SO THAT I MIGHT LIVE FOR GOD

Proclamation:

“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in The Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”  Galatians 2:19-20 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Galatia.  Paul begins this chapter by recounting his acceptance by the apostles. (Galatians 2:1-10)  He then recounts an episode where he confronts Peter for his non-Christ-like behavior. (Galatians 2:11-18)  Peter would eat and fellowship with the Gentiles until some of the other apostles arrived, then he separated himself from them and other believers, including Barnabas, followed his lead.  After this, Paul states that he is no longer under the law because Christ died and rose for him.  Now he lives his life for Christ and walks by faith in The Son of God.

Application:

As believers, our behavior is always under scrutiny, by non-believers and by other believers.  When we do wrong and sin, we can cause those who follow us to stumble and fall into sin, as Peter did.  We are not to return to our old ways and follow non-Christian customs in order to gain the favor of man. (Galatians 2:14)  We need to recognize The Spirit of God within us and to live our life as a good example of Christian behavior.  We are justified by our faith in Christ and not by our works or customs.  Christ was crucified once for all of us and for all of our sins.  There is no need for us to be crucified or to crucify Him again.  He died for us so that we could live with Him in the future.  So, let us live for Him now.

WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD

Proclamation:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”   Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)  In other words, “Now faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by an unknown human author under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter he discusses “faith,” including what it is and how it is put into action.  He begins with a definition of what “faith” is.  Faith depends on The Lord God and He is the object of our faith.  It is based upon our belief in Him and not in the things that we can see.  The author then presents several practical examples of how faith was demonstrated in the past by certain individuals. (Hebrews 11:2-11 and 11:17-31)  Then he mentioned some of the things that people went through and endured because of their faith. (Hebrews 11:32-38)

Application:

Faith requires a belief in God.  Our salvation is based upon our belief in The Lord God.  Our earthly and heavenly rewards are based upon our works, living a Christian life.  Our salvation comes by faith, and our Christian walk also depends on our faith.  It was by faith that Enoch walked with God. (Genesis 5:24)  The faith which guides our walk cannot be seen, but the people around us can see the effects of our faith in our behavior and actions.  We are blessed for believing without seeing. (John 20:29)  The only way we can please The Lord God is by having faith in Him.  If we have faith, then we must walk and act in such as to demonstrate it because faith without works is dead. (James 2:26)

DO NOT BE ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL

Proclamation:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes; first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.  For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from the first to the last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”  Romans 1:16-17 (NIV)

Explanation:

The Bible Book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul begins this epistle by explaining who he is, why he is writing this letter, and to whom he is writing it. (Romans 1:1-7)  After stating that he longs to see them in person, (Romans 1:8-13) and to preach to them, (Romans 1:15) he then states that he is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus, The Christ.  After this, Paul goes on to explain why mankind needs the gospel and then he lists their sinful behaviors. (Romans 1:18-32)

Application:

The Bible Book of Romans is frequently referred to as “The Roman road to salvation” because it clearly presents what it takes for a person to be saved.  Believers are encouraged to read this book and The Bible Book of John as they begin Christian walk.  Here, Paul makes it clear that he is not ashamed of the gospel and he explains why, because in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed.  We should also be aware of the fact that Jesus, The Christ, said, “If you deny me before men, I will deny you before my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:33)  We do not want Him to say to us, “Depart from me …” (Matthew 7:22-23)  Where ever we are, we should also be able to boldly state, “I am a believer in Jesus, The Christ, and I am not ashamed of the gospel.”  The gospel has the power of God unto salvation.