Historical Posts
Galatians 01:06-12 – One Gospel, Many Preachers – Audio
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Text: Galatians 1:6-12
One Gospel, Many Preachers
Over the course of time, there have been many preachers. At the beginning of the church, there was only one gospel! As time went on, some people began to turn to a different gospel; however, there is not really another gospel, but some wanted to pervert the one gospel and preach a false gospel! That still happens today, yet it should not be so!
I. There is one gospel.
A. Paul received the gospel through revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11-12).
B. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
C. The gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16)!
D. There is not another gospel, but some pervert it (Galatians 1:6-7).
II. There are many preachers.
A. Peter preached the first gospel sermon on Pentecost (Acts 2:29-36).
B. Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian (Acts 8:30-37).
C. Paul simply preached Christ and Him crucified (Romans 6:1-6; 1 Corinthians 2:2; Galatians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:9).
III. Many preachers must preach the same gospel!
A. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:15-16).”
B. Preachers must preach so people can hear, believe, and call upon the LORD (Romans 10:13-16; Isaiah 52:7).
C. Preachers should say the same thing, and let there be no division among them (1 Corinthians 1:10).
D. If a preacher preaches a different gospel, he is to be accursed (Galatians 1:8-9).
It was thrilling to hear many gospel preachers last week at Polishing The Pulpit. They all spoke the same thing! The one gospel that was preached in the first century can still be preached today. The one gospel that saved men’s souls then is the one gospel that saves men’s souls today. Though there may be many preachers must preach the one gospel of Christ from the Word of God!
Have you heard the one gospel and responded to accept salvation in Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Galatians 06:14 – How do you View the Cross of Christ? – Audio
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Text: Galatians 6:14 (Reading by )
Introduction to How do you View the Cross of Christ?
1. Some see the Cross of Christ as a piece of jewelry
2. Some see the Cross as a decoration in their home.
3. Some see the Cross as a design in their clothing
4. The bible points out seven different perspectives of the Cross of Christ
Body
A. The Cross of Christ was about silver to Judas
1. He was a thief and traitor – John 12:4-6
2. He sold Jesus – Matthew 26:15
B. The Cross of Christ was about silence to the Pharisees
1. They tried to trick Him – Matthew 22:15-22
2. They decided to kill Him – Matthew 26:3-5
a. He arose – Acts 2:32-33
b. His disciples turned the world upside down – Acts 17:6
C. The Cross of Christ was about self-preservation to Pilate
1. He knew Jesus was innocent – Matthew 27:23-24
2. He sacrificed Jesus to save himself – John 19:12-16
D. The Cross of Christ was about sport to the Roman soldiers
1. The soldiers made fun of Him – John 19:2-3
2. They gambled for His clothes – Matthew 27:35
E. The Cross of Christ was about substitution to the Father
1. This was God’s demonstration of His love
2. He died for us – 1 Peter 2:21
F. The Cross of Christ was about submission to the Son
1. He submitted willing – Matthew 26:39, 53
2. He humbled Himself – Philippians 2:8-9
Conclusion to How do you View the Cross of Christ?
1. The Cross of Christ is about salvation to the saints
2. So Jesus said – Matthew 26:28
3. So they preached – 1 Peter 1:18-20
4. He is coming again – Revelation 1:7-9
5. The Cross can change your life, change you. How will you respond to the Cross of Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 06:14 – Boast in the Cross – Audio
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Text: Galatians 6:14 (reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction:
1. “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Galatians 6:14
2. Why would anyone want to “boast” in the cross, an instrument of death?
3. The answer is because the cross is a great paradox.
a. It is Instrument of death – but it gives life.
b. It is darkest day in history – but on it hung the light of the world.
c. It is premeditated murder – but also predestined sacrifice.
d. It is great act of sin – but it was also a great cure for sin.
e. On the cross, Jesus won by losing and He conquered by surrendering.
f. The cross demonstrates how much God hates sin and how much He loves the sinner.
4. The cross is central to the Christian faith, and rightly so, for it gives meaning, hope, and stability for our lives.
5. Let’s examine three messages from the cross which can give meaning, hope, and stability to my life.
Body:
I. The Cross Declares That My Life Is Not Futile
A. You are not an obscurity, but an object of God’s love.
B. John 3:16
C. 2 Timothy 1:9
II. The Cross Declares That My Failures Are Not Fatal
A. Luke 23:43
B. Ephesians 1:7
C. 1 John 2:1
D. 1 John 1:9
III. The Cross Declares That My Death Is Not Final
A. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
B. Hebrews 12:1-4
Conclusion:
1. All of us have suffered from what life can throw at us and how life can shake our faith and how life can knock us off balance.
2. It’s at these moments that we really need to look back to the cross, and lean on it for meaning, hope, and stability.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 06:01-05 – Bear One Another’s Burdens – audio
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Text: Galatians 6:1-5 (Reading by Don Treadway)
Introduction
A. Individually, we all have burdens to bear.
B. Collectively, we should strive to help with one another’s burdens.
C. By doing so, the law of Christ is fulfilled.
Body
I. We are all tempted, and may be overtaken by a trespass at any time.
A. The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. All brethren experience the same suffering, and we must resist him (1 Peter 5:8-9).
B. No temptation has overtaken you, except that which is common to man (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).
1) Temptation leads to sin, and sin to death (James 1:12-15).
2) All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; we have all been tempted (Romans 3:23).
3) Jesus was tempted in all points just as we were, but without sin (Hebrews 4:15-16; Matthew 4:1-10).
4) We continue with Jesus in His trials (Luke 22:28).
5) We are not sufficient of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God (2 Corinthians 3:5).
6) As we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we must examine ourselves as sinners; we examine the sinless Christ as the perfect sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 11:28).
II. We must restore others in a spirit of gentleness.
A. God will render to each of us our deeds, and we should want our deeds to include helping others (Romans 2:5-9).
B. Christians are commanded to edify one another (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Ephesians 4:11-13,15-16,29; Hebrews 10:24-25).
C. Jesus said not to boast in relation to others as the Pharisee, but humble ourselves as the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14).
D. Paul also said not to think of ourselves too highly (Romans 12:3,5-6,8).
E. The strong ones should bear with the scruples of the weak (Romans 15:1-7,14).
F. We should bear with one another in love, with longsuffering (Ephesians 4:2).
III. Bearing one another’s burdens fulfills the law of Christ.
A. Jesus said that the scribes and Pharisees bind burdens on others, but will not move them (Matthew 23:1-4). He also proclaimed woe on lawyers who did the same thing (Luke 11:46).
B. Loving your neighbor as yourself is the royal law according to Scripture (James 2:8; Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:28-33).
C. Jesus said, “therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).”
Conclusion
A. Are we bearing one another’s burdens?
B. Are we fulfilling the law of Christ?
C. Let us not think of ourselves as above others.
D. Rather let us humble ourselves and help each other get to Heaven.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Galatians 06:01-05 Burden Bearing – audio
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Text: Galatians 6:1-5
Introduction
A. Isaiah 53
B. This is the ultimate example of bearing burden.
1) Christ was rejected, despised, acquainted with grief, etc.
2) Christ bore our burdens of iniquity.
3) Christ demonstrated true burden bearing.
Body
I. Burdens we must bear alone – Galatians 6:5
A. Choosing right or wrong – Joshua 24:15
B. Consequences of sin – 2 Samuel 12:19-23
C. Eternal judgment – 2 Timothy 4:6-8
II. Burdens others can bear or we bear for others – Galatians 6:2
A. Physical needs – Galatians 6:10
B. Need for prayer – James 5:15-16
C. Work of the church – 1 Corinthians 3:5-9
III. Burdens to cast on the Lord – 1 Peter 5:6-7
A. Sin debt – 1 Peter 1:17-19
B. Anxiety – Philippians 4:6-7
C. Physical needs – Matthew 6:25-34
Conclusion:
A. Burden is defined as “anything carried or endured; a load”.
B. Some burdens we do have to endure on our own, but let others carry those that can be shared.
C. God is waiting with open arms to help you with the burdens He can carry, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” – Matthew 11:28
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 01:13-14 Traditionalism – audio
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Text: Galatians 1:13-14
Introduction
1. A challenge the church faces today that has a long history is traditionalism
a. Jesus often conflicted with traditions in His day
b. Traditions have often been a major factor in causing division among churches
2. What are traditions?
3. Are traditions always wrong? If not, when does a tradition become wrong?
4. How can we be guilty of traditionalism?
Body
I. THE MEANING OF TRADITION
A. TRADITION
1. The Greek word is paradosis, which means giving over or handing down
2. It refers to teaching that is handed down either by word or in writing
B. AS UNDERSTOOD BY THE JEWS
1. It applied to the oral teachings of the elders (Distinguished elders from Moses on down)
2. These traditions were often divided into three classes
a. Oral laws supposedly given by Moses in addition to the written laws
b. Decisions of various judges which became precedents in judicial matters
c. Interpretations of highly respected rabbis held in reverence along with the OT scriptures
3. Prior to his conversion, Paul was a staunch supporter of Jewish tradition – Galatians 1:13-14
C. AS UNDERSTOOD BY ROMAN AND GREEK CATHOLICS
1. Their views appear to be parallel to that of the Jews
2. What they consider Tradition is what they believe to be the teachings:
a. Of Jesus or His apostles, persevered orally rather than through writing
b. Of various church councils which have left various decrees
c. Of various church leaders (Such as the pope) considered to be inspired with later revelations from God
3. One is expected to take their word for it that these traditions were truly from God and have been faithfully transmitted
D. AS FOUND IN THE SCRIPTURES
1. The word tradition as such is not found in the Old Testament
2. It is found thirteen (13) times in New Testament
a. Three times referring to apostolic teaching – 1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6
b. Ten times referring to the tradition of the elders or the traditions of men in a dangerous way – Mark 7:3-13; Matthew 15:2-6; Colossians 2:8; 1Peter 1:18; Galatians 1:14
3. Jesus did not feel bound to abide by the traditions of the elders
a. Some traditions He had no problem with keeping
1) Such as going to a wedding feast – John 2:1-2
2) Or attending the Feast Of Dedication – John 10:22-23
b. He just as easily had no problem with violating other traditions
1) Plucking grain on the Sabbath – Mark 2:23-28
2) Eating with unwashed hands – Mark 7:1-5
4. Jesus evidently did not subscribe to the view of traditions handed down orally
a. He never appealed to the traditions of the elders
b. He either appealed to the authority of the written Word (The Law of Moses), or to His own authority as the Son of God
5. Note well: We have seen that not all traditions are wrong
a. If they are handed down by inspired men, they are to be heeded – 2 Thessalonians 2:15
b. If they are doctrines or interpretations handed down by uninspired men (Like the traditions of the Jews) they are suspect
c. But in some cases uninspired traditions of men might be observed
6. So traditions of men can be dangerous, or they can be harmless. How can we distinguish between those that are dangerous and those that are harmless?
II. THE DANGER OF TRADITIONS OF MEN – Mark 7:1-13
A. THEY CAN LEAD TO HYPOCRITICAL WORSHIP
1. Traditions of men tend toward ritualism (Just look at the rituals found in many religions that have no scriptural basis)
2. Such ritualism is often done repeatedly, with little thought as to its origin and purpose
3. It is easy to go through such rituals, with the heart and mind on other things
4. Worship without the heart (Or mind) of man is hypocritical worship! – Mark 7:6
B. THEY CAN LEAD TO VAIN WORSHIP
1. When traditions of men are taught on the same level as the commands of God, it leads to vain worship – Mark 7:7
2. Such worship may appear to be impressive, but it in actually empty, worthless
a. First, because God did not command it
b. Second, because it does not accomplish the good we really need – Colossians 2:18-23
C. THEY CAN MAKE THE WORD OF GOD VOID
1. Jesus gave the example of honoring one’s parents – Mark 7:10-12
a. The elders’ tradition taught giving to the temple freed one from giving to one’s parents
b. Thus rendering the command of God of no effect
2. There are traditions of men today with similar affect
a. Such as the practice of sprinkling for baptism, a tradition of man
b. When one keeps the tradition of sprinkling, they make the command of God to be baptized of no effect!
3. Such traditions are actually rejecting the command of God! – Mark 7:8-9, 13
III. TRADITIONS AND TRADITIONALISM: A SUMMARY
A. TRADITIONS
1. Traditions of God, handed down by Christ and His apostles through the Written Word, are necessary for our salvation!
2. Traditions of men, handed down by uninspired men, are dangerous and sinful, when they:
a. Lead to hypocritical worship
b. Lead to vain worship
c. Make the Word of God void
3. Traditions of men can be harmless, but they become sinful if they:
a. Are taught as doctrines – Mark 7:7
b. Make the commandments of God of no effect – Mark 7:9,13
B. TRADITIONALISM
1. Defined: the systematic emphasis on the value of tradition
2. Exemplified by Jewish, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Protestant religions
3. But can also be manifested in churches of Christ
a. Doing things a certain way, just because that is how it has always been done
b. Binding practices without scriptural basis, because we’ve always done it that way
Conclusion
1. Traditionalism can be viewed as the abuse of tradition
a. Where traditions of men are bound, made equivalent to the traditions of God
b. Where traditions of men are kept, even if it makes the commands of God of no effect
2. To avoid traditionalism, we need to be well grounded in the Word of God
a. By which we can examine any tradition being proposed as necessary
b. Asking as Jesus did, From heaven, or from men? – Matthew 21:25
c. Careful not to bind where God has not bound
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 05:05 Eagerly Awaiting Our Hope
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Text: Galatians 5:5
Introduction
1. A few questions to stimulate your thinking
a. What is your hope as a Christian?
b. How strong is that hope?
c. Can you say that you are eagerly awaiting your hope?
2. Much of the joy of being a Christian is related to our hope
a. How real that hope is to us
b. How eager we are to one day realize that hope
c. How it enables us to serve the Lord with joy and patience
3. Paul writes concerning his hope – Galatians 5:5
a. What he was waiting for
b. How he was eagerly waiting for it
4. From his words in this verse and elsewhere we can glean truths that can make a great difference in our attitude and service as Christians.
Body
I. WHAT WE ARE TO EAGERLY WAIT FOR
A. THE HOPE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
1. The hope of justification
a. Paul had been writing about justification – Galatians 5:4
b. Justification and righteousness come from the same Greek word
c. Thus Paul is talking about the hope of being made right, not guilty of sin
2. They had no other hope of justification than by faith in the Redeemer
a. This was Paul’s hope expressed to the Philippians – Philippians 3:9
b. A hope that sustained him in his last days, his darkest hours – 2 Timothy 4:8
3. We are to have a strong desire plus expectation (the meaning of hope) regarding our standing before the Lord guiltless of sin
B. THE SAVIOR FROM HEAVEN
1. The Corinthians were eagerly waiting for the revelation of Jesus – 1 Corinthians 1:7
2. Paul also was eagerly waiting for Jesus from heaven – Philippians 3:20
3. For those who so eagerly await Him, Jesus will bring salvation – Hebrews 9:28
4. We are to eagerly await the coming of the Lord, for He will bring the righteousness (justification) we hope for!
C. THE REDEMPTION OF OUR Body
1. Paul also wrote of eagerly awaiting the redemption of our bodies – Romans 8:23
2. This pertains to the hope of the resurrection – Acts 23:6; 24:15
3. In which our mortal bodies will be raised and put on immortality – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 48-54
4. Made possible by the coming and power of our Lord Jesus Christ! – Philippians 3:20-21
5. We are to eagerly await that glorious transformation in which our bodies as well as our souls will be redeemed by the Lord!
D. Such are the things we are to hope for and await eagerly: Our justification from sin, our Savior from heaven, our resurrection from the dead!
II. HOW WE CAN EAGERLY WAIT FOR IT
A. BY FAITH
1. This is our part
a. We are to have faith – ESV “For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait…” – Galatians 5:5 ESV
b. Faith in Christ and His sacrifice, faith in His coming
2. A faith that is Bible-based
a. A strong conviction in things unseen; in particular, Jesus – Hebrews 11:1; John 3:36
b. Which comes through the Word of God-Rom 10:17;John 20:30-31
c. Which gives us hope, like a light shining in darkness – Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19
3. The eagerness with which we wait is proportional to the degree of faith we have
B. THROUGH THE SPIRIT
1. This is God’s part
a. Strengthened by the Spirit we wait for the fulfillment of the hope which righteousness by faith instead of the law insures to us.
b. Paul wrote of God helping us to abound in hope via His Spirit – Romans 15:13
2. We receive the Spirit’s aid as we:
a. Walk in the Spirit – Galatians 5:16
b. Set our minds on the things of the Spirit (i.e., the Word) – Romans 8:5-6
c. Ask God for strength by His Spirit (via prayer) – Ephesians 3:16,21
3. The eagerness with which we wait is proportional to the strength we receive from the Spirit
Conclusion
1. What is your hope (desire plus expectation) as a Christian? It should include
a. The hope of righteousness (justification)
b. The Savior’s revelation from heaven
c. The glorious resurrection from the dead
2. How strong is your hope? It all depends
a. Are you growing in faith (through the Word)?
b. Are you being strengthened by the Spirit (through prayer)?
3. If so, then we will eagerly await that for which we both desire and expect to see…!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 05:01 Standing Fast in the Liberty of Christ
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Text: Galatians 5:1
Introduction
1. Galatians has been called “The Magna Carta Of Christian Liberty”; ‘Magna Carta’ refers to the royal charter of political rights given to rebellious English barons by King John in 1215
2. The reason it has been so called is because of Paul’s discussion regarding ‘bondage’
a. In connection with the meeting in Jerusalem – Galatians 2:4-5
b. In arguing that we are justified by faith in Christ, not works of the Law – Galatians 4:3-5, 9, 24-25
c. With his climax found in the text for our study today – Galatians 5:1
3. The liberty we have in Christ is indeed precious, and it is imperative that we stand fast in it. Yet exactly what does that liberty entail…?
Body
I. THE LIBERTY WE HAVE IN CHRIST
A. FREEDOM FROM THE LAW OF MOSES
1. This is Paul’s primary concern in this epistle – Galatians 2:16
2. Upon which he expounded in the first four chapters – Galatians 3:23-25
3. Concerning which he wrote elsewhere – Romans 7:4-6
4. Christ has delivered the Jews from their obligation to keep the Law of Moses
B. FREEDOM FROM THE BONDAGE OF SIN
1. Writing of being “justified”, Paul refers to being “not guilty” of sin – Galatians 2:16-17
2. Concerning which he wrote elsewhere – Romans 8:1-2
3. Jesus also spoke of the deliverance from bondage of sin – John 8:31-34
4. Christ has delivered all men from the guilt and power of sin
C. FREEDOM FROM THE TRADITIONS OF MEN
1. Paul wrote of this in chapter four – Galatians 4:9-11
2. Also in his writing to the Colossians – Colossians 2:20-23
3. Jesus also spoke of the danger of human traditions – Matthew 15:3-9
4. Christ has delivered us from the need to keep human traditions
D. FREEDOM FROM WORKS OF THE FLESH
1. Paul will have much more to say about the works of the flesh – Galatians 5:13, 17, 19-21; 6:8
2. As he warned against in writing to the Corinthians – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
3. About which Jesus also warned – Mark 7:20-23
4. Christ offers deliverance from deeds of the flesh which endanger our salvation
E. Such are the things we experience through the liberty that we have in Christ. Of course, that presumes that we are indeed
II. STANDING FAST IN OUR LIBERTY
A. HANDLE THE LAW PROPERLY
1. The Law is good if used properly – 1 Timothy 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:15
2. It was written for our learning and admonition – Romans 15:4
3. It is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness – 2 Timothy 3:14-17
4. But it has its limitations
a. It has ceased as a system of justification – cf. Galatians 5:4
b. It has been replaced as a covenant – Hebrews 8:6-13
c. Its religious observances have been replaced – Hebrews 9:9-10
5. The Law must be properly handled if we are to preserve our liberty in Christ
B. APPLY OUR BLESSINGS IN CHRIST LIBERALLY
1. The blood of Christ frees us from the guilt of sin – Ephesians 1:4
a. The remission of sins is promised to those who repent and are baptized – Acts 2:38
b. The blood of Christ remains available for Christians who repent of sin – 1 John 1:7-10
c. Christians need to repent and pray when they sin – Acts 8:22
2. The Spirit of God can free us from the power of sin – Romans 8:12-13
a. God can strengthen us by His Spirit in the inner man – Ephesians 3:16
b. We can do all things through God and Christ – Philippians 4:13
3. We must not hesitate to access the blood of Christ and the Spirit of God to make use of our liberty in Christ
C. DEAL WITH TRADITIONS OF MEN CAUTIOUSLY
1. Traditions may have a place on an individual level – Romans 14:5-6
a. When not taught as a doctrine of God – Mark 7:7
b. When not done instead of keeping a command of God – Mark 7:8-9
2. But they must handled with the utmost of caution on a congregational level
a. Things done on a congregational level necessarily bind them upon all the members
b. That is why religious holidays are reasons for such grave concern – Galatians 4:10-11
3. We must be careful not to let human traditions destroy our liberty in Christ
D. FOLLOW THE SPIRIT DILIGENTLY
1. We must not use our liberty as an occasion for the flesh – Galatians 5:13
2. Our best weapon against the flesh is to follow the Spirit – Galatians 5:16-18
3. Those who are led by the Spirit will produce the fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23
4. Our new life in Christ makes it possible to walk in the Spirit – Galatians 5:25
5. We must be diligent to set our minds on the things of the Spirit if we want to enjoy life and peace – Romans 8:5-6
Conclusion
1. The liberty we enjoy in Christ is great
a. Freedom from the law of Moses
b. Freedom from the bondage of sin
c. Freedom from the traditions of men
d. Freedom from the works of the flesh
2. But it is not license to do whatever we want; we must
a. Handle the Law properly
b. Apply our blessings in Christ liberally
c. Deal with traditions of men cautiously
d. Follow the Spirit diligently
3. With the aid of Paul’s epistle to the Galatians, we will succeed in “Standing Fast In The Liberty Of Christ”. Have you begun to enjoy the liberty Christ offers through obedience to the gospel…?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 04:21-31 The Allegory of Hagar and Sarah
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Text: Galatians 4:21-31
Introduction
1. In the first four chapters of Galatians, Paul defends
a. His apostleship as being from God, not man – Galatians 1-2
b. His gospel of justification by faith in Christ, not by the Law of Moses – Galatians 3-4
2. In defending the gospel of justification by faith in Christ, Paul makes five arguments
a. Personal argument – the Galatians’ own experience – Galatians 3:1-5
b. Scriptural argument – the testimony of the Old Testament – Galatians 3: 6-25
c. Practical argument – how one becomes a son and heir of God – Galatians 3: 26-4:7
d. Sentimental argument – appealing to their relationship with Paul – Galatians 4:8-20
e. Allegorical argument – using Hagar and Sarah as an illustration – Galatians 4:21-31
3. In this study, we will consider Paul’s allegorical argument
a. “Allegory” comes from Greek allos (other) and agoreuein (to speak in public)
b. An allegory is “a figurative representation conveying a meaning other than and in addition to the literal”
4. It is important to note
a. Paul does not deny the actual historical narrative, but he simply uses it in an allegorical sense to illustrate his point for the benefit of his readers who are tempted to go under the burden of the law” – Robertson’s Word Pictures
b. The apostle gives an allegorical interpretation to the historical narrative of Hagar and Sarah, not treating that narrative as an allegory in itself
Body
I. THE HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
A. SARAH AND HAGAR
1. Sarah, who is barren, has a handmaiden named Hagar – Genesis 16:1
2. Sarah gives Hagar to Abraham to bear a child in her place – Genesis 16:2-3
3. Hagar conceives and despises her mistress Sarah – Genesis 16:4
4. Sarah deals harshly with Hagar – Genesis 16:5-6
5. Hagar returns to Sarah, and bears Ishmael – Genesis 16:7-16
B. ISHMAEL AND ISAAC
1. God promises that Sarah will have a son – Genesis 17:15-17
2. God confirms the covenant will be through Isaac, not Ishmael – Genesis 17:18-21
3. Sarah bears Isaac as God promised – Genesis 21:1-8
4. Sarah has Abraham send Hagar away – Genesis 21:9-14
II. PAUL’S APPLICATION
A. PAUL REVIEWS THE HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
1. Abraham had two sons – Galatians 4:21-22a
2. One (Ishmael) by a slave woman (Hagar) – Galatians 4:22b
3. One (Isaac) by a free woman (Sarah) – Galatians 4:22b
4. The son of the slave was born of the flesh – Galatians 4:23a
a. Ishmael’s conception was natural
b. When Abraham went into Hagar
5. The son of the free woman was born through promise – Galatians 4:23b
a. Isaac’s conception was by God’s power – Hebrews 11:11-12
b. As promised by God – Genesis 21:1-2
B. PAUL APPLIES THE ALLEGORICAL ELEMENTS
1. The two women are two covenants – Galatians 4:24-27
a. Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia, bearing children for slavery
1) She corresponds to present Jerusalem
2) She is in slavery with her children
b. Sarah represents Jerusalem above, those who are free
1) She corresponds to heaven (the New Jerusalem)
2) She is ‘our mother’ (those in Christ)
3) She who was barren is no longer desolate
2. Those in Christ are like Isaac – Galatians 4:28-31
a. They too are children of promise
b. They too have been persecuted
1) Ishmael (born of the flesh) persecuted Isaac (born according to promise)
2) Judaizing teachers (born of the flesh) persecuted Christians (born according to the Spirit)
c. The Scriptures tell what will be the end
1) The son of the slave woman (i.e., Judaizing teachers)
2) Will not inherit with the son of the free woman
d. Those in Christ
1) Are children of the free woman (heaven above)
2) Are not of the slave (present Jerusalem, with the Law of Moses)
Conclusion
1. Thus Paul illustrates why the Galatians should not heed the Judaizing teachers
a. It would be a return to slavery (to the Law of Moses)
b. It would be turning their back on the Spirit who conceived them – Titus 3:5-7
c. It would be turning away from the promises of heaven – Hebrews 12: 22-25
2. Our threat today might not be from Judaizing teachers
a. But there are those who would have us turn away from Christ
1) Voices in the world
2) False religions
3) False Brethren
b. The end result would be the same
1) A return to slavery – cf. John 8:31-34
2) Falling short of receiving the promises – Hebrews 4: 11
3. Only by remaining in Christ can we be the free children of promise, with Jerusalem above as our true mother…! – Revelation 2:10c
Hebrews 11:11 “By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.”
Hebrews 11:12 “Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.”
Hebrews 4:11 “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”
Revelation 2:10 “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 04:16-20 True Friends and False Friends
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Text: Galatians 4:16-20
Introduction
1. Friends can be a wonderful blessing
a. A source of comfort in times good and bad – Proverbs 17:17
b. A source of good counsel – Proverbs 27:9
2. It is not always easy to know who your true friends are
a. Sometimes a true friend tells you what you don’t want to hear
b. Sometimes a false friend tells you what you do want to hear
3. In writing to the Galatians, Paul found it necessary to remind them of that truth
a. As he defended the gospel of justification by faith in Christ
b. As he battled against the influence of those who sought to bind the Law of Moses
Body
I. TRUE FRIENDS SAY WHAT YOU NEED TO HEAR
A. THEY WILL TELL YOU THE TRUTH
1. Even if it makes them your enemy – Galatians 4:16
2. Even when the tone hurts – Galatians 4:20
3. Paul had been a true friend to his brethren
B. YOU NEED TRUE FRIENDS
1. When hearing the gospel of Christ
a. Who will tell you the full gospel as preached by Christ and His apostles – Mark 16:15-16
b. Not just what is popularly believed, or what may appeal to our sensitivities – Galatians 1:8-9
2. When growing in grace
a. Who will tell us of the need to grow, and the danger of apostasy – 2 Peter 3:17-18
b. Not just tickling our ears with things we enjoy hearing – 2 Timothy 4:3-4
3. When drifting from God
a. As Paul reached out to the Galatians in our text – Galatians 4:19-20
b. As Paul encouraged them to do the same to others – Galatians 6:1
4. Do we appreciate the value of such friends in our lives?
C. HEED THE WISDOM OF DAVID AND SOLOMON
1. “Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; it shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it.” – Psalm 141:5a
2. “Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored.” – Proverbs 13:18
3. “The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.” – Proverbs 15:31-32
4. “Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.” – Proverbs 25:12
5. May we always appreciate the value of true friends.
II. FALSE FRIENDS SAY WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO HEAR
A. THEY WILL TELL YOU WHAT THEY WANT
1. When it makes you on their side – Galatians 4:17
2. When you have something they want – cf. Galatians 6:12-13
3. The Judaizing teachers were not true friends of the Galatians
B. YOU NEED TO BEWARE OF FALSE FRIENDS
1. When you are being courted with zeal
a. Their motives may not be right – Galatians 4:17; cf. Romans 16:17-18
b. Their knowledge may be wrong – cf. Romans 10:1-2
2. When you are being manipulated
a. As the false teachers were trying to manipulate the Galatians – Galatians 4:17
b. A tactic first used by Satan, and since by many others – 2 Corinthians 11:3,13-15; 2 Peter 2:1-3
3. When you are pursued only in their presence
a. Paul sought their devotion even in his absence – Galatians 4:18; Philippians 1:27; 2:12
b. False friends often forget about you when they are no longer with you
4. Do we appreciate the danger of the wrong kind of friends?
C. HEED THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
1. “Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross. He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.” – Proverbs 26:23-26
2. “Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” – Proverbs 27:5-6
Conclusion
1. Many people have been led astray by the wrong kind of friends
a. Good habits have been corrupted by bad company – 1 Corinthians 15:33
b. Immature Christians have been tossed around by cunning and deceitful teachers – Ephesians 4:14
2. May we learn from the interaction between Paul and the Galatians
a. True friends say what you need to hear
b. False friends say what they want you to hear
3. Speaking of true friends, the greatest friend we can have is Jesus – John 15:13-14
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 03:15-25 The Purpose of the Law
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Text: Galatians 3:15-25
Introduction
1. In teaching they were justified by faith in Christ, Paul reminded the Galatians that
a. They received the Spirit by the hearing of faith – Galatians 3:1-5
b. The heirs of Abraham were those “of faith” – Galatians 3:6-9
c. Those of the works of the Law were under a curse – Galatians 3:10-12
d. Christ has redeemed them from the curse of the Law, that even Gentiles could now receive the promise of the Spirit through faith – Galatians 3:13-14
2. With such comments regarding the Law, Paul anticipated a likely objection
a. What purpose did the Law then serve?
b. What was its relation to the promise given to Abraham?
3. We might also ask ourselves
a. What value does the Law (Old Testament) have for us today?
b. Do we even need to study it, since we are not under the Law?
4. Such questions are easily answered, first from our text (Galatians 3:15-25), and then from other statements of Paul regarding the value of the OT.
Body
I. FOR THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL
A. WHAT IT’S PURPOSE WAS NOT
1. Not to change the promises made to Abraham – Galatians 3:15-17
a. Even a man’s covenant cannot be annulled or added to once confirmed
b. The Law which came 430 years later, cannot annul the covenant confirmed by God
2. Not to provide the promise made regarding the Seed – Galatians 3:16-18
a. To Abraham and his Seed (Christ) were the promises made
b. The Law did not make the promise of no effect, nor did it provide the inheritance regarding the Seed
B. WHAT IT’S PURPOSE WAS
1. It was added because of transgression – Galatians 3:19-23
a. for the purpose of revealing and manifesting to man his sinfulness
b. Till the Seed (Christ) should come to whom the promise was made
c. Not against the promise, but it could not provide life
d. Confined all under sin, that the promise might be given to those who believe
e. Kept them under guard, kept for the faith (Christ) afterward revealed
2. It was a tutor to lead them to Christ – Galatians 3:24-25
a. To bring them to Christ
b. Now that faith (Christ) has come, they are no longer under it
1) It came to an end when nailed to the cross – Colossians 2:14-17; Ephesians 2:14-16
2) Jews converted to Christ have died to the law – Romans 7:1-6
3) Thus it was replaced with a new covenant – Hebrews 7:18; 8:13; 9:9-10; 10:9
3. The Law was “holy”, “just”, and “good” (Romans 7:12), but it was designed to be temporary. With the coming of Christ and His New Covenant, it came to end as a system of justification (Galatians 5:4).
4. What purpose, if any, does the Law (Old Testament) serve the people of Christ today…?
II. FOR THE PEOPLE OF CHRIST
A. FOR OUR LEARNING
1. Note carefully what Paul wrote in Romans 15:4
a. Things “written before” (i.e., the OT) were “written for our learning”
b. The OT was written and preserved especially for Christians’ benefit!
c. The OT provides “patience and comfort”, that we “might have hope”!
2. The OT provides a record of God’s faithfulness, how He kept His promises:
a. To Abraham and the nation of Israel
b. To judge the wicked and avenge the righteous
c. To forgive the penitent, and protect the humble
3. As we read this history of God’s dealings with Israel, it gives us hope that God will keep His promises to us!
B. FOR OUR ADMONITION
1. Paul had just reminded the Corinthians of Israel’s fall in the wilderness 1 Corinthians 10:1-10
2. Note carefully what he says in 1 Corinthians 10:11
a. The events described may have happened to Israel
b. “They were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come”
c. Again, the OT was written and preserved especially for the benefit of Christians!
3. We should not be surprised to see how often NT writers appealed to the OT in their efforts to admonish Christians
a. As the writer of Hebrews, in exhorting Christians to remain steadfast – Hebrews 3:12-19
b. As James, in encouraging Christians to be patient in their suffering James 5:7-11
c. As Peter, in warning of false teachers and scoffers – 2 Peter 2-3
4. We need to study the OT to be reminded of the very real danger of apostasy!
C. FOR OUR WISDOM
1. Paul noted that Timothy had known the “Holy Scriptures” since childhood 2 Timothy 3:14-15
a. When Timothy was a child, the only scriptures available was the OT
b. So Paul clearly had the OT in view
2. He said the OT is “able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ”
3. How is this possible? The OT provides:
a. The fall of man and the rise of sin
b. The background and development of God’s scheme of redemption
c. Hundreds of Messianic prophecies which describe what to expect when He comes
4. One cannot hope to fully understand such books of the New Testament like:
a. Hebrews, without an understanding of the Levitical priesthood
b. Revelation, without an understanding of OT prophecy and apocalyptic literature
5. If one wishes to be wise concerning their salvation in Christ, it is imperative to study the Old Testament!
D. FOR OUR PROFIT
1. “All Scripture” includes the OT scriptures, especially in this context – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. Therefore the OT is profitable for:
a. Doctrine – such as the nature of God, man, and sin
b. Reproof and correction – the need for repentance
c. Instruction in righteousness – how to live godly lives
3. Thus the apostles frequently appealed to the OT when teaching Christians their conduct:
a. E.g., Romans 12:19-21; 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1; 9:7-10
b. E.g., James 2:20-26
c. E.g., 1 Peter 3:8-12
4. While certain aspects of justification and worship have changed, many principles of righteousness remain the same under the New Covenant
Conclusion
1. For the people of Israel, the Law served a valuable purpose
a. It helped them to understand the nature of sin, and the need for redemption
b. It guided them until the promised Seed (Christ), through Whom God blessed all nations
2. For the people of Christ, the Law continues to serve a valuable purpose
a. For our learning and admonition
b. For our wisdom and spiritual profit
While we rejoice in the salvation now offered through faith in Christ, let us never underestimate the value of studying the Old Testament. Its many examples of obedience through faith (cf. Hebrews 11:1-40) should inspire us to likewise walk in “the steps of faith”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 03:06-14, 26-29 Who Are the Heirs of Abraham?
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Text: Galatians 3:6-14, 26-29
Introduction
1. Abraham is a key figure in three of the world’s great religions
a. He is the ancestor of the Jews (Hebrews) through his son Isaac
b. Muslims regard him as the ancestor of the Arabs through Ishmael
c. Christians regard him as their spiritual father through Christ – Galatians 3:29
d. Such is truly consistent with the meaning of his name, “father of many” – Genesis 17:5
2. Central to the importance of Abraham are the promises God made to him
a. The land promise – Genesis 12:1, 7; 13:15-17
b. The nation promise – Genesis 12:2; 13:16; 17:6; 18:18
c. The seed promise – Genesis 12:3; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14
d. The fulfillment of these promises to Abraham is the theme of the Bible
3. The Bible reveals that God fulfilled these promises
a. The nation promise – via the descendants of Israel – Genesis 46:3
b. The land promise – in the days of Joshua and in the days of Solomon – Joshua 21:43-45; 23:14-15; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Chronicles 9:26
c. The seed promise – with the coming of Christ – Acts 3:25-26
4. In the early church, there were evidently some who sought to limit the seed promise
a. To those who were physical descendants of Abraham
b. Or Gentile Christians who were circumcised and kept the Law – cf. Acts 15:1,5
Body
I. THOSE WHO ARE OF FAITH
A. THEY ARE THE SONS OF ABRAHAM.
1. Just as Abraham believed God – Galatians 3:6
a. Without faith, it is impossible to please God – Hebrews 11:6
b. Abraham’s faith was accounted to him for righteousness – Genesis 15:6
2. Indeed, only those of faith are sons of Abraham – Galatians 3:7
a. This is what the seed promise had reference to – Galatians 3:8
b. It is those of faith who are blessed with believing Abraham – Galatians 3:9
3. Those who have the same kind of faith as Abraham
a. To do the works of Abraham – cf. John 8:39
b. Willing to “walk in the steps of the faith” which Abraham had – Romans 4:11-12
c. I.e., to have an obedient faith like he did – Hebrews 11:8-10
B. NOT THOSE WHO ARE OF THE WORKS OF THE LAW
1. That is, those who seek to be justified by the Law of Moses
a. As many in Israel were seeking to do – cf. Romans 9:31-32
b. They sought to establish their own righteousness – Romans 10:1-13
2. For they are under the curse of the Law – Galatians 3:10
a. The Law cursed those who did not confirm (keep) it – Deuteronomy 27:26
b. The Law also proclaimed all men to be sinners – Romans 3:10-20
3. They are not justified by the works of the Law – Galatians 3:11-12
a. As the Law itself foretold – Habakkuk 2:4
b. The Law required perfect obedience, which none could offer – Leviticus 18:5
4. It is through faith like Abraham’s that one becomes an heir of Abraham. Those who seek salvation through the works of the Law are not his true descendants. But it is more than simply faith; it is faith in the right Person.
II. THOSE WHOM CHRIST HAS REDEEMED
A. THEY ARE REDEEMED FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW
1. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law
a. He became a curse for us by dying on the tree – Galatians 3:13
b. He bore our sins in His own body on the tree – 1 Peter 2:24
2. Thus He offers redemption
a. From every lawless deed – Titus 2:14
b. Through His blood, providing the forgiveness of sins – Ephesians 1:7
B. THEY ARE RECIPIENTS OF THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM
1. Even Gentiles, in Christ Jesus – Galatians 3:14
a. As indicated in the promise to Abraham (“all the families of the earth”) – Genesis 12:3
b. As indicated in the promise to Abraham (“in your seed”) – Genesis 22:16; Galatians 3:16
2. They have received the promise of the Spirit – Galatians 3:14
a. The Spirit Jesus promised to those who believe- cf. John 7:37-39
b. Which Paul reminded the Galatians they had received through faith – cf. Galatians 3:2
3. The heirs of Abraham are those who have been redeemed by Christ and made recipients of the blessing promised to Abraham (which included receiving the Spirit). Closely connected to this is Paul’s point at the end of the chapter (Galatians 3:26-29), that the true heirs of Abraham are:
III. THOSE WHO HAVE BECOME SONS OF GOD
A. THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS
1. We become sons of God through faith in Christ – Galatians 3:26
a. Faith in Jesus as the Messiah – John 8:24; 6:69
b. Believing that He died for our sins – 1 Corinthians 15:1-2
c. Faith in His resurrection from the dead – Romans 10:9
2. A privilege offered to those who believe in Jesus – cf. John 1:12
a. Those who believe are given the right to become children of God
b. How their faith leads them to become children of God is explained in Galatians 3:27
B. THROUGH BAPTISM INTO CHRIST
1. We become sons of God through faith, through our baptism into Christ Galatians 3:27
a. Note carefully the conjunction “for”
b. Paul explains how they became children of God by faith in Christ
c. It was when they put Christ on in baptism
2. For in baptism one is buried with Christ, crucified with Christ, and raised to live with Him – Romans 6:3-8
a. In baptism we are united with Christ
b. In baptism we are thus “clothed” with Christ (put Him on)
Conclusion
1. Who, then, are the heirs of Abraham, heirs of the promise made regarding his seed?
a. Those who are of faith, walking in the steps of faith like Abraham did
b. Those whom Christ has redeemed, recipients of the promise of the Spirit
c. Those who have become sons of God through faith in Christ, having clothed themselves with Christ in baptism
2. The heirs of Abraham regarding the seed promise are not those
a. Who claim to be so because of their lineage through Isaac or Ishmael
b. Who seek salvation through keeping the Law of Moses
3. Rather, as aptly summarized in the words of Paul himself:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.” – Galatians 3:28-29
4. Are you in Christ, having been baptized into Christ and in so doing “put on Christ”? If so, then you are blessed to be a true heir of Abraham according to the promise…!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 03:01-05 Bewitched and Fooled
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Text: Galatians 3:1-5
Introduction
1. When Paul wrote of his concern to the churches in Galatia
a. He described them as “foolish” – Galatians 3:1, 3
1) For seeking to be perfected by the flesh – via circumcision
2) For suffering many things in vain, as their salvation was endangered – Galatians 5:4-8
b. He wondered if they had been “bewitched” – Galatians 3:1
1) A word (baskaino) which means “to be fascinated” (Strong), “charmed”
2) Led astray by charming misrepresentations
c. He sought to reason with them – Galatians 3:1-5
1) Was not Christ clearly portrayed to them as crucified?
2) Had they not received the Spirit by the hearing of faith rather than by the works of the Law?
3) Had not the One who supplied the Spirit done so through the hearing of faith?
2. Could we face similar dangers today…?
a. Might someone bewitch and fool us through false representations?
b. Should we not be led by calm reasoning rather than fascinating claims?
Body
I. A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER
A. DANGER CLEARLY DECLARED
1. Jesus and John warned of false prophets – Matthew 7:15; 1 John 4:1
2. Paul warned of false apostles, ministers of Satan – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
3. He warned of being cheated through philosophy and principles of the world – Colossians 2:8
4. He warned of some departing from the faith- 1 Timothy 4:1-3
5. He warned of being turned aside to fables – 2 Timothy 4:3-4
6. Peter warned of false teachers with destructive heresies, by covetousness exploiting with deceptive words – 2 Peter 2:1-3
7. Such warnings clearly confirm the danger of being bewitched and fooled
B. DANGER CLEARLY PRESENT
1. We are beleaguered by traditions of men (e.g., Catholicism and denominationalism)
2. We are assaulted by philosophies of men (e.g., humanism, secularism, postmodernism)
3. We are allured by false teachers who appeal to greed (e.g., gospel of health and wealth)
4. We are challenged by false doctrines denying God and Jesus (e.g., evolution, the ‘Jesus Seminar’)
5. We are assailed by changing trends (easy divorce, same-sex marriage)
6. The world has clearly been bewitched and fooled”; what about us?
7. Yes, there is “a clear and present danger” that we face today. If we are to avoid being bewitched and fooled”, then consider our text.
II. THE SOLUTION
A. REMEMBER WHAT HAS BEEN CLEARLY PORTRAYED
1. Jesus and Him crucified – Galatians 3:1
a. Proclaimed by the apostles – 1 Corinthians 1:23-24; 2:2
b. Proclaimed in the Lord’s Supper – 1 Corinthians 11:26
2. Never forget that Jesus was crucified for our sins
a. Thus the Law of Moses with its works (e.g., circumcision) can’t save us
b. Nor can any doctrine which denies God and the need for Jesus’ death
3. There is no other gospel that can save us – Romans 1:16; Galatians 1:8-9
B. REMEMBER HOW ONE RECEIVES THE SPIRIT
1. It is by the hearing of faith – Galatians 3:2
a. Promised to those who believe, repent and are baptized – John 7:37-39; Acts 2:38
b. Given to those who are the children of God – Galatians 4:6
2. Never forget that our spiritual lives began in the Spirit – Galatians 3:3
a. We are born of the Spirit – John 3:5; Titus 3:5
b. We are strengthened by the Spirit in the inner man – Ephesians 3:16
3. There is no other means by which we can grow as Christians – Romans 8:9-14
C. REMEMBER WHO SUPPLIED THE SPIRIT AND WORKED MIRACLES
1. It was God – Galatians 3:5
a. Who poured out the Spirit abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior – Titus 3:6
b. Who bore witness by the signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit – Hebrews 2:4
2. Never forget that God bore witness to Christ and His apostles – Hebrews 2:3
a. Miracles confirmed those sent out by the Lord – cf. Mark 16:19-20
b. What miracles have been done by false teachers, foolish professors, pompous theologians who would mislead us today?
3. There is no other way to know the will and word of God other than through the apostles of Jesus Christ – 1 John 4:5-6
Conclusion
1. Many people today have been bewitched and fooled
a. Evidenced by the many different religions
b. Exhibited by the rapidly changing moral standards
c. Too many people are being misled so they do not obey the truth
2. If we desire not to be bewitched and fooled
a. Then follow Jesus who was crucified for our sins
b. Listen to Him and His apostles with “the hearing of faith”
3. Only then can we be sure to “know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:31-32
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 02:20-21 The Life Which I Now Live
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Text: Galatians 2:20-21
Introduction
1. Much that we know of the Christian life is dependent upon the apostle Paul
a. Who wrote half the books of the New Testament?
b. His conduct and attitudes are set before us as an example – 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17
c. But what principles governed Paul’s life as a Christian?
2. In our text we find Paul expressing some of the principles – Galatians 2:20-21
a. That guided his life as a disciple of Christ
b. As he speaks of “the life which I now live in the flesh”
3. What kind of life was that? Are we governed by the same principles?
4. Notice first of all that Paul says his life which he lived in the flesh was
Body
I. A LIFE CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST (Galatians 2:20a)
A. HOW IS “CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST” POSSIBLE…?
1. We can’t go back in time and join Christ on the cross!
2. But we can be united with Christ in His death when we are baptized! – Romans 6:3-8
3. Note that baptism into Christ is
a. A baptism into His death – Romans 6:3-4
b. Being united together in the likeness of His death – Romans 6:5
c. Crucifying our old man with Christ – Romans 6:6
d. Dying together with Christ – Romans 6:8
4. If we have been baptized into Christ, we can say together with Paul: “I have been crucified with Christ”
B. WHAT DOES “CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST” MEAN…?
1. For some it means a death “to the Law” – Galatians 2:19
a. Paul wrote of himself as a Jew who was at one time under the Law of Moses
b. Those who have been crucified with Christ have died to the Law – Romans 7:1-6
2. For all it means a death “to self” – Galatians 2:20
a. “It is no longer I who live”
b. As Jesus taught, we must be willing to deny self to follow Him – Luke 9:23-24
3. For all it means we have crucified “the flesh” – Galatians 5:24
a. Which occurred in principle at our baptism – Romans 6:6, 11-14
b. Which occurs in practice as we continue to “put to death” the deeds of the body – Romans 8:12-13; Colossians 3:5- 9
4. For all it means we have been crucified “to the world” – Galatians 6:14
a. Before our obedience to Christ, we were in bondage to the rudiments of the world – Galatians 4:3, 9
b. But now, Christ is our rule and authority in life – Colossians 2:8-10, 20-22; 3:17
5. Any external (Law, world) or internal (self, flesh) controls have now surrendered to the authority of Christ
6. One who has been baptized into Christ and is letting Jesus be his or her authority in all things is living a “life crucified with Christ”. But note that Paul also wrote “the life which I now live” is:
II. A LIFE IN WHICH CHRIST LIVES IN ME (Galatians 2:20b)
A. HOW DOES CHRIST LIVE IN ME…?
1. It is like electricity
a. I may not comprehend how it works
b. But I know how to get it working!
2. We are taught how to make sure that He will abide in us
a. By Jesus Himself – John 14:21-23; 15:9-10
b. By His beloved disciple John – 1 John 3:24
3. As we keep the commandments of Christ, we are assured that He lives in us!
B. WHAT BENEFITS COME FROM CHRIST LIVING IN US…?
1. The wonderful love of the Father and the Son – John 14:21
2. There is fullness of joy – John 15:11
3. There is peace, even in the midst of tribulation – John 16:33
4. There is the hope of being with Jesus and beholding His glory – John 17:24
5. These are just a few of the many blessings of a life in which Christ lives in us!
III. A LIFE LIVING BY FAITH IN CHRIST (Galatians 2:20c)
A. WHAT IS LIVING BY FAITH IN CHRIST…?
1. The word ‘faith’ implies trust
2. Living by faith in Christ means constantly trusting in Jesus
a. E.g., for the forgiveness of our sins
1) Trusting in His blood to cleanse us from our sins – 1 John 1:7, 9
2) Trusting in Him as our Advocate – 1 John 2:1
3) Trusting in Him as our Propitiation – 1 John 2:4
b. E.g., that His words will provide a solid foundation for our lives – Mathew 7:24-25
c. E.g., that He will never forsake us – Mathew 28:20
3. Trusting in Jesus, not in self, not in the Law, not in the world!
B. WHY SHOULD WE SO TRUST JESUS…?
1. Because He loves us! – cf. Galatians 2:20
2. Because He gave Himself for us! – Galatians 2:20
3. Shall He not do more if we continue to trust Him? – Romans 8:34-39
4. Such love naturally compels one to live a life of faith in Him – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
5. Does such love should compel us to trust in Jesus, living by faith in Him?
IV. A LIFE WHICH DOES NOT SET ASIDE GOD’S GRACE (Galatians 2:21)
A. WE MUST DILIGENTLY KEEP JESUS’ COMMANDMENTS
1. As a true indication of our love for Him – John 14:15
2. As a true indication that we really know Him – 1 John 2:3
3. One cannot ignore the commandments of the Lord
B. YET WITHOUT GOD’S GRACE, ALL IS VAIN
1. We cannot nor dare not try to earn or merit our salvation – Titus 3:4-5; Ephesians 2:8-9
2. After all is said and done, we are still unworthy servants – Luke 17:10
3. If not for the grace of God:
a. Our faith would be useless
b. Our repentance would meaningless
c. Our baptism would be fruitless
d. Our salvation would be impossible!
4. And so, from beginning to end
a. We must look to God and the Word of His grace
b. We must trust in His mercy offered through Jesus
c. We are totally dependent upon Jesus and His death on the cross for any degree of true righteousness
5. If we think we have earned or merited salvation on our own, Christ died in vain!
Conclusion
1. Such was the life Paul lived in the flesh
a. A life crucified with Christ
b. A life in which Christ lived in Him
c. A life living by faith in Christ
d. A life that did not set aside the grace of God
2. Can the same be said of us…?
a. Have we been crucified with Christ (in baptism)?
b. Is Christ living in us (manifested by keeping His commandments)?
c. Are you living by faith in Christ (trusting His blood, His Word)?
d. Are you always trusting in the grace of God (not your own goodness or obedience)?
3. May the words of Paul move us to live the kind of lives becoming of those who call themselves Christians!
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” – Galatians 2:20-21
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 02:06-19 Paul and Peter
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Text: Galatians 2:6-19
Introduction
1. Paul’s defends his apostleship in Galatians by recounting
a. His limited contact with the other apostles, in particular Peter – Galatians 1:11-24
b. Two episodes when he met with the apostles, especially Peter – Galatians 2:1-21
2. The relationship between Paul and Peter has often been misrepresented
a. That Peter had primacy over Paul (Catholicism)
b. That they had doctrinal differences (Criticism)
3. The Biblical evidence shows otherwise. Both in Galatians and elsewhere in the Scriptures, we note their equality and respect for one another.
Body
I. PAUL’S VISIT TO JERUSALEM
A. THE OCCASION
1. Paul, Barnabas and Titus had gone to Jerusalem by revelation – Galatians 2:1-2
a. Likely the visit to Jerusalem described in Acts 15:2-4
b. Though some think it may have occurred earlier – Acts 11:29-30; 12:25
2. Paul withstood pressure by false teachers – Galatians 2:2-5
a. In a private meeting, he spoke with those “of reputation” (Peter? James? John?)
b. False brethren sought to compel Titus to be circumcised
c. Paul refused to yield to their demands
3. Paul met with Peter, James, and John, who “seemed to be pillars” – Galatians 2:6, 9
B. THE OUTCOME
1. With those “who seemed to be something” (James, Cephas, John) – Galatians 2:6-10
a. They added nothing to Paul (made no demands, gave no instructions or authority)
b. They saw that Paul had been given the gospel to the uncirmcumcision
c. Paul recognized God’s effective work in Peter’s ministry and Peter’s apostleship to the circumcision
d. James, Cephas (Peter) and John perceived the grace given to Paul
e. They extended the right hand of fellowship to Paul
f. They asked only that Paul remember the poor, which he was eager to do
2. Of the meeting together with all the apostles and elders at Jerusalem – Acts 15:6-29
a. Peter related his preaching to the Gentiles, and their salvation without circumcision
b. Paul and Barnabas related their ministry and God’s working among the Gentiles
c. James offered scriptural support, and then a letter to which all agreed
d. The letter confirmed the ministry of “beloved Barnabas and Paul”
3. Paul’s visit to Jerusalem certainly illustrated that he and Peter were in doctrinal agreement regarding the gospel they preached.
II. PETER’S VISIT TO ANTIOCH
A. THE OCCASION
1. Peter played the hypocrite – Galatians 2:11-13
a. He had come to Antioch (some think this was during Acts 15:1; others think it was later)
b. At first he ate with the Gentiles
c. After certain men came from James, Peter withdrew and separated himself
d. He feared those of the circumcision
e. His actions encouraged other Jews to be hypocrites, even Barnabas
2. Paul confronted Peter – Galatians 2:11, 14-19
a. He withstood Peter to his face, because he was to be blamed
b. He rebuked Peter before them all, showing him to be inconsistent
c. Paul’s gospel (justification by faith in Christ, not by the works of the Law) vindicated by Peter, who normally lived like a Gentile himself – cf. Peter also, in Acts 15:7-11
B. THE OUTCOME
1. Paul’s equality with Peter demonstrated – Galatians 2:11,14
a. Paul had the authority to withstand him to his face
b. Paul had the authority to charge him with hypocrisy before all
2. Peter’s respect for Paul undiminished – 2 Peter 3:15-16
a. Peter later described Paul as “our beloved brother Paul”
b. Peter acknowledged the wisdom given to Paul
c. Peter recognized Paul’s epistles as “Scriptures”
3. Peter’s visit to Antioch was not a happy occasion, but it did provide an opportunity to illustrate the equality of Peter and Paul, and that despite Peter’s momentary lapse, his overall life demonstrated that his gospel was the same as Paul’s.
III. LESSONS FROM PAUL AND PETER
A. THE COURAGE OF PAUL
1. We note the courage manifested by Paul in Jerusalem and Antioch
a. Refusing to concede to pressure by false brethren
b. Standing alone with even your closest brethren are led astray
c. Having to rebuke a respected brother in Christ
2. Paul’s courage was motivated by faithfulness
a. Faithfulness to the Lord whom he served
b. Faithfulness to the gospel of which he was not ashamed – Romans 1:16
B. THE HUMILITY OF PETER
1. We note the humility manifested by Peter in his last epistle
a. Not holding a grudge against Paul for his public rebuke
b. Willing to publicly acknowledge Paul’s wisdom given by inspiration
2. Peter’s humility was motivated by love
a. Love for a brother in Christ
b. Love consistent with what he himself taught others – 1 Peter 3:8-9
Conclusion
1. The relationship between Paul and Peter illustrates the power of Christ
a. To turn persecutor and persecuted into coworkers for the gospel
b. To help brethren at odds work through their problems to become brethren beloved
2. While Paul and Peter had a different focus in their respective ministries
a. They served the same Lord, preached the same gospel
b. One was not superior to the other, they were fellow-apostles in the kingdom of God
3. Rather than trying to find some perceived ‘rift’ between two faithful apostles, may we use their examples to motivate us in our service to the Lord and to one another
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 02:01-05 Circumcision and the Gospel
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Text: Galatians 2:1-5
Introduction
1. Paul’s primary purpose in writing to the Galatians was to defend
a. His apostleship – Galatians 1:1
b. His gospel – Galatians 1:11-12
2. In doing so, he recounts a meeting that took place in Jerusalem, in which
a. He, Barnabas, and Titus attended – Galatians 2:1
b. He had the opportunity to relate the gospel he preached – Galatians 2:2
c. Some tried to compel Titus (a Greek) to be circumcised – Galatians 2:3-5
3. The issue of circumcision and the gospel was a major concern in the first century
a. Did Gentiles who became Christians have to be circumcised as per the Law?
b. The question preoccupied many churches, and much of Paul’s ministry
4. While the issue was resolved sufficiently that it is rarely a problem today, there are important lessons to be learned from a study of “Circumcision and the Gospel”.
Body
I. THE PRACTICE OF CIRCUMCISION
A. IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. As a sign of a covenant, it began with Abraham – Genesis 17:9-14, 23-27; Romans 4:11
2. It continued with Isaac, Jacob and his sons – Genesis 21:4; 34:14-17
3. Moses circumcised his sons, and gave the ordinance to Israel – Exodus 4:26;
4. It was required to observe the Passover – Exodus 12:48
5. Male children were to be circumcised the eighth day – Leviticus 12:1-3
6. The Jews born in the wilderness had not been circumcised, but were after they crossed the Jordan River – Joshua 5:1-8
B. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
1. John the Baptist was circumcised as an infant – Luke 1:59
2. Jesus was likewise circumcised on the eighth day – Luke 2:21
3. It became an issue when the gospel was first preached to Gentiles – Acts 11:1-3
4. It was the focus of controversy in Antioch and Jerusalem – Acts 15:1-2, 4-6
5. Paul had Timothy circumcised – Acts 16:1-3
6. It was rumored that Paul taught Jews not to be circumcised – Acts 21:18-21
7. It was certainly a frequent subject in Paul’s epistles
a. To the Romans – Romans 2:25-29; 3:1,30; 4:9-12; 15:8
b. To the Corinthians – 1 Corinthians 7:18-19
c. Especially to the Galatians – Galatians 2:1-9, 12; 5:2-6,11; 6:12-15
d. Mentioned in Ephesians – Ephesians 2:11
e. Also to the Colossians – Colossians 2:11; 3:11; 4:11
8. Because of the role of circumcision in Israel’s history, and its significance in early history of the church, it is important that we properly understand it in relation to:
II. THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL
A. PHYSICAL CIRCUMCISION NOT REQUIRED
1. Evidenced by the conversion of Cornelius and his family – Acts 10:44-48; 11:17- 18
2. Confirmed at that conference in Jerusalem – Acts 15:7-21
3. Proclaimed by the letter sent by the apostles and elders – Acts 15:22-31
4. Expounded upon by Paul in his letters – Romans 4:8-12; 1 Corinthians 7:19; Galatians 5:1-6; 6:15
B. SPIRITUAL CIRCUMCISION NOW AVAILABLE
1. A circumcision made without hands, in which sins are cut away – Colossians 2:11
2. Which occurs when we buried with Christ in baptism, then raised with Him – Colossians 2:12
3. When God makes us alive with Christ, forgiving our sins – Colossians 2:13
4. The physical rite of circumcision has become a matter of indifference to God, though it can be used and misused. From both the practice of circumcision and the truth of the gospel as revealed in the Bible, let’s summarize.
III. THE LESSONS FROM CIRCUMCISION
A. RITUAL ALONE NOT ADEQUATE…
1. This was true even when circumcision was required of Israel
2. God desired circumcision of the heart as well as of the flesh – Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4
3. Paul explained that the true Jew was the one circumcised in heart – Romans 2:28-29
4. The same is true of baptism; it must be accompanied with faith and repentance – Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:36-37; Colossians 2:12
B. THE LAW HAS PASSED AWAY
1. Jesus said not one jot or tittle of the Law would pass until all was fulfilled – Matthew 5:17-18
2. Circumcision was required by the Law – Exodus 12:48; Leviticus 12:1-3
3. If circumcision is no longer binding, the change implies the passing away of the Law
4. A similar point is made with reference to the priesthood of Christ – Hebrews 7:12-19
C. ‘EVERLASTING’ MAY NOT MEAN ‘LASTING FOREVER’
1. Circumcision was described as the sign of an ‘everlasting covenant’ – Genesis 17:10-14
2. In the case of circumcision, ‘everlasting’ (Heb., olam) did not mean ‘lasting forever’
a. BDB defines olam as “long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, ever more, perpetual, old, ancient, world”
b. The Complete Word Study Dictionary defines olam as “meaning a very long time.”
c. “The term also applies to many things associated with God, such as His decrees, His covenants, and the Messiah (Genesis 9:16; Exodus 12:14; Micah 5:2).”
3. If ‘everlasting’ always meant ‘lasting forever’, then we should still be observing:
a. The Passover – Exodus 12:14
b. The Feast of Unleavened Bread – Exodus 12:17
c. The priesthood of Aaron – Exodus 29:9
d. The Sabbath – Exodus 31:16-17
e. The sacrifices, with their portions for the priests – Leviticus 6:18; 7:34-36; 10:15
f. Fasting and animal sacrifices on the Day of Atonement – Leviticus 16:29-34
g. The Feast of Tabernacles – Leviticus 23:39-42
h. …and many other elements of the Law described as ‘everlasting ordinances’
4. From the context of the Scriptures, one discerns when ‘everlasting’ means ‘lasting forever’
5. Since circumcision is no longer binding, we should not be surprised such is true with other elements of the Law – cf. Colossians 2:16-17; Hebrews 9:10
D. WHEN TRADITION BECOMES SINFUL
1. Paul did not hesitate to use the tradition of circumcision when expedient – Acts 16:3
a. The same with other Jewish traditions – Acts 18:18,21
b. Even some that involved animal sacrifices – Acts 21:18-26
2. Yet he opposed circumcision (and other elements of the Law) when people attempted to:
a. Bind it on Gentiles, as in the case of Titus – Galatians 2:3-5
b. Use it for the purpose of justification – Galatians 5:2-4
3. Thus Jesus also condemned traditions of men when they:
a. Are taught as commandments to be bound on others – Mark 7:6-7
b. By their observance prevent keeping the commandments of God – Mark 7:8-13
4. Under the right circumstances, traditions may be observed – cf. Romans 14:5-6
Conclusion
1. The issue of circumcision may seem antiquated and unimportant
a. It certainly is not one of the ‘hot issues’ of our day
b. Yet lessons learned from studying the issue can be very helpful
2. Understanding the issue of circumcision can help us preserve the truth of the gospel
a. We are saved by an obedient faith in Christ, not by keeping the Law of Moses
b. The Law as a system of justification came to an end at the cross of Christ
c. Elements of the Law, such as circumcision, the Passover, Sabbath, etc., are not binding today
d. Traditions of the Law might be observed on a personal level, but it is a sin to base one’s salvation on them, or to bind them on other people
3. While circumcision of the flesh is nonessential, the circumcision ‘without hands’ is certainly necessary if we are to have our sins ‘cut away’ Colossians 2:11-13
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 01:11-24 Paul’s Remarkable Conversion – powerpoint
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Galatians-01-11-24-Pauls-Remarkable-Conversion.pdf
Galatians-01-11-24-Pauls-Remarkable-Conversion.pptx
Text: Galatians 1:11-24
Introduction
1. In writing to the churches in Galatia, Paul set out to prove that
a. His apostleship came from Jesus, not man – Galatians 1:1
b. His gospel came by revelation from Jesus, not man – Galatians 1:11-12
2. In doing so, he revealed remarkable facts about his conversion
a. Which not only substantiates his claims regarding his gospel and apostleship
b. But also provides evidence for our faith in Jesus as the Son of God
3. The latter half of the first chapter of Galatians reveals pertinent facts concerning Paul
Body
I. BEFORE AND AFTER HIS CONVERSION
A. BEFORE HIS CONVERSION
1. He persecuted the church – Galatians 1:13
a. In Jerusalem – Acts 8:1-3
b. And beyond – Acts 9:1-2
c. Something he believed he ought to do – Acts 26:9-11
2. He was advancing in Judaism – Galatians 1:14
a. As a scholar, trained at the feet of Gamaliel – Acts 22:3; cf. 5:34
b. In social standing, advancing beyond many of his contemporaries
1) Holding positions of religious power – Acts 26:12
2) Which likely included access to financial power
c. He was on the ‘fast track’ of success among his peers!
3. He was zealous for his ancestral and religious traditions – Galatians 1:14
a. Proud to be a Hebrew – Philippians 3:4-5
b. Proud to be a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee – Philippians 3:5; Acts 23:6
1) A conservative sect of the Jews – Acts 26:4-5
2) Noted for their opposition to Jesus during His ministry Matthew 12:14
c. With such a religious background, he was naturally prejudiced against Jesus – Acts 26:9
B. AFTER HIS CONVERSION
1. He had limited contact with the apostles – Galatians 1:15-20
a. He did not see them for three years after his conversion
b. Even then, it was for was for just fifteen days – cf. Acts 9:26-30
c. Even then, he saw only Peter, and James the Lord’s brother
2. He was unknown by face to the churches of Judea – Galatians 1:21-24
a. He spent ten years in Syria and Cilicia – cf. Acts 9:30
b. Those in Judea only heard about him
c. Though they came to glorify God in him – cf. Acts 9:31
II. EXPLANATIONS FOR HIS CONVERSION
A. PERHAPS THERE WAS AN ULTERIOR MOTIVE
1. Could it have been wealth?
a. He had that with the Jews
b. He left it for the poverty of following Christ – 1 Corinthians 4:11-12; Acts 20:33-34
2. Could it have been fame?
a. He had that with the Jews
b. Consider what he experienced as a Christian – 1 Corinthians 4:10,13
1) Regarded as foolish and weak, even by other Christians
2) Viewed as the filth of the world by those in the world
3. Could it have been power?
a. He had that with the Jews
b. Compare this with what he suffered as a Christian – 2 Corinthians 11:24-28
4. Indeed, no ulterior motive can be found to explain Paul’s conversion
B. PERHAPS HE WAS DECEIVED
1. Then who deceived him?
a. Friends would not, for he was their champion against the Christians
b. Christians could not, because of his persecution against them
1) Putting them into prison, chasing them into other towns – Acts 8:3; 9:1-2
2) Even after his conversion, many feared him – cf. Acts 9:26
2. His testimony does not allow for the possibility of deception
a. He claimed to receive his gospel from Jesus, not man – Galatians 1:11-12
b. He claimed to see Jesus raised from the dead – 1 Corinthians 15:8
3. The empirical nature of his testimony precludes the possibility of deception
C. PERHAPS HE WAS MAD
1. Such was the conclusion of Festus, the governor – Acts 26:24
2. Others have tried to explain his conversion in psychological terms
a. That his intense persecution of Christians gave him a guilt-ridden conscience
b. That combined with the heat on the road to Damascus, he became delirious and only thought he saw Jesus!
3. Yet consider the testimony of Paul
a. He had a clear conscience regarding persecuting the Christians – Acts 23:1
1) It was something he thought he should do – Acts 26:9
2) He did it out of ignorance, for which he knew he received mercy – 1 Timothy 1:13
b. He said he saw Jesus more than once
1) Not just on the road to Damascus!
2) But on other occasions as well – Acts 18:9-10; 22:17-21; 23:11; 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
4. Read his epistles, do they seem like letters written by a mad man?
D. THE ONLY PLAUSIBLE EXPLANATION: HE SAW JESUS!
1. The explanation given by Paul himself
a. Before the Jerusalem mob – Acts 22:1-16
b. Before King Agrippa and Festus the governor – cf. Acts 26:12-23
2. It is the only explanation that explains his conversion
a. Why he was willing to forego wealth, fame, and power
b. Why he was willing to suffer poverty, shame, and persecution
3. As he said “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision…” – Acts 26:19
Conclusion
1. “Paul’s Remarkable Conversion” is best explained by
a. His own testimony that it was the resurrected Jesus who appeared to him
b. Not once, but continuously throughout the rest of his life
c. Serving as one of the greatest evidences for the resurrection of Jesus!
2. What will you do with Paul’s remarkable conversion?
a. If you do not yet believe in Jesus, may it spark further investigation into the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ!
b. If you already believe in Jesus, may it move you to glorify God! – Galatians 1:24
3. One of the best ways to glorify God is to give heed to the words of His servant Paul
a. Who would have us come to know and obey the One he saw on the road to Damascus
b. Who has written of the true life and liberty that Jesus offers to all who believe and obey
4. Through such evidence as Paul’s remarkable conversion, God has given testimony to the resurrection of Jesus. Have you responded to this evidence with the obedience of faith?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 01:06-10 Perversions of the Gospel
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Text: Galatians 1:6-10
Introduction
1. As soon as Paul began his epistle to the Galatians, he expressed concern
a. Marveling they were turning so soon to a different gospel – Galatians 1:6
b. Letting themselves be troubled by some perverting the gospel of Christ – Galatians 1:7
2. It is important to know the difference between the pure gospel and perverted gospels
a. To accept a different gospel is to be accursed – Galatians 1:8-9
b. To not obey the true gospel is to face condemnation – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8
3. Today we need to be just as concerned about “Perversions of the Gospel”. Are we aware of how some have perverted the gospel of Christ?
Body
I. THE GOSPEL OF FAITH PLUS THE LAW
A. THIS PERVERSION EXPLAINED
1. This ‘gospel’ was the problem Paul faced in his day
2. Some Jewish Christians demanded that Gentiles had to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses as well as obey the gospel of Christ – Acts 15:1-5; Galatians 2:1-5
B. THIS PERVERSION REFUTED
1. At the council in Jerusalem – Acts 15:22-31
2. In the epistle to the Galatians – Galatians 5:1-6
3. In other epistles of Paul (e.g., Romans, Colossians)
4. Note carefully that those who seek to be justified by the Law fall from grace (Galatians 5:4). This illustrates the danger of accepting a perverted gospel.
II. THE GOSPEL OF WORKS WITHOUT FAITH
A. THIS PERVERSION EXPLAINED
1. This ‘gospel’ developed later in the course of church history
2. It exalted the efficacy of certain ordinances to the exclusion of faith
3. Thus some believed you could baptize others without the need of faith
a. Such as infant baptism
b. Such as infidel baptism (e.g., at the point of a sword)
B. THIS PERVERSION REFUTED
1. Faith is essential to pleasing God and our salvation – Hebrews 11:6
2. Repentance of sins and faith in Christ are prerequisites to baptism – Acts 2:38; 8:35-37
3. It is faith in the working of God that results in rising to a new life – Colossians 2:12-13
III. THE GOSPEL OF GOOD WORKS ONLY
A. THIS PERVERSION EXPLAINED
1. Many have the idea that as long as you are a basically ‘good person’, you will be saved
2. Especially if your ‘good deeds’ outnumber or outweigh your ‘bad deeds’
3. Thus a good moral person, especially if religious, is assumed to be saved
B. THIS PERVERSION REFUTED
1. Good moral people, even devout, are in need of salvation
a. Cornelius was a good, moral, devout man – Acts 10:1-6
b. Yet he needed to be saved – Acts 11:14
2. Many examples of conversion in Acts involved religiously devout people
a. The 3000 on the day of Pentecost – Acts 2:5
b. The Ethiopian eunuch – Acts 8:27
c. Lydia of Thyatira – Acts 16:14
d. Paul – Acts 22:3
3. We cannot be saved by our good works – Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7
IV. THE GOSPEL OF FAITH ONLY
A. THIS PERVERSION EXPLAINED
1. This ‘gospel’ proclaims that one is saved by “faith only”
2. I.e., no obedience is required, especially not baptism
3. An overreaction to salvation by works without faith, or to the gospel of good works
B. THIS PERVERSION REFUTED
1. The gospel of Christ requires obedience
a. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him – Hebrews 5:9
b. Paul proclaimed what he called “the obedience of faith” – Romans 1:5; 16:25-26
c. Paul and Peter warned of those who obeyed not the gospel – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 1 Peter 4:17
d. We are not saved by “faith only” – cf. James 2:17,20,24,26
2. Many fail to distinguish between different kinds of works
a. Works of the Law (of Moses), by which one is not justified – Galatians 2:16
b. Meritorious works, done to earn salvation, which is impossible – Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7
c. Works of God, commanded of us to please Him – John 6:28-29
3. Works of God are done, not to earn salvation
a. Faith in Jesus is a work of God – John 6:29
b. Repentance of sins is a work of God – Acts 17:30
c. Confessing Jesus is a a work of God – Romans 10:9-10
d. Such works in of themselves do not save us – Luke 17:10
4. So baptism is a work of God, not a work of man
a. Commanded by Jesus and His apostles – Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16
b. In which God does the work of saving – Colossians 2:11-12; Titus 3:5
c. In which we put on Christ – Galatians 3:26-27
d. Which, when obeyed, causes others to thank God – Romans 6:17-18; 6:3-7
Conclusion
1. There have been other perverted gospels
a. Such as Gnosticism, which denied Jesus coming in the flesh
b. Such as Mormonism, which proclaims a different gospel based upon ‘angelic revelation’
2. We need to be careful to receive the gospel preached by the apostles
a. Even angelic revelations are to be rejected if different from what the apostles’ preached
b. Otherwise we will be accursed
3. The pure gospel of Christ may not be popular, but who are we trying to please?
a. If it is men, then we are not true servants of Christ – Galatians 1:10
b. If it is the majority, we are on the wrong path – Matthew 7:13-14
4. Is the gospel you heard, received, and obeyed, the same gospel proclaimed by the apostles of Jesus Christ? – Acts 2:36-41; 8:35-38
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 01:03-05 Deliverance from an Evil Age – powerpoint
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Galatians-01-03-05-Deliverance-from-an-Evil-Age.pdf
Galatians-01-03-05-Deliverance-from-an-Evil-Age.pptx
Text: Galatians 1:3-5
Introduction
1. Paul’s greeting to the churches of Galatia (Galatians 1:3) contains words of grace and peace
a. From God the Father
b. And our Lord Jesus Christ
2. As an illustration of such grace and peace, Paul continues in Galatians 1:4
a. “who gave Himself for our sins” (grace!)
b. “that He might deliver us from this present evil age” (peace!)
3. I would like to direct our attention to the latter phrase
a. Undoubtedly we have heard much about Jesus dying for our sins
b. But what of this idea of delivering us from an evil age?
4. The word “age” (aion) as used here means “period of time”
a. Paul has in mind the present period of time
b. Paul views this time as evil – cf. Ephesians 5:16; 6:13
5. Do we take seriously the evil of this age? Do we appreciate the deliverance that Jesus provides?
Body
I. THE EVIL OF THIS PRESENT AGE
A. EVIL IN PAUL’S DAY
1. Paul described the sins of those in his day – Romans 1:18-32
a. Against whom the wrath of God was coming
b. For denying the Creator and suppressing the truth
c. Given up to their own vile passions, they fell into depravity
d. They were filled with all sorts of unrighteousness
2. He called such sins ‘the works of the flesh’ – Galatians 5:19-21
a. Sins that are evident (to those not blinded by them)
b. Sins unrepented of that will keep one out of the kingdom of heaven – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
B. EVIL IN OUR DAY
1. Today, many think lightly of such things as: fornication, adultery, divorce
2. One is considered enlightened when they support: abortion, homosexuality, same -sex marriage
3. More and more our culture is accepting: lasciviousness, pornography, drug abuse
4. All of which reflect a world view impacted by: humanism, evolution, selfishness
5. Yes, things are not much different today than they were in Paul’s day. Yet Jesus gave Himself for our sins “that He might deliver us from this present evil age” (Galatians 1:4).
II. THE DELIVERANCE THE LORD PROVIDES
A. DELIVERANCE FROM THE GUILT OF SIN
1. Sin is a transgression of God’s law – 1 John 3:4
2. All have sinned, for which the punishment is death – Romans 3:23; 6:23
3. Jesus’ blood frees us from the guilt of sin – Ephesians 1:7
4. We receive remission of sins when we are baptized – Acts 2:38; 22:16
5. In Jesus, there is no condemnation for sin – Romans 8:1; 3:24
B. DELIVERANCE FROM THE POWER OF SIN
1. Sin enslaves, but Jesus provides freedom from the dominion of sin – John 8:31-36
2. This He does by giving us the Spirit – John 7:37-39
3. We receive the Spirit when we are baptized – Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26-27; 4:6
4. With the Spirit’s aid, we can put to death the deeds of the flesh – Romans 8:12-13
5. In Jesus, we are set free from the law of sin and death – Romans 7:24-25; 8:2
C. DELIVERANCE FROM THE TEMPTATION OF SIN
1. We continue to be tempted by fleshly desires – 1 Peter 2:11; James 1:14
2. Jesus teaches us to watch and pray that we might avoid temptation – Matthew 26:41
3. His Father will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear – 1 Corinthians 10:13a
4. In every temptation He will provide a way of escape – 1 Corinthians 10:13b
5. In Jesus, the godly can find deliverance out of temptations – 2 Peter 2:9
Conclusion
1. Living in a morally confused and spiritual dark world, in Jesus we find
a. Deliverance from the guilt of sin
b. Deliverance from the power of sin
c. Deliverance from the temptation of sin
d. Deliverance from the world that is passing away
2. We note that such deliverance is “according to the will of our God and Father” – Galatians 1:4c
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 01:01-02 To The Churches Of Galatia – powerpoint
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Galatians-01-01-02-To-The-Churches-of-Galatia.PDF
Galatians-01-01-02-To-The-Churches-of-Galatia.PPTX
Text: Galatians 1:1-2
Introduction
1. We live in troubling times
a. Sin is ever present, depravity seemingly on the rise
b. There are many religions seeking to address the problem, but their solutions are amiss
2. Christians in the first century A.D. found themselves facing similar circumstances
a. Immorality was rampant, moral virtue was scarce
b. Religions were many, yet ineffective in saving and sanctifying souls
3. In his letter to the churches of Galatia, Paul addressed such concerns
a. Dealing with false gospels and false hopes
b. Providing guidance for salvation and godly living
4. Paul’s epistle to the Galatians remains a powerful and relevant guide for Christians today.
Body
I. THE AUTHOR OF THE EPISTLE (Galatians 1:1-2)
A. PAUL
1. Mentions himself by name twice – Galatians 1:1; 5:2
2. Known formerly as Saul of Tarsus, persecutor of the church – Acts 9:1-2
3. Who became known as the “apostle to the Gentiles” – Acts 9:15
4. Author of half of the books of the New Testament
5. Regarding his authorship of Galatians
a. This was the unanimous view of the early church
b. Even modern critics who challenge the authorship of many of the New Testament books concede that Galatians is truly Pauline
B. AN APOSTLE
1. He immediately identifies as an apostle
a. “not from men nor through man”
b. “but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead”
2. His gospel and apostleship were questioned by some; this epistle offers an aggressive defense beginning with this opening statement
C. THE BRETHREN WITH HIM
1. “and all the brethren who are with me”
2. Other Christians send their greetings along with Paul
3. Though not named, their inclusion implies support of Paul and the gospel he preached
II. THE RECIPIENTS OF THE EPISTLE (Galatians 1:2)
A. THE REGION OF GALATIA
1. Galatia was a name used both geographically and politically in the first century
2. Geographically, it was used to describe the northern part of central Asia minor
3. Politically, it included parts of Pontus, Phrygia and Lycaonia, i.e., more southern regions of central Asia Minor
4. I believe Paul like had reference to the latter (the Roman province of Galatia)
B. THE CHURCHES OF GALATIA
1. During their first missionary journey (45-47 A.D.), Paul and Barnabas had the opportunity to establish several churches in the Roman province of Galatia – Acts 13:14-14:23
2. On Paul’s second trip 51-54 A.D., he and Silas visited them again – Acts 16:1-5
3. On Paul’s third trip (54-58 A.D.), he visited them yet again – Acts 18:23
4. It is quite likely that the churches of Galatia included those established on his first journey
a. E.g., Antioch, Lystra, Derbe
b. The home of Timothy – Acts 16:1-6
5. Paul and Peter would later make mention of these brethren in other epistles
a. Paul in reference to the collection for the saints – 1 Corinthians 16:1
b. Peter in writing his first epistle – 1 Peter 1:1
6. The time and place of writing is uncertain (perhaps from Ephesus, sometime around 55 A.D.).
III. THE PURPOSE AND CONTENT OF THE EPISTLE
A. THE PURPOSE
1. The churches in Galatia were being influenced by those who would “pervert the gospel of Christ” – Galatians 1:6-7; cf. 3:1
2. Known as ‘Judaizing teachers’, these individuals taught that Gentile Christians needed to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses – cf. Acts 15:1
3. Paul recognized this doctrine would jeopardize the salvation of those souls who accepted it – cf. Galatians 5:4
4. Because the enemies of the true gospel were trying to support their case by undermining Paul’s authority as an apostle of Christ, it was necessary to verify that he was truly an apostle “not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father” – Galatians 1:1
5. Therefore, Paul writes to verify His apostleship and the gospel of justification by faith in Christ
B. THE CONTENT
1. Because of his outstanding defense of the gospel of Christ in which we have freedom from sin and the Law, this epistle has been called “The Magna Carta of Christian Liberty”
2. Here is a brief outline of the epistle:
a. Paul’s defense of his apostleship – Galatians 1-2
b. Paul’s defense of the gospel of justification by faith – Galatians 3-4
c. Call to stand fast in the liberty of the gospel – Galatians 5-6
Conclusion
1. A passage that expresses the theme of this epistle is Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
2. The liberty of which Paul writes about in this epistle pertains to
a. Freedom from the bondage of sin – cf. Galatians 2:16
b. Freedom from the Law of Moses – cf. Galatians 4:4-5
c. Freedom to serve one another in love – cf. Galatians 5:13
d. Freedom from the works of the flesh – cf. Galatians 5:16, 19-21
e. Freedom to produce the fruit of the Spirit – cf. Galatians 5:22-25
3. Do you desire to learn more about the freedom that Christ provides…?
a. Jesus spoke of it during His earthly ministry – John 8:34-36
b. Then He chose Paul to write about it in this epistle!
4. If you want to learn more about true freedom, then give special attention to the epistle written “To the Churches of Galatia”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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