Preached on 10.31.10 by Dustin Neeley
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Preached on 10.24.10 by Dustin Neeley
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Preached on 10.17.10 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

Preached on 10.10.10 by Dustin Neeley
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Preached on 10.3.10 by Heath Lambert
Sermon Notes

⁸Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods.  ⁹But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?  ¹⁰You observe days and months and seasons and years!  ¹¹I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.  ¹²Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are.  You did me no wrong.  ¹³You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, ¹⁴and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.  ¹⁵What then has become of the blessing you felt?  For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.  ¹⁶Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?  ¹⁷They make much of you, but for no good purpose.  They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them.  ¹⁸It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, ¹⁹my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!  ²⁰I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.  ²¹Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law?  ²²For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman.  ²³But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.  ²⁴Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants.  One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar.  ²⁵Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.  ²⁶But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.  ²⁷For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!  For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.”  ²⁸Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.  ²⁹But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit so also it is now.  ³⁰But what does the Scripture say?  “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.”  ³¹So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.

The Problem in Galatians is the Problem of Moving Backwards.

• The problem is that the Judaizers see the law as an end in itself instead of the means to an end, which is Christ
• The law is good when it points to Christ and bad when it points to itself
• It is important to note that the Galatians were Gentiles and not Jews.
  • That means they were not trying to be righteous by the Old Testament Law before they came to Christ
  • Why then does the text say they’re going back to the elementary principles??? (4:9)
    • Because “elementary principles” refer to more than the Old Testament Law
    • They refer to anything in our pre-conversion life that was leading us to Christ
    • This could include
      • Reliance upon the Old Testament Law
      • Reliance upon our own works of righteousness
      • Delight in former patterns of sinfulness

Moving Backwards Leads to Bad Things

1.  You will ultimately prove your faith was never genuine (4:9-11)

• Turning back to the elementary principles is at odds with those who have come to be known by God and is ultimately impossible
• Paul is concerned that he may have labored over them in vain
  • True Christians cannot ultimately fall away from the faith (1 Cor 1:7-9)
  • But remaining is demonstrated by bearing fruit (John 14:15)
  • People who do not bear fruit, and do not remain in the Gospel were never believers(Matt 13:1-23)

2.  You will lose out on Christian fellowship (4:12-20)

• Turning back to the elementary principles leads to a turning away from loving Christian fellowship
• Elements of Christian fellowship flowing from Gospel love
  • Christ-like love (4:14)
  • Christ-like love in spite of difficulty (4:13)
  • Sacrificial giving (4:15)
  • Hearing unpopular, but necessary truth (4:15-18, 20)
  • Loving care from leaders in the faith (4:19)
  • Every person that turns back, must disconnect themselves from a loving community in order to do it

3.  You will be enslaved again (4:8, 21-31)

• Turning to the elementary principles leads to slavery, but trusting in the gospel leads to freedom
• Two women, Two covenants, Two results

Sarah……………………………………      Hagar

Isaac…………………………………….      Ishmael

Faith…………………………………….      Law

Jerusalem Above…………………..      Arabia/present Jerusalem

Christians……………………………   Judaizers

FREEDOM…………………………….SLAVERY

How to Stop Moving Backward

1.  Believe the Truth (4:9, 12, 28, 31)

• We are known by God
• We must be like Paul, believing that and trusting in the promise

2.  Cast out the Lie (4:9, 30)

• Slavery is at odds with who we are in Christ
• We must eradicate enslaving elements from our lives

Most of us will not face the temptation to justify ourselves by the Old Testament Law, but we move backward every time we return to the things we cherished in our life before Christ.  We must be ruthless to cast those off and trust in Christ alone!

Preached on 9.26.10 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

4:1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Galatians 4:1-7 ESV

“I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father.”

“the heir” Building upon his imagery from the previous verses in chapter 3.

“as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave” Even wealthy children with inheritances were under the care of others until age 12-14, and, to some degree, even until age 25.

“guardians and managers” Guardians managed the children and managers managed their property. Along with tudors, they had almost complete control of the children, making them almost like slaves.

“until the date set by his father.” There would have been a “coming of age party” similar to the bar mitzvah.

“In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.” Paul makes this an application to the state of Israel when they were under the Law. Unclear exact meaning, but it seems to be a reference to the immature, inadequacy of all religion that promotes works and not the Gospel. Any such religion is unable to make us right before God.

P: The Gospel leads us to maturity. To go back to the Law would be immaturity.

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law”

“fullness of time had come” Shorthand for saying that it the world was providentially ready for Jesus to be born. “It was time” religiously, culturally, and practically.

“God sent forth his Son” Drawing on the similar “bar mitzvah” imagery.

“born of woman” Highlighting the full divinity of Jesus and fulfilled prophecy.

“born under the law” Jesus was subject to the same Law as everyone else except He fulfilled perfectly on our behalf. This qualified Him to become our substitute.

P: Jesus came at the right place at the right time to fulfill the right purpose.

When was the last time I marveled at the sovereignty and power of God in sending Jesus?

“to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”

redeem–lit. “to set free by paying a price.”

under the law–the OT Law that is a key subject in Galatians.

adoption–lit. “a man giving the status of sonship to someone who is not his natural child.”

Implications of Our Adoption:

• We can approach God in prayer (v.6) “crying” Strong, emotive word.
• We should pray simply and boldly, secure in our relationship with God.

If you could rate your prayer life on a scale of 1-10, what would it be? Are you giving theologically infused speeches or sharing secrets? Only at meals or toward an unbroken thread?

• We can relate to God as our Father (v.6) “Abba” Aramaic term of endearment.
• God loves us (1 Jn. 3:1)
• He understands Us (Ps 103:13-14)
• He takes care of our needs (Mt. 6:32)
• He gives us good gifts (Matt. 7:11)
• He is everything that our earthly father is not.
• He disciplines His children for their good (Heb. 12:5-11).
• He brings us into His family with new brothers and sisters (many refs.)

Does this describe my experience with God today? Is He my “Abba Father?” If not, what needs to change? Sin to confess? Theology to be corrected? Am I being a good member of the family?

• We have an inheritance.
• Two dimensions: “Already” and “Not Yet” (1 Jn. 1:3, Rom. 8:23)

Am I living in the good of the inheritance that is already mine? Am I looking forward to the inheritance that will someday be mine?

Putting Feet on It:

• Become a Son of God–turn from sin and trust in Christ.
• Live like a Son of God.
• Talk to God as much as possible through prayer.
• Relate to God as your Father. If this is a struggle, let us help.
• Be a good “member of the family.”
• Patch up any problems.
• Pull your weight in serving, giving, inviting others into the family.
• Consider adopting children to show the beauty of this doctrine to the world.
• Adopted for Life by Russell Moore is a great help.
• We have a number of families that are in the adoption process. Pray. Consider.

The Gospel enables us to become and live as Sons of God.

Works Consulted: MacArthur Study Bible, MacArthur’s Commentary on Galatians, Study of Galatians, ESV Study Bible, Messages by Yancey Arrington Mark Driscoll, Paul’s Letter to the Galatians by Tim Keller, The Bible Exposition Commentary, MacArthur Study on Galatians

Preached on 9.19.10 by Dustin Neeley
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Preached on 9.12.10 by Heath Lambert
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Preached on 9.5.10 by Dustin Neeley
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Galatians: Justification by Faith from Crossing Church on Vimeo.

Preached on 8.29.10 by Dustin Neeley
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Preached on 8.22.10 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

2:1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. Galatians 2:1-10 ESV

“Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me.”

Paul introduces us to the “when,” “where” and some of the “who’s” in this text.

“Barnabas” Paul’s mentor, encourager, and “wing man.”

“Titus” One of Paul’s ministry apprentices. A key player in this story.

P: We need people ahead of us, alongside us and behind us in our spiritual journeys.

Do I have these kinds of people in my life? If not, what needs to change?

“I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed

influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running

or had not run in vain. Paul had another direct encounter with God in which he

directed him to go have a private meeting with the Gospel movement’s key leaders.

Paul was not concerned that he had gotten the Gospel wrong, but that his ministry

to the Gentiles might be hindered.

P: We would be well served to follow Paul’s example of obedience and humility.

Is there any area in which God is calling for obedience that I am delaying or disobeying?

Is there anyone I need to subject myself to for the sake of the Gospel – even if I don’t “have to?”

“But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek.

Circumcision, which the Judaizers were emphasizing, was part of the OT Law that

Jesus fulfilled. If the “pillars” had made Titus be circumcised, they would have been

siding with them, denying the Gospel and splitting the Church.

P: We need to be supremely thankful for what happened that day.

“Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have

in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery.” These teachers had infiltrated the

church from within and were trying to destroy it.

P: The enemy most often tries to destroy the church from within.

Do I know this? Am I playing my part to stop the enemy from doing this?

We all have a part to play in protecting the church from attacks from within.

P: Legalism leads to all kinds of problems.

- When we believe what we do or don’t do makes us right with God.

The Problems of Legalism:

1. It takes our focus off of God and places it on ourselves.
2. It drives people away from the Gospel by provoking rebellion.
3. It leads to slavery:
   • Spiritual – Believing lies always leads to bondage.
   • Cultural – Adds non-biblical rules like “Don’t drink alcohol, dance or go to movies.”

Hurts missional engagement and influence in the community.

• Emotional – Puts us on the “Performance Treadmill.” If we are working to earn God’s favor, we get fearful & anxious because we can never do enough.
• It says that what Jesus has done is not enough.

The antidote to legalism is not License but the Gospel.

Where is there evidence of legalism or license in your life? Replace those lies with the Truth.

“to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be

preserved for you.

P: We either preserve or deny the truth of the Gospel in the way we live.

Where am I denying the the truth of the Gospel in my daily life? What needs to change?

“And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows

no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me.” Paul is not being

arrogant here. He is simply continuing his defense of his ministry as an apostle and

affirming that the “pillars” did not add anything to him or his message.

“On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as

Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised for he who worked through Peter for his

apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), and when

James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to

me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles

and they to the circumcised. This was their way of saying “We approve his ministry.”

P: We cannot reject anyone God has accepted.

Are you rejecting anyone that God has accepted? Remember you have been accepted in Christ.

P: God uses different kinds of ministries to reach different kinds of people.

P: God has called us to reach a particular group of people.

Am I playing my part in reaching the people in my sphere of influence? If not, what needs to change?

“Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

P: God’s people are to care for their brothers sisters who are in need.

Am I being obedient to care for those around me and around the world?

Jesus enables and empowers our fight for freedom.

Works Consulted: MacArthur Study Bible, MacArthur’s Commentary on Galatians, Study of Galatians, ESV Study Bible, Messages by RC Sproul, Darrin Patrick, Mark Driscoll, Bruce Wesley, Paul’s Letter to the Galatians by Tim Keller, The Bible Exposition Commentary, MacArthur Study on Galatians

Preached on 8.15.10 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.  Galatians 1:11-24 ESV

The Gospel changes people.

“For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.”

1. The language that Paul uses here. It begins with a strong Greek verb that means to make known with certainty, to certify. It would be similar to what we say in English when we say “Let me make it perfectly clear…”

2. Paul’s highlighting that he “did not receive the Gospel from any man” is:

• A direct contrast to the way the Judaizers got their information. At this time in history, men like this would have not spent most of their time studying the rabbi’s who the Scriptures but not the Scriptures themselves.
• A direct counter to the Judaizer’s assertion that he was simply parroting the Apostles who had gone before.

P: The Gospel is divine in its origin.

When is the last time you stopped to praise God for the Gospel and that He called you to it?

1. If it was from human origin, it would have been permeated with human, works righteousness like the “gospel” of the Judaizers.
2. “Christianity has to be from God, for else would have thought it up?” – C.S. Lewis

“For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.” persecuted-tense of the verb indicates  a persistent and continual effort to hurt and ultimately exterminate Christians.

destroy-Very strong word meaning ‘laid waste,’ showing careful intentionality.  He uses this stark language to highlight the stark difference Jesus has made in his life.

“And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.”

advancing – lit. means “to chop” ahead like blazing a trail through a forest. He would have had the equivalent of a Ph.D. by the time he was 21 and would have been unparalleled in his knowledge and devotion. extremely zealous…his zeal was under attack as well. traditions… the oral teachings about the OT Law commonly known as the Halakah which was a collection of interpretations of the Law that eventually carried with it the same or even greater authority that the Law. Even the sharpest rabbi’s could not keep up.

P: God is able to reach the unreachable.

Do I know that this is true in my own life? Do I pray like this is true in the lives of others?

“But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to

reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles.” Paul is not saying he was a Christian before he was born, but rather that he was set apart for service.

P: God is at work in our lives before we are even born.

Do I know this is true? Am I leveraging this truth in my life?

“…called me by his grace…” Ref. to what theologians refer to as the ‘effectual call’ -

hearing the Gospel, bringing our dead hearts to life and drawing us to faith in Him that happens by God’s grace. Romans 8:29-30

P: God takes responsibility for our salvation from start to finish.

Do I know this to be true?  Am I leveraging its truthfulness in my own life?

“…was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles.” God revealed Jesus to Paul and then through Paul.

P: God has a plan and purpose for all of our lives.

Do you know what it is? Are you fulfilling it?

“I did not immediately consult with anyone nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! Paul is making a promise and then sealing it with an oath.  Extremely serious.

He is not trying to advocate some kind of Lone Ranger Christianity but share his

story and Gospel from another man but from Jesus & that the Apostles approved.

P: Faith is cultivated in both times alone with God and times together with God’s people.

Are both of those times a priority to you? If not, what needs to change? What needs development?

Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia and I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.”

P: Our stories should bring God glory (v.24).

Do I have a story? Do you know how to share your story? Who praises God for you today?

Tips to Help Our Stories Bring God Glory:

1. Keep it short. Think before you speak. Don’t just ramble.
2. Keep it focused. Like Paul, make the details situation specific.
3. Keep it about Jesus. Make sure the focus is on Him, not you and your sin.

Where do you need to be changed today?

Works Consulted: MacArthur Study Bible, MacArthur’s Commentary on Galatians, Study of Galatians, ESV Study Bible, Messages by RC Sproul, Darrin Patrick, Mark Driscoll, Yancey Arrington, Paul’s Letter to the Galatians by Tim Keller, Luther’s Commentary on Galatians, MacArthur Study on Galatians

Preached on 8.8.10 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. 10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:6-10 ESV

“I am astonished…” Strong, emotionally charged word. Used when Jesus does miracles.

“…that you are so quickly deserting him…” Deserting – Greek word used for military

desertion which was punishable by death. Form of this word indicates that they

were voluntarily deserting grace to pursue the legalism taught by the false teachers.

Quickly – could be describing the ease or the speed or both. Like a tree with no roots.

him – not just a proposition but a Person.

“who called you in the grace of Christ…” The Effectual call to salvation. God’s unmerited

favor to us in Christ. G.R.A.C.E.

P: Christianity isn’t just a set of propositions. It is a relationship with a Person.

Do I have a relationship with this Person? How do I approach my Christianity? (Propositional or

Relational? Which side needs some attention?)

P: It is God who has called us.

Jn. 15:16, Eph. 1:4 and many more.

Am I thankful for and resting in God’s call to me?

“and are turning to a different gospel—” Two words in the NT for ‘different.’ Different of

the same kind – Think Washington apples vs Granny Smith Apples.

“not that there is another one...” In the Greek literally “one Gospel, which is not another.”

Something entirely different. Think apples and oranges.

“but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.”

trouble – lit. shake back and forth, meaning to agitate or stir up. Refers here

to the deep emotional disturbance within the Galatians. distort – Lit. means “to

reverse.” They weren’t suggesting a revision but a reversal of the Gospel.

False Teachers said: Jesus + Keeping the Law = Salvation

The Bible says: Jesus + Nothing = Salvation

P: When it comes to the Gospel, is either all or nothing.

How This Happens in Our Day:

1.   Outside:     Jehovah’s Witnesses / Mormons.

2.   Inside:        Jesus + Baptism (Some Church of Christ or “Christian” Churches)

3.  Inside:        Jesus + “Second Experience” (Some Pentecostal/Charismatics)

4.  Jesus + “The Sinner’s Prayer”    (Some Baptist and other Evangelical Churches)

5. More subtle ways: Do I spell justification “DO or DONE?” What do I do when I

fail? Run to Jesus or try to “work it off?”

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we

preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is

preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” angSome Jews believed God’s revelation was received from angels. accursed- This is one of

the strongest words in the NT. In the OT, It means ‘destroyed to the uttermost

destruction like Jericho – in Hell. It doesn’t get more serious than this. 

P: Getting the Gospel right is of eternal importance.

P: The authority of the messenger is derived from the Message-not the other way around.

P: The Gospel is the ultimate litmus test for any kind of teaching.

*Also “how true” or “healthy” the message is.

P: The Bible is to be how we interpret our experiences-not the other way around.

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were

still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Paul is referencing his own

past that they would have all ben aware of. The Judaizers had likely been trying to use it against him.

P: People pleasing is pointless.

Where is there evidence of people pleasing in my life? How can preaching the Gospel to myself bring change in this area?

P: When the enemy tries to use your past against you, take the opportunity to use it against him.

How does the enemy seek to use my past against me? How am I using my past against the enemy?

The Gospel is our hope.

Works Consulted: MacArthur Study Bible, MacArthur’s Commentary on Galatians, Study of Galatians, ESV Study Bible, Messages by RC Sproul, Darrin Patrick, Mark Driscoll, Yancey Arrington, Paul’s Letter to the Galatians by Tim Keller, Luther’s Commentary on Galatians, MacArthur Study on Galatians

Preached on 8.1.10 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

A Significant Salutation 8.1.10

Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— ² and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: ³ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, ⁴ who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, ⁵ to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:1-5 ESV

Overview of the Text: A basic salutation or greeting which could be found in any ancient letter. But, as was his custom, Paul uses even the greeting to do more than just say “hello” but also  reaffirm certain truths, “lay the ground work” for certain themes, and begin to set the stage for why he is writing in the first place. It is important to notice what is here but also what is absent as well.

“Paul”   Born Saul. Named after one of Israel’s most well-known kings. In his “former life,” he was well known for his scholarship and devotion to and zeal for his faith.  He was sincere, but sincerely wrong. He was radically changed when he met Jesus face to face on the road to Damascus Acts 9. Means “small.”

P: We can be sincere and sincerely wrong.

Just because it feels right doesn’t make it right.

P: If God can change Paul, He can change us.

Have I been changed by Jesus? Am I being changed by Jesus?

“an apostle”  lit. messenger, sent one. At this time, apostles would have been emissaries/delegates sent with a royal message with royal authority. To reject an ‘apostle’ would have been to reject the King. This term carries a particular importance in this letter.

Two Types of Apostles in the Bible:

1. “Capital A” Apostles – 13 men who God used to write Scripture and speak with His authority on His behalf.

Qualifications for all 12 Apostles other than Paul:

1. The person was first a disciple.

2. The person was eyewitness of the resurrected Jesus.

3. The person was directly and personally called by Christ.

- Paul’s “apostleship” was in question because he was an atypical apostle. This didn’t make him any less of one, just one who was called differently.

2. “Lowercase a” apostles - missionaries/church planters. (Also “apostolic.”)

*The first category does not exist today.

“not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead”  Paul is defending his apostolic authority by pointing to its source his apostolic appointment from Jesus Himself which came from God.  He is not “tooting his own horn” but rather he is seeking to eliminate any humanity from the process and say that “to reject me is to reject Jesus because Jesus sent me and I am speaking for Him.”

Implications for Today:

1. It is impossible to say “I like Jesus but I don’t really care for Paul.”

a. This is a category that would have been completely foreign to Jesus himself.

2.We should not try to follow in his footsteps in this way.

a. Dimensions of Our Callings: Inward call but also and Outward call.

“and all the brothers who are with me”  Somewhat unique in that it doesn’t list workers by name. Possibly because he is in such a hurry to get to the matter at hand. Likely included for added ‘punch’ and also to say “I’m not the only one who thinks you are in danger of shipwrecking your faith.

“To the churches of Galatia” Group of churches in what is modern day Turkey under attack from a group of false teachers. Galatians is the only letter written to a group of churches as opposed to a single church or individual.

“Grace to you and peace” Grace: God’s unmerited favor to us that is ours through Christ Jesus. The context of our salvation. “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” Peace: the result of our salvation. Also, it is likely no accident that Paul would have mentioned both of these to this audience in light of the false teaching among them. Grace was under attack and they certainly weren’t experiencing God’s peace.

“from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” The first two members of the Trinity.

Shows their common faith. Also reaffirms divinity of Jesus.

“who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age,” The substitutionary atonement. The primary reason Jesus came. Lit. “rescue.” The broken world around us filled with sin, injustice etc. Paul will explain later that by wanting to stay under the Law, they are anchoring themselves to this present evil age.

P: Jesus came to rescue us from our sins.

1. This happens in a “once for all” sense when we repent and believe.

2. This happens in a “moment by moment” sense in which we continually look to Christ to save us from our sins.

Have I been rescued from my sins? Am I living as one who has been rescued? If not, what needs to change?

“according to the will of our God and Father”  Redemption unfolded according to plan.

P: If we can trust God to be in charge of our salvation, we can trust Him to be in charge of our lives.

“to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”  One of the central truths of Scripture.

P: The glory of God is the most important thing in all eternity.

The false teachers are teaching for their own glory and leading the Galatians to pursue their own by “making a good showing for the flesh.” (Gal. 6:12)

Am I pursuing the glory of God in every aspect of my life? When I don’t, am I quick to repent?

Everything we have learned today is true because of Jesus.

Works Consulted: MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Messages by RC Sproul, Darrin Patrick, Mark Driscoll, Paul’s Letter to the Galatians by Tim Keller, Luther’s Commentary on Galatians, MacArthur Study on Galatians

Preached on 7.25.10 by Heath Lambert
Sermon Notes

Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia . . .

(Galatians 1:1-2)

What a privilege it is to look at this letter together

• One of the most powerful and influential documents ever written
• Written by one of the consequential men in the entirety of human history
• Several important questions to answers as we begin our journey

Who wrote this letter?

• The letter was written by Paul
• Nobody has ever seriously doubted this
• The Bible is clear (Gal 1:1)
• It is consistent with Paul’s other letters
• Paul identifies himself as an Apostle

Who was to receive the letter?

• The letter was written to the churches of Galatia (Gal 1:2)
• There is some question about this
• The Galatic region is shaped like a figure 8 on a map
• Was the letter written to North Galatia?
• Or was it written to South Galatia?
• Probably written to South Galatia, but it honestly doesn’t matter that much

When was the letter written?

• Could have been written as late as 55 A.D.
• Probably written in 48 A.D. before the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)

Why was the letter written?

• People in the Galatian Churches were trying to persuade the Christians that they needed to keep the Old Testament Law to be legitimate

These false teachers have been called Judaizers

They seem particularly interested in teaching the necessity of circumcision

• Paul is shocked, offended, and angry at this teaching
• He writes a stern letter to these churches to emphasize the true Gospel of Jesus
• We are not saved by keeping the Law, but by faith in Jesus Christ
• This truth is a central part of the Apostolic preaching
• This truth is confirmed by the Old Testament itself
• This Gospel leads to freedom, power, and holy living
• This Gospel is eternally and inalterably true and should never be rejected

Where to from here?

• Threats to the Gospel always exist
• As sinners we naturally lean in the direction of seeking to be saved based on our labors
• Whether we learn of these labors from the Old Testament Law or we make them up on our own, we are always seeking to save ourselves by what we do
• But people cannot save themselves by doing anything—we must have a savior who can do something for us
• As we approach this letter be humble: You need your understanding of the gospel correct by this letter!
• As we approach this letter be courageous: You need to learn from Paul’s passion for the Gospel and share some of it!
• At Crossing we want to love the Gospel!  We should all pray for grace that we can understand it, believe it, live it, and share it better after our study of this letter