"Galatians: Gridiron Gospel ” Series

In Jesus Holy Name January 22, 2023

Text: Galatians Series Galatians 1:11-2:10 Redeemer

“Galatians: Gridiron Gospel ”

The College football National Championship was won by the Georgia Bulldogs several weeks ago. In America we are watching the American League and National League begin their drive for the Superbowl. The National Football League started in the 1920’s. It is an umbrella term. In England “football” is what we in America call soccer. In Australia “football” is called Rugby. (Illustration from Leonard Sweet talk # 129)

On the green “gridiron” before millions of fans two teams fright their way towards the goal posts with the object to score and win the game. Galatians is an example of the “theology of football”. Two teams are fighting to win over new converts to Christianity. Jewish Pharisees have been intercepting Paul and the gospel, wanting to add rules to God’s offer of grace by faith in Jesus. Galatians is about the fight for the true gospel verses a false gospel. Which team will win the hearts of the Galatians? Paul is defending the true gospel which he states is “from God”.

Jesus said: “There is joy in heaven over one sinner who turns to God…” Luke 15:7 That’s what victory in Christianity looks like. In the football games today you will see thousands erupt with shouts of joy as their team scores a touch down. They jump up. They cheer. They wave towels or banners when a little ball goes over a goal post or crosses the goal line. When a touchdown is scored in heaven, according to Jesus, there is a raucous cheer. We should be cheering when a person leaves their false gods and comes to faith in Jesus?

Now, to score a touchdown some things must happen. You must be on offense. You can score on defense but you must have plays that move you towards the goal. The plays are called in the huddle. (during S.S. new S.S. teachers are called up and asked to form a circle…they will always form one facing each other…is there any other way? Ask them to form a circle facing outward… this is the offense…now dedicate the teachers)

In Galatians Paul is like the coach…calling plays, correcting mistakes. He is correcting the mistake of the believers who are not following the correct gospel. This is the theology of football and the football is the gospel. Each play begins with a huddle. Players line up and prepare for their assigned blocking or running scheme. If the quarterback throws the ball out of bounds or the receiver drops the ball the huddle begins again. Paul is asking the Galatians to double check their mis-handling of the gospel. Someone has interfered with the Gospel, or some one has dropped the ball.

There is a unique story that helps explain the problem in the churches of Galatia. Peggy was a conscientious driver. When she set herself behind the wheel, she did not drink and drive; she did not send or receive texts; she did not speed excessively; and she did not give in to road rage when people cut her off. Because she was a good driver, when her vehicle began to shudder, stutter, and pop, she was already in the freeway's right lane and was able to get safely to the shoulder of the road. ( lustration from Rev. Ken Klaus)

That was the way the situation was when, in her rearview mirror, she saw an Arkansas Highway Patrolman pull up behind her. The officer approached her door, had her roll down the window so he could ask the traditional questions, "Are you all right?" "What seems to be the problem?" Peggy replied, "She was okay, but her car seemed to be internally hemorrhaging." The officer had her release the latch on the car's hood. Although not a mechanic, he was able to rule out some of the basic vehicle difficulties. Next, the officer asked Peggy to scoot over and placed himself behind the wheel. He turned the key and... nothing.

It was then the officer asked, "When was the last time you filled your car up? As near as I can figure, you're out of gas." To that good news, without thinking, flustered Peggy said, "Is that all? Great! Officer, can you tell me, will it hurt the car's engine if I drive it home this way?" To the officer's credit he didn't grin or chuckle when he replied "Well, Ma'am, you may believe that will work, but I believe you may find the trip to be a frustrating experience."

Peggy believed one thing and the officer believed another. The belief of one was right, the belief of the other was wrong. In this particular case it is not hard to see who was correct. But there are other times, very serious times, when the choice does not seem to be so obvious.