Galatians 1

Galatians 1:1-5

Recently I had been studying in Isaiah and had observed the religious routine of the Israelites being contrary to their heart motives. It got me thinking about how oftentimes we over complicate the Gospel, our worship, and daily living by adding complexities. These complexities usually are displacing in the relationship with Christ. We’ve often heard of the common phrase surrounding a couple’s relationship that either isn't solid or is just beginning by the statement of “Its complex”. Many years ago now, I was asked by a Pastor friend during a time of good growth “What is West Buxton doing to draw in people?” Now, knowing where the individual was coming from and his camp-I knew what he was asking… “What has your church done to essentially water down the approach and attract unbelievers?” I remember this encounter like it was yesterday, I simply and softly responded with- “nothing”. I went on to explain to this main that we hadnt changed the music, we didnt add lower lighting or fog machines, the first 50 people to attend services received a Jonathan Trent Boyd Bobble head. I am thankful that as a church we have remained focused on what is true with a slow and steady approach. I want to encourage us tonight to continue that journey.

His first missionary journey begins at Antioch in AD 47 when he and his partner Barnabas were to bring the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 13: 1-3). After travelling across the island of Cyprus (Acts 13: 4-12), they arrived at the southern coast of Asia Minor in the region of Pamphylia, then continued into the mainland visiting various cities in the southern half of Galatia. On their return they retraced their steps seeking to encourage and strengthen the new churches before returning to Antioch to report the results of their mission (Acts 14: 19-28).

Paul had labored in Galatia on two occasions A third time he desired to go there but the Holy Spirit made it clear that was not His will and led him elsewhere eventually over to Europe. In chapters 13 and 14 of Acts we read of Paul’s ministry to Antioch in the cities of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. While Antioch is said to have been in Pisidia and the other three cities in Lycaonia, both provinces were united to Galatia at this time. Therefore these really were the cities of Galatia that Paul Labored. These people are tied racially to the ancestors of Ireland, Wales, Scotland, France, and northern Spain- Known as the “Gauls” who eventually spread out over into Western Europe, settled in France, and then to the British Isle's- Raise your hand if you have ties to any one of these groups...

It is important to remember that these Gaul’s were gentiles not Israelites.

The Lord did a mighty work among these people who were originally found in the trenches of idolatry and through the ministry of the Word were brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. As we have seen over the years it is an incredible thing to see people be brought and redeemed from darkness into the liberating light of jesus Christ. However at times, a time of testing is not far away. This proved to be the case for Galatia. At times like this a new believer may proceed in the simple truth of the Gospel but then be enamored over an erroneous doctrine or ideology that then pushes the individual to an extreme. These people were substituting law for grace and swaying people away from the liberating grace into bondage of legalism. These Galatians were being misled by false teachers who had come down from Judea who professed to be Christians but had never been delivered from legality. Acts 15 highlights the great debate between the focus of the law and grace. (Dispensations). There had been as many non jews as many jews at this time. Until now, there had been one ethnic group who had been focused on the Torah or the Law. Some of these Jewish churches began attending the church of Galatia and undermining Paul. This letter is the result.

Paul’s approach in this letter is broken into three sections.

Chapters 1 & 2-Personal

Chapter 3 & 4-Doctrinal

Chapters 5 & 6-Practical

Paul is writing from a point of experience, who at one point was an extreme legalistic Jew.

Here in verse one, Paul sees the need to reiterate his calling and his role that had been appointed by Christ. Within Paul’s writing he really only lists his role as an apostle one two occasions: 1) When some are questioning the authenticity of his role or 2) in cases when he was sharing doctrine and him listing his role would then solidify the viability of the teaching. Here in Galatians it seems clear his mentions that he is an apostle because of some truths that are in question exist within the churches of Galatia. (Example of the Uber Guy who got his ordination certificate).

“Ordination can do nothing for a man who has not received his call from God. It is simply a matter of laying hands on an empty head.” -Charles Spurgeon

“To a different gospel / which is not another”-There are two different Greek words here- the first word used is “hereton” which explains something contrary to sound teaching, something different. The mixture of law and grace is not God’s gospel. Nothing is to be added from what you had received (Example of Church in Augusta). Today we sang two songs surrounding the complete but simple ness behind “grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone!

What the judeasers we’re introducing and then picked by the Galatians was a heretical teaching at the core.

Many years ago a man had shared with me, I am for you and behind you all the way until you become a heretic. (Emphasis added).

As a church we are simply called to the mission of the gospel here in the West Buxton / Bonny Eagle Community, and we are to remain focused on the simplicity of the Gospel. I heard a statistic the other day that the average church in America dedicates 5% or less of its annual budget towards mission. I praise the Lord for this not being a reality here!

The gospel is ten words “Christ died for our sin and rose from the dead”. -Dr. Larry Moyer