GALATIANS 1:6-10 | DON'T BE A TRAITOR
Notes
Transcript
TEXT: GALATIANS 1:6-10 | PLEASING MEN OR GOD
TEXT: GALATIANS 1:6-10 | PLEASING MEN OR GOD
INTRO
INTRO
ILLUSTRATION: It was an outbreak of hostility in Lexington, Massachusetts in April 1775 that caused a young man to volunteer for service in the continental army.
ILLUSTRATION: It was an outbreak of hostility in Lexington, Massachusetts in April 1775 that caused a young man to volunteer for service in the continental army.
In only a short time he was appointed by general George Washington to command an expedition to capture Quebec.
He marched with 700 men by way of the Maine wilderness, and reinforced by Gen. Richard Montgomery, attacked the well-fortified city.
While the attack failed he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.
After inflicting a severe loss on the British Army on Lake Champlain, he returned a hero.
However, he was seen by those he commanded as someone with rash courage and impatient energy… qualities that could easily lead into danger.
When in February 1777 Congress created five new major general positions, he was passed over in favor of those who were younger and from lower ranks than he was.
He was so embittered by this, that he sought to resign, and it took George Washington himself to keep him from walking away.
In August of 1777, he was seriously wounded in the Battle of Saratoga.
This resulted in a promotion in rank, but a removal from the battle field because of his lasting injuries.
For the next year and a half, he grew embittered further because of all that had transpired, and it was after he was married in April of 1779 that Benedict Arnold agreed to betray his country for a 10,000 pound payment.
He would move to England and for the rest of time, his name would be known synonymously with “Traitor”
EXPLANATION: There are few things that a person who serves there country could be called worse than a traitor!
EXPLANATION: There are few things that a person who serves there country could be called worse than a traitor!
I praise God for the many men and women we have in our own congregation who are faithful patriots that served their country!
They put their lives on the line and sacrificed so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we do today!
ILLUSTRATION: I had the privilege a number of years ago to meet WW2 Medal of Honor recipient, Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams.
ILLUSTRATION: I had the privilege a number of years ago to meet WW2 Medal of Honor recipient, Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams.
On February 23, 1945 in Iwo Jima, with a flame thrower strapped to his back, he charged toward pillboxes filled with the enemy, to save his fellow soldiers.
He talked of how he could hear the sounds of bullets bouncing off of the canisters on his back, hoping that none of them would cause those canisters to explode.
Praise God for men and women who have been faithful to their country and put their lives on the line for us today!
EXPLANATION: When Paul penned the words we find in v.6, he used the Greek word “metatithemi”.
EXPLANATION: When Paul penned the words we find in v.6, he used the Greek word “metatithemi”.
He said “I marvel that you are so soon ‘metatithemi’ from him that called you...”
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
That Greek word was used for military desertion, a traitor, and it was a crime that was punishable by death.
When Paul used that word, there was a seriousness and a somberness in his words!
Last week he reminded them of God’s grace and God’s peace and God’s glory.
But as he comes to v.6, the tone completely changes as he points the finger at many who he had so recently given the Gospel to, who had turned from it!
This was no laughable accusation, Paul said to them, you are a traitor!
And Paul says, “I’m stunned… shocked.”
ILLUSTRATION: Time would fail us if we began to talk of those we have known who were once faithful to the Lord and to church, who are no longer around.
ILLUSTRATION: Time would fail us if we began to talk of those we have known who were once faithful to the Lord and to church, who are no longer around.
It has been a harsh reality to see 2 of the 3 pastors at the church I grew up going to, fall out of ministry, and one out of church completely.
I have been left scratching my head as friends I have known were once faithful to God and have traded that life for a life of worldly pleasure that will leave them empty.
Even recently I received a message from a man who had been a pastor who had fallen out of the ministry, and I was left feeling shocked.. stunned.
How could this happen?
APPLICATION: One of the heartbreaks of pastoring now, is that I know there will be some who were once faithful to God and to church, who will walk away from Him.
APPLICATION: One of the heartbreaks of pastoring now, is that I know there will be some who were once faithful to God and to church, who will walk away from Him.
Friend can I beg you, don’t be a statistic.
Don’t become some bad sermon illustration.
Don’t become a traitor from God!
EXPLANATION: As Paul pleads with these new believers in Christ to not turn from God, he goes on the defense as he defends the true Gospel!
EXPLANATION: As Paul pleads with these new believers in Christ to not turn from God, he goes on the defense as he defends the true Gospel!
V.6-7, PAUL’S DEFENSE OF THE TRUE GOSPEL
V.6-7, PAUL’S DEFENSE OF THE TRUE GOSPEL
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
EXPLANATION: Paul makes it clear… “Just because someone calls it the Gospel, doesn’t mean its the Gospel!”
EXPLANATION: Paul makes it clear… “Just because someone calls it the Gospel, doesn’t mean its the Gospel!”
He says, “What they are giving you isn’t another Gospel”
In fact he goes so far as to tell them that these people were preaching a “perverted” gospel.
The word that he used for “perverting” the Gospel literally has the idea of making something into it’s opposite!
They had taken something that was only obtainable by the grace of God that we talked about last week and turned it into something that was available by works!
And as we saw last week, those two things don’t go together!
6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
APPLICATION: Friend, there is a lot of religion out there that has perverted the Gospel!
APPLICATION: Friend, there is a lot of religion out there that has perverted the Gospel!
It’s not the same thing as what the Bible says!
And if it isn’t the same, it isn’t genuine!
ILLUSTRATION: When Tressa and I went to Cancun on our first anniversary, Tressa got a Coach purse.
ILLUSTRATION: When Tressa and I went to Cancun on our first anniversary, Tressa got a Coach purse.
She bought it on the Mexican black market.
It may have looked similar… but it wasn’t the same!
APPLICATION: There is a lot of religion out there that may look similar.
APPLICATION: There is a lot of religion out there that may look similar.
There are religions that have a person named Jesus as a part of it.
There are religions that use similar words to what the Bible says
There are religions that make you do things that seem religious, and say words that sound religious, but it isn’t the same.
Not the same as what I say… The same as what this book says!
And if it isn’t the same… just like Tressa’s purse… it isn’t real!
Friend, if you are holding on to some religious ritual that you did to get you to heaven, you’re in big trouble!
I don’t want to mean to you today, but if you don’t truly know Christ as your Savior, I hope today will wake you up!
Listen, you either have the real thing, or you don’t!
We aren’t talking about being a Buddhist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, or Baptist!
We are talking about being a Biblicist this morning and accepting Christ according to the Bible!
A person who is a Baptist will go to hell just as quick as a person who is a Buddhist… that isn’t what matters.
What matters is who are you depending on to get you to heaven, because if it is anything or anyone besides Jesus Christ, you got the wrong ticket!
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
There is only one true Gospel!
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
If your salvation includes trusting in anything besides the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, you don’t have the real thing!
But you can get it settled today!
And I hope that you will!
Paul’s defense of the true Gospel
V.8-9, PAUL’S ATTACK ON FALSE TEACHERS
V.8-9, PAUL’S ATTACK ON FALSE TEACHERS
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
EXPLANATION: Paul goes to the most extreme example he can think of that could possibly teach a false Gospel… An angel from God… or himself.
EXPLANATION: Paul goes to the most extreme example he can think of that could possibly teach a false Gospel… An angel from God… or himself.
He says, if you think that angel comes down from God and tries to teach you a Gospel that contradicts the true Gospel, let him be accursed.
But he makes it personal… “If I were to preach another a message other than the true Gospel… let me be accursed.”
And then he makes things real clear… “if anyone preaches anything other than the true Gospel, let him be accursed.”
The word for “accursed” Paul uses is the Greek word “anathem”
That word literally means to condemn someone to an eternal torment in hell.
Paul isn’t messing around… but why would he about the most serious message that could ever be delivered?
These people were preaching a message that was literally condemning people to an eternity in hell… and now Paul is condemning that messenger to the same fate.
APPLICATION: The proclaiming of a false gospel is a very serious offense to God!
APPLICATION: The proclaiming of a false gospel is a very serious offense to God!
In an age where you can find any number of preachers online if you want that will tell you what you want to hear, you better make sure they are preaching the truth!
These watered down preachers with watered down messages that are deceiving people into a false message, it’s a scary thought… they really are living their best life now, and if nothing changes they will be paying for it for eternity!
Friend, it doesn’t matter how popular or polished someone is.
It doesn’t matter how moving their message may be.
It doesn’t matter what experiences they may have had.
If it doesn’t line up with this Book, Paul says, let them be accursed!
ILLUSTRATION: Peter was on the mount of transfiguration with Jesus, James, and John.
ILLUSTRATION: Peter was on the mount of transfiguration with Jesus, James, and John.
They saw Jesus in a glorified state on that mountain and heard God speak from heaven and declare, “this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well please, hear ye Him!”
Absolutely incredible!
But when Peter was recalling that event in his book, this is what he had to say: 2 Peter 1:16-21
16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Peter said, my experience was incredible!
But I trust the Word of God more than my experience!
APPLICATION: Friend, don’t trust in some experience you or someone else may have had!
APPLICATION: Friend, don’t trust in some experience you or someone else may have had!
There is only one thing you and I can trust without question and that is the Word of God!
And just because you had an experience
Just because some person saw a bright light or had a feeling in their tummy that was probably just indigestion, doesn’t make what they say the truth!
If what they say don’t line up with this Book, Paul says it, “let them be accursed… and don’t you have anything to do with them!”
It’s so sad, how many people have been deceived by false religions and false prophets that claimed to have a new Gospel.
Friend, don’t be deceived.
God forbid that it would happen, but if I were to ever stand up here and preach another Gospel than what this Book says, I would hope you would throw me out and go find someone who will preach the truth!
Because there is only one thing that can stand, and that’s the Word of God… not the words of this man (me).
PAUL DEFENDED THE TRUE GOSPEL, PAUL ATTACKED FALSE TEACHERS
V.10, PAUL POINTED TO THE MOTIVATION
V.10, PAUL POINTED TO THE MOTIVATION
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
EXPLANATION: Paul just simply asks, who am I seeking approval from?
EXPLANATION: Paul just simply asks, who am I seeking approval from?
What Paul is hitting at is really the root of where false religion stems from.
It’s the second half of that verse… “If I’m preaching to please men, I am not serving Christ.”
The Bible makes it real clear in Proverbs 29:25
25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: But whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
The message of the false prophet was dictated by the crowd he was preaching to… not by Christ.
APPLICATION: Here is one of the sad truths of most Christians today… most refuse to take that kind of stand for Christ.
APPLICATION: Here is one of the sad truths of most Christians today… most refuse to take that kind of stand for Christ.
We blend into the crowd, and the words of our mouth simply camouflage in to whatever scene we find ourselves in.
Sure at church we talk about God and Jesus and the Gospel… but what about on Monday when you’re on break at work.
What about at the family get together at Thanksgiving?
What about at school during lunch?
You say, “That would be awkward to talk about the Gospel all the time.”
Ok… what about just talking about it anytime?
You see one of the sad realities is that most Christians are no different than the false teachers with their message… it molds and changes to whatever crowd we are in… whatever is going to please man!
And you have been living ensnared by the fear of man.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Friend you may not be out actively promoting a false Gospel… but you also aren’t doing anything to counteract the ones that are.
Are you living to please men or God?
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
One day your life will come to an end, and if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, you will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ.
On that day you’ll see the scars in the hands of the One Who gave everything for you.
You’ll look into His eyes for that very first time… the One Who died in your place.
And in that moment, you aren’t going to be concerned about the score of the ball game
You aren’t going to pull out the cell phone to show a picture of your world class mount or catch
You aren’t going to want to talk about the great deal you found online.
No, the only thing that is going to matter is, did you live to please men or did you live to please God?
I want to hear those words, “Well done thou good an faithful servant!”
And I’m sure you do as well!
So let’s stand for the true Gospel.
Stand in opposition to the false teachers
And let’s stand up stand up for Jesus, and share His Gospel.
Because pleasing Him is the only thing that matters!