10 Nov. 2010 - Galatians 1:1-10

Galatians 1:1-10

Intro + "No other gospel"

In his introduction, Paul establishes a few things: who he is and on whose authority he is sent. this serves as a foundational point in his credibility an perception of motives. we now know that he is a servant of God, sent by God, not man and as such, he is not trying to connive people into belief. He then imparts an initial blessing of greeting to the Galatian church.

The Galatian church was experiencing a time of falling away from the faith and being persuaded into other teachings. Paul immediately calls this issue to light, writing his surprise at the Galatian church's turning from the gospel of Christ to a different gospel. there is no other valid gospel except that of the resurrection of Christ; no other gospel can save us from our sins and give an assurance of heaven.

Paul then writes that if anyone, even an angel - and remember, satan was an angel - should tell any gospel other than that of Christ, they should be condemned and will be condemned for eternity (by this i mean we should condemn them now and God will condemn them, after all is done, for the rest of eternity). Paul then follows this by reassuring thahe church that he is not trying to manipulate the church for material gain, but that he is, indeed, delivering a message from God.

Basically, we need to take a hardline stance on false gospels. this includes other religions, christian offshoots that are contrary to christian theology and atheistic teachings. we need to condemn these teachings, but at the same time not drive away the followers. instead, we need to show them the love of God, for until we establish a relationship with individuals they will not let us speak Truth into their lives which is contrary to their conceived image of truth. we need to also be wary of christians teaching a gospel which is not necessarily correct, like the prosperity gospel, for instance. we must know out bible, beliefs and doctrine/theology. we need to be able to effectively convey these concepts and at the same time not come across as superior or condescending or any other negative attitude which would cause anyone to discount what we have to say.