Most people have never thought about their condition in those terms. We think of freedom as a natural state, something we possess by default. The Bible thinks otherwise. According to Scripture, every man and woman outside of Jesus Christ is not free — they are bound. They are in a slave market, held by a debt they did not choose and cannot pay, under a sentence they cannot overturn.

Redemption is one of the major themes in all of Scripture. It runs from Genesis to the Lord Jesus Christ and beyond. It is not a theological abstraction. It is a transaction — a real purchase, a real price, a real deliverance. And to understand it is to understand why the gospel is not merely good advice, but the only rescue available to man.

What Redemption Means

Redemption means to purchase something back. There is a transaction involved — a price paid in order to deliver something or someone from one condition and bring them to another. Scripture calls this price a ransom.

In the Old Testament, almost anything could be redeemed. Land, animals, even a person. The context of slavery was one of the primary settings in which the concept was established. Leviticus 25:25 shows a man who has sold his possession out of poverty, and his kinsman coming to purchase it back for him. The law made provision for it. The mechanism was real.

But those redemptions in the Old Testament — the land, the slave, the possession — were real redemptions that pointed to something greater. They were figures and shadows of the redemption that concerned man’s relationship to God.

The Old Testament Pictures

God declared to Israel in Exodus 6:6, “I will redeem you with a stretched out arm and with great judgments.” The final of those great judgments was the blood of the Passover lamb. Every firstborn in Egypt died that night — except where the blood had been applied to the door. The angel of death passed over those covered by the blood. This was not incidental. It was a picture, painted centuries before the cross, of what a greater sacrifice would accomplish.

Exodus 15:13 records the song of the redeemed: “Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed.” The pattern is clear — bondage, blood, deliverance. The same pattern that would appear, in full and final form, at Calvary.

There is another picture, a quieter one, in the small book of Ruth. Boaz is called a kinsman redeemer. He is related by blood to Ruth’s family, and he is both willing and able to redeem. Ruth 4:14 says, “Blessed be the Lord which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman.”

The law of redemption required the nearest kinsman. And there was a nearer kinsman in the story — but he was unwilling. He could not redeem without compromising himself, so he stepped aside. Boaz took his place. He was the nearest kinsman who was both willing and able, without compromise. He redeemed what could not redeem itself.

Boaz is a type of Christ. The picture is unmistakable.

Our Nearest Kinsman

Adam was a figure of him that was to come. The Lord Jesus Christ, by taking on flesh, became our nearest kinsman. He was identified with man — born of a woman, bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh. And He was both willing and able to redeem, without compromise.

That last word matters enormously. The nearer kinsman in Ruth could not redeem because it would have compromised him. Christ was not compromised with the very thing from which we needed to be redeemed. 2 Corinthians 5 says He “was made sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” He was not tainted by sin. He did not share our guilt. He could stand in our place precisely because He had no debt of His own to pay.

He willingly gave up the ghost on the cross. No one took His life — He laid it down. He was able, and He was willing, and He was uncompromised. That is the portrait of our kinsman redeemer.

The Bondage, the Price, the Deliverance

Every redemption has three features: the bondage, the price, and the deliverance. In the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, all three are defined by Scripture.

The bondage is sin. Romans 3:23 declares that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 6:17 speaks of men as servants of sin. That is not merely a description of bad behavior — it is a description of a condition. We are not sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners by nature, by birthright, from Adam. We are carnal, not spiritual. We are not holy, not just, not righteous in the eyes of God. And so the law of God — which is holy, just, and good — does not help us. It condemns us. It shows us how exceeding sinful we are by the very fact that we cannot keep it. All men are in spiritual bondage to sin, and the law proves it.

Galatians 4:3-5 captures it plainly: “When we were children, we were in bondage… But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, to redeem them that were under the law.” The law was not made for a righteous man — it was made for sinners, to show sinners what they are.

The price is the blood of Christ. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, “Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… but with the precious blood of Christ.” Not your riches. Not your sincerity. Not your Christian heritage, your tears of sorrow, your prayers, your church attendance. None of those can pay the wages of sin, which is death. There is nothing you can do, nothing you possess, nothing and no one you belong to naturally that can deal with your sin debt. The price had to come from outside of you, and it had to be of infinite worth. The blood of Christ is that price.

Galatians 3:13 states it with striking directness: “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.” He bought us out of the slave market of sin. Titus 2:14 says He “gave himself… that he might redeem us from all iniquity.” The cross was the payment. His blood was the price.

The deliverance is unto God Himself. We are not merely freed from something — we are brought to Someone. Colossians 1:13-14 says we are “translated into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Past sins, present sins, future sins — all of them. We were servants of sin; we become servants of righteousness, servants of God.

Present and Future

The redemption that is in Christ Jesus is not only present — it is also future. He purchases us now through the redemption of our souls. But He has given us the promise of a future redemption that is the redemption of our body. Romans 8:23 speaks of believers waiting for “the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” What Christ has begun in the soul, He will complete in the resurrection. Redemption looks forward to glory.

What You Cannot Do

Redemption is necessary because we cannot free ourselves. We cannot save ourselves. We can never do enough good to pay for our sin debt. How can you both live and die? The wages of sin is death — and you would have to die to pay it. We can only do that in the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, as Romans 3 declares, we are “justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Not your redemption. Not religion. Not your acts and service and works — all of it is tainted with sin. We need a price to be paid for us outside of ourselves, and outside of those that are closest to us. Yet we need someone close to us. That is the wonder of the incarnation: the Son of God became man, became our near kinsman, so that He could legally, righteously, and willingly pay what we could not.

A Personal Provision

Redemption is not a mere theological concept. It is a personal provision of Jesus Christ for the world. It is life-transforming, and it is only by Jesus Christ.

The provision of freedom is the result of the cross. And He offers that to you as a free gift of His grace — Him doing the work, Him providing what you cannot provide, Him paying the ransom price. He does not ask you to work for it. He asks you to believe it. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and what He did for you on the cross, and the redemption that is in Christ Jesus becomes yours.

If you have believed, remember Him. Hold Him in your knowledge. Remember that His body was broken for you and His blood was shed for you. Trust in Jesus Christ who paid the full price for your soul, and who will one day redeem your body in the life that is to come.

Look Up,

—Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher

Episode Description

Have you ever wondered why so much space in the Bible is given to the nation of Israel? Why most of the Bible is not written directly to you? What is Israel’s purpose, and how is that distinct from what God is doing today? And what does any of this have to do with how you live as a Christian?

In this episode, Pastor Josh continues the series on rightly handling the Word of God by examining the two great peoples in Scripture — Israel and the church — and the futures God has appointed for each. Israel was promised by God to be a great nation, the head of the nations, with an earthly kingdom established through the seed of the woman, the Lord Jesus Christ. The church, by contrast, was a mystery hid in God and revealed to the Apostle Paul — a body comprised of Jew and Gentile alike, no longer under the law but under grace, with a heavenly rather than earthly calling. Pastor Josh walks from Genesis 12 through Daniel 2 and into Ephesians 3, distinguishes Peter’s apostleship from Paul’s, and shows why this distinction matters profoundly for daily Christian living: you don’t want to apply to yourself what was revealed for a different people in a different time.

Key Scriptures

Genesis 12:1–3 — The Promise to Abram

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Deuteronomy 28:13 — The Head, and Not the Tail

And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them.

Deuteronomy 4:5–8 — Your Wisdom in the Sight of the Nations

Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

Genesis 3:15 — The Seed of the Woman

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Daniel 2:44 — A Kingdom That Shall Stand For Ever

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Ephesians 3:1–7 — The Mystery Revealed to Paul

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Ephesians 1:22–23 — Christ the Head of the Church

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Romans 6:14 — Not Under the Law, but Under Grace

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Ephesians 2:14–15 — The Middle Wall of Partition Broken Down

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.

Ephesians 1:10 — The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.

Colossians 1:20 — Reconciling All Things Through the Blood of His Cross

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Galatians 2:7–9 — Two Apostleships, Two Ministries

But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave me the right hand of fellowship; that we might go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Episode Outline

1. The Opening Questions — Why so much of the Bible is about Israel, and why most of it is not written to you

2. Israel’s Heritage — From Abram in Genesis 12 to Jacob to the twelve tribes

3. A Great Nation and a Blessing — The promise that all families of the earth would be blessed through Abraham

4. The Head, Not the Tail — Israel’s greatness conditioned upon obedience to the law

5. A Sliver of Grace — David and Solomon as the one window of Israel’s glory, given by grace and not performance

6. Daniel 2 and the Kingdom — The God of heaven sets up a kingdom that shall stand for ever

7. The Seed of the Woman — Genesis 3:15 traced through Noah, Abraham, Judah, David, to Christ

8. Ephesians 3 and the Mystery — A revelation given to Paul that was not made known in other ages

9. The Church — Jew and Gentile in one body, Christ the head, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all

10. Under Grace, Not Under the Law — Romans 6:14 and the believer’s daily walk

11. A Heavenly Calling — Distinct from Israel’s promises concerning this earth

12. The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times — All things gathered together in Christ

13. Peter’s Apostleship and Paul’s — Galatians 2 on the two ministries

14. Why This Matters — Don’t apply to yourself what was revealed for another people in another time

Questions Discussed

1. Have you ever wondered why so much space in the Bible is given to the nation of Israel?

2. Have you ever wondered why most of the Bible is not written to you?

3. Why is Israel in the Bible — what is their purpose?

4. How is what God is doing today distinct from what He was doing with Israel?

5. Do I even have a role to play?

6. If Israel was promised to be the head of the nations, what changed with the revelation of the mystery to Paul?

7. What is the difference between being under the law and being under grace?

8. What is the difference between Israel’s earthly calling and the church’s heavenly calling?

9. Why does it matter that Peter and Paul were given two different apostleships?

We begin where Paul’s prayer begins: with breadth.

It would be easy to treat breadth as the most obvious of the four — the widest, the easiest to be understood. Surely breadth just means the love of Christ is very wide, that it reaches many people. But Ephesians does not let stay there. The epistle has its own account of what the breadth of Christ’s love means, and it is far more architecturally precise than a general statement about reach. Breadth in

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Episode Description

Why does Leviticus 11 forbid the eating of certain meats while Paul calls that very prohibition a doctrine of devils in 1 Timothy 4? Why does Matthew 3 speak of three baptisms while Ephesians 4 declares there is only one? Are there contradictions in the Bible — or are we just seeing things? Few questions trip up serious Bible students more than these, and few are more important to answer rightly.

In this episode, Pastor Josh introduces two of the most important categories for understanding Scripture: prophecy and mystery. Prophecy is what God made known by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began (Acts 3:21). Mystery is what was kept secret from the foundation of the world but is now made manifest (Romans 16:25). And mystery itself comes in two forms — that which was witnessed in the Old Testament but not fully revealed, and that which was completely hid in God until the Apostle Paul. Recognize these categories, and apparent contradictions resolve. Miss them, and the Bible becomes a book of confusion — which the God of order is not the author of. This is the first in a series of episodes on rightly handling the Word of God.

Key Scriptures

1 Corinthians 14:33 — God Is Not the Author of Confusion

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Acts 3:19–21 — Spoken by the Mouth of All His Holy Prophets

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Romans 16:25 — The Revelation of the Mystery

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began.

Ephesians 3:1–6 — The Mystery Made Known by Revelation

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.

Ephesians 3:8–9 — The Fellowship of the Mystery

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:19–21 — Witnessed by the Law and the Prophets

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets.

Ephesians 2:11–13 — Time Past and But Now

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Leviticus 11:3–4 — Dietary Restrictions Under the Law

Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat. Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.

1 Timothy 4:1–4 — Commanding to Abstain from Meats

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving.

Matthew 3:11 — Three Baptisms in One Verse

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.

Ephesians 4:4–5 — One Baptism

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism.

1 Corinthians 12:13 — Baptized by One Spirit into One Body

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Episode Outline

1. The Question — Are there contradictions in the Bible, or are we just seeing things?

2. God Is the God of Order — He is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33)

3. Progressive Revelation — God reveals Himself and His Son over time, not all at once

4. Defining Prophecy — What God spoke by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began (Acts 3:21)

5. Defining Mystery — What was kept secret since the world began and is now made manifest (Romans 16:25)

6. Two Kinds of Mystery — Witnessed but not fully revealed, and completely hid in God

7. Manifest in Two Ways — A fuller revealing of what was witnessed, and the unveiling of what was hid

8. Time Past and But Now — Ephesians 2 and the shift from Gentile separation to “in Christ Jesus”

9. Paul’s Twofold Ministry — To fully reveal what was witnessed and to manifest what was hid

10. Apparent Contradiction One — Leviticus 11 dietary law vs. 1 Timothy 4 on meats

11. Apparent Contradiction Two — Three baptisms in Matthew 3 vs. one baptism in Ephesians 4

12. Which Baptism Is It? — The Spirit baptizing the believer into Christ the moment we believe the gospel

13. Reading God’s Word Rightly — Time past, but now, and the ages to come

Questions Discussed

1. Are there contradictions in the Bible — or are we just seeing things?

2. Why does Leviticus 11 forbid certain meats while 1 Timothy 4 calls that prohibition a doctrine of devils?

3. Why does Matthew 3 speak of three baptisms while Ephesians 4 declares there is only one?

4. What is the difference between prophecy and mystery?

5. What are the two kinds of mystery — and why does the distinction matter?

6. Why does the Apostle Paul function as a “monkey wrench” in our study of Scripture?

7. How does understanding “time past” and “but now” change the way we read the Bible?

8. Which baptism is the one baptism of Ephesians 4?

There is a verse in 1 Thessalonians 4 that most readers move past without stopping. They see it, they read it, they nod — and then they are on to the rapture text in verses 13 through 18 before they ever ask what Paul actually meant. The verse is this:

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. — 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12

Study to be quiet. What does that even mean? And why does Paul have to say it to a church he just praised for their love and their faith? Why would believers who are already walking and already loving need to be commanded to mind their own business?

The answer runs deeper than most people expect — and it takes you right to the heart of what sanctification actually looks like on the ground, in the marketplace, in the ordinary business of daily life.

The Thesis

Paul’s exhortation to study to be quiet is not a call to introversion. It is a call to integrity. The Thessalonians — or at least a portion of them — were carrying the habits of their Gentile past into their Christian present. The fraud, the coveting, the defrauding of brothers in business: these are the very things Paul addresses throughout verses 3 through 12. Verses 11 and 12 are not a change of subject. They are the application. They are where the rubber of sanctification meets the road of Monday morning.

The Will of God and What It Denies

To understand verses 11 and 12, you have to see the flow Paul has been building from verse 3. Notice what he says:

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication. — 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Now here is where the careful reader has to slow down. The word fornication carries a broader range in Paul’s usage than we typically assign to it. Notice what he says just three verses later: “that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter.” Any matter. Not just the specific sexual sin that characterized Corinth. This is a wider pattern of behavior — the using of others, the taking from others, the living-for-self that the Gentile world ran on.

When Paul says abstain from fornication in this context, he is using the word in its fuller sense: the going outside of what God has ordered. You are united to Christ. You have been bought with a price. To live as though that union does not govern every area of your life — your business, your dealings, your hands — that is the fornication he has in view. It is spiritual adultery dressed in everyday clothes.

Then look at verse 4. Every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor. Notice — this is knowledge you are supposed to have. This is not advanced theology for mature believers only. Paul expects every one of them to know how to do this. How to inhabit this body, this life, in a way that reflects what God has made you in Christ.

The Engine Behind the Problem

Paul names the driving force in verse 5: the lust of concupiscence. That is the engine behind the defrauding. Come back with me to Romans 7 for a moment, because Paul unpacks this word elsewhere:

I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. — Romans 7:7–8

All manner of concupiscence. Not one expression of coveting — all of it. Every flavor. The craving that reaches into your neighbor’s business, your brother’s goods, another man’s opportunity. And what does that craving produce when it is left unchecked? Verse 6 tells you plainly: it produces defrauding. It produces the going beyond. When a man is ruled by his lust, he takes. He schemes. He finds a way to get his without working for it.

This was not a hypothetical problem for the Thessalonians. This was their world. This was the culture they had been saved out of. And Paul’s very specific instruction in verses 11 and 12 — do your own business, work with your own hands — tells you exactly what some of them had not yet left behind.

Now here is the pastoral weight of that. You cannot defraud your brother and walk in love toward him at the same time. Those two things cannot coexist. The labor of love that Paul has been building toward throughout this letter requires that the lust of concupiscence be put down. You cannot be reaching for what belongs to someone else and giving of yourself to them simultaneously. The sanctification that God wills for you will deal with the craving before it ever gets to the taking.

What Study to Be Quiet Actually Means

Now look carefully at the word study in verse 11. In our day we use that word almost exclusively to mean the acquiring of knowledge — you study a book, you study a subject. But notice what Paul attaches it to. He does not say study and then give them something to read. He says study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands. The doing is the content of the studying.

That is because the word study here carries its older force — to strive after, to press toward, to make something your earnest aim. This older force was the primary meaning of the word back in the thirteenth and fourteenth-century. Only in the seventeenth-century did it pick up its more modern rendering; hence the King James translators would have both meanings at their disposal.1 For us modern readers we need to contextually identify which meaning. Here, it is not passive. It is not academic. It is the language of intentional pursuit. Paul is saying: make quietness your goal. Go after it. And here is what that pursuit looks like in practice — tend to your own affairs and labor with your own hands.

And the quietness Paul calls them to is equally worth examining. This word carries the idea of settling down — ceasing from restless, agitated, meddlesome activity. It is not primarily about silence. It is about stillness of conduct. The unsettled man — the man driven by the lust of concupiscence — is never quiet in this sense. He is always reaching, always restless, always agitated by what someone else has that he does not. The quiet man has settled. He is not in his brother's business because he is occupied with his own. And it is worth noting that Paul comes back to this exact problem in 2 Thessalonians 3:12 — which tells you the issue had not been fully resolved — where he says plainly that they should "with quietness work and eat their own bread." There Paul puts quietness and honest labor in the same breath. They are two sides of the same coin. To be quiet is to work. To work honestly is to be quiet.

The quietness Paul has in mind is not silence of the lips. It is stillness of the hand. The hand that used to reach beyond. The hand that used to take from a brother what was not its to take. That hand now goes to honest work. That is the study. That is the pursuit he is calling them to.

The Pattern Paul Modeled — and Commanded Everywhere

This was not new instruction. Paul had already shown them what it looked like when he was with them. Look at what he reminds them of back in chapter 2:

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness... For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. — 1 Thessalonians 2:5, 9

Paul did not come in with a cloak of covetousness. He did not use his apostolic position to extract from them. He worked with his own hands, night and day, so that he would not be a burden. That was the pattern he set. Now he is telling them to walk in what he already showed them.

And what is striking is that this same charge runs all the way through Paul’s letters — right down to those with the least social leverage of anyone in the first-century world. Servants received the same instruction. In Ephesians 6, Paul tells them to serve “with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men” — the motivation is not the master’s character, it is the Lord’s. In Colossians 3, the word is the same: “whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” In 1 Timothy 6, servants with believing masters are told not to despise them, but to serve them the better because they are brethren. And then Titus 2:10 brings it home with a word that ought to stop every one of us — servants are to be “not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.”

Not purloining. Not helping yourself to what your position gives you access to. Not taking the small things, the overlooked things, the things no one will notice. And the reason given is not merely ethical — it is doctrinal. Your conduct at work, in your labor, in the honesty of your hands, is either an ornament to the gospel or a stain on it. That is the word Paul uses. Adorn. Your daily faithfulness in ordinary work dresses the doctrine of God in something the world can see.

The Objection

At this point someone will say: isn’t this getting close to law? Aren’t we under grace? Why is Paul giving commandments to believers?

Notice what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:19 — “circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.” There are commandments in grace. They are not the commandments of the Mosaic law covenant with its conditional blessings staked to the performance of the flesh. But God has not placed you in a commandment-free life. He has given you His Spirit and His Word so that you can walk in commandments under grace — not by the striving of the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Here is the distinction that matters. The law came and said thou shalt not covet. And your flesh said, watch me. Grace comes and teaches you Christ — teaches you what it means to live toward God rather than toward your craving — and the coveting begins to lose its power over you. That is what Romans 8 is describing when Paul says to be spiritually minded is life and peace. The man who is minding the things of the Spirit is not plotting how to defraud his brother. His mind is elsewhere. His affections are set elsewhere. He can study to be quiet because he is no longer driven by the lust of concupiscence. Grace does not abolish the imperative. Grace empowers it.

Where This Lands

We live in a world that is saturated with fraud. It is in government, in business, in finance, in the structures we navigate every single day. And the pressure on believers — the quiet, persistent pressure — is to conclude that everybody does it, so we might as well get ours.

That is exactly what Paul is addressing. And his answer is not complicated: you are not called to that. You have been called unto holiness. The Gentiles who do not know God — that is what they do. But you know God. You know what His wrath is against. You know what He gave to reconcile you to Himself. That changes things.

It changes things in your business. It changes things in how you handle your employer’s time. It changes things in how you deal with a neighbor, a client, a brother in the church. Notice Paul says in any matter. There is no category of your life this does not reach into. And if you are inclined to despise that — if there is an area you want to keep off limits from what God is saying here — notice what verse 8 tells you. “He that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God.” This is not Paul’s standard. This is the will of God. To push back against it is to push back against Him.

But Paul does not leave you there. He never does. Notice he balances the charge with a promise in verse 12: that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. God is not impoverishing you by calling you out of fraud. He is telling you that when you possess your vessel in sanctification and honor, when you trust Him and work faithfully with your own hands that is His provision. You do not need to take from your brother. You do not need to go beyond. He is enough. He has always been enough.

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. — 1 Thessalonians 4:7

Study to be quiet. Work with your own hands. Walk honestly. Abound more and more. This is the will of God for you. This is the sanctified walk He has called you into — and He has given you His Holy Spirit so that you can walk it.

Look Up,

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher

A note on how this came together: every sermon I preach represents its own work — hours in the text, laboring to read it carefully, sentence diagramming, identifying its context, understanding how words are being used, tracing the thematic threads that run through a passage and letter, and then finding a way to articulate all of that so it can actually be grasped - which then takes its unique shape when the sermon is preached, not just read verbatim. Now written transcripts of these works can not only be easily produced, but can now serve as a basis for many other works.

This article is drawn from one of those messages preached at Twin Cities Grace Fellowship. For articles of this kind, I do use AI as a drafting tool — something like a secretary that reads my work, takes my notes, and shapes them into written form. Not every piece at Beholding Christ is produced this way, but when it is, I want you to know. The theology, the interpretive conclusions, and the final edit are my own. The writing had some help getting to the page. In an age where AI is increasingly present in content of all kinds — often without acknowledgment — I think transparency is worth more than the appearance of doing it all myself.

1 Thessalonians Sermon | "Abound More & More" | 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Episode Description

What is sanctification? How does God grow a believer in holiness once he is saved? Is sanctification the believer’s work, God’s work, or both? The word can feel distant and technical, but the doctrine sits at the heart of how a Christian relates to his own walk — and to the God who has already cleansed him.

In this episode, Pastor Josh unfolds sanctification in its two tenses. There is a positional sanctification that took place the moment one believed the gospel — the Spirit of God identified the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and God made Christ to be unto us sanctification. That work is done; the believer is set apart, created in righteousness and true holiness, and called a saint. But there is also a progressive sanctification — the perfecting of holiness in the fear of God, the abstaining from fornication, the cleansing of ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit. The first is wholly God’s work. The second is the believer’s walk in light of what God has already done. This episode shows how the two fit together — and why the second only ever makes sense once the first is settled.

Key Scriptures

1 Corinthians 1:2 — Sanctified in Christ Jesus, Called to Be Saints

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours.

1 Corinthians 1:30 — Christ Made Unto Us Sanctification

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

1 Thessalonians 4:1–4 — This Is the Will of God, Even Your Sanctification

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 — Not Called Unto Uncleanness, but Unto Holiness

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

2 Corinthians 7:1 — Perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Ephesians 2:10 — Created in Christ Jesus Unto Good Works

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 4:24 — Created in Righteousness and True Holiness

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Romans 6:1–4 — Baptized into His Death, Walking in Newness of Life

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Titus 2:14 — A Peculiar People, Zealous of Good Works

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Episode Outline

1. What Sanctification Means — To be set apart and made holy — and what it implies about the condition we were in

2. Old Testament Background — Ritual cleansing, the tabernacle, Abraham set apart from his father’s house

3. Spiritual Sanctification — The focus of the New Testament — set apart in Christ Jesus

4. Sanctified and Called to Be Saints — 1 Corinthians 1 — the two-sided statement that frames the whole doctrine

5. Two Tenses of Sanctification — Positional and permanent on one side, ongoing and perfecting on the other

6. Christ Made Unto Us Sanctification — The setting apart we needed is exclusively in Him

7. This Is the Will of God, Even Your Sanctification — 1 Thessalonians 4 — the walk that follows the position

8. Not Unto Uncleanness, but Unto Holiness — What we have been set apart unto becomes our calling

9. Perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God — Cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit

10. Romans 6 — Dead to Sin, Alive unto God — The Spirit’s baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection is the engine of it all

11. Sins and Sin — The shift from individual acts to the entity of sin that resides in the body

12. Walking in Newness of Life — The believer’s walk as the reflection of what he already possesses in Christ

Questions Discussed

1. What is sanctification?

2. How does God grow me in holiness once I am saved?

3. Is sanctification my work, God’s work, or both?

4. What does the Bible mean when it calls believers “saints”?

5. How can Paul say believers are already sanctified and also call them to be sanctified?

6. What is the difference between sins (plural) and sin (singular) in Romans 6?

7. If I have been made dead to sin, why do I still struggle with it?

8. What does it mean to possess my vessel in sanctification and honour?

9. How does the spiritual baptism of Romans 6 relate to sanctification?

Episode Description

What does it actually mean to be adopted by God? How would a first-century reader in the Greco-Roman world have understood the word? And how is adoption different from justification or forgiveness — things Paul has already taught earlier in his epistles? The doctrine of adoption is one of the most pastorally weighty truths in all of Scripture, and it changes how a believer relates to God altogether.

In this episode, Pastor Josh walks through Ephesians 1, Romans 8, and Galatians 4 to unfold the believer’s adoption into the family of God. He explains the Roman legal background — adoption as the granting of full sonship with inheritance rights, the leaving of a former family, and the coming under a new father — and shows how Paul applies that picture to every believer in Christ. He draws out the crucial distinction between being in God’s sight now and being before Him in the day to come, and shows why Paul can say in Romans 8 both that we have received the Spirit of adoption and that we are still waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. The believer is not a servant trying to earn his place. He is a son, an heir, a joint-heir with Christ — secure, near, and dearly loved.

Key Scriptures

Ephesians 1:4–5 — Predestinated unto the Adoption of Children

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.

Ephesians 2:10 — His Workmanship, Created in Christ Jesus

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 4:24 — Created in Righteousness and True Holiness

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Romans 8:14–15 — The Spirit of Adoption

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Romans 8:16–17 — Heirs of God, Joint-Heirs with Christ

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Romans 8:23 — Waiting for the Adoption

And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Romans 8:32 — Freely Give Us All Things

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Galatians 4:4–7 — No More a Servant, but a Son

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Romans 9:4 — To Israel Pertaineth the Adoption

Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises.

1 John 3:1 — What Manner of Love

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Episode Outline

1. Adoption Belongs with Union and Assurance — Part of the cluster of things God does the moment one believes the gospel

2. Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World — Ephesians 1:4–5 and God’s purpose for the believer in His Son

3. In His Sight and Before Him — The crucial distinction between present standing and future experience

4. The Roman Legal Background — Adoption as the granting of full sonship — status, inheritance, and a new father

5. Leaving the Former Family — Out of Adam, into the household of God under a new authority

6. The Spirit of Adoption — Romans 8 — the Spirit witnesses with our spirit that we are the children of God

7. Heirs of God, Joint-Heirs with Christ — Sonship carries full inheritance rights in the family of God

8. Waiting for the Adoption — The redemption of the body — the still-future portion of our sonship

9. Israel, the Law, and the Adoption — Galatians 4 — heirs treated as servants under tutors and governors until the appointed time

10. No More a Servant, but a Son — The pastoral application — a familial fear, not the terror of the Lord

Questions Discussed

1. What does the Bible actually mean by adoption?

2. How would a first-century reader in the Greco-Roman world have understood the word?

3. How is adoption different from justification or forgiveness?

4. What are the present blessings of being a son or daughter of God?

5. What is still future about our adoption, and why does Paul say we are waiting for it?

6. How does the distinction between being in God’s sight and being before Him shape the believer’s life now?

7. What does Galatians 4 teach about Israel’s relationship to the law, and how does it apply to the believer today?

8. How should adoption answer the believer who keeps relating to God as a servant trying to earn his place?
   

The short letter to Philemon is one of the clearest pictures in Scripture of how the gospel works down into the mind, the heart, and the real decisions of a believer. It doesn’t just present doctrine in the abstract; it shows doctrine at work in a living situation. In it, we watch the Spirit of God, through Paul’s words, draw out of Philemon a decision that is not merely “the right choice,” but a grace-based judgment—a spiritual evaluation and response that flows from who he is in Christ.

Many believers honestly say, “I don’t know how to apply the Word of God to my life.” That usually feels difficult because we often jump straight to the question, “What should I do?” without paying attention to the groundwork God lays underneath our doing. In Philemon, Paul gives us a pattern: he reminds Philemon of his spiritual resources in Christ, he gives him grace-filled reasons, and then he calls him to a willing, love-filled judgment. That same pattern helps us understand how grace-based decisions are made today.

The Reservoir of Grace in Philemon

Paul doesn’t begin his appeal to Philemon by saying, “You need to forgive Onesimus—just do it.” He doesn’t lean on Philemon’s flesh, or his natural willpower, or his temperament. Instead, he starts by acknowledging the spiritual reservoir already in Philemon because of Christ.

Paul writes that he thanks God, “hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus” (Philemon 5–6). Philemon has faith toward the Lord Jesus. He has love toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints. Every good thing in him is there because he is in Christ Jesus. Paul understands that if Philemon is going to make the right judgment about Onesimus—his runaway servant who is now a believer—that judgment must flow from what is already true of him in Christ, not from his own natural resources.

So Paul does not say, “Muster up the strength,” or “Just be the bigger man,” or “Do it because I’m an apostle and I said so.” Instead, he points Philemon upstream: every good thing in you is in Christ Jesus. The decision Paul is pressing him toward is downstream from that reservoir. Philemon has already received Christ’s forgiveness, Christ’s reception of him, Christ’s love and mercy. Now he is in a Christ-like situation—not as Christ, of course, but as one who has been forgiven much and is now called to extend forgiveness and reception to another. The “gap” between Philemon and Onesimus is much smaller than the gap between Philemon and Christ. If Christ could receive Philemon, Philemon can receive Onesimus.

From Resources to Beseeching and Reasons

From that foundation, Paul moves to his appeal. He says that even though he might be “much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,” yet “for love’s sake I rather beseech thee” (Philemon 8–9). Paul could command, but he chooses not to. He wants Philemon to respond willingly, not “of necessity.” He wants the decision to be an expression of Philemon’s renewed mind and love in Christ, not a bare act of external compliance.

Then Paul begins to stack up reasons—not fleshly manipulation or guilt, but spiritual motivations that align with the gospel. Onesimus was once unprofitable, but now is profitable to both Paul and Philemon. Paul calls Onesimus “mine own bowels,” speaking of deep affection. He explains that he would have gladly kept Onesimus with him to serve him in his imprisonment, but refused to do so without Philemon’s consent, so that Philemon’s “benefit” wouldn’t be “of necessity, but willingly” (v. 14). Paul even suggests providence was at work in the separation itself: “for perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved” (vv. 15–16). Paul pledges to repay anything Onesimus owes, and then expresses confidence in Philemon’s obedience, knowing he will “do more than I say” (v. 21).

If we step back, we can see the pattern clearly. First, Paul reminds Philemon of his resources: every good thing in you is in Christ. Second, he beseeches rather than commands, appealing to love. Third, he gives reasons—gospel-shaped motivations. Finally, he trusts Philemon to make a judgment and to obey willingly. This is what grace-based decision-making looks like: a judgment that flows from who you are in Christ, is shaped by the Word, and is carried out willingly in love.

Judgment: The Basic Choice Between Flesh and Spirit

To understand how this connects to our lives, we have to talk about judgment. In Scripture, judgment isn’t simply condemning; it’s evaluating, discerning, weighing one thing against another. Most of life is not “one option vs. nothing”; it’s two (or more) options in your hands, and you must decide between them. Sometimes it is sin vs. righteousness, flesh vs. Spirit, earthly vs. heavenly. Sometimes it is a matter of “good vs. better vs. best”—what is good versus what is excellent.

The first basic judgment a believer has to make is described in Romans 8. Paul writes, “they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). Before we ever get into the finer details of difficult situations, the basic question is: am I going to mind the things of the flesh, or the things of the Spirit?

As believers, we have the Spirit of God. We are led by the Spirit of God as sons of God. The Spirit teaches us through the Word. To walk after the Spirit, then, is not mystical guesswork; it is to let the Spirit teach us in Scripture and then to walk that out in our lives. The initial judgment is whether I will let my old patterns and fleshly impulses rule, or whether I will submit my mind and my choices to what the Spirit has revealed.

The Renewed Mind and Proving the Will of God

Romans 12 shows us how that transition happens in real life. Paul beseeches believers, “by the mercies of God,” to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. He tells them not to be conformed to this world, but to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1–2).

If we slow down here, we see several key pieces put together. Our bodies—our physical lives—are to be used in sacrifice, service, and love, not in self-indulgence. We are not to be conformed to this world’s values, reactions, and way of thinking. We are to be transformed as the Spirit renews our minds through the Word. And the goal of that renewing is that we might “prove,” that is, test and approve, the will of God.

The Spirit does not merely renew our minds in vague, general ways; He teaches us concrete judgments. For example, in Romans 12:9, “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” He tells us that when we recognize the kind of evil he’s speaking of, we are to abhor it, and when we see the good, we are to cling to it. That is not abstract spirituality; that is a renewed mind being taught how to evaluate and act.

Titus 2 reinforces this. “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” Paul says, “teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly” (Titus 2:11–12). Grace teaches us what to deny and what to live unto. Again, this is judgment: deny this; live unto that.

Once our minds are being renewed like this, the Spirit doesn’t stop with simple good vs. evil decisions. He wants our love and our judgments to grow in quality.

Love Abounding in Knowledge and Judgment

Philippians 1:9–10 says, “this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent.” Here love is not sentimental or blind. It is to abound in knowledge and in all judgment. That means our love, taught and shaped by Scripture, learns how to think, discern, and evaluate. And the result is that we “approve things that are excellent,” not just things that are barely acceptable.

That’s exactly what Paul expects from Philemon. He doesn’t only expect the bare minimum of obedience; he says, “I know that thou wilt also do more than I say.” He is confident that Philemon’s love, grounded in Christ, will abound in wise judgment.

Romans 13 adds another important dimension: love as a debt we always owe. “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another,” Paul writes, “for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8). The love of Christ in us views every person as someone to whom we “owe” love—not in the sense of legal bondage, but in recognition that we have received so much from Christ that it is only fitting to pour it out toward others.

God has filled us with a fountain of living water—His love, His grace, His kindness. In a sense, we function like a dam in front of that water. Are we going to hold it back, or will we willingly open and let it flow? At first, we often open it just a crack. Out flows a trickle rather than a flood, because we are insecure, proud, and self-protective. But the Spirit continues to teach us: you have received unreserved love from Christ; learn to unreservedly dispense it to others.

Overcoming Evil with Good

One of the clearest examples of this kind of grace-based judgment is found in Romans 12:17–21. Paul says, “Recompense to no man evil for evil.” He goes on to instruct believers to provide things honest in the sight of all men, to live peaceably as much as possible, not to avenge themselves, but to give place unto wrath, because God has said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” Instead, if your enemy is hungry, you are to feed him; if he is thirsty, you are to give him drink. In doing so, Paul says, “thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” Then he concludes, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

We are very sharp at identifying when evil is done to us. The flesh’s immediate judgment is to repay in kind: “They wronged me; I’ll answer in kind. I’ll get even.” But the Spirit teaches a different set of judgments. We are not to repay evil for evil. We are to provide things honest. We are not to avenge ourselves, but to leave that to God. We are not to close our hand to an enemy in need, but to feed and give drink.

When we insist on repaying evil, we are doing more than ignoring the Spirit’s teaching—we are attempting to take God’s place. “Vengeance is mine,” He says, not yours. When, instead, we meet our enemy’s need, we are overcoming evil with good, and those “coals of fire” may very well picture the softening, convicting effect of such goodness.

Lawful vs. Expedient: Approving the Excellent

Sometimes, though, the choice is not between sin and righteousness, but between what is lawful and what is most edifying. Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 6 and 10. “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient,” he writes. “All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12). Later, he repeats, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not” (1 Corinthians 10:23).

There is a way of living that only asks, “Can I do this? Is this technically allowed?” Paul takes a higher view. His questions are, “Does this edify? Is this expedient? Does it build others up? Does it best serve the glory of God and the good of others?”

He illustrates this in 1 Corinthians 9 by talking about his right to receive material support from the churches. It was lawful and rightful. Yet he chose, in certain settings, not to use that right so that the gospel would not be hindered and no one would think he was preaching for money.

In 1 Corinthians 10, he applies the same principle to eating meat offered to idols. If you buy meat in the market, eat it, giving thanks to God. If a pagan invites you to a meal and you want to go, go and eat, knowing the idol is nothing. But if someone points out, “This was offered to idols,” then for that person’s conscience’ sake, do not eat. The meat is the same. But the judgment changes because the impact on that other person, and the testimony about God, has changed.

This is what he means when he says, “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” (1 Corinthians 10:24), and concludes, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). The question is not simply, “Is it allowed?” but, “Is it expedient? Does it edify? Does it glorify God?” That is the realm of approving things that are excellent.

Philemon as a Living Example

Returning to Philemon, we can see a similar set of judgments at work. Onesimus has to decide whether to return at all, exposing himself to possible punishment. Paul has to decide whether to keep Onesimus with him, since he is so profitable, or send him back. Philemon must decide whether to go to law or to receive Onesimus, and if so, on what terms. In each case, there are lawful options, but Paul is aiming higher than the merely lawful. He is aiming for what is excellent, loving, and fully consistent with the reservoir of grace in Christ. That’s why he speaks of confidence in Philemon’s obedience and of his expectation that Philemon will do “more than I say.”

For us, the same pattern applies. First, we must acknowledge the reservoir: every good thing in us is in Christ Jesus. We have been forgiven, received, loved, justified, sanctified. We are complete in Him. Second, we must submit to the Spirit’s teaching through the Word as He renews our minds—learning what to deny, what to live unto, what to abhor, what to cleave to, how to love. Third, we must actually make judgments in our real relationships, conflicts, opportunities, and trials. We must ask, in particular situations, whether we are walking after the flesh or the Spirit, whether we are repaying evil or overcoming evil with good, whether we are content with what is merely lawful or whether we are choosing what is most edifying and excellent, whether our love is abounding in knowledge and all judgment? Fourth, we are to act willingly. God is not simply trying to produce external compliance; He is cultivating in us a willing heart that opens the dam and lets the love of Christ flow. We are most like Him when we not only do what He does, but that it is done freely, willingly. Finally, we need to pray and meditate. These judgments are not made on autopilot. They are formed as we bring our lives before the Lord in prayer, measure them against His Word, and trust the Spirit to lead us.

Every day is unique. Every situation is an opportunity to prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. We are not left to our own resources. We are not asked to live the Christian life out of the flesh. In Christ and by the Spirit, we have a rich reservoir and a faithful Teacher. The aim, then, is not simply to “make better decisions,” but to know who we are in Christ, to let our minds be renewed, to let our love abound in knowledge and judgment, to approve the things that are excellent, and to joyfully prove out the will of God in our particular lives—to the glory of God and to the good of others.

Look Up,

—Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher

Listen to the Sermon

This article was adapted from a sermon on Philemon. You can listen to the full message here.

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Episode Description

What does it mean to be “in Christ”? How does one get there? And how should union with Christ change the way you see yourself and live each day? Is it something you feel — or something you believe by faith? The little phrase “in Christ” runs all through Paul’s epistles, and it describes one of the most beautiful and foundational realities of the Christian life.

In this episode, Pastor Josh unfolds the doctrine of union with Christ. He examines the spiritual baptism of Romans 6 — not a water baptism, but the work of the Holy Spirit identifying the believer with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. He traces the two great identities of all humanity: in Adam, where all are sinners under wrath, or in Christ, where all are made new, righteous, and alive unto God. To be in Christ means being quickened, raised, and seated with Him in the heavenly places, accepted in the Beloved, and seen by God in His Son. This is not a feeling to chase but a position to be walked in by faith — the victory already won, where there is no condemnation.

Key Scriptures

Romans 6:3–4 — Baptized into His Death

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:11 — Dead Indeed unto Sin, Alive unto God

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:19 — By the Obedience of One

For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

1 Corinthians 1:30 — Of Him Are Ye in Christ Jesus

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

2 Corinthians 5:17 — A New Creature

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Ephesians 1:3 — All Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

Ephesians 2:4–6 — Quickened, Raised, and Seated

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28 — All One in Christ Jesus

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 13:12 — Known Even As I Am Known

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Galatians 4:9 — Rather Are Known of God

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

Colossians 2:6 — So Walk Ye in Him

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.

Romans 8:1 — No Condemnation in Christ Jesus

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Episode Outline

1. The Phrase “In Christ” — A locative reality describing where the believer now stands

2. Spiritual Baptism, Not Water — Romans 6 and the Holy Spirit’s work of identification

3. Identified with His Death and Resurrection — Dead to sin, alive unto God

4. From Adam to Christ — Moved out of the old identity into the new

5. The Two Great Identities — In Adam all are sinners; in Christ all are made righteous

6. A New Creature — Old things passed away, all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17)

7. Quickened, Raised, and Seated — Ephesians 2 and the believer’s heavenly position

8. How God Sees You — Known of God in His Son, not in your sin

9. Walk by Faith, Not by Feelings — Appropriating the reality the Word declares

10. Rest in the Victory Already Won — Accepted in the Beloved, no condemnation

Questions Discussed

1. What does it mean to be in Christ?

2. How does one get there?

3. How does union with Christ change the way you see yourself and live each day?

4. Is union with Christ something you feel — or something you believe by faith?

5. Is the baptism of Romans 6 a water baptism, or something else?

6. What are the two great identities every person has before God?

7. If God sees you seated with Christ in the heavenly places, how should that change how you walk?

Well, I made this up….

At school, my daughter has been introduced to “trigonometry.” Of course, when I learned of this, I immediately began to rack my brain about what I remembered from “trigonometry” class. Not much came to mind but that which I could gather from the etymology of the word having the prefix “tri.” This made sense later when I learned trigonometry has to do with triangles.

Later, I began to ask my daughter’s teacher, my wife, more about “trigonometry,” and as she began to communicate the basics, I was also looking it up online. Wikipedia states,

Trigonometry — from Ancient Greek τρίγωνον (trígōnon), “triangle,” and μέτρον (métron), “measure” — is a branch of mathematics concerned with relationships between angles and side lengths of triangles.

Beyond my intrigue and curiosity for this mathematics subject, and because my daughter is learning it and my wife is teaching it, the word “measure” in Wikipedia’s description of trigonometry caught my attention. The word “measure,” and in the Greek, metron, is what I have been faced with in my study of Ephesians 4:7.

“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”
— Ephesians 4:7

Here, “measure” is metron in Greek. Thus, the connection was made, and a “word idea” was birthed. Besides not getting too many of these clever ideas — this may not be clever to you, but silly or even foolish — I thought my idea may serve as a kind of “click bait,” an attention grabber to prick the curiosity for the love of Christ presented from some mathematic angle.

Thus, “Christometry” was thought of: a term denoting what so many have thought about, known, taught, and studied before. Of course, my goal isn’t to deceive, be silly, nor foolish, but to point one to Jesus Christ and His love.

There has always been a lot of silly, superstitious, and unnecessary numerology — our faith is in the Word of God, not numerology. If you need numbers, or you use numbers to defend the Word, something is amiss — and I don’t intend to add to the mix, but to insert Christometry as a worthy equation to comprehend and pursue, and one that is based upon Christ and truth.

Therefore, I took the Wikipedia definition of “Trigonometry” and adapted it for the love of Christ, which I call “Christometry.”

Christometry — from Ancient Greek (christos), “Christ,” and (metron), “measure” — is a branch of Christology, the study of Christ, that is more specifically concerned with the relationships between the breadth, length, depth, and height of the love of Christ.

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
— Ephesians 4:7

I readily admit this verse had always served some trouble to my understanding. I know the context and see the words; however, for a long time, I was never satisfied with any answer to my own question: “Why now, in chapter 4, does Paul describe the gift of Christ with measure?”

My initial findings and learning were and are true; that is, in Ephesians 4:7, God has the apostle Paul begin to introduce the oneness within the body of Christ concerning “grace,” which in this context is spiritual gifts. The oneness of the spiritual gifts is that “unto every one of us is given grace,” not to some of them, but in the sense he speaks, “every one of us is given grace.”

Yet the detail given after this initial content, which I had learned from others, I found to be lacking substance based on the words used. I don’t blame them, nor do I think this understanding isn’t out there. It is just what I had learned and remembered. I had learned, or was taught, that this “grace” given, of spiritual gifts, was “according to a measure of the gift of Christ.”

Of course, no one read it this way, but it seemed to be taught this way. I probably do this and don’t know it with other scriptures. In fact, it does make sense that “every one of us is given grace” — spiritual gifts when they were first given — according to a measure of the gift of Christ. In other words, when the spiritual gifts were given, some were given this measure, another given that measure, and so on.

However, it says, “according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Therefore, it isn’t a bunch of measures or gifts of the gift of Christ, nor measures that proceed from the gift, but rather the grace given is according to “the measure of the gift of Christ.” Numerous gifts were given according to the singular measure of the gift of Christ.

For me, this begged the question: “What is the measure of the gift of Christ?” Or, my original question, “Why now does Paul describe the gift of Christ with measure?” If the numerous spiritual gifts — grace — given isn’t the answer or connection for the expression “the measure,” then what is?

CHRIST DESCENDED AND ASCENDED

Christometry — “chris-ta-metry” is how I pronounce it — looks at terms of measure concerning the immeasurable One, Jesus Christ, His work, and faith, not simply numbers.

How can we measure Christ? In one obvious sense, we cannot, because He is God. Yet, He took on flesh and came into this world, and therefore, in another sense, we can. We can only see “the measure” according to what is revealed in the text.

As I asked my questions, and with my mind on “the measure” — which, unknowingly, was really on “a measure” — I began to read Ephesians 4:8–10. As I read these verses, a slight shift from “a” to “the,” and the proper attachment to “measure,” began to take shape in my understanding and make more sense.

Instead of “a measure,” it is “the measure.” And instead of attaching “the measure” to multiple gifts, it needed to be attached to “Christ,” or better yet, “the gift of Christ,” which is exactly what the text says.

And before I could even investigate and study this further, my mind quickly remembered Ephesians 3:17–19. It all started to click, and before I got into the details, I began to realize Ephesians 4:7–10 was part of the answer to Paul’s Ephesians 3:17–19 prayer.

What is it that Paul prayed?

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”
— Ephesians 3:17–19

The combination and further understanding of these words and verses highlight Christometry. “The gift of Christ” has measure; it is “the measure of the gift of Christ.” Thus, it is an expression used given Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3, and an expression that encompasses the sum total of the gift of Christ.

Thus, we can know and comprehend the gift of Christ, which is exactly what Paul prayed for in Ephesians 3:17–19, according to what is revealed.

Paul, in Ephesians 4:8–10, then begins to describe part of “the measure of the gift of Christ” concerning the grace — spiritual gifts — given to the church. Therefore, “the measure of the gift of Christ” would include “what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height” of “the love of Christ.”

The breadth, length, depth, and height comprise “the measure.” And when that breadth, length, depth, and height concerns “the love of Christ,” then the measure concerns “the gift of Christ.”

Ephesians 4:8–10 describes the height and depth of that love, of that gift of Christ. Christ first descended — depth — into the lower parts of the earth, and then ascended — height — up on high, far above all heavens.

Even more thrilling is asking the question, “Why did Christ descend and ascend?” The answer: “that He might fill all things” — the very thing Paul requests in Ephesians 3:19, “…that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

The reason Paul can pray “that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” is because “the measure of the gift of Christ” is that He descended into the lower parts of the earth and ascended far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.

When we know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, to comprehend the measure that passeth knowledge and is to be believed, we can be filled with all the fulness of God. In part, when we know the measure of the gift of Christ concerning the depth or height of His love, we are filled with the fulness of God. However, when we comprehend the breadth, length, and height along with its depth, then we might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Yet all this begs more questions!

As Paul asks, “What is it” that Christ first descended and ascended? Paul prays that we may comprehend “what is” the breadth, length, depth, and height of the love of Christ, but why is that connected to Christ descending and ascending?

We commonly attach, and rightly so, His love to His death, but not His descent to the lower parts of the earth and ascent far above all heavens. How is this part of His love? How do we comprehend “the love of Christ” by His descent and ascent? And most importantly, how does this fill us with God’s fulness in connection with Christ’s descent and ascent?

I look forward to answering these questions in subsequent posts.

Until then, explore Christometry to comprehend the measure of the gift of Christ concerning the breadth, length, depth, and height of the love of Christ, their relationships to each other, and the sum total of all its fulness.

Look Up,

—Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher

Episode Description

Have you ever wondered if you are really saved? What happens when you sin after believing the gospel? Does God still love you when you feel weak in faith? Without assurance, the walk of the believer becomes an emotional rollercoaster — no rooting, no grounding, no fruit. And yet the gospel itself was preached, the Apostle Paul says, “in much assurance.”

In this episode, Pastor Josh examines the assurance of salvation as the natural fruit of the gospel rightly understood. He walks through Romans 5 and the “much more” love of God — if God commended His love toward us while we were yet sinners, how much more now that we are justified by His blood, reconciled, and brought into the family of God. Assurance is not in the believer’s performance, faith’s strength, or spiritual maturity. It is in the love of God, ministered by the Holy Spirit who seals us, and grounded in Romans 8 — the Father justifies, the Son intercedes, and nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Key Scriptures

Romans 5:5 — The Love of God Shed Abroad

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Romans 5:6–8 — While We Were Yet Sinners

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:9–10 — Much More Being Now Justified

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 — In Power, In the Holy Ghost, and In Much Assurance

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Ephesians 1:13–14 — Sealed with That Holy Spirit of Promise

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

2 Corinthians 1:22 — The Earnest of the Spirit

Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Galatians 4:9 — Rather Known of God

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

Hebrews 9:12 — Eternal Redemption

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Romans 8:31–32 — If God Be For Us

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Romans 8:33–34 — It Is God That Justifieth

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Romans 8:35, 37–39 — Who Shall Separate Us

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ... Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Episode Outline

1. The Believer’s Rollercoaster — Why life without assurance has no rooting and no fruit

2. Assurance Embedded in the Gospel — Paul preached the gospel “in much assurance” (1 Thessalonians 1:5)

3. The Much More Love of God — Romans 5 and the contrast between man’s love and God’s

4. The Holy Spirit Sheds It Abroad — How divine love takes root in the believer’s heart

5. Assurance Is in Him, Not in You — Not in performance, not in spiritual maturity, not in feelings

6. When Faith Wavers — Re-direct it; do not measure it

7. Sealed with the Spirit of Promise — Ephesians 1 and the earnest of our inheritance

8. Joint Heirs with Christ — Why losing salvation would require Christ to lose His sonship

9. Romans 8 — The Father Justifies, the Son Intercedes — The accuser has no successful charge

10. Nothing Shall Separate Us — From the love of God which is in Christ Jesus

11. Rest, Not Arrogance — Assurance as a faith thing and a worshipful thing

Questions Discussed

1. Have you ever wondered if you are really saved?

2. What happens when you sin after believing the gospel?

3. Does God still love you when you feel weak in faith?

4. If God loved you when you were a sinner, how much more does He love you now as His son or daughter?

5. When the accuser brings a charge against you, what is the Father’s response?

6. Is your assurance grounded in the strength of your faith — or in the One your faith is pointed at?

7. What could possibly separate the believer from the love of God in Christ Jesus?

A passage in Matthew that manifests the disciples misunderstanding is in Matthew 16:13-23,

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? {14} And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. {15} He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? {16} And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. {17} And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. {18} And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. {19} And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. {20} Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. {21} From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. {22} Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. {23} But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”

I believe the scriptures teach a literal, earthly, physical, Davidic kingdom to come; however, this literal kingdom was and currently is in heaven. It isn’t made with hands. This kingdom is in heaven and will one day come down, be established, and set up (Dan. 2:44). Therefore, although it will dwell on the earth its origin is heavenly and currently is in heaven (Heb. 10:34, 11:16, 12:22) . It will be God’s kingdom in heaven set up on earth. Therefore, earthly doesn’t fully describe it. The kingdom of God is a literal, heavenly, Davidic kingdom set up on the earth.

Moreover, the kingdom of heaven is not only structural but has a conversation and will. For instance, in the Disciples Prayer from Matthew 6:10 – “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” The kingdom of heaven has a will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Of course, Christ’s kingdom is a sceptre of righteousness and Israel is to bear that righteousness and be the light of the world and salt of the earth in and through that kingdom. Also, the Lord teaches this in Matthew 16. If the kingdom was only physical, of course, no “gates of hell” would prevail against it. The kingdom of heaven is not only physical but it is spiritual. The forces against the kingdom of heaven were not only physical but spiritual. Jesus essentially is from heaven and as the King of the kingdom of heaven He has planned to have man enter His kingdom. This group would be Christ’s church. The rock that He builds upon is Himself and builds it with those that believe He is that Rock. With the Rock prevailing against “the gates of hell” those same gates wouldn’t prevail against those built upon that Rock. Yet, how would He prevail against “the gates of hell”?

Now here are a few things to observe –

1. This conversation is with his disciples, and He charged them to tell no man that He was the Christ. He doesn’t give them the go-ahead to tell everyone this.

2. In verse 21 from this time forward Jesus began to shew that He would be killed and raised again the third day.

3. Peter, one of Christ’s disciples {the one that had revealed to him by the Father that Jesus is “the Christ, Son of the living God”}, shortly after, his profession that Jesus is the Christ; and shortly after, Jesus began to shew that He would be killed and raised again the third day – rebukes the Lord.

Now given these brief observations, Peter and the disciples have had it revealed unto them that Jesus is the Christ. There is speculation outside the disciples, but now within it is settled. Yet, it seems that Peter doesn’t understand the spiritual relationship of the kingdom of heaven, that is, the gates of hell and hell’s companion, death. Peter’s idea of the kingdom of heaven is based upon his understanding of the kingdoms of men – “things that be of men.” Where does Peter get this understanding? Probably a few places. However, principally from his savoring of the things that be of men and this world. Peter is justified in thinking this from the prophets and by what Jesus is going to teach them right before His death concerning His second coming when His kingdom made without hands does come with Him. Yet, Peter’s lack of spiritual understanding concerning the kingdom of heaven reflects his savoring of the things of men and the common singular view of Christ to deliver them from Rome, not the bondage of sin, the devil, death, and the gates of hell. Without this deliverance, the kingdom of heaven could come but He wouldn’t have a church for it and if He could have a church for it they wouldn’t be able to enter in. For Christ would have no means to have them enter or bring to His glory. I do not believe it is mere coincidence that Christ begins to shew about His death and resurrection after the revelation of Jesus being the Christ, the Son of the living God. The means of total victory over the gates of hell and provision to build His church hinge upon His death and resurrection.

Amazingly, Christ’s death and resurrection was preached to them after He described His building of His church and the gates of hell not prevailing against it. It wasn’t a mystery; however, their savoring of the things of men, in part, darkened their understanding concerning His death and resurrection. In fact, the disciples were afraid to ask Him about this saying of His death and resurrection (Mar. 9:31-32). We see their savoring of the things of men once again right after Mark 9:31-32 when they reach Capernaum. The disciples had been disputing who would be the greatest in the kingdom. Nonetheless, for our help, we need to recognize the distinction between what is and isn’t revealed, to what is revealed and is or isn’t understood.

Now there is much we could examine concerning the disciples not understanding His death and resurrection concerning the kingdom of heaven, for instance, the ignorance that God placed upon the nation; but, I can’t help to think about what God has revealed today to us. God has revealed all that He wanted to reveal through the apostles and prophets, the apostle Paul being born out of due time to fulfill the Word of God. May we have the spiritual understanding that is needed, where it is needed, that we do not impose the things of men upon the things of God and miss the understanding that we ought to have. Thus we hold that which is spiritual on the right hand and the physical on the left knowing that God made them both (Luke 11:40).

Look Up,

—Josh Strelecki

That conviction has not changed. But the platform is growing — and I want to tell you what is coming, because what you have seen so far is only the beginning.

What Is Already Here

If you are new to Beholding Christ, here is what you have access to right now:

The Who Is Jesus Christ? course is live and completely free. All five lessons. No subscription required. If you have ever wanted a clear, biblically grounded answer to the most important question anyone will ever face — that is where to start.

The Romans Course is live 3 lessons for free to preview - the whole course for Fellow-Beholders. Fourteen lessons working through the fullest doctrinal statement in all of Scripture on the gospel of grace — justification by faith, the righteousness of God, life in Christ, and what it means to be under grace and not law.

The All Things for Good podcast is live and free. Episodes are releasing weekly covering biblical topics, doctrine, Christian living, and practical instruction from the Word of God.

Written articles are publishing regularly — always free, always grounded in the text, always pointing to Jesus Christ.

The Vision

Beholding Christ is being built as a complete biblical education platform — one place where a believer can go to study Scripture seriously, grow in their understanding of doctrine, have their questions answered, and be equipped to live a life that honors God.

That means courses. A lot of them. Covering the full range of what Scripture addresses — from the foundational questions every new believer needs answered, to the deep doctrinal studies that serious students of the Word have been hungry for.

Every lesson goes to the text. Every study guide is built to help you engage with what you are learning, not just consume it.

Starting this month the goal is a new course released every month. Here is what is coming.

Foundations — For Anyone Starting at the Beginning

The Foundations category is for new believers, seekers, and anyone who wants to build on solid biblical ground before going deeper. These courses ask the questions that matter most and answer them straight from Scripture.

Coming soon in Foundations:

Who Are You in Christ? — Your Identity According to Scripture

Most believers struggle to answer this question from the Bible. This course builds a complete picture of what God says about who you are in Christ — and why it changes everything about how you live.

Doctrine — For the Student Who Wants to Go Deep

The Doctrine category is where the serious theological work happens. These courses go into the great doctrines of Scripture with care, precision, and a commitment to letting the text speak for itself.

Coming soon in Doctrine:

The Resurrection from the Dead — What the Bible Declares About Resurrection

The resurrection is the centerpiece of the Christian faith. This course examines what Scripture declares about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of believers, and why everything depends on it.

God’s Eternal Purpose in Christ — A Biblical Study of Redemption

Before the foundation of the world God had a purpose — and that purpose is in Christ. This course traces the eternal purpose of God through Scripture and shows how everything in redemptive history points to and finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Why God Allows Suffering — A Biblical Answer

One of the hardest questions believers face. This course does not offer platitudes — it goes to the Word of God and shows what Scripture actually teaches about suffering, why God allows it, and what He produces through it.

Introduction to Christian Doctrine — A Survey of the Great Doctrines of Scripture

Coming soon. A survey of the great doctrines of the Christian faith — the Bible, God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, man, sin, salvation, the church, and last things. Built for the student who wants a complete doctrinal framework grounded in Scripture.

Christian Living — For the Believer Navigating Everyday Life

The Christian Living category addresses the practical realities of following Christ in the present age. These courses are grounded in doctrine but applied to daily life — how to pray, how to live, how to find contentment, how to walk worthy of the calling you have received.

Coming soon in Christian Living:

How to Pray — A Biblical Guide to Fervent Prayer

Prayer is not a technique. It is the believer’s direct access to God. This course opens what Scripture teaches about prayer — what it is, how to do it, and what happens when the church prays fervently.

True Contentment — Finding Satisfaction in Christ

“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11. This course works through what Scripture teaches about contentment — not as a personality trait but as something that is learned, and where it is found.

The Godly Life — Biblical Principles for Christian Living

What does a life that honors God actually look like? This course builds a practical biblical picture of godliness in the present age — how to walk worthy, how to grow, and what the grace of God produces in the life of the believer.

Introduction to the Christian Life — What Comes After Salvation

Coming soon. A practical entry-level course on what the Christian life looks like from the moment of salvation — built for new believers who want to know what comes next.

The Goal — One New Course Every Month

The goal for Beholding Christ is to release one new course every month. Some will be short courses — five lessons of approximately 25 minutes each. Others will be longer — ten lessons covering a topic in full depth. Ministry life means that goal may flex from time to time, but it is the direction we are building toward and the pace we are committed to.

Every course comes with:

- Video lessons taught by Pastor Josh Strelecki

- A complete study guide — lesson outline, key scriptures, written summary, study questions, and review questions

- A memory verse for each lesson

- Going Deeper references for students who want to keep studying

Free subscribers receive the first one to two lessons of every course. Full course access is available to Fellow-Beholders.

A Word About Fellow-Beholders

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 3:18

Fellow-Beholders are the supporters who make Beholding Christ possible. They have full access to every course on the platform — including everything listed above as it releases — as well as the Ask Josh podcast and eventually monthly exclusive teaching post that goes nowhere else.

If you want to support the continued development of this platform and get full access to the entire library as it grows, a Fellow-Beholders subscription is how you do that.

And if you know someone who has been looking for a place to study the Bible seriously — share this with them. That is how Beholding Christ grows. Not through advertising. Through believers who found something worth sharing.

The Word of God is worth your time. Everything being built here is built around that conviction.

Stay tuned. There is much more to come.

Look Up,

— Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher

www.beholding-christ.com

www.twincitiesgracefellowship.com

One of the goals behind Beholding Christ has always been to provide more than isolated content. While articles and podcast episodes are valuable, some subjects deserve a slower, more structured approach that allows us to study Scripture carefully, build foundations clearly, and grow intentionally in our understanding of Christ and His Word.

That is why I’m excited to introduce Courses to Beholding Christ.

These courses are designed to help guide readers through biblical topics step-by-step in a more organized and intentional format. Rather than scattered lessons, each course will walk through a subject progressively — building from definitions and foundational truths into deeper understanding, practical application, and Christ-centered reflection.

Courses may include:

• Scripture-centered teaching lessons

• Structured study progression

• Reflection questions

• Biblical and theological foundations

• Apologetics and clarification of common misunderstandings

• Podcast or discussion integration

• Downloadable resources and study guides over time

The goal is not simply to provide information, but to help believers:

• know Christ more clearly,

• understand Scripture more faithfully,

• defend the truth with humility,

• and live in light of what God has revealed.

Some of the upcoming courses may include topics such as:

• Foundations of the Faith

• Understanding Salvation

• Who Are You in Christ?

If you have been following along through articles or podcasts, I hope these courses will provide a deeper and more connected way to study together.

Thank you for being here and supporting the beginning of Beholding Christ. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue building this platform slowly, thoughtfully, and centered on Christ and His Word.

Look Up,
—Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher

Explore Courses

Every element of the logo is drawn from 2 Corinthians 3:18:

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Over the years, as I contemplated what platform to use, what mediums to provide, what categories to have, and what content to fill them with, I never really thought much about “branding.” Quite frankly, the idea of branding often sounded fleshly to me. Branding, especially when it comes to a logo, can seem like it is merely about pleasing the eye.

Now, having gone through some kind of self-taught process, I understand a little more about branding — at least when it comes to a logo. I admit it is easy to get caught up in design. But as silly as it may sound, I did not want merely a logo. I wanted the logo to theologically represent something. I wanted it to show, in a simple visual way, the whole purpose of what has come together in Beholding Christ.

The nudge to write about the logo has come from my initial hesitancy, the understanding I gained through the process, and the intended purpose behind both the name and the logo. I understand if you do not read any further — this may be more for me than for you!

The Split Circle

The left half of the circle — navy and dark — represents the beholder. The beholder is the believer who has received and continues to benefit from the new testament and its corresponding ministrations of righteousness and life.

The dividing line represents the glass. It is “as in a glass,” through the Word of God, that we behold with open face the glory of the Lord. The glass of God’s Word enables us to behold His open face, and that beholding changes us.

The reflection of glory is real. We do not see ourselves when we behold; we see Him. Of course, this seeing is with spiritual eyes. Our eyes must be open. They must be exercised. This is not only important because of the act of beholding, but because the One we behold is gloriously bright.

It is only by continual gazing that our spiritual eyes are exercised to truly see such exceeding and excelling glory. Therefore, we behold by faith. The direct, unmediated beholding of Christ is still coming.

The right half — teal and lighter — represents the glory we are beholding and the glory into which we are being changed. It represents the change we are hoping for, the substantive change that is different from what we are in ourselves.

Therefore, the glory of the Lord is visibly different and attractive to the beholder. It is worthy to be beheld. And it is doing something to the one who beholds. It is the very change the beholder needs.

The Ring

The ring around the circle represents the security of the believer. It also has a double meaning: it holds the gaze in. It disciplines the eye.

Even when the eye loses sight of the glory, the brightness of His glory radiates into the peripheral vision, continually enlightening the eye.

The Rays

The rays represent the sustained, fixed gaze that the word beholding carries. It is the idea of continual, non-turning-away attention.

The rays are beholding the glory, and they ought to be fixed, for nothing else is truly glorious. This beholding is not passive. It is not merely information. It is transformational.

The glory goes in through the eye of faith and comes out through the changed life of the believer. The rays show that this transformation does not stay contained. It radiates outward to God’s glory and to the spiritual profit of those around us.

Having considered the meaning of the logo, my tongue is like the pen of a ready writer — or in this case, my fingers are ready to type — as I look forward to examining 2 Corinthians 3 in future posts.

Look Up,

—Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher

(Stay tuned - in the coming weeks Beholding Christ will be launching. More podcasts, articles, and plans for this Substack! Consider becoming a “Fellow-Beholder”.)

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Episode Description

What does it mean to be justified before God? Can a person truly be sure they are right with Him? Is justification based on what I do — or on what Christ has done? And how does justification by faith bring peace, security, and assurance to the Christian?

In this episode, Pastor Josh examines justification as the legal declaration by God Himself that a sinner has been made righteous — not on the basis of his own works, but on the merit of Jesus Christ. He walks through the law as the mirror that exposes sin, Abraham as the Old Testament pattern of faith counted for righteousness, and imputation as the mechanism by which Christ’s righteousness is credited to the believer. Justification is not a process. It is a declaration. And because it rests on Christ’s finished work and not our own, it can never be lost, undone, or reversed.

Key Scriptures

Romans 1:16–17 — The Righteousness of God Revealed

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Romans 3:19–20 — By the Law Is the Knowledge of Sin

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:23–25 — Justified Freely by His Grace

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.

Galatians 2:16 — Not Justified by the Works of the Law

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.

Genesis 15:6 — Counted Unto Him for Righteousness

And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Romans 4:3–5 — Abraham’s Faith Imputed

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 4:24–25 — Delivered for Our Offenses, Raised for Our Justification

But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Romans 5:12, 19 — The Two One-Men

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned... For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

2 Corinthians 5:21 — Made Sin for Us

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Isaiah 53:6 — The LORD Hath Laid On Him

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Romans 5:1 — Peace with God

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Titus 3:5–7 — Not by Works of Righteousness

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Romans 8:33–34 — It Is God That Justifieth

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Episode Outline

1. A Legal Declaration — Justification defined as God’s verdict that the sinner is righteous in His sight

2. Why We Need It — Sin entered through Adam, and all are guilty before God

3. The Mirror of the Law — Why the law condemns rather than justifies

4. The Great Physician — Christ came for the sick, not those who think themselves whole

5. Abraham Believed God — Faith counted for righteousness before circumcision and before the law

6. Christ Delivered and Raised — The ground of justification (Romans 4:25)

7. Imputation Explained — How Adam’s sin and Christ’s righteousness are credited

8. The Two One-Men — Born in Adam, made righteous in Christ

9. Faith Receives What Grace Provides — Not a process, but a declaration

10. Permanent and Secure — You can never become “unjustified”

11. The Gavel Has Sounded — Case closed; believe today

Questions Discussed

1. What does it mean to be justified before God?

2. Can a person truly be sure they are right with God?

3. Is justification based on what I do — or on what Christ has done?

4. How does justification by faith bring peace, security, and assurance to the Christian?

5. How can man be just with God? (Job’s ancient question)

6. Why did God allow the law to make sin abound rather than save us from it?

7. If Christ is the provision of justification, how does that provision actually become mine?

8. Can a justified believer ever lose their salvation or become “unjustified”?

9. Are you trying to work for a salvation Christ has already finished?

Episode Description

What does it mean that Jesus is the propitiation for our sins? Why did Jesus have to die such a brutal death — wasn’t God loving enough to forgive without it? And how can God be both perfectly just and abundantly gracious at the same time? Propitiation is a word Christianity often neglects, softens, or replaces — and yet it stands at the very center of how the cross works.

In this episode, Pastor Josh examines propitiation as the satisfaction and appeasement of God’s wrath against sin. He walks through the Old Testament types — the mercy seat, the Day of Atonement, the prophetic words of Ezekiel and Isaiah 53 — and shows how each pointed forward to the one true and final propitiation in Jesus Christ. God did not throw justice out the window. He poured out His wrath upon His own Son, so that those who believe in Jesus could have not a false peace, but true, lasting peace with God.

Key Scriptures

Romans 1:18 — The Wrath of God Revealed

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.

Nahum 1:6 — Who Can Stand Before His Indignation

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

Habakkuk 1:13 — Of Purer Eyes Than to Behold Evil

Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?

Ezekiel 16:63 — When I Am Pacified Toward Thee

That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

Isaiah 53:10–11 — He Shall See and Be Satisfied

Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Romans 3:25 — Set Forth to Be a Propitiation

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.

1 John 2:2 — He Is the Propitiation

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 4:10 — Here Is Love

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Romans 5:1 — Peace with God

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:1 — No Condemnation

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Episode Outline

1. A Word Often Neglected — What propitiation means and why it matters

2. Provision and Application — How the work is provided and then imputed to the believer by faith

3. God’s Wrath Is Righteous, Not Impulsive — His holiness demands justice

4. Old Testament Allusions — The mercy seat, the Day of Atonement, and the High Priest’s work

5. The Prophetic Word — Ezekiel 16:63 and Isaiah 53 on God being pacified and satisfied

6. God Did Not Overlook Sin — He judged it 100% perfectly, eternally, in His Son

7. Love and Justice Together — How the cross reveals both at the same time

8. The New Testament Declarations — Romans 3:25, 1 John 2:2 and 4:10

9. True Peace with God — Not a facade, but the law of His court satisfied

10. Rest in the Finished Work — The call to stop trying to appease and start believing

Questions Discussed

1. What does it mean that Jesus is the propitiation for our sins?

2. Why did Jesus have to die such a brutal death?

3. Wasn’t God loving enough to forgive without it?

4. How is God’s justice and His love reconciled at the cross?

5. Why does propitiation matter for my salvation and assurance?

6. If you are not a Christian — do you really need to appease God yourself?

7. If you are a believer — are you still trying to earn peace with God that Christ has already secured?

Episode Description

What does it mean to be redeemed? Why is redemption necessary? And what does it cost? Redemption is one of the major themes of all of scripture — a thread that runs from Genesis through Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, through Boaz and Ruth, and finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our nearest kinsman, both willing and able to pay the price without compromise.

In this episode, Pastor Josh walks through the three key ideas of biblical redemption — the bondage, the price, and the deliverance. He examines the Old Testament pictures of the kinsman redeemer and the Passover lamb, exposes man’s bondage to sin and the law, and shows why no riches, wit, lineage, or sorrow of our own can pay the wages of our sin debt. There is redemption — but it is only and exclusively in Jesus Christ, through His blood, offered freely by His grace.

Key Scriptures

Leviticus 25:25 — The Law of the Kinsman Redeemer

If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.

Exodus 6:6 — Redeemed with a Stretched Out Arm

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments.

Exodus 15:13 — Led Forth in Mercy

Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.

Ruth 4:14 — A Kinsman to Redeem

And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

2 Corinthians 5:21 — Made Sin for Us

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Romans 3:23–24 — Justified Freely Through Redemption

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:17 — Servants of Sin

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Galatians 4:3–5 — Sent Forth to Redeem

Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Ephesians 1:7 — Redemption Through His Blood

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.

1 Peter 1:18–19 — Not with Corruptible Things

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Galatians 3:13 — Redeemed from the Curse of the Law

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.

Titus 2:14 — Who Gave Himself for Us

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Colossians 1:13–14 — Translated into the Kingdom

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Romans 8:23 — The Future Redemption of the Body

And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Episode Outline

1. A Transaction, Not a Concept — What redemption actually means: to purchase back by paying a ransom

2. Three Key Ideas — The bondage, the price, and the deliverance

3. Old Testament Pictures — Israel redeemed from Egypt and the blood of the Passover lamb

4. The Kinsman Redeemer — Boaz and Ruth as a type of Christ

5. Willing and Able — Why Christ alone could redeem without compromise (2 Corinthians 5:21)

6. Man’s Bondage — Servants of sin, condemned by the law

7. The Price Is His Blood — Ephesians 1:7 and 1 Peter 1:18–19

8. Redemption Only in Christ — Not in riches, wit, lineage, or sorrow

9. Present and Future — Redemption of the soul now, redemption of the body to come

10. Have You Been Redeemed? — The call to trust your nearest kinsman

Questions Discussed

1. What does it mean to be redeemed?

2. Why is redemption necessary?

3. And what does it cost?

4. Have you ever considered that you need to be purchased — rescued from something you cannot escape?

5. If the law of God is good, why is it the means by which we are condemned rather than saved?

6. How can you both live and die — except in the Lord Jesus Christ?

7. Have you been redeemed? Have you trusted the blood of Christ as your only hope?

Episode Description

Have you ever wondered if you are doing enough to please God? Quietly hoped your good deeds might outweigh the bad on some kind of scale? That kind of thinking is everywhere — inside Christianity and outside it — and it is the very thing the Apostle Paul made the battleground of the gospel itself in Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians.

In this episode, Pastor Josh examines the grace of God in contrast to works. Grace is not unmerited favor as merely a human concept — it begins in the character of God Himself, declared from Exodus 34 onward as merciful, gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness. The deeper question follows: how can a holy God be both just and gracious at the same time? The answer is found in Romans 3 — God is just and the justifier of him that believes in Jesus. Grace and works are opposites; they do not mix. And the grace that saves the sinner is the same grace that teaches the believer to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.

Key Scriptures

Exodus 34:6 — The Lord Proclaims His Own Name

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.

Psalm 86:15 — A God Full of Compassion

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Psalm 103:8–10 — He Hath Not Dealt with Us After Our Sins

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

1 Peter 5:10 — The God of All Grace

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Romans 3:24–26 — Just and the Justifier

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

John 1:16–17 — Grace and Truth Came by Jesus Christ

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:23 — All Have Sinned

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 11:6 — Grace and Works Cannot Mix

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Ephesians 2:8–9 — Saved by Grace through Faith

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Titus 2:11–12 — Grace Teaches the Believer

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.

2 Corinthians 12:9 — Grace Sufficient in Weakness

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Episode Outline

1. Am I Doing Enough? — The common scale-of-deeds thinking that gets in the way of the gospel

2. Grace Begins with God — Exodus 34 and the name the Lord proclaims of Himself

3. The God of All Grace — Why one word “grace” is not enough (1 Peter 5:10)

4. Defining Grace — Unmerited favor; God’s riches at Christ’s expense

5. Just and the Justifier — How God satisfies His wrath against sin and still forgives (Romans 3:26)

6. Grace Comes Only by Jesus Christ — Not by Moses, Adam, or Abraham (John 1:17)

7. Grace versus Works — Why they are opposites and cannot mix (Romans 11:6)

8. The Spiritual Hamster Wheel — Why no amount of works can ever measure up

9. Grace for the Believer Too — Sufficient in weakness, teaching us to live godly (Titus 2)

Questions Discussed

1. Have you ever wondered, am I doing enough to please God?

2. Is salvation something we earn by doing good — or a gift received by faith apart from our works?

3. What role, if any, do works play in the Christian life?

4. How can God be both just and gracious at the same time?

5. How is He able to pour out His wrath upon sin and yet extend grace?

6. Do you know the grace of God?

7. Do you understand the difference between grace and works?

Episode Description

The gospel has been declared — Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. But what response is God looking for? Is it faith? Is it repentance? Is it both? And what exactly does repentance mean — turning from sin, cleaning up your life, mustering up strength to be worthy?

In this episode, Pastor Josh distinguishes faith from works, shows why grace and faith are compatible while grace and works are not, and clears up one of the most common sources of confusion in Christianity — the proper definition of repentance. Faith is the God-ordained, non-meritorious response that trusts in the merit of Jesus Christ alone. Repentance is the change of mind that leads the heart to that faith. Confuse the two, and the gospel collapses into another religion of human effort.

Key Scriptures

Ephesians 2:8–9 — Grace and Faith

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Romans 4:4–5 — Faith Counted for Righteousness

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 4:24–25 — Believing on Him Who Raised Jesus

But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Galatians 3:5, 12 — The Hearing of Faith, Not the Works of the Law

He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? … And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Romans 3:27 — The Law of Faith

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Romans 11:6 — Grace and Works Cannot Mix

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Isaiah 66:2 — The Heart God Looks Upon

For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Romans 6:17 — Obedience from the Heart

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Romans 2:4–5 — The Goodness of God Leads to Repentance

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.

Romans 5:8 — Christ Died for Sinners

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Episode Outline

1. The Question Before Us — What response is God looking for from the unbeliever?

2. Defining Faith — Trusting in someone or something to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves

3. Faith vs. Works — Galatians 3, the chair illustration, and why they are like water and oil

4. Grace and Faith Are Compatible — Romans 4 and 11 on why grace requires faith, not works

5. The Law of Faith — Romans 3:27 and the God-ordained response that excludes all boasting

6. Faith Comes from the Heart — Isaiah 66:2 and Romans 6:17 on the contrite spirit

7. Where Does Repentance Fit In? — Why “turning from sin” muddies the waters

8. Repentance Properly Defined — A change of mind, a penitent heart, agreeing with God

9. Faith Alone Saves — Believe today and be saved

Questions Discussed

1. What does it mean to truly believe the gospel — and how is that different from just knowing facts about Jesus?

2. If salvation is by grace through faith, what role does repentance play — and is it something we do to be saved?

3. How is faith different from a work?

4. Why are grace and faith compatible, but grace and works are not?

5. Can the ungodly have faith?

6. Where does repentance fit in if it is not part of the law of faith?

7. Does repentance mean turning from sin — or something else?

8. Have you responded to the gospel in the God-ordained law of faith?