Who has bewitched you?
Bible Text: Galatians 2:19-3:14 | Preacher: Andrew Love | Series: Galatians | Introduction
Focusing on 3:1-5
Background:
Paul is burdened for the Churches in Galatia
We have burdens
As Christians we live with great joy
Sorrowful yet rejoicing
He had the care of all the Churches on his heart
Examples – inc the Judeisers
Paul preached that the gospel was by faith, not by doing the works of the law
God intended inward circumcision (of the heart)
The Christian gospel is about inward faith and the heart – not about external religious
Not Christ plus, but only Jesus Christ
The response to Paul
They initially treated Paul like an angel (4:14) and would have given him their eyes to help his visual problem (4:15)
They changed to treat Paul as an enemy (4:16)
Paul is so burdened for the people that he has a short introduction to this book and gets straight to his message – 1:6-7
Are we burdened for those around us?
Paul is so burdened he uses strong language
3:1 – O foolish Galatians
How would we respond if a pastor said this to us?
3:1 – who has bewitched you?
Paul’s questions are designed to make the people think
Do we really think, consider and meditate?
Think about your beginnings?
What does implications does this have for your ongoing life?
Think of the ongoing miracles
Overview:
Their Beginnings
Their Ongoing Life
The Super Natural element of Christianity
Their Beginnings (v1-2)
Paul went on a long journey from Cyprus to Perga in Pamphylia to Antioch Pisidia
He preached a powerful message
He referenced the Old Testament
He preached Christ risen and resurrected from the dead
He preached faith in Jesus Christ
Paul continued his journey and went to Iconium
He preached the Holy Spirit and not the works of the law
How did you begin your Christian life?
Are you a Christian?
Do you remember how you came to faith?
Was it about you?
Was it about faith alone in Christ?
Do you know that you are in Christ? – examples
Paul was clear on how he began his Christian life
2:19 – he died to the law
2:20 – Christ lives in him
Cry out to Jesus today – He will not turn you away
Their Ongoing Life (v3-4)
If you have begun in the Spirit, walk in the Spirit
Colossians – If you have begun in the Lord Jesus, continue in Him
A Christian is accepted through what Christ has done, not what he does
About faith in Jesus Christ
Not about performance
We are fully accepted in Christ – we cannot ever be more accepted
We must not go back to the law
Quote from Paul
Quote from Spurgeon and example of a life of faith
Not about doing away with the Ten Commandments or conformity to the law – we are to live in the Spirit, we will be made perfect in the Spirit
We are not to boast
Gal 6:14
Example of Blondin walking across the Niagara Falls
v4 – a warning
Hebrews – ‘be very careful’
Paul is not doubting their salvation
He is railing against false teachers
We have false teachers today
Paul reasons with the people
The Super Natural element of Christianity (v5)
Example of the miracle cure of the crippled man in Lystra
By the power of the Holy Spirit
Not to do with the works of the law
Miracles to confirm the truth of the word of God
Paul urges them to consider their experience [of God’s miracles]
We can look at revival
Closing Remarks
Beware of false teachers
Christianity is about knowing Christ
Be confirmed to Christ’s death but know His resurrection life
Live in the Spirit
Live by faith