Law vs. Faith

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Law vs. Faith

Galatians 3:10-14 NLT
10 But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.” 11 So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” 12 This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying the law that a person has life.”
13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.

Examine the scriptures:
Galatians 3:10-14 NLT
Law vs. Faith

10 But those who depend on the law to make them right with God

Circumcision would be one example of this.  Dietary restrictions are other examples.

are under his curse,

  • People who depend on following the law to make them right are under a curse.

for the Scriptures say, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.” 

Quote from:
Deuteronomy 27:26 NLT
26 ‘Cursed is anyone who does not affirm and obey the terms of these instructions.’
And all the people will reply, ‘Amen.’

Fact:

  • “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.”

Name someone who believed that the law made them right with God.

Who believed that he could obey the law without fault?

Paul.

Philippians 3:4-7 NLT
4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!
5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.
7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 

Galatians 1:14 NLT
14 I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors. 

Paul sees things differently now.

11 So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law.

James 2:10 NLT
10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.

Divine acceptance by human effort is totally destroyed by failing to keep any part of the Law.

  • The Law demands perfection and a curse is attached to failure to keep any part of it.

“Rabbit trail”

But still. The Law is good.

Romans 3:20 NLT
20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. 

More about the “Law”.
Romans 7:7-13 NLT
God’s Law Reveals Our Sin
7 Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet.” 8 But sin used this command to arouse all kinds of covetous desires within me! If there were no law, sin would not have that power. 9 At one time I lived without understanding the law. But when I learned the command not to covet, for instance, the power of sin came to life, 10 and I died. So I discovered that the law’s commands, which were supposed to bring life, brought spiritual death instead. 11 Sin took advantage of those commands and deceived me; it used the commands to kill me. 12 But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good. 13 But how can that be? Did the law, which is good, cause my death? Of course not! Sin used what was good to bring about my condemnation to death. So we can see how terrible sin really is. It uses God’s good commands for its own evil purposes. 

For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”  

Here Paul is quoting Habakkuk 2:4

Romans 1:17 NLT
17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”

Romans 3:24 NLT
24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.

Hebrews 10:38 NLT
38 And my righteous ones will live by faith.

  • Scripture clearly says, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”  

12 This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying the law that a person has life.”

  • The way of faith is very different from the way of law.
  • Salvation does not come by combining faith with the law.

Faith vs. “Law”

Believing vs. doing.

Leviticus 18:5 NLT
5 If you obey my decrees and my regulations, you will find life through them. I am the Lord.

Life under the law comes by obeying (doing) rather than believing.

Romans 10:5 NLT
5 For Moses writes that the law’s way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands. 

James 2:10 NLT
10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.

13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. 

Philippians 3:8-9 NLT (Paul speaking to the Philippians.)
8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 

When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 

Quote from:
Deuteronomy 21:22-23 NLT
22 “If someone has committed a crime worthy of death and is executed and hung on a tree, 23 the body must not remain hanging from the tree overnight. You must bury the body that same day, for anyone who is hung is cursed in the sight of God. In this way, you will prevent the defilement of the land the Lord your God is giving you as your special possession.

Galatians 4:5 NLT
5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.

Titus 2:14 NLT
14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

1 Peter 1:18-20 NLT
18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value.
19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT
21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

  • Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law.

14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.

  • When the Gentiles believed in Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14) God gave them the Holy Spirit.
  • We who are believers receive the Holy Spirit through faith.

Ephesians 1:13-14 NLT
13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

See also Romans 8:1-17, 23. 

  • The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people.

The Law and Faith in Christ

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The Law and Faith in Christ
Galatians 3:1-9 NLT
3:1 Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. 2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. 3 How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 4 Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?
5 I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.
6 In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” 7 The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.
8 What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in his sight because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.

Examine the scriptures:
Galatians 3:1-9 NLT
The Law and Faith in Christ

3:1 Oh, foolish Galatians!

Paul tackled this issue head-on.

Galatians 1:6 NLT
6 I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News

  • The Galatians were being misled by the Judaizers, the Jewish false teachers, who were undermining the central New Testament doctrine of justification by faith with their enticing arguments. Paul tackled this issue head-on.

Galatians 2:21 NLT
21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.

  • To embrace a doctrine which declared the death of Christ unnecessary was irrational.

John 3:16 NLT
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Who has cast an evil spell on you?

This is a rhetorical question.  Paul knew the answer to this question. (The Judaizers, or in reality, Satan)

The Judaizers, the Jewish false teachers, who were undermining the central New Testament doctrine of justification by faith with their enticing arguments.

For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. 

1 Thessalonians 5:10 NLT
10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.

Hebrews 7:25 NLT
25 Therefore he (Jesus) is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.

  • Paul’s teaching clearly portrayed Christ’s death and explained its significance.

Romans 10:17 NLT
17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

The Galatians had heard and had responded positively to the Gospel.

Now the eyes of the Galatians have been diverted from the cross to the law.

The Galatians were acting foolishly and without excuse.

  • The Galatians had heard and had responded positively to the Gospel. Now the eyes of the Galatians have been diverted from the cross to the law.

2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! 

As Gentiles, they did not even have the Mosaic Law.

Ephesians 1:13-14 NLT
13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

There is nothing in these verses about “obeying the law”. 

You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. 

  • The Galatians received the Holy Spirit by faith in Christ, not by obeying the Law of Moses.

3 How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 

  • Using human effort to improve on the work of the Holy Spirit is ludicrous.

4 Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?

Experienced so much:

Experiencing all of the blessings of salvation from God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Or

Acts 14:21-22 NLT
Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch of Syria
21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.

 5 I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not!

As a Gentile church, they did not even have the Mosaic Law.

It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.

  • God give the Galatians the Holy Spirit and worked miracles among them because they believed the message they heard about Christ. 

6 In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” 

Even the Old Testament taught justification by faith.

  • The Old Testament taught justification by faith.
  • God counted Abraham righteous because of his faith before he was circumcised.

Hebrews 11:8-10 NLT
8 It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. 9 And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. 10 Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God. 

7 The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.

Romans 4:11, 16 NLT
11 Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith. 

16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe.

  • The real children of Abraham are those who put their faith in God.

The children of Abraham are members of God’s family.

8 What’s more, the Scriptures (God’s Word-God’s plan) looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in his sight because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” 

  • Justification of uncircumcised Gentles was always a part of God’s plan.

9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith. 

  • All who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.

Made right in the sight of God. 

Jews and Gentiles.

 

 

Haman’s Plot against the Jews

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Haman’s Plot against the Jews

Esther 3:5-15 NLT
5 When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage. 6 He had learned of Mordecai’s nationality, so he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Xerxes.
7 So in the month of April, during the twelfth year of King Xerxes’ reign, lots were cast in Haman’s presence (the lots were called purim) to determine the best day and month to take action. And the day selected was March 7, nearly a year later.
8 Then Haman approached King Xerxes and said, “There is a certain race of people scattered through all the provinces of your empire who keep themselves separate from everyone else. Their laws are different from those of any other people, and they refuse to obey the laws of the king. So it is not in the king’s interest to let them live. 9 If it please the king, issue a decree that they be destroyed, and I will give 10,000 large sacks of silver to the government administrators to be deposited in the royal treasury.”
10 The king agreed, confirming his decision by removing his signet ring from his finger and giving it to Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. 11 The king said, “The money and the people are both yours to do with as you see fit.”
12 So on April 17 the king’s secretaries were summoned, and a decree was written exactly as Haman dictated. It was sent to the king’s highest officers, the governors of the respective provinces, and the nobles of each province in their own scripts and languages. The decree was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the king’s signet ring. 13 Dispatches were sent by swift messengers into all the provinces of the empire, giving the order that all Jews—young and old, including women and children—must be killed, slaughtered, and annihilated on a single day. This was scheduled to happen on March 7 of the next year. The property of the Jews would be given to those who killed them.
14 A copy of this decree was to be issued as law in every province and proclaimed to all peoples, so that they would be ready to do their duty on the appointed day. 15 At the king’s command, the decree went out by swift messengers, and it was also proclaimed in the fortress of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa fell into confusion.

Examine the Scriptures
Esther 3:5-15 NLT

5 When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage. 

This is the picture of an arrogant, power-hungry, selfish, prideful, sinful man.

Some commentaries, not all commentaries, believe this was a hatred that was passed down through generations that existed between the Jews and the Amalekites.

  • When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage. 

6 He had learned of Mordecai’s nationality, so he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Xerxes.

  • Haman wanted to kill all of the Jews living throughout the Persian Empire.

This would include the Jews in Palestine.  The Jews in Palestine were faithful to the Lord, worshipping in the rebuilt temple and living according to the law.

Cyrus was a king of Persia who ruled between 539—530 BC. Though he was a pagan king, he was important to Jewish history because during his reign, the Jews were allowed to return to Israel after 70 years of captivity. The Jews had rebuilt temple and were using it as a place of worship.

  • Palestine was a province of the Persian Empire. 

7 So in the month of April, during the twelfth year of King Xerxes’ reign, lots were cast in Haman’s presence (the lots were called purim) to determine the best day and month to take action. And the day selected was March 7, nearly a year later.

Haman was extremely superstitious (this was true for many Persians) and was allowing fate, by the casting of the lot, to dictate his move against the Jewish nation.

  • Lots were cast to determine the best day and month for the execution of the Jews to take place.

At this point Esther would have been Queen of Persia for five years.

Even here God was working to protect his chosen people.  The Jews would have nearly a year to prepare themselves for this event.

Proverbs 16:33 NLT
33 We may throw the dice, (cast lots)
but the Lord determines how they fall.

  • We see God was working here to protect his chosen people. The Jews would have nearly a year to prepare themselves for this event.

The Hebrews used lots on occasion to determine God’s will in certain circumstances.

Leviticus 16:8-10 NLT
8 He is to cast sacred lots to determine which goat will be reserved as an offering to the Lord and which will carry the sins of the people to the wilderness of Azazel. 9 Aaron will then present as a sin offering the goat chosen by lot for the Lord. 10 The other goat, the scapegoat chosen by lot to be sent away, will be kept alive, standing before the Lord. When it is sent away to Azazel in the wilderness, the people will be purified and made right with the Lord.

Nehemiah 10:34 NLT
34 “We have cast sacred lots to determine when—at regular times each year—the families of the priests, Levites, and the common people should bring wood to God’s Temple to be burned on the altar of the Lord our God, as is written in the Law.

8 Then Haman approached King Xerxes and said, “There is a certain race of people scattered through all the provinces of your empire who keep themselves separate from everyone else. Their laws are different from those of any other people, and they refuse to obey the laws of the king.

“A certain race of people”

Haman does not divulge the identity of this certain race of people.

 “Who keep themselves separate from everyone else.”

Jews basically resisted integration into secular communities, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“Their laws are different.”

Jews had unique dietary restrictions and unique religious customs.

  • Haman falsely accused all of this certain race of people (the Jews) of refusing to obey the king’s laws. 

So it is not in the king’s interest to let them live.  

This is a false conclusion.

The Jews keeping themselves separate from everyone else and laws different from those of any other people was no real threat to the Persian Empire.

The Persians generally allowed for other cultural and religious differences. 

9 If it please the king, issue a decree that they be destroyed, and I will give 10,000 large sacks of silver to the government administrators to be deposited in the royal treasury.”

  • Haman suggested to the king that he issue a decree that all of this certain race of people (the Jews) would be destroyed.
  • Haman said that he himself was willing to bear the costs of carrying out this decree.

Haman’s hatred toward the Jews was irrational.

Haman was bribing the king.

An enormous amount, possible 750,000 pounds, worth millions of dollars in our current currency.

This should have made the king suspicious of Haman’s actions.

Haman must have been a man of immense wealth.

10 The king agreed,

Again, King Xerxes was easily influenced by his officials.

The king was being manipulated.

  • King Xerxes appears to be easily influenced by his officials.

confirming his decision by removing his signet ring from his finger and giving it to Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.  

  • King Xerxes gave Haman complete control over these official policies.

Five times in the book of Esther, Haman is called “the enemy of the Jews”.

11 The king said, “The money and the people are both yours to do with as you see fit.” 

Haman is clearly calling all the shots at this point in time.

12 So on April 17 the king’s secretaries were summoned, and a decree was written exactly as Haman dictated. It was sent to the king’s highest officers, the governors of the respective provinces, and the nobles of each province in their own scripts and languages. The decree was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the king’s signet ring. 

  • A decree to execute all of the Jews in the Persian Empire was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the king’s signet ring.
  • A decree sealed with the king’s signet ring was irrevocable. 

13 Dispatches were sent by swift messengers into all the provinces of the empire, giving the order that all Jews—young and old, including women and children—must be killed, slaughtered, and annihilated on a single day.

  • Haman intended to rid the world of God’s covenant people.

This was scheduled to happen on March 7 of the next year. The property of the Jews would be given to those who killed them.

This would serve as incentive for the would-be executioners.

  • Haman provided an incentive for the executioners to kill the Jews.

14 A copy of this decree was to be issued as law in every province and proclaimed to all peoples, so that they would be ready to do their duty on the appointed day. 

  • This plan to execute all of the Jews in the Persian Empire was fully endorsed by the King.

15 At the king’s command, the decree went out by swift messengers, and it was also proclaimed in the fortress of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink,

  • The foolish king and wicked Haman celebrated this occasion.

but the city of Susa fell into confusion.

  • This extreme and deadly racism, ruthless and unjust behavior, was out of character for the Persian population.

 

 

Paul Confronts Peter (continued)

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Paul Confronts Peter (continued)

Galatians 2:14-21 NLT
14 When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, “Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions?
15 “You and I are Jews by birth, not ‘sinners’ like the Gentiles. 16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”
17 But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! 18 Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. 19 For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. 20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.

Examine the scriptures:

Scripture from the previous lesson.

Galatians 2:11-13 NLT
Paul Confronts Peter
Christians Confronting Christians
11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong.   12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore.  He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision.  13 As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.

Today’s lesson.

Galatians 2:14-21 NLT
Paul Confronts Peter (continued) 

14 When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, 

The truth of the gospel message:

Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

  • The truth of the gospel message: Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

I said to Peter in front of all the others,

What Peter had initiated created a public scandal and therefore deserved a public rebuke.

There are circumstances when individuals should be rebuked publicly.

  • Peter’s actions needed to be addressed.

“Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions?

Peter and the other Jewish believers were “Practicing a double standard.”

  • “Practicing a double standard” is wrong!

When Peter and the other Jewish believers were eating with the Gentile believers, they were not observing the Jewish food laws.

  • Afraid of criticism, Peter and other Jewish believers stopped “eating” with Gentiles who were not circumcised.

Peter’s hypocrisy was blatant.

At first it was o.k. for Peter to ignore Jewish food laws and treat uncircumcised Gentiles as equals.

Afraid of criticism, Peter and the other Jewish believers stopped eating (fellowshipping) with the Gentile believers.

  • The actions of Peter and the other Jewish believers implied that faith in Christ was not enough.

Their actions implied that Gentiles had to be circumcised to become true believers. 

15 “You and I are Jews by birth, not ‘sinners’ like the Gentiles. 

Of course, the Gentiles were sinners.

The Gentiles did not have the “advantage” that the Jews had, which was the divine written law.

We know that this is irony.

Romans 3:23 NLT
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 

16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”

  • Jews and Gentiles alike are sinners.
  • Justification (for all people) is by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law.

Example:

Genesis 15:6 NLT
6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. 

(Before the law was given to Moses)

One new people from the two groups.

Ephesians 2:14-16 NLT
14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. 15 He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. 16 Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. 

17 But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! 

Just because following the law does not lead to salvation does not mean that the law has no value.

This is not a license to live a sinful life.

John 14:15-17 NLT
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. 

18 Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down.  

Salvation by grace alone through faith alone. (Not by keeping the law.)

  • I am a sinner if I teach that we must keep the law to be saved.

Practice Jewish food laws and be circumcised. 

19 For when I (Paul) tried to keep the law, it condemned me.

The Law demanded death for those who broke it.

So I (Paul) died to the law—I (Paul) stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I (Paul) might live for God. 

Paul makes a similar comment addressing the Romans.

Romans 7:6-11 NLT
6 But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.
God’s Law Reveals Our Sin
7 Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. 

Romans 8:1-2 NLT
Life in the Spirit
8 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 

  • The law shows us the need for a Savior.
  • Paul stopped trying to meet all of the requirements of the law. 

20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 

Faith in Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless.

  • Grace is the undeserved favor of a loving God freely given to sinful people who did nothing to earn it.
  • Salvation is not a combination of keeping the law and God’s grace. 

For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.

  • The truth of the gospel message: Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

 

Mordecai’s Loyalty to the King

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Esther 2:19-3:4 NLT
19 Even after all the young women had been transferred to the second harem and Mordecai had become a palace official, 20 Esther continued to keep her family background and nationality a secret. She was still following Mordecai’s directions, just as she did when she lived in his home.
Mordecai’s Loyalty to the King
21 One day as Mordecai was on duty at the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthana and Teresh—who were guards at the door of the king’s private quarters—became angry at King Xerxes and plotted to assassinate him. 22 But Mordecai heard about the plot and gave the information to Queen Esther. She then told the king about it and gave Mordecai credit for the report. 23 When an investigation was made and Mordecai’s story was found to be true, the two men were impaled on a sharpened pole. This was all recorded in The Book of the History of King Xerxes’ Reign.
Haman’s Plot against the Jews
3 Some time later King Xerxes promoted Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite over all the other nobles, making him the most powerful official in the empire. 2 All the king’s officials would bow down before Haman to show him respect whenever he passed by, for so the king had commanded. But Mordecai refused to bow down or show him respect.
3 Then the palace officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you disobeying the king’s command?” 4 They spoke to him day after day, but still he refused to comply with the order. So they spoke to Haman about this to see if he would tolerate Mordecai’s conduct, since Mordecai had told them he was a Jew.

Examine the Scriptures
Esther 2:19-3:4 NLT  

19 Even after all the young women had been transferred to the second harem and Mordecai had become a palace official,

Not all translations describe Mordecai as “a palace official”.

Many translations say that “Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate.”

Verse 21 states: 21 One day as Mordecai was on duty at the king’s gate,

Esther 3:3 clearly states that officials of the king sat at the king’s gate.

3 Then the palace officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you disobeying the king’s command?”

Mordecai being at the king’s gate probably meant that Mordecai held an official position in the empire’s judicial system.

Court cases were decided and much official business was conducted at the gate.

  • Mordecai is becoming even more assimilated into the Persian culture.
  • God’s sovereignty is evident. Putting Mordecai at the right place at the right time.

20 Esther continued to keep her family background and nationality a secret. 

This is mentioned twice.

Esther 2:10 NLT
10 Esther had not told anyone of her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had directed her not to do so.

  • Esther continues to keep her Jewish nationality a secret.

This will be important for the rest of the story.

She was still following Mordecai’s directions, just as she did when she lived in his home.

 Esther 2:7 NLT
7 This man had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther. When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.

 Ephesians 6 NLT
Children and Parents (A familiar Biblical principle.)
1 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” 

Exodus 20:12 & Deuteronomy 5:16

Mordecai would have been aware of the prejudice many Persians felt toward the Jews.

  • Esther still followed Mordecai’s directions even after she was married to the king.

Mordecai’s Loyalty to the King

21 One day as Mordecai was on duty at the king’s gate,

This was more than a social activity for men from the city. It was an actual job.

Court cases were decided and official business was conducted at the gate.

God’s sovereignty is clearly at work.

two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthana and Teresh—who were guards at the door of the king’s private quarters—became angry at King Xerxes and plotted to assassinate him. 

Guards at the king’s private quarters would have easy access to the king.

22 But Mordecai heard about the plot and gave the information to Queen Esther.

Respect for Authority (Another important Biblical principle.)

Romans 13:1-5
13:1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

If Mordecai had not been “on duty at the King’s gate”, he would not have heard of Bigthana and Teresh’s plan to assassinate the king.

  • Mordecai heard two guards plotting to assassinate King Xerxes.

 She then told the king about it and gave Mordecai credit for the report. 

  • Esther gave Mordecai credit for the report about Bigthana and Teresh’s plan to assassinate the king.

Another display of respect from Esther toward Mordecai.

23 When an investigation was made and Mordecai’s story was found to be true, the two men were impaled on a sharpened pole. 

Many translations say “they were both hanged on a tree”.

  • Being impaled on a sharpened pole was not an unusual method of execution in the Persian Empire.

Darius, Xerxes’ father, was known to have once impaled 3,000 men.

Ezra 6 NLT
1 So King Darius … 11 “Those who violate this decree in any way will have a beam pulled from their house. Then they will be lifted up and impaled on it …

Most translations use “impaled” in this verse.

A different time and place.

The story of Jonah.
Jonah was being sent to Nineveh in Assyria.
Nineveh was a city of violence, known for its brutal treatment of those it conquered. The Assyrians were notorious for impaling their captives.

This was all recorded in The Book of the History of King Xerxes’ Reign. 

This is significant. It is a good thing that this event was recorded.

At this point in the story Mordecai did not receive any recognition for his actions.

Looking ahead to chapter 6:

Esther 6:1-3
The King Honors Mordecai
6 That night the king had trouble sleeping, so he ordered an attendant to bring the book of the history of his reign so it could be read to him. 2 In those records he discovered an account of how Mordecai had exposed the plot of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the door to the king’s private quarters. They had plotted to assassinate King Xerxes.

3 “What reward or recognition did we ever give Mordecai for this?” the king asked.
His attendants replied, “Nothing has been done for him.”

Haman’s Plot against the Jews

3:1Some time later

Esther 1:3 NLT
3 In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. He invited all the military officers of Persia and Media as well as the princes and nobles of the provinces.

 Esther 2:16 NLT
16 Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign.

Esther 3:7 NLT
7 So in the month of April, during the twelfth year of King Xerxes’ reign, lots were cast in Haman’s presence (the lots were called purim) to determine the best day and month to take action. And the day selected was March 7, nearly a year later.

  4-9 years have passed since chapter 1. 

  • It is taking years (4-9) for this story to develop.

Practice Patience

Psalm 37:7
7 Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.

Psalm 27:14 NLT
14 Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Psalm 40:1 NLT
1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.

 King Xerxes promoted Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite 

A descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites. 

over all the other nobles, making him the most powerful official in the empire.  

  • Haman was promoted sometime between the seventh and twelfth year of King Xerxes reign.

This occurred after Mordecai had saved the king from assignation.

Mordecai may have been expecting a reward for saving the king but no reward was given.

2 All the king’s officials would bow down before Haman to show him respect whenever he passed by, for so the king had commanded.

  • Along with this promotion came the command from the king for the officials to bow down before Haman whenever he passed by.

This would be a show of respect, not a form of worship.

But Mordecai refused to bow down or show him respect.

Pride?

Enmity between the Jews and the Amalekites?

No specific reason for not bowing down is given other than that he was a Jew.

  • Mordecai refused to bow down before Haman.

3 Then the palace officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you disobeying the king’s command?” 4 They spoke to him day after day, but still he refused to comply with the order. 

So they spoke to Haman about this to see if he would tolerate Mordecai’s conduct, since Mordecai had told them he was a Jew. 

  • Mordecai revealed his Jewish identity. (Something he had told Esther not to do.)

Esther Becomes Queen

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Esther Becomes Queen

Esther 2:1-18 NLT
2:1 But after Xerxes’ anger had subsided, he began thinking about Vashti and what she had done and the decree he had made. 2 So his personal attendants suggested, “Let us search the empire to find beautiful young virgins for the king. 3 Let the king appoint agents in each province to bring these beautiful young women into the royal harem at the fortress of Susa. Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the harem, will see that they are all given beauty treatments. 4 After that, the young woman who most pleases the king will be made queen instead of Vashti.” This advice was very appealing to the king, so he put the plan into effect.
5 At that time there was a Jewish man in the fortress of Susa whose name was Mordecai son of Jair. He was from the tribe of Benjamin and was a descendant of Kish and Shimei. 6 His family had been among those who, with King Jehoiachin of Judah, had been exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. 7 This man had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther. When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.
8 As a result of the king’s decree, Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the king’s harem at the fortress of Susa and placed in Hegai’s care. 9 Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem.
10 Esther had not told anyone of her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had directed her not to do so. 11 Every day Mordecai would take a walk near the courtyard of the harem to find out about Esther and what was happening to her.
12 Before each young woman was taken to the king’s bed, she was given the prescribed twelve months of beauty treatments—six months with oil of myrrh, followed by six months with special perfumes and ointments. 13 When it was time for her to go to the king’s palace, she was given her choice of whatever clothing or jewelry she wanted to take from the harem. 14 That evening she was taken to the king’s private rooms, and the next morning she was brought to the second harem, where the king’s wives lived. There she would be under the care of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch in charge of the concubines. She would never go to the king again unless he had especially enjoyed her and requested her by name.
15 Esther was the daughter of Abihail, who was Mordecai’s uncle. (Mordecai had adopted his younger cousin Esther.) When it was Esther’s turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem. She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her.
16 Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign. 17 And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti. 18 To celebrate the occasion, he gave a great banquet in Esther’s honor for all his nobles and officials, declaring a public holiday for the provinces and giving generous gifts to everyone.

Examine the Scriptures
Esther 2:1-18 NLT
Esther Becomes Queen

2:1 But after Xerxes’ anger had subsided, he began thinking about Vashti and what she had done and the decree he had made. 

After Xerxes’ anger had subsided.

What she had done.
.          She had refused to put herself on display for a bunch of drunken men to gawk at.

The decree he had made.
.         He had Queen Vashti permanently banished from his presence.

Xerxes may have had second thoughts.

A lot of time has passed.

The banquet in chapter 1:3 took place in the third year of Xerxes reign.

In chapter 2:16 Esther was taken to King Xerxes in the seventh year of his reign.

  • The Greek wars (most likely) took place between chapter 1 and chapter 2 of the book of Esther.

2 So his personal attendants suggested,

  • Throughout the book of Esther it is obvious that Xerxes’ decisions are strongly influenced by his officials.

Proverbs 15:22 NLT
22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice;
many advisers bring success.

Proverbs 11:14 NLT
14 Without wise leadership, a nation falls;
there is safety in having many advisers.

Proverbs 24:6 NLT
6 So don’t go to war without wise guidance;
victory depends on having many advisers. 

He depended on others to help him make decisions and he did not always receive the best advice.

Psalm 1:1 NLT
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.

Sometimes the advice from others is bad advice.

2 Chronicles 10:8 NLT
8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers.

 Deuteronomy 17:17 NLT
17 The king must not take many wives for himself, because they will turn his heart away from the Lord. 

“Let us search the empire to find beautiful young virgins for the king. 

To add to the king’s harem.

  • Xerxes’ personal attendants suggested that they search the empire to find beautiful young virgins for the king.

3 Let the king appoint agents in each province to bring these beautiful young women into the royal harem at the fortress of Susa.

Agents in each of the 127 provinces.

Xerxes already had a harem.

The fact that he had a harem in Susa is known from other sources.

Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the harem, will see that they are all given beauty treatments. 4 After that, the young woman who most pleases the king will be made queen instead of Vashti.”

It would be approximately four years between the banquets in chapter 1 and Vashti’s replacement in chapter 2.

This advice was very appealing to the king, so he put the plan into effect.

 If these seven personal attendants were the same “wise advisers” that suggested Vashti be disposed, they certainly did not want Xerxes to be upset because of the fact that Vashti was no longer a part of his life.

Esther 1:13-14 NLT
13 He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice. 14 The names of these men were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—seven nobles of Persia and Media. They met with the king regularly and held the highest positions in the empire.

  • This advice was very appealing to the king.
  • The counsel King Xerxes received from his personal attendants is somewhat questionable. 

5 At that time there was a Jewish man in the fortress of Susa whose name was Mordecai son of Jair.

  • Mordecai was Jewish.

Mordecai is a Babylonian name.

Mordecai most likely had a Hebrew name also.

(Repeat from introductory lesson.)

So it was that a Jewish man named Mordecai had worked his way into a low-level job in the king’s court.

Esther 2:19 NLT … Mordecai had become a palace official.

Esther 2:19 ESV and NIV … Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate.

Mordecai became assimilated into the Persian culture much like Lot became assimilated into the culture of Sodom.

  • Mordecai had worked his way into a low-level job in the king’s court.

He was from the tribe of Benjamin and was a descendant of Kish and Shimei. 

King Saul’s father was named Kish.

6 His family had been among those who, with King Jehoiachin of Judah, had been exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. 

597 BC (more than 100 years prior to this time)

His family – his ancestors – had been exiled from Jerusalem.

Mordecai was Jewish. 

7 This man had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther.

Hadassah is a Hebrew name. (Myrtle)

Esther is a Persian name. (Star) 

When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.

  • Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai after her parents died.

8 As a result of the king’s decree, Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the king’s harem at the fortress of Susa and placed in Hegai’s care.  

  • Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the king’s harem at the fortress of Susa.

Without God’s intervention, the odds were very slim that she (or any one individual) would be chosen by the King. 

9 Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her

God’s hand was at work.

Unlike Daniel, Esther does not appear to be concerned with Jewish dietary restrictions.

and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem.

Assigning seven maids to Esther was an indication that Hegai thought Esther was a good prospect.

10 Esther had not told anyone of her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had directed her not to do so. 

  • Esther kept her Jewish nationality a secret because Mordecai had directed her to do so.

Mordecai would have been aware of the prejudice many Persians felt toward the Jews.

Marriages with people of other nations that worshiped false gods were forbidden in the Law of Moses.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4 NLT
3 You must not intermarry with them (people of other nations that worship false gods). Do not let your daughters and sons marry their sons and daughters, 4 for they will lead your children away from me to worship other gods. Then the anger of the Lord will burn against you, and he will quickly destroy you. 

11 Every day Mordecai would take a walk near the courtyard of the harem to find out about Esther and what was happening to her.

It is clear in this story that Mordecai loved Esther.

12 Before each young woman was taken to the king’s bed, she was given the prescribed twelve months of beauty treatments—six months with oil of myrrh, followed by six months with special perfumes and ointments. 

  • Esther spent 12 months preparing to go to see the king.

Primarily beauty treatments, but also some training in palace customs.

13 When it was time for her to go to the king’s palace, she was given her choice of whatever clothing or jewelry she wanted to take from the harem. 14 That evening she was taken to the king’s private rooms, and the next morning she was brought to the second harem, where the king’s wives lived.

  • Esther spent a night with King Xerxes
  • Esther was transferred to the second harem where the king’s wives lived.

 There she would be under the care of Shaashgaz , the king’s eunuch in charge of the concubines. 

She would never go to the king again unless he had especially enjoyed her and requested her by name. 

Most of the women would live the rest of their lives in the harem of the concubines.

  • A concubine might not ever see the king a second time.

(More details) 

15 Esther was the daughter of Abihail, who was Mordecai’s uncle. (Mordecai had adopted his younger cousin Esther.) When it was Esther’s turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem.

Hegai would have known the King’s preferences.

  • Esther wisely accepted Hegai’s advice.

She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her.

  • Esther followed Hegai’s suggestions.

16 Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign. 

  • Four years had elapsed since Vashti’s fall from favor.

17 And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti. 

  • Xerxes was so delighted with Esther that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti. 

18 To celebrate the occasion, he gave a great banquet in Esther’s honor for all his nobles and officials, declaring a public holiday for the provinces and giving generous gifts to everyone.

It appears that Xerxes likes banquets.

“Holiday” The Hebrew for this word, unique to this verse, may imply

a remission of taxes,

an emancipation of slaves,

a cancellation of debt

or a remission of obligatory military service.

  • Esther, a Jew, was placed in a position in which she could help the nation Israel, even before Israel needed help.

Paul Confronts Peter – Christians Confronting Christians

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Paul Confronts Peter

Christians Confronting Christians

Galatians 2:11-13 NLT
11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong.   12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore.  He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision.  13 As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.

Examine the Scriptures
Paul Confronts Peter
Christians Confronting Christians

11 But when Peter 

Peter’s reputation

A pillar of the church

Galatians 2:9 NLT
9 In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church.

Part of the “inner circle” of disciples.

Matthew 17:1 NLT
The Transfiguration
17:1 Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone.

Mark 14:33 NLT
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
33 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed.

The spokesman for the disciples

Examples:

Matthew 19:27 NLT
27 Then Peter said to him, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?”

Luke 12:41 NLT
40 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
41 Peter asked, “Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?”

Mark 8:29 NLT
29 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.” 

  • The early church regarded Peter as the representative of the apostolic body.

(Note: Peter held no distinct office and never claimed any powers that did not belong equally to all of his fellow apostles.)

came to Antioch,

The first Gentile church was established in Antioch. 

The starting point of Paul’s three missionary journeys.

(Note: The time of Peter’s trip is unknown.)

I had to oppose him to his face,

A tense face to face confrontation between two Christian leaders.

Two reasons for Paul to oppose Peter.

Defending the Gospel.

Demonstrating his own independence and equality as an apostle.

Remember that Paul was “not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.” Galatians 1:1 NLT

for what he did was very wrong. 

  • Paul had to oppose Peter to his face for doing something very wrong.

Peter’s conduct threatened to compromise the gospel.

  • There are times when face to face confrontation is necessary. 

12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised.

Acts 10:9-15, 28 NLT
Peter Visits Cornelius
9 The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, 10 and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. 12 In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. 13 Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.”
14 “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.”
15 But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” 

28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.

  • When Peter, a Jew, first arrived at Antioch he ate with the Gentile believers.

This was a demonstration of the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ.

  • God had shown Peter that he should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 

But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore.

It is doubtful that they had James endorsement.

Judaizers added Jewish traditions to the Gospel.

  • Peter had, in appearance, supported the doctrine of the Judaizers and nullified Paul’s teaching.

Actions speak louder than words.

Matthew 7:24 NLT
24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.

26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.

  • Peter compromised the Gospel.

He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. 

  • Peter acted out of fear. He was afraid of criticism.

Proverbs 29:25 NLT
25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap,
but trusting the Lord means safety.

 God speaking to Ezekiel:
Ezekiel 2:3-7
3 “Son of man,” he said, “I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have been rebelling against me to this very day. 4 They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ 5 And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.
6 “Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don’t be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels. 7 You must give them my messages whether they listen or not.

13 As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.

Hypocrite – someone who masks his true character by pretending to be something he is not.

These believers were denying the truth by their conduct.

Challenge:

2 Timothy 4:2-5 NLT
2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 

  • Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord.

 

 

 

 

Keep on Helping the Poor 

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Keep on Helping the Poor

Galatians 2:10 NLT
10 Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do.

Read last week’s passage of Scripture.

Galatians 2:6-10 NLT
The Apostles Accept Paul (Part 2)
6 And the leaders of the church had nothing to add to what I was preaching. (By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.) 7 Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews. 8 For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles.
9 In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews.  

10 Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do.

Examine the scriptures:
Galatians 2:10 NLT
Keep on Helping the Poor

10 Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do.

  • The Jerusalem Church was not asking Paul to do something that he was not already doing.

They asked Paul to “keep on helping the poor”.

Paul was eager to help the poor.

James talks about helping the needy.

James 2:14-17 NLT
Faith without Good Deeds Is Dead
14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 

  • Faith without good deeds is dead.

Background history.

The number of Christians in Jerusalem grew rapidly at first.

The Believers Formed a Community in Jerusalem.

Acts 2:41-45 NLT
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

The Jerusalem Believers Shared Their Possessions with Each Other.

Acts 4:32-37 NLT
32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

The Believers Faced Hard Times.

Acts 6:1 NLT
6:1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

A series of severe famines struck various sections of the Roman Empire during this time.  (A.D. 41-54)

Several secular writers (Josephus and Suetonius) affirm the occurrence of a great famine in Israel A.D. 45-46.

Acts 11:27-30 NLT
27 During this time some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.) 29 So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. 30 This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem. 

  • For years the Christians in Judea faced severe financial hardships.

Paul also talks about this in the book of Romans.

Romans 15:25-27 NLT
25 But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially.

This demonstrates genuine concern on the part of the Gentile Christians for the Jewish Christians. This in turn would help promote unity and love among believers and help prevent the kinds of misunderstandings which were undermining the Gentile churches.

This principle is commanded in the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 NLT
7 “But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. 8 Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. 

  • God’s Word repeatedly instructs us to help the poor.

Acts 20:35
35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 

1 John 3:17 NLT
17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

  • Plan your giving.

1 Corinthians 16:1-3 NLT (Paul’s third missionary journey A.D. 54-58.)
The Collection for Jerusalem
16 Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem.

The collection for the Christians in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8-9)

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NLT
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

  • “… God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
  • Those who are generous are blessed.

Proverbs 22:9 NLT
9 Blessed are those who are generous,
because they feed the poor.

Proverbs 28:27 NLT
27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,
but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

Luke 6:38 NLT (in the context of relating to others)
38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

Matthew 25:34-40 NLT
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

Jeremiah 22:15-16 NLT
15 But a beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king!
Your father, Josiah, also had plenty to eat and drink.
But he was just and right in all his dealings.
That is why God blessed him.
16 He gave justice and help to the poor and needy,
and everything went well for him.
Isn’t that what it means to know me?”
says the Lord.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queen Vashti Deposed by King Xerxes

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Queen Vashti Deposed by King Xerxes.

Esther 1:1-22 NLT
Vashti Deposed by Xerxes
The King’s Banquet
1:1 These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. 2 At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa. 3 In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. He invited all the military officers of Persia and Media as well as the princes and nobles of the provinces. 4 The celebration lasted 180 days—a tremendous display of the opulent wealth of his empire and the pomp and splendor of his majesty.
5 When it was all over, the king gave a banquet for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were in the fortress of Susa. It lasted for seven days and was held in the courtyard of the palace garden. 6 The courtyard was beautifully decorated with white cotton curtains and blue hangings, which were fastened with white linen cords and purple ribbons to silver rings embedded in marble pillars. Gold and silver couches stood on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.
7 Drinks were served in gold goblets of many designs, and there was an abundance of royal wine, reflecting the king’s generosity. 8 By edict of the king, no limits were placed on the drinking, for the king had instructed all his palace officials to serve each man as much as he wanted.
9 At the same time, Queen Vashti gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.

Queen Vashti Deposed
10 On the seventh day of the feast, when King Xerxes was in high spirits because of the wine, he told the seven eunuchs who attended him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas— 11 to bring Queen Vashti to him with the royal crown on her head. He wanted the nobles and all the other men to gaze on her beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman. 12 But when they conveyed the king’s order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come. This made the king furious, and he burned with anger.
13 He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice. 14 The names of these men were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—seven nobles of Persia and Media. They met with the king regularly and held the highest positions in the empire.
15 “What must be done to Queen Vashti?” the king demanded. “What penalty does the law provide for a queen who refuses to obey the king’s orders, properly sent through his eunuchs?”
16 Memucan answered the king and his nobles, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king but also every noble and citizen throughout your empire. 17 Women everywhere will begin to despise their husbands when they learn that Queen Vashti has refused to appear before the king. 18 Before this day is out, the wives of all the king’s nobles throughout Persia and Media will hear what the queen did and will start treating their husbands the same way. There will be no end to their contempt and anger.
19 “So if it please the king, we suggest that you issue a written decree, a law of the Persians and Medes that cannot be revoked. It should order that Queen Vashti be forever banished from the presence of King Xerxes, and that the king should choose another queen more worthy than she. 20 When this decree is published throughout the king’s vast empire, husbands everywhere, whatever their rank, will receive proper respect from their wives!”
21 The king and his nobles thought this made good sense, so he followed Memucan’s counsel. 22 He sent letters to all parts of the empire, to each province in its own script and language, proclaiming that every man should be the ruler of his own home and should say whatever he pleases.

Examine the Scriptures
Esther 1:1-22 NLT
The King’s Banquet 

1 These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, 

Xerxes is the Greek name.  The Hebrew name for Xerxes is Ahasuerus.

Xerxes succeeded his father Darius.

Xerxes ruled the Persian Empire for 21 years from 485 to 465 B.C.

He is mentioned in Ezra 4:6 and Daniel 9:1. 

who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. 

2 At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa. 

3 In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. 

  • In the third year of his reign, King Xerxes gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. 

He invited all the military officers of Persia and Media as well as the princes and nobles of the provinces. 4 The celebration lasted 180 days 

  • The celebration lasted 180 days

A 6 month long celebration.

The Persian Empire had a large administrative system made up of government leaders including the leaders of the 127 provinces in this vast empire and all of his military officers.

Commentators speculated that the officials took turns attending events so that the military and other government offices could continue to operate. 

—a tremendous display of the opulent wealth of his empire and the pomp and splendor of his majesty.

Designed to impress others, including the military leaders, of the king’s greatness.

Illustrates Xerxes pride.

  • Though not stated in scripture, this banquet probably corresponds to the great feast Xerxes gave when he was planning to invade Greece.

Military campaigns were common throughout the Old Testament.

2 Samuel 11:1 NLT
David and Bathsheba11:1 In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah.

Battles were fought to restore the honor of a king or a nation.

Battles were fought to control others and to obtain a source of income from taxes.

Battles for fought for the spoils of war.

Nahum 2:9 ESV
9 Plunder the silver,
plunder the gold!
There is no end of the treasure
or of the wealth of all precious things.

Nahum 2:9 ERV
9 Take the silver!
Take the gold!
There are many things to take.
There are many treasures.

Secular source of information:

  • Herodotus  was a Greek writer, geographer and historian born in the Greek city of Halicarnassus, part of the Persian Empire. (484 BC – 425 BC)

According to Herodotus it took Xerxes four years to get ready for the invasion he launched in 481. No doubt the 180 days involved planning sessions in which all the provinces’ leaders were being prepared for the war effort, as well as being impressed with Xerxes’ wealth and splendor. The campaign was to be a costly affair.

The Book of Esther says nothing about Xerxes’ invasion of Greece, but other sources state that he wanted to avenge his father’s defeat at Marathon near Athens.

Xerxes engaged in three major battles with the Greeks (480-479 B.C.).

He won the first battle but lost the next two battles.

Defeated, he had to retreat home.

The time line of Esther from our previous lesson corresponds with the facts known from secular sources.

5 When it was all over,

The 180 day celebration for Xerxes’ officials.

the king gave a banquet for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were in the fortress of Susa. It lasted for seven days and was held in the courtyard of the palace garden. 

For all the people, from the greatest to the least.

Held outdoors to accommodate large numbers of guests.

6 The courtyard was beautifully decorated with white cotton curtains and blue hangings, which were fastened with white linen cords and purple ribbons to silver rings embedded in marble pillars. Gold and silver couches stood on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.

Even the pavement was exquisitely opulent.

“on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.”

The descriptions of the décor of the king’s palace garden add to the feeling that the writer had firsthand knowledge of the setting and the occasion. 

7 Drinks were served in gold goblets of many designs, and there was an abundance of royal wine, reflecting the king’s generosity. 8 By edict of the king, no limits were placed on the drinking, for the king had instructed all his palace officials to serve each man as much as he wanted.

In other words the king was liberal with the wine and a lot of people got drunk.

Often the guests could only drink when the king was drinking.

The abundance of wine being served would have resulted in many guests getting drunk. 

9 At the same time, Queen Vashti gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.

Separate banquets were not unusual in that culture.

Vashti’s Greek name was Amestris .

She was the mother of Xerxes third son, Artaxerxes 483 B.C., who later succeeded his father on the throne.

According to Greek historians – She was known as queen mother during the reign of her son.

Queen Vashti Deposed

10 On the seventh day of the feast, when King Xerxes was in high spirits because of the wine,

This order was given on the seventh day, that is, the last day of the feast which had turned into a drunken party. 

he told the seven eunuchs who attended him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas—

Castrated because their roles brought them into frequent contact with the women of the royal harem.

Castrated so they would have no illusions of starting their own dynasties. 

 11 to bring Queen Vashti to him with the royal crown on her head. He wanted the nobles and all the other men to gaze on her beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman. 12 But when they conveyed the king’s order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come. 

  • King Xerxes wanted the nobles and all the other men at the feast to gaze on Queen Vashti’s beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman.

“Vashti was a very beautiful woman.”

  • Queen Vashti refused to come to the king’s banquet.

Vashti’s refusal is not explained by the author.

Maybe she simply did not wish to be “gazed at” by all of the men.

Perhaps she did not wish to be in mixed company (of drunkards) at that time.

Perhaps she refused to go to the banquet because she was pregnant with Artaxerxes, who was born in 483.

Regardless of the reason for her refusal, her action was a breach of etiquette. The king was used to getting whatever he desired whenever he desired it. Therefore her response made him furious. 

This made the king furious, and he burned with anger. 

But he first consulted with his advisors.

13 He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice. 14 The names of these men were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—seven nobles of Persia and Media. They met with the king regularly and held the highest positions in the empire.

Wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs held the highest positions in the empire.

  • Throughout the ancient Near East wise men played important roles in governments.

(e.g., Daniel’s position in the Babylonian and Persian Empires).

15 “What must be done to Queen Vashti?” the king demanded. “What penalty does the law provide for a queen who refuses to obey the king’s orders, properly sent through his eunuchs?”

  • The king consulted wise men about what he should do.

These seven men had special access to the king and were the ones who knew the law well.

Herodotus has confirmed the fact that this use of wise men was a feature of ancient Near Eastern courts. 

16 Memucan answered the king and his nobles,

The counsel King Xerxes received from Memucan is somewhat questionable. 

“Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king but also every noble and citizen throughout your empire. 17 Women everywhere will begin to despise their husbands when they learn that Queen Vashti has refused to appear before the king. 

  • The crime the queen had committed was that she disobeyed a command of the king.

Obviously the king and queen did not share an emotionally intimate relationship. This was true of Xerxes and the women in his harem. 

18 Before this day is out, the wives of all the king’s nobles throughout Persia and Media will hear what the queen did and will start treating their husbands the same way. There will be no end to their contempt and anger. 

19 “So if it please the king, we suggest that you issue a written decree, a law of the Persians and Medes that cannot be revoked.

Irrevocable nature of Persian law

Daniel 6:8, 15 NLT
8 And now, Your Majesty, issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.”

15 In the evening the men went together to the king and said, “Your Majesty, you know that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed.”

  • According to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed. 

It should order that Queen Vashti be forever banished from the presence of King Xerxes, and that the king should choose another queen more worthy than she.  

  • Memucan advised King Xerxes to banish Queen Vashti from his presence forever and choose another queen more worthy than Queen Vashti. 

20 When this decree is published throughout the king’s vast empire, husbands everywhere, whatever their rank, will receive proper respect from their wives!”

Memucan suggested that he have the queen deposed so that other women of the empire would not follow Vashti’s example and despise their husbands and the empire be filled with female disrespect and marital discord.

It is difficult to see how this punishment would cause the women of the empire to respect their husbands but that was the idea behind the decree.

This is partially explained by the fact that the men had been drinking heavily. 

21 The king and his nobles thought this made good sense, so he followed Memucan’s counsel. 

  • The king followed Memucan’s counsel.

It is possible that the king and his nobles had consumed too much wine during the celebration.

22 He sent letters to all parts of the empire, to each province in its own script and language, proclaiming that every man should be the ruler of his own home and should say whatever he pleases.

  • A vast relay communications system, something like an ancient pony express, made it possible to spread news throughout the empire quickly.

This sets the stage for the rise of Esther.

The Apostles Accept Paul (Part 2)

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The Apostles Accept Paul (Part 2)

Galatians 2:6-9 NLT
6 And the leaders of the church had nothing to add to what I was preaching. (By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.) 7 Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews. 8 For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles.
9 In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. 

Examine the scriptures:
Galatians 2:6-9 NLT
The Apostles Accept Paul (Part 2) 

6 And the leaders of the church had nothing to add to what I was preaching.

  • The apostles in Jerusalem did not correct or modify Paul’s message but recognized its divine source and affirmed its truth and completeness.

What was Paul’s message?

Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

The Gospel is both profound and simple.

Romans 10:9-13 NLT
9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

What was Jesus’ message?

John 3:16 NLT
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

The Scriptures “add meat to the bones.” 

 (By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.)

Romans 2:11 NLT
11 For God does not show favoritism.

2 Corinthians 12:11
… for I am not at all inferior to these “super apostles,” 

  • Paul knew that he was not inferior to the other apostles.
  • God does not show favoritism.

* Apply this principle to you and those around you. 

 7 Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews. 

Different gifts.

Different responsibilities.

One Gospel, different audiences.

1 Corinthians 12 NLT
Spiritual Gifts4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts … 5 There are different kinds of service … 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. … 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 

One Body with Many Parts

12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. … and God has put each part just where he wants it. …27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.  

  • A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

Your responsibility is different from the responsibility of the person sitting next to you. 

Romans 12:6-8 NLT
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 

  • In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. 

8 For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles. 

9 In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. 

Look for and recognize spiritual gifts in your co-workers as well as in your students.

  • Recognize the spiritual gift(s) God has given to the people around you. 

They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. 

Encourage one another.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT
11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Ephesians 4:29 NLT
29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT
23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. 

  • God’s Word instructs us to encourage each other and build each other up.