Galatians Justified by Faith

1. Galatians Justified by Faith Gal. 1:10 – 2:10“The Believer’s Defense”July 15, 2012

2. Galatians Justified by Faith In groups: How can you know if someone is trustworthy, has wisdom, and has advice/teachings worth heeding? Gal. 1:10 – 2:10“The Believer’s Defense”July 15, 2012

3. Galatians Justified by Faith • Galatians 1:10-2:10… • Paul’s Apostolic defense: • The occasion… • The term: • Apostle = “apostolos” / a person sent by another; a messenger; envoy • The “office” • “Qualifications” of an Apostle: • An eye witness of Christ • Specifically called by Christ himself to be a messenger to others of Christ Jesus • The working of miracles accompanies the teaching Gal. 1:10 – 2:10“The Believer’s Defense”July 15, 2012

4. Galatians Justified by Faith • Paul’s Apostolic defense: • The specifics: • Man’s gospel (10) • Theme verse for this defense: 1:12, “I received this gospel by revelation from Jesus Christ.” • Paul was called by the grace of Christ (15) • The Gentiles (unlike the other Apostles) are his mission field – where Christ sent him (16) • 1:18-2:10– the 12 Apostles accept him as an Apostle, this should be great evidence Gal. 1:10 – 2:10“The Believer’s Defense”July 15, 2012

5. Galatians Justified by Faith • If Paul defended himself, • should we then defend ourselves? • Three scriptural examples: • Often we hear how Jesus made no defense for himself on the way to the cross. • Matt 22:52-54; Luke 4; 5:30; 6:2; 7:20; 11 • “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” (Prov 27:2) • This is about praising you, not defending you. • “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." (Rom 12:19) • Avenge = vindicate, retaliate, punish Gal. 1:10 – 2:10“The Believer’s Defense”July 15, 2012

6. Galatians Justified by Faith • When is it appropriate to defend myself? • Very rarely. • Only in such cases when someone’s spiritual welfare depends on it. • Acts 4 and 7; Peter and John • In Paul’s case, his defense is simply his testimony of conversion. • “The blood of Jesus covers me.” Gal. 1:10 – 2:10“The Believer’s Defense”July 15, 2012

7. Galatians Justified by Faith • Paul had two scenarios facing • him when he wrote to the Galatians: • The Judaisers were twisting the gospel. Left unchecked, it would be THEM who would teach the Galatians and all who came after them how to be saved. • 2) Quickly step in and address the issue on everyone’s mind: Paul told us something different, but who is he, anyway? Why should we listen to HIM? • If Paul doesn’t defend himself, the door is wide open for that “different gospel” (1:8) to take flight, to gain steam, to become a new gospel to the Gentiles. Gal. 1:10 – 2:10“The Believer’s Defense”July 15, 2012

8. Galatians Justified by Faith • Homework: • Pray about “defensiveness” • Are you a defensive person? • Has someone close to you accused you of being defensive? • Why do you defend yourself (motive)? Gal. 1:10 – 2:10“The Believer’s Defense”July 15, 2012

9. Galatians Justified by Faith Gal. 1:10 – 2:10“The Believer’s Defense”July 15, 2012