Galatians 1:1-5
I. Calling from God Gal. 1:1
- A. Paul’s consistency in pointing to God (Gal 1:11, 12)
- B. Paul’s Commission from God (Ac 9:1-9)
- C. Paul’s Job Description (2Tim 1:11; Ac 9:15-16)
- 1. He was to Preach
- Matt 28:18-20;
- 2. He was to Suffer
- Jn 15:20; 16:1-4; [2 Cor. 11:23-27]; 2 Tim. 1:12; 3:11
Fearing His Scars
Adoniram Judson, the renowned missionary to Burma, endured untold hardships trying to reach the lost for Christ. For 7 heartbreaking years he suffered hunger and privation. During this time he was thrown into Ava Prison, and for 17 months was subjected to almost incredible mistreatment. As a result, for the rest of his life he carried the ugly marks made by the chains and iron shackles which had cruelly bound him.
Undaunted, upon his release he asked for permission to enter another province where he might resume preaching the Gospel. The godless ruler indignantly denied his request, saying, “My people are not fools enough to listen to anything a missionary might SAY, but I fear they might be impressed by your SCARS and turn to your religion!”
—Henry G. Bosch
Tan, P. L. (1996, c1979). Encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations : A treasury of illustrations, anecdotes, facts and quotations for pastors, teachers and Christian workers. Garland TX: Bible Communications.
- 1. Paul was a chosen (selected) tool (vessel) (1Tim 1:11-14)
- 2. He was Chosen to Bear Christ’s name – he was sent (Gal. 1:15-16; Ep 3:8; Tit 1:3)
- 3. He was to suffer (1Pe 4:14)
- D. God’s Power in the Resurrection
(Rom 10:9; Eph 1:19, 20; 1 Peter 1:21 [the resurrection gave glory to Christ])
II. Blessing from God Gal. 1:3
- A. Grace and Peace come from God
(Is 45:7; 1 Cor 1:3; 2 Cor 1:2; 13:14; Eph 1:2; Php 1:2; Col 1:2; 1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess 1:2; 2 John 1:3) - B. Grace and Peace come from God’s Word (2Pe 1:2)
“Urim And Thummin”
The story is told of a young curate in the Church of England who was greatly helped in his understanding of the Scriptures by frequent conversations with an uneducated cobbler, who was, nevertheless, well acquainted with the Word of God.
On one occasion when a friend of his, a young theologian, was visiting him, he mentioned this remarkable knowledge of the Bible which the cobbler possessed. The young theologue, in a spirit of pride, expressed a desire to meet him, saying he felt sure he could ask some questions which he would be quite unable to answer. Upon being introduced to the man in his little shop, the question was put, “Can you tell me what Urim and the Thummin were?”
The cobbler replied, “I don’t know exactly; I understand that the words apply to something that was on the breastplate of the high priest. I know the words mean “Lights and Perfection,” and that through the Urim and Thummin the high priest was able to discern the mind of the Lord. But I find that I can get the mind of the Lord by just changing two letters. I take this blessed Book, and by “usin’ and thummin,” I get the mind of the Lord that way.”
—H. A. Ironside
Tan, P. L. (1996, c1979). Encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations : A treasury of illustrations, anecdotes, facts and quotations for pastors, teachers and Christian workers. Garland TX: Bible Communications.
- C. We receive grace for obedience (Ro 1:5) which also requires the Holy Spirit (1Pe 1:22)
III. Redemption from God Gal. 1:4
- A. He was given for our sins
(Mt 20:28; Ro 3:24-26 [only saving some is not a demonstration of God’s Grace] Ro 5:6; Ep 5:2; He 9:12-15; 1 Pet 3:18) - B. He gave himself to make us Holy
(Ep 1:4; 1Th 4:7; 2Ti 1:9; Jn 15:15; Phil 2:15; Col 1:22 [note that this is not future – this is for now])