Lessons From Galatians – Lesson 2
The Bible is amazing. The more you learn about it the more amazing it is.
Penned by 40 different men and over a period of over 1,500 years and it all goes together and has unity. That is because all scripture was given by God. He actually wrote it all He just used 40 different penmen.
I have pointed this out many times. In the Bible you will have a verse of warning or instruction in a very clear short verse. And then somewhere else in the Bible you will have an example of what that looks like.
You will see that truth lived out in a life or lives. This lets you see what that instruction or warning looks like in a real practical way.
Galatians is an example of this.
Jesus warns of false teachers in Matthew.
Mat_7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Of false teachers Jesus first says Beware. They are dangerous, be wary, be on the lookout. Be on guard. Beware.
2nd Jesus says they can fool people. They come in sheep’s clothing. So they look the look. They talk the talk. They use the right terminology. They can play the part of sheep well.
3rd Jesus says but on the inside they are ravening wolves. Not just wolves but ravening wolves.
Ravening is ferocious, extremely hungry and hunting for prey.
So Jesus gives clear instruction to beware of false teachers and presents a picture of how they are out hunting to hurt and destroy.
Paul also gives a short simple clear instruction and warning about false teachers.
Act_20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
We are to beware of false teachers and be active in protecting the flock because the false teachers are not going to spare the flock, they are out to destroy.
So we have the short warnings and instructions and there are actually many more but we only did two of them.
And then we see in the Bible an example of false teachers of the sect of the Pharisees who had been allowed into the church at Jerusalem. And how they had sent teachers to Gentile churches and even to Antioch teaching that circumcision was necessary for salvation.
And how Paul and Barnabas disputed with them, but that did not end it. And how they went to Jerusalem because the root of the problem came from there.
God was very careful to include the details that during the meeting in Jerusalem the Pharisee false teachers were present. And they disputed for their false teaching. And how Peter rebuked it and that James said it is in the Old Testament that gentiles would get saved. So we should not bother them except for a few things like keeping from idols.
And how the false teachers saw the letter of correction go out.
The details are there that time passed. And then we see the false teachers still at it going to Antioch and teaching error with 2 apostles present. The church at Jerusalem did not deal with the false teachers in accordance with them being the wolves that they were.
The soft approach did not work. They gained influence and power to the point that even the Apostle Peter was afraid of them.
And we find that they had also sent false teachers to the churches in Galatia. And that is the reason for the letter. In this letter we see the hurt, confusion, and damage that false teachers can do to a flock.
So in the New Testament we have warnings and instructions about false teachers in short clear verses. And we have examples of how false teachers do not take a hint and do not stop. And we have an example of if they are not dealt with harshly they will cause a lot of hurt and problems.
But we also have what Jesus thinks about false teaching and what Jesus thinks about churches who are soft on it. Over half a century after Jesus ascended, Jesus dictates to John 7 letters to 7 churches.
And in these letters we find what our Lord thinks about false teaching and churches who are soft on it.
To the Church in Ephesus
Rev 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
Rev 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
Rev 2:3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
Rev 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Nicolaitans were false teachers who taught serious errors. And Jesus commends the church in Ephesus because they also hated the false teaching of the Nicolaitans.
To the Church in Pergamum
Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Rev 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
Rev 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
This church is in trouble with Jesus because they did not stand up to false teaching. They accepted it in their midst. They actually had multiple false teaching groups that were allowed in this church. Two are mentioned here. The doctrine of Balaam was being allowed and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans was being taught which Jesus hates.
And Jesus commands this church to repent or else.
Repent as in get that terrible false teaching out of your local church. Not softly corrected. Get it out.
And notice who this is written to. Jesus is not writing to the pastor. He is not commanding only the pastor to repent. He is writing to a specific local body of believers and Jesus commands all of them to repent.
This makes it very clear. Standing up for truth and not allowing false teachers is something that Jesus Himself commands of each and every member in a local church.
Now does the Pastor of the local church have more responsibility in this? Yes. But Jesus is holding the entire church responsible for it.
And we see this again in the letter to the Church in Thyatira
Rev 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Jesus had a few things against the local church at Thyatira and the first one mentioned is that they were allowing a false teacher in their local church.
Every member of a local church is to beware of false teachers. Every member of a local church is to be on guard and have a responsibility to be obedient to Jesus and to not stay silent and not accept false teachers in their local body of believers.
False teaching is a very serious issue and it is something that is very serious to Jesus and something that Jesus hates. It goes against His truth that He gave. And it does great harm.
Back to Galatians and let’s start to look at Paul dealing with the issue of false teachers at Galatia.
Gal 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
Gal 1:2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
Paul immediately starts by declaring his authority. The first 3 words, Paul, an apostle. Paul had taught them the way of salvation and went back and confirmed that they understood.
Now they are listening to something contrary to that. They are listening to false teachers. So Paul is going to start off with giving them a reason that they should listen to Paul and not to the false teachers.
Paul will keep on this issue of why listen to him and not them as the letter progresses. They should listen to Paul instead because he was called not of men but by God the Son and God the Father. And he was called to not just be a preacher, but an apostle.
Paul was put in a position of authority by God. Paul is not being arrogant he is just stating the truth. Paul has a position and authority from God. That is a huge difference. The false teachers do not have that calling or authority.
Immediately after establishing his authority Paul brings up the Love of God.
Gal 1:3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Gal 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Gal 1:5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Jesus loved the Galatians so much as well as every other sinner that He left the glories of heaven and gave Himself for our sins. The cross proves His love. And His love for them does not stop there.
Paul says Grace be to you and peace from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus. Paul is telling them God wants to work in your life and give you Grace to help in times of need. God wants you to walk with Him.
After bringing up the gospel that Jesus went to the cross and paid for your sins, he now declares that there is no other Gospel.
Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Gal 1:9 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.
They heard the gospel from Paul on the 1st missionary journey. They knew it. They are now listening to and allowing another perverted gospel. And one of the reasons why is starting to become clear.
It has to do with the false teachers have credentials. They have associations. They have some status among some groups of men. And they let that confuse them.
One example in our day of credentials confusing some Christians is Evolution. God’s Word is clear God created everything in the earth and sea and in Heaven. All that is in them God created in 6 literal 24 hour periods.
But many Christians will listen to Evolutionists because they have college degrees and credentials and status among some groups of men.
Paul is starting to make the point that credentials is not the standard that you use to decide who to listen to. Paul says even if I or those with me preach another gospel let us be accursed.
Even if an angel from heaven preach any other gospel let them be accursed.
On a side note both Mormons and Islam claim that an angel gave them their message. God says let them be accused. There is only one gospel. And the standard to be used is the truth and not who is talking.
So 2 standards for who to listen to have been covered already. #1 called of God. #2 he preaches the only gospel there is.
#3 is he is not out to please men.
Gal 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Gal 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Do I seek to please men? The answer to that question is no! If you please men then you should not be the servant of Christ. The gospel is not from man but from God. Sinful men hate the gospel.
Paul then tells of how he hated the gospel before he was saved.
Gal 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
Gal 1:14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
Paul had status of men. Paul profited in the Jews’ religion above many in his nation. And Paul was out persecuting the church of God. He had status and he had credentials, but that is not what is important.
Truth is what is important and doing the will of God and not the will of man is what is important. Paul then tells of how God called Paul out of that by His grace.
Gal 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
Gal 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
This is big. Please do not miss this. Paul got called by God and immediately Paul no longer sought the approval of men. Paul had God’s approval and that is all he needed.
As soon as Paul was called to preach Jesus among the heathen that is exactly what he did. Paul did not go seek men to tell him is was ok.
Gal 1:17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
Gal 1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
Gal 1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
Gal 1:20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
Gal 1:21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
Gal 1:22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
Gal 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
Gal 1:24 And they glorified God in me.
Paul was not after fame, he was not after status, and he was not after popularity. Paul was not seeking the approval of men.
Paul was unknown by face to the churches in Judaea but when they heard of the work Paul was doing they glorified God for it. The work spoke for itself. Paul was not trying to build notoriety.
Acceptance and approval of the other Apostles came later on its own. Paul did not seek it and Paul did not need it.
A man who is after the approval of men will not stand up against those that he is seeking approval from. As an example of how Paul was not after the approval of other leaders Paul then tells of his trip to Jerusalem because of false brethren that were causing trouble.
Gal 2:1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
Gal 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
Gal 2:3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
Gal 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Gal 2:5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
Gal 2:6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
Gal 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
Gal 2:8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
Gal 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Gal 2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
And to keep pounding this point home Paul gives another example how he was not seeking the approval of men. Paul’s purpose was to stand for and hold to and preach God’s truth. God’s truth is the standard.
God’s truth is our purpose. And we are to stand up for it no matter who it is that is off track.
Gal 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
Gal 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Gal 2:13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
Gal 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
So far Paul has given 3 standards for who to listen to. #1 called of God. #2 he preaches the only gospel there is.
#3 is he is not out to please men.
And Paul then spent some time proving that Paul was not in this to please men.
And now Paul moves on to addressing the errors that the false teachers were teaching the Galatians.
Sinners are Justified by Faith and not by works of the law.
Gal 2:15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
The law cannot save. By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. It is impossible to ever pay for and work off the penalty we have for sin.
But do we not still sin after we are saved? Yes we do.
Gal 2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
Gal 2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
Gal 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
Yes we still carry that old man with us. We still have the sin nature. But once saved we are dead to the law. It has no power over us. We now have eternal life because we are considered crucified with Christ.
How does that work? Jesus literally took my sin and literally took your sin while He was on the cross. In a supernatural work of the Almighty, Jesus literally bore our sins in His body on the cross.
At the cross God knew every sin that I will ever commit and He placed it there upon Jesus. In that way we were literally crucified with Christ.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
We are saved by faith. Faith that Jesus paid the price for our sin in full. We are saved and born again by faith. By faith we now have eternal life. And after salvation we are to live every day also by faith.
Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
See more lessons from Galatians