The Case for Paul in the New Testament Cannon
Exegiesis of Galatians • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 11 viewsNotes
Transcript
Galatians 1:1-5
Galatians 1:1-5
Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Introduction
Introduction
Paul started all his letters with similar introductions, but this greeting stands out as being especially bold.
Paul was writing a letter to address false doctrine that was infiltrating a number of churches he cared deeply about.
Galatians is one of Paul’s most confrontational epistles because he needed to address these false teachers.
King James Version (Chapter 1)
1 PAUL, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
Who was Paul? (v 1).
Who was Paul? (v 1).
Apostle means “sent one.”
This word does not have to refer to a special role God gave his messengers.
The Twelve disciples were not the only people called apostles in the New Testament.
In official capacities, an apostle was a person sent with a specific (even governmental) mission.
However, we know Paul’s designation was special because he was sent specifically “by Jesus Christ” (Bib. Viewpt., 1997).
We see the apostles wielding special power (2 Corinthians 12:12 “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”)
They witnessed the risen Christ (Acts 1:21–22 “Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.”)
They established the churches (Ephesians 2:20–22 “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”)
And this role required special gifting to fulfill the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”)
No man told or commissioned Paul to preach in Galatia.
No man pushed or forced Paul out of Israel into Galatia.
No man enabled Paul to do his work.
Paul was a special messenger sent by God the Father and in-person through Jesus Christ Himself.
And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
Who was Paul with? (v. 2a)
Who was Paul with? (v. 2a)
Paul could have been writing from his sending Church of Antioch, but we don’t know who was with him or how many were there. We do know Barnabas was based out of Antioch.
Paul also could have been writing from Ephesus, but Antioch seems much more likely.
Who was Paul writing to? (v. 2b)
Who was Paul writing to? (v. 2b)
Galatia was a region containing churches Paul planted.
Paul wrote to the churches in “Galatia,” but this could refer to two different regions. Either…
Paul wrote to the churches in the southern Roman territory in Asia Minor.
This region had lots of travelers who were involved in trade.
The south was very accessible.
This region would have had many ethnicities.
Or Galatia was the home of the Gauls.
These Gauls would have migrated down from France.
These Gauls lived in the northern region of Galatia.
Their region was rocky and difficult to travel.
Which view is correct? Acts 18:23
And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
The Northern Galatian View:
Paul would not have planted these churches until midway through his mission work.
Acts 18:23 marks the time when Paul would have visited. “And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.”
This would date the letter later in his ministry (around A.D. 60).
The Southern Galatian View:
Paul would have planted these churches on his first missionary journey.
Paul would have written the letter before he visited the Jerusalem Counsel at the end of Acts 15.
This would date Galatians as Paul’s earliest letter (around A.D. 48).
I will be taking the Southern Galatian View for this series.
Paul wanted the letter to circulate to the churches throughout the region of Galatia.
The central conflict in the book occurs in Galatians 2, which appears to describe the conflict between Peter and Paul which is also recorded early in Acts 15.
Why was Paul Writing?
Why was Paul Writing?
Paul had planted churches throughout the region.
People came in to undermine the gospel while these churches were still getting established
These people were called Judaizers.
Judaizers taught you could follow Jesus, but still had to obey the whole Old Testament Law.
We would call this anti-grace movement “legalism.”
Legalism comes in many sizes.
All Judaizers are legalists, but not all legalists are Judaizers.
Legalism can refer to one of two things (both are wrong).
“Those beliefs that teach salvation by works or ceremonies” (a.k.a. works salvation).
Most Roman Catholics and Mormons try to work for their salvation.
This
Legalism is a “list of dos and don’ts” added to Scripture.
This form of legalism lays a trap for people in our circles.
We usually intend to avoid violating Scripture with these rules.
The danger arises when we put our own rules one the same level or above the Bible.
Are we really in danger of legalism?
If Jesus were to join an ancient sect in Israel, he was closest to the Pharisees.
They honored God’s Law.
They were careful to obey God’s Law.
They valued the study of Scripture.
If we were to join a ancient Jewish sect, we would agree most with the Pharisees.
We value careful study of Scripture. (We agree on the resurrection, tithe, etc…)
We care deeply about obeying God.
These Judaizers came behind Paul, and taught a different Gospel.
Map slide to show Paul’s travel.
Overlay map with the Galatian churches infiltrated by Judaizers.
They were teaching a Gospel of works (reference to “another gospel”).
Paul was writing to defend three essential doctrines:
Faith for salvation.
Faith for sanctification.
And God’s grace.
Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Grace
Grace
2 Corinthians 12:9–10 (KJV 1900)
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Grace = God’s power.
God gives us grace to be resilient through hard times.
Ephesians 2:8–10 (KJV 1900)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Grace = God’s unmerited favor.
Especially when we do not deserve God’s help, He empowers us
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Grace = “God’s enabling power freely given to do what He asks us to do.”
God empowers us to do right.
Peace
Peace
Romans 5:1 (KJV 1900)
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Peace = Unity with God because of Christ’s shed blood.
Before trusting in Christ for our salvation, we were at war with God.
Now that we have been cleansed by the blood of Christ, we can be at peace with God. This includes:
A settled conscience.
Unification with other people.
Tran: This peace reflects the promised peace God talked about in Isaiah.
Isaiah 32:17–18 (KJV 1900)
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; And the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, And in sure dwellings, And in quiet resting places;
Peach = The result of righteousness in the protection of God.
God the Father
God the Father
Lord Jesus Christ
Lord Jesus Christ
Paul describes Christ as “our Lord” (v. 3).
Paul identified himself with the Galatians as under the Lord Jesus Christ.
The possessive “our Lord” indicates that these people were believers.
Before getting into the issues with legalism, Paul emphasizes the central person of Christ that brought them together.
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
What was God’s purpose for Christ’s death: justification from our sin (v. 4a).
Jesus' voluntary offering of Himself addresses humanity’s sin problem (Hebrews 9:26 “For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself”).
Christ’s death was in place of sinners, fulfilling the requirement of the law (1 Peter 3:18 “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit”).
Jesus’ mission was to fulfill the Father’s will perfectly (John 6:38 “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me”).
The crucifixion demonstrates God’s love and His justice (Romans 3:25–26“Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus”).
Now, the pastors I have read throughout history have emphasized this idea of Christ taking “OUR sins.”
John Chrysostom preached that ““For our sins,” says the Apostle; we had pierced ourselves with ten thousand evils, and had deserved the gravest punishment; and the Law not only did not deliver us, but it even condemned us, making sin more manifest, without the power to release us from it, or to stay the anger of God. But the Son of God made this impossibility possible for he remitted our sins, He restored us from enmity to the condition of friends, He freely bestowed on us numberless other blessings.”
Martin Luther wrote, Christ ““hath given.”—What? Not gold, nor silver, nor beasts, nor paschal lambs, nor an angel, but “himself.” For what? Not for a crown, not for a kingdom, not for our holiness or righteousness, but “for our sins.” These words are very thunder-claps from heaven against all kinds of righteousness.”
Walvoord and Zuck say, “ Paul concluded his salutation with a magnificent statement regarding the work of Christ on the cross and its delivering power. Christ gave Himself for our sins.”
What was the result of Christ’s death: deliverance from the evil world (v. 4b).
Our era of sin is enveloped by Spiritual Darkness. This world is characterized by sin and opposition to God’s ways (Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”).
This sinful era has an expiration date. It is temporary and contrasts with the eternal kingdom of God (1 John 2:17 “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever”).
Christ has delivered us from sin’s power in this age so that we can live for Him.
God willed Christ’s death (v. 4c).
“Will” = want, wish, or desire.
God’s will includes the foreordained plan of redemption through Christ (Acts 2:23 “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain”).
God initiated salvation when He sent Christ to die for our sins. Therefore, salvation is by God’s will, and not by human effort (John 1:13 “Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God”).
General Views on God’s will and Christ’s crucifixion (understand that each position has an explanation for this, but we are not here to debate views today).
Calvinist:
Distinction between 5 kinds of God’s will:
Efficacious will: He personally makes (or declares) each event to happen.
Permissive Will: He allows certain events to occur.
Strong Calvinists often reject this category.
Many 3 Point Calvinists use this to explain the Problem of Evil.
God does not cause sin (James 1:13).
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
But they explain that God is not responsible for the sin if He actively causes good while passively allowing evil.
Prescriptive (or preceptive) Will: What God commands us to do through Scripture (i.e., the Ten Commandments)
A Calvinist would categorize the will of God in Gal. 1:4 as efficacious.
Emphasis on God’s sovereignty as meticulous micromanagement of every event, choice, and situation.
Christ’s crucifixion was a predetermined plan (Ephesians 1:11 “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will”).
Arminian:
Emphasizes:
God’s will includes and works through human free will.
Man is responsible for obeying or disobeying God.
God knew ahead of time who would hate Jesus and used them to accomplish His work of saving mankind.
Provisionist:
Emphasizes:
God's Sovereignty:
Provisionists generally affirm that God, in His sovereignty, ordains and plans significant events in human history, including the crucifixion of Christ.
This aligns with passages such as Acts 2:23, where it is stated that Jesus was delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.
Human Responsibility:
According to provisionist theology, humans have genuine free will and are responsible for their choices.
This includes the actions of those involved in the crucifixion of Jesus, such as Judas Iscariot, the Jewish leaders, and Pontius Pilate. They acted according to their own sinful desires and motives.
God's Will and Human Actions:
In Galatians 1:4, which speaks of Jesus giving Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age according to the will of our God and Father, provisionists would emphasize that Jesus willingly chose to submit to the Father's plan or desire.
Jesus' obedience and sacrifice were in accordance with the Father’s will, demonstrating both God's sovereignty and Jesus' obedience.
Each of the three views puts a different emphasis on aspects of God’s will and human responsibility.
Which position you take mainly hinges on two factors:
What method do you use to interpret scripture?
What is your theological background or upbringing?
Regardless of your view, we can agree on several discussion points:
God is holy.
Jesus died for our sins.
Believers are free from the bondage to sin and the traps of our day.
God planned for Christ to die for our sin.
Glorifying God (v. 5)
Glorifying God (v. 5)
To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
We can see God’s character SHINE through the gospel! This miraculous message alone brings God immense glory!
It shows:
God’s mercy. He has every right to wipe us out like He did in Noah’s day.
His love for us. Why would God value us, His rebellious creation? God’s love is incomprehensible.
His self sacrificial nature. God sent His beloved Son to die for us.
God is glorified through Christ:
Glorification in the Crucifixion: Jesus’ sacrificial death brings glory to God by revealing His attributes (John 12:27–28 “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again”).
Eternal Praise: Believers are called to glorify God eternally for His redemptive work (Revelation 5:9–10 “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth”).
Examples of Glorification:
Christ’s Prayer in the Garden: Jesus prayed for the Father to be glorified through His obedience (John 17:1 “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee”).
Redeemed Saints Praising God: In Revelation, the redeemed continually praise God for His salvation (Revelation 7:9–12“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen”).
We ought to respond to God with genuine praise for Him!
How does the gospel influence how you praise God during Sunday worship?
How does the gospel influence how you praise God in front of your family at home?
How does the gospel influence how you praise God at your workplace?
Worship should permeate every aspect of your life, flowing from your heartfelt praise for God.
Other Scripture:
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Application:
Application:
Practical Living:
Reflect on how God’s sovereign will, demonstrated in Christ’s sacrifice, shapes your understanding of His control over your life (Daniel 4:35 “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”)
How does recognizing God’s sovereignty in sending Christ to die affect your trust in His plans, especially during challenging times? (Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”).
Do you rely on God’s grace and peace to help you through trials? (2 Corinthians 12:9–10“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”)
Do you find comfort in knowing God is with you in trials, and do you seek His purpose in your suffering? (Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”).
Evangelism:
Are you committed to evangelizing the lost, understanding it as part of God’s sovereign plan? (Matthew 28:18–20“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen”).
Do you pray for and seek opportunities to share the gospel? (Colossians 4:3 “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds”).
Christian Unity:
How do you handle differences with fellow believers? Do you seek to maintain unity and respect? (Ephesians 4:2–3“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”).
Do you strive to build up others in the faith, encouraging them in their walk with Christ? (1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do”).
Glorifying God:
Is your life a reflection of Christ’s love and holiness, bringing glory to God in all you do? (1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God”).
How can you daily glorify God through your actions, words, and attitudes? (Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”).
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
Embrace the truth of Christ’s sacrifice, His deliverance, and God’s sovereign will.
Let these truths shape your faith, your actions, and your relationships.
Live a life that glorifies God, trusting in His plan, sharing His love, and reflecting His grace and holiness to the world.