Introduction
Article twenty-one in the Baptist Confession of Faith addresses the subject of Christian liberty. The gospel sets the believer free from the Law and neither church nor government has the authority to bind the believer to the Law again. This article is a warning against legalism. Unlike the historical setting in which it was written, believers today are seldom drawn to legalism. They are more likely to misuse Christian liberty as an excuse for worldliness. Neither error is permissible. Free from the law, our conscience is bound only by the Word of God. The irony of Christian liberty is that God’s Word frees us to serve others for the glory of God.
The elements selected for this worship service focus on service for the glory of God as directed by Scripture.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: John 8:31-32
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn Insert O God Beyond All Praising
Notes: We set the tone for the service with a hymn that reminds us of our ultimate focus in all things. God, alone, is worthy of our praise; we can never exhaust the praise that is due his name. Even so, we unite our hearts and voices to “marvel at [his] beauty and glory in [his] ways.”
Worship through Giving
Hymn 213 O Word of God Incarnate
Note: This hymn exalts the Word of God: both Christ, the living Word, and the Bible, the written Word, It gives the Word the supreme place of authority and reminds us that the Word is the unchanging source of truth. Therefore, the Word alone should bind our consciences.
Scripture Reading Galatians 5:1-15
Note: The apostle Paul wrote the book of Galatians to correct the heresy of legalism. It is the teaching that salvation requires law-keeping. He confronted those who would bind his readers under the Law again. He also reminded his readers that since they were justified through faith apart from the law, they must never allow themselves to be bound by the law again. He concluded with a cautionary word: “Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh.”
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 218 Holy Bible, Book Divine
Notes: Many of us learned this hymn as children, but the truth it expresses is not childish. It points to the Bible’s sufficiency to direct us in all aspects and every season of life.
Message: All for the Glory of God
Text: 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn 560 Take My Life and Let It Be
Notes: We respond with a lyric prayer of consecration. The whole hymn meditates on all aspects of life that the Christian is called to give up for God’s use and glory.
Prayer Response: Steve Eubank
Benediction: John Miles