Repentance from Dead Works

Repentance from Dead Works Hebrews 10:1-25; Galatians 3 & 5; Colossians 2:6-23; 2 Timothy 4:1-10; Romans 3:21-4:25; John 5:16-19, 37-40, 45-47; I. Review of Two Sides of Salvation A. Divine Side B. Human Side 1. Those who have heard the Gospel 2. Those who have not heard the Gospel C. Illustrations 1. Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Mt. 18:21-35) 2. Contract Illustration a. Parts of the Contract i. Definitions, Terms, Stipulations, and Obligations b. Enactment of the Contract i. Signatures of both parties. ii. Compliance with Stipulations and Obligations 3. Free Gifts Illustrations/Examples a. New Car with paid up insurance and with taxes and license plate fees paid in full for the life of the car. i. Additional Responsibilities: maintenance, gas, and proper driving habits. b. Receipt of an animal with free, life time food and grooming supplies and veterinarian services. i. Additional Responsibilities: feeding, nurturing, and taking the animal to the vet. II. The Opposite of Salvation as Having Faith in God and as Believing in Grace of God is Work Righteousness A. Divine Promise and Power--Hebrews 8 1. Earthly Sacraments and Regulations VS. Jesus' Ministry B. Human Response of Faith-- Romans 3:21-4:25 C. Mature Faith 1. Mature Faith is The Rejection of Ceremonies/Sacraments as the basis of Salvation 2. Immature Faith leads to the Error of Work Righteousness 3. Solution to Immature Faith Is a Proper Understanding of Salvation by Faith 4. Texts: Galatians 3 & 5 Colossians 2:6-23 (esp. vss 8, 16-23) 1 Timothy 4:1-10 D. Principles of Bearing with the Weak, Ignorant, Immature Brother or Sister 1. Error is Division 2. Solution is Unity in Christ and Bearing with the Weak 3. Texts: Romans 14:1--15:6; Compare with 1 Corinthians 8 III Modern Examples of Where Work Righteousness Has Crept into The Church Through Legitimate Ordinances and Activities A. Communion B. Fasting and Prayer Rituals C. Church Holidays D. Service Work (Do Goodism) IV. Difference Between Works Righteousness and the Fruit of Faith/the Spirit A. Texts of the Fruit of the Spirit/Faith: Romans 12:3-8 1 Corinthians 12:4-41 Ephesian 4:1-16 B. Faith without Works is Dead James 2:14-26 C. Illustrations (a. Condemnation, b. Promise of Salvation & Acceptance by Faith, and c. Faithfully Living Under the Promise) 1. Drawing a. Unbalance Scale = Attempt to gain righteousness by works b. Cross & Resurrection and Heavenly Ministry = Salvation by Faith as a Free Gift of Grace c. Tree of Faith and Spirit with Fruit of Righteousness = Our response of thanksgiving and obligation 2. Parables of the Talents (Mt. 25:14-30) and the Sheep and Goats