Sermon Tone Analysis
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Introduction
We are considering the Jerusalem council of in 4 distinct parts.
We began with the demand to define the gospel.
We learned that gospel definition is demanded when there is false teaching and unbiblical tradition.
Last week we learned that the decision was made through consideration of 3 factors.
1 – Our unity.
We are all saved and sanctified the same way and are all given the Holy Spirit. 2 – God’s involvement.
He had miraculously intervened to save Gentiles.
It was evident from start to finish that this was a work of God. 3 – God’s sovereignty.
The salvation of Gentiles was His plan from eternity past.
He carried it forward through His chosen messengers.
Today we examine the decree that was sent from Jerusalem to the Gentiles.
We want to particularly examine who gave the decree and how it was communicated.
The Decree To Define The Gospel vv.
22-29
PRAY
Why is gospel definition important?
Why are we now on our 3rd week talking about this subject?
ILLUSTRATION: Chair.
Just sit.
VS.
Build it first without any tools or hardware.
We live in a time of false teaching and unbiblical tradition.
We live in a time when there is a great need for gospel clarity.
Gospel clarity comes through definition and communication.
Gospel clarity comes through definition and communication.
Definition requires a definer.
Communication requires speaker.
For the gospel to be accurately and properly defined and communicated two elements are required.
Element #1…
1.
To Define The Gospel, Agree v. 22
This past week I heard several stories from various sources all clamoring for the same thing.
Redefinition of terms.
My favorite from this week was a term you wouldn’t think needs definition.
Milk.
Dairy farmers are lobbying to have federal definition of what can and cannot be called milk.
Their argument is that only something that comes from a mammal can be called milk.
This would change the terminology behind any alternative milk products.
The problem is one of definition.
There is disagreement on what makes something a milk.
The belief is that appeal to a higher authority will fix that problem.
However, unless everyone agrees to abide by the higher authority, changing the definition will not help.
The current crisis over the definition of the gospel arises from a refusal to abide by the definition laid out by the highest authority.
God.
To have definition, there must be a definer.
The gospel is clearly defined in Scripture, therefore, we are bound to hold that definition.
James has finished his speech and now the church is going to act.
As we look at this verse we have the participants listed.
First we have…
a.
The Apostles
I want to take a minute and think through who these men are.
These are the men chosen by God to grow His church.
Used by God to write the NT.
calls the apostles the foundation of the church.
Christ is the cornerstone, but the apostles are the foundation (S).
My point is that these men could have pulled rank.
They could have simply given their verdict and expected everyone to abide by it.
But that is not what they do.
They are pleased to do something different.
They are pleased to seek agreement within the body of Christ about what God has said.
The second group mentioned is…
b.
The Elders
Those appointed to leadership within the local church.
This are men committed to the Word, dedicated to the body of Christ.
tells us how elders are to behave (S).
These men are the spiritual heartbeat of the local church.
Like the apostles, the elders are pleased to agree with God about the definition of the gospel.
The third group present is…
c.
The Church
The body of believers in Jerusalem.
I love that the local church is engaged in this decision.
This isn’t something done by “the leaders”.
It is something done in community.
The gospel is precious to the body of Christ.
It is to be defended and preserved.
Later on in Acts Peter gives this description to the body, (S).
Which is His body.
The Church is Christ’s body.
Purchased with His precious blood!
The church is pleased to agree with God on the definition of the gospel.
The fourth group mentioned here are…
d.
The Leading Men
There is no clear definition of what is meant by leading men.
Therefore, we take it at face value.
These are lay leaders who have faithfully served the church.
When the church in Antioch sent missionaries out, they sent their best.
Now, the Jerusalem church is sending it’s best to help work through this situation.
This gives us a powerful principle to follow in the church.
Send your best.
When God calls, send your best.
Send your best.
This helps to communicate value and seriousness.
The church in Jerusalem wants the Gentiles brothers and sisters to know they are valued and important.
To communicate this, they send Judas and Silas back to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
This principle seems to be at play in .
David has sinfully numbered the nation of Israel and is being judged for it.
After David’s prayer, the Lord halts the judgment.
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