WEBVTT 00:00:00.620 --> 00:00:06.040 We are looking at Acts 15 this morning. If you would turn there with me. 00:00:12.919 --> 00:00:17.859 That's page 923 in the Pew Bible. Acts 15. 00:00:17.859 --> 00:00:30.199 We are going to look at the whole chapter this morning. 00:00:30.299 --> 00:00:33.939 But I am just going to begin by reading verses 1 through 21. 00:00:34.719 --> 00:00:35.859 Let me read this for us. 00:00:37.859 --> 00:00:41.980 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers. 00:00:43.019 --> 00:00:45.280 Unless you are circumcised. 00:00:45.420 --> 00:00:47.000 According to the custom of Moses. 00:00:47.000 --> 00:00:48.579 You cannot be saved. 00:00:49.899 --> 00:00:53.340 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them. 00:00:53.840 --> 00:00:56.820 Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem. 00:00:56.920 --> 00:00:59.280 To the apostles and the elders about this question. 00:01:00.219 --> 00:01:02.640 So being sent on their way by the church. 00:01:02.759 --> 00:01:05.079 They passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria. 00:01:05.219 --> 00:01:07.859 Describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles. 00:01:08.219 --> 00:01:11.099 And brought great joy to all the brothers. 00:01:12.000 --> 00:01:13.140 When they came to Jerusalem. 00:01:13.299 --> 00:01:15.680 They were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders. 00:01:15.680 --> 00:01:18.100 And they declared all that God had done with them. 00:01:19.020 --> 00:01:21.520 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees. 00:01:21.640 --> 00:01:22.520 Rose up and said. 00:01:23.160 --> 00:01:25.280 It's necessary to circumcise them. 00:01:26.380 --> 00:01:28.120 And to order them to keep the law of Moses. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:32.600 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 00:01:32.680 --> 00:01:34.580 And after there had been much debate. 00:01:35.080 --> 00:01:36.160 Peter stood up and said to them. 00:01:36.200 --> 00:01:36.500 Brothers. 00:01:36.500 --> 00:01:40.120 You know that in the early days God made a choice among you. 00:01:40.920 --> 00:01:43.780 That by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 00:01:44.900 --> 00:01:46.260 And God who knows the heart. 00:01:46.799 --> 00:01:50.760 Bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us. 00:01:51.480 --> 00:01:53.740 And he made no distinction between us and them. 00:01:54.439 --> 00:01:57.099 Having cleansed their hearts by faith. 00:01:57.099 --> 00:02:01.939 Now therefore why are you putting God to the test. 00:02:02.319 --> 00:02:05.379 By placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples. 00:02:05.919 --> 00:02:08.740 That neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear. 00:02:09.680 --> 00:02:13.519 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus. 00:02:14.099 --> 00:02:15.099 Just as they will. 00:02:17.019 --> 00:02:18.719 And all the assembly fell silent. 00:02:18.840 --> 00:02:20.299 And they listened to Barnabas and Paul. 00:02:20.400 --> 00:02:24.419 As they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 00:02:24.419 --> 00:02:27.379 After they finished speaking. 00:02:27.799 --> 00:02:28.619 James replied. 00:02:29.439 --> 00:02:29.839 Brothers. 00:02:30.560 --> 00:02:31.379 Listen to me. 00:02:32.419 --> 00:02:35.500 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles. 00:02:35.819 --> 00:02:37.479 To take from them a people for his name. 00:02:38.919 --> 00:02:39.459 And with this. 00:02:40.199 --> 00:02:42.439 The words of the prophets agree. 00:02:43.719 --> 00:02:44.679 Just as it is written. 00:02:45.719 --> 00:02:47.000 After this I will return. 00:02:47.919 --> 00:02:50.439 And I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen. 00:02:50.599 --> 00:02:51.859 I will rebuild its ruins. 00:02:51.939 --> 00:02:53.000 And I will restore it. 00:02:53.000 --> 00:02:55.520 And the remnant of mankind. 00:02:55.860 --> 00:02:58.000 That the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord. 00:02:58.759 --> 00:03:01.180 And all the Gentiles who are called by my name. 00:03:02.300 --> 00:03:03.159 Says the Lord. 00:03:03.840 --> 00:03:06.120 Who makes these things known from of old. 00:03:08.699 --> 00:03:12.699 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God. 00:03:13.680 --> 00:03:16.560 But should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols. 00:03:16.680 --> 00:03:17.979 And from sexual immorality. 00:03:18.139 --> 00:03:19.259 And from what has been strangled. 00:03:19.340 --> 00:03:19.840 And from blood. 00:03:19.840 --> 00:03:21.580 For from ancient generations. 00:03:21.719 --> 00:03:23.920 Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him. 00:03:24.599 --> 00:03:26.640 For he has read every Sabbath in the synagogues. 00:03:30.840 --> 00:03:31.460 Well it's. 00:03:32.939 --> 00:03:33.800 Been said. 00:03:34.300 --> 00:03:35.159 That in the heart. 00:03:37.300 --> 00:03:38.539 Of every human being. 00:03:39.620 --> 00:03:40.819 Inside all of us. 00:03:40.980 --> 00:03:41.840 Deep down. 00:03:41.840 --> 00:03:43.819 There is. 00:03:43.819 --> 00:03:43.840 There is. 00:03:44.360 --> 00:03:44.819 A legalist. 00:03:47.900 --> 00:03:48.860 Now I don't know about you. 00:03:48.920 --> 00:03:51.620 But I've never met anyone who would actually call themselves a legalist. 00:03:52.020 --> 00:03:53.879 It's not like anyone's Facebook profile. 00:03:54.199 --> 00:03:56.140 Facebook profile has religious views. 00:03:56.699 --> 00:03:57.140 Legalism. 00:03:59.900 --> 00:04:02.620 And yet I think there's still a good case to be made. 00:04:03.140 --> 00:04:04.400 That it's a problem in us all. 00:04:04.400 --> 00:04:06.819 In 2008. 00:04:06.900 --> 00:04:09.819 The Coke company released Diet Coke Plus. 00:04:10.900 --> 00:04:11.580 Do you remember that? 00:04:12.140 --> 00:04:12.780 Of course you don't. 00:04:13.480 --> 00:04:15.140 It was basically Diet Coke. 00:04:15.280 --> 00:04:17.300 Enriched with vitamins and minerals. 00:04:18.699 --> 00:04:20.620 Apparently someone thought this was a good idea. 00:04:21.280 --> 00:04:23.660 As if Diet Coke doesn't taste awesome enough. 00:04:23.780 --> 00:04:24.899 Let's put some vitamins in it. 00:04:24.959 --> 00:04:25.699 And see what happens. 00:04:27.319 --> 00:04:31.759 Well the soda was apparently supposed to appeal to more health conscious customers. 00:04:31.759 --> 00:04:34.019 As it turns out. 00:04:34.279 --> 00:04:37.300 Soda drinkers aren't really health conscious. 00:04:37.439 --> 00:04:38.599 They're not really in it for the vitamins. 00:04:39.659 --> 00:04:41.639 So the product was discontinued. 00:04:41.980 --> 00:04:43.120 Just a few years later. 00:04:44.120 --> 00:04:45.920 And now it's forgotten into oblivion. 00:04:47.420 --> 00:04:49.300 And you know of course from a mile away. 00:04:49.459 --> 00:04:52.139 Everybody could see that Diet Coke Plus. 00:04:52.699 --> 00:04:54.039 Was a total mistake. 00:04:56.339 --> 00:04:57.920 But you know in the spiritual realm. 00:04:59.759 --> 00:05:01.379 The danger is always there. 00:05:01.759 --> 00:05:03.219 To add. 00:05:03.939 --> 00:05:05.500 A little something of our own. 00:05:06.480 --> 00:05:08.480 To put some sort of plus. 00:05:09.019 --> 00:05:10.579 Into the spiritual equation. 00:05:12.759 --> 00:05:15.279 And you know though we might not say it explicitly. 00:05:15.939 --> 00:05:17.139 At the heart level. 00:05:18.319 --> 00:05:19.240 Don't we often. 00:05:20.039 --> 00:05:20.819 Really doubt. 00:05:21.699 --> 00:05:22.399 Whether Jesus. 00:05:23.399 --> 00:05:23.879 Is enough. 00:05:27.420 --> 00:05:29.139 Oh faith in Jesus Christ is good. 00:05:29.219 --> 00:05:30.139 So far as it goes. 00:05:30.139 --> 00:05:31.259 But it's got to be that. 00:05:31.919 --> 00:05:32.899 Plus something. 00:05:33.199 --> 00:05:33.599 Doesn't it? 00:05:34.360 --> 00:05:35.979 In order to really belong. 00:05:36.159 --> 00:05:37.479 In order to really be sure. 00:05:37.599 --> 00:05:38.219 Of God's acceptance. 00:05:38.500 --> 00:05:40.360 In order to really have peace within. 00:05:40.919 --> 00:05:41.959 We need Jesus. 00:05:42.659 --> 00:05:43.139 Plus. 00:05:44.819 --> 00:05:45.300 Plus. 00:05:46.300 --> 00:05:46.620 Well. 00:05:47.159 --> 00:05:47.879 Fill in the blank. 00:05:49.599 --> 00:05:50.039 Baptism. 00:05:51.199 --> 00:05:51.939 Good works. 00:05:51.939 --> 00:05:55.199 A certain political persuasion. 00:05:55.199 --> 00:05:56.180 Right or left. 00:05:56.719 --> 00:05:59.740 A particular emotional or spiritual experience. 00:06:00.680 --> 00:06:02.079 Like speaking in tongues. 00:06:02.319 --> 00:06:04.139 Or being baptized in the spirit. 00:06:06.459 --> 00:06:07.360 Whatever it is. 00:06:07.399 --> 00:06:10.259 We act as if there must be something put on top. 00:06:10.459 --> 00:06:11.240 Of faith in Jesus. 00:06:11.379 --> 00:06:12.000 In order. 00:06:13.000 --> 00:06:14.680 To really make us right with God. 00:06:14.680 --> 00:06:14.759 God. 00:06:18.199 --> 00:06:18.740 I wonder. 00:06:18.819 --> 00:06:19.400 Do you know. 00:06:20.139 --> 00:06:21.240 What you yourself. 00:06:21.800 --> 00:06:22.340 Are prone. 00:06:22.699 --> 00:06:23.240 To add. 00:06:25.340 --> 00:06:25.840 Of course. 00:06:25.900 --> 00:06:26.459 This tendency. 00:06:26.459 --> 00:06:27.639 Of our inner legalists. 00:06:27.900 --> 00:06:28.500 Always striving. 00:06:28.500 --> 00:06:29.259 Always striving. 00:06:29.259 --> 00:06:30.480 To add something on top. 00:06:30.519 --> 00:06:31.399 Of Christ for our salvation. 00:06:31.500 --> 00:06:31.939 Often goes. 00:06:32.199 --> 00:06:32.980 Completely unnoticed. 00:06:33.100 --> 00:06:33.420 Totally. 00:06:33.800 --> 00:06:34.420 Under the radar. 00:06:34.519 --> 00:06:35.639 We don't even realize. 00:06:35.860 --> 00:06:36.740 We're doing it. 00:06:37.819 --> 00:06:38.579 That is. 00:06:39.360 --> 00:06:41.060 Until we meet a group of Christians. 00:06:41.060 --> 00:06:41.220 Christians. 00:06:41.800 --> 00:06:43.759 Who are very different from us. 00:06:45.839 --> 00:06:47.560 Like what happens here in Acts 15. 00:06:49.660 --> 00:06:50.199 Last week. 00:06:50.240 --> 00:06:51.300 We saw that the Gentiles. 00:06:51.379 --> 00:06:52.579 Were putting their faith in Christ. 00:06:52.720 --> 00:06:53.819 And coming into the church. 00:06:53.860 --> 00:06:55.000 In large numbers. 00:06:55.819 --> 00:06:57.079 And then Luke tells us. 00:06:57.199 --> 00:06:58.100 In verse 1 here. 00:06:58.199 --> 00:06:59.420 That some Jewish believers. 00:06:59.620 --> 00:07:01.180 Had come down to Antioch. 00:07:01.199 --> 00:07:02.060 Where there were a large number. 00:07:02.060 --> 00:07:02.860 Of Gentile believers. 00:07:03.100 --> 00:07:03.360 And said. 00:07:03.600 --> 00:07:04.420 Hey it's great. 00:07:04.500 --> 00:07:05.240 That you guys have come. 00:07:05.300 --> 00:07:06.019 To believe in Jesus. 00:07:06.139 --> 00:07:06.579 But you know. 00:07:07.079 --> 00:07:08.899 In order to be saved. 00:07:10.040 --> 00:07:11.040 You need to get circumcised. 00:07:12.060 --> 00:07:13.480 And keep the regulations. 00:07:13.480 --> 00:07:14.060 Of Moses. 00:07:18.199 --> 00:07:19.160 And like a bomb. 00:07:19.339 --> 00:07:20.120 This is what ignites. 00:07:20.259 --> 00:07:20.780 The events. 00:07:21.079 --> 00:07:21.939 Of Acts 15. 00:07:22.259 --> 00:07:22.959 And the so-called. 00:07:23.160 --> 00:07:24.160 Jerusalem council. 00:07:25.379 --> 00:07:26.139 On the surface. 00:07:26.220 --> 00:07:26.879 The question is this. 00:07:26.939 --> 00:07:27.579 Do Gentiles. 00:07:27.579 --> 00:07:28.660 Have to become Jews. 00:07:28.840 --> 00:07:30.399 In order to be true Christians. 00:07:31.279 --> 00:07:32.439 The Pharisee party. 00:07:32.519 --> 00:07:33.420 In verses 1 and 5. 00:07:33.500 --> 00:07:34.519 Seems to be advocating. 00:07:34.620 --> 00:07:36.199 The ceremonial laws of Moses. 00:07:36.600 --> 00:07:37.819 Especially circumcision. 00:07:38.279 --> 00:07:39.139 Really as a way. 00:07:39.180 --> 00:07:40.579 For those dirty Gentiles. 00:07:40.579 --> 00:07:41.579 To clean up their act. 00:07:41.579 --> 00:07:42.859 And join the family. 00:07:46.399 --> 00:07:47.159 But you know. 00:07:47.240 --> 00:07:47.740 If on the surface. 00:07:47.740 --> 00:07:49.259 This seems like a historically. 00:07:49.259 --> 00:07:50.839 Kind of remote thing to us. 00:07:51.459 --> 00:07:52.899 We really have to see. 00:07:53.039 --> 00:07:54.180 That it actually strikes. 00:07:54.180 --> 00:07:55.879 A much deeper question. 00:07:57.419 --> 00:07:58.899 A question that is relevant. 00:07:58.899 --> 00:07:59.939 For every age. 00:08:00.180 --> 00:08:01.519 And for every heart. 00:08:02.620 --> 00:08:03.639 And it's this. 00:08:03.639 --> 00:08:05.300 Is faith in Jesus. 00:08:05.680 --> 00:08:06.860 Really enough. 00:08:07.979 --> 00:08:09.539 Or do we have to add. 00:08:09.539 --> 00:08:10.819 Something of our own. 00:08:10.879 --> 00:08:11.139 In true. 00:08:11.360 --> 00:08:12.180 In order to be truly. 00:08:12.180 --> 00:08:13.019 Accepted by God. 00:08:13.079 --> 00:08:13.560 And welcomed. 00:08:14.560 --> 00:08:15.560 In full standing. 00:08:16.719 --> 00:08:17.919 Into the people of God. 00:08:20.180 --> 00:08:21.139 That's a big question. 00:08:21.240 --> 00:08:21.979 Driving this chapter. 00:08:22.039 --> 00:08:22.759 And that's the main thing. 00:08:22.819 --> 00:08:23.740 We're going to focus on. 00:08:23.979 --> 00:08:24.479 This morning. 00:08:24.519 --> 00:08:25.639 And what unfolds. 00:08:25.639 --> 00:08:26.519 In this chapter. 00:08:26.519 --> 00:08:28.180 Is one of the most. 00:08:28.759 --> 00:08:29.199 Significant. 00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:30.680 Theological events. 00:08:30.680 --> 00:08:31.839 Not just in the book of Acts. 00:08:31.839 --> 00:08:33.319 But probably in the whole Bible. 00:08:35.240 --> 00:08:36.740 Because what we see here. 00:08:37.139 --> 00:08:37.620 Defended. 00:08:38.019 --> 00:08:38.939 And defined. 00:08:39.319 --> 00:08:40.639 Is the very nature. 00:08:40.639 --> 00:08:42.240 Of the gospel of grace. 00:08:45.679 --> 00:08:46.980 Now before we get to this. 00:08:47.079 --> 00:08:48.199 Sort of momentous decision. 00:08:48.199 --> 00:08:48.839 That they make. 00:08:48.879 --> 00:08:49.779 And how they came to it. 00:08:49.799 --> 00:08:50.579 And what some of the practical. 00:08:50.740 --> 00:08:51.360 Implications are. 00:08:51.539 --> 00:08:52.679 I think Luke wants us to see. 00:08:52.720 --> 00:08:53.839 In verses one through five. 00:08:54.699 --> 00:08:55.620 That the gospel. 00:08:55.819 --> 00:08:57.459 Will always face this threat. 00:08:57.480 --> 00:08:58.139 Of works righteousness. 00:08:58.139 --> 00:08:59.799 This is the first point. 00:08:59.819 --> 00:09:00.419 Of five. 00:09:00.500 --> 00:09:01.120 That I'm going to make. 00:09:01.840 --> 00:09:02.200 Uh. 00:09:02.879 --> 00:09:03.980 Your roast will burn. 00:09:04.019 --> 00:09:05.080 In the potluck oven downstairs. 00:09:05.240 --> 00:09:05.720 No I'm kidding. 00:09:05.800 --> 00:09:06.379 We'll move quickly. 00:09:06.740 --> 00:09:07.460 Five points. 00:09:08.660 --> 00:09:09.040 First. 00:09:09.040 --> 00:09:09.200 This. 00:09:09.340 --> 00:09:10.000 The gospel. 00:09:10.000 --> 00:09:11.360 Is always going to face. 00:09:11.440 --> 00:09:11.920 The threat. 00:09:12.300 --> 00:09:13.100 Of legalism. 00:09:13.180 --> 00:09:13.759 Of works righteousness. 00:09:14.759 --> 00:09:15.139 Now. 00:09:15.240 --> 00:09:16.680 Think of all the challenges. 00:09:16.680 --> 00:09:17.600 And dangers. 00:09:17.600 --> 00:09:18.720 That the church has undergone. 00:09:18.800 --> 00:09:20.019 Just in the last three chapters. 00:09:20.019 --> 00:09:20.580 Of Acts. 00:09:21.139 --> 00:09:21.480 I mean. 00:09:21.639 --> 00:09:22.560 In chapter 14 alone. 00:09:22.680 --> 00:09:23.320 Paul and Barnabas. 00:09:23.360 --> 00:09:24.000 On the one hand. 00:09:24.060 --> 00:09:24.800 Had been persecuted. 00:09:24.960 --> 00:09:25.820 And thrown out of towns. 00:09:25.980 --> 00:09:26.900 And on the other hand. 00:09:27.019 --> 00:09:28.300 Worshipped as gods. 00:09:28.560 --> 00:09:29.759 They like can't win. 00:09:30.120 --> 00:09:31.300 No matter which way they go. 00:09:31.299 --> 00:09:33.439 There are all sorts of external problems. 00:09:33.659 --> 00:09:33.899 But. 00:09:34.179 --> 00:09:35.399 Those external threats. 00:09:35.659 --> 00:09:36.740 Are really nothing. 00:09:38.339 --> 00:09:40.019 Compared to this internal threat. 00:09:41.179 --> 00:09:42.199 And did you notice. 00:09:42.419 --> 00:09:43.459 That Paul and Barnabas. 00:09:43.819 --> 00:09:44.699 React that way. 00:09:45.339 --> 00:09:47.699 There's no small dissension. 00:09:47.699 --> 00:09:48.419 And debate. 00:09:49.079 --> 00:09:50.240 We read in verse 2. 00:09:51.240 --> 00:09:51.620 Luke here. 00:09:51.759 --> 00:09:53.019 Not trying to cover up. 00:09:53.439 --> 00:09:53.939 Or sort of. 00:09:54.039 --> 00:09:54.459 You know. 00:09:54.779 --> 00:09:55.259 Whitewash. 00:09:55.419 --> 00:09:56.759 The events of the early church. 00:09:56.759 --> 00:09:58.559 No. 00:09:58.639 --> 00:09:59.960 There was no small dissension. 00:10:00.039 --> 00:10:00.419 And debate. 00:10:02.279 --> 00:10:02.659 You see. 00:10:02.720 --> 00:10:03.460 The greatest danger. 00:10:03.460 --> 00:10:04.139 To the gospel. 00:10:04.439 --> 00:10:05.620 Isn't necessarily. 00:10:05.919 --> 00:10:06.960 Irreligious paganism. 00:10:06.960 --> 00:10:07.779 On the outside. 00:10:08.379 --> 00:10:09.279 But actually. 00:10:09.819 --> 00:10:10.779 Religious legalism. 00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:11.860 On the inside. 00:10:14.419 --> 00:10:15.240 Do we really. 00:10:15.360 --> 00:10:15.919 Think that. 00:10:18.919 --> 00:10:19.779 When it comes to. 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:20.399 Clarifying. 00:10:20.519 --> 00:10:21.039 And preserving. 00:10:21.039 --> 00:10:21.580 The gospel. 00:10:21.580 --> 00:10:22.319 Against this threat. 00:10:22.320 --> 00:10:23.020 The apostles. 00:10:23.020 --> 00:10:23.920 Are fully. 00:10:24.379 --> 00:10:24.780 Engaged. 00:10:25.200 --> 00:10:25.700 And they take it. 00:10:25.800 --> 00:10:26.640 With all seriousness. 00:10:26.960 --> 00:10:27.720 And so should we. 00:10:29.460 --> 00:10:29.980 And you know. 00:10:30.040 --> 00:10:30.540 One of the reasons. 00:10:30.540 --> 00:10:31.060 That legalism. 00:10:31.140 --> 00:10:31.879 Is so dangerous. 00:10:32.360 --> 00:10:32.640 Is because. 00:10:32.760 --> 00:10:33.060 As we said. 00:10:33.080 --> 00:10:33.460 On the one hand. 00:10:33.500 --> 00:10:34.480 It's so pervasive. 00:10:35.280 --> 00:10:35.840 Isn't nearly. 00:10:35.940 --> 00:10:36.900 Every relationship. 00:10:36.900 --> 00:10:38.000 That we have. 00:10:38.320 --> 00:10:39.580 Based in some way. 00:10:39.720 --> 00:10:40.680 On our performance. 00:10:42.180 --> 00:10:43.020 Our acceptance. 00:10:43.260 --> 00:10:44.240 Comes from what we do. 00:10:44.300 --> 00:10:45.000 Or what we are. 00:10:45.040 --> 00:10:45.379 At work. 00:10:45.440 --> 00:10:45.879 At school. 00:10:46.080 --> 00:10:46.720 And sadly. 00:10:46.720 --> 00:10:47.540 Even among our friends. 00:10:47.540 --> 00:10:48.140 And family. 00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:48.720 It seems that. 00:10:48.860 --> 00:10:49.620 That's just the way. 00:10:49.680 --> 00:10:50.360 The world works. 00:10:50.420 --> 00:10:51.140 So why wouldn't we. 00:10:51.240 --> 00:10:52.260 Just map that on. 00:10:52.320 --> 00:10:53.240 To our relationship. 00:10:53.240 --> 00:10:53.760 With God. 00:10:54.879 --> 00:10:55.620 Martin Luther said. 00:10:55.760 --> 00:10:56.280 This is basically. 00:10:56.460 --> 00:10:57.340 The default mode. 00:10:57.360 --> 00:10:57.980 Of the human heart. 00:10:58.140 --> 00:10:58.660 That I think. 00:10:58.760 --> 00:10:59.440 My acceptance. 00:10:59.920 --> 00:11:01.400 Is based on my performance. 00:11:02.540 --> 00:11:02.980 Pervasive. 00:11:05.340 --> 00:11:06.220 But on the other hand. 00:11:06.240 --> 00:11:06.720 It's dangerous. 00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:07.420 Because it seems. 00:11:07.520 --> 00:11:08.300 So plausible. 00:11:09.600 --> 00:11:10.160 Doesn't it? 00:11:11.140 --> 00:11:11.620 I mean. 00:11:11.640 --> 00:11:12.020 After all. 00:11:12.100 --> 00:11:13.200 Why wouldn't God. 00:11:14.080 --> 00:11:14.800 Want us to. 00:11:15.400 --> 00:11:15.780 Chip in. 00:11:15.860 --> 00:11:16.980 And do our part. 00:11:19.060 --> 00:11:19.880 Doesn't he want us. 00:11:19.900 --> 00:11:20.720 To live good lives. 00:11:20.820 --> 00:11:21.340 Why wouldn't that. 00:11:21.440 --> 00:11:22.020 Kind of calculate. 00:11:22.019 --> 00:11:22.740 Into the equation. 00:11:22.860 --> 00:11:23.579 Didn't God. 00:11:23.659 --> 00:11:24.679 Give the law of Moses. 00:11:24.679 --> 00:11:26.079 In the first place. 00:11:28.079 --> 00:11:29.240 It seems so plausible. 00:11:29.240 --> 00:11:30.480 So easy to believe. 00:11:30.899 --> 00:11:31.819 That we would have to make. 00:11:31.939 --> 00:11:33.100 Some sort of contribution. 00:11:33.100 --> 00:11:33.819 To our standing. 00:11:33.819 --> 00:11:34.579 Before God. 00:11:36.259 --> 00:11:37.159 It's pervasive. 00:11:37.500 --> 00:11:38.480 And it's plausible. 00:11:38.679 --> 00:11:38.860 Well. 00:11:39.579 --> 00:11:40.620 How does the church respond? 00:11:41.419 --> 00:11:42.159 And how should we? 00:11:43.120 --> 00:11:43.899 Luke tells us. 00:11:43.980 --> 00:11:45.120 In verses 6 through 21. 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:46.139 This sort of long. 00:11:46.299 --> 00:11:47.059 Second section. 00:11:47.059 --> 00:11:47.819 Of his narrative. 00:11:48.059 --> 00:11:48.840 And this is really. 00:11:48.939 --> 00:11:49.799 Our second big point. 00:11:49.799 --> 00:11:50.859 And what we see here. 00:11:50.939 --> 00:11:51.099 Is that. 00:11:51.359 --> 00:11:52.620 From the very start. 00:11:53.279 --> 00:11:54.240 The message. 00:11:54.359 --> 00:11:55.199 Of the apostles. 00:11:56.019 --> 00:11:56.599 And therefore. 00:11:56.719 --> 00:11:57.199 The message. 00:11:57.199 --> 00:11:58.379 Of the true church. 00:11:58.979 --> 00:12:00.539 Has always been. 00:12:01.259 --> 00:12:02.279 That salvation. 00:12:02.279 --> 00:12:03.559 Is through faith. 00:12:03.799 --> 00:12:04.639 In Christ. 00:12:05.399 --> 00:12:05.839 Alone. 00:12:06.959 --> 00:12:07.439 Apart. 00:12:07.579 --> 00:12:08.279 From any. 00:12:08.699 --> 00:12:08.939 Sort. 00:12:09.019 --> 00:12:09.539 Of works. 00:12:11.599 --> 00:12:12.279 That nothing. 00:12:12.279 --> 00:12:13.099 Needs to be added. 00:12:13.259 --> 00:12:13.579 And nothing. 00:12:13.819 --> 00:12:14.539 Can be added. 00:12:14.639 --> 00:12:15.219 To what Christ. 00:12:15.279 --> 00:12:16.000 Has done for us. 00:12:16.359 --> 00:12:16.879 That we're brought. 00:12:16.879 --> 00:12:17.779 Into God's family. 00:12:17.860 --> 00:12:18.480 Holy and completely. 00:12:18.480 --> 00:12:19.480 By God's gift. 00:12:19.480 --> 00:12:20.399 By his grace. 00:12:20.840 --> 00:12:21.299 Through believing. 00:12:21.460 --> 00:12:21.919 In his son. 00:12:24.139 --> 00:12:25.059 Now Luke shows us. 00:12:25.100 --> 00:12:26.220 How they came to reaffirm this. 00:12:26.299 --> 00:12:27.419 In verses 6 through 21. 00:12:27.919 --> 00:12:28.320 First. 00:12:28.419 --> 00:12:28.659 Peter. 00:12:28.779 --> 00:12:29.600 Sort of steps forward. 00:12:29.740 --> 00:12:30.120 And he says. 00:12:30.360 --> 00:12:31.899 Hey look at what God has done. 00:12:33.220 --> 00:12:34.019 And then James. 00:12:34.159 --> 00:12:35.159 Comes forward and says. 00:12:35.960 --> 00:12:37.379 Listen to what God has said. 00:12:38.480 --> 00:12:39.299 God's acts. 00:12:39.679 --> 00:12:40.539 And God's words. 00:12:41.120 --> 00:12:41.919 Both aligning. 00:12:42.659 --> 00:12:43.480 To affirm. 00:12:43.620 --> 00:12:44.799 The gospel of grace. 00:12:44.799 --> 00:12:44.879 Jesus. 00:12:46.319 --> 00:12:47.120 Look in particular. 00:12:47.219 --> 00:12:47.979 Verses 8 through 9. 00:12:48.039 --> 00:12:48.799 This is sort of the heart. 00:12:48.879 --> 00:12:49.599 Of Peter's speech. 00:12:49.979 --> 00:12:50.319 Peter says. 00:12:50.479 --> 00:12:51.179 Look at what God has done. 00:12:51.699 --> 00:12:53.000 Utterly apart from circumcision. 00:12:53.240 --> 00:12:53.819 Through faith. 00:12:53.899 --> 00:12:54.539 And faith alone. 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:55.759 God has cleansed the hearts. 00:12:55.859 --> 00:12:56.539 Of the Gentiles. 00:12:56.679 --> 00:12:58.179 And given them the Holy Spirit. 00:12:59.039 --> 00:12:59.319 You know. 00:12:59.459 --> 00:13:00.779 There that Peter's referring back. 00:13:00.859 --> 00:13:01.740 To his experience. 00:13:01.740 --> 00:13:02.699 With Cornelius. 00:13:03.279 --> 00:13:04.179 The Gentile Cornelius. 00:13:04.240 --> 00:13:04.959 And his household. 00:13:05.079 --> 00:13:05.899 That Luke told us about. 00:13:05.979 --> 00:13:06.299 Back in. 00:13:06.399 --> 00:13:07.099 In Acts. 00:13:07.179 --> 00:13:07.819 10 through 11. 00:13:08.659 --> 00:13:08.859 You see. 00:13:08.899 --> 00:13:10.259 When Peter shared the good news. 00:13:10.259 --> 00:13:11.199 About Jesus with them. 00:13:11.399 --> 00:13:13.019 Before they had really done. 00:13:13.579 --> 00:13:13.899 Anything. 00:13:13.899 --> 00:13:15.120 No circumcision. 00:13:15.379 --> 00:13:16.120 No baptism. 00:13:16.559 --> 00:13:17.439 No altar call. 00:13:17.679 --> 00:13:18.799 No decision card. 00:13:20.179 --> 00:13:21.480 Simply through hearing. 00:13:21.600 --> 00:13:22.799 The gospel preached to them. 00:13:22.939 --> 00:13:24.360 And believing what they heard. 00:13:25.360 --> 00:13:27.059 God's spirit fell upon them. 00:13:28.779 --> 00:13:30.559 His Holy Spirit. 00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:32.159 Dwelt in them. 00:13:33.240 --> 00:13:34.360 Giving evidence. 00:13:34.360 --> 00:13:35.699 That God had made their hearts. 00:13:36.039 --> 00:13:36.500 Clean. 00:13:36.899 --> 00:13:37.419 And fit. 00:13:37.799 --> 00:13:38.939 For his own holy presence. 00:13:38.939 --> 00:13:39.579 To reside. 00:13:40.120 --> 00:13:40.620 Within them. 00:13:40.620 --> 00:13:41.620 God. 00:13:41.620 --> 00:13:43.779 You see. 00:13:43.840 --> 00:13:44.980 What's going on here. 00:13:45.220 --> 00:13:46.299 As I alluded to earlier. 00:13:46.399 --> 00:13:46.600 Is that. 00:13:46.940 --> 00:13:47.080 You know. 00:13:47.120 --> 00:13:48.700 Most first century Jews. 00:13:48.980 --> 00:13:51.200 Especially those who would have been more theologically aligned. 00:13:51.259 --> 00:13:52.120 With the Pharisee party. 00:13:52.620 --> 00:13:53.580 Consider the Gentiles. 00:13:53.700 --> 00:13:54.440 As a whole. 00:13:55.060 --> 00:13:55.600 Unclean. 00:13:56.340 --> 00:13:56.860 Pretty much. 00:13:57.240 --> 00:13:57.779 Unfit. 00:13:58.179 --> 00:13:59.060 For God's presence. 00:13:59.059 --> 00:14:00.059 Unfit. 00:14:00.059 --> 00:14:01.059 For God's presence. 00:14:01.059 --> 00:14:03.239 But what the advocates of circumcision. 00:14:03.419 --> 00:14:04.299 In verses 1 through 5. 00:14:04.439 --> 00:14:05.919 Didn't seem to realize. 00:14:06.719 --> 00:14:07.939 And what all of our inner. 00:14:08.879 --> 00:14:09.359 Legalists. 00:14:09.779 --> 00:14:10.819 Don't realize. 00:14:11.479 --> 00:14:12.619 Is that the cleansing. 00:14:12.839 --> 00:14:14.079 We actually need. 00:14:14.939 --> 00:14:17.099 Is more than just an outward. 00:14:18.399 --> 00:14:19.339 Ceremonial cleansing. 00:14:19.340 --> 00:14:21.680 You see. 00:14:21.740 --> 00:14:22.379 Our problem. 00:14:22.480 --> 00:14:23.080 As human beings. 00:14:23.080 --> 00:14:23.759 Is much more. 00:14:24.200 --> 00:14:24.720 Profound. 00:14:24.820 --> 00:14:25.240 Than that. 00:14:25.519 --> 00:14:26.560 What we need. 00:14:27.040 --> 00:14:28.160 Are our hearts. 00:14:28.160 --> 00:14:29.100 To be cleansed. 00:14:30.639 --> 00:14:31.360 And that's why. 00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:32.780 No amount of legal regulations. 00:14:32.780 --> 00:14:33.800 Or external law keeping. 00:14:33.980 --> 00:14:34.940 Can ever take away. 00:14:35.080 --> 00:14:35.500 The guilt. 00:14:35.639 --> 00:14:36.040 And shame. 00:14:36.160 --> 00:14:37.460 That we so often feel. 00:14:38.180 --> 00:14:38.580 You see. 00:14:38.639 --> 00:14:39.160 Our problem. 00:14:39.240 --> 00:14:39.980 Isn't that we just do. 00:14:40.100 --> 00:14:41.080 A few bad actions. 00:14:41.399 --> 00:14:42.019 Here or there. 00:14:42.120 --> 00:14:42.480 And need to. 00:14:43.060 --> 00:14:43.500 Rehabilitate. 00:14:43.620 --> 00:14:44.340 Some behaviors. 00:14:45.040 --> 00:14:45.920 That's not actually. 00:14:45.920 --> 00:14:46.680 The biblical view. 00:14:46.800 --> 00:14:48.240 Of what's wrong with us. 00:14:48.360 --> 00:14:49.060 Of sin. 00:14:50.000 --> 00:14:50.420 Sin. 00:14:50.600 --> 00:14:51.360 Biblically speaking. 00:14:51.360 --> 00:14:52.320 Is a deep. 00:14:52.320 --> 00:14:52.920 Heart. 00:14:53.460 --> 00:14:53.899 Problem. 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:56.540 It's the tendency. 00:14:56.740 --> 00:14:57.840 We all have. 00:14:58.500 --> 00:14:59.300 To want to live. 00:14:59.420 --> 00:15:00.379 Our own way. 00:15:01.320 --> 00:15:01.899 And to be. 00:15:02.040 --> 00:15:02.519 Our own. 00:15:02.899 --> 00:15:03.379 Lords. 00:15:04.860 --> 00:15:06.100 To define. 00:15:06.240 --> 00:15:06.600 Things. 00:15:06.700 --> 00:15:06.940 The way. 00:15:07.100 --> 00:15:07.840 We decide. 00:15:07.920 --> 00:15:08.360 To define. 00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:08.920 Things. 00:15:09.480 --> 00:15:10.480 And thereby. 00:15:10.700 --> 00:15:11.660 Whether we realize it. 00:15:11.740 --> 00:15:12.320 Or not. 00:15:13.740 --> 00:15:14.540 In so doing. 00:15:15.200 --> 00:15:15.800 Rejecting. 00:15:16.200 --> 00:15:17.000 God's rightful. 00:15:17.060 --> 00:15:17.800 Rule over us. 00:15:17.799 --> 00:15:22.000 If you simply. 00:15:22.120 --> 00:15:22.979 Try to clean up. 00:15:23.299 --> 00:15:24.019 On the outside. 00:15:24.439 --> 00:15:25.539 Whether through religious. 00:15:25.779 --> 00:15:26.120 Rights. 00:15:26.240 --> 00:15:27.039 Like circumcision. 00:15:27.299 --> 00:15:28.079 Or just playing. 00:15:28.259 --> 00:15:29.019 Moral effort. 00:15:29.139 --> 00:15:30.120 Through doing good works. 00:15:30.839 --> 00:15:31.919 You're actually not changing. 00:15:32.019 --> 00:15:32.459 The root. 00:15:32.620 --> 00:15:33.259 Of the problem. 00:15:34.259 --> 00:15:35.000 You're not cleansing. 00:15:35.120 --> 00:15:35.519 The heart. 00:15:38.740 --> 00:15:40.099 And so you still feel. 00:15:40.099 --> 00:15:40.519 Guilt. 00:15:41.079 --> 00:15:41.639 And distance. 00:15:41.719 --> 00:15:42.179 From God. 00:15:42.179 --> 00:15:43.879 Even though you're trying. 00:15:43.979 --> 00:15:44.399 Your best. 00:15:44.479 --> 00:15:44.979 To be good. 00:15:47.139 --> 00:15:48.559 And it's never good enough. 00:15:50.099 --> 00:15:50.739 And you know. 00:15:50.739 --> 00:15:51.759 The sad reality is. 00:15:51.819 --> 00:15:52.500 Is that the very. 00:15:52.819 --> 00:15:53.259 Attempt. 00:15:53.599 --> 00:15:54.559 To clean yourself up. 00:15:54.639 --> 00:15:55.379 From the outside. 00:15:55.819 --> 00:15:56.919 Is actually just. 00:15:57.139 --> 00:15:58.339 One more expression. 00:15:59.279 --> 00:16:00.620 Of your rebellious. 00:16:00.679 --> 00:16:01.639 Self-reliant. 00:16:01.819 --> 00:16:02.239 Heart. 00:16:03.419 --> 00:16:03.979 Trying. 00:16:04.639 --> 00:16:05.339 To be your own. 00:16:05.339 --> 00:16:05.679 Lord. 00:16:05.679 --> 00:16:06.419 And trying. 00:16:06.779 --> 00:16:08.000 To dig yourself out. 00:16:08.959 --> 00:16:09.679 And ironically. 00:16:09.679 --> 00:16:11.379 Thereby still rejecting. 00:16:11.379 --> 00:16:11.919 God. 00:16:12.219 --> 00:16:13.279 As the only Savior. 00:16:13.399 --> 00:16:13.759 And Lord. 00:16:15.979 --> 00:16:17.239 What a quandary. 00:16:17.399 --> 00:16:17.739 We're in. 00:16:17.959 --> 00:16:18.799 As human beings. 00:16:22.099 --> 00:16:23.359 But Peter's testimony. 00:16:24.179 --> 00:16:24.919 Is that. 00:16:25.459 --> 00:16:27.019 What we could never do. 00:16:27.500 --> 00:16:28.259 Through works. 00:16:29.279 --> 00:16:30.439 God has done. 00:16:30.699 --> 00:16:31.579 In us. 00:16:31.979 --> 00:16:32.919 Through trusting. 00:16:32.919 --> 00:16:33.519 In his son. 00:16:34.519 --> 00:16:35.679 That he's actually. 00:16:36.359 --> 00:16:37.000 Cleansed. 00:16:37.379 --> 00:16:38.459 Our hearts. 00:16:39.679 --> 00:16:41.379 He's wiped away. 00:16:41.479 --> 00:16:42.159 The stain. 00:16:42.559 --> 00:16:42.919 Once. 00:16:43.179 --> 00:16:43.759 For all. 00:16:44.299 --> 00:16:44.839 And he sent. 00:16:44.899 --> 00:16:45.620 The Holy Spirit. 00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:46.639 To dwell within. 00:16:47.979 --> 00:16:48.819 And God did this. 00:16:48.879 --> 00:16:49.620 Peter says in verse 9. 00:16:49.679 --> 00:16:50.219 Did you catch that? 00:16:50.299 --> 00:16:51.839 Making no distinction. 00:16:52.679 --> 00:16:53.859 Between Jew and Gentile. 00:16:53.939 --> 00:16:54.659 Look at verse 11. 00:16:55.039 --> 00:16:55.919 We believe. 00:16:56.039 --> 00:16:56.679 That we. 00:16:56.839 --> 00:16:57.620 That is we Jews. 00:16:57.819 --> 00:16:58.559 Peter's saying here. 00:16:58.899 --> 00:16:59.599 Will be saved. 00:16:59.659 --> 00:17:00.159 Through the grace. 00:17:00.159 --> 00:17:00.799 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:17:00.799 --> 00:17:02.059 Just as they will. 00:17:03.620 --> 00:17:04.899 There's no difference. 00:17:07.099 --> 00:17:08.599 None of our law keeping. 00:17:08.599 --> 00:17:09.719 Up till this point. 00:17:10.779 --> 00:17:11.240 Made a. 00:17:11.740 --> 00:17:12.879 Hell of beans difference. 00:17:13.099 --> 00:17:14.259 In cleansing our hearts. 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:17.059 We needed the grace. 00:17:17.099 --> 00:17:18.159 Of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:17:18.519 --> 00:17:19.459 Just as they do. 00:17:22.639 --> 00:17:23.240 By the way. 00:17:23.299 --> 00:17:24.439 This is why the reformers. 00:17:24.559 --> 00:17:25.639 Spoke of salvation. 00:17:25.639 --> 00:17:26.199 Being. 00:17:26.740 --> 00:17:27.980 By grace alone. 00:17:28.379 --> 00:17:29.059 Through faith. 00:17:29.319 --> 00:17:29.779 Alone. 00:17:29.980 --> 00:17:30.599 In Christ. 00:17:30.980 --> 00:17:31.359 Alone. 00:17:32.359 --> 00:17:33.439 They were simply saying. 00:17:33.439 --> 00:17:34.719 What Peter says here. 00:17:34.799 --> 00:17:35.480 In Acts 15. 00:17:35.480 --> 00:17:35.559 Amen. 00:17:38.759 --> 00:17:40.579 So Peter points to what God has done. 00:17:41.360 --> 00:17:42.720 To reaffirm the gospel. 00:17:43.299 --> 00:17:43.900 What God has done. 00:17:43.940 --> 00:17:44.779 Is he's cleansed. 00:17:44.900 --> 00:17:45.539 Our hearts. 00:17:45.940 --> 00:17:46.360 By faith. 00:17:46.400 --> 00:17:47.319 Apart from circumcision. 00:17:47.420 --> 00:17:48.000 Then in verse 12. 00:17:48.180 --> 00:17:49.220 Paul and Barnabas get up. 00:17:49.259 --> 00:17:49.720 And they sort of. 00:17:49.940 --> 00:17:50.960 They sort of support. 00:17:51.079 --> 00:17:51.779 Peter's argument. 00:17:51.920 --> 00:17:52.920 By sharing some of their. 00:17:53.039 --> 00:17:54.220 Experience of what God has done. 00:17:54.480 --> 00:17:55.400 Among the Gentiles. 00:17:56.079 --> 00:17:57.019 And then James. 00:17:57.140 --> 00:17:57.539 Stands up. 00:17:59.259 --> 00:17:59.620 James. 00:17:59.759 --> 00:18:00.160 Probably. 00:18:00.599 --> 00:18:01.279 As we know. 00:18:01.360 --> 00:18:01.680 From other. 00:18:01.759 --> 00:18:02.700 First century historians. 00:18:02.700 --> 00:18:03.799 An incredibly. 00:18:04.559 --> 00:18:04.960 Devout. 00:18:05.580 --> 00:18:06.279 Jewish man. 00:18:07.580 --> 00:18:08.059 Scrupulous. 00:18:08.480 --> 00:18:09.559 About keeping the law. 00:18:12.039 --> 00:18:13.160 James stands up. 00:18:14.519 --> 00:18:15.380 And points now. 00:18:15.460 --> 00:18:16.380 Not to what God has done. 00:18:17.480 --> 00:18:18.660 But to conclude the matter. 00:18:18.740 --> 00:18:19.519 What God has said. 00:18:21.360 --> 00:18:22.460 He quotes the Old Testament. 00:18:22.620 --> 00:18:23.000 Prophet. 00:18:23.519 --> 00:18:23.900 Amos. 00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:26.440 Where God promised. 00:18:26.440 --> 00:18:27.279 That one day. 00:18:28.080 --> 00:18:28.840 The true. 00:18:28.940 --> 00:18:29.720 Davidic king. 00:18:30.140 --> 00:18:31.200 Would at last come. 00:18:31.200 --> 00:18:32.940 That the broken down. 00:18:33.039 --> 00:18:33.700 House of David. 00:18:33.860 --> 00:18:35.220 Would finally be repaired. 00:18:35.620 --> 00:18:36.440 And restored. 00:18:37.120 --> 00:18:37.660 And then. 00:18:37.880 --> 00:18:39.160 Through that king. 00:18:39.640 --> 00:18:40.880 God would call out. 00:18:41.059 --> 00:18:41.480 A group. 00:18:41.640 --> 00:18:42.340 Of Gentiles. 00:18:42.440 --> 00:18:42.960 A remnant. 00:18:43.080 --> 00:18:44.380 From all nations. 00:18:44.759 --> 00:18:45.460 Every people. 00:18:45.600 --> 00:18:46.220 Every tongue. 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:47.160 Every tribe. 00:18:47.299 --> 00:18:48.799 And he would put his name. 00:18:48.860 --> 00:18:49.380 On them. 00:18:49.539 --> 00:18:50.620 And they would belong. 00:18:50.759 --> 00:18:52.000 To the one true lord. 00:18:52.380 --> 00:18:52.980 Get this. 00:18:53.799 --> 00:18:54.400 As. 00:18:55.120 --> 00:18:55.720 Gentiles. 00:18:58.039 --> 00:18:59.440 That's the significant point. 00:18:59.519 --> 00:19:01.019 That James finally sees. 00:19:01.200 --> 00:19:02.200 In the prophets. 00:19:04.200 --> 00:19:05.160 That they become. 00:19:05.160 --> 00:19:05.920 God's people. 00:19:07.080 --> 00:19:08.140 And they do so. 00:19:08.200 --> 00:19:08.840 While remaining. 00:19:09.740 --> 00:19:10.220 Gentiles. 00:19:14.420 --> 00:19:15.319 And therefore. 00:19:16.360 --> 00:19:17.299 They need not. 00:19:17.600 --> 00:19:18.200 Become Jews. 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:19.660 Because God said. 00:19:20.180 --> 00:19:21.120 He was going to do it. 00:19:21.580 --> 00:19:22.259 All along. 00:19:24.440 --> 00:19:25.059 So do you see. 00:19:25.140 --> 00:19:25.620 How the church. 00:19:25.720 --> 00:19:26.680 Came to its conclusion. 00:19:27.220 --> 00:19:28.080 This critical. 00:19:28.079 --> 00:19:28.879 Moment. 00:19:28.879 --> 00:19:29.919 Of theological. 00:19:29.919 --> 00:19:30.839 And practical. 00:19:30.839 --> 00:19:30.960 Pastoral. 00:19:30.960 --> 00:19:31.480 Pastoral. 00:19:31.559 --> 00:19:32.179 Significance. 00:19:32.939 --> 00:19:33.399 What. 00:19:33.599 --> 00:19:34.339 What God did. 00:19:34.419 --> 00:19:35.019 To the apostles. 00:19:35.539 --> 00:19:36.299 Was what God. 00:19:36.339 --> 00:19:37.019 Had said he would do. 00:19:37.099 --> 00:19:37.740 Through the prophets. 00:19:39.619 --> 00:19:40.699 That God's words. 00:19:40.759 --> 00:19:41.500 And God's actions. 00:19:41.699 --> 00:19:42.299 Lined up. 00:19:43.480 --> 00:19:44.599 And that sealed it. 00:19:45.639 --> 00:19:46.359 And they knew. 00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:47.039 That the Gentiles. 00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:47.379 Need that. 00:19:47.619 --> 00:19:47.980 Nothing. 00:19:48.519 --> 00:19:49.500 To their faith in Christ. 00:19:49.579 --> 00:19:49.939 To belong. 00:19:50.019 --> 00:19:50.859 To the family of God. 00:19:50.859 --> 00:19:51.219 God. 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:53.359 Now. 00:19:54.139 --> 00:19:55.000 Having clarified. 00:19:55.000 --> 00:19:55.519 The gospel. 00:19:55.699 --> 00:19:56.259 James begins. 00:19:56.259 --> 00:19:57.199 To apply it. 00:19:57.500 --> 00:19:58.619 Now this is our third point. 00:19:58.659 --> 00:19:59.079 And we see it. 00:19:59.079 --> 00:20:00.099 Not just in verse 19. 00:20:00.099 --> 00:20:00.839 After he quotes. 00:20:00.839 --> 00:20:01.500 The Amos passage. 00:20:01.599 --> 00:20:02.619 But also back in verse 10. 00:20:03.259 --> 00:20:04.159 Because we're saved. 00:20:04.279 --> 00:20:05.299 Through faith in Christ alone. 00:20:05.439 --> 00:20:06.199 We are freed. 00:20:06.359 --> 00:20:07.319 From the burden of the law. 00:20:07.399 --> 00:20:07.819 The law. 00:20:07.939 --> 00:20:08.539 Which Peter described. 00:20:08.579 --> 00:20:08.939 In verse 10. 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:10.459 As an unbearable yoke. 00:20:12.559 --> 00:20:13.759 Instead of getting circumcised. 00:20:13.839 --> 00:20:14.699 The Gentiles are free. 00:20:15.979 --> 00:20:16.579 But of course. 00:20:16.639 --> 00:20:17.559 There's more at stake here. 00:20:17.619 --> 00:20:18.459 Than merely the question. 00:20:18.539 --> 00:20:19.519 Of circumcision. 00:20:19.519 --> 00:20:21.220 It's that nothing. 00:20:21.379 --> 00:20:22.139 Needs to be added. 00:20:22.220 --> 00:20:23.019 To faith in Christ. 00:20:26.059 --> 00:20:26.819 And that means. 00:20:26.819 --> 00:20:27.500 That the burden. 00:20:28.339 --> 00:20:29.480 Of measuring up. 00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:31.779 Of meeting the standard. 00:20:33.619 --> 00:20:34.639 The struggle. 00:20:34.819 --> 00:20:35.420 And trouble. 00:20:35.599 --> 00:20:36.799 Of fulfilling the law. 00:20:36.920 --> 00:20:37.420 Of winning. 00:20:37.879 --> 00:20:38.460 Approval. 00:20:39.259 --> 00:20:40.599 That whole burden. 00:20:41.720 --> 00:20:42.839 Has been lifted. 00:20:43.460 --> 00:20:44.680 It's been cut loose. 00:20:46.779 --> 00:20:47.680 And you're free. 00:20:49.519 --> 00:20:51.039 You know. 00:20:51.059 --> 00:20:51.379 If you're here. 00:20:51.379 --> 00:20:51.980 And you're not a Christian. 00:20:52.059 --> 00:20:53.339 I wonder if you realize this. 00:20:53.420 --> 00:20:54.160 About Christianity. 00:20:55.039 --> 00:20:56.259 How radical it is. 00:20:56.379 --> 00:20:57.440 How unique it is. 00:20:59.000 --> 00:20:59.440 You see. 00:20:59.480 --> 00:21:00.420 What Christianity is all about. 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:01.139 Is not. 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:03.879 Following some clever set of rules. 00:21:04.079 --> 00:21:04.940 Or unique. 00:21:05.139 --> 00:21:06.019 Religious duties. 00:21:06.639 --> 00:21:08.299 In order to get God's approval. 00:21:08.299 --> 00:21:09.579 Like so many other. 00:21:09.980 --> 00:21:10.799 Religious systems. 00:21:10.799 --> 00:21:11.420 That exist. 00:21:11.420 --> 00:21:11.860 Rather. 00:21:14.019 --> 00:21:14.140 What's. 00:21:14.279 --> 00:21:15.360 What Christianity is all about. 00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:16.360 Is about receiving. 00:21:17.160 --> 00:21:18.019 God's approval. 00:21:18.220 --> 00:21:18.740 Freely. 00:21:19.519 --> 00:21:20.120 Through another. 00:21:21.039 --> 00:21:22.180 And being freed. 00:21:22.720 --> 00:21:23.700 From the crushing. 00:21:24.060 --> 00:21:24.480 Weight. 00:21:24.660 --> 00:21:25.380 Of a performance. 00:21:25.560 --> 00:21:25.980 Based. 00:21:26.300 --> 00:21:26.779 Legalism. 00:21:26.840 --> 00:21:27.460 That's latent. 00:21:27.800 --> 00:21:28.900 In all of our hearts. 00:21:31.539 --> 00:21:32.620 It's about receiving. 00:21:32.620 --> 00:21:33.480 This is a gift. 00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:37.360 And of course. 00:21:37.440 --> 00:21:38.820 That's incredibly humbling. 00:21:39.140 --> 00:21:39.600 Isn't it? 00:21:39.599 --> 00:21:42.119 Our pride. 00:21:42.419 --> 00:21:42.879 Loves. 00:21:42.980 --> 00:21:43.519 The thought. 00:21:43.879 --> 00:21:44.740 Of contributing. 00:21:45.259 --> 00:21:45.939 To our redemption. 00:21:47.299 --> 00:21:48.480 And it recoils. 00:21:48.699 --> 00:21:49.199 Against. 00:21:49.759 --> 00:21:50.099 Thinking. 00:21:50.240 --> 00:21:51.179 That we have nothing. 00:21:51.319 --> 00:21:51.959 In our hands. 00:21:52.039 --> 00:21:52.419 To bring. 00:21:54.519 --> 00:21:55.119 But don't you see. 00:21:55.199 --> 00:21:55.939 How liberating. 00:21:56.099 --> 00:21:56.519 This is. 00:21:57.199 --> 00:21:57.759 That you can. 00:21:58.019 --> 00:21:58.419 Finally. 00:21:58.659 --> 00:21:59.579 Step off. 00:21:59.899 --> 00:22:01.059 The hamster wheel. 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:02.959 Of what really. 00:22:03.059 --> 00:22:04.439 Amounts to self-salvation. 00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:07.000 That you can. 00:22:07.079 --> 00:22:07.439 Finally. 00:22:07.559 --> 00:22:08.259 Be set free. 00:22:08.259 --> 00:22:09.099 From hunting. 00:22:09.099 --> 00:22:10.079 For the latest. 00:22:10.079 --> 00:22:10.719 Spiritual. 00:22:11.439 --> 00:22:11.879 Technique. 00:22:12.379 --> 00:22:12.759 To give you. 00:22:12.859 --> 00:22:13.339 A breakthrough. 00:22:14.279 --> 00:22:15.059 You can finally. 00:22:15.059 --> 00:22:15.500 Stop. 00:22:15.959 --> 00:22:16.480 Searching. 00:22:16.619 --> 00:22:17.159 For the latest. 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:18.119 Ted talk. 00:22:18.219 --> 00:22:19.059 That will promise you. 00:22:19.139 --> 00:22:19.679 Success. 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:20.259 And the secret. 00:22:20.319 --> 00:22:20.919 Of fulfillment. 00:22:21.679 --> 00:22:22.319 And how to win. 00:22:22.519 --> 00:22:22.799 Friends. 00:22:22.839 --> 00:22:23.539 And influence people. 00:22:23.639 --> 00:22:24.459 And save the planet. 00:22:24.659 --> 00:22:25.819 As fine as all those things are. 00:22:29.539 --> 00:22:29.939 Finally. 00:22:30.059 --> 00:22:30.639 Sets you free. 00:22:30.639 --> 00:22:31.439 From that latest. 00:22:31.719 --> 00:22:32.119 Fad. 00:22:32.919 --> 00:22:33.899 Whatever it is. 00:22:34.879 --> 00:22:36.139 That's going to set you apart. 00:22:36.140 --> 00:22:36.220 Lord. 00:22:37.020 --> 00:22:38.120 And mark you out. 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:38.720 As in the know. 00:22:38.820 --> 00:22:39.500 And in the now. 00:22:41.880 --> 00:22:42.480 Christ says. 00:22:42.600 --> 00:22:43.460 Come to me. 00:22:43.820 --> 00:22:45.220 All you who are weary. 00:22:45.620 --> 00:22:46.620 And heavy laden. 00:22:46.940 --> 00:22:48.480 And I will give you rest. 00:22:49.480 --> 00:22:50.700 I'm enough for you. 00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:51.940 Come to me. 00:22:54.640 --> 00:22:55.220 And you know. 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:55.740 For Christians. 00:22:55.880 --> 00:22:56.520 We need to be. 00:22:56.680 --> 00:22:57.680 Constantly reminding. 00:22:57.680 --> 00:22:58.279 And ourselves. 00:22:58.400 --> 00:22:59.200 Of this truth too. 00:22:59.519 --> 00:23:00.100 That we're free. 00:23:00.180 --> 00:23:00.580 From the burden. 00:23:00.600 --> 00:23:00.980 Of the law. 00:23:01.080 --> 00:23:02.180 And for at least two reasons. 00:23:02.180 --> 00:23:02.720 Real quickly. 00:23:03.259 --> 00:23:03.660 First. 00:23:03.960 --> 00:23:05.060 Because as we alluded to earlier. 00:23:05.580 --> 00:23:06.360 Whatever standard. 00:23:06.539 --> 00:23:07.240 We set up. 00:23:07.380 --> 00:23:08.759 In addition to faith in Christ. 00:23:08.840 --> 00:23:10.060 For genuine spirituality. 00:23:10.060 --> 00:23:11.100 For true salvation. 00:23:11.100 --> 00:23:12.519 Becomes the very thing. 00:23:12.640 --> 00:23:13.759 That will divide us. 00:23:13.920 --> 00:23:15.140 And destroy us. 00:23:17.860 --> 00:23:18.940 Pride and judgment. 00:23:18.940 --> 00:23:19.820 Will spring up. 00:23:19.920 --> 00:23:20.920 In all directions. 00:23:21.320 --> 00:23:21.820 New believers. 00:23:21.820 --> 00:23:22.640 Will be troubled. 00:23:22.960 --> 00:23:23.880 And unsettled. 00:23:24.039 --> 00:23:25.519 By these self-made standards. 00:23:25.519 --> 00:23:27.080 That we have imposed. 00:23:27.079 --> 00:23:27.919 Their growth. 00:23:28.039 --> 00:23:28.720 Will flounder. 00:23:28.839 --> 00:23:29.439 And the greatest. 00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:31.599 Saddest tragedy. 00:23:31.599 --> 00:23:32.019 Of all. 00:23:33.319 --> 00:23:34.399 Is that Christ. 00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:35.519 Won't get. 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:36.859 The glory. 00:23:37.299 --> 00:23:37.960 For the salvation. 00:23:38.099 --> 00:23:38.659 He is one. 00:23:39.659 --> 00:23:40.500 But it will start. 00:23:40.579 --> 00:23:41.519 To sort of be taken up. 00:23:41.619 --> 00:23:42.319 By ourselves. 00:23:45.199 --> 00:23:46.480 As we look down our noses. 00:23:46.480 --> 00:23:47.579 At those who don't measure up. 00:23:48.639 --> 00:23:50.139 As we congratulate ourselves. 00:23:50.139 --> 00:23:50.960 On all the good things. 00:23:51.000 --> 00:23:51.519 That we've done. 00:23:51.579 --> 00:23:52.339 Or all the sort of. 00:23:52.919 --> 00:23:53.740 Insider things. 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:54.759 That we've picked up on. 00:23:54.819 --> 00:23:55.679 And can now perform. 00:23:57.079 --> 00:23:57.759 That we're free. 00:23:57.759 --> 00:23:58.759 That we're free. 00:23:58.759 --> 00:23:59.759 That we're free. 00:23:59.759 --> 00:23:59.919 But you know. 00:23:59.960 --> 00:24:00.519 The second reason. 00:24:00.519 --> 00:24:01.019 Is that we need to. 00:24:01.019 --> 00:24:02.259 Constantly remind ourselves. 00:24:02.259 --> 00:24:02.939 That we're free. 00:24:02.939 --> 00:24:04.139 From the burden of the law. 00:24:05.179 --> 00:24:05.899 Is because. 00:24:06.299 --> 00:24:07.319 So many of us. 00:24:07.439 --> 00:24:08.319 Even as believers. 00:24:08.319 --> 00:24:09.179 Still live. 00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:10.079 Under the weight. 00:24:10.939 --> 00:24:11.679 Of a sort of. 00:24:12.439 --> 00:24:12.799 Unresolved. 00:24:13.439 --> 00:24:13.759 Guilt. 00:24:14.039 --> 00:24:14.559 And shame. 00:24:16.059 --> 00:24:16.919 It comes from a lot. 00:24:16.919 --> 00:24:17.779 Of different places. 00:24:17.919 --> 00:24:18.199 But you know. 00:24:18.240 --> 00:24:18.339 We. 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:19.740 We can often look at. 00:24:19.819 --> 00:24:20.539 Our sort of performance. 00:24:20.539 --> 00:24:21.299 As a Christian. 00:24:21.419 --> 00:24:22.339 Or look at our performance. 00:24:22.339 --> 00:24:23.279 As a spouse. 00:24:23.279 --> 00:24:25.019 Or look at our performance. 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:25.680 As a parent. 00:24:25.680 --> 00:24:26.619 Or as a friend. 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:29.420 And we just find. 00:24:29.500 --> 00:24:30.599 That we don't measure up. 00:24:30.619 --> 00:24:32.279 Even to our own standards. 00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:33.559 Let alone. 00:24:33.639 --> 00:24:34.180 The standards. 00:24:34.180 --> 00:24:35.359 Of everyone else. 00:24:35.879 --> 00:24:37.180 Who's blogging online. 00:24:37.180 --> 00:24:38.279 About how amazing. 00:24:38.279 --> 00:24:38.839 They are. 00:24:39.319 --> 00:24:39.759 Right. 00:24:45.259 --> 00:24:45.899 And here's. 00:24:45.899 --> 00:24:47.039 Where the gospel comes in. 00:24:48.899 --> 00:24:50.079 And the gospel comes in. 00:24:50.079 --> 00:24:51.279 And says something at first. 00:24:51.480 --> 00:24:51.919 Utterly. 00:24:52.599 --> 00:24:53.119 Counterintuitive. 00:24:55.439 --> 00:24:56.720 Because the gospel comes. 00:24:56.819 --> 00:24:57.299 And says. 00:24:57.619 --> 00:24:58.119 You know. 00:24:58.819 --> 00:24:59.559 Cheer up. 00:25:00.559 --> 00:25:02.259 You are a lot worse. 00:25:02.559 --> 00:25:03.639 Than you think you are. 00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:08.119 You know. 00:25:08.240 --> 00:25:08.859 Your sin. 00:25:08.859 --> 00:25:09.960 Goes a lot deeper. 00:25:11.699 --> 00:25:12.980 Than your little failures. 00:25:14.359 --> 00:25:15.319 And you're blowing it. 00:25:15.379 --> 00:25:15.799 With the kids. 00:25:15.879 --> 00:25:16.699 Every once in a while. 00:25:16.839 --> 00:25:17.899 And you're not measuring up. 00:25:18.079 --> 00:25:19.299 For all your vegan friends. 00:25:20.079 --> 00:25:20.519 You. 00:25:21.839 --> 00:25:22.720 The gospel comes in. 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:23.039 And says. 00:25:23.139 --> 00:25:23.980 You've rebelled. 00:25:24.039 --> 00:25:24.699 Against the God. 00:25:24.740 --> 00:25:25.480 Who created you. 00:25:26.419 --> 00:25:27.500 It's a lot worse. 00:25:27.699 --> 00:25:28.419 Than you think. 00:25:31.119 --> 00:25:32.059 But then the gospel. 00:25:32.059 --> 00:25:32.740 Says this. 00:25:33.279 --> 00:25:33.799 Cheer up. 00:25:35.019 --> 00:25:36.019 You're more loved. 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:37.159 Than you think you are. 00:25:38.740 --> 00:25:39.899 Seeing the depth. 00:25:39.899 --> 00:25:40.980 Of your rebellion. 00:25:40.980 --> 00:25:42.159 And the utterly. 00:25:42.559 --> 00:25:43.039 Spiritually. 00:25:43.119 --> 00:25:43.759 Helpless state. 00:25:43.839 --> 00:25:44.399 You are in. 00:25:45.639 --> 00:25:46.379 Christ came. 00:25:46.460 --> 00:25:47.299 And died for you. 00:25:47.939 --> 00:25:49.119 Because he loves you. 00:25:49.119 --> 00:25:50.539 The perfect. 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.599 Son of God. 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:53.119 Took on your fallen. 00:25:53.279 --> 00:25:53.899 Human flesh. 00:25:54.259 --> 00:25:54.959 And died a death. 00:25:55.039 --> 00:25:55.959 In your place. 00:25:56.500 --> 00:25:57.639 That was totally. 00:25:57.859 --> 00:25:58.739 And completely. 00:25:59.000 --> 00:25:59.679 And utterly. 00:25:59.679 --> 00:26:00.279 Sufficient. 00:26:00.459 --> 00:26:01.039 To cover. 00:26:01.419 --> 00:26:01.919 And cleanse. 00:26:02.299 --> 00:26:02.839 All. 00:26:03.099 --> 00:26:04.119 Of your stains. 00:26:04.679 --> 00:26:05.219 Past. 00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:06.139 Present. 00:26:06.379 --> 00:26:07.019 And even. 00:26:07.239 --> 00:26:07.639 Future. 00:26:07.639 --> 00:26:07.759 Future. 00:26:07.759 --> 00:26:07.879 Future. 00:26:12.680 --> 00:26:13.460 It is sad. 00:26:13.539 --> 00:26:14.299 That many churches. 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:14.660 Today. 00:26:14.879 --> 00:26:15.279 Teach. 00:26:17.720 --> 00:26:18.319 That something. 00:26:18.460 --> 00:26:19.079 Must be added. 00:26:19.460 --> 00:26:20.019 To faith. 00:26:20.079 --> 00:26:20.559 In Christ. 00:26:20.759 --> 00:26:21.680 In order for a person. 00:26:21.720 --> 00:26:22.660 To be truly saved. 00:26:23.940 --> 00:26:24.339 You know. 00:26:24.359 --> 00:26:25.000 Maybe you grew up. 00:26:25.019 --> 00:26:25.740 In a church like that. 00:26:25.740 --> 00:26:26.240 I don't know. 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:27.720 A church that maybe. 00:26:27.819 --> 00:26:28.240 Talked a lot. 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:28.759 About Jesus. 00:26:29.500 --> 00:26:30.460 As a distant figure. 00:26:30.460 --> 00:26:31.039 Of power. 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:31.720 Or maybe sort of. 00:26:31.819 --> 00:26:32.460 A chummy friend. 00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:33.359 That you should. 00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.279 Hang out with. 00:26:34.319 --> 00:26:34.799 And get to know. 00:26:34.859 --> 00:26:35.259 And emulate. 00:26:35.259 --> 00:26:36.660 When it comes to social justice. 00:26:36.660 --> 00:26:38.720 But at the end of the day. 00:26:38.759 --> 00:26:39.320 All the emphasis. 00:26:39.320 --> 00:26:40.740 Was on what you have to do. 00:26:42.759 --> 00:26:43.640 And maybe. 00:26:43.800 --> 00:26:44.600 The church that you grew up in. 00:26:44.640 --> 00:26:45.200 Even told you. 00:26:45.279 --> 00:26:46.680 That it was presumptuous. 00:26:46.840 --> 00:26:47.440 To think. 00:26:47.540 --> 00:26:48.240 That you can know. 00:26:48.300 --> 00:26:48.779 Whether or not. 00:26:48.840 --> 00:26:49.560 God will accept you. 00:26:49.600 --> 00:26:50.000 In the end. 00:26:50.200 --> 00:26:51.180 Because after all. 00:26:51.259 --> 00:26:51.779 They say. 00:26:52.160 --> 00:26:53.340 You got to live a good life. 00:26:53.640 --> 00:26:54.820 And then God decides. 00:26:57.320 --> 00:26:57.880 But friends. 00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:58.759 Listen to this. 00:27:01.220 --> 00:27:02.040 That is not. 00:27:02.120 --> 00:27:02.580 The gospel. 00:27:04.019 --> 00:27:04.600 That's not. 00:27:04.680 --> 00:27:05.660 What the apostles taught. 00:27:05.660 --> 00:27:05.700 God. 00:27:06.400 --> 00:27:07.380 And any church. 00:27:08.060 --> 00:27:09.160 No matter how big. 00:27:09.640 --> 00:27:10.640 Or how old. 00:27:11.120 --> 00:27:11.940 Or how nice. 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:12.680 The people are. 00:27:14.940 --> 00:27:15.680 Any church. 00:27:15.680 --> 00:27:16.080 That says. 00:27:16.200 --> 00:27:16.740 We're saved. 00:27:16.740 --> 00:27:17.660 By anything. 00:27:17.880 --> 00:27:18.380 Other than. 00:27:18.500 --> 00:27:19.519 God's grace alone. 00:27:20.240 --> 00:27:21.200 Through faith alone. 00:27:21.200 --> 00:27:22.160 In Christ alone. 00:27:22.840 --> 00:27:23.960 Is not teaching. 00:27:24.120 --> 00:27:24.840 True Christianity. 00:27:29.360 --> 00:27:30.160 In the passage. 00:27:30.300 --> 00:27:30.860 We read earlier. 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:31.860 That Myon Hwa read for us. 00:27:31.920 --> 00:27:32.279 Paul says. 00:27:32.360 --> 00:27:32.820 If righteousness. 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:33.620 Were through the law. 00:27:33.680 --> 00:27:34.460 Then Christ died. 00:27:34.540 --> 00:27:35.560 For no purpose. 00:27:35.660 --> 00:27:38.759 If we could somehow. 00:27:38.759 --> 00:27:39.420 Give ourselves. 00:27:39.420 --> 00:27:40.259 A little push. 00:27:40.259 --> 00:27:41.000 Into the kingdom. 00:27:41.620 --> 00:27:42.980 Why would the son of God. 00:27:43.120 --> 00:27:44.200 Have to die. 00:27:44.300 --> 00:27:45.120 For our sins. 00:27:47.320 --> 00:27:48.560 And so the cross. 00:27:48.620 --> 00:27:49.680 Becomes the great. 00:27:50.180 --> 00:27:50.740 Display. 00:27:52.500 --> 00:27:53.600 That our works. 00:27:53.600 --> 00:27:54.960 Can play no role. 00:27:55.640 --> 00:27:56.779 In God forgiving us. 00:27:56.880 --> 00:27:57.660 And accepting us. 00:27:57.740 --> 00:27:58.360 Either now. 00:27:58.440 --> 00:27:59.320 Or in the last day. 00:27:59.319 --> 00:28:01.460 And the cross. 00:28:01.460 --> 00:28:02.419 Becomes the great display. 00:28:02.419 --> 00:28:03.259 That the good news. 00:28:03.259 --> 00:28:03.819 Is so much. 00:28:04.119 --> 00:28:05.079 Better than that. 00:28:05.539 --> 00:28:06.059 It's so much. 00:28:06.339 --> 00:28:07.299 Better than a works. 00:28:07.419 --> 00:28:08.460 Based salvation. 00:28:10.240 --> 00:28:11.439 It's the liberating. 00:28:12.079 --> 00:28:12.519 Burden. 00:28:12.679 --> 00:28:13.000 Lifting. 00:28:13.460 --> 00:28:13.859 Grace. 00:28:15.000 --> 00:28:16.159 Of Jesus Christ. 00:28:16.160 --> 00:28:16.279 Christ. 00:28:20.200 --> 00:28:20.720 And of course. 00:28:20.759 --> 00:28:21.440 All this immediately. 00:28:21.440 --> 00:28:22.279 Raises the question. 00:28:22.380 --> 00:28:22.640 Doesn't it. 00:28:22.660 --> 00:28:23.259 For a lot of people. 00:28:23.360 --> 00:28:23.440 That. 00:28:24.120 --> 00:28:24.500 If we're really. 00:28:24.580 --> 00:28:25.180 Saved sheerly. 00:28:25.240 --> 00:28:25.800 By grace. 00:28:25.920 --> 00:28:26.700 Wouldn't that lead to. 00:28:26.800 --> 00:28:27.720 Completely immoral. 00:28:28.019 --> 00:28:28.440 Lifestyles. 00:28:28.500 --> 00:28:28.660 I mean. 00:28:28.720 --> 00:28:29.300 Come on. 00:28:29.820 --> 00:28:30.600 If I knew that God. 00:28:30.600 --> 00:28:30.980 Accepted me. 00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:32.080 Totally through grace. 00:28:32.140 --> 00:28:33.720 Apart from what I did. 00:28:33.840 --> 00:28:34.600 If my works. 00:28:34.680 --> 00:28:36.180 Had nothing to do with it. 00:28:37.259 --> 00:28:37.660 Man. 00:28:38.740 --> 00:28:39.279 Wouldn't I just. 00:28:39.840 --> 00:28:40.620 Do whatever the heck. 00:28:40.680 --> 00:28:41.259 I kind of wanted. 00:28:41.259 --> 00:28:44.900 But interestingly. 00:28:45.859 --> 00:28:47.519 That's not what we see here. 00:28:48.319 --> 00:28:49.759 At the Jerusalem council. 00:28:50.680 --> 00:28:52.140 And this is our fourth point. 00:28:52.279 --> 00:28:53.119 That Luke shows us. 00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:54.099 That yes. 00:28:54.160 --> 00:28:55.099 The gospel of grace. 00:28:55.220 --> 00:28:56.299 Frees us from the law. 00:28:57.220 --> 00:28:58.579 But it compels us. 00:28:59.119 --> 00:28:59.579 To love. 00:29:01.180 --> 00:29:02.279 In verses 20 through 21. 00:29:02.460 --> 00:29:04.059 James lists some things. 00:29:04.500 --> 00:29:05.500 That he says. 00:29:05.660 --> 00:29:06.619 Gentile Christians. 00:29:06.900 --> 00:29:07.700 Ought to avoid. 00:29:08.299 --> 00:29:09.599 Now this list was probably a bit. 00:29:09.700 --> 00:29:10.799 Maybe befuddling for you. 00:29:10.799 --> 00:29:11.819 And maybe kind of gross. 00:29:12.220 --> 00:29:13.079 Let's talk about blood. 00:29:14.859 --> 00:29:15.940 And of course the question is. 00:29:16.019 --> 00:29:17.200 What is James referring to? 00:29:18.019 --> 00:29:18.659 Now some things. 00:29:18.740 --> 00:29:19.379 Some commentators think. 00:29:19.440 --> 00:29:20.039 That James is saying. 00:29:20.119 --> 00:29:20.379 Hey look. 00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:21.480 Stay away from things. 00:29:21.480 --> 00:29:22.940 That are going to needlessly offend. 00:29:23.119 --> 00:29:24.419 Your Jewish brothers and sisters. 00:29:24.419 --> 00:29:25.220 For the sake of unity. 00:29:25.339 --> 00:29:26.500 You don't have to get circumcised. 00:29:26.859 --> 00:29:27.559 But you know. 00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:29.639 Stay away from like. 00:29:30.539 --> 00:29:31.619 Bloody cuts of meat. 00:29:31.940 --> 00:29:33.139 Because all your Jewish friends. 00:29:33.139 --> 00:29:33.720 Aren't going to really. 00:29:34.119 --> 00:29:34.659 Like that. 00:29:34.859 --> 00:29:36.220 It's going to be hard to fellowship with them. 00:29:37.079 --> 00:29:38.379 So don't needlessly offend. 00:29:38.380 --> 00:29:39.380 But. 00:29:40.860 --> 00:29:41.460 So basically. 00:29:41.560 --> 00:29:41.720 So them. 00:29:41.800 --> 00:29:42.640 Curtail your freedom. 00:29:42.640 --> 00:29:43.340 For their sake. 00:29:43.520 --> 00:29:44.180 Out of love for them. 00:29:44.980 --> 00:29:45.380 But you know. 00:29:45.440 --> 00:29:46.000 Some think. 00:29:46.100 --> 00:29:46.820 Some commentators think. 00:29:46.860 --> 00:29:47.920 That James is describing. 00:29:47.920 --> 00:29:49.020 Not particular sort of. 00:29:49.140 --> 00:29:50.640 Old Testament Levitical codes here. 00:29:51.540 --> 00:29:52.380 But actually. 00:29:52.500 --> 00:29:52.880 He's looking. 00:29:53.280 --> 00:29:54.360 Outside into the pagan world. 00:29:54.420 --> 00:29:55.220 And he's describing. 00:29:56.020 --> 00:29:56.420 Pagan. 00:29:56.900 --> 00:29:57.280 Temple. 00:29:57.800 --> 00:29:58.280 Practices. 00:30:00.280 --> 00:30:01.200 He's telling them. 00:30:01.260 --> 00:30:01.700 In other words. 00:30:01.900 --> 00:30:03.020 Not to stay away. 00:30:03.020 --> 00:30:04.280 From a particular menu. 00:30:04.280 --> 00:30:05.100 In the church. 00:30:05.099 --> 00:30:07.419 But from a particular venue. 00:30:08.779 --> 00:30:09.839 From those places. 00:30:09.839 --> 00:30:10.819 Where idol worship. 00:30:11.819 --> 00:30:12.839 And the attendant. 00:30:13.059 --> 00:30:14.079 Sexual immorality. 00:30:14.259 --> 00:30:15.179 That often surrounded. 00:30:16.719 --> 00:30:17.599 Pagan temples. 00:30:18.480 --> 00:30:19.319 Where all of that. 00:30:19.599 --> 00:30:19.839 Would have been. 00:30:20.059 --> 00:30:21.219 Explicit and rampant. 00:30:21.299 --> 00:30:21.799 James is saying. 00:30:21.899 --> 00:30:22.359 Hey look. 00:30:23.339 --> 00:30:24.399 Stay away from that. 00:30:25.319 --> 00:30:25.939 Steer clear. 00:30:27.240 --> 00:30:28.919 Now here's what's interesting about that. 00:30:29.059 --> 00:30:30.480 That seems kind of obvious to us. 00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:30.719 Right? 00:30:30.720 --> 00:30:31.400 But. 00:30:33.000 --> 00:30:34.860 That would have been an even bigger. 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:36.279 And harder sacrifice. 00:30:36.980 --> 00:30:37.980 For Gentile Christians. 00:30:38.519 --> 00:30:39.720 An even bigger act of love. 00:30:39.799 --> 00:30:40.539 Than staying away. 00:30:40.660 --> 00:30:41.680 From non-kosher foods. 00:30:42.600 --> 00:30:43.259 And here's why. 00:30:43.940 --> 00:30:44.940 Because so much. 00:30:45.000 --> 00:30:45.940 Of ancient civil. 00:30:46.579 --> 00:30:48.059 And social life. 00:30:49.259 --> 00:30:50.759 In whatever city you lived in. 00:30:50.860 --> 00:30:52.720 Revolved around your local shrine. 00:30:53.880 --> 00:30:55.000 Your local temple. 00:30:55.440 --> 00:30:56.259 It was the center. 00:30:56.759 --> 00:30:57.980 Of the sort of. 00:30:58.079 --> 00:30:59.259 Not just religious life. 00:30:59.259 --> 00:31:00.740 It was the center of political life. 00:31:00.799 --> 00:31:01.279 In some cities. 00:31:01.279 --> 00:31:02.900 It was the center of economic life. 00:31:05.539 --> 00:31:06.460 And James in essence. 00:31:06.460 --> 00:31:07.000 Was saying. 00:31:07.819 --> 00:31:08.039 Hey. 00:31:08.960 --> 00:31:09.980 Now the gospel. 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:11.440 Shapes all your priorities. 00:31:12.579 --> 00:31:13.920 Even if it means. 00:31:14.980 --> 00:31:15.779 Becoming something. 00:31:15.779 --> 00:31:17.160 Of a social outcast. 00:31:17.879 --> 00:31:19.019 And all your friends. 00:31:19.019 --> 00:31:20.079 Thinking you're weird. 00:31:20.680 --> 00:31:21.839 Because you won't go down. 00:31:21.920 --> 00:31:23.259 To sacrifice to the emperor. 00:31:23.559 --> 00:31:24.420 Or to the local. 00:31:24.500 --> 00:31:25.619 Sort of tribal deities. 00:31:27.440 --> 00:31:28.359 You can imagine. 00:31:28.359 --> 00:31:29.079 The conversations. 00:31:29.199 --> 00:31:30.079 That gentile Christians. 00:31:30.079 --> 00:31:30.659 Must have had. 00:31:30.740 --> 00:31:31.079 With their. 00:31:31.740 --> 00:31:33.139 Non-believing gentile friends. 00:31:34.459 --> 00:31:34.899 What? 00:31:35.639 --> 00:31:36.799 You're not coming to the temple? 00:31:37.399 --> 00:31:38.240 Why not? 00:31:39.619 --> 00:31:39.899 Look. 00:31:39.979 --> 00:31:41.959 You don't have to sacrifice. 00:31:42.319 --> 00:31:43.319 Just come. 00:31:44.319 --> 00:31:44.719 Why? 00:31:46.879 --> 00:31:47.439 I mean. 00:31:47.439 --> 00:31:48.959 It must have been utterly baffling to them. 00:31:49.059 --> 00:31:50.699 Completely off the map. 00:31:50.700 --> 00:31:54.100 Why would they give up. 00:31:54.420 --> 00:31:55.360 Such a thing. 00:31:56.420 --> 00:31:58.000 For the sake of those weird. 00:31:58.080 --> 00:31:59.819 Kind of fundy Jews. 00:32:00.160 --> 00:32:01.640 Who are keeping all those rules. 00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:05.279 That now identify with this king. 00:32:05.360 --> 00:32:05.980 You call Jesus. 00:32:09.360 --> 00:32:10.019 And friends. 00:32:10.080 --> 00:32:10.980 The reason deep down. 00:32:11.200 --> 00:32:11.559 Why. 00:32:12.880 --> 00:32:14.120 They could do this. 00:32:14.740 --> 00:32:16.100 Is because they knew. 00:32:16.099 --> 00:32:18.139 That this Jesus. 00:32:18.299 --> 00:32:18.819 The king. 00:32:19.339 --> 00:32:20.079 Their savior. 00:32:20.819 --> 00:32:22.339 Had given up his rights. 00:32:23.059 --> 00:32:24.899 And laid down his life. 00:32:25.500 --> 00:32:26.500 For their sake. 00:32:27.579 --> 00:32:29.299 And now it was no small thing. 00:32:30.079 --> 00:32:31.719 For them to lay down their rights. 00:32:32.179 --> 00:32:33.519 And to lay down their lives. 00:32:34.099 --> 00:32:35.419 For their brothers and sisters. 00:32:35.500 --> 00:32:37.179 Even the ones who are very different from them. 00:32:39.980 --> 00:32:41.159 See the gospel of grace. 00:32:41.259 --> 00:32:42.119 Frees us from the law. 00:32:42.119 --> 00:32:45.000 And it compels us to love. 00:32:46.539 --> 00:32:48.679 If in Christ we have everything we need. 00:32:48.879 --> 00:32:49.899 Everything we need. 00:32:50.539 --> 00:32:52.279 If he's utterly sufficient for righteousness. 00:32:52.479 --> 00:32:52.939 And life. 00:32:53.199 --> 00:32:53.819 And salvation. 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:55.779 If nothing needs to be added. 00:32:55.899 --> 00:32:57.079 To what he's given us. 00:32:57.439 --> 00:32:59.219 Solely and completely through faith. 00:33:00.459 --> 00:33:02.119 If a heart resting in him. 00:33:02.179 --> 00:33:03.219 And cleansed by him. 00:33:03.319 --> 00:33:04.959 And filled with the Holy Spirit. 00:33:05.000 --> 00:33:05.859 Of love. 00:33:05.939 --> 00:33:06.399 And joy. 00:33:06.539 --> 00:33:07.199 And peace. 00:33:08.139 --> 00:33:09.259 If that's a reality. 00:33:09.359 --> 00:33:11.000 If that's what you're full of in Christ. 00:33:11.000 --> 00:33:13.240 Then to give up certain things. 00:33:13.240 --> 00:33:15.500 Out of love for a brother or sister in Christ. 00:33:16.559 --> 00:33:18.779 That becomes the most natural thing in the world. 00:33:20.859 --> 00:33:23.180 It becomes a glad privilege. 00:33:23.839 --> 00:33:25.059 To give up things. 00:33:26.900 --> 00:33:28.440 Because you really lose nothing. 00:33:28.660 --> 00:33:29.359 In giving them up. 00:33:29.599 --> 00:33:31.339 Because you have everything in him. 00:33:34.599 --> 00:33:37.519 And you know this is something that legalism can never do. 00:33:37.519 --> 00:33:42.099 Legalism often gives the appearance of morality. 00:33:42.099 --> 00:33:42.619 Doesn't it? 00:33:42.660 --> 00:33:43.440 Of doing good. 00:33:44.819 --> 00:33:46.879 But ultimately isn't it self-centered? 00:33:48.740 --> 00:33:50.619 You see if you're doing good ultimately. 00:33:50.879 --> 00:33:52.379 To get a good standing with God. 00:33:52.460 --> 00:33:53.519 Or to prove yourself. 00:33:54.319 --> 00:33:56.019 Then you're really doing good ultimately. 00:33:56.019 --> 00:33:57.299 For your own sake. 00:33:57.700 --> 00:33:58.139 Aren't you? 00:33:58.140 --> 00:34:04.060 You see only when the gospel liberates you. 00:34:04.480 --> 00:34:05.600 From the need. 00:34:05.720 --> 00:34:07.220 Of self-justification. 00:34:08.840 --> 00:34:10.340 And earning God's favor. 00:34:10.460 --> 00:34:11.960 Only when you're free from that. 00:34:13.099 --> 00:34:14.860 Will you ever start loving other people. 00:34:15.820 --> 00:34:17.000 For their sake. 00:34:17.960 --> 00:34:19.300 For love's sake. 00:34:20.019 --> 00:34:21.420 And not for your own sake. 00:34:23.500 --> 00:34:25.079 Isn't there a deep irony here? 00:34:25.079 --> 00:34:27.420 That some people are wary of the gospel. 00:34:27.420 --> 00:34:28.559 Of utterly free grace. 00:34:28.559 --> 00:34:29.940 Because they think it might destroy. 00:34:29.940 --> 00:34:31.420 The motivation for good works. 00:34:33.420 --> 00:34:34.420 When in reality. 00:34:34.679 --> 00:34:35.099 Only. 00:34:35.880 --> 00:34:37.380 The gospel of free grace. 00:34:37.920 --> 00:34:39.159 Can give you the right. 00:34:39.259 --> 00:34:39.960 And good motivation. 00:34:40.099 --> 00:34:41.000 To actually do. 00:34:41.239 --> 00:34:41.819 A good work. 00:34:45.139 --> 00:34:45.719 And friends. 00:34:45.799 --> 00:34:46.840 If we've come to trust in Jesus. 00:34:46.840 --> 00:34:47.500 Who died. 00:34:47.779 --> 00:34:48.360 And lives again. 00:34:48.440 --> 00:34:49.360 Who gives us his spirit. 00:34:49.480 --> 00:34:51.119 Then good works will flow forth. 00:34:51.119 --> 00:34:54.480 Finally. 00:34:54.559 --> 00:34:55.219 Then the last point. 00:34:55.319 --> 00:34:55.759 The last point. 00:34:55.839 --> 00:34:56.559 That we see in this passage. 00:34:56.679 --> 00:34:58.219 Is found in verse 30 through 35. 00:34:58.960 --> 00:35:00.039 After the council in Jerusalem. 00:35:00.299 --> 00:35:01.179 Sends a delegation. 00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:02.259 Back to Antioch. 00:35:02.299 --> 00:35:02.759 With a letter. 00:35:02.859 --> 00:35:04.119 Sort of outlining their decision. 00:35:04.279 --> 00:35:05.339 Luke gives us this description. 00:35:05.400 --> 00:35:05.940 Of what happens. 00:35:06.000 --> 00:35:06.719 Let's look at verse 30. 00:35:06.799 --> 00:35:06.960 So. 00:35:07.299 --> 00:35:08.059 They were sent off. 00:35:08.339 --> 00:35:09.559 They went down to Antioch. 00:35:09.579 --> 00:35:10.299 And having gathered. 00:35:10.380 --> 00:35:11.440 The congregation together. 00:35:11.559 --> 00:35:12.500 They delivered the letter. 00:35:13.039 --> 00:35:13.960 And when they had read it. 00:35:13.980 --> 00:35:14.980 They rejoiced. 00:35:14.980 --> 00:35:16.179 Because of its encouragement. 00:35:16.900 --> 00:35:17.900 And Judas and Silas. 00:35:17.940 --> 00:35:18.819 Who were themselves prophets. 00:35:19.239 --> 00:35:20.779 Encouraged and strengthened the brothers. 00:35:20.780 --> 00:35:21.560 With many words. 00:35:22.140 --> 00:35:23.340 And after they had spent some time. 00:35:23.400 --> 00:35:24.780 They were sent off in peace. 00:35:25.080 --> 00:35:25.920 By the brothers. 00:35:26.040 --> 00:35:27.000 To those who had sent them. 00:35:28.040 --> 00:35:28.980 But Paul and Barnabas. 00:35:29.040 --> 00:35:30.000 Remained in Antioch. 00:35:30.120 --> 00:35:30.440 Teaching. 00:35:31.060 --> 00:35:32.220 And preaching the word of the Lord. 00:35:32.820 --> 00:35:34.100 With many others also. 00:35:36.519 --> 00:35:37.860 The last point that we see here. 00:35:37.920 --> 00:35:39.160 Is that working hard. 00:35:39.720 --> 00:35:41.300 To preserve the gospel. 00:35:41.980 --> 00:35:43.500 Is of utmost importance. 00:35:43.500 --> 00:35:44.500 For the church's health. 00:35:45.860 --> 00:35:46.760 I mean no doubt. 00:35:46.860 --> 00:35:47.900 What we've just been reading. 00:35:48.220 --> 00:35:49.620 This council of Jerusalem. 00:35:49.619 --> 00:35:51.000 Was hard work. 00:35:51.559 --> 00:35:52.460 They discussed. 00:35:52.859 --> 00:35:53.659 And they debated. 00:35:55.359 --> 00:35:57.079 They had long nights. 00:35:58.079 --> 00:35:59.119 Looking at scripture. 00:35:59.559 --> 00:36:01.019 Talking about what God had done. 00:36:01.420 --> 00:36:02.719 Hashing out the implications. 00:36:03.480 --> 00:36:05.159 They traveled long miles. 00:36:05.279 --> 00:36:06.960 And travailed long hours. 00:36:06.960 --> 00:36:07.819 Over this matter. 00:36:09.159 --> 00:36:09.839 It was hard work. 00:36:09.880 --> 00:36:11.219 Just think how easy it would have been. 00:36:11.359 --> 00:36:12.579 For the church in Antioch. 00:36:12.659 --> 00:36:13.239 Simply to say. 00:36:13.400 --> 00:36:14.199 Forget this. 00:36:14.679 --> 00:36:15.599 We're just going to ignore. 00:36:15.599 --> 00:36:16.420 The church in Jerusalem. 00:36:16.559 --> 00:36:17.119 Because they're like. 00:36:17.119 --> 00:36:18.099 So ten years ago. 00:36:18.219 --> 00:36:19.079 And we're the cutting edge. 00:36:19.799 --> 00:36:20.199 Sayonara. 00:36:22.019 --> 00:36:22.819 But no. 00:36:23.380 --> 00:36:24.699 They do the long. 00:36:24.900 --> 00:36:25.759 Hard work. 00:36:25.839 --> 00:36:26.259 Of coming. 00:36:26.539 --> 00:36:27.420 To an agreement. 00:36:27.839 --> 00:36:28.859 And of reaffirming. 00:36:28.920 --> 00:36:29.739 The gospel of grace. 00:36:29.799 --> 00:36:30.859 And the complete sufficiency. 00:36:31.000 --> 00:36:31.699 Of faith in Christ. 00:36:33.759 --> 00:36:34.759 But in the end. 00:36:35.239 --> 00:36:36.559 As Luke shows us here. 00:36:37.219 --> 00:36:38.819 It was totally worth it. 00:36:40.279 --> 00:36:41.359 What's the result? 00:36:43.059 --> 00:36:44.500 A church full of joy. 00:36:44.500 --> 00:36:46.099 Verse 31. 00:36:47.219 --> 00:36:48.380 A church that strengthened. 00:36:49.059 --> 00:36:49.980 Verse 32. 00:36:51.480 --> 00:36:53.699 A church that comes and goes in peace. 00:36:54.480 --> 00:36:55.159 Verse 33. 00:36:56.920 --> 00:36:58.119 Why all these things? 00:36:59.500 --> 00:37:00.559 Because they worked hard. 00:37:00.639 --> 00:37:01.480 To preserve the gospel. 00:37:03.699 --> 00:37:04.780 What about us friends? 00:37:05.519 --> 00:37:06.840 Do we work hard with one another. 00:37:06.920 --> 00:37:07.980 To uphold and clarify. 00:37:08.159 --> 00:37:08.739 And reaffirm. 00:37:09.099 --> 00:37:09.960 The gospel of grace. 00:37:10.039 --> 00:37:10.940 In one another's lives. 00:37:10.940 --> 00:37:13.360 Or are we prone. 00:37:13.440 --> 00:37:13.780 To quickly. 00:37:13.940 --> 00:37:15.139 Just kind of write people off. 00:37:15.179 --> 00:37:15.840 Or to ignore. 00:37:15.980 --> 00:37:16.539 Or to judge. 00:37:16.579 --> 00:37:17.579 Or to just go our own way. 00:37:18.519 --> 00:37:19.099 I mean after all. 00:37:19.179 --> 00:37:20.119 Think of how much time. 00:37:20.200 --> 00:37:20.820 Was spent on this issue. 00:37:21.159 --> 00:37:21.820 Paul and Barnabas. 00:37:21.880 --> 00:37:22.240 Could have been out. 00:37:22.320 --> 00:37:22.940 Planting churches. 00:37:23.039 --> 00:37:23.920 And making more disciples. 00:37:25.440 --> 00:37:25.780 Instead. 00:37:25.900 --> 00:37:26.800 They trekked the whole way. 00:37:26.820 --> 00:37:27.480 To Jerusalem. 00:37:27.619 --> 00:37:28.480 And dove headlong. 00:37:28.659 --> 00:37:29.420 Into a thorny. 00:37:29.639 --> 00:37:30.700 Theological debate. 00:37:31.200 --> 00:37:32.019 Not for the sake. 00:37:32.039 --> 00:37:33.079 Of merely being right. 00:37:33.260 --> 00:37:34.079 But for the sake. 00:37:34.099 --> 00:37:35.260 Of the church's health. 00:37:35.460 --> 00:37:36.260 Because they knew. 00:37:36.260 --> 00:37:38.119 That in the long run. 00:37:38.119 --> 00:37:41.079 The vitality. 00:37:41.079 --> 00:37:42.079 Of the church. 00:37:42.279 --> 00:37:43.980 Depended on this issue. 00:37:46.960 --> 00:37:48.099 They weren't going down. 00:37:48.139 --> 00:37:48.539 To Jerusalem. 00:37:48.539 --> 00:37:49.679 To argue about the color. 00:37:49.759 --> 00:37:50.219 Of carpets. 00:37:50.239 --> 00:37:50.839 And the pews. 00:37:51.099 --> 00:37:52.440 But they went down. 00:37:52.940 --> 00:37:54.420 To get the gospel right. 00:37:56.539 --> 00:37:57.239 And friends. 00:37:57.279 --> 00:37:57.960 The vitality. 00:37:57.960 --> 00:37:58.960 Of our church. 00:38:00.099 --> 00:38:01.159 Will too. 00:38:01.400 --> 00:38:01.900 Depend. 00:38:03.359 --> 00:38:04.339 On the clarity. 00:38:04.339 --> 00:38:04.920 Of the gospel. 00:38:04.920 --> 00:38:07.340 You know. 00:38:07.380 --> 00:38:08.000 We talk a lot. 00:38:08.059 --> 00:38:08.400 At Trinity. 00:38:08.400 --> 00:38:09.460 About being a gospel. 00:38:09.920 --> 00:38:10.980 Centered church. 00:38:11.440 --> 00:38:12.159 Of being. 00:38:12.800 --> 00:38:13.400 Gathered. 00:38:13.780 --> 00:38:14.960 Not by all the things. 00:38:14.960 --> 00:38:15.680 That we like. 00:38:16.139 --> 00:38:16.619 But gathered. 00:38:16.700 --> 00:38:17.280 By the gospel. 00:38:17.360 --> 00:38:18.139 Of Jesus Christ. 00:38:18.820 --> 00:38:20.300 We talk about being changed. 00:38:20.380 --> 00:38:20.780 Being changed. 00:38:20.840 --> 00:38:21.300 Not by. 00:38:22.000 --> 00:38:22.900 Sort of hard effort. 00:38:22.980 --> 00:38:23.900 Although there's some of that. 00:38:24.619 --> 00:38:25.380 Not being changed. 00:38:25.400 --> 00:38:26.180 By the next trick. 00:38:26.240 --> 00:38:26.619 Or fad. 00:38:26.659 --> 00:38:27.380 But being changed. 00:38:27.380 --> 00:38:27.940 By the gospel. 00:38:27.940 --> 00:38:28.740 Of Jesus Christ. 00:38:29.960 --> 00:38:31.320 And we talk about being sent out. 00:38:31.320 --> 00:38:32.240 Of going forth. 00:38:32.380 --> 00:38:32.840 In mission. 00:38:32.840 --> 00:38:36.240 Not merely because we want to. 00:38:36.559 --> 00:38:37.100 Do good works. 00:38:37.160 --> 00:38:37.880 Although that's great. 00:38:38.660 --> 00:38:39.820 But we get sent out. 00:38:39.940 --> 00:38:40.660 Because of the gospel. 00:38:40.780 --> 00:38:41.480 Of Jesus Christ. 00:38:44.460 --> 00:38:45.680 Why do we talk so much. 00:38:45.680 --> 00:38:46.500 About being a gospel. 00:38:46.500 --> 00:38:47.000 Centered church. 00:38:47.160 --> 00:38:48.019 This is why. 00:38:49.300 --> 00:38:50.320 Because as we see. 00:38:50.460 --> 00:38:51.120 In verses 30. 00:38:51.200 --> 00:38:52.000 And 35. 00:38:52.519 --> 00:38:53.559 It's the gospel. 00:38:53.880 --> 00:38:54.360 Clarified. 00:38:54.620 --> 00:38:54.920 Taught. 00:38:54.920 --> 00:38:56.100 And celebrated. 00:38:56.300 --> 00:38:57.140 That brings joy. 00:38:57.519 --> 00:38:58.300 And strength. 00:38:58.700 --> 00:38:59.440 And peace. 00:39:00.120 --> 00:39:00.700 To the church. 00:39:02.840 --> 00:39:04.920 Today we're heading into. 00:39:05.059 --> 00:39:05.960 What many church traditions. 00:39:05.960 --> 00:39:07.019 Call holy week. 00:39:08.300 --> 00:39:09.100 This is the week. 00:39:09.120 --> 00:39:09.760 When we remember. 00:39:09.760 --> 00:39:10.800 The central events. 00:39:10.800 --> 00:39:11.600 Of Jesus's death. 00:39:11.620 --> 00:39:12.140 And resurrection. 00:39:13.620 --> 00:39:14.019 Easter. 00:39:14.220 --> 00:39:14.880 Coming in a week. 00:39:15.180 --> 00:39:15.740 Good Friday. 00:39:15.840 --> 00:39:16.260 On Friday. 00:39:17.780 --> 00:39:19.059 Let me challenge you. 00:39:19.820 --> 00:39:21.019 To do something. 00:39:21.019 --> 00:39:21.500 This week. 00:39:21.500 --> 00:39:22.260 That will deepen. 00:39:22.740 --> 00:39:23.660 Your understanding. 00:39:23.660 --> 00:39:24.300 Of the gospel. 00:39:26.620 --> 00:39:27.400 The church email. 00:39:27.559 --> 00:39:27.800 This week. 00:39:27.800 --> 00:39:28.760 Included some devotionals. 00:39:28.820 --> 00:39:29.300 For holy week. 00:39:29.360 --> 00:39:29.980 That would be a good place. 00:39:30.000 --> 00:39:30.460 To start. 00:39:31.079 --> 00:39:31.660 Lots of books. 00:39:31.659 --> 00:39:32.379 Down stairs. 00:39:32.440 --> 00:39:33.039 In the book stall. 00:39:33.879 --> 00:39:34.199 Four. 00:39:34.960 --> 00:39:35.239 Gospels. 00:39:35.420 --> 00:39:36.159 In your new testament. 00:39:36.460 --> 00:39:36.859 To read. 00:39:37.500 --> 00:39:38.179 You just pick one. 00:39:42.299 --> 00:39:42.940 Maybe you want to meet. 00:39:43.039 --> 00:39:43.480 With a friend. 00:39:43.559 --> 00:39:44.059 This week. 00:39:45.239 --> 00:39:46.199 To talk in depth. 00:39:46.239 --> 00:39:47.099 About how the gospel. 00:39:47.219 --> 00:39:48.159 Of free grace. 00:39:48.899 --> 00:39:49.539 Is at work. 00:39:49.579 --> 00:39:50.139 In your lives. 00:39:50.179 --> 00:39:50.659 And pray together. 00:39:50.739 --> 00:39:51.179 That it would take. 00:39:51.259 --> 00:39:51.899 Deeper root in you. 00:39:52.639 --> 00:39:53.299 Some of you might be thinking. 00:39:53.359 --> 00:39:54.039 That's the weirdest thing. 00:39:54.039 --> 00:39:55.119 I would ever ask someone to do. 00:39:55.879 --> 00:39:57.019 But now I just gave you permission. 00:39:57.079 --> 00:39:57.739 So it won't be weird. 00:39:58.639 --> 00:39:58.920 She's like. 00:39:58.980 --> 00:39:59.119 Hey. 00:39:59.259 --> 00:39:59.960 Remember how Pastor Nick. 00:40:00.000 --> 00:40:00.579 Said that weird thing. 00:40:00.619 --> 00:40:00.859 We should do. 00:40:00.879 --> 00:40:01.279 Let's do that. 00:40:01.379 --> 00:40:01.599 Okay. 00:40:01.739 --> 00:40:01.980 Great. 00:40:02.079 --> 00:40:02.519 I'll try it. 00:40:07.119 --> 00:40:08.019 Whatever you do. 00:40:08.679 --> 00:40:09.519 Do something. 00:40:10.519 --> 00:40:11.819 But know this friends. 00:40:12.599 --> 00:40:14.259 That whatever hard work. 00:40:14.259 --> 00:40:15.299 You invest. 00:40:16.119 --> 00:40:17.339 Will be worth the effort. 00:40:19.199 --> 00:40:19.920 Here it is. 00:40:20.000 --> 00:40:20.339 Joy. 00:40:20.719 --> 00:40:21.119 Strength. 00:40:21.319 --> 00:40:21.679 And peace. 00:40:21.739 --> 00:40:22.659 Are you wanting those things. 00:40:22.699 --> 00:40:23.239 In your life? 00:40:25.500 --> 00:40:26.359 Do you want those things. 00:40:26.399 --> 00:40:27.179 In your relationships? 00:40:28.639 --> 00:40:29.539 Do you want those things. 00:40:29.579 --> 00:40:30.179 In our church? 00:40:30.179 --> 00:40:32.960 Then hold firm. 00:40:32.960 --> 00:40:34.379 To the gospel. 00:40:34.759 --> 00:40:36.619 And dive into its depths. 00:40:36.699 --> 00:40:38.399 And let it expose your inner legalists. 00:40:38.440 --> 00:40:40.039 Let it do that uncomfortable work. 00:40:40.039 --> 00:40:43.119 Of showing you all the ways in which you're prone to add things. 00:40:43.279 --> 00:40:44.719 To what Christ has done. 00:40:46.039 --> 00:40:47.440 Dive into it together. 00:40:48.639 --> 00:40:50.119 And then experience again. 00:40:50.119 --> 00:40:56.739 the freedom from the law's demands and the power to actually love. 00:40:58.019 --> 00:40:58.739 Let's pray. 00:41:02.119 --> 00:41:05.279 Father, we thank you for giving us in Jesus a sufficient Savior. 00:41:06.259 --> 00:41:08.920 Forgive us for how we add to what you have done. 00:41:10.559 --> 00:41:16.159 God, open the eyes of those who are maybe even now seeing for the first time 00:41:16.159 --> 00:41:21.619 that salvation comes freely and wholly by grace. 00:41:23.159 --> 00:41:25.679 Father, by your Spirit, do that work among us, we pray. 00:41:25.960 --> 00:41:26.259 Amen.