5 Word Summary of 1:1-5 (ESV):

Transcription

1 Lessons One & Two T EXT 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: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 5 Word Summary of 1:1-5 (ESV): 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- not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 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. 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. 5 Word Summary of 1:6-10 (ESV): 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. Galatians Lesson 1 & 2, p. 1

2 5 Word Summary of 1:11-12 (ESV): For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 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. 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, 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. 5 Word Summary of 1:13-17 (ESV): 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!) 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. 5 Word Summary of 1:18-24 (ESV): Galatians Lesson 1 & 2, p. 2

3 REVIEW Are Galatians Like Dalmatians? Paul had visited the cities of Galatia during his first missionary journey and preached the gospel there. His reception was a bit mixed: Antioch: Bring Out Your Gentiles Paul preaches the gospel in the synagogue but is met with little response. He then preaches to Gentiles and many are converted although he has to scamper out of town. Cf. Acts 13:13-52 Iconium: BYOR Party (Bring Your Own Rock) Paul preaches and many Jews and Gentiles are converted but the Jewish religious leaders are so angry they make plans to stone Paul & Co. (they leave before this happens). Cf. Acts 14:1-7 Lystra: From God to Garbage Paul and Barnabas are mistaken for gods (Zeus and Hermes to be exact) after a healing. Paul tells them to knock it off, and he preaches the gospel with great success. However the Jewish religious leaders from Antioch and Iconium catch up with him, stone him until they think he is dead, then throw him out of the city onto the trash heap. Paul crawls away to Derbe to recover. Cf. Acts 14:8-19 We re Going Where?! After much success in Derbe, they decide they need to return to Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch to strengthen the disciples, appoint elders and be sure that they are staying strong in the faith. ( Um, hello?! Didn t these people just try to kill you?) Cf. Act 14:21-28 So what do we know about the Galatians? The Galatians Were People That Paul Loved and Cared About Very Much Paul Also Returned to Them On Each Subsequent Missionary Journey Galatians Was Probably Written Between the First and Second Journeys Making It Paul s First Letter. What s the Problem Here? In 1:7 Paul specifically mentions that there are some who trouble you [i.e the Galatians] and want to distort the gospel of Christ. Later in 3:1 he asks pointedly, Who has Galatians Lesson 1 & 2, p. 3

4 bewitched you? These agitators who had persuasively preached a distorted gospel provide us with explanation for the both the content and tone of this, Paul s first letter. Since his visit to these Galatian cities the churches which he had founded had been troubled by false teachers. These men had mounted a powerful attack on Paul s authority and gospel. They contradicted his gospel of justification by grace alone through faith alone, insisting that for salvation more than faith in Christ was needed. You had to be circumcised as well, they said, and keep all the law of Moses (see Acts 15:1, 5). Having undermined Paul s gospel, they proceeded to undermine his authority also. Who is this fellow Paul, anyway? they asked scornfully. He certainly wasn t one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Nor, so far as we know, has he received any authorization from anybody. He is just a self-appointed impostor. Stott, Galatians, p.12 Both of these accusations (adding to the gospel and Paul s authority for proclaiming the gospel), shape the letter in unique ways. The beliefs of these Jewish agitators were contrary to the true, undistorted gospel that Paul had earlier preached to his beloved friends accounting for the content of this gospel obsessed letter. His love for the Galatians, and the seriousness of the errors they were in danger of committing, help explain his vehement, pleading tone. The Essence of the Argument I didn t make this up!! The gospel is true and it is God s, not mine. He sent me, I didn t just come to you as a normal teacher. Paul, The One Who Got Stoned for You (so to speak) S UBT EXT Paul s Credentials Paul, an apostle- not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead. (Galatians 1:1) Notice how Paul introduces himself to people who had already met him face to face: 1) an apostle to the Jew the word was well defined; it meant a special messenger, with a special status, enjoying an authority and commission that came from a body higher than himself. [Stott, The Message of Galatians, p. 13] ; 2) Paul did not receive this appointment from other humans (source of authority) or through them (as agents) because; 3) His commission comes directly from both the Son and the Father, who had raised the Son and thereby divinely validates his message and ministry. 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. (Galatians 1:11-12) Galatians Lesson 1 & 2, p. 4

5 The gospel that Paul preaches is the very same message as the one Christ himself preached. Paul didn t make it up. This isn t Paul s take on Jesus. It isn t the religious meditation of Paul and what he thinks we need or want to here. The gospel is God s story it comes to us directly from him. It s authority is based on the Author, not the messenger. Rather, Paul got it right from God. Notice that it was not taught through tradition. It isn t authoritative because Paul got it from another person. We have this same experience in the illumination of Scripture God, using his divinely chosen words, speaks directly to us. It isn t that Paul is persuasive about the gospel that causes people to be saved, it is because they encounter God s voice in the text. my former life in Judaism I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Etc. (Galatians 1:13ff)) Paul is being clear that the gospel isn t a product of his Jewish up bringing! (He is also indicating that he didn t get it from the other apostles again it is directly from God). Why does this matter so much? Because the gospel proclaims that we are free from the Law! Paul isn t saying this. Rather God is the one responsible. The as we shall see the chief issue for the Galatians was that some were teaching that in order to follow Jesus, you first had to be a good Jew (i.e. keep the Law) and then you could do the Christian things. Paul says, Absolutely not! 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, Notice how finely crafted Paul s theology is as it weaves it s way into his story: God set me apart, even before I was born to become one of his family He then made this before time began determination, a reality in time and space by graciously calling me and revealing his Son to me as Messiah All of this (my upbringing, my training, my calling, my conversion by grace) so that I could then become his messenger to those outside of Judaism. This is practically a mini-purpose Driven Life right here in one sentence. Basics of the Gospel Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. (Galatians 1:3-4) In this tightly worded greeting Paul gives us the essence of the gospel: It comes by God s grace (not through our efforts) and provides the peace of reconciliation between us and God. Galatians Lesson 1 & 2, p. 5

6 It is made possible because Christ actually became a curse for us (Eph. 3:13) by taking on our sins and paying for them on the cross. It offers us rescue, emancipation from a state of bondage to sin. It was done according to the will of God; it did not happen by accident, or necessity. It happened because God s true heart of hearts would rather die than live without us. It brings eternal glory to God. Ashes and dust become mingled with the divine blood to bring glory to God this is no mean feat. Martin Luther comments, these words are the very thunderclaps from heaven against all kids of [self] righteousness. The work is entirely God s. 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 (Galatians 1:15-16a) Our place in God s family and in his working out of his will was established even before we were born. We did nothing to earn it and can do nothing to lose it. Our invitation comes solely through grace. Importance of Gospel 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- not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. (Galatians 1:6-7) Notice the passion and heat of the charge that Paul is making to his friends the Galatians: He is in an ongoing state of wonder and astonishment (present active) that those whom he had seen come to Christ, are now so quickly deserting Christ. You can almost imagine Paul moving from task to task and then stopping abruptly in distress as he remembers the troubling news he has heard about the Galatians. Deserting (µετατιθεσθε) carries with it the idea of transferring, removing, or changing one s opinion. The word was often used of desertion or revolt in a military or political defection and it frequently had the idea of a change in religion, philosophy, or morals. (Linguistic Key GNT ) Paul isn t saying, hey you ve missed a nuance here, or it s important that we focus a little more. He is making the accusation that to misunderstand or to try to add anything to the gospel is tantamount to turning one s back on Christ himself. There are no versions of the gospel there is the pure, one, right true gospel and anything less is a different gospel. In verse 7 we have the first clear reference to those who have started causing trouble among the Galatians some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. The word translated as trouble here (a present active participle from ταρασσω) literally means to shake back and forth or to agitate. These Jewish agitators who were insisting that the Galatian Christians had to follow OT law (especially with regard to eating and circumcision) in order to be true Christians are perverting or distorting the gospel. This idea of distortion (µεταστρεθψαι; aorist active infinitive) doesn t just mean a slight departure, but a turning about, changing from Galatians Lesson 1 & 2, p. 6

7 one thing to another, to change to the opposite, to pervert. Paul s use of the aorist indicates that this was thorough, a complete change. 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. (Galatians 1:8-9) Paul is adamant about the content and importance of the gospel. Because it does not come from any human, no human has the right to change it. There are grave consequences for trying to do so. Paul is clear as we have said before (προειρηκαµεν) is a perfect tense, indicating that he has made this determination at one point and time in the past, but with continuing, ongoing results. What is the pronouncement made decisively in the past and still continuing? Namely that: NO ONE can change the gospel: Not the false agitators, not Paul himself, not even a direct, divine messenger from God (angels were the gold standard of divine revelation to the Jewish mind) can change the message that they first heard decisively delivered by Paul. It s God s message, and Paul got it right the first time. Period. No changes, deviations, or updated versions. ANY ONE who tries is to be accursed: Accursed here is αναθεµα, anathema, literally dedicated for destruction. I SN SN T HE A L ITTLE ITTLE OBSESSED WITH T HIS?! Paul seems almost manic in the opening chapters of Galatians with authority: Whose message is the gospel? Who is bringing the message? Who are we trying to obey, or please or trust? Almost to a word, every part of Galatians 1 is concerned with the issues of authority; who should be believed.?! Why? Galatians Lesson 1 & 2, p. 7

8 Is Paul s obsession something that is Galatians specific or is there something in our own lives that requires Paul to write in the way he does? The fundamental answer to these questions is that left to our own we will tend to not believe the deep truth of the gospel. We will add to it, we will take away from it, or we will ignore parts of it. Because the gospel deals with the depth of our sin, the abundance of God s love and truth or our new identity in Christ the most real aspects of who we are, and at the same the most hard to believe aspects a well we will often not believe it. I do it, and I do it every day. If you are honest, perhaps you will see that you do as well. The following is a little exercise from the Sonship discipleship course that will help us see where and how we, like the Galatians, quickly desert the one who has called us and turn to a different gospel. Put the way Paul does, it seems like a terrible charge. It is too big. Too bad. Could we have really quickly deserted Christ? Have we really turned to a different gospel? Directions Check the box next to the description which most adequately portrays your life currently for statements Next, circle the top 3-5 orphan tendencies which caught your eye. Maybe you sense these to be causing a lot of pain in your life right now, maybe they are life long tendencies you ve seen, maybe they are areas that you desperately want to change. When you have done this, start noting in the margin, how exactly (with examples!) you act like an orphan in this area. E.g. # 3 Lives on a success/fail basis; needs to look good ; performance oriented. In my life this plays out very readily in my job. I am a perfectionist and I cannot stand to fail. As a result I have a tendency to be very unhappy if I think my ministry Galatians Lesson 1 & 2, p. 8

9 isn t going well or that I am being judged negatively by others. When people don t do the things that I want them to do (so that I look good), then I tend to emotionally cut them off. When you are done, write down the one or two orphan tendencies you have that you want to see changed. Write anonymously, but specifically, not just quoting from the sheet. I need to be safe in my marriage. If I ever feel that I m being criticized I get angry (or withdraw, or lash out etc.) No. 9 I see my relationship with God as a failure. The harder I try the worse I do. I hate my sin but I cannot make myself be better. No. 12 I m not happy. I don t have enough time and money to really live the way I d like. I m also a little angry with God because I see so many people who don t care about him who have plenty of both. No. 23 I feel like my relationship with God is dry. I have a lot of duty but not a lot of joy in my spiritual relationship. People would cringe if they could see my true heart. No. 19 Galatians Lesson 1 & 2, p. 9

10 The Orphan vs. The Son/Daughter Feels alone; lacks a vital daily intimacy with God; a vacuum of self concern Anxious over felt needs : friends, money, etc; I m all alone and nobody cares ; I m not a happy camper. Lives on a success/fail basis; needs to look good ; performance oriented. Feels condemned, guilty and unworthy before God and others. Has a little faith, lots of fear, little ability to really trust God. I ve got to fix it. Labors under a sense of unlimited obligation; tries hard to please; burn out. Rebellious; resists authority; not easily teachable; heart is not very soft. Is defensive; can t listen well; bristles at the charge of being self-righteous (virtually proving it). Needs to be right, safe, secure; unwilling to fail; unable to tolerate criticism; can only handle praise. SELF-confident, or lacking confidence. DIScouraged, defeated. Lacking spiritual power. Tends toward I can do it ; strong willed; driven. Tries harder ; self-effort; relies on his/her gift package to get by in ministry Tends to be ungrateful, complaining; bitter; critical spirit. Tears down others. Tends to point out what is wrong; often dissatisfied about something. 1 Has a growing assurance that God is really my loving Heavenly Father. (I John 4:16) 2 Trusts the Father and has a growing confidence in His loving care; is being freed up from worry (Matt. 6:25ff). 3 Learning to live in daily self -conscious partnership with God; not fearful. 4 Feels loved, forgiven, and totally accepted because Christ s merit really clothes him/her. 5 A daily working trust in God s sovereign plan for his/her life as loving, wise and best. Believes God is good. 6 Prayer is the first resort: I m going to ask my Daddy first. Daddy, Father! 7 Has the strength to be submissive; has a soft (broken and contrite) heart. (Psalm 51:17) Teachable. 8 Is open to criticism since he/she consciously stands in Christ s perfection, not his/her own; is able to examine his/her deeper motives. 9 Is able to take risks even fail; since his/her righteousness is in Christ, he/she needs no record to boast in, protect or defend. 10 Is CHRIST-confident and Encouraged because of the Spirit s working in him/her. 11 I can do all things through Christ who give me strength! (Phil. 4:13) 12 Is trusting less in self and in the Holy Spirit more (with a self-conscious, daily reliance). 13 Relies on the Holy Spirit to guide the tongue for use in praise, edification, thanksgiving and encouragement. (Eph. 4:29, etc.) 14 Not blind to wrong, but chooses instead to focus on what is good and lovely. (Phl. 4:8) (Sadly, this makes chronic complainers more complaining.) The The Sons & Daughters vs. Orphans Exercise is taken from World Harvest Missions Sonship program for discipleship. For more information about the ministries of World Harvest or Sonship, visit their website at Galatians Lesson 1 & 2, p. 10

11 The Orphan vs. The Son/Daughter Gossips (confesses other people s sins); needs to criticize others to feel secure; a competent analyst of others weaknesses; has the gift of discernment. Tends to compare himself/herself with others leading either to pride or depressions (depending on how bad or good others look) Feels powerless to defeat the flesh; has no real heart victory over pet sins yet has lost his/her sense of being a big sinner. Is relatively prayerless; prayer is a last resort ; When all else fails Prays often in public, seldom in private. The Bible s promises of spiritual power and joy mock him/her. What has happened to all your joy? (Galatians 4:15) Boasts; points out his/her own accomplishments for fear that someone might overlook them. (Gal. 6:14) Concerned about building a record of deeds that needs noticing and defending. Wishes people would see things their way. Needs to be in control of situations and others. Looks for satisfaction in positions, possessions or pacifiers (idols). Something other than Jesus makes him/her feel worthy, worthwhile, justified Lacks passion to share the gospel (since his/her Christian life is not really good news); or tends to be motivated by a sense of obligation and duty, not love. All these years I ve been slaving for you (Luke 15:29) 15 Is able to freely confess his/her faults to others, prefers to major on their strengths; doesn t always have to be right; is finding that he/she is often wrong; is eager to grow. 16 Stands confidently in Christ; his/her selfworth comes from Jesus blood and righteousness; not man-made props. (Phil. 3:9) 17 As he/she rests in Christ, he/she is seeing more and more victory over the flesh (Romans 8:1-9) yet he/she sees himself/herself as a big sinner. 18 Prayer is a vital part of the day, not confined to a Quiet Time ; loves to talk to the Father. (I Thes. 5:16-18) 19 God s promises of power and joy are beginning to describe him/her. (Rom. 15:13) 20 Finds that Jesus is more and more the subject of his/her conversation; he/she boasts in his/her weaknesses (2 Cor. 12:9, 10) 21 Christ s righteousness is his/her record so he/she stands complete in Him. (1 Cor. 1:28ff) 22 Is becoming Christ-controlled; ministers in the power of the Holy Spirit, not in the strength of his/her redeemed flesh. 23 Christ is his/her meat and drink; God truly satisfies his/her soul! and having Him, I desire nothing else on earth. (Psalm 73:25) 24 Has a desire to see the lost come to know Jesus the way he/she does, shares the gospel with others, even when not under the outward pressure of a (good) program. the love of Christ constrains us. (2 Cor. 5:14) The The Sons & Daughters vs. Orphans Exercise is taken from World Harvest Missions Sonship program for discipleship. For more information about the ministries of World Harvest or Sonship, visit their website at Galatians Lesson 1 & 2, p. 11