Galatians Chapter 1

An in depth study on the first chapter of Galatians.

[Watch the Video]

Scriptures:

• 1 Corinthians 1:17
• Galatians 1:1-5
• 1 Corinthians 9:1-2
• Galatians 1:6-9
• Galatians 1:8
• Galatians 1:10-14; 15 - 17
• Galatians 1:18-24

Galatians Overview / Background

6 chapters

Chapters 1-2: personal / identity

Chapters 3-4: Doctrinal / security

Chapters 5-6: Practical / community

Author: Paul

• Apostle to the Gentiles

Theme: Justification by faith

Galatia isn't a city.  It's a territory like the Bay Area.

Purpose of Letter

The Jews had a tradition that any non-Jews were not the chosen people

• A group of Jews called The Judaizers had a hard time accepting Gentile followers
• After finally accepting that Gentile could be saved, they believed that the Gentiles had to thereafter follow some or all of the Jewish law
• They basically had to become Jews first before being saved
• In particular they believed Gentile Christians needed to be circumcised

Paul wrote this letter as a:

1. Response to this about whether Gentiles needed to follow the law
2. Response to accusations that Paul wasn't qualified to be an apostle

Jewish vs Gentile Converts

To the Jews

Because the early apostles taught to the Jews, they taught that Jesus was the Messiah

The Early Apostles taught Who Jesus was

• The Messiah we were expecting has come
• Jesus died and rose from the grave
• You must repent and receive water  baptism to receive the Holy Spirit

• Emphasis on the name of Jesus

This was similar to  the teaching of John the Baptist

To the Gentiles

Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15)

Paul initially taught to Jews and in synagogues

• Initially taught repent and be baptized
• He didn't start his mission to the Gentiles until 10-14 years after his conversion

As his ministry continued and he had mysteries revealed to him, he  taught:

• what Jesus did and what you need to be saved
• Jesus died for Jews and Gentile alike
• Believe in Jesus for salvation

Paul revealed the “mystery” that Jesus also came for the Gentiles

• We need to follow what the Gentiles needed to do not the Jew
• Paul's message then became salvation by faith alone

1 Corinthians 1:17
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.

• Baptizing was for the Jews
• Paul was preaching to the Gentiles

Today many of the Protestant denominational are divided based on disagreement on the requirements for salvation.

• Do you need baptism?
• Can you lose your salvation?
• Did God choose you or did you choose God?

The gospel we will discuss is Paul's gospel of salvation by faith alone

Galatians 1:1-5

This chapter can be grouped:

• Galatians 1:1-5 = Greeting
• Galatians 1:6-9 = Only One Gospel
• Galatians 1:10-17 = Paul's Call to Apostleship
• Galatians 1:18-24 = Contacts at Jerusalem

Galatians 1:1-5
1 Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead),
2 and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
5 to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.

What does Paul say about Jesus?

1. He is Lord
2. He offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins
3. God raised Him from the dead
4. He rescued us from this evil age

How does Paul describe himself?

• An apostle
• Sent by Jesus Christ

An Apostle

Not appointed by the other apostles

• Appointed by Jesus

The Judaizers brought into question whether Paul was a true apostle

1 Corinthians 9:1-2

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?
2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

When the 11 remaining disciples chose a replacement for Judas they required that he:

• have accompanied them all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us
• Been present from Jesus’ baptism of John the Baptist until l the day that He was taken up
• Been a witness of His resurrection
• These are not specifically given as requirements to be an apostle

Some say to be an apostle you must have seen Jesus

• Paul saw Jesus on the road to Damascus

Catholics believe in the Apostolic Succession from laying of hands

• Goes back to Peter

There are many currently who call themselves apostles

• Some movements claim that this is the age of the apostle
• There is a movement known as the New Apostolic Reformation
• Bill Johnson, Bethel, IHOP, Heidi Baker, Jesus Culture, Hillsong

Galatians 1:6-9

Only One Gospel

Galatians 1:6-9

6  I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;
7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!

9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

What is the gospel?

1. Christ died as a sacrifice for our sins
2. Buried and was resurrected from the dead
3. Whoever believes in this will be saved

True gospel is through faith

False gospel is through works

People were changing the gospel by adding works to it.

• You had to become circumcised
• You had to still follow the law to be saved

Grace vs The Law

Law age = works = thou shalt not and thou shall do

Church age = Faith

Remission vs Redemption

Old Testament had remission from sin

• Like cancer
• Could come back
• Need to be re-treated
• Needed to constantly sacrifice

New Testament has redemption

• Means to buy it back

Remission needed multiple sacrifices

Redemption is done once and for all

Repentance vs Restitution

Repentance says to God that I believe and I want to make an effort to do what's right

• To turn around - to change your ways
• A change of attitude towards God
• A change of attitude towards that sin

Restitution is paying off your debt

• E.g. jail time
• Paying a fine
• Our good works don't make restitution
• Jesus’ work makes restitution for our sins

Restitution is looking backwards

Repentance is looking forward

But grace doesn't say “ I got you covered from here as long as you don't sin anymore”

• Grace says “I got you covered forever regardless of your future actions”

The old system - you had to be perfect and be a Jew

The new system - believe

The old system says don't sin

The new system is about faith

• It's not “don't sin from this point forward”

The old system says I'm saved because I behave

The new system says I will behave because I'm grateful to be saved

We don't get to Heaven based on your morals and ethics

• You get to Heaven based on your doctrine
• You get to Heaven based on your belief

You can't earn salvation; you can only receive it.

Today’s Judaizers

What does “adding to the gospel” look like today?

“Adding to the gospel” is saying that we need to do certain acts to be saved:

• Go to church
• Become a member or a specific church or any church
• Tithe
• Quiet time
• Bible study
• Prayer
• Have a personal relationship with Jesus

These are all good things that we should all do, but they are requirements to be saved

• We don’t need to perform

“Adding to the gospel” is also saying certain sins will keep you out of Heaven

• Getting drunk
• Homosexuality
• Premarital sex
• Adultery
• Divorce
• Murder  

False gospels say that your good works come into play for your salvation

What about the need for:

• Confession of sins
• Repentance
• Baptism

They are all good sacraments, but they don’t get you into Heaven

Faith?

• Those who believe in unconditional election feel that even the necessity of faith is a work

An Angel from Heaven

Galatians 1:8

8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!

• An angel from Heaven preaching?

Revelations claimed to be from an angel

• Islam / Muslim
• Mormonism
• St Ignatius / Jesuits

Muhammad is said to have received the Quran from the angel Gabriel

Joseph Smith (Mormons) had a vision of angels

• An angel (Moroni the son of Mormon) came and gave him the new gospel  

St Ignatius

‘He also experienced a series of visions in full daylight while at the hospital. These repetitive visions appeared as "a form in the air near him and this form gave him much consolation because it was exceedingly beautiful ... it somehow seemed to have the shape of a serpent and had many things that shone like eyes, but were not eyes. He received much delight and consolation from gazing upon this object ... but when the object vanished he became disconsolate".  He came to interpret this vision as diabolical in nature.’

  --Wikipedia

All these men claimed they received the message after long periods of isolation in quiet.

Practices that  open you up to be influenced by demonic spirits:

• Isolation
• Meditation
• Mantras / Chants

Kundalini Spirit = false Holy Spirit

Galatians 1:10-17

Paul Was Called By God

Galatians 1:10-17

10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

11 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 ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jewish religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

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.

• Conversation means “the way you live”

15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

Mysteries Revealed

• Paul received his gospel directly from Jesus
• God revealed His Son Jesus Christ to Paul

God gave Paul special revelation

• God revealed to Paul that the Gospel was also for the Gentiles
• This was previously unknown

Covering

“Covering” is a church concept that all Christians and all Christian ministries must be submitted to some higher authority.   Among evangelicals there is a growing movement that teaches all people in the church need to be properly "covered" by God’s "delegated authority" in the church.  

Paul did not consult with anyone before starting his ministry

• Paul was preaching at least 3 years before seeking the other apostles
• Paul didn’t have covering until later in his ministry

People will always ask “who gave you the authority”

• They asked Jesus
• They asked John the Baptist

Paul was eventually sent out by “the church” with Barnabas to preach to the Gentiles

I don't believe that “covering” is a biblical requirement

• Although this concept can prevent false leaders from misleading people, it’s not biblical.
• This is also taught because there is a plan to have every Christian underneath a single hierarchy

Galatians 1:18-24

Galatians 1:18-24

18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
24 And they glorified God in me.

• This describes the first of three meeting Paul had with Peter
• James was Jesus’ brother
• James was one of the leaders of the early church
• Some argue he was in a higher position that Peter (see Acts 15)
• Paul is reestablishing his credibility by the fact that the original apostles didn't oppose his gospel

Conclusion

The message that John the Baptist taught was to “repent from your sins and be baptized” because the Messiah was coming

The early apostles taught this same message

When Paul encountered Jesus, Jesus told Paul that he was to minister to the Gentiles

• He revealed a mystery to Paul that salvation was for the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
• Jesus also revealed to Paul that the Gentiles only needed to accept Jesus as their savior for salvation
• The only requirement was faith...not works

This is the good news that we celebrate today.  This is the gospel that we preach today.

The news that we are saved in spite of our actions not because of our actions

Paul said if anyone preaches another gospel let them be accursed.

The true gospel is based on faith

The fake gospel is based on faith plus works

The true gospel says that Jesus’ death was enough to save me from my sins

The fake gospel says my good works also determine my salvation

The true gospel says my past sins and my future sins are forgiven

The fake gospel says that Jesus wiped out my past sins, but I need to do something extra to wipe out my future sins

The fake gospel says that if I sin it’s because I’m not saved

The true gospel says that I needed a savior because God knew I would sin

The fake gospel says that I can lose my salvation by my acts

The true gospel says that my good works are like filthy rags and nothing I do can earn my salvation

The fake gospel says that I can lose my relationship with God if I sin bad enough

The true gospel says that nothing in this earth, in heaven above or in hell can separate me from my God

The fake gospel says a righteous person is better than a sinner

The true gospel says that all Christians are made righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ

This is the good news that we preach...that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son and that all we need to do is believe on Him to be saved.

References

Galatians 1:1-9 (The Cloud Church)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSKz8djhiAs&t=42s

Galatians 1:10 - 13

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEWXbbPmyqM

Galatians 1:14 - 24

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq9SiKNta7U

Galatians Bible Study for Beginners - #1 - Introduction & Outline (BibleTalk.tv)

https://youtu.be/JnYJtuUxLSM

The Dangers of False Teaching - #2 - Galatians for Beginners

https://youtu.be/teO3i6KmbeU

Extra

Ephesians 2:14

14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,
15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace,
16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.

An Apostle

Not appointed by the other apostles

Apostleship gives you authority to speak on behalf of Jesus

Some say to be an apostle you must have seen Jesus

• Paul saw Jesus on the road to Damascus

This is the text to support…

Acts 1:21-26

21 "Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us—
22 beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."
23 So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias.
24 And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen
25 to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place."
26 And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

• People try to use this as a listing of the criteria to be an apostle
• This says to be an apostle you must have
• Seen Jesus get baptized
• Been a witness to the resurrection
• It never states that Paul saw the crucifiction
• It says these are the requirements to become a witness of a his resurrection
• It doesn't clearly state these as requirements

They use this because there are those today who claim to be apostles

• They claim to be fair followed by signs and wonders
• Healing and prophecy
• The New Apostolic Reformation claims to have an apostle and a prophet at the head of most ministries
• Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton are apostle and prophet

1 Cor 9:1-2

¶ Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?
2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Humanism

• There’s a new secular focus on morality
• The world now teaches that your good works need to outweigh your  bad works
• You should be good to everyone
• Everything is okay as long as it makes you happy and you’re not hurting anyone else
• But there are no absolute rights and wrongs
• Man centered ...Without truth.   
• There are no absolutes
• What’s right for me might not be what’s right for you

Another Jesus

2 Cor 11:3-4;13-15

But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.
4 For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.

…

13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

• There are false apostles
• There are false preachers
• There are false angels
• There is a false Jesus
• There is a false Holy Spirit
• With false gifts of the Spirit

Judge the messenger by the message

• Who do they say Jesus is?

Is He:

• God
• The Son of God
• The only way to Heaven

A Different Spirit (Kundalini)

A different manifestation of the Holy Spirit

• Does their Holy Spirit make them do something different than the Holy Spirit in the bible?

The Kundalini Spirit is a fake Holy Spirit

The following are either common signs of an awakened Kundalini or symptoms of a problem associated with an awakening Kundalini:

• Involuntary jerks, tremors, shaking, itching, tingling, and crawling sensations, especially in the arms and legs
• Energy rushes or feelings of electricity circulating the body
• Intense heat (sweating) or cold
• Diminished or conversely extreme sexual desire sometimes leading to a state of constant or whole-body orgasm
• Headache, migraine, or pressure inside the skull
• Increased blood pressure and irregular heartbeat
• Emotional numbness
• Antisocial tendencies
• Mood swings with periods of depression or mania
• Pains in different areas of the body, especially back and neck
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and touch
• Trance-like and altered states of consciousness
• Disrupted sleep pattern (periods of insomnia or oversleeping)
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Bliss, feelings of infinite love and universal connectivity, transcendent awareness

 --Wikipedia (Kundalini)