No Other Gospel!

Intro:

Pics of Sabbatical

The book of Galatians: “a short Romans”, “The cornerstone of the Prtestant Reformation”, the reformer Martin Luther referred to it as his “wife”, “Magna Charta of Christian Liberty”,

Who- to the churches in Galatia (MAP)

What: They were turning to a different gospel, Judaizers slipped in and where teaching that in order to be a true believer you had to add circumcision and following the law. They would not have seen themselves as opponents to the gospel, but supplementary to the gospel. The Book is more about how we live before God than what is required to come to God.

When: Paul originionally first met the people around A.D. but he visited again and wrote to them between 48-55 A.D. This is only 15-20 years after the death of Jesus and Jews were still considered the experts when it came to knowing and understanding God.

Where: Paul wrote from…Antioch in Syria

Why: Galatians 1:6 “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—”

Outline:

Delivered: “Paul, an Apostle” (vs.1-5)

Deserted: “Turning to a Different Gospel” (vs.6-10)

Summary of the Chapter:

Don’t desert the only gospel that turns Sinners into Saints

Memory verse of the Chapter:

Galatians 1:6 “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—”

Illustration: When was the last time you needed to be delivered or rescued? Like, for real! This can be hard to think about with all of the safeguards and contingency plans we put together.

Prayer:

Delivered: “Paul, an Apostle” (vs. 1-5)

Paul (vs. 1)

Paul- We could stop here and take the time to remember who this man is, but the second half of this chapter and chapter 2 will fill in those blanks

an Apostle- “Sent one”, big “A” Apostle, an embassador, sent on someone’s behalf. Okay, so who sent you? This is the one word that Paul uses to describe who he is.

not from men nor through (dia, diameter) men

but through (dia, diameter)

Jesus Christ and

God the Father

who raised him from the dead- there are only 13 Big “a” apostles, the origional 11, Barnabas (Acts 14:14) and Paul. They were not called out or sent from a group of men, they were picked by Jesus himself. From this point on, leaders will be appointed from and through men.

All the Brothers (vs. 2)

and all the brothers

who are with me: Who is with Paul at this point?

Barnabas

The believers in the church in Antioch (where he returned)

God and Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (vs. 3-5)

To the Churches (pl) of Galatia: (Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe)

Grace to you and peace

from our God and Father and

the Lord Jesus Christ

who gave himself for our sins

to deliver (exel-eh-tai, lifting a person out of danger and into safety) us from the present evil age (aiwnos- era, a period of history having some distincitive feature). “It is probably best to regard this expression as describing “life dictated by the law’” (NIVAC, 50).

according to the will of our God and Father

to whom be the glory forever and ever

Amen. (Selah- tune your heartstrings to what you just heard).

Application/Implications:

Renew the Mind (the Scriptures):

What caught your attention in this section?

Which verses or words would you like to study a little more this week?

Engage the Heart (humility vs. pride):

If you were to pick one word to describe yourself today, what would it be? Tell the person next to you. Now how many of us think of our identity as what we have been given or by what we have gone through?

Jesus gave himself for our sins in order to deliver us. Have you been delivered? Do you see yourself as someone that needs to be delivered?

Migrane

Soul Migrane

What is God’s will for your life? Sometimes we are more concerned about the counsel of men or women out there and not the counsel of the Father, Son, and HS.

Enilist the Body (faith steps):

I want you to share that one word and why you picked it today. Write it on a piece of something, and think about what that means this week and how you should live in light of it.

For me, “Delivered”

Transitional phrase: Paul lays out the Authority that has been given to him by God the Father through the Lord Jesus. From here, he turns to the message that has him concerned…

Deserting: “Turning to a Different Gospel” (vs. 6-10)

A Person (vs. 6-7)

I am astonished-“thaumazw” pres, act, ind, to marvel, used most in the gospels speaking of people’s response to Jesus). Maybe the Galatians were getting ready to hear some form of possitive feedback…or we the reader expect Paul to dive off into how thankful he is for these people…

that you are so quickly deserting- “metatithesthe”pres, m/p, ind, 2nd, pl, to renounce, to turn away from (only used here)… Now what do you think comes next…

him who called you in the grace of Christ

and are turning to a different gospel- deserting means you renounce or turn away from one thing or person to another.

So how do we understand those that “desert” the faith or turn to another religion? Well, it is just that, they have renounced one thing in order to turn to something else. and it goes deeper, because the text points out that deserting the gospel has more to do with turning not from certain beliefs, knowledge, or tradition, but away from a person. The Gospel is not merely about consenting to a list of statements and expectations, no, it is about being confronted with the truth that you need to be delivered!

Not that there is another one

but there are some who trouble you- “tarassontes” pres, act, part, nom, mas, pl to disturb in mind or make uneasy

and want to distort the gospel of Christ- “metastrepsai” aor, act, infinitive, to turn something, to cause to change or turn into something different. Same root as “desert”, to reverse

Two of the Satan’s greatest tactics, distorting and deserting. Distorting who we know Him to be and making us feel like we are all alone and deserted.

A Source (vs. 8-9)

But even if

we or

an angel from heaven

should preach to you a gospel contratry

to the one we preached to you

Let him be accursed- “anathema”

As we have said before and now I say again

if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary

to the one you received

let him be accursed- “anathema”

Approval (vs. 10)

For am I now seeking the approval of man or of God?

Or am I trying to please man? There seems to be only two choices, one or the other.

If I were still trying to please man

I would not be a servant of Christ.

Application/Implications:

Renew the Mind (the Scriptures):

What caught your attention in this section?

Which verses or words would you like to study a little more this week?

Engage the Heart (humility vs. pride):

John Mark’s desertion of the mission happen just prior to planting the churches in Galatia

What about the message of the Gospel or those who call themselves believers troubles me or tempts me to desert or distort who God is?

In what ways am I tempted to distort who God is, the sufficiency of what Jesus has done, or the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in my life in order to make sense how people have treated me?

Enilist the Body (faith steps):

Write out what has me troubled about :

“Him who called you in the grace of Christ”

distortion of the gospel

Transitional phrase:

Summary of the Chapter:

Don’t desert the only gospel that turns Sinners into Saints

Memory verse of the Chapter:

Galatians 1:6 “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—”

Discussion Starters:

If you were to pick one word to describe yourself today, what would it be?

What about the message of the Gospel or those who call themselves believers troubles me or tempts me to desert or distort who God is

When it comes to… (life’s decisions), am I seeking the approval of man or of God?

Song: Doxology, It is my prayer that you can sing these words, “Praise God…” if you cannot today, will you take a step of faith and listen to those around you singing and ask God to reveal what may be preventing you.

Next Week’s Sermon: Gal 1:11-24

Benediction/Looking ahead: INVITE PEOPLE TO THE CAFE