https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/podcasts/32440/ The newest sermons from Grace Bible Fellowship on SermonAudio. Religion & Spirituality Grace Bible Fellowship http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification https://vps.sermonaudio.com/resize_image/sources/podcast/1440/1440/thestudy-08.jpg https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/podcasts/32440/ en Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:54:21 +0000 30 Mark Mann no The newest sermons from Grace Bible Fellowship on SermonAudio. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1261080595 Both a "moralist" approach and a "quietist" approach to the Christian life is wrong. In the Bible, Paul doesn't ask, “What is the moral way to act?” Neither is he saying, “We don't need to order our steps at all.” Everything, including our initial salvation experience and the daily experience of Christian living, must remain centered in the Gospel of grace. Because of the human tendency toward moral self-effort, the need for the Gospel in ongoing. Self-generated morality and religious practice can become a type of pseudo-savior; something we come to rely on if we're not careful. It can become a replacement for Christ. For a Christian to despair over their sin saying, “I'm just too bad of a person to receive the forgiveness of God”, is a form of self-righteousness because it is a rejection of God's mercy. It is unbelief. Tim Keller put it this way, “A heart that says, “If I haven't earned it, I won't take it as a gift (or that says, If I [beat myself up] for a long time, then it will atone for what I've done) is as deeply self-righteous as the heart of a proud Pharisee. It wants Jesus to be an example and a Rewarder of the Righteous, but not to be a gracious Savior”. For example, if you're saying, “I find it hard to forgive myself”, its because you've failed your real god, the god of your righteous standard. This is an imagined god; a god that is demanding and never gracious. In the past, when we were first saved we joyfully and tearfully identified with the prodigal son; over time some of us may have become more like the elder brother, angry, frustrated, mechanical, superior and condescending. Maybe we've lost touch with grace. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1261080595 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 24 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:09:24 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/118101252341 The over-arching issue in Paul's letter to the Galatians is a loss of liberty—the freedom that was secured in the finished work of Christ alone is now in jeopardy. The question before us as we close out this powerful letter is: When did we buy into the legalist lie that what God wants to accomplish in us will be accomplished by the self-determination of our wills in concert with repeated attempts at holiness in our own strength? All such self-generated attempts at sanctification eventually fail and must fail if God would lay sole claim to the work—and He does. On this point, Scripture is very clear. Phil 1:6, {For I am} confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. “work” Gk ergon- what anyone is occupied with; that which one undertakes to do; the idea of working is emphasized; toil. “perfect/perform KJV/carry on to completion NIV” Gk epiteleo- to bring to an end, to accomplish, to perfect, to execute, to complete; to take upon oneself. We depend entirely upon the power and the work of God in our salvation. Why would we think that God in any way depends on us for sanctification? We stand in, and rest entirely upon, the righteousness of Christ for justification. We fully acknowledge that we bring nothing to this accomplishment. It is entirely a work of God. Rom 5:1-2 1Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. We stand in this grace; in both salvation and sanctification. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/118101252341 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 0:59:18 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/110101816156 “walk” from Gk stoicheo; ‘to direct one's life, to order one's conduct; to conform to virtue or piety.' “rule” Gk kanon; ‘a measuring rod; anything that determines or regulates the actions of men; a principle.' What “rule” or principle? The principle of the Cross. Living day-by-day, moment-by-moment with the Cross in view and at the center of my life, in the midst of the sphere of God's grace. It is to trust God entirely for my righteousness having none of my own apart from Jesus. Paul is saying to the Galatians, ‘If you must measure yourself, use the Cross alone as your standard for measurement.' This reduces all our best efforts at righteousness to nothing. The Cross demonstrates tremendous need and utter and complete dependency. Paul is saying, ‘Those who conduct their lives in conformance with the principle of the Cross, which is a life walking in the Spirit—being led by the Spirit of God, will experience peace (both objectively and subjectively) and will receive mercy from God.' The word “mercy,” Gk eleos, assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and resources adequate to the need on the part of Him who shows it. Arrogant, proud, self-righteous religionists, measure their standing by comparing themselves with others. They do not see their utter bankruptcy. They make their boast in themselves and those they persuade to be like them. “mercy” Gk eleos = ‘kindness and good will toward the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to help them.' This is the opposite kanon; or, principle, standard of conduct or measuring stick used by the Judaizers and legalists. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/110101816156 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 10 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:08:00 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/14102158536 The idea of ‘boasting' in English carries negative or prideful connotations. This is the furthest thing from Paul's mind here. “boast” is from a Gk word that has the idea of 'good glorying' or 'rejoicing'. To boast is to exult in. Whether a boast is sin or virtue depends on who is being praised, self or God. There are only two religions in the world: The religion of Human Achievement; and, The religion of Divine Accomplishment. The former, initiated, inspired and promoted by Satan. The latter, initiated, inspired and promoted by God. One appeals to the flesh, prompted and excited by the father of lies and deception. The other, appeals to the heart, prompted and illuminated by the Holy Spirit of truth. Wherever he went, Paul “determined to know nothing…except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). In his letter to the Philippian church Paul renounced all his personal religious achievements (Phil. 3). His boast was limited to Divine Accomplishment alone. His boast was in the Cross. The supreme symbol for our faith in Divine Accomplishment is the Cross of Jesus Christ. To understand the profundity of this Divine Accomplishment, Paul discloses its depiction to us in our passage: 1. The Means: The Cross (v14); 2. The Mirror: A New Creation (v15); 3. The Measure: The Canon (v16); 4. The Marks: A Caution (v17); 5. The Miracle: Our Celebration (v18) We will be discussing the first two: The Means and The Mirror. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/14102158536 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 03 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:10:29 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/12210914245510 We now come to the close of Paul's powerful epistle to the Galatian churches. The closing passage carries the same weight of argument, seriousness and indignation that it did in the opening and that it carried throughout the entire letter. With the exception of the benediction in the very last verse, Paul utilizes every last line as his parting salvo against the Judaizers whose heretical activities prompted the letter in the first place. Out of his deep love and concern for the believers there, he refutes the Judaizers for the last time by exposing there motives and objectives; followed by what turns out to be, that which is central to all Christianity—the glory of the cross. In this early epistle, the great apostle despenses with the usual warm parting encouragements and accolades. Instead, he leaves them with a sober reminder that his scar-torn body bears the Lord's own signature of possession and those who oppose him ought to think carefully before they cause him any more trouble. Paul wears his stripes like a seasoned, decorated war vet in the army of the Lord. The letter itself has proven to be a blessing to the church of Jesus Christ throughout the ages since it contains one of the strongest arguments for the Gospel of grace by faith alone, apart from all other religions, which present some form of works based salvation. This is the difference between a religion of Divine Accomplishment and one of Human Achievement. The first half of Paul's closing passage explains the faultiness of the religion of Human Achievement. The second half, presents the centerpiece of our faith—the glory of the cross—in the true religion of Divine Accomplishment. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/12210914245510 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:06:20 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/127091259367 Following Paul strong exhortations to “walk in the Spirit” and “Live by the Spirit” (5:16, 25), he then begins to unpack the practical outworking of a Spirit led life. Chapter 6, v6 is a segue into Paul's introduction of a profound and universal principle: The Law of Sowing and Reaping in Kind. I want each of us to think about our lives for a moment; think very carefully about this question: What are you sowing to in your life? What are you investing your precious, limited resources in? You have been given a finite amount of 5 valuable resources by your Creator: TEAMM: Time; Energy; Ability (intellectual, mechanical, communicative); Money; and Material (goods). Because we live brief finite lives in an isolated system, these are NOT ‘renewable resources'. This morning, we want to be thinking about: What percentage of our limited amount of resources are being spent toward what the Bible would characterize as "doing good" to others? The Bible provides a wonderfully concise characterization of Jesus' life: "{You know of} Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and {how} He went about doing good,...for God was with Him. (Acts 10:38) Hopefully, we are investing our lives in that which will bring about the greatest good; because the principle of "sowing and reaping" is inescapable. This is what the apostle James had in mind when he exhorts you to, …prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. (James 1:22) Ask yourself: What produces the highest good in life? Answer: The Gospel. The greatest good we can extend to others is the Gospel. This is a call to ALL believers. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/127091259367 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:00:00 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/113009133040 No man stands alone. No man is without sin and weakness at some point in his or her life. We need each other. No man is an island. Its easy to talk about the Fruit of the Spirit in ethereal terms. Its easier to be mystical than practical. Its much easier to talk about it; even pray about it; without DOING much about it. In Gal.6:1-5, Paul unpacks what it means to manifest the Fruit of the Spirit by giving us an intensely practical exhortation: God has brought the sin of another Christian to your attention. What are you going to DO about it? Beginning at the source for all Holy Spirit generated virtues, "love," Paul brings us full circle in 6:2 by telling us that in manifesting this fruit inwardly and outwardly, and then treating one another accordingly, we “thus fulfill the law of Christ,” which is to love. Paul's message is: Not, that you attempt to "keep the law by…"; but that "you fulfill it when…." One is generated by pride; the other, by love. One is religious; one relational. One man-generated; the other God-generated. One horizontal; the other vertical. Big difference. “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the {statement} "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (5:14) Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled {the} law. (Rom 13:8) Two things NOT to do when becoming aware of sin in a brother or sister: 1) Nothing, which is hateful cowardice. 2) Tell them, “Its okay. Your sin is no big deal.” Two things you MUST do if you love them: 1) Go to them. 2) Tell them the truth with gentleness and humility; and, in private and with love. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/113009133040 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:02:43 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1123092012506 As "love" in the beginning of our list of 9 is the sweet source from which all other virtues flow, so too, "self-control" at the end of our list, if practiced, will keep all the others flourishing. If not practiced will become the sour herbicide that causes them all to whither on the vine. So many Christians lead powerless, fruitless lives for one reason: They have little self-control in certain areas and/or they are spiritually undisciplined in general. The outcome: They are forfeiting the freedom available through the regular exercise of the spiritual disciplines and exercising self-control. We claim to be God's children, partakers of divine power; entitled to the divine inheritance together with Christ, and yet we live like spiritual paupers, begging for scraps at a back door we think locked when all along we hold the key to all God has in our pockets. So many Christians have disciplined themselves alright. They've disciplined themselves to lead barren, fruitless existences. They've carved a rut so deep through the practice of meaningless, futile activities that serve no kingdom purposes they can no longer see all that exists beyond their self-imposed, self-inflicted limitations. Hard to imagine a twice-born saint, a child of the King, choosing to live a defeated life. How is it that we think God is going to bring about His kingdom in our lives? What is the purpose of life for the Christian? I'll tell you: It is to love Christ and become like Him. It is to serve the needs of His beloved church and of fallen humanity. How does this come about in our lives? 3 Ways: Through self-control and self-discipline and by delighting ourselves in Christ. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1123092012506 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:15:13 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/118091928588 When you consider "gentleness" in a person, what comes to mind? Quiet, unassuming, easy-going, soft-spoken, low-key? These characteristics, as defining gentleness, are commonly held. But what does the Bible have to say about gentleness? Gentleness sets the tone of our Christianity; With all of the other fruit of the Spirit we've covered so far in operation, gentleness will establish the attitude of our faith. It should be the spirit of it; the nature of it; the quality of it. Only having met us, strangers should sense that we are a gentle people. Gentleness is the flavor; the feel; the smell; the look of Christianity. It is the manner in which we express our belief. First of all, biblical gentleness, or meekness as its sometimes translated, has no connection to weakness. In the ancient Gk world, the word was used of horses that had been broken for riding. So, it is power that has not been decimated but remains under control. In Mt. 11, Jesus uses the adjectival form of this word (Gk praus) to describe Himself. He who could at any time have commanded legions of angels to destroy His adversaries instead chose to subject Himself to every indignity in submission to the Father's will. That is power under control. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/118091928588 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:09:41 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/11209133241 These final three qualities have to do with the essence of our character. Like the Bible concept of Love, Faithfulness comprises many other virtues under its heading. At least 15 virtues constitute Faithfulness. Faithfulness is a major character goal to strive for in this short life because Faithfulness is the true measure of who we really are. The writer of Proverbs tells us that, “Many a man claims to have unfailing love,” then asks a pointed Q, “but a faithful man who can find?” (20:6). The questions for us this morning are: ‘Do we know what this word really means in all its facets? Do we realize how important this is for God's people?' And, most important of all, ‘Will we be found faithful when our Lord returns? 1) One of the main attributes of God is His Faithfulness. Faithfulness is God's measuring stick for success in our lives. Great reward comes to those who are found faithful in all that God has entrusted to them. 2) Faithfulness is Forthright in Truth; defined by: fidelity (in relationships: w/God; in marriage; in the Body of Christ); integrity (soundness, completeness, unity); sincerity; purity; just 3) Faithfulness is Forged in Trustworthiness; defined by: dependability; diligence; perseverance; endurance; reliability; loyalty; constancy; steadiness. Faith in God is total trust in God--who alone is our righteousness--for our salvation, approval and well-being. When you meet the Lord face-to-Face, these are the Words you want to hear Him say: Matt 25:21, "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/11209133241 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 0:56:36 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1026091141571 The chief purpose of God in Christ was to display the glory of His grace. Without God's grace, man would be lost for all time with no hope of life. Grace simply defined is the favor of God bestowed upon people who only deserve death and hell. God, out of His great love, intervened in the midst of our hellbound journey. He introduced His love into the hearts of man by sending His Son to endure severe abuse and punishment—even death—at the hands of wicked, evil men. Eph 2:7, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Because of His Kindness, God intervened with His Goodness. And because this act is so utterly and completely undeserved, it qualifies as Grace. The great manifestation of Grace is God's Kindness and Goodness shown to us in Christ. Kindness and Goodness should always be considered together. They are used interchangeably in Scripture. Though they are not totally synonymous. 1) Kindness is primarily a disposition of the heart of benevolence toward others. It is a prompting of the Holy Spirit who makes us sensitive and aware of the needs of others. Kindness is an attitude of the heart: Its source is love. It includes qualities like sympathy, compassion, empathy, sensitivity, understanding, and a desire for the happiness and well-being of others. 2) Goodness is kindness and moral character in action. An act of the hands. Defined by: Noble acts, being helpful, meeting a need, servant effort, labor, visiting, and sacrifice. It is also defined by: Listening, offering words of encouragement, words of truth, words of hope, words of comfort. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1026091141571 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:07:11 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1019091348391 II. HUPOMONE: Patience With Providence. Patience is the quality that does not surrender to circumstances; it is the opposite of despondency and is associated with hope. PATIENCE (Gk hupomone) = “The steady endurance of irritating or painful situations.” It is patience that refuses to give in to the drizzle of complaining or outbursts of anger over situations or circumstances beyond our control. Gk, Makrothumia is patience in respect to persons while hupomone, endurance, is putting up with things or circumstances. “There is a deep peace that grows out of illness and loneliness and a sense of failure. God cannot get close when everything is delightful. He seems to need these darker hours, these empty-hearted hours, to mean the most to people” Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is the pureness of the Spirit operating in us through that which we bear up under in the Name of Jesus Christ that gives us this unique vision. This great truth is given to us in the declaration of Job at the end of his story. It is demonstrated for us by Stephen at the end of his life. Acts 7: 55 But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God 56 and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." What Stephen saw was not only for him, but for us. Keep gazing in the direction of the Lord—keep your eyes fixed on the prize—while you patiently endure intensely difficult circumstances or the cruel treatment of people and you will eventually see God with a clarity of vision that you had never experienced before. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1019091348391 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:05:15 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1011091554292 There are two main Gk verbs that we translate “patience” in our English Bibles: Makrothumia and Hupomone. Def.: The inner capacity to endure unfavorable or unpleasant circumstances; or, enduring the mistreatment of others over an extended period of time. Gk makrothumia means ‘long-tempered' and is usually translated “longsuffering.” Often found with Gk hupomone translated “patience, endurance or perseverance.” “Longsuffering is that quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate nor promptly punish; it is the opposite of [impulsive] anger and is associated with mercy, and is used of God…. Longsuffering characterizes all labor that has love for its motive” (Vine; 1 Thes. Comm.; p134). Rom 9:22-23, What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured [phero] with much patience [makrothumia] vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? 23And {He did so} in order that He might make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, "The calm willingness to endure injuries inflicted by others." “Patience is that calm and unruffled temper with which the good man bears the evils of life, whether they proceed from persons or things. It also manifests itself in a sweet submission to the providential appointments of God and fortitude in the presence of the duties and conflicts of life. This grace saves one from discouragement in the face of evil.” (New Unger's Bible Dictionary) https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1011091554292 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 0:58:12 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/927091947395 Happiness is superficial and fleeting. True Christian joy remains unchallenged by the caprice of circumstances. It is, as Peter calls it, a “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Pe. 1:8). This is a Joy that is as powerful as it is unshakable. A joy that runs this deep, is often forged in a furnace of affliction and suffering. Joy is not purely a human emotion. It is a deep down confidence in the sovereignty of God. It is based upon the sure conviction that God is in control of everything for His glory and our ultimate—not perceived—good so that all is well in any and every situation. God is active in all our suffering. Adoniram Judson, the first overseas missionary from America, went to India and then Burma. During that time he suffered a horrible imprisonment for a year and a half and lost his wife and children to disease. Here is a summary of his perspective: “If I had not felt certain that every trial was ordered by infinite love and mercy, I could not have survived my accumulated sufferings.” Trust requires belief. You must believe. "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Rom 15:13). You can know joy even in a veil of tears. There is abundant joy in the presence of the Lord both on earth and in heaven. Here in part; there in full. In this life joy is mixed with sorrow, fear and frustration like thorns on the rose. In heaven, joy is pure. In constant nearness to God, that is where our joy is made full. Ps 16:11, Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; in Thy presence is fulness of joy; in Thy right hand there are pleasures forever. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/927091947395 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:03:10 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/91309221543 Before we can begin to manifest the fruit of the Spirit, we must desire a deeper life with God. It is not just to be dead to certain external things, it is to filled with love for God. This is internal. C. S. Lewis said, “Every Christian would agree that a man's spiritual health is exactly proportional to his love for God.” Finding our life IN Him by having love FOR Him. That is the fountain head from which all spiritual fruit must grow. The manifestations of the flesh are plural, and therefore discordant and often at odds with each other. It would be impossible for a man to practice ALL of these habitually. The multiplicity of discordant sins produced exist in a state of alienation from God. They are the direct result of an absence of love for God. Thus, we become the enemies of God (Ro. 5:10). The fruit of the Spirit, on the other hand, express themselves in harmony and unity and bring us into a state of alliance with God; as the heart is now filled with love for God and other people. Thus, in Christ we now become the friend of God (Jn. 15:14). The Fruit of the Spirit is written in the singular form to suggest the unity and harmony of the character of Christ and are therefore mutually consistent and complementary. It is right that the list begin with love since love is primarily an internal quality. Love is the internal vine from which all of the external qualities, or fruit of the Spirit, are its tender chutes. “[Love] is the life and soul of all religion, without which all things that wear the name of virtues are empty and vain” (Edwards; p4). Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Cor 16:14) https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/91309221543 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 0:50:12 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/830091917415 Because of sin, man is separated from God and has tarnished the image of God in him. Man now has true guilt before a holy God and the only hope to absolve that guilt is by God's grace through faith in the finished work of Christ alone – plus nothing. That's Paul's point in his letter to the Galatians. When we are reconciled with God through the righteousness of Christ alone, we pass from death to life; from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light; and in that moment, fellowship with our Creator is once again restored—the very thing we were created for in the first place—and we are, individually, children of God. Now, while this new birth is necessary in the beginning, it is just a beginning. Once reborn, the important thing now becomes living out our lives in the fullness for which we were created and now redeemed. After a Christian is newly remade into a new creation in Christ, that person often formulates a list of things, primarily negative and depending on their particular life context, that they shouldn't do since they are now “Christians.” But even though the list may contain some things that Scripture clearly does prohibit, we must be careful to emphasize that true spirituality in the Christian life is more than refraining from a list of forbidden things. Schaeffer calls the last commandment, not to covet, “the hub of the wheel” (p7). That is to say, that coveting is an internal sin—a sin of the heart—from which all other sins listed in the remaining 9 flow. The other nine are external sins; they are outward acts against God. We commit them because we either covet against God or we covet against our neighbor. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/830091917415 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:12:20 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/823091724290 A man must first BE good in order to DO good in God's eyes. Jesus warned: 15"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn {bushes,} nor figs from thistles, are they? 17"Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18"A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (Matt 7:15-19) Rather than attempting to merely ACT piously, the nature of the tree itself must change. In other words, "Doing must flow from Being." Jesus, “brushes aside as trifling all attempts at altering products, whilst the producer remains unaltered” (Alexander Maclaren; p168). Once our heart has been transformed by faith in Christ, new life begins to surge within. The “…Spirit of God moves in our spirits and, like the sap in the vine, permeates every branch and tendril, that fruit to eternal life will grow. Christian graces are the products of the indwelling divine life, and nothing else will succeed in producing them. All the preachings of moralists and all the struggles after self-improvement are reduced to impotence and vanity by the stern, curt sentence—‘a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit” (Maclaren; p169). You cannot will yourself to what God considers good works. You must be born again. It does little good to try and convince sinful men to stop their sinning by simply remonstrating them. Now saved, old habits must be displaced and replaced by the power of a new affection. This is key. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/823091724290 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:07:15 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/816091929147 In our last passage, Paul catalogues a list of outcomes, “deeds/works,” that are randomly produced in God-less, sin-darkened, unregenerate men or women whose lives are irrational and chaotic: lives, “…full of sound and fury, signifying nothing” (Macbeth). Fallen man's life is pock-marked by sins of varying stripes, whose consequences and ultimate outcome is strife, grief, sickness and death. Sins that occur in a fallen state pop up like poisonous mushrooms. They sprout randomly and only in the dark; and when light comes, they vanish. The 'deeds/works of the flesh' are ugly chutes that grow under rocks; populated only by the most disgusting insects and creeping things. In our passage, Paul contrasts the unity of the fruit of the Spirit with the multiplicity of the deeds of the flesh, which have no consistency except evil. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/816091929147 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:04:12 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/810091254425 Man, having fallen and therefore lost the image of his Creator, is now consigned to the dictates of our more base, animal nature and the will of the god of this world. There are four groups in Paul's list of 15 manifest vices or Deformities of an Image Lost: 1) Sensual Sins 2) Idolatry 3) Personal Relationships 4) Excesses How can a man avoid living according to the flesh? He must acknowledge his sinfulness and recognize Christ as his Savior. You must believe the Gospel. When he does, he becomes free; a new creature now able to love God and live according to Word. Yet, he is not altogether removed from the presence of sin. There is a principle of the flesh that though we have been granted an entirely new nature in Christ (Jn. 3; Ro. 8:9; 2 Cor. 5:17), still the effects of lingering sin tempt us to fall. The great practical lesson taught in this portion of Scripture is: In order to make progress in mortifying sin and growing in holiness, we must yield ourselves, our minds and hearts, to the transforming influence of divine truth. Truth that is efficacious only when attended by the Spirit of Christ in the new born saint. The humble, diligent study of the Bible and the living out of its principles, coupled with the fervent prayers of the believer, are the principle means of sanctification. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/810091254425 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 09 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:16:02 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/72609204388 Having expertly provided his readers with solid argumentation for his apostolic calling and reclaiming the true Gospel of Jesus Christ in the previous chapters, Paul now gives us the ethical outworking of genuine salvation. Every Christian wants to know the secret of a holy life. Every true Christian deeply regrets his sin and longs to be rid of it. Every Christian wrestles with sin. Even Paul struggled with sin: Rom 7:14-15; 18-19 14For we know that the Law is spiritual; but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 15For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I {would} like to {do,} but I am doing the very thing I hate. vv. 18-19 18For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the wishing is present in me, but the doing of the good {is} not. 19For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish. What is the solution to resisting sin; how do we keep from "biting and devouring one another" (v15)? Live by the Spirit. In our passage, Paul discloses a key principle to living the Christian life in the only way that will allow you to successfully resist sin: “…walk by the Spirit” https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/72609204388 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:27:06 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/712092130238 We live in a time and a place where liberation is demanded from all sectors of our society. In all walks of life – men, women and even children are demanding the right to live unrestrained by laws or the opinions of others. They view laws as an imposition, impinging on their freedom. There are laws in God's universe. And His desire that we live by them is not an effort to restrict us or restrain us – it is a world of freedom He offers. As fallen human beings we imagine that the highest of virtues is to be left alone; to be allowed to live life autonomously, free from laws that encumber us; laws that limit us from making our own choices in life. Sadly, this so called “freedom” has led to life-damaging, life-destroying addictions of every kind. From alcohol to drugs to sexual activity to violence. Instead of becoming free, man has become the worst kind of slave. Powerless to escape, what was once thought of as the right to engage in something enjoyable has now become an inescapable, life-debilitating habit. The sad irony of it all, is that those who insist on pursuing these things in the name of personal freedom eventually lose control over them and forfeit any choice entirely. Now they are driven by the very behaviors they ‘freely' chose. The more he insists on self-centered freedom, the more enslaved he becomes. Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.” John 8:34 Apart from the liberating work of the Holy Spirit, sinful man is a slave to his passions. He no longer has the choice not to sin. As Augustine said, fallen man is born, non posse; non peccare – ‘not able not to sin.' https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/712092130238 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 0:57:52 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/62909196392 As Christians, we often drift away from the freedom in God's glorious grace into a legalistic, performance-oriented faith primarily for two reasons: 1) Either because we want to learn and gain religious knowledge and holy behavior in order to reach some goal or to be viewed well by others – which is pride. 2) Or, we work harder at being better Christians because we are constantly being reminded of our sin and failure by “the accuser of the brethren”… who accuses them before our God day and night (Rev. 12:10) – which is defeat. So, whether by through pride or defeat; by building us up or by beating us down; Satan is constantly tempting God's children to some form of legalism. It was Karl Barth who said, “The devil may also make use of morality.” Satan is not only an accuser of the brethren, he is a murderer and a liar. He would rob you of your freedom in Christ in a heartbeat if you allow him. There is a war over souls going on. There is a continual battle for ownership of your soul as long as you exist on this fallen planet. Suffer hardship with {me,} as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Tim 2:3-4 The war is spiritual and so our weapons unconventional. We must be careful. Thomas Brooks warns, “Satan, who acts by an untiring power, and who will never let the saints rest till they are taken up to an everlasting rest in the bosom of Christ, is so powerful and subtle that he will often make the greatest and dearest mercies to become our greatest snares.” We must not grow weary in well doing. John Livingstone tells us, “Satan strikes either at the root of faith or at the root of diligence.” Either through severe doubt or weariness. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/62909196392 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:09:13 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/622091028265 We begin chapter 5 with a profound statement by the apostle: "It was for freedom that Christ set us free;..." (v1). We all know the cost of that freedom. It cost our Lord His comfort; His dignity; and His life. For us this was a gain of incalculable value. Over against this stands the frightful loss of those who live out their religious lives by human effort. Given the great cost of our freedom, how is it possible that we could "become subject again to a yoke of slavery?" Further still, how do we then "keep standing firm?" From the beginning God has always been interested in securing the hearts of His people, not in simply observing the outward show of people continuing in man-made traditions. Faith and human effort were all the Hebrews knew for hundreds of years. And when the true faith called for them to recognize the arrival of the “promised Seed” who was Messiah according to the Scriptures, for many of the Jews, faith was abandoned for a system of human effort alone. Jews were often referred to simply as the circumcised (Acts 10:45; 11:2; Gal. 2:7) because this was their personal mark of distinction that set them apart from all other pagan peoples. So circumcision became a great source of pride and confidence among Jewish people. But it was to be noted that circumcision, or the cutting away of the male foreskin, was to be merely a symbolic reminder of their God who desired to cut away the evil from their hearts. Circumcision was an outward sign indicating an inward transformation. Apart from this, Paul indicates circumcision was of no saving significance. True circumcision is “of the heart, in the spirit, not in the letter" (Ro. 2:29). https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/622091028265 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:02:47 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/615091441490 Paul turns yet another corner in this second half of chapter 4. He continues to contrast grace & law; faith & works. His formal argument having ended in v8, his personal appeal of the heart now concluded in v20, Paul returns to the OT character Abraham, or his wives Sarah and Hagar more specifically, to make his next point. V21Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the law? With a lively, “Tell me,” the great apostle calls his opponents to task. He challenges them to think. And he accomplishes this by way of analogy. This is not so much an argument as an illustration. Our translators use the English word “allegorically” from the Gk allegoreo (v24). But usually an allegory is a fictional story that carries a hidden meaning within it. As such, this can be a dangerous word to use in this case because Paul is not intending that the story of Hagar and Sarah was meant to be an allegory. This only feeds the common sort of liberal theology that allegorizes many portions of Scripture as it leaves each interpreter up to his or her own imagination. Treating the Scriptures allegorically is quite often influenced by “personal predispositions. It frequently leads to biased and often bizarre conclusions” (MacArthur; p122). https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/615091441490 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 14 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:11:02 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/524092033211 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/524092033211 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 24 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:00:43 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/51709211112 After making several well-posed arguments in the first half of his letter to the Galatians, Paul's appeal to them now gains intensity in a very personal way. There is a marked turn in Paul's demeanor and tone in this portion of the letter. Vv. 12-20 contain the strongest words of personal affection in any of Paul's letters. This is more an outpouring of his heart than a lesson in theology. Of the previous verse 11, where Paul is intimating, “I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain,” Martin Luther said, “These words of Paul's breathe tears.” He has gone from impersonal, scholarly theologian to spiritual father, brother and close friend; his tone changing from stern debater to loving parent speaking to his children. This passage is intensely personal. This is clearly one of the most gripping paragraphs in all of Paul's letters. He implores them and agonizes over them, unable to bear the thought that those who he addressed at one time and received him with sympathy and embraced his teaching with such enthusiasm would wander farther and farther away from home. It is critical to the receptivity and acceptability of any teaching that the audience approve of and have respect for the teacher. If respect, approval and affection are lost, so is the message. If a preacher/teacher has not the heart of his hearers, he has lost them as his disciple in the faith. Paul, sensing that he has lost the affection of the Galatian believers to the influence of the Judaizers, now sets out to win back the hearts of the Galatian believers who once held him in the highest regard. Paul's personal appeal of the heart breaks down into 5 facets. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/51709211112 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 17 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 0:57:08 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/510091849610 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/510091849610 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 10 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:09:03 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/55091512440 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/55091512440 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 03 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:05:06 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/427092217285 Now that Paul has mentioned the condition the Galatians were enslaved in with idolatry prior to knowing God in the deep, personal, intimate sense – he reminds them again that their salvation by grace alone brought about the most powerful, life-saving, life-transforming relationship they could ever know: to be known by God. Basically, Paul's question to the Galatian believers is this: ‘Now that you have received the greatest gift that any human can receive; now that you have reached the loftiest goal that any human could achieve; now that you have been sought by God and bought by God – how is it that you could return to the “weak and worthless elemental things” from your former life?' This is mind-boggling. THE most important pursuit in life; THE most significant achievement in life is to know God and be known by Him. J. I. Packer, in his excellent classic, "Knowing God," asks and answers life's ultimate question: “What were we made for? To know God. What aim should we set ourselves in life? To know God. What is the ‘eternal life' that Jesus gives? Knowledge of God” (p33). https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/427092217285 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:03:58 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/4609137390 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/4609137390 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 05 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:08:21 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/330091029488 Since the Fall and throughout the OT, God has steadily warned man NOT to have any other gods, but Him. To do so, would be idolatrous. “you were slaves…are no gods” An idol is no god. When put in place of God, it does not; it cannot deliver. Yet, it has the power to enslave. The prophet Jeremiah issues this strong warning: 14 Every man is stupid, devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols; for his molten images are deceitful, and there is no breath in them. 15 They are worthless, a work of mockery; in the time of their punishment they will perish. (10:14-15) The very first commandment warns: "You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exod. 20:3) And, Leviticus 19:4, 'Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods; I am the LORD your God. And from the prophet Isaiah, "They shall be turned back and be utterly put to shame, who trust in idols, who say to molten images, 'You are our gods.'" (42:17) So God takes this issue of idolatry very seriously. And be careful lest you think that idolatry is limited to carved images perched on a hill or a mantel. Idolatry is an issue of the human heart. Man – a created being, a creature – was designed to worship. We worship…  that which we value most in life;  that which we rely upon most for protection;  that which we look to most for guidance;  that which we think about most in our minds;  that which we seek most for approval;  that which we turn to most for comfort; We must be careful that God alone fills those capacities in our hearts and lives. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/330091029488 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 29 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:05:07 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/323091148531 We come now to a very powerful, very intimate, very important portion of our text. The chapter break between 3 and 4 is unfortunate because it interrupts what otherwise is one unbroken thought. This development which begins chapter 4 is the last stage in what has been an alternating argument by the apostle, which flows from the idea of a 'pedagogue' mentioned in 3:23-29. God sent forth a Son in order to gain sons; in order to recapture lost family members and bring them back into the family. He came to call those who were not members of His family and give them the opportunity to become members of His family through Adoption. Adoption, then, is God's gracious gesture of placing those who lived against Him in slavery to sin into His own family; bestowing on them all of the riches in heaven that belong to His Son Jesus Christ by faith in Him. Those who were once slaves to sin have now become sons and daughters of the living God through their faith in the "firstborn" Son Jesus Christ. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/323091148531 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:04:37 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/32091412500 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/32091412500 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 01 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:03:10 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/22309123514 Through the ages from Noah to Abraham to Moses, the Jews – now in captivity in Egypt for 400 years – lost their distinction as a people of God. They lost their separateness, their ‘called apartness.' Through hundreds of years of Egyptian subjugation, exposure and immersion in their culture, the Jews had become simply a lower caste Egyptian slave people who lost their own identity as God's chosen people. It became necessary for God to bring/introduce the Law into the stream of humanity at a point when sin had become a way of life and consciences were seared through generations of neglecting God and His call on the lives of His people. Bringing the Law to mankind; introducing it into the polluted stream of our thinking was therefore, a tremendous act of God's grace. But the Law of Moses does not contain within it a way of salvation. Nor was it ever intended to be permanent. Once mankind had become that wicked, that unruly, that lost from who we were intended to be, God brought the Law to serve as interment (‘the act of burying the dead'); and internment (‘the act of confinement'). But now that faith in the Promised Seed, Messiah has come, strict adherence to the Law has been made obsolete. “We are now prepared to feel the force of the apostle's reasoning. ‘Now that the gospel revelation has been made, and believed by us, we stand no more in need of such an elementary, restrictive, external dispensation as the law; for through this gospel believed we are introduced into a state, and formed to a character, to which such an introductory institution, however well fitted to serve its own purposes, is utterly unsuited.'” (John Brown; Comm.; 178-9). https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/22309123514 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:00:36 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/125091848485 Paul changes his tone with the Galatians by beginning this next section of his letter with, Brethren… The apostle now relaxes and persuasion replaces argumentation. It is as though he invites them to reason as brothers along with him. Now the apostle anticipates the objections of the Judaizers: “Granted that Abraham was saved by his faith long before Moses. And all his descendents likewise were saved following in his example of faith. Still, it is quite obvious that God determined a change in how salvation is secured when He gave the Law to Moses. When Moses came faith was replaced with or at least supplemented by the keeping of the Law. Allowing Abraham salvation by faith alone was a temporary measure until God would give the full substance of His law to Moses. Why else would God have given the Law to Moses?” The anticipation of this response from the false teachers prompted Paul to write our passage. Not until a person has banged himself up against the steel walls of the Law; not until he recognizes his guilt and helplessness to free himself; only then will he recognize his need for a Savior. At the end of writing about his struggle with the Law himself, Paul wrote, “Who will set me free from the body of this death” And because of grace alone was he able to say together with all the saints, Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Ro. 7:24 & 25). https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/125091848485 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:07:53 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/119091546235 The Judaizers in Galatia were persuasively advocating keeping the Mosaic Law in order to be saved. In our passage last week, Paul showed what faith can do. In our passage this week, he declares what works cannot do. But as was pointed out last week, a simple examination of the OT Abrahamic timeline ought to have exposed their error. Abraham was declared righteous 14 years before he was circumcised (Gen. 15:6; age 75; Gen. 17:24; age 99). Not only that, but Abraham was declared righteous (i.e., saved) a full 500 years before they had ever received the Law from Moses. A lot of God's people had lived and died during that time. How were they saved? Or those that came before Abraham for that matter? They were saved by that which they anticipated by faith – that God would provide; that He alone would eventually send their Messiah. It was their trust in God; their unshakable faith in His provision – that made them right with God. Paul continues his argument to the Galatian believers by drawing their attention to what is unquestionably God's most important role in the life of fallen man – that of Redeemer. Job, who was estimated to have lived somewhere around the time of Abraham, knew this great truth when he declared, “…I know that my Redeemer lives…” (19:25). What great anticipatory faith. What unshakable trust. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/119091546235 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:14:48 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/112091937330 Paul now departs his series of questions designed to cause the Galatian believers to engage their minds and memories in order to correct the false teaching they've received from the Jewish legalists (3:2-5). Beginning with our passage, he now launches a section of alternating argument that will continue to chapter 4:7. This next section will allow Paul to undergird his argument with Scriptural support. At the same time, he is refuting the abuse of Scripture being perpetrated by the Judaizers. Bottom line: You enter into salvation solely on the basis of faith in Jesus the Messiah. Paul uses the faith of Abraham as example. This is theology 101 based upon the life of Abraham. We can assume that central to the false teaching of the Judaizers included the notion that new Gentile believers had to be circumcised in order to become true ‘sons' of Abraham. Abraham was the proclaimed father of the faithful; the prototype. The man God started with. God called him and made a covenant with him that a great nation would come from him. No doubt the Judaizers leaned heavily upon father Abraham to make their case convincingly to the Galatians. What with his rich legacy of receiving the covenant from God and being the progenitor of a not only a nation, but of a faith, Abraham was impressive. Paul now uses the biblical teaching on Abraham itself to directly refute what the false teachers were espousing. The fact is, Abraham's justification by faith came BEFORE his circumcision (justification Gen. 15:6; circumcision @ age 99 17:24). This is a big problem for the Judaizers and Paul masterfully dismantles their doctrine. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/112091937330 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:05:36 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/15091316113 Paul's letter to the Galatians is a masterful example of apostolic-theological argumentation at its finest. Paul's strategy turns another corner with our passage. Up until now, his argument was based on his personal knowledge and experience. Now, he appeals to theirs. It is significant to note that the Holy Spirit is mentioned three times in four verses. At this point in his epistle, Paul attempts to engage their minds by asking five penetrating questions in four verses: “did you receive…” (v2); “Are you so foolish…” “are you now being…” (v3); “Did you suffer…” (v4); “Does He then…” (v5). One of the most effective means of persuasion, Paul attempts to get the Galatian believers to make their own theological corrections by posing compelling questions designed to make them do what they have not been doing – thinking. This passage is about two things primarily: 1) The Sovereignty of God; and, 2) The Importance of Mind & Memory. Paul's argument in our text is laid out as follows: 1) God's Sovereignty at the Point of Salvation (v2); 2) God's Sovereignty in the Process of Sanctification (v3); 3) God's Sovereignty in Providence and Contextualization (v4); 4) God's Sovereignty in the Power of Glorification and Completion (v5). By the end of these short verses, it ought to be quite clear that salvation as well as sanctification is entirely an accomplishment of God by grace, through our faith in His Son Jesus Christ. And not by any legalistic self effort to keep the Law of Moses. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/15091316113 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 04 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:15:52 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1228082159254 Our verse this morning is a pause in Paul's argument. A pause to make a declaration. It is a visceral cry from the apostle mixed with love, anger and surprise. Paul is incredulous. Its not that the Galatian believers were in jeopardy of losing their salvation. That is not possible. They remained believers positionally, but they were not living as Christians practically according to the truth that had set them free originally. Satan can do nothing to rob Christians of their salvation. But he can surely seduce/beguile Christians into losing their freedom in Christ. He accomplishes this largely through lack of discernment among believers. Lacking discernment, which is forged through the regular, diligent study of biblical truth, is the greatest problem confronting the church today. There are fundamentally three reasons for the current state of willful ignorance that is destroying the church today: 1. Laziness – just not willing to do the work despite the danger of its neglect. 2. Disdain – coming from a church background where formal Bible study is frowned upon. 3. Apathy – just do not think its all that important and so unwilling to take the time. “Always men are called upon to think. That is why God gave us a Book! He did not give us a movie or music videos. Nothing to touch your emotions, but the contemplation of truth. No stimulus other than truth, which requires thought” (John MacArthur). In its natural state, the mind of man is fallen, it is foolish, unable to understand or rightly discern between truth and error. The word "foolish" does not mean mental ignorance, but mental laziness. It is neglecting to use the faculties of the mind. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1228082159254 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 28 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:11:44 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1222081650224 God sets the appointed time for all things to occur. The wisdom of king Solomon declared: Eccl 3:1, There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-- God has set the time of our salvation. In an exact moment in history, He sent a Saviour. As He said He would through His prophets. That time came. That time is here; that time is now. The apostle Paul declared it by quoting Isaiah: 2 Cor 6:2, for He says, "At the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you"; behold, now is "the acceptable time," behold, now is "the day of salvation"— The time in which God would send His Son, our Saviour, had to be a time – a precise time – in which the convergence of so many factors coming together all at once could not be argued. 1. Alexander the Great made the language common throughout the civilized world at the time. 2. A governance by Roman rule that would afford peace (pax romana). 3. Roman government made travel free, rapid and secure through a network of roads and byways. 4. The Jews were scattered across the globe through Dispersion by enemies over hundreds of years previous. Acquainted with the promises and looking for the Messiah, had they embraced Him, they would have served as apostles, zealous and devoted missionaries through numerous synagogues. But most importantly, the One who comes at that precise moment in history would also: 1) have to be the One the prophets spoke of. 2) He would have to be a descendant of David. And, 3) He would have to be declared the Son of God by the Father. Jesus Christ fit all of the OT criteria for Messiah perfectly. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1222081650224 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 21 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:08:53 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/121708132995 Last week we learned that man will never be justified, ‘declared right/not guilty' before God, by attempting to keep the law of Moses. The Law is intended to show us our sin and our need for a Saviour. The Law brings a death sentence to all mankind. We discovered that a person is justified, saved, ‘declared not guilty' by faith in Christ alone. Gal 3:24, Therefore the Law has become our tutor {to lead us} to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. This week we'll see that true saving faith is always life-transforming. The Jewish legalists thought that by eliminating the Law, you eliminate man's sense of moral responsibility. i.e., If a person can be just before God simply by trusting in Christ by faith, why then would he bother to keep the Law? Or live by any standard of morality for that matter? Paul sets out to disabuse them of this error in thinking. The Legalizers accused Paul of encouraging sin because Paul's doctrine throws over the Law for God's grace. This Paul denied. In other words, the Judaizers were saying, “If you come to Christ by faith alone without any obligation to the Law you will become a licentious sinner.” Addressed in v17. Here, Paul is saying the reverse is actually true by saying, “But, once a person comes to be justified by faith only, they can actually be found sinning if they return to the Law.” For example, Peter, when he lived like a Gentile tore down the ceremonial law; when he lived like a Jew he tore down salvation by grace. Here we have the great purpose for which a person is saved by grace through faith alone. The believer's participation in the death of Christ that he might find new life in Him. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/121708132995 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 14 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:13:54 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/128081452183 vv. 11-21 contain capsule statements of some of the most significant truths about Christianity. Namely, justification by faith. Paul now begins to develop the message that is central to his letter, and to the whole of Christianity. All men need salvation. It is a universal truth that all mankind everywhere, that every lived or will ever live, need to be reconciled with their Creator. Why? Because of our universal guilt. Our problem is not the result of a single instance of sin or even several. Our problem stems from total alienation from God. Col 1:21, … you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind,..." Rom 5:10, "… we were enemies," of God. Rom 8:7, we were, "...hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able {to do so} So, the question of the ages for all mankind becomes… 'Can mankind be just before God? "...how can a man be in the right before God? (Job 4:17 & 9:2 resp.) Not by the Law. "because by the works of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin" (Ro. 3:20). The Law was given as a tremendous act of grace to show us our condition – that we are dead – alienated enemies of the holy, living God. So, then comes the question again, "How then can a man be just with God?" (Job 25:4). Here's how: Rom 8:3, For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God {did:} sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and {as an offering} for sin,..." Justification, reconciliation with God, righteousness restored in man, comes only one way: Through the righteousness of Christ and our faith in Him alone. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/128081452183 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 07 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:11:30 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1124081941250 Paul is writing that his Gospel —as with his apostleship— did not find its source in men. But how can he prove that to the Galatian churches? Answer, by providing a record of his travels post-conversion interwoven with his personal conversion testimony. In this passage, Paul presents a cumulative argument against the Judaizer charge that he received his gospel and apostleship from men. In order to make his case convincingly, Paul advances his argument by drawing their attention to four key areas of his life that he presents in a succession: 1) His Career (vv. 13-14; 2) His Call (vv. 15-17); 3) His Character (vv. 18-20); and 4) His Conversion (vv. 21-24). Paul defends his position by pointing to his former life and how dramatically he has changed; and internal change that could have only been wraught by God. He then attributes the source of his salvation and calling to God. Also he presents a chronology of his travels to prove that he could not have possibly received his Gospel from any one else. And in fact, he did not. He received his Gospel from Jesus Christ Himself. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/1124081941250 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:11:32 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/11170812343810 Paul turns a corner in his argument here. He is being accused by the Judaizers in Galatia of seeking the favor of men by holding the doctrinal position he does. Paul continues to use himself as an example to make his argument. He is saying, ‘I was converted through the true Gospel just like you. Not by man; but of God alone. Do you now think that I have retreated back to seeking the favor of men?' Saved by God alone, Paul assures them right from the outset of the epistle that he has been commissioned as an apostle by God alone as well (v1). In verse 10 Paul is stating very logically and very clearly that if he was saved by God alone and commissioned by God alone; and the Gospel he preaches was given to him by God alone – then his life belongs to Him alone – he is therefore beholding to no man. There were Five ‘Solas' or 5 basic essentials of the true Gospel that emerged from the Protestant Reformation in contradistinction to the Roman Catholic faith: Sola gratia; Sola fida; Solus Christus; Sola scriptura; Soli Deo Gloria! We are saved by grace alone; through faith alone; in Christ alone; by the Scriptures alone; all to the glory of God alone. This we teach. This we believe. And for this alone we ought to live out our lives. But what happens after salvation? How do we live out those 5 ‘solas' of our salvation in such a way that preserves the pure intention of a faith so hard fought for? The same way Paul did, by going from being a person who lived his whole life to please men, to becoming one who lives to please God alone. This could be our '6th sola': ‘Victus Placeo Deus Unus' -- Living to Please God Alone. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/11170812343810 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 16 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:08:46 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/113081122358 Last week we looked at the key essentials to a true Gospel from verses 1-5. Today, we learn more about the Judaizers who were leading the churches in Galatia astray with 'another gospel' which is no Gospel. It benefits us to examine the lives of these legalists and learn from them since legalism continues to pollute the pure Gospel and plague the lives of Christians today. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/113081122358 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:08:05 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/111081122450 In these brief opening verses, the apostle Paul sets forth the three major themes of the epistle: 1) The source of authority; 2)The doctrine of sovereign grace; 3) The promise of deliverance. Paul is wasting no ink in laying out his argument designed to refute the false gospel being peddled at the churches in Galatia and threatening the salvation of those who embrace it. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/111081122450 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:07:43 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/102708164458 This week we begin to study and entirely new book -- Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia. In this introductory message, we explore the background, circumstances and major themes of this important epistle. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thestudy/sermons/102708164458 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Mann 1:19:16 no Mark Mann - Freedom Series