Sermon Central
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The Door Of Works Series
Contributed by Shawn Drake on Jan 7, 2004 (message contributor)
Summary: This is the 1st sermon in the series,"Unlocking The Doors To Freedom". We are saved by grace, not works.
Series: Unlocking The Doors To Freedom [#1]
THE DOOR OF WORKS
Introduction:
As we begin a new series in Galatians, I want us to realize that we are free in Christ. There are many doors that block the way to enjoying our freedom that we have in Christ- This morning we are going to look at the door of works. In this study we will look at some keys to opening the door of works.
Which statement best fits your Christian walk?
“Rules, rules, and more rules.”
“Go along to get along.”
“Clueless.”
“Right on track”.
Galatians 1:1-5 (NIV)
“Paul, an apostle--sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead-- and all the brothers with me, To the churches in Galatia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Key #1: Jesus.
Many believers do not enjoy their salvation because they always feel like a failure. The Christian life has become a bunch of do’s and don’ts. These believers were slaves to the Law and had forgotten that they were saved by grace not works.
1 John 1:8-10 (NIV)
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
The key to opening this door is Jesus. Jesus came to this earth, died on a cross, and defeated sin, Satan, and death because we broke the Law. Therefore, it is humanly impossible to live a sinless life without Jesus. Strive to live a sinless life; but when you sin, don’t forget that Jesus already paid the price for that sin.
Galatians 1:6-9 (NIV)
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!”
Key #2: The Gospel.
Many believers do not enjoy their salvation because they always feel confused. Every time they hear a doctrine preached or taught it sounds good; but when there is conflicting teaching they don’t know who to believe. Often these believers become slaves to the appearance of the teacher; which results in the following of false doctrines and works taught by that teacher.
1 Timothy 1:3-7 (NIV)
“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work--which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.”
The key to opening this door is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are many things in the Bible that can be debated and whatever “stance” you take really doesn’t matter; but when it comes to salvation and the Christian walk it matters more than anything else. The focus must be on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Don’t get “side-tracked” by things such as genealogies or the date of the Second Coming. Stay focused on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and in following Jesus’ footsteps. Keep it simple.
Galatians 1:10 (NIV)
“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Key #3: God the Father.
Many believers do not enjoy their salvation because they always feel pressured. These believers don’t want to disappoint other believers; they don’t want to “stand out” amongst their unsaved friends; but they don’t want to disappoint God either. These believers are always working at how they appear to each group.
