The True Gospel

Became His Righteous

• Jesus did no sin but He became sin for us in the cross
• We doing no righteousness became His Righteous

Jude’s Earnest letter

Jude 1:3-4
New King James Version (NKJV)

Contend for the Faith

3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

turn = Replacement : metatithemi in Greek ( http://biblehub.com/greek/3346.htm ) 5 more occurrences

licentiousness = lewdness

• the faith = Justification by Faith
• Gospel = Justification by Faith
• It’s not mainly about Holiness, its about Justification
• Jude is very diligent, felt necessary and content earnestly because (for), certain men have crept in unnoticed

Power of God

Romans 1:16-17
New King James Version (NKJV)

The Just Live by Faith

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

• Salvation : every blessing

Seek “His” Righteousness

Matthew 6:33
King James Version (KJV)

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

During the time of Jesus

Mark 2:16-17
New King James Version (NKJV)

16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”

17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

• Accusing Jesus that He is promoting sinners. Others said “He is compromising”, “He is eating with sinner”, “How can He allow the women to touch him”
• They pretend as if they are holy
• Same accusation we have currently, that people say that the Gospel gives rights for people to sin

The Spirit and The Word

• New Born Christians : Tend to say “Jesus told me this, Jesus told me that”
• Word only Christians : They know only word, their heart is not for God
• We should know the Author and the Word
• All Spirit no Word : problem
• All Word no Spirit : problem
• All Word all Spirit you grow up

Israelites in the wilderness

• Before Law, they complained, they didn’t drop dead ( they were under Grace )
  • Jesus showed his goodness to bring them in to repentance
  • It dependant on His goodness and His Faithfulness
• After Law, they complained they were dead

Galatians

• Law Grace , first four chapters
• Fruit of the Spirit in fifth chapter
  • 5 means Grace in Hebrew

• Under Law, Golden caff
  • Works of the flesh
  • Work is what we do/perform
• Under Grace
  • Fruit of the Spirit
  • Fruit is the side effect

The whole Counsel of God

Paul before he die, to the leaders ( Leadership Sermon )

Acts 20:24
New King James Version (NKJV)

24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself,[a] so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:25-32
New King James Version (NKJV)

25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

• the whole counsel of God sandwiched between grace

The Whole Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-17
New King James Version (NKJV)

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Paul’s Ministry in Antioch, Iconium, Lystra

Paul Travelled from Antioch to Iconium and to Lystra

At Iconium

Acts 14:1-7
New King James Version (NKJV)

14 Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. 3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, 6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. 7 And they were preaching the gospel there.

At Lystra

Acts 14:8-10
New King James Version (NKJV)

8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.

At Antioch

Acts 13:38-45
New King James Version (NKJV)

38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40 Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:

41 ‘Behold, you despisers,
Marvel and perish!
For I work a work in your days,
A work* which you will by no means believe,
Though one were to declare it to you.’”

Blessing and Conflict at Antioch

42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.

• * work = Marvellous work in Issaiah
• these words = same words

At Jerusalem

Acts 15:1-11
New King James Version (NKJV)

Conflict over Circumcision

15 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.

3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. 4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. 5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

The Jerusalem Council

6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. 7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

• certain men came down from Judea : Men from James’s church ( James: Half Brother of Jesus ) ( James not as good in Gospel as Paul and Barnabas )
• Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute : Means Big dispute (Same kind of disputes is seen even now a days)
• received by the church and the apostles and the elders : Gospel is a sermon to everyone on everyone becoming apostles and leaders ( leadership meeting )
• “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” : Trying to Mix Law and Grace
• no distinction between us and them : No Distinction from Jews and Gentiles through Jesus Christ
• purifying their hearts by faith
• we shall be saved in the same manner as they :  Jews and Gentiles will get saved in the same manner.
• Last time Peter’s name is mentioned in the book of Acts
  • after that Paul all the way
  • Early church Initially was only Jews, then Jews and Gentiles, then its for Gentiles ( Paul reached out to Gentiles )
• why do you test God by putting a yoke
  • yoke represents the full laws ( it doesn’t make sense if it’s about circumcision because Jews get circumcised when they were 8 days old, and on 8th day there is nothing for them to be burden about. 8 days old kids barely remember anything : So this is about the Full law )
  • tempt same word for test in Greek

1 Corinthians 10:9
New King James Version (NKJV)

9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;

Matthew 11:28-30
New King James Version (NKJV)

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Acts 15:12-29
New King James Version (NKJV)

12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. 13 And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: 14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:

16 ‘After this I will return
And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down;
I will rebuild its ruins,
And I will set it up;
17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
Says the Lord who does all these things.’
18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works. 19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

The Jerusalem Decree

22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

23 They wrote this letter by them:

The apostles, the elders, and the brethren,

To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:

Greetings.

24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law” —to whom we gave no such commandment— 25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.

Farewell.

• kept silent : When the real Gospel is preached, every one is silent
• declaring how many miracles and wonders : Telling testimonies
• James Quoting Amos 9:11
  • tabernacle of David :  in the tabernacle of David, all Gods children had access to the Holy of Holies.
• God blesses all churches which prioritise praise and worship
• good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things : Holy Spirit was involved
• List of laws before 10 commandments, which being followed even in Grace : Noachian Laws
  • abstain from things polluted by idols,
  • from sexual immorality,
  • from things strangled, and
  • from blood
• troubled you with words : Those are which is not True Gospel
  • The True Gospel stabilises your soul
• unsettling your souls

Acts 15:30-31
New King James Version (NKJV)

Continuing Ministry in Syria

30 So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.

• they rejoiced over its encouragement : The true Gospel brings encouragement and makes your rejoice.

Unsettling your soul means

• Violent word
• plunder his good is the same word as unsettling your soul

Mark 3:27
New King James Version (NKJV)

27 No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.

• Stephen and Paul preached the entire old Testament and then opened the Gospel
• Paul says about the struggle being under Law in, Romans 7
• All centurions are portrayed in a positive light in bible
  • Eg: “Certainly this is the Son of God” – by a Centurion

Vision about Gentiles to Peter

Acts 10:15
New King James Version (NKJV)

15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”

• 3 Times it was Spoken to Peter “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”
• God is preparing Peter to reach out to Gentiles
• 3 is the message that speaks to Peter
• 3 men looking for you Peter ( 1 soldier and 2 friends/someone )
• Cornelius a centurion , lieutenant/major over his company, man who loves God, who gives money to the power. He is a centurion of an Italian regimen. He wasn’t saved, but was praying earnestly. Angel appeared and says
  • “Your prayer and your giving to the poor going up to heaven as a memorial”. Because he was trying to reach to God even though he is not saved
  • “Go the place in Jopa and find Simon Peter”
  • “Through Him your family will be saved”
• The Angel could have preached the gospel, but this is a privilege only for the people who were sinners before and was saved ( seeing their own testimony )
• Peter sermon was 1 and half minutes

Acts 10:38
New King James Version (NKJV)

38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

Acts 10:43-48
New King James Version (NKJV)

43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

• As soon as Peter was preaching above verse, Holy Spirit fell.

Acts 11:1-18
New King James Version (NKJV)

Peter Defends God’s Grace

11 Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”

4 But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. 6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ 10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

Peter says about Paul

• Peter says it’s hard to understand
• Peter said what Paul writes are The scriptures
• Peter calls Paul, beloved

2 Peter 3:16
New King James Version (NKJV)

16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

2 Peter 3:15
New King James Version (NKJV)

15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,