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In Galatians 5:13-15, Paul begins to turn more fully to ethical instruction in this letter: how does the doctrine he has taught translate into living? He began that transition in Chapter 5. In the first 12 verses he was hitting one opponent of freedom: the legalists. Now he addresses those who might be taking freedom beyond its biblical bounds: those who would use freedom in such a way that it actually indulges the flesh.

This sermon text introduces the final section of the extended discussion of Paul’s ministry that began in 2 Corinthians 2:14. These introductory verses make an appeal for mutual affection. Paul had demonstrated his dedication to the gospel ministry and his devoted love for the Corinthians. It was time for them to show similar love for him.

The sermon passage for this Lord’s Day describes Paul’s full commitment to serve his Lord (2 Corinthians 6:3-10). Military metaphors often shaped the apostle’s description of Christian service. This passage is no exception. It is reminiscent of the admonition Paul gave Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:3-4:

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits,

since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day, Paul explains what it looks like when the love of Christ “controls” us and, thus, we live only for him (cf. 5:14-15). Paul’s worldview had undergone a radical transformation so that he no longer viewed Christ—or anything else—from a worldly outlook. Being united with Christ changed everything. A central element of that change was an understanding of the Christians’ mission to serve as Christ’s ambassadors entrusted with the message of reconciliation.

Oh, how we long to see Jesus. Oh, the joy that will be ours just to be in his presence–joy when he silences our critics, joy when he sets the record straight. And yet, will we not like the seraphim and instinctively cover our face and tremble in the presence of such awesome greatness?

What is it that makes your life differ from the life of anyone else in this world?  Paul would say, we live by faith, not by sight. And our passage clarifies that: By faith we look at our eternal home and see Jesus there. This vision of a glorious, joy-filled future, viewed by faith, changes our value system; changes the choices we make; changes the direction of our lives. We  walk by faith, not by sight.

What are the “unseen” things Paul has in mind?

God is unseen (Hebrews 11:27).

The promises of God are unseen (Hebrews 11:1).

God has promised us a home–a perfect home:

A home where tombstones will never again litter the landscape;  A home where there is no war or want, no sickness or sorrow.  A home where there are no penitentiaries for there will be no crime;  A home where there is no temptation to battle, no selfishness to push down, no fleshly impulses to beat back;  A home where work is a joy, relationships are harmonious, and every experience is satisfying;  A home where worship wars are over and praise is our greatest delight;  A home where faith and hope are displaced by perfect love;  And best of all, a home where we will be like Jesus for we shall see him face to face.

Prayer is “the address of a creature on earth to God in heaven about everything that concerns his God, his neighbour or himself, in this world or in the world to come. It is the conversation which God allows us to maintain with himself above, while we are here below. It is that language in which a creature communicates with his Creator and in which the soul of a saint often gets near to God, experiences great delight and, as it were, dwells with his heavenly Father for a short time before he comes to heaven.”

–Isaac Watts

Prayer Emphasis Sunday

A Message by Pastor Brandon Crawford

Faith is not merely notional; it is not just an intellectual acknowledgement of certain truths. Rather faith encompasses the whole person: the mind, the will and the affections.

As the gospel impact grows, the chorus of thanksgiving swells, reverberating around the world. With grateful hearts we praise him for his glorious grace. That is His plan. His own glory is His purpose in all this.