SLAVE OR FREE

Galatians 4:21-31

March 27^th, 2022

Intro – Our text today is an allegory.  We should always take the bible literally unless it tells us otherwise. God used signs, illustrations, parables, figures of speech, etc. But the bible tells us when it is doing so. Matt.13:18, John 10:6, Eze.24:3,24 are some examples.  An allegory is where a real or literal event had a hidden meaning. In our text we see the birth of Ishmael and Isaac represented two covenants. (24)

I. Ishmael was a normal birth.

A. By birth we are born into sin. Ps.51:5, Rom.3:23

B. Our natural position is one of slavery. Rom.6:6, Rom.7:14

C. Ishmael represented the old covenant. (25)

1. The Pharisees and Judaizers tried to earn salvation by keeping the law. Mt.23:23, Lk.18:10-14

2. The law given to convict not convert. Rom.3:20

II. Isaac was a miraculous birth.

A. Abraham and Sarah were two old to have a baby.

B. God had promised and He would keep that promise. Gen.18:10-11

C. Isaac represents the new birth. Jn.3:6-7

1. He was the son of promise.  Rom.10:13, Jn.1:12

2. His was a miraculous birth. Jn.1:13, Gal.3:26

D. Isaac represents those who set free through faith in Jesus. Jn.8:32 

III. Ishmael persecuted Isaac.

A. Unbelievers will clash with Christians. Gal.5:17

B. Works based religions will persecute those proclaiming salvation by grace alone. 2Tim.3:12

Con. – Paul is telling the new believers in the Galatian church to not put up with false teachers but to cast them out. (30)

“BEGONE SATAN”

Matthew 4:1-11

March 6^th 2022

Intro – Jesus taught by example that when Satan attacks with temptations we need to stand firm. Eph.6:13

I. Satan will tempt believers.

            A. Sometimes he uses well intended people. Mt.16:22-23

                        1. They will twist scripture. 2Pet.3:16

                        2. Check with other believers. Heb.10:24-25, 2Tim.3:16

                        3. Confirm with God’s word. 1Cor.2;13, Ps.119:105, 2Cor.11:14

            B. Satan will come back. Lk.22:31

            C. Be aware of the enemy. Eph.6:12, 1Pet.5:8

II. The word of God is our weapon.

            A. Saturate your mind with God’s word.  

                        1. Daily. Acts 17:11-12

                        2. Memorize. Ps.119:11

            B. God’s word is our sword. Eph.6:17

            C. Fight off temptation by quoting scripture.

III. Jesus is our defense.

            A. “begone”, Jesus can deliver us from evil. Mt.6:13

            B. Jesus will deliver us. Gal.1:4, 2Tim.4:18, 2Pet.2:9

Con. Communion reminds us that as believers Christ is dwelling within us and His word will strengthen us. Jn.17:17

IMITATING GOD

Ephesians 5:1-10

March 20^th, 2022

Intro – The picture painted in our text today is of a small child following in the footsteps of his father. We should be following after God, doing what He does. 1Pet.2:21

I. In relations with others and Christ.

A. With others we should be kind and forgiving.  Lk.23:34, Rom.5:8

B. With our spouse we should be sensitive and caring. Eph.5:21, Phil.2:7-8

C. We should show love to the Lord. Deut.6:5, Eph.6:24

1. through commitment – Ex.29:18

2. with our time. 2Cor.2:14, Phil.1:9

3. with our possessions. Phil.4:18

II. In relation to sin.

A. Flee sin.  2Tim.2:22, 1Thes.5:22

B. Our speech should be clean. (4) 3Jn.1:11

C. Let others see that change. (7-9) Matt.5:16

III. In relation to fellowship.

A. Study the word with others.  2Tim.2:15, 1Jn.3:14

B. Hang out with believers.  2Cor.6:14, 2Thess.1:3

C. Learn to please God. Col.1:10, Rom.12:2

Con. Are you following after God? Are you seeking to know His will and purpose for you?

ENCOURAGE

Isaiah 35:3-6

Feb.27^th 2022

Intro – As war breaks out in Europe many may become anxious, wondering how it will affect us. The Lord says don’t fear but have courage. Christians should be encouragers. 

I. Encourage the exhausted (3)

A. By daily repentance and renewal.  Lk.22:32, Heb.3:13, Is.40:31

B. By living a godly life.  Phil.2:19, Rom.15:1-2

C. By doing what is right. Micah 6:8, Is.30:18, 2Cor.2:7

II. Encourage the anxious. (4)

A. Remind them of God’s rescue.  Rev.3:10, 1Thes.5:9-11, 1Thess.4:18

B. God will take care of things. 2Thess.1:6-7, Heb.10:30

C. We have no reason to be anxious. Ps. 23:4, Is.41:10

III. Encourage the saved. (5-6)

A. Someday the whole earth will be revitalized. Rom.8:19

B. Someday there will be a new earth. Rev.21:1

C. Someday we will have glorified bodies. 1Cor.15:50-53

D. Someday we will be in heaven. Rev.21:3-5, Jn.14:3

Con. – we encourage others by coming to church and encouraging each other to remain faithful until Jesus comes again.  Heb.10:25