Sola Fide

Introduction

What do you find joy in?

How might people answer that?

Happiness is not the same as joy.

Abiding deeper. Not surface or fickle.

v. 1.

Joy is important because of its relationship to strength.

Nehemiah 8:10 ESV

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

We are too easily satisfied, setting our sights too low.

“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak... We are far too easily pleased.” CS Lewis The Weight Of Glory

It is easy to be satisfied in self.

This is why in v. 1, Paul says to Rejoice IN THE LORD.

The target of our joy is in Jesus.

Flesh Fails

vv. 2-6

Paul’s writings contain multiple instances of confronting false teachers.

Judaizers. “Jesus +” Gentiles to Jews to Christians.

So, Paul’s preaching of salvation Sola Fide, by Faith Alone, rejected.

Characterized by their diet (not eating anything unclean), righteous by keeping the Law, and following circumcision.

Paul calls them dogs (eat unclean), doing evil, and mutilating their whole flesh.

Flesh fails. Put no confidence in the flesh.

If anyone could put their faith in their works, in their flesh, it would be Paul!

Pedigree of works! vv. 5-6.

Your best isn’t enough.

Presenting our works to Jesus is like going to Target and trying to pay with Monopoly money.

Works are fake currency.

Flesh Rejects

vv. 7-9

Works are a loss. Pride says I can do it myself.

The bible says:

Works are worse than zero.

Pushes us further from faith.

If I don’t think there is a need, why would I seek a solution?

But rather than pride, know Jesus (v. 9).

Faith, three levels:

The three levels of faith: Knowledge, Assent, and Trust.

Trust has action as a fruit.

Chair illustration.

Christ Satisfies

vv. 10-11

Power of resurrection - YES!

Fellowship of suffering - Well, not really.

But, leads to death and resurrection! YES!

Some might see this and think Paul is obsessed with eternal life.

Like Ponce De Leon and the Spanish Conquistadors looking for the Fountain of Youth.

But, this is not Paul’s obsession.

Paul is enamored with Jesus.

Jesus is the driving motivation in life.

It is where Paul finds satisfaction.

Where you can find satisfaction.

Conclusion

Video

Sin traps.

Faith frees.