Man has a desire to replace undeserved grace with rules, works and performances. The Galatians had freedom in their faith. There was “Judaisers” from Jerusalem who came to tell the Gentiles that their faith was not complete unless they followed the Old Testament law. In particular, they had to be circumcised. They were expected to be not only Christians but Jews too! The attack was not original but it was powerful. False teachers try to subtract or add to the Gospel. If you do then you are left with nothing.

1 – The True Messenger (vs. 1-2)

The false teachers attacked Paul’s apostleship. He was not one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. If Paul is not an apostle (messenger sent by God) then his message is discredited. Paul is an apostle sent by Jesus Christ. He defends it with vigour. His Gospel message is from God. See 1 Corinthians 15:8-9. Paul had seen the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He had received a message direct from God. He was a credible and legitimate apostle.

2 – The True Message (vs. 3-5)

What is the true message of the Gospel?

• The death of Jesus was voluntary. Jesus was not forced. He volunteered to go.
• The death of Jesus was vicarious – He died in place of others. He died for our sins. He was without sin and died as a substitute for sinners.
• The death of Jesus was victorious – He has delivered us from this evil age. He was dead, buried and raised to glory.

The Gospel is either God’s good news or it is nothing. We cannot add or take anything away from it. Paul is angered by those who are trying to change the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Judaisers were saying that what the believers had was no enough. See Galatians 3:1-3. It is possible to keep all the rules but still be a nasty human being! Keeping rules does not make you kinder on the inside.

3 – The False Message (vs. 6-7)

They have turned quickly away from the simplicity of the Gospel. They are being troubled by these Judaisers who are perverting the Gospel. Paul is surprised by their response. Paul does not mention prayer. He is not in a praying mood! He accuses them of being turncoats. It is like a military revolt. They have changed sides. It was not like they were changing from one acceptable way to another acceptable way. They had left God Himself! It was an opposite Gospel rather than the same. It is a serious violation and there can be no compromise on the truth of the Gospel.

4 – The False Messenger (vs. 8-9)

An angel is the highest created authority in the Universe. You are selected from damnation if you preach any other Gospel. Paul repeats it to make it doubly clear! Do not mess with the Gospel message. Paul’s words seem harsh and intolerant in our politically correct government.

If we accept anything then we make our own collection and religion. If you make your own religion then you need to make your own heaven as you won’t be going to God’s heaven! God has set the rules and not you! Jesus did not come to make a religious contribution to the storehouse of mankind! The Gospel is too important to treat as optional. We cannot earn our own salvation.

Categories: Galatians