Galatians outline and notes
Lesson 1
Opening from John MacArthur
How and when did you first hear the good news of Jesus Christ? Explain.
A common question asked by many evangelists when speaking to people about their spiritual condition is this: “Suppose you were to die today and found yourself standing before the heavenly gates. God Himself meets you there and asks, “Why should I let you into heaven?'” What response would you give? What are some of the most common replies people give to this question?
What would you say to that question? What do you think are the essentials of the gospel?
Is the purity of the gospel important? Is it all right to take an eclectic approach to spirituality — to mix elements of radically different faith traditions with the message of grace in Christ? Paul answers with a resounding “No!”
Introduction 1.1-10
Salutation 1.1-5
Paul, an apostle (v. 1)—In general terms, this word means “one who is sent with a commission.”
Authority.
not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ (v. 1)—Defending his apostleship against the false teachers’ attack, was called into question by the Galatians.
Requirements for being an apostle were: (1) to have been an eyewitness of Christ’s ministry from the time of the baptism by John up to and including the resurrection, and (2) to have been chosen for the office by the risen Lord.
Jesus Christ and God, the Father, who raised Him from the dead (v. 1)—Paul included this important fact to show that the risen and ascended Christ Himself had appointed him.
and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia (v. 2) Not just one local church, but all the churches in the region were in need to have this letter circulated to them.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 3) Addressed from the unnamed brothers to the Galatian gatherings (the brothers were likely the collected missionaries with Paul, and not individuals).
Grace is only through God and Jesus. Both closely connected, which enforces the divinity of Jesus.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 3)—Even Paul’s typical greeting attacked the Judaizers’ legalistic system; if salvation is by works as they claimed, it is not of “grace” and cannot result in “peace, ” since no one can be sure he or she has enough good works to be eternally secure.
who gave Himself for our sins (v. 4)—No one can avoid sin by human effort or law-keeping (Rom. 3:20); therefore, its sin must be forgiven if there is to be Deliverance from sin.
so that He might rescue us (v. 4) The substitutionary death of Jesus provides salvation.
according to the will of our God and Father (v. 4) God’s will and mercy delivers and rescues, not from sin, but the power of sin. It centers the gospel on Christ, his eternal nature, and that this age is passing away.
from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, (v. 4)—The Greek word for “age” does not refer to a period of time but an order or system and, in particular, to the current world system ruled by Satan
the will of our God (v. 4)—The sacrifice of Christ for salvation was the will of God designed and fulfilled for His glory
(v. 5) to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.
Stay tuned as we turn to the deeper purpose Paul is writing his letter.
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