“Freedom Through Regulation”

Pastor Phil Pagliari

Acts 15:22-41*

“Freedom walkthrough Regulation”

Picture a teenager on a bicycle. At first, riding with training wheels feels safe. But as they gain confidence, they remove those wheels and zip along the road. God’s commandments are like those training wheels. They guide and protect us until we recognize that true freedom comes through embracing His ways, allowing us to soar without fear.

By God’s Grace, Christian Liberty is established by loving regulations.

In Reformed Baptist theology, the distinction between the Law and the Gospel is a crucial concept, emphasizing that God's Word reveals both what He requires (Law) and what He provides (Gospel). The Law, including God's commandments, reveals sin and God's righteous standard, while the Gospel proclaims the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. This distinction is vital for understanding both Scripture and Christian living. Here's a more detailed explanation:The Law:

What it is: The Law encompasses all of God's commands and prohibitions, revealing His will and righteous standard. 

Purpose: It serves to expose sin and point individuals to their need for a savior, demonstrating that no one can perfectly obey God's law. 

Examples: The Ten Commandments are a prime example of God's Law. 

Effect: The Law condemns and reveals the consequences of sin. 

The Gospel:

What it is: The Gospel is the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. 

Purpose: It proclaims God's gracious provision for forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God through faith in Christ. 

Key Aspects: The Gospel emphasizes God's love, mercy, and the atoning work of Christ on the cross. 

Effect: The Gospel offers hope, forgiveness, and new life in Christ. 

The law sends us to the gospel, that we may be justified, and the gospel sends us to the law again to inquire what is our duty, being justified.

Samuel Bolton

774There is no point on which men make greater mistakes than on the relation which exists between the law and the gospel. Some men put the law instead of the gospel; others put the gospel instead of the law. A certain class maintains that the law and the gospel are mixed, and that partly by observance of the law, and partly by God’s grace men are saved. These men understand not the truth and are false teachers.—1.285

Charles Spurgeon

1. The Spirit Inspired Instruction v.22-29

2 Timothy 3:16 “16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness,”

Acts 13–28 for You The Holy Spirit Protects the Church

The mention of the Holy Spirit provides great comfort for the church.

Genesis 9:4 “4 However, you must not eat meat with its lifeblood in it.”

Leviticus 3:17 “17 This is a permanent statute throughout your generations, wherever you live: you must not eat any fat or any blood.””

Leviticus 1:10–14 “10 “But if his offering for a burnt offering is from the flock, from sheep or goats, he is to present an unblemished male. 11 He will slaughter it on the north side of the altar before the Lord. Aaron’s sons the priests will splatter its blood against the altar on all sides. 12 He will cut the animal into pieces with its head and its fat, and the priest will arrange them on top of the burning wood on the altar. 13 But he is to wash the entrails and legs with water. The priest will then present all of it and burn it on the altar; it is a burnt offering, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the Lord. 14 “If his offering to the Lord is a burnt offering of birds, he is to present his offering from the turtledoves or young pigeons.”

2. The Encouraging Encounter v.30-35

Acts 13–28 for You The Holy Spirit Protects the Church

Indeed, rather than demanding conformity, the letter points to the flourishing which will result from following its recommendations. It also gives impetus to its claims by referring to the authority of the Holy Spirit (v 28).

3. The Sovereign Separation v.36-40

Acts 15:36–40 “After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers and sisters in every town where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they’re doing.” Barnabas wanted to take along John who was called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended by the brothers and sisters to the grace of the Lord.”

4.The Continuous Community v.41