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For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.

Galatians 1:

I. The great revelation

a. Paul affirms his call being of divine revelation, not anything of man.

Credentials: experience, training, qualifications

Testimony. We should all have one. When someone says “Hey tell me about your salvation or your call to ministry, we should have some testimony! They wont all be the same, but they should all be special.

b. The New Testament was not written of course and God chose to reveal Himself to Paul in this powerful way.

c. In the same way, our salvation is not of man, it is by the revelation of Jesus Christ through the drawing of God by the Holy Spirit and the perfect revelation of the Word.

d. God is not hiding! He is seeking! He does not hide himself. He has

revealed Himself in creation, and in the Special revelation of Christ coming and the Word of God being given.

II. The life changing transformation

The Gospel transforms!

The one who has been saved by grace is being changed by grace.

If a goat gets changed into a sheep, there is noticeable change!

The change should be ongoing as the Holy Spirit works sanctification in our lives to make us evermore like Christ.

III. The necessary preparation

There is a need for preparation in our faith walk.

Study, discipleship, fellowship

Many Christians are like some kids I have encountered coaching youth sports. They want to be identified as being on the team, they want any benefits of being on the team, they want the fun of being in the atmosphere, but only some really want to do what it takes to be effective and play well in the game.

It takes training, knowing the game plan, practicing repetitiously, doing the hard things so that you are ready to perform.

This goes for any occupation. Salvation is free, discipleship calls you to sacrifice yourself and surrender to Jesus and they go together, not apart.

IV. The value of visitation

Paul was on the move. He visited Christians, but he also visited a lot of lost people and in all of his visitation He exalted Jesus.

He talked about Jesus and we need to talk about Jesus!

We need to be going out intentionally. We need to emphasize evangelism more. We need to remind ourselves consistently.

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