Truth Wars- Armor Up
“Pleasing Man”
6 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— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. 10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. (ESV)
Satan targets Salvation, because if people are confused about that they have no way of coming to Christ and remain under Satan’s influence.
The grace of God is a basic theme in this letter (Gal. 1:3, 6, 15; 2:9, 21; 5:4; 6:18). Grace is simply God’s favor to undeserving sinners.
Point #1: Pleasing Man causes defection from The Truth (Galatians 1:6-7)
The departure was not simply from a system of theology but from God Himself, the One who had “called” them by “the grace of Christ”
In exchange they were embracing a “different gospel,” one that was false.
In the early church, those who taught a combination of God’s grace and human effort were called “Judaizers.” The word Judaizer comes from a Greek verb meaning “to live according to Jewish customs.”
We must remember that God’s grace involves much more than a believer’s salvation. We not only are saved by grace, but we are to:
live by grace (1 Cor 15:10).
We stand in grace; it is foundational for the Christian life (Rom 5:1–2).
Grace gives us the strength we need to be victorious (2 Tim 2:1–4).
Grace enables us to suffer without complaining, and even to use that suffering for God’s glory (2 Cor 12:1–10).
When a Christian turns away from living by God’s grace, they must depend on their own power. This leads to failure and disappointment.
Peter says, “Stand firm in the truth you have been taught. And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live. (2 Peter 1:12)
John says, “You know the difference between truth and lies!” (1 John 2:21)
The truth of Christ is defined by His work on the cross, His work done in the grave, and His restoration at the resurrection. You know it, you profess it inside the church but when it comes to the life lived outside the doors you abandon it. • Questions:
o Who do you need to define truth to in your life outside of these walls?
o Who has your beliefs so twisted and confused because you have failed to communicate in God appointed times?
• Define what is true! Jesus is truth!
Point #2: Pleasing Man causes Distortion of The Truth (Galatians 1:8-9)
It is not enough that we simply define what is true. An explanation for what has been defined is often needed. As Peter says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Paul is very serious here, the believer must know the scripture. It is an integral part of the full armor that we need to wear every day.
Paul’s concern for the purity of the gospel message is revealed by his assertion that he would condemn to destruction anyone who taught a false gospel.
To defend the truth declared for another must be accompanied by teaching in the Scripture.
• This is not the job of the pastor; it is the job of all saints!
• If you do not teach the truth you are allowing another to live in a life without truth A life without truth is no life at all!
Point #3: Pleasing Man Dishonors God (Galatians 1:10)
He did not base his decisions on the opinions of other people. Instead, he single-mindedly aimed at pleasing God (Phil 3:14).
In the Gospel, there is safety for the saved when times of stress and pressure come.
Paul and Barnabas had given a warning of judgment to anybody who was preaching a different gospel than Christ. These people would come under God’s eternal judgment. It is not difficult to understand why Paul reacted so strongly, because the Jews were disgracing the work of Christ on the cross saying that good works were necessary for salvation and the work of Christ was not sufficient
The foundation for faith is found in a relationship with Christ. The Gospel of Jesus is enough. It breaks all falsehood. It eliminates insecurities, it shatters doubt, it overcomes torment, it defiles expectation, and above all, it glorifies God.
Galatians 1:10 “Am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? If I were still seeking the popularity with men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
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