WITNESSES TO THE WORLD

 

Revelation 11 presents two men who will be powerful witnesses to the world in the last days before Christ returns to earth to establish His Kingdom. 

There is an eschatological meaning. I believe that during the Great Tribulation—the last three and one-half years of the Tribulation period—these two prophets will arise to witness for truth against the Lie, incarnated as the Antichrist, (2 Thess. 2:9-12). While some see these as literally Moses and Elijah returned to earth, my understanding is that they are two prophets in the spirit of Moses and Elijah—as was John the Baptist, (Matt.11:7-15). Again, as I interpret Revelation, I believe the church has been raptured before seven years of tribulation—judgments on a Christ-rejecting world—yet, even so, God never leaves Himself without witnesses to the world.

Though there are others who interpret Revelation in other ways, what we ought to agree on is the practical message. These words had application for the first-century saints who received them and now twenty-first century servants who read them. All God’s people are to be witnesses to the world. In whatever age we live, there is the Gospel to proclaim. I want to focus on Revelation 11:4, where we see the Triune God involved in our mission and message. “These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.“

First, consider THE INSPIRATION FOR OUR WITNESS, “These are the two olive trees…”. Their light shines because it is fed by the olive oil. In Scripture, the oil is an emblem of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that it would be the Spirit who would inspire and empower His servants to witness to the world. To the teacher that stands in the Sunday School class tomorrow—you need to be filled with the Spirit. You may prepare a lesson, but you can only be prepared to present it, if the Teacher—God’s Holy Spirit—enables you. Preacher, will you be filled with the Spirit? You may put together a message, but as you stand behind that sacred desk to deliver it, there must be that Divine flow of Oil, as the Spirit equips you to proclaim it.

Second, note THE ILLUMINATION IN OUR WITNESS, “These are…the two lampstands…”. The light of our witness is about the Savior who declared Himself to be, “The Light of the World,” (John 9:5). As He now indwells us, we are to reflect His light, since the Lord has called us, “You are the light of the world,” (Matt. 5:14). As a disciple, I am to show Jesus in my life and share Jesus with my lips. This is our witness to the world. Christ is our model and our message. The old hymn by P. P. Bliss states it:

1 Brightly beams our Father’s mercy

From His lighthouse evermore;

But to us He gives the keeping

Of the lights along the shore.

Refrain:

Let the lower lights be burning!

Send a gleam across the wave!

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save.

2 Dark the night of sin has settled,

Loud the angry billows roar;

Eager eyes are watching, longing,

For the lights along the shore. [Refrain]

3 Trim your feeble lamp, my brother! 

Some poor seaman, tempest-tossed,

In the darkness may be lost. [Refrain]

Trying now to make the harbor,

Third, observe THE IMPLICATION OF OUR WITNESS, “These are…standing before the God of the earth.”  This implies that one day we will all stand in judgment before the Sovereign. His children will give an answer to the Father. He is keeping track of what we do and say. Are we faithful to His mission. The judgment for us is not to determine our entrance into heaven for that is settled when we receive Christ, but it will be about our enjoyment of heaven—the degree of reward we will receive there. 

The gravity of this for the lost, however, is the most severe implication. Judgment for them is to hear the decree of eternal fire and the degree of suffering based on how much light they had and evil they have done. This ought to motivate the believer’s witness to the world. It did Paul who said, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” (2 Cor. 5:10-11a).

A PURIFIED PEOPLE

 

Sin separates us from God. This is a problem that we cannot solve. The distance between a Holy God and a sinful humanity is a chasm so vast we cannot cross. Since we are all sinners, we are all condemned. It is impossible to purify myself. That would be like trying to wash my hands in muddy water. Yet, God does not lower His standard. His demand is, “Be holy, for I am holy,” (1 Peter 1:16). 

God did what we could never do, for God can do the impossible. There was REDEMPTION.  Enslaved by sin, God came in human flesh—Jesus Christ the Son—to free us, “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot,” (1 Peter 1:18). By His blood, payment was made to purchase us. “What can wash away my sins?” That is the question, the hymn writer posed, and went on to answer, “Nothing, but the blood of Jesus!”  This was God’s one and only predetermined plan—that in the crucifixion of Christ, the penalty for sin has been paid, and in His resurrection, the confirmation of His work has been sealed. “He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God,” (1 Peter 1:19-21). 

A miracle takes place—REGENERATION.  We are no longer, slaves, but sons—no more sinners, but saints, “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because ‘All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever.’ Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:23-25). The seed of the Gospel is sown into the soil of the soul, and those who receive it are regenerated—born again of the Spirit working through the Scripture He has inspired. 

The evidence of being redeemed and regenerated is in RIGHTEOUSNESS. Having positional righteousness through redemption and potential righteousness through regeneration, there will be progressive righteousness in sanctification. This is not the root of salvation, but the fruit of salvation. 

“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’ And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear…

 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,”  (1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬-‭17, 22). 

As God’s children, we bear His image, and this should be an increasing reality more and more. We must choose to think properly, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind,” take this seriously, “be sober,” and trust fully, “and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  From start to finish, salvation is all of grace. Yet, He does not do the work apart from us, but in us as we rely on God and apply His grace by a will surrendered to Him.  The Holy God is marked by truth and love, so that as His children we will exhibit obedience to the truth and pure and passionate love for the family of God.

The people of God are a purified people—not perfect yet, but progressing toward it. John stated it, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭3‬‬)

SWORD AND TROWEL

“The laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.” (Nehemiah‬ ‭4:17‬‬b)

The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls required the laborers to work with a trowel in one hand and to wield a sword in the other. It is an apt description of those God has always used in the building of His church. The sword is required because there are spiritual forces arrayed against us, led by the archenemy of our souls, Satan. The trowel is required for it is not enough to fight our foe, but we must toil in our task, as well.

This was the thought behind Spurgeon’s monthly magazine called, “The Sword and the Trowel.”  He began its publication in 1865. The subtitle read, “A Record of Combat With Sin, and Labour For the Lord.”  The first issue made clear these twin purposes of battling and building. Spurgeon wrote, “We speak in love, but not in soft words and trimming sentences. We shall not court controversy, but we shall not shun it when the cause of God demands it. ...  We would sound the trumpet, and lead our comrades to the fight. We would ply the trowel with untiring hand for the building up of Jerusalem’s dilapidated walls, and wield the sword with vigor and valour for the truth.”  This, Spurgeon faithfully did, till his ministry concluded at his death.

This is our task still. Not all appreciated Spurgeon’s commitment to the truth—and make no mistake if you take a stand for Biblical doctrine and devotion in these days, you will be attacked as a hater, when it is love for the Lord and love, indeed, for those who reject the truth which motivates us, though it is not perceived as such. Yet, we dare not be ever looking for a fight, but must exert positive service in our Master’s cause. We must employ the trowel!

Pray for those who mount the pulpit today to carry sword and trowel. Ask God to help you as you enter the church house for marching orders and construction assignments—to go forth from that assembly into the world and make a difference for the cause of Christ.

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 26

Beautiful Feet

“How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:14-15‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Our words are critical. While we can display aspects of the gospel through our actions, sinners cannot come to faith in Christ without hearing the gospel message. According to Romans 10:14–15: we are sent, we preach the gospel, they hear the gospel and then they believe the gospel. We have control over going and speaking. God initiates their listening and accepting. But the proclaimer’s feet are not beautiful because a person came to Christ. Their feet are beautiful because they were faithful to proclaim the message. As you go throughout your day, may you be a carrier of the best news to your one and beyond.

 Find a tool that can help you clearly and concisely communicate the gospel. We recommend Three Circles, which can be found at namb.net/Evangelism. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 23

The Power of Words

“Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should. Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4:2-6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

We are dependent on the Lord throughout the whole process of evangelism. We not only need God’s power to open doors for us to share, but we need Him to give us discernment to know how and when to walk through the doors He has opened. When we find ourselves in a gospel conversation, we may wonder what we should say, do and when we should speak with boldness or ask questions. As the Holy Spirit guides us in our gospel conversations, we should not underestimate the power of our words. It’s not just about what we say in presenting the gospel but how we say it. As the Lord directs us, our words should be gracious and seasoned with salt so we would know how to respond to each person we encounter.

Pray the Lord would open doors for you to share the gospel with your one this week, and pray your words would be gracious as you share the good news of Christ. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE, Day 19

Pray for Good Soil

“Then he said to them: “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand all of the parables? The sower sows the word. Some are like the word sown on the path. When they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word sown in them. And others are like seed sown on rocky ground. When they hear the word, immediately they receive it with joy. But they have no root; they are short-lived. When distress or persecution comes because of the word, they immediately fall away. Others are like seed sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, but the worries of this age, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And those like seed sown on good ground hear the word, welcome it, and produce fruit thirty, sixty, and a hundred times what was sown.””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4:13-20‬ ‭CSB‬‬

People will inevitably respond to the gospel differently. Some hear the truth, and Satan steals it. Others hear it and joyfully accept it, but the hardship of this world uproot and reveal its shallowness. Others allow the care of this world to choke out the truth, and what fruit they would have produced dies. And some hear the good news, receive it with joy and produce fruit beyond what we could ever ask or imagine. You are not responsible for how your one responds to the message, but you are responsible to share it. God will be with us as we spread gospel seeds and may the good news of the kingdom fall on fertile soil in the hearts of hearers.

Pray the heart of your one would be like the seed planted on good soil, which produced much fruit. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

GOSPEL IMPACT

Read Romans 10.

God has given the church the Gospel to have a global impact. In Romans, the Apostle Paul has already put the potential front and center, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation, for everyone who believes...” (1:16). Sadly, that potential is not being realized.  It seems the world is impacting the church far more than the church is impacting the world.  Why?

Here’s one reason, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!’” (10:14-15‬).  To paraphrase G.K. Chesterton, “[Evangelism] has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” Two things can turn this around.

SPIRITUAL PREPARATION: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.” (10:1‬). Prayer for the lost prepares both the evangelist and those to be evangelized. It conditions our heart with a burden that overcomes fear and conditions the heart of those who hear the witness, for salvation is a supernatural work only God can do.

SCRIPTURAL PRESENTATION: “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (10:9-10‬). This is the fundamental truth of the Gospel.  We don’t have to know elaborate philosophical arguments, nor offer eloquent grammatical answers, just make a clear proclamation of Jesus.  That is how people come to faith.

Here is the promise: “For ‘whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’” (10:13‬). I am not opposed to us sharpening our skills and learning apologetic methods.  But, bottom line, when it comes to evangelism, “Just do it!”

GOOD NEWS!

We live in a bad news world.  The headlines scream disaster, division, and doom.  If you want to lose sleep, just watch the talking heads before you go to bed. Peruse your social media accounts and see how negative the posts and reactions are.  I am as guilty, at times, as any.  The truth is, there is bad news, and it needs to be confronted. Yet, God’s people must never fall into cynicism when there is a certain hope.  We must not surrender our tongues to criticism when there are reasons for joy.  We dare not become caustic when we are called to love.  There is bad news, but that is what makes the good news so precious.

The message of the church is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Gospel literally means, “good news.”  We can learn some valuable lessons about sharing the New Testament truth from this Old Testament text in Proverbs 25:11-13, 25.

1.  GOOD NEWS IS TO BE SPOKEN FITLY. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.” (v.11-12‬). Saying just the right thing at the right time comes from a sensitivity to the Spirit’s direction. Disciplining our minds to direct our mouths is a function of God’s Word stored in us, so out of the treasure of truth, we can draw just what needs to be said to fit the occasion.

2.  GOOD NEWS IS TO BE SPOKEN FAITHFULLY.   “Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.” (v.13‬). Imagine working in the harvest sweating under a hot sun, and then God turns on the air conditioning—as it snows!  That is how refreshing our faithfulness in sharing the Gospel is to our Master who has sent us. We bring the Lord pleasure—and that’s good news!  Likewise, when someone receives the good news, their soul is refreshed as their life is changed. They will never forget it.  That leads to my next point.

3.  GOOD NEWS IS TO BE SPOKEN FAVORABLY.  “As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country.” (‭‭v.25‬). We are to present our message with faith, hope, and love for it is a favorable message. It is good news.  People need it.  As a drink of cold water to the weary, we have a word that declares the way to eternal life!  Will everyone receive it that way?  Sadly, no.  Yet, some will and our expectation is that people can and do respond favorably to the good news.

Good news is meant for sharing!  Our world needs to hear it.

WASTED WORDS

“He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” (Proverbs‬ ‭9:7-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

There was a pastor who became an undertaker. When they asked him why, he answered, “Now, when I straighten them out, they stay straight!”  I can sympathize.  The truth is, however, that we don’t have to straighten everyone out.  That is the work of the Spirit.  You cannot make a blind man see or a deaf woman hear.  Yet, we may be the personality type who insists on trying.

Jesus put it this way, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matt.‭7:6‬). Sometimes, it is best to let sleeping dogs lie.  The scoffer is not one who needs more information.  They have already heard the truth and have rejected it—militantly and stridently.

Some preachers would have been better being pugilists.  They continually climb into the ring with their verbal fists up.  Saying the right thing, the wrong way, the wrong time, to the wrong person, is still wrong. Often, the root of our relentless stream of rebuke is a motive to be right.  We may be more concerned to win an argument than to win a soul—a point of pride.

Christ’s counsel was, “And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” (‭Luke‬ ‭9:5‬). Words are worth too much to waste.  Go on to the next person—they might listen.  Instruct the wise and they will become more wise and love you—even if you rebuke them.

There are times we must stand up and speak to the scoffers.  It is not so much about them as reinforcing our own convictions and to let the weak and wavering who are listening to them know that they need not be swayed by their folly.  May God give us discernment to know when to speak up and when to shut up.  Words are worth too much to waste.  Sow Gospel seed on receptive soil if you can, and do not cast it on rocks intentionally.  Opportunity is fleeting.

Regeneration is a supernatural work.  If I can talk someone into believing something, someone else can talk them out. There is a place for apologetics, but there is also a time to say our piece and move on. The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit (1 Cor.2:14). It is foolishness to them.  God does use the power of the Gospel we share to do a miracle, but in the final analysis, a miracle is what it takes—not our brilliance and eloquence.

OUR COMMON FAITH

To Titus, a true son in our common faith….  (Titus 1:4a)

Paul, in greeting his young protégé, Titus, uses the expression, “our common faith.”  He does not mean by that, of course, that faith in Christ is a common thing, in the sense of being ordinary and cheap, like finding sand on the floor at a beach house.  No, our salvation is uncommonly wonderful!  Several elements that the Apostle mentions in this first chapter of Titus compel us to be in awe of amazing grace.  What Paul means is that this faith is something that all believers have in common.  It does not matter the country of our birth, the color of our skin, the number of our years, the size of our bank account, the amount of our education, the gender of our sex, or any other category that people put us in—we all have the same salvation—our common faith.  

Our common faith is one that is shared by the elect.  Paul writes of, “the faith of God’s elect” (v.1).  We are saved—not because we earned it or deserved it—but because a sovereign God chose us in sheer grace!  All of God’s redeemed were chosen by God before the foundation of the world, “promised before time began,” (v.2).  While we may not fully understand this, we exult in it!  Spurgeon said it this way, “I am sure He chose me before I was born, or else He never would have chosen me afterwards.”

Our common faith is one that is based on the truth.  Paul speaks of, “the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness” (v.1).  God uses His truth to call us to salvation—no exceptions.  Now, we may only understand a few fundamental matters of the Gospel when we come to faith—that we are sinners, that Christ is the Savior who died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead to bring eternal life, and that by faith in Him we can be saved—yet, the Gospel must be heard and we must acknowledge it.  No one is saved apart from the truth.  This makes us clean—godly and not ungodly in our position—and enables us to live a different lifestyle, progressively growing in godliness.

Our common faith is grounded in the immutable (v.2).  Paul speaks of hope, but not in this way:  “Are you saved?  Well, I hope so!”  That is not what Scripture means by hope.  Biblical hope is a confident assurance that what God has promised, God will fulfill.  It rests on the solid foundation of God’s immutable character.  He “cannot lie….”  It is eternal life for it was a promise made by God that is timeless—given before the world began and guarded when this word is no more!  If you could be saved and lose it—that wouldn’t be eternal!

Our common faith is manifested in the Gospel (v.3).  Who was the “preacher” who shared the Gospel with you?  It may have been your parents, it might have been a Sunday School teacher or Vacation Bible School worker, or perhaps a pastor.  All I know is that God uses human instrumentality to bring His witness to any and all who have faith.

Our common faith is evident in our regeneration (v.4).  Paul calls Titus a “true son,” not a pretender—the real deal.  He was born from above.  “Grace, mercy, and peace” came flowing down from the Father through the Son.  

We all have these in common—every child of God!  How uncommonly fantastic is our common faith!

TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel….  (Philippians 1:12)

Christ’s mission to earth was to seek and to save lost souls.  The Great Commission calls us to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth.  Paul certainly understood this responsibility.  He knew that all roads led to Rome—and from it.  The capital city of the empire had to be evangelized if the world was to be reached.  So, this great old missionary wanted to get there desperately.  Yet, how he arrived was in an unexpected manner!  He refers to “the things which happened to me.” Seized in the Temple, narrowly escaping a conspiracy to kill him, languishing in jail in Caesarea, on trial and appealing to Caesar, taken in chains to Rome, shipwreck and now in jail awaiting his court appearance.  There’s goes the missionary activity!  Not so—God was at work!

In Philippians chapter one we see THE EXPANSION OF THE GOSPEL MESSAGE (v.12-14).  The word,“furtherance,” in the Greek speaks of pioneers who blazed a trail.  Paul did this in missions. Today there are thousands of unreached people groups who have no access to the Gospel.

Paul’s adversity prepared the way for the advancement of the Gospel.  Sometimes when trouble comes we may be tempted to question God’s love.  But we must remember that love is not self-focused, but for others, and what is happening to us is God preparing the way to share love with others.  Susannah Spurgeon became an invalid at 33 and couldn’t even attend church to hear her famed husband’s sermons.  She wrote, “the moment we come into any trial or difficulty, our first thought should be, not how soon can we escape from it, or how we may lessen the pain we shall suffer from it, but how can we best glorify God in it . . .” and she did by starting a book fund—giving away hundreds of thousands of theological books to poor preachers.

Paul had a captive audience in the Praetorian Guard.  He turned the prison into a pulpit!  As a result some of those soldiers were converted.  His captors became captivated with Christ!  He saw the sovereignty of God in his suffering—“my chains are in Christ.”  It was love for the Master and lost souls that forged the fetters!  Paul’s courage enabled him to encourage—to put courage into others!  Are people encouraged by the way you respond to adversity?  “The sermon of your life in tough times ministers to people more powerfully than the most eloquent speaker.” (Bill Bright).

Thus, there is THE EXULTATION IN THE GOSPEL MESSAGE (v.15-20).  Paul exults in the spread of the Gospel.  How exciting it is!  Some were preaching the right message but with the wrong motive.  Apparently there was some division in the church similar to what plagued Corinth.  The opposition to Paul was seeking to win more converts and have a bigger following.  Did Paul get into the politics of this?  No—he was just thrilled people were being reached!  How jealous do we get of the church across town that God is blessing?  We're not in competition, but on the same team!  The Lord draws people to Himself despite the flawed instruments.  If God had to have perfect people to get the job done, then none of us would qualify.  May God use us to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth—whatever it takes!

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO YOU

 

And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  ‎If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  ‎Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:24-26)

The Gospel is the message of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It is the Gospel that has the power to transform lives.  No wonder Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” (Rom.1:16).  The church has been given the responsibility to proclaim and practice the Gospel.  If we don’t demonstrate changed lives that mirror our message, no one is going to listen.  Spurgeon said, “The world demands facts and these we must supply.  It is of no use to cry up our medicine by words; we must point to cures.  Your life will be the greatest argument for the Gospel.”  This is the Gospel according to you. 

Paul points out that there is A DEATH TO EXECUTE (v.24). This is not for an exceptional class of believers, but should be normal experience for all who are Christ’s.  If a man claiming conversion is still dominated by the flesh, he should reevaluate his standing with God.  At salvation we were brought into vital union with Christ—totally identified with Him.  Therefore, His crucifixion is our crucifixion. Jesus not only took our sins to Calvary—those deeds of evil we do—but was made sin for us.  He dealt with our old nature, the factory that manufactures evil.  It had to be, because we are lost not merely because of what we do, but chiefly because of what we are.  We are to die to the drives and desires of the flesh.  The flesh perverts the God-given drives and desires within us.

Secondly, the Apostle tells us there is A DYNAMIC TO EXPERIENCE (v.25).  Just as we are identified with Christ in His death, so we are in His resurrection.  He was made alive in the Spirit.  The Spirit gives us life also.  The same dynamic power that raised Christ from the tomb is now available to us for daily living.  To walk in the Spirit is to be Spirit-directed, Spirit-controlled, and Spirit-empowered.  Instead of following the impulses of the flesh, we are to follow the inspiration of the Spirit.  Our first step is to publicly confess our union with Christ in His death and resurrection.  In baptism, we make this testimony. We say that we have died to the old life and are risen to walk in newness of life.

Thirdly, there is A DEMONSTRATION TO EVIDENCE (v.26).  How can we know that our life has been transformed by the Gospel, that we are dead to sin, and walking in the Spirit?  There is evidence.  We do not become conceited. The Christian does not seek glory for himself, but to give glory to God. Another evidence is that we don’t provoke each other. Instead we seek to be peacemakers.  Another evidence is that we don’t envy each other. The one living the Christ life nails envy to the cross. I deny the message of the Gospel when I build up my ego by tearing down others, when I provoke someone into debate and conflict, or when I envy others.  Humility, peacemaking, and edification reflect Christ, while conceit, provocation, and envy reveal Satan.  Who are we showing to the world?

You are the only Bible some will ever read.  What is the Gospel according to you?

THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.  (Galatians 1:6-7)

Martin Luther insisted that mastery of the message of Galatians was basic to understanding the Christian faith.  In these days of doctrinal deviation within the church and the cancerous cults outside the church, it is imperative that the gospel be clearly declared and defended.  Paul's theme is “the gospel of grace.”  Salvation is the free gift of God to all who trust in Jesus.  Therefore, this message is as vital for the twenty-first century as it was in the first.

The way the false teachers in Galatia had sought to destroy the message was to discredit the messenger.  Paul, the humble servant, would rather have declared the Savior, than defend himself, but felt it necessary lest his message be undermined (v.1).

Paul’s position was appointed by God.  When he spoke he did not speak with the authority of humans, but of heaven, for God—not man—was the origin of his message.  Paul was attacked because he  was not part of the original twelve.  Yet, remember his call on the road to Damascus?  He emphasizes the resurrection, for it was the risen Lord Who appeared to him.

He was an apostle of grace.  It is a term denoting someone sent on behalf of another.  It was used of a messenger with credentials—like an ambassador.  Paul had a special ministry to Gentiles and a sincere burden for the church.  While none of us are apostles like Paul, we are sent to represent Christ (see 2 Cor. 5:18-20).

Who was Paul’s audience (v.2)?  Galatia is the area of modern day Turkey.  There were populous towns along the trade routes of the region that lent to a bent toward materialism. The people were noted for fickleness and a love of new things.  They were prone to any ritualistic type of religion.  In addressing them, Paul dispenses with his customary compliments.  He doesn't call them saints as he typically did.   This shows the seriousness of the message.

Paul offers a prayer for them (v.3-5).   His theme was grace, so it was natural he pray they receive it.  Paul points them back to Calvary. This was Christ’s voluntary, vicarious, and victorious sacrifice—never to be repeated!  Religion says do; Christ says done!  The crucifixion satisfied all the demands of the law.   Because salvation is God’s work, He receives the glory.  Religion appeals to man’s ego instead.  That is its subtle seduction.

Paul doesn’t beat around the bush.  He is alarmed and doesn’t mince words (v.6-9).  He is shocked that they have so quickly abandoned truth for a counterfeit.  The language used here is of a soldier deserting the army.  They had deserted their fortress of grace and gone over to the enemy.  The crisis for this church was not persecution by the culture from outside so much as perversion by the counterfeits from inside.

Every purported message from God must be held up to the plumb line of Scripture. Deletion or addition is demonic and deserves condemnation.  "We believe in Jesus, but have something to add!"   That is the message of Mormonism, Roman Catholicism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Adventism, and others.  We must speak forcefully against this as Paul did.  They are attacking the Gospel and we cannot be mush-mouths.  It is a matter of life and death—really of heaven and hell.

THE STANDARD FOR SOUL-WINNERS

Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’?  Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!  (John 4:35)

I recall the first time my father put me on a bicycle.  “I can’t do it!” I screamed.  He continued to work with me, I fell several times, but at last I learned to ride.  My father knew the ability was in me if I would develop it.  When we are confronted with the responsibility of sharing our faith, we may become ashen white, and our knees begin to knock.  We think, “I can’t do it!”  Yet, we have the Holy Spirit within us to enable us—if we are willing to learn.  Jesus sets the standard for soul-winning.  In the fourth chapter of John’s Gospel, we can see how it is done.

Jesus had a passion for His mission.  He was ever about doing His Father’s business of making disciples.  Christ felt compelled to take a trip to Samaria (v.1-4).  There was a thirsty soul there—waiting to drink of the Well of Salvation.  Jews didn’t do this, however, as racial and religious prejudice were barriers to interchange with the Samaritans.  Jesus was not going to yield to such sinful thinking.  He was into building bridges rather than barricades.  There are really only two kinds of people—those who are saved and those who need to be—and God has given His children the task of leading the lost to eternal life.

It was a long walk to Samaria.  Jesus pressed on, for He had an appointment to keep (v.5-7).  God gives us these divine appointments, if we are attentive.  He brings us repeatedly into the intersection of testimony and opportunity.  Today we may find ourselves in apparently random encounters with many different folks.  These are not coincidental, but providential, if we will be conscious of our mission, and listen for the Spirit’s prompting to present the Gospel.  Jesus saw in the woman who came to Jacob’s Well to draw water, a deeper spiritual thirst in her soul.  People like this are everywhere.  We see them every day.  Do we look beyond the surface, however, and listen to the longing of their heart?

The Supreme Soul-winner engages her in conversation (v.10-14).  His starts where she is and naturally turns the conversation to her spiritual need.  There is an art to doing this, and we can learn how.  Once the conversation turns to the Gospel, we must work to prevent it from being side-tracked.  The woman, perhaps growing uncomfortable with the direction the discussion was taking, does what sinners often do, brings up religion and starts raising objections (v.15-20).  She knew that her repeated marital failures and her current status of living with a man outside of marriage were wrong.  Her conscience was convicted and she didn’t want to face it, so she brings up “denominational differences,” so to speak.

Jesus redirects the dialogue back to the central matter—belief in Him that would bring her salvation (v.21-27).  One of the reasons we are often fearful of sharing our faith is the concern that others will raise all kinds of theological questions that we cannot answer.  While we should be prepared to have these discussions, our real purpose is to bring people to the core issue—“What are you going to do with Jesus?  Will you believe in Him?”  The woman was transformed and becomes a soul-winner herself (v.28-42)!  The result was a great harvest of souls.

THE GLORY OF THE GOSPEL

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.  (Romans 1:16)

I am glad someone told me about Jesus!  Who told you?  Maybe it was your parents, a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School worker, a preacher, or a friend—if you are saved then someone, somewhere, sometime shared the Gospel with you.  That’s all it took to bring you into eternal life.  This is the glory of the Gospel!  It was Paul’s passion and it needs to be ours.  The Apostle makes three great, “I am,” statements in Romans 1:13-17.  We will examine those.

There is a glorious mission (v.13-14).  I am responsible: “I am a debtor….”  Our mission is glorious in its scope—to give the whole world the Holy Word.  How are we doing in discharging that debt?  Every minute there are souls slipping out into eternity—dying without Christ and without hope—and no one has shared the Gospel with them.  Are we paying our debt?  We may argue, “I thought salvation is free!”  It is!  Don’t we sing, “Jesus paid it all”?  The next line though is, “All to Him I owe.”  We owe a debt of gratitude for grace given to us, and the debt is paid when we extend that grace to others.  Our sacred obligation is to share the Gospel with all.

There is a glorious motivation (v.15).  “I am ready,” Paul declares.  The Apostle was motivated by His devotion to Christ and desire for the salvation of souls.  It was not an impulsive reaction, but an intentional response.  He knew the cost of commitment.  The old hymn states it like this:

Ready to go, ready to stay, ready my place to fill;

Ready for service, lowly or great, ready to do His will.

The Gospel is grounded in the sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary.  Paul was ready then to lay down his life for Christ in sharing the Gospel.  Jesus still bears the marks of His mission.  Paul said, “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.”  (Gal.6:17).  Do we suppose we would be ready to die for Him when we are not ready to live for Him?

There is a glorious message (v.16-17).  I am regretless: “I am not ashamed….”  Paul says later, “I am free from the blood of all men.”  (Acts 20:26).  There were no regrets.  The blood was off his hands, on their heads, and for many on their hearts!  Paul was not ashamed because of the power of the Gospel.  He had experienced its transforming power!  The Greek word for “power,” used here is “dunamis,” from which we get the word dynamo—an engine of energy.  Paul was not ashamed of the provision of the Gospel.  It was for all who believed.  The plan of salvation is available to all.  God made a way where anyone might be saved—all we must do is believe in Christ.  God stands ready to give us His life, if we will only trust Him with our life.  Paul was not ashamed of the promise of the Gospel.  It brings us into right standing before God.  God cannot lie—what He promises He performs!

We have heard the joyful sound:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land,
Climb the steeps and cross the waves;
Onward!—’tis our Lord’s command;
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!