Galatians Tag

4 Ways to Cultivate Spirit-Filled Community (Galatians – 6:1-10)

The Flesh vs The Spirit

1. The unseen realm

2 realms; 1 reality
God has a family in each realm
Angels appear roughly 300 times in the Bible and roughly 90% of the books

“innumerable angels”, “a thousand thousands and 10k x 10k”
2 angels are named – Gabriel, Michael
Categories angels (archangel, commander), and kinds (cherubim and seraphim)
Higher divine beings -“sons of God”, “the gods”,

No human body, gender, physical limitation
No divine attributes or qualities
Seen Realm – the war in heaven has battles in our life as Satan recruits us for coup

2. God Creates, Satan Counterfeits

3. Heaven down or hell up
= ? Religion vs Rebellion – created/heaven vs counterfeit/hell

Rebellion and Religion Are Hell Up

Galatians 5:13-15 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Freedom – internal freedom

Rebellion – “flesh” = you without God – unrighteous
Religion – “bite and devour” = you without God – self righteous
These 2 spirits war in families and churches

Is there a third way?

= Prodigal son story – 1). Rebellious son 2). Religious son 3). Redeeming Son

Feed Your Deepest Desires

Galatians 5:16-18 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Over 300X Bible refers to “sinners”
Only 3X does Bible “possibly refer to XN as “sinners”
Over 200X Bible XN saints/holy/righteous
NOT perfect YOU but a NEW YOU on the path to perfection
Non-XN vs XN

Non-XN – deepest desires from your fallen flesh
XN – deepest desires from Holy Spirit
BLACK LICORICE (college desires)
Works of the Flesh

Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Flesh follows gravity of world system

Sexual Sins – ruin relationship w/self

Sexual immorality – porneia/pornographic – anything outside heterosexual marriage
Impurity – any moral filth that separates from God
Sensuality – lack of restraint, decency
Spiritual Sins – ruin relationship w/God

Idolatry – someone or something other than God is the center of our life
Sorcery – spirituality without the Spirit
Social Sins – ruin relationship w/others

Enmity – hatred not forgiveness
Strife – conflict, drama
Jealousy – coveting
Fits of anger – emotionally untethered
Rivalries – ladder climbing, unholy competing
Dissensions – us vs them
Divisions – 2 visions
Envy – passive aggressive seethingDrunkenness – can be any abused substance
Orgies – partying, pornography, sexual sins of various kinds
And things like these – Junk Drawer
FISHING

How overcome sins of the flesh?

Minimization: Try and manage sin to keep it from getting worse. Sin is like cancer.
Compartmentalization: Try and hide it, live a secret double life, hoping not caught.
Celebration: Accept it as your new identity and be proud.
Liberation: Kill what Jesus died for & live free.
Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Be a Gardener not a Fruit Inspector
Character of Christ by the power of the Spirit
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me…bears much fruit

God works 1. FOR YOU (cross) 2. IN YOU (new birth) 3. THROUGH YOU (fruit)

Fruit 1). to nourish others making them healthy 2). to be pressed or crushed to reveal

Love – God’s love for us, in us, and through us
Joy – in God’s will
Peace – with God and others
Patience – seeking God’s timing
Kindness – considerate and not rude
Goodness – generosity in our words, wealth, and works
Faithfulness – reliable, trustworthy
Gentleness – not domineering
Self-control – not self-indulgent or out of control
The Holy Spirit is the master key

The Flesh vs The Spirit (Galatians – 5:16-26)

The Flesh vs The Spirit

1. The unseen realm

2 realms; 1 reality
God has a family in each realm
Angels appear roughly 300 times in the Bible and roughly 90% of the books

“innumerable angels”, “a thousand thousands and 10k x 10k”
2 angels are named – Gabriel, Michael
Categories angels (archangel, commander), and kinds (cherubim and seraphim)
Higher divine beings -“sons of God”, “the gods”,

No human body, gender, physical limitation
No divine attributes or qualities
Seen Realm – the war in heaven has battles in our life as Satan recruits us for coup

2. God Creates, Satan Counterfeits

3. Heaven down or hell up
= ? Religion vs Rebellion – created/heaven vs counterfeit/hell

Rebellion and Religion Are Hell Up

Galatians 5:13-15 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Freedom – internal freedom

Rebellion – “flesh” = you without God – unrighteous
Religion – “bite and devour” = you without God – self righteous
These 2 spirits war in families and churches

Is there a third way?

= Prodigal son story – 1). Rebellious son 2). Religious son 3). Redeeming Son

Feed Your Deepest Desires

Galatians 5:16-18 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Over 300X Bible refers to “sinners”
Only 3X does Bible “possibly refer to XN as “sinners”
Over 200X Bible XN saints/holy/righteous
NOT perfect YOU but a NEW YOU on the path to perfection
Non-XN vs XN

Non-XN – deepest desires from your fallen flesh
XN – deepest desires from Holy Spirit
BLACK LICORICE (college desires)
Works of the Flesh

Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Flesh follows gravity of world system

Sexual Sins – ruin relationship w/self

Sexual immorality – porneia/pornographic – anything outside heterosexual marriage
Impurity – any moral filth that separates from God
Sensuality – lack of restraint, decency
Spiritual Sins – ruin relationship w/God

Idolatry – someone or something other than God is the center of our life
Sorcery – spirituality without the Spirit
Social Sins – ruin relationship w/others

Enmity – hatred not forgiveness
Strife – conflict, drama
Jealousy – coveting
Fits of anger – emotionally untethered
Rivalries – ladder climbing, unholy competing
Dissensions – us vs them
Divisions – 2 visions
Envy – passive aggressive seethingDrunkenness – can be any abused substance
Orgies – partying, pornography, sexual sins of various kinds
And things like these – Junk Drawer
FISHING

How overcome sins of the flesh?

Minimization: Try and manage sin to keep it from getting worse. Sin is like cancer.
Compartmentalization: Try and hide it, live a secret double life, hoping not caught.
Celebration: Accept it as your new identity and be proud.
Liberation: Kill what Jesus died for & live free.
Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Be a Gardener not a Fruit Inspector
Character of Christ by the power of the Spirit
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me…bears much fruit

God works 1. FOR YOU (cross) 2. IN YOU (new birth) 3. THROUGH YOU (fruit)

Fruit 1). to nourish others making them healthy 2). to be pressed or crushed to reveal

Love – God’s love for us, in us, and through us
Joy – in God’s will
Peace – with God and others
Patience – seeking God’s timing
Kindness – considerate and not rude
Goodness – generosity in our words, wealth, and works
Faithfulness – reliable, trustworthy
Gentleness – not domineering
Self-control – not self-indulgent or out of control
The Holy Spirit is the master key

Religion and Rebellion vs Relationship (Galatians – 5:1-15)

Sermon Summary:Just like a car that is out of alignment that pulls to the left or the right, so too our lives get out of alignment veering toward rebellion or religion. In this very practical section of Scripture, you will learn that both are bad, but that God has good news for a brand new way of life for you!Car out of alignment pulls to right (religion) or left (rebellion) & these 2 often battleFreedom and ResponsibilityGalatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. [ESV]ExodusSlaves set free 2. Romanticized past 3. Forgot identity 4. False “god”We were slaves to sin, death, Satan/demonicJesus set us free, won our war, now we need to hold the lineWe are free to defeat sin, death, Satan/demonicHow? Opposing yoke/religious legalism in the SpiritLegalismLegalism is what happens when people try and do the HS jobLegalism is godless (don’t need to pray & seek the Lord, just follow the rules)Legalism puts law-based people in authority for “transparency & accountability”Legalism does addition, not subtractionLegalism seeks to prevent people from needing graceLegalism makes neutral things necessary (e.g. Paul was circumcised)Legalism prevents maturity (unless your righteousness exceeds Scribes & Pharisees)= Kids – the more responsible/mature you are, the more freedom you getExamples – Are you water baptized? Do you speak in tongues? Do you have the right Bible translation? Do you go to the right kind of church? Do you educate your kids right? Do you have the right religious traditions? Tattoo? Ministry program?= Legalism can pick any issue, including being anti-legalist= Grace & I engaged, relative said we needed priest/Catholic Church marriageFaith and FaithfulnessGalatians 5:2-6 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.Option 1 – Faith in me & what I do for GodKeep the whole law (perfect)Not going to happensin is condition, not just actionit’s too lateit’s impossibleJesus added the spirit of the law (murder vs hating brother, adultery of heart)There is no grace – pass/fail perfect/imperfectOption 2 – Faith in Jesus & what God did for meJesus did all the work He gives me grace today & foreverI trust Him by faithHe gives me the Spirit to live & love todayCessationism stunts maturityCessationism supports legalism= Jesus is the master key – circumcision, diet, priesthood & sacrifice, holidays???Receiving and RejectingGalatians 5:7-11 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.Some things are all or nothing – pregnancy, death, legalismLegalism is LikeTrack meet – you are following Jesus, someone shoves you off the trackKitchen – leaven of the Pharisees Matt 16:11 “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees”Battlefront – war against graceTo Receive Jesus’ Grace is to Reject Human Religious Works= Grace – I rejected other relationships. Fidelity – reject adulteryReceiveMessage is offensive, NOT messengerJesus’ cross was offensive in His dayJesus’ cross is offensive in our day (denial of human potential)RejectPeople who push you away from Jesus Little things that can become big things (water heater & mold) Trying to reconcile things that God does not (syncretism)Person drowning not making it, lifeguard jumps in, risk is person not surrendering both drown. Christ cannot save someone (grace) determined to save themselves (works), or help their rescue. Religion and RebellionGalatians 5:12-15 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves! For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.Option #1 – Religion – Legalism (older son)Legalism is a demonic counterfeit – Ancient feminist cultLegalism turns people into beastsSatan serpent/dragon lion, demons python spirit, goat demons, & wild animals including ostriches, bulls, hyenas, birds, and scorpions. Evil people vipers, serpents, goats, cows, dogs, wolves, leeches, donkeys, & evil beasts.Wild animals – wild dogs in Galatia, wild dogs & fight when I was a kidSocial mediaOption #2 – Rebellion – Liberalism (younger son)Indulging flesh/sinful desiresFreedom is freedom from sin to Christ, not freedom to sin against ChristOption #3 – Redemption – LoveOnly the Holy Spirit can produce love – not religion or rebellion God’s grace 1. FOR you 2. IN you 3. Through youWater heater storyReligion & Rebellion start like a bit of water that creates mold that overtakes your lifeAnswer – bring in an expert to rip, replace, & rescue – relationship with Holy Spirit

Law-based vs Grace-based Relationships (Galatians 4:8-20)

Sermon Summary:There are basically two kinds of relationships Christians have. One is law-based. Someone has fears that compel them to control other people and circumstances through making demands. The other is grace-based. The two people trust the Holy Spirit to work in and through each of them, focus on their unity around Jesus Christ, and give grace in secondary matters where they disagree.For people flourish, they need to live in an environment that’s architectedGod made the world for us, body designed, home architected, car engineeredRelationships house people & need to be architectedPaul – law based religious guy converted to grace-based Jesus guyGalatia – no XN, Paul showed up & taught grace-based relationship w/God & othersFalse brothers – after Paul, show up & teach law-based relationship w/God & othersHOW?Consider a person or group you have a strained/painful relationship withIt’s largely my fault and I need to own itIt’s both our faults, I will apologize first to work toward reconciliationIt’s largely their fault, and I need to correct them#1. Seek to be a means of graceEphesians 4:29-30 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.Is the issue worth having conflict and risking the relationship over?glory to overlook offense, love coversForgive & FlushAm I the best person to raise the issue?Taking offense for someone else?; Does someone else need to step up?How can the Holy Spirit empower me to be a means of grace?PrincipleCase Study Example – rest of Galatians 4#2. Don’t overlook the demonicGalatians 4:8-9 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?Before Jesus – “you did not know God”, you did know demonsAfter Jesus – “known by God”; “know God” = relationshipIt’s from demons, to Jesus, & back to demonsWhat are the four legs of a Biblical worldview?1. The unseen realmThere are two realms that form one reality2. Binary thinkingGod Creates Satan Counterfeits3. Group guiltGod holds everyone responsible for their sin e.g. Adam, Eve, Satan“False brothers” and real Christians in Galatia4. Heaven down or hell up#3. Show the bad and good tracksGalatians 4:10-15 You observe days and months and seasons and years! I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain. Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.Specifics – “circumcision”; “holidays”Paul not opposed to the holidays as he celebrated= You became a Christian & now going backward to an old lifestyle (Judaism)Pastor Rick conversationEmphasize the bad and ignore the good (pessimist) “always” “never” “only”Emphasize the good and ignore the bad (optimist)Emphasize both the good and the bad (realist)BADLegalism – ungodly rules over godly relationshipLabored in vain – as kid bucket w/o bottom (some people waste of time & energy)I was Jewish & became like you, be like I am NOT like I wasGOODYou received Jesus Christ through the gospelYou received me (I was Jewish, sick, needy & you welcomed me)You were blessed by GodYou were a blessing to me#4. Encourage healthy relationshipsGalatians 4:16-17 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them.Unhealthy RelationshipsDemand perfection, punish imperfectionCreate ungodly division (Paul “enemy”)They win, you lose (“make much of them”)Push you further from JesusHealthy RelationshipsCelebrate progress toward perfectionBased upon truth about God and youEmphasizes God’s work 1). FOR you 2). IN you 3). THROUGH YOUPulls you closer to Jesus Christ & other Christians#5. Connect before you correctGalatians 4:18-20 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

God as Father VS God as Master (Galatians 4:1-7)

Little boy loves dad, knows 1 word & points a lot Perhaps 2 most important things you learn in Bible 1). Who God is 2). Who you areDo you belong to Christ? Galatians 3:29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.You must be born again (physical vs spiritual) Equivalent – I was born into XN familyAre you a spiritual child or a maturing adult? Galatians 4:1-2 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. Roman EmpireKids – beaten, garbage/dung pile – die, slave, prostitute, gladiatorDisabled & girls – desert, river, suffocate Infant mortality – ½ kids died by 5 yrs, less 40% lived to 20 Wait 8-9 days to name = The quality of your life depended upon the character of your father People helped raise you (nanny, teacher, coach, youth pastor) Maturity not age was measured – father decided when you were adult When mature, allowed to make own decisions = Legalism is immature, it’s going backwards, paint by numbers, music chordsDo you see yourself as a slave or a son? Galatians 4:3-5 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.American Slavery Almost entirely racial Lifetime status as masters property Children born by a slave also property of the master People were property passed on in the estate along with livestock Egypt & Joseph, Babylon & Daniel 1 Timothy 1:9-10 “We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious…for slave traders…and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.”Ancient Slavery Not mainly racial – all races had slaves & were slaves Not often a lifetime status, most freed by 30 or emancipated Slaves often educated & trained then freed start business & contract w/master Slaves were elders & deacons in the churchPhmn 1:16 Paul wants Onesimus received by the church as a brother not a slave How Become slave? Sometimes a debt payoff like our bankruptcy repossessionSometimes sell self into slavery for a better life Sometimes taken as prisoners of warSometimes abandoned infants = Complicated, diverse, sometimes unjust & sinful • Son – ancient world son had legal power & inheritance (male & female)Slave vs Son Controlling relationship vs Loving relationshipPowerless vs EmpoweredWorks based lifestyle vs Grace based lifestyleForever out of the family vs Forever in the family =Adoption – ancient world w/adults, $ cancelled, legal authority, inheritance (e.g. politicalDo you relate to God as master or Father? Galatians 4:6-7 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. • Identity – live for, live from Father Mormons & Muslims – focus on faulty fatherhoodPentecostal and Charismatics – HSEvangelical & Reformed – Jesus Atheism – I have no Father. Agnosticism – I may or may not have a Father, but I’ve never met Him, I don’t know who or where He is, and I don’t really care to find out. Deism – I have a Father but, like my dad who abandoned me when I was little, He lives far away and we don’t have a relationship.Reformed theology – I have a Father who is distant, controlling, and not very relational Arminian theology – I have a Father who is passive and lets me make my own decisions and do whatever I want, like my earthly dad who stayed out of my affairs.Liberal/Progressive – I have a Father who acts more like an enabling older sibling and does not tell me what to do but helps me do whatever I want, even foolish or rebellious. Feminist theology says that we don’t need a Father since men are dangerous and harmful, we should be spiritually raised by a single parent and worship God as Mother.OT Lots about fathers (patriarchal)Little about God Father – roughly 15X, not to individuals JESUS#1 name for God – 65X Matt-Luke; 100X John = 165X Abba – no indication this word used before Jesus of God “Our Father” – how relate to God Jesus = 1. Son of God 2. Spirit-filled Luke 3:22 a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.Luke 4:3,9 “If you are the Son of God” (tested) CLOSE People become like their view of GodPeople use their relationship with God as the template for all relationshipsGod as Master vs God as Father A master uses you vs A father blesses you You serve them vs They serve you Motivate you by fear  vsMotivate you by loveBeats you down vs Builds you up No inheritance vs Full inheritance (HS downpayment)

There’s Jesus For YOU! (Galatians 3:15-29)

Sermon Summary:Pretty much everyone wishes they could figure out how to get God’s blessing to rain down in their life. The Bible presents a shocking pattern of God’s blessing. A long time ago, there was a normal guy who did not know God just living his life. That man’s name was Abraham. God showed up in his life, spoke to him, and said He had a plan to bless Abraham and his family. Ever since, the debate has raged over who his family members are that inherit this blessing. The good news is, there is a way to join that family and enjoy that blessing by faith in Jesus Christ.Shepherds, Wolves, SheepGalatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.Wise – Paul (shepherd/Spirit)Like a marketing campaign, Jesus was the talk of the townYou were focused on JesusEvil – “false brothers” (wolves/demonic)Now spell/curse has you confusedCounterfeit of Holy Spirit is demonic spirit at workGood advice re: what you do vs Good News re: what Jesus didFoolish – Galatians (sheep/flesh)J. B. Phillips, ‘O you dear idiots of Galatia … surely you can’t be so idiotic …?’= Who do you know that is wise? Who do you know that is evil? How are you foolish?God’s PresenceGalatians 3:2-3 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?Religious people hold court & sit in the judge seatPaul goes on offensive with some questions1. There’s clarity in your testimony2. How did God first show up in your life? Holy Spirit = the sign of salvation (requires relationship)3. God’s Presence came by grace not works= Adding your works is like flapping your wings on a flight to helpGod’s Purpose Galatians 3:4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?There were 2 teams – 1 for the gospel, 1 againstThey caused you to suffer & the Spirit powered, now you are changing sides in the warYou’ve changed, so were you wrong then or now?Revolutionary War – Benedict Arnold – born 1/14/1741 in Connecticut. Became military captain to fight British. War hero valued by George Washington. Offered to surrender military base at West Point for $ & rank in enemy army. Went on to attack Virginia, almost capturing Thomas Jefferson, then attacked Connecticut – WAR in HEAVENGod’s PowerGalatians 3:5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—Miracles happen – got building, planted church, every prayer answered, people saved, people healed, people are growing = supernatural graceGod’s power comes by grace not worksPreached Word + faith = salvationPreaching & Power must be PersonalizedGod’s PeopleGalatians 3:6-9 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.Abraham – Inheritance – promised blessings through & to his family.Jewish proud of their relationship to him (imagine big deal in your family history)Counterfeit Abraham – he was Jewish, he circumcised himself & family, this is in keeping with the Law of Moses = this is what you need to doReal Abraham – he was a Gentile, God showed up to bless him (Land, Lineage), he had faith in God, circumcision happened 13-14 years later, the Law of Moses came 400-500 years later = faith is all that mattersAbraham has 3 kinds of children:Culturally Jewish with faith in Christ = ChristiansCulturally Jewish without faith in Christ = non-ChristiansCulturally Gentile with faith in Christ = ChristiansStart with Jesus, Stay with JesusGalatians 3:10-14 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” [Deuteronomy 27:26] 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” [Habakkuk 2:4] 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” [Leviticus 18:5] 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— [Deuteronomy 21:23] 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.Law judges & condemns you (perfection in letter and Spirit)Even if you started obeying today it’s too late. Your life is a test & you’ve not passed.Faith – you’re gonna need to trust someone (religious leader, philosopher, self)Trust Christ The great exchange – Jesus took your place, put you in His placeEvery blessing comes with Christ starting with Holy SpiritWorks VS Faith A ladder you climb to God VS A ladder God came down to youDemands to obey VS Promises to believeAbout what you do VS About what Jesus didCompare self to others  VS Compare self to JesusCauses pride or despair  VS Causes humble joyCursed VS BlessedThere’s Blessing for YOU!LAW – Commencement, school president said that they were only accepting people who not only had a 4.0 but never had a red mark on a paper or missed a question on a quiz. Every person who had worked so hard was called forth and declared “failed”.GRACE -1 perfect student came forth and was declared “passed”. Imagine that student then stood forth to give the commencement address. They tell all the other students, if you respond in faith & come back on the stage I would like to shake your hand and trade/exchange transcripts with you. I will take your “F”, and give you my “A”.Suspicion: It sounds too good to be true, so some don’t come forward for the exchange.Offense: The students who worked really hard and felt they did good enough are angryEnthusiasm: Some students who blew it, including those who dropped out & flunked out, came forward and took the deal.

There’s Blessing for YOU! (Galatians 3:1-14)

Sermon Summary:Pretty much everyone wishes they could figure out how to get God’s blessing to rain down in their life. The Bible presents a shocking pattern of God’s blessing. A long time ago, there was a normal guy who did not know God just living his life. That man’s name was Abraham. God showed up in his life, spoke to him, and said He had a plan to bless Abraham and his family. Ever since, the debate has raged over who his family members are that inherit this blessing. The good news is, there is a way to join that family and enjoy that blessing by faith in Jesus Christ.Shepherds, Wolves, SheepGalatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.Wise – Paul (shepherd/Spirit)Like a marketing campaign, Jesus was the talk of the townYou were focused on JesusEvil – “false brothers” (wolves/demonic)Now spell/curse has you confusedCounterfeit of Holy Spirit is demonic spirit at workGood advice re: what you do vs Good News re: what Jesus didFoolish – Galatians (sheep/flesh)J. B. Phillips, ‘O you dear idiots of Galatia … surely you can’t be so idiotic …?’= Who do you know that is wise? Who do you know that is evil? How are you foolish?God’s PresenceGalatians 3:2-3 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?Religious people hold court & sit in the judge seatPaul goes on offensive with some questions1. There’s clarity in your testimony2. How did God first show up in your life? Holy Spirit = the sign of salvation (requires relationship)3. God’s Presence came by grace not works= Adding your works is like flapping your wings on a flight to helpGod’s Purpose Galatians 3:4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?There were 2 teams – 1 for the gospel, 1 againstThey caused you to suffer & the Spirit powered, now you are changing sides in the warYou’ve changed, so were you wrong then or now?Revolutionary War – Benedict Arnold – born 1/14/1741 in Connecticut. Became military captain to fight British. War hero valued by George Washington. Offered to surrender military base at West Point for $ & rank in enemy army. Went on to attack Virginia, almost capturing Thomas Jefferson, then attacked Connecticut – WAR in HEAVENGod’s PowerGalatians 3:5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—Miracles happen – got building, planted church, every prayer answered, people saved, people healed, people are growing = supernatural graceGod’s power comes by grace not worksPreached Word + faith = salvationPreaching & Power must be PersonalizedGod’s PeopleGalatians 3:6-9 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.Abraham – Inheritance – promised blessings through & to his family.Jewish proud of their relationship to him (imagine big deal in your family history)Counterfeit Abraham – he was Jewish, he circumcised himself & family, this is in keeping with the Law of Moses = this is what you need to doReal Abraham – he was a Gentile, God showed up to bless him (Land, Lineage), he had faith in God, circumcision happened 13-14 years later, the Law of Moses came 400-500 years later = faith is all that mattersAbraham has 3 kinds of children:Culturally Jewish with faith in Christ = ChristiansCulturally Jewish without faith in Christ = non-ChristiansCulturally Gentile with faith in Christ = ChristiansStart with Jesus, Stay with JesusGalatians 3:10-14 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” [Deuteronomy 27:26] 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” [Habakkuk 2:4] 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” [Leviticus 18:5] 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— [Deuteronomy 21:23] 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.Law judges & condemns you (perfection in letter and Spirit)Even if you started obeying today it’s too late. Your life is a test & you’ve not passed.Faith – you’re gonna need to trust someone (religious leader, philosopher, self)Trust Christ The great exchange – Jesus took your place, put you in His placeEvery blessing comes with Christ starting with Holy SpiritWorks VS Faith A ladder you climb to God VS A ladder God came down to youDemands to obey VS Promises to believeAbout what you do VS About what Jesus didCompare self to others  VS Compare self to JesusCauses pride or despair  VS Causes humble joyCursed VS BlessedThere’s Blessing for YOU!LAW – Commencement, school president said that they were only accepting people who not only had a 4.0 but never had a red mark on a paper or missed a question on a quiz. Every person who had worked so hard was called forth and declared “failed”.GRACE -1 perfect student came forth and was declared “passed”. Imagine that student then stood forth to give the commencement address. They tell all the other students, if you respond in faith & come back on the stage I would like to shake your hand and trade/exchange transcripts with you. I will take your “F”, and give you my “A”.Suspicion: It sounds too good to be true, so some don’t come forward for the exchange.Offense: The students who worked really hard and felt they did good enough are angryEnthusiasm: Some students who blew it, including those who dropped out & flunked out, came forward and took the deal.

There’s Righteousness for YOU! (Galatians 2:11-21)

Sermon Summary:Do you ever feel like your spiritual life is a constantly discouraging reminder of all your faults, flaws, and failures? Are you sick of living for God? You should be. That’s not the Christian life. The Christian life is about Christ for you, in you, and through you! Learn to live from Jesus’ righteousness and learn to stop living for your righteousness.Paul and PeterGalatians 2:11-14 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”Paul & Peter – both raised Jewish, both Christian leaders, both high profileGod spoke to Peter (Cornelius) & Paul that Gentiles did not to adopt Jewish cultureSingle Issue Voters· Galatia – circumcision· Antioch (Gentile trade route 1st place XN’s) – diet Daniel (no Lord’s Table, church life)Fear of man – “from James” = offshoot of Jesus brothers ministry (Acts 15:24)Peter caves in & changes his relationships to avoid pain· Hypocrite – e.g. wedding ring off“false brothers” – Peter & Barnabas joinedSerious conflict – “face to face” – (may have met privately)7 Leadership LessonsCulture is what you teach and tolerateCulture is driven by law-fear-hypocrisy; or grace-love-repentanceGod works through unity, Satan works through divisionWolves cannot gather sheep, so they attack shepherds to get sheepStuff rolls uphill, not downhillPeople follow their leaders which is why leaders are held to higher standardsPain is the price of leadership2 Cor. 11:24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.6 Lessons for all ChristiansYour behavior can change your beliefsChrist displaces all other allegiances (e.g. nation, race, culture, gender, political party, etc.)Mature Christians are not perfect Christians and to change too· 2 Peter 3:15-16To disapprove of people God has approved of is sinful· 2nd degree separationGod is not just saving individuals, but making a familyGrace is not just or your relationship with God, but your relationship with others as wellJustified by FaithGalatians 2:15-16 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.= 1 sentence in GreekHow can you be justified?“justify” 8X Gal; 15X Rom.Declared righteous (opposite condemned)God perfect person, heaven perfect place, you are imperfect.God is Holy. We are sinfulOption 1 – What I do “works of the law)Non-ReligiousI’m perfect the way I am (God made me this way)God isn’t looking for perfect people, just good people & I’m a good personReligious God JudgeBooks of the Law – 613 laws; OT – “torah” 203X + 423 other words for law 626Jesus – spirit vs letter LawArrogance – Pharisees – killed God/Jesus; Paul – killed ChristiansDespairJustification Catholics – baptism, works, penance, saints, purgatory, indulgencesProtestant – justification by grace alone thru faith alone because of Christ aloneJohn Calvin “the principle of the whole doctrine of salvation and the foundation of all religion.”Martin Luther justification is the issue on which the church stands or falls“The Epistle to the Galatians is my Epistle; I have betrothed myself to it; it is my wife.”“the battle-cry of the Reformation,” and “the Christian Declaration of Independence”Option 2 – What Jesus did – “Faith in Christ”Faithfulness – of Jesus ChristFaith – your trust in Jesus Christ= your faith is worthless unless the object of faith is faithful.= Luke 18:9-14God Works for You, In You, and Through YouGalatians 2:17-21 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.3 legged stoolGod’s Work for You (Justification)Jesus took your place in His life, death, resurrectionGod’s Work in You (Regeneration)HS new you like JesusGods Work through You (Sanctification)OLD status (crucified); OLD identity (crucified); OLD lifestyle (crucified)

There’s Freedom for YOU! (Galatians – 2:1-10)

BAD News –  Booh or YeahRussia Probe,  Socialism,China Trade Deal                  Good News vs Bad News: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 World – bad news & false gospelsWord – good news & real gospel1). You have a problem (vs secular there’s no sin)2). You are the problem (vs blaming everyone/everything else)3). There is a solution (vs hopeless despair)4). You are not the solution (vs self-help)5). Jesus is the solution to your problemYou can be – forgiven, loved, made new, adopted, empowered= eternal lifeGod Creates – Satan Counterfeits Revelation vs SpeculationGalatians 1:11-12 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.Revelation vs SpeculationFrom God                    From manBased on Truth           Based on traditionGod’s Word to Man     Man’s words about GodUnchanging                 Always changing= homeless church, “do you believe in Paul”?Redemption vs ReligionGalatians 1:13-16a For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me,God chooses you, then you choose God – “set apart before I was born” “called me”Redemption vs ReligionJesus Christ                MeJesus resume             My resumeHumility                       PrideMakes you new           Makes you worseActs 9:1-19Paul was a threat to the church  – killed @ least 1 XN Stephen, arrest men & womenLight from heaven  – God’s spotlight9:4-6 “falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”3 days – no food or drink = blindVision to Ananias & Saul – visitor coming from the Lord=  Laid hands on Saul, prayed, received HS, physically & spiritually healedA Calling vs A Job Galatians 1:16b in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.Jesus was called to be carpenter & called to be a ministerPaul was called to be a tent maker & a ministerA Calling vs A Job What you were made to do                            What you have to doGod calls, man confirms                                 Man calls, man confirmsWhat you get to do                                         What you have to doLife-giving                                                       Life-drainingGrace – 1.Jesus works for you on cross, 2.in you by the Spirit, 3.through you by graceMeans of grace for you & others (generosity, love, forgiveness, service, counsel, presence)= Coffee drive through pay it forwardGod’s Grace Creates Your TestimonyGalatians 1:22-24 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.Paul had a biography, then got a testimony.Who needs to hear your testimony this week?Our testimony in azMexican restaurant FLA, flight, meet family, meet pastorsVRBO  – cedar tree  – got  a home School – 4 kids in 24hrs Kids wanted  plant  church Jimmy’s prophecy 50th anniversary got keys $ around valley  & world Purchased, renovated, launchedDr. last week  = healthiestFuture w/o grace = fearFuture w/grace = faith to endure the pain

There’s Grace for YOU! (Galatians 1:11-24)

BAD News –  Booh or YeahRussia Probe,  Socialism,China Trade Deal                  Good News vs Bad News: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 World – bad news & false gospelsWord – good news & real gospel1). You have a problem (vs secular there’s no sin)2). You are the problem (vs blaming everyone/everything else)3). There is a solution (vs hopeless despair)4). You are not the solution (vs self-help)5). Jesus is the solution to your problemYou can be – forgiven, loved, made new, adopted, empowered= eternal lifeGod Creates – Satan Counterfeits Revelation vs SpeculationGalatians 1:11-12 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.Revelation vs SpeculationFrom God                    From manBased on Truth           Based on traditionGod’s Word to Man     Man’s words about GodUnchanging                 Always changing= homeless church, “do you believe in Paul”?Redemption vs ReligionGalatians 1:13-16a For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me,God chooses you, then you choose God – “set apart before I was born” “called me”Redemption vs ReligionJesus Christ                MeJesus resume             My resumeHumility                       PrideMakes you new           Makes you worseActs 9:1-19Paul was a threat to the church  – killed @ least 1 XN Stephen, arrest men & womenLight from heaven  – God’s spotlight9:4-6 “falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”3 days – no food or drink = blindVision to Ananias & Saul – visitor coming from the Lord=  Laid hands on Saul, prayed, received HS, physically & spiritually healedA Calling vs A Job Galatians 1:16b in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.Jesus was called to be carpenter & called to be a ministerPaul was called to be a tent maker & a ministerA Calling vs A Job What you were made to do                            What you have to doGod calls, man confirms                                 Man calls, man confirmsWhat you get to do                                         What you have to doLife-giving                                                       Life-drainingGrace – 1.Jesus works for you on cross, 2.in you by the Spirit, 3.through you by graceMeans of grace for you & others (generosity, love, forgiveness, service, counsel, presence)= Coffee drive through pay it forwardGod’s Grace Creates Your TestimonyGalatians 1:22-24 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.Paul had a biography, then got a testimony.Who needs to hear your testimony this week?Our testimony in azMexican restaurant FLA, flight, meet family, meet pastorsVRBO  – cedar tree  – got  a home School – 4 kids in 24hrs Kids wanted  plant  church Jimmy’s prophecy 50th anniversary got keys $ around valley  & world Purchased, renovated, launchedDr. last week  = healthiestFuture w/o grace = fearFuture w/grace = faith to endure the pain

God as Father VS God as Master (Galatians 4:1-7)

BAD News –  Booh or YeahRussia Probe,  Socialism,China Trade Deal                  Good News vs Bad News: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 World – bad news & false gospelsWord – good news & real gospel1). You have a problem (vs secular there’s no sin)2). You are the problem (vs blaming everyone/everything else)3). There is a solution (vs hopeless despair)4). You are not the solution (vs self-help)5). Jesus is the solution to your problemYou can be – forgiven, loved, made new, adopted, empowered= eternal lifeGod Creates – Satan Counterfeits Revelation vs SpeculationGalatians 1:11-12 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.Revelation vs SpeculationFrom God                    From manBased on Truth           Based on traditionGod’s Word to Man     Man’s words about GodUnchanging                 Always changing= homeless church, “do you believe in Paul”?Redemption vs ReligionGalatians 1:13-16a For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me,God chooses you, then you choose God – “set apart before I was born” “called me”Redemption vs ReligionJesus Christ                MeJesus resume             My resumeHumility                       PrideMakes you new           Makes you worseActs 9:1-19Paul was a threat to the church  – killed @ least 1 XN Stephen, arrest men & womenLight from heaven  – God’s spotlight9:4-6 “falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”3 days – no food or drink = blindVision to Ananias & Saul – visitor coming from the Lord=  Laid hands on Saul, prayed, received HS, physically & spiritually healedA Calling vs A Job Galatians 1:16b in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.Jesus was called to be carpenter & called to be a ministerPaul was called to be a tent maker & a ministerA Calling vs A Job What you were made to do                            What you have to doGod calls, man confirms                                 Man calls, man confirmsWhat you get to do                                         What you have to doLife-giving                                                       Life-drainingGrace – 1.Jesus works for you on cross, 2.in you by the Spirit, 3.through you by graceMeans of grace for you & others (generosity, love, forgiveness, service, counsel, presence)= Coffee drive through pay it forwardGod’s Grace Creates Your TestimonyGalatians 1:22-24 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.Paul had a biography, then got a testimony.Who needs to hear your testimony this week?Our testimony in azMexican restaurant FLA, flight, meet family, meet pastorsVRBO  – cedar tree  – got  a home School – 4 kids in 24hrs Kids wanted  plant  church Jimmy’s prophecy 50th anniversary got keys $ around valley  & world Purchased, renovated, launchedDr. last week  = healthiestFuture w/o grace = fearFuture w/grace = faith to endure the pain

Jesus’ Grace + Nothing = Salvation (Galatians 1:1-10)

Did you know that not only is God at work in your life right now….but so is Satan? Everything God creates for good, Satan counterfeits for your evil. In this sermon you will learn the key to total transformation – how Jesus works for you, in you, and through you! And, you will learn five questions for counterfeits to help you not settle for anything less than a real relationship with the real Jesus that really works.