(Christian Living Sermon) Dumas 86, Hillside 5/95, Whispering Hills 5/95
Filename: MINISTER OF SIN?

"IS CHRIST A MINISTER OF SIN?"

INTRODUCTION--

A.The image of Jesus in the Scripture is impeccable.

1. He was "tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15
   
2. "But of Him (God) are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption..." 1 Corinthians 1:30
   
3. The prophet said of Christ, "Thou has loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." Hebrews 1:9
   
4. "For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens." Hebrews 7:26

B.His moral effect on men was consistent. Luke 23:40-41, 47; Matthew 27:19
C.It is the purpose of God that we all "measure up" to Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13
THESIS-- Yet, Paul was moved to ask once, "Is Christ a minister of sin?" Our instant reaction to this question might be "God forbid!" But Paul makes a good case to show how Christ could be considered a minister of sin.
LESSON-- (TEXT: Galatians 2:11-21)
A.The Kingdom of God was to embrace all nations.
1.Prophets declared it. Isaiah 49:5-7
2.Jesus Himself commissioned it. Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:46-47
3.Peter announced it (Acts 2:39), but later had to be convinced of the truth of his own announcement. Acts 10:28, 15:7-9
B.Bias died hard among the Jews, however.
1.Jews held to the prohibitions of the Law of Moses. Deuteronomy 7:1-4
2.The Galatians were bullied into accepting the imposition of Judaizers. Galatians 5:2-8
3.Peter was intimidated by them, also, at Antioch, and his example influenced Barnabas and others.
C.The indictment of Paul against these men was long.
1.They "dissembled," or acted the part of hypocrites.
2.They "walked not uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel."
3.They "compelled the Gentiles to live as do the Jews."
4.They were "found sinners," even while they "sought to be justified in Christ."
5.These errors made Jesus to appear as a "minister of sin."
APPLICATION--
A.Paul argues, "If I build up again those things which destroyed, I prove myself a transgressor."
1.If I build up sin and hypocrisy, I am libeling the "ministry" of Jesus, and smear His honest and righteous image.
2.If I build up dissension, I destroy the ministry of the "Prince of Peace." (See Ephesians 2.)
3.If I build up immorality, I besmirch the spotless image of the sinless Christ.
B.Each Christian has the responsibility to uphold by his practice the image of Christ before a sinful world, lest He seem to be a "minister of sin." Philippians 2:12-16; Titus 2:1-14