A Gracious Appeal

Galatians 3:27 CSB

For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ.

INTRO—

How would you make the case for your favorite BBQ spot?? [Anyone??…]

How would you respond to a skeptic (or fan of another place)?

Paul has laid out his case for the primacy of Grace Alone…Faith Alone…In Christ ALONE!!

Now he turns to his plea to his beloved brothers and sisters…

An appeal of grace — A GRACIOUS Appeal

Appeal: You’re Adopted Sons [Galatians 3.27-4.7]

You are ALL Sons/Heirs! (3.27-4.3)

Galatians 3:27–29 “For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to the promise.”

Be careful of absolutizing this passage (or the conversant ones: [[Revelation 7:9 “After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands.”]])

You Have Been Adopted (4.4-6) [Favorite Advent passage!!]

Galatians 4:4–6 “When the time came to completion, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!””

**WHO YOU ARE NOW!! — Adopted Sons & Daughters

[[Galatians 4:7 “So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then God has made you an heir.”]]

GOSPEL/GRACE — Salvation.

Appeal: You, Resist Returning [Galatians 4.8-11]

What You Knew…& Desire Again (?) (4.8, 10-11) […Why? WHY???]

Galatians 4:8 “But in the past, since you didn’t know God, you were enslaved to things that by nature are not gods.”

The Past [bad past; you were previously known as/did, etc.]

Galatians 4:10–11 “You are observing special days, months, seasons, and years. I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.”

Returning to The Past […can seem comforting, comfortable at least]

…AND Paul’s heart-felt, heart-wrenching concern (4.11)

What You Have (4.9) […is SOOO much BETTER!!]

Galatians 4:9 “But now, since you know God, or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elements? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?”

Sure “you know God,” but what is of greater significance and value is that “rather you have become known by God.” [!; the shift in Paul’s statement here prioritizes the GRACIOUS & ongoing work of God in this relationship]

**HOW YOU LIVE NOW!! — By Grace Through Faith

GOSPEL/GRACE — Sanctification.

Appeal: You, The Hope Is [Galatians 4.12-20]

Personal Appeal (4.12-14) […familial love, concern, hope for!]

Galatians 4:12 “I beg you, brothers and sisters: Become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have not wronged me;” [The significance shown = 4.13-14]

True Blessing (4.15-18) […desired for the bros & sisses; aka ‘Truth’ Blessing]

Galatians 4:15–16 “Where, then, is your blessing? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. So then, have I become your enemy because I told you the truth?”

**HOW YOU CARRY ON NOW!! — Walking in The Truth

[[…Carry On = either Rich Mullins (He’s given me hope to carry on); OR Kansas (Carry on my wayward son. There’ll be peace when you are done.)]]

Continuing in the truth…not bewitched by clever false-gospelizers!!!

[[Galatians 4:19–20 “My children, I am again suffering labor pains for you until Christ is formed in you. I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don’t know what to do about you.”]]

GOSPEL/GRACE — Sustaining.

CONCL—

From ALL and throughout ALL of creation and time, the case has been set forth of the goodness and greatness of the one, true, living God. With that case comes the plea of his children for others (anyone and everyone) to repent of sin and trust Jesus as their one and only true Savior & Lord — by the Grace of God.

…AND, the plea to each other, within the family of faith, to carry on in faithfully following—learning & living—the truth God sets forth for us as his people, the heirs of promise (great and awesome promises!).

INVITATION:

Salvation

Continuing Faithfulness [unwavering trust]

Preparing for Observing the Lord’s Supper

THE LORD’S SUPPER

BODY OF CHRIST (Bread)

1 Corinthians 11:23–24 “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it,

and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.””

BLOOD OF CHRIST (Cup)

1 Corinthians 11:25 “In the same way also he took the cup, after supper,

and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.””

PROMISE OF CHRIST

1 Corinthians 11:26 “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Galatians 4:20 CSB

I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don’t know what to do about you.