The Gospel Truth

We're studying Acts on Sunday mornings. We just finished chapter 14. What I've decided to do is use Acts to show the relationship of Paul's epistles to the events of the first century, particularly Paul's missionary journeys. So, this was the first week we did this. I did an overview of Galatians (actually half of it, i'll finish this week).

And just for the seminoids out there, I took the early dating of Galatians, South Galatian Theory and I think the events of Galatians 2 relates to the Famine Visit of Acts 11 rather than the Jerusalem Council in chapter 15. Hence, I think Galatians was written after the first Missionary Journey, prior to the Jerusalem Council.

7 Essential Gospel Truths:

1. The Gospel is Inalterable (1.6-12)
Paul is astonished that the Galatian people have so quickly been turned to the Law. The "Men of James" (2. ) had shown up subsequent to Paul's departure and been teaching that the Law must be kept, particularly circumcision, in order to be saved. Paul is astonished that so many are swayed by this teaching. He uses the strongest possible language to pronounce anathema upon any who would teach another gospel. It is good for us to keep in mind that the strongest possible language in the Bible is reserved for false teachers. There is nothing biblically worse than leading people astray from the true truth. See II Peter 2 and Jude for examples of judgment upon false teachers.

2. The Gospel is worth Fighting For (2.11-14)
This is really the point of the book. Peter and even Barnabus are swayed away by the Judaizers. They begin to hold themselves aloof from the Gentile converts acquiescing to the party of the circumcision. Paul asserts his own apostleship (in chapter 1 also) then also in chapter 2 by his bold move to stand up to Peter who is not being straightforward with the gospel. For us, the gospel is always worth a fight. My pastor reminds me of that often. There is nothing more important than truth. We must stand up for the truth no matter where the attacks come from. Any man or system that teaches anything other than Faith Alone in Christ Alone must be confronted. The gospel is worth a fight. May God give us grace to stand strong in our fight for Truth and the wisdom to gracefully bow out of conversations that are not profitable.

3. The Gospel is by Faith Alone in Christ Alone (3.1-5)
As previously stated, Paul is amazed that the gospel of Grace is being abandoned for the works of the Law. Only Faith in Christ can save. Paul reminds them of the receiving of the Holy Spirit and the miraculous works that accompanied their faith in Christ. Was it the Law or faith in Christ that brought these about?

How wonderful to be reminded of our faith in Christ. We could never work our way to God. The Law serves as a tutor to lead us to Christ. It shows us our need for Him and our utter inability to uphold the Law.

I'll have the other 4 posted next week.