Freedom # 1 Study Guide
#1 “No Other Gospel” The Equation of Grace:
JESUS + NOTHING = EVERYTHING Paul, an Apostle: But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Acts 9: 1-5
If God Could Save Paul, God Can Save ANYONE Defense of Paul’s Apostleship:
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Paul’s APOSTOLIC Authority Came Directly From God
“Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.” Galatians 1:1
“An apostle was a special messenger, with a special status, enjoying an authority and commission that came from a body higher than himself” ~R.Allen Cole~ Defense of Paul’s Gospel:
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The GOSPEL That Paul Preached Came Directly From God
“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.” Galatians 1:11-12 What Was The Gospel That Paul Preached?
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A Message of GRACE & PEACE
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A Message of Christ’s SUBSTITUTIONARY Death For Our Sins
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” Galatians 1:3
“…the Lord Jesus Christ who gave himself for our sins…” Galatians 1:4
“Once we have seen that Christ gave himself for our sins, we realize that we are sinners unable to save ourselves and we give up trusting in ourselves that we are righteous” ~Martin Luther~
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A Message Of Christ’s RESCUE Of Hopeless Sinners
“…Jesus Christ who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age.” Galatians 1:4
Paul’s Point:
GOSPEL + ANYTHING = NO GOSPEL
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” Galatians 1:6-7
“The Gospel- the message that we are more wicked than we ever dared believe, but more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared hope – creates a radical new dynamic for personal growth, for obedience, for love.” ~ Timothy Keller~
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE At Waipuna Chapel we believe that circles are as important as rows, so we encourage you to connect and circle up in a Life Group and begin to grow in faith, community and the knowledge of God’s word. Contact Pastor [email protected]
Read Galatian 1:1-23. •
Write down your observations and points of application. Share some of these with your group
Pastor Shaun began this weekend’s message by saying that many of us have been taught to live by the notion that “if you work hard to earn it you will get it”. While this may be true in most areas of our lives it is not true when it comes to our spiritual salvation. •
How has this performance orientation shaped your assumptions about God?
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Pastor Shaun shared a brief biography of the Apostle Paul. Why do you think Paul was so convinced of salvation been a work of grace?(see Ephesians 2:8-9)
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In what ways do you relate to Paul and God’s grace in your life?
Before Group Read Galatian 1:1-23. •
Write down your observations and points of application. Share some of these with your group.
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Paul’s letter to the Galatians will present us with the “grace equation”: Jesus + Nothing = Everything. Why do you think this is so hard for many people to accept?
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What things have you been tempted to add to Jesus to complete the equation?
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How important is gospel truth to you? How is this shown in your life?
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What “false gospels” do you think we are tempted to believe today?
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Do you ever find yourself thinking you deserve God’s grace? What prompts you to think this way?
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How does the gospel of grace free you from pride and from guilt?
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In what ways can you see how God worked in your life before your conversion, to equip you to serve him after it?
Sources: • John R.W.Stott “The Message To The Galatians” - IVP Academic • Timothy Keller “Galatians For You” – The Good Book Company Send Feedback or Questions to Pastor [email protected]
