“NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY” (Books of Galatians and Ephesians)

INTRO:

We need to thank God for His wonderful words. God has given us His word of His SAVING GRACE. God has given us His words of DIRECTION for our lives. GOD HAS PRESERVED HIS WORD FOR ALL TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SAVING GRACE OF “JESUS CHRIST” THE SAVIOUR. In these two Books we see the Holy Ghost preserved word of the Apostle Paul. Notice when we write a letter we sign them at the end. The Apostle Paul always lets us know from the beginning of his letters.

THE BOOK OF GALATIONS:

   I.) Paul teaches us the “necessity” of  STRONG REBUKE.

Gal 1:6  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from [him that called you into the grace of Christ] [unto another gospel:
Gal 1:7  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ].
Gal 1:8  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, [let him be accursed].
Gal 1:9  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, [let him be accursed].

We are in the last days before the Rapture of the church. We must HEAR the TRUTH!.THE LOST OF THIS WORLD MUST HEAR THE TRUTH! God did not send his word to tickle the ears. Those that change the word of God for any reason are a cause for many not to trust God’s word and go to hell. (You know “that [He] that called you” is the Holy Ghost of God Himself)!

1Co 1:24  But unto [them which are called], both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Col 3:15  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the [which also ye are called] in one body; and be ye thankful.

Heb 9:15  And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, [they which are called might] receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

We must also remember this verse:

Mat 22:14  [For many are called, but few are chosen].

And this one:

Rev 17:14  These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and [they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful].

***Notice in this short passage the word “accursed” is used twice. God is serious about the use of His word.

   II.) Paul teaches the destruction of LEGALISM.

Gal 3:1  O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Gal 3:2  This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Gal 3:3  Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Because of the “Liberalism” growing in the Church, many have swung to the far left and become “Legalist”. Adding to the word of God the laws of man.

The Legalist are not right they add to the word of God.

Such as:

(He can’t be right with God, he wears wire rimmed glasses)

(He can’t be right with God, he drives a red car)

(He can’t be right with God, he wears blue jeans to church)

etc……..

The Liberals are not right, THEY TAKE AWAY FROM GOD’S WORD.

such as:

(Denying the Resurrection)
(Denying the Blood Atonement)
(Denying the VIRGIN birth)

etc……..

The TRUTH is somewhere in between these two.

THE TRUTH IS IN THE RIGHTLY DIVIDING GOD’S HOLY WORD!

Rev 22:17  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Rev 22:18  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, [If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:]
Rev 22:19  And [if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.]
Rev 22:20  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

   III.) The Apostle Paul teaches us the PURPOSE of the LAW.

Gal 3:24  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Gal 3:26  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:27  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

The PURPOSE of the Law is to drive us to Christ. Those laws show us that we are all sinners. If then we are sinners “WE ARE IN NEED OF A SAVIOUR”. That “SAVIOUR” is Jesus Christ.

Joh 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

A good way of illustration is to look at the way a carpenter chooses his lumber. After finding a straight board he will then use that board to compare each and every other board. HE WILL REJECT THOSE THAT ARE NOT STRAIGHT!

Those laws of Moses are our straight board. If we cannot compare 100% to those laws (No One Can) then we are sinners BOUND FOR HELL! Only the saving grace of God can change that FACT.

THE PURPOSE OF THOSE COMMANDMENTS OR LAWS “ARE TO DRIVE US TO JESUS CHRIST”.

   IV.) Paul teaches us our POSITION WITH GOD:

Or “Where do we stand in the eyes of God”?

Gal 3:13  [Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law], being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Gal 3:14  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

We are not bound by those laws that can not be kept. We do as Christians have certain liberties BUT WE DO NOT HAVE THE LIBERTY TO SIN AT OUR OWN WILL!

2Co 3:15  But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
2Co 3:16  Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
2Co 3:17  Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

BUT:

1Co 8:9  But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

There are those that think they can lead a sinful life but:

2Pe 2:19  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
2Pe 2:20  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

Our Liberty is for the work of God Only:

1Pe 2:15  For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
1Pe 2:16  As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

And:

Gal 5:13  For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Gal 5:14  For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

   V.) Paul teaches us that the ENEMY (Satan) WILL TELL ME WHAT I WANT TO HEAR!

Gal 4:16  Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

THE DEVIL WILL MAKE IT SEEM LIKE THE SAINTS OF GOD ARE THE ENEMIES OF THIS WORLD. THE TRUTH WILL ALWAYS STING. THE TRUTH WILL ALWAYS WARN ME AGAINST THE ACTIONS OF THE DEVIL.

2Ti 4:3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Ti 4:4  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

WE CAN SEE THIS HAPPENING EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD AND ESPECIALLY IN AMERICA, IN OUR OWN COMMUNITIES.

COULD THIS BE NEXT:

Stephen:

Act 7:57  Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

Or will the Lost say this:

Act 17:20  For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

IS THIS NOT THE CHURCH OF AMERICA NOW!

Rev 3:14  And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Rev 3:15  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

BEHOLD:

Rev 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

WAKE UP AMERICA, WAKE UP WORLD!

   VI.) Paul teaches us the truth about GRACE.

Gal 5:13  For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

We cannot hold to any law for our salvation except the Law of Grace.

Joh 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Joh 1:15  John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
Joh 1:16  And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
Joh 1:17  For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Tit 2:11  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Tit 2:12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Tit 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Tit 2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

YOU KNOW JESUS TAKES THAT “WANT TO SIN AWAY”. If you still want to sin and do, then maybe you need to go back to the Altar of God.

   VII.) PAUL TEACHES US THE TRUTH ABOUT SPIRITUALITY!

Gal 6:1  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, [ye which are spiritual], restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

If we are truly filled with God’s Holy Spirit then we will not condemn those that fall but encourage them and help them back into God’s GRACE.

Jesus said:

Luk 6:40  The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
Luk 6:41  And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Luk 6:42  Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.

THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS

   I.) HERE PAUL TEACHES US THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BLOOD:

Eph 1:7  In whom [we have redemption through his blood], the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

The Religions of today make light of “the BLOOD OF JESUS”.

You know if Christ had died of a heart attack, WE WOULD STILL BE GOING TO HELL.

If Christ had drowned in a pool, WE WOULD STILL BE GOING TO HELL.

If Christ had died of old age, WE WOULD STILL BE GOING TO HELL.

IT WAS THE BLOOD OF JESUS THAT WASHED OUR SIN AWAY.

Heb 9:22  And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and [without shedding of blood is no remission].

Rom 3:25  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation [through faith in his blood], to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

JESUS SAID:

Mat 26:28  For [this is my blood] of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

IN THE DAYS OF ADAM AND EVE GOD SHED THE BLOOD OF ANIMALS TO COVER THAT VERY FIRST SIN:

Gen 3:21  Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

TO CHRIST OUR LORD:

Rev 1:5  And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. [Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood],

   II.) THE CHURCH IS NOW THE CHOSEN PEOPLE OF GOD:

Eph 2:19  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and [of the household of God];

All covenants with the Jewish people will still be kept. After the Rapture of the Church the covenant of Grace will end for the Gentiles. The Church age will be over.

The Chosen of God:

1Pe 2:9  But [ye are a chosen generation], a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1Pe 2:10  Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

IT’S NOT IMPORTANT WHERE YOU COME FROM IT IS “ONLY IMPORTANT WHERE YOU ARE GOING”!

   III.) THE APOSTLE PAUL TEACHES “DISPENSATIONAL TRUTH”.

Eph 3:2  If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

The word dispensation is not always liked in many congregations and by church leaders but the Apostle Paul taught it well. If you go into most public restroom you will see a little box on the wall with a handle of some kind. If you push that handle you will be dispensed a liquid soap to wash your hands. That box is called a dispenser. God dispenses His will throughout different ages of the Bible. In this verse we see that Grace is a dispensation of God. Again at the Rapture of the Church this dispensation will be over. Paul says that Grace will last until the dispensation of the fulness of the gentiles come in.

Rom 11:25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, [until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in].

God’s Grace will:

Act 26:18  To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified [by faith that is in me].

Eph 2:7  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Eph 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Paul’s words:

Col 1:25  Whereof I am made a minister, [according to the dispensation of God] which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Col 1:26  Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Col 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:
Col 1:28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Col 1:29  Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

   IV.) Paul shows the “rebuke” of them for the LACK OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

Eph 4:14  [That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine], by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Eph 4:15  [But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:]

We must get our “DOCTRINE” right!

Mat 7:28  And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, [the people were astonished at his doctrine]:

There is only one Doctrine we need to know. THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.

Read Titus Chapter 2

2Ti 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

   V.) Paul taught that it is REAL IMPORTANT TO LIVE A LIFE “LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT”.

Eph 5:18  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; [but be filled with the Spirit];
Eph 5:19  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Eph 5:20  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Eph 5:21  Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

God is making a comparison here. Even the quietist and most shy person under the influence of alcohol will have a loose tongue. GOD SAYS EVEN THE QUIETEST AND MOST SHY PERSON THAT IS FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST WILL OPEN HIS MOUTH AND WITNESS ABOUT JESUS.

God is not endorsing drinking in any way!

Look at what is missed in these same words.

IF WE DO NOT OR ARE NOT A WITNESS TO OTHERS, ARE WE TRULY FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT?

VI.) GOD TEACHES US THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY ORDER:

Eph 5:22  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Eph 5:23  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Eph 5:24  Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Eph 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph 5:26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Eph 5:27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Eph 5:28  So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
Eph 5:29  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Eph 5:30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Eph 5:31  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Eph 5:32  This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Eph 5:33  Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Eph 6:1  Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Eph 6:2  Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
Eph 6:3  That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
Eph 6:4  And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

GOD IS A GOD OF ORDER.

GOD EXPECTS ORDER IN HIS FAMILY!

GOD EXPECTS ORDER IN HIS CHURCH!

   VII.) GOD TEACHES US THAT THE “CHRISTIAN” LIFE IS THE BEST LIFE (BUT) IT IS NOT ALWAYS THE EASIEST WAY TO LIVE.

Eph 6:10  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Eph 6:11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Eph 6:13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

GOD HAS TOLD US TO DRESS IN THIS MANNER EVERY DAY. IT IS EASY TO SEE THAT TO DRESS IN THIS MANNER WE ARE NOT GOING ON A PICNIC BUT TO “WAR”.

OUR WAR IS WITH SATAN AND HIS FOLLOWERS. NOT WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS AND NOT WITH THE LOST OF THIS WORLD.

Amen