Be Like Batman, part 2

 

Three major elements Chapter 1

• Guard the Gospel (1-11)

• Celebrate the Gospel (12-17)

• Fight for the Gospel (18-20)

• Celebrate the Gospel (12-17)

Be thankful to GOD: the Source of Grace (v. 12)

WE Need Grace (v. 13)

His Grace is Superabounding (v. 14)

SAVING GRACE (v. 15)

We are all sinful and stand desperately in need of His grace

Why did God save a wretch like me? (v. 16)

So that when people look at you they would see a picture of what a life transformed by the gospel looks like.

The gospel is not about you.

It’s about God’s amazing grace put on display

Pause for Praise (v. 17)

Paul can’t even get through the first chapter without a doxology of praise for God’s grace.

Conclusion/Application:

Verses 18-20:  FIGHT for the gospel.

What does it look like?

Know the Gospel.

Celebrate the Gospel

Fight for the Gospel

Practical Steps:

1. Join a Sound Church

2. Show Up

3. Be Discerning

Use the target to help evaluate teaching:

1. The center: The Gospel

There are unwavering gospel truths that, if you deny, you’re not a Christian. Those are always central and must be continually taught. These truths should be the core of Christian teaching.

Colossians 1:28 – Him we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom

2. Second Circle

We can differ on these issues & still go to church together (Example: Eschatology & Spiritual gifts) We can disagree and still contend together for the faith of the gospel,

3. Third circle

Not a denial of the gospel, but an issue that means we cannot go to church together. 

Example: infant baptism vs. believers baptism

Outside the Circle:

You can affirm the biblical gospel, but be in the “dangerous” category if your teaching falls outside the circle. It’s not a drop-dead-done-you’re-a-heretic issue, but outside the circle is a dangerous place to be. 

These are all outside the circle:

Woke/Critical Race Theory

Social Justice Movement (we do, however, need to be impacting our communities) Anything Prosperity related

Claiming you can “release the power of God in your life when you _________…”

Affirming extra biblical revelation.

If you deny the inspiration, inerrancy, authority, or sufficiency of God’s Word (all Scripture that is breathed out by God) - you’ve stepped outside the circle.

Yes - You can affirm the gospel and still be outside the circle.

Marks of a False Teacher. 

Man Pleaser

Criticizing Faithful Servants of God

Teach their own wisdom, not God’s Word

Emphasizing minor things - not gospel focused

Uses eloquent words to disguise false teaching

Inconsistent - true doctrine is beautifully consistent.

Final Characteristic is what Sound Teaching produces (false teaching does not produce this).

Sanctification, Growth, and Holiness

If the goal is not your sanctification - FLEE!

We must hold tightly to truth and reject what is false.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Rob