Galatians: Chapter 1
-truth of gospel of grace was under attack
-Paul has a sense of urgency as there was a crisis within the church
-referred to as the “fighting epistle”
-Paul defends and contends for faith against the diluted gospel of grace
-Paul gives to directives to live in freedom in Christ and not be bound to bondage
Galatians 1: 4
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Authority given to apostles-
“built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20).
-Paul’s purpose was to speak to church falling away from grace so he reminds the church of what grace did for us
Galatians 1:6
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ
-Paul warns the church that we do not co-exist with evil as the darkness distorts and perverts the gospel of Christ
Galatians 1:10
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
-Paul: Do not add to the gospel
-Paul: address false preachers/teachers
-Paul: Do not teach convoluted or diluted or add to the gospel
***Liberty = all you can do in the name of Jesus is restrained freedom from the worldview
Reminder: Paul was transformed from accuser of Jesus to being called by Jesus through grace. He experienced salvation:
“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do” (Acts 9: 3-6_
Paul: after transformation, evangelized in his hometown for 7 years
Paul: preached the faith of redemption, the faith he had once tried to destroy