Doing or Done? – Conclusion
An introduction to Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians
October 23, 2011 – AM service
Sun Oak Baptist Church
Introduction
A. Suppose someone that we deeply love either did something radically wrong or harmful or was considering doing something wrong or harmful. What would you do to try and convince them not to do it?
Consider this: someone you love, maybe a brother or sister in Christ, a fellow member at your church – a professing Christian – starts following some false teacher. How would you go about rescuing them from that error?
B. False teachers called Judaizers had infiltrated the Galatian churches and were drawing the believers away from the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul writes this letter in an attempt to rescue these young neophyte Christians from this error.
C. How can we better understand the foundation that Paul lays for this rescue attempt and apply the truths he sets forth here to our own personal walk with Christ?
I. By understanding the hypercritical difference between doing and done.
II. By understanding the distinguished writer.
A. The unique way in which Paul begins this letter.
B. Paul was an apostle – “one sent with delegated authority from Jesus Christ.”
C. The origin of Paul’s apostleship.
The double negative stamps the whole letter. 2 core and vital issues at stake: Paul’s apostolic authority and the divine origin of his message.
D. Paul’s radical transformation – a glimpse of what it means to be truly born-again.
1. Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee – in fact, a Pharisee of Pharisees.
2. Paul “and all the brethren who are with me” are standing together on this letter.
III. By understanding the ______________ recipients.
A. Where the region of Galatia was located.
B. The ethnic make–up of this area: this was primarily an area populated by Gentiles – not Jewish people.
IV. By understanding the __________________________ greeting. (1:3-5)
This is a Gospel-centered greeting:
A. Because it begins with the words “grace and peace.”
1. “Grace” refers to God’s free, undeserved kindness toward sinners; God’s spontaneous, unmerited favor in action; God’s freely bestowed loving-kindness at work bestowing salvation upon guilt-laden sinners who turn to Him for refuge.
2. “Peace” identifies a state of well-being or wholeness – a restored relationship – peace. Grace and peace go together under the banner of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
B. Because of the _____________ of the grace and peace.
1. Paul refers to God as “Father” no doubt laying the foundation for his emphasis on adoption in 3:21-4:6.
2. He calls Jesus Christ “Lord.” See 2nd Cor. 4:5; Rom. 14:8; etc.
C. Because Paul declares that Christ “gave Himself for our sins.”
D. Because it reminds us of ___________ Christ died.
2nd Cor. 4:3-4: But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. See also Galatians 4:3; 1st John 5:19 ; Ephesians 2:1-3.
E. Because this wonderful and glorious and miraculous deliverance was done “according to the will of God and our Father.” See Jer. 1:5; Gal. 1:15-16; Ephesians 2:8-10.
F. Because of what the Gospel and salvation and everything else in life is ultimately about: God’s glory.
Conclusion
4 points of application to consider and reflect on.
1. Even well-taught Christians may unwittingly follow false doctrine.
2. Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is telling the truth.
3. God is satisfied with what His Son did on the cross.
4. Are you satisfied with what Jesus did? Is Jesus enough for you? Or do you think you need to add something of your own to what He accomplished in His death and resurrection?
