In Tim James' sermon titled "Old & New", the primary theological topic addresses the necessity of distinguishing between the old and new covenants in Christ, supported by Matthew 9:16-17. James argues that blending the practices of the old covenant, such as ceremonial fasting and legalism, with the new covenant of grace leads to spiritual confusion and doctrinal failures. He references Isaiah 58 to illustrate that sincere worship must focus on justice and mercy rather than mere outward rituals, affirming that fasting and other religious acts should be an authentic expression of faith rather than a performance for human approval. The significance of this teaching is profound for Reformed doctrine, as it emphasizes the purity of the gospel, advocating that believers must not try to synthesize the gospel of grace with the law, which ultimately undermines the sufficiency of Christ's redemptive work.
Key Quotes
“We must never try to combine the two. We must never try to mix them up.”
“Either we're under the law or we're under grace. It's just that simple, that plain.”
“In spiritual matters we must never attempt to mix things that differ.”
“Don’t put new wine in old bottles. Don’t try to patch an old cloth with a new patch.”
Fasting is meant to focus on God and spiritual matters rather than seeking the approval of men.
The Bible indicates that fasting is a practice intended to draw one's focus away from physical needs, like food, and towards deeper spiritual concerns. In Matthew 9:14-17, Jesus addresses the Pharisees and John's disciples, pointing out that their ceremonial fasts were more about public display than true devotion. He emphasizes that true fasting should align with God's expectations rather than cultural customs. This is further illustrated in Isaiah 58, where God condemns fasting that seeks human recognition while neglecting justice and compassion. Therefore, fasting should be a private act that cultivates our relationship with God, rather than a public performance designed to garner praise.
Matthew 9:14-17, Isaiah 58
It illustrates that the new covenant of grace cannot be mixed with the old covenant of law.
The metaphor of new wine and old bottles serves as a crucial teaching for Christians regarding the incompatibility of the old covenant, which relies on the law, with the new covenant of grace established by Christ. In Matthew 9:16-17, Jesus states that new wine must be put into new bottles because old bottles cannot contain it without breaking. This symbolizes how attempts to mix the elements of law and grace result in spiritual failure. Historical attempts to merge Christianity with human traditions or legalism only lead to disaster, diminishing the power of the gospel. Furthermore, this principle encapsulates the necessity for Christians to embrace the fullness of grace and reject any reliance on works or ceremonial law for justification.
Matthew 9:16-17, Romans 6, Galatians 2
Scripture affirms God’s active control over all aspects of life and salvation.
The doctrine of God's sovereignty is rooted deeply in Scripture, illustrating His complete control over creation and salvation. The assurance of sovereignty is particularly evident in passages like Romans 8:28-30, where we are reminded that all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose. Furthermore, Ephesians 1:4-5 speaks to God's electing grace, demonstrating that before the foundation of the world, He chose a people for Himself out of pure grace. This reinforces the idea that God's sovereignty is not merely a theological concept but a vital truth that assures believers of His ultimate authority and plan in every aspect of life, including their personal salvation.
Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 1:4-5
Grace alone affirms that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human efforts.
In Reformed theology, the principle of grace alone is foundational, encapsulating the belief that salvation is entirely God's work and a gift to humanity rather than a result of human merit. This is articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9, where it is stated that we are saved by grace through faith, and that this is the work of God, not of ourselves, so that no one may boast. This doctrine highlights God's initiative in salvation and underscores the futility of attempting to earn His favor through works. The emphasis on grace alone serves not only to assure believers of their acceptance before God but also to cultivate humility, recognizing that salvation depends solely on Christ’s righteousness and sacrifice.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Christians should reject legalism that mixes law with grace, focusing instead on faith in Christ.
Christians are called to be vigilant against legalism, which attempts to enforce adherence to the law as a means of achieving righteousness before God. The teachings of Galatians reveal the dangers of mixing the grace of the gospel with the works of the law, leading to spiritual bondage rather than freedom. Paul confronts the Judaizers for their attempt to impose Old Testament laws on Gentile believers, stressing that we are not justified by the works of the law, but through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 2:16). The response should therefore be to firmly embrace the freedom given through the new covenant and live out our faith by relying on the Holy Spirit for empowerment rather than reverting to the old ways of legalistic righteousness.
Galatians 2:16, Galatians 5:1
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