The Truth of The Gospel of Grace

Introduction

Scripture

Father God, we thank You for Who You are. A great Big God who sees each and every one of us here and cares deeply about us. We ask this day, as we are continuing in this time of worship to You, reading Your Word and hearing Your Word, that You refine us with it. Mold us, make us, shape us, rearrange us so that we can more like You, and more made into the image of Christ. Help us be a people who love You and love others so much, that we are moved into action by whatever it is You are going to show us about Yourself today and what that means in our lives. Help us do this, because all to often our selfish and sinless flesh war against our will to follow Yours. As we are doing this, and as we are coming into Your Word today, we ask that You take away any distraction that we may have, and make it go as far away as it possible can, because we want to see and we want to know You better. It’s in these things that I ask and in Jesus Christ’s Holy and precious name that I pray, Amen.

Some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 After Paul and Barnabas had engaged them in serious argument and debate, Paul and Barnabas and some others were appointed to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about this issue. 3 When they had been sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy to all the brothers and sisters.

4 When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. 5 But some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

6 The apostles and the elders gathered to consider this matter. 7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you are aware that in the early days God made a choice among you,[a] that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the gospel message and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he also did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciples’ necks that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? 11 On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way they are.”

12 The whole assembly became silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul describe all the signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they stopped speaking, James responded, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon[b] has reported how God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. 15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:

16

After these things I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. I will rebuild its ruins and set it up again,

17

so that the rest of humanity may seek the Lord— even all the Gentiles who are called by my name— declares the Lord who makes these things 18 known from long ago.[c][d]

19 Therefore, in my judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For since ancient times, Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city, and every Sabbath day he is read aloud in the synagogues.”

22 Then the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, decided to select men who were among them and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas, called Barsabbas, and Silas, both leading men among the brothers. 23 They wrote:

“From the apostles and the elders, your brothers,

To the brothers and sisters among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:

Greetings.

24 Since we have heard that some without our authorization went out from us and troubled you with their words and unsettled your hearts,[e] 25 we have unanimously decided to select men and send them to you along with our dearly loved Barnabas and Paul, 26 who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who will personally report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it was the Holy Spirit’s decision—and ours—not to place further burdens on you beyond these requirements: 29 that you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. You will do well if you keep yourselves from these things.

Farewell.”

30 So they were sent off and went down to Antioch, and after gathering the assembly, they delivered the letter. 31 When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 Both Judas and Silas, who were also prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers and sisters and strengthened them with a long message. 33 After spending some time there, they were sent back in peace by the brothers and sisters to those who had sent them.[f][g] 35 But Paul and Barnabas, along with many others, remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord.

Context

Last week, we finished out through the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, as you will remember, the two apostles went through much difficulty, strife, and hardship as they went out and fulfilled their assignment to go and share the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Grace that He gives to new places that had not yet heard it. As they went through this journey and they shared the Gospel, new believers were made, new churches were planted, leaders for those churches were chosen, and most importantly God was glorified through their submittance to God and reliance upon the Holy Spirit.

A big lesson they taught along the way, and they too were experiencing, was that it is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. After they returned back to their base of operations in the Antioch Church, Paul and Barnabas are now entering another season where their is some hardship that urgently needed their attention and action.

This is where we find ourselves in todays text, that even though Paul and Barnabas had been teaching correctly about The Gospel of Grace, a group of people came in behind them and taught contrary to this, about a gospel of works, and led to great confusion, even up to dividing the church body and causing debate and questioning about Jesus’ even most fundamental teachings. It was clear from the text and for us today that Believers must know The Gospel of Grace and what it is not. To know what it is and what is not, will strengthen the believer and prepare them to recognize the inevitable “is not’s” that you will come across in your life. To fall for these “is not’s” does a lot of damage to a believer’s faith and their ability to share it with others, which is an expectation for all believers of all walks and stages of life. So, with that in mind, let’s hop in and

From the text, I want you to see and remember these truths about the Gospel of Grace.

Message

The first point to see and remember is: The truth being distorted. (1-5)

So, here is what happened. While in Antioch, people came from Judea and began to teach the people in Antioch that certain works were we required to be saved. In this particular case, it was that converted gentiles (people who were not previously of the Jewish faith and heritage) had to also follow the laws and costumes prescribed in the books of moses (our first 4 books of the bible) and the many laws that had been added over the years. Now let me be clear here, this of course was not true and was a distortion of what the Grace we receive from Jesus’ offer of forgiveness, but it is a natural point to get to for someone of the Jewish faith and heritage who had an incomplete knowledge of The truth. That is, previously this group of people followed a law, and now the purpose for that law had been fulfilled so the strict following of it with no room for error for salvation was no longer in effect.

This was a big deal and in sharp contrast to Paul and Barnabas’ teachings, that serious and sharp both argument and debate happened, to the point that they went to the other apostles and the church in Jerusalem to settle the matter. As they traveled, along the way they shared with the church bodies in the towns they went through the details about how the Gentiles were being saved, which brought joy to the people. With a little time, they arrived in Jerusalem and were warmly welcomed in and shared what was happening. When they did this, the group converted Pharisees stood up and agreed with what these distorted teachers were teaching, this kind of shows, guess where these teachers came from and likely who sent them…..

You know, when I first wrote this point, I gave I called it something different. I called it, “The truth under attack.” Instead of The truth being distorted. I did this because, yes we know that the truth of The Gospel of Grace is often under attack. But even more often, we see the slippery slope of it being distorted or reshaped, sometimes this is by well meaning people who have something wrong and were not yet ready to be teachers, sometimes it is an outright attack the enemy (who by the way was active in both ways). What we need to be on guard against, what you believer have to watch out against, is not just the big things; but the little things, the tiny distortions as well. The things that are plausible, but are additions, to the truth, as these pharisees did. Make no mistakes believers, the gospel of works, is the most common addition and treat to our understanding of what the gospel of grace is. The gospel of works simply stated is anything that sayes, “You must do this to be saved (that isn’t accepting Jesus’ death on the cross to give you forgivenss) or you must do this in addition to accepting Jesus’ offer of forgiveness of sin to be saved. That means, that a gospel of works can say yes to all of the correct stuff (so, they can seem accurate and on point on first and second look). But then, they add something else. Which makes their truth distorted and false.

Here, is the thing. Believers must know The Gospel of Grace and what it is not. It is not Jesus and _______. And it is not anything that sayes you can earn your way into heaven. The Truth of The Gospel of Grace is that we are born sinners that are seperated from God, but God being the lover of mankind that He is, provided the way for us to be redeemed by His grace by sacrificing Himself, God the Son Jesus Christ, on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin so that you can be made right again. Anything that that adds any action that you do other than having faith in Jesus, is wrong. This is truth of The Gospel of Grace.

The next point to see and remember is: The truth agreed upon. (6-21)

So here, a council met to discuss the issue of what it takes to be saved, is it just the grace of God, or is it more in addition. The council, included the apostles, the leadership of the Jerusalem Church, and the church body was spectating in attendance, listening to the theological discussion going on. After a time of healthy debate, Peter stood up and directed the points to what he had observed God do. Remember, Peter was apostle that God used to bring to Cornelius and his family some time before, Peter came into that situation; thinking it was The Gospel of Grace and more, as he considered himself a devout Jew who followed the law well, but the Holy Spirit showed him otherwise, when Peter witnessed the Holy Spirit come upon Cornelius the Roman centurion and his family. Look at what Peter says in verse 10 and 11, 0 Now then, why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciples’ necks that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? 11 On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way they are.” It’s through the grace of the Lord Jesus we are saved, not anything else. From there, everyone listened to Paul and Barnbas and what happened on their missionary journey, then James the half brother of Jesus spoke, agreeing with Peter and reminding the crowds of what the prophets: Amos, Jeremiah, and Isaiah had written, that even one day (and that day had no come) that the gentiles will call upon God and be heard. From here, James recommended that they should not add unnecessary difficulties (that remember Jews, even we couldn’t keep) on them. Rather, let’s right to them regarding the importance of and that they should focus on not having idols (false god’s) in the ways that were common expressions in their culture at the time (including, sexual immorality, eating food that had been strangled, and consuming blood).

You see here, that the church and all it’s leadership were agreeing on the truth here. They focusing on a Gospel of Grace and Not of works, and they were willing to write to it, and make it known, to the fledgling churches and believers that were experiencing this difficulty of bad teaching and bad doctrine. In a way, they were clearly stating for all to know and apply what the foundation of their faith was, that Jesus Christ death pays for the sins of all who would accept His free gift of forgiveness, and the person who accepts his offer of forgiveness by the grace of God is forgiven and able to stand before God. The truth was agreed upon, and now they could clearly say what it was and what it was not, that is; the gospel of Grace. This is important to see, even from ancient times their were disagreements about the truth and that can lead to needed times of discussion and pinning down exactly what it so that we all can know exactly what it is and is not. This goes even to today, yes the truth has been well established at this point in history, but do we know it and can we (and you) easily share and communicate it? These things need to be established for every believer and every church body because Believers must know The Gospel of Grace and what it is not so that we can share The Truth of The Gospel of Grace.

The third point to see and remember is: The truth going out. (22-29)

Now that the truth had been established and agreed upon, that what is necessary for salvation is faith in Jesus as your savior and Lord, it was now time to put this truth into action for this situation. So, the council sent back Paul and Barnabas along with 2 other leading men to share a letter to the people, giving the instructions that James had given. They shared wit the Antioch church that God the Holy Spirit had made this obvious to them because of the way they had seen Him work, and they so no reason to make their faith about anything more then it really was. So, a final sort of, the old ways are now out, Jesus came and fulfilled them, and new age (the age of The Church, The Age of the Gospel of Grace) has come. So, focus on idolatry and eliminating from your life anything that will keep you from putting God in His rightful place, as #1 in your life.

You see, the truth about the grace given by Jesus. It’s just that, it’s the truth. The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. It’s true here in the church, it’s true in the bible study rooms, it’s true at home, it’s true at kroger, it’s true at walmart, it’s true in LaFayette, it’s true in Flat Lick, it’s true in Hopkinsville, it’s true in Clarksville, it’s true in Nashville, it’s true in Lexington, It’s true in Washington, it’s true in the USA, It’s true in Canada, it’s true in Europe, Asia, North and South America, It’s true on the 3rd plant from the sun (Earth), it’s true then further then eyes will ever be able to see even with the most power Telescopes!!!! What am I saying….. It’s True! So, if it’s true, it’s need to go out and be shared, not just true and agreed upon and shared in the church building or when you come across your church family while out and about, it is your responsibility as a child of God to know the Gospel of Grace, what it is not and then go out and share the truth of the The Gospel of Grace as much as you can with whoever you can Amen.

Another truth to see and remember is: The truth strengthens us. (30-35)

With the letter going out to Anitoch, look what happens, verse 31, 31 When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. This was a group before that was new in their faith, bold, strong, and ready to go. Then a group came in and confused them, now, they had the truth reconfirmed to them with encouraged them, they were on the right track. With this, Judas and Silas gave a message themselves, that encouraged, strengthened, reinvigorated them, gave them some Umph again to get going. There, in that town of Antioch, believers were strengthened, which means naturally they went out and made new believers. They learned to and then applied the principles that we often speak about, loving God, loving people, and making disciples. There in that town, which we be a future missions sending place, Paul and Barnabas would remain doing what they do best, teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord.

This past Wednesday, in the kids class, Marc taught on a lesson that had a similar point. This was, that having faith in God, knowing that the Gospel of the Grace of God through the death of Jesus saves us and that as saved people, we have the Holy Spirit empower us and strengthen us. And that with knowing God on our side we can be confident and trust that God is with us. With that knowledge, we are strengthened to go both know and share the truth with others. So, you have to ask yourself believer, are you willing to be strong in your faith? Are you having difficulty doing so? If so, why and what you are going to do about it? In the Antioch church’s case, they had to put off a Gospel of Works and take on a Gospel of Grace. Do you need to do the same? Don’t be so sure, don’t just say yes or no right now, really look at yourself, really consider your faith, and see if the way you think, act, and respond is because of something else other than salvation found in Jesus. I mean really look, the lie of the gospel of works is deep in our culture on psyche. So, really look deep down, and make the change you need to so that God can be glorified through you because Believers must know The Gospel of Grace and what it is not. Once you know what it is and is not, then go and share The Truth of The Gospel of Grace.

Conclusion

Beloved, during the sermon today, you have heard at least 4 gospel presentations. Did you see and hear them? Do you understand that a proper gospel (which means good news) presentation will always include God’s Grace in some way shape and form within it? So, what then is God’s grace? A simple definition is the undeserved favor, kindness, and mercy of God. It is beautiful and wonderful in that we don’t deserve it and yet God offers it to us anyways because of His love for you, for me, for mankind. Anyone who accepts it, is forgiven of their sin and is not only right before God, but adopted as children and empowered to Love God, Love People, and Make Disciples. This is wonderful. Be warned though believer, you will in your life time experience this truth being distorted and made wrong. So, you have understand that the truth was established by God in millennias past and seen and agreed upon by The Universal Church almost 2,000 years ago and a church body and believer does well to hold onto these truths and remind themselves of them often. Once you do so, you are to take that truth out as far as it will go and let it strengthen and encourage you as you go. So believer, know what the Gospel of Grace is and is not and apply it to your life and share it with others.

With that, Let’s conclude. Brothers and Sisters, I love you all. During our last song together, if you need prayer, or want to talk more about Jesus, or have something you want to talk about, I’ll be here, don’t be afraid to come on down. Let’s pray. Father God, we thank You for who You are and what You are doing to us here in this place. May whatever it is that You are doing in each of heart here, continue as we leave go out into the world this week. Change us, mold us, make us, re-arrange us, that we can be both better lovers of You and better showers of You. It’s in these things that I ask and in Jesus Christ’s Holy and precious name that I pray, Amen.