01 The Case for The True Gospel

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Galatians 1:4 KJV 1900

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).

James 1:13 KJV 1900

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)

Galatians 1:5 KJV 1900

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:

Philippians 2:9–11 KJV 1900

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.

Romans 11:36 KJV 1900

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

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:

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.

Theme of Galatians: “Justification comes by faith in Jesus Christ, not by the works of the law.”

Message of Galatians: In Galatians, Paul emphasizes that believers are justified by faith in Jesus Christ and not by the works of the law. He urges the churches to stand fast in the liberty given by Christ, warning against returning to the bondage of legalism. Through the Spirit, believers are called to love and serve one another, bearing the fruit of the Spirit and fulfilling the law of Christ.

Canonical Context: Galatians complements Paul's other writings by reinforcing his core message of justification by faith apart from works.

These themes are central to Romans and Ephesians.

In Galatians, Paul vehemently opposes the Judaizers who insisted on following the Mosaic Law for salvation and sanctification, emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.

This epistle parallels the themes of freedom from the law found in Romans, the unity of believers in Ephesians, and the role of the Spirit in sanctification seen in both Corinthians and Philippians.

By addressing the Galatian churches' specific challenges, Paul underscores his broader theological conviction that faith in Christ alone is the basis for salvation and Christian living.

Purpose of this section: To understand Paul's admonition to the Galatians about the danger of turning to a different gospel and the importance of adhering strictly to the true gospel of Christ.

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. 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.

I. The Astonishment of Paul (v. 6)

Galatians 1:6 KJV 1900

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Paul’s Marvel:

Paul was shocked to hear these churches allowing the false teachers to have influence in their circles.

Marveling = Expression of shock, surprise, and disappointment.

Paul had expected them to remain faithful to the true gospel.

Context: It did not take them long to abandon the true gospel.

This is probably the second NT book written.

James was about 45 A.D.

Galatians was about 48 A.D.

This was written shortly after Paul taught them the truth.

Paul planted these churches on his first missionary journey

In the short time between the end of his first missionary journey and before the Jerusalem counsel, they had adopted another gospel.

Them being “removed” from Christ conveys the idea of abandoning Him.

μετατίθεσθε (meta-tith-esthe) = to remove, to change, or to dessert (with military connotations)

Illustration - Those who desert the Military can be subject to the death penalty:

At the height of the American Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold was a brilliant general, earning admiration and trust for his daring leadership of America’s forces. However, Arnold secretly agreed to desert his fort at West Point to the British in exchange for money and a high rank. When his treachery was discovered, he fled, forever branding his name as synonymous with betrayal.

As Arnold had deserted America to join the British, the Galatians had deserted the Gospel to join tradition.

Lies can gain influence quickly and twist the truth.

We have to be careful about what we tolerate.

A young believer may need time before they fully understand sound doctrine, so we need to be actively teaching them what is true.

Energetic, likable people may join or lead a church, but they must be held to Christ’s standard of doctrine.

Rom. 16:17-18 ”I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people."

The power of lies raises the need for constant and consistent truth.

What were they abandoning?

Were these Jewish Christians just adding new rules to live by?

No, they were abandoning a person.

They were deserting Jesus Christ, a personal loving God who cares about the minor details of your life!

Who Called by His Grace:

Christ called us by His grace, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9“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”).

We are saved by faith, not works!

Illustration: Martin Luther, a German monk in the early 16th century, grappled with deep spiritual turmoil, striving to attain righteousness through rigorous religious practices and self-denial. Despite his efforts, he felt the weight of his sins crushing him, leading to despair. However, while studying the book of Romans, Luther's eyes were opened to the simple truth in Romans 1:17 which says, "The just shall live by faith." Transformed in a moment; Luther realized that salvation was not earned by works but granted through faith in Jesus Christ. Embracing this newfound understanding, Luther experienced a profound sense of peace and freedom, sparking the Reformation and changing the course of Christian history.

Just as we are saved by faith, we must live by faith! Galatians 3:1–3 “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”

If we found new life by trusting Jesus, then we must continue to live that new life by trusting Jesus.

But we want rules.

Safety nets make us feel secure.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

Contrast with "another gospel" which is not based on grace.

Lets consider for a moment if Paul was just too harsh.

What if these Jews were not abandoning Jesus, they just wanted to remind people about the standard of righteousness God revealed in the Old Testament.

Could this simply have been a new denomination, like Baptists or Presbyterians?

No.

One person may prefer to pray for things in the moment, while someone else may decide to write down their prayer first. Neither is more moral than the other, they simply have preferences.

The Good News Jesus preached taught that man is saved by faith, adding anything else is not the same Gospel Jesus preached.

Mormons believe in Jesus plus Joseph Smith.

Muslims believe in Jesus plus Mohamed

Catholics, like the Judaizers, believe in Jesus plus works.

Jesus and Paul taught salvation by faith alone in Christ alone (Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved”).

II. The Distortion of the Gospel (v. 7)

Galatians 1:7 KJV 1900

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

False Gospels:

The "other gospel" should not even be called a gospel.

Paul is backtracking on even using the word gospel to refer to their legalism.

What they were teaching was perverting the true Gospel.

By definition the “Gospel” must be good news!

What they were being taught was not good news, it was putting them back into slavery to the Law.

Paul is dealing with two different teachings:

Christ alone.

Or Christ plus works.

Paul is not concerned about if they are genuine.

We live in a culture that promotes being “real.”

These Judaizers were being real.

Paul points out they were really wrong.

Being sincere is not enough. They needed to have correct theology.

Troublers of the Faith:

Those causing confusion about the Gospel are mentioned in Acts 15:1 “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved”.

Circumcision the covenant sign for the Israelites to identify themselves as God’s people.

Judaizers wanted gentile Christians to identify themselves the same way, though God never asked for it.

The word for troubling is actually the opposite of peace.

The Galatian believers had no peace because of this false doctrine.

Peace with God comes through a healthy relationship with God (Philippians 4:6–7 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”).

Rather than peace, these churches were being troubled because of this “perverted gospel.”

Now I want you to look at the word "pervert"

Pervert = to distort or corrupt.

This is the idea of reversing, or changing to the opposite.

These teachers were reversing the gospel.

We do good works because we love the God who saved us (James 2:26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also”).

We are not saved because we do good works for God (Ephesians 2:8–9“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”).

App: We need discernment in identifying false teachings.

We must guard the purity of the gospel message.

We must stand firm in the grace of Jesus Christ.

III. The Severity of Preaching Another Gospel (vv. 8-9)

Galatians 1:8–9 KJV 1900

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. 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.

What God sends new relevation strait from an angel of heaven?

Paul had no tolerance for someone teaching a different gospel or a new doctrine about salvation.

It does not mater who delivers the message.

Paul did not have the authority to change the Gospel.

Another Apostle did not have the authority to change the Gospel.

We will see later in Galatians, that the Apostle Peter had to be corrected for not living in a way that accurately reflected the Gospel.

App: If an apostle who was taught directly by Jesus can fall into error, how much more careful should we be?

Even an angel sent from heaven does not have the authority to change the Gospel.

Paul will have some very strong words for those who change the Gospel message.

Anathema:

Anyone who does change the good news good Jesus Christ should be damned!

Not tolerant.

Not culturally correct.

This contradicts our society’s idealizing of the self.

Def. ”accursed" (Greek: anathema)

Devoted to destruction.

Facing damnation in hell.

It is a gravity fate waiting for those who alter the gospel message (2 John 9–11“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds”).

This curse has serious and long-lasting consequences.

What is the result of be cursed?

Rom. 9:3 shows Paul’s readiness to be separated from Christ forever if it meant saving the Jewish people.

Mat. 25:41 records Jesus talking about those who are cursed to depart into the eternal fire.

Repetition for Emphasis:

Paul repeats the curse to emphasize its seriousness.

This is something Paul considered worth repeating.

Ill: How often do parents have to repeat instructions to their kids?

The most important principles are repeated over and over again.

When something is really important, the same wording may be used each time.

This kind of repetition aids in the learning process.

What instructions from your parents stand out in your memory?

“Do right.” - Dad

“Worry about yourself.” - Dad

“Who are the parents?” - Dad

“Accidents can be prevented” - Dad

And so on…

Paul wanted to highlight the importance of maintaining the purity of the gospel and the eternal consequences that waits for those who pervert or contradict this unchanging truth.

To wrap up, Paul's letter to the Galatians is a powerful admonition to uphold the purity of the gospel message: justification comes by faith in Jesus Christ, not by the works of the law. Paul vehemently opposes any teaching that adds to or distorts this core truth, warning that such distortions lead believers away from the freedom found in Christ and back into the bondage of legalism. As he addresses the specific challenges faced by the Galatian churches, Paul highlights that faith in Christ alone is the basis for salvation and for living the Christian life. Just as Paul stood firm against the Judaizers, we too must guard against false teachings, ensuring that the true gospel of Christ remains untainted. Let us hold fast to the liberty given by Christ, living by faith, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit, as we defend the pure and unaltered gospel message.