Loose or Strict? Galatians 1:6-17

Constitution Federalist Party –“Loose view” –Believed silence gave consent –Allowed for larger federal government –Broad powers

Constitution Republican-democrat party –“–“–“–“Strict view” –S–S–S–Silence prohibited –L–L–L–Limited government –R–R–R–Restricted powers

New Testament “Loose view” –General guidelines –Silence gives consent –As long as the heart is right

New Testament “Strict view” –Pattern to be followed –Silence prohibits –Cannot go beyond

What Does God Expect? Patriarchal times –Cain (Genesis 4:3-5; Hebrews 11:4) –Noah (Genesis 6:14-16) –God was a “strict constructionist”

What Does God Expect? Under the Law of Moses –Prohibited change (Deuteronomy 4:12; 12:32) –Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1, 2) –Sabbath violator (Numbers 15:32-36) –Uzza (1 Chronicles 13:9, 10) –Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16, 18) –God was a “strict constructionist”

What Does God Expect? New Testament –Walk by faith (Romans 10:17) –Not to exceed what was written (1 Corinthians 4:6) –Not to “go beyond” (2 John 9-11) –Not to change the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 22:18, 19) –God is still a “strict constructionist”

Most Are Loose Constructionists Pursue their own way –Leads to destruction (Proverbs 14:12) –Pervert baptism (Romans 6:3, 4) –Pervert worship (Ephesians 5:19) –Pervert work and mission of the church (1 Timothy 3:15; Acts 11:29, 30)

Most Are Loose Constructionists Learn to be content –All sufficiency of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) –Have all we need (2 Peter 1:3, 4) –Abide in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9-11) –Seek the “old paths” (Jeremiah 6:16)

Conclusion “Loose” or “strict” constructionist? Affects how we live