Defending your faith. Have you ever had to stand up for something that you believe in? Paul in this letter is defending his faith and who he is.
Notes
Transcript
GALATIANS, LETTER TO THE Paul to the(churches) in Galatia, a region of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Among the 13 New Testament letters traditionally ascribed to Paul, Galatians is perhaps second in influence, following Romans.Galatians is one of the most-studied letters of the New Testament.
because Paul talks about grace.
Paul visited several cities in Galatians each of his 3 missionary trips.
After his first trip .Paul was being accused by some Jewish Christians of diluting Christianity to make it more appealing to the Gentiles. These Jewish Christians disagreed with Paul's statement that Gentiles did not have to be circumcised and follow all the Jewish laws and customs. The Judaizers told Paul that he was perverting the truth. In fact they were the ones that were perverting the truth.Paul is saying a person is saved by grace through faith.
We are going to learn how to defend your faith.
What the gospel is
Paul-
Galatians 1
Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), and all the brethren who are with me,To the churches of Galatia:Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Phil 3:5-6 “
circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.”
But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
Apostle-He that is sent.
here this word is a noun. an envoy of Jesus Christ. (communicator) commissioned directly by Jesus. and who is invested to speak with the authority on his behalf.
Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach,
12 apostles are for the Jews.
These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Paul was to be an apostle of the Gentiles.
For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,
not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), and all the brethren who are with.
Paul sees the importance of letting them know that his authority isn't from men but from God alone.
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
His gospel was given by Jesus and jesus alone.
His brethren that are with him believe the same doctrine that he believes.
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
Paul can’t believe he is shocked ,astonished, surprised that so quickly that they have been persuaded from what he was teaching.
different gospel
Gentiles in order to be saved they needed to be circumcised, follow the Jewish traditions and customs.
So many religions today have that Jesus plus.
True Gospel
can u defend your faith and tell others what the gospel is?
What is the gospel
good news good tidings
Gospel
recognition that Jesus was born of the seed of David, as the prophets had declared the Messiah would be. Jesus was designated the Son of God by virtue of His resurrection from the dead. The heart of the gospel
Jesus was born
Jesus died
Jesus resurrected
By the cross and resurrection God undid the sin of Adam and the curse brought on all creation. In His death, Jesus took our sin and defeated it. Through the resurrection the power of death is destroyed and death no longer possessed any sting. The grave would no longer have the victory.
if Jesus has been raised, then all who believe in him shall also be raised. If Jesus has not been raised, the gospel has no power
Story of mario
we should know what we believe and why.
we don’t need to earn our salvation
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
pervert- alter the original meaning.lead someone away from its original meaning.
Most of the Galatians Christians were Greek.
new believers.
not strong mature grounded in their faith.
as believers the bible says to meditate on Gods word. so that we wont be tossed to and fro.
Paul said that their faith twisted and changed the gospel.
a twisting of the truth is more difficult to spot then an out right lie.
Are you able to distinguish between what is twisted. Ask God for the gift of discernment-
The sound judgment which makes possible the distinguishing of good from evil, and the recognition of God’s right ways for his people. It is necessary for the understanding of spiritual realities and, on a practical level, for right government and the avoidance of life’s pitfalls. Also: Discrimination; Spiritual Discernment
Also when someone shares something that sounds different than what you think you might know ask another believer or most important look it up in the bible.
so many people have been led astray this way.
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.
Do not spend your time trying to please everybody. (men)
Paul was speaking harshly to the church because they were in serious danger. he didn't apologize for his bluntness.
are we able to be blunt and direct to people we love.
We need to ask for boldness from the holy Spirit to help us in these difficult times. always say the truth. help bring people back.
Now Paul goes into defending his credentials
But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven: and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men that journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but beholding no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth; and he hath seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight. But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel: for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake. And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized; and he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus.
But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
Paul is certifying that the gospel that he preached is not of, by, or from man.
Paul was a jew.
he knew the law.
Jews were very in to traditions.
the movie Roots. traditions
after his conversion and the Holy Spirit he believed the gospel and grace. not the customs and traditions.
God had grace on Paul despite his past.
how many times have you heard from people
you don’t know what I’ve done.
let me get my life together first.
After Paul everybody has hope.
Paul didn't confer with man.
he went to Arabia fro 3 years.
its not said what happened to him in those 3 years.
i believe the Jesus taught him the Gospel message and explained to him for by grace are you saved. This also gives his the credentials for being an apostle. Seeing Jesus after his death and being taught directly by Jesus.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.) Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
Paul is just showing his proof of not being taught by man. going into the 2 cities. giving proof if they wanted to verify his statement.
3 years later he goes to Jerusalem first visit after his conversion.
And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God in me.
Paul reputation was known but they had no idea what he looked like. Because he had such a turn around on his life they believed him and glorified God.
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So are you prepared to defend your faith?
Can you answer to people the gospel?
The bible tells us to be ready to give an answer.
