Fourth Introductory Principle

In this part of the sermon: Martin defines 'dynamics' as operative forces and distinguishes saving grace from common grace. He explains 'real participation' by contrasting it with pseudo-participation and…

Martin uses the analogy of social and economic dynamics (forces operative in human interaction and commerce) to explain what he means by 'dynamics' in the context of saving grace.

Well, let me explain what I mean. The dynamics of a thing are the forces or the powers that are operative in any given field. There are social dynamics. As men and women, boys and girls interact with one another, there are powers and influences and forces operative in that social interaction, and we call those the dynamics of social interaction.

7:32 - 7:58 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin defines 'dynamics' as operative forces and distinguishes saving grace from common grace. He explains 'real participation' by contrasting it with pseudo-participation and…

The story of Abimelech taking Sarah, and God restraining him from sexual relations, is used as an example of God's common grace at work.

You see, there is a non-saving common grace of God by which men and women are restrained from being as bad as they could be and are constrained to do good things as men count things. That's God's common grace. Jesus refers to it when He says in Luke 11, 13, If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how do evil men know how to give good to their children, and how are they disposed to give good?

8:23 - 9:03 Read in full sermon

Driving home: Truly, truly, I say unto you, everyone that commits sin, everyone who is practicing sin, everyone in whom sin is the pattern of life, is the doulos, the bond-slave of sin.

Martin highlights the spiritual blindness and pride of the Jews in John 8 who claimed never to have been in bondage, despite their history in Egypt and Babylon, and their current subjugation to Rome, to illustrate their denial of spiritual slavery to sin.

There was some expression of faith towards Christ. Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed Him, If you abide in my word, then are you truly my disciples. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered unto Him, We are Abraham's seed, and have never been in bondage to any man.

19:25 - 19:48 Read in full sermon

Driving home: If you're a Christian, you've been made free from sin. Oh, but Pat, look at what the text says. If you've not been made free from sin, you've never become a Christian.

The gospel is likened to a 'form of teaching whereunto you were delivered,' suggesting that believers were 'cast into the mold of the gospel' by the Holy Spirit's power.

That's dealt with in the previous section of Romans. But thanks be to God that whereas you were bond-slaves of sin, he says all of you, Roman Christians, were at one time bond-slaves of sin. Whereas you once were bond-slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto you were delivered. He likens the gospel as a form of teaching into which they were cast.

25:40 - 26:13 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin transitions to the third block of the proposition, explaining that saving grace not only delivers from sin's dominion but also equips believers for progressive growth in…

The thief on the cross is used as an example of someone who, even in his last moments, brought forth 'fruit unto righteousness' by identifying with Jesus and vindicating Him, demonstrating a change of practice and destiny.

That's God's way of saving sinners. Even the thief on the cross brought forth some fruit unto righteousness. He identified himself with Jesus. He sought to vindicate Jesus before his cussing buddy with whom he joined in chorus of reviling for some time while he was on that cross for we read in the gospels that both malefactors cast the same into his face and in those few remaining minutes he was bringing forth fruits unto sanctification or holiness and Jesus said to this man today eternal life you shall be with me in paradise.

43:00 - 43:41 Read in full sermon

Driving home: God's salvation is all of grace, but it's a grace that works in us.

God is contrasted with Pharaoh, who demanded bricks without straw. God, in contrast, commands righteousness but also provides the 'straw' (strength, wisdom, grace) to fulfill His will.

You see, dear Christian, God's not like Pharaoh. Make bricks, but no straw. God says, make bricks, and here's the straw. And more than straw, I'll infuse the strength to your arm. I'll infuse the wisdom into your

53:35 - 53:51 Read in full sermon

Driving home: God's salvation is all of grace, but it's a grace that works in us.

Augustine's quote, 'give what you command, and then command what you will,' is used to summarize the truth that God's grace empowers believers to obey His commands.

mind. And all that you need to do what is well-pleasing to me through Jesus Christ, I'm prepared to work in you to do my will. I believe it was Augustine who said, give what you command, and then command what you will. God's salvation is all of grace, but it's a grace that works in us.

53:51 - 54:17 Read in full sermon