JUSTIFICATION AND RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES LESSON 697: JUSTIFICATION AND RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “The universal gospel ”, we learnt that: Paul focused on a pure and complete gospel of the crucified, risen and coming King, emphasising salvation by faith in Jesus our Sacrifice, Substitute, Saviour and Lord. Gospel simplicity is seen in Old Testament examples. The ram killed instead of Isaac, the serpent on the pole and the faith of Rahab the harlot all pointed to salvation by faith in Christ our Substitute and Redeemer. The body of Christ must not support self appointed preachers. The decisions of gospel ministers should be ruled by God’s word and Spirit. We should relate our ministry to our superiors. There should be no jealousy in ministry but full acceptance and brotherly fellowship. In preaching the gospel, we should remember the poor.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 697: JUSTIFICATION AND RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH MEMORY VERSE:“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Galatians 2:16). TEXT: Galatians 2:11-21. The study of today is divided into five parts: Convention versus conviction. The power of influence. Correction without contention. Reaffirmation of essential truth. Result of extraordinary transformation.

SUMMARY Convention versus conviction (Galatians 2:11,12): The battle for truth demands strong conviction, courage, zeal, forthrightness. Believers should resist propagators of false doctrine who pervert the gospel of Christ. The power of influence (Galatians 2:13; Rom14:13; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13) Simon Peter’s act of hypocrisy spread to others by his influence. Each of us is answerable to God for what we do with people within our circle of influence. We must beware. Correction without contention (Galatians 2:14-21; Psalms 141:5) Paul’s verbal rebuke was unsparing, sharp, direct and public. Peter accepted the deserved rebuke with grace and Christ-like humility without contention. Reaffirmation of essential truth (Galatians 2:16; Acts 13:38-39) Justification grants pardon to the guilty sinner when he repents and believes in Jesus. Result of extraordinary transformation (Galatians 2:17-21, 2 Corinthians 5:17) God’s free grace results in the experience of righteousness. There is a transformation of life in all who repent of sin and believe in Christ.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 What is the right way to resolve the conflict that often arises between human tradition and the truth in the scripture? Galatians 2:11 1 King 22:14 Jude 3 Proverbs 24:21

QUESTION 2 Explain how traditions and societal expectations can supplant biblical truth. Acts 21:18,21-26

QUESTION 3 What lessons do we learn from the encounter between Peter and Paul in Antioch? Galatians 2:13,14 Proverbs 27:5 1 Peter 2:20 2 Peter 3:15

QUESTION 4 From our passage today, explain the issues you understand on church correction or rebuke. Leviticus 19:17 1 Corinthians 5:5 Psalms 141:5 Galatians 6:1

QUESTION 5 In your own words, explain the case for and the effect of justification by faith. Galatians 2:16 Romans 4:3,5 2 Corinthians 5:17 Ephesians 2:10

CONCLUSION The battle for truth demands strong conviction, courage, zeal, forthrightness. Believers should resist propagators of false doctrine. Each of us is answerable to God for what we do with people within our circle of influence. We must beware. Giving and receiving of correction is an essential feature of the church family. The goal is always the restoration and recovery of the erring believer. When corrected, we should accept the deserved rebuke with grace and Christ-like humility without carnal resentment and contention. Justification grants pardon to the guilty sinner when he repents and believes in Jesus. By Jesus all that believe are justified from all things. God’s free grace results in righteousness and transformation of life.