Gospel Truth and Simplicity

Sermons from John Piper (1980–1989) That the Truth of the Gospel Be Preserved for You

But the question inevitably arises: Is there, then, a contradiction among the apostles themselves? Do we have men of equal authority preaching two different gospels? The Judaizers claimed to represent the apostles in Jerusalem, but their message did not square with Paul’s. So even when the question of Paul’s authority is settled, another serious and threatening question looms up: Is there disunity among the apostles? If one apostle preaches one gospel and another apostle preaches another gospel, the foundation of the church (

I.  Gospel explained to pillars (2:1–2)

set before them=means here it is examine it and see for yourself

(1)  Fourteen years after Paul’s conversion (2:1)

timing has to with is it Acts 11 or 15?

(2)  Visit in accord with revelation (2:2)

This was a revelation from the Spirit....dreams, visions, audible voice, come from reading scripture, word of prophecy from someone

II.  Circumcision not required (2:3–5)

(1)  In the case of the Gentile Titus (2:3)

Titus was one of Paul’s young preachers coming like Timothy

Timothy was a Jewish setting and was circumcised in order to go into Jewish gatherings

(2)  Issue raised by false brothers (2:4) Intentionally to bring them back into slavery

Sent by an adversary, satan sneaks them in to destroy and wrap up in bondage, mans work can never accomplish or complete the Grace of God.1 Tim 4:1-2

1 Timothy 4:1–2 MSG

The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars. These liars have lied so well and for so long that they’ve lost their capacity for truth.

(3)  Rejected to maintain gospel’s truth (2:5) Paul stood firm in defending the truth and sanctity of the gospel...not even for a moment...Ephesians 6:10-11

Ephesians 6:10–11 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

III.  Nothing added to Paul’s gospel (2:6–9)

(1)  By those of reputation (2:6)

Nothing derogatory here

(2)  Because Paul’s calling was recognized (2:7)

(3)  Because Paul’s apostleship on same level as Peter’s (2:8)

This is the Calling of God...Paul uses the term “entrusted with the Gospel”

(4)  Because they recognized Paul was endowed with grace (2:9)

This speaks of the grace God bestowed on Paul and in turn on us, God’s grace is given BY HIM to the measure of His determination.

IV.  Request to remember the poor (2:10)