins and because they love themselves and pleasures more than God. We cannot minister to such people in this generation by depending on our own strength, wisdom and power. But when God works, by moving their hearts, their hearts will be melted and changed and they will be raised up as a holy nation and a royal priesthood.
When we look back on U.B.F. history for the last 50 years, the amazing and great work of pioneering all the campuses in Korea and the sending out of self-supporting missionaries to over 87 countries has been done only by God who moved people’s hearts. Could we send even one person to Africa, CIS and India as a missionary? Could we enable missionary Peter Kim and Sarah Kim to decide not to leave Kiev but to stay there as martyrs when the fear of Chernobyl’s radioactivity spread through all of Europe? This happened only when God moved their hearts. When God works, a great work happens beyond human imagination. We confront many obstacles and difficulties in our ministries in this terrible time. Sometimes a sense of despair and frustration creeps into our hearts. But when we look back on the U.B.F. history for the last 50 years, we learn that the great and amazing work of God was done not because the spiritual environment and condition was good or by depending on our own strength or power. It was done only when the Almighty God, the sovereign Lord who has all power and authority in heaven and on earth, worked by moving sinners’ heart through the word of God.
When Late Dr. Samuel Lee started pioneering Seoul National University, he studied the Bible and meditated on the word of God and wrote Daily Bread wholeheartedly every morning until noon for 6 years. Then God anointed him with the Holy Spirit that enabled to bring the fire of God and the breath of God to SNU students. Then, messages and announcements of Dr. Samuel Lee moved SNU students` hearts. Great works of God were ignited. Young students in SNU, moved by God, dedicated their time, money and youth to God. They regarded being called to be shepherds and missionaries as the greatest honor. They became full time shepherds by leaving everything behind and were willing to establish a missionary family with anyone and were ready to go at anytime as missionaries. God did truly great and unsearchable works, beyond our human ideas and reasonings. He did it by moving their hearts.
The hope of this generation of Christians is not in having a better spiritual environment on the campus. It is not found when each one of us has all kinds of knowledge and information. The hope of this generation is found when each one of us becomes moved by God and become servants of God who can bring the word of God to the young people of their generation. When each one of us is full of the word of God and becomes a servant of God who can bring the word of God to others, God will use us greatly whatever our situation. God will use us as great pioneers, great disciple-makers and great servants of God who can send in turn can raise disciples and send out great missionaries.
In order to do this we need to go back to the Bible, which is God-breathed. We have to love the Bible wholeheartedly. We need to give our whole hearts to study the Bible and meditate on the word of God. We need to do our best to be professionals in the Bible. The word of God says, “ But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Psalms 1:2,3 When we delight the law of the LORD and meditate on it day and night, we will not be withered. We will be like a tree planted and flourishing by streams of water even in the dry and terrible times of last days. We will bear much fruit in season. I earnestly pray that we may give our whole hearts to love the word of God so that we can be filled with the word of God, as our lungs are filled with breath. May we become servants of God who can share the word of God that moves hearts. May we be able to serve the great and heart-moving work of God in our own mission fields. May God move students’ hearts so that they can go out bringing the gospel to the 140 countries that do not yet have a UBF ministry. I pray that God may send out 100,000 missionaries to 233 countries by the year 2041 because of the heart-moving work of God.
Let’s read our key verse together, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
1 Peter 2:9-10
YOU ARE A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD
1 Peter 2:9-10 Pastor Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 6-12-11
Key verse 2:9 Inspired by and adapted from a message delivered by Dr John Jun at the recent
UBF 50th Anniversary in Seoul Korea, 5-29-11
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
The following was inspired by and is an adaption of a message delivered by Dr John Jun in Seoul Korea at the recent 50th anniversary celebration. It was been modified and adapted to our situation, but essentially I have kept the essence of his message. We could not go to the 50th anniversary celebration, for it would cost too much, but I think it is very important that we review the messages and even the life testimonies, (at our World Mission Night) in order to get catch the spirit of this historical conference. We can catch the vision and the hope that God wants our ministry to have. Last week we studied Mother Sarah Barry’s message concerning Matthew 24, The Signs Of The End Of The Age. This week we are going to learn about our calling and our identity as Christians in this world, from 1 Peter 2:9. Our identity, in a nutshell, is that we are a people chosen by God to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. So let’s sit back and listen to message and renew our identity in the Lord.
About 120 years ago, God spread the gospel across Korea through Western missionaries such as Dr. Underwood. When this country was under Japanese occupation, God used the Pyeong Yang spiritual revival to preach the gospel to every corner of the nation of Korea. We give thanks to God that he established UBF in 1961, and for the last 50 years, sent around 2,000 missionaries out to 93 countries for world campus evangelism.
Today's passage is a letter for the Christians who were scattered in Asia Minor due to the persecution of the Roman Emperor, Nero (AD 54-68). They were treated as criminals, despised, hiding like wanderers under the public order of arrest. They probably wondered who they were in this world and what was their role in the midst of all their hardships. Were they there only to survive, or was their a greater purpose for them in God? We can learn so much from Peter’s encouraging words to them. According to today’s passage, let us ask ourselves, what is our spiritual identity in this world? What is God doing and what is our mission?
Part l: We Have Been Chosen By God To Be Citizens Of His Kingdom (9a,c)
What did Peter say the spiritual identity of the believers, who were scattered like wanderers, was? Look at verse 9a, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God …” The Apostle Peter clearly talked about the spiritual identity and privilege of these believers living in pathetic circumstances. Humanly, they were despised wanderers, considered low class people by the rest of Roman society, scattered in remote foreign countries. Yet, spiritually, they were a chosen people, a holy nation, a people belonging to God chosen to share the blessings of the gospel with the whole world.
Let’s think more about their spiritual identity. First, they are a chosen people, a people belonging to God (9a, b). Isaiah 43:20-21 reads, “The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, 21 the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.” God chose the Israelites as his own people in the time of the Old Testament. They were God’s people…citizens of God chosen nation. They prided themselves in this fact for centuries. But in the time of the Apostle Peter, Israel was a Roman colony. They lost their identity as the Israelite nation. Some may have wanted to become Roman citizens. But it was very difficult for the Israelites, a people of a Roman colony, to receive Roman citizenship. Unless they paid a huge amount of money, or achieved distinguished services for the Empire, to secure a Roman citizenship was practically impossible (Ac 22:28).
But attaining Roman citizenship was not on the agenda for the new believers. Any of them could receive citizenship in the only real kingdom that counted, the kingdom of God. For you see, in the time of the New Testament, we have become the people of God, citizens of the Kingdom of God, through redemption by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. It comes through faith in Jesus.
We have also become citizens of the Kingdom of God through the gracious calling of our Savior Jesus. Ephesians 2:18-19, reads, “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,” God declares that we are a people of God, exclusively chosen by him. This is God’s grace. Therefore, we must be sure of his calling, made possible by the blood of Jesus and determine to live as a people of God.
These days, for many people who live in third world counties, or under oppressive dictatorships, their biggest dream is to escape their country to go to America and receive U.S. citizenship. Yet how much more glorious it is to become God's people and citizens of God’s kingdom more than U.S. citizens! We Christians are the citizens in the kingdom of God. This is the best citizenship to obtain. We must have confidence in our heavenly citizenship and value it each day and live in this world as those who are called to be the people of God.
Part ll: Our Spiritual Identity, A Holy Nation (9c, Ex 19:6b)
What is the character of the spiritual nation that we are part of? Look at verse 9c. "But you are... a holy nation". In this world each nation has its own nature, unique culture, and national philosophy. God's nation also has its own nature and character also. American’s character is patriotic, honest and hard working, and believing that nothing is impossible if we put our minds to it. Korean people’s unique character is diligence, hardworking, and quickness. God’s holy nation also has its own character. In Exodus 19:5-6a God said "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." As we can see from these verses the characteristic of the people in the kingdom of God is holiness and purity. This characteristic is common to all the believers even though they are scattered around the world. It should be the atmosphere that permeates every Christian’s heart, family, church and fellowship. In order to make such a pure and holy character, God's people have been cleansed of their sins by the blood of Jesus. They are enabled to, and must live holy and pure lives, unlike the secular people in the world. This is accomplished by the power of God. Some believers, being tempted by sin, fail to live holy lives and end up being harassed in their hearts and criticized by the people of this world as being hypocrites. Some heavenly citizens live in shame, just as secular people, rather than live in the power and victory that citizens of God’s holy nation should. Most spiritual leaders deplore this compromised lifestyle, lived by some believers, but in most cases they do not know how to effectively tackle the problem. Let us pray that we may be consecrated to Jesus, holy and pure, different from the world. Let us pray to live as a holy nation people.
Part lll: Our Spiritual Identity, A Royal Priesthood (9b)
What does the Lord say is another aspect of our spiritual identity in God? Look at verse 9b. "But you are … a royal priesthood." This verse tells us that our identity is like the identity of a king and a priest, and that is why Peter says, “a royal priesthood”. This is like Melchizedek, the king of Salem (Ge 14:18). Melchizedek was a king and a priest. He is a shadow of Jesus, who is our King of kings and also our faithful High Priest. Through spiritual union with Christ, believers reign over the whole world with Jesus and, at the same time, serve God as priests like Christ (Rev 5:10).
What does the Lord say our spiritual identity is again? Look at verse 9b again. "But you are …. a royal priesthood." In this verse the verb ‘are' is in the present tense. This means we are a chosen people, not later in time after the Tribulation, but right now and we will continue to be so. We are called to be a royal priesthood now. Even though we are sinners and some may even be despised people in this world, from God's point of view, we are all a royal priesthood. Even though we may be rejected or scattered like the early Christians, God appointed us as a royal priests. Do you accept and believe that you are a royal priest of God? This is God’s grace. We must hold onto this identity and live with this identity in our hearts.
The Lord appointed our UBF brothers and sisters, shepherds and missionaries as royal priests. This was not just a flattering title to make us feel good. 1 Peter 2:9 is the certificate that we are appointed by the King of kings and the sovereign God, for those who accept it. At first we may accept this word and this hope only theoretically. There are some who feel like they don’t qualify, and, do you know what? They don’t. But we must remember that it is God who makes any of us qualified. Others may feel like they are on top of the world, flying through the air as one taking a first class flight on a luxurious airplane. Most may find themselves in the middle of these two extremes. Which ever person we may be, the truth is, though we are called, the fact is we do not live as royal priests in our practical lives. We must accept God’s grace and our calling and repent and live up to our high calling very practically. We must renew our spiritual identity every morning and be faithful to the fulfillment of our task as a priest working with Jesus.
What then is the task of a priest? In the time of the Old Testament, priests offered sacrifices for the sin of the people (Lev 1:1-17). Yet in the time of the New Testament, Jesus became the atoning sacrifice once and for all, and therefore, we no longer need any other sacrifice. Their second task was to teach the word (Lev 10:11) and third, was to give an intercessory prayer for the people (1 Sam 7:5-9, Ex 32:11-18). Yet, in the time of the New Testament we can learn about the task of a priest through Jesus who is both King and Priest. The task of a priest in this New Testament era is a little different. And so in this time, what is the task of a priest?
First, the task of a priest is to deliver the gospel of salvation. Look at verse 9c. “…that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." This is the purpose of appointing us as his chosen people, as a royal priesthood. It is to declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once, in the region of the Gerasenes, when Jesus healed a man possessed by an evil spirit, the healed man wanted to follow Jesus. But what did Jesus say to him? At that time Jesus said to him, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis (Ten Cities) how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. (Mk 5:19, 20) We too must declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light.
As High priest, Jesus taught the word. Therefore another task of a priest is to faithfully spread the life giving gospel. When we were in college, we received the grace of salvation through the gospel. We wonder why young people today don’t accept the Gospel as we accepted it? The people in this generation worship post-modernism and materialism as their gods. This generation ridicules the gospel and despises believers like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah did (Ge 19:14). Even though today's situation is spiritually tough, we must actively teach the word of God, one to one, to young students. We must have confidence in the gospel and boldly preach the life giving gospel like Apostle Paul did with faith.
Second, the task of a priest is to make intercessory prayers for the people. (1 Sam 7:5-9, Ex 28:29). 1 Samuel 7:9 reads, "Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it up as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on Israel's behalf, and the LORD answered him." In this passage, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle while the Israelites were at Mizpah. Samuel, the judge and priest, sacrificing the burnt offering to the Lord made an earnest intercessory prayer for the Israelites. God answered his prayer and routed the Philistines. Throughout Samuel's lifetime, the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines (1 Sam 7:10, 11).
In this 21st century, we can clearly see the signs of the end of the age. This generation worships all kinds of idols: materialism, hedonism, and technology. It is like the time of Sodom and Gomorrah. There are earthquakes and disasters, it seems in increasing frequency. In particular, about three months ago, a tsunami struck Japan devastating a country which was believed to have been fully ready for all kinds of natural disasters. Despite of their claim that they were fully reinforced and protected by their modern technology, Japanese people now wander with fear of nuclear radiation and further earthquakes and tsunamis. This is not just the problem of Japan. It is a warning of God for all people in the world (Mt 11:24). If we do not serve God but continue to worship the idols of science and money we may face the judgment of God. In light of this, what is our task as royal priests? Like Samuel, we must make earnest, intercessory prayers for the campus students of the world. Prayer is the most potent and effective tool.
At the last Middle East directors' new year conference, one missionary said that he felt helpless when he realized that he and his wife could not do anything for the Muslim country he lived in, which has one of the largest populations in the Middle East. But through studying the Bible and writing a testimony on 1 Samuel chapter 7, he learned that he could make an earnest intercessory prayer for the people of his nation every morning. The Lord would surely cause political earthquakes through his prayers and they would be able to preach the gospel very effectively. The Lord says in 1 Corinthian 15:58 "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." When one missionary in the Middle East continued to make earnest intercessory prayers for the Middle East people, God accepted his prayers and his labor in the Lord was not in vain. There are great spiritual breakthroughs being made in the Middle East even today.
Sometimes we feel that our labor is in vain serving campus mission. There is not much we can do when people may want to listen but don’t want to be disciples. But we are not helpless and our labor is never in vain. We can offer up intercessory prayers, every morning and throughout the week and continue to preach the word and God will surely work. He will surely make many spiritual breakthroughs in us, among us and through us. We must be faithful priests of God. There are breakthroughs among us. Hope is teaching the Bible to Emma. Mark spent time with Isaiah. I am making friends with the Pastor of the Church in DeKalb, Jamie. We are getting ready for two Christian music festivals. Steve is back. The list goes on. We just need to be faithful to our task as a kingdom of priests.
God has used Korea as a royal priesthood for the last 50 years. The founder of UBF, Dr. Samuel C. Lee, sent around 350 missionaries to South East Asia, Germany and to U.S.A. as soon as UBF was born. He gave all the UBF members the direction to make earnest intercessory prayers for Korea and the world. By faith, he sent UBF brothers and sisters as missionaries for world mission. From 1970 to 2010, UBF sent out 3,300 missionaries. God used these missionaries to pioneer and raise disciples in North America, Europe, CIS, South America, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. God used Korean brothers and sisters as royal priests. And God still does. Our Korean brothers and sisters have worked hard to be used by God as a royal priesthood for 50 years. Now is not the time to retire. But the Lord appoints, not only the Koreans, but all people of all nations, to be a royal priesthood. He does not want anyone to retire from the priestly duty.
I thank and praise the Lord who saved sinners with the Gospel, the word and the Holy Spirit and appointed them as a royal priesthood. I praise the Lord that he has been using UBF and America as a kingdom of priests for the whole world. Through this passage we have tasted the grace of God, that despite of our own sins and our unworthiness and under qualifications, God has chosen us by his grace. When we were orphans in this world, with no place to call home, he has made us into citizens of his heavenly kingdom. And what a privilege and honor that is! It carries with it all kinds of privileges and also all kinds of responsibilities. We are chosen to be two things, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. As a kingdom of priests we must preach the word of God and pray. We must lead others to our only and true High Priest Jesus Christ, who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. As a holy nation we must live holy and pure lives in this world. We must declare the praises of him who called us out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Christians who are called by God, should continue to devote themselves to the task of living as a royal priesthood. Look at 1 Peter 2:9 once again. "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." I pray that we may renew this certificate of appointment from the Lord, found in 1 Peter 2:9. In Christ, we are a royal priesthood and so we must faithfully fulfill that responsibility. We can through faith in Jesus and the power of God manifest in his word and in his spirit. Let us read our key verse once again, 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
1 Peter 2:9-10 Pastor Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 6-12-11
Key verse 2:9 Inspired by and adapted from a message delivered by Dr John Jun at the recent
UBF 50th Anniversary in Seoul Korea, 5-29-11
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
The following was inspired by and is an adaption of a message delivered by Dr John Jun in Seoul Korea at the recent 50th anniversary celebration. It was been modified and adapted to our situation, but essentially I have kept the essence of his message. We could not go to the 50th anniversary celebration, for it would cost too much, but I think it is very important that we review the messages and even the life testimonies, (at our World Mission Night) in order to get catch the spirit of this historical conference. We can catch the vision and the hope that God wants our ministry to have. Last week we studied Mother Sarah Barry’s message concerning Matthew 24, The Signs Of The End Of The Age. This week we are going to learn about our calling and our identity as Christians in this world, from 1 Peter 2:9. Our identity, in a nutshell, is that we are a people chosen by God to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. So let’s sit back and listen to message and renew our identity in the Lord.
About 120 years ago, God spread the gospel across Korea through Western missionaries such as Dr. Underwood. When this country was under Japanese occupation, God used the Pyeong Yang spiritual revival to preach the gospel to every corner of the nation of Korea. We give thanks to God that he established UBF in 1961, and for the last 50 years, sent around 2,000 missionaries out to 93 countries for world campus evangelism.
Today's passage is a letter for the Christians who were scattered in Asia Minor due to the persecution of the Roman Emperor, Nero (AD 54-68). They were treated as criminals, despised, hiding like wanderers under the public order of arrest. They probably wondered who they were in this world and what was their role in the midst of all their hardships. Were they there only to survive, or was their a greater purpose for them in God? We can learn so much from Peter’s encouraging words to them. According to today’s passage, let us ask ourselves, what is our spiritual identity in this world? What is God doing and what is our mission?
Part l: We Have Been Chosen By God To Be Citizens Of His Kingdom (9a,c)
What did Peter say the spiritual identity of the believers, who were scattered like wanderers, was? Look at verse 9a, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God …” The Apostle Peter clearly talked about the spiritual identity and privilege of these believers living in pathetic circumstances. Humanly, they were despised wanderers, considered low class people by the rest of Roman society, scattered in remote foreign countries. Yet, spiritually, they were a chosen people, a holy nation, a people belonging to God chosen to share the blessings of the gospel with the whole world.
Let’s think more about their spiritual identity. First, they are a chosen people, a people belonging to God (9a, b). Isaiah 43:20-21 reads, “The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, 21 the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.” God chose the Israelites as his own people in the time of the Old Testament. They were God’s people…citizens of God chosen nation. They prided themselves in this fact for centuries. But in the time of the Apostle Peter, Israel was a Roman colony. They lost their identity as the Israelite nation. Some may have wanted to become Roman citizens. But it was very difficult for the Israelites, a people of a Roman colony, to receive Roman citizenship. Unless they paid a huge amount of money, or achieved distinguished services for the Empire, to secure a Roman citizenship was practically impossible (Ac 22:28).
But attaining Roman citizenship was not on the agenda for the new believers. Any of them could receive citizenship in the only real kingdom that counted, the kingdom of God. For you see, in the time of the New Testament, we have become the people of God, citizens of the Kingdom of God, through redemption by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. It comes through faith in Jesus.
We have also become citizens of the Kingdom of God through the gracious calling of our Savior Jesus. Ephesians 2:18-19, reads, “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,” God declares that we are a people of God, exclusively chosen by him. This is God’s grace. Therefore, we must be sure of his calling, made possible by the blood of Jesus and determine to live as a people of God.
These days, for many people who live in third world counties, or under oppressive dictatorships, their biggest dream is to escape their country to go to America and receive U.S. citizenship. Yet how much more glorious it is to become God's people and citizens of God’s kingdom more than U.S. citizens! We Christians are the citizens in the kingdom of God. This is the best citizenship to obtain. We must have confidence in our heavenly citizenship and value it each day and live in this world as those who are called to be the people of God.
Part ll: Our Spiritual Identity, A Holy Nation (9c, Ex 19:6b)
What is the character of the spiritual nation that we are part of? Look at verse 9c. "But you are... a holy nation". In this world each nation has its own nature, unique culture, and national philosophy. God's nation also has its own nature and character also. American’s character is patriotic, honest and hard working, and believing that nothing is impossible if we put our minds to it. Korean people’s unique character is diligence, hardworking, and quickness. God’s holy nation also has its own character. In Exodus 19:5-6a God said "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." As we can see from these verses the characteristic of the people in the kingdom of God is holiness and purity. This characteristic is common to all the believers even though they are scattered around the world. It should be the atmosphere that permeates every Christian’s heart, family, church and fellowship. In order to make such a pure and holy character, God's people have been cleansed of their sins by the blood of Jesus. They are enabled to, and must live holy and pure lives, unlike the secular people in the world. This is accomplished by the power of God. Some believers, being tempted by sin, fail to live holy lives and end up being harassed in their hearts and criticized by the people of this world as being hypocrites. Some heavenly citizens live in shame, just as secular people, rather than live in the power and victory that citizens of God’s holy nation should. Most spiritual leaders deplore this compromised lifestyle, lived by some believers, but in most cases they do not know how to effectively tackle the problem. Let us pray that we may be consecrated to Jesus, holy and pure, different from the world. Let us pray to live as a holy nation people.
Part lll: Our Spiritual Identity, A Royal Priesthood (9b)
What does the Lord say is another aspect of our spiritual identity in God? Look at verse 9b. "But you are … a royal priesthood." This verse tells us that our identity is like the identity of a king and a priest, and that is why Peter says, “a royal priesthood”. This is like Melchizedek, the king of Salem (Ge 14:18). Melchizedek was a king and a priest. He is a shadow of Jesus, who is our King of kings and also our faithful High Priest. Through spiritual union with Christ, believers reign over the whole world with Jesus and, at the same time, serve God as priests like Christ (Rev 5:10).
What does the Lord say our spiritual identity is again? Look at verse 9b again. "But you are …. a royal priesthood." In this verse the verb ‘are' is in the present tense. This means we are a chosen people, not later in time after the Tribulation, but right now and we will continue to be so. We are called to be a royal priesthood now. Even though we are sinners and some may even be despised people in this world, from God's point of view, we are all a royal priesthood. Even though we may be rejected or scattered like the early Christians, God appointed us as a royal priests. Do you accept and believe that you are a royal priest of God? This is God’s grace. We must hold onto this identity and live with this identity in our hearts.
The Lord appointed our UBF brothers and sisters, shepherds and missionaries as royal priests. This was not just a flattering title to make us feel good. 1 Peter 2:9 is the certificate that we are appointed by the King of kings and the sovereign God, for those who accept it. At first we may accept this word and this hope only theoretically. There are some who feel like they don’t qualify, and, do you know what? They don’t. But we must remember that it is God who makes any of us qualified. Others may feel like they are on top of the world, flying through the air as one taking a first class flight on a luxurious airplane. Most may find themselves in the middle of these two extremes. Which ever person we may be, the truth is, though we are called, the fact is we do not live as royal priests in our practical lives. We must accept God’s grace and our calling and repent and live up to our high calling very practically. We must renew our spiritual identity every morning and be faithful to the fulfillment of our task as a priest working with Jesus.
What then is the task of a priest? In the time of the Old Testament, priests offered sacrifices for the sin of the people (Lev 1:1-17). Yet in the time of the New Testament, Jesus became the atoning sacrifice once and for all, and therefore, we no longer need any other sacrifice. Their second task was to teach the word (Lev 10:11) and third, was to give an intercessory prayer for the people (1 Sam 7:5-9, Ex 32:11-18). Yet, in the time of the New Testament we can learn about the task of a priest through Jesus who is both King and Priest. The task of a priest in this New Testament era is a little different. And so in this time, what is the task of a priest?
First, the task of a priest is to deliver the gospel of salvation. Look at verse 9c. “…that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." This is the purpose of appointing us as his chosen people, as a royal priesthood. It is to declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once, in the region of the Gerasenes, when Jesus healed a man possessed by an evil spirit, the healed man wanted to follow Jesus. But what did Jesus say to him? At that time Jesus said to him, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis (Ten Cities) how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. (Mk 5:19, 20) We too must declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light.
As High priest, Jesus taught the word. Therefore another task of a priest is to faithfully spread the life giving gospel. When we were in college, we received the grace of salvation through the gospel. We wonder why young people today don’t accept the Gospel as we accepted it? The people in this generation worship post-modernism and materialism as their gods. This generation ridicules the gospel and despises believers like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah did (Ge 19:14). Even though today's situation is spiritually tough, we must actively teach the word of God, one to one, to young students. We must have confidence in the gospel and boldly preach the life giving gospel like Apostle Paul did with faith.
Second, the task of a priest is to make intercessory prayers for the people. (1 Sam 7:5-9, Ex 28:29). 1 Samuel 7:9 reads, "Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it up as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on Israel's behalf, and the LORD answered him." In this passage, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle while the Israelites were at Mizpah. Samuel, the judge and priest, sacrificing the burnt offering to the Lord made an earnest intercessory prayer for the Israelites. God answered his prayer and routed the Philistines. Throughout Samuel's lifetime, the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines (1 Sam 7:10, 11).
In this 21st century, we can clearly see the signs of the end of the age. This generation worships all kinds of idols: materialism, hedonism, and technology. It is like the time of Sodom and Gomorrah. There are earthquakes and disasters, it seems in increasing frequency. In particular, about three months ago, a tsunami struck Japan devastating a country which was believed to have been fully ready for all kinds of natural disasters. Despite of their claim that they were fully reinforced and protected by their modern technology, Japanese people now wander with fear of nuclear radiation and further earthquakes and tsunamis. This is not just the problem of Japan. It is a warning of God for all people in the world (Mt 11:24). If we do not serve God but continue to worship the idols of science and money we may face the judgment of God. In light of this, what is our task as royal priests? Like Samuel, we must make earnest, intercessory prayers for the campus students of the world. Prayer is the most potent and effective tool.
At the last Middle East directors' new year conference, one missionary said that he felt helpless when he realized that he and his wife could not do anything for the Muslim country he lived in, which has one of the largest populations in the Middle East. But through studying the Bible and writing a testimony on 1 Samuel chapter 7, he learned that he could make an earnest intercessory prayer for the people of his nation every morning. The Lord would surely cause political earthquakes through his prayers and they would be able to preach the gospel very effectively. The Lord says in 1 Corinthian 15:58 "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." When one missionary in the Middle East continued to make earnest intercessory prayers for the Middle East people, God accepted his prayers and his labor in the Lord was not in vain. There are great spiritual breakthroughs being made in the Middle East even today.
Sometimes we feel that our labor is in vain serving campus mission. There is not much we can do when people may want to listen but don’t want to be disciples. But we are not helpless and our labor is never in vain. We can offer up intercessory prayers, every morning and throughout the week and continue to preach the word and God will surely work. He will surely make many spiritual breakthroughs in us, among us and through us. We must be faithful priests of God. There are breakthroughs among us. Hope is teaching the Bible to Emma. Mark spent time with Isaiah. I am making friends with the Pastor of the Church in DeKalb, Jamie. We are getting ready for two Christian music festivals. Steve is back. The list goes on. We just need to be faithful to our task as a kingdom of priests.
God has used Korea as a royal priesthood for the last 50 years. The founder of UBF, Dr. Samuel C. Lee, sent around 350 missionaries to South East Asia, Germany and to U.S.A. as soon as UBF was born. He gave all the UBF members the direction to make earnest intercessory prayers for Korea and the world. By faith, he sent UBF brothers and sisters as missionaries for world mission. From 1970 to 2010, UBF sent out 3,300 missionaries. God used these missionaries to pioneer and raise disciples in North America, Europe, CIS, South America, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. God used Korean brothers and sisters as royal priests. And God still does. Our Korean brothers and sisters have worked hard to be used by God as a royal priesthood for 50 years. Now is not the time to retire. But the Lord appoints, not only the Koreans, but all people of all nations, to be a royal priesthood. He does not want anyone to retire from the priestly duty.
I thank and praise the Lord who saved sinners with the Gospel, the word and the Holy Spirit and appointed them as a royal priesthood. I praise the Lord that he has been using UBF and America as a kingdom of priests for the whole world. Through this passage we have tasted the grace of God, that despite of our own sins and our unworthiness and under qualifications, God has chosen us by his grace. When we were orphans in this world, with no place to call home, he has made us into citizens of his heavenly kingdom. And what a privilege and honor that is! It carries with it all kinds of privileges and also all kinds of responsibilities. We are chosen to be two things, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. As a kingdom of priests we must preach the word of God and pray. We must lead others to our only and true High Priest Jesus Christ, who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. As a holy nation we must live holy and pure lives in this world. We must declare the praises of him who called us out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Christians who are called by God, should continue to devote themselves to the task of living as a royal priesthood. Look at 1 Peter 2:9 once again. "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." I pray that we may renew this certificate of appointment from the Lord, found in 1 Peter 2:9. In Christ, we are a royal priesthood and so we must faithfully fulfill that responsibility. We can through faith in Jesus and the power of God manifest in his word and in his spirit. Let us read our key verse once again, 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
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