Galatians 1:11-24 “The Gospel Unveiled” 2-13-2011
Introduction: We have observed the Lord’s Supper this morning. “This do in remembrance of Me.” What Jesus did, dying on the cross, is the most significant event in the history of mankind.
Paul was converted on the Damascus Road. Jesus confronted him. Jesus also commissioned him to preach the gospel to the gentiles.
After years of study and preparation, Paul and Barnabas went on their first missionary journey. They went through the Galatian region establishing churches. After they had returned to Antioch, Judiazers came behind them preaching a different gospel. Paul was disturbed by this, and he wrote this letter to the churches to refute false teaching and to uphold the truth of the gospel.
In our text today, we will see that Paul preached a pure gospel that was delivered to him by none other than Jesus Christ.
TEXT – Galatians 1:11-24
Paul Preached Revealed Truth, vv. 11-12
•Paul had been accused of preaching a man-devised gospel, a message that did not have a divine origin, v. 11.
•Paul declared to the Galatian churches that the gospel message he preached had been revealed to him by none other than Jesus Christ, v. 12.
•This had always been his testimony.
Acts 26:14-16 ( NKJV )
14And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
15So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
16But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. (bold and underline for emphasis)
•He did not receive it “from man” (para anthrôpôn, which shuts out both apo and dia of verse 1), whether Peter or any other apostle, nor was he taught it in the school of Gamaliel in Jerusalem or at the University of Tarsus. He “received” his gospel in one way, “through revelation of Jesus Christ” (diʼ apokalupseôs Içsou Christou). [Word Pictures of the N.T. by A. T. Robertson]
•The word “revealed” can also be translated “unveiled.” It is the same word that is used in the title of the last book in the Bible, “Revelation of Jesus Christ.”
•On the Damascus Road, Jesus Christ confronted Paul, revealed Himself to Paul, and revealed to him the gospel message.
•Jesus had continued to instruct Paul, reveal to him the truth of the gospel.
•The message of the gospel of salvation has been revealed/unveiled to us by God. It is not the figment of the imagination of men nor is it some trick of angels. It is God’s truth for mankind.
Paul had a Radical Transformation, vv. 13-14
•Paul wrote of his radical transformation from being a murderous persecutor of the church to becoming a missionary evangelist to the gentiles.
•He reminds them that his formal training probably exceeded those who were attempting to undermine his ministry by calling gentiles into Judaism (legalism, circumcision, and special days), v. 14.
•God did a transforming work in Paul’s life.
•At this time of the year, young men are signing letters of intent to play football to the various colleges that have recruited them. These young athletes are making a choice of where they will play football.
•In life we have a spiritual decision on which team we will be a part of – God’s team or Satan’s team.
•Paul chose to be on God’s team. The choice marked a radical transformation for him.
•Most of us here this morning have not had the dramatic conversion that Paul experienced on the Damascus Road.
•Do not make the mistake of thinking that your salvation experience was not radical.
•Your salvation is radical because . . .
oIt was accomplished by God’s grace.
oThere was not anything that you or I could do to bring about our salvation.
oGod’s Holy Spirit convicted us of our sin and drew us to faith in Jesus as our Savior.
oWe deserve hell, just like murderous Paul or any other notorious person.
Paul preached the Revealed Truth of the Gospel, he had experienced a Radical Transformation, and . . .
Paul demonstrated a Reliable Testimony, vv. 22-24.
•The events of his life following his conversion are referenced in these verses, vv. 15b-24.
•There were ample eye-witnesses who could verify the facts.
•The Galatians knew these facts for themselves.
•Paul’s testimony reflected the transformation that had taken place in his life.
•Paul’s testimony was a reliable account of the work of God in his life.
•Paul was simply reminding the Galatians to check the facts.
•His testimony was cause for giving glory to God, v. 24.
•If you are a true believer in Jesus Christ, you have a testimony.
oIt may not be dramatic, but it does describe the work of God by His grace to save you through the accomplished work of Jesus Christ.
oYour testimony declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ.
oYour testimony announces that you made a conscious and personal decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior.
oThat is why baptism is so important. It is that outward act of declaration of what has taken place in your heart and life.
Conclusion: Paul was a determined man. At one point in life his zeal for his Jewish faith was such that he took every action that he could to totally wipe out the church. On the Damascus Road he was confronted by Jesus Christ and that made the difference.
Do you think that Peter or John could have convinced Paul to convert to faith in Christ? The answer is absolutely not. The truth of the matter is that if I can convince you to convert, then it is a sham. I can deliver the message, but you must be convinced by the Holy Spirit of God if you are to truly receive Jesus Christ as your Savior.
The gospel is God’s work totally. That makes radical transformation possible.
Can you say for certain this morning that the Holy Spirit of God convicted you of your sin and called you to faith in Jesus Christ? God may have used a preacher, a parent, a Sunday school teacher or some other person to share the message with you, but salvation comes only by God . . . not by man.
There is a saying, “All roads lead to Rome.” But the truth is that all roads do not lead to God. Jesus Christ said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6, NKJV)
Jesus is the WAY to God. Will you receive Him as your Savior today?
