SUBJ: The Gospel and the issue of obedience and separation under grace as opposed to the servile obedience of the Jews and others.

AIM: That we might be found in delightful compliance with the precious Gospel precepts and recognize that these things are the substance of salvation.

INTR: It has always taken troublous times to drive and separate the Lord’s people into open identification with Him.
1. Peter, Pau and others relate to the suffering to the Saints both to encourage and give example.
2. In the process of doing this, important truths are revealed as to salvation and the place of the Gospel in the life of believers.
3. It is important enough that It is the primary issue in such passages as 2 Thessalonians 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

THESIS: While the typical concept of the Gospel is that of attraction, it is much more. It declares the very precepts by which we live.

I. Judgment at the House of God (v. 17)
1. To discover who is genuine
1) Sufferings here and not there
2) Such has a proving effect to all but especially to they who are of the true House of God.
2. Albert Barnes: “The severe trial which would determine character.”
3. Some think that the Jews are meant here, but the principle is applicable to all.
4. The thought of judgment will always drive a believer to Christ and the grace of Christ our Lord.

II. Obedience and the Gospel (v. 17b)
1. This is the first of two criteria that defines the unique qualities of believers
2. We consider that obedience has always been an issue
1) We first think of the servile attitude toward obedience by the Jews
2) Then we note the gifts of repentance and faith and note the nature of their rendering up before God.
3. We ask then, what are the Gospel precepts? And we note that we see them in Christ.
1) Humility
2) Submission
3) Sacrifice
4) Demanded are Repentance and the belief of the truth as a matter of practice and life.
5) To love as He loves – without condition
6) And consider: 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

III. “Scarcely Saved” (v. 18)
1. This second item of the criteria deepens the thoughts and the precision required.
1) The characteristics of salvation are the substance of salvation.
2) True experience brings a sense of the absolute necessity with regard to all issues of character and life.
2. “Scarcely” means “by much work” or “with great difficulty” and it necessarily involves “just barely.”
1) We apply this to ourselves and see Proverbs 11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
2) Especially we must apply this to Christ doing exactly what was required
i. No place for presumption is given (such as He provided an atonement that left it to the discretion of men as to what and how much of it they would take).
ii. All that He obtained was absolutely essential (abundance of salvation is necessary). What could be left out of what He provided and the righteousness that makes us “the righteous?”
iii. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:36
3. Salvation is absolute, with difficulty, with no room to spare and the distinction is infinite.
4. No “long face” here. Rather we rejoice. Our salvation is not “barely salvation” but is abundant and all that was required He precisely provided that we might have joy to the fullest in all circumstances.