Galatians: Begun By The Spirit

Main Point

Every aspect of salvation is a result of God working in us by grace through faith. None is our own doing.

Introduction

We often say things like “God has got this” and yet our actual faith does not align with that truth. (Grandpa’s Sign)

Foolish Christians

Strong rebuke for an important reason

The root of the gospel is being misunderstood.

Foolishness is the opposite of wisdom

App: When we add things to the gospel we are fools

Prosperity, poverty, good works before faith

We not only distort the gospel, but burden ourselves with things that we can’t do.

3. We need clear definitions of law and gospel.

This is how we avoid foolishness, by seeking wisdom in God’s word

4. Who has “bewitched” you?

A pagan magic term, directed at the Judiazers (irony)

Paul is saying that their actions to impose circumcision is more pagan than Christian.

App: We must keep watch so that we do not become “bewitched”

To add or take away from the gospel and make it mandatory

Repentance & Faith in Christ is what makes a Christian

“Bewitching” things are most often bad things, but they become bad when they are added to the gospel.

Gospel Clarity: Christ Crucified

Before your eyes

Paul, or whoever, made the gospel clear right in front of them

This is true of us here; the gospel has been put before you.

Christ was portrayed publically as crucified

App: Not just pastors, but you also must be clear on what the gospel is.

All of God’s people are called to be ministers, to know the gospel and proclaim it.

You must be clear.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

How did you receive the Spirit?

Good works or faith?

Hearing with faith (the gospel proclaimed)

App: We us the term in the south “got saved” for a reason. It is something that happened to us, not something we made happen.

John 3:13-15

All we did was look on Christ as he was proclaimed to us, the Spirit moved in us and we believed.

(Invite)

3. Begun by the Spirit, perfected by the flesh?

Are you so foolish? (Paul wants them to see how ridiculous this is)

App: The God that saves will also sustain us (sanctify us).

Yes we do have good works to walk in.

But we are prone to “take it from here” once he justifies us.

Apart from the Spirit, you are not able.

We must press on daily believing the gospel.

4. Did you suffer in vain?

Unclear what exactly, but persecution was common.

There is no sense in suffering for a false gospel.

5. He who supplies the Spirit

Revival, miracles.

Faith or works of the law?

Faith defines God’s church, so that is what we should walk in.

Closing

App: Revival will not happen by us trying really hard to move God to send his Spirit to refresh us.

At the end of the day, if we want God’s Spirit to revive us again and save the lost among us, there is no rule we can follow or method we can practice that will force his hand.

The Spirit moves among us by the proclamation of the gospel and our continued faith in it.

Do you want revival? Do you want the Spirit to move in power among us?

Then set your gaze on Christ, the object of your faith and trust him for EVERYTHING!

Repeat main point.