The Gospel is From God, Not from Man

Galatians 1:11–24

The gospel Paul preached was received directly from Christ, not from human tradition.

Objective: To show that the gospel is God's revelation, not man’s invention, and to encourage believers to trust its authority, embrace its transforming power, and share their testimony as evidence of the gospel in their lives.

Introduction:

Good morning, brothers in Christ! In ancient Greece, there was a known story about a sculptor named Phidias who took a block of marble and saw a beautiful statue within. Through meticulous work and dedication, the statue was revealed to all. Similarly, the gospel acts like a divine sculptor in our lives, chiseling away our imperfections and unveiling the masterpieces God created us to be. When we accept the gospel’s transformative power, we reveal the beauty hidden within us.Today, we dive into Galatians 1:11-24, where Paul defends the gospel he preached—a message not of human origin, but a divine revelation from Jesus Christ. In a world of philosophies, traditions, and man-made ideas, the gospel stands unique: it comes from God, it scandalizes the proud, and it transforms lives for His glory. We’ll explore three truths—the gospel’s source, its scandal, and its significance—paired with historical examples to see this power at work. May we stand firm on God’s Word, trust His grace, and share His work in us.

Main Idea: The gospel’s divine origin transform’s lives.

I. The Gospel’s Source – A Divine Revelation (vv. 11-12)

A. Not of Human Speculation (v. 11)

Paul declares, “For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel” (Galatians 1:11). This isn’t human invention—no Stoicism, no Epicureanism, no rabbinic tradition. Christianity rests on divine truth, not man’s ideas. Paul didn’t craft this from human teaching or speculation.

B. Supernaturally Revealed (v. 12)

Instead, “I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12). On the Damascus Road (Acts 9:3–6 “As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul said. “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,” he replied. “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”), Jesus unveiled the gospel to Paul. John Stott notes, “Paul’s gospel came… by a direct revelation of Jesus Christ” (The Message of Galatians, p. 28). Psalm 119:104 echoes, “I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every false way.”

Historical Illustration

Consider the story of Joan of Arc in the 15th century. A French peasant girl, she claimed divine visions from God, guiding her to lead France against the English during the Hundred Years’ War. Though controversial, her conviction in a supernatural call defied human logic and rallied a nation—much like Paul’s gospel, rooted not in human wisdom but divine revelation.

Application

Stand on Scripture: The Bible is God’s authoritative word—trust it over worldly ideas.

Reject Distortions: Shun human twists on the gospel. Tony Merida says, “The gospel of grace is like water: Paul did not invent it, and people cannot live without it” (Exalting Christ in Galatians, p. 30).

II. The Gospel’s Scandal – A Radical Transformation (vv. 13-14)

A. Paul’s Savage Persecution (v. 13)

Paul admits, “For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it” (Galatians 1:13). A zealous Pharisee under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3 “He continued, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strictness of our ancestral law. I was zealous for God, just as all of you are today.” ), Paul hunted Christians, seeing them as heretics. Charles Spurgeon reflects, “His violent persecution… illustrates the power of divine grace” (Spurgeon’s Verse Expositions, Galatians 1:13-14). His hostility proves he didn’t invent the gospel—only grace could shift him.

B. Steeped in Tradition (v. 14)

He adds, “And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age… so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers” (Galatians 1:14). A legalistic star, Paul rejected grace. Tim Keller notes, “His change wasn’t a natural evolution but a supernatural intervention” (Galatians For You, p. 24).

Historical Illustration

Think of Malcolm X in the 20th century. A fierce advocate for racial separatism and a leader in the Nation of Islam, he passionately opposed integration—until a 1964 pilgrimage to Mecca transformed his views. He embraced unity and renounced hatred, shocking his followers. Like Paul, his radical shift shows a power beyond human will.

Application

Beware Religious Pride: Zeal without truth misleads—legalism blinds us to grace.

Trust God’s Grace: No one is beyond redemption. Paul, a destroyer, became a builder—proof of the gospel’s scandalous reach.

III. The Gospel’s Significance – A Transformed Life (vv. 15-24)

A. Selected by God (v. 15)

Paul marvels, “But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace” (Galatians 1:15). God chose Paul before birth, echoing Jeremiah 1:5 “I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” . John Stott writes, “His life was divinely orchestrated” (The Message of Galatians, p. 30). Salvation is God’s sovereign work, not ours.

B. Sent to Proclaim (vv. 16-24)

God “was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles” (Galatians 1:16). Independent of others (vv. 16-17), Paul went to Arabia, Damascus, and later met Peter briefly (vv. 18-19). In Syria and Cilicia (v. 21), he preached, unknown to Judean churches (v. 22). They heard, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy” (v. 23), and “they glorified God because of me” (v. 24). His life proved the gospel’s power.

Historical Illustration

Look at the life of John Newton in the 18th century. A slave trader, he profited from human suffering until a storm at sea and God’s grace turned him to faith. He became a pastor, wrote “Amazing Grace,” and fought for abolition—his transformed life a testimony that glorified God and impacted history.

Application

Trust God’s Purpose: He calls and transforms us for His glory, as with Paul and the Gentiles.

Share Your Testimony: Like Newton’s, your changed life witnesses to Christ’s power—let it shine!

Conclusion/Invitation:

Brothers, the gospel isn’t man’s invention—it’s God’s revelation, like Joan of Arc’s divine call (Galatians 1:11-12). Its scandal turned Paul, like Malcolm X, from foe to follower (vv. 13-14). Its significance transformed him, as it did John Newton, for God’s glory (vv. 15-24). Stand on Scripture, trust grace, and share your story. Let’s glorify God! Pray with me: “Lord, thank You for Your gospel—divine, powerful, life-changing. Use us for Your glory. Amen.”