A few people have asked me for copies of my notes for my final 5:20 devotional last week, so here goes:
University of Warwick C.U. 5:20 Groups Devotional,
Wednesday 5th March 2008, 4:00pm
The Cross Supreme
Galatians 6:11-16
The letter of Galatians is the product of controversy. Paul wrote it with his back against the wall, under fire to abandon his message, and under attack for his character. Soon after accepting the gospel, the Galatians were infiltrated by a group of agitators who attacked Paul’s character, and more importantly, his message. They claimed that in addition to faith in Christ, believers must also be circumcised to be saved, and it appears that they were causing many to depart from true teaching. Paul therefore wrote to defend the truth of the cross and its power, and he does this majestically in the final paragraph.
People will seek diversions from the Cross- v. 12
As he finishes, Paul himself picks up the pen to emphasise the importance of his words. He firstly makes no attempt to deny the problem of false teachings, and tackles the problem head-on. His first point is to explore the reasoning behind the agitators’ actions.
Paul gives two reasons why people will desert the Cross:
(i) To appear successful- v. 12a
At the root of the Galatian heresy was a reliance on outward things. The agitators stressed the need for circumcision, “to make a good showing in the flesh”. John Stott calls this an example of “ecclesiastical statistics”, where we focus on outward evidences of conversion rather than real heart-work. The Galatians wanted something tangible to brag about, a number to flaunt. But as Paul will show, what matters is the “new creation”, the inward workings of the heart.
Are you too preoccupied with outward things? Do you look for a change of heart rather than attendance at meetings etc.? As encouraging and useful as these things may be, ultimately saving faith happens in the heart, and only then can we be encouraged by outward signs. They are “means of grace”, rather than grace itself.
(ii) To avoid persecution- v.12b
Contemporary historical sources suggest that at this time extreme Jews were persecuting those who they claimed deviated from true Judaism. Thus it was very tempting for Christians under huge pressure to desert the truth they had found.
People will always persecute those who hold to the gospel, as it tells them unpalatable truths. But as Paul will show, these truths are vital for salvation.
But the Cross is supreme- v. 14
Having just drawn attention to those who desert the Cross, Paul now boldy claims that he “boasts” in it. Whereas the agitators boast about how many they have circumcised, Paul boasts only in the Cross. How can he make such an outrageous claim?
Paul boasts in the Cross because:
(i) The Cross separates us from the world- v.14b
Only the Cross can separate us from the world, or sinful humanity. As it is sin that separates us from God, we must be separated from sin in order to be reunited with God. Only the Cross can achieve this, and so Paul boasts only in the Cross- it is the means of his salvation
(ii) The Cross alone brings a new creation- v. 15
Paul repeats that outward signs such as circumcision no longer have any value: what matters is inside “a new creation”.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3) Only by the Cross can we receive the Holy Spirit who gives a new spiritual life. Paul boasts only in the cross because here he finds new life, and is a “new creation”.
(iii) The Cross alone brings true peace and mercy- v. 16
Only through following the “rule” of the cross can God’s people (“Israel”) find true peace and mercy. Romans 5:1 affirms that it is only through Christ that we have peace with God. Every human being who has not been saved is described by the Bible as a child of wrath (Eph. 2:3), and thus the Cross is vital as it is the only way that God’s wrath can be propitiated (Rom. 3:25, 1 John 2:2). Paul boasts only in the Cross because here he knows that God’s people find true peace and mercy with God.
Do you believe these things? Are they real in your own hearts? Do you believe they are real for others too? Do you treasure them and feel their value? Can you say with Paul that you boast in nothing but the Cross?
Apologies if it's not terribly clear; they are only notes after all!
Monday, 10 March 2008
God IS the Gospel
Hey all,
In my quiet times I've just started using a book by John Piper, entitled "Pierced By the Word: Thirty-one Meditations for Your Soul", which as the name suggests, is a selection of meditations by Piper on different Scriptures and themes. Today I read the second, "God is the Gospel", looking at why we desire salvation, and focussing specifically on John 17:3:
"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (ESV)
Piper's point was that many people want eternal life for many reasons that are not Scriptural; eg. they don't like the thought of Hell, they feel a bit guilty, or maybe they want to be in Heaven to be with loved ones. As this verse says, the only reason we should desire eternity is to know the Father and His Son. The reason forgiveness through Christ is so precious is because it opens up the freedom of fellowship with the Father God, which through our sin has become impossible. Piper suggests that wanting forgiveness for any other reason is tantamount to using God as "currency for the purchase of idols".
I have rarely thought deeply about this; and this came as a bit of a shock. As a fully paid-up evangelical, if anyone asks me why Jesus died, my instant answer is to be the sacrifice for our sin which thus makes us right with God. And I believe this is correct, and I trust this is what I proclaim. But it does raise the question of whether our Gospel preaching reflects the true aim of the Cross, that is to reconcile sinners to God. I have listened to a lot of evangelism that has almost presented Jesus as a kind of life guru, who will give you a great life if you only follow His principles, a sort of Dr. Gillian McKeith for your soul, if you will, and completely ignoring the issue of sin. On the other hand, I have heard evangelism of the hellfire and brimstone variety that is great on the reality of sin, but says next to nothing about the actual object of the Cross; not mere "fire-insurance", but to make us fit to be received as sons of the living God (Gal. 4:4-7). I reckon that this is a salutary warning for all Christians to ensure that they faithfully present the Word, in order that all might seek God for what He is, not what He does.
Something else I read this week, and which I submit in the hope that it may prove useful in your daily walk is this. It comes from Jerry Bridges' "The Pursuit of Holiness", available from Authentic Media "Authentic Classics" series, and excellent for anyone still looking for a short but profound Lenten devotional reading. This is from ch. 9 "Putting Sin to Death", and looks at a strategy for examining if something is in line with God's heart for us, and seeking to develop convictions about holiness. It's not something to get legalistic about, but as it is based on Scripture (all from 1 Corinthians), I think it can be powerful in developing a desire for holiness, and mortification of sin in our lives.
Knowing Right and Wrong
1. Is it helpful; spiritually, physically or mentally?
“"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful.” (1 Cor. 6:12a)
2. Does it bring me under its power?
“"All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything.” (1 Cor. 6:12b)
3. Does it hurt others?
“Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” (1 Cor. 8:13)
4. Does it glorify God?
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31)
Bridges suggests evaluating all areas of our daily life with these questions with the help of the Holy Spirit, and examining the areas which seem to be doubtful. I reckon this could be quite searching and painful, but ultimately very beneficial in seeking to live lives more conformed to God's will and glory. I've pasted these questions up on my wall, and already I can say that I am feeling challenged!
God bless as ever
Will
In my quiet times I've just started using a book by John Piper, entitled "Pierced By the Word: Thirty-one Meditations for Your Soul", which as the name suggests, is a selection of meditations by Piper on different Scriptures and themes. Today I read the second, "God is the Gospel", looking at why we desire salvation, and focussing specifically on John 17:3:
"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (ESV)
Piper's point was that many people want eternal life for many reasons that are not Scriptural; eg. they don't like the thought of Hell, they feel a bit guilty, or maybe they want to be in Heaven to be with loved ones. As this verse says, the only reason we should desire eternity is to know the Father and His Son. The reason forgiveness through Christ is so precious is because it opens up the freedom of fellowship with the Father God, which through our sin has become impossible. Piper suggests that wanting forgiveness for any other reason is tantamount to using God as "currency for the purchase of idols".
I have rarely thought deeply about this; and this came as a bit of a shock. As a fully paid-up evangelical, if anyone asks me why Jesus died, my instant answer is to be the sacrifice for our sin which thus makes us right with God. And I believe this is correct, and I trust this is what I proclaim. But it does raise the question of whether our Gospel preaching reflects the true aim of the Cross, that is to reconcile sinners to God. I have listened to a lot of evangelism that has almost presented Jesus as a kind of life guru, who will give you a great life if you only follow His principles, a sort of Dr. Gillian McKeith for your soul, if you will, and completely ignoring the issue of sin. On the other hand, I have heard evangelism of the hellfire and brimstone variety that is great on the reality of sin, but says next to nothing about the actual object of the Cross; not mere "fire-insurance", but to make us fit to be received as sons of the living God (Gal. 4:4-7). I reckon that this is a salutary warning for all Christians to ensure that they faithfully present the Word, in order that all might seek God for what He is, not what He does.
Something else I read this week, and which I submit in the hope that it may prove useful in your daily walk is this. It comes from Jerry Bridges' "The Pursuit of Holiness", available from Authentic Media "Authentic Classics" series, and excellent for anyone still looking for a short but profound Lenten devotional reading. This is from ch. 9 "Putting Sin to Death", and looks at a strategy for examining if something is in line with God's heart for us, and seeking to develop convictions about holiness. It's not something to get legalistic about, but as it is based on Scripture (all from 1 Corinthians), I think it can be powerful in developing a desire for holiness, and mortification of sin in our lives.
Knowing Right and Wrong
1. Is it helpful; spiritually, physically or mentally?
“"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful.” (1 Cor. 6:12a)
2. Does it bring me under its power?
“"All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything.” (1 Cor. 6:12b)
3. Does it hurt others?
“Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” (1 Cor. 8:13)
4. Does it glorify God?
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31)
Bridges suggests evaluating all areas of our daily life with these questions with the help of the Holy Spirit, and examining the areas which seem to be doubtful. I reckon this could be quite searching and painful, but ultimately very beneficial in seeking to live lives more conformed to God's will and glory. I've pasted these questions up on my wall, and already I can say that I am feeling challenged!
God bless as ever
Will
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