Morning Message: "Faith Without the Law"

Bobservations' Column
Titled: "Faith Without the Law"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Paul’s controversy with the Judaisers continues into Chapter 2 with decisions that must be made regarding the election of the Gentiles. Many years pass before the debate comes to a head for resolution. We read today of the First Council of Jerusalem, 46 AD. The heads of Christ’s Church in Jerusalem recall how Jesus taught from the Law, and so thought therefore that the Gentile converts should also follow the Jewish Laws. What they missed was that the Mosaic Law was general, and the Levitical Law was quite specifically written to the Jews.

Even more specifically, the Law regarding circumcision was given to Abraham as a token for the Abrahamic Covenant between God and him, begun in Genesis 12 (Our reading today, Genesis 17:9-13), The verses say nothing about a Covenant token for the Gentiles. It is for Abraham, for his house, his servants and their children born under his roof, and for his progeny forever. It is specific to the Jews throughout their generations.

As we have read in Colossians 1, it is a part of the Law which was against us, and it was a work performed by human hands. Romans 2:29 speaks of God’s desire for His love for us to work a circumcision of the heart, done internally, and without hands.

This happens upon true conversion, when the hearers of His love towards all mankind take it seriously and realize that we love Him because He first loved us, even while we were yet sinners! When that happens, changes start to take hold in our lives, and we are forever changed. This is the example we read of last week, in Paul’s life (His testimony is there in Chapter 1, and in Titus 3:3-7). The incident of the First Council of Jerusalem is covered in Acts 15. There, the controversy is dealt with more in-depth, and this second Chapter of Galatians gives us an over-view of the results, for which we are most grateful.

Paul’s words are quite strong, but we are to remember that all scripture is given by inspiration of God: for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. “That the man of God may be thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

The Law is imperfect: for if by following it we could be made righteous, there would have been no need for Christ to Die (Galatians 2:21 paraphrased).

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version 

Sunday Morning Message:

Galatians 2:1-21 - "Faith Without the Law"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Galatians 2 continues Paul’s defense of the true Gospel and his apostleship by recounting his interactions with the other apostles and his confrontation with Peter. Paul emphasizes that justification is by faith in Christ alone and not by works of the Law.

Justification by faith is central in this chapter. Paul makes it clear that human effort, even in following God’s Law, cannot save anyone. Salvation is entirely by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone.

The unity of the Gospel is also emphasized. There is no distinction in the way Jews and Gentiles are saved, and the Gospel must not be compromised by cultural or social pressures.

Christian living is rooted in union with Christ. Paul’s declaration that he has been crucified with Christ reminds believers that their old self has died, and their new life is to be lived by faith in the Son of God.

Galatians 2 calls believers to stand firm in the Gospel of grace. It warns against adding human effort to God’s finished work and urges Christians to live out their faith with integrity, avoiding hypocrisy.

The chapter also encourages believers to remember that their identity is in Christ. Their lives are no longer their own; they belong to the One who loved them and gave Himself for them.

This chapter underscores the unity of the Gospel message, the danger of hypocrisy, and the centrality of Christ in the believer’s life.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Fourteen Years . . . Jerusalem (2:1) - This is the period of time from Paul's first visit to Jerusalem (1:18) to the one Paul references here. The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-22) were called together to resolve the issue of Gentile salvation. 

Barnabas (2:1) - In the book of Acts, we find a Levite from Cyprus named Joses (Acts 4:36), whom the apostles called Barnabas. That nickname translated “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36-37) or “Son of Exhortation” was probably given to him because of his inclination to serve others (Acts 4:36-37, 9:27) and his willingness to do whatever church leaders needed (Acts 11:25-30). He is referred to as a “good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.” Through his ministry, “a great number of people were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:24). Barnabas was Paul's first ally who vouched for him before the apostles at Jerusalem (Acts 9:27), and became his traveling companion on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:2,3).

Titus (2:1) - Titus was an early church leader, a trusted companion of the apostle Paul, and a faithful servant of the Lord. As an uncircumcised Gentile, Titus was fitting proof of the effectiveness of Paul's ministry.

By Revelation (2:2) - This revelation from God was the voice of the Holy Spirit.  He refers to the divine commissioning of his visit in order to refute any suggestion by the Judaizers that they had sent Paul to Jerusalem to have the apostles correct his doctrine.

Those Who Were of Reputation (2:2) - These are the three main leaders of the Jerusalem church: Peter, James (the Lord's brother, 1:19), and John.  This phrase was typically used of authorities and implied a position of honor.  Paul refers to them in a similar way two other times (vv. 6, 9) suggesting a hint of sarcasm directed toward the Judaizers, who claimed they had apostolic approval for their doctrine and Paul did not.  They had likely made a habit of exalting these three leaders at the expense of Paul.

Might Run . . . In Vain (2:2) - Paul hoped the Jerusalem leaders would support his ministry to the Gentiles and not soften their opposition to legalism.  He did not want to see his ministry efforts wasted because of conflict with the other apostles.

Compelled to be Circumcised (2:3) - At the core of the Judaizers' works system was the Mosaic prescription of circumcision.  They were teaching that there could be no salvation without it (Acts 15:1, 5, 24).   Paul and the apostles denied that, and the issue was settled at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-22). 

False Brethren (2:4) - The Judaizers, who pretended to be true Christians.  Yet, their doctrine, because it claimed allegiance to Christ, was opposed to traditional Judaism, and because it demanded circumcision and obedience to the Mosaic Law as prerequisites for salvation, was opposed to Christianity.

Spy Out (2:4) - The Judaizers were Satan's undercover agents sent into the midst of the church to sabotage the true gospel.

Liberty (2:4) - Christians are free from the law as a means of salvation, from its external ceremonial regulations as a way of living, and from its curse for disobedience to the law - a curse that Christ bore for ALL believers (3:13).  This liberty is NOT, however, a license to sin (5:13; Romans 6:18; 1 Peter 2:16).

Bondage (2:4) - Slavery to the impossible system of works righteousness.

We Did Not Yield (2:5) - Paul and Titus (v. 3) did not budge from their position of salvation by grace alone through faith alone.  

Personal Favoritism (2:6) - The unique privileges of the twelve apostles did not make their apostleship more legitimate or authoritative than Paul's; Christ commissioned them all (cf. Romans 2:11).  Paul never saw himself as apostolically inferior (see 2 Corinthians 12:11, 12).

Uncircumcised (2:7) - Paul preached the gospel primarily to the Gentiles (also to Jews in Gentile lands, as his pattern was to go to the synagogue first cf. Acts 13:5).

Circumcised (2:7) - Peter's ministry was primarily to the Jews.

Worked Effectively (2:8) - The Holy Spirit, who has but one gospel, empowered both Peter and Paul in their ministries.

James, Cephas, and John (2:9) - This James was Jesus' half-brother (1:19), who had risen to a prominent role in the Jerusalem church.  Cephas (Peter) and John (the brother of James the apostle, martyred in Acts 12:2), were two of Christ's closest companions and became the main apostles in the Jerusalem church (see Acts 2-12).

Pillars (2:9) - Emphasizing the role of James, Peter and John in establishing, and supporting the church.

Grace . . . Given to Me (2:9) - The only conclusion these leaders could make was that God's grace was responsible for the powerful preaching of the gospel and the building of the church through Paul's efforts.

Right Hand of Fellowship (2:9) - In the Near East, this represented a solemn vow of friendship and a mark of partnership.  This act signified the apostles' recognition of Paul as a teacher of the true gospel and a partner in ministry.

Go to the Gentiles (2:9) - Further confirmation of Paul's divine call to ministry and a blow to the Judaizers since the apostles directed him to continue in his already flourishing ministry to the Gentiles.

Remember the Poor (2:10) - A practical reminder for Paul and the growing ranks of Gentile Christians.  The number of Christians in Jerusalem grew rapidly at first (cf. Acts 2:41-45; 6:1), and many who were visiting the city for the feast of Pentecost (Acts 2:1,5) remained and never returned to their homes.  While the believers initially shared their resources (Acts 2:45; 4:32-37), many had little money.  For years the Jerusalem church was economically pressed.

Antioch . . . to be Blamed (2:11) - The location of the first Gentile church. The incident at Antioch, recorded in Galatians 2:11–14, involved two apostles, Peter and Paul; a misrepresentation of the gospel; an unwarranted separation of Jews from Gentiles; and a public rebuke.

Certain men . . . From James (2:12) - Peter, knowing the decision the Jerusalem Council had made (Acts 15:7-29), had been in Antioch for some time, eating with Gentiles.  When Judaizers came, pretending to be sent by James, they lied, giving false claims of support from the apostles.  Peter had already given up all Mosaic ceremony (Acts 10:9-22) and James had at times held only to some of it (Acts 21:18-26).

Withdrew 2:11) - Peter's gradual withdrawal.  To eat with the Judaizers and decline invitations to eat with the Gentiles, which he had previously done, meant that Peter was affirming the very dietary restrictions he knew God had abolished (Acts 10:15) and thus striking a blow at the gospel of grace.

Fearing those . . . of the Circumcision (2:12) - This was the true motivation behind Peter's defection.  He was afraid of losing popularity with the legalistic Judaizing segment of people in the church, even though they were self-righteous hypocrites promoting a heretical doctrine.

Hypocrite (2:13) - In the spiritual sense, it refers to someone who masks his true character by pretending to be something he is not (cf. Matthew 6:1-6).  They were committed to the gospel of grace, but pretended to accept Jewish legalism.

Straightforward (2:14) - Literally to walk "straight" or "uprightly."  By withdrawing from the Gentile Christians, Peter and the other Jewish believers were not walking in line with God's Word.

Live in the manner of Gentiles (2:14) - Before his gradual withdrawal, Peter regularly had fellowship and ate with the Gentiles, thus modeling the ideal of Christian love and liberty between Jew and Gentile.

Sinners of the Gentiles (2:15) - In the legal sense, Gentiles were sinners by nature, and they had no revealed divine written law to guide them toward salvation or living righteously.

Works . . . Faith (2:16) - Three times in this verse Paul declares that salvation is only through faith in Christ and not by law.  The first is general, "a man is not justified"; the second is personal, "we might be justified"; and the third is universal, "no flesh shall be justified."

Justified (2:16) - A basic Greek word describing a judge declaring an accused person not guilty and therefore innocent before the law.  Throughout Scripture, it refers to God's declaring a sinner not guilty and fully righteous before Him by imputing to him the divine righteousness of Christ and imputing the person's sin to his sinless Savior for punishment.

Works of the Law (2:16) - Keeping the law is a totally unacceptable means of salvation because the root of sinfulness is in the fallenness of man's heart, not his actions.  The law served as a mirror to reveal sin not a cure for it.

Minister of Sin (2:17) - If the Judaizers were right, then Christ was wrong and had been teaching people to sin because He taught that food couldn't not contaminate a person (Mark 7:19; cf. Acts 10:13-15). 

Things which I Destroyed (2:18) - The false system of salvation through legalism was done away with by the preaching of salvation by grace alone through faith alone.

Died to the Law (2:19) - When a person is convicted of a capital crime and executed, the law has no further claim on him.  So it is with the Christian who has died in Christ (who paid the penalty for his sins in full) and rises to new life in Him.  Justice has been satisfied, and he is forever free from any further penalty.

Crucified With Christ (2:20) - When a person trusts in Christ for salvation, he participates spiritually with the Lord in His crucifixion and His victory over sin and death.

No Longer I who Live, but Christ (2:20) - The believer's old self is dead having been crucified with Christ (Romans 6:3, 5).  The believer's new man has the privilege of the indwelling Christ empowering him and living through him.

Gave Himself for Me (2:20) - The manifestation of Christ's love for the believer through His sacrificial death on the Cross (John 10:17, 18; Romans 5:6-8; Ephesians 5:25-30).

Christ Died in Vain (2:21) - Died needlessly.  Those who insist they can earn their salvation by their own efforts undermine the foundation of Christianity and render unnecessary the death of Christ. 

Morning Message: Change Has Come!

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Change Has Come!"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Paul has been traveling in this second section of Galatians 1. He gives testimony of the changed life he has received, and gives us an abbreviated overview of how he ended up teaching of Christ, rather than persecuting Him. He assures the readers of this letter that this change has come about because of the wonderful works of God. His knowledge of Christ was not taught to him by man, not like he was taught the scriptures of Judaism. Paul says of his new preaching, that it came by “revelation of God!”

Paul is writing this letter about 60 A.D., again from Corinth. It’s been many years since he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, but that day is like it happened yesterday. His mind is clear and his memories are fresh. The days between have not been without trials, but the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit have given him clarity, and purpose.

As he continues to preach Christ, he has learned how to maintain against the error of the Jews, and of the Judaisers. This is not new wine poured into old wineskins. This is a completely new doctrine revealed to him by the Holy Spirit; that the redeemer of the Jews has already come, and his former teachers missed it! And He speaks of one of the great mysteries of the faith, that Christ lives within us.  “Immanuel,” God with us! (Isaiah 7:14 & verse 16 of this chapter.)

The Apostle apparently preached in Damascus for a while before going to Jerusalem to meet with Peter, one of the pillars of the Church. His zeal for Christ and His gospel have thoroughly replaced the zeal he once held for Judaism. He has overcome the precepts of men that were taught as doctrines of faith, and follows the teachings of Christ through his love for God’s Word as revealed to him during his days in the desert of Arabia. A change has come!

“Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” - 2 Timothy 4:2

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Galatians 1:11-24 - "Change Has Come!"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

We are continuing our study in Galatians chapter 1 from verse 11. 

To recap, Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia because they fallen away from the gospel of grace and were embracing the claim that Gentiles must first submit to all the Mosaic Law before they could become Christians.  Shocked by the Galatians' openness to this damning heresy, Paul not only counters these Judaizing false teachers to defend justification by faith (which is the heart of the gospel), but to warn the churches in Galatia of the dire consequences of abandoning this essential doctrine. 

Paul then defends his position as an apostle and explains to them that his authority comes from Christ alone.  Paul's authority as an apostle came by the authority of Christ Himself, and the Gospel he has received and is now preaching is the same Gospel given to Him by Christ.

As we finish chapter one, we get a small version of Paul’s conversion story where Paul lays out how the Gospel transformed his life.  The Gospel brings us freedom and power to change! And no greater example of that freedom to change exists than in the testimony of a former Jewish rabbi named Saul of Tarsus, or as we most commonly know him, Paul the Apostle.

One of the things we learn as we hear Paul’s heart and story, is the power our testimony has to impact other people. While your story may not be as dramatic as Paul’s was, (actually few are), it is still your story. You need to know that more people will respond to the Gospel by your testimony than by your efforts to argue or reason someone into a decision. People will reject your arguments. They cannot ignore your testimony, and the way that following Jesus has affected and transformed you.

As they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Saul, this fervent, Jewish rabbi who was living and breathing hatred for all things Christian and who wanted to destroy anything remotely connected to this renegade Jesus, was changed by God’s grace. “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace . . . " “To reveal His Son in me….” - Galatians 1:15-16.

When God calls, you don’t say “just a minute.” It stops you in your tracks. The call and the deed are simultaneous. The strength to do what He calls comes.

What stopped Saul, the angry and violent rabbi in his tracks, was a vision of the risen Christ just outside of Damascus. Acts 9 tells us it happened in the middle of the day; the risen Lord appeared to Saul. As we understand it, only he saw Jesus…none of those with him. The appearance and power of the resurrected Jesus knocked him to the ground, and He said, “Saul, Saul why are you persecuting ME?”

And because of that encounter with Jesus, Saul came away a new person with a new mission and direction in his life. He was transformed…changed by the grace of God.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Make Known to You (1:11) - The strong Greek verb Paul used here often introduced an important and emphatic statement.

The Gospel . . . Not According to Man (1:11) - The gospel Paul preached was not human in origin or it would have been like all other human religion, permeated with works righteousness born of man's pride and Satan's deception (Romans 1:16).

Neither Received it from Man, Nor Was I Taught It (1:12) - This was in contrast to the Judaizers, who received their religious instruction from rabbinic tradition. Most Jews did not study the actual Scriptures; instead, they used human interpretations of Scripture as their religious authority and guide. Many of their traditions not only were no taught in Scripture but also contradicted it (Mark 7:13).

Through the Revelation (1:12) - This refers to the unveiling of something previously kept secret - in this case, Jesus Christ. While he knew about Christ, Paul subsequently met Him personally on the road to Damascus and received the truth of the gospel from Him (Acts 9:1-16).

Judaism (1:13) - The Jewish religious system of works righteousness, based not primarily on the OT text, but on rabbinic interpretations and traditions.  In fact, Paul will argue that a proper understanding of the OT can lead only to Christ and His Gospel of grace through faith (Galatians 3:6-29).

Persecuted (1:13) - The tense of this Greek verb emphasizes Paul's persistent and continual effort to hurt and ultimately exterminate Christians.

Profited . . . Above (Advanced . . . Beyond) (1:14) - The Greek word for advanced means "to chop ahead," much like one would blaze a trail through a forest.  Paul blazed his path in Judaism (cf. Philippians 3:5, 6), and because he saw Jewish Christians as obstacles to its advancement, he worked to cut them down.

Exceedingly Zealous (1:14) - Paul demonstrated this by the extent to which he pursued and persecuted Christians (cf. Acts 8:1-3; 26:11).

Traditions of My Fathers (1:14) - The oral teachings about OT law commonly known as the Halakah.  this collection of interpretations of the law eventually carried the same authority as, or even greater than, the law (Torah) itself.  Its regulations were so hopelessly complex and burdensome that even the most astute rabbinical scholars could not master it by either interpretation or conduct.

Separated Me From My Mother's Womb (1:15) - Paul was being separated or set apart to God for service from the time of his birth.

Called Me Through His Grace (1:15) - Chosen for salvation.

Reveal His Son In Me (1:16) - Not only was Christ revealed to Paul on the Damascus Road, but in him as God gave him the life, light, and faith to believe in Him.

Preach Him Among the Gentiles (1:16) - Paul's specific call to proclaim the gospel to non-Jews.

Conferred Not with Flesh and Blood (1:16) - Paul did not look to Ananias or other Christians at Damascus for clarification of or addition to the revelation he received from Christ (Acts 9:19, 20).

Jerusalem . . . Arabia . . .Damascus (1:17) - Rather than immediately travel to Jerusalem to be instructed by the apostles, Paul instead went to Nabatean Arabia, a wilderness desert that stretched east of Damascus down to the Sinai Peninsula.  After being prepared for ministry by the Lord, he returned to minister in nearby Damascus.

Three Years (1:18) - The approximate time from Paul's conversion to his first journey to Jerusalem.  During those years he made a visit to Damascus and resided in Arabia, under the instruction of the Lord.  This visit is discussed in Acts 9:26-30.

Up To Jerusalem (1:18) - Travelers in Israel always speak of going "up" to Jerusalem because of its higher elevation.

Peter (1:18) - The apostle who was the personal companion of the Lord and the most powerful spokesman in the early years of the Jerusalem church (Acts 1-12).

James, the Lord's Brother (1:19) - James was a son of Mary and Joseph and therefore a half-brother to Jesus and brother to Joseph, Simon, Judas, and their sisters (Matthew 13:55). In the Gospels, James is mentioned a couple of times, but at that time he misunderstood Jesus’ ministry and was not a believer (John 7:2-5). James becomes one of the earliest witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7). He then stays in Jerusalem and forms part of the group of believers who pray in the upper room (Acts 1:14). From that time forward, James’ status within the Jerusalem church begins to grow. James is still in Jerusalem when the recently converted Saul arrives to meet with him and Peter (Galatians 1:19).

Syria and Cilicia (1:21) - This area included Paul's hometown of Tarsus.  He was preaching in that region for several years.  when word of revival in that area reached Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas (see Acts 11:20-26).  Paul stayed on in that region as a pastor in the church at Antioch.  With Barnabas, they went from there on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3) and afterward returned to Antioch (Acts 14:26) from where they were sent to the Jerusalem Council (Acts 14:26-15:4).

Judea (1:22) - This is the region in which Jerusalem was located.

They Glorified God in Me (1:24) - Proof that the gospel Paul preached was the same one the other apostles had taught the Judean believers.

Morning Message: His Yoke Is Easy

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "His Yoke is Easy"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The Epistle to the Galatians that we begin today is not just for a single Church. Asia Minor, which we refer to as Turkey today, was at the time of the letter called Anatolia. The region known as Galatia covered a large area of central Anatolia. There in that part of the country we find cities that we have read of in Acts of the Apostles: Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe were small cities but worthwhile stops in Paul’s travels. These were the Galatian Churches.

The region was named after the Gauls of Europe (Celts) after they found themselves unwelcome in their skirmishes to expand eastward to the Balkan States.
The Gauls eventually moved to central Anatolia as warrior-immigrants between 300 and 200 BC, centuries even before Christ. They established the Galatian region as their own, and it was called after them.

While Paul was near Lystra and Derbe, he met a young Timothy as a follower. It was several years later that Paul learned of problems in the region. Judaizers had followed Paul and preached the Jewish Law, requiring these new Gentile Converts to follow Jewish Laws and customs. Colossians 2:8 through chapter 3 goes into great detail of the problem also visited upon the Galatian churches, namely the completeness of Christ in the heart and mind of the Believers, rather than following laws made BY the Jews, and FOR the Jews in the practice of THEIR faith. (If Jews could not follow their own laws, what chance would gentiles have?)

The Judaizers saw this new faith in Jesus as a sect of Judaism, therefore in their minds, the Levitical Laws needed to be adopted by these new Christians. Paul disagreed vehemently! He had tasted of the freedom that Christ gave to those who follow His teachings, and knew that following Christ was a better way to live.

This wonderful Epistle is full of solid doctrine for Christian Churches and Believers: follow Christ Jesus rather than a human interpretation of His teachings! This is an important difference, and the reason that the Gospels were written: to let the Jews know that there was a better way to Worship God, and to bring them out of bondage to those laws and customs that even Paul declares were against us!

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:30

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Galatians 1:1-12 - "His Yoke Is Easy"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Paul wrote to the churches in southern Galatia after having a hand in starting them on his first missionary journey to Asia Minor. Paul’s close relationship to these churches helps to explain the extremely strong tone he took with them from the very beginning of the letter. Galatians exhibits Paul at his angriest, as he risked the good favor of the converts in those churches to make sure they were on the path of truth and not led off into deception. In fact, to emphasize the seriousness of his purpose, he took the pen from his scribe and wrote the end of the letter himself in large letters (Galatians 6:11).

Upon arriving back in Antioch from his first missionary journey after eighteen months on the road, Paul received a report that the churches he had started in Galatia had fallen into hard times—specifically, they had fallen into error. A group of Judaizers—those who sought to make living under the Mosaic Law a requirement of the Christian faith—had gained an influence in the Galatian churches. Paul wrote the book a few months before his attendance at the Jerusalem Council in AD 49, a meeting where the apostles would take up this very topic (Acts 15:1–30).

In advance of the Jerusalem Council, Paul’s letter speaks wisdom and clarity into the first real controversy that plagued the church in its early years—the relationship between Christian Jews and Christian Gentiles. Paul’s aggressive tone shows just how important it was to him that the people embrace unity in Christ, no matter their racial distinctions. For him, this was no minor issue, as he went so far as to call the Galatians deserters of Christ, people turning from the truth toward a gospel contrary to the one they had received from Paul (Galatians 1:6–9).

When the Galatians fell away so quickly from the gospel of grace Paul had preached to them, they also made clear their disloyalty to Paul’s authority as an apostle. Therefore, Paul began the letter to the Galatians by spending two chapters defending that very issue. Only in chapter 3 did he begin to get to the heart of their error; namely, that these Galatians sought to be justified by the Mosaic Law. In contrast, Paul presented his argument that justification comes to people by faith in Jesus Christ, not by their works under the Law.

Part of the problem that confronted the Galatians came in one of the arguments made by the Judaizers. These false teachers suggested that to live by grace and in freedom meant to live a lawless and therefore degenerate life. And so, in the final chapters of the letter, Paul made clear that justification—an act of grace through faith—need not result in a sinful lifestyle. Because Christians have been freed from bondage to the sinful nature, we now have the path of holiness open to us.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Paul, an Apostle (1:1) - Paul was born in Tarsus, a city in the province of Cilicia, not far from Galatia.  Under the famous rabbi, Gamaliel, Paul received a thorough training in the OT Scriptures and in the rabbinic traditions at Jerusalem (Acts 22:3).  He was a member of the ultraorthodox sect of the Pharisees (Acts 23:6) and was one of the rising stars in Judaism.  Paul's life took a sudden turn when on his way to Damascus from Jerusalem to persecute Christians, he was confronted by the risen, glorified Christ.  That dramatic encounter turned Paul from Christianity's chief persecutor to its greatest missionary.  "Apostle" in general terms means "one who is sent with a commission."  The apostles of Jess Christ - The Twelve and Paul - were special ambassadors or messengers chosen and trained by Christ to lay the foundation of the early church and to be the channels of God's completed revelation (cf. Acts 1:2, 2:42; Ephesians 2:20).

Not From Men . . . But Through Jesus Christ (1:1) - Defending his apostleship against the false teachers' attack, Paul emphasized that Christ Himself appointed him as an apostle before he met the other apostles (cf. vv. 17, 18; Acts 9:3-9).

Raised Him from the Dead (1:1) - Paul included this important fact to show that the risen and ascended Christ Himself appointed him, thus Paul was a qualified witness of His resurrection (cf. Acts 1:22). 

Churches of Galatia (1:2) - The churches Paul founded at Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe during his first missionary journey (Acts 13:14-14:23).

Grace to You and Peace (1:3) - Even Paul's typical greeting attacked the Judaizers' legalistic system.  If salvation is by works as they claimed, it is not of "grace" and cannot result in "peace," since no one can be sure he has enough good works to be eternally secure.

For Our Sins (1:4) - No one can avoid sin by human effort or law-keeping (Romans 3:20); therefore, it must be forgiven, which Christ accomplished through His atoning death on the cross (3:13).

Present Evil Age (1:4) - The Greek word for "age" does not refer to a period of time but an order or system, and in particular to the current world system ruled by Satan.

The Will of Our God (1:4) - The sacrifice of Christ for salvation was the will of God designed and fulfilled for His glory. (Matthew 26:42; John 6:38-40; Acts 2:22, 23; Romans 8:3, 31, 32; Ephesians 1:7, 11; Hebrews 10:4-10).

Turning Away (1:6) - This is better translated "deserting."  The Greek word was used of military desertion, which was punishable by death.  The form of this Greek verb indicates that the Galatian believers were voluntarily deserting grace to pursue the legalism taught by the false teachers.

So Soon (1:6) - This Greek word can mean either "easily" or "Quickly" and sometimes both.  No doubt both senses characterized the Galatians' response to the false teachers' heretical doctrines.

Called You (1:6) This could be translated, "who called you once and for all" (2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14; 2 Timothy 1:8, 9; 1 Peter 1:15), and refers to God's effectual call to salvation.

Grace of Christ (1:6) - God's free and sovereign act of mercy in granting salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ, totally apart from any human work or merit.

Different Gospel (1:6) - The Judaizers' perversion of the true gospel.  They added the requirements, ceremonies, and standards of the Old Covenant as necessary prerequisites to salvation.

Trouble (1:7) - The Greek word could be translated "disturb" and means "to shake back and forth, " such as to agitate or stir up.  Here, it refers to the deep emotional disturbance the Galatian believers experienced.

Pervert (1:7) - To turn something into its opposite.  By adding law to the gospel of Christ, the false teachers were effectively destroying grace, turning the message of God's undeserved favor toward sinners into a message of earned and merited favor.

The Gospel of Christ (1:7) - The good news of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

We, or An Angel from Heaven (1:8) - Paul's point is hypothetical, calling on the most unlikely examples for false teaching - himself and holy angels.  The Galatians should receive no messenger, regardless of how impeccable his credentials, if his doctrine of salvation differs in the slightest degree from God's truth revealed through Christ and the apostles.

Accursed (1:8) - The translation of the familiar Greek word anathema, which refers to devoting someone to destruction in eternal hell (cf. Romans 9:3; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 16:22).

As We Have Said Before (1:9) - This refers to what Paul taught during an earlier visit to these churches, not to a previous comment in this epistle.

Anyone (1:9) - Paul turns from the hypothetical case of verse 8 to the real situation faced by the Galatians.  The Judaizers were doing just that and were to be devoted to destruction because of their damning heresy.

Still Pleased Men (1:10) - Paul's previous motivation when he used to persecute Christians on behalf of his fellow Jews.

A Bondservant of Christ (1:10) - Paul had become a willing slave of Christ which cost him a great deal of suffering from others (6:17).  Such personal sacrifice is exactly opposite the goal of pleasing men (6:12).

Make Known to You (1:11) - The strong Greek verb Paul used here often introduced an important and emphatic statement. 

The Gospel . . . Not According to Man (1:11) - The gospel Paul preached was not human in origin or it would have been like all other human religion, permeated with works righteousness born of man's pride and Satan's deception (Romans 1:16).

Neither Received it from Man, Nor Was I Taught It (1:12) - This was in contrast to the Judaizers, who received their religious instruction from rabbinic tradition.  Most Jews did no study the actual Scriptures; instead, they used human interpretations of Scripture as their religious authority and guide.  Many of their traditions not only were no taught in Scripture but also contradicted it (Mark 7:13). 

Through the Revelation (1:12) - This refers to the unveiling of something previously kept secret - in this case, Jesus Christ.  While he knew about Christ, Paul subsequently met Him personally on the road to Damascus and received the truth of the gospel from Him (Acts 9:1-16).

Morning Message: The Unity of the Church

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "The Unity of the Church"
Written By: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

This final chapter of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans is in three parts. The first part takes us through verse 16, as Paul provides an introduction for Phebe, the courier of the Roman Epistle, and then offers greetings to friends, and family alike who are in the Church at Rome. The Roman letter introduces us to some of Paul’s family, who were also Believers, some even before Paul became one!

Verses 17-20 supplies warnings of those whose doctrines are not those of Christ, but of deceivers, and blessings for those that remain faithful to Christ’s teachings.

From verse 20 through the end is like an author’s acknowledgements at the end of a novel, for all those that have been a help to him during his eighteenth months in Corinth.

This 16th chapter gives us insight into Paul’s family and his helpers in his travels around the known world of that time. The theme of this Epistle is clearly “The Gospel of Christ” and its unifying effect, and its importance to the Church. The Gospel is foundation, doctrine, teachings, and encouragement in-the-Spirt as new believers become mature in their faith. Names are named, thanks and blessings are offered, warnings supplied, and the “Mystery of the Church” becomes a unifying aspect of the entire church, truly being of one mind!

The Apostle’s eyesight was diminished, either from the temporary blinding on the Damascus Road, or a common eye disease that plagued many because of the arid climate of the region. And so, the actual scribe of the Epistle, a man named Tertius, offers his own salutation in verse 22. (Compare with Galatians 6:11.)

The Roman Epistle is the sixth of Paul’s letters chronologically, but one of the most powerful, and applicable for the Church today. Paul’s love for the Church mirrors the Love of Jesus towards all. And Paul does not shrink away from the importance of the Holy Spirit when ministering to others. All three members of the Holy Trinity are clearly at work throughout the Letter to the Romans. 

 From Colossians 1:27 -

“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory”

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Romans 16:1-27 - "The Unity of the Church"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Romans 16 is a powerful chapter that concludes Paul’s epistle to the Romans. It’s filled with personal greetings, commendations, and final instructions to the believers in Rome.

He also warns against those who cause divisions and offenses, urging the Romans to be wise in what is good and simple concerning evil.

As we jump into the details of this chapter, we’ll uncover valuable lessons about unity, love, and steadfastness in the faith. We’ll see how Paul’s final words to the Romans can encourage and inspire us today to live out our calling as believers in Jesus Christ.

In this chapter, Paul takes the time to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication of his fellow ministers and followers of Christ.  In these verses, we clearly see the diversity in the church.  Paul mentions twenty-six individuals, twenty-four by name, two households, at least three (probably four or five or more) churches - men, women, married, single or widows, different backgrounds.

In the churches in Rome, there were Jews and Gentiles, there were freeborn, there were slaves, and there were freed men and women, that is, those who were former slaves. There were people of vastly different socioeconomic status. There were people with conflicting cultural and religious backgrounds. There were new believers and there were some who had been in Christ for many years. How do we know that? Well, Rufus and his mother, the wife of Simon of Cyrene, were saved around the time of the Crucifixion, some 25 years earlier. Paul says that Andronicus and Junias were in Christ before him, sometime before 32 or 33 AD. That, again, would have been 20-25 years before.

The question is this: how could people from such different backgrounds enjoy such a wonderful and rich spirit of unity? Not only does Christ intend for His church to be diverse, but the source of our unity is Christ our Lord. Paul says these believers were either “in the Lord” or “in Christ”. That was the source of their unity, and it is the source of our unity as well. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For by one Spirit [the Holy Spirit] we were all [all believers] baptized [immersed] into one body [whose body? Christ’s body!], whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” That’s what unites us. What defines us is our common Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Phoebe (16:1) - The name means "bright and radiant," which aptly fits Paul's brief description of her personality and Christian character.   She was a "servant" from where we get "deacon" and "deaconess."   In the early church women servants cared for sick believers, the poor, strangers, and those in prison.  They instructed the women and children (cf. Titus 2:3-5).  Whether Phoebe had an official title or not, she had the great responsibility of delivering this letter to the Romans church.  When they had served faithfully and become widowed and destitute, such women were to be cared for by the church (1 timothy 5:13-16). 

Cenchrea (16:1) - A neighboring port city of Corinth, where Paul wrote Romans.  The church in Cenchrea was probably planted by the Corinthian church.

Priscilla and Aquila (16:3) - This husband-and-wife team were Paul's close friends who even risked their own lives for him.  The remaining five times they are mentioned in Scripture, Priscilla is listed first, at least four times, which could imply she had a high social rand than Aquila, or that she was the more prominent of the two in the church.  They probably were Christians when Paul met them, having come from Rome where a church already existed (Romans 1:7, 8).

Epaenetus (16:5) - Likely saved through Paul's preaching and lovingly discipled by the apostle.  "Firstfruits" or first convert in Achaia (Asia Minor).

Mary . . . Labored Much (16:6) - Not much known about her.  It says she labored much, which means hard work to the point of exhaustion.  The context suggests she might have ministered in the church at Rome since its founding and been mentioned to Paul by others.  

Andronicus and Junia (16:7) - Possibly a married couple.  Junia can be a women's name. It says they were fellow prisoners with Paul, either sharing the same cell, or adjacent cells at some point.  Their ministry with Paul, and some of the other apostles in Jerusalem before Paul was converted, was well known and appreciated by the apostles.

Amplias (16:8) - A common name among the emperor's household of slaves at that time.  He may have been one of those in "Caesar's household" (Philippians 4:22).

Stachys (16:9) - Obviously, he was close to Paul, but the details are not known.

Aristobulus (16:10) - Paul does not greet him personally. He was probably not a believer, although some relatives and household servants apparently were.  He may have been related to Herod Agrippa I, according to some scholars. 

Herodion (16:11) - Was related to the Herod family, and so perhaps associated with the household of Aristobulus.  Paul refers to him as his "Kinsman," indicating that he may have been one of Paul's Jewish relatives. 

Household of Narcissus (16:11) - Some believe that this was the Emperor Claudius's secretary.  If so, two households within the palace had Christians in them (cf. Philippians 4:22).

Tryphena and Tryphosa (16:12) - Possibly twin sisters, whose names mean "delicate" and "dainty." 

Persis (16:12) - Named after her native Persia; since her work is spoken of in the past tense, she was probably older than the other two women in this verse. 

Rufus (16:13) - Most scholars agree that this was one of the sons of Simon of Cyrene, the man enlisted to carry Jesus' cross (cf. Mark 15:21) and was likely saved through that contact with Christ.  Paul writes that he was "chosen in the Lord," indicating he was widely known as an extraordinary believer because of his great love and service.  He is not Paul's natural brother.  Rufus's mother at some time had cared for Paul during his ministry travels.

Brethren (16:14, 15) - refers to both men and women in this context. 

Holy Kiss (16:16) - Signifying spiritual kinship with fellow believers in the faith. Kissing of friends on the forehead, cheek, or beard was common in the O.T. as it is in many cultures today.  The Jews in the NT church carried on the practice, and it became especially precious to new believers, who were often outcasts from their own families.

Divisions and Offenses (16:17) - Doctrinal falsehood and unrighteous practices (cf. Matthew 24:24; Acts 20:27-32; Galatians 1:6-8; Ephesians 4:14). 

Belly (16:18) - Driven by self-interest and self-gratification, often seen in their pretentious, extravagant, and immoral lifestyles (cf. Philippians 3:18, 19; 2 Timoth 3:7, 8; 2 Peter 1:20-2:3, 10-19; Jude 12, 13).

Lucius (16:21) - He is either a native of Cyrene, one of the prophets and teachers in Antioch who participated in Paul and Barnabas's commissioning (Acts 13:1-3) or the name is another form of "Luke," the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.

Jason (16:21) - One of the first converts in Thessalonica who let Paul stay in his home for a short time before Paul and Silas were sent to Berea.

Sosipater (16:21) - This is one of the Bereans (cf. Acts 17:10-12) who joined other believers in the meeting Paul at Troas after the apostle left Ephesus.

Tertius (16:22) - Paul's secretary, who wrote this letter as Paul dictated it, inserts a personal greeting.

Gaius (16:23) - One of Paul's converts at Corinth (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:14). 

The Whole Church (16:23) - The congregation that met in Gaius's house.

Erastus (16:23) - A common name in NT times, but probably not the same man referred to in Acts 19:22, or 2 Timothy 3:20. He was a chamberlain or treasurer in the city of Corinth.  This was a prominent position with political clout.

Preaching of Jesus Christ (16:25) - Synonymous with the gospel, it was Paul's supreme life commitment.

The Mystery (16:25) - Refers to something hidden in former times but now is made known (1 Corinthians 4:1; Ephesians 5:32; 6:19; Colossians 1:25, 26; 2 Thessalonians 2:7, 8; 1 Timothy 3:9, 16). The New Testaments most common mystery is that God would provide salvation for Gentiles as well as Jews (Ephesians 3:3-9).

Prophetic Scriptures Made Known (16:26) - God told Israel that He would not only call her to righteousness, but appoint her as a light (of the gospel) to the nations.

To God . . . Be Glory (16:27) - It was through the Father that the gospel was ultimately revealed, therefore He deserves all the credit, praise, and worship.

Morning Message: A Calling and a Visit

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "A Calling and a Visit"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Paul’s Epistle to the Romans was written while he was yet in Corinth. He’s ministering to two churches at once, hundreds of miles apart. The grass did not grow under Paul’s feet! We learn in this passage that Paul is planning on taking the Gospel to Spain, and along the way, planning a stop in Rome to see those of the Church there. He kept moving from Church-to-Church but was always willing to stay a while if the Churches needed him. He listened to the Holy Spirit, as in Acts 16:6, in that vision from the Lord, redirecting Paul to Macedonia, and to Philippi.

This is the flexibility of a calling rather than just a job. He is being faithful to the calling of God, and the directive from Jesus to take the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. At that time, and for all practical purposes, Spain was the western-most end of Earth. What lay beyond Spain would not be known to Europeans or Middle Easterners for almost another 1,500 years!

This calling continues even today. On Thursday of this past week, we learned of a young couple who prayed one day to be sent out, and the very next day they received an invitation to missions in the Czech Republic of Eastern Europe. Believing this was an answer to their prayer, they jumped at the invitation and will now pull up stakes from Georgia, pack up their kids, and off they’ll go to Eastern Europe. May the Lord go before them and be their rereward also.

God asks us to keep a light touch on the things of this world, and by doing that, we can remain flexible to be used as the Lord sees fit. If places far away are not appealing, how about touching someone’s life while grocery shopping at Wegman’s or Aldi’s Stores? Or lending a hand to a stressed-out Mom, or elder person? Our personal mission field might be at the end of the driveway, or around the world. Keep your eyes peeled! Or perhaps provoke one another to love and good works! If you someone’s Spiritual gifts, they might fit the needs of someone else!

Isaiah 55:6 – NOW APPEARING!

“Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.”

Delay, and you might miss Him altogether!

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Romans 15:14-33 - "A Calling and a Visit"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Romans 15:13 ended Paul’s systematic instruction to the Roman church. From this point forward, Paul will share many personal instructions and comments that are quite revealing about himself and others. Beginning in verse 14, Paul now explains his heart’s motivation concerning his ministry. If you want a true insight into the heart of Paul, and how he thought about other believers, studying these verses to the end of this epistle will be quite a revelation. In this final section he gives many personal comments, more than any other epistle in the New Testament.

Paul talks about his missionary strategy. He feels he has been called to reach the Gentile peoples of the world. He has traveled extensively in an effort to add new believers to the faith and to establish churches in communities where there were no churches. Paul hasn’t tried to go places where others had not gone.

God does not ask us all to be missionaries or church planters. However, he does ask us all to be witnesses. Paul shared by word and deed. God has placed in your path a host of people who have not heard the gospel message. They are people at work, people who are in organizations with you, neighbors, family members, friends of your children, people you spend time with at ballgames. These people are YOUR mission field. You are their missionary. Our job is to share the truth of the gospel with our own mission field.

We can learn a great deal from these concluding words of the Apostle Paul. We are reminded that living for Christ means LIVING for Christ. Jesus didn’t merely call us to be students; He called us to be disciples. He told us to take up the cross and follow after Him. Our job is to live out our faith.

Wherever life takes you, no matter what turns life takes, the faithful believer is the one who keeps going, keeps serving, and keeps sharing because the believer knows that God is in control. The faithful believer understands that the things of this life are nothing in comparison with what is yet to come. Our goal is to follow God wherever He leads, even when we don’t know where exactly God is taking us. We learn this from the example of the apostle Paul.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Goodness (15:14) - This refers to high moral character.  The believers in Rome hated evil and loved righteousness, attitudes their lives displayed.

Knowledge (15:14) - Refers to deep, intimate knowledge indicating that the Roman believers were doctrinally sound (Colossians 2:2,3), illustrating the fact that truth and virtue are inseparable (cf. 1 Timothy 1:19).

Admonish (15:14) - To encourage, warn or advise - a comprehensive term for preaching (1 Corinthians 14:3) and personal counseling.  Every believer is responsible to encourage and strengthen other believers with God's Word and is divinely equipped to do so (2 Timothy 3:16).

As Reminding You (15:15) - In spite of their spiritual strength these Christians needed to be reminded of truths they already knew but could easily neglect or even forget (cf. 1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:8-14; Titus 3:1).

Minister (15:16) - This was a general Greek term used of public officials.  But in the NT, it is used most often of those who serve God in some form of public worship.

To the Gentiles (15:16) - Although Paul's practice was always to present the gospel to the Jews first in every city he visited, his primary apostolic calling was to the Gentiles (11:13; Acts 9:15).

The Offering (15:16) - Having referred to himself as a minister, a word with priestly overtones, Paul explains that his priestly ministry is to present to God an offering of a multitude of Gentile converts.

Glory (15:17) - Literally, "to boast."  Paul never boasted in his accomplishments as an apostle, but only in what Christ had accomplished through him (1 Corinthians 1:27-29, 31; 2 Corinthians 10:13-18; 12:5, 9; Galatians 6:14; 1 Timothy 1:12-16).

Signs and Wonders (15:19) - God used them to authenticate true preaching and teaching.

To Illyricum (15:19) - The Balkan region that was once called Yugoslavia that is now broken up into several independent states.  In Paul's day, this area was more commonly known as Dalmatia (2 Timothy 4:10).  The journey from Jerusalem to Illyricum was some 1400 miles.

Gospel (15:20) - The "Good News" of God is that God will forgive sins, deliver from sin's power, and give eternal hope.  It is the whole scripture concerning Christ and the way of salvation.

It is Written (15:21) - Quoted from Isaiah 52:15. 

Hindered from Coming (15:22) -   Roadblocks.  Paul was providentially being prevented by God from going to Rome (cf. Acts 16:7).

Spain (15:24) - The city and region referred to in the OT as Tarshish (1 Kings 10:22); Jonah 1:3), located on the far western end of the European continent. 

Macedonia and Achaia (15:26) - Paul ministered in these regions during his first and second missionary journeys. 

Their Spiritual Things (15:27) - The "things" were gospel truths first preached to the Gentile believers by the Jewish apostles, prophets, teachers, and evangelists.

This Fruit (15:28) - The financial gift for the Jerusalem church; the fruit of their genuine love and gratitude.

The Love of the Spirit (15:30 -This phrase occurs only here in Scripture and refers to Paul's love for the Holy Spirit, not the Spirit's love for him (cf. Psalm 143:10).

Prayers . . .That I May be Delivered (15:30, 31) - Many Jews rejected the gospel and were prepared to attack Paul when he returned.  Aware of the trouble that awaited him (Acts 10:22-24), he wanted the Roman Christians to pray for his deliverance only so he could complete the ministry the Lord had given him.  Their prayers were answered in that he met with success in Jerusalem (Acts 21:17, 19, 20) and was delivered from death but not imprisonment (Acts 21:10, 11; 23:11).

May Be Acceptable (15:31) - Paul wanted the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem to receive the financial gift from the Gentiles with loving gratitude, recognizing it as a gesture of brotherly love and kindness.

The God of Peace (15:33) - Just as he is the God of hope, He is also the source of TRUE Peace (cf. Ephesians 2:11-14; Philippians 4:7).

Morning Message: United IN Christ

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "United IN Christ"

Written By:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

First of all, Happy Mothers’ Day to all who have born children into this world. Yes, a “Hallmark Holiday,” but a worthy one. None of us would be here were it not for God’s command to be fruitful and multiply.

On Thursday of this week past, we witnessed a new Pope being voted into his official position as Bishop of Rome. As head of the Roman Catholic Church, his outreach is world-wide. Of his many titles, he is also referred to as the Vicar of Rome, and the Vicar of Christ. Though it is the Anglican Church where the title Vicar is most often used, it is still a significant title within the Roman Church.

Personally, I find it interesting that the word “vicar” comes from the Latin, meaning “representative,” or “substitute.” Therefore, the Papal Title is for a representative, or substitute for Christ. In the Roman Catholic Church, he is looked upon as a living representative to lead a body of religious people, the human embodiment of Christ on Earth. They claim that should he ever perform a miracle, he will have the added distinction of reaching "Sainthood." However, the apostle, Paul, speaks of “believers” as living saints. Paul refers to “the saints” many times in his writings. The clearest definition of a saint is found in his salutation at the beginning of 1 Corinthians 1:1-3.

The Roman Catholic Church has pitted their beliefs against God’s Word. In Matthew 16, While Jesus gave Peter (Greek word is Petros, meaning a detached stone) some authority in His Church, Jesus said, “Upon this rock (Greek word is Petra - a mass of rock, cliff) I will build my Church." The difference is easily overlooked in some languages, but in the Greek text, Peter, Petros, is a far cry from Jesus saying, “I will build My Church.” Jesus points to Himself as the Rock of Offense (Greek, “Petra”), by which mankind stumbles (Romans 9:33). “Petros” is a small stone. “Petra” is a large mass of rock, likened to the Rock City of Petra in the Kingdom of Jordan, east of the Jordan River.

The Roman Church views Peter as the first Pope, but Peter was never “The Pope.” He was instead, as viewed by the Apostle Paul a member of a committee-of-three Apostles who oversaw the Church in its earliest years: James, Cephas (Peter), and John as mentioned in Galatians 2:9 as the “pillars" (of the church). James, half- brother to Jesus, Peter, and the Apostle John made up the Church’s Leadership from Jerusalem, and not Rome. These were chosen specifically by Jesus on three occasions: Matthew 17:1; Luke 8:51; Mark 14:33.

In Revelation 21:14, the New Jerusalem is described - 

“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.”

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Romans 15:1-13 - "United IN Christ"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In chapter 15 of the book of Romans, Paul continues his discussion on how those who are strong (mature) are to receive and bear with the infirmities of the weak. Encouraging the strong to be concerned with uplifting the weak, he reminds them of Christ and His unselfishness (1-3). Reminding them of the value of the Old Testament Scriptures, he pleads for patience so that with one mind and one mouth they may glorify God (4-6). Finally, he calls for them to receive one another to the glory of God, just as Christ served both Jews and Gentiles in fulfilling the prophets of old (7-12). Paul then offers a prayer that God might fill them with joy and peace in believing, so that they may abound in hope with the help of the Holy Spirit (13).

With regard to the importance of unity among believers, shortly before He went to the cross, Jesus prayed for unity among His followers: “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” (John 17:11).

Later in the same prayer, Jesus asked “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us . . . And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one—I in them, and thou in me—that they may be made perfect in one” (John 17:21–23). Obviously, Christian unity is important to our Lord.

Jesus not only prayed for unity, but He gave the reasons that Christian unity is important: He asked that all believers may be in the Father and the Son, “so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). And then Jesus prayed for “complete unity” so that “the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (verse 23). When Christians are united in Christ, the world sees two things clearly: Jesus was sent by the Father, and Jesus loves His church.

In Romans 15, we see another, more general reason that Christian unity is important: “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The bottom line is God’s glory. God’s people should be speaking with one voice in glorifying God.

Christian unity comes with Christian maturity, and it is always something that we strive to attain. Paul instructs us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Helping us toward that unity are the gifts of the Spirit. God has given each Christian different gifts, and their exercise in the edification of the church leads to more and more unity. One purpose of the gifts is that “we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

To promote Christian unity, God presents the church in 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 as a living body. The body has many members, each with specialized work to do, but all the parts are united in the Head of the Body, which is Christ (see Ephesians 4:15). Christians bring honor to God’s name by pursuing unity in the power of the Holy Spirit who brings us together as one through faith in Christ.

Christian unity is a virtue, but there are some things that can and should limit unity. We don’t pursue unity simply for the sake of unity; it is Christ and His truth (the Bible) that unite us. Scripturally, we are to separate from professed brothers and sisters in Christ who live in persistent, unrepentant sin (Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 5:1–2) and from those who teach false doctrine (Revelation 2:14–15). “Watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them” (Romans 16:17).

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

We . . . Who Are Strong (15:1) - Believers who are mature, strong in the faith.

To Bear (15:1) - Means to pick up and carry a weight.  It is used of carrying a pitcher of water (Mark 14:13), of carrying a man (Acts 21:35), and figuratively of bearing an obligation (Acts 15:10).   The strong are not to simply "tolerate the weaknesses" of their weaker brothers; they are to "help the weak" by shouldering their burdens, showing loving and practical con=sideration for them (See Galatians 6:2; 1 Corinthians 9:9-12; Philippians 2:2-4).

Edification (15:2) - To build up and strengthen.  This is essentially the same appeal Paul made earlier (14:19), only with the additional qualification of self-sacrifice (1 Corinthians 10:23, 24; Philippians 2:2-5).

Christ Pleased Not Himself (15:3) - His ultimate purpose was to please God and to accomplish His will (John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 8:25, 27-20; Philippians 2:6-8).

It is Written (15:3) - Quoted from Psalm 69:9.

Reproaches . . . Fell on Me (15:3) - Reproaches speak of slander, false accusations, and insults.  Men hate God, and they manifested that same hate toward the One He sent to reveal Himself (cf. John 1:10, 11, 18).

Things . . . Written Aforetime (before) (15:4) - Speaking of the Old Testament scriptures.

Written for our Learning (15:4) - Although Christians live under the New Covenant and are not under the authority of the Old Covenant, God's moral law has not changed and all of Scripture is of spiritual benefit (1 Corinthians 10:6), 10, 11; 2 Peter 1:20, 21).  Paul's description of the benefits of Scripture certainly includes the NT but speaks primarily about "the sacred writings" - or the Old Testament.

Patience (15:4) - A constant steadfast, enduring, sustaining perseverance.

Comfort (15:4) - Encouragement.  God not only informs believers how to endure but also encourages them in the process. 

Hope (15:4) - The Joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation.

Like-minded Toward One Another (15:5) - Despite our sometimes-differing views on NON-ESSENTIAL issues, to pursue loving, spiritual harmony in regard to matters on which the Bible is silent.

God and Father (15:5) - This expression emphasizes the Deity of Christ - A major doctrine of Christian Faith, not a minor issue.  Jesus is not an adopted son of God; He is of the same essential being and nature as God.  This is such an important connection that it appears frequently in the NT (2 Corinthians 1:3; 11:31; Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3).  

Receive . . . As Christ Received Us (15:7) - If the perfect, sinless Son of God was willing to bring sinners into God's family, how much more should forgiven believers be willing to warmly embrace and accept each other in spite of disagreements over issues of conscience (Matthew 10:24; 11:29; Ephesians 4:32-5:2).

A Minister of the Circumcision (15:8) - Speaking of Jesus. In Jesus, God was keeping all His promises to Abraham and the patriarchs. In sending Jesus as the Messiah, God was proven to be a keeper of His promises to Israel.

Promise Made to the Fathers (15:8) - The covenant with Abraham that God reiterated to both Isaac and Jacob.

That the Gentiles Might Glorify God (15:9) - Because He extended His grace and mercy to a people outside the covenant. 

(15:10) - Quoted from Deuteronomy 32:43.

(15:11) - Quoted from Psalm 117:1.

15:12) - Quoted from Isaiah 11:10.

God of Hope (15:13) - God is the source of eternal hope, life and salvation, and He is the object of hope for every believer. 

Power of the Holy Spirit (15:13) - The believer's hope comes through the Scripture which was written and applied to every believing heart by the Holy Spirit.