Gary Chapman
February 7, 2001
2:30 pm
Community of Grace
Message Summary
Gary Chapman began his message with a compelling story of an Indian woman, who was sitting forlornly on the shores of the Ganges River with tears streaming down her face. A missionary approached her and inquired why she was crying. She discovered that the Indian woman had just thrown her first-born infant son into the waters in a pitiful attempt to appease the gods. She gave her absolute best, but gained nothing in return.
Unfortunately, this woman's mindset plagues those in Western Culture as well, said Chapman. Instead of coming to God by grace alone through faith alone, hordes of people believe they can placate God by performing good works. However, as Chapman exposited Philippians 3:1-9, he affirmed Paul's insistence that these good deeds totally and completely fail to provide the means of salvation.
Examining Paul's letter, Chapman brought out a specific challenge and warning. First, the apostle exhorted the church to rejoice in the Lord. Chapman said, "Our rejoicing is not because of the great things we have done for God, but the great things he has done for us."
However, after encouraging this rejoicing, Paul issued a stern warning against "dogs" and "mutilators of the flesh." Chapman observed that these terms referred to Judaizers, professing Christians who also "insisted you had to go through the loops and hoops of Judaism." Because these teachings added to Christ's finished work, Paul strongly refuted them.
Even in the 21st century, Judaizers still plague the church, Chapman said, noting that whatever good works anybody might parade before God are actually nothing.
Chapman closed with the story of George Wilson, a convicted felon in the early 1800's. Although President Andrew Jackson extended a pardon on his death sentence, Wilson refused to accept and was subsequently hanged. Chapman posited that grace resembles that pardon, and only its acceptance, without any additional human work, could result in salvation.
Student Response
Chris Rice sings, "Nothing can wash away my sins - nothing, nothing, nothing but the blood of Jesus." Hearing Dr. Chapman's words reminded me of this simple truth, that any attempt I make to secure God's favor falls pitifully short. Discovering these truths produces incalculable change. Striving gives way to pleading for mercy. Grace overcomes effort. Jesus' blood tramples both my sin and my need to save myself. And from my haven of resting in Christ, good works are only my best effort at offering thanks and love.
—Dale Harris, Junior, Pastoral Studies major