Previously, we looked at divine authority and power in the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ in Luke 4:1-22. Then Jesus warned us to look for the mark of divine authority in the lives and ministries of others, as well as in our own life and ministry in Matthew 7:13-29. In this lesson we will examine the flow of grace from God through us to others (Ephesians 3:1-8; I Peter 4:10; Romans 15:18). We also will discuss the glory, which is revealed to us and through us, that must not be tampered with (II Corinthians 4:6-7; 2:17; 12:7-10; I Corinthians 2:1-5).
Receiving and Distributing
Read John 3:25-30 - Note verses 25-26, 30
- Ritual and form become less significant when we focus on who Jesus is.
- Our ministries need to provide black velvet for displaying the glories of Christ
Foundational truth for life and ministry - Note John 3:27
- Senders must first be receivers.
- Teachers must first be students.
- Those who feed must first be fed.
- Those who lead must first be followers.
- We do not create. We distribute.
- Our head must be anointed, and our cup must run over (Psalm 23:1-6 - Shepherds are sheep, too).
Touch not the glory
Read John 7:14-18
- God-centered preaching transcends academic knowledge (I Corinthians 2:1-5, 9-16 cp. Ephesians 3:14-21).
- "Touch not the glory" - John 7:18 cp. John 3:27, 30; I Corinthians 4:7; Romans 12:3
- God's thoughts, not mine.
- God's purposes, not mine.
- God's results, not mine.
- God gets the attention, not me.
- Godly teaching is best discerned by those who desire God and desire to please Him (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 14:6; Psalm 111:10 cp. Hebrews 11:6).
- Don't encourage a carnal glorification of preachers and teachers (I Corinthians 3:1-7).
- Don't encourage a carnal pursuit of knowledge (I Corinthians 8:1-3).
Glancing through Galatians
The following references give us a survey of Paul's emphasis on the purity of the gospel. The gospel is of divine origin and must be handled humbly, reverently, and spiritually. Legalism, carnal attitudes / ambitions, and religious pride all interrupt the flow of God's grace and interfere with the glory that belongs to God alone. Soli Gratia ("By Grace Alone"). Soli Deo Gloria ("To the Glory of God Alone").
- Galatians 1:6-12
- Galatians 2:20
- Galatians 3:1-5
- Galatians 4:8-11, 17-20
- Galatians 5:1-9
- Galatians 6:12-17
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