Have I Become Your Enemy Because I Tell You the Truth?

Truth is being attacked from so many angles in our society today. What is a Christian supposed to do when they are being accused of “hate speech” and ill-intentions when just trying to remain faithful to the word? Let’s look to Paul’s answer about how important truth is all aspects of our lives.

I. 4:1-7 NO LONGER SLAVES BUT SONS

A. The word “slave” in this passage does not carry the same connotation as our modern understanding – it most often means , usually an (owes a debt). It is one with no real rights or freedom.

B. The purpose of the OT Law was to bring us under the basic, elementary principles of . Without it we would not know – cf Romans 7:7

C. Why did God choose to send Jesus during that day and age? Because .

D. We put ourselves back into bondage when we !

Scripture References: Isaiah 30:8-11; Micah 3:2; Gal 5:2; Dan 2:44; John 1:1,14-17; Matt 5:17, 18:21-35; Rom 6:23; Luke 3:38

II. 4:8-11 I AM AFRAID FOR YOU

A. Simple truth: If you are not keeping Gods commands, then . This can happen IF:

1. One is not (Gal 6:2),
2. One is not (James 1:27),
3. One is not (John 4:24)

B. The whole thesis of this epistle is that “.”

C. “I am afraid for you” means, “Brethren, !”

Scripture References: Mat 7:21-23; 1 John 2:5; 2 Cor 2:4; 

III. 4:12-16 HAVE I THEREFORE BECOME YOUR ENEMY?

A. is still no matter .

B. Speaking out AGAINST sinful life choices does NOT make it “hate speech,” it is actually .

C. Two reasons people fight the truth:

1. Some are . (Acts 26:9; 1 Timothy 1:13)
2. Some simply . (John 3:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

D. The biggest problem in the religious world is people want to change rather than change .

Scripture References: John 1:5,10, 7:7; Luke 6:22; 1 Kings 22:8