The Simplicity that is in Christ

Satan’s Deceit Recognize and resist when we remain committed to the simplicity that is in Christ Recognize and resist when we remain committed to the simplicity that is in Christ haplotes: 1) singleness, simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty 1a) the virtue of one who is free from pretence and hypocrisy” (Thayer) haplotes: 1) singleness, simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty 1a) the virtue of one who is free from pretence and hypocrisy” (Thayer) “Single, simple, uncompounded, sound, perfect” (Moulton, 40) “Single, simple, uncompounded, sound, perfect” (Moulton, 40) 2

Simplicity that is in Christ Without duplicity, hypocrisy and doubt 2 Cor 1:12 Without duplicity, hypocrisy and doubt 2 Cor 1:12 Christ is absolute! Christ is absolute! Absolute truth in is Jesus Christ, Jno 14:6 (8:32); 1:14, 17 Absolute truth in is Jesus Christ, Jno 14:6 (8:32); 1:14, 17 Relativism: “what is right for you is right for you but does not have to be right for me, and we can agree to disagree” Relativism: “what is right for you is right for you but does not have to be right for me, and we can agree to disagree” 3

Absolute; Within our reach, Romans 10:5-10 Not “simplistic” Not “simplistic” Truth is without pretense; it is genuine, authentic and unadulterated Truth is without pretense; it is genuine, authentic and unadulterated Beyond reach of those who trust their own wisdom, 1 Cor 1:18, 26-29; Jno 9:40-41 Beyond reach of those who trust their own wisdom, 1 Cor 1:18, 26-29; Jno 9:

Simplicity of Truth Jesus lived on the earth, Jno 1:14 Jesus lived on the earth, Jno 1:14 Fully experienced life, Luke 2:52; Acts 10:38 Fully experienced life, Luke 2:52; Acts 10:38 God-approved Him by works, Acts 2:22; Jno 5:36 God-approved Him by works, Acts 2:22; Jno 5:36 His words contain life, Jno 6:68 His words contain life, Jno 6:68 He lived without sin, Jno 7:18 He lived without sin, Jno 7:18 5

Simplicity of Truth… Jesus died on a cross, Acts 10:39 (2:23; 1 Cor 15:3) Jesus died on a cross, Acts 10:39 (2:23; 1 Cor 15:3) Confirmed to be dead, then buried, Mk 15:44-47 Confirmed to be dead, then buried, Mk 15:44-47 Sacrifice for sins of the whole world, Heb 9:27-28 Sacrifice for sins of the whole world, Heb 9:

Simplicity of Truth… Jesus was raised from the dead, Acts 10:40-41 Jesus was raised from the dead, Acts 10:40-41 Declared Him to be the Son of God, Rom 1:4 Declared Him to be the Son of God, Rom 1:4 His power over death is magnified, Acts 2:24-32 His power over death is magnified, Acts 2:

Simplicity of Truth… Jesus is exalted in heaven, Acts 2:33; 5:30-31 Jesus is exalted in heaven, Acts 2:33; 5:30-31 Prince: Ruler, authority to rule and dispense justice Prince: Ruler, authority to rule and dispense justice Savior: Repentance and forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43) Savior: Repentance and forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43) 8

Simplicity of Truth… Jesus will return to judge world, Acts 10:42 Jesus will return to judge world, Acts 10:42 Ordained by God Ordained by God Judge in righteousness, Acts 17:31 Judge in righteousness, Acts 17:31 Time to repent! Acts 17:30 Time to repent! Acts 17:30 9

1 Corinthians 15:1-2 10

Simplicity of Salvation Gospel is powerful to save sinners from spiritual death and wrath to come, Rom 1:16-17 (Jno 5:24-27; Rom 5:9-11; 2:4-6) Gospel is powerful to save sinners from spiritual death and wrath to come, Rom 1:16-17 (Jno 5:24-27; Rom 5:9-11; 2:4-6) Individual who does Father’s will enters kingdom of heaven, Matt 7:21 Individual who does Father’s will enters kingdom of heaven, Matt 7:21 11

Simplicity of Salvation Episcopal Presiding Bishop: ( Heresy to say we are saved as individuals) Episcopal Presiding Bishop: ( Heresy to say we are saved as individuals) In her opening address to the church’s General Conference in California, Jefferts Schori called that “the great Western heresy: that we can be saved as individuals, that any of us alone can be in right relationship with God.” 12

Simplicity of Salvation Absolute plan of salvation, Acts 2:40 Absolute plan of salvation, Acts 2:40 Hear the gospel Hear the gospel Believe Jesus is the Christ Believe Jesus is the Christ Confess your faith in Him Confess your faith in Him Repent of your past sins Repent of your past sins Be baptized for remission of sins Be baptized for remission of sins 13

Matthew 28:18 14

Simplicity of Authority Supreme and final, Acts 3:22-23 Supreme and final, Acts 3:22-23 Faithless scoff, Jno 18:38 ; 2 Tim 4:4 Faithless scoff, Jno 18:38 ; 2 Tim 4:4 His word is the standard, Jno 12:48 His word is the standard, Jno 12:48 His word is sound, 1 Tim 6:3 His word is sound, 1 Tim 6:3 His word is complete, Jno 16:13 His word is complete, Jno 16:13 15

Simplicity of Authority God’s word is supreme over… God’s word is supreme over… How you are saved How you are saved The church, Eph 1:22 (1 Tim 3:15) The church, Eph 1:22 (1 Tim 3:15) The home, Eph 5:22-25 The home, Eph 5:22-25 Morality, Eph 4:19-24 Morality, Eph 4:19-24 All doctrine, 2 Tim 3:16 All doctrine, 2 Tim 3:16 16

Half-hearted or Fully Devoted? Half-hearted or Fully Devoted? Contempt or Love? Contempt or Love? Convenience or Commitment? Convenience or Commitment? Rebellion or Submission? Rebellion or Submission? 17