INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Grace of Christ
2. The Gospel of Christ
3. The Goodness of Christ
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we will be endeavoring to discuss the subject: “So Soon Removed.” It is important that we understand that the grace of God can only be obtained through the gospel of Christ. Paul calls this message the “certified gospel.” A gospel not certified is not authentic, not endorsed and thus, not capable of providing salvation, and the goodness of Christ. Yet, that which plagues the church and its members always is its “departure” or “falling away” “from the faith once delivered to the saints” or “the grace of Christ,” Jude 3.
2. First, the beloved apostle outlines the Galatians church’s departure from the grace of Christ. In our text he writes, “I marvel that you are so soon removed from HIM.” They had become removed to “another gospel…which is not another!” These saints had abandoned the grace of God, their means of justification; their belief of the truth; thus, their assurance of salvation; for a message inspired, ordained and taught by men, a “perverted message that could not save.” It seemed like this was Paul’s constant battle. He establishes a sound and faithful church; then the perverters of the truth would arrive in his absence and preach their seed of perversion, through another message.
3. Secondly, Paul discusses their departure from the gospel of Christ. He pronounces an anathema on those who would pervert the teachings of Christ. The word gospel is (Gr: evaggelion) or the message of, “good news.” The gospel then as now can be preached as a plain, polished, polluted or perverted message. There were some who: “troubled the church and perverted the gospel of Christ.” They had turned the good news of salvation into hopeless despair through law keeping and ceremonial rites. Thus, these false teachers were attempting to make “salvation by faith”; a salvation by works. False teachers will always be met with this anathema, whether in the first century or even in our generation. The anathematized teachers are those “set apart and devoted to destruction, given a sentence of death, which is pronounced by God himself.” Each teacher of a polished, polluted or perverted message will be damned to this fate, unless they abandoned such teachings. How terrible it is for one to “fall into the hands of the living God?” For truly our God, can be “a consuming fire,” Hebrews 12:29.
4. Then lastly, the beloved apostle describes their removal from the goodness of Christ or the blessings secured by obedience to the gospel. They had been removed from grace, the possibilities of peace with God; from Christ who gave himself for their sins, and stands as their only means of deliverance from this present evil world. Cut off from the joy and comfort of the Holy Spirit given to them, because of their “adoption as sons,” and “being heirs according to the promise.” These Gentiles have turned from the freedom found only in Christ; “to become once again entangled with the yoke of bondage,” through the works of the law and circumcision, Galatians 5:1; Acts 15:24.
BODY OF LESSON
I FROM THE GRACE OF CHRIST
A. The possibility of apostasy or departure. Remaining true and faithful in the grace of Christ is something that over shadows the church of Christ in every generation. Each congregation, each soul in every generation, could find itself “removed from him that hath called them into the grace of Christ.”
1. First, this faith must “always be contended for,” Jude 3. The word apostasy means: “departure, or falling away from the faith.” Not only sin can separate us from God, but also false teachers.
a. These are men “professing themselves to be wise, (but) they (have) become fools,” Romans 1:22.
b. Their desire is to “make merchandise of the church” and cause it to sin in this most terrible way, 2 Peter 2:3. They feed upon the weakness and wickedness of the membership; when it has no real leadership or a firm foundation in the faith. They can be persuaded to place their trust in themselves or some ritual or rite; rather than the “grace of Christ.”
c. Jeremiah writes regarding this problem: “A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priest bear rule by their own means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” Jeremiah 5:30-31.
2. Further, Paul warns the Romans: “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off,“ Romans 11:22.
3. Finally, Paul instructs the Corinthians: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall,” 1 Corinthians 10:12. Salvation is only possible, by our continuance in the grace of Christ, Jude 24-25. Take heed lest ye fall!
B. I marveled ye are so soon removed. Paul marveled that they had been “so soon removed from him that called them into the grace of Christ.” God the Father had been deserted by these babes in Christ. Paul had called them “into this grace” by his preaching of the gospel, Galatians 4:19. Notice:
1. First, Paul states: “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ," Galatians 1:6-7.
2. Further, Galatians, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free…Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace,” Galatians 5:4. Some suggest that a true believer cannot fall from grace. But notice:
a. These babes in Christ had “fallen from grace,” Galatians 5:4. Some argue that it is impossible for a believer to fall from grace. They cite for their proof text, John 10:28-30.
b. These verses state as long as the believer is trusting in God for his salvation, it is impossible for anyone to remove them from the safety of Christ and the heavenly Father.
c. The believer however, can depart from the faith or become unfaithful to God, 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Galatians 6:1, and James 5:19-20. Illustrate: Falling from Grace.
d. The believer can become harden through the deceitfulness of sin, Hebrews 3:12-13; Hebrews 4:11; Hebrews 6:4-6 and 2 Peter 2:20-22.
e. Conclusion: There is no bible teaching that suggest or implies the believer cannot fall from the grace of Christ. This is possible as a result of continual sin and unfaithfulness. The “once saved; always saved” doctrine is a man-made teaching and it is not from heaven.
3. Next, to the Thessalonians he declares: “God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Where unto he called you by our gospel,” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14.
4. Finally, these Galatians had departed from the faith. Paul asks them later in this letter; “Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth?” Galatians 3:1-5. Read and Comment! Who has cast a spell upon you; so alluring that you would forsake Christ and his grace?
C. Grace is a precious gift. It is not deserved or earned; but divinely given to all who would accept Christ by faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ, Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 1:16-17. The gospel of Christ is not obeyed “in the heart.” But, “from the heart,” Romans 6:17-18. It is more than a confession of faith, Romans 10:9-10. It is a demonstration of faith in an act of obedience, James 2:18-26. For Abraham, it was the offering of his son unto God. For us, it is the offering of our lives unto Christ, through gospel obedience, which culminates in the act of baptism, Galatians 3:26-27. Illustrate: Faith that works through love, Galatians 5:6.
1. It was this grace that permitted God to forgive David; guilty of adultery and murder, 2 Samuel 12:1-7.
2. It was this grace that permitted the Lord to forgive the woman at the well; who not only had 5 husbands, but was then living with a man who was not her husband, John 4:16-18.
3. It's this grace which permits the God of heaven to forgive an erring brother “who made waste of his substance on riotous living,” like the prodigal son, Luke 15:24.
4. Paul would say: “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound,” Romans 5:20.
D. Grace of God hath appeared to all men. Paul states: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world,” Titus 2:11-12. We are living in the dispensation of the grace of God, Ephesians 3:1-7. Also, to the elders at Ephesus Paul says Christ sent him: “to testify the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24.
E. They were saved by grace through faith. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved;)...For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:5, 8-9. Notice:
1. First, these Gentiles were saved by grace, apart from any work of the law or other commandments.
2. Further, unlike the Jews who trusted in their own self-righteousness for salvation, Luke 15:1-2, 14; Luke 18:9-14; Matthew 21:28-31. Illustrate: Pharisees and Publican.
3. Finally, notice Paul: “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth,” Romans 10:1-4. Illustrate: Blessedness of David, Romans 4:6-8. This blessing has been promised to all who believeth in Christ, Romans 4:23-25; 5:1-2.
II FROM THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST
A. These saints had embraced “another gospel, which is not another.” Paul speaks of “a different gospel (Gr: heteros), which is not another (Gr: allos), like the one he preached),” W.E. Vine p. 60. There can be no other gospel, no other message of salvation, but that which Paul had delivered unto them. The Jewish brethren had brought in another teaching--the Law of Moses and circumcision. But this doctrine was not inspired, not certified, and thus, not able to bring about salvation. Not then, not NOW! See Acts 15:1, 5, 24. The men from James and of the Pharisees sought to impose this on these new converts of Paul. Notice:
1. First Paul: “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins; and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses,” Acts 13:38-39.
2. Further, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life,” Titus 3:5-7.
3. The Jerusalem conference. Luke writes: “Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment,” Acts 15:24. Illustrate: Jerusalem Conference.
B. They “trouble you, and pervert the gospel of Christ.” These teachers have trouble the souls of the saints and thwarted the work of God, Acts 5:38-39. If salvation; justification could come by the law, THEN:
1. Christ is died in vain, Galatians 2:20-21.
2. We are all yet under sin, Galatians 3:21-25.
3. Ye are not the sons of God, Galatians 4:4-5; Galatians 3:26-27.
4. Ye are not heirs according to the promise, Galatians 3:28-29.
C. Notice our text again: “But though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed,” Galatians 1:8-9. Notice his argument:
1. First, ye did run well. “Ye did run well; who did hinder you, that ye should not obey the truth?” Galatians 5:7.
2. Further, he that trouble you. “I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded; but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be,” Galatians 5:10. Illustrate: Those Who Troubled You, Acts 15:1, 4; Galatians 2:4-5, 11-12. “Certain came from James.”
3. Finally, that they may be cut off. “I would they were cut off which trouble you,” Galatians 5:12.
4. I would that they be anathematized, 1 Corinthians 16:22.
D. Preach another gospel. The pronouncement of anathema! If their gospel be polished; polluted; and perverted, “let them be accursed.” Whosoever it is that teacheth such. Whether angel or men. The sentence is the same. Cut off from God. They are lost without any hope of redemption. Illustrate: Joseph Smith, Book of Mormons. We need to ask these questions:
1. Does the book say more than the bible? If so, reject it, Revelations 22:18-19; Proverbs 30:6.
2. Does the book say less than the Bible? If so, reject it, Deuteronomy 4:2.
3. Does the book say the same things as the bible? If so, reject it. We don't need this book; we have already the all inspired, perfecting will of God. “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God....” 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21.
E. Message from angels. Angels have no part of lot in this matter! Paul says: “For we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the Excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us,” 2 Corinthians 4:7. Illustrate: Angels in the gospel plan.
1. First, angels never spake of the gospel; or told anyone they were saved, or how to be saved! They told the man where to find the preacher; or the preacher where to find the man! See Acts 8; 10:1ff.
2. Further, angels are the servants of man, and are not to be worshiped, Revelations 22:8-9. Illustrate: Images, angels, and statues.
3. Finally, angels desired to look into the plan, but could not. The gospel that have been preached “by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into,” 1 Peter 1:9-12.
4. Do I persuade men or God? In my message do I persuade men or God? Do I persuade you to hear me because of men; or because of God? Did I bring a gospel whose origin was from men? Illustrate: From heaven or men? Matthew 21:23-27. Also, “Woe unto me if I preach not the gospel,” 1 Corinthians 9:16.
5. Do I seek to please men? Are my words pleasing, or do they cause me to have enemies? “Am I become you enemy because I tell you the truth?” See Galatians 4:16; 2 Corinthians 13:8.
a. First, consider Jesus: “Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you; for so did their fathers to the false prophets,” Luke 6:26. When men speak well of you and your message; be careful you might be preaching to please them, rather than God.
b. Further, hear James: “Whosoever therefore be a friend of the world is the enemy of God,” James 4:5. Illustrate: Audience Pleasers, unwilling to preach baptism for the remission of sins. They say: “If I preached that, I would not have as many followers as I do.” They have sold out their faith, for the favor of men, John 5:44.
c. Finally, these men are more concern with pleasing men, rather than the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul says: “For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ,” Galatians 1:10. See also Colossians 3:23-25. Read! Finally, let’s notice our last thought.
III FROM THE GOODNESS OF CHRIST
A. Christ's goodness is seen in his grace; and our peace with God. “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,” Galatians 1:3. Notice also, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God,” Romans 5:1-2.
1. First, the Christian's righteousness is not based upon how much good he or she does; but upon the goodness of Christ. For truly our God is good. David said: “Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart,” Psalms 73:1.
2. Further, “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee,” Psalms 86:5.
3. Next, “For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations,” Psalms 100:5.
4. Finally, “The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him,” Lamentations 3:25.
B. Christ's goodness is seen in his sacrificial life. Paul said: “who gave himself for our sins.” In the gospel is clearly seen the goodness of God and Christ. Isaiah said: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes ye are healed,” Isaiah 53:5. Christ was our sacrificed, the propitiation (Gr: helastareon), or the mercy seat for our sins, 1 John 2:1-2; Romans 3:25 and Hebrews 9:5.
1. First Paul said: “Who (Christ) gave himself for our sins,” Galatians 1:4. This is the entire message of the gospel of Christ, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 1:14-17.
2. Further, this is a gospel of salvation by grace. Justification is by faith apart from the works of the law or of human merit. It is a message of hope, a message of “good news” to all who accept Christ by faith and obedience to the gospel.
3. Finally, elsewhere Paul writes: “Who (Christ) gave himself a ransom for all,” 1 Timothy 2:3-6. Also, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give himself a ransom for many,” Matthew 20:28; Galatians 2:20-21.
C. Christ's goodness is seen in our promise deliverance. Notice Paul: “that he might deliver us from this present evil world.” To Titus he wrote: “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works,” Titus 2:14. Also, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely gives us all things?” See Romans 8:32.
D. Christ's goodness is also seen in our adoption as sons. Notice: “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law; to redeem that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son: and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ,” Galatians 4:5-7. See also 1 John 3:1-2.
E. Christ's goodness is seen in our redemption and final salvation. He has redeemed us from our sins. Notice: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” Romans 3:23-24.
1. First, he reminds us of our redemption which is in Christ: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:14. See also Ephesians 1:7. To the Ephesians Paul stated not only redemption is in Christ, but “all spiritual blessings are in Christ,” Ephesians 1:3. These spiritual blessings (redemption, grace, salvation, etc.) are the true expression of “the goodness of Christ.”
2. Further, Paul says: “we shall be saved by his life.” Notice: “But God commendeth his love toward us... Much more than, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we SHALL BE SAVED BY HIS LIFE,” Romans 5:8-10.
3. Finally, Paul's admonitions to the saints:
a. Stand fast in the liberty. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage,” Galatians 5:1.
b. Be steadfast. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 15:58.
c. Lest I labor in vain. “I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain,” Galatians 4:11. In conclusion we have noticed the following. “They had become removed from…”
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Grace of Christ
2. The Gospel of Christ
3. The Goodness of Christ
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, the beloved apostle outlines the Galatians church’s departure from the grace of Christ. In our text he writes, “I marvel that you are so soon removed from HIM.” They had become removed to “another gospel…which is not another.” These saints had abandoned the grace of God, their means of justification; their belief of the truth; thus, their assurance of salvation; for a message uninspired, ordained and taught of men, a “perverted message that could not save.”
2. Secondly, Paul discussed their departure from the gospel of Christ. He also pronounces an anathema on those who would pervert the teachings of Christ. The word gospel is (Gr: evaggelion) or message of “good news.” The gospel then as now can be preached as a plain, polished, polluted or perverted message. There were some who “troubled the church and perverted the gospel of Christ.” They had turned the good news of salvation into hopeless despair through law keeping and ceremonial rites. Thus, these false teachers were attempting to make “salvation by faith”; a salvation by works. False teachers will always be met with this anathema, whether in the first century or even our generation. The anathematized teachers are those “set apart and devoted to destruction, given a sentence of death, which is pronounced by God himself.” Each teacher of a polished, polluted or perverted message will be damned to this fate, unless they abandoned such teachings. How terrible it is for one to “fall into the hands of the living God?” For truly our God, can be “a consuming fire.”
3. Then lastly, the beloved apostle described their removal from the goodness of Christ or the blessings secured by obedience to the gospel. They had been removed from grace; the possibilities of peace with God; from Christ who gave himself for their sins, and stands as their only means of deliverance from this present evil world; and from the joy and comfort of the Holy Spirit given to them because of their adoption as sons, and their being heir according to the promise. These Gentiles have turned from the freedom found only in Christ; to become once again entangled with the yoke of bondage, through the works of the law and circumcision.
C. Invitation. “Come unto me all ye that labor,” Matthew 11:28-30.
D. Exhortation. “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip….How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation…,” Hebrews 2:1-4.
E. Persuasion. “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men,” 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Acts 2:36-47.
