Grace From Galatians (1 0f 19)

Paul recognized the danger of teaching such things. Because the enemies of the true gospel were trying to support their case by undermining Paul's authority as an apostle of Christ, it was necessary to verify that he was truly an apostle "not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father" (1:1). Once Paul established his apostleship, he wasted no time in defending his apostleship and the gospel of grace he preached.

Text: Galatians 1:1-5

Introduction: The English people, as some suppose, did not give us the English muffins. Nor did the people of Denmark give us the Danish pastries as some suppose.

But make no mistake about this, it was Christ who gave us Grace so that we all can become children of God.

Illus: John Newton, who wrote the beloved song "Amazing Grace," tells us about this amazing grace that the Lord Jesus shed on us. The words to that beautiful hymn go like this:

• Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.

• T’was grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.

• Thru many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come: ‘Tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

• When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s grace than when we first begun.

Even though this song is sung by practically every church in America, still many have never come close to grasping HIS AMAZING GRACE!

With this in mind, let us look at the salutation of the Book of Galatians.

In the salutation, Paul tips his hand as to the subject matter that is on his mind as he writes this letter. Two points of particular interest emerge:

(1) Paul's authority and credibility had been called into question by his opponents and he addresses that right from the start of the letter.

(2) The blasphemous suggestion made by his opponents that the problem of sin could be solved by other than the death of Christ for our sin is dealt with firmly.

Let’s look at how he handles these two very important things he wants to talk to them about:

I. LOOK AT THE AUTHORITY OF HIS MESSAGE

When evil people want to destroy a message, they try to destroy the messenger.

• In the political arena this is called CHARACTER ASSASSINATION, a particularly repugnant political tactic, and has been employed extensively throughout history. Some refer to this tactic as McCarthyism. In the political world where men and women are hungry for power and fame, they often try to DESTROY THE CHARCTER OF THEIR OPPONENT to get the voters to favor them.

• This tactic of CHARACTER ASSASSINATION also is often used by lawyers. Many lawyers, in order to win the jury to their way of thinking, will try to completely assassinate the character of the witness on the stand. They know that if they can destroy the MESSENGER they can destroy the MESSAGE.

• This tactic is also used by many church members. They give the impression that they have come to church to worship God, but they have a hidden agenda, and every time they get a chance, they will destroy anyone who tries to hinder them from achieving their agenda.

Character assassination is such a real problem that:

• Bible preachers are viciously attacked, because as they proclaim the Word of God, they expose these different ones, they become angry at the man of God and do everything they can to destroy his character.

• Many parents go through very difficult times because they have a rebellious child that does not want anyone telling them what they can do and can not do.

Character Assassination is something that is used frequently by people who have no respect for authority. We see that in:

• Our Public schools

• Our homes

• The military

• The work force

• The attitude that some folks have of policemen. They are called “Pigs” “Cops”, and “Flat Footers”

Illus: That reminds me of a police officer who pulled over an obnoxious driver in a red Porsche after he had run a stop sign.

The officer walked up to the car and said to the driver, "May I see your driver's license and registration please?"

The driver said, "What's the problem, officer?"

The police officer said, "You just ran the stop sign back there at the last intersection."

The driver said, "Oh, come on pal, there wasn't a car within miles of me".

Police officer said, "Nevertheless sir, you are required to come to a complete stop, look both ways, and proceed with caution."