One Gospel

Sermon Introduction

Paul gave the Galatians a greeting of grace and peace in Christ. The greeting included the death and resurrection of Christ and God’s purpose to deliver us from this present evil age. Paul also identified himself as the epistle’s author, including his call as an apostle sent by the Lord and not by men.

After giving the Galatian believers a cordial greeting, Paul immediately expressed his disappointment in powerful words. He said that they deserted the grace of Christ for another gospel, which was not the gospel. Paul would further declare a curse on anyone who would distort the gospel.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Galatians 1:6-9 ESV

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.

Notes

Paul gave the Galatians a greeting of grace and peace in Christ. The greeting included the death and resurrection of Christ and God’s purpose to deliver us from this present evil age. Paul also identified himself as the epistle’s author, including his call as an apostle sent by the Lord and not by men.

After giving the Galatian believers a cordial greeting, Paul immediately expressed his disappointment in powerful words. He said that they deserted the grace of Christ for another gospel, which was not the gospel. Paul would further declare a curse on anyone who would distort the gospel.

1. Paul expressed his surprise that the Galatians deserted the gospel quickly (1:6). It is important to note that anyone who believes a different gospel is deserting the grace of Christ. Paul wrote with deep concern.

   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
   

2. Paul explained that the different gospel is no gospel. He warned of the people who sowed confusion. Such people tried to pervert or make some changes to the gospel. No one should make changes because the gospel is His, not man’s.

   7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
   

3. Paul warned that anyone who preaches another gospel destines himself for

   destruction, including angels and men. He emphasized the severity of the

   warning by repeating it twice (1:8-9).

   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

Application

1. The gospel is about the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus Christ because of our sin. He became a substitute for those who would believe in Him. Then God raised Him from the dead because He had no sin. Thus, death had no claim.

2. Some people knowingly or unknowingly distort parts of the gospel. Therefore, we must carefully and skeptically listen to every preacher. One must maintain distance from those who do not preach as the Lord commanded.

3. Those who change the gospel are declared anathema by Scripture, which means cursed or destined for destruction. Therefore, let us preach the gospel accurately and urge others to do the same because those who change the gospel are cursed.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Why was Paul astonished?

2. Why is it unwise to preach with some changes to the gospel?

3. How then may we apply this in our lives and ministry?