Are You In or Out?
Galatians 1:6-12 NIV
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
I. Recognize what's counterfeit.
To recognize what’s fake we have to learn and know what’s real.
Galatians 1:6 NIV
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel
The Gospel
Jesus' Grace + Nothing = Salvation
The Counterfeit Gospel
(Legalism)Jesus' Grace + Works = Salvation
The good news of the Gospel is good because it is based on the work that Jesus did, not what we have to do.
Romans 10:9 NIV
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
I. Recognize what's counterfeit.
II. The Gospel never has to be updated or upgraded.
The method can change, but the message stays the same.
Galatians 1:7 NIV
which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
Matthew 11:30 NIV
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Living freely and lightly is not a result of works but of grace.
Our goal is not to be spiritual; it’s to be spirit-filled.
I. Recognize what's counterfeit.
II. The Gospel never has to be updated or upgraded.
III. It’s okay to be passionate but be passionate about the right things.
Galatians 1:9 NIV
As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!
Paul was so passionate because he was defending the Gospel.
Get passionate about:
1. Discipling people
2. God’s love
3. The grace of God
Galatians 2:2 NIV
I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.
2 Timothy 4:7 NIV
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
What target am I aiming for?
Jesus or Me
Received Grace or Earning Salvation
Transforming Relationship or Learned Religion
The Christian life is centered around Christ.
Colossians 3:3 NIV
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
God's grace is the gift of His Son, Jesus.
Galatians 2:20 NIV
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.