Paul’s Testimony- A Revelation Of Jesus Christ Pt.5

Paul’s Testimony- A Revelation Of Jesus Christ Pt.5

Text: Galatians 1:11-24NASB

A family from a remote area made their very first visit to the big city.

They checked into the Grand Hotel and stood in amazement at the impressive sight.

As Dad signed in at the reception desk, Mom and daughter came near the elevator entrance.

They had never seen an elevator before, so they just stared at it, unable to figure out what it was there for.

An old man hobbled towards the elevator and went inside. The door closed. About a minute later, the door opened and out came a stunningly good-looking young man.

Mom could not stop staring. Without turning her head, she patted her daughter's arm and said, "Honey, Go get your dad!” (Pause)

For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

13 For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; 14 and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. 15 But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.

18 Then three years later, I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; 23 but only, they kept hearing, “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they were glorifying God because of me.

Well, Unlike the elevator, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, The Gospel of the Cross, truly does make a difference!

Galatians 1:11-12NLT Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. 12 I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.

Paul begins with three negatives, likely direct disproof of his opponents’ claims that Paul’s credentials were untrustworthy.

1. Paul’s gospel was not according to man.

2. It was not received from man.

3. It had not been taught to him.

These summaries denials underscore that Paul’s source for the gospel was not human, earthly, or natural.

He didn't dream up this gospel, It didn’t come through creative brainstorming, nor from clever mental formulation.

A revelation is the unveiling of something hidden, A revelation brings light where there was darkness, it shows the unlimited possibilities, it takes the cap off, it brings hope while replacing despair.

Like Paul, as John was on the Island of Patmos, he received revelation of past, present and future events, Remember his reaction- He fell on his face and worshiped.

Proverbs 29:18The Voice Where there is no vision from God, the people run wild, but those who adhere to God’s instruction know genuine happiness.

Habakkuk 2:2NASB Then the LORD answered me and said, "Record the vision And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run.

I read a study from Harvard University that 1% of individuals in the world write down and keep goals. The 1% that do are the most successful and prosperous people on earth.

One more fact, Only one teaching that is totally absent from all the cults is the gospel of the grace of God. No one is taught in the cults that he can be saved from eternal damnation by simply placing his faith in Jesus Christ. It’s always belief in Jesus Christ plus, do this or follow that. All cults attach something to the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith… It is never taught that faith in Christ alone will save anyone.

Listen to Galatians 1:11-12TM Know this—I am most emphatic here, friends—this great Message I delivered to you is not mere human optimism. I didn’t receive it through the traditions, and I wasn’t taught it in some school. I got it straight from God, received the Message directly from Jesus Christ.