These notes accompany the sermon found here.

Introduction

• “We believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 15:11
• There are two very important issues covered in Acts 15.
  • Doctrine: Is it necessary to keep all of the law of Moses in order to be saved? (Acts 15:1 – Last  time – “No Small Dissension”)
  • Duty: Is it necessary to keep all of the law of Moses in order to be faithful?  (Act 15:5 – This time)
• For background, see Acts 2, 10-11. On circumcision see Genesis 17; Exodus 4:24-26, 12:48; Leviticus 12:3;  Deuteronomy 10:16, 30:6; Joshua 5.
• Today’s Text: Acts 15:22-35.

Four Things to Avoid

• See Acts 15:20, 15:29, 21:25.
• Food Sacrificed to Idols
  • See Romans 14:14-15, 20-21; 1 Corinthians 8:1ff, 10:18-20; Revelation 2:14, 20; James 1:27; 1 John 5:21.
• Blood and What Has Been Strangled
  • See Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:11-14; Deuteronomy 12:23.
• Sexual Immorality
  • See Genesis 4:19, 16, 21:9-16, 34:7, 38:24, 39:7-9; Exodus 20:14, 22:16; Leviticus 21; Deuteronomy 22-23; Proverbs 23:27, 29:23; Matthew 5:27-32, 15:19; Romans 13:13; Ephesians 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 5-7; Galatians 5:19; Romans 1:24-28; 1 Peter 2:11, 4:3; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 13:4.
• Of course there is much more to Christian behavior than this, but more did not need mentioned since, “from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” Acts 15:21.

Summary

• Question: “What must one do to be saved?”  Answer:  “Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.”
• Question: “Is it necessary to keep the whole law of Moses?”  Answer:  “We must avoid idolatry and sexual immorality, and consider the conscience of our fellow believers.”

Three Results: 

• Unity, 1 Corinthians 10-11.
• Witness, Romans 14-15.
• Encouragement, Acts 15:31, 16:4-5.

Encouragements:

• God has saved us by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
• God has given His people the Holy Spirit to work out these important issues together.
• God gives his people the desire to fulfill the law.