United Around the Gospel

by Jan 20, 2019Galatians Series, Sermon

It’s not always easy to get Christians to agree on things. This is true even when it comes to how you get salvation. Many insist on adding works to faith. The early church faced this controversy head-on. The gospel that Paul preached was given to him directly from Jesus. Not by coincidence, its content was exactly what the original Christ-followers were also sharing with others. And even now God invites us to unite around the gospel.

Discussion Questions

Why did Paul write his letter to the churches in Galatia? Read Galatians 1:6-9 for insights.

Read Galatians 2:1-2. Why did Paul go to Jerusalem? The reference to 14 years probably represents how long Paul had been a Christian by this time. How long does it take to mature in Christ? How would you chart your spiritual growth progress?

It seems like Paul took Titus for a reason. Why? (Gal. 2:3)

Read Galatians 2:4-6. What does Paul mean by liberty and bondage? How is adding external requirements to the gospel a form of bondage?

Read Galatians 2:7-9. How did Paul’s ministry differ from Peter’s ministry? What evidence do you see here that these men were united in the gospel?

In addition to spreading the gospel, they all agreed on helping to meet the needs of the poor (Gal. 2:10). How can you practically help the poor?

For Freedom

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. These are some of the most powerful and important words of the New Testament. The Grace of God through Jesus Christ sets us free to live in fellowship with God and with others. If only it were that simple. The book of...

Moving Forward Not Backwards

Believing in Jesus for your salvation means you’re adopted by God and headed to heaven. But becoming a Christian won’t help you change and grow unless you’re cooperating with God’s Spirit in your life. You’re either moving forward or sliding backwards. Spiritual...

From Slaves to Heirs

Through faith alone in Christ alone we’re transformed from slaves to heirs—heirs of God! God places the believer into the body of Christ. And in that moment, we put on Christ. That’s a profound, new reality. The only alternative to a life without Christ is bondage to...

The Law and The Gospel

God has a covenant relationship with His people, and He always keeps His promises, no matter what our shortcomings may be. In fact, even our best efforts don't get us into right relationship with God. We only have right relationship with Him because of Jesus. The Law...

Bewitched and Foolish

Sometimes clarifying the gospel requires stern language. Confusion about the nature of salvation and walking with God is a serious matter. That’s why Paul addresses the Galatian Christians as “bewitched” and “foolish.” It’s like a spell was cast over them. Their...

Called Out

As we continue our look at Galatians we find Paul and Peter in the midst of an awkward situation at the Antioch church supper. The way in which Paul addressed the situation will highlight not only the need for Jesus in our lives, but also the futility of rule keeping...

Directly from God

Grace leaves itself open to misunderstanding, even abuse. But God wants us to experience the life-changing power of His grace. Paul did. He experienced God’s grace when he embraced the gospel given to him by direct revelation from Jesus. Now this persecutor of...