Plain Talk Vol.18, No.1, Pg.4 - Cedar Park Church of Christ

Vol. 18, No. 1	March, 1981
*PAUL, TO THE GALATIANS*

The six chapters of the Galatians letter may be viewed as three great affirmations of the apostle Paul. Two of these affirmations are clearly stated, and approximately two chapters given to each as proof. A third is more exhortation and application of the second affirmation to the daily life of saints, and is not given in as much propositional form as are the first two. Take a close look!

The gospel that was preached by me is not according to man, nor from man, but by revelation of the Christ.

PROOF:

It is obviously not from my Jewish background, but is contrary to it.

B. I had no opportunity to learn this message from those who were apostles before me, nor from churches.

(a) Following my conversion I was in Arabia for three years.

(b) When I did go back to Jerusalem it was but for a brief visit to get acquainted with Peter and James.

(c) I then went to Syria and Cilicia, and the Judean churches would not know me if we met in the street.

C. At the Jerusalem meeting when we discussed circumcision (ca.50A.D.)

(a) God sent me ("by revelation"), rather than being called up by men.

(b) I went privately (not as a trouble maker), to men of reputation, and told them — not they told me.

(c) Titus became a test case re. circumcision, and I wouldn't give in.

(d) So-called "big shots" didn't impress, or add anything to me.

(e) They agreed I was called by God to serve Gentiles, as Peter was called to serve among the Jews. AND TO TOP IT OFF —

(f) In Antioch, I withstood Peter to his face for his error. (This encounter becomes the bridge between the first and the second proposition.)

2. We are not justified by law (the Law of Moses, or any system of Law), but through faith in Jesus Christ.

PROOF:

A. Abraham's faith was reckoned unto him for righteousness.

(a) They who are of faith are the children of Abraham in reality.

B. Seeking justification (freedom from guilt) via law is to place oneself under a curse, for the curse is on all who do less than perfectly.

(a) Christ became a curse for us, in his death on the cross;

(b) So that all who trust in Him may be forgiven — receive the promise.

C. Abraham's blessings, and ours, are a matter of PROMISE, not law.

(a) Promise was not annulled by the law. (The law served to make us aware of our need for mercy — brought us to Christ as a schoolmaster leads his pupils.)

(b) Promise and law are not compatible, for by law we earn, but by promise, God gives the means of salvation.

D. The promise to Abraham was that ALL nations would be blessed in his seed, which is Christ.

(a) Jew or Gentile, bond or free, male or female, who have been baptized into Christ, are all ONE.

(b) Heirs according to the Promise. (continued next page)

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