Building Up and Stirring Up
Series: Unchained
February 03, 2019
Frank Foreman
In our current sermon series, we are reminded that because of the power of the Gospel, we are UNCHAINED ... set free to live free lives as believers in Jesus Christ. As we look through the lessons contained in the book of Galatians, we get an opportunity to realize our full spiritual potential through this freedom we enjoy. This week's message comes from Galatians 2:11-14. Does spiritual accountability really matter? Is it worth the effort? Clearly, from a quick look at this passage of Scripture it was vital to the health of this group of new Christians. It would set the tone for the church's approach toward acceptance and growth. We invite you to be encouraged through the truth and power of God's Word and through our combined efforts as a church body to bring honor and glory to the One to whom if belongs.
Episode Notes
Galatians 2:11-14, But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the Gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
BIG IDEA
Surviving and thriving in a life of faith depends on Christians intentionally building and stirring each other up.
Proverbs 27:17, Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
2nd Timothy 3:16-17, All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
1. Meeting together is a time for encouragement and stirring up.
Hebrews 10:24-25, And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
2. Meeting together should increase in frequency and seriousness.
Matthew 24:9-12, You will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
3. Meeting together is a great opportunity for accountability.
Ephesians 4:25, Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
NEXT STEP
There is great security and comfort in the Gospel … Make yourself accountable to hold firm to Biblical principles.
“Baptism is not the first step a convert takes as a Christian; it is the last step the sinner takes to become a Christian.” --JACK COTTRELL
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