Galatians - Freedom series – “Freedom Fighter" Gal. 2:1-10

Breakdown of materials in Galatians:
Chapters 1 & 2: Paul tells of his own experience.
Chapters 3 & 4: Doctrinal position of the Gospel of Grace.
Chapters 5 & 6: Application of the Gospel of Grace.

As we go into Galatians 2:1-10 I encourage you to read Acts 15:1-35, as they are sharing the same time period and should add to your understanding of this Galatians study.

We can call Paul a “Freedom Fighter” as he was not going to allow false teaching (Judaizers – A mixture of law and grace for salvation) to come into Galatia. Paul would fight to keep this gospel from being corrupted by legalism.

Defending the Gospel
Verse 1 - Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me.

Jerusalem was “like” the headquarters (Bible Belt) of Christianity. Paul was led to speak to the Christian leadership there, but needed to be careful not to say too little and seem to be abandoning his principle beliefs, and not to say too much and seem to be at variance with the leadership there.

God's timing is best – How would you handle it if God kept you some place (or from some place) for 14 years while you’re wanting to go – All in His timing!

Barnabas [name means “son of encouragement] was one of Paul’s closest friends (see Acts 9:26-28).

In Acts 13:1-Acts 14:28, after his return from Arabia to public preaching, who did he look for but his friend Barnabas! We see Barnabas accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey – they were a team!

THOUGHT: Don’t we all need “Barnabas – Encouragers” in our life!
Maybe you also need to be a Barnabas/Encourager to someone else!

Brief thought on Titus: Titus was a Gentile believer. Apparently, he came to Christ through Paul’s ministry. (See Titus 1:4)

Verse 2 - And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.

Paul went by the Spirit's leading to Jerusalem and got together with the Christian spiritual leaders there to clarify the issue of, whether Jew or Gentile, salvation is by Christ alone and that salvation does not require a Gentile believer to be circumcised. Now all believers are on the same page – Salvation comes through the grace of God!

Verse 3 - Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.

It’s quite possible Paul took Titus to Jerusalem to show the fruit of an uncircumcised Gentile believer. Since salvation was not by any works, he did NOT need to be circumcised.

Verse 4 - And this occurred because of false brethren [fakes - in this case Judaizers, not Christian at all] secretly brought in [crept in, a gradual infilteration] to spy out [with a critical and hostile intent] our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage,

This is the typical pattern of false brothers.
False Brethren --> Secret Spy --> Take away liberty --> Result: Bondage

We have these in almost all churches today. They may act like a Christian, but inwardly their motive is to infilterate and destroy our gospel-given FREEDOM! Be on the alert for them!

Those who try to add any works (circumcision/law) to salvation are ultimately taking away our liberty/freedom we have in Christ and bringing us into bondage!

THOUGHT: Has the peace and joy in your Christian walk disappeared and been replaced by a peaceless/joyless “have to do” works orientated salvation? Check to make sure you didn’t allow some false teaching into your life. This may be the first time you have recognized it!

Verse 5 - to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Any wavering here and the gospel of grace would have been hurt or gone.
Basically, he didn’t allow false teaching for even an hour [not for anytime].

THOUGHT: Do we see a works salvation being preached around us? If we do, we shouldn’t put up with it for a second!

Note: We are NOT talking about FRUIT that will follow a true conversion

Verse 6 - But from those who seemed to be something [James, Peter and John] - whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man - for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me.

The wording here seems strong, but Paul was not meaning disrespect for Jerusalem church leaders, but taking them off their “superstar”status [still a problem today], clearly stating God doesn’t have any favorites. Paul had the truth (just like them). They were leaders in the Church [Jerusalem] but they didn’t change Paul or his message. The gospel of truth is the same everywhere!

THOUGHT: I see this “superstar” image among many ministers. We need to get past that and respect their gifting from God, but still see them as people just like you and me.

Verse 7 - But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised [Gentiles] had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised [Jews] was to Peter.

All this is indicating a calling to a certain group of people. Peter, by God’s direction, was primarily called to preach Jesus Christ to the Jews; whereas, Paul was called primarily to the Gentiles.

Verse 8 - (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles),

THOUGHT: All people need to hear the same gospel message, but we may feel led/inclined to reach out specifically to a certain group with that message.

Examples: Inner city, drug addicts, bikers, or any other people group you can think of.

Verse 9 - and when James, Cephas, and John [all ministering to the Jews],who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship (Gk. Koinonias – carries with it the idea of partnership, being in this together), that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

If you get the “left hand of fellowship” that’s not good. The “right hand of fellowship” is good. That meant they were working together (partnering) for the goal of the evangelizing of all people. Thus, the Christian leadership in Jerusalem gave their approval to Paul’s ministering Jesus Christ to the Gentiles without the requirement of circumcision or keeping the Jewish law.

NOTE: I’m sure the enemies' dream was to divide the church, but praise be to God they all agreed on the One Gospel message for all people!

Verse 10 - They desired only that we should remember the poor [specifically in Jerusalem], the very thing which I also was eager to do.

They did ask that Paul remember the poor, meaning more specifically the poor in Jerusalem, which was obviously no problem since that was already in the heart of Paul.
(See Romans 15:25-33; I Cor. 16:1-4 and II Cor. 8:9)

THOUGHT: Are you remembering the poor?

Concluding thought:
Please let this letter speak to you and free you from any man-made bondages!

Next week we’ll continue with verse 11.

Please pass this on to others – Thank you!

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Foundations of the Church - Prayer

We will be back to our Galatians series next week, but this week I am bringing you my most listened to sermon and notes. It has touched lives - may it touch yours.

To hear audio sermon on PRAYER go to: http://sermon.net/biblefood/sermonid/127919

We need to be a "House of PRAYER"
Matthew 21:13 "And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."

The greatest reputation of the Lord's House should be the "house of prayer." Churches have reputations as a great singing church, a great preaching church or a great programs church.
But how long has it been since someone referred to a church as a "praying church?"

"Every congregation and all believers everywhere need united agreement in prayer and faith.

True, we can play privately, but we must also come together with the church expecting to find one accord in prayer. The church in Acts began in one accord in prayer (Acts 1:14; 2:1). United prayer was a top priority of the apostles and the people (Acts 6:4; 4:18-33; 12:1-25; 15:1-30). United agreement in prayer is necessary because of who we are.

"The church is dying on its feet because it is not living on its knees.

Prayer simply defined is: Prayer is communication with God. It is communion with Him.

He desires heart to heart communion with us as individuals and as a group.

"THE FIRST CHURCH WAS A PRAYING CHURCH

Acts 1:14 "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication"

Prayer must be a continuing activity in the church.

Acts 1:24 "And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,"

Prayer seeks to know Gods choice.

Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Prayer must be an established, permanent, steadfast and unmovable function of the church.

Acts 3:1 "Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer"

Prayer must have a permanent place in the schedule of the church. Prayer must have a priority and not be pushed around or pushed out of the way to make room for something we want to do.

Acts 4:31 "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost"

Prayer is necessary to maintain the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Many of these believers were in the upper room on the day of Pentecost.

Acts 6:4 "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

Prayer is the balance to the Word. The study of the Word prepares the message but through prayer the messenger is prepared.

Acts 6:6 "Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them."

Prayer before we lay hands on others makes sure that Gods hand is on us first.

Acts 7:60 "And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."

Prayer is the way to live but it is also the way to die.

Acts 9:40 "But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up."

Prayer is the means by which miracles take place.

Acts 10:9, 11 "Peter went up upon the housetop to pray and saw heaven opened"

Prayer is the place where we see heavenly visions.

Acts 10:30 "And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,"

Prayer and fasting takes us beyond seeing what is physically seen and we see into the unseen realm of the Spirit.

Acts 12:5 "Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."

Prayer in the book of Acts church was more than a "name it and claim it" thing but it was a fervent and earnest spiritual warfare of intercession.

Acts 12:12 "he came to the house of Mary the mother of John where many were gathered together praying."

Prayer involves coming together to pray so that we can agree together.

Acts 13:3 "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."

Prayer and fasting should be done before we send missionaries, evangelist and anyone that goes out from the church to minister. This would make a difference when we send our youth on a mission trip. Rather than gather around the van and pray as they are driving off, we should have a time of prayer and fasting and then lay hands on them for ministry.

Acts 14:23 "And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed."

Prayer and fasting should accompany the appointment of every leader in the church.

Acts 16:13,16 "And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither." "as we went to prayer."

Prayer could be found by the river side or in a house because if believers are there, whatever else might be happening prayer would be a part of it.

Acts 16:25 "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them."

Prayer and singing go together but singing must never become a substitute for prayer. Singing praises compliments our prayers with the expressions of faith.

Acts 20:36 "And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all."

Prayer was practiced by Paul when he was leaving friends behind.

Acts 22:17-18 "And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance. And saw Him saying unto me, make haste..."

Prayer sometimes gives warnings and directions for our safety. Here Paul was told to leave Jerusalem quickly.

Acts 28:8 "And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him."

Prayer of faith that heals the sick must never lose it's place in the ministry of the church.

Prayer Quotes:

"Prayer is a God ordained means to accomplish God ordained ends." Erwin Lutzer

"Prayer is not convincing God to do something He doesn’t want to do, but laying hold of His highest willingness." Erwin Lutzer Hos. 7:14 (wail but won’t pray)

"Prayer is nothing more than digging out the treasures that God has laid out for us." John Calvin

"The little estimate we put on prayer is evidence from the little time we give to it." E.M. Bounds

John Bunyan’s famous treatise. His definition of prayer is clarifying and helpful. "Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the heart or soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Holy Spirit, for such things as God hath promised, or according to the Word, for the good of the church, with submission, in faith, to the will of God."

It's time to Pray Church!!!

Galatians - Freedom series – “Paul comes out of hiding - briefly” Gal. 1:18-24

Introduction to today’s teaching:
Paul is laying down a lot of foundation before he blasts them with the message of GRACE.
Remember that a good foundation is ALWAYS a necessity to build upon.


Verse 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see [Gk. Historesai - to get aquainted, visit with - This is the ONLY time it is used in the New Testament] Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.

Verse 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother.

“Then after three years…”
span >– Paul was prepared by the Lord for what was ahead of him, and it wasn’t an easy road! Finally, three years after his conversion, Paul goes to Jerusalem for the first time since his conversion and met with only one of the original Apostles (Peter) for 15 days (that was a short visit after 3 years in the desert). Somewhere along the way he met James (not one of the original 12 Apostles), the actual flesh and blood brother of Jesus . In the gospel, we see that Jesus’ family thought he was crazy and did NOT believe in him (Mark 3:19-21, 31 and John 7:5). This James is not one of the original Apostles, but the actual brother of Jesus named James the Just (as he was called). He also became a leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15) AND also the writer of James.

Again, Paul is showing he was not influenced by anyone in the Christian circles – three years in the desert, then just 15 days with Peter and a brief encounter with James the Just. Otherwise, he met with none of the “big names” of the early church. As Kenneth Wuest says of this passage, “The strength of Paul’s language is explained by the insidious falsehoods of the Judaizers regarding his supposed dependence upon the twelve. .. He denies this charge most vehemently.”

It comes down to this ---> Paul + God (as his teacher) = Gospel of Grace!!!

Verse 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)

As he has already stated, so he states again “…BEFORE GOD, I do not LIE.”
In this case, I like how the Amplified Bible reads: 20 Now [note carefully what I am telling you, for it is the truth], I write this as if I were standing before the bar of God; I do not lie.

In this case, I like how the Kenneth Wuest translates this verse as: “But the things which I am writing to you, behold, before the face of God, I am not lying.” We can deem that being called a liar (by the Judaizers) was not something Paul wanted the Galatians falling for.

Note: It is quite an interesting experience to be trying to tell people the true gospel when they are being swayed to believe a lie by deceivers who are saying you are lying!

APPLICATION FOR YOU: How important is our integrity in what we say?

Verse 21 Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.

From Jerusalem, you would go through Syria first to get to Cilicia.

Interesting facts about Cilicia:
Paul, known as Saul prior to conversion, was from Cilicia.

"But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia (modern day Turkey) …" - Acts 21:39 (Also see Acts 22:3)

Among the men of Cilicia who martyred Stephen was Saul (later called Paul), a man with a murderous hatred toward Christians (Acts 7:58) and yet a man who, after his conversion, became one of the greatest Christians that the world will ever know.

Verse 22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ.

Still at this point Paul was “unknown by face” to the Christians in Judea.

Verse 23 But they were hearing only, "He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith [refers to the Message of Christ] which he once tried to destroy."

Can you even imagine them getting this report! People coming to Judea and saying, “Hey, guys, you’re not going to believe this, but Saul who we all know was adamant about destroying Christians, who then just disappeared for a few years, well he’s back and he’s now preaching Christ!!!” Can you imagine getting that report!

APPLICATION FOR YOU: Picture the biggest Christ hater you know, and then you don’t hear anything of him, and all the sudden he resurfaces and he’s a preacher now. Do have an acquaintance like that? Don’t give up on that person - he is still reachable!!!

Verse 24 And they glorified God in [because of] me.

Our lives can so reflect Christ that people will not see the bigness of YOU or me, but the truth that your salvation and mine is a miracle that rightfully GLORIFIES GOD! AMEN!

This is a good stopping point. We’ll pick up with Chapter 2 next week as we continue our series on FREEDOM.

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“Paul shares his background...” Galatians 1:13-17

We ended last week with verse 12, I will cover verses 13-17 this week. I will try not to go over 1000 words per devotion, in the hope that they will be short enough for you to read and comment.

¹³ For you have heard of my former conduct [behavior, way of life] in Judaism, how I persecuted [and violently at that] the church of God [Gk. Ecclesia] beyond measure and tried to destroy it.

^{When Paul thought of Christians he did not think, “I wonder if Jesus is the Jewish Messiah?” No, rather he thought he was doing right by God by destroying the Christians (I Tim. 1:13) . He violently attacked the Christians and was himself responsible for many Christian deaths (Acts 9:1, 24:4-5, 26:9-11). He was even there when Stephen was martyred (See Acts 7:58,8:1 ).}

¹⁴ And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation,being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

Studying under the well-respected Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), Saul (later called Paul) mastered the Torah and the entire Jewish law, taking his place as a Pharisee. Paul, like many today, was zealous in his religious Jewish ways.

^{To relate this to us, Paul was religious but not right with God. We have many religious people around us today who are bound by their man-made traditions, laws, and legalism, but they don’t personally know JESUS!!! This was Paul’s state.}

¹⁵ But when it pleased God, who separated me [set me apart] from my mother's womb [before I was born] and called me through [by] His grace,

The Bible comes back to this, we are for God’s pleasure “…when it pleased God…”

Then it goes on “…who separated me from my mother’s womb…” Paul was set apart – his life as a follower of God was predestined even before he was born (from my mother’s womb), and called Paul (as He does all of us) THROUGH HIS GRACE. Paul didn’t merit (work for) his salvation and neither do we!!! Note: For Paul’s conversion see Acts: 9:1-19

Side Note: This, among many other passages, gives us an understanding that life begins before we come out of the womb, and that abortion is killing a life. Paul was separated by God while in the womb. I believe when we are born (come out of our mother) we are really 9 months old. Life begins at CONCEPTION!

¹⁶ to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood [meaning no person],

^{What was God’s purpose for Paul? To reveal HIS SON, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in me (Paul).}

^{God has the same purpose for you and me. We were chosen by God to reveal His Son to a lost and dying world.}

^{Paul was chosen NOT for HONOR, but for SERVICE, NOT for EASE, but for BATTLES.}

^{So it is with us today, we are not chosen for HONOR, though so many seek it, but for SERVICE. Yes service!}

^{Also, we were not chosen for EASE. Our easy believism gospel of today is, “come to Jesus and He will take all your problems away and bless you with good things.” But in truth He has saved us to BATTLE. When is the last time you heard someone say, “come to Jesus and get ready for the battles!!!” Why not tell the whole truth to one coming to Christ! It won’t scare them off if the call has come from God to start with.}

^{To Whom was Paul called? To PREACH JESUS among the GENTILES. How ironic!}

^{Sometimes our calling includes a certain people group. It could be a country, a race, a certain group of people (homeless, prisons, drug addicts, the sick, shut-ins, etc.).}

^{Paul ends this verse by again reminding them that he did not get his message from any human (flesh and blood).}

¹⁷ nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

^{He didn’t go running off to the Apostles and ask them to get him grounded. God sent him off in the desert (Arabia). Paul had a lot of unlearning to do, and in his case the Lord did it. No one had claims on Paul but God.}

^{Note: God did a special work with Paul that resulted in 1/3 of the New Testament being written by him. We do well to heed his words as they are part of our Holy Canon of scriptures and are really written by the Holy Spirit through the instrument of a man called Paul.}

^{The Biblical manner by which God teaches us His will is by other mature believers, by studying the Bible ourselves, and by the Holy Spirit . ALL methods will be in line with the scriptures and never go contrary to scripture.}

^{Don’t be like the Judaizers trying to discredit Paul’s ministry (and failed miserably) or like some who almost deify him. He was a man just like you and me except chosen in a different way. But even with that in mind remember whatever the Lord has called you to do, it is the most wonderful path for you to follow no matter where it leads. May the Lord bless you all in your journey!}

^{Next week we will finish chapter 1, and spend March in Chapter 2. Don’t get in a hurry, but ask the Lord to make Galatians real to you.}

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“A Message NOT of Man!!!” Galatians 1:11 & 12

This is a short lesson this week, partly because of my week and partly because I don’t want to get into the next few verses quite yet. Paul is still laying a foundation for the message of FREEDOM he is going to deliver strongly to these believers. So, it will get quite interesting in the coming weeks and months.

We’re just going to briefly look at some more spiritual food from verse 11 & 12 this week. Also, this would be a good week for you to back track over previous lessons and please ask questions and add comments.

Let’s look at verse 11: But I make known to you, brethren [Gk. Adelphos], that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man [man’s gospel]. v.12: For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Paul wants to make known, or as we might say today, “I want this to be crystal clear to you.”

Who do we see this verse was written to? Brethren!

This is Paul, a Jewish believer, calling these Gentile believers BRETHREN!!! To make this connection even more clear, the word for “brethren” in the Greek is adelphos, with the "A" meaning 'same' and "delph" meaning 'womb'. Paul referred to the Galatian believers as his brothers in Christ by this strong terminology. They both had the same heavenly Father (we are born again from above – John 3:3). WOW!!!

Then, Paul makes it clear that no man had any part in what he had learned and was speaking. This message was not something learned in educational schools, seminary, or any man-made institute. It came directly from the LORD Himself.

Paul ends verse 12 by saying the gospel message he was sharing with the Galatians came “through the revelation of Jesus Christ". Paul is saying he was not indebted to people for his knowledge of the gospel, but had derived it entirely from Jesus Christ.

No pushing around or accusing Paul when he was bringing this liberating truth direct from the Lord!

As we close, let me ask, are we being sucked into a MAN-MADE gospel today?

Sadly, I think so many are! And as I’ve said before, since the closing of the canon of the scriptures (66 books – Our Bible), there is no revelation that will EVER come from God that contradicts the Bible. Anyone can say, “Thus saith the Lord” and then say words that are “supposed” to be direct from heaven (and thus, don’t need to be tested by the Bible). HOGWASH!!! The very early church only had the Old Testament, and then over time what we call the New Testament. What a privilege that we don’t have to wonder what God is saying to us, it’s ALL in the Bible.

Next week we’ll get a little bit into Paul’s testimony as we pick up at verse 13.

Galatians "Men Pleaser or God Pleaser" Galatians 1:10-12

10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.
12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

In our last study Paul made it clear that you better not alter the message of Christ (to a works salvation) or you'll be cursed!!! Pretty serious stuff!



Now that brings us to Paul's next dealing with the people in this letter. Paul says in verse 10, ”For do I now persuade men [seeking the approval, obey], or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”

Why would Paul now feel it necessary to say this?

It's believed that the false teachers (Judaizers) were questioning his Apostleship AND likely accusing Paul of acting like a Jew when among the Jews, but acting another way when around the Gentiles (i.e., Galatians). Paul makes it clear that he does not care about "pleasing men."

We see this problem also in Colossians 3:22-23 "...not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."

Personally, I don't like people getting upset with me, but I must be willing to say whatever God's word says even if those who are lost (unsaved) don't like it, they think the message of the cross to be foolishness! (see I Cor. 1:18)

We must stay true to the scriptures, which means we cannot please men and God. We can't be both!!! Remember the gospel message is NOT what a non-repentant sinner wants to hear. And it is clear here that Paul admits he was ONCE a man pleaser "...IF I still pleased men..." then he would NOT be a bondservant of Christ.

Verse 11: "But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man."

Paul was not preaching a man’s gospel, but that which came directly from God. Today, many preach a man-centered gospel and draw 1000's. I say stick to the Bible (God's message) even if it means not being the most popular church in town, maybe being a lot smaller, too. God will reward your faithfulness to Him. It's not about numbers. Oh, that we would get that out of our heads! Praise God for us who have learned that big isn't necessarily better (often the opposite).

Example: I once had a friend visiting with me who wanted to go check out a mega-church (7,000 seat auditorium). On the way there he noticed he was wearing two different sneakers. He was somewhat embarrassed about it and was wondering if he should go to the service like that. I told him, "Brother, they will run us in there like cattle and run us out of there like cattle." No one noticed!!!

Verse 12: "For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Paul got his understanding of Jesus Christ and the gospel message directly from the Lord, and ended up being an instrument of the Holy Spirit to write approximately 1/3 of the New Testament. MAIN POINT: This was not man inspired, but God inspired!

NOTE: For almost 2000 years the canon of the scriptures is closed comprising 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books. So don't go saying God spoke (revealed) something to you that is beyond the scriptures. He won't EVER reveal ANYTHING that goes against His Holy Scriptures (the Bible).

As we close, let me ask you, "Are you a men pleaser or a God pleaser?"

We must live to please an audience of ONE - Please the LORD!!!
That's all that matters.

We conclude this week’s lesson on Galatians.

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Must read: The Need for Illumination by A.W. Tozer

This has nothing to do with our recent Galatians study (directly) but it was just too good to not share with you. This devotion for today (Feb. 4) and everyday by A.W. Tozer (who I love and respect).

Special Devotion: "The Need for Illumination"

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned. - I Corinthians 2:14

The doctrine of the inability of the human mind and the need for divine illumination is so fully developed in the New Testament that it is nothing short of astonishing that we should have gone so far astray about the whole thing...everywhere among conservatives we find persons who are Bible-taught but not Spirit-taught. They conceived truth to be something that they can grasp with the mind. If a man holds to the fundamentals of the Christian faith, he is thought to possess divine truth. But it does not follow. There is no truth apart from the Spirit. The most brilliant intellect may be imbecilic when confronted with the mysteries of God. For a man to understand revealed truth requires an act of God equal to the original of act which inspired the text...

Conservative Christians in this day are stumbling over this truth. We need to reexamine the whole thing. We need to learn that truth consists not in correct doctrine but in correct doctrine plus the inward enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. We must declare again the mystery of wisdom from above. A re-preachment of this vital truth could result in a fresh breath from God upon a stale and suffocating orthodoxy. - By A. W. Tozer The Pursuit of Man, 76-77,84.