galatians teaches us to avoid a perverted gospel (galatians 1:1-5)
Introduction:
1. This morning we studied passages from Galatians that help us to grow in the knowledge of Christ. 2. This evening -- "Galatians teaches us to avoid a perverted gospel." 3. The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. PAUL REBUKED THE CHURCHES IN GALATIA (Galatians 1:6-9)
A. These churches had turned from the Gospel that Paul preached. 1. According to Galatians 1:1, Paul had been made an apostle by the Lord. 2. We learn from Galatians 1:11-12 that the Lord revealed to Paul the Gospel that he preached. 3. The true Gospel plays a key role in salvation (Romans 1:16-17). B. These churches had turned to a perverted gospel. 1. We learn from Acts 15:1-5 that certain teachers were binding circumcision and the Law of Moses on Gentile converts. 2. Although this issue was settled in Jerusalem, these teachers continued spreading their doctrine in various areas, including Galatia. 3. Paul said that these teachers were "accursed." 4. The same thing could be said of those who followed this teaching.
II. PAUL EXPLANED WHY THESE ACCURSED TEACHERS AND THEIR PERVERTED GOSPEL WERE NOT TO BE FOLLOWED
A. (Galatians 3:1-5) Paul reminded the members of the Galatian churches how they had received the Spirit. 1. The apostles could lay hands on Christians and give them a miraculous measure of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). 2. As an apostle, Paul had this power (Acts 19:6). 3. The accursed teachers who taught a perverted gospel had no such power. B. (Galatians 3:19-25) The Law of Moses had served its purpose. C. (Galatians 3:26-29) People now become children of God by following Christ -- not Moses. D. (Galatians 4:4-5) Christ came to redeem those who were under the Law of Moses. 1. Ephesians 2:14-18 2. Colossians 2:10-14 E. (Galatians 5:1-4) Those who seek to be justified by the Law of Moses "are fallen from grace." F. (Galatians 6:15) Physical circumcision is no longer important -- being a new creature is (Romans 6:3-4).
Conclusion:
1. The churches in Galatia made the mistake of following a perverted gospel. 2. In restoring the Lord's church today, we must remain true to His Holy Word (John 8:31-32). 3. The Lord's true followers will not change or pervert His Word in any way (Revelation 22:18-19). 4. Let us carefully follow the instruction given in 1 John 4:1.
