INTRODUCTION: The epistle to the Galatians is one of Paul's earlier letters. Written near 50 AD. The letter reflects several problems: legalism (Judaizers) and a challenge to Paul's authority as an apostle, called by God. Paul deals with both these issues. In these verses (1:1-12), we see five characteristics of Paul:
I. Paul was called by God to the
office of Apostle (vs. 1).
A. There are many disciples,
but only a few apostles, and NONE today.
B. No one should seek to be
a pastor, elder, deacon, missionary, etc., apart from
God's call.
You won't succeed in God's
sight. Satan makes great use of unbelieving hypocritical
religious people.
II. Paul was a man who loved to
work with others (vs. 2).
A. His missionary partners
are famous: Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Mark, Luke.
B. People loved him (Gal 4:14-15).
C. We must work together in
the Lord's work: Philippians 1:27; I Cor. 3:9
Jesus: John 17:21-23
III. Paul was a man who wanted
to bless THE CHURCHES (vss. 3-4).
A. Especially the Gentile
churches.
B. He prayed that they might
have "grace" and "peace."
C. He wrote that to all the
churches (I Co. 1:3; 2 Co. 1:2; Eph. 1:2, etc)
D. The heart's desire of a
good church officer, pastor, SS teacher, etc. is to
bless
the Lord's people, the
church: not to browbeat, not to vent your own feelings,
fleece the sheep, garner
prestige, etc. etc.
IV. Paul was motivated by a desire
to glorify God (vs. 5).
A. This is more important
that pleasing people.
B. I Co. 9:16; Acts 4:19-20;
testimony of Peter and John
C. Wayside's reason to exist:
the exaltation of Jesus Christ.
V. Paul was dedicated to the Gospel
of Christ (vss. 6-12).
A. Some were preaching a perverted
Gospel (Gal. 4:9-11; 5:1-3).
The Judaizers taught
legalism.
The real Gospel is about
grace and faith, not works.
Do you know the Lord?
Have you received His grace by faith?
B. Paul cursed all false teachers
(Gal. 1:8-9).
C. Wayside is firmly set for
the promotion and defense of the truth.
CONCLUSION: Paul had these five qualities. May the Lord make them real in our lives, too.